Episode #49: Today Gary goes to South Africa.

June 7, 2006

episode49

2004 Dornier Donatus White

Watch today as Gary Vaynerchuck tastes an up and coming South African white wine.

13 Responses

  1. about 23 months ago

    GeneV

    Hmm…., this is an interesting Gary vs. the Wine Spectator test. WS rated this a miserly 78. I wish I were near enough to the Wine Library to pick up a single bottle to try it out.

  2. about 23 months ago

    Sam Zen

    Ditto.

  3. about 23 months ago

    gary

    I got this one WON! :)

  4. about 23 months ago

    Bruce

    Hi Gary,

    Glad you mentioned at the end that this wine would go well with Thai food. I have found that wines similar to this, which are blended white wines, like Conundrum, are great with Thai food!
    I look forward to the episodes about Spain!!

  5. about 23 months ago

    GeneV

    WS consistently underrates Albarinos–even compared to other reviewers–so it is not inconceivable that they are missing the boat on this summer white as well.

  6. about 23 months ago

    Jon

    Bruce — interesting that you mention the Conundrum. That was immediately the wine that sprang to mind (I believe Chenin Blanc and Semillon are the primary grapes in it as well). If this compares well with it, I would definitely be interested in trying.

    As an aside, while at BLT Fish talking with the Sommelier, we mentioned that we very much liked the Conondrum (which they had) but were interested in trying something new. She pointed us to a Westerly W Blanc, which was excellent (similar price point to Conundrum). Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find the wine anywhere for sale — WL has their Sauvignon Blanc (I believe), but none of their other wines…

    Gary — have you tried any of the other Westerly wines and will you carry any others?

  7. about 23 months ago

    Julius

    Gary - I have a couple of questions about this wine. Is the wine blended before or after barrel aging and since there is a dominance of apple do any of the varietals undergo partial or complete malolactic fermentation?

  8. about 22 months ago

    Raphael Dornier

    Reply for Julius
    The wine is blended after fermentation. Chenin undergoes malo.
    RD

  9. about 19 months ago

    Brandon M

    I only get Spectator for the wine news these days. They seem to miss the boat on a lot more than Albarinos. After the Georges De Latour drubbing, I lost all respect for the system. It’s unfortunate that many wineries fortune or lack there of hinges on a couple of rating from a handful of tasters.

    B

  10. about 10 months ago

    David Canada

    I have had a few whites…mostly chenin and they have been great wines.

  11. about 8 months ago

    WA Ambassador

    I found it interesting that you thought that this would go well with Thai food. That’s usually some strong food, especially if you get it Thai hot (as opposed to only 5-star). I may have to try that sometime.

  12. about 3 months ago

    The Fanjestic

    Quick episode - South African White gets it’s own show. Pretty cool. It’s weird to see old episodes that are this quick with only one wine tasted. The Vayniacs would riot - but maybe one episode a week like this would help you and not be so frustrating.

  13. about 2 months ago

    yowens

    QOTD: why is Gary so reserved in this episode?

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