Provins Valais, Fendant, 2006 (Switzerland) - An inexpensive sampling of the Chasselas grape which our tasting club at work described as weak, boring, and even a touch soapy.  We actually poured the last quarter of this bottle out.  But I wouldn't say it's undrinkable, just unenjoyable.  4 out of 10 for below average.

Cavit, Pinot Grigio, 2007 (Delle Venezie, Italy) - An inexpensive Pinot which I didn't expect much from and sure enough it was lame.  You get very little flavor and an utterly boring wine.  It just barely reaches 5 out of 10 for lower average.

Reh Kendermann, Black Tower, Rivaner, 2006 (Germany) - I smile as I write this because real wine drinkers must be smirking to see this on the blog.  I remember seeing Black Tower advertised with fanfare when I was a kid.  It has a distinctive thick black bottle and almost looks more like a liquor than a wine.  Normally I'd be embarrassed to even go to checkout in a wine store with a sample that looks like pure marketing gimmick, but this one I bought at the tiny liquor store across form my apartment, and I was thinking if Nancy liked it then I'd have a cheap version of white to stock for her.  Anyway, I smile when I say this was actually OK.  I mean clearly it's a cheap wine, the weight and the flavor reveal the same, but it had an OK bouquet and a hint of sweet.  Nancy in fact agreed this wine is fine, it just would be her first choice, nor mine either.  Considering the cheap price it's actually a decent buy.  I'll go 5 out of 10 for low average.

Tomasello Winery, Blackbery Wine (New Jersey) - This was brought as a gift by a visitor from another work site so I'm genuinely thankful for the thoughtfulness and the chance to try a product from out of state.  It's a handsome blue long-necked bottle.  The wine itself is pretty much juice, and yes it's very tasty blackberry juice, but it's not as much of a wine experience as a juice experience.  I'll say though Nancy tried it and really loved it, and I genuinely enjoyed it too.  But as a wine I'd give it a standard 5 out of 10 for average.  Thanks for the gift, it was fun.