April 2012
3 posts
Pappy and Harriet's - House Red
House Red:
“They had both kinds: red, and white.”
Pappy and Harriet’s - Pioneertown, CA
Hollywood Studio Bar & Grill - House White
House Chardonnay:
“This was a free, two drink minimum comedy night in LA, and because it was in LA, freaking Maria Bamford was there (and several other very funny funster comedian types). I laughed, I cried, I probably spilled. Then I got Denny’s.”
Hollywood Studio Bar & Grill - Los Angeles, CA
Big Sur River Inn - House White
House White:
“This was just a straight shooter, nothin-special-and-that’s-how-I-like-it white. I used to enquire after what varietal and vineyard I was drinking with House Wines, but due to old age, I have forgotten to do this more and more frequently. I could choose to lament this, or choose to embrace it. I think it’s clear which choice I have made.”
Big Sur River...
March 2012
6 posts
Noir - House Red
House ‘Woop Woop’ Shiraz:
“Sleepytime wine. Quiet whispers. Secret smiles. Sexy surprises!”
Noir - Cambridge, MA
Emma's Pizza - House White
House White:
“Absolutely tremendous. Fantastic. Really, really terrific job on this wine, team. 10/10.”
Emma’s Pizza - Cambridge, MA
Lantern Thai - House White
House Riesling:
“When you’re playing a show, and have somewhere between 5 and 300 minutes to wait for a late soundcheck guy to arrive, I find the best course of action is to jump into the nearest Thai food restaurant and slam a nice drinkable white wine - like this riesling! It was like drinking the stars, if the stars were warm and yellow, which they ARE.”
Lantern Thai - New...
Amtrak - House Red
House Red:
Ashley: “Many raisins perished to create this small bottle of Hahn red wine. I may have preferred to have the raisins pre-liquification and fermentation, and y’know, maybe covered in chocolate, but this is fine too.”
Amtrak - Northeast Corridor, northeastwards
Pho Xe Lua - House Red
House Merlot:
Ashley: “Philadelphia is for lovers, mustaches, and thick, burly, pudgy wines. Choo choo.”
Pho Xe Lua Viet Thai - Philadelphia, PA
Highlander Cafe - House Red
House Red:
Ashley: “It was as if the platonic ideal of wine and the concept of the color red had a child together and it was in the gifted program. I’ve been through the house wine rodeo more times than I’d care to mention, and never have I experienced a more typical and delightful house red. An excellent compliment to lovely company and burgers aplenty.”
Highland...
January 2012
6 posts
Nepenthe - House Red
2009 Neil Ellis Pinotage Stellenbosch:
Ashley: “Just really really really good. Subtle, smooth, full of vigor. Why am I blogging this in my crappy wine blog? What have I become?!”
Nepenthe - Big Sur, California
Virgin America Airlines - House White
Wente Vineyards House Chardonnay:
Ashley: “Baby’s first in-flight alcohol! I was filled with child-like wonder and anticipation at how it would be to be drunk in the sky, and the experience did not disappoint. I learned two things:
First, I discovered that Virgin has a $6 mini wine bottle (similar to the Amtrak Woodbridge size), and it *also* has a $12 near-full-sized bottle. I...
Lucy's - House Red
House Red:
Ashley: “The details are foggy, but I definitely finished drinking it, so it must have been alright? What am I, some rocket genius who can just remember every wine she drank all night?”
Lucy’s - New York City, NY
The Watering Hole - House White
House Sauvignon Blanc:
Ashley: “This little jerk started out with a sharp nose Simple Green and an acrid, nigh crumbly mouthfeel. After allowing it to breath via spilling it all over my table, it relaxed into a mellow ride through a history of Jolly Rancher candy - from sour apple to watermelon.
Also, this bar will give you free wings and fries if you live without fear of disease....
