90 point scored wines, how did they do? Episode #76

August 22, 2006

2004 Di Majo Norante Sangiovese Igt 2004

2004 Falesco Vitiano

2003 Castano Hecula

2002 Renard Tres Ninos

2002 Penfolds Cabernet Bin 707

Today Gary tackles 5 more 90+ scored wines and we await to see how they scored. From the value driven Falesco Vitiano to the classic Penfolds 707 these 5 wines hit a wide range of flavors and complexities. Oh and don’t forget to answer the question of the day!

92 Responses

August 22, 2006

JohnM
first!
August 22, 2006

MaryS
First?
August 22, 2006

Kevin C
Second !
August 22, 2006

Susan
Fourth is better than fifth!
August 22, 2006

Deb
Gary, Just love to watch you every day. I’ve been catching up on episodes this summer. Your first show aired February 21, 2006.
August 22, 2006

stewart l.
wine library tv launched on feb 21, 2006
August 22, 2006

Bill T.
Tuesday, February 21st, 2006 …1st episode!
August 22, 2006

Ed R
2/21/06
August 22, 2006

Bill Ipp
Gary,

Love the picture of Broadway Joe in the background.

Growing up in an Italian house, I starting drinking wine as a kid. My family made their own wife and drank it EVERY night with dinner. As an adult, I starting getting serious about collecting after being lucky enough to travel to different regions and experience wine there (Napa, France, Italy, etc).
August 22, 2006

K Spengler
Don’t cry Gary, you’re a 92 at the very least. My start in the “search for knowledge” in the wine world was totally self motivated, some 8 years ago. However, I see my young adult sons have been listening to me babble on, and so have their girlfriends. We have couples we go out with who have jumped on the band wagon, looking to me for advice and discussion on wines. So for me, instead of being influenced by someone elose, I’d like to think perhaps I’ve opened a door to a new path for some others.
Continue to mix it up, and don’t take the critics too seriously, you know your stuff..
August 22, 2006

Tony
Top ten
August 22, 2006

John Coyne
Gary, when the buzz started on the Falesco Vitiano, I happened to buy a few bottles at my local Costco. Big mistake. I even bought other vintages. Same results. It was even carried on the wine list of the restaurant I worked. I now feel vindicated.
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?
August 22, 2006

Mike F.
winelibrary.com: 09-jun-1997
August 22, 2006

Bill Nelson
Gary,

Thanks for your rating of the Falesco; I tried it twice, even decanting it the 2nd time and thought it was awful! My son got me interested in wine by taking his mother and I wine tasting in the Temecula Valley in California. We had so much fun that it has just snowballed from there.
August 22, 2006

GeneV
Great episode (90pts)–especially because I had tried every one of the wines. The only way you can use another person’s experience to help buy wines is to taste the same wines. By the way, the only wine I disagreed with you slightly on was the Hecla. My friends buy this stuff by the case. I like it and enjoy it, but I don’t see it as a 90 pointer. However, if I found a bottle where the palate lived up to the nose, it would be there.

Like Bill Maher, I would like to suggest NEW RULES. Posts which just say “first” don’t count. Come on, post some content or don’t bother.
August 22, 2006

DanG
16-0 are you kidding? 11 wins at best. If anything Blitzburg will be 16-0. I first got started in the late 80’s going to different wineries in Socal while in the military. All I really liked then were blushes and reislings. Now I cant drink them, only reds, and reds with anything. Now just to get to your store to get them with your better selections than here in PA. BTW fun show 90pts DG
August 22, 2006

Bill Nelson
Sorry Gary, I forgot to rate your episode; definitely a 90+ effort!
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)
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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
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 arenâ€™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
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
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?
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.
August 22, 2006

Michael Z
Gary–

Big fan, but:

1. Ridiculous outfit.

2. I respectfully dissent from your Vitiano review.
August 22, 2006

Bill Ipp
Gary

BTW – “Big Blue” will make “Gang Green” look stupid on Friday night.
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.
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:):)
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.
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!
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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?
August 22, 2006

Russ J
91 points for the base episode, plus a bonus 2 points for the “Jersey” attitude when calling out your critics, so 93 today.
My wine habit has been mostly self motivated. I gradually went from buying the Chardonnay with the highest alchohol content to bring on dates, to where I am now: buying the red zinfandel with the highest alchohol content to bring home to my wife….
Matty Van: Muddy Waters has a partial answer to your query, “Champagne and reefer”.
August 22, 2006

