White Wines for Labor Day

White Wines for Labor Day – Episode #82

August 30, 2006

Wines tasted in this episode:

Today Gary Vaynerchuk tastes and reviews two wines for the upcoming Labor Day weekend. Watch and see what Gary thinks of these two wines. More viewer questions answered and a new QOD.

103 Responses

August 30, 2006

Brandon M
Succes #4?
August 30, 2006

Tony
Second
August 30, 2006

TimF
In.
August 30, 2006

Brandon M
Is anyone having problems viewing the video SLOWLY?
Just wondering…mine seems to becoming down SUPER slow today.

B
August 30, 2006

diego de la p...
top 5
August 30, 2006

Francis E
Same problem. Very slow feed which has been getting worse over the past few weeks. Might be the cost of WLTV success.
August 30, 2006

Jason R.
Top 10 – AWESOME – How is the Marquis D’alesme Becker 2003 doing – I am sure each day that passes my wondering will get me closer to buying a load of it based upon I have to keep the trend going and need something to compare the 2000 with.
August 30, 2006

Tony
Doggin’ it big big time. Seems frozen. Gary, you’re too popular!
August 30, 2006

Tony S.
I’m having trouble loading up the episode (it plays faster then it loads!) so I’ll have to watch tomorrow, but I wanted to see if the Gravatar thing worked. I think it might take a day.

But I love Sancerre, so I can’t wait to watch, but I gotta get out the office now.
See you later,
T
August 30, 2006

Adam
Hey Gary,
I’m going to complain a little bit today about a couple of things. First, it took over 45 minutes to download the episode…what’s up with that?
Second, I’m kind of bummed how you asked people to suggest wines to taste because that’s what you were going to do today, but then didn’t pull through with your side of the bargain. Come on buddy, don’t promise things you won’t deliver.
Episode rating: 70 points. All hype with a poor showing.
With that off my chest, I want to add I am one of your biggest fans! Keep up the good work.

As for the QOD, I would love to visit ChÃ¢teau Latour. For me, the best wine made in the world, Period.

Adam
August 30, 2006

Sue Z.
Hi Gary,
I admit I’m a troller. I watch WLTV with great enthiusiasm but usually do not comment. This question of the day has intrigued me, however. If I could only visit one winery, although I am a Bordeaux freak, it would have to be E. Guigal. I’ve had their budget friendly Cote do Rhone as well as their Croze Hermitage and have been blown away by the fruit and silky smooth finish of both wines (vintages 2000 & 2001). I bought their Wine Spectator wine of the year, the Chat De P (which I could barely afford) and am waiting for a special occasion to crack that baby open! E. Guigal is certainly a reliable winery that comes through at the price ranges I can afford, and maybe a few splurges every now and then!
You’re doing a great job with the braodcasts! Keep up the excellent effort! When are you planning on doing an in-house tasting like you do on WLTV? Maybe even a few week course to wine tasting at the store? Watching the Vaner-nod would be ten times as much fun in-person:-)
Thanks-
Sue
August 30, 2006

Dan
Bandwidth does seem to be a problem. And this with only 4,000 hits? You need to upgrade you service provider.

It would be painful to choose only one vineyard. So I won’t!

Loved the wines reviewed, today, though.

Content: 90
Delivery: 82

Dan (In Houston)
August 30, 2006

Brandon M
The winery that I would spend the rest of my days at would have to be Far Niente. It’s a little pretentious and I’m not even a huge fan of the wine…but the house, the car collection, the Mayacama Mountain Range sitting behind it and tons of world class vineyards sourounding you.(Marthas Vineyard, Mondavi Reserve, Harlan). Then there’s the caves dug right into the hillside. If you want to take a drive all you have to do is get on the Oakville Grade and see all kinds of vineyards twisting and turning through the mountains. It is REALLY a special place.

B
August 30, 2006

Gene Mishkevich
Looks like you finallllllly fixed the time issue..
August 30, 2006

Jaye
Hi Gary, I enjoyed your episode today (again). I especially enjoyed it because while I was watching I was sampling a lovely little boutique wine from Amalthea Cellars in Atco, NJ – 2000 Chancellor Reserve. Great $10 wine. Couldn’t quite decide what the nose reminded me of though, I was wondering what you would come up with . . . but I digress.

