Four South African Wines

Four South African Wines – Episode #75

August 21, 2006

2001 Warwick Estate Reserve Red

2002 Warwick Three Cape Ladies Red

2001 Rudera Cabernet Sauvignon

2003 Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon

Today Gary talks about four wines from an underrated region, South Africa. He reviews wines from the Stellenbosch region of South Africa. A new QOD and a new feature for you at the end. Watch for it!

85 Responses

August 21, 2006

Matty Van
first
August 21, 2006

Rich S
First for me????
August 21, 2006

John Holmes
Wooohoooo,

First once again!
August 21, 2006

John Holmes
Damn,

Matty Van is a speedy bastaaad.
August 21, 2006

JohnM
Durn!
August 21, 2006

Ed Patterson
5th Crap!!!!!
August 21, 2006

Colin D. Devroe
Each EP better than the last. Keep it up guys. Oh yeah, and where was my wink?

8.5 outta 10 rating for this EP.

And the wine I smile most about is the 2002 Cab Franc from Miles in the Finger Lake region. Why? Because we liked it so much we drove an extra 45 minutes to buy more.
August 21, 2006

Tony
8th
August 21, 2006

Rich S
My most cherished bottle of wine is probably a 1998 Vintage Dom Perignon. I received it as a gift and it is in my refrigerator awaiting a special occasion………..

GV – I rate that episode an 86. You were flying through that episode like a man on a mission and didn’t answer any questions…..
August 21, 2006

Matty Van
hahaha I dont even have RSS feed, I just happined to check the site at the right time, hows that for luck.

I dont really have a special bottle, I only keep 2 or 3 cases on hand and am still developing my palet so I buy cheaper wines from multiple regions.

WLTV score – 89

A solid effort from a region that I have only bought a bottle or two from before, a little light on the humor. Not really anything super original
August 21, 2006

Ed Patterson
Gary,

My best wine in my collection right now is my 01 Remirez De Ganuza Rioja, why? because it was the first wine you ever recomended to me, I can hardly wait to drink it, it means a great deal to me and I know it will be great!! Special times call for very special wine. Thank you…..Rating 91
August 21, 2006

Steve
Hey Gary, I would give you a B on this episode. If you gave a bit more backround and history of SA I would of went A.
My most cherished bottle of wine in my collection at this time is a magnum of Poggio Antico 1997 Brunello di Montalcino Altero. Besides being a bad boy bottle of wine, I obtained it from the source itself while in Montalcino. Great memories to go along one day with this great bottle of wine.
August 21, 2006

Tony
Gary,

I rate this one an 89. Good body, solid midpallete. Maybe a little weak on the finish (I think we all look for your sense of humor in the final section). Not bad. For the price – highly recommended.

As for the bottle I most cherish…there’s three for different reasons:

1. A Marchesi De’ Frescobaldi 2000 Brunello Di Montalcino Castelgiocondo. Because I’m going to have to hold on to this for a number of years before it will be even ready to drink. I’m impatient by nature, so it drives me nuts!

2. Caves De Colombe 2003 Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Because you were so excited about this wine when you reviewed it. I can’t wait to taste it!

3. Clos Du Bois 1995 Briarcrest. Because it’s the oldest bottle I have and it was highly recommended to me.

I guess all of them are bottles that I’m sitting on but am dying to try! So, three bottles for the same basic reason.
August 21, 2006

Ed R
I’ll give episode an 85-87 GV, wines seemed to bore you and didn’t pump me up either, but I’ll give you credit because you did address topic requested by viewer. Giants over Jets anyday just hoping to avoid any metlike injuries and ruin season. Does Barlow still have two knees? One thing I’ll say is you gotta like D’Brick. Just started wine thing have yet to obtain any true prizes, but I am looking forward to trying 2001 Guigal CDP I bought recently.
August 21, 2006

Mike D
Gary,

The bottle I own that means the most to me is a 2003 Sea Smoke Ten. I recently took a teaching position in Virginia, but before I left I worked at a wine store in Western New York. Everyone I worked with autographed the bottle and every time I look at it it brings a smile to my face remembering all the good times we had around the store.
-I’d give the episode 90 pts. I liked the fact you went with South African wines.
-On a side note, I went and saw Snakes on a Plane this weekend…Hilarious!!
Mike
August 21, 2006

Michael Z
Most cherished bottles: My wife bought me several bottles of 2002 Insignia for our first anniversary (from Wine Library, of course).
August 21, 2006

bob pederson
well since we drank the ‘64 Margaux for our collective 40th birthdays, I’d say a couple of CDP we bought last summer in CDP – which we’re not supposed to drink for 25 years or something…… who knows how good the wine will or won’t be, but I’ll always remember buying the wine…
August 21, 2006

Jim J.
My cherished bottle — 3L bottle of ‘02 Whitehall Lane Reserve Cab, etched to commemorate my daughter’s birth. I’m hoping it will still be good when we open it on her 21st bday.

This episode – a solid 87. I can’t score it higher because (a) I’ve never had a South African wine, so I couldn’t relate to the tasting notes, and (b) there was no home run winner or major strikeout (both of which are fun to watch).

Cheers.

