A series from France - although unfortunately not something newsworthy.

M. Chapoutier, Belleruche, 2006 (Cotes du Rhone, France) - This is a $10 white Rhone wine which we both genuinely liked and considering the price I'd call it a pretty good find.  It has a hint of crispness and mild citrus.  I'll give it a 6 out of 10 for upper average.

Baron de Rothschild, Riserve Speciale, Bordeaux, 2006 (France) - Despite the grandeur of the "Riserve Speciale" the truth is this is a general AOC label and clearly not among their better stuff.  I got it on sale too, down to about $12 from $20 (whereas it's probably more accurate to price this in the $5 to $10 range).  It's smooth, which is a classic Rothschild style, BUT completely boring.  It gets a very low 5 out of 10 for lower average.

Chateau de Pizay, Morgon, 2007 (France) - A beaujolais.  Every now and then I'll try one OTHER than the Georges Duboef's and this particular sample is in a high end gourmet store where I've bought lots of nice things in before.  Too bad though.  It's quite weak.  Not a great sample of beaujolais.  A very low 5 out of 10 for lower average.