QOD was a toughie. I could never be happy just visiting one winery or chateau — there is a “region” I would love to hop through though . . . Tuscany. That would probably be my dream vacation, tasting wines throughout Tuscany.
August 30, 2006

Chris
Hi Gary,

I’m also having a slow feed day.

QOD: Based on wineries I have visited, the answer would have to be David Arthur. Beautiful grounds, great wine and David is a spectacular host.
August 30, 2006

Bill Nelson
Super episode Gary! If nothing else you have stamina, tasting 8 reds and then going home and doing 12 whites! I love the big, bad zins so I would like to visit a Rosenblum tasting room. With the gazillion wines you carry I don’t think you have Rosenblum; why not? Your new format is great and I will look for one of today’s whites for Labor Day weekend.
August 30, 2006

Richard Periut
Hi Gary,

Excellent review as always.

I would love to visit some of Spain’s wineries; especially in the Rioja and Jerez areas. My roots are from Spain and France, so I feel that the region begs me to visit them : )

I also enjoy their brandy a lot; especially Osbourne (spelling?) and Cardenal Mendoza. Lepanto is also fantastic. Maybe it’s me, but I prefer Spain’s quality brandies over France’s cognacs–and I have tasted very expensive ones.

Be well,

R
August 30, 2006

Russ J
Don’t let the sheep lead the shepherd?
Are you kidding me with that? Dude, you asked, we answered. No sheep here, and you know what they say about shepherds…..

QOTD: I don’t know enough about any individual wineries to answer that. I will go with Jaye and pick Tuscany as a region.
August 30, 2006

Ed R
Bedell, only kidding. For all you sports fans,Wine Spectator has an article on Steve Trachsel and his 2000 bottle collection. Looking foward to next issue with Gary showing off his 12 bottle collection. Gary do you enjoy all the bitching that goes on in this blog ? God bless you for reading all this winey b.s. everyday. Keep up the good work, 90 pts for the episode, I have to deduct 2 pts. for twice calling the wine bad imposter and not bad impersonator as the label reads. Just Kidding,
ED
P.S. I ordered both the Eaglepoint and Clos Mimi Syrahs and look foward to tasting them.
August 30, 2006

Justin
Despite the slow load time, I still enjoyed todays episode. I totally missed yesterdays and watched it today. Gary, thanks for responding to my comment about organic and biodynamic wines. I can’t wait to see the episode.
As for choosing one winery and one winery only, thats a hard and unfair question!! Gary what are you doing to me. Making me choose. I just recently returned from 11 wineries in the Napa Valley. The two I liked most were right accross the street from one another on Hoffman Lane. Elyse Vineyards and Havens Cellars. So If i could just go to Hoffman lane only then I would be migthy happy bouncing back and forth between the two. Thats the closest I will get to choosing.

Gary, have you ever had bad tasting experience while visiting the Napa Valley? For example, were tasting room hosts rude to you, or were the tasting rooms just so dirty that you didn’t even want to taste? As a former Tasting room host, I took pride in my tasting room, but on my recent trip I was surprised to find extremely rude hosts. Made me want to leave without even tasting.

Cheers!
Justin
August 30, 2006

Roxanne
Gary,
I have been watching for months, but I am not a troll…I found you looking for info on Bordeaux 2005 futures and have been watching and increasing your international fan base every since. I have people watching you from here in Calgary to to Quebec to London to Moscow. So now that I have picked and purchased my futures I would love to visit a few chÃ¢teaux in Bordeaux to see where these beauties are coming from. Good show but not my favorite – 87 points. SantÃ©
August 30, 2006

joe
Gary,

I would like to visit Niebaum Coppola. Not so much for the Rubicon or Godfather sets or cars or estate grounds…..but for the cellar of Inglenook Cask Researves that tell the history of the best California winemaking
August 30, 2006

Jason R.
Adam #10 – I am there with you on Chateau Latour – They could make a winner in a draught, in the rain, in a nuclear holocaust, etc. It has to be the Mecca for us wine geeks.

