Thursday, January 29, 2009
2007 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Garys' Vineyard
**2007 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Garys' Vineyard (USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands)** The nose had black cherry, some bramble and dirt, a little spice, and a hint of creamy vanilla. The palate was soft and rich, and had cherry, earth, brown spice, and a touch of oak on the finish. (91 pts.)
Some People Are Easily Excited
As usual, the so-called liberals are all excited about Obama [getting tough](http://www.gregpalast.com/obama-is-a-two-faced-liar-aw-right) with the Republicans in Congress.
>Now I understand Obama's weird moves: dinner with those creepy conservative columnists, earnest meetings at the White House with the Republican leaders, a dramatic begging foray into Senate offices. Just as the Republicans say, it was all a fraud. Obama was pure Chicago, Boss Daley in a slim skin, putting his arms around his enemies, pretending to listen and care and compromise, then slowly, quietly, slipping in the knife. All while the media praises Obama's "post-partisanship." Heh heh heh.
In reality, the Republicans gave Obama the [bird](http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jan2009/stim-j29.shtml).
>The Republican vote was a public slap in the face to President Obama, who met separately with the Republican caucuses in the House and the Senate. Obama made numerous concessions to their demands, allotting fully one-third of the stimulus package to tax cuts, many of them targeted to corporate interests. He caved in to right-wing demagogy by eliminating such provisions as expanded funding of contraception services offered by local health clinics and improvements on the national Mall after House Republicans targeted these items for abuse
>Now I understand Obama's weird moves: dinner with those creepy conservative columnists, earnest meetings at the White House with the Republican leaders, a dramatic begging foray into Senate offices. Just as the Republicans say, it was all a fraud. Obama was pure Chicago, Boss Daley in a slim skin, putting his arms around his enemies, pretending to listen and care and compromise, then slowly, quietly, slipping in the knife. All while the media praises Obama's "post-partisanship." Heh heh heh.
In reality, the Republicans gave Obama the [bird](http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jan2009/stim-j29.shtml).
>The Republican vote was a public slap in the face to President Obama, who met separately with the Republican caucuses in the House and the Senate. Obama made numerous concessions to their demands, allotting fully one-third of the stimulus package to tax cuts, many of them targeted to corporate interests. He caved in to right-wing demagogy by eliminating such provisions as expanded funding of contraception services offered by local health clinics and improvements on the national Mall after House Republicans targeted these items for abuse
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Everything Is Our Fault
First Obama and the mainstream media blames the working class for the economic crisis. Now they say that the abuse and torture carried out by the Bush administration is our [fault](http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jan2009/pers-j28.shtml) as well.
>In keeping with the current motif of Americans' supposed collective guilt for the economic crisis and everything else done by the government and the ruling elite, Cohen sums up the theme of the piece in his headline, "Torture? Prosecute Us, Too." He argues that in "the very different country called Sept. 11, 2001" there was widespread support for brutal measures. George W. Bush enjoyed "an approval rating of 92 percent, which meant that almost no one thought he was on the wrong course."
>In keeping with the current motif of Americans' supposed collective guilt for the economic crisis and everything else done by the government and the ruling elite, Cohen sums up the theme of the piece in his headline, "Torture? Prosecute Us, Too." He argues that in "the very different country called Sept. 11, 2001" there was widespread support for brutal measures. George W. Bush enjoyed "an approval rating of 92 percent, which meant that almost no one thought he was on the wrong course."
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
2006 Saint-Laurent Lucky Red
**2006 Saint-Laurent Lucky Red (USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope)** The nose had chocolate covered cherries, a little raspberry, and hints of earth and oak. The palate was a bit tannic, but did have cherry, mocha, spice, and a good vanilla and dirt finish. (86 pts.)
What Are The Motives Behind The Stimulus Package?
[Obama’s stimulus plan](http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jan2009/pers-j27.shtml)
>The first is to stave off a complete collapse of consumer spending and avert a deflationary spiral that would lead to a full-scale depression. The second is to provide at least the semblance of relief for those facing economic distress in order to contain growing social discontent over a disaster precipitated by the recklessness and avarice of the super-rich. Finally, the measure is aimed at providing political cover as the White House and Congress prepare to launch another, even more massive bailout of Wall Street and the banks.
