104 Responses

1. September 15, 2006

   Brandon M

   Success #7 ?

   Going to Rubicon Estate for the Wine Club Harvest Party Saturday night!
   I will report on Monday!

   B

2. September 15, 2006

   TimF

   Happy Friday!

3. September 15, 2006

   Marc Mc

   Happy weekend

4. September 15, 2006

   the professor and....

   so close

5. September 15, 2006

   TimF

   I’m hooked on Lost right now. The best show ever made is not arguable — The Twilight Zone…

6. September 15, 2006

   Brandon M

   Favorite TV Show of all time….Cheers a timeless classic of Bar and Sports, I used to watch it on the couch every Thursday night with my dad when I was a kid. “Whats going on Norm…uh…lets talk about whats going IN Norm!”
   Favorite show now…The Ultimate Fighter…love that stuff.

   Have a great weekend everybody…go Dodgers!

   B

7. September 15, 2006

   the professor and....

   Gary,
   Great episode, I loved the John Travolta, “all over the world” move. Very funny. Fav.tv show: love family guy, use it in my social psych courses, but all time has to be X-Files. But yeah I definately was hooked on dukes of hazard and six million dollar man.

   Was that a taxi reference that I saw?

8. September 15, 2006

   Brandon M

   ah yes…great call professor, couldn’t figure it out quick enough.

9. September 15, 2006

   Rich S

   GV,

   Sorry you didn’t have much luck with the chianti today. The Peppoli 2000 and 2001 are some of the best chiantis I have ever had though so maybe 2003 was just a poor vintage.

   Favorite TV show for the past few years is probably Family Guy but when it comes to favorite show of all time, it has to be Married With Children. That show was revolutionary for its time and you gotta love Al Bundy……………….

10. September 15, 2006

    Ferrigno

    wow that’s killing a big name,

11. September 15, 2006

    the professor and....

    Anyone remember land of the lost? with the stupid,slow moving “slee-stacks”? Now that was a great show.
    Brandon, Cheers definately was a great one, but I mostly remember watching Abbott & Costello, and the Waltons with my Dad.

12. September 15, 2006

    Cesar

    Gary,
    Way to to tell it like it is. I love that honest opinion. I’m not to worried about wines becoming totally homogenized. Yeah there is that thing California wines wanted to taste French, now French wines want to taste Californian and they all make wines to cater to Parker’s palate. But for those who want to explore you can always find those unique varietals, look at Portuguese wines, and a lot of Spanish wines and italian wines are still being produced with native or little known varietals.

    Favorite show: LOST
    All time favorite: X-files

13. September 15, 2006

    Justin

    Gary,
    To bad that most of the chianti was crap today. Anyway for the QOD: Favorite show of all times would have to be Get Smart. I loved that when I was a kid on Nick at Night. Id stay up late to watch it. Right now I have been watching a lot of Arrested Development as I was given it on DVD for my birthday last month.

    Oh yeah…I think its crap that producers can put merlot in their chianti. Not that I hate merlot I just think it doesnt belong in the chianti… just my 2 cents

14. September 15, 2006

    TimF

    I was kind of hoping Gary would pull out a 3L wicker basket of Chianti and start drinking right from the bottle.

    Every year three of my friends and I try to eat ourselves to death at Buca di Beppo. We always wash down our dinner with a 3L of Chianti and the waitress is always amazed…

15. September 15, 2006

    Italian Stallion

    Hey Gary,

    Great show!!!!! I have a few favorite shows of all time: Macgyver, Prison Break, and Rescue Me

    My current favorite shows are : The Contender, Rescue Me, The Shield, Family guy, Nip/Tuck, and Prison Break.

    But Gary, we all know you love NBC RIGHT!!!!!!!!!

    Stallion

16. September 15, 2006

    Brandon M

    Justice League…Saturday mornings…that was classic too…Wonder Twins…Activate!

    I’ve never had a good Chianti…it always seems so much like Kool Aid to me.

17. September 15, 2006

    Chris

    Right now I’m hooked on 24. My favorite show of alltime has to be Get Smart. Gary, where was the Jet’s swag today?

18. September 15, 2006

    Ed R

    Current favorite Family Guy, Two and Half Men has its moments, anytime I can watch Caruso over act in CSI Miami is great. All time favorites Cheers, Seinfeld, Everybody Loves Raymond, Simpsons, All In the Family. OK, now I think I named every show ever aired.

19. September 15, 2006

    kidseyemd

    Current fav-24….and Sopranos
    Old Fav-Happy Days, Friends (Jennifer Aniston-yummy)

20. September 15, 2006

    Jacob

    Thanks for weeding out the crap Chianti.

    Favorite show today: Lost

    All-time: tough call, maybe All in the Family, Arrested Development, or Dead Like Me.

