Loosen Brothers Riesling QbA Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Dr. L, 2008:

A wine doesn’t get much better than this for the price.  Fresh citrus notes of lime aside mango and apricot scents; great acidity and freshness all in balance.  Now sit down……….~$15 AND can be enjoyed now or laid down for the next 5-8 years.  If there was ever a “back the truck up” for a wine, this is it.  Pair this with everything from spicy dishes to poultry and seafood and don’t forget fruit based desserts.

Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto Don Melchor, 2004:

This is still a big, muscular Chilean wine that either needs a hefty cut of beef to pair or let the wine sit for a couple of hours.  Intense aromas of deep currant, earth, fig and tar roll out of the glass in waves.  As the wine settles, coffee and cocoa notes are evident.   Runs ~$50-55 and still has at least a few years left in it.

Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva , 2006:

A delicious and soft wine characterized by dark cherry and plum and a hint of chocolate.  Silky, soft tannins at the finish……a lovely Chianti.  Priced ~$25 and meant to enjoy over the next year….a perfect wine for pasta with red sauce.

Tenuta Luisa Pinot Grigio Isonzo del Friuli Rive Alto, 2008:

This wine gives Pinot Grigio a very good name.  Full of apple and caramel notes, nice acidity in balance with the full character of the wine.  Another very affordable “now” drinking wine…………great for the summer season…..~$25.  Pair this with cheese, chicken, white fish, shellfish, salmon, pork, veggies and salads.

Tags: Chianti, Chilean Cabernet, Pinot Grigio, Riesling