12 under $12 - February

Reds

Razor's Edge Shiraz McLaren Vale, Australia 2005

Smooth and round, with ripe plum, blackberry and dusky spice flavors that just don't quit, lingering on the open textured finish. Not a big wine, but flavorful and graceful. Drink now through 2012.

Dr Cosimo Taurino Salice Salentino RiservaApulia, Italy, 2001

This earthy, rustic, old style red possesses sausage, herbs, and damp earth characteristics, loads of sweet black cherry fruit, a notion of bitter almonds, and abundant personality. A gutsy, southern Italian red, it undoubtedly tastes the same as it did 30 or 40 years ago. A blend of 85% Negroamaro and 15% Malvasia Nera, it should be consumed over the next 2-3 years.

Vinos Sin-Lay, M-4 Monestrall, Bullas, 2005

100% monastrell in stainless steel--lovely nose of forest floor, blueberry and blackberry. With air, smoked meat and licorice add depth. Supple and seamless in the mouth, with excellent flavor and depth and a lengthy finish.

MontGras Reserve, Carmenere:

WS-87 Has a nice velvety texture, with rich layers of raspberry and boysenberry working with tobacco, mocha and mineral notes. The finish is long and ripe.

Altos Los Hormigas Malbec:

Full, deep red. Rather reticent but pure nose offers currant, black cherry, smoked meat, spices and earth. Sweet, lush and pliant; a round and rather gentle wine with good depth. Finishes with dusty, mouthcoating tannins and good length. A terrific value. (IWC-88)

Excelsior, Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa 2005

Black currants and wet earth provide an enticing nose on this medium-bodied cabernet. On the palate, ripe, bright, fresh black fruits (black berries, black cherries and black currants) dominate this well-balanced wine.

Vin de Table du Vaucluse Kermit Lynch France, 2005

Aromas of spice and dark stone fruit jump out of the glass; ripe dark fruit on the palate followed by firm round tannins and a long finish.

Whites

Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie Riff 2005

Refreshing, with apple, lemon and light mineral character. Light body. Delicate finish. Drink now.

Strauss Samling 88 Austria, 2006

Beautiful, rich aromas of peaches and wild flowers, leading to flavors of ripe peach and apricot; excellent acid on the off-dry finish. A unique wine to experience--especially for fans of viognier or albarino.

Mas de Castilla, Verdeho Vina Godeval, Valdeorra, 2006

100% Godello- A white wine grape fermented in stainless steel, the resulting wine is delicate, almost weightless, with mineral and citrus (lemon) notes and bracing acidity. Enjoy with oysters, clams or a nice goat cheese.

Mekulu Pinotage Wellington Rose 2006

Soft, showing light tea and vanilla Coke notes, with a blowsy finish.