w/ Cracked Latin
Friday, 11/6, 8:30pm

w/R. Stevie Moore
Saturday, 11/7, 2:00pm

406) Martin Codax Ergo Rioja 2005 (Spain)
Not much on the nose
And a very quick goodbye
Lovely while it lasts

405) Bernardino & da Silva Vinho Regional Estremadura Garrafeira 1997 (Portugal)
Rain hits the window
Your pillow is soft and dry
Soon you’ll wake, not now

404) Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva 2003 (Italy)
Truly classic things
Are by design unconcerned
With newfangled trends

403) Mirassou Pinot Noir 2007 (California)
Hate’s irrational
It fills the soul with poison
Use for marinade

402) Famille Ligneres Piece de Roche 2004 (France)
No nose to speak of
But a nice fat spank of grape
Hangs on for dear life

401) Domaine d’Andezon Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2007 (France)
All that’s red glistens
In Rhone’s most magical year
Perfect fruit’s sweet sweat

399) Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet 2006 (California)
The beauty of blues
Deceptive simplicity
Three essential chords

398) Kelley Creek Dry Creek Valley Merlot 2005 (California)
Essential brush strokes
Capture the figure’s essence
Minimalism

397) Srathewen Hills Patterson Lakes Shiraz 2005 (Australia)
Either she’s hiding
Or revealing all that’s there
In a word, boring

396) Domaine D’Andezon La Granacha Signargues Cotes Du Rhone Villages 2007 (France)
I love the label
It made the wine taste better
I’m convinced of it

395) Louis M Martini Cabernet Napa Valley Reserve 2003 (California)
Aging gracefully
With dark, defiant sweetness
Forever’s sunset

394) Graffigna Centenario Malbec 2005 (Argentina)
Wine that comes packaged
In fancy leather satchels
Is at best, suspect

393) Domaine La Garrigue Vacqueyras 2006 (France)
A classic style
Is a subjective concept
On which we agree

392) Bodegas Arrocal 2006 (Spain)
Clean with defined lines
A showroom sheen that glistens
Fine for families

391) Alamos Malbec 2008 (Argentina)
With tangerine skins
And a floral filled finish
The pride’s justified

390) La Loggia Barolo 2002 (Italy)
Tasted like bad scotch
Until air awakened the fruit
A frog to a prince

389) Château de La Chaize Brouilly 2006 (France)
God bless the throwback
That cares not of the modern
What once was remains

388) Mak Special Edition Yarra Valley 2000 (Australia)
A whiff of lipstick,
Fresh plums, and pomegranate
Couldn’t get enough

387) Thumbprint Cellars Merlot ‘Reserve Lot’ 2005 (California)
It’s easy to spot
Children who got attention
They sense they’re unique

386) Pago Senda Misa Crianza 2006 (Spain)
Robbing the cradle
A trigger pulled too early
Resist temptation

385) Arrocal Ribera Del Duero 2006 (Spain)
A woman balances
A straw basket on her head
Walking down a hill

384) Delas Saint Espirit Cotes-Du-Rhone 2007 (France)
Interweaving hands
Underneath a cloudless sky
The kiss of warm dusk

383) Jean-Marc Burgaud Cote du Py Vieilles Vignes Morgon 2005 (France)
Arresting perfume
Her scent beckons you closer
And it gets sweeter

382) Perrin & Fils Reserve Perrin Côtes du Rhône 2006 (France)
Like a cheap poster
Of a late Van Gogh painting
One gets the idea

381) Domaine Vigouroux Gouleyant Cahors Malbec 2006 (France)
Rubber burns the road
But you can’t smell anything
Horseshit on tires

380) Dowie Doole McLaren Vale Shiraz 2004 (Australia)
At a close distance
The facade held great promise
Movie scenery

379) Celler Cecilio l’Espill Priorat 2000 (Spain)
A mine explosion
Deep, once you think all’s settled
Hanging gardens fall

378) Epiphany Syrah 2004 (California)
A big, burly hound
Warns potential intruders
Roaring fireplace

377) Prima-Mano Primitivo 2003 (Italy)
Completely bizarre
A Phil Niekro knuckleball
tomato tea sauce

376) Domaine “La Garrigue” 2007 (France)
It tastes sumptuous
But the elusive softness
Is what captivates

375) Montecillo Rioja Gran Reserva Seleccion Especial 1981 (Spain)
A rare butterfly
Confronting the infinite
Beside a rainbow

374) Rancho Zabaco Monte Rosso Zinfandel 2003 (California)
Its sunny day passed,
Flavors were packed into bags
And thrown overboard

373) Mak Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot/Cab Franc 2004 (Australia)
Growing cranberries
Hidden somewhere in Bordeaux
While thinking things out

372) Huntington Petite Sirah 2005 (California)
Nothing petite here
But a damn grape boomerang
Fruity slap smackdown

371) Beringer Founders Estate Cabernet 2005 (California)
The overnight test
Was passed in flying color
Sweeping deep purple

370) Willam Hill Estate Cabernet 2003 (California)
It flew straight upwards
As if the glass was prison
Cabernet with wings

369) Edenvale Syrah 2003 (Oregon)
Australia’s version
Slaps your back and grabs your hand
This shakes out its hair

368) Diamond Oakes de Maniar Pinot Noir 2005 (California)
The bearded lady
Sits in a dark dressing room
Flexing her muscles

367) Craneford Shiraz 2006 (Australia)
A true gut massage
Lithe lusciousness reaching down
With a tender hand

366) Mockingbird Hill Petite Sirah 2006 (California)
Not my favorite grape
But this corners you and asks,
“Aren’t I pretty?”

365) Gascon Malbec 2007 (Argentina)
Robust daily fare
For a winter’s waning day
Spent in dying leaves

364) Thumbprint Cellars Syrah 2006 (California)
Deeply bountiful
Chocolate oregano licks
The nighttime sunshine

363) Clos del Mas Priorat 2000 (Spain)
Not what you’d expect
A ton of cherry berry
Smoothed from edge to edge

362) Sipavola Rosso di Sicilia 2006 (Italy)
Tastes like medicine
Just not as sweet and nasty
That’s not a bad thing

361) Rancho Zabacco Zinfandel Reserve 2004 (California)
This one’s a rude mess
Obnoxiously overoaked
Fake tits and lipstick

360) Chateau De Sainte Gemme 2001 (France)
The wine’s delicious
But the freakin’ cork’s a bitch
Cursing and screaming

359) Deboeuf Domaine Desmures Chiroubles 2004 (France)
I see a farmer
Lunching with his family
Slurping up his soup

358) Marquis Phillips Shiraz 2006 (Australia)
It’s hydroponic
Unapologetically
Nutritious tasting

357) Silverlake Columbia Valley Reserve Merlot 1997 (Washington)
Still sweet and preening
A thumb up the ass of age
Defiantly young

356) Hecula Monastrell 2005 (Spain)
Oregano’s ghost
Short circuited my taste buds
Leaving hollow glass

