14 Hands Hot to Trot Red Blend 09'

Naked Wine Review 100

Wine: Hot to Trot Red Blend

Producer: 14 Hands Winery

Vintage: 09'

Region: Washington State

Price: 11.00

Date tasted: 6/25/12

Place tasted: I was with my family years ago on a camping trip to Flathead Lake's Yellow Bay. We played charades and laughed until our sides ached. My little brother and I used to race empty pop cans down a little stream leading to the lake, each having our own special design to make our can the fastest. The swimming was great, once the ice cold water numbed your body. My older brother and sister would play pinochle with Mom and Dad and as I observed them I wondered if I would ever comprehend the complexities of that game. Shoot the moon? What? At the end of each day we gathered to share the same sunset; the same earth and sky; and the same wonderfully insane family. 

May your memories be blessed; past, present, and future. Cheers!

Served with: I enjoyed it with Italian Sausage/Apple Meatballs on Pasta w/Pine nuts. It would go well with any herby, red sauce pasta dish; grilled meats; medium to strong cheeses; or dark chocolate sauce on a naked friend....

but never, ever with lemon cake! That is just a murder/suicide combination, so please don't do that.

Appearance: Garnet so dense and opaque that if you gaze into it and really focus, you can see the present!

On the snoot: Complex and pungent bouquet of rich dark fruits wrapped in pastry accented with etherial spirits of oak, soft moss on wet rock, and vanilla tobacco. I think the snoot is her most lovely feature. 

Taste: Black current and dark berry fruit combine with baking spice, cocoa, and damp earth. Subtle oak and enlightened tannins from Zenland were added to inspire a calming, velvety smooth finish. She is mantra to the palate.

Balance: Acids, sugars, tannins, and alcohol blend together in a beautifully choreographed dance of perfect unity & balance.

Comments: Celebrate the love of family, as well as the strength of your independence and freedom with a bottle of 14 Hands Hot to Trot. A hearty thanks to my sister, Molly, for this tasty gift of wine. 

Rating: 3.8 tipsys 

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

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Blessings and Peace to All

Waterbrook Melange Noir 08'

Naked Wine Review 99

Wine: Melange Noir (Red Blend)

Producer: Waterbrook

Vintage: 08'

Region: Washington>Columbia Valley

Price: 11.00

Date tasted: 6/16/12

Place tasted: I was thinking about how I was going to be chanting and dancing with twelve naked friends around a bonfire at the upcoming Summer Solstice celebration. I'm so excited, aren't you? Lets just all be careful not to burn our tender feet, or any other bits we may value or hold dear....so to speak :) A glass of wine and some pure and focused visualization will surely bring praise to the pony. 

Served with: Nez Perce Indian Cusine featuring steak, fry bread, and rainbow chard. In general, pair with red meats, bold herby sauces, strong cheese, and dark chocolate. Avoid with foods more subtle in flavor such as fish, mild cheeses, or cream sauces. 

Appearance: Dense clear garnet with a glowing purple aura.

On the snoot: Aromas of black cherries and wild flowers growing near a mountain stream; powerful and transportive. The scent alone is enough to send you straight to your 'happy place'....it did me.

Taste: She's hot, offering up a mouthful of rich dark cherry, licorice spice and cracked pepper. Finish is graced with thick chewy tannins, a breath of soft cedar, and mocha that lingers long and leaves you basking in the afterglow of her glory. I'm totally smitten with this one.

Balance: Acid over sweet, with lots of tannin. Very sane and well balanced. 

Comments: Waterbrook Winery, one of Walla Walla's founding wineries draws its name from the Nez Perce Indian dialect for Walla Walla, meaning 'Running Water.' (from the back of the bottle)

I dedicate this review to my parents, two of Chief Joseph's greatest admirers; a sentiment shared. 

Cin Cin 

Rating: 4 tipsys, excellent value

Santa Julia Malbec 10'

Naked Wine Review 98

Wine: Malbec

Producer: Bodega Santa Julia

Vintage: 10'

Region: Argentina>Mendoza

Price: 9.00

Date tasted: 6/3/11

Place tasted: I was leaping naked through a field of lavender when I remembered I had a bottle of Malbec waiting patiently in my picnic basket down by the lake. As I settled into a gentle stillness of body and spirit I sipped at the wine and thought about all the many times I had not done this before. 