Saloon - House Red
House Red:
Ashley: “An equestrian wine, evoking leather straps, hay, rustic Vermont barns and their various wood-parts; some porcupine food undertones. Not bad, but it was preceded by a bacon-infused rye, so like, forget it.”
Saloon - Somerville, MA
Church - House White
House White:
Ashley: “Nose of Bonnie Bell lipsmackers. Palette of rice vinegar, Farley’s fruit snacks and cardamom. Truly shocking.”
Church - Boston, MA
December 2011
3 posts
Radio - House Red
House Merlot:
Ashley: “Opaque and paste-like, this uncharismatic red opens with notes of dust, rocks, and fallen plaster, gradually leading into the claustrophobic sensation of an entire mouthful of Hunts ketchup. Then, there were more rocks. I implore you to learn from my mistakes and not put this wine in your body.”
Radio (formerly Club Choices) - Somerville, MA
Grendel's Den - House White
House Pinot Grigio:
Ashley: “Harsh. Sore throat, cleaning products, notes of falsehoods and chicanery. All wrong, all done. I wouldn’t regret it, even if I had the choice. “
Grendel’s Den - Cambridge, MA
St. Anselm - House Red & White
Draught Syrah:
Ashley, heavily DayQuil’d: “This tastes like KETCHUP and smells like NOTHING!”
Draught White Wine:
Dan: “Sweet white, paired well with various animals.”
St Anselm - Brooklyn, NY
November 2011
2 posts
The Soda Bar - House White
House Pinot Grigio:
Christmas: “FUEL. Pure fucking rocket fuel. San Diego, I’m yours.”
The Soda Bar - San Diego, CA
The Model Cafe - House White
“This Is White, I Think”:
Ashley: “The details of the actual flavors elude me, which in retrospect was all part of the plan. Better than the many other poisonous and/or inorganic liquids that could have been poured in rather than wine. At least, I think.”
The Model - Allston, MA
July 2011
2 posts
Tulsa Convention Center - House White
Stone Bluff “V” Sweet White:
Christmas: “Literally described as nothing more than a ‘Sweet White’ on the Stone Bluff website - seriously guys. Have a little self respect. That aside, it did hit the spot, once I came to realize it was not a true house wine, but rather a Sno Cone pineapple syrup-flavored tropical drink with wine-esque undertow. Good for post-show...
Fenway Park - House White
Woodbridge Chardonnay:
Ashley: “This is a vivid and unique recontextualization of one of the most characteristic of the Robert Mondavi wines, the Woodbridge Chardonnay. Tepid yet sprightly, this wine danced upon the palette and won my heart immediately. Consumed outdoors in lazy early-evening stadium basin heat, it truly shines in ways it doesn’t have the chance to when I get it...
June 2011
1 post
1 tag
HWPT On The Move! 31st Street Pub - House White
House White:
Christmas: “Sweet berry wine! I detect lychee and nicotine. Drink it fast before the cigarette smoke obliterates your tastebuds!”
31st Street Pub - Pittsburgh, PA
May 2011
3 posts
d.b.a. - House White
House White:
Ashley: “A nostalgic nose of lazily washed glassware. Tastes like the best possible tasting shoe. Despite this, would not order again.”
d.b.a. - Brooklyn, NY
Night of Joy - House White
House White:
Ashley: “OK. I should have taken this photo with a quarter or human-thumb in the photo for scale. This was a generously poured tumbler of wine, and I think we can all agree that in the world of House Wine, quality comes after quantity. The wine itself tasted somehow acrid and mellow at once - kind of an aged soft cheese/stomach acid/lemongrass affair. But when one can sip a...
1 tag
Great Scott - House Red
House Red:
Ashley: “Despite Great Scott playing a prominent role in the Boston dive-bar-and-venue-youth-wasting scene, somehow it had escaped notice by HWPT until now. This is a dark, mean cad of a wine, with prominent, jammy animal blood notes. A finish of prunes and shoe polish slaps you on the ass on the way out.”
