92 Responses

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1. August 22, 2006

   JW

   Gary -

   Great episode. I actually thought “sweaty feet” on the Vitiano before you said it – you definitely had the vlog mojo going on. I would rate the episode a 92. Educational and entertaining.

   QOD – My wife (second wife) turned me on to wine…and turned me on to everything good for that matter. We took a trip to Napa, bought a house with a wine cellar…game on.

   Question for you…as a NJ resident, there is nothing more frustrating than the wine shipping laws in this state. I know you are confident in your ability compete nationwide. What’s the deal? Anything going to change?

2. August 22, 2006

   Tony S.

   Wow….the Jets at 16-0. Man, da Bears are going all the way and I won’t even say they’ll be 16-0. I will say, and although I have no NY/NJ ties, I think the Giants will fare better than the Jets this year, but sorry, you’re in denial. BUT…they’ll do better than last year.

   Anyway, to whoever called you a dumb jock drinking wine like it’s beer: Idiot. Don’t get me wrong, I love wine, but anyone who takes it sooooo seriously that they’re obviously some little rich kid that grew up and don’t know how to have fun while enjoying some wine, is a complete moronic loser. You know your crap Gary….keep it up. And beer is great anyway.

   As for the episode…right on. I’ll give you a full billion points in my 0 to infinity scale pointing system. Make that 3 billion.

   And the person who most influenced me with wine, was my mentor here at work, Allan Frischman. He taught me a lot. I got into wine, without knowing a THING about wine. It’s only been 10 years now for me, so I’m still learning. The only thing is, he’s one of those “old world” lovers, doesn’t want anything to do with California. But I’ve got my own opinions. I love a kick butt super huge CA Cab, but I also love a classic Burgundy or Bordeaux. It just depends on the moment. I DON’T WANT CALIFORNIA WINE TO TASTE LIKE BORDEAUX OR BURGUNDY!!!! I love a Bordeaux when I’m having a Bordeaux. I love Burgundy when I’m having a Burgundy. And I love a big old CA wine when I’m having one. To all of you people who drink a CA wine and sit there trying to say why it’s NOT a Bordeaux or a Burgundy, well…you’ve got your answer right there: It’s NOT a Bordeaux or a Burgundy, it’s a CA.

   And a big AMEN goes to you for not following the rules with having wine at the right time. Sure, obviously you don’t want a desert wine with your steak, but when it comes to regular wine with a meal…if you HATE white wine, a white wine won’t go well with your chicken or fish. If you hate red wine (which I have a friend who does), it’s still not going to taste good when you have it with steak. Have whatever the heck wine you feel like having. Sure, a lot of wines compliment a meal much better than another will, but seriously, I’ve had plenty of red meat with white wine or the other way around, and I wasn’t ruining my meal. Heck, last night I had some Batard Montrachet from Louis Latour with some burgers I grilled….freakin’ awesome (both the wine and burger).

   Good night…go Bears…
   Tony

3. August 22, 2006

   Henry

   Gary,

   Your rating is 89-91 despite your anti-establishment persona towards well known wines. I don’t have to hear your descriptions of some wines to actually know that you will rip it. Having said that, you have high energy which comes through and that’s a positive for WLTV. I owned a liquor store in the village 20 years ago and that’s how I got into wines. As for the Jet’s – blah blah blah they will go to the playoff this year just like they did last year. All the sport commentators were predicting great things for them last year and where that get them, next to the wines in the cellar! If they have a 8 and 8 record this year that will be a big accomplishment. You’ll be eating crow by Thanksgiving.

4. August 22, 2006

   Cameron

   I was turned on to wine by my parents and my hometown. I grew up on the Central Coast of California (Sideways country), so I was surrounded by wine. Now being only 22, I feel privileged to have had that exposure, as it has given me knowledge that I might not otherwise have so young.

   This episode was 9 out of 10. Passionate, nice variety, and you gave added value by suggesting some a great buy (the Hecula). Bonus points for that “pepper-covered strawberry in a sauna” description.

5. August 22, 2006

   johnb

   i cant say that there was one person that got me into wine. one day i just decided to drink it and then i started reading about it and before i knew it i was a fan. then i watched WLTV and wine became my religion.

6. August 22, 2006

   Kevin C

   QOD – my best friend’s father used to be the food and wine buyer for Cipriani’s here in NYC so he had a ton of quality free wine (mostly Italian) in his house. Lucky for me, every time I came over, he opened a bottle or two, and I got addicted to Amarones.

7. August 22, 2006

   Karen

   definitely a 90-92 today. a bit of everything that we need and not as frantically paced as yesterday (which i rate as about 88). i think the outfit is all that kept it below 95.

   QOD: as a student i drank what was cheap (as an art student i drank Botticelli because it was cheap AND had the famous venus on the half shell on the label)…honestly i’ve always loved wine but now i think the real interest is stemming from having an academic’s (as contrasted to student) bit of disposable income and wanting to know how to keep learning and not JUST assume more expensive = more quality.
   btw: my new trick it to keep a tab open to our liquor store here and check on each bottle as you review it, see if we stock it here…turns out your highly rated hecula is available so i plan to run out and get some tonight…. finally see how what you say compares to my own tasting!

