Psydr Short & To-The-Point Wine Reviews
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!
February 23, 2009
February 9, 2009
2005 Washington Hills Shiraz
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Washington Hills
FLAVOR: Red, Shiraz
ORIGIN: Columbia Valley, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $7
NICKNAME: "Washington Hills"
3 Reviews:
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February 9, 2009 11:19 PM ,
psydr said...
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3 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. -
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February 16, 2009 10:55 PM ,
said...
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I'm curious to know more about the compliment that this wine paid to your flank steak. What did it say?
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February 18, 2009 5:18 PM ,
psydr said...
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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."
January 11, 2009
1 Reviews:
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January 11, 2009 8:07 PM ,
psydr said...
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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.
January 2, 2009
1 Reviews:
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January 4, 2009 6:08 PM ,
psydr said...
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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.
November 3, 2008
2005 Tomas Cusine Vilosell
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Tomas Cusine
FLAVOR: Red, 49% Tempranillo, 28.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Garnacha, 10.5% Merlot
ORIGIN: Costers del Serge, Spain
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $12
NICKNAME: "Vilosell"
Labels: 2005, 4 STAR, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Mixed Varietal, Red, Spain, Tempranillo, Tomas Cusine
1 Reviews:
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November 3, 2008 9:23 PM ,
psydr said...
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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.
November 2, 2008
1 Reviews:
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November 2, 2008 8:18 PM ,
psydr said...
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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.
October 15, 2008
1 Reviews:
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October 15, 2008 10:48 PM ,
psydr said...
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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.
September 5, 2008
2005 Columbia Crest Two Vines Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Columbia Crest
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: Columbia Valley, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $9
NICKNAME: "Columbia Crest Double Cab"
Labels: 1 STAR, 2005, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Crest, Red, USA
1 Reviews:
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September 5, 2008 8:28 PM ,
psydr said...
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1 OUT OF 5 STARS
It makes me sad to have to give such a lowly review to a wine from Columbia Crest, because, in general, I believe them to be one of the best providers of decent wines under our little $10 bubble. This, however, is NOT one of them. And I believe they tend to pride themselves on their Two Vines selections.
The earthy Cabernet nose is there and the color is of dark, dark blackberry. But the palate is really quite unpleasant. There is a strange bitterness I can't quite describe. It's not tannins. It's more as if the wine has expired... not corked though. The "flavor" doesn't mess around. It's not an aftertaste. It hits you the moment the liquid hits your tongue. It's almost as if I had just brushed my teeth...
I don't know. Personally, I'm hoping I just picked up a bad example if this CC offering. I really hope so. I'll make an effort to pick up another bottle and give it another review shortly.
August 31, 2008
1 Reviews:
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September 1, 2008 1:10 AM ,
psydr said...
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Sehr gut! This is a very enjoyable Pinot from Germany of all places. A beautiful ruby red and smooth, smooth, smooth.
This bottle has close to zero nose... which is a little odd. It's practically without sent of any kind. Not a bad thing I suppose. Just suspicious.
Regardless, this is a wonderful beverage. Go pick up a bottle at your local grocery, sit down on your favorite couch, fire up one of your all-time favorite flicks, and enjoy. That's precisely what I'm doing at this very moment. What movie you ask? Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back of course!
Regarding the label: I found the artwork refreshing for a modern wine. Perhaps the duo palate is a bit non-traditional and overly simple for some, but I quite like it.
Also of note: This is the first Psydr review posted via iPhone. A fairly amazing device I must admit regardless of my much deserved dislike of Apple Computing.
August 28, 2008
1 Reviews:
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August 28, 2008 7:41 PM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUT OF 5 STARS
This vintage is quite good for a mere seven bucks. It's a little bitter but has a rather pleasing dark cherry flavor. The legs are a little thin, but this is a quality I actually prefer in a shiraz. It's the syrup-legs of the thicker vinos I disapprove of.
Goes well with pizza!
Buy it. Try it. Tell the World what you think...