355) Serafrino McLaren Vale Cabernet 2001 (Australia)
Deliciously sweet
And friendly as a hound dog
A magnum-sized hug

354) Tenimenti Conti Neri Ripasso 2005 (Italy)
A stick of spearmint
Stuck underneath the saddle
Spaghetti western

353) Bitch Grenache 2006 (Australia)
It reminds me of
A Shiraz/Voignier blend
Quite the femme fatale

352) Wyndham Estate Shaw Reserve Shiraz 2004 (Australia)
Dinner as breakfast
A thick drink bespeaking health
Pairs up with corn flakes

351) Chateau de Lavagnac Bordeaux Superior 2001 (France)
The sour cherries
stained the plain white tablecloth
We’ll just bleach it out

350) Indalo Shiraz 2002 (South Africa)
Admirable fruit
But some more oak is needed
to hold the candy

349) Firestone Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley Reserve 2004 (California)
It’s fresh and perky
With a nose pointed skyward
Serenely smiling

348) Keesha Cabernet Franc 2006 (California)
This one’s a shy girl
Whose hair smells so glorious
As the rain falls down

347) Red Rock Reserve Merlot 2006 (California)
Caramel sunset
The serious crowd’s laughing
As we drink to them

346) Backsberg Babylons Toren 2002 (South Africa)
At first, purely wood
But underneath the oak planks
Something riper lurks

345) Bodega Septima Malbec 2006 (Argentina)
Dark and sullen night
A cloudy sky threatening
Fully entertained

344) Philippe Lorraine Cabernet 2001 (California)
Shh! Pretend you’re French
And when the waiter comes out
Hide the blackberries!

343) Osborne Solaz Merlot/Tempranillo 2005 (Spain)
Comes out guns blazing
With flags that say ‘Bang!’ & ‘Pop!’
Quite enjoyable

342) Pago Florentino Tinto 2004 (Spain)
A mid-section kick
Unexpected precision
Chocolate violins

341) Frei Brothers Dry Creek Valley Merlot 2003 (California)
A ripple effect
Of cascading ripe berries
Ripped right in sunlight

340) Gascon Malbec 2006 (Argentina)
Phenomenal mouth
Drinks desire openly
Loquaciousness falls

339) Marquis Phillips Roogle Red 2004 (Australia)
I can’t stop laughing
Huge, thick, overpowering
For eleven bucks

338) Folie a Deux Menage a Trois 2006 (California)
Something’s not right here
Rich, but no balls or backbone
And I taste oak chips

337) Monte Degli Angeli Monferrato Pinot Noir 2006 (Italy)
A marginal wine
But it stands like a soldier
Forcing a retaste

336) Gnarley Head Old Vine Zin 2005 (California)
Noticeably soft
Firm in its forward intent
A stroll arm in arm

335) Marques De Borba Alentejo 2005 (Portugal)
There’s fruit here somewhere
Because the damn stuff’s purple
But I can’t find it

334) Palestra Duoro Vino Tinto (Portugal)
Completely charming
I smile after each sip
then take another

333) Chateau Puynormond Montagne St.-Emilion 2004 (France)
No first date kisses
Just a peck on the second
But you hang in there

332) Conte di Bregonzo Amarone 2004 (Italy)
Even more raisins
to stuff inside your saddle
for the journey back

331) Layer Cake Shiraz 2006 (Austarlia)
I hate the label
It’s an alcoholic mess
With fruit barely good

330) Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino 1985 (Italy)
Words sometimes fall short
And instead stand in mute awe
Unfit for the task

329) Cantalupi Conti Zecca Negramaro 2004 (Italy)
Vanilla syrup
That dries all it’s poured over
Adoring rivers

328) William Hill Merlot 2003 (California)
You feel it working
Digging itself in the glass
The shine’s a fake one

327) Chateau Simard St. Emilion 1995 (France)
Special lovlieness
Warm caramel in the mouth
A bracing goodbye

326) Lyeth Meritage 2004 (California)
Something cloying here
Too much like a lollipop
A red, diet one

325) Red Rock Merlot 2005 (California)
Frogs on lily pads
Not moving, but not sinking
Familiar domain

324) Prospero Merlot 2001 (California)
Holds its alcohol
Like a world-class drinking champ
with a light spirit

323) Bonterra Vineyards Merlot 2004 (California)
A cranky old man
Spent his life with burning leaves
That melted his heart

322) Cigarzin Zinfandel 2005 (California)
If it’s a cigar
Then it’s a Tiparillo
Sweet, thin, little else

321) Mad Dogs & Englishmen Shz/Cab/Mnstrl 2005 (Spain)
Nice marketing, guys!
Firm as a juicy dog bone
With meat hanging off

320) Agustos Carmenere Reserve 2004 (Chile)
Full, fat, & happy
Walks with a heavy swagger
Pays for your dinner

319) Vina Requingua Puerto Viejo Cabernet 2006 (Chile)
I thought of go-carts
Racing downhill without brakes
Headed for trouble

318) Mahler-Besse Taja Reserva 2003 (Spain)
Jumilla must be
Some sort of rare paradise
Where it rains purple

317) Block 50 Merlot 2005 (Australia)
The friendly stranger
Who points you to the right road
brightening your day

316) Zarafa Pinotage 2007 (South Africa)
It’s the only grape
I can pick out every time
And this one’s a steal

315) Chateau Pesquie ‘Les Terrasses’ 2004 (France)
Knew when the cork popped
And smoked cherries filled the room
I picked a winner

314) Le Pavillon Du Chateau Beauchene 2004 (France)
It’s how you say, ‘merde’
Or urine from a berry
Complete waste of time

313) Santa Rita Reserva Cabernet 2005 (Chile)
Didn’t taste quite right
Then it did its ju-jitsu
And snapped into place

312) Finca La Linda Bonarda 2006 (Argentina)
Some wines are women
This is not one of those wines
Tall, dark, & handsome

311) Tormaresca Negroamaro/Cabernet 2003 (Italy)
It fakes out sweetness
And holds back a sultry kiss
until your throat winks

310) Senorio de Balboa 2005 (Spain)
Nothing amazing
but a fulsome grip of grape
Possessing essence

309) The Stump Jump Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre 2004 (Australia)
An impatient spring
Flower petals opening
Under threat of snow

308) Molly Dooker Two Left Feet Shiraz Blend 2006 (Australia)
Stunning purple teeth
A stained shirt without the work
Modern farmer’s trick

307) D’Agostini ‘Bin 55′ Cabernet NV (California)
Don’t tell me your age
And I promise I won’t guess
Your smile is mine

306) Juan Gil Monastrell 2005 (Spain)
Smiling hand grenade
Held firm inside a head shake
And laughing, ‘Ka-boom’

305) Nando Gattinara 1998 (Italy)
This one’s a lady
Almost too tall in high heels
Then she kicked them off

304) Down Under Cabernet 2002 (Australia)
Yesterday’s papers
Alone on a dusty shelf
Only good news here