    Have a great weekend and thanks for all of your efforts to “keep us in the good stuff.” How’s that for a tag line.

    Go White Sox and Bears.

21. September 15, 2006

    PeteB

    Ok, I guess we have to look for some more chianti’s – anyone have any recommendations?

    QOD: 24, enough said!

    Have a great weekend!

22. September 15, 2006

    Tampa Steve

    Gary in all fairness 02 and 03 were not good years for Tuscany. Then throw in that $10-$15 price range on top of it. I knew where that episode was going before it ever even started. Ducale…..it sits on the shelf in almost every supermarket…mass market stuff, how special can that be. A good Chianti show would have been sticking to a good classic Tuscany vintage like 01. Funny you did this episode, I just picked up a few bottles of 01 Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Reserva today. This wine was rated 92 by Spectator and 90 by Parker. I can’t wait to try it. I also had the 01 Antinori Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Riserva while in Tuscany this summer and it was fantastic. Those would have been nice wines for this episode. There are some “good” rated 03’s out there but they are all reservas and have not hit the US market yet. As a matter of fact Spectator just did a article on 03 Chinti Classico Reservas and gave them such good ratings that they describe them as “Brunello Busters”. I just hated to see Tucany get trashed in this episode by chossing wines from poor vintages (other than the mass maketed Ducale). Funny I even saw Americans ordering that in Italy and laughed to myself. How could you be in Italy with such great wines that barely hit the US market and still drink what your supermarket sells.
    As for my current favorite that would be Lost. Favorite of ALL times, Lost In Space.

23. September 15, 2006

    GOL

    “Passing” on the Ruffino was great… Ducale gold-label from early 90s was one of the first wines I had when transitioning from MD and Boone’s in college (and if someone doesn’t know what MD is you missed out) to real wine… while then I was like “Wow”, I haven’t had it in years and probably won’t after this episode… thx for drinking it so I don’t have to!

    QOD: Current – Entourage (There is no better character on TV right now than Piven’s Ari Gold) and “24″. All-time – Hmm… Seinfeld is the obvious first-growth choice, but if we’re talking unknown gem I’ll throw one out that Sopranos fans should get on DVD if they don’t know it… “Wiseguy”, a CBS show from late 80s, great stuff

24. September 15, 2006

    Matty Van

    A chianti I liked was “Da Vinci Chianti”

    QOD – all time seinfeild,fraggle rock lol

25. September 15, 2006

    Matty Van

    A chianti I liked was “Da Vinci Chianti”

    QOD – all time seinfeild,fraggle rock lol

    current – arested development you have to watch it, soproanos, entourage, boston legal

26. September 15, 2006

    Sue Z.

    Hi Gary,
    I’m still looking for a good Chianti in the $15-$20 range, I guess you are too? Sorry for the late comment but I’ve tasted some nice ice & late harvest wines from the NY Finger Lakes region. Now’s the perfect time to take a trip up there. The country is beautiful in the fall and it’s a do-able trip from this area (4hrs) for a long weekend. I remember watching MASH and WWF (I can’t believe Hulk Hogan still wrestles!) with my dad and brothers when I was young but, like the Chianti you tasted so I don’t have to, there’s a lot of crap on TV these days…….except when the Yankees are pummeling the Red Sox, or any one else of course:-)

27. September 15, 2006

    joe

    Gary:

    Very very useful show today. I used to drink Chianti once a week with Itallian…and I got tired of them. Switched to Brunello on the days I feel great and Barbara for more everyday use. Barbara at $20 does offer that something special that Chianti does not – - and is an awesome match for traditional Itallian dishes.

    My favorite TV show of yesteryear is the Andy Griffith show featuring don Knotts as Barney Fife. I don’t watch any TV now other than WLTV, Yankees and Mike and the Mad dog TIVOed on YES.

    Joe

28. September 15, 2006

    Rick

    Gary

    Chianti is about acid and more acid. Makes the tomato sauce taste juicy.

29. September 15, 2006

    BigAl

    Yo Gary. I love Chianti and WLTV…….. but I give this episode an 82. I think you could of picked better wines from better vintages. Oh well. Fav. show? Hockey Night In Canada. Go Leafs Go!

30. September 15, 2006

    Ed R

    I’ll asasume Gary liked Taxi as an all time fav. How did I leave out Entourage? Matty Van good call on Denny Crane, love that character. However, the Sopranos has sucked for two years now. A show I would like to see every film of burned would be, “Yes Dear”, God that show sucked.

31. September 15, 2006

    Cameron

    Nice episode on Chianti. I had that Ruffino recently, and I agree, super boring. QOD:
    Favorite tv show now is Entourage. I’m a young LA resident and work in the music business, so I can definitely relate to their (mis)adventures. Favorite of all time, gotta go with Seinfeld

32. September 15, 2006

    MaryS

    Current favorite – Lost.
    All time favorite Lost in Space…………danger Will Robinson!

