I’m Not Pissed – Episode #58

July 25, 2006

2004 Three Miners Central Otago Earnscleugh Pinot Noir

Today Gary takes Wine Library TV to the next level, creating a forum for honest discussion about wines. Gary loves sharing his passion for wine with you and now he needs your help. Gary needs input from you the viewer proving that Wine Library TV is not a one way street. Oh yes, he also reviews a hot Pinot Noir from New Zealand and lets you know how it stacks up against traditional Burgundy. Follow Gary into this brave new world.

107 Responses

July 25, 2006

Tony
Hey Gary,

You were hyped today! Maybe a little over the top, but that’s OK once in a while.

My favorite Pinot? We’ll I don’t particularly like most Pinots, so I’m not a good judge, but the best pinot I’ve had was a 2000 Marcelina Carneros Pinot Noir. I have no idea how it rates against other Pinots, because I rarely drink Pinot. But this one was smooth and complex with a well developed body and character. Most Pinots seem like watered down wine to me, with very little structure or character, but this wine was excellent. Maybe I’ve only had bad Pinot. It wouldn’t surprize me.

Keep up the great work.

P.S. I’d love to see an episode of “Great Values from California”. A lot of CA wine is getting overpriced, but there are still a lot of great wines at good prices out there. It would be great to learn about a few that you especially like.
July 25, 2006

kevin
wow….gary, you are the man! don’t let them old bastards get you down….
i like the new and improved gary v! the old one was good, but the new one is a little militant…very cool….gary ‘che’ vaynerchuck!
July 25, 2006

kevin
oh yeah, and get me some value-driven bordeaux…these pre-sale prices are killin me….pretty soon bordeaux will not be my fav becuase i wont be able to afford it! drop the price back down on that 02 sansonnet
July 25, 2006

Brandon
Hey Gary, I like the style you give off – like Wine Reality TV. Anyways, I was in Up State NY a few weeks back and in all places Albany. Had a great Pinot Noir that you have as well by Casa Marin from of all places Chile. Now that is a wine and a half!
July 25, 2006

kevin
jesus, i need to stop writing comments before the end og the blog…favorite bottle i have ever had: i was down at the beach in march with my girlfriend…i took her down there fore her birthday….my favorite thing in the world is going out to a nice place to eat….it was late, i think around 10pm…the only gourmet place around was still serving…voyagers in orange beach, AL….well, we went in and it was one of those great places where every server has a european accent and does everything but cut your steak for you…i loved it….anyway, i ordered the filet oscar, which was awesome and a 375ML bottle of the 1995 Cain Five….was the best bottle i have ever had….i wish my girl had wanted some wine that night, but she wanted her liquor….drank the whole bottle and enjoyed every drop…was very pleasently buzzed as we left and walked down the beach back to our hotel….awesome…i always look for Cain Five in the library….saw the cain concept, i need to try it…
July 25, 2006

Rick P.
Gary:

My favorite Pinot was a 1992 Domaine Drouhin (Oregon)I had with a grilled veal chop at the Rainbow Room in NYC. The wine dinner was hosted by Spencer Christian (former weather guy) for Home and Garden Television affiliates.
The wine had berry and chocolate notes and the tannins were well integrated.

Best regards,

RP
July 25, 2006

MBG
Gary,

First time, long time. Best Pinot I had was in Feb of 2005 @ Brix restaurant in Yountville, a Miura Pisoni Santa Lucia Highlands. I believe the vintage was 2002. Miura makes some killer juice, I’m surprised I haven’t seen it in the shop.
July 25, 2006

Sam Zen
YOU DA’MAN!!!! However, Jets…. over my Bears’ ass!

Gary, this segmnent demonstrates that teh recent shake up has grounded you to where you should be. Blogging IS the future… and that future is here NOW. Just look at You Tube (as you briefly mentioned) which blows traditional television viewership out of the water. You are not making a mistake, I guarantee it! This is the future. And you are revolutionizing wine. I bet you that within 5 years you will be on the front page of one of the traditional magazines, much like Namath was on SI. But don’t get cocky. Ahhh, if you could see me I’m grinning form ear to ear) GOOD FOR YOU!
July 25, 2006

Joe
Best bottle of Pinot I have had to date is by Ken Wright from Oregon – I had it on a business trip when I was in Atlanta in 1996 – do u guys carry it and what are your thoughts about it??
July 25, 2006

Paul
OK, best PN. Recently I was blown away by Littorai 2003 Husch Vineyard. Drank it at the Farmhouse in Forestville, CA, in February. Ordered a mixed case of Littorai 2004 Pinots – can’t wait till they arrive!! (Almost forgot the ‘49 Charmes-Chambertin with deer chops grilled at home – but that was 25 years ago).

Keep up the great work!
July 25, 2006

David K
Short and sweet. Maybe not the best pinot I’ve ever had, but the best for the money. 2002 Argyle Nuthouse. I belive that WS even gave it a 93 and it certainly delivered… especially at $30 a bottle.
July 25, 2006

