2001 California Cabernet tasting and remembering.

2001 California Cabernet tasting and remembering. – Episode #87

September 11, 2006

Wines tasted in this episode:

Today Gary Vaynerchuk tastes through 3 different California Cabernet Sauvignons. Also Gary wants you to ask whatever wine questions you have in the comments section that you want him to answer. Todays episode is a real interesting one for many reasons, please check it out!

89 Responses

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September 11, 2006

Paul R
Gary,

Nicely done.

As others have already mentioned I would like to hear your strategy for the Super Tasting. Will we know what wines are going to be available ahead of time so we can do our research or are we going to have to go into it blind? A sneak peak of the wines would be greatly appreciated.

I was thrilled to see you have the 2003 Kanonkop Pinotage from South Africa in stock at an unbelievable price ($21.99). This is cheaper then the winery was selling it. How do you do it? My wife and I first had this wine at the winery in February 2005 when it was first released in their tasting room and we were blown away. We tasted it again on Sunday night and we loved it. I would be interested to get your take on this truly South African grape. I realize there are a lot of poor examples of Pinotage out there but for those who would like to try something new, give this bottle a shot. It is worth it.

Paul
September 11, 2006

garybee
Very nice thoughts on September 11, 2001. I was at work in Roseland, NJ that morning and many of us went home shortly thereafter. It was a very eerie feeling driving down an almost deserted I-287 as the fighter jets flew overhead.

Recently, I’ve had:

1999 Quilceda Creek Cab from Washington. Personally, I think this is one of the best cabs produced in the United States.

1998 Bodegas Montecillo Gran Reserva (Rioja). Very nice! This is the first time I’ve tried this wine.
September 11, 2006

Kevin C
2003 Mastino Ripasso and Domaine De La Garrigue Cotes Du Rhone Cuvee Romaine 2004

Two completely different wines.
September 11, 2006

stewart
I would like to see some episodes of diffent calif. regions, such as paso robles or santa barbara or santa maria and focus on their best producers. Last couple of wines i had Rosenblum2004 richard sauret zin,a little too much alcohol and oak not as good as2002 and 2003. Yalumba 2003shiraz and 2003 grenache-both excellent with cherry and licorice flavors. Also drank a Dr. Constantin Frank riesling 2003 which had nice floral tones.
September 11, 2006

PeteB
Nice tribute! Being in Jersey myself and working right across the river – I know what your saying Gary.

Wines that I have had lately:
Full Boat Chardonnay (Good)
Coppola Merlot (Pass)
EsporÃ£o Reserva “Red” (Fair)
AlianÃ§a Brut (Good)

? for tomorrow: what do you think is the biggest misconception in wine today?

P.S. – Ok 3 wines on the show today, but 5 corks on the table. Where were the other two?
September 11, 2006

Hal N.
Gary,
Thank you for WLTV and your thoughts for the day.
QOTD: Brunello Di Montalcino 2001 Terre di Bo’
2001 Rudd Oakville Cab
2001 Gargiulo Vineyards Money Road Ranch Oakville Merlot
1999 Jessup Cab

Question to Gary: When buying wine futures, what is your recommedation on what to buy? I would devirsify for a personal drinking celler. But as far as investing, should one concentrate their money on just a couple, or a few, select, high end Chateau’s?
September 11, 2006

Rebecca
VERY respectful tribute today. You are correct, living in this area has an impact on us. Going in and out of the city or even seeing the skyline leaves us with an uneasy feeling, each and every time. Although, on a positive note, I have observed that most of us have since realized that we need to appreciate the small things in life a heck of a lot more.

Delectus Stanton sounds delectible…look forward to trying this wine!

answer to QOD:
Currently drinking ‘05 Kim Crawford Sauv. Blanc – nose is good, grassy that I look for in a Sauv. Blanc along with apricot, peach, perhaps honey as well. Initially coats the mouth nicely but not as much of a mid-palate as I had expected and really a very short fininsh. Overall, it’s a good wine for the value ($17 – Whole Foods Market)but, I did expect more based on comments from an episode not long ago.

My QOD to you: I love big, in-your-face, flavorful ethnic foods (Indian, Carribean, Asian, African – Not just spicy but, abundant flavors) When I’m going for spicy I usually rely on Prosecco, Champagne, Gewurz or even a beer, if I’m in the mood for beer. The few times I’ve experimented red and spice together I ended up with astringent (like munching on aluminum foil!) on a wine that was otherwise good without the spicy food. Two general rules of thumb that I have been successful with in most food combos and food/wine combos have been “what grows together, goes together” and “the more powerful the food,the more powerful the wine”. Somehow these basic concepts just don’t apply with reds when we’re talking about spice/Indian/Carribean, etc What red varietals, generally speaking would you enjoy with some of these powerful foods?

Rebecca
September 11, 2006

bbeezer51
Always something of interest on your shows!! Had an idea. BLIND TASTINGS!! It would be tantalizing if you could have a bunch of wines “brown bagged” Taste all the wines not knowing what they are and make your comments. What do you think???
September 11, 2006

Panman
Gary,

Well done episode. I have 2 topics of inquiry that come to mind:

1) Why do you have 5 or 6 corks in front of you but only taste 3 wines?
2) I enjoy WLTV, and find it educational. What is your opinon on wine tasting schools? In particular, Zraly’s? Have you ever considered holding wine tasting classes at Wine Library?