Great Scott - Allston, MA
April 2011
1 post
Phoenix Landing - House White
House White:
Ashley: “Welch’s-esque, with a playful double entendre of Juicy Fruit chewing gum and balsamic vinaigrette. Complemented by human sweat, this wine is insouciant and sassy. Also, I did not spill!”
Phoenix Landing - Cambridge, MA
March 2011
3 posts
The Barbarian Group - House Red
2009 Boxhead Shiraz:
Guest Blogger/Wine Model Lisa: “It’s a nice boxy red from the luscious grapes of the Australian underbelly, I endorse this. Also the label is the cutest in the whole wine shop.”
Ashley: “http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD2LRROpph0”
The Barbarian Group - Boston, MA
Sushi House - House White
HWPT On the Move!: Jacksonville, Florida, House Chardonnay:
Ashley: “No nose whatsoever, though this could be due to my sense of smell being obliterated by Florida’s allowance of smoking inside bars and venues. Gentle, wispy flavors of lemon, peach, high fructose corn syrup, and chlorine. A good breakfast wine.”
Motorino - House Red
House Red:
Ashley: “This was billed as the ‘Perfect Pizza Wine’ on the menu. Remember 5th grade pizza parties, with room temperature Faygo pop? This is the wine equivalent - chilled, vaguely carbonated, and somehow, against all odds, delicious. I’m a sucker for nostalgia and marketing apparently.”
Dan: “‘Perfect’ is a strong word. ’Really...
November 2010
1 post
Stephen Sondheim Theatre - House White
House Chardonnay:
Dan: “Fully drinkable. I enjoy the sippy cup.”
Stephen Sondheim Theater - New York, NY
the wine was delicious.
so was Pee Wee.
October 2010
1 post
Duck Duck - House Red
House Red:
Dan: “Definitive aftertaste of aspartame, like red wine flavored sugarless gum. Probably brominated.”
Ashley: “Tee hee heeeeeeee!”
Duck Duck - Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
August 2010
2 posts
4 tags
HWPT On The Move! The Delancey - House White
Generic House White:
Dan: “Clear, white, pairs well with subway Veggie delights, trail mix, Starbucks breakfast options and helps regulate fatigue. Not so good for immune systems.”
The Delancey - New York City, NY
4 tags
HWPT On The Move! Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - "Dry...
Black Swan Chardonnay:
Ashley: “Somehow, some way, this chardonnay’s palate was infused with breakfast burritos. A floppy finish of McDonald’s hashbrowns (available only before 10AM in select locations) dissolved concordantly with the sounds of Bye Bye Bye. Nose of a dewy Justin Timberlake, aged 19 years.
Incidentally, Lou Malnati’s had a wonderfully simplified House...
July 2010
2 posts
2 tags
The Cellar - House White
House White Bordeaux:
Ashley: “To be honest, I couldn’t quite figure out what this wine was all about. The flavors were all over the map of mundanity but primarily drew from basic office supplies, ranging from a bouquet of yellow legal pad, to a finish of that industrial Pepto-pink handsoap. It just kept changin’ up on me, and ultimately I resigned, exhausted and disheartened....
2 tags
Ashley's Home - House Rosé
Domain Les Grand Bois Rosé:
Ashley: “Oh holy crapping my god this is amazing.”
Ashley’s Great Apartment - Central Square, Cambridge, MA
June 2010
6 posts
2 tags
Middle East Nightclub - House White
House Pinot Grigio:
Ashley: “After a bit of debate, it was settled upon - this is exactly equal to wine. No more or less.”
Middle East Nightclub - Central Square, Cambridge, MA
2 tags
River Gods - House Red
House Chilled Cabernet Sauvignon:
Ashley: “When I saw a -chilled- red offered as a specialty on the River Gods menu, I was instantly smitten. My usual chilled red is a week-old bottle from the fridge that is moments from going bad, occasionally mixed with Diet Coke. This cab brought back these fond memories of home, in a fancier, fresher skin. Notes of cold wine. Recommended!”