Bruce
Hi Gary,

Welcome back!!!! The last two episodes have been great and thank you for staying true to yourself and the wines, good or bad! As you know, I have been big fan but not great customer yet of WL and we have discussed why. I think you have now pushed me over the edge and I will place my first order and will try the Three Miners Pinot….I really enjoy your honesty and like you, believe it is all about the taste of the wine, not trends or big business pushing us towards over priced wines. You asked us to respond with what we feel is the best Pinot we have had and I want to let eveyone know of another wine like Three Miners (in my opinion..:) That wine is from Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir from Oregon and is their 2004 Vintage Selection. Not the most expensive wine you can buy, but for around $28, it is a wonderful wine with beautiful balance and amazing fruit of strawberry and cherry and great mineral overtones. I would be very interested to see you do an episode that included this wine…Anyway, keep up the great work and enthusiasm, we all really appreciate it!!
July 25, 2006

dan
Gary: I like the fact that you are demystifying the tasting of wine. More importantly, that you will and are honest about the wines you taste. Not all wine is good, no matter the price. I’d like for you to come up with some wine library tv shows that coer the affordable great wines- less than $30 or $20 if you can find them. I’m a teacher so I don’t have a lot of money to spend on wine- I bought 3 cases from you since June and I’d have to say that all ofthe wines I bought on your recommendations were pretty good (except one- but i think that’s more a matter of my taste being different that yours). Keep it going in the right direction- we need more honesty and less hype. I look forward to seeing those great values by price or region in some upcoming epsidoes. As far as the pinot noir, I don’t drink it so I can’t say what the best one I ever had was. As far as the best wine, it would have to be a Penfolds Grange that my friend from Australia served me at his hous in Cahrlottesville back in 1992.
July 25, 2006

Michael Z
Best pinot was a 1959 Francois Gaunoux Corton Les Renardes. Had it at the Ryland Inn. Still dark as pitch at nearly 50 years old. Incredibly gamey. I will never forget it.
July 25, 2006

Russ J
Best Pinot? Probably a tie:
1998 Domaine Drouhin Laurene at Oceana in NYC three years ago for my wife’s birthday and just recently a 2001 Muira Gary’s Vineyard Monterey (purchased at “Taste of Monterey” in Salinas, CA during a trip this spring) at Fascino in Montclair, NJ with friends who are big Zin people, and they loved it too. By the way, I have been to Voyagers in Orange Beach, AL, the place that Kevin mentioned. It is in the Perdido Beach Resort in LA (Lower Alabama) and is indeed a sweet spot.

Great episode! How about a Giants/Jets Super Bowl in, say, 2009, when Clemens is up to speed?
July 25, 2006

karl satirev
I love your enthusiasm. Don’t let a dirty mouth ruin it.
July 25, 2006

Mike P
I have watched every WL TV episode that caught my attention. Thats about 25 of your 58. I gotta say, I love your honesty and your style. We have never met, and the few times I have been in your store the items I wanted were out of stock, but I am not going to give up. That said I admire your balls. You put it all out there– not your balls, but your passion, and love for this little friggin’ grape like no one I have ever met. I have a tasting group called CLONYC (Cabernet Lovers of New York City) and it would be great to have you attend one of our get togethers. Great job. Keep it up.

The best Pinot I have ever had was the 2003 Maison Frederic Magnien Gevrey Chambertin Les Seuvrees. An amazing multilayered expression of fruit, earth and the winemakers love for the Pinot grape. Ultra pure and memorable. The pinot I measure all pinots against. A great bargain too at $48 per bottle. This guy Frederic is so commited to getting the best fruit from his contracted growers, he sends his wife out on the crucial day of picking. She parks her van at the end of the rows being picked for her husband and opens a newspaper or magazine. Everyone knows who she is but, after all, she is just doing a little reading in the open air. Just to make sure the grower keeps his part of the deal. I like that type of commitment.

Again, well done Gary. Don’t change a thing.
July 25, 2006

Bill
Hey Gary – great job. Maybe there is hope for the wine world after all (ie not every wine in the whole world will be a Parkerised clone of itself).
Getting down to the best PN I have ever had – easy. I have never had one, certainly not from Burgundy. The closest I ever came was a wine and food show in Australia 15 years ago where all the tastings were free except for these two super-hyped Burgundy labels. Retailed (in the early 90s) at around $200 a bottle. Both were exceptionally ordinary, maybe in the 86-87 range. A far better story was the bottle of 1980 or 81(or 82: can’t quite remember)Grange that I picked up in a Dunedin (NZ) bottle shop in 1989 for $NZ26 (about $US10 at the time). Had it with just some fresh NZ cheeses. It took a day and a half to drink (by myself) and I can still taste it getting on for 20 years later).
So, all power to NZ Pinot. I would love to finally see what all the fuss is about with this grape.
Next, let’s debunk the Bordeaux myth. In my experience if you take 3-4 points OFF the score these wines generally get you are about right. Thus a 90 point Bordeaux costing anything from $25 – $80 really should sit closer to 86 points; tasting pretty much near an entry level Spanish or Rhone blend. Enough said!
July 25, 2006

Brandon M
OK…so…
I have had so many Pinots that I don’t know where to begin, but I am going to tell you a story that JUST happenned and is allready one of my favorite wine experiences. I drive my wife crazy with Pearl Jam. I’ve been a Pearl Jam fan since late in high school. I have always witnessed Eddie Vedder drinking wine on stage and always had a curiosity to what it was. I never had a way to figure it out until recently. The new Rolling Stone arrived with my favorite band on the cover. I open it up to see a full picture of the band and Eddie holding an unlabeled bottle that has a bit of writing on it. The writing says, “To Eddie with Aloha. 2004 Pinot Noir Van Der Kamp Vineyard.” I think to myself that there is no way to know which winery has bottled the vineyard, so I don’t think much of it. A week later I recieve my Siduri newsletter and read about their “Star Power” Van Der Kamp Vineyard featured with Eddie Vedder in Rolling Stone. I immediatly call Siduri and order a case. My two passions (Music and Wine) have come together like never before and I’m so excited I can’t wait!!! My favorite to drink on a semi weekly basis has to be 2003 Macphail Sangiacomo Vineyard or 2003 Toulouse Vineyard.

Hope this isn’t too long…first time post…58th Episode glued too!!! Keep up the good work.

