missoula soul red 09' & 10'

Naked Wine Review 120

Wine: Missoula soul red

Region: A melange of four lovely grapes from Washington's Columbia Valley

Vintage: Some 09' and some 10'

Producer: Missoula Winery

Vinted and Bottled: Missoula Winery>Missoula Montana

Price: 15.00

Date tasted: 5/5/13

Place tasted: I woke up in Kenya all spotted and alone; stretched my paws and waved my tail like a magic wand that could raise the sun on the Masai Mara. Ah, to have a tail again! to move in the form of a redeemable being. 

High in a tree and mowing down on Impala tartare, I was watching you as you sipped on bulbs of red nectar and giggled unaware…in general…silly humans. 

Served with: Marinated rosemary orange pork chops, grilled is best. Would pair well with lighter subtle earthy flavors such as mushroom, duck or salmon; mild red meats are also a good choice. 

Appearance: Deep cherry red with rusty orange refractions and a golden aura.

On the snoot: Bold snoot of dense cherry, fresh cut grass, and vanilla.

Taste: Nice, dry and fruit forward with ripe juicy cherry. Rich and slightly tart with gentle vanilla whispers on the exhale. Soft shy tannins gracefully emerge as she opens up. Finish is a slow montage of the subtle complex and well integrated flavors throughout…smooth and beautiful. 

Balance: Medium bodied with slow, lava lampy legs. She's a Goldie Locks 'just right' wine, very well balanced. 

Comments: I'd tell you what grapes were used but it would take all the fun out of guessing. Go to soulredwine.com for more information. 

Rating: 4 naked tipsys

Don Ramon, Perez JuanCampo de Borja 10'

Naked Wine Review 119

Wine: Don Ramon, Perez Juan 

Grapes: 75% Grenache, 25% Tempranillo 

Producer: Campo De Borja>Estate bottled

Vintage: 10'

Region: Spain>Aragon>Campo De Borja 

Price: 7.00

Date tasted: 4/22/13, Earth Day

Place tasted: In a deep afternoon napmare I was traveling to a new star system. I cried as the Earth vanished behind me, riding my dragon into outer space. I had a stow away toad I called Crocus to remember her by tucked safely in my shirt pocket. They spun lies of hatred and fear back there. I'll never forget the look of shocked betrayal on your face the day you found out they had been poisoning your morning coffee all this time. If only foresight were 20/20, or at least not completely blind. Then I woke up.

I have faith in the good guys, that's you & I. So my new dream buddy Crocus and I raise a glass of hope to the Earth every single day; and to Jane & Amanda: What Future, and Joy Camp, and to all good people who nurture the awakening of the masses. Go team 'Love the Earth'! Here's to you, Salud'. 

Served with: I had it with a Greek style stromboli. It would pair well with red sauce pasta dishes, earthy flavors like mushrooms, red meats and game, strong cheeses and things of that nature. Stay away from seafood, citrus or cream sauces.

Appearance: Dense dark cherry with the nostalgic glow of vintage red glass.

On the snoot: Sweet wild flowers, dark spice and cassis with just a whisper of fresh catnip. 

Taste: The journey begins with an exotic blend of rich blackberry, cardamum and eucalyptus. Plentiful toasty tannins gently caress the spirit as the finish walks you out from the shore a ways before dropping off quickly. Woo-hoo! Swim Wino, swim! Lets go again! 

Balance: Nice medium balance with slow moving wavy legs. An eloquently understated blending of the four elements.

Comments: A tasty fun wine that is easy to enjoy. She's a real Cinderella experience. I've had many wines not nearly as good as this one at twice the price. 

I think I'll go get a case of it just to have around. 

Rating: 3.8 tipsys, outstanding value.

