psmurf wrote:Yeah(near Macon), and according to MapQuest- 271 miles from Jacksonville.
I appreciate the offer. It would be great to taste, share, and learn more about wines, and to meet new friends. But it is a little too far for me at this time, and my employer( a small company) actually needs me 5-6 days/week. Sometimes it's not so nice to be needed... really.
Can I get a rain check(we might be seeing plenty of it soon)?

true dat, yes you would be welcome anytime

MarkDaSpark wrote:Labrat Report - Ursa Vineyards Petite Sirah Sierra Foothills Part 1:

Day 74 (Sept. 3, 2008):
4:10 PM PDT: Waited patiently (well, mostly) in the blind for the Golden Ticket Petite Sirah. Upon sighting my prey, one of the rare Ursa Vineyards Petite Sirah Sierra Foothills, I drew a steady bead and bagged it. Unfortunately, due to the heat on the savanna, the body temp was 87deg, so immediately placing it in the proper cooling vessel (wine cooler) in order to preserve its’ freshness, I return to camp.

My native bearers (JavaDrinker and TimByrd) are anxiously awaiting my return with the trophy to properly prepare it for the sacred rites.

Will let it chill down a little prior to opening a vein to let the blood drain into the sacred decanting vessel (a WD exclusive offer).

Part 2 will commence approximately at 1840 hours (6:40 pm PDT). However, due to the length of the hunt, there will be additional parts commented during the evening.




Edit: BTW, there were plenty of clear "ketchup" packs in the box. Must have been on the truck too long though.

Labrat Report - Ursa Vineyards Petite Sirah Sierra Foothills Part 2:

Day 74 (Sept. 3, 2008):
8:15 PM PDT: After draining the blood into the WD supplied sacred vessel, we allowed it to sit, tasting at several intervals.

Java was smelling a candy aroma, which we later determined to be violet. Softer tannins than expected. After 3 hours decanting, it is starting to open more. Tannins are different, a little stronger, but not bad.

Tim agrees that there is more on the nose now. We all agree more time is needed on decanting.

more to come ....

Winedavid39 wrote:Have fun storming the castle boys !

A vertical of Catapult?

I know foreign wines are generally improbable, but I enjoy guessing...

On second thought, it's gotta be Eagle Castle Winery. Just check out their building...

Winedavid39 wrote:Have fun storming the castle boys !

Maybe something for the Brut squad?

Winedavid39 wrote:Have fun storming the castle boys !

Said by Miracle Max, played by Billy Crystal.

I find a Crystal Basin Winery and a Crystal Valley Winery.

coynedj wrote:Said by Miracle Max, played by Billy Crystal.

Or perhaps Miracle Valley Vineyard, wine.woot's first VA offering?

ArcheDiver wrote:Castle Vineyards Winery? or is that just too obvious?

If it is Castle Vineyards I will have to get a double as the wife and I really liked all of the wines we got on the last offering.

Winedavid39 wrote:Have fun storming the castle boys !

CANNONBAAALLLLLLLL!!!!!!!

EDIT - KTHXHAK

MarkDaSpark wrote:Labrat Report - Ursa Vineyards Petite Sirah Sierra Foothills Part 2:

Day 74 (Sept. 3, 2008):
8:15 PM PDT: After draining the blood into the WD supplied sacred vessel, we allowed it to sit, tasting at several intervals.

Java was smelling a candy aroma, which we later determined to be violet. Softer tannins than expected. After 3 hours decanting, it is starting to open more. Tannins are different, a little stronger, but not bad.

Tim agrees that there is more on the nose now. We all agree more time is needed on decanting.

more to come ....

MarkDaSpark wrote:Labrat Report - Ursa Vineyards Petite Sirah Sierra Foothills Part 1:

Day 74 (Sept. 3, 2008):
4:10 PM PDT: Waited patiently (well, mostly) in the blind for the Golden Ticket Petite Sirah. Upon sighting my prey, one of the rare Ursa Vineyards Petite Sirah Sierra Foothills, I drew a steady bead and bagged it. Unfortunately, due to the heat on the savanna, the body temp was 87deg, so immediately placing it in the proper cooling vessel (wine cooler) in order to preserve its’ freshness, I return to camp.

My native bearers (JavaDrinker and TimByrd) are anxiously awaiting my return with the trophy to properly prepare it for the sacred rites.