(Still wondering about your rotating art!)
August 21, 2006

Edward H
Rating: 17/20
No nose to speak of, but that is to be expected. Aggressive attack but solid mid-palate. Nice finish, not heavy and does not tire the palate.

Most Cherished Bottle: 2003 Pavie Macquin: anniversary present from wife on our first anniversary.
August 21, 2006

John Holmes
My most cherished bottle, by far, is my pristine mag of 1982 Chateau Mouton Rothschild. I received it as payment for some work that I did for a close friend of my family. He let me choose from among his vast collection of highly rated ( and very valuable ) Bordeauxs ranging from 1972 all the way through 1996. It was hard enough to choose among all of those amazing wine, but now my only problem is going to be deciding when to open it. Will it ever be mature, and furthermore, which occaission will be special enough to be deserving of such a monumental wine?

As far as this episode goes, I’d give it an 84. You seemed somewhat rushed today and you seem more upbeat and like you are having more fun when you are relaxed. Certainly it is possible that it is difficult to fit WLTV into your schedule, but I think many of us would certainly be ok with the episodes being just a little bit longer if it allows you to offer a little more information and not feel hurried while doing so. Also, I think many viewers would really enjoy an extended episode, say, every Friday. Maybe for the viewer appreciation video each week, you could do a 10 or 15 minute teaching segment with a new wine lesson each week, then do a 5-10 minute Q&A segment, and then taste 5 or 6 recommended wines. How does that sound? I just got my girlfriend started watching the WLTV episodes and that was her first comment, that she wished that they were longer and that sometimes they seemed too rushed. She said that since people were willing to watch or TiVo a 30 minute or hour long show on television, she saw no reason why video blogs shouldn’t be about the same length. Now, I don’t know if it would ever be feasible for you to produce some longer episodes, but it would be great if you could. So, my initial point was that I prefer the episodes where you spend a little more time talking about each winery and really focus on describing the aromas and flavors that you get from each glass. Also, there have already been several episodes on South African wines, yet I feel that there are many premier winemaking regions and/or pertinent wine tasting/discussion topics that might warrant more attention.

Also, thank you very much for tasting the 2002 Match Butterdragon Hill on Friday. I’m sorry for placing such a burden upon you, but I see that you managed to choke it down. It really is an amazing wine, isn’t it? Can you believe that the ‘02 is their first release? I need to hurry up and buy a few bottles before they run out. Is WineLibrary going to order any more? The ‘03 is already on sale on their website, as well. I think Match will be rubbing shoulders with Harlan, Colgin, Bryant and the other 95+ pointers within just a few years.

Keep up the great work, Gary. WLTV is gaining tremendous ground as the new wine information communication revolution. As long as you continue on this path, your support from viewers will grow.

Best wishes to you.

John Holmes

PS – Yes, John Holmes really is my name. I know, I know…..either my parents knew waaay too much or waaay too little about the ’70’s and ’80’s era adult film industry. Hmmmm, either that or when I was born, at first they mistakenly thought I was deformed and had been born with an extra leg. Hehe. Well, one way or the other, at times the name has been a burden and the butt of many jokes, but at others, it has surprisingly been a blessing and used to my advantage. So, now I just laugh along like it really is the first time I’ve heard the joke that someone is saying. Actually, though, in most cases I just go by my middle name, which, thankfully is what my parents intended in the first place.
August 21, 2006

MBG
Gary,

I give this episode an 85. No history about SA, no describing what Pinotage is made of(pinot noir and cinsault), no mention of what other grapes do well(sauv blanc, chenin blanc, shiraz)and no mention of other top producers(Mulderbosch, Fairview etc). You also run through the episode, and don’t answer any viewer mail.

My most prized bottle of wine is a 1.5L of Two Worlds, a blend of Two Hands Ares Shiraz and Egelhoff Napa Cab.
August 21, 2006

Darrell Tribue
I rate this episode an 87. You seemed cranked up, like you had somewhere to be but still wanted to have fun before you left. I look forward to the insightful education surrounding the wines being tasted.

My favorite bottle of wine Caymus Connudrum.
August 21, 2006

damon
Cincinnati Bengals with a healthy Carson Palmer can beat the Jets. I guess the only way that one will be settled is in the Super Bowl.

I had several bottles from the 1994 vintage, the year of my marriage. After we drank the BV Latour cab yesterday on our anniversary the lone ‘94 in the cellar is Montelena Estate cab. I need to find some more good ’94’s, any suggestions? I’d have to rank a ‘97 Ch. Musar right up there. incredible and exotic stuff.
wl episode rating:90 solid effort, brief finish, though.
August 21, 2006

ML
I give you an 83. I also felt you were rushed and definitely more excited about a Jets pre-season victory than you were about the vegetably, yet tasty Rudera. I still enjoyed the episode however.

Oh and can you bring back the silver spit bucket…that black plastic thing looks like a trash can.
August 21, 2006

Susan
Gary,
Great episode! I would give it an 88.
I am glad you are educating everyone and challenging us to drink new types of wines!
My most cherished bottle of wine is:
2002 Biltmore Estate Chateau Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
Gary- have you tried Biltmore Wines yet?
This would be a good time to try them.
August 21, 2006

Brandon M
Todays Episode – B+ (89)

My most cherished bottle of wine:
1976 Pieroth Eiswine that my Grandfather gave to me. He swears it’s worth a ton, but I don’t believe it is… but he gave it to me and he is HUGE on this wine, so now it’s my favorite. It was a bottle of ‘75 Ch. Latour that I was given when I graduated college, but that has since been consumed….it’s now my favorite dead soldier.