B
July 25, 2006

Mike S.
Gary, good to see you back and fired up. I do think you’re off the mark when it comes to Burgundy, though. Which is fine – all the more for me!!

Recently, one of my oldest friends was in town with his fiancee. We’re equally giddy about wine, so I took him to a great French restaurant in my neighborhood, the stipulation being we could only drink Burgundy (he didn’t know the region too well, so it was my way of an introduction). We ordered the 2002 Domaine Maillard Bourgogne Pinot Noir for the main course. A great value at under $30 on the restaurant’s wine list and so good we ordered another bottle. Later, while the three of us were reminiscing on my roof overlooking the city, I opened a 2002 Frederic Esmonin Gevrey-Chambertin “Petite Chapelle”. Wine Spectator gave the “Clos Prieur” a 91 and called it the best value of the vintage. For me, the Chapelle is just as good, if not better. To end the evening’s festivities, I broke out a 2003 Maison Latour Volnay en Chevret. Infanticide, I know, but my friend is now obsessed with Volnay so it was a small price to pay.
July 25, 2006

Jim Bryan
I cannot judge Pinot but I like your blog. Publix Market in Longboat Key has two aisles of wine like the Rosemont Estates shiraz. Keep me away from them. I do remember a good Pinot at Carmody McKnight Estate Winery in West Paso Robles. Keep calling them as you see (taste)them. JB
July 25, 2006

Markyb
Gary,

I love the v-blog, and I’m glad to hear you’re sticking with it.

Glad to see that you are onto the New Zealand wines. Aside from being an absolutely beautiful country, I am a big fan of the vineyards … nice people with great Chards, Cabs, Merlots, meritages … not just a place for Pinot and Sauv Bl.

On best Pinot, I’ll vote for the Eyrie … had it with a bag of cashews with my girlfriend (now wife ) before either of us knew how special a bottle of wine could be, so it must have been a 1995 vintage or so. Absolutely breathtaking.

Definitely put me on the path to being a good customer of yours today!
July 25, 2006

Karen H
i’m afraid i don’t have a pinot story at the ready. but a wine i opened up tonight gave me reason to add a follow-up here to my comment last time.

but first, #1 reason i stay tuned: the metaphors that make it real (and give me courage buying wines, and entertain me). i mean, wine as potpourri in the bathroom? wine that tastes like if you imagined bacon around a hotdog? where else will you get that on that kind of clever but apt on the spot synopsis that communicates exactly what is being felt and experienced?

back to the wine: tonight we opened up a bottle of chilean wine we have had before. not a pinot but a merlot (concha y toro casillero del diablo). i have “read” about wines smelling like chocolate and thought it rubbish and an impossibility. but as i’ve watched you smell, and taste in the vlogs i’ve attempted to mimic and have tried to become more discerning myself. and this merlot is bang(!) the first time i have smelled chocolate in a wine. that and it’s huge taste is the reason i go back for more.

i have just checked into our liquor control board of ontario (you can’t have a good name like the “wine library” when the owner is the government) because i was sure i’d seen the name three thieves there before. sure enough, but no pinot noir, only grigio, merlot and cab. which brings me to my request for information from a future vlogs:
three thieves is one of a growing number of wines appearing in tetra packs at my local lcbo’s. have you any opinions/advice to offer on the packaging (and therefore quality) of different wines (which also now includes screw off versus cork)?
July 25, 2006

Karen H
sorry, a really quick add: apparently this is another issue i don’t get yet…why there is such a discrepancy between what’s available here in canada and there in the u.s. i watched the episode, loved it, and kept “three thieves” in my head not “three miners” which is, of course, what you reviewed. i just double checked and we have no three miners at all…sigh…maybe i’ll try three thieves (an american product) instead.
July 25, 2006

GeneV
Best Pinot Noir — 2003 W.H. Smith Maritime Vineyard Sonoma Coast, at my house hosting a tasting last March served with tapas of sliced, grilled Magret.

Before that, it would have been one of several red Burgs tasted with some fantastic meals while staying in Burgundy in 1985.

By my quick count, I believe I have bought more wine from you this year than from any other single store (and you are not conveniently located), so despite my hype bashing, I obviously think you’re doing a lot right.
July 25, 2006

garyv
Gene besides the hype bashing ( which at times i MAY deserve ) I adore your comments and thank you for your business!
July 25, 2006

Buddy
Best Pinot Noir winery Schug Winery, Single best Pinot Noir bottle maybe Jadot 02 Nuits St. George or Argyle Nuthouse 99(this brand is ruined now.) Best NZ Pinot Noir is Quartz Reef(Central Otago, I’ve been told this is the coldest wine growing region in the world.)
July 25, 2006

Grant R.
Gary,

Thanks for your continued honesty and passion. I agree, web video blogs are the present and future. By the way, guests are great as long as you believe in them and their wine—a great way to hear stories and learn more about terrior, wine making and history.

For more than a decade of wine drinking I suffered one thin and bitter pinot noir after another. Flat out terrible. Not Burgundy, California, no where. Then finally a desperate trip to the Russian River to do barrel and new release tastings and there it was…a 1995 Rochioli tasted at the vineyard. Exceptional, and I finally got it.

But hands down, the winner for me was dinner at Rubicon in SF several years ago. In appreciation of a favor, a great friend allowed me any bottle on the menu. With modest restraint I chose a 1974 Hanzell Pinot. Unbelieveable, but this then 25 year old beauty was silky cherry carmel. I still have the dead soldier.

