Valdelainos Rueda, 2006 ($13.99) - Unless a white wine is a Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio, it is likely to face a cool reception. Here is a lovely introduction to the charms of Spanish Verdejo (96%) and Viura (4%). The hand-harvested, estate-grown fruit was aged only two months in stainless steel to preserve freshness. This very attractive, light, refreshing, and clean wine shows just a touch of grapefruit character. Wine Enthusiast: “Top 100 Values” 90 points “Consistency is a virtue in this business, and this wine tastes almost exactly like the highly recommended 2005. The nose blends green grass and golden fruits, while the palate is clean, intense, and snappy. This is a wine that sings, and the interspersed notes of bell pepper, grapefruit, and mineral are just right for Verdejo”

Chateau Valcombe Rosé, Côtes du Ventoux, 2007 ($16.59) - This terrific dry rosé was bottled unfined and unfiltered by Paul Jeune, the sixth generation winemaker and owner of Domaine de Montpertuis in Châteauneuf du Pape. He acquired Valcombe in 2000 from Claude Fonquerle who had rediscovered the potential of this extraordinary site at an altitude of 1000 feet on the lower slopes of majestic Mont Ventoux. This elevation offers relief from the hot, dry Mediterranean climate. “Galets,” rocks worn smooth and round by the Rhône River, cover the ground. They reduce evaporation of the scarce moisture, and they capture energy from the sun during the day, radiating it back on the vines at night. These factors insure ideal ripening conditions for the grapes. The difficult climate, rocky, infertile soil, and the old vines combine to limit yields and produce remarkable quality. This is a blend of mostly Cinsault with some Grenache and Counoise. Most of the vines are 60 years old. Despite the dramatic weakening of the dollar since last year, the price of this new release is unchanged from the 2006.

Los 800, 2003 ($24.99) - Here is another Spanish wine that offers tremendous value. Compare this to a $40 California Cabernet! The name of this Priorat wine derives from the fact that all the vines are planted at an altitude of at least 800 meters. Aged for six months in a combination of French and American oak, this blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Carignane, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Syrah is not a huge wine. But there is good depth of fruit, the balance is superb, and it components are beautifully integrated. Stephen Tanzer: 90 “Bright red. Fresh raspberries and candied cherry on the nose plus a jolt of minerals adding energy. Crisp, nervy red berry flavors are underscored by zesty minerality and gain sweetness on the finish. Very fresh and elegant, especially for the price.”

Murietta’s Well Meritage, 2004 ($37.99) – Before Napa and Sonoma became famous, the Livermore Valley, which lies east of San Francisco, was the most highly esteemed California wine growing area. French immigrant Louis Mel founded a winery and named it Murrietta’s Well after the infamous, larger than life desperado Joaquin Murrieta who rustled cattle and horses from wealthy ranchers during the Gold Rush era. Lore has it that he and his men often stopped to water their horses at an artesian well. Mel bought land surrounding the well and built a gravity-flow winery into the hillside. Through his wife’s childhood connections with the Marquis de Lur-Saluces, he imported cuttings of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon from the famous Chateau d’Yquem  and red Bordeaux cuttings from the commune of Margaux.