Joe
Rick E
Bill Ipp
Russ J
SeanM
Sheila
RickMcQ

Thanks a ton for the comments on units. I may have further questions as I get into it. When I moved into my house I really never thought I would fill a 54 bottle unit. HA.
So going with a bigger unit than I expect is probably a good idea.

Thanks againâ€¦B
August 21, 2006

Jaye
Hi Gary,

I don’t feel right rating your program. It is free and educational — I get a lot out of most of your episodes. The fact that I take the time out of my busy day to watch, and then even take the time to write a comment speaks volumes. I don’t visit any other website as often . . . even ones I pay a subscription for.

One new habit I am getting into is pouring myself a glass of whatever wine I have open right before I log in to watch your new episode, and enjoying my own taste of wine while I watch you taste and rate others. Today I am drinking 20-Rows Cabernet (purchased at WL). Very enjoyable.

As to my most cherished bottle of wine . . . I don’t think of wine as something to be cherished; but there are a few wines in my collection I am holding on to and looking forward to opening when the time is right — maybe my 65th birthday (25 years from now). One of these would be my 2000 Ch. Lafite Rothschild.
August 21, 2006

Bill Ipp
Gary,

It is very hard to pick out one bottle that I cherish the most. I would love to give you ten, but I will struggle to make it three:

- 1958 Inglenook (I have 2 bottles left) … The ‘58 is possible one of the 5 greatest bottles of wine make in US wine making history. It was produced by John Daniel, Jr. (Robin Daniel Lail’s father â€¦ producer of Lail which you tasted with Philippe Melka in episode #55) *** For anyone that does not know the Inglenook story … Google it***

- 1996 Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 30th Anniversary Reserve (3L, etched bottle, one of only four made) … This bottle was signed to my wife and I by Robert Mondavi at his winery a few years ago. We will drink it on our 30th anniversary.

- 1999 Clark Claudon (also a 3L, etched bottle) … Laurie Claudon wrote “Happy Birthday Toni, Lexi and Billy (my triplets)” and signed the bottle. My kids were born in 1999 and I plan on opening this bottle for one of their birthdays when they are old enough to enjoy it with me. BTW, Clark Claudon is one of my favorite Napa Cabs.
August 21, 2006

zerokreap (kw)
wanna hear something messed up…i had a WLTV dream last night….the wine library was a farm/commune out in the middle of nowhere and WLTV was conducted in a swanky barn with a small, drunk studio audience…very crazy….and the wine library elevators were death traps…moved very fast between floors and would suddenly drop with no warning–sending the rider into weightlessness. okay…now to watch the episode.
August 21, 2006

Peter
GV, you can still bring your grade up from an 86 to a 90+ with a follow up episode on South African white wines and a little more info on the country’s wine regions and history.

I have one bottle left of 1978 Henri Jayer Echezeaux. It was exceptional in 2000, I know it won’t last forever, but I am now afraid to drink it and be dissapointed.

I was in the store and noticed you could have more whites from Rhone. I had an great 2004 100% Marsanne recently that was about $15.
August 21, 2006

zerokreap (kw)
episode: 88 – solid, with undertones of hope (in relation to both the jets and s. africa). Slightly acidic in relation to distaste for 1 wine varietal judgments…welcomed acidity nonetheless.
my most valued bottle: well, i have two bottles of the girard petite syrah and i cherish them becuase gary raved so much about it in the early days of WLTV…i don’t have enough available funds to cherish any big names, but i am excited to one day try out that girard that’s in my cellar…
question: does having a WLTV dream mean that i am officially crazy (see above comment)…i really should email you the dream journal entry on that one…very odd, but very cool…almost nightmareish, but in a willy wonka sort of way
August 21, 2006

zerokreap (kw)
oh yeah, and i am a saints man, but becuase of sean alexander i must show love to the seahawks….roll tide!
August 21, 2006

lizv
another great episode, i’m giving it a 7/10…very solid had me laughing but i know gary can do more! my most cherished bottle of wine is a 1999 pio cesare barolo b/c that’s what my future husband (at the time) brought to my door on our second date. it’s been in our wine fridge for almost 3 yrs now and will remain there until an occasion arises.
August 21, 2006

lizv
j-e-t-s-s-s!
August 21, 2006

asr2021
Hi Gary et al.,

Episode #75: 87pts
Nice and enthusiastic on the attack, not much of a mid-palate, pretty short finish. I guess I prefer the episodes where I feel you really enjoy sitting and talking to us; I don’t like ‘em when they seemed rushed. I know you have a life and can’t do it all the time though. Interesting episode which left me wanting more.