For best in North America – I would say that I would like to hang out for a day @ Diamond Creek. What amazing fruit!!! I just wish that the pricing had not gotten out of control at back in early to mid 80’s you could snag bottles for $15-$25 – Now you are looking $100 – $150 I think that is a problem with a few CA Wines – They have priced themselves right out of the market and many stores will not cary their wines any longer.

Sleeper – I would also like to have a look around Kathryn Hall’s vineyards – What other place has more dollars than sense???
August 30, 2006

Susan
Gary-
Another super episode:) I give it a 96.
Thanks especially for trying another surprise red.
I would go to any vineyard on the right bank in France.
Keep up the good work!!!
August 30, 2006

TimF
Great episode — loved the rant on the Bears. I almost snorted wine out my nose (Joseph Drouhin 1998 Vosne-Romanee).

QOD: Put a gun to my head and I’d choose Bien Nacido in Santa Barbara. I don’t think I’d do well living outside the US.

I want to address Justin’s comment on Napa. For the most part I had a good time last week in Napa. I visited 10 wineries while out there and I’ll let you know what I thought of each. Maybe others could do the same…

Domaine Carneros — Very uptight and pretentious, but beautiful. Meticulously clean and very well staffed.

Bouchaine — Very casual. Great vineyard view and very relaxed. The pourer allowed us to go outside and sit on the deck and kept coming out to fill us up. Server was very nice and made good conversation. I think we got 8 or 9 pours for $5. If you’re driving around Carneros, it’s worth stopping in.

Etude — They don’t have a tasting room. They do the tastings in their office which was pretty funny. The pourer was extremely knowledgable. This winery was pouring the most expensive wines for the price of a tasting of any we visited.

Whitehall Lane — We had a good time with our German pourer discussing the merits of screwcaps. She spent time with us even though the place was hopping. Very clean tasting room.

Hall — The pourers were not knowledgable at all and kept talking to each other about what cars they wanted to buy. They couldn’t have been less interested their customers. The tasting room was beautiful, but we quickly tasted and left.

V Sattui — My wife made me go here. I _HATED_ it. Total Disneyland atmosphere and the wine was awful. The pourer we had seemed intimidated by the questions I asked (not everyone knows what green harvesting is?!?). The place was jam packed. I couldn’t leave quick enough.

Provinence — This place was great. We got a less knowledgable pourer, but she knew that and went over and got the guy who knew what he was talking about. This place had some of the best wine I tasted while I was out there. Very nice, relaxed, empty tasting room.

Domaine Chandon — Another Disneyland winery. This is the place where people were visible drunk and couples were making out. We took the tour but it was really dumbed down. We tried some great sparklers but the tasting room was extremely crowded and not very comfortable. This place was all about revenue generation and not so much about the wine.

Ridge (Healdsburgh) — What can I say? This was unbelievable. The tasting room manager took a full hour showing us around the winery and tasting with us. She was incredibly knowledgable. Definitely an experience I’ll remember forever. I should note that Gary hooked me up with the tour. She specifically mentioned that they don’t give tours to people who aren’t in the wine industry.

Harvest Moon — This was a relaxed tasting room. Pourer was knowledgable but I wasn’t impressed with the wines so I didn’t ask many questions. I think my palate was getting tired by this point.
August 30, 2006

miriam
hi gary,

another great show. we watch you every night.

two things:

1. i found this surprisingly good wine for 5 bucks – charamba, 2004 – and wonder what you think.

2. can you taste some organic wines.

thanks!
August 30, 2006

Burton
Shafer Winery. Awesome juice in every bottle. Also the winery is tucked away from major traffic. The Lab (dog) is laying around the tasting room, the owner(John) and winemaker(Elias) are there to share and discuss their wines. So there’s my one Mr. V. Whats yours??
August 30, 2006

Douglas
Couple of comments and then a question for Gary:

First up, can we crash your party this weekend (all 5000 of us)?

Secondly, get ready for a LOT of free shipment orders to Chicago starting around 3:01 PM on November 19!