And wouldn’t you know, they had a vertical, a 1975 and 1976. I went back the very next night and completed the vertical!
July 25, 2006

joe
Gary, You’re goig to kill me for this based on today’s show – but my best bottle of Pinot ever, one that transformed me into a Pinot fan, was a 1993 Michael Lafarge Volnay, consumed as our 2000 Christmas wine with turkey. A retailer was selling these off at deep discounts because of wine-seepage through the corks. I took a chance on 3 bottles and hosted that Christmas dinner for my large extended family. Whatever harsh conditions those bottles experienced drove those bottles into perfectly maturation. It was world-alterating for me. The mryadid of tastes and complexity of that wine still is memorable – every taste different as it evolved over the evening – like 20 different wines.
July 25, 2006

Jen&Kerry
Kerry and I are not wine people by nature. We are Irish BEER people. We have gotten in to wines recently and are still infantile about it. But we try. We liked Brancott 2002. This was one of our first Pinots where we saved the label in a book. Well, we liked it. As time goes on and our palate grows we shall let you know.
July 25, 2006

Desmond Ebanks
Two outstanding Pinots I can recall right now are:
(1) 2001 Adrian Fog that I bought from your store based on your email recommendation. This I had for my wife’s birthday and we both loved it., then
(2) 2002 Marinelli Blue Slide Ridge. Unbelievable. Had it with several friends, one of which “did not like Pinot Noir” until he tasted this bottle.
July 25, 2006

John
Hmmmm, best Pinot Noir is somewhat complicated and must be split into two categories….the best Pinot that I have tasted & the best Pinot that I have bought.

The reason for this is that back in 1997, when I was attending Tulane and had just started getting into wine, I took a wine-tasting course for fun. I mentioned to a girl from NY who lived nearby, and just happened to adore me, that I was beginning to enjoy wine and she proceeded to tell me that her father was a huge collector and had over 30,000 bottles in his cellar. For Thanksgiving he came down to visit and offered to take her and a friend to dinner. She asked me to go, and being a poor, starving college student, I willingly obliged. We went to Straya, a wonderful restaurant on St Charles street, which is, sadly, no longer there. I had an outstanding steak, which one wouldn’t think would be the best match for one bottle that her father had brought along…..a 1985 DRC Romanee Conti….but oh, drinking that wine was indescribable. Luscious and satiny, rich sweet fruit and mellow earth cut through by fine acidity and the softest tannins to ever cross my tongue. I was almost scared to drink it, partly because he mentioned how much it cost. I was counting the hundreds of dollars with each sip. I am not a huge Pinot fan, but to this day, it is one of the top 3 wines I’ve ever tasted.

The best Pinot I have ever personally bought was a 1998 Marcassin Blue Slide Ridge…..probably because it reminded me of the DRC. I was very earthy and had nice mineral core wrapped up in a huge wealth of plum and super rich cherry flavors. It was great.

I think the reason I don’t particularly like many Pinot’s is because they are not rich and full bodied enough for my blood. I know that many of the Cali Pinot’s are heading in that direction, but I find that many of them seem to lose that laser-like purity that I loved in these two aforementioned wines. I guess that why good Pinot is so hard to make.

So, Gary, what was your best Pinot Noir experience?
July 25, 2006

Bob Berke
Favorite Pinot experience was with my wife to be at Paragary’s in Sacramento Ca.

I purchased a 1994 Dehlinger Reserve and we opened it there. Did not know a lot about Dehlinger at the time, 1995-1996 time period, but the wine soon became the meal and we shoved our food over to the side.

At that time I tatooed the pinot noir grape on my right arm, and changed my email address to match.

As many who are passionate about wine, my tastes have evolved, come back, went away etc.. but that wine is the wine that my wife and I continue to use as our benchmark.
July 25, 2006

Bill Ross
Gary V,

My favorite PN so far was an ‘02 or ‘03 Etude from Carneros. I think I gave $60 for it at Perry’s Steakhouse in Houston (awesome place) on Father’s Day with my son, accompanied by their famous five-finger pork chop. I like PN as a substitute for white wine when a dish screams for a white. Mostly I shop without outstanding success for
July 25, 2006

Dave Miller
Gary, I have had very few pinot’s. I have always thought they were wimpy and light. I want more Girard Petit Syrah 03. Is there more to be had? I did try the Bad Fish Pinot and thought that was ok.
I love Wine Library TV
Dave M
July 25, 2006

cgf
great show. i still would have a hard time paying 30 bucks for a pinot from new zealand. best pinot was a 2001 shea block 23 served with filet mignon. have you ever carried or do you plan on bringing in any shea vineyard wines, either from shea or other wineries like ken wright, penner-ash, etc.?
July 25, 2006

Julius
I’ll reserve my Gary bashing for a later comment and get right into answering Gary’s question of what was the best bottle of Pinot Noir I ever had.
I have enjoyed several good bottles of Pinot Noir over the years but two stand out, and they are distinctly different from each other. One was a 1989 Chateau De La Tour Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru from Burgundy, purchased at the winery. Typical of the Clos was the earthiness (and underbrush) both on the nose and on the palate, yet showing a good amount of dense black fruit and supple tannins. A well balanced “old world” Pinot Noir.
The other one was a 2002 Soter Beacon Hill. We drank it last Thanksgiving. It had copious amounts of black fruit, plus cedar, sweet spice and well integrated tannins. I would rate the Soter a little better than the Vougeot.
July 25, 2006

