With the advent of Winter, Annette and I are likely to get on the phone and instigate an impromptu gathering of a dozen or so friends for a casual supper gathering or afternoon of tapas and good company and football.  And for these, I'm always on the look-out for wines of both top quality and good price for afternoon "quaffing." 
    So this time around, I've gathered my notes on a wonderful selection of wines in two groups of "Under $10" and "Under $20." And WOW, what terrific wines this exercise has produced!!  Here's nine wines that meet the bill for enjoying the company of a large group while satisfying their thirsts on a cool, seasonal afternoon.  Give them a try!!

In the "Under $20" group we've got:

Blue Duck Sauvignon Blanc 2001 New Zealand
Distinctively grassy with passion fruit flavors and mineral notes, all balanced with crisp acidity, clean, lasting finish.
Reg. $12.99 w/card $10.99!

Exclusive at Krestons, the newest sensation from Down Under, Rafferty Rules, three offerings, Shiraz Cabernet 2000, Cabernet Merlot 2000, but my favorite of the three is "Angels Share" Shiraz 2000, Smooth, silky with supple texture and an intriguing finish that begs for another sip. Blackberry and spice notes carried by a solid core of fruit. Regular $18.99 w/card $16.99

Mitchelton 2000 Airstrip "Vin Blanc"
Three grape varieties Marsanne, Rousanne, Viognier show flavors of white peach, melon and apricot. Well structured, elegant and defined.

Escudo Rojo 2001 Chile 90 pts. Wine Spectator
Another blockbuster red from South America, blended with three grape varieties cabernet sauvignon, carmenere and cab franc. Wine of intense complexity, well-balanced structure and a long lingering finish with plenty of aging potential. $13.99 

Cline 2002 Pinot Gris (64%) & Chardonnay (36%). The Pinot Gris was fermented in stainless steel preserving freshness, the chardonnay in oak to achieve roundness and balance. The pairing of these two yield some mouthwatering results, soft and crisp, aromas of grapefruit, pineapple and ripe pear. Crisp, full-bodied, enjoy this springtime wine with light fare, white fish, cheeses, chicken salad, etc. $11.99

And for "Under $10" don't miss these:
My Sleeper Kreston pick: Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 from South Africa come brimming with abundant black currant aromas, this full-bodied wines is a mouthful of juicy plum flavors, lots of bang for your buck $8.99

Pinot Gris Lurton 2002 from Argentine, rich & fresh, peaches and apricots another delight to drink daily this spring and summer. We had this open at last weeks tasting and sold three cases that afternoon! $7.99

Hangtown Red Lot 30 From Boeger Winery in California, don't let the name mislead you. A delightful blend with cabernet leading the attack, light tannins, good fruit, juicy, and pleasant finish. Great while you're grillin', chillin', & swillin'.  $9.99

My "Sleeper" in the store, Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 from South Africa.  A lot of bang for the buck here, black currant aromas, juicy plum, full-bodied red.  One of Food & Wine's  top 10 from South Africa. Sale priced at $7.59 with your Kreston's Frequent Buyers Card!!

     Until Next Time Here in My Cellar...a Votre Sante!!
                                         --Edd