July 31, 2008
1 Reviews:
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July 31, 2008 7:46 PM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUF OT 5 STARS
There is a bit-o-bitter in this beverage. The legs are a little thinner than average for a Merlot I'd say... which isn't a bad thing. At times, leggier wines repulse me. I don't enjoy having to chew my liquids.
This is a good light-bodied wine. I just think it's a little high in tannins. The after-palate is a wee bit strong in the same way a first Sourpatch Kid out of the bag is at the movies. Halfway through the bag though, things are going down just fine and you're mostly just dreaming about your next opportunity to brush your teeth.
What really impressed me about the bottle was the label. I love it. I really do. There's print and foil relief composed of just a handful of coordinating colors. Thumbs up for style. Now, if you could just transform fashion into flavor... Then Tin Roof would really be onto something.
Don't get me wrong. This is a decent wine. I wouldn't hesitate to serve it at a gathering. I just wouldn't go out of my way to purchase it for moi (aka myself). For eight to nine bucks there are better options out there. THIS IS the sole reason I started this blog: To lead YOU to the excellent, great, awesome values. Of course, you must agree with my assessment of vinos! But who doesn't?
2 Reviews:
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July 31, 2008 6:25 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
I do enjoy Barberas, and this particular selection is no exception. However, the bottle is the first example I've sampled from the hills of California rather than my family's homeland of Italia. I say, "it's great!" Very smooth. Full of light-bodied flavor and ruby-red color. An excellent Barbera indeed.
I believe I gave a similarly shining review of Renwood's Syrah. To date I am very happy with their offerings and will continue to sample more of their varietals as time allows. A pat on the back to you Renwood Winery. -
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May 25, 2009 8:55 AM ,
Tom said...
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Very impressed with this full-flavored wine. It was a real hit with our friends over for dinner. 5 stars.
July 21, 2008
1 Reviews:
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July 21, 2008 7:53 PM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUT OF 5 STARS
A very mellow Pinot. And, by mellow I mean lack of flavor. The 3 STAR rating is due to my belief there are folks in the wild which enjoy such a vino. Some folks enjoy drinking wine without having to deal with flavor. This is usually a symptom of being new to wine. Don't get me wrong. There's nothing bad about this. In fact, it's a general necessity. Introductory wines should be aplenty. Without such, fewer are likely to delve into the world of wine, and no one wants that... That would defeat our purpose here.
This is a very unoffensive selection. I know just the type to migrate to it at a party. This is a very good red for those wishing to make the transition from white. It's most certainly ideal for the casual Sauvignon Blanc consumer.
The nose is of blackberry and cherry and the color is a very pleasing ruby red. For me, I wish there was just a hint more palate. Then we'd be in business.
July 2, 2008
1 Reviews:
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July 2, 2008 9:04 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
A very good Merlot. Dark and sweet with only a tinge of bitter aftertaste. The pallet is certainly heavy with cherry. I can almost visualize cherries and grapes being smashed together by tiny little feet to come up with this concoction.
And how cool is this label? Simplicity with a splash of color. Very classy. I love it.
I look forward to sampling more Red Rock in the near future.
June 27, 2008
2005 The Red Square Pinot Noir
YEAR: 2005WINERY: The Red Square
FLAVOR: Red, Pinot Noir
ORIGIN: New Zealand
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $13
NICKNAME: "Red Square Pinot Noir"
Labels: 2005, 4 STAR, New Zealand, Pinot Noir, Red, The Red Square
1 Reviews:
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June 27, 2008 10:31 PM ,
psydr said...
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5 OUT OF 5 STARS
Very nice! While this wine is priced a little above our "cheap," $10 ceiling here, I wanted to report my feelings. I liked it!
There's a rich oak flavor with a hint of cherry and blackberry. Not too much. Just a hint. Perfect. A wonderful palate.
The liquid goes down very smooth. No bitter. No regrets.
It's a Friday night here, and this is JUST the wine I was looking for to finish off my hectic week of work and injury. I couldn't have asked for anything more.
