A Very Special Wine Episode.

A Very Special Wine Episode. – Episode #96

September 22, 2006

Wines tasted in this episode:

Today Gary tastes 4 wines from 4 very different places and finds a few he likes, he also takes us on a very special journey. Please watch todays episode with an nice bottle of wine and enjoy this massive effort. If there is ever an episode to write in on or email Gary about this is it!

158 Responses

September 22, 2006

Dan G.
WOW this is late
September 22, 2006

Mike F.
Gary

..vayner

..Chuck!

…comming through for the weekend!
September 22, 2006

Greg
Top 5!
September 22, 2006

Greg
AMAZING! Gotta love the Sopranoâ€™s intro!

Didn’t I see something like this once at a Jets game? All you need is that Jets fireman hat and you are all set.

Good luck against Buffalo this weekend!
September 22, 2006

Mike F.
Woops.. Vaynerchuk. sorry Gary.
September 22, 2006

Dan G.
Very nice intro and show. Dont remember the video but definitely the song. Heres a new twist: WLTV (like Happy Days) filmed in front of a live studio audience. I would make the 4 hour trip to see that. I should make it anyway because buying wines in PA sucks. The wine that I will never drink again which should come as no suprise due to past postings is chardonnay. Maybe Im one sided but what the hell.
September 22, 2006

Chris Stanisci
Today’s episode shows the store and Gary mentions his Dad. Below is a comment that I posted on yesterday’s episode and it talks about the store and Gary’s Dad as well. I wanted to make sure that people saw this post, so I posted again (apologies if you’ve read it already)

WLTV Viewers,
As Gary said, we met today. You can not believe how different Gary is from his â€œfacadeâ€ on WLTV. Heâ€™s a poser. I came off the elevator and he was berating, borderline abusing, several employees. Then, when I was introduced, he waved me off and walked away. It was as if I was â€œNO SOUPEDâ€ (my 2nd â€œno soup for youâ€ reference).

Just kidding of course. Gary was as gracious and approachable as you all imagine he would be and it was great to finally meet him after many emails.
Whomever has not had a chance to visit the storeâ€¦YOU NEED TO. WL is an amazing store and Iâ€™m not just speaking about the esthetics. Usually, retailers are strong in some areas(great selection), but weak in others (poor customer service)â€¦.there is almost always some kind of trade-off. Not so at WL. Here are the attributes IMHO:
-The store is beautiful
-The climate controlled â€œWine Roomâ€ is â€œoff the chartsâ€ gorgeousâ€“see Ep #4 for a Tour)
-The selection is incredible
-The service is truly remarkable-there are like 30 people on the floor..all with GREAT attitudesâ€¦all very helpful..and all with great knowledge.
-AND, with all of this â€œVALUE ADDâ€, the prices are the BEST!!!

I live 15 miles away, but will NEVER go to another store for wine.

GARY, I congatulate you and your father on a remarkable achievementâ€¦you both deserve all your success!! (please forward this note to your Dad).
September 22, 2006

Tampa Steve
Gary, where was the Cigar????? I will fix that when I come up from Tampa to visit..hope you are a cigar lover. I have an OpusX with your name on it:) You have outdone yourself on this episode. One thing I don’t get, aren’t you 30 something?? Where did the Pat Benatar come from?? I am 43 and she ran when I was in my teens/early20’s. I remember when she was doing the club circuit, along with the Pretenders, Joanne Jet…ect. Heck I even saw some of those people right in Jersey clubs near you. In any case great episode there Gary…I LOVED IT!

QOTD….just like you said in your closing statement….”having fun with wine”.. or something like that…lolol….I don’t think there is any wine I “HATE” or have gotten “MAD” about. Maybe some I am not found of but wine is much to much fun to hate.
September 22, 2006

Jill
GV, INSANE episode. Entertainment, family tribute and interesting juice. What a way to start the weekend.
September 22, 2006

Bill Ipp
AWESOME EPISODE
September 22, 2006

Matty Van
GV – great episode, the benitar clip sort of reminded me of family guy in that you jumped to something totally unrelated that made me giggle like a little school girl.

