2007 Fat Bastard Shiraz
YEAR: 2007WINERY: Fat Bastard
FLAVOR: Red, Shiraz
ORIGIN: France
PURCHASED: Safeway, Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $11
NICKNAME: "Fat Bastard Shiraz"
Below are reviews of fun little finds purchased locally. The typical cost per bottle is $10 or less, and the label probably has a little more pizazz than your traditional Barolo. But don't judge the bottle by the label. These reviews are personal and certainly non-professional evaluations of wines we've tried. Enjoy!
YEAR: 2007So, again I must apologize for my lack of updates for the last month or so. I've been taking it a little easy on the vino. My wedding approaches. Time to lose those extra pounds. And, as it turns out, wine is a substantial portion of my caloric intake. So, the few times a week I get to enjoy the red stuff, I tend to purchase slightly more expensive bottles. But don't fret. I shall be back in no time. In fact, I bought a couple $10 bottles just this evening to share with all of you...
Labels: Information
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
I have to tell you, I'm a bit shocked by this vino. I nearly gave it a 5 Star for the pleasant surprise. Smooth. No bitter tannin aftertaste what-so-ever. Very berry with a hint of cherry. Perfect legs. Not too thin. Not to thick. Very subtle nose which might relate to the smooth overall texture and mild acidity. A really pleasant wine. Kudos to Trellis for producing such a wonderful concoction on the cheap.
Palate-wise, I'd say this Cab more resembles a Pinot than it's true heritage. It's probably a tad thin for your standard Cabernet. Very refreshing.
Served with stuffed chicken thighs and a fantastic rice pilaf, this wine really hit the spot tonight. I'm wondering if it was the roasted almonds that brought the flavor to life. Normally, this dish would be served with white wine, but I couldn't have made a better pairing if I'd tried...
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
This is a very nice Malbec. Light and airy. There is blackberry in the color, nose, and palate. Tons of wood involved here as well. The oak really comes through. And there is a hint of cinnamon here too which I feel really enhances this wine. After all, 75% of taste is smell. I don't really notice it in the palate, but it's clear as day in the nose. Unfortunately, I can't give this bottle a 4 STAR because there is that annoying little metallic tinge afterward. It's kind of a cool, alkaline flavor similar to licking a flag pole in late autumn. I've noticed it in a few wines from Argentina lately. I have no idea where it comes from. Maybe from the storage casks after the oak aging. I just don't know.
perhaps the metallic taste is a fact that you are buying a "value" wine at Trader's....try trading up
YEAR: 20053 OUT OF 5 STARS
A nice, solid wine. The nose tipped me off to the concoction's sweetness. A little thin and whispy for a Shiraz, but I rather like such a wine these days. The flavor was indeed sweet, but this sensation was almost immediately followed by bitterness. In fact, I had no sooner confirmed the sweet taste on the tip of the tongue when the tannins hit the back of my tongue. Nothing to be upset about. The tannins are gone in a flash. This is followed by nothing. Oddly enough, there is a distinct lack of flavor in the aftertaste...
All-in-all a good vino. Just not great. It did compliment my flank steak quite well this evening, but I just can't quite allow myself to award a fourth star. I'll just have to stick with my gut instinct here.
I'm curious to know more about the compliment that this wine paid to your flank steak. What did it say?
The flank steak was marinated in a homemade kalbi sauce for a couple of days, so the resulting product was slightly sweet with a hint of sesame. Cooked to perfection with a hint of red center, the meat was matched perfectly to this vino selection. We all know red wines are to be consumed with red meat, but this pairing was quite remarkable.
Literally, I believe I heard, "hey meat, fancy meeting you hear."
YEAR: 2007Labels: 2007, 4 STAR, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, French Maid, Red
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
This is pretty good stuff. Of course it hits our upper price ceiling, but so what. I enjoyed this Cabernet. I feel like it's been a while since I've been semi-excited about a Cab.
