Chateau Ste Michelle, Indian Wells Chardonnay, 2006 (Columbia Valley, Washington) - Both the label on the bottle and the sign at the store declared volumes of tasting notes in this Chardonnay including pineapple, mango, carmel, and butterescotch.  It's normally priced in the mid to high $20's but I got it on sale for $20.  Both Nancy and I agreed that we really weren't getting any of the extraordinary tasting notes.  But despite that fact it was much richer and smoother than our typical Chardonnays and it had a long finish.  That's good enough for me to score it 7 out o 10 for above average.  I still can't help but be a little disappointed though because when I bought it I thought it might be my number 1 Chardonnay of all time, but it certainly didn't win that title.

The Little Penguin, Shiraz, 2006 (South Eastern Australia) - Since we think their Chardonnay is a value this sample was an attempt to see if the reds were as good.  Although it was OK flavor the body and the aftertaste both remind me of cheap reds.  Clearly they did better on their Chardonnay.  I'd give the Shiraz a 5 out of 10 for lower average.  And I'll add I've had other Shiraz's in the same price range which were much better so in this case the Penguin's affordability doesn't give the score any boost.