2005 Leaping Horse Shiraz
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Leaping Horse
FLAVOR: Red, Shiraz
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Leaping Aweful"
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!
January 31, 2008
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Leaping Horse
FLAVOR: Red, Shiraz
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Leaping Aweful"
2005 Inniskillin Okanagan Reserve Merlot
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Inniskillin
FLAVOR: Red, Merlot
ORIGIN: Okanagan Valley, Canada
PURCHASED: Canada
AMOUNT: Gift
NICKNAME: "Inniskillin Merlot"
1 Reviews:
-
At
January 31, 2008 at 9:47 PM ,
psydr said...
-
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
An average Merlot. A tad on the bitter side. Hey, it's from Okanagan where it's damn cold!
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
January 30, 2008
2006 Snoqualmie Whistle Stop Red
YEAR: 2006WINERY: Snoqualmie
FLAVOR: Red, 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot
ORIGIN: Columbia Valley, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Whistle Stop Red"
Labels: 2006, 3 STAR, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mixed Varietal, Red, Snoqualmie, USA
1 Reviews:
-
At
January 30, 2008 at 11:45 PM ,
psydr said...
-
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
A good blend. Merlot and Cabernet blends tend to compliment very well. These varietals tend to be on opposite ends of the grape spectrum for me. Therefore, the combination of both tends to produce a somewhat medium flavor. Merlot will cancel the bitter of Cabernet, while Cabernet tends to tone down the sweetness of Merlot. Overall, I would say this is a good wine. I almost gave it 4 stars...
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
2005 Purple Moon Shiraz
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Purple Moon
FLAVOR: Red, Shiraz
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $3
NICKNAME: "Cheap Purple"
3 Reviews:
-
At
January 31, 2008 at 6:44 PM ,
Jay said...
-
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! -
At
February 5, 2008 at 8:14 PM ,
psydr said...
-
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. -
At
February 13, 2008 at 4:37 PM ,
erica said...
-
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.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
1 Reviews:
-
At
January 30, 2008 at 8:23 PM ,
psydr said...
-
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
This is another popular and average wine readily available in every market in Seattle. It's good. A hint of cherry. Slightly sweet.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
2004 Columbia Winery Syrah
YEAR: 2004WINERY: Columbia Winery
FLAVOR: Red, Syrah
ORIGIN: Columbia Valley, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Columbia Syrah"
Labels: 3 STAR, Columbia Winery, Red, Syrah, USA
1 Reviews:
-
At
January 30, 2008 at 8:00 PM ,
psydr said...
-
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
This is pretty much your standard wine. Good, but not great. The first lips are a bit sour, but this soon fades. Afterwards, it drinks nicely.
There is a dark flavor to this wine. I can't quite place it. It's not fruity or terribly bitter, just dark.
I'm placing this wine in the average catagory.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
January 29, 2008
2007 Pepperwood Grove Pinot Noir
YEAR: 2007WINERY: Pepperwood Grove
FLAVOR: Red, Pinot Noir
ORIGIN: South Eastern Australia
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $7
NICKNAME: "Pepperwood Pinot"
Labels: 2007, 3 STAR, Australia, Pepperwood Grove, Pinot Noir, Red
1 Reviews:
-
At
January 29, 2008 at 9:55 PM ,
psydr said...
-
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
This is my fault. I sampled the Pepperwood Pinot in the same evening as the Syrah. Historically, I prefer the Pinot over Syrah, but not in this case. Honestly, this Australian wine is no equal to its Californian brethren. I must deduct at least one Star... and fight myself not to deduct another. It's not a bad wine. I just wouldn't buy it over its Syrah counterpart... or over other Pinots I've sampled as of late.
I found this review hard to type. At first, I could not decide how to explain how I preferred one winery's Syrah over its Pinot. I am sure this happens from time to time. It just hasn't happened to me before.
Anyway, kudos to Pepperwood for their Syrah. Their Pinot Noir is... eh... average.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
1 Reviews:
-
At
January 29, 2008 at 9:19 PM ,
psydr said...
