B Clarke

Mas Igneus Barranc Dels Closos 2012, Vinyes De Coster, Doca Priorat

I have to side with David on this one. Perhaps it will improve with age, but this does not taste remotely like the 2006, which was much more complex and integrate. Plus you would be hard pressed to say that this originated in Spain...A Parker pleasing international cutout. Won't be buying it by the case this time around, especially at 3 bucks more....

Adalia Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2006, Doc

Tocchi Sagrantino Di Montefalco 2004, Docg

Casal Thaulero Sangiovese 2009, Terre Di Chieti, Abruzzi

87? 88? Regardless, for the price this Sangiovese trumps other Italian bargain reds this year.

Farnese Negroamaro 2009

This is my favourite el-cheapo of the moment -- well of the year. I'm not sure about the length, and there ain't a lot of complexity here, but we're talking $7.85 a bottle, right? It's medium bodied, smooth, not too fruit-forward, and, unlike Farnese's other value leader, the Sangiovese, it's not so acidic and fine either with food or on its own

Château Ducla 2006, Ac Bordeaux Supérieur

Domaine Les Verrières Les Sept Fontaines 2009, Ap Languedoc

I liked this a lot. Restrained and softly rustic, it was never cloying or overly fruity (let alone "gushing" or "medicinal"). Will search for more, given the price.