Colonia las Liebres Bonarda 09'

Naked Wine Review 74

Wine: Colonia las Liebres Bonarda

Producer: Altos las Hormigas

Vintage: 09'

Region: Argentina> Mendoza

Price: 9.00

Date tasted: 5/13/11

Place tasted: In the eye of a rainbow hurricane. That quiet peaceful moment when the world stands still just long enough to catch your breath and give it some quality time. Breathing is great. Colonia las Liebres is great as well. It means Colony of Rabbits. 

Serve with: Argentinian Pot Roast. Actually it would be marvelous with any red meat or tomato based pasta dish.

Appearance: Dense garnet with extreme purple refractions. She's a smooth and charming wine with highly viscous legs that cling to the sides of your glass like a Nattie to a Chuck. 

On the snoot: I pretty much just picked up strawberry, some strawberry, and maybe just a little strawberry. 

Taste: This lovely vino caresses and sings to the receptive naked palate in juicy notes of mixed berry and cracked pepper, with just a hint of cardamom on the exhale. Yummy stuff. Upon finishing she curls up in a warm blanket of silky tannins and fades from your awareness like watercolor rain into a beautiful dream. 

Balance: Very well balanced, in fact, she has such incredible balancing skills, I once saw her roller skating on the branch of a Madrone tree while it was swaying in a wind storm outside my bedroom window. Amazing! You should have been there.   

Comments: She's a test tube baby, no wood involved. Sip and enjoy the unoaked pure expression of the Bonarda grape. If you find yourself on Orcas Island, you can locate this stuff at Country Corner Cellars.
This review is in honor of my sisters birthday.
A toast: You are a kind and gentle blessing to everyone lucky enough to know you. May You live forever and I never die
Happy Birthday Molly
cin cin.

Rating: 3.7 stars

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

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If so, please click on the Paypal secure server logo and make a small donation to Shawna for the creation and maintenance of this site.

Blessings and Peace to All

Excelsior Cabernet 07'

Naked Wine Review 73

Wine: Cabernet 

Producer: Excelsior

Vintage: 07'

Region: South Africa

Price: 8.00

Date tasted: 3/15/11, 'Beware the Ides of March'

Place tasted: I was at a military parade on Mars, in the company of a very large crowd of, shall we call them, people. Raised up high in the clutches of their right hands were rainbow colored fire sticks. In my right hand, held close to my heart, was a glass of Excelsior Cabernet. In the crowd, but not of the crowd.  Where else would I be?

Serve with: Would go nicely with a summer barbecue featuring any quality meats of the red variety. 

Appearance: A crystal clear deep plum purple.

On the snoot: Imagine standing next to someone who is eating a grape popsicle in a vintage guitar shop which also carries a variety of fine tobacco products. I find it a very comforting snoot.

Taste: Bursting with plum, then tastefully followed by hints of tobacco and licorice spice wafting around an etherial naked beach. Finishes a little quickly but on a kind and gentle note. Like a lovers full wet kiss before escaping through an open window, thus maintaining discretion.

Balance: This wine has the legs of Betty Grable, however, her lack of tannins and acid dub her a little uninteresting to the Wine Witch. 

Comments: People who don't like red wine, would probably like this one; for that matter so would people who do. It's a nurturing, gentle spirited, proper lady of a wine.
The snoot invoked the memory of a place that is no longer in my birth town called 'the Guitar Shop Winery', where I first learned to play the guitar AND where I first learned how to make wine...and boy, did I ever have some beginners luck! I wish you could have been there, but you probably weren't even born yet, you cheeky bastard. So I'll offer up a toast to Tom & Abby, wherever they are. May they be happy and free.

Rating: 3.4 stars

Dr. Wolfe's Family Red 08'

Naked Wine Review 72

Wine: Dr. Wolfe's Family Red
Primitivo, Lemberger, Syrah, Petite Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon

Producer: Thurston Wolfe

Vintage: 08'

Region: Washington State

Price: 16.00

Date tasted: 4/22/11 

Place tasted: It was late at night and the waves were lapping against the shore below me. I had the window open so I could listen to Mother Earth singing outside. I often sing to her at night, but tonight, I was to be her captive audience. The night sky twinkled behind her, and as she sang....Samadhi.
Samakhi: It has been described as a non-dualistic state of consciousness in which the consciousness of the experiencing subject becomes one with the experienced object.

Serve with: Anything. It would be good with pretty much anything. It was great with various fruits, cheeses, and Posh Chocolate Truffles. 

Appearance: A garnet, glowing and shining its light through rich dense flowing blood; much like a soul that sparkles within a body.