Here is a quick list of the last of vino I’ve enjoyed recently:

Zenato Amarone 2001…smokey, cherry and currant with chocolate. Great wine, I love Amarone’s for their unique concentrated tastes derived from the process. Used to be my fav, until

Jarvis Cabernet 2000…recently discovered this small production. In addition to the earth tastes I pick up a bit of butterscotch/carmel from the oak. I really enjoyed this, and am bodly calling it my new favorite.

Silver Oak Alexander Valley 2002…jammy, spice and woody. Good with steaks!

Falesco Vitiano 2004…had to try it after you trashed it on WLTV. Not much to write home about but decent non-special occassion wine.

Di Majo Sangiovese 2004…same here, decent non-special occassion wine. Definitely bringing this one to my Italian family’s frequent Sunday dinner.

Chateau Martinens Margaux 2000…when I first drank this I was under the impression it was more Cabernet than anything else, so I was impressed with its full bodiness, yet rounded smooth black fruit taste. Later found out it is more Merlot (damn the French for not labeling). I bought another bottle to check it out again.

Allegrini Palazzo Del Torre 2001…big fan of Amarone’s so when I don’t want to spring for $50+ bottle, I will opt for this which gives me a bit of the taste of an Amarone, although still a long way off.

Stag’s Leap Cabernet 2003…plums and chocolate. The finish finished faster than I would have thought.

Penfold’s Bin 389 Cab-Shiraz 2002…can definitely taste the rustic Shiraz tones here.

Looking forward to tomorrow’s show!
September 11, 2006

Anthony
Hey Gary,

Creative idea on the episode today.
I wanted to know, generally what wines need decanting? It seems like all reds benefit from this (the older, the more?).

Thanks.
September 11, 2006

Darlene O.
As always, Gary, great episode. First, my comment…I’ve noticed in recent years very ‘trendy’ titles of wine – ‘Fat Bastard’, ‘Pinot Evil’, and, of course, all the animal-named wines. Is this trend to attract the ‘younger’ drinker to wines? Would like your thoughts. Oh, and the wines I’ve been drinking in the last couple of days are 2004 Nero Di Troia Bottaccia Puglia and 2004 Santa Digna Reserve Shiraz.
September 11, 2006

Dan G.
Hi Gary,

Congrats on the Jets victory but its only one. My Steelers helped you out by taking out the dolphins. Very nice and tastefull episode. Well done. What am I drinking, Im tring the 05 Little Penguin Shiraz as we speak. Not bad but for 7 bucks here I’ll take it. Over the weekend went with my old standby Banfi Chianti Classico. Never get enough of that. But I think its time to step up and go for bigger Italians.

DG
September 11, 2006

Russ J
Thanks for the thoughtful remembrance. This was a strange and sometimes difficult day. I found TV to be impossible to watch today(more impossible than usual). I am in NJ as well and I was heading to a meeting up in North Jersey five years ago when I heard on the radio that the second plane had hit and that the Hudson River crossings were being closed. I turned around and went home. TV, radio and phone service went out a while later and it really felt like the end of the world for a few hours there.

QOTD: last four bottles-
2002 Turkey Flat Grenache: big alchohol, big fruit, big headache next day
2001 Fontodi Chianti Classico: textbook Chianti, really nice with Rigatoni Amatriciana
NV Gruet Blanc de Noirs: always good, my favorite low $$ sparkler, but I will sample some Cava on GV’s rec.
2004 Nora Albarino: I love this stuff with sushi and the ‘05 is just as good.

Question for Gary:
I am going on vacation next week (LBI). One of the restaurants my wife and I will visit does a five course tasting menu that is all at the chef’s whim. He hits the stores that morning and whatever looks good, he cooks. Could be anything. I want to bring a bottle of white and a bottle of red. For the white, anything WL has in stock for under $50. For the red, would you be willing to look at my cellar list (95% purchased from WL) if I bring it to the store and pick something, either from the list or from WL inventory if you think there is something that would be better than what I curently have (under $100)? I know it’s a lot to ask, but what the hell? Jets won. Chad looked good. Timing seems right!
September 11, 2006

David
Gary,

Nice touch today with rememberance of the people affected 5 years ago. Lately I’ve been drinking my own wine….85 points, but my question of the day is why 6 corks and only 3 bottles. What happen to the other bottles? Need an episode on storing wine or when to drink the wines. Too many American drink the wines wayyyyyy to young. Some wines are meant to be consumed within 2 years, others should be aged. Ever think about having one of WL’s other directors/consultants on as a guest in reviewing wines?

Again, great job!!
September 11, 2006

hugh
Nice Episode Gary,

I’d like to know when your next party will be at your new pad! How about a “Bring your own bottle”-with a theme-maybe RP 95 or higher??