Cherry and anis here, but not in a bad way. I'm usually not a fan of anis in the palate, but it might be doing this vino a little good.
The color is dark. Dark as a Cab should be.
Legs are strong. More reminiscent of a Merlot. Clinging to the sides of the glass, there is more of a thick, syrupy indication here than is actually present. I don't find this wine to be thick or overly sweet. And there is no bitterness in the aftertaste.
I've actually picked this bottle up before but failed to review it. It was good enough to purchase again, and I felt a review was due.
YEAR: 2007Labels: 2 STAR, 2007, France, Georges Duboeuf, Mixed Varietal, Red
2 OUT OF 5 STARS
Thin. Sweet. Light body. But the nose is obnoxious. Terrible really. I can't quite describe it. Annis maybe. Some sort of awful cherry concoction.
I do like the thin, crispness of the vino, and the flavor isn't bad. I just can't stand the smell. I'm pretty sure I've never been so offended by a wine's nose. If you can get past that, then this is a passable wine.
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
Just when I was losing all hope, Zestos chimes in. What a relief from the last many, many wines I've tried over the past several days. This fella really hits the spot. I do believe I'm starting to acquire quite a taste for the Garnacha (aka Grenache) wines. I'm becoming more and more of a Spanish wine lover every day.
So, this guy rhymes of blackberry, current, raspberry, and cherry. Throw in anything else red and fruity and you'll start to understand the sensations I'm encountering. This is a very pleasant fruity blend. Not overly sweet. Just right really. I believe this is where the Garnacha comes in. Delicious.
The legs are perfect. Not soupy thick or chewy. And not overly thin. Really, the consistency of the concoction is perfect. Kudos to Zestos. This is one of the main characteristics of a vino which makes or breaks for me.
I'm so excited to encounter a decent wine finally that I'm probably over raving here, but that's okay. It's better to exagerate a positive than a negative. Usually humans tend towards the opposite. I'm happy to break the mold.
This is a very good wine, but not great. I can't quite give it a five star. It's soooo close though. And Zestos has given me plenty of reason to pick up the rest of their offerings. I'm eager to sample them all!
YEAR: 2006Labels: 2006, 3 STAR, Argentina, Bodega Benegas, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
I'm just happy this wine isn't as damn sweet as the last several. On this basis alone I give it a 3 STAR rating. It's not great. In fact, it's a bit bitter, but I crave a bit of bitter right now.
The nose: A cherry and blackberry and other darkness. It's decent. I'm happy. May I continue to be so. I might just finish this bottle this evening. We'll see.
While this wine is a bit bitter, it has a fair to good aftertaste. Nothing leaving an overly sour taste on the tongue. No overwhelming tannins. Let's rejoice.
In general, I praise this purple stuff with a plaque of non-crappiness. Try a bottle. I think it's worthy... even as a ten dollar venture.
This wine is crap. Sweet enough to rot out your teeth and chewy enough to make your jaw sore. Seriously, this is awful. I should give it a "0," but I'm feeling generous. I usually reserve "0" for the absolute garbage. Let me tell you, this one is close to the bottom of the proverbial barrel.
YEAR: 2006Labels: 2006, 3 STAR, Cabernet Sauvignon, J. W. Morris, Red, USA
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
For $3 you really can't go wrong. This wine is average. Maybe a tad sweet in the tooth and a bit leggy, but for three bucks what do you expect? Still, I'm giving this beverage a 3 STAR rating. I've had much worse bottles at ten times the cost.
This stuff can be picked up at Trader Joe's for nearly free, and it's a good bottle to have around for non-discerning guests. Serve it. People won't puke. Most of them won't even be offended.
YEAR: 20074 OUT OF 5 STARS
This is a decent wine... And I just realized it's the first Zin I've reviewed here. It compliments the Curry Chicken Artichoke Casserole I just devoured quite nicely. Very light bodied as one would expect in a Zin and very refreshing. This is an excellent purchase at $4. I highly suggest picking up a bottle or two at your local TJ's.