Delicious!
June 24, 2008
1 Reviews:
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June 24, 2008 9:51 PM ,
psydr said...
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2 OUT OF 5 STARS
A decent wine, but just too sweet for my taste. For $6 it's a bargain though. It's currently on sale for such here and there. Not hard to find.
The nose is good, and the palate not bad. A strong taste of black current followed by an overwhelming sweetness.
Perhaps it just didn't go well with the stir fry I made this evening...
June 9, 2008
2005 Arrow Creek Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Arrow Creek
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Arrow Cab"
Labels: 2 STAR, 2005, Arrow Creek, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red, USA
1 Reviews:
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June 9, 2008 9:23 PM ,
psydr said...
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2 OUT OF 5 STARS
Don't see myself drinking this again anytime soon. Aroma was pleasant and the legs were nice. But once I splashed a little on my tongue, I was very disappointed. Thick and syrupy like molasses with too much tannins. Unpleasant really, but not awful. I'm giving the bottle two stars today mostly because I'm in a good mood. A one star may well have been in order.
I'll pass.
May 18, 2008
2005 Lockwood Vineyard Block 7 Pinot Noir
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Lockwood Vineyard
FLAVOR: Red, Pinot Noir
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Lockwood Pinot Noir"
Labels: 2005, Lockwood Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Red, UNRATED, USA
May 6, 2008
1 Reviews:
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May 6, 2008 9:24 PM ,
psydr said...
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2 OUT OF 5 STARS
I didn't particularly enjoy this Montepulciano. The palate was a bit more dirty than your standard bottle. I could almost feel the grit between my teeth, though there was no physical manifestation of such.
The color was clear. The nose was heavy, heavy with something I can't quite place. Not unpleasant. Yet, not pleasing. It's an organic scent and not chemical. I just can't get a fix on it at the moment.
Let's move on. There's better wines to spend time reviewing.
April 24, 2008
2005 Columbia Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Columbia Winery
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: Columbia Valley, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Columbia Cabernet"
Labels: 2005, 3 STAR, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Winery, Red, USA
1 Reviews:
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April 24, 2008 8:10 PM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Not bad. Went well with my flank steak and artichokes this evening. However, this isn't one of my preferred Cabernets. There is certainly a taste (and nose) of oak here. I'd go so far as to say there's a hint of walnut...
April 14, 2008
2005 Big House Red
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Big House Red
FLAVOR: Red, Blend
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Big House Red"
Labels: 2005, 3 STAR, Big House Red, Mixed Varietal, Red, USA
1 Reviews:
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April 14, 2008 10:37 PM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Cherry and Blackberry here with a stringent woody aftertaste. Decent stuff though. I wouldn't refuse it, and I'd purchase a bottle or two for a impromptu party.
2005 Red Bicyclette Syrah
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Red Bicyclette
FLAVOR: Red, Syrah
ORIGIN: Languedoc-Roussillon, France
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $10
NICKNAME: "Red Bicycle Syrah"
1 Reviews:
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April 14, 2008 10:55 PM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Another good wine, and I enjoy the label. This syrah is a bit on the sweet side. A real raspberry flavor followed by something I can't quite place. Something less sweet. Licorice comes to mind, but that just isn't it.
Anyway, the aroma and palate comes together nicely. It's just not a great wine. It's just a good, solid bottle of vino.
April 13, 2008
1 Reviews:
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April 13, 2008 8:09 PM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Okay, this is going to sound bad, but really it's not. This wine was nearly flavorless, which one might associate with "bad" or at least "not-so-great." But, no. This is a very palatable wine. I somehow found its lack of flavor as a plus. I feel like this bottle could be served with anything imaginable and still enhance its flavor.
This wine will neither woo nor disgust. It's a safe bet at any gathering, and therefore I give it a 3 STAR rating. I'd go so far as to recommend this wine at any eclectic social event...
Palate? For lack of better description, I taste Earth. Nothing bitter. Smooth as smooth can be.