-
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.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
January 28, 2008
2 Reviews:
-
At
January 28, 2008 at 6:29 PM ,
psydr said...
-
5 OUT OF 5 STARS
Excellent! This is a great Pinot Noir at a great price. A hint of cherry. No bitter. Not too sweet. It's perfect. Honestly, I can not believe this is a $7 bottle of wine. Hats off to Mirassou. You are sure to see more of their wines reviewed here very shortly... -
At
May 10, 2008 at 3:58 PM ,
psydr said...
-
5 OUT OF 5 STARS
So, a friend of mine brought this bottle over last night to a little dinner we hosted. It hadn't struck me I'd already reviewed the bottle a couple months ago until the silky liquid hit my tongue. I thought, "this is an excellent, excellent Pinot." I checked the Psydr Wine List and sure enough, there it was. I'd already given it a 5 STAR rating.
Well, just to solidify the rating I thought I'd rant a little about it once more. My buddy said he picked up the bottle on sale for $8, but I remember paying only $7. Either way, it's a great value. Shoot. It'd be a great value at twice the price in my humble opinion.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
January 27, 2008
2004 Gallo Family Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2004WINERY: Gallo Family (Sonoma Reserve)
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: Sonoma County, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $10
NICKNAME: "Gallo Reserve Cab"
1 Reviews:
-
At
January 27, 2008 at 7:03 PM ,
psydr said...
-
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Ah, back to the less sweet. There's a hint of bitter in this fella and a slightly oaky aftertaste. In general, I enjoyed it. It's an easygoing wine. I served it to my dinner guests this evening. All seemed happy.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
2004 Red Diamond Shiraz
YEAR: 2004WINERY: Red Diamond
FLAVOR: Red, Shiraz
ORIGIN: Washington, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $9
NICKNAME: "Red Diamond"
1 Reviews:
-
At
January 27, 2008 at 6:37 PM ,
psydr said...
-
2 OUT OF 5 STARS
Wow! A very strong taste of berry, which I like. However, the legs on this bad boy are a little too leggy for me. The stuff is almost a syrup. So, flavor = good, but texture = icky. I think I'm going to pass on this one in the future.
Maybe the first word in my review shouldn't have been "wow." Seems misleading...
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
January 24, 2008
2006 Big Fat Llama Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2006WINERY: Big Fat Llama
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: Cachapoal Valley, Chile
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Big Fat Llama"
Labels: 2006, 4 STAR, Big Fat Llama, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile, Red
1 Reviews:
-
At
January 24, 2008 at 1:06 PM ,
psydr said...
-
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
A pretty smooth Chilean Cabernet with a not-so-subtle hint of oak. I rather liked this wine. I little fruity but very nice. If it wasn't for the slight overpowering taste of oak, I would have given the wine a perfect score. Not bad for an $8 bottle I say!
Take a bottle over to your next dinner party. Everyone should enjoy the bright label as much as the wine itself.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
January 23, 2008
Varietal Explainations
This is another great article by the folks at Appellation America not only explaining the differences between 142 grape varietals but also assigning each a character to evaluate or associate with. If you truly take the time to read each one as I did, then you will be well on your way to understanding the differences between wines... which, really, is completely unnecessary for enjoying this website.
Varietals Characters
{added February, 2008}
I recently came across this varietal explanation as well:
Grape Profiles
Labels: Information
The Future of Corking
This is a great article I ran across this evening regarding the past, present, and future of corking. Will the move away from natural cork continue? And what will replace it? The article goes on to explain the benefits and woes of plastic, screw caps, and glass corking techniques as the industry attempts to descern what to do about the corking problem. The article by Eleanor & Ray Heald goes on to introduce the issues behind cork replacement and the money behind the effort to leave it be...