On the snoot: are powerful hits of cherry soaked in fine Mexican Vanilla then blessed by Druid Priests under magical moonlight; that's that little extra somethin' somtehin' that gives you a 'lift' as you inhale. Go ahead, everyone's doing it.

Taste: Upon taking the stage she greets you with tones of deep black cherry, licorice spice, and warm etherial tar and oak. Midway through her performance the experience moves into a solid soprano fruit and vanilla crescendo that cascades over the captive palate. Smooth, subtle, and somewhat toasted tannins linger long and steady on a soft yet beautifully controlled finish. The perfect performance of this lovely wine demands an encore.

Balance: She has beautiful meaty legs that wrap themselves around the inside of your glass like silk stockings on an angel. The balance of tannin, acid, sugar, and alcohol form an impressive quartet.

Comments: From snoot to finish, she is wonderfully dynamic. There is a naked Diva hiding in that bottle just waiting to take her first breath. You should go buy some and let her out. I did, and I will again. I get mine from Country Corner Cellars, Eastsound WA on Orcas Island.
"If you're not here, you're somewhere else."
Happy Birthday, Earth Day, Mothers Day, Spring!

Rating: 3.8 stars

Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc 10'

Naked Wine Review 71

Wine: Sauvignon Blanc

Producer: Nobilo >Regional Collection

Vintage: 10'

Region: New Zealand >Marlborough

Price: $11

Date tasted: 4/9/11; and then again on 4/15/11. 

Place tasted: There was a moon, an island, and singing. I think we were sirens; channeling ancient song to soothe and quiet the restless spirits of mariners, lured to their doom in the days of superstitious demise. I think that's what happened. I'm a little fuzzy on the details, but then being on the moon is like that sometimes. At any rate, the joy derived from sipping this delightfully inspired nectar certainly does shine clearly.

Serve with: chicken, fish, light pasta dishes or salad, brie & fresh fruit, and things of that nature. It's a great summer picnic wine.It's a great wine anyway.

Appearance: of clear golden light with slight peridot reflections.

Greets the snoot: with floral tropical breezes, invoking memories of sandy beaches and sunshine. There are hints of citrus mingling with pineapple, subtle mango, and is that kiwi that I detect? It's nice.

Taste: Subtle floral notes floating on brilliant citrus fruit intense enough to awaken your slumbering palate to thoughts of a lush green meadow with all the urgent passion of a naked lovers afternoon kiss. Soft banana and tropical undertones give it a mellow anchor to bring balance to it's bright and sunny disposition. A slow and gentle finish that giggles, coos, and begs for more. She possesses no edgy bite, or metallic aftertaste that a white wine of lesser character might have. No regrets here; just a really good time.

Balance: Beautifully balanced with a light but solid body and all the confidence and poise of a classical ballerina. 

Comments: I would call her a very joyful wine. Having no medical license, I certainly cannot recommend it as an aid to clearing the obfuscation of a down day. I can however tell you that for this wine witch, she is a total pick-me-up. Hell she may even be a make-me-fly. Kind of like a broomstick in a bottle. 

Rating: 4 stars > excellent value

NOTE: If you are in the area, you can find it at Island Market, 469 Market Street, Eastsound, WA

on Orcas-Gem of the San Juan Islands

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

Did you enjoy my wine poetry? Was it useful to you?

If so, please click on the Paypal secure server logo and make a small donation to Shawna for the creation and maintenance of this site.

Blessings and Peace to All

Baron de Barbon Reserva Rioja 04'

Naked Wine Review 70

Wine: Baron de Barbon Reserva Rioja

Variety: Tempranillo

Producer: Bodegas Muriel

Vintage: 04' 

Region: Spain> La Rioja

Price: 21.00

Date tasted: 3/16/11

Place tasted: Stylin' and smilin' at the Chateau Cherlin & Kyle; located at the corner of Heaven and Childs Laughter Lane. 

Served with: Perfectly barbecued Lamb and Elk Steak; an excellent pairing. It's quite a bold wine so goes well with red meats and strong cheeses such as No Woman & Flagship(go to: Beecher's), Cabrales Bleu, Stilton, and things of that nature. I'm getting hungry now; how about you?

Appearance: Gaze into the eyes of Dionysus and experience that rich burnt garnet twinkle with a deep intimate tawny glow.

On the snoot: Pungent and intoxicating burst of testosterone with a sort of smoky tobacco essence. Carries romantic snoot memories of strolling with your best friend through an enchanted forest, holding hands and snacking on cherries. 