QOD – hmmm um welches grape, I dont see me ever totally writting off a grape,
September 22, 2006

the professor and....
This episode was classic!!! And hell yeah I remember the video, back when MTV actually played videos. Love that you got the Pat Benetar “Thriller” shake in the video segment, that was the best part. Next, I felt like I was driving to work, don’t ever do that to me again, damnit!! I’m a frequent driver on 24 and 287.
QOD Don’t know that I’ve had a wine that pissed me off, and that I would never drink again. I have been disappointed with wines that I’ve liked in past years, but isn’t that the nature of the game? If I must chose, I would say the I would never again purchase Chateau Lyonnat. Got it at the Library on another customers recommendation and ended up dumping it in the “crapper”. (Because that’s where crap goes, right!?!).
September 22, 2006

RCP
Gary,

Great episode, thanks for pimpin’ this one out and keeping us satisfied for the weekend.

Chateau De Leelanau Chardonnay (from north Michigan) it made me want to launch the glass as far away from my face as possible when I took a whiff.

Ryan
September 22, 2006

the professor and....
I should probably make it clear that I’ve had many, many recommended wines at the Wine Library, and have found some true gems because of those recommendations. So give a shout out to your staff for me.
September 22, 2006

JohnM
Great episode! Enjoyed the Sopranos intro, and hittin me with Pat’s best shot – big fun! QOD – Boone’s Farm of course – too many episodes of nausea at 18 before I knew (and could afford) better. No two buck chuck in 1971 – Thunderbird was 40 cents, or twenty twice.
September 22, 2006

JohnM
Googling to see what Pat B. looks like today turned up her daughter, Haley’s entry on wikipedia. Whoa! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haley_Giraldo
September 22, 2006

K Spengler
Gary, I just love the surprises you continue to bring to WLTV. GREAT EPISODE. It’s nice to hear personal thoughts concerning your family. It’s good to hear you’re as passionate about them as you are your beloved Jets. Kudos to you for keeping it all in perspective. I’m off to the website to purchase your 96 pointer Merlot.

Keep the energy going…
September 22, 2006

SeanM
Nice way to start a weekend, Thanks dude.

Haven’t been drinking wine long enough to have a hate yet when it comes to the product. What I do hate is restaurants that have lousy wines by the glass at â€œwe think you are stupidâ€ prices. I also hate wine lists that have lousy cheap wines listed at 4 to 5 times their retail value.

I was in a pub/restaurant in Sandpoint, ID a few weeks back and they had at least 35 wines available by the glass and they were fairly priced. Good food, live music, great wine. This was a block from the Pend d’Oreille winery whom I visited the next morning. GREAT blended wines, and an outstanding syrah.

BTW if the 2-0 Pats suck, where exactly does that leave the 0-2 Jets?
September 22, 2006

SeanM
Sorry 1-1 Jets.
September 22, 2006

Greg
Gary,
Loved the Soprano’s opening.
However, this Pat Benatar thing is disturbing. You gotta get some help for that. Perhaps you have been snorting too much wine. Maybe it is depression brought on perpetual the perpetual strife of a New York Jets fan.

I think I have a cure for you. Sit back this Sunday with a nice bottle of that Corte Riva and watch the Pittsburgh Steelers romp up on the Bengals!

Wine that I am fed up with (really a producer) is Veramonte. Been a love/hate relationship, some years have been great, others have absolutely sucked. I am fed up and just don’t buy it anymore!
September 22, 2006

Rick
Malvasia $9.00 a bottle

This wine, made from late harvest fruit, has an unforgettable floral aroma and a taste that lingers on the palate.

It is characterized as a rich dessert wine with hints of honey, tropical fruits and a touch of spice.

Gold Medal Winner 2006 Los Angeles Wines of the World

Gold Medal Winner 2005 Riverside International Wine Competition
September 22, 2006

Karen
good gawd…after the reference yesterday and the clip today all i can think is that since you’re about 7 or 8 years younger than me you must have been at an incredibly impressionable age when ms. benatar was mainstream pop (it wasn’t good then either!). yeesh, seek help gary! a neat episode though. someone mentioned recently that you haven’t had a guest in a long while…you really ought to interview your dad. i know i’m curious. certainly, i’ve said it before: you deserve all the success you reap from wl.
qod: piat d’or, black tower and blue nun. good gawd on those too! my parents’ ideas of good wine.
September 22, 2006

E-Rock
Bravo Gary!!! I couldn’t agree more with your let’s keep it simple statement!! There are a couple of people taking wine a little too serious around here. It’s wine people, one of those things in life that’s supposed to be fun!!!!!!!! Good or bad… it’s all gooD!! lol… As far as the question of the day……. Box Wine and Boone’s Farm……. I’ll never drink those again!!! Other than that i’ll give anything a second chance!!
September 22, 2006

Julius
Well you really confused me on the pinot noir from Hungary. You start by saying it’s good, then it’s a pass. You taste asian spice, to which I previously asked, which ones. Then you say the finish is acidic and flabby, which is generally a characteristic of low acidity.

