2007 Alamos Torrontes, Salta, Argentina, $12. Citrus and peach with floral notes. Crisp and refreshing. Very good fruit, full-bodied, with just a little bitterness on the medium-long finish. The Raymond Rating = 87 points.
2007 ShooFly “Buzz Cut”, Australia, 35% Viognier, 26% Riesling, 16% Chardonnay, 14% Verdeho, 9% Semillon, unoaked, $15. Lemon peel and melon with spicy highlights. Good fruit with some complexity and a medium finish. A nice all-purpose white for lighter dishes. The Raymond Rating = 86 points.
Non Vintage Rex Goliath Pinot Noir, Vin Pays D’Oc, France, 12.5% alcohol, $9. Slightly smoky berries with spices and earth on the nose. Light-medium fruit. Simple but pleasant with velvety tannins persisting on the short finish. The Raymond Rating = 83 points.
Non Vintage Rex Goliath Merlot, California, 13.5% alcohol, $8. Black cherry and berries with a touch of mint on the nose. A soft, easy-drinking Merlot with a nice finish. A good value. The Raymond Rating = 84 points.
2007 Alamos Bonarda, Mendoza, Argentina, $13.15. [Experts are divided as to whether Argentine Bonarda is actually Bonarda Piemontese, or Bonarda Novarese (another Piedmont grape also known as Uva Rara). Bonarda was until recently the most widely planted wine grape variety in Argentina. It has only recently been surpassed by Malbec.] Mulberries with herbal highlights. Good fruit and finish; though a little one-dimensional. The Raymond Rating = 86 points.
2007 Alamos Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, $12. Berries with a touch of leather. A little acidic. Uncomplicated with tannins persisting on the finish. The Raymond Rating = 84 points.