To Cork or Not to cork?
by Eleanor & Ray Heald
Published October 26th, 2007
Labels: Information
Dog Tail Fire Hydrant Red
YEAR: None Given, Purchased 2008WINERY: Dog Tail Vineyards
FLAVOR: Red, Blend
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Fire Hydrant Red"
Labels: 4 STAR, Dog Tail, Mixed Varietal, Red, USA
1 Reviews:
-
At
January 23, 2008 at 9:04 PM ,
psydr said...
-
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
Okay, I might get some flak for rating this wine a 4. Have you tried it? It's good! I really enjoyed it. It might be a tad on the sweet side for some folks, but the fruity flavor was a welcome accent over some of the very bitter wines I've tasted as of late. And we all know how bitter cheap wines can be...
It's got a colorful label paying homage to the canines who freely roam the vineyard and a twist-off cap! What more could you want in a wine?
After a little searching on the internet, the detail of the varietals was found to be Cabernet Sauvignon (92%), Cabernet Franc (6%), and Souzao (2%).
If your pallet tends towards the sweeter end of the vino spectrum, pick up a bottle of Fire Hydrant and give it a shot. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
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:
-
At
January 22, 2008 at 7:10 PM ,
psydr said...
-
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.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
2004 Dancing Bull Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2004WINERY: Dancing Bull
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Dancing Bull"
Labels: 2004, 3 STAR, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dancing Bull, Red, USA
1 Reviews:
-
At
January 22, 2008 at 5:58 PM ,
psydr said...
-
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Not too bad. I rather enjoyed this Cabernet with my Mexican food this evening. A fairly subtle wine that aims to please but is by no means fantastic.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
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:
-
At
January 15, 2008 at 10:44 PM ,
psydr said...
-
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 at 6:17 PM ,
said...
-
I just tried Night Harvest Cabernet Sauvignon and I agree with your comments - very drinkable and a good value.
-Roger
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
January 11, 2008
2006 Yellow Tail Shiraz
YEAR: 2006WINERY: Yellow Tail
FLAVOR: Red, Shiraz
ORIGIN: South Eastern Australia
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Jumpin' Shiraz"
2 Reviews:
-
At
January 11, 2008 at 8:03 PM ,
psydr said...
-
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
A very decent wine. Smooth, good flavor. No real bite or bitter aftertaste. A nice balance of tannins. Perhaps a hint of berry. Went very nicely with my Chinese food this evening.
I may have discovered the reason why Yellow Tail is in every wine, grocery, and convenience store within 50 miles of my home. It's cheap and well done.
Bravo. -
At
February 4, 2008 at 8:04 PM ,
Jay said...
-
3 stars
I'm beginning to notice a trend in my personal wine tasting. With many wines, such as this one, I'm not so excited upon first taste. A very few sips later I'm just fine with it. Initially I thought it was a bit...sour maybe. Now that I'm on my second glass it's pretty tasty.
Wouldn't be my first choice but if I'm shopping at the mini-mart, I'll pick it up again.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
January 9, 2008
2007 Alice White Shiraz
YEAR: 2007WINERY: Alice White
FLAVOR: Red, Shiraz
ORIGIN: South Eastern Austalia
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $7
NICKNAME: "Alice Red"
1 Reviews:
-
At
January 10, 2008 at 7:17 PM ,
psydr said...
-
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
I must admit. This wine was a bit of a surprise. I had very low expectations pouring the first glass, but it turned out to be more than a palatable wine. In fact, if you're shooting for a decent $7 bottle of drinking wine or casual table wine, this one has nothing to be embarrassed about. Kudos to Alice White.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
January 7, 2008
2004 Rainier Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2004WINERY: Rainier Ridge Winery
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: Washington, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $7
NICKNAME: "Ridge Red"
Labels: 2 STAR, 2004, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rainier Ridge, Red, USA
2 Reviews:
-
At
January 7, 2008 at 6:02 PM ,
psydr said...
-
2 OUT OF 5 STARS
A little tart and bitter. Not my favorite. Don't get me wrong. It's not awful. There's just better out there for your $7... -
At
January 9, 2008 at 4:49 PM ,
said...
