Lagar De Cervera 2004 Albarino

"After visiting mom in Cornell Medical Center, I was feeling good. I was starving though. The pizza hadn't come yet, but this wine helped out. The wine had a lovwely fruit aroma, maybe of pear and it owned a crisp taste. It's strange, why don't we drink more white wine?

12% Alcohol
Country of Origin: Spain
Region: Rias Baixas
Paid x @ Astor Wines

Marques de Tomares 2001 Rioja, Crianza

Suzanna and I returned from a wedding in Philly. Yes we missed the nuptials but we got to the reception. We also saw "the Lakehouse" in College Point. After parking and seeing doorags and gangbangers, we unwind with this bottle. Smells like your typical oakey and spicy red. It needs time to open up.

13% Alcohol
Country of Origin: Spain
Paid x @ Astor Wines

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