qotd; Caves Jean Bourdy in Chateau-Chalon, Jura France. they make yellow wine, which I have finally gotten ahold of. Between me and my restaurant, we so far have 3 of the 5 bottles allocated to our state. I've been trying to get this wine for nearly 2 years now, so hopefully it's good! Also from what I have been reading, they rank among the best 3 wineries in France that excel in both red and white. [this is according to a group of french sommeliers, the other 2 wineries are Romanee-Conti and Haut-Brion.] They go on to say that Jean Bourdy's 1947 blanc [not their jaune], is perhaps the greatest french white wine of the 20th century, and that their 1865 blanc is perhaps the greatest french white of the 19th century. The winery has been in the family for 14 generations, since the 1700's. Most of all, I love that most people & even some U.S. sommelier's that I have spoken to don't really know that much if anything about the winery, vin jaune, or even the region of Jura. But, if i don't like their vin jaune, [I'm saving it], I'm gonna go with Petrus. You talk about length of finish. Only wine I've ever had where I could still smell the bouquet after nearly 60 full seconds after having smelled it.
And Gary, you don't like lurker's? and want more comments? Then mine is I'd love to see you do an episode on vin jaune's, and I'd love to see you do a tasting of the different charbono's out there.

Just purchased a bottle of 2005 Castelo do Papa Godello for dinner tonight - Angle hair pasta with basil, roma tomatoes, real mozzarella and fresh parm (from Parma, Italy, of course). I met one of the vineyards directors at a local store last fall and I've been looking for a reason to pick up a bottle. Thanks for the inspiration!

Hope to see the one-red-laser-eyed oak monster in a future show.

And you are the Werewolf, don't lie.

I'd never heard of Godello before. Another new varietal to seek out!

QOTD: Oooh this is a tough one. Maybe Mas de Daumas Gassac in the Languedoc, but I'm not quite sure!

Qotd: Chateau Haut Brion - because I would want to leave the country, and if you're going to pick a winery - how can it not be a First Growth.

In America I would visit Ridge - first winery I collected wines from.

QOTD: Chateau St Jean. I would get to taste several different styles each time and I like their commitment to quality. I have never had a bad wine from them.

Here we see (i think) the first mention of "lurkers" (although at this point most people are referring to themselves as trolls). Also Sue Z posts 'Watching the Vaner-nod would be ten times as much fun in-person', which is the first i have seen of the Vayner-things to come.

Hmmmm....Tough QOTD. But it's gotta be Chateau Lafite. Their grounds are gorgeous, they make great wine, not that I would make it out of their cellar at all.

Gary... there are currently zero Godello's on the WL site. I was trying to follow your instructions and give one a try. Any chance you're getting any more in? Thanks!

Gary,

I've been traveling for the last week, so I'm just catching up on back episodes. Today was a good episode. Thanks for turning my attention to Montenovo.

Given that I am really at the nascent stage of understanding wines, let alone specific vineyards, I would be stretching to identify a particular vineyard I woud like to visit. I think I would prefer to identify regions to tour--Rhone, Barosa Valley, Napa, etc.

While I was traveling in my home town of Kalamazoo, MI (Go Lions!!!) I stopped in a few of the wine shops. The shops had a pretty good variety of wines, but beyond the standard commercial shelf fillers, I didn't recognize most of the vineyards. This leads me to a question. In addition to speaking with the staff in the store, how is your suggestion for chosing wine when you don't know any of the vineyards or producers? Thanks.

Hey Gary,

I just watched your next to last episode and here is why I haven't posted thus far. I am busy and I usually end up watching 7-10 of your WLTV episodes in one sitting to catch up. I figured that if I posted to an older episode, you would never read it.

QOD: My favorite winery to visit is Boudreaux Cellars, a small winery near Leavanworth in Washington State. Why, Rob Newsom, the winemaker and owner, is wicked cool. He makes really nice Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. I think he makes a Chardonnay, too. My wife and I visited there last year and we had a blast with Rob. He lives on Icicle Canyon Road and it is an awesomely beautiful area in the Cascades. You might try his wines some time. I think he really has promise and he's wuite a character. I believe he said he learned winemaking from Rusty Figgins.

