Eugenio Rosi, Poiema, Marzemino, 2003 (Trentino, Italy) - It's a joy to write about this wine.  A co-worker found it or our wine grape tasting group and I personally can attest to how impossible it is to find this grape as a single varietal wine.  Knowin how rare it was, as well as the $40 price, I expected a treat and it sure delivered.  This is a deep dark purple almost black wine with a strong bouquet, a rich full texture, complex flavors including sour cherries, and even a bitter almonds finish like our wine poster description explained.  Really a winner across the board.  I mean let's face it I've described a lot o Italian wines as cherries or sour cherries but seldom did they have such a complete package for the senses as Marzemino.  In fact the expensive Teroldego we tried I had anticipated would be like this one but it didn't quite live up, meanwhile the Marzemino reigned supreme.  I really truly enjoyed this and I'm grateful it was brought in for the tasting.  9 out of 10.

Santa Barbara Landing, Chardonnay, 2006 (Santa Barbara County, California) - This is made exclusively for Trader Joes and costs just $3.  I've had $10 Chardonnays which were not as enjoyable.  Although low average for 5 out of 10 it's a stunner you can get this quality for $3.

Vina do Burato, Ribeira Sacra, 2007 (Spain) - Back label: "This small family winery farms three hectares of mencia in (sic) ancient area in Galicia known as Ribeira Sacra.  The Vineyards are steep, terraced and border the river Mino".  Sounds cool enough - right?  And this is only the 2nd sample of Mencia I've tried.  Well I'd describe it as fresh and smooth but really without a lot o flavor (compared to my other Mencia sample which was big and bold).  Nothing wrong with this one but it didn't blow me away.  I'd just give it 5 out of 10 for lower average.