33. September 15, 2006

    GregS

    How can you justly do a Chianti episode and not have a wicker basket bottle? Come on!

    Favorite TV show right now: WLTV
    Favorite TV show of all time: Everybody Loves Raymond

34. September 15, 2006

    Chris Stanisci

    Current: RESCUE ME (hands down the best show), Sopranos, Entourage, 24, Daily Show w/Jon Stewart

    Past: SEINFELD (hands down again) and West Wing

35. September 15, 2006

    johnm

    Never met a Chianti I really liked, so thanks for validating my avoidance. QOD- all time – X Files; now – Entourage or Deadwood, depending on my mood.

36. September 15, 2006

    David K

    Fianlly, giving the Ravens some props. Who knows, if you wisen up and renounce your allegiance to the JETS, we just may welcome you into the… wiat… on second thought… naah…. Anyway, best TV show on the air right now: The Simpsons. The best ever: MASH.

37. September 15, 2006

    Jaye

    Funny about the Ruffino. A friend turned me onto it a few years ago with the 1997, but after trying different vingtages of the Gold, I have to say I was also “left wanting”. There are better Chiantis out there at the same price point and lower. Sorry to hear that there are so many changes going on — I also like the fact that different wines from different places taste so different. It will be a shame if things become as homogenized as you describe.

    As to TV — I think it is impossible to pick an all-time favorite show, there have been so many good ones. Here are some choices:
    Current Comedy: Haven’t seen one yet that I like
    All-Time Comedy: Seinfeld, Frasier, first two seasons of Ally McBeal
    Current Sci-Fi: Battlestar Galactica
    All-Time Sci-Fi: Star Trek (just because it started them all)
    Current Mystery/Fantasy: Lost
    All-Time Mystery/Fantasy: X-Files
    Current Medical: Tie between House and Grey’s Anatomy
    All Time Medical: Tie between House and Grey’s Anatomy
    Current Lawyer: “Justice” seems very promising
    All Time Lawyer: Law & Order series
    Current Cop/Investigative Drama: CSI (original in Vegas)
    All Time Cop/Investigative: Tie: Hill Street Blues/NYPD Blue

    A serious contender for best all-around acted, directed, written and executed television of all time would have to be “24″ though. I typically rent it on DVD and have a seriously tough time stopping the show to eat or sleep. I usually look for a rainy weekend and just plow through the entire season between Friday evening and Sunday evening. Can’t wait for Season 5 to be released!

38. September 15, 2006

    Grant Gallagher

    *sighs* -never really loked Italian wines EITHER. Well, except for years ago when I first tasted Barolo – I remember thinking it was like Port, but dry. Anyway… Y’all might be interested to know that ther eis a winery in Pennsylvania called Va La http://www.valavineyards.com/ run by an Italian family making wines from Italian varieties. THey make a very good Sangiovese and a mythically renowned but pretty poor nebiollo (this wine is by reservation only and has a limt of 4 or 6 bottles). Their Barbera is interesting, but slighty bitter. However, they are a serios operation and very highly regarded. WOrth a look if you’re passing.

    Favourite TV programme? HAS to be “Iron Chef”, America or Original. Oh, and “House” of course(but not the present series which seems a WEE BIT WHACKY……….

    G

39. September 15, 2006

    Grant Gallagher

    … did I say I couldn’t type?

40. September 15, 2006

    the professor and....

    Anyone out there who knows: What do they mean when they describe a wine as backwards? And Gary, how about doing an episode on “second labels” on some of the more expensive Bordeaux’s? (for those of us who don’t live off of trust funds).

41. September 15, 2006

    Jason R.

    I can’t believe that no-one likes “HOUSE”.. c’mon guys – it is the best show on TV right now!!!

    All time – I would have to go with Seinfeld – What other show do you know that many one liners from???? “hhheelllllooooooo Jerry”

42. September 15, 2006

    TimF

    Seinfeld was a great show, but Curb Your Enthusiasm was better. Once you see CYE, you can clearly tell that it wasn’t Jerry Seinfeld that made “Seinfeld” so good, it was Larry David.

43. September 15, 2006

    Lev M

    When I was in Chianti during the month of may, I stumbled upon a small winery. The guy there said he only made wine for friends, but let us try some anyway and it was pretty tasty stuff. His philosophy is unoaked. Glad we were able to take a few bottles home after he pressed the foil and chianti labels on them by hand. Then, he bottled some olive oil too which is still the best i have ever had.
    Fav TV show is Entourage

44. September 15, 2006

    MarcT

    Gary, Again…awesome.
    Great advice on the Ruffino. I thought the ‘97 was good (not great) but lately things have not been the best for those guys.
    Again…I extend my house and hospitality to you if you want to come down to Atlanta to eat on your restaurant tour.