Tony
Tony S…

I agree completely. California wine is wonderful for what it is. It’s not Bordeaux and that’s great. I love Bordeaux and I love California cabs. But they’re not the same thing and I don’t want them to be the same thing.
August 22, 2006

Rebecca
Today’s episode was definately a 92+….not only for the education but also because you were definately pumped up today.
My interest in wine started when my parents took me to California when I was a teenager and we visited vinyards. Although we drank wine at the dinner table in my family, it was nothing compaired to my experience in California. I sort-of from there became self-educated by simply reading, buying and drinking. My education and passion then flourised when I attended Culinary Institute of America. My instructors for Wine Studies, Michael Weiss and Steve Kolpan, really made me understand appelations, regions, countries, wine laws, varietals, terroir, old world wines, new world wines, food and wine pairing, etc.
To answer LMA comment #34, my family just had wine with Sunday dinner (rarely on weeknights as dinner was usually 1-2-3 then and sometimes we weren’t even all together), it was part of the meal so we really weren’t exposed to it in an irresponsible manner if you will…and, that goes back to as early as I can remember.
My question for you Gary — we all appreciate your passion for the Jets – and I sincerely wish that your team sees a perfect season this year – the more pumped you are, the better our WLTV will get but, I have the same question that somebody else asked recently – do you like baseball and if so what team? I’m wondering if you’ll ever put a NY Yankees hat, photo, lunchbox (I did like that Jets lunchbox) something on your set one day just for us Yankees fans…a 5-game sweep against Boston this past weekend is something worth a little recognition, don’t you think? I thought it was HUGE!!
August 22, 2006

Grant
… huh? do you really usually decant wine nine hours before drinking?
August 22, 2006

Doug Smith
Gary,

Just finished episode 76 (I stumbled across WLTV while surfing a new Google video featureâ€¦) I am hooked. Love what you are doing. I believe you are on to something real and will be a MAJOR influence in the future. I look forward to watching you accomplish this while enjoying the education (entertainment) you provide along the way.

Ratingsâ€¦ I would give you a solid 94.
August 22, 2006

PeteB
Mike F. gets it – 6/9/1997 the date the http://www.winelibrary.com domain was registered.

GV – I’ll go a 90 on this one!

How I got into wine: my wife and I got into it together – we started going to byob’s and visiting our local liquor store before our dinner and it has grown from there – now we have our little collection and visit the wine library to stock our goodies. As a matter of fact I’ll probably be stopping in tomorrow or this week for a little re-stocking.

P.S. – GV are you still on schedule to do that Champagne testing. Looking forward to some new bubbly!
August 22, 2006

garyv
MIKE F WINS !!!!! MIKE EMAIL ME!!!!!
August 22, 2006

ML
Great episode GV. I like the Skittles and Twizzler reference. I give you a 94. Maybe you can attempt to do the next wine tasting while wearing a Jets helmet?
August 22, 2006

MarcT
Nice job MikeF…You paid attention to the question.
Gary another great episode…14 pts…(94 to the magazine junkies).
Wine turned me on to wine…I have always been a foodie and naturally ordered wines while eating. By the grace of a few great wine stewards I have become an oenophile to the core!
I like how you are wearing Mike Vick’s number 7 practice jersey today GO FALCONS!!!
August 22, 2006

Mike F.
Thanks Gary! E mail is on the way. The pink shirt should do wonders to dispel my image as an uber geek.
August 22, 2006

ray n
I definitely learned to appreciate wines from my father. Growing up in an Italian family, there was always wine on the table. It always found it interesting that my father loves wines, but still can’t really drink any other alcoholic beverages. Now, I continue my love for wine being involved in the restaurant business with my friends.
I am a Jet fan too, but I would be happy with 9-7 this year.
August 22, 2006

ChrisR
Awesome episode. 92-94pts. And thanks for covering South African wines yesterday. I’m almost as obsessed with them as much I am with WLTV, which has become the highlight of my night after a long day at work.
August 22, 2006

Bob Berke
I lived near the Napa/Sonoma area so it was a natural thing to get into wine, sort of an evolutionary process, besides my grandfather made wine, when he wasn’t drilling on peoples teeth.