- JayZee

Gary,

Great meeting you at the Wine Library on Saturday. I must say I was ashamed to admit during our conversation that I opted for dinner out and had missed the previous night's Jet game. My Jet blood was not nearly as Green as yours. However, when I learned that you had not missed a SINGLE PLAY OF JET FOOTBALL since 1990, I am sure there are a ton of Jet fans that pale in comparison to you. You are an animal! Long live the "Sack Exchange"!

Thanks for bringing out the Almaviva this episode. I think a lot of WLTV viewers can easily recognize Baron Philippe de Rothschild's influence outside of France with Almaviva and Opus One. But have you ever given any thought about an episode devoted to the Rothschild-Lafite influence around the globe (Caro, Los Vascos, Carmo)? I think the Rothschild-Lafite name is a reputable one, and making the connection for WLTV viewers to these other wines in Argentina, Chile and Portugal may open up new doors...and at reasonable prices. I'm interested in getting your take on these wines.

Chris

GO JETS !!!!!!!!!

Darioush - they have a great lineup of wines,
a nice Chardonnay, an absolutely wonderful Viognier, the best I've ever tasted,
and some really nice red wines with the Shiraz on top and the cabernet and merlot not far behind.
Everything is topnotch!!

long time watcher second time blogger. I was in Napa some time ago and was impressed with both Beringer for their wines available only on site and Joseph Phelps winery, great wines along with a beautiful winery. At the time I knew little about wines and thinking back the information given at most wineries was just a blessing, that of course was pre WLTV. Thanks for all the great info keep it coming.

OK...I'm a day late...I'll get into your slamming da Bears tomorrow!!!

But: I've never put much thought into a particular winery I would like to visit, obviously, going abroad would be great...Burgundy and Italy is high up there. But I'd really love to visit Dominus, mainly because I've seen pictures and I'm really intrigued by their cobble-stoned encased by mesh building. I just want to see that up close.

Go Bears and Your Jets are going down!!!!
T

Hi Gary,

The winery I'd like to visit would probably be Latour, Margaux, Petrus, Cheval Blanc or any other traditional Bordeaux chateau. I feel it's the top of the top. I guess it's like the Louvre of museums, St. Peter of cathedrals, Golden Gate of bridges. A good second on an design level would be the new "architect" wineries in Spain. Frank Gehry's new Marques de Riscal (http://www.arcspace.com/architects/gehry/riscal...), Santiago Calatrava's new Ysios (http://www.arcspace.com/architects/calatrava/wi...)...

This is my first comment. And a tough one for you.

I love your "show" and the energy you bring to the wine industry. I think it's really important to slowly help to educate us all into all the wines out there. Keep it up!

But one thing that bugs me (and take this as a way to improve your segment), and an important aspect of wine education, is your pronunciation (or should I say "butchering") of foreign languages on names, wineries, grapes and regions. I know you are a really busy guy and don't have much time left for other things, but maybe you could try to find the time to at least get the names right the first time. I know that if we get them wrong the first time then we will always say it wrong. Come on, at least all the languages from most wine producing countries (French, Spanish, Italian, German...) are spelled fonetically. So if you know the few simple rules of that particular language you would know exactly how to pronounce each and every new word. That way your following will also get it right, and that's important too.

I hope you take this comment positively. But I have a pretty good idea on what your response is going to be. :)

Cheers!

Carlitos

Hi Gary,

I've been watching since the day one. Love the new format!

Mary

Oh yeah, since I heard what you said about DA BEARS I wonder what you have to say about the Eagles, the only team that really matters.

I bet their second and third string are still going to pounce the Jets on Friday. GO EAGLES!

Hey Gary,

Here is a comment to stroke your ego.

Jim V-

re: Avatars

If you go to the "Gravatar" website (www.garvatar.com) you can upload your photo. I *think* it is then associated with your e-mail address (The photo is vetted for appropriateness).

But as you can see, I do not have mine loaded yet.

