Beringer California Collection, White Merlot, 2007 (California) - So two different co-workers mentioned either they or people at home really like white merlot, to which I said "What?, Merlot is red".  I surmised right then it was probably a lot like White Zinfandel which although popular is usually considered an atrocious waste of red grape juice per hardcore fans of those grapes.  Anyway, I hunted a bottle down for Nany and I to try.  Of course it was in one of the cheaper aisles of the store and the bottle was only $5.  What was inside I would most accurately describe as a wine cooler.  NOT that I'm saying no one enjoys a wine cooler, sure, they have a time and a place, but to a hard core wine geek this clearly isn't a rendition of Merlot they would consider respectable.  Anyway, people can drink what they like, it doesn't matter.  Personally I just give this a 4 out of 10 for low average.  In fact even Nancy made special note that this was basically a cheap low average wine, and if she can taste it then trust me - it's evident.

Aria, Estate Brut, Cava (Spain) - Nice bulby bottle and an attractive shield label on the outside, plus the store had a sign praising this as an extremly good value.  Personally, compared to other cavas I've had, I'd say this is decent but simply average (just a 5 out of 10).

Cristalino, Rose Brut, Cava (Spain) - We're very big fans of the white Cristalino Cava, now we try the rose and it too was quite good.  I still prefer the white but Nancy said she really preferred this one.  Anyway, it was quite good, 7 out of 10 for above average.