Rating 92-93 and for those who are so uptight and don’t appreciate Gary’s approach and levity with wine, go shop at Berry Brothers and Rudd in London, they are right your alley!
August 22, 2006

TimF
Episode is rated 91. The biggest wine influence I had was a college class I took. They had a full semester wine appreciation class at Purdue — where I got my undergrad degree. It was a fully legit class with 300 students. We had an hour lecture, then about an hour tasting (serving 300 students was tough!), then we usually watched a video the last hour. Get this, my prof’s name was Professor Vine. I’m not making it up. You can find the textbook we used (he wrote it) online if you look hard enough. I guess he was the wine buyer for United Airlines for quite some time and really knew his wine…

http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/connections/spring2005/wb02_04.htm
August 23, 2006

MikeMe
My wife got me into wine about 5yrs ago (I was weak after a bad micro-brew) and never looked back. Living in WA I am surrounded by great wineries and CA is just a 2hr flight away – “when in Rome”.

Gary if I rated you on passion we would have to move to the richter scale – show gets 94.
August 23, 2006

Darlene O.
Firstly, I’d rate this episode a strong 96. And I totally agree with you about the Vitiano!!!

Secondly, my father is right off the boat from Yugoslavia and his father had his own cellar, even made Slivovitsa. Wine was always talked about, even though it was not served to us kids growing up. I think what got me into wine seriously was being introduced, in the middle of the Carribbean, to a 1976 Chateau Margaux. Holy cow!!!! The rest is history.
August 23, 2006

Michael P
Gary,
There’s one thing I’ve been wanting to tell you. I feel that this race to post first concept is silly. It seems to me that the first 4-5 posters probably skip the episode just to post first & who knows if they even go back to watch it. If you were to look at this thread alone only 1 out of the first 5 went back to post something relevant to the episode. I just think it really waters down WLTV & loses focus on its real purpose.

Ok enough of my rants. The reason I got into wine was because of my father-in-law. Before my wife & got married he was a hard nut to crack if you will. I needed an “in” with him & at the time we only had one thing in common & that was sports; baseball in particular. Since he was a former MLB player there were only so many arguments or strategies I could win & I was never going to be able to bs him. So that left me with wine. I knew he really liked it so I began to read every publication known to man & taste many different cabs (his fav). I found out what his favorite bottle was & learned it inside & out. I’m happy to report that it worked!!! The only problem now is that its become an obsession with me. A very expensive one. So much so that I just had to have my own cellar. One which we built together & I told him that he could only gain access to it by providing a minimum of 3 cases. And he did!!! We have really bonded.
Thanks Gary for allowing me to share this story. Not too many people know it.
Cheers!
August 23, 2006

Tony S.
Hey other Tony,

Finally, someone else who agrees that California wine (or new world in general) is not an old world wine and can appreciate BOTH styles!

See you later,
Tony

and go Bears!
August 23, 2006

SeanM
Are you thinking Vanilla Milkshake when you say it smells milky? You said you know it’s something to do with the oak.

Better episode, less rushed, remembered the questions, I even have an answer for the QOD. 91

Mel Gibson in the movie “What Women Want” has a case of merlot fetched by one of the gals in the movie, so I went and got a bottle of under $10 Chilean merlot which turned out pretty good. Been stuck ever since. The science showing that red wine was good for you helped me along to trying wine as well, but isn’t as entertaining a story.
August 23, 2006

Dan C.
Gary- After a concert in 2004, one of our friends ordered the 2001 Artazuri with dinner and my wife loved it. A month later, the same friend dropped by and gave us 6 bottles. About a week later, a different friend gave us a bottle of 1993 Opus One as a thank you. Anyway, I bought a home cellar and have been hooked ever since.

Great episode. The 2002 Hecula was the second case of wine I ever bought in the summer of 2004. It was a great buy.

Dan
August 23, 2006

joe
Gary – awesome episode – a “96″ point classic (to be watched again and again over time). Really nice work. It was real, relaxed, you spent lots of time with the subject, Really taught something valuable – - and I love the “real” descriptors that we all can get (skitles, Dairy). Sometimes I can’t differentiate Parker’s and Spectators reviews apart because of they don’t get to the heart of the wine, like you do.