Gary, you had a wine featured in the in store tasting this Saturday that I liked a lot. I was told that not many other customers liked it though. Could you taste it? Pleeeeeeeeeease. It was a sauvignon blanc; I think it was the “Koura Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2004″. I tasted pure passion fruit, both on the nose and palate. Please lemme know what you think.
August 21, 2006

joe
Gary:

The wine that gives me the biggest smile is 1991 Heitz Martha’s – it brings me back to the love affair with Heitz Martha’s since 1978. Although I would trade the Martha’s for Bill Ipp’s ‘58 Inglenook Cask Researve.

Gary, with Episode 1 (Verite) getting 98 points, this past episode gets 90 points. Solid wine reviews, educational about a different region, offering good value in picks, but a little rushed and obviously you were not enjoying yourself as much as in other episodes.

Joe
August 21, 2006

Rob M
Good episode, have only viewed about 10 WLTV, so I will leave the “rushed” comments to others. I enjoyed the episode, like the idea of doing a “different” region. Initially, I wanted a wider range of prices, but four similar (or close) priced wines allows easier comparison. My score- 90.

Most cherished bottle in my small collection- 1997 Martin Ray Diamond Mountain Select Cab. Distinctly remember it as being the bottle of wine I was drinking when I decided I wanted to learn more about wine. Was given a bottle by a good friend as a going away gift when moving, who knew nothing about my tasting many years earlier. Now, I can’t wait to try it again.
August 21, 2006

ray n
My most cherished wine is a 97 Tignanello that I found in Sienna Italy (I have only one left after buying 4). It was on this trip I proposed to my wife. By the way, had first sonogram today and the baby is going to have a palate to match yours Gary.

I would rate this episode 89-90, not so much for the wines themselves, but I do think its great to explore “other” wines like those from S Africa. Good job!
August 21, 2006

LMA
Gary…

As far as the episode goes, solid effort. Giving it a rating, I’ll go 17.2/20 (Decanter style). Keep up the good work!

As far as the QOD: it’s a tie for my most cherished bottle(s). the 1988 Chateau Musar for being the first “real” bottle I ever bought and the 2002 Alex Gambal Clos Vougeot for the thrill of the hunt (had a hell of a time finding it). Thankfully both are in storage so as to not tempt.
August 21, 2006

Russ J
89 points seems about right to me for today. I agree that GV was a tad rushed and none of the wines held much interest for me. Still the best thing going anywhere on wine.

My favorite bottle is a 2002 Saxum Broken Stones that my brother gave to me to hold on to (he is incapable of keeping wine more than a week or two!) so that we could share it on a special occasion years from now.
August 21, 2006

Rick McQ
Gary:

I’m going to rate this episode 86. I would rate the previous two in the 92-93 range. If a WLTV episode makes me buy either black current, place an order, run to the wine store, or bolt outside to lick the pavement so I can refresh my memory on what tar tastes like. Then its 92-93 points!!
August 21, 2006

PeteB
Rating: 88 – maybe a little higher once I try that Warwick Three Cape ladies

Most cherished bottle:
2000 Grahams Vintage Port – it was a gift from a friend in Portugal.
August 21, 2006

JW
1. Steelers (Big Ben could beat the Jets with or without a helmet)

2. ‘95 Montrose – bought for my daughter’s birth year, makes me smile

3. 87…big nose, start showed some promise, a little hollow in the mid-program, but finished well. Seriously though, I have watched every episode since the beginning. Good stuff. Keep it coming.
August 21, 2006

Cameron
My most cherished wine is a 2002 Summerwood Diosa, which is a Rhone blend from Paso Robles. I bought it at the winery with my best friend on one of my first big wine tasting excursions. The particular day we went there my parents also came, so it was a really fun experience. Their wines are excellent across the board, but that particular one stands out.

I’d rate this episode a 7.5 out of 10. While it dealt with an interesting subject that you were obviously passionate about, I didn’t get the feeling that the particular wines you sampled this time around were particularly enjoyable or unique.
August 21, 2006

Darlene O.
Hey, Gary…Alrighty. My most cherished bottle of wine thus far has already been consumed. I always wanted to drink a Dom Perignon in a foreign country, right out of the bottle. Well, I got my chance a couple of years ago when my husband surprised me with a 1995 Dom in our hotel room in Barcelona. We shared it with friends who went with us, but that last little bit was for me…out of the bottle.

Now…I’d rate this episode an 7.5 out of 10. I love all of your episodes and the only reason I give this one a 7.5 is because I felt it was a little short (I would rate most, if not all of the episodes, 8 and higher) and I really like the length of the episodes. I’m a newbie at wine and I’ve learned more in the couple of weeks watching your episodes than reading most wine forums. Thanks, Gary!
August 21, 2006

TH
I have many wines, including the 1986 Montrachet DRC, 1985 Jayer Echezeaux, 53 Mouton and 1928 Cos d’Estorunel. Had all of these but nothing compares to the Henri Bonneau Celestins 1985. It is the elixir of life. Don’t know what Bonneau put into it. I speculate it is some of the spores from his moldy cellar but whatever, never had a wine that makes you feel this GOOD. I got this (as well as my drinking companions) from all the 7 or so bottles I have drunk so it was not a one off!

As for your show, I think you should stick to wine, not sports as there are too many other blogs about sports. I rate your current episode 6 out of 10.
August 21, 2006

Janis
I alway likie your episode but feel 75 was not as great, perhaps it’s SA wines that are not as popular. Nonetheless, a 90.

