2008 Nora Albariño (Spain): I recall previous vintages of this wine having a bit too much RS for my liking, but this was really racy.

2008 Las Brisas (Spain): Verdejo/Viura/Sauvignon Blanc blend. This is the kind of $10ish white from Spain that I love; bracing and gulpable.

2007 Corvidae “Rook” (Columbia Valley, WA/OR): This line of Corvidae wines from David O’Reilly is the most promising set of sub-$20 wines from the Pacific Northwest I have tasted. Cabernet/Merlot/Syrah blend with lots of character and finesse, and balanced oak influence. I also appreciate the labels of these wines; they look like they were designed by someone with some artistic talent and graphic design savvy.