ERATH PINOT NOIR - 2007

13% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Translucent cherry red color. Nose of oak, damp earth and berries. Black cherry, charred oak, and vanilla on the palate. Simple, straightforward with decent acidity.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

85 PTS

Looks and feels like a better Pinot Noir than it actually is. The alcohol doesn't quite seem in balance with the fruit. A somewhat lackluster effort. The bouquet is muted and the fruit is masked by faint oak. Wish this had more biting acidity or more upfront fruit. It is a drinkable Pinot but at $18 a bottle it is a disappointment. Pass.

CHATEAU DE FONBEL - 2005

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru. 13.5% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark vibrant purple color with a black/blue fruit and pencil lead on the nose. Lots of black currant, cassis, pencil shavings, minerality and a hint of smoke. Very bitter mouth-drying tannins. Astringent with plum notes on the finish as wine opens up.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

88 - 90+ PTS

This is a very good wine but its too young right now. Loads of potential but needs time in the bottle. Give it a few years and this wine could be a tremendous steal at $19 a bottle.

ALBERT MANN PINOT BLANC AUXERROIS - 2007

12.5% alcohol. Vin D'Alsace.

TASTING NOTES:

Cool gold color with grapefruit, lime and Riesling aromas. Crisp lemon-lime-orange citrus, flowers, definitive acidity, yet smooth and lush. Some sweetness on the mid-palate. Great minerality, peach notes, and sharp-bitter hints on the finish.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

92 PTS

What a sensational wine. This is a Riesling disguised as a Pinot Blanc. The peach, citrus, minerality is like a Riesling lurking underneath. Yet this wine has its own distinct style and character that keeps revealing itself. Drank over several days and paired with food it always delivered. At $15 a bottle, this is simply excellent.

POGGIO AL TESORA MEDITERRA TOSCANA - 2006

14% alcohol. Super Tuscan blend of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark cherry red color. Aromas of cherries and black currants. Sweet tannins, with a hint of oak, black currants and cherry cola. Charred oak on the finish.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

88 PTS

For $18 this is a great Super Tuscan at an affordable price. Wine Spectator gave this wine a 92 point score, which I'm not sure it delivers. That said, it is difficult to find this kind of quality in Super Tuscan without paying a lot more. Well worth the price tag.