Bogle Vineyards Petite Sirah 10'

Naked Wine Review 118

Wine: Petite Sirah

Producer: Bogle Vineyards

Vintage: 10'

Region: California

Price: 11.00

Date tasted: 4/1/13

Place tasted: There was a guy pointing a laser gun at what appeared to be a very frightened robot. I was just standing there wondering where my hands and my voice had gone. Suddenly the thought of a rainy day on an ocean shore crossed my mind and I was there, hands & voice intact. I closed my eyes and drew a deep wet breath of salty ocean magic and upon the exhale opened my eyes and was in a small cottage viewing the sea through fog and naked madronas, the rhythmic mantra of rain taping at my windows. A lively fire was glowing from behind the hearth warming my back as I sipped on a deep purple glass of happiness. A raging song welled in my heart till it bellowed out through my voice like massive water falling hard and fast to the earth where she absorbed me, my hands, my voice, and all of it. Forever here, forever gone. Where were you?

Served with: a slice of bleu cheese steak roll on creamy garlic smashed potatoes (you mash em', I smash em'). She would pair well with grilled meats, beef, lamb, game, pork tenderloin, strong cheeses, dark chocolate and things of that nature. 

Appearance: Like gazing into an opaque purple inky pool, and when the light hits just right it glows a surreal fluorescent fuschia.

On the snoot: A pungent and enchanting perfume etched with bramble patch and  oak, in a weighty old time corner tobacco shop base.

Taste: She exudes a rich and spicy character; heavy with blueberry, leather and pepper. From beginning to end she's a black night sky filled with galaxies of twinkling tannins that linger on a breath of smoke, licorice and cocoa. 

Balance: Big and bold with thick fat purple legs that saunter slowly down the sides of your glass. Not too sweet; not too acid; not too hot; and mmm, lots of tannin. She's just right. 

Comments: I love this wine. It is everything there is to love about wine in an affordable bottle. You really should try it.

I dedicate this review to my father on what was his birthday in this dimension. 

"Here's to Dad, may he be happy in another dimension."

(Molly said that)

Cin Cin

Rating: 4 tipsys...excellent value.

Sir Paz EstateParker Road Bin 8 07'

Naked Wine Review 117

Wine: Parker Road Bin 8

Grapes: Shiraz/Merlot

Producer: Sir Paz Estate

Vintage: 07'

Region: Australia>Victoria>Port Phillip>Yarra Valley

Price: 29.00 is average online

(on sale for 17.00 at Pattee Creek Market, Zootown, USA)

Date tasted: 3/26/13

Place tasted: Every time I turned around today I kept seeing this little garden gnome smoking a pipe and grinning at me. Yep, Lar Xydefub is up to his old tricks again. I love Lar, and was more than happy to hang with him for the day. He's the kind of guy who hides indigo secrets in silk pockets; a guy who keeps his paintings to himself. He is quick to pass you his pipe or share a glass of wine and a giggle with you though, or take you for a walk like his own giant human pet. 

An interesting friend on a warm blessed day in early springtime is a great place to taste the wine. 

Served with: Baghali Polo-Persian rice & lamb. It's great with lamb. Think big; grilled red meat, hearty stew, venison, strong cheeses and dark chocolates. Stay away from more subtle, mild foods. 

Appearance: Light garnet with a rusty orange etherial glow.

On the snoot: Big snoot full of cherry blossom, grass & wet earth. On the exhale is a hint of bullwhips and sandalwood. 

Taste: Tart cherry pie mellowed by licorice spice, tar, and leather. A thick musty energy travels throughout, lightly dusted with a gentle layer of tannin. Finish is a playful wet kiss full of talent and technique developed specifically for your pleasure. 

Balance: Nice medium balance with long symmetrical legs. A little on the acid side with none of those icky residual sugars we don't particularly care for. Shows classy and refined amounts of alcohol and tannin...nothing overstated.

Comments: It made me think of a guys locker room, in a good way. The glistening pheromone infused sweat beads pouring from his naked well formed...

bottle. 

Yes, its a very tasty wine. I find this one masculine in nature. Let him breathe for an hour or more to really enjoy at full potential. 

Cheers!