...
2 tags
Lower Depths - House White
House Pinot Grigio:
Ashley: “Thin on the top and fat on the bottom, how I like ‘em! Weak nose of baby oil, but a very delicious and crisp palate, finish of Febreze. Lemony-fresh!”
The Lower Depths - Back Bay, Boston, MA
:: coaster sculpture by the lovely and talented Kim Miller. Hand modeling by Matt Raoul.
2 tags
Grendel's Den - House Red
House Cabernet Sauvignon:
Ashley: “Sweet berry wine! Black as a moonless night, with a midpalate of maneschewitz flavored Jelly Bellies and stew. Also serves as a pleasant dippin’ sauce for olive oil bruschetta.”
Guest Blogger Abby: “Nice Cab Sav!”
Grendel’s Den, Cambridge, MA
:: Guest blogger Abby with fellow geeky blonde Emma
2 tags
Chateau Freezepop - House White
House Pinot Grigio:
Dan: “The housewine of box wines! Pairs well with popchips, buckets o’ naan, and nice people.”
Chateau Freezepop, Allston, MA
3 tags
Rangzen Tibet Restaurant - House Red & White
House Cabernet Sauvignon:
Ashley: “Good, hardworking, American Cabernet Sauvignon. Aside from being a bit warm, this tasted the way a red house wine ought to - bitey, meaty, with a smooth finish that paired well with fried things. However, I prefer chilled reds to hot reds.”
House Merlot:
Dan: “An intense plasma/hemoglobin sensation, recommended for vampire dabblers...
May 2010
8 posts
2 tags
Barcade - House White
House Pinot Grigio:
Dan: “The nose is mysteriously absent. The whole experience is a bit vapid. There is something comfortable about it’s weightlessness. Too comfortable. 87900 points.”
Barcade, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
2 tags
Trophy Bar - House Red
House Bordeaux:
Dan: ”A nose of pistachio ice cream. Macadamia and butter palate. All around, very nut-like, in the liberal interpretation. Aftertaste of maroon.”
Trophy Bar, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
2 tags
Common Ground - House White
House Pinot Grigio:
Ashley: ”Transparent, low viscosity (always a plus). Uninviting nose of dishwater. Palate of almost absolutely nothing until 2-3 sips in, at which point there was a bloom of burnt popcorn and tapioca. A quizzical turn to lime, apple, and crayon. Pairs well with a white t-shirt, after being drizzled there by nearby overzealous dancing.”
The Common Ground Bar...
2 tags
Gemma's House - House Red
Alamos Malbec:
Gemma: ”Snausages on the snout, hints of kibbles and bits. Aftertaste of regurgitated grass. A must try!”
Gemma’s House, Brooklyn, NY
2 tags
Grendel's Den - House White
House White:
Ashley: “This has been an utter delight! Nose: makeup (foundation, under-eye cream) and Shake Shack’s Purple Cow shake. Shifted from a nice white grape-raspberry Boku to pear, cinnamon, lychee, and cedar flavors. Finish was crunchy; lots of yelling and gnashing of teeth. Would do business again.”
Grendel’s Den, Cambridge, MA
note: photo taken prior to...
2 tags
Charley's Kitchen - House Red
House Red:
Ashley: “Limp, flabby, tasted like a chinatown hotdog roll dipped in tears. Not my favorite, really. Chunks.”
Charley’s Kitchen, Cambridge, MA
1 tag
Amtrak - House White
Woodbridge Chardonnay:
Dan: “Crispy. Hints of (strawberry) pop tart, or toast with jam. Making me want to listen to Lou Reed.”
Amtrak, Northeast Corridor
2 tags
TC's Lounge - House White
Sutter Home Chardonnay:
Ashley: “This is a Sutter Home that had Franzia as a foster parent. Hints of chex mix, sierra mist. Nail polish on the nose.”
TC’s Lounge, Boston, MA