A note

Several of the Navarro Correas wines are presently being remaindered at $7.99. This is the time to stock up!

Rio Seco Torrontes 2008

This Argentine white is presently on sale for $13.99 for the 1.5 liter bottle. It presents itself with largely citrus flavors, heavily tempered with anise, and even more than is typical of the variety, has an oily feel in the mouth to it. This is not everybody's thing, but if it happens to be yours, this wine grows on you.

Lobster Reef Pinot Gris 2008

This New Zealand white, while it exhibits nice enough fruit flavors, mostly pear, lacks both the bite of a good Pinot Gris and the special fresh grass quality characteristic of Marlborough Valley wines. There's nothing wrong with it, it's just not very distinguished. $9.49.

Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2008

Unlike the 2007, previously reviewed here, the caramel notes of this Chilean red break up, leaving one with a slightlu unpleasant, almost bitter, taste. This condition is alleviated by a couple of hours of breathing, but that's a long time to have to think ahead. $7.99, on sale.

Vinha Conchas Tinto 2005

This red from Portuguese Estremadura, north of Lisbon, if allowed to breathe for at least an hour, will reward you with a nice blend of red berry and currant, just tempered by a touch of very light tannins. It's basically a simple country wine, but a good one, and should improve in the bottle. $6.99.

Domaine du Gouyat Bergerac Sec 2008

Bergerac, the region between Bordeaux and the Dordogne, was made famous by Edmond de Rostand's Cyrano, but it also produces both reds and whites of some distinction. The best of them are noted for their fiery, assertive quality. This particular Sauvignon Blanc has a nice blend of citrus and melon flavors, but is a little subdued. Perhaps it will gain from being aged a year or two in the bottle. $8.99.

Colombelle Blanc 2008

This Gascon white, a blend of two local grapes, Colombelle and Ugny, comes on with an almost overpowering fruity flavor, largely peach and citrus, with insufficient acidity to balance it. Gascon whites are generally very good, but this is not one of them, unless you like your wine fruity and sweet. $6.99.