303) Spinner Red Merlot 2002 (California)
Amped up, tinkered with
Cherry coke in a barrel
A guilty pleasure

302) Bon Cap Organic Syrah 2004 (South Africa)
Boring as tofu
Even more stultifying
A paint commercial

301) Perry Creek ZinMan Zinfandel 2004 (California)
Warmly delicious
A virtual fireplace
Just need the big dog

299) Vinakoper Prestige Merlot 2001 (Slovenia)
A well-kept secret
Bespeaking whispers softly
With a French accent

298) Josephine Dubois Grand Reserve Pinot Noir 2004 (France)
We’re out of candy
But we have pencil shavings
Mixed up with some dirt

297) Leasingham Clare Valley Magnus Shiraz Cabernet 2003 (Australia)
The down under blend
As giddy as a showgirl
With stars in her eyes

296) Chateau LaFleur Saint-Christophe 2003 (France)
A swollen swallow
Flaps a wing and wobbles forth
The first bird to burp

295) Bella Sera Chianti 2006 (Italy)
Yes, I held my nose
But I remembered its roots
And it loved dinner

294) Domaine Monte De Luz Syrah 2005 (Uruguay)
The Rhone expression
Which surprised me early on
Makes sense to me now

293) Marchesi di Montecristo Nerollo Del Bastardo 2000 (Italy)
Shy of the nine-nine
That lovely wine rocked harder
Longer eyelashes

292) Berco Do Infante Reserva 2005 (Portugal)
A five buck winner
May it spout forth from all taps
World covered purple

291) Yellow Tail The Reserve Shiraz 2005 (Australia)
Special breed of tail
Black boots trudge through rich red fruit
A waddle that works

290) Mirassou Pinot Noir 2006 (California)
“Nice day, isn’t it?”
“Sure is. Hope it stays this way”
“Yep, I sure hope so”

289) Santa Carolina Reserva Cabernet 2006 (Chile)
Like a movie where
You wait to be entertained
And you fall asleep

288) Chateau Des Graviers D’Ellies Grand Cru 1999 (France)
OK, a bad year
But this is thin like Paris
A bleached blonde heiress

287) Frazzitta Nero D’Avola 2002 (Italy)
Big time bottle funk
Nearly spilled the damn thing out
Patience served me well

286) Domaine Moureou Madiran 2002 (France)
One-dimensional
Thought I tasted marzipan
Only a mirage

285) Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2005 (Chile)
Fat swipes of cocoa
Lead thick lines of deep flavors
Seamlessly blended

284) Brown Brothers Tarrango 2005 (Australia)
A white in red’s clothes
Went great with Indian food
Pointless by itself

283) Poggio Al Tufo Rompicollo 2004 (Italy)
“Slide, slide, you bastard!”
And he was safe at third base
Still, he could not score

282) Proyetco 4 2000 (Spain)
Starts like weird Pinot
Finishes off like good tea
Spanish cross-dresser

281) Meridian Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California)
Freshest on day three
Spinning ever sweeter fruit
That never annoyed

280) Whitehaven Marlborough Pinot Noir 2005 (New Zealand)
Interest bloomed slowly
Simple sturdy street flower
Fondly beckoned back

279) Cheapskate Miser Meritage 2004 (California)
I can taste the fun
That’s all that really matters
Beach time memory

278) Lindemans Pyrus Coonwara 2003 (Australia)
Dance at the chalkboard
An Aussie slap on the back
From a sweet teacher

277) Valreas ‘Cuvee Prestige’ Cotes Du Rhones Villages 2005 (France)
Keeps coming at you
Like a highbrow middle-weight
Up from every blow

276) Worthy Napa Valley Cabernet 2003 (California)
Oh, let’s not be coy
Way more than merely worthy
It’s just desserts

275) Rosenblum Zinfandel Vintners Cuvee XXIX NV (California)
Like Pa’s bathtub stash
Its focus ain’t on flavor
Prelude to date rape

274) Marques Casa Concha Cabernet 2004 (Chile)
Perfect fruit fallen
Rain from the purple planet
Deceptively right

273) Domaine Bibian Madiran 1996 (France)
I love old women
Listening to their stories
Smelling their perfume

272) Domaine d’Amarran Faugeres 1998 (France)
This has a mustache
And smokes lousy cigarettes
Say hi, keep walking

271) Mollydooker ‘The Maitre D’ Cabernet 2005 (Australia)
Newfoundland puppy
Tearing up the furniture
Love it to pieces

270) Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet 2002 (Washington)
Amply proportioned
Warm toasted bell-pepper blast
No funk to be found

269) Clos Du Bois Reserve Cabernet 2003 (California)
Feels a bit cranked out
Though a light touch is noticed
Could use some horse shit

268) Terroir Du Trias Beaumes de Venise 1999 (France)
Rip-snorting beauty
As subtle as a knife fight
Lamp shade on her head

267) Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Alexander Valley 2003 (California)
It’s a sweetie pie
A panting dog licks your face
He just wants your love

266) A Mano Primitivo 2005 (Italy)
Fresh as a daisy
I mean Daisy, the stripper
Sweet, racy, & loud

265) Monasterio de Santa Ana Monastrell 2004 (Spain)
I think this one’s corked
Though not bad enough to spill
I will try again

264) Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert 2001 (France)
Like the French waiter
Who has served thousands of meals
A job done, no more

263) Vina Borgia Grenache 2005 (Spain)
It’s like a comma
Slowing the pace between words
A comfortable fit

262) Peachy Canyon Zinfandel 2005 (California)
First it’s a rough beard
Air acts as a lubricant
Then the shave goes smooth

261) Mirassou Merlot 2004 (California)
A shameful disgrace
Like dressing up a monkey
As a prostitute

260) Apollononio Salice Salentino Rosso 2001 (Italy)
Funky river ride
In a white cigarette boat
Speed for scenery

259) Chateau Les Grandes Mottes 1995 (France)
A strong little dick
Pissing into the sunshine
Too fresh to be old

258) Petit Paris Bergerac Bordeaux 2005 (France)
Short of amazing
But a damn sort of tight fun
Super type of steal

257) Martin & Weyrich Insieme Paso Robles 2001 (California)
All over the map
Snapping the right place just fine
Hugs its own shoulders

256) Joseph Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne 2005 (France)
The surging hormones
Memories of youth released
A lump in my throat

255) La Buxynoise Reserve Bourgogne 2004 (France)
Insipid & thin
Cheap Burgundy most often
Is a must-avoid

254) Hahn Estates Meritage 2004 (California)
It’s Jekyll & Hyde
Preening oak on the first night
Sweetness on the next

253) Luzon Verde Jumilla 2005 (Spain)
I waited for this
To regain some of its nerve
Shell covers the snail

252) Nederburg Shiraz 2004 (New Zealand)
A little bretty
Thought I was drinking some ‘tage
Has a good, strong push