I agree 100% with the Falesco review. I bought a case of the stuff (at WL) with its first 90 point review in the 1990s. I was so dissapointed in it – I used half the case to cook with.

Which brings me to a question I have debated with friends for life. Does Parker and Spectator adjust scores for price?? Is a 91 point (i.e. Vitanno, Marquis Phillips) $10 wine equal in quality to 91 point $50 wine (i.e., a Calon Segur, or Renard). I personally would love for 90 points = “Excellent” regardless of price. That would let me determine which wines to seek depending on my budget. Do you have a feel for ratings adjustments….or an opinion on the proper way to rate a wine (based on price or independent of price)

After my Vitanno and later Marquis-Phillips experience, I stopped buying wines rated 90 points under $20. Didn’t want to bother with them anymore.

So Thank you for finding me a real QUALITY wine at a bargin – the Hecula. I don’t trust Parker on ratings of $10 wines – but based on your review I will seek out the Hecula. Thank you for that service.

I got into wine by visiting Napa during the 1978 harvest. Napa was different then. Not yet Touristy. Vinterns spoke to us – taught us, and we tasted those magical 1978 ripe Grapes while harvesting. That vintage and experience got me hooked.
August 23, 2006

JDM
Gary, Great review of the Renard. I was very excited to see it on the queue for today. I am a big fan of the Renard Unti Syrah, which gets a 90 RP. I always wondered if the 1 point better Tres Ninos was worth an extra 20 clams, but based on your rating of 94 I think I’ll have to give it a go. I have had great success buying based on your ratings and recommendations.

A note on the Falesco… I totally agree. I bought some of this based on the 90pt rating and was very disappointed. Luckily it was only 7 bucks.

Like I said, I have had great success buying based on your ratings and recommendations, so I would have to give you a 94. Keep up the good work
August 23, 2006

Dan C.
Gary- I forgot to rate your episode 76. You get a 91. I liked the different price points. I have tried the first 3 wines and agree with you on each. Maybe our tastes are similar??
August 23, 2006

Lawrence Leichtman
I wouldn’t even cook with the Falesco it was so bad. Threw out both of the other bottles I had and I don’t like to throw out wine. That’s why it’s Wine Expectator. Gary definitely 91 points today despite the outfit. No team will be 16-0 this year.
I got into wine from a wine tasting group made up of neigbors and a friend from work. Still do a wine group 27 years later but new people now.

Question for you. How did Wine Spectator which is just an advertising rag get to be so influential. They are almost routinely of the mark and seem to rate wines based on who advertises with them or who is slipping a few K in their coffers.
August 23, 2006

joe
Lawrence: good points (including football points). Lawrence, what od you make of Spectator’s bashing of BV and Montelena TCA-ladden and moldy cellars. Real and deserved or political?

Gary – Never mind that the Jets are not the best team in football – - they may not even be the best team in NJ (Prediction: Giants and Rutgers finish higher in their divisions than the Jets)
August 23, 2006

CNSmith
Re: Falesco
This producer is gaining a reputation for severe bottle variation.
That’s why I don’t buy it anymore, regardless of rating.

Later.
August 23, 2006

asr2021
Hey Gary et al.,
Definately a 92. I liked the varied price points; it made an interesting show to see how the wines compared. No real negatives per se; just not your best.

QotD: A family friend introduced me to German riesling after my family had been, and are still, strictly white zin drinkers. The nuances of other varietals intrigued me, whetting my appetite for other styles. I really got into it at 21 when I purchased Wine for Dummies at my campus bookstore. Now 22, i am trying to develop my palate and buy as much wine as my gf of 3yrs will allow. Someday, I’ll have a vast cellar which I will whittle away, leaving one bottle when I die. That last bottle will be the one that describes my life best; it will be for my loved ones to celebrate my life with. I guess it should be a 3L bottle, huh? We’ll see.
August 23, 2006

asr2021
GeneV,
I had the same thought when the competition started: “should’nt the first to watch the episode win?” Ah, oh well, its all in the name of good fun. Maybe i’ll start a new competition:

“LAST for this episode!!!”

Yes, I win. hopefully.
August 23, 2006

DaBear
16-0 the Jets…? Are you now drinking bad wine that makes you see vapor trails? LOL

The Dolphins and the Patriots will have better records than the Jets.