And seriously, my question today is, since you are hosting guests this weekend, what is the ideal mix of wines to get if I am having a wine party? Let’s say most of my friends are knowledgeable about wine but not super-obsessed about it. Should I get half reds and half whites? Should I put some obscure grapes like today’s Godello into the mix?
August 30, 2006

Burton
To Tim F: If you’re not looking for Disneyland, I suggest going to Napa/Sonoma/Wineries during Feb or March.
August 30, 2006

StanVH
A single winery??? You’ve got to be kidding.

If I named one in CA, then I would have to leave out France, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, etc. etc. etc. Maybe, I could get it down to one country. The USA has more variety than any other country — but if I had to narrow it down to one country I’d have to say France — from Alsace to Champagne to Burgundy to Bordeaux to Rhone to Provence to Languedoc to . . . and what about sub areas like Banyuls, Cahors, Savoie . . . oh hell I forgot Beaujolais.

Nope, I can’t do it even for France. I couldn’t do it for California . . .what? . . . and miss all those wonderful Oregon wines from the Willamettte valley. I would agree with Ed R that if I were stuck on the North Fork of Long Island, Bedell Cellers would be a great place to be. We travel there (and the Finger Lakes — our NAPA) frequently. But wine is a global phenomenon — don’t tie us down.
August 30, 2006

Brandon M
TimF…It would be great if you could rate them in order – 1 being the best. Just curious what your favorite was?
August 30, 2006

johnm
Very slow loading but U.S. net traffic is slow as well. See http://www.internettrafficreport.com/ QOTD – Just one is hard. I’d follow the others to Chateau Latour; I’ve got a strong French lineage and love the few I’ve been fortunate enough to taste.
August 30, 2006

Tony G.
Gary,

Sue had a great idea! How about a live taping of WLTV!!! Think about it, it would be awesome, get a bunch of wines and a live audience. Maybe for episode 100. Remember a while back the clip of you going nuts at the draft? Think about the electricity!
August 30, 2006

Rob M
Gary,
Nice episode. Love the recurrent football theme and related jokes. Can’t wait for TWO free shipping weekends when the J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets fall to the Dolphins. We may miss the playoffs, go about 7-9, but luckily, the Jets are in the division, so there are two easy wins.

I tried the gravitar thing and submitted picture for approval.

Have only visited a handful of CA wineries on two different trips. Agree with the V Sattui comments being a waste of time- If someone in your party must go to V Sattui, spend your time better and walk across the street and go to Dean & Deluca. My favorite winery, i.e. where would I want to go? Cakebread was my favorite. Great tasting room, great tour, and my group met Jack Cakebread, who spend lots of time with our group answering questions.

While I no longer live in Virginia, I do recommend a trip to a few VA wineries for VA/DC/MD residents, or visitors to VA. Many of the wines are just plain bad, but a few wines are quite drinkable if not slightly overpriced. However, the towns around Charlottesville and the town of Middleburg are great towns to visit and have quality wines and beautiful wineries as well.

Rob M (one of the 4,000-5,000 lurkers)
August 30, 2006

TimF
Brandon M: That’s tough, but I’ll try. Keep in mind, this isn’t necessary by quality of wine — the stuff at Hall was very good. This was based upon overall experience. I’d like to hear what others have to say about regions they’ve visited.
1. Ridge 2. Etude 3. Bouchaine 4. Whitehall Lane 5. Provinence 6. Domaine Chandon 7. Domaine Carneros 8. Harvest Moon 9. Hall 10. V Sattui.
August 30, 2006

TimF
Tony G: Great idea on the live taping. Gary V seems like the Jim Cramer of the wine world. Cramer always does those “on location” things. Would be hysterical!

Rob M: Give us the low-down on the best places to visit in VA. I’ve been thinking about making a trip out to some vineyards there.
August 30, 2006

JimB
Unable to open the video. Will try again at 6 AM
August 30, 2006

Jim J.
QOD: Tedeschi Vineyard in Maui. Why? Because its in Maui!!! If restricted to the continental U.S., it would be hard to beat Anderson’s Conn Valley in Napa Valley. Beautiful locale, very friendly and engaging hosts, and fabulous wine.

