2007 Herve Azo Petite Chablis, France – From the gravelly soils of Chablis – home to perhaps the most mineral-driven examples of Chardonnay on the planet, comes this incredible value.

From the importers website: “In the late 1970's, Hervé Azo, originally from Brittany, took some time off from his fast-paced white collar job in the Parisian advertising business to pick grapes in Chablis during the vendanges. He never returned.”

His estate is now producing some of the most interesting wines in and around the town of Milly. The soils that I alluded to are a moonscape of crushed limestone, and the wine sings of this mineral magic. On the nose the dusty crushed rock seems to sit atop a sweet and yeasty range of ripe citrus and tropical fruit. On the palate there is a lovely creamy texture, which compliments the racy acidity and mineral element perfectly. Grab a bottle of this awesome Chardonnay soon, as we don’t expect our small allotment to last long. $17.99/btl.

2003 Calzedilla Red, Spain – Named after an ancient Roman road, the Calzadilla winery is a great example of modern-styled Spanish winemaking that doesn’t taste overtly international. Though, the 15% Cabernet Sauvignon added to the Tempranillo tells you immediately that this is anything but old school. Aromas are packed tight with raspberry and black cherry, dried herbs, smoke and tobacco. On the palate the dense raspberry and black cherry fruits carries with it an array of interesting stuff: truffles, vanilla, and crunchy mineral to name just a few. A steal at its current price. $13.99/btl.

Great Values:

Trocadero Brut Rosé, France – Trocadero is the producer of some of the best sparkling wine values going today. Their rosé is a great alternative to white versions, with an aromatic array that tends more toward fresh strawberry than apple and pear. On the palate, it is bone dry and offers plenty of depth and character. We’re constantly reminding our customers that sparkling wines shouldn’t be saved for anniversaries and holidays. Sparklers that are this good and priced so perfectly make regular quaffing easy. $9.79/btl.

2009 Thomas Leithner Gruner Veltliner 1 liter, Austria – This is a wine that has done well since I brought it into the shop nearly three years ago. I’m convinced that the credit here goes entirely to you, my savvy customers. Not only are you interesting people, but you recognize a delicious value when you taste one. This lime, white pepper, and heather-scented tonic has returned and is stacked high to provide maximum late-summer bliss. $9.79/1 liter

Tastings:

• Friday, Aug. 13 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. – We’ll be joined by Chris from Cascade Cliffs as he pours their Goats Head Red.

• Saturday Aug. 14 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. – We’ll welcome Henry from Fire Mountain Brew House along with three of his hand-crafted ales.

Cheers!