Eastcoastmary wrote:I just caved in and bought 2. I have a suggestion for this forum, is there anyway the LABRAT reports can be highlighted or distinguished so that an interested purchaser can go right to the reviews rather than go through 10 pages of comments? I truly enjoy the other comments but don't always have the time to read them. I do find the reviews to be very persuasive and purchase more than I should but I enjoy reading the reviews
thanks

On the I licked the blarney stone! of every thread for each weekly offering, Wine David will highlight labrat reviews so you don't have to scroll through pages and pages of text.

imawhyknow wrote:They are referenced in Tyson Stelzer's Taming The Screw. This is the ultimate resource book on screw caps.

Looking back on the use of the word "studies" We are able to measure dissolved oxygen and lowering amounts of freeSO2 and perhaps increasing VA. But taste my freind is all subjective. On persons "smells like wet goats ass" is another persons "lovely french funk"

If you shipped to Nebraska I'd be in solely for the goats ass comment.

bhodilee wrote:If you shipped to Nebraska I'd be in solely for the goats ass comment.

... and the reasons why we woot are also all subjective...

I LOVE the tooth staining syrah! That is all I have opened so far and I am so happy with it. I cannot wait to open the rest. Its big and fruity not flat and short. YUM!

schuey wrote:Just when I thought I was destined to "ride the bench", I arrive home from work tonight and find the infamous Fed Ex with the purple label. It appears I have been granted the honor of being a labrat for the 2006 Dusted Valley Stained Tooth Syrah!
Just cracked the screw-top and poured myself a glass. Great dark purplish, ruby color with a nice bouquet of cherries and fruit right away. I think this is going to be enjoyable.
Need to put the 18 month old to bed and will provide a more detailed report shortly.

LABRAT REPORT:
After an encore reading of “Goodnight Moon”, I make my way downstairs to see how the wine is doing.
About 30 minutes after opening, I would say that the Syrah is still a bit tight. It has a touch of tartness, and a bit of heat, but it is evident that the wine is still transforming after being let out of it’s confines.
I turn my attention to dinner. Labrattery was a complete surprise since the package didn’t arrive until today, so tonight’s meal is…leftovers. My choices are a pasta dish with chicken and roasted red peppers, chicken fried rice, or braised beef tacos. Hardly ideal pairings with a Syrah, but it’s all that is available without any advance notice from the wife of the gift that has been delivered. Thankfully, I have a good looking cheese that is included in the package (which turns out to be the star aside from the wine).
1 hour after opening: This is a totally different wine. There is a complexity that was lacking in the first couple of glasses. This wine has opened and the flavors have found their proper places. It is clean and crisp at first, then smooth and mellow on the finish. Excellent fruits throughout the profile and a bit of spice (maybe pepper) to complete things. When tasted with the cheese, this wine shines. Not sure why, as I am still a novice as far as wine tasting goes. The simplicity of the Edam, accentuates the fruit in the Syrah and really allows the flavors of the wine to develop on the palette.
One final note on the Stained Tooth Syrah: I have to believe that this wine will continue to develop with additional cellaring time. This is a 2006, and while it is great now, I imagine it will continue to develop for a few more years. For those of you that are impatient and need to try this right away, be sure to let this wine breath for about an hour after opening. It will truly enhance your experience.
In closing, for those of you who are still on the fence and have not turned your focus to the cheese (which is excellent by the way), do yourself a favor and order a set of this selection. It is a great deal (thanks WD), from some great folks (thanks to the Dusted Valley folks for your comments), who are offering a terrific product. What more could anyone ask for?
Cheers!

i'm excited. i love reds so this makes a perfect second wine.woot for me!

where is the cheese from? I haven't bothered to read all of the labrat reports (see my earlier ranting) but would be interested in knowing more about it. I also note that a cheese offer is not a side deal. Please elaborate.

Eastcoastmary wrote:where is the cheese from? I haven't bothered to read all of the labrat reports (see my earlier ranting) but would be interested in knowing more about it. I also note that a cheese offer is not a side deal. Please elaborate.

Stay tuned...the cheese MAY be showing up at midnight CST. At least that's what the oddsmakers are thinking. It's an edam from CA called Cannonball, but I can't remember the maker off the top of my head. If you go pack to Pg 1 and click on any of the labrat reports, others do mention it. I KNOW that Scott Harvey called it out by full name.

EDIT: Bravo Farms Tulare Cannonball

cjsiege wrote:That's right up there with Corrado's previous review: "smells like dirty diaper" (..of a wine that shall remain nameless, but is NOT one of these.)

Exactly. One woman's "that smells like a used diaper full of indian food" is another woman's "wow... are you wearing sex panther?"

Dusted Valley Three-Label Three-Pack
Current numbers (updated each minute):
First sucker: MaskedMarvel
Speed to first woot: 0m 7.233s

Last wooter to woot: seeinspots1


My moment in the sun! As yet another cheesehead, I had to support my homeys. I'm in for two, even though I can't drink any booze until the fall...