Will let it chill down a little prior to opening a vein to let the blood drain into the sacred decanting vessel (a WD exclusive offer).

Part 2 will commence approximately at 1840 hours (6:40 pm PDT). However, due to the length of the hunt, there will be additional parts commented during the evening.




Edit: BTW, there were plenty of clear "ketchup" packs in the box. Must have been on the truck too long though.

Labrat Report - Ursa Vineyards Petite Sirah Sierra Foothills Part 3:

Day 74 (Sept. 3, 2008):
9:10 PM PDT: Java thinks it has gotten tight after 4 hours of decanting. Getting alchohol on the nose. No fruit on palate.

Tannins are big now. Java and I agree that it needs more time in the decanter, but that it will come back (fruit, etc.)

Tim has laid down to rest ...... so Java and I are going thru his wine cellar ...

more to come ....

yathink2 wrote:mmmmmmm....amano? but how does that fit in with stormin the castle?

Miracle Max used CHOCOLATE COATING for his miracle pill. I have to say, I think that's too ambiguous. I am soooooo rooting for the Spaniard...both for myself and for Cheron!!

All together now - SPAN-IARD, SPAN-IARD, SPAN-IARD!!!

MaskedMarvel wrote:CANNONBAAALLLLLLLL!!!!!!!

Bad link. I fixed it for ya.

MarkDaSpark wrote:Labrat Report - Ursa Vineyards Petite Sirah Sierra Foothills Part 3:
more to come ....

OK, guys, 40 minutes until the offer's over. For those of us actually waiting on your report it's getting close.

MarkDaSpark wrote:Labrat Report - Ursa Vineyards Petite Sirah Sierra Foothills Part 3:

Day 74 (Sept. 3, 2008):
9:10 PM PDT: Java thinks it has gotten tight after 4 hours of decanting. Getting alchohol on the nose. No fruit on palate.

Tannins are big now. Java and I agree that it needs more time in the decanter, but that it will come back (fruit, etc.)

Tim has laid down to rest ...... so Java and I are going thru his wine cellar ...

more to come ....

the sudden alcohol on the nose could be a sign of it dying even with a big grip of tannins.

MarkDaSpark wrote:Labrat Report - Ursa Vineyards Petite Sirah Sierra Foothills Part 3:

Day 74 (Sept. 3, 2008):
9:10 PM PDT: Java thinks it has gotten tight after 4 hours of decanting. Getting alchohol on the nose. No fruit on palate.

Tannins are big now. Java and I agree that it needs more time in the decanter, but that it will come back (fruit, etc.)

Tim has laid down to rest ...... so Java and I are going thru his wine cellar ...

more to come ....

Labrat Report - Ursa Vineyards Petite Sirah Sierra Foothills Part 4:

Day 74 (Sept. 3, 2008):
9:45 PM PDT: Less alchohol on the nose and palate. Java thinks (he was shuddering as he said this) Clayfu might be right. I'm not sure, I think. Tim is getting less fruit, more aged wine smell.

Java got some pepper that time.

If you buy now, drink before 5 years. Don't decant too long. Went well with the lamb kabobs.

MarkDaSpark wrote:Labrat Report - Ursa Vineyards Petite Sirah Sierra Foothills Part 4:

Day 74 (Sept. 3, 2008):
9:45 PM PDT: Less alchohol on the nose and palate. Java thinks (he was shuddering as he said this) Clayfu might be right. I'm not sure, I think. Tim is getting less fruit, more aged wine smell.

Java got some pepper that time.

If you buy now, drink before 5 years. Don't decant too long. Went well with the lamb kabobs.

i'm far more interested about those lamb kabobs! are they from the Persian place off the 5?
And Java never shudders, cause he knows I'm right =P

clayfu wrote:i'm far more interested about those lamb kabobs! are they from the Persian place off the 5?
And Java never shudders, cause he knows I'm right =P

No. Open Sesame in Long Beach (Belmont Shore)

Thanks WD, for the opportunity to Labrat the Ursa PS Sierra Foothills.

Just wondering where all the other labrats were?

Got mine this morning. Very nice speed for Texas!

fendie wrote:Got mine this morning. Very nice speed for Texas!

