2003 Vinha Palestra -- Douro, Portugal

Madison Wine Shop -- $9

This wine is made from Touriga Francesa, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Roriz grapes. It has deep color and a nice nose (a little bit floral). It's a juicy wine balanced by nice tannins.

A great value for the price!

Our rating: B-

Mark, Sasha and Jodie

2006 Korta Petite Verdot -- Lontue Valley, Chile

Madison Wine Shop -- $9

This wine is 100% Petite Verdot. The grape is one of the five Bordeaux varietals. It typically makes up 5% or less of a Bordeaux wine, because it's a risky grape for growers. It's very late ripening, and in a short growing season the whole crop could be lost. In places with longer growing seasons, like Chile, Argentina, and California, this is an up-and-coming grape.

This wine has brilliant color. The nose is jammy with a little vanilla, turning to violet as it opens up. On the palate it's a little hot, with graphite coming through. A nice dry finish.

Our rating: C+

Mark, Sasha, Mike and Rebecca

2005 San Leone -- Bardolino Superiore, Italy

Madison Wine Shop -- $13

Made from Corvina, Rondinella and Malinara grapes. Nice fruit, delicate nose and a dry finish.

Our rating: B-

Mark, Sasha and Rebecca

Two from Jumilla, Spain -- 2005 Juan Gil and 2003 Casa de la Ermita Tinto Crianza

Both bought at Madison Wine Shop. Jumilla is one of the youngest Spanish wine appellations, established only in 1996. Monastrel is the typical grape.

Juan Gil -- $16

This wine is 100% Monastrel. The nose is jammy with a little spice. At first it seemed overly peppery with a hot finish. As it breathed, it opened up and became much more balanced and complex.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the '04 vintage a 90.

Our rating for the '05: B--

Casa de la Ermita -- $15

This wine is 40% Monastrel with Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot. It is aged in new French oak, and the vanilla really comes through in the nose, as does blackberry. A dry, balanced wine with a bit of a smoky finish.

Wine Advocate named the winery one of the best of 2001.

Our rating: B

Mark, Sasha, Mike and Rebecca