106 Responses

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1. January 29, 2007

   Jahlove

   Finally had a Central Otago Pinot Noir. The Three Miners 2004 you tasted in this episode was it. I really enjoyed the wine, but thought you overrated it at 93/94 points. I really liked this wine, but right Oregon is still my favorite New World site for Pinot. Here are my notes:

   91 pts. My first Central Otago NZ Pinot Noir. I’ve had Marlborough Pinots before and this has a similar flavor profile, but even racier, more focused, and more elegant. Tasting this blind, I would have most certainly thought Burgundy. Fragrant nose is a mix of earth, fruit and wood. Bright, pure cherry fruit on a steely frame. Would be incredibly versatile with food. Just what you’d expect out of a decent Burgundy, but at fraction of the cost. Missing a little bit on the finish though.

2. January 16, 2007

   ThomasS

   Hi Gary,

   Just watching back issues now and, yes, I am going to comment, maybe not on every issue, but anyway on that huge ‘lot’. And now I think it just time to tell you why, … nah, that would make this a very long comment. Now what I’ll mail you.
   First QOTD: best bottle I ever had was a Montevertine Riserva 2002. That year was a very dark year for Montevertine: crop was so bad that neither the Le Pergole Torte, nor the Il Sodaccio was produced. The grapes were used for the Riserva, that is just the ‘Rosso’ (on the label). We had it in a Sangiovese tasting (you know, one of these ‘fancy’ MC’s full of bigheads – yet, the acknowledged connoiseur who brought this wine was a very hearty agreable person), and it just outclassed everything. It was a ‘catastrophy’ wine, but nonetheless … . Of course there were these guys that chose the flabby Banfi BdM instead, but you know, for me, this was the first wine that really moved me. I was shocked by the colour: brownish orange, unconcentrated, ‘botte’ ripened, and in concrete macerated Sangiovese – very traditional – that’s why it’s not allowed to call itself Chianti anymore, the reverse reaction of the IGT-revolution. The nose: undescribable, so focussed, huge and at the same time so elegant. The mouthfeel: kissing Keira Knightley (whatever that may feel like ). The palate: the most harmoniously complex and balanced I ever had … . I know, eulogism … . But then, I am sure I will never taste a bottle like that again in my whole life (and that’s still a long time to go I hope). Just the idea that this was a ‘catastrophy’ wine, it’s just baffling, just to know that they considered it minor to the other two. What the h*ck should Le Pergole Torte taste like then?
   You know, I still go emo when I think about this wine …

3. August 8, 2006

   SERGIO MOLINAR

   Dear Gary: I agree with you on Burgundy wines being overrated. However I have some friends in México that are “CHEVALIERS DU TASTEVIN” and are asking me to look for ” tastevinage wines” in the US. Can WINE LIBRARY get these wines or where should I look for them. I am a regular customer of WL, I would really appreciate your help.

4. August 6, 2006

   chito

   Gary, I was out of touch for a week,…no access to my laptop… and just caught up on your latest episodes. The Pinot one was the best. I cannot agree more with everything you said. As I tell anyone who asks, you have more fun tasting a variety of wines to find what you like, than to have someone tell you what you SHOULD like. Keep up the KILLER advise.

5. August 3, 2006

   jeffrey crowne

   best pinot (and best wine i have ever had) easily 1985 la tache

6. August 1, 2006

   Sherril

   Best – who can talk from best. What Pinots are drinking great right now.

   Merry Edwards – Klopp Ranch 2002
   Windy Oaks 2003 Reserve
   Williams Selyem – 2003 or 2 Westside Road

   Had amazing Williams Selyems in the past. They probably hit the best mark with a few Pommards but I can’t remember which.

   Best wine ever. Heitz Martha’s 1974 – got it as a wedding gift. Holy cow! Drank it with a bunch of friends before we knew what the hell we were doing when it came to wine. It’s still all that memorable!

