Abrazo Syrah 2007 Other words on the label:  Del Toro At last I have found it: a Spanish wine that I despise.  I could not finish half a glass of this very puckery and bitter syrah.  I honestly thought it smelled of kitty litter and the taste was not much better.  There was a slight
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Mattie’s Perch Shiraz Other words on the label: Southeastern Australian “Ripper” The nose is very fruity—tart, unripened blackberries with a hint of creme anglaise on top. This wine has a lot of bite. Basil and blackberries are the flavors that rise to the top and combined, they make me think of a stir-fry. It’s an
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Jacob’s Creek Reserve Shiraz Other words on the label: Vintage 2004 Pleasantly earthy and lightly peppery as well. It doesn’t taste like a watermelon but for some reason, I can’t get the image of a thick, juicy slice out of my mind. There’s a floral element as well, like a few drops of liquid lavender
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Biltmore Estate Other words on the label: American Syrah The nose is peppery, floral, and tart. Upon sipping, “is peppery” is revealed to be an understatement-no need to add any to your food! It’s adventurous to drink and tickles your tongue. I think there’s some sweetness to the wine, but I’m too overwhelmed by the
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Echelion Shiraz Other words on the label: Central Coast 2003 This wine is alive with tart blackberries. There’s a bit of hippy to it, with an earthy undertone most reminiscent of patchouli. The wine is smooth and full-bodied but nothing really stands out.

You Bet Shiraz 2002 Other words on the label: Southeastern Australia I admit it. I didn’t get the joke, even after looking at the label that prominently featured two donkeys. The smell is not attractive. It’s mostly of mud and makes me afraid to take a sip. I’ll drink it anyway because it was a
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Lindemans Other stuff on the label: Bin 55 Shiraz Cabernet, Southeastern Australia 2004 This red blend starts out with a woodsy smell of teak. It tastes like a chocolate covered plum with the acidity of a jolly rancher. Not bad, but not interesting.

Le Faux Frog Other stuff on the label: Appropos 2003 Syrah Color: Deep purple, with a thin opaque layer at the top. Smell: At most, a bit of warmth is smelled. Nothing else. First Sip: Very smooth going down and a bit bitter. Woody. Gulp: A longer swirl round the palate reveals pepper, wood, and
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