Rating: 3.8 tipsys

Apex Accent Chardonnay 09'

Naked Wine Review 116

Wine: Chardonnay

Producer: Apex Cellars

Vintage: 09'

Region: Washington State>Columbia Valley>Yakima Valley

Price: 12.00

Date tasted: 3/4/13

Place tasted: Warm and safe inside my cocoon I can feel the wings growing strong and hugging my back like a promise. I imagine what colors they might be, what shape they might take, and how far and high they might one day carry me. I sip my wine and I wait in this place for my inner Phoenix to rise again....

and dream my awakening.

Served with: It is wonderful with Thai Fish Curry. White fish, chicken, brie n' fruit treats, and creamy pasta dishes would all complement well with this wine.

Appearance: Burnt golden daffodil with a brilliant yellow topaz glow. She's very well dressed and hypnotic to gaze into.

On the snoot: Nectarine and honeysuckle perfume rise to bless the snoot and stir up memories of an enthusiastic mountain stream that quenches the springtime of high mountain desert. 

Taste: Soft mango, pear, and honey combine with a tiny high note of lime then melt together and do the dance of spring on your joyful palate before calming into a butterscotch smooth, slightly oaky, and well defined naked finish.

Balance: A solid medium body with well integrated alcohol, acids, and sugars rendering her nicely dry, yet smooth, subtle, and interesting. 

Comments: I believe that we should base our beliefs more on thoroughly diligent, honest, and scientific yet intuitive research, and less on lazy absorption of dictated propaganda. Do you not? 

Oh, comments about the WINE! yes yes....

She's a solid reliable wine with subtle charm and elegant grace. Have her over for dinner and enjoy the warm comfort of her company. 

Cin Cin

Rating: 3.7 tipsys

Spice Route Chakalaka 09'

Naked Wine Review 115

Wine: Spice Route Chakalaka 

Grapes: 37% Syrah, 21% Mourvedre, 18% Carignan, 10% Petite Syrah, 10% Grenache, 4% Tannat

Producer: Charles Back and the Spice Route Team

Vintage: 09'

Region: South Africa>Coastal Region>Swartland

Price: 17.00

Date tasted: 2/09/13

Place tasted: I was on my way home from the Zootown gym when I noticed Jesus working late. He was dancing around in the snow all dressed in his Statue of Liberty outfit and waving at the passing traffic. I waved back and smiled like I always do but my mind was focused on getting home to a quiet evening with a glass of wine, a good movie, and my faithful little feline companion. Life is good today, and so is wine.

Served with: Dulce de Leche & Chocolate Chunk Bread Pudding. (If you're gonna have a chunk of this stuff you'd best have spent an hour on the treadmill first and skip dinner altogether...know what I mean?) Totally worth it. 

Appearance: is that of a clear deep caramelized garnet that refracts purple light. 

On the snoot: The fresh scent of wet earth, mineral and wood mixes with baking spice and berry to form a warm, inviting and gentle snoot.

Taste: The journey begins with plum, soft oak, and a little tart elderberry shadowed by rogue tannins that behave as if they were hiding from the law in an old western. Opens up nicely after some long deep breathing, don't we all? Finish lingers in a joyous wet kiss with delicate nuances of her musky exotic perfume. 

Balance: Beautifully balanced. Viscus with rich meaty legs. High alcohol; low sugar; gentle acidity and medium tannin....a little less tannin than I expected but not disappointing. 

Comments: There is something 'old attic' and 'antique shop' about the nature of this one that I really love. She is rich with wine wisdom if you can only let go of your own thoughts long enough to listen, taste, and enjoy the scent of her story.

In Other Comments:

Welcome Chinese Year of the Snake.

Ancient Chinese Saying....

One fish said to the other,

"Do you believe in this ocean that they all talk about?"

Rating: 3.8 tipsys

Note: artwork behind wine bottle is titled 'Play' by Will Barnet.

Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red 10'

Naked Wine Review 114

Wine: Firehouse Red

Grapes used: 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Syrah, 12% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, 4% Sangiovese, 2% Zinfandel, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Carmenere

Producer: Tamarack Cellars

Vintage: 10'

Region: Washington State>Columbia Valley

Price: 16.00

Date tasted: 12/12/12

Place tasted: It was raining which always makes me smile. I had finished all my chores for the day including letting the bald guy out of the attic. Time to relax; a bottle of wine breathing on the counter and me lost in the sound and scent of a vivid ocean memory...

