1) Hatzimichalis, Naoussa, Xinomavro, 2000 (Greece) - The latest tried by our after work wine tasting group.  I'd describe this as very similar to a pinot noir both in weight and flavor.  Personally I detected a slight hint of tomato, which I swear I had read somewhere was a unique hallmark of this Greek grape, however, no one else in our group got that.  Generally, our group was bored with it.  It wasn't disagreeable (except to one person who absolutely hated it) but it also didn't live up to the exotic reputation it enjoys in the literature.  I'll score this 5 out of 10 for low average.  I'm curious whether a younger version would wow us with more taste.  This is an 8 year old bottle, making it among the oldest wines I've tried so far, and fruit is one of the first things to give out in a bottled wine.  Could it be the tomato and other exotic flavors would scream out when younger?

2) Domaine Moureou, Madiran, 2003 (France) - Being from Madiran which is a region famous for the highly tannic Tannat grape I expected this to be much like the Chateau Peyros wine I reviewed.  Not at all.  In fact I don't know what's in it but it strikes me as a French blend relying heavily on Merlot in the mix.  I still enjoyed it, but it was nothing like I expected.  5 out of 10 for low average.

3) Mastroberardino, Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio, 2005 (Italy) - This was recommended by Cirace's in the North End, Boston.  Lacryma Christi means Ascension of Christ so I really expected something special.  Initially this was planned for the tastings after work however our chart doesn't have this grape on the red side of the chart (Coda di Volpe) and I wanted to shop again at the store soon and didn't want to go back having not tasted the first purchase, so I drank this at home.  It was nice.  Reminds me most of a Spanish Rioja.  There were touches of leather and smoke.  But I wouldn't say I'd never had anything like this before.  So it's good, definitely a quality wine with lots of flavor, but not great.  I scored it 6 out of 10 which means high average.

4) Hai (the messenger), Emerald Riesling, 2005 (Israel) - It's my first wine from Israel and came recommended by Best Cellars.  I'd say it's a quality average Riesling.  But it didn't blow me away.  Simply it's a 5 out of 10 for basic average.