-
I disagree. I purchased this for $4.00 a bottle. I enjoy the cab, but not the merlot. This is a great everyday "couple" of glasses of wine a day. I tend to drink the whole bottle....by myself.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
2004 Salmon Harbor Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2004WINERY: Salmon Harbor
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: Columbia Valley, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $6
NICKNAME: "Salmon Wine"
Labels: 2 STAR, 2004, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red, Salmon Harbor, USA
2 Reviews:
-
At
January 7, 2008 at 6:09 PM ,
psydr said...
-
2 OUT OF 5 STARS
Very dark in color and light on smell for a cabernet. There is a general lack of flavor. The label mentioned something regarding hints of cherry and plumb. I taste neither.
A very neutral wine. There's no real need to avoid picking up a bottle. But, then again, there's no real need to spend your money on one either.
I do enjoy the simplicity of the label. -
At
June 6, 2010 at 7:18 PM ,
said...
-
why so much stuff in the bottom of the 2006 bottle? Do they use filters?
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
January 4, 2008
1996 Travaglini Gattinara
YEAR: 1996WINERY: Travaglini
FLAVOR: Red, Gattinara (Nebbiolo)
ORIGIN: Piedmonte, Italy
PURCHASED: Seattle, USA
AMOUNT: $30
NICKNAME: "Psydr's Personal Favorite"
Labels: 1996, 5 STAR, Gattinara, Italy, Nebbiolo, Red, Travaglini
1 Reviews:
-
At
January 7, 2008 at 6:26 PM ,
psydr said...
-
5 OUT OF 5 STARS
I just love this stuff. Honestly, I'm not exactly sure why. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact my family is from Piemonte and it's in my genes. I don't know.
Gattinaras, Barolos, and Barbarescos have always held the top positions of my personal wine list. The Nebbiolo grape has been used to produce some fabulous red wines... and grappas. Yours truly has been known to put down an entire bottle of Grappa di Barolo in an evening while sitting on the Tuscan hillside.
If you have the opportunity, please try a bottle of Gattinara. They're not that difficult to obtain and certainly well worth the effort.
I hear your rants now: "This is more than a $10 bottle of wine." I'm aware. But it's my favorite. And this is my blog... I may occasionally list a bottle above the $10 mark. It's okay.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
47 Pound Rooster Pinot Noir
YEAR: None Given, Purchased 2007WINERY: 47 Pound Rooster
FLAVOR: Red, Pinot Noir
ORIGIN: France
PURCHASED: Dillon, CO
AMOUNT: $10
NICKNAME: "Big Cock"
Labels: 3 STAR, 47 Pound Rooster, France, Pinot Noir, Red
2 Reviews:
-
At
January 7, 2008 at 11:15 PM ,
psydr said...
-
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
Blank. Nearly flavorless. However, no flavor is better than bad flavor. Thin and without any sort of legs.
Don't get me wrong. This is in no way a bad wine. In fact, I would recommend it to folks who are looking for a good sipping wine. It's in no way offensive to the pallet and is very drinkable. Just don't expect a standing ovation.
This wine also strikes me as a good red wine for those who tend to prefer white. -
At
February 9, 2008 at 11:26 PM ,
Jay said...
-
3 out of 5 stars
I liked it just fine. Drinkable indeed. Admittedly, I'm a big fan of the label and I started the day with a handful of Bloody Maries. Overall tho, I found it pretty tastey. I'm beginning to realize that I don't really describe the wines that I drink. I just use this as an excuse to write little stories. Sorry, but at least I enjoyed this wine whilst I rambled.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
2005 Shooting Star Syrah
YEAR: 2005WINERY: Shooting Star
FLAVOR: Red, Syrah
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Dillon, CO
AMOUNT: $12
NICKNAME: "Shooting Star"
1 Reviews:
-
At
January 7, 2008 at 11:31 PM ,
psydr said...
-
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.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
1 Reviews:
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.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]