French wines – especially those from the three powerhouses of Bordeaux, Rhône and Burgundy – are shipping their superb 2010 vintages. The Blanchards wine team recently sampled Chateau Marjosse, an explosive red Bordeaux displaying copious tannin and fruit at a great value. The wines ofRioja also continue to impress; we are committed to seeking out the very best values to carry in our stores. Last year we launched a promotion offering a 22% discount on two or more bottles from a featured wine region. It was so successful that we plan to extend it this year.

In this issue of the Vineyard Review, we highlight a profusion of wines from Italy and the U.S. Italy has a long tradition of making wine at reasonable prices and American winemakers continue their innovative ways. We also feature a Hungarian Gruner Veltliner and an Argentine Bonarda, both examples of pioneering producers walking along their own path to a place worth seeking out.