Geez. Now I feel like I was raving... I wasn't. What I meant to pass on to you was just this: This syrah is Non-offensive.
March 25, 2008
2005 Chalk Creek Petite Sirah
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Chalk Creek
FLAVOR: Red, Petite Sirah
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Trader Joe's, Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $6
NICKNAME: "Chalk Creek Petite Sirah"
Labels: 2005, 3 STAR, Chalk Creek, Petite Sirah, Red, USA
1 Reviews:
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March 26, 2008 6:16 PM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Quite smooth until the slightly bitter end -- which is atypical of a Petite Sirah in my opinion. If it wasn't for the bite of bitter left lingering on my tongue, I would've easily given this wine a 4. So, if you don't mind such a bite, this will be a great wine for you at a great price.
Palate? Cherry and blackberry... Good with a simple meal of steak and potatoes. I can see the bitter coming in at the right moment to really spark the flavor of a nice, juicy, medium-raw sirloin.
I also like the label. Simple style and lack of color. Funky.
2005 Michele Chiarlo Barbara d'Asti
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Michele Chiarlo
FLAVOR: Red, Barbara
ORIGIN: Piedmonte, Italy
PURCHASED: Trader Joe's, Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $10
NICKNAME: "Chiarlo Barbara"
1 Reviews:
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March 25, 2008 5:44 PM ,
psydr said...
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5 OUT OF 5 STARS
An excellent Barbara and for only 10 bucks if you can believe that. Hurray for TJ's for bringing us yet another great wine from the Piedmonte.
This wine would go well with practically any food you were to throw at it while at the same time making that food better. The palate is simple and smells delicious. A very, very smooth wine with virtually no aftertaste minus the slightest hint of oak just to let you know how it was aged... And aged properly it was.
2005 was a magnificent year for Chiarlo. I'll be scooping up several more of their varietals in the near future. However, first I will be heading back to Trader Joe's to acquire a few more bottles of this stuff. I love it!
March 3, 2008
1 Reviews:
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March 4, 2008 12:55 AM ,
psydr said...
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2 OUT OF 5 STARS
Tastes a bit like carbonated grape juice. Not quite to that extent, but something is surely wrong here. At the same time I didn't find it awful. At first I was tempted to rate this wine a 1 STAR but ended up enjoying it enough to give it 2. Hmmm... Maybe this has something to do with the amount of the wine I drank. We'll never know.
Either way, there's no real need to purchase this wine. Why not spend $6 bucks on something that tastes much better.
2 Reviews:
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March 4, 2008 1:01 AM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUT OF 5 STARS
A strong flavor of current and cherry here in my opinion. I almost gave this bottle a 4 STAR rating... but didn't. Not a bad bottle. My only issue is that I believe it was a $15 or $16 bottle on sale for $10.
Much better wines are available for half the price. This wine is a good example of why we produce this blog. -
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February 19, 2009 9:50 PM ,
said...
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2 out of 5 stars
I think 3 out of 5 stars was being generous.
My 2005 bottle was $8 at Costco in Atlanta.
Very dry. Otherwise forgettable. Sorry.
2005 Scarlet of Paris Pinot Noir
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Scarlet of Paris
FLAVOR: Red, Pinot Noir
ORIGIN: France
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Scarlet Pinot Noir"
Labels: 2005, France, Pinot Noir, Red, Scarlet of Paris, UNRATED
February 23, 2008
2005 Blackstone Pinot Noir
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Blackstone
FLAVOR: Red, Pinot Noir
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Blackstone Pinot Noir"
Labels: 2 STAR, 2005, Blackstone, Pinot Noir, Red, USA
1 Reviews:
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February 23, 2008 10:09 PM ,
psydr said...
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2 OUT OF 5 STARS
Another really sweet wine. Tons of berries present. Again, toooooo much. Not smooth. Why can't we chill on the additives and just produce a good, palatable wine?
This is a conundrum for me. Personally, I love Pinot Noirs. This just isn't one of them.