It was a year ago today that Kaya Katwoman caught her first bird. I'll never forget the look on her proud little face. You see, she had been dreaming of this day for over five years now! A worthy occasion indeed. So with a little nip and a little wine we celebrated the mighty hunter within the elegant feline form...

as well as the sound and scent of the eternally nurturing ocean mother we both long to be near. 

Until we meet again, Cin Cin.

Served with: Toasted sesame oil marinated chicken on jasmine rice with side of asparagus. A food friendly wine that can handle a fair amount of herb and spice. Grilled meats, red sauce pasta dishes, quality dark chocolate....you get the idea.

Appearance: A dense opaque ruby brew with singed purple edges. 

On the snoot: Is the scent of delicate spice nymphs stirring a pungent and concentrated cherry blossom potion with one of those magic vanilla beans you can only get in Mexico.

Taste:  She lovingly embraces the palate with hugs of dense rich cherry and blackberry laced with vanilla, tar and espresso. Close your eyes and linger here while her enchantingly soft nature and silky smooth well integrated tannins flow over wet wood and lead you through a long, gently penetrating finish. 

Balance: Her body is slight with skinny naked legs but don't let that fool you, she sings with all the big strong, well rounded notes of a star Mezzo Soprano; beautifully balanced, charming, and witty. 

Comments: Observe the oxygen molecules that work like little ants on a peony as she opens into a soft full round bloom.

Always remember to breathe and let breathe.

Rating: 3.8 tipsys

Girard Cabernet Sauvignon 09'

Naked Wine Review 113

Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon 

Producer: Girard Winery

Vintage: 09'

Region: California>Napa County>Sonoma

Price: 23.00

Date tasted: 1/10/13

Place tasted: The sky was rich and dark with snow, and somewhere in the distance a hoot owl echoed in deep colors of luminous melancholy. In my survival kit was a bottle of wine, a thermos of hot chili, Bob, and for some reason a New Years Eve noise maker. The budding crescent moonlight reflected my mood beyond the light of sun as I snowshoed my way to a warm fireplace and the comfort of a dear friend. 

Served with: We had it with my own hot chili mole, which is of course the best chili ever! It is very food friendly, just stay away from fish, cream sauces and more subtle flavors and you'll be fine.

Appearance: A black garnet facade that cannot quite hide her deep glowing amethyst soul.

On the snoot: Fragrant notes of sweet cherry, wet mineral, and a little basil rise to bless the happy snoot.

Taste: Rich jammy fig, black current, and pomegranate rest comfortably on a posh blanket of vanilla and coffee bean with well integrated tannins throughout. Finish is dry and bright with fruit yet heavy with leather and earth which slowly crescendos into an orgasmic release of pure palate satisfaction. Whew, is anyone else warm?

Balance: Beautifully balanced with all the proportions I find most attractive in a fine red wine; warm, yet no sticky residual sugars, high in alcohol and acid, and plenty of chewy tannins. 

Comments: Let her breathe and notice how she opens up like an exotic flower. She's a smooth, dry, complex, and most tasty cabernet. 

I cannot wait to try more Girard varieties.

Rating: 4 delightful tipsys

Wine for this review compliments of:

Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits 

Gosset Brut ExcellenceChampagneNon-Vintage

Naked Wine Review 112

Wine: Champagne

Grapes: 45% Pinot Noir, 42% Chardonnay & 13% Pinot Meunier 

Producer: Gosset

Vintage: Non-Vintage

Region: France>Champagne

Price: 38.00

Date tasted: 12/21/12

Place tasted: I was at an End of the World, Solstice, Saturnalia, and early (as the world was ending before it) birthday celebration for my BFF. All the big names were there; Richard Brautigan, Lar Xydefub, Kerlopetron Zingwinger, just to name a few. Times like these it's so nice to have a poet, a garden gnome, and an alien physicist around to keep you company. Lar had a few too many and at one point turned poor Kerlopetron into a fish. It was a temporary spell and we all had a good giggle....well, most of us did. Dick even wrote a poem about it. Never dare a garden gnome in front of a mad poet! Lesson learned.

