Librandi Gaglioppo; Di Majo Norante Ramitello; Craftsman Cserszegi Fuszeres; Galhaud
Librandi, Ciro, Rosso Classico (Gaglioppo), 2006 (Italy) - This is an ancient Italian grape variety which supposedly is an up and comer. I found Gaglioppo to be medium built like a pinot noir but to have bolder flavors like a cabernet sauvignon but with some cherry. A quality wine. 6 out of 10 for upper average.
Di Majo Norante, Ramitello, 2003 (Italy) - This is 85% Prugnolo (Sangiovese) and 15% Aglianico. The label descriptions are a bit ambitious but I would definitely grant a mild cherry flavor. Quality. 6 out of 10 for upper average.
Craftsman, Cserszego Fuszeres, Crafted by Akos Kamocsay, 2006 (Hungary) - This is a brand I'd avoided for a while because I thought it was mainly cheap imports, but I'll admit I was pretty impressed. The bouquet on this grape was very nice, bolder than the flavor, and somewhat exotic. The taste itself was pretty good, a lot like a muscat or a gewurztraminer like the label says. Anyway and interesting and quality white. 6 out of 10 for upper average.
Maison Galhaud, Collection, Viognier-Muscat, 2006 (France) - The muscat is Muscat of Alexandria and this is the first time I'd tried that. Combined with Viognier which is a hot grape right now and quite bold I thought this wine would be a star. It was OK, just OK. I'd call it just a lower average white (5 out of 10). It improved a little as it warmed.