P. Hig.
a 1971 la tache from DRC. By far the most explosive and elegant wine I’ve ever had. It was given to me by a friend–the kind everyone should have a few of. The most extraordinary wine experience of my life. Other than that, a 2002 Vogue Bonnes Mare also opened by a friend. He only had one and said what the hell, let’s try it. Incredible finesse and power combined. A razor’s edge of acid and brilliant fruit couched in a massive padding of ripe and complex tannins. Just stunning. My guess is it will become a wine as good as–and maybe better than– the la tache. Is it worth $200 or more bucks. If a first growth Bordeaux (which is made in the tens of thousands of bottles) sells for 350-600 bucks, you bet it is.
As far as American Pinot, a 1983 Kalin Pinot was no doubt the best American pinot I’ve had
I have not had the NZ wine mentionned here so I will of course reserve judgement, but if NZ sauvignon, and I have had a ton, are any indication of what Kiwi pinot, no thanks for me. Besides, $30 bucks is hardly cheap. I will try it though.
Now, as far as Burg is concerned, yes there is a ton of dreck and the burgundians should be ashamed, especially when they are taking the best terroir in the world (e.g. places like clos vougeot) to make it (many famous appelations are owned by many different producers–hence the nightmare of figuring things out). There should be a rule that says if you can’t make brilliant wine out of such a place on a consistent basis, you loose you land and it is put up for sale to those who consistently do make great wine.
That being said, if you find a great producer, and there are quite a few, even some negotiants (eg Bouchard) and you stick with them, they will consistently make wonderful wine across the board, from their strait burgundy at ten bucks a bottle to their bonnes mares or montrachet (white) which I can’t afford. There are consistently incredible, ageworthy wines in the $20-40 range, wines that I would take in my cellar over any other pinot made from anywhere. I would be delighted if it were otherwise and I have had wines that have demonstrated that it could be more consistently. It just generally isn’t. Want to hear from the most knowledgeable burgundy taster out there: check out allan meadows (no I’m not connected to him in any way). He will demonstrate how and why it is the best chardonnay and pinot on earth and will also suggest what to get in any price range. I don’t always agree (he loves dugas-py for example) but nobody knows more about the most complex, forbidding, and rewarding wine on earth.
Sorry Gary. Can’t go along for the ride. Besides, bashing Burgundy has a long tradition, of which Parker is probably the most virulent (and ignorant) proponent, so again, not really anything new.
July 26, 2006

David M
Hey Gary!

Best Pinot…I’ve had,was with friends of course! A Bergstrom Arcus Estate Pinot, we were at his vineyard, sitting on a hillside looking at the Dundee Hills In the Wilamette Valley. Eating kick ass tacos with winemaker…AWESOME! Talk to Josh about bringing some of his stuff in Whites as well as Pinots. Good young dude!

Ch
July 26, 2006

john maki
Pinot Noirs I have known and loved:
1. A Gevrey Chambertin (It was big & rich & dark),abt. 1975, at Casino show in Lake Tahoe. Those were the days when you could get 2 drinks at a show for $20 or put that $ toward any wines on the menu. You can see what a deal that was for 4-5 people.
2. L’Etage 2001 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir by Schug Vineyards, a wine they made for restaurants, but sold as special at the winery for $7.50. A nice light, racy, spicy wine with cloves & cinnamon & a bit of “terroir”.
3. Lucas & Lewellyn 1999 Goodchild vineyards
tasted at the tasting room in Solvang, CA & later which is the only wine that has ever reminded me of thimbleberries which we had growing up in Upper Michigan as a child. That set me off on a search for the berries which has led to the San Mateo coast near San Francisco where I live. Washington state is the third & only place where these berries are found. john
July 26, 2006

Cameron
Gary, another great episode, keep up this no holds barred approach! Your visible passion is what makes it interesting.

The best Pinot I’ve had in my 22 young years was in Paso Robles, on California’s central coast. While I grew up there, I hadn’t returned since I was of legal drinking age. I came back during Father’s Day weekend, so my dad and I decided to share our first tasting together. One of the first tasting rooms we vistied was Windward, who do exclusively Pinot Noir. The experience of being home again, sharing a rite of passage (for wine geeks at least) with my dad, makes that stand as still the best Pinot I’ve experienced.
July 26, 2006

Mike
Gary,
I am a self confessed Pinot freak. I actually just got home today from a California wine trip and had the pleasure of meeting Stephen Hansel from Walter Hansel Winery in the Russian River Valley. He took 2 hours out of his day to take my family and I around his winery (very small operation and not much to look at…which i enjoyed more so due to his commitment) All of his wines are amazing, from his Chardonnays to his Pinots. What is even more amazing is how humble he is. He actually told us that he rarely tastes his own wines because he is so critical of them. He actually even called his distributor (Polaner) once to suggest that they pull a wine that didnt meet his standards…a wine that Parker scored in the 90’s!! Needless to say, Polaner didnt pull the wine, but this just goes to show one Cali wine maker who isnt influenced by scores or hype. Now, back to the wines. He tried us on the 2004 North Slope pinot (parker 94-96pts). It was great, but almost Syrah like, which is prob why Parker loved it so much. Steve even admitted it wasnt a pinot he’d drink everyday, but it was the vineyard and the vintage that produced that particular wine..it wasnt a sylistic dec. Of all the wines we tried, the 2003 Cahill Lane Pinot was my fav. All of his wines are big in fruit, but have a solid core of acidity that just carries through and through. The oak( all his barrels are heavy toast w/ toasted head) didnt dominate, in fact, it added a wonderful mocha/vanilla element that worked well with the fruit and acid. Again, Im not sure if you or anyone else out there has had a chance to try any of the Walter Hansel wines but if you can find them, I highly recommed them. Whats more, Stephen sells his wines around $30-40 a bottle, not cheap, but in comparison to Rochioli, Kistler, etc…they are a steal. Also, if you look at his track record, he has never risen his prices even after many of the accolades bestowed upon him. Great great wine and an even better man/winemaker.

