2009 Robert Oatley Pinot Grigio, comes to our list via the land down under.  This producer is truly 'blowing up' in the wine world creating a solid overall portfolio delivering many wines rated "outstanding".  This particular wine is interesting not only for it's unique flavor profile of stone fruits and petrol, but the salmon pink color that distinguishes it from anything else on the table. 

2009 Sigalas Assyrtiko.  This truly 'interesting white wine' made it's way to our shores even when the civil unrest in Greece prevents us from obtaining many of their other outstanding wines.  The grape, Assyrtiko, is one of my all time favorite off the beaten path white wines, and it has a flavor profile to match.  The wineries that produce this grape generally look over the Mediterranean Sea, and when the wind blows off the sea, the grapes get a dusting of salt water.  And wouldn't you know it, but the 2009 Sigalas Assyrtico has actually taken on some of these briny characteristics.  Close your eyes and sip this wine, and you could be shucking oysters.

2009 Las Renas Rose.  From the Dos Familias portfolio comes this fun rose.  Yes, I know it's the middle of winter, but these days rose isn't limited to only warm weather, so when this baby showed up, we were more than happy to add it to the program.  A very small family winery in Spain that specializes in producing the grape monastrell, has given life to this deep red rose with a beautiful fresh cranberry color and nose of strawberry and rasperries.  This is the first 100% Monastrell rose at Tastings.

Check out some tasting notes on these wines by clicking the labels below