La Tour Chambert, 2003 (Cahors, France) - Cahors was the famous "black wine" from English history and is made from the very dark grape Malbec (called Cot in France).  Originally the wine was boiled to make it last better for shipment and that added to the blackness, though they don't boil it anymore.  I tried a sample of Cahors last year and found it weak but that sample wasn't a young wine.  I also tried some other Malbecs from around the world and had some younger ones which were big and bold.  My preliminary conclusion is I prefer Malbec that hasn't aged much.  So, how did this French sample do (it's neither young nor old - just 5 years)?  It hit the happy middle ground.  It had substantial flavor yet maintained that old world balanced style and tannins.  It would be a joy to have this again or to give it as a gift.  7 out of 10 for above average.  And just for records, this says it was 71% Malbec, 20% Merlot, and 9% Tannat.

Porta Dos Cavaleiros, 2005 (Dao, Portugal) - This was recommended by Best Cellars as a fruity red.  I'd agree and I'd say it's most like a Cotes du Rhone.  Granted it's blended to the point the separate types of grapes have lost their characters (it's Touriga National, Alfrocheiro, Aragones, and Jaen) but that's true for many blended wines and some would say that's usually the point of blending anyway.  Overall I'd give this a 6 out of 10 for upper average.

Lolonis Winery, Ladybug White, Old Vines, Cuvee II, year ? (Mendocino, California) - I'm a very big fan of Ladybug Red and scored it highly so I was excited when I saw a Ladybug White.  This is a blend of French Colombard, Semillon, Chenin Blanc, and Chardonnay, plus it's organic like the red.  Well, I wasn't blown away like the red.  When it was well chilled it seemed like any boring white.  After it warmed a little it had more character and I liked it better.  Nancy drinks more white than me though and she really enjoyed it and asked for a repeat so that says a lot.  I'd score this a 6 out of 10 for upper average.

Domaine Du Vigneau, Muscadet Sevre et Maine, Sur Lie, 2005 (France) - This is the second Muscadet I reviewed (it's the Melon de Bourgogne grape) and I much preferred the earlier sample which I thought was more flavorful.  This one was still fine though.  It took a little warming to get the flavors to come out.  And Nancy liked it.  I'll give it a 6 out of 10 for upper average.