8. August 22, 2006

   zerokreap (kw)

   this episode: 92 points…enthusiastic, informative, and very strong showing. okay QOTD: the person who got me into wine was a very influential person in my life. his name was flemming and he ran a small art gallery in downtown tuscaloosa, alabama. he was a photography teacher at the university of alabama and over my years in t-town he became a mentor and one of my closest friends…he passed away in december 2002. i still think of him anytime i open a bottle and it is great…i think ‘man, he would love this’…
   good job gary…later

9. August 22, 2006

   LMA

   Gary… Nice episode, very engaging. And partly because I completly agree with you on the Hecula. As far as the QOD, I’d have to say that there has not been one particular person that had introduced me to wine. There have been a few (the random wine store clerk, friend, dinner partner) that have definitely fueled the already burning fire. Now, my QOD for those others on the board, particularly those who say they were introduced to wine at a young age (by parents) and for you Gary (as I am sure you were young; Wine Library being a fam business, right): how young is young? were you all teens? younger (with the wine being diluted)? Thanks in advance, looking forward to replies and the next episode!

10. August 22, 2006

    Jim J.

    Gary –

    That’s more like it. I laughed, I cried, I learned something — 94 points!

    However, this episode proved that a point system probably doesn’t mean much. You rated both of the first two wines in a range that included 85 points, yet you really liked the first one and did not like the second. What gives? Maybe you should stick with the ‘nod and the ‘chuk . . .

    QOD — my parents introduced me to wine at a relatively young age, and it has been a great point of discussion, good times, and common ground in subsequent years. I am hopeful I can pass on the same experiences to my children.

11. August 22, 2006

    Susan

    Gary-
    Great episode!
    I would rate your episode today as a 93.
    I really enjoyed what you said today about the prices of the wines.
    Biltmore Estate has a fantastic winery. They have free tastings at their winery 361 days out of the year. I have been a 12- month passholder for over 10 years. So I have learned alot about wines from trips to their winery since 1988.
    Thanks Gary! Keep up the great episodes:):)

12. August 22, 2006

    Jaye

    Great episode Gary.

    I purchased 1/2 a case of the DiMajo back in March based on a recommendation from a wine store owner (one of my few non-WL purchases). My findings were the wine is terrific drunk within the first 2 hours of being open, and then goes downhill fast. This is a great wine for parties and dinner with friends – where you know you will finish bottles quickly. Cellartracker.com community has rated it between 83 and 91 — mostly 86-88s so you seem to be in agreement with lots of other wine drinkers on that bottle.

    QOD: I don’t know if a I can say a person got me into wine — I seem to be more into wine than anyone in my family or my friends. I think the mystique of wine simply grabbed on to me because it is such a changeable and odd thing. Finding that “amazing” wine that no one else knows about is a great high. I still dream about that $9 1999 Domaine Breton you sold back in Spring of ‘05. I wish I had bought more than 6 bottles. That was a real winner wine.

13. August 22, 2006

    Bill Ipp

    Gary

    BTW – “Big Blue” will make “Gang Green” look stupid on Friday night.

14. August 22, 2006

    Michael Z

    Gary–

    Big fan, but:

    1. Ridiculous outfit.

    2. I respectfully dissent from your Vitiano review.

15. August 22, 2006

    Mike S.

    My ex-girlfriend is from Burgundy (Dijon) and she was the one who really introduced me to wine. I’ll never forget going to dinner with her at a great French bistro in our old neighborhood. One of the waiters was notorious for upholding every cliche of the arrogant Frenchman. Holding true to that, he told us that the bottle we ordered was not that good and he would bring us something better, which happened to be considerably more expensive. My ex tastes it and being no stranger to good Burgundy, told him to send it back. It was terrible, possibly even corked. I still laugh when I think about the look on that waiter’s face. Before my ex, I had an interest in wine but by no means an appreciation. Even though the relationship ended, I’m still grateful she gave me that appreciation. Reckon that’s why Burgundy is my favorite wine bar none (sorry, Gary!!).

    Oh yeah, about Saturday night – you go ahead and get excited about a preseason win. Go ‘Skins.

16. August 22, 2006

    Matthew

    Great episode. Did you read the NY Times article a couple of weeks ago that discussed the wine rating system? It discussed a lot of what you prove in each episode. Ratings are tremendously subjective, and can be pushed.

    As for your question, I started to get into wine about 5 years ago. I was a lobbyist in Washington, DC, and was always out to eat and had the benefit of drinking some very nice wines. My issue was that I couldn’t always differentiate the difference between at $30 bottle of wine and a $100 bottle of wine. I started small…reading Wine for Dummies and books like that. I started to attend wine tastings and the annual wine show here in DC. I am still, admittedly, a rookie at this, but still press on to learn and appreciate wine tha that much more.