251) Trellis Los Carneros Cabernet 2002 (California)
Sweet, rich, & juicy
Swinging clear with light flavors
Satisfaction’s kiss

250) Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California)
A textbook bottle
Sings like a purple whistle
Through evening’s cool sting

249) Sebeka Shiraz 2006 (South Africa)
Lacking character
Though it has a nice richness
Funky filtered out

248) Chateau Pavie St. Emilion Grand Cru 1986 (France)
Drinking good Bordeaux
Always the experience
The hype is well earned

247) Masi Classico Amarone 1979 (Italy)
Riding a stallion
Through a harvest at full speed
Dragging furniture

246) Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Suchots 1996 (France)
Like the final chord
Of Mahler’s 9th symphony
A fade to silence

245) A-Mano Primitivo 2003 (Italy)
I know DNA
Says that this is Zinfandel
But I’m unconvinced

244) McWilliams Coonawarra Shiraz 2000 (Australia)
Good Aussie Shiraz
Call it high-end generic
Rich folk nursing home

243) Ravenswood Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel 2004 (California)
Liked it quite a lot
Though missing a bit of spine
Small head, lots of hair

242) Ecco Domani Merlot 2005 (Italy)
Deeply offensive
Not bad, just insidious
Quick Nestle for dupes

241) Protocolo Red Wine 2004 (Spain)
Always a mainstay
A first flush for neophytes
And fine thereafter

240) Lancaster Estate Alexander Valley Red Wine 2000 (California)
Though a kiss so soft
Her eyes do look beyond mine
And I’m left alone

239) Domaine De La Chaponne Morgon Beaujolais 2002 (France)
Who would ever think
This could age so gracefully?
Ugly duck’s revenge

238) Chateau Coucy St. Emilion 2000 (France)
Trickle down theory
A rising tide lifts all yachts
Mick says, “Let it breathe”

237) Familia Sanchez Tempranillo/Syrah 2005 (Spain)
A firm fiesta
On a feather-filled mattress
Soft as her pillows

236) Rock Rabbit Syrah Central Coast 2003 (California)
I’m diggin’ this grape
When it swings a west coast vibe
Cool vanilla groove

235) Santa Rita Medalla Real Cabernet 2002 (Chile)
Always a pleasure
Cute, funny, then serious
Looks great the next day

234) MacMurray Central Coast Pinot Noir 2005 (California)
Nursing home pinot
Blue haired ladies, plastic cups
Half-eaten meat loaf

233) Don Miguel Gascon Malbec 2005 (Argentina)
Rain-soaked tumbleweeds
Fruit that’s fallen to the ground
Money left for food

232) Sassoregale Maremma Toscana 2003 (Italy)
Really rough out front
Nasty Robitussin notes
Better left unsung

231) Santa Rita Casa Real Cabernet 1999 (Chile)
Mountain-top evening
Soaking in a million lights
Dark satin goddess

230) Black Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005 (California)
Lovely in the mouth
And the faint glint of mushrooms
Kiss my risotto

229) Michael Sullberg Reserve Merlot 2005 (California)
It’s like a long word
Missing a letter or two
Understandable

228) Graham Beck ‘The William’ Cab/Pinotage 2001 (South Africa)
Rubber hits the road
Gets stuck in a grape filled ditch
In time we were free

227) Da Vinci Chianti Classico 2003 (Italy)
Perfect companion
And a loving compliment
To this evening’s meal

226) Petite Rousse Syrah 2004 (California)
Pink label & taste
Of fresh Florida grapefruits
Simple as sunshine

225) Lokoya Mount Veeder Cabernet 2003 (California)
Still a quite bit tight
But ride the spearmint saddle
And loosen your mind

224) Lokoya Howell Mountain Cabernet 2003 (California)
It’s opti-mystic
Bright words from a ‘can do’ sage
American blood

223) Lokoya Diamond Mountain Cabernet 2003 (California)
Berry jangle jumps
Through a hoop of a sunrise
A swinger’s breakfast

222) Bella Sera Pinot Noir 2005 (Italy)
Cheaper than bagged dirt
It’s actually delicious
Faith in life restored

221) Indaba Shiraz 2005 (South Africa)
More jolted cola
But the balance is just right
Great with stale peanuts

220) Sordo Dolcetto D’Alba 2001 (Italy)
Italy’s cradle
Mystery of history
Its path knows no trend

219) Yalumba Shiraz(93%) + Viognier(7%) 2004 (Australia)
A renegade blend
Seven per cent solution
Big, bright pair of bells

218) Khvanchkara Semi-Sweet Red Wine NV (Georgia)
Like diet candy,
Sweet for a good long moment
Then it falls apart

217) Tuscan Moon Sangiovese 2005 (California)
Ditzy silliness
Dull cow eyes and a fat bump
Laugh on sloppy trains

216) Magnus Clare Valley Shiraz/Cabernet 2002 (Australia)
Cab’s front & center
Shiraz softens the focus
Blend’s fine example

215) Marquis Phillips Cabernet 2005 (Australia)
It ain’t elegant
But this balls-forward style
Will soon be the norm

214) Fueudo Zirtari 2004 (Sicily)
A funky top side
Never lets the fruit arrive
And drums ring hollow

213) Ravenswood 2002 Sonoma County “Icon” Syrah (California)
Nice fat piece of glass
Filled with ripe and placid juice
‘Tween Aussie & Rhone

212) Guenoc Langtry Meritage 1998 (California)
Just keep on swirling
Until you can’t feel your wrist
Trust me, it’s worth it.

211) Gallo Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 1999 (California)
I arrived too late
This patient’s on life support
Its golden years lost

210) Chateau Michel De Vert 2004 (France)
About to slam this,
I drank a glass the next day
And took back my curse

209) Turning Leaf Pinot Noir Reserve 2005 (California)
I tell my best jokes
She refuses to smile
So I keep trying

208) Gallo Sonoma Reserve Cabernet 2003 (California)
Sweet, tart, full of fruit
All the rough edges sawed off
It’s agreeable

207) Old Moon Old Vine Zinfandel 2005 (California)
Zin, you’re my hero
Your ripe, cheapo goodness crowns
This sweet golden age

206) Williams Selyem Pinot Noir 2002 (California)
The Hall of Mirrors
Shards of flavored reflections
Alive and wild

205) Vallana Spanna Del Piemonte 1955 (Italy)
Needs some help to walk
But she has some great stories
And her eyes sparkle

204) Heitz Cellar Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet 1984 (California)
Bliss-filled perfection
A resonance of rightness
That mirrors the soul

203) Cordier Chateau Andron 2000 (France)
Reminds me of ‘Cats’
The show, not the animal
Andrew Lloyd Weber

202) Bridlewood Estate Reserve Shiraz 2002 (California)
A bit new age-y
Fruity adult lollipop
In a catcher’s mitt

201) Molly Dooker ‘The Boxer’ Shiraz 2005 (Australia)
A laughing monster
Rip roaring fat & muscle
Hundred pound baby