Cheers.
August 30, 2006

Jason
I think the comments section would be much more used if it had a more forum-like structure. A great model might be that found on digg.com. Nesting replies under the comment to which they are replying is a great way to make the comments more readable. The thing is, when there are 50 comments already up, it’s hard to muster the desire to write another one, because the chances of yours being read go way down. If the design of the comments page encouraged viewers to read more than just the first then comments or whatever, you would probably get more than 100 comments every episode.
August 30, 2006

Ken DaSilva
Haras de Pirque! Beautiful country, Great wines,Horses…giddy-up!
August 30, 2006

David M
Hey Gary!

Almaviva is representative of what is to come from the Southern Hemisphere in the next 20 years! I have a three way tie, first would be Saxum hangin out at the Bonerock vineyard stepping through the fossilized whale skeleton/syrah vineyard is too cool Justin is so cool and he is also a mountain biker like me,plus I get to drink Bonerock and Rocketblock(98RP)!Second would be Cayuse, CDP in Walla Walla, crazy Christophe is a master/magician with Syrah and the vineyards repliate the CDP region in the Southern Rhone and his vineyard designates and blends are some of the best this country has to offer. Third would be Chateau Montelena the grounds are spectacular the best in Napa, with that beautiful lake and rolling hills a basket of food from Dean & Deluca and of course some great bottles. Not to mention the great Cabernet and Zin Bo makes. So Gary what are you waiting for…come on out and lets hang!

Cheers!
August 30, 2006

Dan G
Gary,

Another nice show. Not much into whites but had to see it anyway just for the good info. As for the red; I was thinking it was a blind taste test; but I guess not. You ever going to do one?
August 30, 2006

Kai
Hi Gary,

I am willing to bet there are more than 4,000 – 5,000 people watching. Keep up the good work, the rest will take care of itself. I am still watching everyday from Hong Kong.

Kai from Hong Kong
August 30, 2006

Grant Gallagher
Hi Gary – I enjoyed the episode today – a nice tasting of two wines. I especially appreciated how you usually taste wines that are generally affordable as well as better, more expensive wines. I’ll be in to buy those whites.

Winery I’d like to visit? There is a winery in Dakota – I’ve read about it – it makes wine from “Native” grapes that sells for 30 per or therabouts. Whoever the winemaker is, he deserves to be known simply because he is (I believe) making good, serious wine from his local resources. I’ll try to find the website and send it to you.

Other than that, I’d love to visit the Graham’s port house in the Duoro. As you know I have a long standing interest in Port and Graham’s is the port that I like best.

I hope your Labor day party is a huge success. I’ll be in London having dinner at a wine bar in Covent garden calle “Les Amis du Vin”. Objectively, it isn’t great – it’s in a basement, it smells a little, it’s crowded. It’s perfect tho – it serves good “swilling with friends” wine, good cheese and good bread. Perfect.

SO congratulations again on your success, Gary and in the success fo WLTV. Great – best regards
Grant
August 30, 2006

Melissa McBrayer
Hi there, Gary! I geuss I am one of the “lurkers” out there. While I was home visiting Long Island a month ago, (I now live in Alabama) a family member told me about your site. I just wanted to tell you what a great job you are doing! I thoroughly enjoy each episode and as a wine “novice,” you have been very knowledgable and helpful for me in choosing wine to enjoy. I really look foward to trying the Montenovo Godello. Thank you!

Cin Cin,
Melissa McBrayer
August 31, 2006

PeteB
93pts. today.

For the winery I would most like to visit = I have no idea – I don’t absolutely love one wine enough to say – so for now I’ll take any off the road winery in Napa.

And by the way GV – OK, you have vowed on your 16-0 prediction for the Jets to waive shipping for any teams city that beats the Jets in the regular season. How about a wager with your in-state Giant fans – since there aren’t any regular season games btw the two and the Giants already took care of your Jets in pre-season (I know you don’t want to hear it again) – let’s just do who has the better record at the end of the season to be fair. You make up the fair terms and only people who post in the comments section for this episode can be in the wager. Let’s call it pride for either side. Let the wagers and games begin!!!!
August 31, 2006

Tony
Gary,

Have fun with your party this weekend! I’ll be revisiting the Amador and Fair Play wine country, trying to find those few vintners that are making great wines. There are several Rhone Rangers in the area, some of which are doing interesting stuff. Maybe I’ll post a report when I return.

