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:
-
At
February 9, 2009 at 11:19 PM ,
psydr said...
-
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. -
At
February 16, 2009 at 10:55 PM ,
said...
-
I'm curious to know more about the compliment that this wine paid to your flank steak. What did it say?
-
At
February 18, 2009 at 5:18 PM ,
psydr said...
-
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."
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
January 11, 2009
1 Reviews:
-
At
January 11, 2009 at 8:07 PM ,
psydr said...
-
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.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
January 7, 2009
2006 J. W. Morris Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2006WINERY: J. W. Morris
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Trader Joe's, Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $3
NICKNAME: "Cheap-as-Dirt Cab"
Labels: 2006, 3 STAR, Cabernet Sauvignon, J. W. Morris, Red, USA
1 Reviews:
-
At
January 7, 2009 at 11:04 PM ,
psydr said...
-
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.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
January 6, 2009
2007 Trader Joe's Zinfandel
YEAR: 2007WINERY: Trader Joe's
FLAVOR: Red, Zinfandel
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $4
NICKNAME: "Trader Joe's Zin"
1 Reviews:
-
At
January 6, 2009 at 7:13 PM ,
psydr said...
-
4 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...
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
January 2, 2009
1 Reviews:
-
At
January 4, 2009 at 6:08 PM ,
psydr said...
-
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.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
November 2, 2008
2003 Hoodsport Cabernet Merlot
YEAR: 2003WINERY: Hoodsport
FLAVOR: Red, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot
ORIGIN: Columbia Valley, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Hoodsport Blah"
Labels: 1 STAR, 2003, Cabernet Sauvignon, Hoodsport, Merlot, Mixed Varietal, Red, USA
1 Reviews:
-
At
November 2, 2008 at 11:30 PM ,
psydr said...
-
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...
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
1 Reviews:
-
At
November 2, 2008 at 8:18 PM ,
psydr said...
-
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.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
October 27, 2008
1 Reviews:
-
At
October 27, 2008 at 5:54 PM ,
psydr said...
-
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.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
October 24, 2008
2007 Working Girl Wines Go Girl Red
YEAR: 2007WINERY: Working Girl Wines
FLAVOR: Red, 85% Merlot, 15% Lemberger
ORIGIN: Columbia Valley, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $10
NICKNAME: "Working Girl Awful"
Labels: 0 STAR, 2007, Lemberger, Merlot, Mixed Varietal, Red, USA, Working Girl Wines
2 Reviews:
-
At
October 24, 2008 at 1:27 AM ,
psydr said...
-
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! -
At
June 30, 2009 at 9:57 AM ,
said...
-
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?
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
October 21, 2008
1 Reviews:
-
At
October 22, 2008 at 12:22 AM ,
psydr said...
-
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.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
October 15, 2008
1 Reviews:
-
At
October 15, 2008 at 10:48 PM ,
psydr said...
-
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.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
October 14, 2008
2006 The California Wine Party Franc/Merlot
YEAR: 2006WINERY: The California Wine Party
FLAVOR: Red, 70% Cabernet Franc, 26% Merlot, 4% Petite Sirah
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Trader Joe's, Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $5
NICKNAME: "Wine Party Red"
Labels: 2006, 4 STAR, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Mixed Varietal, Petite Sirah, Red, The California Wine Party, USA
1 Reviews:
-
At
October 27, 2008 at 9:33 PM ,
psydr said...
-
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
Good nose. Maybe slightly sweet in smell. Dark and slightly clouded. Not the clearest of beverages. Good flavor though. Not bad at all for a cheap wine. Surprisingly, there is very little aftertaste. For some reason I was betting on a bit of the bitters after swallowing. Maybe because the color was a little off. Or maybe is was something I sensed in the aroma. Either way, I couldn't have been more wrong. This wine starts off smooth and finishes in exactly the same way. Some might describe it as having a slightly watered down feeling, but personally, I just think it's a nice, smooth vino. I tend to prefer a thinner wine at times. They just seem more refreshing.