How about episode where you and a wltv viewer blind taste wine together and rate the wines?
August 23, 2006

StanVH
Gary,

I just got back from vacation (Sideways country, Napa & Sonoma) and have been catching up on all the WLTV vlogs. Your shows bounce between 85(boo hoo) – 95 (mostly in the 90’s) with an occasional 99+. (I particularly liked the “wedding” show.) Keep up the good work.

I don’t believe that you have done a RosÃ© show.

I was introduced to RosÃ©s a few years ago in Aix when I asked the waiter for a reccomendation. He suggested a RosÃ© !!! And it was good . . . and then I noticed that many of the locals were also drinking RosÃ©s. In the interest of trying all kinds of wines, how about it?

As to who influenced me the most — I have a group of friends (for about 27 years now) who began to taste wines in the blind. Not knowing the price or the label really forces you to judge the wine on its merits (color, nose, taste, etc.) To me, this is the only way to really learn about wine – at least at the beginning. We still do it occassionally. What fun.

Stan
August 23, 2006

DaBear
My cousin started me into homebrewing beer and while we were waiting for the mash to cook, we would open up some red’s. Also, my family has always loved good wine for the holiday’s.

A question for you- what was/is your best and worst wltv episode you have done?
August 23, 2006

garybee
My wife and I love watching WLTV as we never see you in the store anymore. So, this is our only chance to see you.

There wasn’t one specific person who started us or influenced us about wine. We moved to the northeast in 1990. At the time, we were drinking basic (cheap) wines that were on sale at the time. One day I saw a liquor store ad in the paper for a 90-some-odd point wine for $29.99. Not having any idea about 70 point, 80 point or 90 point scores for wines…and never having imagined spending $29.99 on any one bottle, I headed on down to the store to find out about this wine.

That evening I threw a couple filets on the grill and opened up this bottle of ‘85 Chateau Montelena. WOW! What a difference. We started ‘investigating’ other wines and after a while were exceeding that $29.99 benchmark. The following 16 years have been a joy…visiting wine regions in California. Oregon, Washington and Australia.

Definitely a hobby gone awry. But lots of fun!

Gary Beesley
August 23, 2006

Craig K
Gary,
I rate today’s episode a 93. Interesting and memorable topic, fun delivery, some genuinely funny moments, some apparently great wines (both inexpensive and more expensive), one that tanked, and you did the viewer questions along with throwing out a good QOD. I have not tried the ‘04 Falesco Vitiano, but I have enjoyed past vintages (e.g., ‘01 and “02)so I was somewhat surprised the bottle showed so poorly. QOD: Most influential for our wine hobby was the wine steward (J.C.) and the “founder’s group” at the Woodstock Wine & Deli (Portland OR). Shout out to you guys!
August 23, 2006

Fred Findley
Launched Feb 21, 2006

I know, I’m late.
August 23, 2006

Julia S
My folks gave me and my brother a little wine with dinner whenever they had it when we were growing up, so I guess that’s where I get my taste for the stuff. And my friend reminds me of the dinner post-college when I held up an empty bottle and said, “Did I just drink this whole thing?” Hate when that happens!
August 23, 2006

Tony S.
I’m 77th!!
August 23, 2006

Tony S.
Or not.
August 23, 2006

Bill
Good show Gary. Just one point on the Penfolds. IMO Penfolds is the ONLY big company in Oz still making wine that REALLY should not be drunk for a min. of 5 years. This is very old-style Aussie wine, unlike most if not all the modern ones. Even Koonunga Hill, for example, is just spectacularly better after 5 years min. I have not tried the 2002 707, but I suspect it might fall into the same category. The 1998 is really superb now, but was a bit ho-hum when I first bought it in 2003. Just a thought!
One the QotD: My parents. They served me a small glass of red wine every night with dinner from the age of about 7. What great folks!!
August 23, 2006

Colin D. Devroe
I score this EP an 87 (simply because Gary’s collar was sticking out of the shirt which is a serious no-no in Erik’s “Holy crap I’m a metro-sexual” book of rules).