    Question: You often refer to a variety of spices and flavors when reviewing wine. What is the best way to acquire that sensitivity in one’s palette? I have considered taking a sommelier’s course. What do you think?

17. August 22, 2006

    Tommy T.

    Gary,

    The Giants will be 16-0, not the Jets.

    QOTD – a former girl friend turned me on to a lot of wines which got me into better/more expensive vintages.

    My rating for the episode – 90. Nice tie

    Tom

18. August 22, 2006

    Matty Van

    I also am curious to know from comment 12… John Coyne Says:

    My question to you: it seems to me that when mass produced wines receive a good rating, it is only the first released lots that qualify for the rating, later lots to me aren’t as good. What do you think?

    And and me to the list that is looking forwward the the heat episode and I am praying that you can make it a heat and apartment storing all in one.

    I have been trying to find some type of cooling unit that does not cost a fourtune that can go inside of a closet I have never seen one and dont know if such a thing exsists….just thinking for the future I know I will want to get into ageing bottles, not yet though still to many inexpensive bottles to enjoy zero in on what I like best and kick it up a notch

19. August 22, 2006

    Matty Van

    the jets will go 6-10, my buffalo bills will go 5-11……the jets 16-0 haha gary smokes crack I think, not that there is anything wrong with that, I do from time to time ya know just to take the edge off…..hmm theres a question what wine pairs best with crack cocaine? how about pot? anyone out there have any guesses?

    QOD – I got in wine 2-3 years ago back when I was young (am 26 now) because I was dating a girl who was into wine a little bit she drank lambrusco and semi-sweet reds, so that is what I started on but quickly found that those were not for me and moved to pino noir, chard and resling. Now I am into trying everything new that I can I like malbec and red zin and merlot are current favs. Thank you gary for turning me on to malbec….I just put in my 2nd mixed case order from WL today

    Great episode G Van I give it a 91 a strong start complex and interesting mid. and great finish bonus point for looking goofy with the collar and tie over the jersey

20. August 22, 2006

    Steve

    Gary, A+ on this episode. Very informative while very entertaining and done in a great classy style.
    As for how I was introduced to wine, I would have to thank my brother-in-law for that. He opened a liquor shop in Staten Island back in 90. Since he had to work all weekend we found ourselves stopping by to say hello on Fri and Sat nights. He would grab a bottle of wine off the shelf, open it and we would drink it in the back room. This is how I was first intoduced into the “tasting” of wine.

21. August 22, 2006

    Rich S

    Gary,

    I have to say that you are right on point. I have had that Falesco before and thought the exact same thing. I totally did not enjoy it at all. It just goes to show you that scores really don’t mean all that much.

    I think I will definitely seek out that Renard. I am a huge fan of Meritage wines so will give this one a try, even though it is a little on the high side. One of the best Meritage wines I ever had was actually bought from WL. I had bought a bottle of 2000 Beringer – Alluvium Knights Valley that was awesome and I think in the $25 range. Definitely seek that one out…….

    Great episode. 94 points GV

22. August 22, 2006

    Bill T.

    Gary – definately a 90-91 point effort today! I really enjoyed your rating a mix of value wines with more expensive ones. Please do more episodes like this one!

23. August 22, 2006

    Ed R

    Back on your game, I’ll give you a solid 96. I’ve had the Di majo and I remember cherry halls. Just bought a bottle of Nora you recommended a while back,will try tonight. I got into the whole wine thing fairly recently after an article in Newsday, possibly the only good thing I can say about that rag. After reading article I purchased two books Great Wine Made Simple(Immer) and Windows on the World wine course(Zraly)and have quickly become a wine geek trying as many different wines as possible. I found your website within days of you first video blog and my wife has made fun of everyday since. Happy Happy Joy Joy.

24. August 22, 2006

    Tony

    Gary, much better today, 91-93 points. Don’t know about that ugly green jersey though. Yuck!

    I’m not even sure how I got into wine. When I was a college student, I used to save up to buy a decent bottle of Napa cab. I remember going through the wine shop like I was shopping for a high end stereo system, looking over each wine, checking in my wine book, weighing my decision heavily.

    I know that my interest was seriously rekindled last year when my wife and I went wine tasting at a local winery just for something to do one weekend (horrible, horrible wines, BTW). But from then I was totally into wine. Since then, I’ve spent several thousand dollars on wine (ouch!), much of it at WL.

    How’s the heat episode coming? I can tell you’re working hard on it. I sure hope you’re not expecting me to either forget or cut you some slack on it. Ain’t gonna happen.

25. August 22, 2006

    Dan

    Gary, Gary, Gary.

    So you can dish it out, but you can’t take it!

    Well, anyway. I don’t think it was an 85. A 90! Sure, why not!

    My older brother, who was living in San Francisco in the 1970s and 80s is the one who showed me what wine could be. I have never looked back. What a gift!

    You never did talk about that “Free Shipping” post on the Mark Squires board. What happened?

    Cheers,

    Dan (In Houston)

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