Quara Malbec 2007

This Argentine red, from a relatively obscure vineyard, could be considered a lower end introduction to the variety. As such, it doesn't perform too badly if one doesn't set one's expectations too high. There is the typical Malbec combination of plum and cherry flavors, with moderate tannin, but no oak. It's not terribly well blended, but that's too much to expect at $7.99. Worth a try if one wants to stay within a tight budget.

Gascon Malbec 2008

This Argentine red presents a nice blend of dark fruit flavors, plum being the most prominent, set off by a fairly strong element of tannin. But it is definitely on the young side, particularly in the aftertaste it has a tendency to break up. We did not like it as well as the Malbecs listed in our "favorites" column, and even at the sale price of $10.99 it's no great bargain. (N.J. $9.99).

Kathy Lynskey Pinot Gris 2006

This New Zeeland white is being remaindered at $7.99 and in this case it's all too obvious why. What we have here is an out of control mix of white fruit flavors, with no nose to speak and insufficient acidity, that does not just convey a hint of sweetness but is actually sweet. If you want to drink grape juice you can get it for a lot less than this.

Haut Poitou Sauvignon Blanc 2007

As a rule, Sauvignon Blancs, except at the high end of the price scale, tend to be subdued, even dull. Not so this varietal from a commune with connections to the Loire valley's leading grower, Georges Duboef. It exhibits a good nose, a rich blending of white fruit flavors and a strong, even finish. This wine was awarded a gold medal at a 2008 agricultural exhibit in Paris, and rightly so. It is presently being remaindered at $9.99 (why, for goodness sake, it's in its prime) and should be snapped up.

Quinta do Casal Branco 2006

This Portuguese white, from a vineyard better known for its reds, doesn't assert itself particularly and would do for an everyday quaff with all but red meats. It has a good nose and offers an interesting blend of white fruit flavors with a hint of fresshly mown grass. The downside is a slightly acerbic and not altogether pleasant aftertaste. $7.99.

Terra Noble Sauvignon Blanc 2007

This Chilean white is intended to display a mix of tropical fruit flavors, tempered by a slight acidity. Those elements are present alright, and it has a good nose, but the overall effect has somehow gone wrong, one has the impression that what one is drinking is slightly medicinal. $7.99.

La Carraia Tizzonero 2006

This Italian red is grown in Umbria from Montepulciano grapes. It displays rather more tannin than its more famous cousins, but otherwise is a pleasing blend of dark fruit (mostly plum) flavors, with just a hint of the sweet. According to the label, this is caramel, but if so, it was too subtle fo us to detect. This is a nice wine, but $12.99 seems on the steep side.