45. September 15, 2006

    Wino4Life

    Currently – “Rescue me” is the best show on TV

    Historically – “Blackadder” ??? Anyone familiar ??

    How about FONTODI????? Best Chianti on the market!!!

46. September 15, 2006

    MarcT

    Best show ever…Price is Right…No doubt…I used to schedule my college classes around it! Now…I don’t watch much…but if “The Thirsty Traveler” is on…I watch. And if there is a Formula 1 race or a WRC race or poker; I watch.

47. September 15, 2006

    MarcT

    YES>>>>Blackadder!!!!!

48. September 16, 2006

    Chris from NY

    First of all Greg S. Its bad enough you’re a steeler fan but to be an ass kisser also…WLTV is your favorite show…please…Just breaking balls. I can’t believe no one mentioned the classic show of all time…All in the family-old world wine, recently, Seinfeld-new world fruit bomb. Gary, this is why the wine world can be difficult someimes. You hated the Ruffino 87pts(barely) you gave it but DT gives it a 92. Whats up with that? How can there be such a difference? When should i make the reservations at Piccolo Angolo?

49. September 16, 2006

    Chris Stanisci

    I forgot to mention THE OFFICE…..great show (I have a “Dwight” BOBBLEHEAD…awesome!)

    Per my earlier posting, RESCUE ME and SEINFELD are still my # 1’s.

    GARY, Assuming that you’re an OFFICE fan???,Dwight’s BOBBLEHEAD needs a place on your tasting table on an upcoming episode.

    FUTURE QOD: Top 5 movies of all time

50. September 16, 2006

    Julius

    The producton code for Chianti Classico is more stringent than for Chianti. It requires a minimum of 80% Sangiovese (vs. 75%) but can be 100%, the remaining percentage of red grapes can be either native or “international” varieties but must be grown on the estate, and after the 2005 vintage the previously allowed white grapes, Trebbiano and Malvasia Blanco, cannot be used.

    The fact that Merlot, Cab Sauv and Syrah can at most be 20% means the Sangiovese characteristics (aromas, tastes, mouth feel, ec) would still dominate.

    As for Chianti Classicos that might have fared better, two come to mind. One, mentioned earlier, is Antinori Badia A Passignano and the other, Felsina Berardenga Riserva Rancia.

    As for the QOTD, Seinfeld for comedy (The Honeymooners a close second) and for drama Law and Order. Must be the New Yorker in me.

51. September 16, 2006

    Panman

    Gary,

    I am really bummed that the Chianti’s showed the way they did. I guess just stick a candle in them and make some sort of use of them as a table center piece!

52. September 16, 2006

    Tom L

    Gary – my favorite librarian – my favorite TV show now The West Wing. Favorite of all time is Star Trek. Yes, I’m a Trekie. By the way, when are you going to do a tasting of Klingon blood wine, Romulan ale, or Saurian Brandy?

    Tom L.

53. September 16, 2006

    Matthew L

    Hey Gary,

    Thanks for featuring Chianti. For so many people, the image of Chianti growing up was more about the rafia/wicker casing than the actual taste of the wine inside the pear shaped bottle.

    What’s my favorite show on TV now? Ummmm…probably 24.

    Greatest TV show all time? Wow…that’s tough. Though contemporary I would say Six Feet Under. Some other greats, Happy Days, Cosby Show, Speed Racer, Carol Burnett Show, David Letterman Show(early years), Night Gallery

54. September 16, 2006

    Bill

    Hi Gary – nice job showing how Chianti is going to crap. SO . . . as I have asked before!!!
    When are you going to get the Pacina Chianti classico colli senese back into your store. Bought some of this from you about 5 years ago and can still taste it. Fabulous terroir, structure, chalky lip-smacking tannins. Just a great wine. They also make a boutique version. Here is the winery’e webpage. This si the real deal and the real deal seems to be dissappearing. You will see: 97 percent Sangiovese (btw Gary, the final ‘e’ in “Sangiovese” is pronounced!) Do us all a favour and get some!
    http://www.pacina.it/bb/simple_content/view_simple_content.asp?intBlockContentId=970&intBlockId=956&SiteidVisiting=681&IntBranchIdVisiting=681

55. September 16, 2006

    David M

    Hey Gary!

    Never got into Chianti even working in my Grandmother’s restaurant in Little Italy. A gree with most on Barolos and Brunellos from Italy. Riddle me this though why has Vino Nobile di Montepulciano never caught on…probably my favorite from Tuscany! QOD-Wiseguy

56. September 16, 2006

    Doug Damron

    Gary,
    First time poster here – love your spots. Keep calling it like it is and the fans will keep joining.
    Chianti was one of my first fav wines in college and I loved the 88 Ruffino Classico. Since then, I haven’t found a $15-30 Chianti that has been worth the money. (I bought a mixed case last year and tried)
    My favorite TV shows are Entourage and Weeds. Favorite of all time is Greatest American Hero.

