otolith wrote:Would have been disappointed to hear that you'd pass up this one, given I've met you, wearing fangs and all.

Me, otoh, will probably skip, but may be interested in the wine side deal, just to keep the vertical going....

Oto - let me know if you decide to buy some. I may chip in for some as well, and we could save on/split shipping.

I tallied up my bottle total, and figured out my drinking pace, and concluded that I might be able to get to 2010 without buying any more wine. So, I'm going to pass on this offer and all others for a while, unless they're just too screaming a deal to pass up. But Poizin was the wine that first drew me into wine woot, and when I didn't get the clearance to ship to my workplace in time to buy last year's, I swore I would buy it when it came up again.

eileron wrote:In for one pack.

Yeah...so I'm a lurker. But I'd love to labrat this out. Here's to hoping :D

TabbyFL55 wrote:n41. Willing to Lab-rat.

Just so's ya know for next time, in order to qualify for rattage, you must make the purchase by 10am CT on the first day of the offering (so either Monday or Thursday). Any time after that, you're too late.

UBlink wrote:And, I also hate to be picky, but I think the statement would make just as much sense had it said the wines are miles ahead from the wines of the past. Distance is a metaphor for measuring how the quality had improved. Light years is just a kind of hyberbole thing.

I once dated a girl who would describe really loud noises by saying, "that broke the sound barrier!"

I'd always pat her on the head and say nothing.

cheron98 wrote:Just so's ya know for next time, in order to qualify for rattage, you must make the purchase by 10am CT on the first day of the offering (so either Monday or Thursday). Any time after that, you're too late.

Oh. I just got back from vacation so it feels like Monday.

TabbyFL55 wrote:I once dated a girl who would describe really loud noises by saying, "that broke the sound barrier!"

I'd always pat her on the head and say nothing.

Ha, good stuff. Maybe she meant it as a simile, "That was as loud as something breaking the sound barrier". ok, maybe not!

I sure hope WD was right with the "guaranteed by Halloween" statement - my neighbor goes absolutely insane making his house into a Haunted House (runs it for two days) and this looks like the perfect "thanks for knocking yourself out" gift.

Well, I'll keep one bottle of each for testing of course.

Having our annual Halloween party which includes Man Loaf and the mamas drinking the wine whilst the papas take the gobblins out candy grabbing. Bit-O-Honeys are my favorite. Never had them with wine though.

timbyrd wrote:That put me in mind of something. Anyone here ever play Vampire: The Masquerade? In that game, the vampires are the kindred, and humans are referred to as "kine".

Back in college I used to play in V:tM LARPs and I played in V:tM MUXes online for over 10 years. Even helped staff one and run storylines etc. Still own a whole stack of the books. I fully stopped now about a year and a half or so ago. Kinda miss it at times, but it just sucked up too much of my time and many sleepless nights staying up late that I felt the need to cut back.
One of these days maybe I'll go back to the one I had been playing on all those years to see if it's still got any activity. Maybe.

Got home last night after a mini family vacation...and spent lots of dough, showed the wine to lady Paryb, and she said it's a must have. Heh, usually I'm the one who buys too much wine when finances are tight...

timbyrd wrote:Cute.

That put me in mind of something. Anyone here ever play Vampire: The Masquerade? In that game, the vampires are the kindred, and humans are referred to as "kine".

Ack! You geek!

But that brings up two very good points:

1. I obviously am also a geek since I knew exactly what you were talking about.
2. Geeks are mercifully welcome, coddled, encouraged and liquored up around here, so it's all good.

cheron98 wrote:Just so's ya know for next time, in order to qualify for rattage, you must make the purchase by 10am CT on the first day of the offering (so either Monday or Thursday). Any time after that, you're too late.

Oh, I ordered long before I posted. My receipt's not timestamped, though, so I don't know what time it was...but it was Monday morning...*hopes*

eileron wrote:Oh, I ordered long before I posted. My receipt's not timestamped, though, so I don't know what time it was...but it was Monday morning...*hopes*

Little hint....just check the time the EMAIL came into your inbox. That might help.

Hi there - first labrat checking in with a little mid-day drinking. What a delightful surprise!

I have the 2005 Dracula Wine - the Syrah. Gorgeous, refined label - doesn't give first impression as a "cutsey" wine. Rubber cork - easier to get a corkscrew in than a regular cork.

