Leroy, Volnay,'Clos des Chênes', 1998
Color a light, faded cherryskin red. Spicy cherry wood nose, along with some menthol, there's cherrybark in the mouth with spicy cloves, wood hints, and a tannic little spine, but not enough to interfere with enjoyment. Decent drinking, without any pretensions towards greatness. B+
Dorado, Sub-regiào de Monção, Alvarinho, 2003
A bright white gold color. Crystalline mineral nose. Minerals and fresh lime zest with a short finish. Lip smacking acid finish, with a slight bitter dimension and pear eau-de-vie there. For those who like cutting fresh lemons and sucking on them. Good, but for $20, not the best QPR. B+
Elena Walch, Alto Adige, Lagrein, 2001 Dark purplish red. Like sticking your nose in a basket of fresh-picked plums. Fresh plum and black cherry milkshake stirred with a candy licorice stick, dusty tannins on the finish. Refreshing as Black Cherry Koolaid® without the added sugar. This has 'drink me' written all over it. B+
Charles Joguet, Chinon, 'Cuvee de la cure', 2002
Light electric red colored. A simple black raspberry-cherry bark wine, not something to ponder over, but to enjoy. Lively and refreshing, but not one for the cellar (maybe 3 years out, max?). B+