I’m buying some of that other wine too, when I ever get a chance to get to the Wine Library!!! Gary!!!! Your fault!!!
August 25, 2006

Steve D
Gary,

You had to have gotten a bad bottle of Falesco. It acts like a big boy when you decant it; the nose is dark and perfumey, it’s got great structure and balance. I’d give it a second shot if I were you. Your description is nothing like my experience and we’ve put back a few cases of this already.
September 1, 2006

Wine Library » 9rules Network Official Blog
[...] Wine Library TV is a daily videocast hosted by Gary Vaynerchuk, Director of Operations at the Wine Library. Honestly, Wine Library is for any type of wine drinker, and Gary invites viewers to interact with him. Gary is bluntly honest, if a wine isn’t up to par, he’s going to tell you why. You’re still here? Go see Gary…he has tips for the holiday and celebrations. [...]
September 21, 2006

Brandon M
Classic Tony….I beat you…I’m 83rd!
This could go on forever!

B
September 29, 2006

elron
Had some of Falesco’s past vintages and thought they were pretty good for the price. Have to see the difference in the “04″. Opposite with Norante: wasn’t to fond of the past ones will see the newer ones are like.
I use to drink what I thought was wine a while back; Sangria and steady at that(LOL). Until, I met (at that time)my future Father-in-law who made his own wine. Being from Europe(Portugal exactly) and being raised and allowed to drink wine in those days from a very young age. Even with breakfast(nasty). Anyway, the first day I had met him he put his bog’ol gallon of homemade wine on the table and said; “Do you drink wine”? and I said: “Sure”!. Boy, was I in for a surprise. From drinking white sangria to this, my socks and shoes nearly flew off and my hair stood up from the first sip. I reached for the 7-up to calm it down(and I guess sweeten it) and in-turn insulted him. He said “you’re ruining my wine”! So for two months I drank his wine like that and he shake his head. Finally, came the day, where I got the strength to drink it without the 7up. Wow! Was he happy. “Now that’s wine”, he said. Indeed, it was! I enjoyed it so much that I even took part almost every year stomping the grapes in his basement to make the next years batch!
After a not so good batch one year. I started to buy store wines and make a little wine cellar! When I went to show my father-in-law the wine cellar he could barely look. It was like Kryptonite to him! It was hysterical! After a while, he broke down and started enjoying store bought wine too! So, I thank him( up above) for introducing me to the wonderful world of wine! In honor of him, this year, I will most likely make my own homemade wine! Hopefully, I can make a good wine and be as proud as he was! – Ron
May 12, 2007

Sam
I’m a serious *accident* so my brothers are way, way older than me. Lucky for me one of them was seriously into beer and then moved on to seriously being into wine (with an occational beer). He turned me onto the wine thing from a young age… not as young of an age as you though, Gary.
July 16, 2007

Dave Canada
So many things to comment on:
1) Keep challenging the punks that question you. IN fact, get them on the show and blind taste them to show them how stupid they are!
2) Show rating – Hmmmmmmmlet’s say 91, could have been 99 if you wore a Jersey from a proper team like the Raptors!
QOTD – A Friends wedding got me into wine. Her dad is a huge wine guy, like 1900 Chateaux Margaux wine guy, and he opened a 1998 Wolf Blass Special Selection for all of us newbies and I thought it was the coolest thing since sliced bread.
September 6, 2007

GrapeStuff
Interesting ep. GV. I love it when you do these 90 pt. taste-offs.

QOTD: My girlfriend and her dad.
November 7, 2007

Alos Diallo
96 points
February 12, 2008

thefanjestic
Good episode – but I thought the Falesco was better than the DJ – both were good pizza wines in my opinion. The cola aspect of Falesco demands food – but it’s still an 88+ wine.

Hey Gary – our first fight, does this mean we’re in a serious relationship?
March 22, 2008

Kristen
QOTD: On my first trip to France, I really started to like wine and got to enjoy my first reds (before that I found them too tannic and the like). My interest kept growing since 2003 and then in 2007, my mom showed me the article in Time about WLTV. Needless to say, ever since then I’ve been been a Vayniac. Your advice and knowledge has really gotten me into the wine world now. I’m focusing on wine for my French Master’s degree!
September 17, 2009

John J.
qotd: I work at a family owned restaurant, and that family pretty much did. They had a list of about 250 different wines when I started there. I knew nothing about wine, and fell in love with wine after working there and wine being so much a part of that place.

90 point scored wines, how did they do? Episode #76

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