2007 Abel Clement Grenache  $7
This is a great wine to drink with just about everything - warm and pleasing, it delivers bright fruit, good length, and has a slight kick of acidity, so it can stand up to hearty stews or spicy Italian sausage pizza. One of our favorite mid-week quaffers. And at seven bucks? Bring it on. Then bring some more on.

2006 Peter Lehmann GSM "Seven Surveys"  $15
Not every red wine from Australia is a gigantic fruit hammer - this selection from Peter Lehmann, named for its composition of the oldest vineyards of Grenache, Syrah, and Mouverdre, leaves a lasting but delicate impression. In the glass, the color is light like a Pinot Noir, but the flavors are unique to this blend with plum, cherry, and a bit of zest that rides over the tannins. A food wine for sure, and often an attention-getter and crowd pleaser at the party.

2006 Domaine Monthoux Beaujolais-Villages  $13
Albert Bichot is a well-known producer of Chablis and Burgundy wines, so when he turns his attention to the oft-underestimated Gamay grape, the results are superb: the berry notes are unique to Gamay's version with cherry flavors, with hints of strawberry and floral notes. Overall the wine has a mineral quality which feels fresh and clean in the mouth, and the flavors linger long after each sip.