Nederburg Lyric 2008

This South African white, the product of one of the largest wineries in that country, is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay. The result is a somewhat mixed up wine. Although it strives for the effect achieved by the better New Zeeland products, namely a smooth integration of white fruit flavors with the aroma of freshly cut grass, what you get is largely citrus. It's by no means unpleasant, it's just not very well rounded. It went well with our chicken wings. The price, $7.99, is affordable.

Hecula Monastrell 2005

This full-bodied red is made by Bodegas Castano in the Yecla district of Andalucia in southern Spain. Maturing in the midday sun, in which only dogs and Englishmen go out, it is distiguished by a very rich blend of tannins and dark fruit flavors. (I read four different reviews that identified the predominant taste variously as raspberry, blueberry, cherry and plum -- so much for gustatory expertise). The aftertaste has an unmistakable spicy element. It will go well with almost any red meat. The price, $12.99, is once again too much, it's available elsewhere for as little as $9.99.

Chateau Lamargue 2006

This French white, a Costieres de Nimes, is grown in the southern Rhone region where wine was produced already in Roman times. it is a blend of two local grape varieties, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc. This, along with the hot summers of the South, gives it an intensity seldom found in whites. Both nose and taste hint at a red, with a blend of tropical fruit and caramel. I would think it a little too heavy to accompany seafood, but it went splendidly with our loin of pork casserole. $.8.99.

Domaine des Malandes Chablis Premier Cru 2003

Chablis, in the northernmost part of Burgundy, produces white wines made exclusively from the Chardonnay grape. They are lighter than the typical Burgundians, tend to be very dry, and have a characteristic flinty flavor. This Malandes Premier Cru (the second of four categories), made by a reputable grower in a year that produced wines of unusually low acidity, displays a stronger presence of white fruit flavors than one would normally expect, but still retains the typical mineral element. It will go splendidly with fish and shellfish. It is plainly not getting any younger, but at this point is still fine. So long as you're planning to drink it right away pick up whatever bottles you can find at the closeout price of $7.99.

Misterio Chardonnay 2007

This Argentine white from the Flichman winery announces itself with a respectable nose. The flavor is on the mild side, with pineapple and vanilla elements. It proved a good accompaniment to our lamb curry and, at $6.99, will not break the bank.

Misterio Malbec 2007

This Argentine red is atypical in that it has a more pronounced dark fruit taste, mostly plum, than Malbecs generally do. This is set off by just the right amount of oak though, so that if you don't mind a really robust wine, and are not put off by the slightly bitter aftertaste, this recommends itself. The price, on sale at $6.99, is certainly right.

Carlos Basso Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Here at last is a true bargain. This Argentine white, featuring a nice, round blend of melon and apple tastes, with a good nose and a consistant finish, is being remaindered (again, don't ask why, the PA Liquor Authority lives by its own rules) at a ridiculous $4.99. If you find some, buy all you can.