>The first is to stave off a complete collapse of consumer spending and avert a deflationary spiral that would lead to a full-scale depression. The second is to provide at least the semblance of relief for those facing economic distress in order to contain growing social discontent over a disaster precipitated by the recklessness and avarice of the super-rich. Finally, the measure is aimed at providing political cover as the White House and Congress prepare to launch another, even more massive bailout of Wall Street and the banks.
Is This The Change You Wanted?
[Bloody Monday: 74,000 layoffs announced in one day](http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jan2009/econ-j27.shtml)
>In October, politicians of both parties, including Barack Obama, insisted that it was urgently necessary to give the major financial institutions hundreds of billions of dollars in the so-called Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). This, they promised, would result in a wave of lending that would then create jobs. It has had just the opposite effect.
>In October, politicians of both parties, including Barack Obama, insisted that it was urgently necessary to give the major financial institutions hundreds of billions of dollars in the so-called Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). This, they promised, would result in a wave of lending that would then create jobs. It has had just the opposite effect.
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Real Culprits
If Obama really wants to know who is to blame for our current economic crisis, he can start with this:
University of California Berkeley economist Emmanuel Saez has pointed out that in 2006 the richest one-tenth of American families accounted for 49.7 percent of all income that year, the highest share since 1917. From 1993 to 2006, the top 1 percent of American families captured about half of the nation's overall income growth, and from 2002 to 2006 [the top 1 percent captured almost three-quarters of income growth](http://www.econ.berkeley.edu/~saez/saez-UStopincomes-2006prel.pdf).
University of California Berkeley economist Emmanuel Saez has pointed out that in 2006 the richest one-tenth of American families accounted for 49.7 percent of all income that year, the highest share since 1917. From 1993 to 2006, the top 1 percent of American families captured about half of the nation's overall income growth, and from 2002 to 2006 [the top 1 percent captured almost three-quarters of income growth](http://www.econ.berkeley.edu/~saez/saez-UStopincomes-2006prel.pdf).
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Wines from the Southern Hemisphere
Here are the [wines](http://www.cellartracker.com/event.asp?iEvent=6757) I tasted yesterday:
* **2007 Pascual Toso Malbec Reserve - Argentina, Mendoza, Maipú, Barrancas** The nose had boysenberry, mocha, raspberry, and spice cake. The palate was soft, and had raspberry, spice cake, and an espresso finish. (91 pts.)
* **2006 Two Hands Shiraz Bella's Garden - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley** The nose had cherry, raspberry, and spice. The palate was rich and hot, and had blueberry, raspberry, chocolate, and spice. (91 pts.)
* **2007 Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc - South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch** The nose had lime, green peas, and floral notes. The palate had peas, lime, stone, and a floral finish. (90 pts.)
* **2007 Viña Cobos Malbec El Felino - Argentina, Mendoza** The nose had leather, cherry, and black currant. The palate was slightly sweet, and had black currant, earth, and cherry. (89 pts.)
* **2005 Odfjell Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Armador - Chile, Central Valley, Maipo Valley** The nose had leather, raspberry, cherry, and chocolate. The palate was a little sweet, and had leather, raspberry, cherry, and chocolate. (89 pts.)
* **2006 Viña Cobos Malbec Bramare - Argentina, Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo** The nose had tobacco, cola, spice, and cherry. The palate was very smooth, and had cedar, spice, tobacco, and a nice cherry and raspberry finish. (93 pts.)
* **2005 First Drop Shiraz Fat of the Land Seppeltsfield - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley** The nose had blueberry, blackberry, tobacco, spice, and cedar. The palate was soft, and had blackberry, blueberry, tobacco, cedar, and spice. (91 pts.)
* **2007 Pascual Toso Malbec Reserve - Argentina, Mendoza, Maipú, Barrancas** The nose had boysenberry, mocha, raspberry, and spice cake. The palate was soft, and had raspberry, spice cake, and an espresso finish. (91 pts.)