Taste: A rich and charming wine with toasted tar soaked cherry and a kind of burnt carmel sweat. He's a sexy, earthy, naked god who walks around in cedar shoes and then fades from the palate with eloquence and grace, leaving you with a mouth full of soft, silky tannins and a lingering kiss of wet red fruit. 

Balance: That's wine integrity clinging to the sides of your glass. Soft tannins with no residual sugar to muck it up, but not so much acid that it makes your mouth dry and uncomfortable either. It's a beautiful thing.

Comments: If you can find it, buy it. You will be glad you did. Share in love and friendship, and you will be eternally blessed and happy.

Rating: 4 super star

ESTE Red Blend 08'

Naked Wine Review 69

Wine: ESTE, The 6 Grapes Wine, Red Blend- 47% Monastrell, 23% Tempranillo, 12% Syrah, 6% Garnacha, 6% Cabernet, 6% Merlot

Producer: Bodegas Alto Almanzora ESTE

Vintage: 08'

Region: Spain

Price: 9.00

Date tasted: 3/12/11

Place tasted: I was wondering around Valhalla trying to find a shoe store after having been slain in combat during 'the Battle on Sanity Hill'. There were no shoe stores in Valhalla, but I did find a day spa called 'Be Here, Now Here', where they pamper you with pedicures, new doo's, deep tissue massage, and glass after glass of ESTE, the 6 Grapes Wine; after all, dying in battle can take a lot out of you. 

Serve with: Crema de Cabrales on toast points; fed to me by a nicely chiseled and dare I say, firm, naked man. They really spoil you at the 'Be Here, Now Here'.

Appearance: Garnet with deep orange reflections.

On the snoot: Mixed berries mingling with anise; and maybe just a hint of cardboard splashed with ether. It's nice.

Taste: Heavy blackberry on impact followed by notes of licorice spice and cracked pepper that mingle with tannins so cute and fuzzy, ya just wanna reach into the glass and pet em'. On the finish is the lingering image of a cat licking a raspberry. I quite liked it. 

Balance: Nicely balanced. Dances light on her feet while maintaining firm focus and integrity. 

Comments: Visualize Ballard Baby, I'm coming home to the Pugetopolis! Can't wait to be part of the puddle splashing, road rage hissing, bone dry cappuccino drinking, neurotic freak show team that I like to call 'my happy place'. I've missed you guys. I'm hoping to run into me while I'm there as well. I'm so excited. I hope I haven't gained weight.
By the by, the animal on the label, is a pregnant mare. I knew you were all wondering. 

Rating: 3.6 stars

Goats do Roam Red 08'

Naked Wine Review 68

Wine: Red Blend-61% Syrah, 14% Cinsault, 13% Mourvedre, Grenache 8%, Carignan 4%

Producer: Goats do Roam

Vintage: 08'

Region: South Africa

Price: 9.00

Date tasted: 3/1/11

Place tasted: In a hot jetted bathtub surrounded by bubbles, candles, shampoo, face wash, body wash, scrubby gloves, sea salt, the pink man, bottled water, lemon wedges, a glass glowing red with wine, crystals.....and NO SPOON! There is no spoon; remember? Sometimes you have to remind yourself. If you don't know what I'm talking about, watch The Matrix again. 

Serve with: Bobotie (pronounced ba-boor-tea) is a South African lamb dish usually served with yellow rice an chutney and it is wonderful with this wine. It's a good wine for many foods with strong character. Can handle a bit of spice just fine. May overpower foods of a more delicate nature such as seafood and other fish. Excellent with red meat; and of course, dark Posh Chocolate.

Appearance: of violet petals, viewed through a giant glowing ruby orb. 

On the snoot: Fig, tar, and the rare Suider-Paarl Snoot Fruit, which is quite similar to black cherry.

Taste: Blackberry and licorice spice open up into a full round naked cherry midsection that gently offers silky tannins up to the palate before giving way to a lingering cotton candy, tobacco & cedar finish.  

Balance: She's so well balanced, she practically levitates.

Comments: The life of a wine witch can be very trying sometimes. It doesn't matter, I take the red pill anyway; not the blue one. Always take the red pill! If you don't know what I'm talking about, sit back with a glass of Goats do Roam, and watch The Matrix. Now don't make me tell you again. Truth is my identity, Sat Nam. 

