The Saunders family is still going strong at the Wine Society in Nashua, where we stopped in for their Saturday afternoon tasting recently.

The theme was “Old (way, way back, believe it or not, to the Bush II presidency) and New” — some wines they have been following for awhile, as well as some recent choices.

Here are my tasting notes:

-- 2006 Veraison Cabernet Sauvignon, $49.99. 15.5% abv. Deep core, purple with ruby hues, developing nose of black fruit with some oak hints. Nice dry palate, medium-plus acidity, medium tannin, well integrated, medium alcohol, medium flavors intensity of black fruit and vegetal notes, very good quality. 87 points.

-- 2007 Consentino “The Novelist” White, $23.99. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, that southwestern French classic combo. Lemon gold in color, developing nose, (no botrytis, in case you wondered; this is a different style), dry palate, medium-plus acidity, medium alcohol, medium flavor intensity flavors of green fruit — pear, grapefruit, lemon, citrus peel, nectarine, good texture and balance, pleasing finish. 83 points.

-- 2009 La Posta Cocina Blanco de Blancos, $17.99. 70% Chardonnay, 15 % Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Torrontes, with a clean nose of green and citrus fruit, golden color, medium-plus acidity, dry palate loaded with Sauvignon Blanc zest, medium alcohol (13.9% abv), medium body, fruit, spice, gooseberry, citrus, apple and pear, good balance of components with complexity and a good finish. 86 points.

-- 2002 Mapena Primera Zona, $19.99. 13.5% abv. From Argentina, Cabernet, Malbec and Merlot, the Bordeaux blend style the British used to call Claret (actually, they still do), solid purple color, medium-plus nose, graphite, dry palate, medium acidity, medium-plus tannin calling for red meat, medium alcohol, and a palate of black fruit, pencil shavings, savory flavors blackcurant and blackberry, with a medium length finish. 86 points.

-- 2008 Thoroughbred Cabernet, $32.99, Barossa Valley, Australia. Medium intensity hued red, dry on the palate, medium tannin, medium alcohol, more graphite, black fruit, medium weight, medium-plus flavor intensity, some herbal notes on the finish. 88 points.

-- 2008 Meeker Cabernet Sauvignon, $22.99, Sonoma. Medium intensity red, medium intensity nose, black fruit with herbal notes, medium acidity, medium-plus tannin, medium alcohol, all of these well-integrated and balanced, medium body, fruit and herbal notes on the palate as well on a balanced finish. 86 points.

Wine events

-- YMCA Londonderry Wine Tasting: The annual YMCA of Greater Londonderry wine tasting and auction benefit is scheduled for May 10 from 6:00pm — 8:30pm at The Executive Court at 1199 S. Mammoth Road in Manchester. This year's theme of “Winestock : One Night of Peace, Grapes, and Giving” will feature a psychedelic spin on the annual event which raises funds in support of Reach Out for Youth and Families. Richard Bruno of Napa Valley based winemaker Vinum Cellars will be in attendance to showcase their wines. For tickets call 603 437-9622 or stop by the Londonderry Y at 206 Rockingham Road.

-- Orford Wine Dinner: A virtual European tour awaits diners at Ariana's Restaurant in Orford on May 15, as chef/owner Martin Murphy presents a special five-course gourmet dinner with wine pairings from Italy, Spain, France, and Germany. $65 all-inclusive. Seating will be limited, so reservations are a must. For reservations or more information, call 603-353-4405. More information is also at ArianasRestaurant.com. Ariana's is located at Bunten Farm on Route 10 just north of Orford Village.

Reach local wine and beer writer Jim Beauregard at regardingwine@aol.com.