Lots of 'tings that never quite made to to ether:
la Rioja Alta, Rioja, 'viña Ardanza', reserva, 2000
A disappointment. Too much coconut oak covering everything. Yuck. C+
(Fortunately, cooks better tahn it tastes, esp. for Italian red sauces)
M de Plain Point, Fronsac, 2006
A decent cheapish minor Bordeaux that comes across like a Loire malbec, full of leafy blackcurrant, black pepper, and a refreshing bite to the finish which suggest keeping a few years might not be a bad idea. 13% B+
Domaine Michel Lafarge, Volnay, 'vendanges selectionnes', 1999
Maturing orange-rind color. Dried orange-peel, Beeman's Pepsin gum and cherry confit on the nose, which echoes on the palate along with cherrywood barrel and a slight hint of rose petal. All together good. Better with food than by itself. A-
Donnhoff, Norheimer Kirscheck, riesling-S, 2003
A spring wine, full of spring flowers and calcium wash, etheral in feel. Softish acidity but with good perseverance on the finish. A-
Passopisciaro, Sicilia IGT, 2005
Medium-pale, almost grey-cast tannic water red.Takes awhile for the nose to loosen up, but when it does there is the herbal (especially oregano) black cherry. Sweet goji berry, Christmas cake spices and dusty drying tannins. B+
Probably preferred the 2004 (inaugural vintage) of this.
Cascina Val del Preto, Roero, 2001
Medium-dark maroonish cherry red colored. Minty forest berries deeply hidden in a large briar patch. Dense structure here, but delicious now in a fruit-filled vein. Ought to be better in 5-6 years when the tannins fade a bit. A-/B+
Chateau du Tertre, Margaux, 2000
Black cherry red color. Merlot-ish nose of plums and cherry. Good balance here, but suffers from ripe low acidity, slightly dull, but full of fresh red and black fruits (plums, cherries, black raspberry). Still firm tannic structure. B+/A-