Being light in color and light in nose it's sure not to offend. I would suggest you could get away with serving this beverage to those who prefer a more substantial wine due to its thick legs. Yes, the legs are a tad heavy, but it doesn't lead one to being overwhelmed with sweetness as one would expect. The legs are misleading, but in a good way. Especially if you do prefer a good Syrah or Pinot.
As I mentioned, the aroma is light as well, but there is a hint of tannin and Earth leading to a dirty smell. Good though. Earthy is good...
2 OUT OF 5 STARS
Another overly sweet beverage. That's two vinos in a row I've found to be a little overwhelming. However, the legs are fine. I do not find them to be too thick. And the aroma is pleasing.
I purchased this bottle on a recommendation of the store's staff. I feel like it is the same lady I've been disappointed by before. Perhaps I should take this to heart and realize I am to NOT purchase anything she recommends. Perhaps I should go so far as to ask her for her advice and then purposefully NOT pick the bottle up. Of course I would carry it off in her presence, but only to put it back whence it came after she walks away to dis-enlighten another patron.
Ah, who am I kidding? I'll review anything, and it's getting harder and harder to find wines under ten bones I have yet to review.
2 OUT OF 5 STARS
Okay, this isn't my favorite Pinot. The hue shifts towards the purple side a bit too far for a Pinot, which to me indicated it was going to be a bit sweet. It is. The nose is also sweet. Quite fruity. The first thing that comes to mind is cherry. Tons of it. The cherry flavor is very, very strong. Surprisingly so, and terribly overwhelming. Too sweet. Hob Nob needs to figure out how to tone this down a bit. Dial down on the fruit in this case I say.
On the plus side, there's no bitter aftertaste. No tannins what-so-ever that I can identify. Not too thick either. The legs are just right. It's really too bad this concoction is so sweet. This could be a good wine. The roots are there. If Hob Nob would just cut back the vines a bit...
Another sweet beverage. There is however a little more substance to this vino. There's more Earth and tannins. A bit too much for my taste and too much of a contrast to the sweetness I'm experiencing. These are both immature wines that could use some more time in the bottle. The sugars have yet to break down properly.
I picked these two bottles up due to their price and label. Nifty label. Good price. I figured this would be a good opportunity to sample a Tempranillo and Garnacha from the same vineyard simultaneously and compare the two side by side.
The result is... I believe I prefer the Tempranillo to the Garnacha. But the Tempranillo wins by only the slightest of margins. It's ever so slightly sweeter and has less of a bitter aftertaste. However, I'm pretty certain the Garnacha would be the preferred beverage with food.
I know I'm only giving these fellas a 3 STAR rating, but I would not hesitate to purchase either again. They're both decent wines and probably crowd pleasers on any given day...
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
This is a sweet Tempranillo for sure. Sweet from beginning to end. Probably could've used a bit more time in the casks. Not a bad vino, just a bit of not-quite-ready. I'm not saying it's grape juice or anything. I just think the vintage is a bit immature...
YEAR: 2005Labels: 2005, 4 STAR, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Mixed Varietal, Red, Spain, Tempranillo, Tomas Cusine
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
This is a very good Spanish offering. It really is. Being an accidental purchase, I was taken a little by surprise. When I placed the vessel in my basket at the store I could not find a price listed anywhere. But having grabbed it from the "lower" shelf with the rest of my sub-ten-buck purchases, I just assumed it was similarly priced. However, upon scanning the item during self-checkout I found the bottle to be priced closer to $14, but the clerk gave me a $2 break since the price was not clearly marked. Sweet!
This is a wonderful blend with a strong Tempranillo base. The other key varietal in my opinion is the Merlot. It's addition really smooths out the tannins in the Tempranillo and Garnacha. The nose is mainly berry with a hint of smokey residue. While the palate portrays blackberry and raspberry I would not call it overly fruity by any means. And then there's a little bite in the end. A good bite though. Just enough of one to let you know it means business. Some other reviews have listed this trait as spicy. At least I believe that is what they're referring to. What do I know???