The best wine I tasted turnd up in a blind tasting. It was a 1998 merlot called Providence from Matakana, New Zealand. What was surprising is that this was a unanimous decision and it was pitted against a 1998 Cheval Blanc and a 1996 Troplong Mondot! Unfortunately, the wine wasn’t cheap, costing $100 but still a lot cheaper than the Cheval Blanc. I had the wine in Germany and I don’t think you can buy it in New Zealand or at home.
August 21, 2006

John
Gary,

Great idea, I am very happy to see you doing the webcast thing. Let me start by saying that I think you have an awesome store and the information you are conveying here is very welcome! I constantly find myself passing your name (and url) onto almost everyone that is interested.

That said, less caffeine, more wine! (no offence) but slow it down a bit. Go for the 7-10 minute broadcast… maybe try a 30-45 second summary on each then drill down into the specifics for those who are interested, just a suggestion. Keep keeping it light though… I think your approach is strong, it is a good way to get attention by more people.

-Johnie “i just lost 5lbs watching that” Grapes!

ps: seriously, great concept, great info… I welcome your effort! Keep it up! I am looking forward to your next installment.
pps: consider reaching out to some of the more popular podcasts out there, toss in a few sawbucks and get into the mix! (send a few samplers, noting big, some of your tasting notes perhaps) take advantage of the growing attention that this “off channel” marketing channel has to offer! Consider some reverse marketing such as recommendations for “podcast of the week”

pps: I am going to try all 4… mission accomplished!

ppps: I, for one, appreciate obscure details about the producer and the area it comes from…
August 21, 2006

stewart
My favorite wine 1982 Grange Hermitage. Given to me by a friend,plan to drink it soon.Iwould rate your episode an 85. Iwould have liked sev varieties of S. African wines insread of just cab blends.
August 21, 2006

Tony G.
I too am relatively inexperienced with wine but most cherished at this point is the ONA (carmenere) that you vblog’ed a while back. It reminded me of backpacking in the South of France in ‘92. In addition I was sitting on the front porch drinking it holding my then new baby girl in my arms, she’s 3 1/2 months now, so she was only a week or two old, and I had one of those MOMENTS, when life just makes sense. Yeah, that’s my most cherished
August 21, 2006

JohnM
Today’s episode gets an 89. Good balance (two good, two not), but lacking in the signature WL surprise and humor which have been the standard since the TV offer. Watchable, but not memorable.

Most beloved bottle, something of a splurge from WL, Moret Nomine Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Garrenne 2004. My wife and I have been married 26 years, and our first big date was to a great restaurant in New Orleans, Le Ruth’s. We had a marvelous Puligny Motrachet then, but as the years slipped by, the prices rose. Last week I decided to jump back in and grab the old style that blew us both away years ago. We’ll probably have it next summer for #27.
August 21, 2006

Bryan G.
Hey Gary,
I am another wine newbie that really enjoys the vblog. It has been very educational and I like the fact that you are global, not just California/France. I’m assuming that when you are tasting wines that your comments are for people with a well developed palate to handle big, bold wines. What about us newbies? What wines would you suggest for us to try? Shouldn’t we learn to walk before we run?
Thanks, Bryan

Oh yeah, an 89 (I missed the Q&A)and so far, a 2004 Gudolphin… smoother and more drinkable than other reds I’ve tried.
August 21, 2006

chito
Gary, good info on these SA reds. Rated 85.
My most cherished wine is a 1999 Silverado Cab. The only wine my Dad (not a wine drinker) said he liked. Shared a bottled on each of his last few birthdays including one on the night he passed away. Brings a smile and a tear at the same time.
August 21, 2006

Bill
This episode: 90.
Most cherished wine: Grange 99. Maybe not the greatest vintage, but it is the only one I currently have and this wine – on the 6 or 7 occasions I have had it in my life – has changed my life every time. No other wine I have ever experinced (and yes, that does include some first growth Bordeauxs and a couple of top-flight Napas) comes even close!
August 22, 2006

Tony
I have a question for the community. I’m going to be going to a conference in Rochester in October and would like to visit the Finger Lakes. I’d like recommendations on the best wines/wineries to visit. I’ll only have two days to trip around.

I dislike most whites with the exception of dessert wines (muscats, icewines, etc.). I’m big on Bordeaux blends and rhone wines, not something common there, I guess. However, I’ll try anything as long as it is good quality. I’ve tasted enough wine to not want to waste my time on marginal quality stuff.

Recommendations? Places to go? Wineries to visit? Specific wines to try? Restaurants in Rochester (we’ve already got a couple in mind)?

Thanks all!

Tony
August 22, 2006

Tony
P.S. Gary, if you want to do an episode on Finger Lakes wines, I’d be forever in your debt!
August 22, 2006

Jason R.
Cherished Wine:
1974 Christian Brothers Napa Cab – My Birth Year – Given to me for my wedding.
1988 Diamond Creek Gravelly Meadow
Toss up between vertical of Ch. Leoville Barton & Ch. Lascombes (Have several of each and just starting to come into the “drinking” stage of their long lived lives and I hope to be rewarded with my patience
August 22, 2006

Lynne
Gary,
Got a ‘99 Reserve Robert Mondavi Cab @ a local grocery for $22.00. I’ve seen it online for $150.00. I can’t say that I cherish it because I haven’t yet tried it, but I’m thrilled w/ my bargain!
Rating:Good nose, a little short on the finish; left me wanting a little more. Didn’t really seem you were having any fun.But..its Monday.
August 22, 2006

Bruce
Hi Gary,

Always enjoy each episode but would rate this one as a 89. As others have mentioned, you seemed to rushed and could have provided more info on SA and other SA varietals. My Wife and I love SA Sauv Blancs.

