2009 Castillo de Molina Sauvignon Blanc (Chile)
This upbeat white wine from Chile is an amazing value we came across recently, so we wanted it for the club. The San Pedro Castillo de Molina Sauvignon Blanc has flavor, structure, and presentation well above its price point. A dazzlingly sharp lime and chive sets the way for the ultra-refreshing mineral-laden body, framed by juicy acidity throughout. Oh, the spicy dishes this wants to be served with; bring them on. And truly, try it with everything from spicy Thai to jalapeno jelly on crackers.

2009 Arabella Cabernet Sauvignon (South Africa)
There are often very good wines at good prices coming from South Africa, but the Arabella has to be among some of the very best we have tasted - and at an under $10 price level, it's almost hard to believe. Named for the gallant horses, as a wine Arabella has a similar muscular but elegant presence. South African reds are known for their brawnier, smoky nature, and this Cabernet Sauvignon delivers on that, though in a more restrained way. It looks like 2009 will be a great year for South African wines if based on the small sample of wines coming through already. Plump, baked plum notes lead the way, stretching to smoke and light spice, which finishes long with nice vanilla accents in just the right proportion. Boldly flavored but not a heavyweight. Enjoy with fall grilling, red pasta sauces (and yep, pour some right in the sauce!), sausages, and the like.

2007 Bodegas Castano Solanera (Yecla, Spain)
A hit from the first sip. We don't see much wine from Yecla, yet the region has a perfect profile for growing exceptional grapes, since the altitude, weather, and soil are in all line to make excellent reds. It is likely that Yecla has been growing wine for over 2000 years, and when the French were losing so many of the vines to the parasite Phylloxera, it is no wonder they came to this area to buy grapes and tend the vineyards. Monastrell, a vibrant, spicy, untamed varietal is king in Yecla, and the Solanera blend leads with 65%, finishing out with Cabernet Sauvignon, for a modern touch, and Tintonera, which is the local name for Alicante Bouschet. The nose is enticing right away, with its floral blackberry fruit tinged with cocoa powder. The main body features firm black morello cherry, cassis, and a sultry, caressing finish of bittersweet chocolate.

Pairing suggestions:
How about drinking with someone you love? Great for a romantic evening, a chilly night on the deck with city sounds and view; also great paired with heavy passages from literature (try some Coetzee, Morrison, or Hemingway).