Dan (in Houston)

Hi Gary,
Thanks for the introduction to Godello. I'll check it out. CGF's reply mentioned Torii Mor winery, and reminded me that I tasted a Torii Mor Pinot Blanc the other day that was fantastic. Incredibly aromatic nose, great flavors and acidity, and food friendly. Yum. However, if I was to go to one place it would have to be to Wehlen in Germany to visit the JJ Prum winery owned by Manfred Prum. Why? To see those steep hillside vineyards right on the river, and to taste the sublime and heavenly Wehlener Sonnenuhr auslese's, beerenauslese's, and trockenbeerenauslese's (say that 3 times fast!), along with wines from Zeltingen, Bernkastel, and Graach.
Thanks for the continuing education.
How are we supposed to get the pictures up for our replies and comments? Jim

thanks for answering my question gary! I agree that the most rewarding episodes are when you turn the viewer onto something new instead of letting the sheep lead the shepard. For instance, I now have a new white wine (Godello) on my list of things to try.
QOD: Torii Mor in the Wilammete Valley because I could happily drink Pinot everyday for the rest of my life, it was quite peaceful, and the people there were really cool.

Gary,
Another great episode AND I have to admit, I'm one of the trolls. I DO watch EVERY SINGLE episode, and have found that I too can be, like you once said, a "comments crackhead". Unfortunately I don't always have a chance to watch everyday (although I'd love to be close to a computer in the late afternoon everyday). I will sit down and watch 2-3 episodes at a time (my boyfriend calls it the WLTV mini-series) hence, I don't leave comments on prior episodes. I'll have to make a better effort. I would agree with some of todays comments with regards to redesign of the comment section and I'm sure that will come in time - I appreciate that you can't tackle everything at once.

BTW, do like the facelift AND love your "artwork of the day". I happen to be as big of a Yanks junkie as you are a Jets junkie. I had made a request once before for something baseball/Yankees to be included on your set so, Thanks. Now, to answer your QoD: I've visited several vineyards, unfortunately not enough, so to select where I'd go for my last ever vineyard vacation is tough...there's so much I'd still love to see all over the world - Portugal, Spain, Hungary, Germany, NZ, Africa, Australia, South America, Canada - not to mention all that we have here in the US...talk about a round-the-world airline ticket. Maybe I'd do just that, purchase a round-the-world airline ticket for the "final vacation" and do them all. To narrow it down to one: I'm with Jonathan B. (#78) Chateau d'Yquem...make the last trip, perhaps, one of the best. Tough question, but a really good one....see you in a few hours when you post episode #83!
Rebecca

Leonetti. I used to teach graduate courses for UW in Walla Walla forty years ago, well before the vineyards went it. Leonetti is pricey and haven't had any, but I'd like to see if the taste matches the hype.

Gary V,
Muchos Kudos!
Love the new look. I, too, would like easier access to archived videos.
QOD: I've never been to a vineyard and I wouldn't even know where to begin. My hubby is more into beers and a suggested trip to any wine country makes him turn up his nose.
If I could convince him, where should a week long domestic trip take a "beer drinkin', city hatin' man" and his nature-babe, wine lovin' woman?

Gary,
Another great show. If I could only visit one winery it would be Château d'Yquem. These wines taste like ambrosia


Thanks For Everything
Jonathan

OK, this is a waste of a post.

I just want to see if my Avatar made it!

Dan (In Houston)

You got me. I have been lurking for a while and love your honest opinions.

I would like you too extend your free shipping to the State of Wisconsin when the Packers beat the Jets. The Packers are a State team. I do agree the Bears suck.

When will wine library put together a mix case of your selections with special pricing? You could put together theme cases for wine tastings, Sunday football, Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc.

Looking forward to the next edition, Marc

Hi Gary,
I am definately a troller, watching your blogs and definately in your amazingly beautiful store in Springfield. I used to go to the little cramped original store and be amazed, and now, I have room to troll in the current store and be even more amazed. I sometimes feel like the store employees think I am a spy because I can be there for upwards of an hour sometimes.
I do not comment mainly because I know about as much about wine as rocket science, so I am watching and learning and being entertained at the same time.
Being a wine rookie(but a beer veteran), I prefer semi-sweet wines and have a hard time adjusting to the dryness of most quality wines. I have visited Glenora and Lakewood Vineyards in NY and have no problem liking what they have to offer, and really like the tastings at the WL, but don't have as much luck there. So my question is, are there semi-sweet wines that are considered quality wines, or are they just for us wine rookies to consume and enjoy? Thanx and keep up the great content!!

