2005 Yellow Hawk Cellar Solstice $13.50
Yellow Hawk Cellars has always been a top producer of a number of excellent Washington wines, including a very popular rosé and Sangiovese. The Solstice red features the great mainline flavors and qualities of Sangiovese, comprising 67% of the blend. We grabbed all that was left of this, so we're glad you have the chance to enjoy it! Lovely plum and blackberry flavors caress the palate with silky intensity, finishing with hints of vanilla and oak-spice. If you're going to have some oak in your wine, this is just the right amount. Incredibly appealing and versatile in flavor, this goes with just about everything and is also great on its own.

Barbolini Lambrusco Lancillotto $17.70
This is just the kind of wine that gives the Sampler's Club its name: you've probably had plenty of Italian red wine, but have you ever had sparkling Italian red? Here's the famous version - called Lambrusco after the main grape used to create it - and it is a great splash of flavor and texture. Now, there is a version of Lambrusco that is saccharine and unappealing to most, but this version from Barbolini comes to us from Small Vineyards Imports, so it represents the best Italy has to offer. Even pouring it into the glass is scintillating; there is a chaotic moment of dark purple foam, and then the wine suddenly settles into quiet repose. Don't let this fool you, for the flavors are quite dramatic: dark berry aromas mix with floral scents and - a hint of earth? Raisin? Eucalyptus? It will draw you in to find out. The body is fresh with raspberry and cranberry notes, with just the right amount of bitterness and earth on the finish. Superb with pizza and all sorts of other hearty Italian food; great with winter stews and roasts.

2007 Terramedia Chenin Blanc $ 6.00
We are consistently amazed at the quality and price of this wine. Imported by a small company which consistently finds great wines at great prices, the Terramedia is easy and refreshing drinking. Great as an aperitif, for use in wine cocktails for a more zesty edge, or pair with light appetizers. Throw a party, serve this as the opener, and keep your budget intact.