Chateau Joinin 2007 Bordeaux Rouge (about $9): Subtle hint of violet aromas with bright cherry flavors to start, more red fruits on the mid-palate and then a touch of licorice root on the finish.

A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cab Franc, the wine is surprisingly tasty and complex for a Bordeaux at this price point. Buy it by the case, serve it up with a nice roast beef and enjoy.

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to meet with Lionello Marchesi and sample several of his wines at a tasting at Bellingham’s Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant.

Marchesi owns three estates in the Tuscany region, located along Italy’s northern coast. He’s been described as one of his country’s most successful and charismatic winemakers and his wines have earned recognition from critics worldwide.

During the tasting, I commented to Marchesi on how wonderful his wines were. Without a hint of vanity and just a trace of a smile he replied, “I know.” This was clearly an expression of confidence and pride from a man at the pinnacle of 30 years of winemaking.

All of Marchesi’s wines are sangiovese or sangiovese-based and easily of the must-try caliber for lovers of this red wine varietal. Prices fall into either one of two categories: super affordable or super splurge.

At about $12 a bottle each, the Poggio Alle Sughere 2004 Morellino di Scansano and the Castello di Monastero 2005 Chianti Superiore are beautiful, highly drinkable wines with nuances of pomegranate, smoke and spice. They should pair well with a variety of antipasti meats and tomato-based pasta dishes.

A trio wines priced in the $52 to $57 a bottle range are nothing short of remarkable. The Castello di Monastero 2003 Infinito Rosso (blended with cabernet) and the Poggio Alle Sughere 2001 Splendido (blended with merlot) are prime examples of quality, super-Tuscan winemaking. These wines display intoxicating aromas of violets, dark plums and vanilla, with beautiful velvety flavors on the palate to back them up.

For Brunello lovers, the Coldisole 2003 Brunello di Montalcino is spectacular, with intense and robust flavors and a lengthy finish with hints of woodsy spices.

The Vines wine shop on Cornwall Avenue is a good place to begin your search for Marchesi’s wines, or ask for them by name at the wine section of grocers such as Haggen or the Food Pavilion and they can be ordered for you.

Try these wines. You will enjoy them immensely.

If you’ve yet to try any wines from Spain I encourage you to do so. Most of Spain’s vineyards are located in the country’s warmer regions, meaning the wines produced there are generally big, bold and flavorful. These wines beg to be paired with food, but they’re also extremely enjoyable when served on their own.

And don’t be fooled into thinking that good Spanish wines are limited to a handful of reds. The range of styles and variety of Spanish wines is surprisingly diverse, with something certain to please even the most finicky wine drinker.

For instance, the Lagar do Castelo 2007 Albariño (about $14) is a well-priced white wine that blew me away with its flavors and complexity. The intoxicating aroma suggests fresh nectarine, with a combination of stone fruit, citrus and savory flavors that lead to a dry, yet lingering finish.

Also noteworthy is the Agustí Torelló Mata 2005 Brut Reserva (about $19), another great example of Cava, the sparkling wine of Spain. Extremely fine bubbles lift the aromas of baked apple and toast from the glass, while the wine displays a clean, mineral taste with traces of melon and a bone-dry finish. Ideal as an aperitif or with shellfish.

A couple of red wine recommendations include the Pinuaga 2006 Tempranillo (about $15) from the Castilla region of Spain. With a lovely floral nose, slightly smoky notes and firm tannins, this wine will pair well with tomato-based sauces or paella.

And the Solpost 2005 Montsant (about $24) is a huge, yet elegant blend of Grenache, Carignan, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Flavors of berry, plum and dried fruit predominate, with black pepper and a touch of oak on the finish.

Look for these wines at the Fairhaven Market Haggen, or ask for them by name in the wine section of your favorite grocer and they can be special ordered for you.

2008 Santa Rita 120 (about $8): Santa Rita does it again! This amazing Chilean white wine will leave you wanting more. All the classic components are here…lovely aroma, ample citrus and melon flavors and a sassy splash of acidity. Serve it chilled with a side of raw oysters, light seafood, or pasta with heavy cream sauce.

Rotllan Torra 2001 Reserva (about $35): An incredible red wine from Spain. It begins with a beautiful, dark color and aromas of chocolate and cocoa. The flavors are rich and concentrated, with a burst of chocolate hitting you up front followed by a dry finish of black cherry and dark currant. This might best be described as biting into a chocolate-covered cherry…without the sugar.

Available in Bellingham, Washington at the Temple Bar, located at 306 West Champion Street. Price listed is for the 750 ml bottle, but it’s also available by the glass for $9. An outstanding, must-try wine!