* **2006 Two Hands Shiraz Bella's Garden - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley** The nose had cherry, raspberry, and spice. The palate was rich and hot, and had blueberry, raspberry, chocolate, and spice. (91 pts.)
* **2007 Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc - South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch** The nose had lime, green peas, and floral notes. The palate had peas, lime, stone, and a floral finish. (90 pts.)
* **2007 Viña Cobos Malbec El Felino - Argentina, Mendoza** The nose had leather, cherry, and black currant. The palate was slightly sweet, and had black currant, earth, and cherry. (89 pts.)
* **2005 Odfjell Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Armador - Chile, Central Valley, Maipo Valley** The nose had leather, raspberry, cherry, and chocolate. The palate was a little sweet, and had leather, raspberry, cherry, and chocolate. (89 pts.)
* **2006 Viña Cobos Malbec Bramare - Argentina, Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo** The nose had tobacco, cola, spice, and cherry. The palate was very smooth, and had cedar, spice, tobacco, and a nice cherry and raspberry finish. (93 pts.)
* **2005 First Drop Shiraz Fat of the Land Seppeltsfield - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley** The nose had blueberry, blackberry, tobacco, spice, and cedar. The palate was soft, and had blackberry, blueberry, tobacco, cedar, and spice. (91 pts.)
Friday, January 23, 2009
I Must Have Lost All The Money
While everyone else was gushing over Obama's acceptance speech, I was deeply offended by his insinuation that the working class is to blame for the current [economic crisis](http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jan2009/pers-j23.shtml).
>These approving comments accurately sum up the deeply reactionary and deceitful thrust of Obama’s speech, behind its “I feel your pain” rhetoric. Obama’s attempt to foist the blame for the failure of American capitalism on the American people is nothing short of a libel, the purpose of which is to obscure those social interests that are really responsible for the unfolding catastrophe and justify even deeper attacks on the working class.
>These approving comments accurately sum up the deeply reactionary and deceitful thrust of Obama’s speech, behind its “I feel your pain” rhetoric. Obama’s attempt to foist the blame for the failure of American capitalism on the American people is nothing short of a libel, the purpose of which is to obscure those social interests that are really responsible for the unfolding catastrophe and justify even deeper attacks on the working class.
Before You Get Too Excited
Although the mainstream media made it seem as if the newly signed executive orders are a big change, [Obama's orders leave torture, indefinite detention intact](http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jan2009/guan-j23.shtml).
>The orders signed by Obama do not undo the Bush administration’s attacks on constitutional and international law. They do not challenge the supposed right of the president to unilaterally imprison any individual, without trial and without charges, by declaring him to be an “enemy combatant.” Nor do they end the procedure known as “extraordinary rendition,” by which the United States during the Bush years kidnapped alleged terrorists and shipped them to foreign countries or secret CIA prisons outside the US, where they were subjected to torture.
>The orders signed by Obama do not undo the Bush administration’s attacks on constitutional and international law. They do not challenge the supposed right of the president to unilaterally imprison any individual, without trial and without charges, by declaring him to be an “enemy combatant.” Nor do they end the procedure known as “extraordinary rendition,” by which the United States during the Bush years kidnapped alleged terrorists and shipped them to foreign countries or secret CIA prisons outside the US, where they were subjected to torture.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
2006 Carlisle Petite Sirah
**2006 Carlisle Petite Sirah (USA, California, North Coast, Yorkville Highlands)** The nose had black currant and pepper, blackberry, and a touch of blueberry. The palate was soft and had blackberry, pepper, blueberry, tar, and a nice graphite finish. (92 pts.)
Bargains and Big Boys
Here are the [wines](http://www.cellartracker.com/event.asp?iEvent=6703) I tasted yesterday:
* **2005 Bodegas y Viñedos de Murcia Jumilla Sierra Carche - Spain, Murcia, Jumilla** The nose had graphite, tar, cherry, blueberry, and blackberry. The palate was soft, and had tar, pencil lead, blueberry, cherry, and a touch of oak. (93 pts.)
* **2005 Barrel 27 Wine Company Syrah Head Honcho - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles** The nose had herbs, pepper, tobacco, blackberry, and red berries. The palate was smooth, and had blackberry, tobacco, herbs, and pepper. (91 pts.)
