Gouguenheim Syrah 2006 $6.95
An expensive-tasting Syrah that owes its chocolate-rich, plummy fruit to an impeccable upbringing in optimally-sited Argentinian vineyards. Funded by his Cognac-selling father, and steered by leading South American wine consultants Susana Balbo and Pedro Marchevsky, Patricio Gouguenhem put down roots in Tupungato’s ‘Valle Escondido’ (‘Hidden Valley’), an hour’s drive from Mendoza. Susana revels in the fruit quality, making strapping reds like this. Wine for gaucho grills.

Grapes: Syrah
Region: Mendoza – Argentina

Helfrich Riesling 2007 $7.95
Not quite completely bone dry, with a hint of florality and sweetness to the apple/peach fruit. Elements of minerality and just enough cut at the finish, this is a pleasing and versatile effort for the genre with some actual fruit and character. Easy to like.

Grapes: Riesling
Region: Alsace – France