2008 First Drop Minchia Montepulciano – Adelaide Hills. 2008 SC Pannell Pronto Tinto Grenache Touriga Shriaz Monastrell – McLaren Vale. 2008 Moss Wood Ribbonvale Cabernet Merlot – Margaret River. 2008 Turkey Flat Butchers Block Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre – Barossa Valley. So now you are asking: did it work? MORE >>

2008 Mas des Dams La Dame AOC Languedoc (18.00). This is 50/30/20 Grenach, Syrach, Carignan from an area near Bezier, with black pepper and cinammon bark. This is a Syrah/Grenach blend  with lots of garrigue, black and white pepper, and an intense minerality. very successful first day. I will try. Loup (21.50). MORE >>

While I haven’t tried the wine, one of Beckmen’s other grenache wines rolls in at 15.6% 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Modus Operandi, Napa Valley, California. ? Right now, at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Dr. Manmohan Singh, prime minister of India, is being feted at a state dinner! Full menu selections come after the jump. Pear Tatin. MORE >>

We concluded with a duo of grenaches/garnachas. Returning again to the Madrid region, the Bernabeleva 2008 Navaherreros Tinto ($22), which impressed the group with its light color but full flavors. A group of friends that know each other through their sons’ school has a tasting every so often. Yay, three for three so far! MORE >>

Here are my favorites right now (prices are with the 10% mixed case discount): Whites 2008 Benaza Monterrei Gode llo , $11.70, Jose Pastor Selections, Vinos & Gourmet Imports. 2008 Knebel Mosel Riesling Trocken , $12.60, Mosel Wine Merchant, USA Imports. 2008 Clos la Coutale Cahors , $13.50, Kermit Lynch Imports. or $13.50 MORE >>