Chateau Vieux Taillefer, Saint Emilion Grande Cru 2006 - $19

David: A lovely dark crimson color with hints of orange around the edge. A nice nose has red and black currant with iron and some bready raspberry tart. Full bodied with moderate acidity. The wine has dense fruit which is delightful to swirl. Big but soft tannins. Finishes long with some berry flavor. Very pleasant.
Score: 4.1/5

Porca de Murca Tinto - $6

David: Dark purple. Nose of rich, dark fruits. Sweet blueberry, a little pepper and cinnamon. Full bodied. A wonderful balance of acidity and sweet berry and cherry. Good tannins give it structure. Delicious and well layered. Acidity picks up a bit and then moves into a sweet berry finish. Six bucks! Are you kidding me? Definitely the best wine I have had at this price point. Gotta get me a case of this.
Score: 4.2/5

Ruffino Il Ducale 2005 - $20

Super Tuscan.

Blend is: 60% sangiovese, 25% merlot and 15% syrah

David: Dark red with slight brownish tint. Nose is sulfury barnyard but over-powering. Some violets. Full bodied with good acidity. Big pomegranate fruit with a chocolatey taste. Powerful but smooth tannins. Decent finish. Enjoyable wine.
Score: 4.0/5

Guigal Gigondas 2007 - $22

55-60% Grenache, around one-third Mourvedre and the rest Syrah.

Parker: 92-94

David: Medium purple in color. Nose of roses, earth, leather, raspberry, crushed rock. Nose seems to fade in intensity over time. Full bodied. Medium acidity. Subdued fruit. Immediately peppery and spicy. Layered. Strong tannins. Some blackberry fruit which darkens into molasses and finishes dry with black liquorish and blackberry liquor. Pretty good if your looking for a dark spicy wine.
Score: 4.0/5

Franck Balthazar Syrah 2009 - $18

Northern Rhone near Cornas.

David: Dark Purple. Nose of raspberry tart, iron. Raspberry fruit has decent acidity and structure. Tannins are powerful but smooth. Finishes with fruity grape. Pretty good but a little disappointing given the prestigious growing area.
Score: 3.9/5

Palestra Douro 2008 - $8

Portuguese grapes: 40% Touriga-Franca, 40% Tinta-Roriz and 20% Tinta-Barroca.

David: Medium dark purple. Nose is thick with violet and floral aromas. A little scorched earth and a little chocolate, steel. Medium to full bodied. Nice black cherry fruit with good acidity balance and decent structure. Nice finish. A great value. Should try some others from Douro.
Score: 4.0/5

Bearboat Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2007 - $16

David: Ruby red. Delicate nose of strawberry and red currant, vanilla. Warm and fuzzy nose-feel. Medium to full bodied. Smooth as satin. Fruit forward. Moderate acidity. Strawberry and cherry fruit is quite delicious. Sweet and round tannins. Long finish.
Score: 4.1/5

Chateau Picau-Perna Bordeaux 2005 - $17

70% merlot. Rest cab.

David: Opaque purple. Nose of sweet blueberries, violets, herbs. Medium to full bodied. Low acidity. Very tasty blueberry fruit though not incredibly complex. Big powerful tannins remain rounded. Nice gentle finish. A very enjoyable wine.
Score: 4.1/5