199) Vale Da Torre 2004 (Portugal)
Wine from Portugal
Is a unique animal
This one barks a bit

198) McPherson Murray Darling Merlot 2003 (Australia)
Fills the mouth quickly
And feels healthy going down
Leisure Set sports drink

197) McPherson Reserve Shiraz Goulburn Valley 2000 (Australia)
Expected Smuckers
Got a moody Rhone instead
Dying with whispers

196) McPherson Murray Darling Cabernet 2003 (Australia)
A nice, cheapo Cab
Australian wine always winks
This one smiles, too

195) McPherson Murray Darling Shiraz 2003 (Australia)
Fun vertical fruit
Turkish delight & kool aid
Melted popsicle

194) Marchesi di Montecristo Nerollo Del Bastardo 1999 (Italy)
Man, this is fun stuff
A playful bastard, in truth
One that time allows

193) Mark West Pinot Noir 2004 (California)
I had a bad mood
A lousy headache all day
Slowly, this cured me

192) Marquis Phillips Shiraz ‘9′ 2004 (Australia)
It’s fat as a cow
Barbecued chocolate malted
Youth that never was

191) Bridlewood Syrah Central Coast 2003 (California)
A rat in a bag
Seduced by pinholes of light
Sensing the freedom

190) Tentimenti Conti Nori Vaipolicella ‘Ripasso’ 2002 (Italy)
A steady handshake
From an intriguing stranger
I’ll know her better

189) Anapamu Syrah 2001 (California)
Fat-filled bacon smoke
A tad wobbly post-swallow
But rich & tender

188) Marquis Phillips Syrah 2004 (Australia)
Octopus painter
Chocolate tentacle brushstrokes
Ink stains the palette

187) Valpacos Santa Valha Vinho Tinto 2003 (Portugal)
Awful at the first
Triamenic & cabbage
Sunset tried to help

186) Castano Monastrell 2004 (Spain)
Wants to be better
But no barrel to crawl from
Snail without a shell

185) Condesa de Sarabella 2004 (Spain)
If global warming
can yield such luscious ripeness
Is the melt all bad?

184) Da Vinci S. to Ippolito (Merlot/Syrah) 2001 (Italy)
It’s the tender trap
A lovely constellation
of Spearmint sparkles

183) Zarafa Pinotage 2004 (South Africa)
Spiced pumpernickel
With a dark chocolate chaser
from a rubber cup

182) Archeo Nero d’Avola 2004 (Italy)
Laughing fun for all
Far from the ancient ruins
Nero’s light shines bright

181) Four Vines Zinfandel ‘Old Vine Cuvee’ 2003 (California)
Advice for parents:
Pull the cork from baby’s mouth
Let it breathe a bit

180) Manina Carmenere 2004 (Chile)
When seven slim bucks
Can buy glass filled with such class
It’s a golden age

179) Jason’s Vineyard Merlot 1999 (Long Island, NY)
I didn’t expect
The Right Bank on the North Fork
Someone out there cares

178) Conte di Bregonzo Amarone 2003 (Italy)
Raisins & cherries
Swimming deep into the mouth
Caressing the throat

177) Quinta dos Aciprestes “Tinto” Duoro 2003 (Portugal)
A soft slam bang up
From the Portuguese wine store
Joys of life in Queens

176) Heartland Wirrega Shiraz 2001 (Australia)
A bit bigger grape
And the alcohol police
Would have no complaints

175) Coturri Estate Zinfandel 2001 (California)
Smells sweet like shellac
And tastes like LBV port
Way different, way cool

174) Magnificent Wine Co. House Wine 2003 (Washington)
Sweet country mouthful
Boutique batch trumps the big boys
Worth the long goose chase

172) Paringa Cabernet 2003 (Australia)
Batty from the fruit
Lab wine getting tedious
No funk makes me sad

171) Santa Rita Reserva Merlot 2002 (Chile)
It’s thick and oily
Nose like horse and a new couch
Fatty Arbuckle

170) Royal Zin Cuvee Royall Zinfandel ‘NV’ (California)
This wine is a slut
Only one thing on her mind
And she’s good at it

169) Cairanne Domaine Terrasses Du Belvedere 2003 (France)
Tasted like weird cheese
Left it alone for four days
Then it was perfect

168) Coppola Rosso 2003 (California)
Back & forth on this
Rich with sweet, fat promises
But nose poor and dumb

167) Dancing Bull Merlot 2003 (California)
Oh, Mr. Goodfruit
Standing up in the bottle
Make my roast beef sing

166) Fairview Pinotage 2002 (South Africa)
Grapey on the nose
Fresh, fruity, slight ghost of cheese
Better than it sounds

165) Orleans Hill Cote Zero Organic 2003 (California)
Delciously clean
Humble and in the pocket
Good vibes all around

164) Berberana Dragon Tempranillo 2000 (Spain)
Fingers of flavor
Almost form a complete hand
If not for shy fruit

163) Deboeuf Julienas 2002 (France)
Fun tuck & roll here
Fruity kisses turning tart
Time showed the wiser

162) Deboeuf Julienas 2004 (France)
In 2003
You dazzled us at the ball
Now you’re a pumpkin

161) Ercavio Tempranillo Roble 2003 (Spain)
A bit of bone here
Snapping happy castinets
Wish they were wood ones

160) Mesta Tempranillo 2004 (Spain)
Not much I can say
About tonight’s selection
A yawn & a snooze

159) Pont d’Avignon Cotes Du Rhone 2003 (France)
That puppy you bought
Peed on the brand new carpet
One day he’ll grow up

158) Almira Los Dos Grenache/Syrah 2004 (Spain)
The Spain of my dreams
Wine flows freely from faucets
Purple ripe country

157) Domaine Monpertuis Cepage Counoise 2003 (France)
Syrah’s shy cousin
rarely leaves the house to blend
Such deep, soulful eyes

156) Rust En Vrede Estate 1999 (South Africa) Chocolate green peppers
Soft round breasts in a steel bra
Pick mushrooms naked

155) Man Vintners Pinotage 2004 (South Africa)
‘Man’ is right – way fresh
Sweet spice & fresh squeezed OJ
Let’s warm up that quiche!

154) Domaine Du Prieure Pinot Noir 2004 (France)
Shy depth and finish
But right for a long second
I’ll take the moment

153) Spice Route Flagship Merlot 2000 (South Africa)
A tongue massager
Finale, not a finish
Brain taffy turner

152) Rosemount Estate Diamond Label Shiraz 2004 (Australia)
Just your basic drink
But a groovy spearmint twist
sparkles the windup

151) Monte Velho Alentjano 2004 (Portugal)
Naive & Joyful
Unaware of her beauty
Loves to turn you on

150) Excelsior Cabernet 2004 (South Africa)
At first, a bit green
With some funky band-aid notes
Day two, much improved

149) Marquis Phillips Cabernet 2004 (Australia)
Hate these damn screw caps
Without the pop, there’s no bang!
Not that this needs it…

148) Tait ‘The Ballbuster’ Shiraz-Cab-Merlot 2004 (Australia)
Fruit-driven monster
Catchy name, big alcohol,
Little mystery

147) The Little Penguin Pinot Noir 2004 (Australia)
Poor Mr. Pinot
They went and cut out his brain
Now he just smiles

146) Frei Brothers Alexander Valley Reserve Cabernet 2001 (California)
No clear finish line
Jacknife diver doubles back
Olympic medal

145) Frei Brothers Dry Creek Valley Reserve Merlot 2002 (California)
A deep chocolate bomb
Merlot gets a bad rap, but
What does the crowd know?

