This Saturday we have a great line up of wines from Bordeaux, the Loire, and South Africa. And while the combination may seem a bit odd on paper, the flavors will tell you otherwise. All these wines drink better than their modest prices.
 
2010 Domaine le Portail, Cheverny – $11
Sauvignon Blanc 80%, Chardonnay 20%
From a small family run estate, this unusual blend from the Loire Valley is a great fresh white wine. The Chardonnay gives this wine a fruity lift and body while the Sauvignon lends citrusy backbone and minerality. It is a shop favorite and if you haven’t tried it you won’t want to miss this opportunity.
 
2011 Domaine de la Garenne, Sancerre Blanc – $20
Sauvignon Blanc
The Classic white of the Loire, the Garenne combines two vineyard sites, Caillottes and Terre Blanches. This Sancerre has a good volume of citrus and white fruit. The finish is clean and dry, elegant minerality.
 
2009 Chateau Barrabaque, Fronsac – $14
70% Merlot, 25% Cab Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Great example of right bank wine from the fine 2009 vintage, drinks like a wine twice its price.
 
2005 Chateau Marsau, Cotes de Franc – $18
100% Merlot
This is a classically structured Merlot based Bordeaux that is just hitting its stride and drinking great right now. A great deal on an aged wine for those who don’t have a cellar.
 
2007 UGABA from Anwilka Stellenbosch, South Africa – $20
63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 17% Syrah
A joint project from some heavy hitters from Bordeaux and Stellenbosch, the Ugaba is a big lush red with loads of black licorice, currants, smoky bacon and black tea notes.