* **2006 Bergström Pinot Noir Cumberland Reserve - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley** The nose had strawberry, raspberry, earth, and vanilla. The palate was soft, and had raspberry, cherry, spice, and earth. (91 pts.)
* **2004 Bodegas Tagonius Vinos de Madrid Crianza - Spain, Castilla-La Mancha, Vinos de Madrid** The nose had tobacco, blueberry, earth, and blackberry. The palate had smoke, blueberry, blackberry, and earth. (90 pts.)
* **2007 J. Rochioli Chardonnay - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley** The nose had honey, peach, and floral notes. The palate had some buttery oak, peach, and honey. (90 pts.)
* **2003 Charter Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley - USA, California, Napa Valley** The nose had blackberry and cassis. The palate had blackberry, spice, and cassis. (89 pts.)
* **2006 Joel Gott Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California** The nose had black currant, cherry, and spice. The palate had cherry, black currant, cedar, and spice. (87 pts.)
* **2006 Bodega Numanthia Termes Toro Numanthia - Spain, Castilla y León, Toro** The nose had espresso, cherry, and grilled meat. The palate had cassis, meat, and espresso. (94 pts.)
* **2005 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley** The nose had earth, licorice, blackberry, and spice. The palate had blackberry, earth, and spice. (89 pts.)
* **2005 Bodegas y Viñedos de Murcia Jumilla Sierra Carche - Spain, Murcia, Jumilla** The nose had graphite, tar, cherry, blueberry, and blackberry. The palate was soft, and had tar, pencil lead, blueberry, cherry, and a touch of oak. (93 pts.)
* **2005 Barrel 27 Wine Company Syrah Head Honcho - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles** The nose had herbs, pepper, tobacco, blackberry, and red berries. The palate was smooth, and had blackberry, tobacco, herbs, and pepper. (91 pts.)
* **2006 Bergström Pinot Noir Cumberland Reserve - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley** The nose had strawberry, raspberry, earth, and vanilla. The palate was soft, and had raspberry, cherry, spice, and earth. (91 pts.)
* **2004 Bodegas Tagonius Vinos de Madrid Crianza - Spain, Castilla-La Mancha, Vinos de Madrid** The nose had tobacco, blueberry, earth, and blackberry. The palate had smoke, blueberry, blackberry, and earth. (90 pts.)
* **2007 J. Rochioli Chardonnay - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley** The nose had honey, peach, and floral notes. The palate had some buttery oak, peach, and honey. (90 pts.)
* **2003 Charter Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley - USA, California, Napa Valley** The nose had blackberry and cassis. The palate had blackberry, spice, and cassis. (89 pts.)
* **2006 Joel Gott Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California** The nose had black currant, cherry, and spice. The palate had cherry, black currant, cedar, and spice. (87 pts.)
* **2006 Bodega Numanthia Termes Toro Numanthia - Spain, Castilla y León, Toro** The nose had espresso, cherry, and grilled meat. The palate had cassis, meat, and espresso. (94 pts.)
* **2005 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley** The nose had earth, licorice, blackberry, and spice. The palate had blackberry, earth, and spice. (89 pts.)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Too Bad They Will Never Be Prosecuted
[US tortured Guantanamo prisoners, Army judge admits](http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jan2009/tort-j15.shtml)
>In an extraordinary public declaration, the top military judge overseeing the military tribunals at Guantanamo Bay admitted two of the principal charges long made against the Bush administration—that prisoners at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp have been tortured, and that the torture was carried out in accordance with an official policy set in Washington.
>In an extraordinary public declaration, the top military judge overseeing the military tribunals at Guantanamo Bay admitted two of the principal charges long made against the Bush administration—that prisoners at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp have been tortured, and that the torture was carried out in accordance with an official policy set in Washington.
“Smart Power” Doesn't Sound Very Smart To Me
It looks as if Hillary will be a reliable defender of the same [interests](http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jan2009/clin-j15.shtml) as those pursued by the Bush administration.