Served with: Mendoza Style Empanadas from the Olivia-Quiroz family. The bottle says good with steaks, burgers, firm cheeses, and pastas with red sauces. Sounds right to me. 

Appearance: Silky muted ruby with amber edges. He's a sexy, masculine man of a wine. 

On the snoot: Aromas of bright red Argentine paint berries and spring wildflowers growing near a bramble patch. It's so pretty and pheromonal, I was in love before the first taste. 

Taste: Dry & juicy; a very promising beginning. Big plum and blackberry tempered with old leather and pipe tobacco fill the mouth with most satisfying extension and girth. Velvety tannins stroke the palate through a long echoing finish that goes on and on, never turning to sour or losing its 'juiciness'. Enjoy right up to the moment you move on to the next sip of divine ecstasy. 

Balance: Well balanced, toned and lean. More on the acid side, very food friendly. 

Comments: Be careful who you drink this with as the aphrodisiac  qualities are quite overwhelming. I'm just sayin'......

Rating: 3.8 hard tipsys

Porcupine Ridge Syrah 10'

Naked Wine Review 97

Wine: Porcupine Ridge Syrah

Producer: Boekenhoutskloof

Vintage: 10'

Region: South Africa>Coastal Region

Price: 8.00

Date tasted: 05/20/12

Place tasted: I was on a big red sailboat; a rolling deep blue ocean, my only view. The psychic detox of water and an enhanced sensitivity to the flavors swirling around my glass of red, brought a profound sense of serenity to my being. I was so happy at that moment. I remember wearing Ian Mouldings blue hat and thinking about cheese. Now isn't that just too perfect?

Serve with: things that use lots of black pepper. Red meats, or strong cheeses would be a good complement. I had it with a dark chocolate raspberry torte. Decadent, just decadent. 

Appearance: I say garnet and purple, though the wine maker and other reviewers say ruby. I respectfully disagree; you can decide for yourself. Whichever 'hue' you chose, she's still dark, muted, and opaque. A very glamourous lady of a wine.

On the snoot:  is an earthy, aromatic stroll through dense blackberry perfumed woods. The snoot makes a good first impression, I like that. 

Taste: Concentrated dark fruit cascading over oak and wood. Cracked peppercorn yodels that echo through a rich black current & berry canyon command your full attention. Tannins are soft and plentiful as tribbles on the Enterprise. Finish lingers in a delightful embrace, cuddling and spooning the satisfied palate. 

Balance: Beautifully balanced with lots of body yet not too heavy or sweet; just many layers of harmonizing character. Well adjusted, educated, and charming. 

Comments: If you like South African wines, and particularly pinotage, you will like this syrah as well. She is exotic, unique, and will give your palate something to ponder. 

If you are looking for a cliche', beauty pageant winning, yawn they all taste alike but aren't they pretty? kinda wine, then look somewhere else. This wine would find you boring; and YOU would be completely unable to comprehend the truth and beauty in her complexities. Come on, go get some Porcupine Syrah and let the whole world be your comfort zone. Don't bore the wine.

Rating: 3.8 tipsys; excellent value

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

Almansa La Huella de AdarasRed Blend 08'

Naked Wine Review 96

Wine: Almansa La Huella de Adaras-Red Blend of 60%Garnache Tintorera, 30% Monastrell, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon 

Producer: Bodegas Almansenas

Vintage: 08'

Region: Spain>Almansa

Price: 13.00

Date tasted: 3/19/12>Vernal Equinox

Place tasted: I was hiding out in a parallel universe as another version of me moved through her day. Same car; different bumper stickers. You put those there, didn't you? I, however, am NOT my bumper stickers. I agreed with myself to pay them no heed, keep the car on the road, and continue to drive and observe. After my identity perception shifted into a more comfortable and seemingly honest zone, I sat down with myself and we both took great comfort in a large glass of wine. I know who I am.... and so do I. I'm sure you all can relate to this, right? So have a glass of wine and try to lighten up and relax. It's only life.

Served with:  A great steak wine, have it with a nice grilled ribeye; also would work well with red sauced pasta dishes, strong cheeses, and bold appetizers. 

Appearance: Deep ruby with a glowing purple aura.

On the snoot: Earth, mineral, herb, and spice combine with a sort of sour cherry candy scent; inspired and eccentric.

