2 Up Shiraz 2007

This robust and dense South Australian red is your archtypical Australian fruit bomb, with strong rapberry and blueberry elements, fortunately tempered by sufficient tannins ands oak. It remains consistent throughout and finishes with a hint of licorice. If that's your thing, by all means get it at $8.99, a very good price for this wine.

Bulls Blood 2005

According to legend in 1552 the defenders of the fortress of Eger in northern Hungary, besiedged by the invading Turks who vastly outnumbered them, fortified their courage by drinking up the town's wine cellars. They fought so fiercely that the Turks concluded they must be drinking bulls blood and lifted the siege. Be that as it may, this red is not for the faint of heart. Although it's translucent in the manner of a South Tyrolean, it comes on with a big, earthy mix of tobbaco and plum, with strong tannins that make it a good choice to go with very spicy foods (we had Hungarian paprika chicken). Nothing subtle or complex here, but a pleasant enough quaff. $6.99.

Les Amadous 2008

This Cotes de Ventoux red from Provence is grown on the slopes of the mountain which Cezanne painted some two hundred times (or so it seems). While it is nice enough, with dark cherry and chocolate flavors tempered with strong tannins, which would suggest pairing it with spicy dishes, and an even finish, it lacks the master's palette, being rather one dimensional. $9.99, which is on the high side.

Hidden Jewel Unoaked Chardonnay 2006

I bought this California wine for a direct comparison with the Les Charmes reviewed here the other day. It comes off second best. It's not nearly as crisp, and the green apple flavor, while discernible, is ill defined. Moreover there is a hint in the aftertaste that the wine is on the point of going bad. $7.49.

Les Charmes Chardonnay 2007

This Macon-Lugny from southern Burgundy is imported in coniderable quantities. It is rounder than the typical Macon and thus more accessible, but for that lacks the steely edge whih makes th variety so interesting. Unlike most California Chardonnays, it is unoaked, so it may seem atypical to many Americans. A good buy at the closeout price of $6.79.

E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone 2007

The region is famous for its robust reds. This white, 50% Viognier and the rest a blend of several local varieties, has a certain flintiness to it, along with apple and citrus flavors and does remain on the tongue. I find it somewhat subdued, but if you can find it at the closeout price of $8.09 you might want to try a bottle.

Esprit de Labastide Gaillac 2008

This white from the valley of the Tarn in southwestern France comes on with a flowery bouquet and has a fresh taste of apples mingled with citrus. It is what in France is called "perle", that is ever so slightly bubbly. It will go well with fish, pork or veal, but doesn't have much of a finish, so is basically uninteresting to drink by itself. $7.99.