Coastal Spanish white (near the Atlantic, just east of Rias Baixas). Seven grape blend, including Albariño, Godello & Torrontes. Has an appealing richness and purity. Floral, lush and pretty, with moderate acidity and no oak influence. A treat with garlicky fish, chicken & pork on the BBQ.
MAS DE DAUMAS GASSAC White Wine
Vin de Pays de l'Herault 2008 $42 net
20% Viognier , 20% Chardonnay, 20% Petit Manseng, 20% Chenin Blanc &
20% "rare grape varieties from all over the world" states the winery.
25-30 years old vines. The grapes cold-soak five days, then pressed into, fermented & aged in tank. This 2008 just arrived. We love this wine every vintage. This arrives today...can't wait to try it.

50% Grenache, 35% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, and 5% Carignan. All cement aged except for the Mourvedre. "Blueberry, truffle, tree bark, and sauteed porcins mixed with notes of spring flowers and damp earth soar from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-tinged wine. Fabulous intensity and texture - a full-bodied mouthfeel, but no hard edges." R.P.

FERRANDO Canavese Rosso 2007 $19
From northwestern Piedmont, in the Alps foothills.70% Nebbiolo,
30% Barbera. Lots of fruit, good acidity, Nebbiolo cracked pepper and black tea, Barbera's raspberry fruits and wild herbs. Friendly and easy to like. Good "starter" Italian. That said, lovers of classic Italian reds will dig this wine, too.  
MONTEBUENA LABASTIDA
Rioja 2006 $12
100% Tempranillo. Classic example of Rioja that's perfect to show friends and students what GOOD old-style Rioja tastes like. Red fruits, good acidity, tobacco, cocoa, rustic tannins, dried herbs, sweetness of fruit in the mouth. Subtle, long finish. 
CHATEAU DE MONTMIRAIL Vacqueyras
"Cuvée de L'Ermite" 2006 $23
We keep bringing it in, and you keep taking it away. More arrives today. Outstanding, authentic, rich and spicy Vacqueyras. The blend is half Grenache and half Syrah...unusually high Syrah % brings out more olive, tobacco and blueberry flavors. Tank-aged.  Deep fruit, black pepper, soy sauce, mocha. Easily mistaken for top-notch Chateauneuf du Pape.