Was there a golden ticket in there by any chance - and delivered via FedEx???

clayfu wrote:i'm far more interested about those lamb kabobs! are they from the Persian place off the 5?
And Java never shudders, cause he knows I'm right =P

So what's the consensus here, decant 2 hours....of course trying as you go but is that the sweet-spot?

bkarney wrote:Was there a golden ticket in there by any chance - and delivered via FedEx???

No, I am not even signed up to labrat. It was my order (all 3), and was via UPS. The shipping information was not even available until this morning. However, it does say on the tracking page that it left Cali at 10 AM on Tuesday.

Yea! I just got my golden ticket delivery from FedEx. Paso Robles LabRat action comin' at ya! I know its a bit late for the offering, but my notes/review/ramblings will be posted here this evening.

bkarney wrote:So what's the consensus here, decant 2 hours....of course trying as you go but is that the sweet-spot?

Possibly less. It was about 2 hours before we tasted, my fault, running late getting food, and everything else.

Taste when you open, and at intervals during decant to find sweet spot.


Edit: and my 2 sets are scheduled for delivery today. Yea!!

Holy Carp Batman! I received mine today!

Labrattage from IL...

package arrived (totally unexpectedly) at work today

decanting and tasting notes to follow in a few hours

Official Lab Rat Report:
Ursa Vineyards 05 Petite Sirah Paso Robles

Opened and decanted at 3:45 pm. Good cork, no bad smells.

Very dark purple in color - almost like 'plum juice' was a comment.

Nose: heavy fruit - plumbs and berries. blue berries! certainly an alcohol tinge to it. somewhat astringent

Heavy dark fruit on first sip. Plumbs, dark berries and blueberries! slight spice. very low or very smooth tannins

515p poured a sip - tannins have tightened up. fruit has subsided. cherries - sweet, almost. very long wonderful finish. still some of that wonderful blueberry. less spicy.

530 more blueberries again this time. tannins seem to have mellowed quickly after last sip.

600 drank with a variety cheese and crackers - really changed the wine. more pepper and spice to the forefront. delicious!

All in all, a very good wine. I enjoyed it, though I'd say it was a bit more mellow or, i dunno, 'soft' than most PS I've had.

Rob, who's enjoying this wine with me, says it kinda lacks that typical ps punch. kinda mellow, but very good. nice long finish - chocolates? and pepper.

chad1323ross wrote:Official Lab Rat Report:
Ursa Vineyards 05 Petite Sirah Paso Robles

Opened and decanted at 3:45 pm. Good cork, no bad smells.

Very dark purple in color - almost like 'plum juice' was a comment.

Nose: heavy fruit - plumbs and berries. blue berries! certainly an alcohol tinge to it. somewhat astringent

Heavy dark fruit on first sip. Plumbs, dark berries and blueberries! slight spice. very low or very smooth tannins

515p poured a sip - tannins have tightened up. fruit has subsided. cherries - sweet, almost. very long wonderful finish. still some of that wonderful blueberry. less spicy.

530 more blueberries again this time. tannins seem to have mellowed quickly after last sip.

600 drank with a variety cheese and crackers - really changed the wine. more pepper and spice to the forefront. delicious!

All in all, a very good wine. I enjoyed it, though I'd say it was a bit more mellow or, i dunno, 'soft' than most PS I've had.

Rob, who's enjoying this wine with me, says it kinda lacks that typical ps punch. kinda mellow, but very good. nice long finish - chocolates? and pepper.

Thanks for the report You're packed!

Decanted the bottle of 2005 Vineyard PS at 7.

At 830 there was still some tannin and bite to it but the fruit was starting to come through.

At 9 (2 hours in the decanter) it was a totally different experience. The tannins greatly mellowed. The fruit and a hint of pepper was much more to the front.

This is not a big flavor overpowering wine. It will go well with fowl, cheeses, etc. The basalmic vinegar sold a few weeks ago would complement it tremendously. It could easily be dominated by a hearty red pasta or cut of beef.

Lets just say...we cannot wait to have more

We both really enjoyed it and greatly look forward to the other bottles on their way.

davidgrahammd wrote:Decanted the bottle of 2005 PS at 7.

At 830 there was still some tannin and bite to it but the fruit was starting to come through.

At 9 (2 hours in the decanter) it was a totally different experience. The tannins greatly mellowed. The fruit and a hint of pepper was much more to the front.

