2013 Garnacha de Fuego, Aragon (Spain)

Tried a bottle of this on the recommendation of the salesperson at Total Wine ($10), and went back for a case (with case discount $9).  Garnacha/grenache is such a great grape, can be light and Gamay or Pinot Noir-ish, or bold and sexy like this one.  It's the most widely planted grape.  Nice dark plum jam, a bit of minerality, smooth finish.  Well worth looking for this one!

We had it with a bowl of spicy andouille and gulf shrimp gumbo.

2012 Estancia Pinot Noir, Monterrey County (California)

I picked this off a restaurant list out of town for $32, enjoyed it and thought it deserved a second look.  Total Wine had it for $10.  It's nicer than many at this price point.  Cherry cola flavor, good balance, hint of chalk, supple texture.

We enjoyed it with pork chops with apples and onions, roasted delicata squash, and haricot verts.

2012 Vintjs Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley (OR)

This is my new favorite Pinot Noir from Trader Joe's ($8), so of course it was out of stock when I went back for more!  It's worthwhile to look for it.  BTW, the label name is pronounced "vintages".  It has classic Pinot flavors, that cherry-berry-cola going on.  Not a lot of depth or finish, but for $8, it can be a go-to everyday wine.

We grilled some Gulf shrimp with garlic, parsley and basil, steamed some asparagus, and sauteed a few yellow squash from our local market.

2013 J. L. Quinson Rose, Cotes de Provence (France)

Picked up a couple of bottles of Rose at Trader Joe's, this one was a good value at $7.  Bright, light, perfect for a hot summer day.

Summer days my thoughts also turn to that special summer event, the perfect BLT:  Sourdough toast, Duke's mayo, German Red heirloom tomato, romaine, and Millionaire's bacon (thick sliced bacon baked on a rack and sprinkled with brown sugar and Tony Chachere's seasoning).