The last 2 bottles i had were the Clos Mimi Petite Rousse Syrah-(at your suggestion- see my review on Winelibrary!!) and the 2003 Cote de Baleau (St Emilion)-this one was a bit acidic, nice fruit though-will revisit in a year or two…
September 11, 2006

gregkeller
Gary,
I’m definantly going to the super tasting, had an unbelievable time last year. I was wondering if you were going to do a tasting seminar like you did last year. If you are which night would you be doing that?
September 11, 2006

Justin
Hi Gary,
Nice show today.
QOD – Here is a list of some of what I have been drinking recently:
2004 Gustave Niebaum Captin’s Reserve Syrah
2002 Robert Mondavi Carneros Pinot Noir
2003 Parsonage Estate Syrah
2003 Heller Estate Celebration Meritage
2003 Hatcher Tempranillo
2005 Vida Organica Torrantes

Anyway, I actually don’t think I have any questions for you today. You know already that I want to see a show on Organic and Biodynamic wine as well as seeing wines from places like Israel, Lebanon, Hungary and Georgia… but yeah…
September 11, 2006

tim
Gary,
Nice show. I’m almost caught up on all the episodes and I’m hooked.

My last few wines:
J Bookwalter NV Red Table Wine – meritage blend from washington. nice stuff for about $15.

Owen Roe Abbot’s Table – another red blend from WA grapes and an Oregon winery. more kitchen sink style, Zin, Cab, Syrah, etc… real fruity.

And the last great bottle I had was a 2000 Eyrie Pinot Noir Reserve. Say no more. Can you tell I live in the Northwest?

You’ve never tasted, or even mentioned I don’t think, Chateau Montelena Cabernet. It’s a touchstone for me of what a Cali Cab should be and I’d love to see you taste it or hear what you think. It would be interesting, plus it would help me and I imagine a few others to see where your tastes line up with mine/ours.

Thanks!
-tim in Portland
September 11, 2006

MarcT
Great episode Gary…
As for what I have been drinking…
2000 ChÃ¢teau Henye Tokaji Aszueszencia
2000 Rutherford Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
1999 Shafer Relentless
2001 Cigaral Syrah Pago del Ama (please get more of this I only have one more bottle!)
Great question Stephane! I think I would have to think a while to come up with that answer though.
Remembering………
September 11, 2006

Jim J.
Gary: Nicely done.

QOD: I’m on a pinot kick lately. ‘04 Sea Smoke Botella (mind-blowingly good, 95 pts); ‘04 Drew Family Gatekeepers (decent, but a bit one dimensional, 88 pts); ‘99 Raptor Ridge Shea (still drinking like an infant, great red fruits, 92 pts).

Q for tomorrow: I’ve been operating on a “decant everything” philosophy for a while now. But that begs the question — are there wines that do not benefit from decanting or, worse, are affirmatively diminished by decanting? Some basic rules of thumb would be very helpful.

Cheers.
September 11, 2006

StÃ©phane
My question is the following:

Imagine all the grapes on Earth are struck with a terrible disease and you are forced to stock up on wine for at least 10 years, until the producers recover. You decide to acquire a large supply of two wines, a red and a white, that you’ll be drinking on a regular basis for the following decade. Taking into account the aging of these wines and their availability, as well as how they pair with a broad range of food, which two would you pick?
September 11, 2006

Mike S.
Gary V,

Nice episode today. Felt it touched just the right mood. I suppose those of us in DC equally have a unique perspective on five years ago…

Drinking the 2005 Mas Delmera. Discovered this wine a few years ago and it’s become my favorite everyday bottle of wine.

Douglas – Gary V does have a MySpace page, he just never checks it.

Matty Van – wouldn’t recommend storing wine at that temperature long term. Amongst other things, you run the risk of prematurely aging your wine without giving it a chance to open up.
September 11, 2006

DougG
Very intersting wines the other night Williams Selyem 04 Central Coast which I felt was ready to go now. extremaly delicate and smooth. After that we were still in the mood for some more and opened a Columbia Crest 03 Merlot. Wow, for 10 bucks you can’t touch this, everything was in this from start to finish.
September 11, 2006

Matthew L
Gary…nice and classy episode today. The memories for many are still vivid. I was in DC and saw the smoke rise from the Pentagon. Surreal for sure.

I always have questions, but here’s one that popped in my head. For the person just beginning to appreicate wine, would you recommend buying buying cases or just purchasing many different wines one bottle at time?

As for what I’ve been drinking the past week:

Montenovo 2005 Godella (thanks to you. I served this at my reception this weekend and people loved it!)

Merum Melvar 2005(Spanish white)

Chateau Grande Cassagne “G.S” 2004 Grenache/Syrah

Domaine De Montpezat 2002 Cab/Syrah

Travis 2002 Unfiltered Chardonnay
September 11, 2006

Dan R.
Gary,

This is the first time to post. Been watching everyday since June. I enjoy all your shows. I’m a novice when it come to tasting wine.
My question is this: when you smell or taste different aromas or elements, how do they get in the wine? Does the wine maker add them or does the wine just evolve into these flovors?

QOD what I’ve been drinking…

Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Kangarilla Road Shiraz 2003
Twenty Rows Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Dan R. in Kansas