I’m a sucker for good marketing… Because I’m in marketing.

Occasionally I see someone writing about and knocking a brand that arrives, because there are accoutrements that accompany the wine. It’s like the plague just arrived at their doorstep. It always makes me giggle. (I wonder if they’re hooked on Mad Men, like I am.) They’ve obviously never been in advertising or marketing, where we know about the “total package.” Yes, a simple bottle of wine that knocks one’s socks off is always way cool and groovy, but honestly… those wines (going for over $75 a bottle) are not being sent out for review, guys, so if you can “get over it,” you might find some great wine that your readers will enjoy. (We don’t all drink $75 bottles of wine everyday…) I’ve been on the “total look planning” for many brands. I know it works, when a good PR plan accompanies the package, and it takes care of everyday wine enjoyment.

It’s the other 99 percent that are being sent out for review, and they need to have a “hook” if most people are even going to give them a look.

So, when this box arrived, I knew this was going to be a millennial hook, line, and sinker. Millennials are still experimental and have a much greater tolerance for marketing… They don’t always want “the story.” They want what draws them in, with labels doing it for them. For me, it was the box. The labels are also delightful artwork.

This box spelled an adventurous one. It looked like it had been everywhere, before it even reached my doorstep. (Of course, it hadn’t, but for only a quick glance I would have been fooled.) Already, the stage was set. This was going to be something very interesting.

“What’s inside this box?” is the only question that would possibly enter one’s mind. Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m supposed to be more concerned with the wine, you might scold me. Well, I wasn’t, at this point. I was totally taken by how much time was spent thinking about this brand before it was launched. I know tons of brands that have had no such forward thinking, and they’re having a hard time making it because of that, regardless of letting the wine stand on its own two legs.

The reason the box was so “internationally traveled” looking is that the wine inside has had that kind of gathering.

The clever name of the wine: The Seeker… The basic premise is to seek out the best possible deals on wines from around the globe, and offer different varieties under that one label. Regionalism also plays into it… Honestly, if I wanted an outstanding Sauvignon Blanc, I’d head to New Zealand, where they’ve got really distinctive Sauvignon Blanc flavors. Enter…

The Seeker 2001 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Discovered in New Zealand: These Sauvignon grapes were discovered in not one, but two of New Zealand’s best Sauvignon Blanc vineyard sites for extra zest. New Zealand expert Steve Smith, MW sourced grapes from Marlborough on the south island for round and full juicy nectarine and grapefruit flavors, and from Martinborough on the north island to add richness and citrus/ lime flavors.

This wine is a knockout! On the nose, you’ll know it’s a Sauvignon Blanc from it’s delicious grapefruit aromas. And if you’ve had more than a few SB’s from New Zealand, you’ll also guess that region in a blind tasting. Refreshingly crisp, this Sauvignon Blanc has got that meow factor going on that’s so typical of great New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs. I rate Sauvignon Blancs by what I call the “Claw Factor.” This one’s got 3 claws. (Three is the best… One, “Did I order water, Ms. Sommelier?”; five, “Call in the paramedics, I can’t breathe.”)

The Seeker 2009 Pinot Noir, Vins de Pays du Puy de Dôme – France

The Seeker sought their Pinot Noir from France, in an old region called Auvergne, where Pinot Noir has been grown since the eleventh Century. The wine was made using traditional Burgundy methods (sans the feet) and is aged in tanks on light lees.

I was about to have a pizza, and I thought, “Hum, I wonder how this wine will work?” not knowing that the winery recommends Pizza as a food choice pairing (along with pasta and BBQs.) The nose had a spicy, cheery bouquet; and the palate delivered smooth bing cherrries. A delicious bargain for a $15 bottle of Pinot from Burgundy.

The Seeker 2010 Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina

Want great Malbec? Go to Mendoza Argentina. When I was working with the Hambrecht Wine Group, one of our wines was Grove Street wines. We imported a Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina; so began my love affair with Malbec, and my understanding for their variety in Mendoza. For years, the Argentinians thought most of their Malbec was Merlot. It wasn’t until recently that they’ve discovered that their “Merlot” was in reality, Malbec. Spicy, delicious wine, this Malbec is typical of the flavors I was expecting and enjoy.

From The Seeker: We sought our Malbec from high in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Mendoza, Argentina, where grapes were hand-picked and sorted at perfect ripeness.

On the nose: smoky red fruit, inviting me to get more involved.

On the palate: black crushed, sweet cherries… No residual sugar, so not to worry about having a sweet wine’ however, the developed fruit is just delicious. Love the slightly lingering finish… so smooth.

What a great little Malbec. Reminds me of how I loved enjoying it, while selling it (one of the perks!).

The Seeker 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Valley, Chile

I have to admit, only because I don’t seek out Cab. I’ve got more of a Petite Sirah palate, loving the rustic spice that Petite delivers. It should then come as no surprise, in the world of wine, that I’ve not searched for a Cab from Chile. I’m admitting that this is my first Chilean Cabernet. I was totally amazed and delighted, because it was so tasty. If I’m ever looking for a cab again, The Seeker will take care of my needs.

Their Cabernet grapes were hand-picked and selected from the Colchagua and Maipo valleys in Chile’s central wine region.

On the nose, juicy black fruit and vanilla dominate. On the palate, this wine’s flavors are just loaded with ripe blackberries and boysenberries, as well as hints of chocolate. Tannins are soft and approachable, and it has a delightful lingering finish. combined with creamy tannins. This is a gorgeous Cab, said from a wine lover who shies away from most Cabernets. I know, I’m probably not “all that,” but this wine is “all that.”

Searching for a great wine? Let “The Seeker” do the job for you. They’ve also got a great Chardonnay option, just so you know. Line priced at $14.99, these wines rock!