Rating: 3.4 stars

La Posta Malbec 08'

Naked Wine Review 67
Wine: Malbec
Producer: La Posta
Vintage: 08'
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Price: A most thoughtful gift; around $20
Date tasted: 12/25/10
Place tasted: (Flashback) I woke up in 'Spirit of Christmas Town' surrounded with the love of family and friends both near and far. In person, I was blessed with the exceptional company of Mike, Susan, Mom, and the Kat Woman, with whom I shared a perfect day, wonderful meal, and a lovely bottle of Malbec (thank you Mike & Susan).
Serve with: It was great with Christmas ham, but would also be really wonderful with this Argentine Lentil Stew recipe I found.
Appearance: A weighty ruby blood-like appearance, with deep inner rusty refractional nuances.
On the snoot: Blueberries & violets combine in an exotic offering to honor the satisfied snoot.
Taste: Explosive blueberry upon impact, accompanied by a gentle mix of orange and cocoa. She then blends with an etherial pepper spiciness, lingering hard in mid palate. On the finish expect to be challenged with dense, chewy, tannins.
Balance: Very dry and twiggiesque. Let breathe an hour or two before imbibing.
Comments: If you want to do something nice for someone, or as a special treat to yourself, slowly savour a bottle of La Posta Malbec and ponder for a moment. Think about all the wonderful experiences you've collected; with every sip, something to be grateful for. It's a Malbec Meditation.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Rihaku "Wondering Poet"Sake

Naked Wine Review 66
Wine: Junmai Ginjo Sake
Producer: Rihaku Shuzo
Vintage: 03/09
Region: Japan
Price: 14.00
Date tasted: 02/01/11
Place tasted: I was still nursing a broken tail from last weeks tragic accident of unknown origin, and looking forward to at least being able to enjoy a nice home cooked Chinese meal. Lucky for me, this meal was accompanied by the gentle warmth and kindness of Rihaku Sake in a cute little porcelain cup. For the record, this sake is recommended to be served slightly chilled. I tried it that way as well, and it was indeed probably the best way to go. Anyway, as I sat there on my memory foam pillow and bag of frozen popcorn, full meal before me, I closed my eyes and was transported to a beautiful Asian world surrounded by the scent of Night Blooming Jasmine, the rare melonana fruit, and a peaceful healing herbal glow. As I began to imbibe, it felt as though I were sipping sacred dew from an exotic magical flower. 
Serve with: Appetizer: Chicken Siomai. Main Dish: Bourbon Chicken, and sticky white rice. These are very easy to prepare and an excellent pairing with the Sake. Food that is too strong in any facet – spicy, rich, hot – will overpower sake. It's very nice to have with Peking Duck on Valentines Day. Those were the only good V. Days I ever remember having, and they were great! Thanks JH.
Appearance: Clear and bright, like white light sparkling, with just a kiss of early golden sunshine. She has the body and spirit of a woodland faerie as she dances on moonbeams in an enchanted forest.
On the snoot: A tropical breeze. Subtle, comforting, and calming to the poor little anxious snoot. 'There, there, little fella, all better now.'
Taste: A tropical blanket of banana and soft melon combine to warm the palate. There is also a distinct yet oh so gentle, naked clean brightness, that seems to have a direct effect on ones awareness of the aquamarine light that shines around the throat area. It's nice, I like it. I think you will as well. It leaves a soft warming sensation as it fades... into another sip. Smile and enjoy.
Balance: The incredibly delicate balance among acid, alcohol and sweet is remarkable. A most inspired trio, in perfect harmony.
Comments: There are 5 basic types of sake, see eSake.com.
I don't know why I don't drink sake more often. It is a unique and delicate flower that deserves much more attention than given in the west. Try it, and then try it again. You can't not love it, you just cant!


Rating: 4 stars

Nugan Estate Riverina Shiraz

Naked Wine Review 65

Wine: Vision Riverina Shiraz

Producer: Nugan Estate

Vintage: 09'

Region: Australia

Price: 8.50

Date tasted: 12/31/10

Place tasted: New Years Eve, continued....Well, after the Sparkling Wine (see review 64) I hailed a moon cab that took me to the planet Alprazolam, where life is beautiful and calm all the time. Frank had a bottle of Nugan Estate Shiraz already breathing in the kitchen of his sky view mansion. As I gazed upon a glorious orange sunset and cherished a glass of this delightful vino, more guests arrived. I knew when Bob showed up that this would be a New Years Eve I would surly wish I could remember. I'm pretty sure it was too. Were you there? I thought I saw you there.

Serve with: Mushroom & Penne Pasta Bowls. A naked friend covered in Fran's Chocolate, Caramel, or Raspberry Sauce for desert is completely optional, but highly recommended ;^) 

Appearance: Blood red ruby shining through an enlightened purple glow.

On the snoot: Ripe dripping plum and musky cocoa and spice mingle together stimulating and enticing the eager snoot. 