BTW, did yo get the book?
September 22, 2006

Chuck W
Great Episode! I really enjoy listening to you and oh yeah your reviews. One question, did you tape the drive scenes on a Saturday? Where was the traffic? My wife and I love WLTV and are curious when you are going to network or cable? Until then we want tickets to your first WLTV live studio audience.

Have a great weekend! Go Browns!
September 22, 2006

Picktown
Great way to end the week, Gary!

Maybe this came up when Gary was in the WSJ a few weeks back, but did you know….

….you can hang Gary over your fireplace? OK, not the man himself, of course, but a framed reproduction of the picture used in the article (the WSJ calls them “hedcuts”).

I was reading through the WSJ a day or two ago, and saw an ad for Dow Jones Reprints (www.djreprints.com), so I went out and sure enough! I’m picking one up for behind the bar.

Have a great weekend, and remember…Love is a battlefield.
September 22, 2006

JimB
Good show. Sopranos intro, family moment, Pat Benatar,unusual mix of wines. I cannot think of anything that I will never drink again. Maybe carrott juice.
September 22, 2006

Mike E
Fun episode.
Nice call on the Corte Riva. I tried a barrel sample of their 2005 Petit Sirah and it’s real serious stuff – thought I should have brought my knife and fork! The winemaker is definitely one of the good guys.

Hey Gary, do you think that any publishing reviewer ever check the quality of the cork when they estimate the age worthness of wine? I have seen some very poor corks in very expensive wines and they didn’t seem to be standing the test of time when pulled. It seemed pretty consistent across the bottles in the case so it wasn’t a one off. Just seems pretty odd to me – cheaping out on the corks.

All the best,
Mike.
September 22, 2006

Matty Van
GV I too agree with karen comment #22, I liked when you have guests..that is if they are interesting, more so then having on a wine maker I would enjoy you haveing a staff members taste with you to see how two pallets compare on one wine, also would love to meet your dad.
September 22, 2006

Dennis
Can there be a better operning? – just “furgitabout it.”
QOD – liebfraumilch! Without a doubt.
Now a good kabinett on the other hand is a thing of beauty.
September 22, 2006

Matty Van
one more thing…GV do you have a camera you can take with you so you could film something for WLTV where ever and when ever something interesting came up?
September 22, 2006

ChrisR
Gary,

Hysterical. Loved the Sopranos opening and PB vid. With your viewership, how did you afford the clip rights and music clearance residuals?

I guess I’m a snob, but I can’t ever drink White Zin, especially Beringer. Although it is not really wine so I guess it doesn’t count.
September 22, 2006

DWildman
HA…..well, in honor of the Jewish New Year, I can say authoritatively that I will NEVER NEVER drink Manischewitz Cream Red Concord EVER EVER again.
September 22, 2006

MaryS
Gary,

Two thumbs up. Today’s episode was over the top! I have a Lexus too but you need the LS430 with Bluetooth! Don’t you know it’s illegal to talk on the cellphone while driving???!!! But for the effects it was cool. I know that drive. Need to make one soon to stock up. I remember Pat Benatar when I was a “kid”. She was good. Don’t listen to the skeptics. To each his own is what I say.

ChrisR – snobs CAN drink Beringer White Zin. We can drink whatever we want!
September 22, 2006

Dom
Great show. I will definitely need to find the Corte Riva Merlot. Hopefully tomorrow.

What will I never drink again? Hmmmm, good question. If I had to choose one wine or varietal it would be Beringer White Zinfandel.
September 22, 2006

TimF
Nice nod to Chris Stanisci with the Dwight bobblehead… Great Office episode last night.

Is the picture behind you a take-off on RenÃ© Magritte?

Speaking of set props, I don’t think I’ve seen any NY Jets Starting Lineup figurines. I’d be shocked if you didn’t have some of those.