Taste: Very dry with heavy spice and basil-forward herbaceousness. Fruit hides around corners and lingers only in the background like a whispered rumor. Sour cherry with licorice shadows dance around the mid-palate before moving into a perfectly dry finish riddled with tiny triangular tannins. Her fully integrated ghost lingers to haunt the back of your throat before ascending into the light. 

Balance: A beautiful naked body with lovely svelte luscious legs. 

Comments: She's a bright young lady with plenty of talent and intelligence, but very little life experience. I think she'll show more warmth and depth of character in a few years. I'd say buy a bottle and hang on to it for a little while or at least let her breath at least an hour before imbibing.

Rating: 3.6 tipsys

Bar Oil Cabernet Franc 08'

Naked Wine Review 95

Wine: Bar Oil Cabernet Franc

Producer: Trapper Peak Winery

Vintage: 08'

Region: Made in Darby, Montana with grapes exclusively from Mount Saint Helena Vineyards, California.....cryolite free.

Price: 17.00

Date tasted: 3/24/12

Place tasted: I was taking a much needed break at the beginning of a long journey of getting in touch with my inner ping pong ball. In the safe, grounded, and happy land that is maintained by my BFF, I took a deep breath and smiled for the gift of a moment of stillness. She opened a bottle of Bar Oil and we sipped and marveled at the beauty and complexity of this finely crafted 100% Cabernet Franc. 

Served with: Marinated sirloin and veggie kabobs on jasmine rice. 

Appearance: She presents rich and beautiful, draped in a deep lustrous ruby gown.

On the snoot: Sweet cherry with soft herbal nuances. 

Taste: Waves of intense black cherry on impact that roll back out only to return in a tsunami rush of sage, black pepper, vanilla, and cedar. She's just filled with bodacious layers of fascinating contrasts and complements. The first finish (no I'm not kidding) is powerful with tannin, long and sticky. The second finish is more of a full juicy wet kiss. Wait for it.....there it is. For full effect drink it slow, real slow.

Balance: Hot, with incredible tannins that behave in a most unusual manner you must experience for yourself. Able to possess big fruit and body while maintaining her subtly svelte and classy dry red wine demeanor.  

Comments: 'When the sap of life gets stuck in your crack, a little bar oil will smooth out the stroke. Whether you're pushing or pulling, ENJOY THE RIDE!' (from the back of the bottle).
A beautifully designed wine showing outstanding architecture. I can't stop thinking about slowly savoring her full and delicious naked body. More, must have more! 

Rating: 4 exotic tipsys

Kung Fu Girl Riesling 10'

Naked Wine Review 94

Wine: Kung Fu Girl Riesling

Producer: Charles Smith Wines

Vintage: 10'

Region: Washington>Columbia Valley>Mattawa

Price: 11.00

Date tasted: 3/15/12 

Place tasted: There I was, hiding from a rampant, Locknar possessed, freak show of weird beings.....again! Pull the curtain; don't look into its eyes. 

Safe there I was in my sanctuary of himalayan negative ions, crystal protection, voice magic, and a smudging of Nag Champa. 

Safe, I sipped the wine, and took the time, to peacefully ponder my next move in the big game. 

Served with: Moscato marinated, cedar plank barbecued Salmon

on wild rice & basmatti.

Appearance: A very light golden color, freckled with tiny bubbles that cling to the sides of the glass; quite pretty.

The snoot: is a naked walk through a Wenatchee apple orchard in late summer sunshine; subtle and lovely.

Taste: Fruit forward with flavors of pear, apricot, and apple dominating. She's a bright, intelligent wine with just enough sweetness to make her very comfortable to hang out with. Finish is juicy and uplifting with an etherial mineral spirit. 

Balance: yes.

Comments: Refreshing and easy to drink. Remember this one for hot summer day picnics, relaxing along side a cool mountain stream with your naked best friend :) Hang on everyone, summer's coming!

Rating: a 4 tipsy riesling; you can't go wrong with any Charles Smith Wines.
He's a wine makin' rock star!

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

Freemark Abbey Chardonnay 09'

Naked Wine Review 93

Wine: Chardonnay

Producer: Freemark Abbey

Vintage: 09'

Region: California>Napa Valley

Price: 20.00

Date tasted: 3/7/12

Place tasted: Dancing in graceful liberation at midnight under a full moon; naked, with joyous abandon. I began chanting in Hindu, happy sounds, as the elements came to grace the space around me. I shared this liberating experience, and a glass of truly tasty wine, with my friend, her Majesty, Mossy Waterfall. 