Well, I thought I was gonna hold out, but then my husband and I were at a wine bar this evening that just happened to have the STOMP! cabernet. We had already enjoyed a very nice Italian wine (I'll post the name later), when we noticed a bottle of Stomp! We know the owner of the place, so we asked for a taste. It was like a mouth of full of chocolate covered cherries--delicious! Fruity, nearly "sweet" tasting, and very smooth and velvety.

Anyway, it was enough to push me over the edge, combined with the awesome lab rat notes this week for the other two wines in the pack. Unfortunately, in order to get the wine, I had to promise the hubby I wouldn't be in for the cheese--we'll see how good his memory is this weekend! :D HA!

Edit: The Italian wine was the 2001 Castello di Gabbiano Alleanza (60% Sangio/30% Merlot/10% Cabernet)

schuey wrote:Not trying to be mean, but correctly picking the Final Four this year isn't all that special.

Winning the bracket and drinking DVV Vino is special

Thanks to Wine.Woot for putting up another great Northwestern wine deal. I moved from the great state of WA almost a year ago, and other than Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Crest, it's difficult to find great NW wine out this way. (NY) At least at a decent price, I miss the NW with the wine sales in the grocery stores, and no sales tax in OR. Shipping costs a freakin' fortune from the NW to NY, and both my lady and I tripled up on this, and the Amity deals. Looking forward to some great wine from my old home!

Dusted Valley Three-Label Three-Pack
Current numbers (updated each minute):
First sucker: MaskedMarvel
Speed to first woot: 0m 7.233s

Last wooter to woot: laurmom

It was like I was testing myself I swear. Husband went in for 2 at about 11:05 MST Sunday night and I held out till now. Only 1 though. I must show just a smidge of restraint. And if you guys get me hooked on cheese... oh man. Let's just not even go there.
Thank you to the winemakers for the wonderful participation too. It's been so fun to read.

I don't mean to revive a dead horse, but I just got home from a Twins game and have to put in my vote for the WORST brats in all of baseball! Sauerkraut was flavorless and the sausage was rubbery. Ketchup would have actually made this brat taste better.

mlhelm wrote:Well, I thought I was gonna hold out, but then my husband and I were at a wine bar this evening that just happened to have the STOMP! cabernet. We had already enjoyed a very nice Italian wine (I'll post the name later), when we noticed a bottle of Stomp! We know the owner of the place, so we asked for a taste. It was like a mouth of full of chocolate covered cherries--delicious! Fruity, nearly "sweet" tasting, and very smooth and velvety.

Anyway, it was enough to push me over the edge, combined with the awesome lab rat notes this week for the other two wines in the pack. Unfortunately, in order to get the wine, I had to promise the hubby I wouldn't be in for the cheese--we'll see how good his memory is this weekend! :D HA!

Edit: The Italian wine was the 2001 Castello di Gabbiano Alleanza (60% Sangio/30% Merlot/10% Cabernet)

Ditto. Thought I could hold out, but my Wine.Woot addiction kicks in again!

MarkDaSpark wrote:Ditto. Thought I could hold out, but my Wine.Woot addiction kicks in again!

Yeah, me too -

First sucker: MaskedMarvel
Speed to first woot: 0m 7.233s

Last wooter to woot: UBlink

Winedavid39 wrote:a shout out to Dusted Valley cheese (or should i say "Brat" ) heads. Good work fellas. it was really a great couple of days. Let's do it again.

Yeah, their input and the Labrats finally did me in.

OK, I ordered a set earlier in the week. I havent received a shipping notification yet. I just sent service@woot an email asking them to up my order. Will it work? They arent working now, right? So should I just count on them not upping my order and gift myself a set? I cant really afford 3 sets right now, maybe I just leave it up to fate?

Sorry for all the ?s

Brendan

dakillawoot wrote:OK, I ordered a set earlier in the week. I havent received a shipping notification yet. I just sent service@woot an email asking them to up my order. Will it work? They arent working now, right? So should I just count on them not upping my order and gift myself a set? I cant really afford 3 sets right now, maybe I just leave it up to fate?

Sorry for all the ?s

Brendan

You'll be kicking yourself if you don't gift because I'd be shocked if service ups your order. Just gift a set, so when you love these wines you'll know there's more to enjoy. If you have to, go without food for an evening or two. Your wine (or beer if you fancy it) can sustain you.

Current numbers (updated each minute):

First sucker: MaskedMarvel
Speed to first woot: 0m 7.233s

Last wooter to woot: thatguy314

That's 2 in a row that I'm in at the last minute... I'd be smarter to just go for the labrat because I'm probably just going to be up for it anyways by the end of the week

thatguy314 wrote:Current numbers (updated each minute):

First sucker: MaskedMarvel
Speed to first woot: 0m 7.233s

Last wooter to woot: thatguy314

That's 2 in a row that I'm in at the last minute... I'd be smarter to just go for the labrat because I'm probably just going to be up for it anyways by the end of the week

I was right in front of you, and also at the last minute 2 in a row. You're right we should probably always buy 1 right away every time. I'll blame it on the labrats this time... yeah they made me do it. 107 bottles, on my way to 200 woo-hoo!

