Massimo Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Still another white from New Zealand's Marlborough Valley, this is fairly typical of the breed. The predominant elements are gooseberry, citrus, and lemon grass, with perhaps a bit more body than the average. If one weren't paying close attention one could mistake it for an Argentine. For once, a genuine bargain at $9.99.

HobNob Wicked Red 2011

A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, this Languedoc red is produced by the Georges Duboef combine. It ranks as a Country Wine (the middle of three categories in France) and the only description that I'm able to come up with is "French fruit bomb", not something that you encounter every day. It tastes of very ripe blackberry and Concord grapes, with a touch of licorice in the finish. If that's your thing you may like it, otherwise you can surely do better for $8.99.

Alta Luna Pinot Grigio 2012

Part of the Cavitt Combine, this Italian white from the Dolomites has a bit more finesse than their mass production wine, with hints of white peach tempering the usual Pinot Grigio stony elements. However at $10.99 it's way overpriced, being available for two or even three dollars less in neighboring states.

Valle do Bomfim 2009

The upper Douro Valley in Portugal produces mostly Ports, but many of the old established houses, like Dow, for a long time also produced unfortified reds for on site consumtion. Recently they've taken to marketing these, like this blend of five grape varieties. It tastes of black currant, blackberry, and plum, with an underlying element of oak. Just a tiny bit on the bitter side, but, on the whole, not bad. Unfortunately, at $11.99, badly overpriced, being available for two dollars less in a lot of places. My understanding was that it's the Federal Government that is shut down. does that include the PA State Senate?

Terra Andina Carmenere 2011

We differ pretty sharply on this Chilean red. Nancy felt that, though obviously fruit forward, it was an eminently acceptable accompaniment to our beef roast. My opinion was that it tasted more like a combination blackberry/raspberry juice than wine. Only the last glass began to show a tempering of cinammon to reduce that impression. $9.99, two dollars less in N.Y.

Joseph Drouhin La Foret Pinot Noir 2011

In spite of my previous comment that this bottle tended to be inconsistent, I decided that, at $11.49, I'd give it another chance. This time I lucked out. This version is a very nice red Burgundy, neither too fruit forward nor excessively acidic. I detect blackberry and plum, the whole being nicely restrained, although with no great depth. Still, all you can reasonably expect at the price.

Ruffino Orvieto Classico 2011

From a large assortment put out by this giant Italian combine, this white turns out to be a genuine bargain. At $8.99 it delivers a nicely blended mix of white melon and citrus, without excess acidity. A good sipping wine.