Venta Mazzaron 2003 Tempranillo

Game 4, Cavs vs Pistons. Suzanna orders Papa John's pizza and wings. I'm in a good mood. King James takes a victory and ties the series. Things are not looking good. This wine needs to open up. Contains a sharp of bite and lacks the magic fruit I look forward to meeting. I wouldn't give this another chance.

14% Alcohol
Country of Origin: Spain
Region: Duero River
Paid: x @ Astor Wines
Recommended by "imaginary woman" - tall glass of water

Borsao 2004 Tres Picos Garnacha

The Gims ate pizza, while I dined on a crispy oven fried chicken salad (before coming over). The first sip indicates that we need this to open up. It delivers a punch.

[5/12/06, 10:15pm] Suzanna passed out from dining at Los Pollitos II. Joe Gim and I watched the Nets make unforced errors and lose game 3 to the Heat. The wine did not deliver any relief from the painful loss.

[5/13/06, 10:20 am] It's time to finish the bottle. Suzanna is showering, so I take a sip. It smells like rubbing alcohol and still delivers a punch. That mysterious lady deserves a punch for lying to us. Never again.

14% Alcohol
Country of Origin: Spain
Region: Borja
Paid: x @ Astor Wines
Recommended by: "imaginary woman" - tall glass of water

Abadia Retuerta 2003 Rivola Estate Grown

Suzi returns from work and it's time for some vino. We opened this wine and it was a good idea. Smells of cherry and oak. The initial sip gives a smooth taste, with a tiny bite. This wine needs to open up a bit. I am starving!

13% Alcohol
Country of Origin: Spain
Region: Sardon De Duero
Paid $13.99 for 750 mL @ Astor Wines
Recommended by: "imaginary woman" - tall glass of water

Cartlidge & Browne 2005 Pinot Noir

It has a sudden spice which is like an unpleasant kick in the shin. Far from a smooth tasting pinot. Stay away from Cappacola and vino. However, Suzanna is preparing dinner. She is making penne with a vodka sauce, containing shrimp, peas, shittake mushrooms. This wonderful meal will help me overlook this subpar wine.

13% Alcohol
Country of Origin: USA
Region: California
Paid $12.99 for 750 mL @ Astor Wines, New York, NY

Laboure-Roi Maximum 2003 Pinot Noir

barrel-aged bourgogne rouge, bought by peter kim, opened by me suggested by joe, to accompany our new mini grill purchase. Big fat steaks, salty instant mashed potatoes with sour cream, grilled asparagus, field green salad w/sesame dressing (joe had chipotle ranch). A little sour, fruity.

Alcohol: 12%
Paid: $8.99 for 750 mL @ Astor Wines

King Estate 2000 Pinot Noir

Warning! This bottle contains a sweet aroma and smooth taste. There is nothing better than waking up on a Saturday from a long week of work and sipping on this as your first beverage. Even though I am starving, I do not need food to enjoy this wine. Fit for a king.

13% Alcohol
Country of Origin: USA
Region: Eugene, Oregon
Paid $18.99 for 750 mL @ Lehigh Wines, Bronx, NY

DaVinci 2003 Chianti Classico

Sharp, flavorful, standard.

Country of Origin: Italy
Region: Toscana
Paid: $20.99