2006 The Royal Tokaji Wine Co. Furmint
This selection from Hungary is what the Samplers Club is all about - we like to introduce you to famous wine regions that may not be household names. Hungary has a very old and well known wine industry. Primarily, the ultra-popular and wildly expensive Tokaji (pronounced "Toe-Kai") dessert wines can fetch over $500 a bottle, and for a half bottle at that! The reason is both name recognition, low production, and certainly the exquisite flavors that can only come from this region. This wine is enticing from start to finish; melon notes are accented with light aromas of rose and wildflower. The main body of the wine is invigorating though light in weight, providing citrus, melon, and light herbal flavors on a frame of clean mineral and zesty acidity. Makes an ideal wine to begin a dinner party; serve it with any variety of appetizers. Don't serve too cold, or the flavors will be muted.

2009 Finca Pasion Mi Amor Malbec
There are so many Malbecs from South America out there, and many are a very good deal. But this particular selection was too good to pass up for the Club. We like for you to try this wine and consider it for everyday drinking, as well as a great choice for a party that will keep your budget intact. The Finca Pasion label is the project of importer New World Wines, based here in Seattle; New World is involved in the growing and bottling in Argentina, and therefore you are getting very high quality wine for a remarkably low price point. This is not a big wine - plum and cherry with a smooth, velvety texture and a dash of vanilla and spice at the end. A very drinkable wine, and a good choice for a summer red.

2007 Apaltagua Carmènére Reserva
And now for a great value from Chile. The Apaltagua label has produced consistently excellent wines, and their Carmènére is a really great find. While Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon tend to get top billing when it comes to wine from South America, Carmènére is a superb grape for the region. You taste why: ultra-smooth cherry and blackberry notes spread out for the plush yet medium-weight main body, lasting nicely into the slightly earthy finish. This is one of those wines that "tastes well above its price point," offering superb and classy texture and flavor with each sip.