Crafted by Bodegas Valentin Bianchi of Mendoza with talented Napa winemaker Robert Pepi at the helm, Enzo is a premium cuvée produced only in good years. A Bordeaux-inspired blend that aims to outdo Bordeaux, Enzo ’03 is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 10% Malbec. Floral scents and woodsy aromas pop out at you from the glass. Enzo then offers up a rich, medium body and a stylish structure that's highlighted by luscious dark berry flavors, a dash of cocoa, sweet, silky tannins and a pure, spicy finish. Let’s dub this a Super Argentinean.

The light gold Redcliffe Sauvignon Blanc 2006 hails from Marlborough, New Zealand, now one of the world’s premiere sources of Sauvignon Blanc, thanks to its clay-rich, stony soil and talented winemakers. The wine greets you with a bright fresh, focused nose. The easy-going palate imparts clean limestone minerality punctuated by refreshing citrus fruit intensity, a touch of green apple and a crisp, grassy finish. A compelling value that wine consumers should consider a summer staple.

Le Clos 2005 is the single-vineyard bottling from Domaine Montirius, a very highly-regarded biodynamic winery located in the scruffy hills of Rhone’s Vacqueyras appellation. 50/50 Grenache and Syrah, this deep crimson winner emits lovely red spice aromatics. Powerful yet pristine, Le Clos delivers a rainbow of ripe currant and blackberry fruit along with a suggestion of anise and a smooth, persistent finish. A serious wine that will give many a Châteauneuf a run for its money – and at a fraction of the cost. Impressive.

Schug sources the grapes for this classy and fragrant Chardonnay from their cool-climate properties in Carneros, then ages the fruit using French oak barrels and the traditional European “sur lie” method. Schug's shimmering gold Carneros Chardonnay '06 displays pleasant scents of warm bread and toasty oak - the prelude to plush flavors of brioche, white peach, honey dew with a subtle squeeze of lime as a lively backdrop. Structured, gratifying and well-balanced from start to finish; not too fat, not too lean. In fact, just right.

This small, terroir-driven Sonoma winery was formed ten years ago by two friends and passionate winemakers, Steve Dutton and Dan Goldfield. Their translucent ruby 2006 Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir is intense and exuberant with enticing aromas of crushed cherries and autumn underbrush. The complex palate boasts a range of lush dark fruit flavors that bring to mind ripe blackberries, red plums accented by earthy notes and a pinch of mocha. Drinking superbly now, the long finish and supple tannins suggest this elegant Pinot Noir will only improve in the cellar over the next few years.

Simonsig Chenin blanc is the signature white wine of this renowned, family-owned South African winery. Their ’07 edition features a fine floral nose of honeysuckle and sweet wood leading to full-bodied flavors that hint of apples, melon, and vanilla extract. Concentrated and well-structured with good acidity (think white grapefruit) and a touch of viscosity to round it all out. Value, food-pairing versatility and drinking pleasure combine to make this another must-have for wine lists this summer.