144) Stonehaven Shiraz 2004 (Australia)
Yea, right. Shiraz. Sure.
That there is raspberry juice!
I ain’t no damn fool

143) Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet 2002 (California)
Once again struck dumb
By a very nice bottle
And I could care less

142) Terra Unica Tempranillo-Monastrell Riserva 2000 (Spain)
Pastel waterfall
A sweet patch of clear blue sky
Cherished innocence

141) Tierra Del Fuego 2004 (Argentinia)
Fresh for a second
Then chlorine and iodine
Fought for prominence

140) Rosso di Montalcino, Caparzo, Vendemmia 2000 (Italy)
Sleepy antique store
Box full of faded postcards
Wine to browse life by

139) Gallo Barrelli Creek Vineyard Cabernet 1997 (California)
Rich but neurotic
The house, car, country club and…
Psychiatrist’s couch

138) Chateau Gruaud Larose 1983 (France)
Still quite the lady
But pictures in her scrapbook
Tell the real story

137) Vinasde Balbo Bonardo/Malbec 2004 (Argentina)
Clear, simple friendship
Of a blossoming fondness
Smile makes wonders

136) Scanavino Barbaresco 1999 (Italy)
Bracingly tannic
Faint leather chamomile breeze
Violet-filled boots

135) Terra Unica Cabernet/Merlot 2002 (Spain)
If I tasted blind
I might say it’s Chianti
Call it a food wine

134) Tapiz Cabernet 1999 (Argentina)
One to fool your friends
Old & cheap, should have been shot
But thriving way hard

133) Tony’s California Special 2005 (homemade in a garage in Queens, New York)
Tropical flavors
Hide a sicko sucker punch
Beaujolais as Port

132) Bodegas Olivares Altos De La Hoya Monastrell 2003 (Spain)
A bold expression
Of an oft overlooked grape
That always rewards

131) Monterra Red Medley Encore 1999 (California)
I sip as snow falls
A tightly knit seamless gem
Pretend fireplace

130) Chateau Bellevue Claribes Bordeaux 2003 (France)
Not much to report
Utterly lacking magic
See you back in Spain

129) Dinky Do Shiraz 2003 (Australia)
World’s best five buck wine?
Brightly lit delicate fruit
Followed by darkness

128) The Wishing Tree Shiraz 2004 (Australia)
This one’s got behind
A nice, plump and luscious one
Well rounded, but firm

127) ‘The Fifteen’ (15% alcohol) Grenache 2001 (France)
Frankenstein grenache
Amped up like a crackhead Rhone
Two percent too high

126) Armida Russian River Valley Merlot 1998 (California)
Ham-fisted high-five
Plus Celray tonic finish
Ace with pastrami

125) Frei Brothers Redwood Creek Syrah 2002 (California)
Like a candy cane
That fell into the toilet
Gross, but kinda fun

124) Glass Mountain Quarry Syrah 2000 (California)
Dwarfed by home-cooked ribs
Syrah? Could be anything
Art opening swill

123) Glass Mountain Quarry Merlot 1999 (California)
The slam it down stuff
But it lifts its skirt slightly
To show off some leg

122) Quara Tannat 2004 (Argentina)
A cute wallflower
Called me from across the room
Charm gave way to lust

121) Vina Alarba 2003 (Spain)
This one’s too yeasty
With a beer-like aftertaste
At war with itself

120) Mirassou Pinot Noir 2004 (California)
Oh, I don’t like this
Unsweetened knockoff toothpaste
Was this made from grapes?

119) Fontal Tempranillo Crianza 2001(Spain)
Buttery finish
That seems to last forever
Spain is on a roll

118) Condesa de Leganza Crianza 1999 (Spain)
Smoke a nice cigar
With a mouthful of cherries
You get the picture

117) Fairview Goats Do Roam In Villages 2003 (South Africa)
The label’s a scream
But the wine is Elton John
More glitz than glamour

116) Gaudon Rioja 2003 (Spain)
It’s a sweet & hot
Fruit-filled Spanish dixieland
Blood orange trumpets

115) Candido Salice Salentino Riserva 1998 (Italy)
Like a tart Pinot
With a brambly mid-section
Snarky hide & seek

114) KWV Cabernet 2000 (South Africa)
I found the fatness
It’s like a big round grandma
That never lets go

113) Nadaria Annata Nero D’avola 2002 (Sicily)
Change of seasons wine
Dried fruit, gingerbread finish
October’s Christmas

112) Barefoot Merlot ‘no vintage’ (California)
A nice chocolate nose
For only five lousy bucks
You could bathe in it

111) MandraRossa Shiraz 2002 (Sicily)
Sicilian Shiraz?
But its quite damp and lovely
With bite, charm, balance

110) DaVinci Chianti Classico 2001 (Italy)
It begins to speak
Then falls asleep mid-sentence
Never to wake up

109) Centro Max “Signature Bottle” 1997 (Italy)
Kryptonite of time
Has brought this one to its knees
Merely a shadow

108) Chappelet Sangiovese 1999 (California)
Visit more often
Italy’s acidity
Softens over here

107) Santa Rita Floresta Syrah/Cabernet/Carmenere 1997 (Chile)
The most perfect day
Becomes a fond memory
Before its ending

106) Pellegrini Vineyards North Fork Merlot 1999 (Long Island, NY)
Barbecued handbag
Carpet cleaner marinade
Finishes like Scope

105) Mas Donis Barrica 2002 (Spain)
Threading the needle
It follows its follow through
Deep inquisition

104) Borsao Crianza 2001 (Spain)
A changeable wine
So confidently subtle
bobbing & weaving

103) 1707 Almansa Syrah/Cab/Merlot 2002 (Spain)
Here’s a lousy drink
Parading as a good one
Empty oak barrels

102) Ironstone Cabernet Franc 2000 (California)
Amazing bouquet!
Beautiful girl, whiny voice
Better as perfume

101) Colosi Sicilia 2003 (Italy)
Sip with your eyes closed
Imagine the summer sun
Sweating sweet berries

99) Kautz Library Collection Meritage 1993 (California)
Comfortably restrained
Almost a Pinot-like nose
With licks of saddle

98) Panarroz Jumilla 2003 (Spain)
Fat luscious droplets
Another Spanish hat trick
Three grapes & five stars

97) Deliecato Monterey Vine Select Syrah 1998 (California)
Fennel and Cassis
Both have seen me through the years
A toast to friendship!