Most cherished in my 70-80 bottle collection is the two 02 Insignia’s my wife bought me for Christmas last year.
Would be great to see you taste the 02 JP Insignia to see if you agree with WS Wine of the Year??…but please do not break my bubble..
Also would like to see you taste some Rosenblum Zinfandels.

Thanks!
August 22, 2006

Tony S.
Gary,

I’ve missed your show the last week and a half because I was on vacation…doing nothing. So, I’m glad to catch back up.

First off: WEEK 10 (Nov. 19th) THE BEARS WILL EAT UP YOUR JETS ONE WEEK AFTER TEARING UP THE GIANTS!!! And you know it too.

Secondly: On a scale from 147-253 I give today’s show (well, actually yesterday’s show, I watched this on Tuesday morning) a 247. The reason for the dumb point scale…c’mon, points are dumb. They make sense at times, but I just like knowing someone’s reaction to wine that’s the key thing. Either way, I’m saying your show was tops, not the best today, but consistantly a good watch.

Third: My prized wine, currently (I usually have a prized wine and then drink it) is a 98 Mouton. The only reason it’s the 98 is cause I got this to have on December 19th, 2008 for my 10 year wedding anniversary with my wife. I figure 10 years is good for a 98…not too strong of a vintage for Pauillac.

OK, see you later. Go Bears!!
Tony
August 22, 2006

boz151
Gary,
I’d rate the episode an 88. No big suprises. Love the WLTV blog though, keep up the good work !!

My favorite bottle of wine in the cellar now is probably 1997 Illuminatti “Lumen” Why? Because this is the first time we started buying wine seriously…led me to buy a wine cellar etc etc. I’ve had the 1995, 1997 and 1999 and they are all great. Tough to find thought. I’d be interested in your thoughts on the wine.
August 22, 2006

Rick McQ
Gary:

How about picking three wines from a specific region ahead of time. One $10-15, $20-25, then a $30-$40. They would have to be wines that have a good GV score. The WLTV croud could order the wine a couple weeks ahead. Then we would taste as you taste. It would help learn about different regions and see if we like it.
August 22, 2006

Jared
j-e-t-s jets jets jets…

I would rate this episode as “your typical california cab…$15 veriety.” I think you put that at about 84.

QOD: I would have to say my most cherished bottle would be the 1976 Chateau D’Yquem becuase of how much both my wife and i enjoy sauterns and this one is year older than my wife.
August 22, 2006

Jessica W.
Thanks Gary for giving an episode to South Afica, although I did want you to try the 100% Pinotage;),
This show is great, they are all different therefore they all have their own unique aspects.
As well I think for the educational aspects you should touch base a bit more on the vineyard site and the winemaker. Perhaps a map in the backround.
As well you should introduce a new “winespeak” vocab word, and explain why you are using this to descibe the particular wine.
By the way I am A JERSEY GIRL
August 22, 2006

Matty Van
Hey Tony…here is link to our new wine and culinary center is on your way to the finger lakes from rochester, i recemend any NY wine tour start here. I live in rochester and have never really had a NY red that I rated better than average, we have a lot of great resling and dessert wines.

http://nywcc.com/

http://www.fingerlakes.org/wine.htm
August 22, 2006

Jessica W.
JETS JETS JETS
August 22, 2006

SeanM
Rated: 85 Speaking pace was fine for me but you rushed the wines, makes it hard to follow the analysis. And you forgot the viewer QUESTIONS. You know you have us spoiled if we start to expect something of you.

I second Rick McQ’s recommendation to the point that I think a pre-announced list would be helpful say once every two weeks. That way you could keep surprising us and we’d have that one episode of “Gary said he smelled WHAT in this swill?”

I haven’t been into wine long enough to have a favorite bottle. I have a 52 bottle cooler of “lessons” and “returned to purchase more” because I liked the first one I tried. I do have a 2004 Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda Mendoza which I truely wish I could find more of in the DC area. Now that the ‘05 is out I guess I’ll have to give that a try and maybe give up on finding the ‘04.
August 22, 2006

ChipsterFL
The S Africa episode was very good. Score: 90

Great advice for the people that dump an entire varietal or region based on one glass.

Most prized bottle? Split between two:

A 1994 Harlan Estate that I have been holding for eight years. I got it from friend and former assistant winemaker, Bob Egelhoff.

A 1997 Marcassin Lorenzo chardonnay that I was able to coerce the good people at the 21 Club out of back in 2000.

Good luck in the AFC. I will scicker to myself if your Jets beat my wife’s beloved Dolphins (because she always giggles when I am watching WLTV at top volume!)

