Keeping my eternal search for good values in mind, here are a few wines new to Binny's, plus one that we've had for a while, that are worth checking out.

Napa Station

 I mentioned the new Napa Station winery in a previous blog entry.  This week, Binny's is receiving the 2007 Napa Station Chardonnay.  Great for this time of year (if it could just stay sunny) the Chardonnay hints at sweetness on the nose along with bright fruit. The citrus and apricot fruit complexities on the palate are balanced and mellowed with a tiny hint of oak. It's a great value at $13.99.

Values from Australia

 New from R Wines, who brought you Luchador Shiraz, Bitch Grenache, and a seemingly endless stream of easy to drink Australian wines with clever labels, comes one more: Darby & Joan. These wines are a steal at under $10 each.

  The Chardonnay has a very clean nose with hints of peach and pear. It is easygoing and fruity on the palate, with fresh pineapple, and finishes with zippy acidity. It's a good, balanced chardonnay.

  The Cabernet Sauvignon is a standard Aussie fruit bomb, but a little heavier with slight herbal and baking spice undertones, though the weighty plum fruit is the main focus. Both are only $8.99 Seriously!

A Sweet Bargain From Spain

 For those looking for a terrific bargain on a special Spanish red, many Binny's locations still have the 2004 Cenit. I thought this wine was worth it when it was selling for $42.99 - This month it is listed at the sale price of $29.99, with your Binny's card.

 Both the Wine Advocate and Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar give the 2004 Cenit 92 points. A Spanish Tempranillo, it has a nose of smoky meat and lots of deep raspberry. The palate shows cocoa, bright underripe raspberry and tight, youthful tannins. Tasting the Cenit recently, I was struck by the tight tannin and underripe nature of the fruit - I'm anxiously looking forward to seeing how the bottles I bought show after a couple more years of cellar time.