France, Italy and Portugal

2006 Domaine Faury Condrieu (around $55)
We were very disappointed with this Condrieu. We could have saved the 50 bucks and just siphoned gasoline. The first Condrieu we drank was amazing. The next one was pretty good. After that, we have had enough disappointments to cross this rather expensive wine off our list.

This Masciarelli Montelpulciano d’Abruzzo ($8) was a bargain purchase from one of our favorite wine shops, Weimax in Burlingame. This was a very nice wine – the palate showed blue fruits with maybe a hint of cherry. The finish is short but it was quite pure and very enjoyable.

The Famega Vino Verde ($7) was refreshing. It was spritzy and showed just the barest hint of a citrus flavor. It is not a great wine but certainly worth the price we paid for it.