Any clues as to the new woot coming on tonight?

duck833 wrote:Any clues as to the new woot coming on tonight?

Bravo Farms Tulare Cannonball
Love your sig btw.

Surprise, arrived home late from work tonight and the big box from woot was waiting with my Dusted Valley order. This was another early delivery, which is great just no notice. I opened the Stomp! and I am enjoying a glass right now. A lot of fruit, but fresh/leaner not the overpowering fruit bomb type of wine. Nice finish to it as well. Quite a difference to the small glass of barbera I had finishing off a bottle from last night.

Waiting for tonight's offer with mixed emotions - I hope it is wine so I can feed my wine buying addiction, but then hope it is something else so I don't feel the need to order.

I took my deliveries home today from the office. I have been stacking them up, needed two runs with the hand truck and my pickup truck. Need to get my bottles organized in my cellar this weekend.

Eastcoastmary wrote:I just caved in and bought 2. I have a suggestion for this forum, is there anyway the LABRAT reports can be highlighted or distinguished so that an interested purchaser can go right to the reviews rather than go through 10 pages of comments? I truly enjoy the other comments but don't always have the time to read them. I do find the reviews to be very persuasive and purchase more than I should but I enjoy reading the reviews
thanks

In the past the labrat reviews have been highlighted on the I licked the blarney stone!, where Woot tends to point to the comments of relevance for the offering. Not sure how quickly they update that.

Krugsters wrote:On the I licked the blarney stone! of every thread for each weekly offering, Wine David will highlight labrat reviews so you don't have to scroll through pages and pages of text.

Stupid woot filters.

On the page one of every thread for each weekly offering, Wine David will highlight labrat reviews so you don't have to scroll through pages and pages of text.

Barely made it before midnight. Already bought one, reviews "forced" me to gift 2 more. Looking forward to 'em.

thatguy314 wrote:Exactly. One woman's "that smells like a used diaper full of indian food" is another woman's "wow... are you wearing sex panther?"

Anchorman FTW!

imawhyknow wrote:Sorry for getting on the soap box. Im sure you have all heard all this before.

Sure we have, but not usually by someone with first-hand experience . I may be late in mentioning it, but there is a current discussion in the World of Wine Forum area on glass corks (it has expanded to discuss more than glass).

JOATMON wrote:Stupid woot filters.

On the page one of every thread for each weekly offering, Wine David will highlight labrat reviews so you don't have to scroll through pages and pages of text.

Thanks. I never knew that, as I usually do not go back to Page One and scroll down. Just usually use the main page and click the the Product Stats there.

do i drive 10 miles through 5pm traffic to pick it up tonight from UPS? or wait till monday?

pagreen wrote:I am curious about the stoppers. You guys are obviously proponents of the screw caps. What are your thoughts on how they compare to synthetic corks? How do you decide which wine to pair with which stopper?

[Disclaimer—the following is a total aside:]

A couple of weeks ago I had the distinct honor and privilege of winning the Golden Ticket and being a labrat. The other day on the radio, I heard that people in Oregon who aren’t poor enough for Medicaid entitlement but who cannot afford health care participate in a lottery for health coverage. The winners of this “Golden Ticket” (their phrase, not mine) receive health coverage. Using the phrase Golden Ticket to describe entitlement to an extra bottle of wine for promotional purposes is both cute and clever. Using the phrase Golden Ticket to describe whether you can afford to treat your diabetes or your brain tumor is the product of a dysfunctional society that has its priorities seriously wrong. (Don’t think the reference to diabetes or brain tumor is hyperbole. The diabetic woman was interviewed on the broadcast, and the guy with the brain tumor refused to get it treated without medical coverage because he did not want to saddle his prospective widow with hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt.)

As a medical student in Oregon... This is a very interesting topic to me. the system is definitely screwed up.

Cesare wrote: Bravo Farms Tulare Cannonball
Love your sig btw.

That's basically my second line on my sig. Had it since I changed to MarkDaSpark.

Corrado wrote:Now, that's not quite an accurate quote. While there was an underlying "something" that I couldn't pick out any better than "dirty diaper" (later discussed as something like "toddler at 10 feet" vs. "explosion on the changing table"), there were other primary components of the nose in the herby/fruity/earthy realm. I'd put it in the same realm as "road tar" and "cat pee," heck even "asparagus" and "tobacco" as far as "Things I Don't Want In My Wine" (or in my mouth for that matter.

I stand corrected, and I promise not to quote you out of context agai...errr...for a couple of weeks.

Does anyone know what the "reference" is for these shipments so I can check at ups.com for an estimate arrival? I need to make sure someone will be home that day.

Thanks!