​Cune Rioja Crianza ($13.99)
Rioja, Spain
From the producer:
"The first wine of this winery was named after its initials. At the beginning a red 'clarete' wine was made as a fine wine in the style of the Bordeaux 'Claret' produced by the great chateaux of the Medoc. This wine, formerly known as 'Tercer Año' or '3rd year,' is today called 'Crianza.'

Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures of grapes from our vineyards in La Rioja Alta. The malolactic fermentation takes place in vats and then the wine is aged in American oak barrels for a year, during which it acquires aromatic balance that characterizes him, as his finesse and overall expression.

Bright cherry colour with some violet nuances. In the nose, red berries aromas remain over the oaky and balsamic notes from its ageing in wood. It shows an elegance in the mouth, yet very lively, with some spice back notes and a very balanced acidity.

Tempranillo: 85% Grenacha Tinta and Mazuelo: 15%." 

From me:
Very rarely do I bring in a wine that I haven't tried, but I've loved everything else from this company, so I felt it was a safe gamble. I expect bright red fruit mellowed by oak and a smooth journey over the palate. I'm very excited to try this!

Merkin Vineyards Chupacabra ($23.99)
Willcox, Arizona
From the producer:
"The Trickster. The Shape Shifter. The ever elusive shadow who mutates with the Sun and Moon. One year a Dragon, another a Snake. This is our Mystery blend. Think forest, not trees. Think weather, not rain. Stare, and the CHUPACABRA, who dwells in your heart and not in your head, will vanish. Only a true Alchemist can draw holy blood from a stone, and the CHUPACABRA is our opus, our phoenix, our church, our child.

Chupacabra is our Shape Shifter Kitchen sink Blend from the Buhl Memorial Vineyard in the Kansas Settlement of Cochise County, AZ. And in previous years, Luna Rosa Vineyard in New Mexico. (2012-2013) The blend changes from year to year depending on where our Alchemistic inclinations lead us but is usually rooted in French/Alsatian varietals. 4300 ft. elevation

40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre"

From me:
I swear that first paragraph is actually written on this bottle of wine. Perhaps it helps to know that the winemaker is Maynard Keenan, a singer (Tool, A Perfect Circle), a songwriter, and a musician. He knows a good turn of phrase. Unlike some celebrity "winemakers," though, he really is a winemaker who knows a good wine. I was skeptical about Arizona wine, but this is really delicious, bold, smooth, and completely unexpected.

Leviathan Red Blend ($49.99)
North Coast, California
From the producer:
"The Leviathan wine is a red blend created afresh each vintage, sourced from some of the most coveted vineyards in California. Each year, a percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc are blended together to produce a singular wine, showcasing all the best characteristics of the vintage.  

37% Cabernet Sauvignon 32% Syrah 24% Merlot 7% Cab Franc

Aromatics of cigar box, brambly fruit and cacao jump from the glass. The palate gives way to a balanced expression of black cherries and anise, with savory tannins and a full, lingering finish. Enjoy now or cellar through 2023."

From me:
Appropriately named, this is a giant of a wine. Bold, smooth, juicy, smoky, long-lasting, it will give your mouth a wild ride. Everything you could want from a big wine and more!

​Montserrat Canals Torres Cava Reserva ($12.99)
Spain
From me:
A great introduction to Cava, this wine overdelivers for the price. 40% Macabeo 30% Xarello 30% Parellada. Made in the traditional method, this  drinks a bit like Champagne, though with more citrus and mineral lift. My favorite Cava. 

Santa Tresa Grillo Spumante Brut ($16.99)
Italy
From the producer:
"Pale straw coloured with hints of gold, Grillo Spumante has fine, gentle bubbles and a fresh fruity nose with hints of citrus and floral notes. On the palate the wine is very well balanced, gentle and soft with a refreshing burst of acidity and spectacular fruity notes."

From me:
This Spumante is made with organically grown Grillo, an Italian grape that is planted widely in Sicily. Wine made from Grillo strikes me as something between Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay: light, but with a soft body, lower in acidity than some Pinots, but dry, fresh, and fruity. 

René-Marie Catel Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne ($30.99)
France
From the distributor:
"Coming from families who have been growing grapes in Champagne since 1710, René and Marie-Noëlle DAUTEL started producing their own champagne in 1971. Sylvain Dautel, their son, is now in charge of the vineyard located in Loches-Sur-Ource, a small village in the heart of Côte des Bars. Sylvain is perpetuating the tradition of his ancestors, using environmental friendly practices to create the most delicate, yet intense Champagnes. Cuvée René-Marie Catel is a rare Brut, Blanc de Noirs (100% Pinot Noir), aged for two years in small oak barrels. 
Radiant nose, revealing white-fleshed fruits (apple, pear, peach white), citrus (lemon) and floral nuances. Ample in the mouth, combining generosity and subtlety. Full, fresh and crisp."

From me:
When it comes to Champagne, I tend to like those that have a fresher flavor with less of the brioche note that many wines show. This one is light and refreshing, but with a good body and a complexity of flavors. It's a great value for money.