So, we all know red wines go well with red meat. No other red in my experience has proven this to be more so. There's just something about it that REALLY compliments a thick, juicy, delicious fillet. I don't know exactly how to describe it, but I think you'll understand if you give this vino a try. It's almost a dirty, gritty flavor that is very, very good and carnal.
With just the slightest bit less bite in the end, this wine would be perfect, and I would grant it a 5 STAR rating. As is, I'm officially listing this as a 4.9 STAR. I'm excited to try future vintages from Tomas.
YEAR: 2003Labels: 1 STAR, 2003, Cabernet Sauvignon, Hoodsport, Merlot, Mixed Varietal, Red, USA
1 OUT OF 5 STARS
Wow! Another crappy wine. This is not a good start for Hoodsport. I can take a hint. I promise not to buy another...
1 OUT OF 5 STARS
Not so hot. This merlot has very little resemblance to an actual merlot. It tastes more like bitter grape juice. Not a juice I'd ever buy again. It's a nasty, bitter mess. Yuk.
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Fairly smooth for a Cabernet. Just a little edgy in the aftertaste. You definitely taste the earth in this beverage. Perhaps a little too much so... The other predominant flavor is blackberry. But you only notice it for a moment. Then the earth takes over.
Not one of my favorites.
2 OUT OF 5 STARS
A plumy and bitter Malbec. Honestly, this is what I traditionally expect from a Malbec. It's just that I've had the pleasure of consuming some really delicious, non-standard Malbecs as of late. And in comparison this one is a bit of a disappointment. But maybe it shouldn't be. If you tend to enjoy Malbecs, then this bottle may be for you. It IS quite earthy. I'm just not digging it.
I type this review in the cafe where the bottle was purchased. A nice place. Very poche, uncrowded, and relaxing. I might as well as give them a little free advertising here. It's called Geneve Cafe & Wine Bar. Stop in for a coffee or sandwich... or bottle of wine.
YEAR: 2007Labels: 0 STAR, 2007, Lemberger, Merlot, Mixed Varietal, Red, USA, Working Girl Wines
0 OUT OF 5 STARS
This is cran-raspberry juice with a wine label slapped on it. Nothing more. Seriously, I'm appalled someone actually decided to bottle this stuff and SELL it (as wine). It is no wonder I found it on sale for $9.99 marked down from $15.99. I can't imagine anyone was willing to pay such a hefty fee for such swill. At least not more than once. The first round of buyers were suckered, plain and simple. I'm curious as to what percentage of these sales ended up poured down the drain. Surely none have finished a bottle. Not without gagging.
Perhaps this IS a breakfast wine. It might be a decent replacement for orange juice on occation... Well, not really. It's just terrible. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say this is the worst wine I've reviewed to date.
Barf!
Is it me? Or does it seem like all these Zero Star wines look like the winery paid more attention to designing an attractive label than they did making a drinkable wine?
YEAR: 2006Labels: 2006, 3 STAR, Mano a Mano, Red, Spain, Tempranillo
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
A nice change from the other vino I've had this evening... even though I'm going to give it the exact same rating (3 STARS). I just happen to like Tempranillo more at the moment, but I can't let that sway my judgment.
Clearly dog is the motif for this evening as both reviewed beverages have canines on their labels. That wasn't on purpose. That's just how things turned out.
Oddly enough, I find this Tempranillo to be sweeter than the Merlot I consumed just an hour ago. It's a good sweet. Right now, I prefer it.
There are some earth and oak tones here as well. There were clearly oak casks involved in the aging of this beverage. While there usually are, there's no doubt here. Licking the actual casks would be the only way to create a stronger oak palate. Watch out for splinters.
A small amount of bitter and a slightly pungent nose. Not a terrible pungent. Just a hint of not-quite-right.
All-in-all this is an average vino.
