Merlot and Chardonnay

Here are the [wines](http://www.cellartracker.com/event.asp?iEvent=6421) I tasted today:

* **2005 Stuhlmuller Vineyards Chardonnay Reserve, Estate Bottled - USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley** The nose had candied fruit, stone, citrus, and tropical fruit. The palate was fat, and had butter, pear, apple, and citrus. (92 pts.)
* **2005 Northstar Merlot Columbia Valley - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley** The nose had blackberry, plum, raspberry, cherry, and vanilla. The palate had blackberry, raspberry, cherry, oak, and a mint finish. (90 pts.)
* **2006 Groth Chardonnay - USA, California, Napa Valley** The nose had apple, pineapple, spice, and a hint of vanilla. The palate was rich and creamy, and had toast, pineapple, and citrus. (88 pts.)
* **2006 Gemtree Vineyards Chardonnay Citrine - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale** The nose had bread, pear, and citrus. The palate was very smoky, and had lime, bread, and pear. (88 pts.)
* **2003 MacRostie Merlot - USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros** The nose had black currant, spice, and vanilla. The palate had black currant, blackberry, and spice. (87 pts.)
* **1999 Château La Couspade - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru** The nose had spice, earth, cherry, and a little oak. The palate was a bit thin, and had cherry, earth, and spice. (87 pts.)
* **2006 Summers Merlot - USA, California, Napa Valley** The nose had herbs, currant, toast, and plum. The palate had black currant, spice, and oak. (86 pts.)
* **2005 Rubicon Estate / Niebaum-Coppola Merlot - USA, California, Napa Valley** The nose had dirt, black currant, plum, cherry, and spice. The palate was soft, and had black currant, cherry, and spice. (91 pts.)
* **2006 Staglin Family Chardonnay Salus - USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford** The nose had pear, apple, butter, spice, and stone. The palate had apple, nuts, butter, spice, and toast. (90 pts.)