QOD: I’ve had some stinkers. I read all the great things be written lately about Terra Valentine so I had a bottle. I couldn’t stand it. The sweetness seemed way out of balance to me. Usually when the sweetness is out of balance for me, I hate the wine and won’t drink it ever again…
September 23, 2006

Chris from NY
Gary, I feel that your relationship with us viewers has evolved where I can honestly tell you that the Pat Benatar clip was the gayest thing I’ve ever seen. I’m not sure that gayest is even a word but I was dumbfounded by the clip and dont know what else to say. The wine I will never drink again is my boss’homemade crap. The taste is horrible but my car runs great off of it.
September 23, 2006

A
Gary nice show. I would like to see some video of the inside of your retail area. Some of us are just too far away to stop by.
September 23, 2006

Chad O
Gary, you’re insane, it’s hilarious. Looks like you guys have a fun time with your jobs.

Wines I will never get roped into trying again are anything from Barefoot and Fat Bastard.
September 23, 2006

A
I wouldn’t buy Two Buck Chuck and White Zin is also out.
September 23, 2006

A
My Blue Nun and Lancers Rose days were over many many years ago. I would’t drink them today if you paid me!
September 23, 2006

Big Billy from Big D
This may have been better placed with the really good Alsace episode, but I have been too busy to comment for the last several days.

This from Alan Richman, the food critic for GQ and author of â€œFork It Over”:

10 Reasons Why White Wine Is Better Than Red Wine

(1.) White wine does not stain clothing, which is important to those of us who dine with enthusiasm.

(2.) White wine does not cause debilitating headaches, whereas red wine contains chemicals identical to those hidden from United Nations inspectors.

(3.) White wine includes Champagne.

(4.) No decanting required. Watching sommeliers light candles and stare at red wine sediment is like attending a bad sÃ©ance.

(5.) White wine goes with cheese the way red wine only wishes it did.

(6.) Making white wine keeps the Germans distracted.

(7.) Ever notice that the winos hanging around vacant lots strewn with broken bottles and dead cats are always drinking red wine?

(8.) Sure, red wine lowers cholesterol, but is that any way to decide on a beverage?

(9.) Bad red wine is always worse than bad white wine.

(10.) Red wine drinkers talk constantly about terroir and barnyard aromas. They’re best brought to their senses by throwing a glass of cold white wine in their faces.

Chin chin
September 23, 2006

MarcT
Gary, you sold me on the Corte Riva Merlot. I bought it before I even posted. Ha
The wine that I will NEVER drink again…well I don’t know about never but I am really fed up with (and you will only understand if you are from Georgia or visit North Georgia) Habersham Winery. The products they offer to the public are absolute donkey piss. Of course some “friend” of mine will go to North GA and get a bottle from one of the tasting rooms and come to my house with it in tow…”Man I tried this awesome wine from up near Helen and I brought a bottle to you. You have got to try it!” I reply….”Now?”
Why is it when people know that you are knowledgeable and in to wine they continuously bomb you with crap? “Oh man I went to Outback and had the Shiraz and it was soooo great with my Flo’s Filet!” Or “Oh I found this great wine at the store the other day, Marc; you’ve got to try it.”
I say, “Really, what wine did you find?”
“It’s a Pinot Noir. I just love Pinot Noir!”
“Aaaahhhhh yes. That sounds great! Who made it?” (In my most happy voice)
“I don’t know…”
Now I do have patience with these nubies cause I was once at that point too (when I was 15) but sometimes it gets under my skin. Fortunately for my “friends” I know how to bite my tongue.
Gary keep up the good work. The episode today was outstanding…96 points!
Where’s my buddy BrandonM? Did he take a day off? I mean come on man! This is WLTV we are talking about! Tony…Where are you too?
September 23, 2006

Big Billy from Big D
QOTD:
In 1967 I was a young PFC in the Marine Corps stationed at Camp Pendleton. My platoon began a custom of a day or two before payday, when everyone was very broke, of taking up a collection of any odd spare change. The spare change slush fund would be handed over to one of us with a car to go into Oceanside and fetch as much Red Mountain Burgundy as our spare change collection would buy. Red Mountain was sold in those lab-style gallon jugs for about $1.99 a gallon. The jugs would be brought back to the barracks and would be consumed from canteen cups until it was all gone, as were we. These forays into inebriation kept me from drinking red wine until I was probably 35.
September 23, 2006

MarcT
Alan Richman clearly has no sack!
I love whites too but what is this guy doing?
September 23, 2006

MarcT
Nice Billy! I hope your back on the train now.
September 23, 2006

MarcT
Gary nice show. I would like to see some video of the inside of your retail area. Some of us are just too far away to stop by.

