L'Ecole No. 41, Semillon, 2006 (Washington) - This was really a treat.  It's an off-dry version of a grape often used in sweet wines and we found it exotic and similar to a good viognier.  All who tried it in our work tasting group found it interesting.  I'll give it a 7 out of 10 for above average.

Domaine Chanteloups, Vielles Vignes, Grenache, 2005 (Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes, France) - Another very nice peppery grenache, and a good value at around $10.  7 out of 10 for above average.  Worth repeats both for home and for gifts.

Chamarre Tradition, Jurancon, 2003 (Jurancon, France) - I had never heard of Jurancon before but the net confirms it actually is a very famous sweet wine from France.  Yet I've seen the Chamarre brand in other forms and it has always been cheaper versions of wines so that fact combined with the tasting makes me believe this is a dressed up mimic of the real thing made from cheaper wine.  It was fun.  You have some bold tropical flavors and a rich texture.  But basically it's a 6 out of 10 (upper average) meaning I enjoyed it more than I probably should have but I just can't escape the fact it's a cheap mimic of the real thing (I think). 

Chateau Lamothe de Haux, Grand Vin de Bordeaux, 2004 (Bordeaux, France) - I had really liked this brand's white bordeaux and was excited when I saw their red in a store.  But to be honest the flavor is pretty mild and although decanting opened it up it's still just an average bordeaux.  5 out of 10 for lower average.