Taste:  Dense, jammy fruit on impact, moving into black cherry and a bit of licorice spice and soft cocoa in mid palate. She sings in rich full earth tones and toasted oak throughout. Feather dusty tannins sweep at gingerbread mens firm, naked bodies through a lingering yet gently penetrating and most satisfying finish. 

Balance: A lush, full bodied beauty. Sexy, toned, and well defined. The lady holds herself to a high aesthetic standard. 

Comments: If the road to hell is paved with good intentions, can the road to heaven be paved with bad ones? I don't know, but I can tell you that this wine will totally spin your chakras, and that is a very good thing indeed.  

Rating: 3.8 tipsys

Blanc de BlancsDomaine ste. Michelle 08'

Naked Wine Review 64

Wine: Blanc de Blancs

Producer: Domaine ste. Michelle

Vintage: 08'

Region: Washington State

Price: $9.00

Date tasted: 12/27/10

Place tasted: Four days into the future; It's New Years Eve and I have spent the whole day putting strings on tea bags. I have no brain left, but hey, it's a job, right? Anyway, my boss is a big pink rabbit who talks with a lisp, which I think is quite strange, you don't really hear lisps that often. No one else at my job even seems to notice either feature. Hum, whatever.
There is a New Years Eve party after work every year, and the bunny boss always supplies lots of Domaine ste. Michelle-Blanc de blancs. Unfortunately, he also supplies bacon wrapped plums stuffed with blue cheese. Anyway, it's still a pretty good time. Bob even shows up sometimes, and you all know how everyone loves Bob! Let the good times begin!
Still to come: Later that same evening....

Serve with: Hors d' Oeuvre plates including: Caviar, smoked salmon, brie, gouda, and no woman jamaican cheese. Some sliced apple, celery, grapes, pecans, and dried cranberries. Toast points and water crackers to give your snacks foundation. Then finally, a sweet plate of Posh Chocolat Truffels; and Fran's Chocolates, Double Chocolate Figs.

Appearance: Pale golden sunshine obfuscated by swarms of tiny shining bubbles.

On the snoot: Like pineapple and pear mingling in a cool breeze wafting over a grassy field.

Taste: Crisp Macintosh apple mixes with soft tropical fruits in tight little bubbles that dance about and tickle the giggling snoot. Finish is clean and bright as winter sunshine giving the palate a sense of clarity and enlightenment.

Balance: Skillfully balanced; light & dry with just enough gravity to hold the HWP elements of her lovely form.

Comments: For a nice little 'champaign cocktail' try this with some Raspberry flavored Stolichnaya Vodka. Happy New Years to all; May you live and dream in freedom & peace.

Rating: 4 stars

Red Blend, La Huella de Adaras 07'

Naked Wine Review 63
Wine: La Huella de Adaras, Almansa Red Wine-60% tintorera, 30% monastrell and 10% cabernet sauvignon
Producer: Bodegas Almansenas, SL
Vintage: 07'
Region: Spain
Price: 13.50
Date tasted: 12/20/10
Place tasted: Well it all started when I got back from my yearly Winter Solstice moon journey. I was wandering around, disoriented and thirsty when I noticed this beautiful bottle on the beach. I pulled the stopper out and a swirling of soft pink smoke escaped and formed into a beautiful woman right before my eyes! She smiled graciously at me and offered to grant me three wishes. When I wished for a bottle of wine, the genie brought forth La Huella de Adaras Red 07' (due to poor phrasing, I had to spend my second wish on a corkscrew). The conversation and wine flowed well into the evening as the genie and I became fast, and fabulous friends. It was a pretty typical solstice, lunar eclipse, full moon experience. Genies are so cool. What will I do with my last wish?
Serve with: Red meat; Aged cheeses, Stilton would be good; Perfect with Basque-Style Eggplant.
Appearance: Ruby with flashes of violet light.
On the snoot: Pheromones, hot & heavy. Like Gauloises, black cherries, dense earth, and just a hint of lingering lust on the breath of your naked lovers kiss.
Taste: Black current and dense cherry fruit upon impact with creosote and tar throughout. Wet earth and mineral saturate the palate as he expands to full on girth. Licorice and cracked pepper generate powerful emotion on the long, enchanting finish; with tannins linear, gentle, and understated.
Balance: Impeccable balance; a most harmonious quartet of acidity, sugar, alcohol, and tannin. His heavy, bulbous, and rather phallic legs were a delight to contemplate.
Comments: Just a beautiful wine experience. I think I even shed a few joyful tears during imbibation. This was one of my favorite wines this year. I would like to thank the genie, and CVS Pharmacy in Zootown for their wonderful wine selections and educated suggestions. Everyone loves the wine guy!

Rating: 4 stars