7. July 30, 2006

   Rob

   Not only the best Pinot Noir, but one of the best wines I’ve ever tasted was the 1999 Domaine Henri Gouges, Nuits St-Georges, “Les Pruliers.” Complex in a way I had never before experienced. Liquefied silk dropped on the tongue and spread throughout the entire mouth. I credit this bottle with introducing me to truly great wine.

8. July 30, 2006

   laura

   My favorite Pinot is from the Mornington Peninsula in Australia – Merricks Creek Close Planted 2004 (the 2003 rocked too). I had it with the winemaker while overlooking his vineyards…amazing wine and experience. Cool climate elegance combined with “true to Burgundy” winemaking. Like Central Otago (have been there too, beautiful spot and wines) Mornington Peninsula is a region to watch for great Pinot. From the US, Sineann Resonance VY 2004 – I’m a big fan of Peter Rosback.

   Thanks for keeping it interesting Gary!

9. July 29, 2006

   Robert

   I recently was in NAPA and had two Robert Sinskey Pinot Noir’s 2001 & 2004. I liked both for different reasons. The 2001 was softer and had more fruit. The 2004 had a lot of fruit too but was as drinkable. I think it’s too young, but with potential to be better than the 2001. I don’t know this to be true, but I feel that the grapes are from the same appelation. Maybe from different sections. Anyway, I would like your opinion versus the Three Miners. Thank you.
   Also, I would like to see you test some wines you really don’t like and say why! Although, sometimes your facial expressions contradict your words.

10. July 29, 2006

    Peter

    Gary,

    The best Pinot I had was a 1993 Millot Echezeaux from Vosne-Romanee. I bought this one on a close out at $45 because the merchant hadn’t tried it for a few years. It was stellar and I brought it to a Turkish restaurant that doesn’t have a corkage fee. At a normal price of $100-130, this would still be a great wine, but not the value it was at $45. It had the lovely old pinot aromas of leather and game, with good acidity and some really nice secondary flavors on the palate. Storage wasn’t ideal for the wine, so it probably accentuated the aging process a little. My girlfriend and I really loved this one…

    Thanks for the blogging,

    Peter

11. July 28, 2006

    Chris

    The best bottle I ever tasted was 2002 Beaux Freres Williamette Valley at last October’s Wine Experience in NYC.

    It was so soft and delicate it was like drinking liquid flowers.

    http://winecentric.blogspot.com

12. July 28, 2006

    Lawrence Leichtman

    1975 La Tache Bridges Restaurant in Danville, CA in 1996. Amazing wine but $300 for the bottle. Bridges has a great wine list and wonderful food. Even though this was expensive it was $200 more at the French Laundry. By the way, the 3 Miners is a great buy and the 2003 was good price point for such a good wine. Keep up the reviews. Just wish you guys carried a few more of the wines you review.

13. July 28, 2006

    Tracey

    Hi Gary! My friend e-mailed me your site and I intend to e-mail it on!! Love the style enjoy listening to you and your thoughts on the “wine of the day”. My favorite Pinot? 2003 Monteray Bay. My friend and I were making wine and had to toss a coin for this limited wine. WE WON! It has a rich earthly smooth easy finish. It is a great bottle…luckily we made 26 bottles!! I still have 2 bottles which I am saving for a very special person to share with. It is the kind of wine that makes you want to go ummmmmm. I am looking forward to the next visit from you. thanks

14. July 27, 2006

    Bill Z

    Best pinot: In 1982 I was new to wine. My Father had recieved a gift of a single bottle of burgundy from a client, and he didn’t care for red wine, and told me to knock myself out… it was a 1969 Chambole-Musigny and it was so good that it made me cry. It also started me on a 24-year (so far) search for that same experience. Wish I had saved the label– but I’ll recognize it if I ever see it again.

    I want to second the question I read above: What’s YOUR favorite pinot, Gary?