I wish you all laughter and a home filled with kindred spirits, whatever occasion you decide to celebrate. A votre sante!

Served with: Goat cheese stuffed mushrooms with bread crumbs & rosemary; and Smoked salmon & caviar yum yums. It's very versatile and food friendly, so pair with whatever strikes your fancy.

Appearance: Tight bubbles dance up the center of the glass as if playing in deep golden liquid sunshine. 

On the snoot: Subtle sweet floral bouquet with just a hint of pear.

Taste: A crisp citrusy grapefruit with slight mineral etchings brings balance to her soft delicate and somewhat creamy inner nature. Finish has a light juicy elegance with tight little naked bubbles that almost seem to evaporate before tickling down the back of your throat. 

Balance: Beautifully balanced with all the grace and poise of a prima ballerina. Swan Lake comes to mind as I sip and contemplate....

Comments: She's obviously been to finishing school and graduated with honors. I don't have much experience with Champagne but color me smitten and impressed. Try some yourself and ring in the new year in style. 

Here's to you, my dear friends. May we all savour abundant good fortune and rewards for our efforts in the coming year and always...So mote it be!!

Rating: 4 tipsys

Bourgogne La ChapelleNotre-Dame Pinot Noir 10'

Naked Wine Review 111

Wine: P. Dubreuil-Fontaine Bourgogne La Chapelle Notre-Dame

Grape: Pinot Noir

Producer:  P. Dubreuil-Fontaine Pere & Fils

Vintage: 10'

Region: France>Burgundy>La Chapelle Notre-Dame>Bourgogne Controlee

Price: 20.00

Date tasted: 12/12/12

Place tasted: I was in an abandoned tree house in the middle of ol' Grapers back woods. Someone would have asked me if I were alright had I not messed up my trail of bread crumbs. It had snowed on my gold fish earlier which made him happy as he chased the little flakes around his bowl. There was a nice selection of wine in that warm solar-paneled tree house so I chose this French Pinot Noir to sip on as my view expanded over twilights indigo kingdom; crescent moon shining silent and empty on the earths snowy winter facade.

Served with: I had it with baked salmon and miso butter served on a bed of spinach and fresh basil garnished with lemon wedges. 

Fish, chicken, duck, cream sauces, mushrooms, brie...all good choices. Go with subtle flavors to complement the delicate beauty of this wine.

Appearance: A pale clear candy apple red through which a gentle neon orange glow emanates.

On the snoot: Strong powerful floral nose mingling with strawberries and soft wet moss.

Taste: Fruit forward with strawberries, clean and dry. Complexities featuring slight mushroom and sweet earth join the ride in mid palate followed by a slight feather dusting of tannin on the finish which lingers and levitates like a blessing before her final ascension.

Balance: Well balanced, light and dry. She is elegant with colorful complexities, depth of character, and well defined integrity. 

Comments: All good wines go to heaven, and this truly fine Pinot Noir has earned her wings. She tastes like an exotic floral bouquet (and I don't say that to all the wines).

p.s. May you all have a marvelously decadent Solstice & Saturnalia. Exchange garden gnomes, eat human shaped biscuits(good luck getting the one with the bean), drink up the good cheer and drunken naked carol till your cold hard nipples and neighbors can't take anymore. Io! Saturnalia! 

Rating: 4 staggering tipsys!

-A special thank you to CVS Pharmacy in Missoula, MT for their fantastic wine selection and knowledgeable staff. Everyone loves the wine guy!

Chateau Puech-HautLe Prestige 10'

Naked Wine Review 110

Wine: Chateau Puech-Haut Le Prestige

Grape Variety: 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre, and 5% Carignan 

Producer: Philipee Cambie & Eric Solomon

Vintage: 10'

Region: France>Languedoc Roussillon>Languedoc>Coteaux du Languedoc>Saint-Drezery

Price: 20.00

Date tasted: 11/27/12

Place tasted: I grabbed my bottle of wine and made sure I was packing a reliable cork screw and balloon glass. Then I danced right through that magic portal into a land of lavender scented rain, waterfalls, and ocean shores. There I sipped my wine in the company of glowing madrona's and colorful starfish; the warm soothing song of the faeries lulling me into sweet serenity. 