>...the "change" promised by the Obama administration is not a turn away from American militarism and wars of aggression, but rather the implementation of policies aimed at legitimizing these practices.
>...the "change" promised by the Obama administration is not a turn away from American militarism and wars of aggression, but rather the implementation of policies aimed at legitimizing these practices.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
2004 Bleasdale Shiraz "Bremerview"
**2004 Bleasdale Shiraz "Bremerview" (Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Langhorne Creek)** The nose had blackberry and cherry, a little earth and pepper, and a vanilla finish. The palate was a bit thin and tannic, but had blackberry, pepper, earth, and an oaky finish. (86 pts.)
More Free Money For The Banks
The united front of Obama and Bush behind the bank bailout is yet another demonstration of the fraud of Obama's pose as the agent of [change](http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jan2009/pers-j14.shtml).
>In an interview on the ABC News "This Week" program, Obama was asked whether he would carry out "entitlement reform, including Social Security and Medicare, where everybody in the country is going to have to sacrifice." "Yes," Obama replied, adding that "what you describe is exactly what we're going to have to do... Everybody is going to have to give." Everybody, that is, except for the multi-millionaires and billionaires who comprise the financial aristocracy.
>In an interview on the ABC News "This Week" program, Obama was asked whether he would carry out "entitlement reform, including Social Security and Medicare, where everybody in the country is going to have to sacrifice." "Yes," Obama replied, adding that "what you describe is exactly what we're going to have to do... Everybody is going to have to give." Everybody, that is, except for the multi-millionaires and billionaires who comprise the financial aristocracy.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
More Examples Of "Change" That Won't Change
Obama is running out of campaign promises to [break](http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jan2009/pers-j13.shtml).
>Given this commitment to granting what amounts to immunity to top officials in the Bush administration, including Bush and Cheney, as well as the intelligence apparatus, Obama’s formal renunciation of torture is as hollow and cynical as Bush’s own repeated assertion that, “The United States does not torture.” It did, it does, and it undoubtedly will continue to do so under an Obama administration.
>Given this commitment to granting what amounts to immunity to top officials in the Bush administration, including Bush and Cheney, as well as the intelligence apparatus, Obama’s formal renunciation of torture is as hollow and cynical as Bush’s own repeated assertion that, “The United States does not torture.” It did, it does, and it undoubtedly will continue to do so under an Obama administration.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
2006 Clone 5 Cabernet Sauvignon
**2006 Clone 5 Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley)** The nose had black currant and cherry, some spicy vanilla, and a hint of chocolate. The palate was soft, but a little thin, and had black currant, spice, cherry, and a subtle oak finish. (87 pts.)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
So Much For Change
Al I can say is [the more things change, the more the stay they same](http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jan2009/pers-j08.shtml)
>It was a clear effort to appease both congressional Republicans and the sizeable faction of fiscal conservatives among the congressional Democrats, reassuring them that while unlimited funds are to be provided to bail out big business, there will be a tight rein on spending for programs that support the needs of working people.
>It was a clear effort to appease both congressional Republicans and the sizeable faction of fiscal conservatives among the congressional Democrats, reassuring them that while unlimited funds are to be provided to bail out big business, there will be a tight rein on spending for programs that support the needs of working people.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
2007 Black Pig Albariño
**2007 Black Pig Albariño (Spain, Galicia, Rías Baixas)** The nose had citrus and floral notes, a hint of peach, and just a touch of honey at the end. The palate was crisp and rich, and had floral notes, citrus, tropical fruit, and a nice stone finish. (87 pts.)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
More Tax Cuts For The Wealth
Obama's "New Deal" is starting to look more like a "[Bad Deal](http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jan2009/stim-j06.shtml)."
>Just as he has done on foreign policy, Obama has embraced the most right-wing economic policies in order to defend the interests of America's financial elite. This will produce shock and disappointment, and ultimately anger and opposition, among working people who voted to end these reactionary policies.
>Just as he has done on foreign policy, Obama has embraced the most right-wing economic policies in order to defend the interests of America's financial elite. This will produce shock and disappointment, and ultimately anger and opposition, among working people who voted to end these reactionary policies.
