1) Las Rocas de San Alexandro, Rosado, Garnacha 2006 (Calatayud, Spain) - I was so excited when I stumbled across this -- a rose' made from the same grapes as the red by Las Rocas.  Nancy was eager to try it when she saw it too.  But what a let down.  Mediocre flavor, actually sub-par compared to the other rose's I've reviewed.  It has none of the charms of their red, in my opinion.  I still love this vintner, but I'll be buying the red thank you.

2) House Wine, The Magnificent Wine Co., Cab Sav 54%, Merlot 30%, Syrah 11%, Malbec 3%, Cab Franc 2%, 2005 (Columbia Valley, Oregon) - This was recommended as a surprisingly good for an affordable wine.  I'd say it's OK.  The flavor is big and fruity and that's good.  But they made it from everything but the kitchen sink and in my opinion it tastes overblended and loses the charm of it's individual components.  I'd still drink this again because it is a good buy.  But I'd more likely say this is "The Decent Wine Co." instead of the "Magnificent".  I do admire their moxie though.

3) Tres Barcos, 2004 (Toro, Spain) - This was recommended as a big, spicy, bold and flavorful wine.  When I popped the cork I took a quick glass and I'd say this was one of the spiciest and tastiest I'd tried so far.  But here's the weird thing: I let the glass sit for an hour and a half while we stepped out to eat in the neighborhood and when I came back and sipped again it was totally deflated and tasted quite different.  It was more like the Comte de Broully at that point - much weaker and a bit yeasty.  So I think the blast from the alcohol content combined with the grapes gives it the unique powerful charm but if you decant it or let it sit you lose the greatest kick of the wine.  So I'll highly recommend this but only if you drink it immediately.  Oh, and it was affordable too.  I've got to say Spanish wines are proving over and over again to be quite tasty while also affordable.  Viva Espana.