2008 Wilhelm Walch Prendo Pinot Grigio
The Walch estate has been making wine since the late 1870s, and their results are world renowned. In fact, Dave and I are quite struck by the exceptional quality and reasonable prices of these wines given their international recognition. Production is not high, for some wines only about 1000 cases total, so please be aware that they tend to disappear quickly (especially to restaurants!). If you want to taste why so many people (it's not just us!) consider Trentino/Alto-Adige to be one of the best wine producing areas in the whole world, this is great example. Dave and I think this could perhaps be the ideal Pinot Grigio, if not the perfect summer wine as well. It would be our desert-island choice. It is clean and focused, light in weight but very expressive; it remains sharp with a great mineral edge to the pear and lemon flavors, finishing with mouthwatering acidity. Quality of this kind is very hard to find at this price point. Availability seems good now, but we suggest you stock up a bit (in case the aforementioned restaurants catch on). Would be a great opening wine for a meal, and pairs nicely with fish, shellfish, chicken, and other lighter style main courses. It's also excellent (and very refreshing) on its own.

2007 Henry Lagarde Syrah Reserve (Mendoza, Argentina)
Once again, your buying power in action! We're thrilled to be offering this reserve Syrah to the club members. Customers in the shop have been fans of the Henry Lagarde label from the start, which always provides a more tailored version of typical flavors coming from the bulk of Argentinean wines. For starters, even though it's a Syrah, it's carries subtlety with its power: medium-bodied and fascinating, with dark fruit leading the way, decorated with leather, licorice, and just a hint of smoke. Very appealing with lots of meals, though best with grilled items. Makes a great version of sautéed pork tenderloin with reduced wine and prune sauce.

2009 L'Orangerie de Carignan Rosé (Vin de Pays de l'Atlantique)
Controversy over French rosé? You bet, because the French take winemaking so seriously. This club selection comes from from one of the newest "Vin de Pays" (VdP) designations near Bordeaux which has not yet officially been recognized as a region. What's the problem? Seems that a good deal of the wine from the "lesser" designated VdP is just too good . . . Vin de Pays is a designation given to regions that are producing wine at higher production rates, but still doing so with good practices and quality. Bordeaux as a region, famous for its high-priced, famous wines is not reacting well to a new vin de pays in its quarter. Taste the results, however. This is fabulous wine, and for good reason: it is from Bordeaux region Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the two dominant red grapes of the region. The expression alone puts this rosé above the common experience. Zesty melon, berry, and citrus notes mix with beautiful rose petal tones to make for a wine with zing, but one that is elegant and very pretty as well. An ideal wine to have with seafood, light appetizers and - you'll note a theme here now - on its own on your deck, balcony, front porch, etc.