In the glass - first nose is blackberries and chocolate, a bit of the alcohol. Alcohol drops off after a few minutes of airing. Deep rich color goes to garnet red against the light - very pretty. Good glass cling - no really seeing any legs. Next post - first taste!

Ok first taste - very smooth - no tannins, but quite dry - no overwhelming fruitiness or sweetness. Alcohol nose did not translate to any harsh alcohol taste. Not getting a lot of individual flavors - just a hint of black cherry at the finish.

This is no dreck. This wine drinks, to me, like a very fine blend. I finished my taste, and there's still cling in the glass. I'm regretting I only ordered one.

I will have a glass or two tonight with the Burgundy Beef Stew I have on the stove now.

HitAnyKey42 wrote:Little hint....just check the time the EMAIL came into your inbox. That might help.

*giggles*, I only thought of that after I posted. 9:42 am ET. Woot woot.

Good news from the first LabRat though. I'm looking forward to getting my order now

PS: why does "ha ha" get turned into *giggles*?

jwhite6114 wrote:I have seen Poizin at Total Wine stores in the NoVa/DC area for $25 a bottle -- so you may still be able to get some.

Oooh, where? I live in Fairfax Station.

HitAnyKey42 wrote:Back in college I used to play in V:tM LARPs and I played in V:tM MUXes online for over 10 years. Even helped staff one and run storylines etc. Still own a whole stack of the books. I fully stopped now about a year and a half or so ago. Kinda miss it at times, but it just sucked up too much of my time and many sleepless nights staying up late that I felt the need to cut back.
One of these days maybe I'll go back to the one I had been playing on all those years to see if it's still got any activity. Maybe.

LARP I am familiar with, and I would love to see pics of that by the way, but what the fux a mux?

IAmUnimaginative wrote:Oooh, where? I live in Fairfax Station.

I saw it at the Manassas store last fall. I expect they'd have the new vintage this year, but haven't checked recently.

If you're in the area, you should check out the upcoming NoVA/DC gatherings:

• NoVA/DC #8
  
• NoVA/DC #8.5
• NoVA/DC #9

bhodilee wrote:LARP I am familiar with, and I would love to see pics of that by the way, but what the fux a mux?

Answered multiple times over in the Pub....

HitAnyKey42 wrote:Answered multiple times over in the Pub....

Yeah, but I work for govmint, we love redundancy, why don't you explain it here too

I keed I keed

And for those looking for unique glasses to go with Vampire or PoiZin .... The 7 Deadly Glasses based on the 7 Deadly Sins.



I remember someone posted these in the CyberPub before, but couldn't find the original post.

Lab rat #1 - wine with dinner

OK, I had the Dracula Syrah with dinner - Burgundy Beef Stew. This had a half bottle of Corison Cab, lots of cumin and garlic, and Szechuan peppercorns. The Syrah held up to it very well - neither the wine nor the stew overpowered. But I think the Syrah enhanced the pepperiness of the stew- there's a bit of an afterburn, but totally pleasant.

There's a good mouthfeel with the wine - it feels fuller than the wine's body indicates.

Tasting notes are straight out of the barrel, no decanting. I don't think this wine needs it. Absolutely clear - I haven't seen any sediment in the bottle.

Overall, I'm highly positive about this. I'm considering going to the winery site - I'm really love to try their Zin!

JanFP wrote: Burgundy Beef Stew. This had a half bottle of Corison Cab

This borders on criminal.

ddeuddeg wrote:This borders on criminal.

I concur. You must really love your stews!

ddeuddeg wrote:This borders on criminal.

llo

ddeuddeg wrote:This borders on criminal.

Infanticide, if nothing else!

MarkDaSpark wrote: The 7 Deadly Glasses based on the 7 Deadly Sins.

Fill the glass so all "7 Deadly Sins" are filled too...then drink. mmmm.....I would love to see a video of anyone trying to drink the wine from those scary looking tentacles. I am even embarrassed to mentioned that this glass would work well for those Tentacle P*rn parties I have never heard of or been to.

In for one and hope it will add to the decor of the halloween party!! I'm sure it will be a hit!! thanks WD&WCC

RE: "Suffice it to say however, that the lead winemaker recently received a rating of 96 from the Wine Spectator – a grade almost unheard of."

Perhaps someone more skilled at internet usage than I could figure this out but... if 96 from WS is indeed so unheard of, couldn't one simply look to see which wine(s) from the region received a 96 in the past year, then deduce that said winewaker is the person behind these?

ticomike wrote:Hey D, if you order let me know. I would get a couple bottles. Shipping to me was $42 for what I wanted. I've got "three" of "this" coming, but could use more theme wine for the party.