2005 Columbia Crest Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Columbia Crest
FLAVOR: Red, Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: Washington, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $9
NICKNAME: "Columbian Blend"
Labels: 2005, 3 STAR, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Crest, Merlot, Mixed Varietal, Red, USA
1 Reviews:
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February 23, 2008 10:24 PM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Good showing. I've always been pleased with Columbia Crest. However, this blend just didn't do anything for me. The bottle is of their Two Vines offering. In this case, nothing special.
February 20, 2008
1 Reviews:
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February 20, 2008 12:28 AM ,
psydr said...
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2 OUT OF 5 STARS
Just not very good. Not smooth. No real taste to mention... and not in a good way. Sometimes lack of flavor is okay. In this case, NO. There's just something icky about this wine.
That said, I don't think it will offend most. Therefore the 2 STAR rating. It's just not very tasty.
And, given it was a $17 bottle on sale for $10, I really can't recommend it. I've sampled better bottles here on this blog for less than $5. So, given that information, you make the decision to buy it or not.
February 13, 2008
1 Reviews:
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February 14, 2008 12:30 AM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Again, another good showing for Red Truck. My only complaint regarding this bottling is its sweetness. I don't mind sweet, but I don't want to still be pondering it two minutes beyond my last swallow. This wine is a bit heavy on the sugar if you know what I mean. I feel the need to brush my teeth twice before hitting the sack. Make sense?
It's a good wine though. Especially if you're in the mood for a leggy/thick, sweet Merlot with a strong taste of plumb. At least that is what I extract from my sampling.
February 6, 2008
2005 Red Truck Red Wine
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Red Truck
FLAVOR: Red, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, & Mourvedre
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $7
NICKNAME: "Red Truck Red"
Labels: 2005, 3 STAR, Cabernet Franc, Mixed Varietal, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Red Truck, Syrah, USA
1 Reviews:
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February 6, 2008 9:43 PM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Another very good wine from Red Truck. For lack of a better description, there's a ton of BERRY in this wine. I mean a ton. That said, it's not overwhelmingly sweet. It's quite good. No bitter what-so-ever. No earthly aftertaste. Just berry without being overly sweet or thick like syrup.
February 3, 2008
1 Reviews:
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February 4, 2008 10:31 AM ,
Jay said...
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3 out of 5 Stars
This one is pretty tame. Unoffensive but not terribly exciting. Really no complaints tho. For a $3 investment and sitting at home with a movie I'd drink it again.
January 31, 2008
2005 Leaping Horse Shiraz
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Leaping Horse
FLAVOR: Red, Shiraz
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Leaping Aweful"
1 Reviews:
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January 31, 2008 10:15 PM ,
psydr said...
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0 OUT OF 5 STARS
This was a rather disappointing Shiraz. On my first swig I tasted something I just couldn't quite place. It was an unpleasant flavor. After a glass, I still can't nail it. If I had to guess, I would just say it was rotten. Perhaps it's a bad cork. I don't know. I just know I don't like it. It's friggin' terrible.
Avoid this wine at all costs... unless you've received an unwanted dinner invitation and wish to ensure you'll never be invited back again. If that's the case, then take a couple of bottles. Pretend you like it, if you can stomach it, and they're sure to shun you. Your hosts will surely believe you mad and attempt anything to remove you from their lives once and for all.
Honestly, I think I'll pour the remainder of this bottle down the drain.
Sorry Leaping Horse. I don't enjoy giving bad reviews, but this stuff is awful. Perhaps I'll try another just to ensure this bottle wasn't urinated in by a disgruntled employee.
2005 Inniskillin Okanagan Reserve Merlot
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Inniskillin
FLAVOR: Red, Merlot
ORIGIN: Okanagan Valley, Canada
PURCHASED: Canada
AMOUNT: Gift
NICKNAME: "Inniskillin Merlot"
1 Reviews:
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January 31, 2008 9:47 PM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUT OF 5 STARS
An average Merlot. A tad on the bitter side. Hey, it's from Okanagan where it's damn cold!