Regards,
Chip LaMarca
Lighthouse Point, FL
August 22, 2006

Lawrence Leichtman
I would score this episode a 88 just short of a 90. I’m not a fan of South African wines and your comments didn’t inspire me to get them.

My most cherished bottles are 3 empties that I have kept. all 1974 Krug Vintage Brut that were used to toast each new child 1978, 1981, 1983.

One other question. I was totally blown away with your review of the Viogner but now I see WL is out.
Will you be getting any more of that one?
August 22, 2006

Bill T.
Gary – A solid 88 – 89! Good job!

Most prized bottle – would have to be a bottle of Boones Farm Apple wine that I have had since I was 18 or 19 years old …30 years ago! (yes, it was legal to drink at that age back then!). Somehow it made it through my college years and never got drunk …although I sure did. BTW – Boones Farm was way ahead of its time and saw the value in a screw top!
I’m sure I’ll never open it but it sure is fun to pull it out every now and then for a laugh!

Does anyone know if Boones Farm apple wine is even sold anymore?
August 22, 2006

cgf
tony-
i went to school in the finger lakes and love the region.
I agree with matty van about Finger Lakes reds being average at best. The one exception for me is Cabernet Franc, which does very well in the Finger Lakes in my opinion. Good producers of Cab Franc are Miles and Fox Run on Seneca West; Red Newt, Standing Stone(which has the only good Bordeaux blend in the finger lakes), and Lamoreaux Landing on Seneca East; and Ravines and Dr. Frank’s on Keuka.
Besides for that I would stick to the rieslings. The best rieslings and my favorite place to visit is Hermann Wiemer on Seneca West. I would say pick a region (Seneca West or Keuka, etc.) and stick to it for the day.
For Lunch, Stonecat Cafe on Seneca East is great and serves local wines, and Fox Run has a decent bistro on Seneca west.
For dinner, Suzanne is the place to go on Seneca east. If you are at Keuka, the Village tavern inn has decent food and a wine list that includes local wines that go back to the early 90’s if you are interested in seeing how finger lakes wines evolve.
Good luck and enjoy!
August 22, 2006

Mike S.
Gary,

Pretty subpar episode. Why is South Africa so underrated? Is it because they’ve been making wine for 350+ years? Is it because the wineries are making an extraordinary strides since the end of apartheid? Unfortunately, there was no discussion about the history of South African wine and except for one brief mention as a blending grape in one of the bottles you were tasting, you said virtually nothing about pinotage. Nor did you discuss the wine regions, except to say that these bottles came from Stellenbosch. Does that make them better than something from the Western Cape or Paarl or Robertson? And, I can name at least a half dozen other reds that are far superior to anything you had in this episode. Maybe it’s because I’ve been drinking South African wine for a number of years now, but I was really expecting a lot more.

As for my most cherished bottle, everything in my rather modest collection is equally valued, albeit for different reasons (i.e. some are sentimental, some were heavily sought out, some I had my eye one for a long time, etc.). That’s just the way I buy my wine.
August 22, 2006

Tony
MAtty Van & CGF:

Thanks for the info! I’m sure it will come in handy on my trip. Time to get into Riesling!
August 22, 2006

MarcT
Easy…Cigarral Pago Del Ama 2001. This is not the best wine I have had ever…but it is one of the best…I need more!!! This is not my best wine in my cellar….but I need more!!!
This was the best recommendation you have ever made Gary. What a deal and what a wine.
Great episode…96 pts…although because in my tasting journal I use a 20 point scale I have to say 16 pts…
Keep up the good work and LET ME KNOW ABOUT THE PICTURES I HAVE BEEN ASKING ABOUT!!!!!
Thanks
August 22, 2006

MikeMe
Most cherished wine in cellar – 2004 Amansio Gualdo del Re (Passito) from Tuscany – amazing taste, lots of care and time into making it, and the winemakers daughter was “hot”.

93 ranking for show

Sorry Gary but this is the decade of the Hawks.
August 23, 2006

DaBear
Gary,

Had some good South African wines from the Paarl Valley. Can you review some wines from that region?

Steelers are better than the Jets. Are not they the defending Super Bowl Champions…?
August 23, 2006

Craig K
Gary,
I’d rate this episode an 88 or so. JohnM said it best: Watchable but not memorable. Always better when you take a few extra minutes to address viewer questions/comments. Most cherished wine in my cellar is an ‘89 Jaboulet La Chapelle Hermitage, because it carries fond memories of our initial learning of Rhone wines in the early 90’s — and there were so many great ones to choose from between the 89 & 90 vintages. Have to mention runner up cherished wine is the ‘91 Dominus because it was the year my wife and I got married.
December 14, 2006

sebastien
interesting website and videos..

here is a list of the best south africans you can find today,

5 top whites
1. palladius eben sadie 2003,2004 and 2005
2. springfield estate methode ancienne chardonnay 2002 ,2004
3. lammershoek chenin blanc barriques 2004
4. Scali white blend , chenin and grenache 2005
5. vergelegen white 2003

5 top reds.
1. columella eben sadie 2003,2004
2. observatory syrah 2004
3. boekenhoutskloof cabernet sauvingon 2003
4. Vriesenhof pinot noir 2003
5. Rudera cabernet Sauvingon 2000

and the best pinotage(unique to south africa)

1.scali pinotage 2003.

taste those and come back to me..
p.s eben sadie has recently made dits del terra priorat 2003 ( voted best old world wine )

pps.. dom perignon 1998 is crap..only 1990 and 1996 are good. ( also NEVER keep any wine in your fridge!!!!)

cheers
July 6, 2007

David Canada
I’d give it an 87….but I have advantage of having see episode 138-260 already.
QOTD – Hmmmm, probably the 1970 Domaine de Chevalier….I just love this wine.
July 16, 2007

Michael H
Just got a chance to watch this episode. Great questions of the day around these episodes.