Comment 37: By A on

Try going back a few episodes (Episode #64) and you will get a full tour! And a good laugh.
September 23, 2006

MarcT
Comment #46 is in response to “A”
September 23, 2006

P. Hig.
Good episode. Thanks for the comment on the La Mission. I agree though I have frequently been disappointed with it. I too was a little confused with the comments on the pinot. Flabby and acidic (like the latter not the former). Other that that, on “The Office,” I went to school with Steve Carell.. I think he’s the only vaguely (ok, really vaguely) famous person I can brag about having known. Not that HE would know me from Adam these days but… So, if I can’t have Burgundy, how about some good cheap(ish) Rhones. Vacqueras, Gigondas, Crozes-Hermitage. I trying here… Make ‘em 2004. You should be getting those right about now. Wine I would never drink again. White Zin. I thought I would never have Sautern again when I stole a bottle from my Dad (I was something like a 1960s Rieussec) and opened it only to gag because it was so sweet. I just wanted to get buzzed and couldn’t guzzle it so I finally threw it down the sink. When he figured it out he almost threw me down the sink. Ah, the teenage years. Now I love the sweets.
September 23, 2006

Darlene O.
Ah, Gary! This is why we love WLTV!!! Another awesome episode, great intro, love the Benitar vid, (really took me back!), and you got me looking for the Corte Riva!! Now, for your QOD…can’t say a wine ever pissed me off, but I can tell you what I used to drink (very early in my wine-learning) but will never drink again: Yago Sangria!!! I know, but hey, when I was drinking it, EVERYONE was drinking it. I’m not ashamed, it’s just an is. :}
September 23, 2006

John Coyne
Gary,

This is easy, any wines imported by Gaetano d’Aquino. Many years ago, when I was forced to become a value shopper, I bought different Italian wines imported by d’Aquino. All were absolute dreak. What’s amazing to me is after all these years they’re still in business. You can fool some of the people all the time.
September 23, 2006

Ferrigno
Shame on you Gary Vay-ner-chuk, talking over the cellphone while driving….
September 23, 2006

Matthew L
Awesome episode Gary! What is that … and an IS or a GS? You strike me more of an IS kinda guy because it’s sportier. What was up with that black SUV coming out of the lot? I think you two were going to crash. I saw ep. #4, but seeing the store again … WOW! Nice work.

Very classy tribute to your dad and family. A lot of people these days don’t talk enough about the importance of family. It’s apparent that your dad is very special to you.

I’ll be honest and say that 40 bones for a bottle is a lot to spend, so I appreciate the review of the Corte Riva.

I’m kind of in the same boat as Tampa Steve, and some others, in that I don’t really hate a particular producer. Although, growing up in Kalamazoo, MI, we were almost forced to drink St. Julian wines. That about as close to hate as I will get for a producer. As for pissed off? I have to that those friggin’ Arbor Mist, and its corny commercials, REALLY piss me off! They are truly the new millennium Boons.

Hey…I asked this question last week, but given your QOD I think it’s on topic to raise it again. What producer, or producers, do you think does the best job making different varietals of wine? I think Hogue and Hess are up there.
September 23, 2006

Matthew L
Hey Gary…check this out! I was cruising the message board at a wine shop here in the DC area, and look what I found. A thread on WL.

http://www.wineaccess.com/store/beltwayfinewine/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.html?msg_id=000RGr
September 23, 2006

kEN
iF YOU REALLY VALUE YOUR FAMILY AS i’M SURE tHEY DO YOU; get yourself a hands free headset or speaker phonefor that lex you….. dork.
September 23, 2006

kEN
I mean Patriot.
September 23, 2006

Lynne
Gary,
What a nice tribute to your father and family.
I would LOVE to know more about how he started his family
here, where he came from and how the business began.

I agree whole heartedly about the importance of family. That’s where life is.
What’s the expression…if everyone would take care of family,
then everyone would be taken care of?.

QOD: HATED: (because I was young & foolish & I got sick)
1) Almaden
2) Spanada
3) Zeller Schwarze Katz

Thanks for a GREAT episode, have a wonderful family weekend and….GO BENGALS!!
September 23, 2006

Ricardo Ganc
Gary,
This episode:
Awkward, very awkward.
It started well, with a great emocional speech as an attack, after that, really off balance, white with red, last millennium videos on, not a great finish… 87 for the wines and a…..75 minus for the video….IÂ´d say “Pazz with a double Z”

LOL, GOTTA LOVE THIS ONE!!
September 23, 2006

Rick
http://www.winearomawheel.com/

WHITE WINE RED WINE
Pear Berry
Pineapple Cherry
Green Apple Plum
Apricot Raspberry
Peach Boysenberry
Melon Strawberry
Banana Rhubarb
Guava Blackberry
Lemon Blueberry
Grapefruit Black Currant
Mango Raisin
Passion Fruit Fig
September 23, 2006

Chris Stanisci
TIM F Insanely impressive call on Dwight bobblehead!! Agree, funny episode.

