Valsan 1831 Noviembre de Finca El Monegrillo 2006, Spain

From Manchuela, Spain where the popular red grape is usually Tempranillo, here is a tasty blend of 60% Shiraz with 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 14 months in French oak Allier barrels of varying cooperages, with different degrees of toast and stave sizes.

Deep garnet colors in the glass with aromas of dark fruit, blackberry pie and mint along with a toasted earthy edge. Nice rounded tannins and good acidity along with flavors of caramel, underbrush, anise and pepper. A long mature finish leaves the senses satisfied and wanting more.

Vinedos Errazuriz Ovalle Marchigue Carmenere Gran Reserva 2011, Chile

From Chile's Colchagua Valley comes this hefty Carmenere, laden with ripe fruit and aged in oak for 12 months. It has a deep red color and bright aromas of red fruits, white pepper, spices and berries. The fairly soft tannins and medium body bring to the palate a complex potpourri of cherry, cigar box, an exotic spiciness and dark chocolate, along with barnyard flavors and even hints of leather. This was another good find at under $10 at KH&H Liquors on Vernon Blvd in Astoria.

End Post Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Paso Robles

Here is another red contributed by my friend Mark S. who over the years has introduced me to many interesting wines.

Dark colors of purple plum paint the glass foretelling the bold aromas of wild dark berries and animal/barnyard, with waves of blackberry and violet. On the palate is a wide range of flavors from coffee and chocolate, to licorice and dried flowers, to black cherry and nuts.

There's a nice balance here of tannins and acidity, so it's no wonder it works so well accompanied by a sampling of London Broil. This one can probably be found for around $18.

Sensi Arcere Morellino di Scansano 2008 DOCG

Morellino di Scansano is basically a local (Maremma) name for the Sangiovese grape, and Sensi produces this wonderful Arcere, showing dark ruby colors with plumes of violets and dark cherry on the nose. The palate is blessed with vibrant fruit, nice acidity, black ripened plum, glycerine and a slight minerality, while also showing traces of white pepper, cassis and no trace of wood (I believe the fermentation takes place in concrete vats). The finish is long and smooth. We had this delicious "food wine" with dinner at La Bella Cucina, an Italian restaurant with an outdoor garden in Glendale, Queens.

Celliers de France Cinsault 2011 Vin De Pays d'Oc

Cinsault is a red wine grape that grows well in dry regions, has a high tolerance for heat, is hugely successful in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, and It's the 4th most widely planted grape in France. Vin de pays is a French term meaning "country wine", there are six regional Vin de Pays, the most voluminous being the Vin de Pays d'OC in the Languedoc-Roussillon.

This Rose is a pale pink in the glass with aromas of melon and raspberry, while the palate shows watermelon, a dry white sour cherry and mild minerality with a flinty undercurrent on the finish. 

The aromas exhibit a fruitiness that belies the dryer palate, making this Rose an excellent partner with a few cheeses, especially smoked Gouda. I believe this bottle was a great buy at under $6. Enjoy!

Selbach Riesling Piesporter Michelsberg 2010

From Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany, arguably the world's premier region for Riesling. Pale straw coloring with aromas of pineapple and melon, showing nice acidity and falling on the sweeter side of dry, mild hints of citrus and on the palate honey dipped green apples, caramel and ripe peach. This is a beautiful summertime white for just above $10.