I little bummed with the bandwidth problems today, but I never miss WLTV.
August 31, 2006

I.B.
Hello Gary,

Ideas for coming tastings:

1) Bordeaux second wines (Mission Haut-Brion, etc.)
2) Dry Chenin Blancs of the Loire Valley
3) Alsace Rieslings
August 31, 2006

Chris Stan
Gary, I’m a GIANT fan and like Pete B’s suggestion…what do you say? Although, I alway pick up my wine….so maybe one free bottle of any of the wines shown on WLTV.

Also, a suggestion….I think many of us would be very interested in YOUR answers to many of the questions. What do you think??

Favorite Winery…Bacchus Scool of Wine on Rt. 37 in Toms River. (Hoping you laughed heartily at that)
August 31, 2006

TimF
Gary – You’ve got to let us know which wine celebrities are watching. I’m guessing you’ve got Andrea Immer and Michael Chiarello watching. I doubt Hugh Johnson knows how to use a computer. C’mon, fess up…
August 31, 2006

Steve
Hey Gary. I don’t know that I have “one” winery that I would like to visit…..I have many:) I have the fortune to go to Italy this summer. If I had just one choice of an “wine area” to visit it would have to be Montalcino. I was like a kid in a candy store driving around going to one winery after another. I could not believe the amount of wineries in such a small area. Can’t wait to visit again…….
August 31, 2006

NickP
Gary – I’ve now moved out of the troll category, this being my first posting.
QOD – I’m going with Jaye – if I had only one place to be it would be Tuscany. Anywhere would be fine with me given the combination of wine, food and surroundings.
I plan to visit the store today on my way home from work and look forward to picking up some good bottles for the weekend and beyond.
Go Giants!
Nick (BTW another New Yorker – from Brooklyn)
August 31, 2006

Jaye
This post is partially a test to see if comments this far down get read by people other than Gary, but I really do want some suggestions. This question came to mind while I was reading posts 16-47 this morning before starting work.

I am going to Seattle for a business trip in October and would like to stop at a winery or two within an hour’s drive of Seattle while I am there. Any suggestions from people in this forum?
August 31, 2006

kidseyemd
QOD- Ch Latour, or Petrus-best two wines i’ve ever had

For Jaye- I would seek out Reininger, though i’m not sure exactly how close it is to Seattle-they have a great track record with their reds over the past 5 years

Hugh
August 31, 2006

Joseph
I’m a lurker… don’t bite me, please! Love your show, Gary.
August 31, 2006

David Fallon
Gary,

Website issue…. Can you keep the wines you reviewed listed under the episode titles. As of now, when you scroll through the listings of episodes, you must enter each episode to see the wines you reviewed. Does that make sense?

Thanks

DF
August 31, 2006

Rich S
GV,

You have got to be kidding me? DA Bears are going to run away with the NFC North division (I know, I know, it is weak to begin with) but more importantly they are going to stomp all over the Jets. Since I am in NJ and am a Bears fan, I cannot benefit from free shipping to Chicago after the Bears whoop up on the Jets in November but if by some miracle the Jets win, you will see me in the store buying a bunch of wine to make me feel better……….

I have never been to any great wineries (just local ones in NJ and Long Island) so I would love to go out to Italy and tour some top brunello di montalcino vineyards. One day perhaps……….
August 31, 2006

josephc
First off, GO BEARS!!!

On to the subject of lurkers, I’ve been following Winelibrary TV since episode 1. However, IMO I don’t find the comment system conducive to questions and answers. Once new episodes are available it is natural for people to comment on the latest episode and not really able to participate in past discussions and those great discussions get â€œlostâ€. Also there is no easy way to search past discussions for questions or answers.

Has Winelibrary looked into other methods for community involvement like a message board?

