A stand out merlot. – Episode #89

September 13, 2006

Wines tasted in this episode:

2002 Charles Creek Merlot Miradero

After tasting over a hundred different wines from several suppliers today, Gary found a Merlot that really stood out. See why Gary thinks this Merlot was a home run before having to dash off to see the Yankee game tonight!

54 Responses

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September 14, 2006

Jaye
Thanks for the “quickie”, Gary.
September 14, 2006

Vinacull
Gary,
BIG thanks for pulling together a quick show today. Much appreciated and certainly better than nada. Have to admit we drink merlot less often – not due to Sideways but because in the years prior to that merlot was more fashionable and seemed to be relatively more expensive than other things. This was a good reminder there are still great tastes/values to be had. Hope you enjoy(ed) the game. Looking forward to the next full-fledged fun-filled episode.
September 14, 2006

kidseyemd
What a tough life you lead…..100+ wines to taste….yankee game….i pity you.
Gary, I’d like to know how many of the wines you tasted yesterday were corked….since the “experts” say around 5% are affected.

Thanks

Hugh
September 14, 2006

Doug
Hey Gary,

Glad you took the time for the episode … I thought I’d do the same this morning and take the time to leave a note … it’s been a few months, been busy and everything but I think I’ve now seen all the back episodes and have ‘caught up’!

Keep doing the excellent work, and don’t let your suppliers kill you over the bad reviews.

Cheers,
September 14, 2006

Jonathan B
Gary, how about doing a show on “steals”, wines that are REALLY undervalued/priced? Thanks!
September 14, 2006

Jonathan B
Gary, I do not understand what you mean by being subtle. You did such a great job at it that your reference went right over my head. First a master of wines and now a master of subtlety

Great jobâ€¦Go Pats
September 14, 2006

Matthew L
Gary,

Thanks for fitting a show in today, and everyday, in the midst of actually running a business and having a life. It’s appreciated. I’ve told many people about your store and the show. They all say “I love this guy!” My wife and I just had friends in this weekend from NJ, and they said that they had seen your store but never been in. After a brunch, our friends said they will make a point to stop in the store. How’s that for word-of-mouth marketing huh?

I’m glad you made mention of the “Sideways” Merlot issue. I’ve always been a big fan of Pinot Noir, but not at the expense of Merlot. For me, it was just a matter of not really tasting and/or buying a lot of Merlot. So, I appreciate the review of the Charles Creek. I will sit tight for a bit until you make the big buy.

You mentioned Merlot’s hit because of Sideways, and we know you hate White Zinfandel (so do I). Here’s a question, what do you think is the most underappreciated, or even dissed, varietal?
September 14, 2006

Al Diaz
will WL email us when this merlot comes in? thanks,
September 13, 2006

RCP
Gary,

Thanks for taking time to give us the 411 on the Merlot.

Ryan
September 13, 2006

Capt M
Way to go, Gary. Thanks for not leaving us without an episode to watch today. And thanks for answering my questions yesterday. My birthday is in November, and I’m tempted to treat myself with a bottle of Opus One. About yesterday QOD, hmm.. maybe Boston’s North End (Italian Town) either Lucia’s (which made the cover and was featured in Bon Appetit Magazine in 2002) or Al Dente. Do publish your itinerary of the year, and my girlfriend and I will try to catch up with you somewhere. Thanks again, nicely done.
September 13, 2006

Dan G.
Magic number now 7. Boo-hoo Red Sux.
September 13, 2006

PeteB
Nice for giving Merlot some love. You better make sure that the wait on pulling the trigger on a buy is worth it! lol.
September 13, 2006

joe
Gary, thanks for your effort today – and an strong value recommendation! Go Yanks…may Jeter’s streak continue!
September 13, 2006

GregS
Tony,
I feel your pain, you got dissed bigtime!
September 13, 2006

kjb
Gary,
Where on earth do you store all the random Jets paraphernalia that makes it into each episode?? Is there a special Jets memorabilia storage room at the wine library?? Too funny..
September 13, 2006

Dan G.
BTW you should of seen if you could of scored tickets for this weekend against the Red Sux. How about some playoff tix?
September 13, 2006

Tony
Gary, I was hugely let down that you lied – LIED – to me about “revealing your plan” for the heat episode today. But that’s OK. I know you want to do this one right and get it spot on, so I totally understand. The heat episode is going to be the best episode you’ve ever done, and you need to take all the time you need on it.

Go! whoever is playing the Yankees tonight!
September 13, 2006

gabe
go yanks. no rain.
September 13, 2006

Dan G.
Short but but to the point, besides you deserve a break now and then, especially for a Yankees game. GO BOMBERS!!!.

DG
September 13, 2006

GOL
Echoing the Italian Stallion’s comment… a little fix is better than none, thanks for the effort Gary!

Question: You said you tasted over 100 wines today. Do you cleanse your palette or just “taste and spit” straight through? If you cleanse when tasting a bunch of wines, what do you cleanse with, and how often? On WLTV you are usually tasting 3 or 4 wines, that seems very managable. I’d like to hear your technique for tasting so many in one day.
September 13, 2006

Chris Stanisci
Gary, Do you have a rating for this Merlot? (for the spreadsheet) thanks, Chris
September 13, 2006

Italian Stallion
Great show Gary!!!! Keep up all the great work you do. It may not be said enough, but we ALL appreciate everything you do. Thank you for giving us something to look foward to during our work day…lol
September 13, 2006

PGH Pete
BTW – Thank you for rooting for the Jets so I really don’t have to.

Go Stillers!
September 13, 2006

David K
Fifth. Oh, Baby! Go Ravens!!!
September 13, 2006

Brandon M
#4 – Dang
But yes…IT IS MILLER TIME