Anyway, this is a good buy and can be found at your local Trader Joe's. Pick up a bottle and let me know what you think.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
September 6, 2008
2006 Smoking Loon Pinot Noir
YEAR: 2006WINERY: Smoking Loon
FLAVOR: Red, Pinot Noir
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $10
NICKNAME: "Smokin' Loon Pinot"
Labels: 2006, 4 STAR, Pinot Noir, Red, Smoking Loon, USA
1 Reviews:
-
At
September 6, 2008 at 8:11 PM ,
psydr said...
-
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
So, I was standing there at my local corner store racking my brain trying to decide which of their lovely wines would best compliment my jalapeno cheddar dip and Tostitos scoops when my eyes came upon this Smoking Loon. After quietly pulling up the Psydr Wine Review site on my new iPhone, I was quickly able to determine I have yet to review this bottle. Soon I was out the door with my new discovery. Now, sitting on my favorite couch, I have the following information to dispatch:
This is an excellent Pinot. Great nose. Almost refreshing like that first whiff of coffee in the morning. While a little leggy visually, the wine itself does not have a thick or sticky texture. The palate is very, very, cherry-berry. How's that for a description? Sorry. That's just what came to mind on first swallow. It's a very smooth wine which is fairly typical of the Pinot and probably why I tend to enjoy them so much.
I think you'll be a happy little camper if you choose this wine. Sometimes they DO carry the good stuff at the corner store. Whadaya know...
Okay, so now it's time for the chips and cheese. I was holding off for the review. Enough of that! I'm hungry.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
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:
-
At
September 5, 2008 at 8:28 PM ,
psydr said...
-
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.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
September 4, 2008
2006 Snoqualmie Syrah
YEAR: 2006WINERY: Snoqualmie
FLAVOR: Red, Syrah
ORIGIN: Columbia Valley, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $7
NICKNAME: "Snowqualmie Syrah"
September 1, 2008
2004 Silverlake Roza Red
YEAR: 2004WINERY: Silverlake
FLAVOR: Red, 50% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah, 4% Cabernet Franc
ORIGIN: Columbia Valley, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $7
NICKNAME: "Silver Rose"
Labels: 2 STAR, 2004, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mixed Varietal, Red, Silver Lake, Syrah, USA
3 Reviews:
-
At
September 1, 2008 at 9:44 PM ,
psydr said...
-
2 OUT OF 5 STARS
Semi-tart. Not very interesting in general. Vanilla. Perhaps a bit overdone. Smells of bad vino, but I don't think it's corked.
Don't know what else to say. I guess I'd just avoid from purchasing in the future. But don't get me wrong. It's not terrible. I just don't like it.
I'd rather go play with my new iPhone than spend any more time on this wine... -
At
June 6, 2010 at 8:19 PM ,
said...
-
They got it down on the newer vintages 4 star
-
At
June 6, 2010 at 8:20 PM ,
said...
-
most of us know what a cork is.
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
August 30, 2008
2006 Mirassou Cabernet Sauvignon
YEAR: 2006WINERY: Mirassou
FLAVOR: Red, Cabernet Sauvignon
ORIGIN: California, USA
PURCHASED: Seattle, WA
AMOUNT: $8
NICKNAME: "Mirrasou Cab"
Labels: 4 STAR, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mirassou, Pinot Noir, Red, USA
1 Reviews:
-
At
August 30, 2008 at 6:21 PM ,
psydr said...
-
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
Dark and delicious. This is a very nice Cabernet. It goes down smooth and has a nice finish. Then just a hint of tannins take over. Therefore the aftertaste is the only thing non-5 STAR I could find. There's something else in the aftertaste I can't quite define. It's not bad. But it's not terribly good either. This flavor doesn't detract from the wine though, so don't hesitate to snatch up a bottle or two. If you're a Cabernet Sauvignon fan, I DO believe you're going to enjoy this beverage.
I absolutely love Mirassou's Pinot Noir. It's one of my personal favorites, so be sure to give it a try as well... if you're in the market for a Pinot that is...
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
August 28, 2008
1 Reviews:
-
At
August 28, 2008 at 7:41 PM ,
psydr said...
-
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...
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
July 31, 2008
1 Reviews:
-
At
July 31, 2008 at 7:46 PM ,
psydr said...
-
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?
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
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...
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]