THE ERICKS VALUES KEEP ON COMING

            Saturday, our value focus resumes with a quintet excellent wines whose prices are comfortable for any budget.  Join us on the patio to welcome Scott Pickett of Tryon, who will be pouring these compelling new wines, none of which are available at area grocery stores:

2010 Domaine Talmard Mâcon (Burgundy, $16.99/$15.29 mixed or solid case). Established in the 17th century, Domaine Talmard is one of the oldest continuously producing family-run wine estates in Mâcon, in southern Burgundy. It is also the premier domain in the medieval village of Chardonnay, for which the world's most illustrious white grape is named.  Nowhere is the influence of terroir more in evidence than Burgundy, and Domaine Talmard exemplifies this.  Its vineyards lie in the rolling limestone hills that were once the floor of an ancient sea, resulting in classic, dry mineral-driven wines Chablis lovers will appreciate.  Only indigenous yeasts are used, and oak aging is eschewed.  We can't think of another Chardonnay delivering as much Burgundian  punch for the buck as this wine.  Buy this by the case for everyday enjoyment, parties, and other special occasions.

2009 Bodegas Nekeas Vega Sindoa  (Navarra, $14.99/$11.99 solid case).  Here's one of the best Tempranillos we've seen under $20.  For the solid case price of $11.99, this is a steal!  From Steve Tanzer (88 points):  "Vivid ruby. Red berries and Asian spices on the high-toned nose. Extremely fresh redcurrant and wild strawberry flavors are complemented by notes of white pepper and candied rose, with a touch of bitter orange peel on the back end. Racy and precise, with zero excess fat; finishes with good clarity and a slight dry edge. This is another ridiculous bargain."

2008 La Posta Cocina Blend (Mendoza, $16.99/$15.29 mixed or solid case).  Another stupendous wine at an everyday price, this blew us away when we tasted it - fabulous fruit intensity, precisely balanced and oozing the sort of complexity you'd find in a wine selling for three times the price.  From The Wine Advocate:  "The 2008 Cocina Blend composed of 60% Malbec, 20% Bonarda, and 20% Syrah aged for 12 months in 20% new French and American oak before bottling without fining and filtration (as are all of these red wines). Purple-colored, it has an enticing bouquet of cinnamon, Dentyne gum, cigar box, violets, black cherry, and blueberry. Medium-bodied, round and sweetly-fruited on the palate, it has plenty of savory spice notes, enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years, and a lengthy, pure finish. Drink it from 2010 to 2016."

2007 Whitehall Lane Bommarito Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa, $23.99/$21.59 mixed or solid case). Made by Whitehall Lane, Bommarito is perfect for everyday quaffing. A big fruit bomb from the terrific 2007 vintage, this Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is loaded with lots of soft tannins and lush fruit.