GARY, GREAT episode–who’s idea was it for the opening? please ANSWER on next episode!!

Ordered the Merlot…how could I not after probably the most glowing review in WLTV history?
September 23, 2006

TimF
I just picked up a mixed half case of wine including that Corte Riva — I wanted a bottle before it’s all gone. Can anyone give me a good food/wine pairing on that Corte Riva?
September 23, 2006

Italian Stallion
Gary,

This is one of the best episodes you’ve ever done!!!! Absolutley phenomenol episode. Loved the Soprano’s intro, obviously because I’m Italian. I love the Dwight Bobble Head….way to show love and support NBC.

QOD Answer: Los Vascos Cabernet….it was horrible, off balance and non enjoyable.

Gary you never cease to amaze me….Your THE MAN!!!

Stallion
September 23, 2006

Marc Mc
Gary,
Thanks for the tip on the Corte Riva, picked-up 6 from your web site. There are other web retailers at lower prices, but I think you need to go home with the person that brought you to the dance. Loyalty is lacking in our current “WalMart” culture and I challenge everyone to purchase through WL when they are turned on to a new wine by Gary.

QOD: Worst wine, ‘97 Spring Mountain cab last night, CORKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 23, 2006

DougG
I don’t know? I think Paloma still has the Corte and now that the Corte is up to 50 bucks they are in the same price point. The only thing is that the Corte is more readily available.
September 23, 2006

BigAl
Hey Gary V, Thanks to you now I can’t get that stupid Pat Benitar song out of my head! Great episode. Keep mixing things up.
September 23, 2006

Chris
Gary,
You need a headset for the cell in the car. Seriously its dangerous to talk on the phone and drive. QOD: I’m mad as hell at Hartwell Vineyards for a terrible tour/tasting experience.
September 23, 2006

Dan
I go out of the country for a couple of weeks and look what happens! Gary V turns into Tony S! Pat Benetar reappears from my ute! Merlot? Now I have to drink Merlot? (Just kidding about that. Sideways made Merlot cheap and Pinot expensive)

I had some Venezuelan wines when I lived in Caracas. That won’t happen again.

Question: What happened to the spreadsheet?

Salud!

(I blogged my trip if anyone is interested. Some food and wine notes as you go deeper:

http://austriafrance2006.blogspot.com/ )

Dan (from Houston)
September 23, 2006

John H.
Gary,

Shhhhhhh….Corte Riva has been one of my “under the radar” wines for some time now. I guess the secret is out.
September 23, 2006

Susan
Gary-
SUPER episode! I give it a 96.
I LOVE the video at the beginning. I am also curious about the traffic. Where was the traffic?
We have AWFUL traffic here in Charlotte, NC. Charlotte was designed for 200,000 and we have over 1 million who work here each day soooooooo…..It is alot of fun!
I would also have to agree that you need to get a cordless headset for your cell. Jabra makes great headsets.
I am glad you tried 4 wines from 4 places. I am thrilled you found one that you really like.
I enjoyed the Pat video and yes, I remember that video.
Keep up the good work!:)
September 23, 2006

Tony
Gary, you are a bad, bad boy. If your “nice Jewish mother” saw you driving while yakking on a cell phone, she’d die of a heart attack. And then you’d have to live with the horrible guilt that you sent her to her grave by being irresponsible! Tsk, tsk.

I really really REALLY hate people who drive and talk on a cell phone. As others have said, it’s dangerous – to you and to people on the road with you. You’ve got to be able to afford a hands-free set, Gary, so please, for us and for your family, get one.

I bet you really didn’t think that everyone was going to scold you about the cell phone, did you?

I think the only wine that I will never try again was this wine that this drunk photographer (giving my profession a bad name) gave us at a local tasting. Dreadful, hateful stuff. He bragged and bragged about this wine (actually, mostly about the naked woman that he photgraphed and put on the label). The stuff tasted like a mix of sour milk, gasoline, furniture polish and fruit juice gone bad. I don’t know…what do you say to someone who is so damn proud of their wine when it is so incredibly vile? I still retch just thinking about it.

