Herdade do Esporao Reserva Branco 2011, Portugal

From the Alentejo region of Portugal comes this refreshing blend of Antao Vaz, Arinto, Roupeiro & Semillon grapes, fermented in stainless steel and American oak barrels where it's aged on the lees for 6 months before bottling.

Clear, pale, yellow/green colors tint the glass, with bold aromas of citrus and summer fruits, along with hints of toasted oak. The palate shows clean acidity and balance, with fruity ripeness contrasting a buttery creaminess and hints of flint and a clean fresh finish.

Quinto Dos Murcas Assobio 2010

From Quinto Dos Murcas in the Douro region of Portugal comes this attractive blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz & Touriga Franca, 20% was aged for 6 months in French and American oak barrels. Dark ruby purple colors paint the glass, fragrant aromas of cherry compote, spices, and raspberry pie assault the nose, while the palate shows rich tannins, with blackberries, and white pepper accents, a very balanced red with a good finish. $12.99

Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Mendoza Argentina

The Catena Family produces this tasty Cabernet Sauvignon in the Uco Valley of Argentina where its fermented and then aged in French and American oak for 6 to 9 months.

Dark purple in the glass with clear colors and earthy aromas of saddle, tobacco and dark chocolate, while the palate shows an overall softness against a backdrop of rangy spices,
red and black berries and finishing with coffee and caramel. Great value for around $10.

Vidal-Fleury Cotes Du Rhone 2010

On his trip through France in 1787 Thomas Jefferson visited Vidal-Fleury, today considered one of the most consistent producers in the Rhone Valley.


This 2010 Cotes-du-Rhone was a great vintage year and a value at the same time. It's a traditional blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 5% Carignan fermented separately with indigenous yeasts. They do a long and slow maceration of about 30 days with 70% aged in tank and 30% in large oak foudres* followed by a light filtration before bottling unfined for 3-6 months.


It has deep ruby colors while the expressive nose shows a dark red fruit, some strawberry, chocolate, and especially prune.


On the palate hints of plum, dark chocolate, cherry, and white pepper with dusty spices, you'll also find dried flowers, cedar, and tobacco with supple tannins and a good finish.Pairs well with meats, pizza, barbecue, pasta, burgers and cheese.


*Foudre: A large oak or chestnut cask used for aging wine (mostly in Provence and Alsace), with a capacity between 150 and 350 hectoliters (3,960 to 9,240 gallons).