Gonzalez Byass, Apostoles, Palo Cortado Muy Viejo, Jerez (Spain) - This is 30 year old dry sherry.  I reviewed it way back in March but the bottle had stuck around until recently and I think it deserves an updated review.  Initially I was very hard on this wine because although it had some interesting flavors, like coffee and toffee, I wasn't used to the dryness and actually considered it bitter.  Since then I've had some Madeiras in the drier styles and become more acquainted.  From the standpoint of a rich and strong flavor I'd score Apostoles an 8 now (previouly I gave it a 5).  But what's important to point out is you can get the equivalent style of this wine simply by buying a 5 year old Sercial or Verdelho Madeira and in those cases you'll get twice the size of bottle and for nearly half the cost of the Apostoles.

Domaine Brusset, Laurent B., 2007 (Cotes du Rhone, France) - A wine store claimed this was just as good as Rhone wines twice the price and so a very good value.  I don't see what they're talking about.  At best this was a low average French-styled Grenache -- drinkable but nothing to write home about.  5 out of 10 for low average.

The Winery of Good Hope, Chenin Blanc, 2008 (Stellenbosch, South Africa) - Chenin Blanc is a quality grape which rivals Chardonnay.  I've had it crisp and buttery and with hints of citrus.  This sample, however, just strikes me as a basic average white wine.  Nothing wrong with it, just nothing stand out either.  5 out of 10 for lower average.