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
A nice Merlot. Good nose and such. There's just a bit too much anise in the palate for my taste. And the color is extraordinarily dark and almost opaque. Other than that, it's fine. I don't think you'd upset anyone by severing this wine at your next gathering. It does have a good blackberry flavor. Anise is just overwhelming in my opinion.
The label is rather sheik, and certainly their cause is worthy. It's my understanding that 50 cents of each Doghouse purchase goes to help the Guide Dogs for the Blind organization.
2 OUT OF 5 STARS
A little dusty for my taste. Earthy yet tart. Similar in palate to a Malbec. A little dirty tasting if you will. And the slight dark bitters from the Merlot show as well.
This wine is unsweet and seems not quite ready for harvest. The danglies could've used a bit more time on the vine perhaps. This is the type of wine that does show promise, but as is, it's just not very good.
That said, I am curious about the Carmerene. Let's see what else comes about.
YEAR: 2006Labels: 2006, 3 STAR, Goats do Roam, Mixed Varietal, Red, South Africa
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Plum. Tons of plum.
While the blend is not listed, if I were to guess, I'd say Shiraz was the predominant varietal. It has the same sweet characteristics and color. The nose, however, is of plum. Smooth. No bitter tannins. And a slight fruity aftertaste.
A decent wine from South Africa. I'm tempted to give it 4 STARS, but I just can't.
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Not a bad Cabernet. Dark purple in color which is consistant for a cab. It has that standard Cabernet bite. Just a tinge of bitter and tannins. Then there is a slight sweetness to the palate. This is unexpected for a Cabernet, yet I feel it balances the beverage quite nicely. The aftertaste has a slight flavor of metal. If I had to pick a metal, I'd choose tin to describe it. While there IS an earthy tone to the wine, I feel the metalic portion slightly overwhelms. Therefore, only 3 STARS.
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
This is a decent Merlot. There's your standard hint of currant, and the fluid is a tad on the thick side. Pretty good though. Goes down smooth. Didn't cost much. And it has a groovy label. What more do you need?
I have nothing glowing or disparaging to say about this beverage. I guess if I was more into Merlots at the moment, I might have given the bottle a 3.5 STAR rating.
YEAR: 2006Labels: 2006, 3 STAR, Grenache, Mixed Varietal, Red, Red Guitar, Spain, Tempranillo
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
This one is a surprise. At first whiff I was sure I was to be disappointed. Nope. This is a good wine. The nose betrayed it's actual character by releasing a scent of sweet, sweet licorice. Not being a licorice fan, I'm usually immediately turned off by such wines. But this one wasn't so bad. In fact, I rather enjoyed it. It was a tad sweet and a bit leggy. And there IS a hint of anise in the palate. However, it wasn't overpowering, and the hint of pepper helped dull down the sweet. Overall it was a good balance. If you enjoy licorice, then this is the bottle for you. I see no reason not to purchase this wine. It's a good bottle to "throw in the mix" every now and then...
2 OUT OF 5 STARS
Quite a startling contrast to the vino I just had. While the previous blend from The California Wine Party was smooth and without a hint of acidic bitterness, this is the polar opposite. Very acidic. I feel as if the enamel is being stripped from my teeth as I write this review. The wine makes me want to brush my teeth. I don't know. It's probably not the most bitter beverage I've tried as of late, but it's certainly not inviting me back to purchase it again. I don't like it. It's almost chalky. Ick. No thanks Crucillon.
2 Reviews:
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Very pungent cherry with a dull aftertaste. Not bad, but not as good as previous Fat Bastard offerings in my opinion. Very, very dark purple in color. More like a Cabernet than a Shiraz. Good flavor though. Not too strong. No bitter end. Honestly, I'm surprised by the difference a year can make. While I wouldn't hesitate to purchase this bottle again, I don't highly recommend it either... and I remember really enjoying the previous Fat Bastard Shiraz. Oh, well. What can one do?
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