Laverne Bordeaux 2010, France

A traditional Bordeaux blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, this rouge presents dark aromas influenced by licorice and spices, while on the palate, which is dominated by waves of cassis, there is cedar, plump black currants along with juicy acidity and a lively spicy finish. Under $10 at Pop's Wine & Spirits.

Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009 New Zealand

From Marlborough, New Zealand, a terroir known for amazing Sauvignon Blanc grapes comes Monkey Bay. With pale straw colors, clear and bright, attractive aromas of grapefruit, grass and pineapple, giving way on the palate to bitter pineapple with hints of melon, citrus and lychee. Bright and refreshing with a nice finish which paired nicely with a garlic and parsley poached red snapper (using some of the wine in the poaching liquid) with a side of pasta with fresh pesto sauce.

Bodegas Ateca Honoro Vera Garnacha 2011

From the Calatayud region of Spain this red wine is a 100% Garnacha that is fruit forward, and easy drinking. The vineyards are at a high elevation, the soil gravelly and dry, and the vines are old and gnarly, making the grapes earn their living and producing a really interesting everyday wine with a great price tag of $8.45 (Bottle/case price $5.91... I had a 30% off coupon at Pop's Wines in Island Park, NY).

Aromas are a ripe and jammy red berry with caramel candy, while the palate shows definite balsamic overtones with hints of white pepper and cherry and a good finish.