PS: Even more crazy, he barreled sampled us on the 2005 Chards, they just finished about 2 wks ago and still need more barrel aging, but the Cuvee Alice was incredible.

PPS: I also enjoyed the 2003 Sea Smoke Botella…that was a last Christmas wine enjoyed with my fam.

Keep up the good work
July 26, 2006

kidseyemd
Hey Gary,

I love how you’ve raised the intensity of Winelibrary TV. I am not a “Burghound” in any way. I have been disappointed more often by “expensive” Burgundy than any other region. In fact pinot noir has never really been my thing. That being said, to answer your question, my best pinot experience was a 1990 Charmes-Chambertin i think from Drouhin (or was it Latour?). It was stellar, and i didnt pay for it!!!

Just as an aside, the BEST bottle EVER was from my in-laws cellar, 61 Latour, in Magnum no less….i will never be wealthy enough to have another experience like that…and yes, i licked the decanter…
July 26, 2006

Adam
Can’t say I’ve found that bottle of Pinot that’s done it for me. Not much of a fan.

Ya think that Three Miners would do it for me?
July 26, 2006

Scott
Bonne Mares, dont remember vintage. Had it at the Waldorf where I was a cook in 94. The dinner was for some UN delegation and I approached the wine steward for a taste. My facination with Burgundian style pinot was born. I had previously been an adherent to Carneros, that all changed.

Like your style and find that I learn something everytime I watch.
July 26, 2006

Marc
Best Pinot ever?
Not a huge Pinot fan. I can’t say that any even stand out…
On the other hand I have been tasting a lot of top wines lately and one stood out to me last Saturday. I took a bottle of the Cigarral Pago del Ama to the best restaurant in Atlanta (www.woodfiregrill.com) and was totally blown out of the water. This was not the best wine I have ever had but for $50 this Syrah was rocking my world.
PLEASE PLEASE get more! I know only 100 cases came to the USA but I must have more. The complexity and balance of this wine after about 1.5 hours decanted was awesome.
Great episodes over the past couple of days too by the way. I am changing my website and have a link pointing to you guys already. Hopefully it will be published and viewable in the next week or so.
Again I propose a WLTV fanatics tasting. I would fly up there for that and a chance to tour your facility.
Good to see you back!
July 26, 2006

Norman
Gary, I totally agree with you regarding New Zealand Pinot’s. I’ve been hooked on Kim Crawford for its taste and value.(Suggest you stock some) Thanks for the Three Miners suggestion.

Also, keep up the good work on your T.V. episodes. They’re young, fresh, entertaining and ORIGINAL.

In the past, I’ve bought from Zachkey’s, Morrell and others. I really feel you’ve got the best handle on the market today.

KEEP IT UP!!!!!!!!
July 26, 2006

bob allison
best pinot voir…2003 beaux freres
July 26, 2006

Ryan Paley
I don’t want to seem like I’m sucking up or anything, but my best PN is the one reviewed this episode. I picked up a case of it on pre-order from wine library and when I got it, I put half the case in my cellar and left half the case on hand for drinking. I’m starting to wonder how long the half case in the cellar is going to last because I find myself going to this Three Miners whenever I’m stumped as to what to drink. It is a phenomenal wine, and I may have to pick up more before it’s all gone.

Gary, glad to see you are back in the swing of things.
July 26, 2006

Paul Hummel
Best pinot noir

1972 Musigny Vielle Vigne from Count de Vogue

2nd best: the 1937 vintage.
July 26, 2006

Julius
Now it’s time for some bashing.
Gary, I found it amusing (bordering on the ridiculous) that on one hand you could say that Burgundy is overrated and overpriced and on the other hand recommend checking out a restaurant that would set someone back $300 for dinner for two.
BTW, if your reference to the overly high price of Burgundy is based on DRC and its ilk, I would agree. But there are many producers of fine Pinot Noir in Burgundy that are as well priced as Central Otago, California, Oregon etc.
July 26, 2006

Martin R.
Gary,

I can’t tell you how happy I am that you are going to keep using YOUR format. You only have to answer to yourself. As far as the best Pinot I have ever had, there isn’t one. I’ve never had a pinot that makes me want more. The only wine that makes me want to sell my soul for more is the 1996 Shafer Hillside Select.

-Martin R.
July 26, 2006

Rob P
Best Pinot ever?
I have not had many but based on the advise of a local wine column here in the Florida Keys, I tried the Blackstone’s Monterey County Pinot Noir. Now the article was about good wine between $10 and $20 and this was absolutely awesome. Great nose, very complex and smooth. Nothing like I have tasted in Pinot before.
After all, isn’t about the wine and not how much the bottle cost?
July 26, 2006

Don Snow
Gary

You are too tough on the French. Good Pinot will always be expensive because its made in small quantities and it is difficult to make well.I think Fr. Red Burgundies are relatively better priced now than a decade ago Spent a month in New Zealand a year ago and was impressed by some Chardonnays ( Gimblett Gravels) and Pinots. So glad to see you are beginning to carry some non-SBs. If you ever get over there, or see the lable on adistribution list, up in Wairarapa, Neudorf makes a couple of great Pinots and some other good wines as well.Keep up the great work. Don
July 26, 2006

Craig K
Gary,
Kudos to you for your honesty and for doing it in the format you think is best. I admire and share your passion (sans epithets). One of the best Pinots I’ve ever had was a 1990 Panther Creek single vineyard bottling from Canary Hill. The Evesham Wood “Cuvee J” from the same year was also amazing. To your point on value, the fact that both were reasonably priced (back in the mid-90’s) was an extra bonus beyond their beauty. Looking forward to future episodes, C
July 26, 2006