January 30, 2008
2005 Purple Moon Shiraz
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Purple Moon
FLAVOR: Red, Shiraz
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $3
NICKNAME: "Cheap Purple"
3 Reviews:
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January 31, 2008 6:44 PM ,
Jay said...
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5 out of 5 stars
Mmm...spicey. Was my first thought. Just enough dry, just enough sweet. Oddly, while I was tasting it, a word that came to mind was "purple". I then noticed the name on the bottle.
This is my favorite in quite a while. I've gotta get back to it before Erica drinks it all! -
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February 5, 2008 8:14 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
I found this wine to be very smooth. Complimenting my Superbowl chips, guacamole, and cheese dip quite nicely. It wasn't quite perfect. There was a charge of sweetness that put it slightly over the edge for me. Given its $3 cost, I'd say it was well, well worth it. -
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February 13, 2008 4:37 PM ,
erica said...
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5 out of 5 stars
This Purple Moon syrah is smooth and delicious. My first sip was not as sour as with some other wines i've tasted. In fact, it was quite sweet (but not overwhelmingly sweet). In addition to a ripe cherry flavor, it also hinted at a spicy oak and earthy
flavor.
This purple potion is the Angelie Jolie of all wines. Yes, it is THAT good. it has a sexy, very appealing label. In addition to its beautiful purple exterior, it has substance and complexity, with a multicultural blend of spicy and sweet goodness.
January 29, 2008
1 Reviews:
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At
January 29, 2008 9:19 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
This is a very good red. It's that perfect link between Merlot and Pinot Noir. Not too sweet and certainly not bland. I did not give it a perfect rating only because it's not quite perfect in my opinion. I can not really explain it better than that. BUT it is an excellent Syrah for $7. I mean really good. Pick up a bottle and prove me wrong if you will.
January 22, 2008
2005 3 Blind Moose Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2005WINERY: 3 Blind Moose
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $7
NICKNAME: "Cool Moose Red"
Labels: 2 STAR, 2005, 3 Blind Moose, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red, USA
1 Reviews:
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At
January 22, 2008 7:10 PM ,
psydr said...
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2 OUT OF 5 STARS
Well, first I have to say I had heard terrible things about this wine. And, therefore, I did not go into this tasting completely unbiased. I was surprised I didn't spew it forth immediately. It isn't a horrible wine... just rather bland. That's enough for me to spend my money elsewhere if given the opportunity. But if you happen to be at your corner convenience store and it's all they have, you could do worse.
January 15, 2008
2005 Night Harvest Carbernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Night Harvest
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $7
NICKNAME: "Nighty Night"
Labels: 2005, 4 STAR, Cabernet Sauvignon, Night Harvest, Red, USA
2 Reviews:
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At
January 15, 2008 10:44 PM ,
psydr said...
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4 OUT OF 5 STARS
A darn good wine for the money. Very smooth with a hint of berry. On the label I believe it says something about enjoying with Mexican cuisine. I found it quite enjoyable with pizza delivery. "Same, same" I say.
Enjoy! -
At
June 26, 2008 6:17 PM ,
Box Wines said...
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I just tried Night Harvest Cabernet Sauvignon and I agree with your comments - very drinkable and a good value.
-Roger
January 4, 2008
2005 Shooting Star Syrah
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Shooting Star
FLAVOR: Red, Syrah
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Dillon, CO
AMOUNT: $12
NICKNAME: "Shooting Star"
1 Reviews:
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At
January 7, 2008 11:31 PM ,
psydr said...
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3 OUT OF 5 STARS
A smooth, utilitarian red wine with an ever so slight bitter aftertaste. Serving this wine won't garner you any raves, but it shouldn't warrant you any complaints either. It's a pretty safe bet to bring to the table.
Not fruity in the least. I'm not exactly sure what flavor I'm tasting. I'll call it earthy.
1 Reviews:
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...
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