Okay, it didn't happen *quite* in the blink of an eye (as I have been claiming since June), but December is here at last and the fat man is upon us. And apparently he's making a list and checking it twice... who knew Santa had OCD? Are you looking forward to Christmas as much as I am? You'd better not shout, you'd better not cry...

So once again, it's Friday... What's HOT?!

You really wanna know? Okay, I'll tell you what's hot...

:: FREE ADVERTISING IS HOT!

Free advertising? Well, 'tis the season to be jolly, so this week we're running a special offer to put a smile on the faces of our winemakers: if you take out an advertising banner on BoozeMonkey this month, we will run it next month too FOR FREE. Better be quick if you want in though... the offer is limited to the first dozen ads (the boss mumbled something about the twelve days of Xmas and then wandered out of the room again... looks like he's hit the sherry early today). And our regular FREE ARTWORK offer still applies too.

:: THE BOOZE CRUISE IS HOT!

I mentioned the Sydney Harbour "Booze Cruise" event last week, and now the date has been finalised: 22nd January. Preparations are well underway and we are already receiving wines for the tasting panel later this month. Whites, reds, roses... not many stickies and fortifieds yet, but we're working on it.

:: THE KARRIBINDI COMPETITION WINNERS ARE HOT!

The winners of last week's KarriBindi competition (and the answers to the questions) are RIGHT HERE IN KARRIBINDI'S BLOG. Well done guys, and congratulations. The competition was a great success and had over 130 entries.

:: THE CAUGHT REDHANDED 07 SHIRAZ IS HOT!

Another 90+ point review for the Caught Redhanded 07 Shiraz: Phil Rogers, the winemaker, is on FIRE! And for all those who haven't been lucky enough to try the 08 Shiraz (as I have... jealous?!) it's EVEN BETTER. No kidding, it's ridiculously good.

So in case you missed it last week, Phil is organising a Food & Wine Extravaganza in Sydney early in the New Year, and along with five course meal, there will be wines to match. Tickets are selling fast so you'd better book now while there are still tables available.

Okay, You guys have a great weekend, enjoy the sun, enjoy the beach if you get the chance, and most of all, enjoy each other. I will leave you with just one thought today: what's the funniest thing you have ever seen at Christmas? Anything at all. Mine is from a trip to Japan where I saw Santa nailed to a cross in a shop window. To this day I'm not sure if it was a very bitter shop-keeper who had run out of Christmas spirit or just utter confusion about the relationship between Santa and Christianity.

Cheers!

Matt
www.BoozeMonkey.com