Collective Punishment
Regardless of how you feel about Hamas, what is happening in Gaza is mainly affecting [innocent civilians](http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jan2009/gaza-j06.shtml).
>However, no amount of propaganda and lies can conceal the fact that Israel, with the full support of the United States, is committing a war crime.
>However, no amount of propaganda and lies can conceal the fact that Israel, with the full support of the United States, is committing a war crime.
Is Obama Going To Be More Aggressive Than Bush?
[US “surge” in Afghanistan threatens wider war](http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jan2009/pers-j06.shtml)
Sunday, January 4, 2009
2005 Andrew Murray Syrah
**2005 Andrew Murray Syrah (USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley)** The nose had tar and pepper, black cuurant and raspberry, and some earth and vanilla at the end. The palate was soft and rich, and had tar, pepper, earth, black currant, and a nice toasty oak finish. (90 pts.)
Pinots, Ports, and Stickies
Here are the [wines](http://www.cellartracker.com/event.asp?iEvent=6585) I tasted today:
* **N.V. Niepoort Porto 10 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto** The nose had toffee, caramel, honey, and orange. The palate was rich, and had toffee, orange, caramel, and honey. (96 pts.)
* **N.V. Blandy Madeira Malmsey 5 Year Old - Portugal, Madeira** The nose had burnt caramel, butterscotch, and chocolate. The palate had dark chocolate, butterscotch, caramel, and a nutty finish. (95 pts.)
* **2004 Niepoort Porto Late Bottled Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto** The nose had chocolate, caramel, and plum. The palate had chocolate, cherry, caramel, and a plum finish. (94 pts.)
* **2006 Rapet Père et Fils Pernand-Vergelesses - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses** The nose had black currant, earth, and floral notes. The palate had forest floor, cherry, black currant, and a floral finish. (93 pts.)
* **2006 Carabella Pinot Gris Late Harvest - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley** The nose had apple pie, melon, and pear. The palate had honey, pear, apple, and a stone finish. (91 pts.)
* **2005 Château Rieussec - France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes** The nose had apricot, toffee, and caramel. The palate was thick and rich, and had honey, caramel, apple, and apricot. (97 pts.)
* **2006 Walter Hansel Winery Pinot Noir The North Slope - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley** The nose had cherry, raspberry, spice, and nutmeg. The palate had sweet raspberry, cherry, and earth. (93 pts.)
* **N.V. Niepoort Porto 10 Year Old Tawny - Portugal, Douro, Porto** The nose had toffee, caramel, honey, and orange. The palate was rich, and had toffee, orange, caramel, and honey. (96 pts.)
* **N.V. Blandy Madeira Malmsey 5 Year Old - Portugal, Madeira** The nose had burnt caramel, butterscotch, and chocolate. The palate had dark chocolate, butterscotch, caramel, and a nutty finish. (95 pts.)
* **2004 Niepoort Porto Late Bottled Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto** The nose had chocolate, caramel, and plum. The palate had chocolate, cherry, caramel, and a plum finish. (94 pts.)
* **2006 Rapet Père et Fils Pernand-Vergelesses - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses** The nose had black currant, earth, and floral notes. The palate had forest floor, cherry, black currant, and a floral finish. (93 pts.)
* **2006 Carabella Pinot Gris Late Harvest - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley** The nose had apple pie, melon, and pear. The palate had honey, pear, apple, and a stone finish. (91 pts.)
* **2005 Château Rieussec - France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes** The nose had apricot, toffee, and caramel. The palate was thick and rich, and had honey, caramel, apple, and apricot. (97 pts.)
* **2006 Walter Hansel Winery Pinot Noir The North Slope - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley** The nose had cherry, raspberry, spice, and nutmeg. The palate had sweet raspberry, cherry, and earth. (93 pts.)
Thursday, January 1, 2009
2006 Randall Harris Merlot
**2006 Randall Harris Merlot (USA, Washington)** The nose had black currant and cherry, a little spice and chocolate, and some oak at the end. The palate was soft and rich, and had black currant, licorice, chocolate, and a nice vanilla and cherry finish. (87 pts.)
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