    Doug

57. September 16, 2006

    Joe Hoholick

    Julius: Thank you for setting us straight on a NUMBER of issues – Chianti (certain Classicos should not be dismissed) and TV Show. You WIN! Without a doubt, The Honeymooners, was the all time greatest TV show produced….then and for all time!! GREAT call.
    Joe

58. September 16, 2006

    GeneV

    There are some interesting Chiantis out there. Querceto for under $15 at Costco (unfortunately not availabe on WL) is my most recent QPR leader among Chiantis.

    My favorite TV series was Monty Python’s Flying Circus. You either loved it or hated it.

59. September 16, 2006

    Jim Vandegriff

    Ah Chianti. I don’t drink it these days, and I appreciated your honesty in rating the wines. There is a reason I don’t drink it! As to TV my favorite show now is Desperate Housewives (I know it had “sophomore slump” but I hear it is back on track.) Great dark humor. Favorite of all time (and wine related to boot) was Star Trek: The Next Generation. Who can forget Captain Picard going to his family’s home vineyard in France, and battling with his brother amidst the vines. Also Worf drinking the drink of warriors, prune juice. It was a great show for years. PS I hope the raiders don’t let the Ravens kill them, but if Jerry Porter makes it back, it could be a game. All the best, Jim

60. September 16, 2006

    Big Billy from Big D

    Thanks for an episode on my “go to” wine – Chianti.
    I think that where Gary tastes “thin” – I taste “light.” Chianti, to me, is misunderstood as a red wine, it’s not brawny and I don’t think it’s supposed to be. It’s actually one of the lightest reds. I had my eyes opened to this when I realized, for me, Chianti was a terrific companion to pan-seared salmon, or roast chicken, or “macaroni and gravy.” Fish or chicken will not be overwhelmed, and the lively acidity makes tomato ragus sing. Almost any Mediterranean food goes well with Chianti, works in situations where you have a group of people ordering everything from fish to lasagna.

    For those nights when you are preparing “spaghetti supper in about an hour,” decanting a bottle of Chianti is the first step in the process for me. Decanting opens up the nose. My favorite pointer for the nose on Chianti (or any San Joe cousin) is to point out the fragrance of leather that is often present. I call it “new shoes” or “new leather purse” – GV has used “baseball mitt.”

    I did a search on WL for “chianti” – WL has 31 to pick from. I wasn’t really in the market, but I ended up ordering a six pack. I came across one – Castello Della Paneretta Chianti Classico Riserva (WL Code 6479). The description page has a link to “Watch the video.” The video was Gary making one of his Email pitches sometime this past spring on a pre-sale basis. The wine didn’t even have a label. The video had GV being really enthusiastic about that Chianti. The next thing you know, I’ve sprung for a six pack.

    The bad news on Chianti is there some producers that just make some rotten stuff.

    The Chianti Classico Consortium ought to get permission to use Willie Dixon’s “Little Red Rooster.” They would just have to change the lyrics to read “Little black rooster.” Maybe Mick Jagger would do a rendering for them.
    I have a little red rooster, too lazy to crow for day
    I have a little red rooster, too lazy to crow for day
    Keep everything in the barnyard, upset in every way

    Oh the dogs begin to bark, and the hound begin to howl
    Oh the dogs begin to bark, hounds begin to howl
    Ooh watch out strange kind people, Cause little red rooster is on the prowl

    If you see my little red rooster, please drag him home
    If you see my little red rooster, please drag him home
    There ain’t no peace in the barnyard, Since the little red rooster been gone

    TV Shows – currently I am getting up to speed on Battlestar Galactica, and I am anxious to bring the Sopranos to a conclusion.
    All time TV – Twilight Zone

    Chin chin

61. September 16, 2006

    saul

    old time andy griffith
    70’s all in the family mash star trek
    80’s highlander macgyver
    seinfeld
    24 house

62. September 16, 2006

    Bruce S

    All time favorite show – Alf
    Current show – none. It was Lost, but it went off the tracks last year and seemed to wander without a real plan.

63. September 16, 2006

    John Coyne

    My favorite all time show, The Rockford Files. Always been a huge James Garner fan. Favorite current show, original Law and Order, specially since Sam Waterson has been the D.A.

64. September 16, 2006

    John Coyne

    My favorite all time show, The Rockford Files. Always been a huge James Garner fan. Favorite current show, original Law and Order, specially since Sam Waterson has been the D.A. I stopped drinking Chianti’s many years ago for I felt quality was lacking, although I still order Chianti at family get togethers when dining at The Spaghetti Factory Restaurant. I also agree about the Ravens. The line has moved from -6 1/2 to -10 1/2 here in Vegas. Go Jets and take the Yankees with you!