QOTD: i would like to go to the vulture area of italy...looks like pretty county...paternoster has a few vineyards there.

p.s. have to agree with ROwCO on point #1. would prefer not to have to drill in to the episode to see the links to the wines featured.

I must say, I do like the new design. Dare I say the logo is better than that of the official Wine Library logo. ; )

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Bordeaux-Martillac, hands down. Went there during harvest in 2000 with my future wife and rode bikes all around the area. The thing I remember most, besides the wines, were the four peacocks perched on our balcony every morning and the smell. The smell of the land was this insane, sensory preamble to the wine that patiently sits in my cellar as we speak.

We went all through Boreaux and this is one place I would love to go back to...

copy and past the URLs and check it out...

http://www.dougf.com/photo/france/lesSource06.jpg

http://www.smith-haut-lafitte.com/indexUS.html

D

Gary,

Even though my nickname is DaBear, I am not a fan of The Bears! I am actually a _________ fan. I am a fan of the team that most Jets fans hate the most.

Anyway, great show. I still think you should do a blind tasting with a wltv viewer for an episode. Or, maybe tasting with one of your lucky staff members. (am not one of your staff) :)

If I had to visit one winery Iwould choose Rosenblum. Ilove his Zins-diverse and different tastes. He also makes excellent Syrahs and Viognier.

My APOLOGIES!
It appears that the links are there now.
Did I miss them or were they added later?

NEW WEBSITE...
I agree with the need to change technology from time to time but it should be done to enhance or add funtionality (which, to your credit, the Avitar feature does) WITHOUT dropping features. There were two features of the former site that I found very useful.

1)Below the video screen there were hyperlinks to each of the wines your were tasting or talking about. This is a MUST feature as it allows the viewer to jump directly to the shopping area of the wines you mention, especially when you are scrolling through archived video to find a specific wine. Which leads me to the second point.

2)There used to be links on the left that allowed you to jump to archived webcasts. I would have asked to have those features enhanced (like having a WLTV-only search bar so if i am looking for a video on Bordeaux i can type in "Bordeaux" and search only your broadcasts instead of the entire site) However,instead of enhancing those features they were dropped. The reason I like the ability to easily navigate through previous episodes or having the ability to search those videos is because when i refer someone to the WLTV site for the first time, it's usually in regard to a discussion about wine I have had with them at a party, on the phone, etc. and I often use your comments to support my opinions about wine subjects.

Overall technology change is good, but it should not detract...

OK session. Would have liked to have seen a few of the rejects as you are just as interesting panning as praising a wine. Will have to try the Godello wine as it sounded great.
To Blii Nelson, Rosenblum's tasting room in Healdsburg is nice enough but the wines aren't. What they had for tasting was candy and not real Zinds. I go to few tasting rooms in Napa and especially not in the summer. Most of the larger ones are zoos. Also why go to a place like Chandon when they don't have anything to taste you wouldn't get at your local grocery store. Go to the smaller places that carry wines you can only get at the winery like Elyse that is 6 blocks from Chandon. Chandon does have a great restaurant though. For my time Sonoma is a better deal and friendlier and more knowledgable pourers. That said I have two wineries I would visit over and over. Turley in Paso Robles and Elyse in Napa. Can't narrow it down to one.
Going back to the offer Gary made for free shipping, as I am stuck with the Redskins, no fair. We should get free shipping if the Redskins even win a game this year much less beat the Jets.

TimF- sorry I didn't leave my email address- jhu_gas@hotmail.com.

Steve- how long does it take for gravitar to approve your picture?

Rick E- your comments ARE being read. Jaye- yours too!

TimF (and anyone else interested)- email me with your email address and I will give you some info about the Virginia wineries I have visited.

Just wanted to say thanks for the videos. Its a great way to start off the day at work and gives me some ideas to look for when popping by the wine store on the way home. I know this is a veyr broad question but what woudl your top 2 or 3 "weekday diner" be?