Served with: Italian spinach sausage pie would be good. Serve with strong, sturdy flavors such as lamb, venison, and other red meats. Things like herby red sauces, sharp cheddar or bleu cheese, and rich dark chocolate are good choices as well. Avoid more subtle flavors such as cream sauces and fish. She can handle a fair amount of spice and begs to be somewhat challenged when pairing with food. 

Appearance: Rich ruby velvet muted with a soft glowing antique light, inspiring memories of quiet old books and simpler times.

On the snoot: I see a woman standing in the kitchen of an old country cottage picking spices from a cupboard. There's a vase of fragrant fresh cut flowers bursting forth from the heavy dark oak table behind her. She's preparing a variety of berry pies, tarts, and jams to sell at tomorrows community marketplace. This wine embodies the scent of that image.

Taste:  Dense, dry and complex, she is a vision dressed in black current, anise, and cracked pepper. A mouthful of pleasing elements such as earth, mineral and wood accessorize her charming demeanor. The long full and satisfying finish with plentiful soft tannins leaves your palate feeling joyfully blessed and spiritually grounded.

Balance: She is perfectly balanced; focused, centered and clear in her intention. She moves slow like lava and displays a full sensuous naked body with no one particular feature dominating another. 

Comments: This wine takes place in a different time. It's as if you can taste the ancestors in the grapes flowing through ancient vines, like the blood in all of us.

Rating: 4 tipsys

p.s....Just for you:

You are one of a kind. You are here to bless the earth and her beings in your own special way, and your life has meaning. Do not allow 'the Borg' or anyone else to convince you that you are anything less than this. 

Here's to you and your beautiful self!

Cin Cin

Copyright © 2009-2015 Shawna Watson. All rights reserved.

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Blessings and Peace to All

Les Vignes de Bila-HautCotes du Roussillon Villages Blanc 11'

Naked Wine Review 109

Wine: Les Vignes de Bila-Haut

Grape Variety: Blend of Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gri, and Macabeu

Producer: Michael Chapoutier

Vintage: 11'

Region: France>Roussillon>Cotes du Roussillon Villages

Price: 14.00

Date tasted: 11/11/12

Place tasted: I had spent the day making myself strong in body, mind, and spirit through mantra, meditation, and Kundalini Yoga. Every fiber of my being felt alive and ready to give and receive all the creative force of the Universe, feeling safe and inspired in the moment where I 'Thrive'. So after composing an opera that when listened to would cause peoples auras to go full on rainbow, climbing Mount Everest, and writing a poem to save the world, I decided to kick back and sip a glass of wine with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. Cheers to you, and your incredible potential and personal power, and may you always and forever, 'Thrive'.

Served with: Lemon Baked Cod ala Wine Witch. It would be great with any white meat, especially Thanksgiving Day turkey :)

Appearance: Pale clear golden with slight emerald glow.

On the snoot: Candied pear with angel food cake and a little banana goo on top. 

Taste: Opens dry, a light crisp pear mingling with floral notes. She then gently moves into something rich and grounded with a soft tropical spirit. A little lime on the finish lingers clean and has an inoffensive and interesting touch of himalayan sea salt.

Balance: Very well balanced with a beautiful svelte naked body. Nice and dry with no sticky sweetness, and yet no sharp bite or bitter edges either.

Comments: She's sings soprano well, which not all soprano's manage to do. I don't usually prefer whites unless they are solid and grounded. This one is really good. Thanks to Chris at Wordens Market in Missoula for introducing me to such a fine lady of a wine. 

Other comments:

When you see surveillance cameras, do you always stick your tongue out at them, flip them off, or hiss at them like a mad cat; or is it just me who does that?

Rating: 3.7 tipsys; a good value wine.