Wino4Life
Best Pinot Noir recently…

2003 Michel Lafarge Volnay 1er Cru
“Clos du Chateau des Ducs”
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.
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
July 26, 2006

Bob B
Two words Kosta Browne!
Cohn Vineyard 2003
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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…
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?
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
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.
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
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
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.
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!
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.
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!
August 3, 2006

jeffrey crowne
best pinot (and best wine i have ever had) easily 1985 la tache
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.
August 8, 2006

SERGIO MOLINAR
Dear Gary: I agree with you on Burgundy wines being overrated. However I have some friends in MÃ©xico 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.
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 …
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.
February 2, 2007

SteveD
2002 Domaine Tollot Beaut- Clos du roi. Elegant velvety texture! Long smooth finish. Soft tannins. Red fruit, chocolate, mocha, tobacco.
Beautiful bottle of wine!
March 2, 2007

AlanL
I don’t drink a lot of Pinot Noir, but I’d have to say it was a Truchard and I think it was vintage 2001. Tasted it and bought it at my local store and had it with my family last Thanksgiving.
March 8, 2007

Lars
I’m glad SS Chris mentioned episodes 57 & 58 in the forums. Thanks for stickin’ with the vblog. Tough decision. Love the candor.

Lars
March 24, 2007

Fiorentina!
Wow! Am I late on this one or what? Like everybody else I’ve had tons and tons of Pinot Noir…I seriously doubt that I’ve had more than any wine manager, rep., sommolier, or wine aficianado, but tasting at least 10 new pinots per week for 6 months is a lot….but I have to say that my favorite Pinot Noir experience was the night we did our Bottega del Vino tasting event. (By the way, noticed the Bottega del Vino ‘Americano” decanter….nice) Part of the event was drinking 3 Pinot Noirs (1. 2003 Ovene Winery ‘Puzzle’ from San Luis Obispo, 2. 2003 Cristom ‘Sommers Reserve’ Willamette Valley, OR, 3. 2001 Mueller Emily’s Cuvee, Russian River) from the BV7, which really illuminated the wine. Really, after a night of experiencing such great wine, who couldn’t look back and smile? Personally, the highlight of the whole event was the Mueller…..if you haven’t tried it before….I HIGHLY recommend it.
May 22, 2007

vivaitalia
QOTD- I’m sorry I didn’t get the vintage. I was at my local beer only bar and talking to the owner when we somehow stumbled upon the subject of wine. Turns out he’s a big wine lover and finds out I am so He actually goes home and grabs a bottle from his cellar for us to drink. It was an arcus estate archery summit pinot noir from oregon and wow! It was pure elegance. Extremely lush plummy fruit and smooth as silk. He opened it and immediately poured it. I couldn’t imagine how good it would have been with some decanting.
May 22, 2007

vivaitalia
QOTD if we’re going by best 90 point value. I just had the Monte Antico toscana which got a 91 by enthusiast I beleive. It had stunning jammy fruit and was incredibly polished for it’s price range. Worst was probably the ‘03 tignanello, it tasted like a crappy california cab.
May 22, 2007

vivaitalia
Sorry that last comment was supposed to go on the next episode.
June 7, 2007

thabeav
Whoa. This might be my new favorite episode. This should definitely be with your list of favorites/featured episode. It’s kind of a turning point for the show. You were kinda reserved in some episodes before this, but it’s like you just morphed into the HULK, permanently, during this episode. Very cool. It also shows why the show is popular – honesty, passion, integrity. If you were just using this to sell, it never would have exploded like it has. Congrats. This episode really put some perspective on your motives and vision. Awesome. Just awesome.
June 13, 2007

ktw
And here I see is the birthing of the “question of the day”.

My answer will turn into a “lesson of the day” because the best bottle of Pinot Noir I have ever tasted was given to me by one of my patient’s children. It was a 2002 Rochioli Pinor Noir. I am a Geriatrician who takes care of nursing home patients and this particular patient and family was labled as “difficult” to deal with by many (including myself). After one of my visits I called the son to update him on his mom’s condition and he just so happened to be wine tasting in the Russian River Valley and probably 2 sheets to the wind. He asked me what kind of wine did I like and I responded with “um, pinot noir?” A couple of weeks later he shows up at the nursing home with 2 of these amazing bottles for me. After that day they became a lot less “difficult”.
Lession of the day: be nice to your grandma’s doctor!!
June 17, 2007

Steve
Gary, Try Leyda Lot 21 Pinot Noir From San Antonio-Leyda Valley. Kick ass juice!
Not exactly cheap either.
June 28, 2007

David Canada
The virgin QOTD!!!! I knew I would get there if I watched all of the back episodes!!!
QOTD – Mosswood Pinot Noir from Western Australia 2002. This was all strawberry dipped in black pepper. I had it at my 30th b-day and was up there with 2001 Dominus, 1977 Warre, 1998 Clarendon Hills Astralis. It was $50 and held up to the others no problem!
July 20, 2007

Shaggy D
Had to go back for the classic
July 25, 2007

the drew
There’s things in life you can control, and then there’s everything else. Keep your show part of the former. Mad respect.
August 31, 2007

WA Ambassador
You guys are brilliant. This is exactly what this community needs. Open communication. Now all you need is a wiki for us to access.
September 8, 2007

Kevin
Best Pinot Noir I’ve had: 2004 Domaine Pavelot Savigny-les-Beaune, Aux Guettes. Ashes, mold, cheese shop, toast and perfume on the nose, and toasty campfire and a gush of fruit [strawberry] on the palate.