65. September 16, 2006

    good old ludwig van

    Nice episode. I love a good Chianti.

    Wow, a lot of good taste in the TV shows. I’ll have to agree with Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Office (both British and American versions), Arrested Development, Entourage, Lost, and The Daily Show (as well as Colbert Report). Someone also mentioned Black Adder . . . good, but I’m more a Mr. Bean fan!

66. September 16, 2006

    Rob M.

    Thanks for the scoop on the Chianti. Too many other good wines from Italy to try.

    QOD: Favorite show of all time- Homicide: Life on the Street. Going old school- Emergency.
    Favorite current show- one of the CSI’s or one of the Law and Order’s. Do not like how the shows multiply, but other that Law and Order Criminal Intent, the other 5 shows are very good. I am also a big House fan.

    Question for you sports fans out there- regarding John Coyne’s post (comment 64), “Go Jets and take the Yankees with you!”- who knows where that (idea) was originally published? It is one of the best sports quotes of all time. My other favorite- when Rich McKay of the terrible 80’s Tampa Bay Bucs was asked, “Coach, how about the execution of your offense?”, and he answered, “I am all for it!”

67. September 16, 2006

    stewart

    My favorite series at present is “24″ My favorite all time series would have to be Mission Impossible

68. September 16, 2006

    Grant Gallagher

    oh… well if we’re getting silly then..

    Favourite from childhood: “Fireball XL5″
    Favourite Sci-Fi: “Babylon 5″
    Favourite comedy: “The Goodies”
    Favourite US import: “The Man from Uncle”
    Favourite anarchic: “Fawlty Towers”
    Favourite Wine Critic Jancis Robinson
    Favourite spectacles those worn by Jancis Robinson

    and so on…

69. September 16, 2006

    ray n

    It is a shame that the Chiantis showed so poorly.

    What would you say is the most popular AND best quality Italian wine?

    Fav show now is 24, hands down. Bonus is that the wife enjoys it also. Old fav include Miami Vice(my friends and I didn’t leave the house to go out to clubs until the show was over on Sat night), Happy Days, and probably the best show ever, Seinfeld.

70. September 16, 2006

    Jeff S. aka Opus None

    Does anybody remember the old British Sci-Fi series “UFO”? The cool intro music, the hoky space ships, the chicks with purple hair and REALLY tight uniforms? Not sure if that was my all time favorite, but Star Trek and Get Smart were already mentioned.

    Keep up the good work Gary. How about a “New England” wine episode? You might feel like trashing New England a bit after tomorrow’s game.

    Ha!

71. September 16, 2006

    RCP

    Aren’t the Chianti Classico Reserva suppose to be the highest quality Chianti? Why such a poor showing on the Banfi? It makes me doubt the labeling.

    Fav. quote: You know they just made a solid bottle of wine, but what the hell? For 30 bucks, come on, do something!

    Fav. shows: Seinfeld, Arrested Development, Curb your Enthusiasm, Family Guy

    ~Ryan

72. September 17, 2006

    Chris Stanisci

    BRUCE S. Please tell us you’re joking…..ALF?…..ALF?????

    I’m all for individual rights and freedom of speech, but ALF crosses the line.

    GARY, you may need to ban Bruce….as the greatest soup artisan of our time once said, “NO SOUP FOR YOU!!”

    RAY N. I’m with you on going out AFTER Miami Vice in the early 80’s….but it was Friday night, not Saturday.

73. September 17, 2006

    Chris Stanisci

    BIG BILLY from BIG D, Thanks for the heads up on older video for “Castello Della Paneretta Chianti Classico Riserva (WL Code 6479)”. This was for a special pre-sale offer email.

    I will watch this video and enter it into “The Chuk’s Greatest Hits” Master Spreadsheet.

74. September 17, 2006

    Dan G.

    Gary, Man Im really late getting to this episode; but thats what I get for hoping it would quit raining so the drag race in Maple Grove would get in this weekend. Then the Chianti Slamming/eye opener didnt help my mood but I always appreciate you opinion.

    Thanks for the honesty of the Chianti’s. This is my nornal “go to” wine since my wife likes it. I do have to agree with you on the Ruffino Gold. Bought it once and really didnt car for it but the Ruffino Classico Reserva I still love. Gold was worth the extra cash. Like I’ve said before I need to branch out to some bigger Italains.

    QOTD Im suprised no one ever said “Night Court” Marky Post was and is HOT not to mention the show was a complete riot. I pretty much think TV now sucks! Dont get to watch to much but when I do; its the new show on A&E “Driving Force” or “Crossing Jordan”. Guess I could be a real suck-up and say WLTV is my all time favorite!!!! but come on people.

    My question is: Do you think the reason people like the Australian reds is because of the sugar and alcohol content? Just trying to reference an article on Wine library that I just read.