15. July 27, 2006

    Dan Freed

    Gary, great to see you spotlight Central Otago. I had the opportunity to visit a few of the wineries (Amisfield, Gibbston Valley, Mt. Difficulty, Rockburn) while on vacation early last year. There are many very good pinot producers. Unfortunately, we hardly get any of them in the U.S. Hopefully the Three Miners will do well and you will carry more wines from Central Otago in the future.

    I will have to ponder the best pinot…

16. July 27, 2006

    Karen Mc

    I’ve been drinking Three Miners pinot after buying few bottles in New Zealand a few years ago. The 2004 vintage is awesome and won’t disappoint. It has a delicate finish that lingers even for those without a sophisticated palate. Excellent show.

17. July 26, 2006

    garybee

    Gary, I’m not a huge drinker of pinots, but one does stand out. My wife was preparing a birthday meal for me about in 1999 (I think). She’d gotten two bottles across the river in Stockton, NJ for my birthday. One was Mueller Winery Emilys Cuvee Pinot Noir…to go with the lamb chops. Very full bodied and luscious. The other bottle was a 1995 Harlen Estate. We haven’t had that one yet.
    Keep up the good work on the WinelibraryTV. It’s fun to watch … and we actually learn things here and there. Something that cannot be said for TV these days.
    Gary Beesley

18. July 26, 2006

    Matt LaCroix

    I’m not entirely sure what the rest of the viewers think, but in my mind, there is a misconception that pinot must be expensive for it to be good. I should admit first off, that I’m a recent college grad, so my pricepoint for wine is somewhere in the $8-$15 dollar range. I’ve had pinot for more and I’ve had it for less. That being said, my favorite pinot noir thus far has been by Echelon. For a bottle that won’t break the bank it is sure to please a pinot drinker; both the 2004 and 2005 were very good.

19. July 26, 2006

    Scott Stutz

    Gary, You were on Fire in this show. I’m totaly addicted to your raw and real approach to wine. I swear I told a 50 people to watch this show. You have given me some great advice and guidance on wine. ok, I’m a long time pinot noir fan. My favorite now is Shug 2004.

20. July 26, 2006

    Marco

    Gary, you are as animated as ever, but you will appear more convincing if you stop cursing during your discussion. By the way, the best Pinot I’ve had was Turley Rattlesnake ‘97.

21. July 26, 2006

    eugene

    Gary,

    I am not big on Pinot.

    Last month I got Frei Brother’s Reserve Pinot on friend’s recommendation.

    Well, I didn’t like it a bit. Sweer grape juice, no personality.

22. July 26, 2006

    Bob Heuman

    Awesome! Love it!! I have added you to my iTunes video blog subscription.

    You say interaction…how about someone to interact with?

    My favorite Pinot ever? 1978 Chalone, followed closely by 1980 Chalone. Kistlers aren’t bad either.

    -Bob

23. July 26, 2006

    Bob B

    Two words Kosta Browne!
    Cohn Vineyard 2003

24. July 26, 2006

    Leonard deOliveira

    Hey Gary,

    Pinot Noir…Now this is what I’m talking about..56 comments on the best Pinot Noir’s by followers of your WLTV…it doesn’t get any better than this and everyone has one for one reason or another …time…place ..price…this is all a tribute to you…your honesty and saying it just the way you see it….so many wines and so little time…wish I had made up that line but I think you might of had something to do with it…love your shows more than ever…

    Len

25. July 26, 2006

    Bob

    Great job as always Gary, cable tv is too small a medium (in so many ways) for your honesty and “screw Sideways” attitude.

    The best PN I’ve had lately is the one I purchased from a excellent local wine shop.

    The 2005 Ampelidae Marigny-Neuf Pinot Noir has a spicy, dark cherry nose, with the terrior showing through. I’m wondering what this will be like in 2-3 years with its tannic structure. Definitely let this one decant for an hour or two.

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