Bonny Doon Vineyard, Central Coast Syrah, Le Pousseur, 2005 (California) - I bought this on-line and it was hyped on-line and also on the label as being a more authentic style of Syrah, not so much a fruit bomb as an elegant floral delight.  Granted it's not a bomb.  I found it to be fresh and with decent but not overdone fruit flavors.  The back label though waxes nostalgic about it's femininity, it's indelible impression, even going so far as to say you'll forget your name.  That's all bunk.  I'll give this a 6 out of 10 for upper average.  It's good just nowhere near as good as the claims.

Sandeman, Founders Reserve Porto (Portugal) - I bought this to compare with the Warre's Warrior Special Reserve I liked so much, they're the same price range and both reserves.  At first I was very disappointed because it had none of the complexity or kick I liked in Warre's.  It's just an uber-blended fruit flavor with a kick of alcohol.  However, Nancy said she liked it and I do have to confess it's a basic utilitarian port plus I'm sure there are cheaper lamer versions out there which I'd still call average.  So I can still give this a 6 out of 10 for upper average.

Domaine La Tour Vieielle, Banyuls, 2005 (France) - This is an oxidized red wine from France which in itself makes it unique.  To me it tastes the same as an average port.  However it has one advantage - the alcohol content is only 16.5% which puts it below port and sherry and actually only a couple points higher than many modern dry wines.  That fact alone earns it a better than average score of 7 out of 10.