Huzzah! May freedom and happiness reign over the rich bosom of Shawnaland forever! 

Serve with: Would pair well with light, delicate, subtly flavored foods; especially nice with mushrooms. I had it with Cod, Artichokes & Chickpeas (mushrooms in that recipe as well). It was a match made in heaven for sure.

Appearance: Deep golden and glowing with a hint of green light; not unlike that of a big, round, full moon.

On the snoot: are notes of green apple, citrus, and antique wood.

Taste:  A carmel apple carnival with twinkling lemon drops and sweet satsumas. There are so many rides to go on here. Hints of Mexican vanilla interlaced with nectarine and the etherial breath of clove are also present, showing off her complex and ingenious interpretation of what chardonnay is all about. She finishes in rich waves of subtle liquid honey cascading over smooth rock & oak; pleasing the Undines and coaxing them out to dance and sing with her. (Undines are know for their phenomenal vocal abilities; bet you didn't know that, did ya?)

Balance: Heavy? Yes and no. Crisp? Ya, but milky too. Just right? Yes, that's it. She presents a perfect balance of dark to light, in spirit and sound.

Comments: This is one big fat buttery beauty of a wine. One of the most well crafted chardonnays I've ever experienced. You should buy some, and I should buy more. 

Rating: 4 tipsys

Chateau Ste MichelleSauvignon Blanc 10'

Naked Wine Review 92

Wine: Sauvignon Blanc

Producer: Chateau Ste Michelle

Vintage: 10'

Region: Washington State>Columbia Valley

Price: 10.00

Date tasted: 2/12/12

Place tasted: Holed up in a cheap motel on Hwy 99 just north of Seattle, I like it here. The Seven Eleven shining in neon glory across the street makes me smile. A howling wild siren which used to be of such comfort has become frightening and unfamiliar. I open the window just a crack to hear the ebb and flow of constant traffic intertwined with cries of insanity echoing in the voices of the urban nomads who roam the streets. Did I lock the van? Of course I came prepared with my own wine glass and a bottle of excellent wine and snacks. You create your own comfort zone. Cheers all!

Serve with: Basil pesto marinated chicken breast. Also great with smoked salmon and brie; apples; cranberries; gouda; and almonds (a good choice when hanging in a motel room not far from a Trader Joe's; wonderful really).

Appearance: The subtle glow of a beautiful champagne cut diamond.

On the snoot: Soft melon with just a hint of papaya.

Taste: Bright and crisp in character tempered by the mellow warmth of honeydew and an etherial herbal spirit. Finish has the slow fading beauty of a gentle tropical sunset. 

Balance: So well balanced she could do summersaults on a tightrope without a net; and you wouldn't even break a sweat.

Comments: Challenges outside ones comfort zone are what make life interesting and keep ones identity from becoming solid and dishonest....habits and routines become crutches for stability and sanity. Drop the crutches, embrace the crazy, and walk, damn you, walk!

Oh, comments about the WINE. Sure: You can always trust Chateau Ste Michelle for stellar wine integrity.

Rating: 4 solid tipsys

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

Slowine Shiraz 06'

Naked Wine Review 91

Wine: Slowine from around our mountain Shiraz

Producer: Villersdorp Cellar

Vintage: 06'

Region: South Africa

Price: 10.00

Date tasted: 2/6/12

Place tasted: Sitting on the back of a very large turtle, my friend Bob and I played call and response with the echoing voice of insanity bursting forth from a full and somewhat terrifying full moon. All night long we sang and sipped at the sweet gentle gem libations that filled our glasses. May all beings everywhere be happy and free.

Serve with: Bob and I enjoyed it with African Spiced London Broil. It would go well with a variety of strong cheeses & hors d'oeuvres; stews; grilled meats; lamb; red sauced pasta dishes, and things of that nature. Oh, and don't forget the Posh Chocolat!

Appearance: A rich, muted ruby red glow.

On the snoot: Phat plum and sweet mineral spice provide a very comforting breath, giving one a warm sense of affluence. 

Taste: Plum and big fruit dominate, suspended in thick chewy herbaceous integrity with just a hint of vanilla. Satin tannin sheets caress the satisfied naked palate. A strong, musky body provides a wonderful mouth-filling experience as he gently pulses into a slow muscular heady finish. 