QOTD: My prized bottle in my collection and why — 1996 Ch. Lafite Rothschild. I wanted to get a “Parker Perfect” about 7-8 years ago to have in my collection. I have since deemed it a bottle to open with my son when he turns 21. That gives it 20 more years of cellaring. I hope I can wait.
September 5, 2007

GrapeStuff
Lovin’ S.A. thanks to a lot of your encouragement and I agree – its a great region that is definitely under the radar. I have been consistently trying to buy a bottle or two from S.A. for the past few months and have really enjoyed it.
September 28, 2007

GrapeThinking | Wine, Culture, Lifestyle
[...] Pinotage required to make this a Cape Blend offers spontaneous combustion of fruit profiles with undercurrents of sweet spice from the Merlot [...]
January 30, 2008

Chris
QOTD-

I won a 3L of 2002 Insignia in a raffle (bought 2 Le Mistrals). Not sure when I will open it. Maybe if I ever get married. Any ladies out there? LOL
February 11, 2008

thefanjestic
Episode rating – B+ 89 points

Qotd: Chateau Haut Brion 1999 – my wife and I openned a bottle before we decided to start the journey of making our daughter. I have since gone back and bought another bottle for when we make a second edition.
September 17, 2009

John J.
Great episode Gary, love you’re encouragement for people to continue to try new things. 2 things which most people haven’t tried that I would love to see you do on here would be: A tasting on different charbono’s, and 1 on vin jaune’s.
Which brings me to your qotd. The most prized wine in my cellar isn’t there yet, but will be finally in about 2 or 3 days. It’s a Caves Jean Bourdy 2002 vin jaune. I’ve been reading about these wines for a couple years, and how they are made. How rare they are, how long they take to make and age before release, and how they are only made in the French wine region of Jura. Most people haven’t even heard of the Jura region, much less their vin jaune’s. Been trying to find a distributor in my state that carries them, and had to look for a long time. No distributor’s listed in the beverage journal, had any vin jaune’s, and I couldn’t find any place that had 1, so I assumed they either weren’t coming to the U.S. or at least my state. Then about 6 months ago out of the blue, this guy pop’s his head in my restaurant and drops off a little catalog. Turn’s out he works for a very small wine distributor, not listed in the beverage journal [quite a few aren't, sure you know this, and i thought i knew who most of those companies were], that focused on wines and wine areas, not being picked up my most other distributors. There was even a whole section on Jura, whereas other distributor’s don’t even have a single wine from Jura! There were even 2 vin jaune’s on there, A Tissot 99 vintage, which was cheaper, and bottled in a 500ml bottle. Then there was the more expensive one, the Caves Jean Bourdy 2002, which was bottled in the traditional Clavelin 620ml bottles. The traditional clavelin bottle was part of the allure for me too, since it’s the only wine bottled in such a bottle. I thought those clavelin’s weren’t exported to the U.S., but maybe it slipped in under the radar, who knows? But, it’s whats inside that counts. So I went online to check out reviews and get info on the 2. Check out Jean Bourdy’s wines out on any website, garagistewine.com for instance. [i have no affiliation w any websites.] Apparently Jean Bourdy, this unknown winery to me has been making wine in the family for 14 generations since the 1700’s. But even better, sommelier’s in France consider it among the top 3 wineries in all of France that leads in both red and white wine’s. The other 2 are Chateau Haut-Brion, and Domain de la Romanee Conti. They went even further to say it may be the best of the 3. They did say that Jean Bourdy’s 1947 Chateau Chalon blanc may be single greatest white wine in the world of the 20th century. Their 1865 had received pretty much the same praise for the 19th century, which is still drinking well apparently. Red wines get similar praise from them, and review after review that I have read, is among the most stellar wine reviews I’ve ever read. And no it’s not cheap, but its probably a tenth of the price as those 1st growth Bordeaux’s and grand cru Burgundies. It’s just so damn hard to find. I did find out there is 1 liquor store downtown selling the Tissot vin jaune. But after hearing about the esteem of the Bourdy, and that being the only 1 of the 2 sold in the clavelin, I lost interest in that one fast, compared to the Bourdy. Of course that didn’t make getting the budget from my boss any easier in ordering it, a whole different story. So anyway, after trying for almost 2 years, and I can find things working in the business that the avg consumer can’t, I’ll finally have that wine for myself in a few days, and probably be the only person in the state with one on their wine list. Until someone else from my state reads this of course lol. So that’s my most prized bottle as of yet. Now I just have to wait many years to drink it, to try to have it at it’s peak.

Four South African Wines – Episode #75

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