This is not a big flavor overpowering wine. It will go well with fowl, cheeses, etc. The basalmic vinegar sold a few weeks ago would complement it tremendously. It could easily be dominated by a hearty red pasta or cut of beef.

Lets just say...we cannot wait to have more

We both really enjoyed it and greatly look forward to the other bottles on their way.

Which bottle was it? Sierra, Paso, or Vineyard?

My bottle was the Vineyard. Sorry about not including that originally. I have amended the previous post to include that.

davidgrahammd wrote:Decanted the bottle of 2005 Vineyard PS at 7.

At 830 there was still some tannin and bite to it but the fruit was starting to come through.

At 9 (2 hours in the decanter) it was a totally different experience. The tannins greatly mellowed. The fruit and a hint of pepper was much more to the front.

This is not a big flavor overpowering wine. It will go well with fowl, cheeses, etc. The basalmic vinegar sold a few weeks ago would complement it tremendously. It could easily be dominated by a hearty red pasta or cut of beef.

Lets just say...we cannot wait to have more

We both really enjoyed it and greatly look forward to the other bottles on their way.

thanks for your comments. yes, the vineyard blend is the most accessable. glad you enjoyed it.

chad1323ross wrote:Official Lab Rat Report:
Ursa Vineyards 05 Petite Sirah Paso Robles

Opened and decanted at 3:45 pm. Good cork, no bad smells.

Very dark purple in color - almost like 'plum juice' was a comment.

Nose: heavy fruit - plumbs and berries. blue berries! certainly an alcohol tinge to it. somewhat astringent

Heavy dark fruit on first sip. Plumbs, dark berries and blueberries! slight spice. very low or very smooth tannins

515p poured a sip - tannins have tightened up. fruit has subsided. cherries - sweet, almost. very long wonderful finish. still some of that wonderful blueberry. less spicy.

530 more blueberries again this time. tannins seem to have mellowed quickly after last sip.

600 drank with a variety cheese and crackers - really changed the wine. more pepper and spice to the forefront. delicious!

All in all, a very good wine. I enjoyed it, though I'd say it was a bit more mellow or, i dunno, 'soft' than most PS I've had.

Rob, who's enjoying this wine with me, says it kinda lacks that typical ps punch. kinda mellow, but very good. nice long finish - chocolates? and pepper.

it's so interesting to hear what folks think. thanks for the serious attention you've paid to this wine. now i want some chocolate.

MarkDaSpark wrote:Labrat Report - Ursa Vineyards Petite Sirah Sierra Foothills Part 4:

Day 74 (Sept. 3, 2008):
9:45 PM PDT: Less alchohol on the nose and palate. Java thinks (he was shuddering as he said this) Clayfu might be right. I'm not sure, I think. Tim is getting less fruit, more aged wine smell.

Java got some pepper that time.

If you buy now, drink before 5 years. Don't decant too long. Went well with the lamb kabobs.

mr. daspark - it's really good to read your report. i'm inspired to do more expiramentation with not only our wines, but the wines we have for fun. thank you for the time & consideration.

They arrived tonight - the fastest I have received ANY wine.woot shipment - awesome! Thanks Ursa!

fairnymph wrote:They arrived tonight - the fastest I have received ANY wine.woot shipment - awesome! Thanks Ursa!

Well it's official, I have a problem.... Now it's messing with my lunch schedule as I see Big Brown unloading his truck as I type, and....well, let's just say the guys are going to have to order lunch for me cause my butt isn't moving till I have those beautiful boxes in hand! Thanks on the super fast delivery on these WD!

Edit: Wow, I can't say enough about the new packaging, the InZINerator box and bottles were in perfect condition. The Ursa bottles were also ok but the box on the other hand.... was obliterated - as well as the styrofoam (thanks UPS!). If these had been packed in the cardboard that was previously being used there is no way they would have made it intact. To date, 13 orders with a 100% success rate - despite living in hot-ass S FL, couldn't be happier!

well, I'm just wondering if this has been shipped out yet. I got the tracking number 2 days after I ordered but it still just says "Billing info received"... been 10 days and it still hasn't shipped?

tauwyt wrote:well, I'm just wondering if this has been shipped out yet. I got the tracking number 2 days after I ordered but it still just says "Billing info received"... been 10 days and it still hasn't shipped?

Same thing here...

Mine just hit the UPS system in IL. Scheduled for delivery in NY on Wednesday.