BTW, MarcT, I’m here. Friday I’m not usually in the office, and so I’m not typically watching WLTV. I think BrandonM has a similar schedule, because he doesn’t always comment on Fridays.
September 23, 2006

ray n
Have to admit, when I would open the closet door of my dorm back in my college days, there hung a poster of Pat Benatar in one of her great leather outfits. Thanks for bringing back that image. Great episode, you are definitely on a mission to bring back merlot, and I am with you.
September 23, 2006

Tony and Tami
Hi Gar, it’s T&T we loved this episode, and the music was awesome!!!, the production value was great.The wine we will not drink again is “Two Buck chuck” The wine we are drinking tomorrow is “Eaglepoint Ranch Syrah” Our order came in Yesterday. Keep up the good work. If you are ever in Chicago let us know and we will enjoy a bottle of “Pax” wine together.
September 23, 2006

EmeryP
Don’t know if the directing reminded me more of Francis Ford Coppochuck or M. Night Shymalchuck?
September 23, 2006

E
People forget just how dark and foreboding this world was before Pat Benatar made it a brighter place through dance.
QOD: one thing I’ll absolutely, unrepentantly steer clear of is Cote Zero organic red. I’ve enjoyed lots of terrific organic wines, but this is not one of them.

Tried it once, it tasted like something had died in there, but I figured OK, bad bottle. The neighbors brought it over again (”Look, it’s organic!), and it tasted exactly the same–all pencil lead and labrusca funk. Bleh, ptui and so forth.

Shana tova, y’all.
September 23, 2006

joe
Gary, great episode – thanks for the Crote Riva tip – I ahve been looking to replace Pride.

I am pissed off with Marquis-Phillips and Faleso Vitano and any other under $12 RP 89-90 wine, and won’t bother with them anymore.
September 23, 2006

ML
What is with you people criticizing GV talking on his cell phone while driving? Who gives a crap!?!? If you can’t talk and drive at the same time, you shouldn’t have a license.

Another great episode Gary. I loved the Pat Benetar interlude…it was classic.

As far as wines I won’t buy…I just avoid the mass produced stuff…KJ, Woodbridge, Yellowtail, Santa Margherita, etc.
September 23, 2006

the professor and....
Gary, I can’t believe that people are bashing you for Pat Benetar, but letting the Lionel Richie thing go. Now that’s truely disturbing!!! Some advice, never ever admit that your into Lionel Richie! I like Neil Diamond but you’d never hear me admitting it. Oh shit did I just post that!?! (LOL).
September 24, 2006

Patrice Breton
Very funny episode Gary. One of the best.

Corte Riva is a bit too over-the-top for me. It is certainly well made but I prefer less saturation and more finesse and minerality in merlot.

I will never ever drink seyval blanc and marechal foch based wines again. Just terrible. I still have nightmares.

P. Breton
September 24, 2006

garybee
Gary, I’ve got to go along sith others on the Benatar thing. I liked her 20 years ago, but you might need to seek professional help. By the way, doesn’t New Jersey have laws regarding driving and talking on the cell phone? You might want to think about a headset for that phone. You don’t want to be thrown in jail there. The wine sucks in jail.

Take care.
Garybee
September 24, 2006

MarcT
{http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/cat1150057/cat5420035/prod5460010}
Gary, don’t listen to what people are saying about every other headset out there!!!
I have been through EVERY one and this one is the best…Plantronics Voyager 510. It has a built in wind sock, and the ambient noise is totally wiped out so consideration for the folks on the other end is there. Also it has three different ear buds that are easily swapped for a perfect fit for any ear. I agree about not driving and talking at the same time without a headset so if you follow the advice of your followers then I highly recommend this route. Cheers.
September 24, 2006

Dan
MarcT – I am with you on the Plantronics. I can’t live without it.

Sort of Borg-like, though.

Gary V, I added the links.

Now I have to find time to catch up on the last two weeks of WLTV!

Cheers,

Dan (In Houston)
September 24, 2006

Rich S
Lol. Loved the Sopranos intro GV. What a great episode!!!

Thanks for trying a trebbiano in this episode. I am a big fan of Italian white and red wines and Trebbiano is definitely overlooked in terms of whites.

