Blandy's 5 Year Old Bual Madeira (Portugal) - I needed to replace our malmsey madeira which had run out and I bought this Bual kind instead this time.  Wow.  You know I love madeira and gave it great reviews and ratings in the past.  This one is no exception.  It's less sweet of course than the malmsey but yet the rich flavor is even more exciting with hints of coffee, butterscotch, and raisin.  We're really going to enjoy this.  10 out of 10.  And I'd call it "historic" on the newer rating system.

Griesauerhof, Georg Mumelter, Lagrein, 2005 (Sudtirol, Italy) - I had high expectations for this unusual and reportedly dark red from Italy and it did not disappoint.  The super dark and staining wine has hints of pepper and spice, coffee and tobacco, and a general earthiness.  Really tasty interesting stuff.  I'll hunt for more Lagrein in the future.  7 out of 10 for above average.

Pillar Box White, 2006 (Pathaway, Australia) - I gave a good review a year ago to Pillar Box Red which I found to be a bold tasty unfiltered red which was really a value at $10.  So when I saw this white I sprung for it though it's higher - $15.  It's a blend of 66% Chardonnay, 20% Sauvignon Blanc, and 14% Verdelho.  And unfortunately it's also quite boring and unremarkable to me.  Most of it I had chilled and it came out nondescript.  Later I had some warmed and it was much better but still never climbed above average in my opinion.  When you add to that the fact it's priced well beyond their original red I actually consider this experiment a disappointment.  Score is 5 out of 10 for lower average.