1) Chateau Mouton Jean-Philippe Janoueix, Bordeaux Superieur, 2003 (France) - I bought this in the Italian North End of Boston and saved it quite a while because it's a lovely bottle/label and I thought I should save it for something special.  Eventually I opened it without fanfare and I have to say, hey, it's pretty good.  Nice smooth and balanced.  A slight tea taste but not unpleasant like other tea flavored merlot-based wines I've reviewed before.  I really thought this lived up to expectation.  Yet, it's not the most powerful or ageworthy bourdeaux I've tried so I'm giving it just a 7 out of 10 (above average but not a standout).  I'll buy this again if I see it again.  It's a good general wine for gifts or sharing.

2) Terra Noble Gran Reserva Carmanere, 2005 (Maule Valley, Chile) - Another really lovely bottle/label with silver filligree patterned crest.  And I was excited because I don't think I've tried carmenere before, which used to be confused with merlot.  How was it?  Like any other decent merlot.  Smooth, balanced.  I'll call this upper average for 6 out of 10.

3) Clos du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004 (North Coast, California) - I had read about this French-sounding California label before and I expected an all around decent quality.  Well, it's OK.  The flavor was surprisingly weak and I'd most compare it to the Rex Goliath I previously reviewed, although where I gave that a 4 out of 10 I'll up this one to 5 out of 10 (lower average).  No offense Clos du Bois.  Maybe I just expected more.  I'll also mentione that like the Rex Goliath I found adding a sugar cube to this cab actually made it enjoyable.