I love Burgundy, but it pisses me off. I’ve spent a lot on bottles of top tier stuff that has little to nothing redeeming in it, despite my best research. I WILL try some NZ Pinot soon.
December 27, 2007

jfont
for pinot noir, 2004 sea smoke botella and southing…those are the only ones that really sticks out in my mind. though i’ve had some other good ones like dierberg and foxen. but it doesn’t compare to the first time i tasted sea smoke. it was like love at first site.
January 1, 2008

sobojosh
Classic. Is this the first question of the day?
February 10, 2008

The Fanjestic
QoTd: Brewer Clifton 2005 Ashley’s Vineyard. I was on my 1 and only wine trip to Santa Barbara – with my Dad and we went to this restaurant called Bouchon – which was amazing. We told our waiter Nuri that we were on a Father Son wine trip and that I was expecting my first child in July (This was in the first week of March 07) and he started bringing out the left overs of different wines (it was the end of the night and we were 2 of the last 4 patrons) they had openned during the evening to let us try. We each had about 4 1/2 glasses of amazing wine and we only had to pay for 1. The meal was incredible and we got to taste 7 to 10 different wines. The Brewer Clifton stood out as the best in my mind and I wrote it down on Bouchon business card since I was pretty cooked at that point.

Dinner with my Dad in wine country with perfect weather in Santa Barbara – it was as perfect as it could get. When I get old I will regret not taking more chances and trips like that one.

Gary I know you rip on Sideways and I get that, but I disagree. That movie openned my eyes to wine travel, new wineries, a new wine region, and how much I was missing from the whole wine experience. I love that book and movie for the same reason I love your show – it inspires more people to look into wine, and experience something they might not have without. Sure it dissed Merlot and sure it increased the price and sales of pinot, but it got people interested in wine and eventually those people will search out new regions and new varietals or if they were just there for the Sideways trend – who cares, every industry has those people.

Look – when it comes to this stuff, you’re smarter than me, you have more experience than me and you even have a bigger passion than I do – but on this one thing, it’s time to make your peace with the Sideways phenom, and recognize it for what it really was – a positive thing for wine and the wine community!

Hey – if nothing else, it Changed the Wine World whether you like it or not.

PS- You rock!
February 27, 2008

Bookman
Gary, great job man! Just found your site, and am going back through all of the reviews. I have to give you a ton of credit for keeping it real, and not selling out to the corporate masses!

Best Pinot Ever?

2005 Van Duzer Westside Blocks, from Dallas, Oregon. My good friend was lucky enough to marry a girl from Dallas, and we were able to hit up a ton of great vineyards, for my first “wine tasting road trip”. I truly enjoyed Witness Tree, Cristom (2005 Jessie is great), Bethel Heights, Erath, and a few more. Willamette Valley, one of the best places in these United States!
March 17, 2008

Kristen
I had been waiting for the first ever QOTD…

QOTD: I really liked the 2006 Rex Hill, as well as the 2006 Wild Hog Saralee’s Vineyard, and the 2006 Siduri. Although these are all New World, I do like old world Burgandies as well.

I’m so glad you didn’t give in to corporate bull!
July 1, 2008

Justin L Ove
I’ll be honest, I’m just leaving a comment so I can say I answered the very first QOTD! I stumbled upon this episode and found myself really admiring the transformation you took as the show has progressed.
You rock dude.
QOTD: 2003 Domain Serene Evenstead Reserve, Oregon.
July 10, 2008

Dan Leavy
good stuff! “taste the wine and stop being sheep”
qotd: best pinot? i cant remember! sorry… i have a terrible memory…

word 58 “way”
March 21, 2009

TommyB
You are right Gary Burgundy Pinot can be very over priced. But it’s good! And yes, my favourite pinot (so far) is a Burgundy wine; 2005 Cote De Beaune-Villages for 11 bones in English money so what’s that – 22 dollars? Lots of gamey aromas with hints of oak and vanilla. Dark berry fruits and spices on the palate..terroir all over the place. I also agree that Chilean pinot can be very good value – it’s cheap in England, some are £6 a bottle – you can’t complain with that! Unfortunately I have so far been disappointed with the New Zealand Pinots I have tried – finding them too sweet and fruit driven and lacking complexity. Looks like I have been picking up the wrong bottles! Any help on that aprreciated! Tom Bexton, UK.
September 14, 2009

John J.
Wow Gary, not counting the episodes that have come after this, this is definitely your best episode up to that point. And the 1st QOTD! Your approach has certainly changed a bit since then, not for the worse or anything, but I hope you don’t ever forget what you said in this episode.
Love that you’re trying NOT to follow the trends, and instead doing your own thing. Definitely what keeps me watching more episodes.
Not sure I can answer that 1st qotd yet. I don’t buy alot of pinot noir, but I’ll be looking for the Three Miners now. Seems pretty hard to find a good one [especially in Burgundy, where it is so hit or miss.]so I haven’t bought many. With that being said, and with me agreeing Burgundy is a bit overrated with what’s available now, the best I can remember would be a Burgundy. It would be a Clos Vougeot, 2000, from Louis Jadot. I’m sure you know as well as I, there are very many pinot’s out there of a better quality.
But glad to hear you say once again you want comments, and you don’t wanna follow trends. Because I’m itching to see you do a charbono tasting episode and a vin jaune tasting episode.
September 14, 2009

John J.
Had some good pinot’s from Van Duzer , and Wild Hog as well, like others have commented.
November 21, 2009

Andrew D
it’s just awesome watching the development of WLTV.

QOTD has begun!!!!!!

QOTD: Paringa Extate Reserve 2006 (Mornington Penninsula)

Cheers
Andrew

I’m Not Pissed – Episode #58

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