    Dan

75. September 17, 2006

    Greg

    Great episode, I drink Chianti all the time. I’ll have to give the Canonica a try.

    QOTD: Favorite of all time: HBO’s Oz
    Favorite right now: Prison Break

76. September 17, 2006

    Anthony

    Gary,

    I know you were just rating the wines in front of you but every Chianti lover out there knows that the 4 wines you tasted are not great. Antinori makes 2 other Chiant’s that are much better, Banfi’s Riserva is a joke, like many other posters said Ruffino is mass produced and way over priced. The only wine I enjoy is the Canica. If you want to do a real Chianti tasting, try Felsina Rancia & Antinori Badia A Passignano which you have in stock. People who aren’t familiar with Chianti please do not judge it by this tasting.

    As far as a favorite show…. how can you beat Seinfeld.

77. September 17, 2006

    Henry

    Gary,

    I would have really liked to see you taste and get your thoughts on the Castello Della Paneretta Chianti Classico Riserva 2001. Since you were doing Chianti anyway, what the heck? You sold me on it months ago so I went for a case. I thought it was just ok, for the price. I’ll drink it with pizza or simple Italian food. In the future, if you recommend something special and then do a tasting of that grape/wine later on, you need to include it.

78. September 17, 2006

    Eugene

    Gary,
    Thanks for this enlightening episode.
    I always had this feeling that many Chianti are overpriced.
    Coincidently, I drank Chianti with pizza this Friday evening!
    Favorite TV show-Curb your enthusiasm, of course.

79. September 17, 2006

    Bob Berke

    OUCH, those Jets were not at there best, similar to your Banfi review today!

80. September 18, 2006

    Vinacull

    Gary,
    EP was great up front, interesting and surprising on the midpalate (esp the Ruffino, which seems to be everywhere), but lacking on the finish due to no viewer Q’s. Overall thanks for giving us the straight mud on the Chianti’s. Count me among the other viewers who hasn’t found a satisfying one for the 12-20 range, so over time I just gave up. No doubt there are great ones out there, and it looks like Tampa Steve has some good recommendations – thanks. Once again I’m right with JOE regarding his Barbara comment. Love the quality for the price better and goes great with food. Gary I hope you do an episode on Babara some time. QOTD: Love “24″, though I never have a chance to watch it and I’ve missed so many now I practically need to go back to the 1st season. New interest is “Lost”. As a kid my faves were Gilligan’s Island, Kung Fu, and Star Trek (the original). How’s that for a well-balanced TV dinner…

81. September 18, 2006

    John Weippert

    Gary,

    I heard an interesting thought over the weekend. The though was that Napa/California is killing wine due to the high prices and over priced wine coming out of Calf. I want to know what you think, are Calf. wines overpriced and do you think they are going to kill the wine market?

    John

82. September 18, 2006

    Matthew L

    Hey Gary,

    Though it was a loss, at least the Jets made a game of it Sunday. Pretty exciting at the end as they try to mount a run. To the contrary, my Lions looked like petrified turd in Chicago. 34-7….OUCH!

83. September 18, 2006

    Jonathan G

    Gary,

    You mention all the time that attitude, weather, etc all have a bearing on how the wines taste. Do you think that if you taste on a different day the Chiantis may change?

    Current Fav show: House
    All Time Fav show: Sports Night (so good, can’t even tell you. Aaron Sorkin is great)

84. September 18, 2006

    Jim

    Hi Gary,

    I have a comment concerning the comments portion of each episode. It seems that more and more, this section is getting innundated with off-topic stuff that may not be interesting to many people. I know this is supposed to be fun with the sports banter, QOD, etc., but I am here to learn about wine and I find it tedious and somewhat annoying to have to scroll through posts that have nothing to do with wine. Is there a way to create an off-topic section? Many chat rooms do that so that the main subject (in this case, wine)is not disturbed. Just a thought.

85. September 19, 2006

    MikeMe

    Chianti is the wine of choice for my Sangria. I make great Sangria, if anyone wants the recipe let me know.

    On the DVR now is: Family Guy, Little Britain, Trick my Truck, and Daily Show. Waiting for new season of Bullshit, Austin City Limits, …Yes others in house watch House, The Wire, Colbert Report…I only have so much time.

    All time fav TV show: Just can’t do it my fav’s change as my taste and the times change so can’t pick one.

86. September 19, 2006

    Lawrence Leichtman

    Have had some great Chiantis over the years but these choices to me were not in any but mass consumption league except for the Canonica. There are better wines than these in your stocks and better years than ‘03.
    TV shows depend on decades to me
    50’s Cid Cesar Your Show of Shows
    60’s Star Trek
    70’s very early SNL
    80’s Hill Street Blues
    90’s Seinfeld
    00 Curb Your Enthusiasm, Bullshit, Weeds

87. October 6, 2006

    Miguelo DiMarco

    The family guy is mindless drivel. Latest, greatest is King of Queens, but Seinfeld is tops overall (from an NYC native).

