d'Arenberg's The Stump Jump 2007

Region: Adelaide, Australia
Grapes: 62% Riesling, 18% Sauvignon Blanc, 8% Marsanne, 6% Viognier, 6% Chardonnay
ABV: 13%
Price: $12

Pale in color with the scent of sweet lemon custard, you would believe this wine to be sweeter than it in fact is. Only slightly sweet with a pleasantly tart acidity. Simple, but a good choice for someone trying to move into drier wines for the first time.

Region: Southern Australia
Grapes: 50% Grenache, 29% Shiraz, 21% Mourvedre
ABV: 14
Price: $12

Light ruby in your glass. Almost bright. Nose of dark fruits and oak with plum and blackberry standing out on the palate with a delicious spice overlay. Wonderful finish. Best $12 red you will buy this year.

Tin Roof Sauvignon Blanc 2005

Region: North Coast, California

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc

ABV: 13.5%

Price: $7

Pale amber with lots of crisp citrus and tangy tropical fruits. Very acidic, but not unpleasant. Would be great with spicy food.

Shellback Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Region: East Coast - New Zealand
Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc
Price: $6
Alcohol Level: 12.5%

This wine is citrus. Like crazy citrus. The scent is very strong (citrus). The flavor is like a hit to the face (with a cornucopia of citrus fruit). I caught the flavors of passion fruit and melon specifically. Very smooth wine with a light acidity.

And its cheap. Like hella cheap. Take this wine to the beach in your cooler. You won't be unhappy. I mean, six bucks? I think you can spare it.