AROUND THE WORLD IN 30 MINUTES OR LESS: MISTRESS LAUREN ENTERS THE STUDIO AS AN INTERNATIONAL AMBASSADOR OF THE GRAPE

Mistress Lauren rolled into the studio yesterday with a nice little variety of wines from all over; a kind of around the world in 30 minutes:

Manu Pinot Gris Marlborough 2009.  Grade=Outstanding.  Really nice with bright apple and pear notes, a touch of creamy lemon, finishing with nice minerality.

Manu Pinot Noir Pinot Noir 2009.  Grade=Outstanding.  Earthy with dusty black and red cherries, mulberry, cinnamon and vanilla.

Christopher Michael Syrah Paso Robles 2007.  Grade=Good.  Lighter-style Syrah, with tart red fruits, a bit of blood orange and light baking spices.  Finishes a bit soft and short.

Sweet Valley Wines Double Barrel Red Walla Walla 2007.  Grade=Outstanding.  Juicy red and black fruits, splashy chocolate and brown spices, toasted oak and creamy blackberry at the finish.

Bonacchi Chianti Classico DOCG 2008.  Grade=Outstanding.  Solid effort, medium-bodied with cherries, herbs and hints of mineral and cedar.

Bonacchi Rossi di Montalcino 2008.  Grade=Above Average.  Light cherry and red berries, a touch of red plum, and muted rosemary and basil undertones, finishing a bit dull.  Decent for the price.

Luca Malbec Mendoza 2008.  Grade=Amazing.  Decadent, smoky plum and blueberry notes, chocolate, espresso, toasted oak and cedar, graphite, baking spices and wrapping things up in a climax of sexy blackberry pie and chocolate-covered everything.