96) Gordon Brothers Merlot 1999 (Washington)
Gently cooked green beans
Mints hidden in the pillows
Thick plummy whispers

95) Gordon Brothers Syrah 2000 (Washington)
A very strange one
Couldn’t stand up to dinner
But worked as dessert

94) Chateau d’or et de Gueles 2001 (France)
Where there’s Mourvedre
There’s some high jumpin’ honey
Cheapo razzmatazz

93) Castel Vinde Syrah 2003 (France)
Flying to Paris
A bit disoriented
Not bad for plane wine!

92) Don Aldo Merlot 2000 (Chile)
Funky & Skanky
An overripe plum pudding
Left out in the rain

91) Bodegas Luan Castilla VT “Equis” 2003 (Spain)
A thin, angry wine
a small dog chained to a wall
Good length, but what for?

90) One.9 (carbs per glass) Merlot 2002 (California)
Like wine that’s been raped
A hole cut from its center
For diet Nazis

89) False Bay Pinotage 2002 (South Africa)
Not one false note here
Funky and approachable
Smoke up some ham hocks

88) Artazuri Navarra 2003 (Spain)
A punning trickster
Presents itself silky sweet
Then, a tart back flip

87) Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha 2003 (Spain)
It’s all in the glass
The sun on the horizon
Vines heavy with fruit

86) Navarro Correas Malbec 2003 (Argentina)
Dark chocolate building
Grape button elevator
Only six floors, though

85) Guigal Gigondas 2001(Rhone, France)
This needed a day
To finally make up its mind
a quirky natural

84) Guilliams Estate Cabernet 1995 (California)
Dry blackberry way
Sweetened up as the night passed
Fast ball high & tight

83) Red Bicyclette Syrah 2002 (France)
Uncomplicated
And as fresh as a spring rain
I’m common, sue me

82) Spinelli Tratturo Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2003 (Italy)
Tightly wrapped dried fruit
Lots of bright front mouth flavor
A tart small tit wine

81) Frei Brothers Russian River Pinot Noir 2003(California)
A fine, brooding drink
Perfect for a lousy day
Or a crappy night

80) Masseria del Pilone Primitivo Salento 2002 (Italy)
Heavy ceder box
Filled up with Cuban cigars
and dried blueberries

79) King Fish Cabernet 2003 (California)
I trowel for cheap wines
I plow the bins for bargains
But cheap gets boring

78) Allanca Classico Riserva 1998 (Portugal)
Leather glove headboard
Sandy vines on the upswing
Gold-plated work day

77) BaDa Bing 2001 (France)
BaDa Bing my ass
It’s simple French vin de pays
Please don’t tell Tony

76) Western Desert Shiraz 2000 (Australia)
Mr. Generic
A happy little house wine
The Big Mac of Grapes

75) Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel Reserve 2001(California)
Country wine moonshine
Zinfandel, the people’s grape
Big fist slap n’ slam

74) Swartland Pinotage 2000 (South Africa)
Pinotage rubber
Soft grapefruit on the backbone
Props to the oddball

73) Cheviot Bridge Cabernet Merlot 2000 (Australia)
Very perfumed nose
It also tastes like perfume
Castrated poodle

72) Alameda Cabernet Vintner’s Selection 1998 (Chile)
Faded but holding
(not unlike many of us!)
Tears against the twine

71) Estrella Pinot Noir 2001(California)
For only eight bucks
A tangle of wood & fruit
Life, you surprise me!

70) Crocodile Rock Merlot(Australia)
Florid & friendly
Sweet candy, tart follow through
Very silly name

69) Crocodile Rock Shiraz(Australia)
This one is poison
Nothing worse than bad Shiraz
For mother-in-law

68) Yellow Tail Shiraz Reserve Casella Estate 2002 (Australia)
You turn up your nose
You despise the kangaroo
But the drink is wide

67) Mederos de San Juan Tannat 2000 (Uruguay)
Tannat means tannic
Close your eyes and pucker up
Cantankerous sips

66) Juvenas Cabernet Reserva 1995 (Spain)
Under normal layres
hints of complex character
Traffic on the road

65) EA Tinto Vinho Regional Alentejano 2003 (Portugal)
Steroid Beaujolais
Berries jumping from the glass
Lay back and deep dream

64) Santa Rita Medalla Real Cabernet 2001 (Chile)
Soft earth, musk, cassis
Hiding like a shy lover
No food, just Schubert

63) Shale Ridge Monterey Syrah 2003 (California)
Happy Homebody
Late afternoon’s time to spare
Sweet sincerity

62) Ibernoble Crianza 1997 (Spain)
Deep, wide, and noble
A layer of butter on top
Sausage cigarettes

61) Michel Picard Bourgogne 1996 (France)
Thorny & rusty
Prickly bristles and crushed leaves
French post-Romantic

60) Aquinas Cabernet 2002 (Napa)
I remember well
The lazy beach day picnic
Clearly something’s changed

59) Veramonte Primus 2002 (Chile)
Belgian chocolate
Winter dreams of summertime
Mahagony room

58) Bella Sera Merlot 2001 (Italy)
What makes cheap wine cheap?
Everything here is tiny
A friendly munchkin

57) Tyrrell’s Long Flat Shiraz 2001 (Australia)
Fat ripe fruit that’s fun
I like a giggle just fine
But only laughs here

56) Bertani Rosso Di Vaerzella 1997 (Italy)
This bottle cried out,
“Give me pasta and red sauce”
It soon found its bliss

55) Cartlidge & Brown Pinot Noir 2002 (California)
Rustic dimensions
A walk through a damp forest
Underpriced by half

54) Garrafeira Tinto Palmela 1995 (Portugal)
Weird but great bottle
Nose of spicy cinnamon
Strong taste of…mustard!

53) S’forno Monastrel 2002 (Spain)
A pair of work boots
Marinated in honey
Wish it saw some wood

52) Chateau Grimard 2002 (Bordeaux)
No oak here at all
Instructive and sobering
Naked old lady

51) Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel 1998 (California)
Liquid cigar box
From an overgrown forest
homemade cola fruit

50) Cactus Creek Zinfandel (Napa) 2002
A bomb of cocoa
Dressed in a robe of crimson
Glassful of cupcake

49) MacMurray Pinot Noir (California Coastal) 1999
Cinnamon smile
Memory of candy canes
Sweet as My Three Sons

48) MacMurray Pinot Noir (Russian River) 2001
Film noir darkness
Silky spice sits on the tongue
California breeze

47) Villa Maria Merlot/Cabernet Private Bin (New Zealand) 2001
Warm, simple, fat fun
Perfect for a drinking game
Stretch out a spring day

46) Fortius, Cabernet (Spain) 1999
Blackberry tannins
Deep vanilla licorice
Power of balance

45) Gordon Brothers, Cabernet (Columbia Valley, Washington) 1999
Wine with breast implants
squeezing out every last drop
Pump up the volume