I don't plan on ordering this wine...but am interested in the side deal. Would just want one bottle, no "anecdote." ;)

coynedj wrote:Oto - let me know if you decide to buy some. I may chip in for some as well, and we could save on/split shipping.

I tallied up my bottle total, and figured out my drinking pace, and concluded that I might be able to get to 2010 without buying any more wine. So, I'm going to pass on this offer and all others for a while, unless they're just too screaming a deal to pass up. But Poizin was the wine that first drew me into wine woot, and when I didn't get the clearance to ship to my workplace in time to buy last year's, I swore I would buy it when it came up again.

I probably have enough until 2020. :shrug:

Lab rat checking in. I was very surprised and pleased when Fedex arrived with my golden ticket!! I recieved the Chateau Du Vampire. Everyone at the office wanted me to break into it right then and there, however corporate policy does not allow, so I had to wait till I got home. Once the bottle was opened, I was surprised by the amount of alcohol smell, but also cherry and chocolate. First sip, did not taste the alcohol, but a wonderful blend. Not too fruity, not too dry, just right. It has a finish that is clean and dry. It opened up even more as the evening progressed. I am very pleased with this wine, and glad that I ordered it. I wish my finances would allow for me to purchase 3 instead of one.... but alas.... I am happy to have had the opportunity to sample this one.

Just found out I'm a labrat!! Woooo Hoooo!!! Unfortunately they tried to deliver it while shop was closed, but I am going to go pick it up in the morning and will report in ASAP!!!

cjsiege wrote:Infanticide, if nothing else!

Are you sure? The rat didn't mention what vintage Corison was used in the stew - of course, if it was an appropriate vintage that would make it even more mind-boggling to be used as a cooking wine.

tommythecat78 wrote:Just found out I'm a labrat!! Woooo Hoooo!!! Unfortunately they tried to deliver it while shop was closed, but I am going to go pick it up in the morning and will report in ASAP!!!

We knew WD wouldn't be able to resist sending a bottle to our resident vampire!

UBlink wrote:Are you sure? The rat didn't mention what vintage Corison was used in the stew - of course, if it was an appropriate vintage that would make it even more mind-boggling to be used as a cooking wine.

Never cook with something you wouldn't drink.

Cooking wine is for bad cooks and Kitty Dukakis.

sorted123 wrote:RE: "Suffice it to say however, that the lead winemaker recently received a rating of 96 from the Wine Spectator – a grade almost unheard of."

Perhaps someone more skilled at internet usage than I could figure this out but... if 96 from WS is indeed so unheard of, couldn't one simply look to see which wine(s) from the region received a 96 in the past year, then deduce that said winewaker is the person behind these?

in 2006 no one in paso robles got a 96. Nor in 2005. But let's say they wrote this in 2006/2007. Which means the wines would be 2004, maybe 03's.

Let's run down the list of the winemakers

Thomas Browne
Michael Browne/Dan Kosta
Mike Aubert
either Philippe Melka or Helen Turley
Celia Masyczek
Brian Mox (maybe)
Mark Herold
Tom Rochioli
Terry Speizer
Bob Foley
Mike Herby

Uh, pretty much all Napa County guys/gals? That don't normally deal with $20 bottles...

JanFP wrote:Ok first taste - very smooth - no tannins, but quite dry - no overwhelming fruitiness or sweetness. Alcohol nose did not translate to any harsh alcohol taste. Not getting a lot of individual flavors - just a hint of black cherry at the finish.

This is no dreck. This wine drinks, to me, like a very fine blend. I finished my taste, and there's still cling in the glass. I'm regretting I only ordered one.

I will have a glass or two tonight with the Burgundy Beef Stew I have on the stove now.

sounds lean and flavorless.. Could you elaborate more on what makes you regret not ordering more?

I am the VP of sales and part of the winemaking team for the Chateau Du Vampire and Dracula wines. I can tell you that we are real proud our wines and you can feel sure that these are good quality wines.

The Chateau Du Vampire has an alcohol level of 13.4 PH:3.61 TA 700 and the RS is .5

The Dracula Syrah has an alcohol level of 13.1% PH: 3.59 TA:661 and RS.5.

Most of our 1st time consumers purchase our wines because of our label. However, they come back because of the taste. We have very loyal fans!