Whew, is anyone else a little warm?

Balance: A full bodied beauty; big; rubenesque.

Comments: This wine would be enhanced if consumed while listening to Anton Bruckner; or if you're not into the classical thing then you might want to go with Rammstein. Trust me, I'm the Wine Witch, I know these things. 

Rating: 4 tipsys (worth twice the price)

Snoqualmie Syrah 07'

Naked Wine Review 90

Wine: Snoqualmie, Syrah

Producer: Snoqualmie Vineyards

Vintage: 07'

Region: Washington>Columbia Valley

Price: 9.00

Date tasted: 1/15/12

Place tasted: Looking out the window from a lovely room in the huge empty hotel where I live, I ponder the universe. I have been living in seclusion here for a couple of weeks now, or has it been months? 

As I'm trying to think of something to say in this review it suddenly occurs to me that 'the Shining' may not have been the best pick for me from Netflix  this time. 

Oh well, I'll find sanity swimming around in this glass of delicious syrah. Ah yes, hangin' out naked with a glass of wine, some fancy popcorn, and a good ol' film classic. Cheers all! 

(Sorry about the visual)

Serve with: popcorn & black licorice. Yummy! It would also go well with grilled meats, sausage, or pasta/pizza type dishes. Just avoid pairing with more delicate, subtle flavored cuisine.

Appearance: Dense garnet red with a slightly glowing carmel ring around the edges. She's a real beauty, with smokin' hot viscous legs.

On the snoot: A thick musky blanket of cotton candy wrapped up in vanilla smoke and fuzzy rose petals.

Taste: Dark rich berry with a soft organic blend of licorice, celery, cracked pepper, and oak. Finish is gently infused with furry tannin spice bunnies that scurry away a little too quickly. 

Balance: She inspires the senses with her subtle tannins and alcohol, combined with perfect sugar to acid common sense. 

Comments: The palate is all around pleased with this one. So full of comfort, beauty, and elegance, even the most fickle palate will be haunted by her many charms and return to her again and again. So you might as well just buy a case, you're going to anyway. 

Rating: 3.7 tipsys 

Man Vinters Pinotage 09'

Naked Wine Review 89

Wine: Pinotage

Producer: Man Vintners

Vintage: 09'

Region: South Africa>Suider Paarl

Price: 11.00

Date tasted: 1/5/12

Place tasted: In a fiery fog that burned my vision and blurred my skin. Some inner creature cried out for justice but all I could do was watch as layer after layer of who I'd come to know as 'me' peeled away from the sights of onlookers, though few in number. If an inspired four octave mezzo soprano sings in the forest and no one hears her, did she make a sound? Hum... What about if she falls?

And as I sat and pondered whether I really needed to be seen or heard to actually exist, I took comfort in the reality of the brilliant glass of wine in my hand that I was holding onto for dear life; all red and wet and juicy, with just the right amount of fur. I knew at that moment everything was going to be ok. The wine sees. The wine hears; and she breathes only to please me. So what can I say? I'm pleased...

...and I think I might even exist.

Serve with: Pinotage goes beautifully with a wide variety of cheeses, and hearty red meats. It is especially nice with lamb.

I prepared Frikadeller (Danish Meatballs) and I must admit they brought out the best in each other. 

Appearance: She presents draped in vintage red velvet; calming you with her Lambert cherry red and lustrous burnt orange aura. 

On the snoot: are dense berries, licorice spice, trolls feet, and a little windex; but don't let that scare you, it's a beautifully exotic bouquet. 

Taste: Juicy berry and tobacco fairies do the dance of peace around your neighbors towering oak tree. They go tossing peppercorns into the air and chanting with the breath of the Buddha to calm and center the scattered palate. Smokey tannins sing one last note before they break down into a gentle lingering finish. Ah, wine zen...

focused, centered, and clear. 

Balance: She has a truly beautiful body. Those naked legs that run down the sides of your glass are simply captivating. Light on sugar with plenty of soft gentle tannin; slightly acid but still smooth.

Comments:  Let her breathe a while before imbibing. The oxygen mellows the tannin, brings up the bouquet, and blends the flavors together. 

So lets all take a moment to appreciate, and fascinate over wine as a living, changing, and breathing entity. Enjoy as you will, her divine liquid majesty.

Cin, Cin

Rating: 3.6 tipsys

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