44) Quatro, Cabernet (Napa, California) 1998
No two sips the same
Dusty berry attic dreams
Honey on the vine

43) Quatro, Zinfandel (Napa, California) 1999
Effervescent hints
A dream of soda bubbles
Friendly as a dog

42) Julienas, DeBeouf (Beaujolais, France) 2003
Summer strawberries
Extracted & exploded
Juice squeezed from the sun

41) Moulin-A-Vent, DeBeouf (Beaujolais, France) 2003
Blueberry hot sauce
Summer is a state of mind
Let us all relax

40) Diamondback Vineyards Cabernet (Mendocino, California) 1999
Copperhead hissing
Iron bars in oak barrels
All it eats is steak

39) Mas De La Dame, Coin Cache (Provence, France) 1999
Pointless without food
Dry like a bone in a bone
Chalky leather soul

38) Santa Rita Reserva, Cabernet (Chile) 2000
Ol’ Reliable
Pull up a chair, my good friend
Millennium gift

37) Chateau La Croix (Pomerol, France) 1973(!)
Old and shot to shit
Mushroom, dung, and dirty roads
Still, there’s elegance

36) Rancho Zabaco Reserve Zinfandel (California) 2000
Do I drink this stuff
Or pour it over pancakes?
Deepest of purples

35) Napa Ridge Pinot Noir (California) 2000
Like a Burgundy
With a crude lobotomy
No dirt here, just fruit

34) Ironwood Petite Syrah (California) 2000
A nighttime promise
Dark as any I have seen
But tepid like tea

33) Antoine Rodet Gevrey-Chambertin (France) 1998
The nose was like dog
Soaking wet from heavy rain
But it drank like dreams

32) Vitticio Riserva (Italy) 2000
New wave Chianti
Sangiovese/Merlot
Italian God Juice

31) Rosenthal Merlot (California) 1997
No, it ain’t Kosher
A damp glass of flesh and oak
A walk through the woods

30) Santa Rita Medalla Real (Chile) 2000
This is just too good
For the price that it goes for
A prism of taste

29) Pepperwood Grove Merlot (California) 2001
Cheap and mass-produced
The snobs will hold their noses
Their loss and who cares?

28) Vina Pomal Rioja Riserva (Spain) 1997
Underneath the bull
It can sometimes smell like this
Secrets of the barn

27) Falesco Vitiano (Umbria, Italy) 2002
Sometimes the balance
In a wine is beautiful
Like here. What a deal.

26) Domaine De La Solitude (Rhone, France) 2000
Minty pepper ghost
I could drink this every day
And never get bored

25) Marquis Phillips Shiraz (Australia) 2002
A velvet hammer
The blood of an animal
Heretofore unknown

24) Calina Cabernet (Chile) 1999
An ugly label
But wine that tastes like fine tea
Brewed with juice from plums

23) Carmen Reserve Pinot Noir (Chile) 1999
Some people like this
I could barely swallow it
Mogen David’s Ghost

22) Protocolo (Spain) 2000Nothing cheaper here
Five bucks and really quite good
Xerox Cotes Du Rhone
21) Evans King’s Valley Cabernet (Australia) 1998
So lightly lemoned
Like Bordeaux on vacation
Let’s see more like this

20) Chateaux Timberlay (Bordeaux, France) 1995
Holding up nicely
Nose of moss, gravel, and peat
Oak barrel mother

19) BV Napa Valley Cabernet (California) 1997
Yea, OK, it’s great
But there’s too much oak for me
Ripe fruit spanked by wood

18) LA Cetto Petite Sirah (Baja, Mexico) 1999
First a big hello
Then a very quick goodbye
Like it wasn’t there

17) Bertani Bardolino Classico (Italy) 2000
When it’s cracked open
It tastes like fruit and rubber
Then it drinks like rain

16) Santa Rita 120 Carmenere (Chile) 2001
Clean as the whole truth
Surprisingly long finish
This makes Sammy run

15) Cotes Du Rhone “Parallele 45″ (France) 2001
Thin and not much nose
But man, does this bad boy jump!
Stiff blast of pepper
14) Pepi Two Hearts Sangiovese (California) 1997
Chianti-like? No.
Closer to a Beaujolais
Grandpa’s favorite dress

13) Bottega Vinaia Trentino Lagrein (Italy) 1999
Cut grass & leather
An open conversation
That unfolds slowly

12) Smoking Loon Syrah (California) 1999
Tasty Big Round Fruit
And a surprising finish:
A Nestle’s Crunch Bar!

11) Out Of The Blue Pinotage (South Africa) 2003
Horrible label
But nice chocolate alcohol
And hints of band aids

10) Clos Du Chapitre (Burgundy) 1981
Had to take a sip
Out of curiosity
Like suckling a corpse

9) Stella & Mosca Tanca Farra 2000 (Sardinia)
Shy, but good balance
Not overly anything
Another bottle

San Luca Poggio Dei Poggi 1995 (Tuscany)
My goodness gracious
Pure velvet saturation
Every sip a star

7) Lakespring Merlot 1996 (Napa)
Alcohol blew off
To reveal sumptuous notes
Of Colgate toothpaste!

6) Chateau Puech-Haut 2001 (Langudoc)
I like liquorice
When it’s tight & taut like this
No attitudes here

5) Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet 2000
Everything correct
Tannins & acidity
Bored me to pieces

4) Borsao Campo De Borja 2003 (Spain)
Whats wrong with Kool-aid?
With Guacomole I made
It’s freshly cut lawn

3) Jacob’s Creek Cabernet/Merlot 2002 (Australia)
Celery Cola
Tried so hard to be pretty
No drive in this dive

2) Penascal Tempranillo 2000 (Spain)
Interestng finish
I’m reminded of ashes
Just too watery

1) Kunde Merlot 2000 (Sonoma)
Uninspiring
A hot dog and its owner
Looking for the car

Here’s the backstory:

My elderly Junior High School English teacher, Miss Gimpel, introduced me to haiku. I had a real fondness for her, but her enthusiasm for haiku didn’t make much of an impression on me. My earliest memory of drinking red wine is sharing a bottle of Night Train with a dishwasher at the summer camp where I worked as a waiter. I didn’t like that much, either. But now, years later, it seems to me that haiku is the perfect vehicle to encapsulate all aspects of red wine, from the mysteriously sublime to the numbingly mundane. These haikus provide a quick blast of an impression without getting too specific. If the haikus are good, you should be able to taste them in your mind. Disclaimer: Why only red? The renowned critic Harry Waugh once said it was wine’s obligation to be red. I like white wine just fine, but red’s my drink. For the purposes of this website, all haikus are strict 5-7-5 syllables per line. That way the playing field is level for all.

I post periodically, adding to the existing list.

USA TODAY writes about TRWHR! Holy Haiku!

Wine Haikus
All material copyright control by Lane Steinberg (lanealla@nyc.rr.com). Original post 01/05