    I’ll always prefer Veneto wines and maybe I don’t get the Chianti thing being more than a table wine, but I like the overlooked 2004 Bellagio (straw basket) which is made by Banfi and usually found as the entry level in finer Italian restaurants. Definitely not like any other ‘Straw Basket’ I’ve tasted and resembles more like a better Valpolicella.

88. October 18, 2006

    Brandon M

    Miguelo…please explain how Family Guy is mindless drivel if King of Queens actually makes you think? Or do you judt think NY based comedy is the only thing out there??

    And how is this only comment 88?

    B

89. October 27, 2006

    mr skin

    Do you think Brad and Jennifer will ever get back together? I thought they were a pretty nice couple.

90. January 8, 2007

    Celia

    I’m soooo far behind on episodes of WLTV..

    Sex and the City, Nip/Tuck, Boston Legal, the MONKEES~!

91. May 9, 2007

    Benji

    Just making a note that I’ve seen all the episodes from here on. Going to go back and watch the older ones that I haven’t seen one of these days.

    Thanks for all you’ve done GV

92. May 14, 2007

    Pablo

    Favorite show now … I don’t really watch TV anymore, I stick to IPTV and I loved diggnation, been watching it since it started. Really getting into wltv =) Also like most of the stuff done by revision3. If I had to chose a broadcast tv show it would be Heroes.

    Favorite show of all time … Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the original cartoon not that new CG stuff they got going on. I grew up with it =)

    About the wines.The first wine I ever tried was a Chianti and it is what really got me into drinking wine. I absolutely loved it. It was a 2004 Da Vinci. I couldn’t find it on your store but if you ever do Chianti’s again I’d like it if you tried Da Vinci. I don’t really know much about wines at all so I can’t attest to how good you’ll think it is, but I know I enjoyed it and i’d love to know what you think.

93. May 30, 2007

    diego de la p...

    woooaw, yesterday a friend brought some 2002 ruffino riserva, was terrible, it was like water with one or two cherries, that was crazy

94. June 15, 2007

    George Foster

    GARY:

    Spent a week at Canonica a Cerreto and had the opportunity to taste not only the 2002 Classico but also the Reserve — as you mentioned, outstanding wines and good values. Unfortunately, they are hard to find in the US.

    That said, stick with the wine ratings and lose the football and TV picks. Anybody could pick anybody over the Raiders.

95. July 18, 2007

    David Canada

    Saved me money again….I was out to buy that Ruffino for a party
    QOTD – Current favorite – Hmmmmm, gotta be Arrested Development
    All time favorite – Maybe Frasier? I don’t know

96. September 17, 2007

    Tommy Vernieri

    I’m just here from episode 316. My favorite TV show is, by far, Good Eats. Alton Brown is the best.

97. December 19, 2007

    Valentin

    My favourite TV show? The foxy lady with Teresa Orlowsky. She is taking everthing…Seriously now..Try VILLA LUCIA Chianti Riserva 2004. It costs 7 dollars on discount in Switzterland. A true Chianti experience. Another hint: 2003 igt Tuscany FORMULAE (Ricasoli or Frescobaldi) 9 dollars in Switzerland. A real steal also.

98. January 7, 2008

    David Ziemba

    Show i am watching “now”—on dvd getting an episode in about every 5 days but…Firefly…awesome…one season though (but they made a movie “Serenity” which was good (and i am not a sci-fi fan really))
    All time…probably…Seinfeld
    Dave

99. February 6, 2008

    Chris

    QOTD- Currently either Scrubs or Good Eats.

    All time- MASH or ER, back before it jumped the shark

100. February 14, 2008

     thefanjestic

     Qotd – WLTV of course!! Close second would be Always Sunny in Philadelphia, then Lost, and then Reno 911.

     Curb Your Enthusiasm and Entourage are very solid as well. But that’s HBO not TV.

101. April 27, 2008

     Kristen

     QOTD: Lost and X-Files, though the Simpsons and Family Guy are up there.

102. June 23, 2008

     PsychoI3oy

     I can’t think of Chianti without thinking of census taker’s liver and fava beans. *thpthpthpthpt*

103. August 22, 2009

     WillyPuller

     Quoting from Thomas Harris’ book:

     “A census taker tried to quantify me once. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a big Amarone. Go back to school, little Starling.”

     Wish the film had stuck to the book. A culture vulture like Lecter wouldn’t be seen dead guzzling a common country wine plonk like Chianti. Amarone della Valpolicella is so much more like him.

104. September 20, 2009

     John J.

     qotd curb your enthusiasm.
     any chance of you doing an episode on vin jaune’s Gary?

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