Francis Coppola, Sofia, Blanc de Blancs, 2006 (California) - A sparkling white with an elegant bottle which comes wrapped in pink plastic.  I'd say it's quality, kind of like a drier version of Korbel.  To me it was equivalent to many other bubbly whites, and the larger size of bubbles hints it could possibly be a relatively cheap sample, but Nancy really really liked this and that says a lot.  I'll give it 6 out of 10 for upper average.

Nino Negri, Inferno, Valletina Superiore, 2004 (Italy) - This is the Nebbiolo grape and was a recent conquest at our wine tasting group at work.  It is an interesting combination of flavors definitely with some sour cherry but also some hard to describe qualities.  I'd call this exotic and complex.  I know it's not the priciest example of Nebbiolo but I feel comfortable bestowing on it a 7 out of 10 because this was more interesting than average.

Domaine Montpertuis, Cuvee Counoise, Vignoble de la Ramiere, 2005 (Vin de Pays du Gard, France) - It's almost impossible to find this grape as a single varietal so we were excited to try this in France.  Counoise is an approved grape in Chataneuf du Papf although admittedly it's probably a small fraction of the grapes in one bottle.  When we popped the cork at work we were struck by a slightly sulfurous bouquet and that set the stage for lukewarm reviews.  Over time however it opened up and developed more charm.  I'd call this an unctious grape so I'd understand why it would be part of a blend and might bring something special to that table.  As a single varietal I just think it's average, I'll give it 5 out of 10 for lower average (and when the bottle was first opened I had already been thinking a 4 or less, so it did manage to fight it's way back up to average).

Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Escudo Rojo, 2006 (Maipo, Chile) - This was a happy discovery.  I was in one of my least favorite wine stores and just didn't want to come away empty handed, I saw this and recognized the French label, so I gave it a try.  I've been a little harsh on the other projects Rothschild did outside of France (Argentina, Portugal) because I thought they were overblended and too mild, actually like they were too French in style considering where they came out of.  Well, this was a nice surprise.  It's a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc, and in this case they came away with a bolder tastier wine which still has the smoothness Rothschild wines are famous for.  It's easily above average, and costing in the $15 or less range I'd call it a bargain.  In fact if I can find enough for a case of these at a store I may buy it to be a holiday gift for multiple people.  7 out of 10 for above average.