Laurenz Singing Gruner Veltliner 2011

 Austrian wines are not much in favor in the U.S. If one asks why, the answer one gets is usually that they don't travel well. Allow me to say unequivocally that this is nonsense. A good wine, like this one, is good anywhere you drink it. This white from Krems on the Danube (think of the vast monastery high over a bend in the river) is typical of the variety: a crisp, just slightly effervescent wine, with notes of apple and citrus. The only reason I can come up with for remaindering it at the truly ridiculous price of $6.99 is the public's lack of interest in Austrian wines in general. Anyway, snap it up at that price!

Finca Flichman Paisaje de Barracos 2010

The Finca Flichman is one of Argentina's leading producers, if not in size, then certainly in quality. This red, a blend of Syrah, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon, is one of their premium products. It's a big wine, feels big in the mouth, with elements of plum, fig and, at the finish, chocolate and tobbacco. Really a treat and, at $11.99, a great bargain. I'm not sure how it will age in the bottle, my impression is that it's a bit fragile, so drink it now.

Whitehaven Pinot Noir 2008

 This Marlborough red from New Zealand is truly a remarkable wine. It combines nicely modulated plum and blackberry elements, with just the right amount of acidity and some coffee at the finish. At the closeout price of $11.99 it's a fantastic buy. If you can find it at that price, be sure to get some.

Gri/gio Pinot Grigio 2012

Inventive spelling of wine names isn't exactly the way to my heart, but this white from the Venezie is a full bodied, aromatic, and decent enough Pinot Grigio. It falls a little short on flintiness and goes more in the direction of a Chenin Blanc, but it's alright. $7.99.

Calcu Carmenere 2009

The Carmenere grape thrives in warmer climates and has found a nearly ideal home in Chile. This red is one of a grouping that is nowadays being referred to as "Super Chileans". I don't know if the motivation is similar to that of the "Super Tuscans", which are from just outside of the legally defined Chianti area, but equally good.At any rate, this is a nicely rounded wine, with cherry and black cranberry elements, and soft tannins. $9.99.

Debut Chardonnay/Chenin Blanc 2010

Some blends are just a mishmash, others manage to bring out the good qualities of their constituent elements. This 70/30 Chardonnay/Chenin Blanc mix from Argentina falls into the second category: it's a nicely rounded white melon and mango mix, with enough of a flinty edge to keep it from  the fruit juice quality that characterizes so many of the cheaper Chardonnays.  An extremely nice buy at $5.99.

Domaine de Bel Air Pouilly Fume 2008

Because of its age, this Loire Sauvignon Blanc is now being remaindered. Our bottle turned out to be just fine. It exhibits a very strong lemony element, with just enough of the gunpowder flintiness typical of the variety to pull it back from an over-the-top citrus character. A truly outstanding wine and a great bargain at 10.99. If you find some at that price, get it!