–
Josephc in Chicago
August 31, 2006

Julius
My advice to Sue is unless you are fluent in French don’t go on the Guigal tour. You are kept down in a dark dank basement for an inordinate amount of time while the tour guide babbles on and on in French about who knows what. Another highlite(?) of the tour is spent at the bottling line. The only redeeming part was to finally get a chance at the end to taste some wine, and considering some of the great wines that they make, the selection was not that good (no Mouline or Landonne).
August 31, 2006

Sam Zen
G- two thigs.

First, great call on the Almaviva. I’ve been on that band wagon for some time. Just some great juice!

Second, up yours you blow hard. The mighty Chicago Bears WILL kick your meadow lands’ Jets ass… is that NY or Jersey? Oh yeah, they don’t even have the cujons to call themselves a Jersey team. I wonder why?
August 31, 2006

Rick E
This comment section is getting better and better. Of course, lurking down here in the 50’s no one will probably see this.

I agree with Jason (#39) that these comments should be more of a message board format. I would have posted this sooner, but it took me another ten minutes to scroll through all the comments so that I could list where to find Jason’s.

Also, thanks TimF (#25) for the winery reviews. This is exactly the type of info we should all be sharing. I especially liked hearing about the positive Whitehall Lane experience–their ‘01 Cab is one of my favorite wines of all time.

And Jaye (#48), how about visiting the granddaddy of WA wines–Chateau Ste. Michelle? It’s about 15 miles northeast of Seattle.

Oh, and great show Gary. I was never much of a white wine guy, but your conviction is starting to turn me.
August 31, 2006

Sam Zen
I forgot to mention, you know how I’m from the Basque Country. Yet I’ve never heard of or tried a Godello. I look forward to it. I wonder if it resembles our Txakoli?
August 31, 2006

Gosling
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?
August 31, 2006

Rob M.
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.
August 31, 2006

Rob M.
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?
August 31, 2006

Lawrence Leichtman
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.
August 31, 2006

ROwCO
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…
August 31, 2006

ROwCO
My APOLOGIES!
It appears that the links are there now.
Did I miss them or were they added later?
August 31, 2006

stewart l.
If I had to visit one winery Iwould choose Rosenblum. Ilove his Zins-diverse and different tastes. He also makes excellent Syrahs and Viognier.
August 31, 2006

DaBear
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)
August 31, 2006

DougieFresh
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
August 31, 2006

DougieFresh
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. ; )
August 31, 2006

zerokreap (kw)
QOTD: i would like to go to the vulture area of italy…looks like pretty county…paternoster has a few vineyards there.
August 31, 2006

Rich T.
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!!
August 31, 2006

Marc Mc
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
August 31, 2006

Dan
OK, this is a waste of a post.

I just want to see if my Avatar made it!

Dan (In Houston)
August 31, 2006

Jonathan B
Gary,
Another great show. If I could only visit one winery it would be ChÃ¢teau d’Yquem. These wines taste like ambrosia

Thanks For Everything
Jonathan
August 31, 2006

Lynne
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?
August 31, 2006

karl satirev
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.
August 31, 2006

Rebecca
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
August 31, 2006

cgf
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.
August 31, 2006

Jim Vandegriff
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
August 31, 2006

Dan
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)
August 31, 2006

Chris Fehnel
Hey Gary,

Here is a comment to stroke your ego.
August 31, 2006

Chris Fehnel
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!
August 31, 2006

Mary
Hi Gary,

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

Mary
August 31, 2006

Carlitos
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_winery/riscal.html), Santiago Calatrava’s new Ysios (http://www.arcspace.com/architects/calatrava/wine/index.htm/)...

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
August 31, 2006

Tony S.
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
August 31, 2006

Rich
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.
September 1, 2006

john maki
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!!
September 2, 2006

Kevin C
GO JETS !!!!!!!!!
September 3, 2006

Panman
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
September 4, 2006

JayZee
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
September 5, 2006

Matthew
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.
May 15, 2007

Sam
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!
July 16, 2007

Dave Canada
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.
September 6, 2007

soyhead
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.
January 18, 2008

GalvezGuy
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.
February 12, 2008

thefanjestic
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.
April 9, 2008

Kristen
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!
April 24, 2008

Indigo
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.
September 18, 2009

John J.
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.

White Wines for Labor Day – Episode #82

Wines tasted in this episode:

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