Layer Cake, Primitivo, Vintage 2006 (Puglia, Italy) - First came the Layer Cake Shiraz which is quite famous and has a cult following.  I quite liked it years ago although recently I've thought it was overdone.  Then I found their Malbec which curiously tasted a lot like their Shiraz and just didn't seem right to me, and a store attendant later seconded that criticism.  And now I've found their Primitivo (aka Zinfandel) and really wasn't sure what to expect.  Well, they got this one right.  This is a quite tasty wine with jam and pepper and a delightful zing.  It's also not overdone, which I think is a compliment considering Layer Cake's track record.  Personally I still don't think it equals or tops an excellent California Zin.  In that regard I'd score it a 7 out of 10 for above average, whereas there are some other Zin's I've given 9's to in the past.  Anyway, this one in particular is a great product.  I'm glad Layer Cake hasn't gone off the deep end.

Bogle Vineyards, Old Vine Zinfandel, 2006 (California) - A co-worker brought this in for a wine tasting and although I love Zinfandel I was a little skeptical because I knew it was an inexpensive wine ($12) and I'd also had their more generic Zin bottle at around $10.  I was delightfully surprised however.  This is a rich dark peppery jammy Zin.  Although not the best I've had it is truly a steal at $12 and I could see this as a regular Zin choice for me at the store.  Great product.  7 out of 10 for above average.

Red Stag, Spiropoulos, 2004 (Nemea, Greece) - I've had little luck with Greek reds because most I find in the states are already well past whatever luster they once had.  This bottle had a sign claiming it was packed with gobs and gobs of fruit flavors so I gave it a shot.  And you know, at this point this would definitely be the best Greek red I've tried so far.  It's much fresher and bolder than the others, in fact it almost seemed to have the wrong label and be from the wrong country.  I still don't think it had gobs of fruit though, but it was nice.  It's 100% Agiorgitiko.  I'll score this 6 out of 10 for upper average.