Getting back to the episode, the Pat Benatar breakaway was hilarious. I love the fact that you have a sense of humor and can be goofy yet still deliver on wine recommendations. Great job. I will check out the Corte Riva. I dig huge Napa Merlots so I would probably like this one. My favorite Napa merlot to date was the 2002 Ehlers Estate Bottled Merlot which was awesome. Huge black fruit taste and an incredible smooth finish.
September 24, 2006

Joe P.
Disclaimer: I have caviar tastes but a mac & cheese budget. My Comment: The wine I cannot drink ever again is the two buck chuck shiraz/syrah. The current offering reeks of rotten eggs–which says to me: too much sulfite. Once I recognized it, I had to return the rest of the case. That said, I’m tired of all of the Charles Shaw line. It is a bargain at $2 (if you live on the west coast.. It’s over $3 on the east coast… but it is boring and not worth the $10+ dollars everyone who loves it claims it is.) There are so many other great $10 and under bargains that blow it away. Sorry to waste so much time on a $2-3 wine, but I had to get that off my chest. j
September 24, 2006

Big Billy from Big D
Jets Avert Wine Library Free Shipping Offer to Western NY.
Film at 11

Chin chin
September 24, 2006

The Wine Glass
Great Show!! The last comment says it for me. The two buck chuck. Bad, Bad wine. Keep the shows coming.
September 24, 2006

Roxanne
Great show! Again, like others – please never drive while talking on the phone. EVER. I agree that an interview with your dad would be relly interesting. I agree with comment #42 that bad white wine is always better than bad red, as I was in beer country in Scotland this summer and although my beer loving husband was in heaven, most places we went to were a wine drinker’s hell. Most of them were unidentified ‘house reds’ (the only choice), so I cannot bash them specifically. I suspect some of them were home made. Shudder…
Roxanne
September 24, 2006

TimF
Impressive division win by the Jets today. I didn’t think they had them in it.

We totally need to get a WLTV Fantasy Football league set up next year…
September 24, 2006

Big Billy from Big D
Roxanne, Homemade would have been too much work.

What the Scots were peddling was their eqivalent of Two Buck Chuck or worse.

Chin chin
September 24, 2006

Panman
I score the entertainment value of this episode 95 pts! After missing a few episodes, I was able to catch up on them tonight. Boy was I glad I got a chance to catch this one.

Thanks for testing the Los Vascos a few days ago. I dissapointed it did not show well. Try the ‘02.
September 24, 2006

PeteB
How’s that construction on Rt.78 treating you???

And I second one of the above sincerely – go hands free brother. I prefer the speaker phone option, just don’t like crap in my ear. That Lex has to have the option – look into it! I did for my wife & I and I am glad I spent the money.

GV all this Pat B. – are you leading up to the 100th episode – if Pat B. enters that episode, I am going to have you committed!

QOD: I don’t know if I have a definite, but lastr night I had the Bogle Petit Syrah and I know I will never try it again!

P.S. – enjoy your Jets victory today, as I will curse Seattle for beating my Giants.
September 24, 2006

Polly
Gary,

You seem like a good kid. You have good intentions, and I really like your work. But, if you’re going to grow your program and your sphere of influence, it’s time to consider incorporating the talents of an editor into your effort. You know I mean this in the best way possible.

(Realize this is coming from one of the few that genuinely likes Pat Bentar.)

: )
September 24, 2006

Brandon M
Just got back into town…Sunday Night.
I can’t say that I won’t ever drink it again, but I won’t ever buy it again….SILVER OAK
I have been so dissapointed after a lot of great early nineties cab. They suckered me in to higher prices and then made so many cases they couldn’t keep quality up. The grocery stores EVERY where started carrying it.

Gary…classic beginning to today’s episode.

BTW…NOMAAAAAAAAAAR DEEEEEEEEEP…Grand Slam, bottom of the ninth!

B
September 24, 2006

Polly
To Roxanne…

Scotland is beer country? Boy, you really missed the boat while you were there. Hope you didn’t miss the golf, too.
September 25, 2006

Sean
Yellow Tail shiraz left an aftertaste of perfume. I’ll never buy YT again… I’ve learned better. I buy something new from somwhere new every time.
September 25, 2006

mwf
About that opening…

Did you hear from Tony’s lawyers yet?

Actually, Tony doesn’t send lawyers!
September 25, 2006

Jason R.
Very supprised on drinking something from Hungary…

Very last bottle I opened – Very first bottle in my life that I have ever DUMPED DOWN THE DRAIN.

EGERVIN – EGRI BIKAVER (BULLS BLOOD) $5.49

I have had before many years ago and it was decent and worth the $5-6 bones. This bottle smelled like 8th grade science experiment, and tasted like ACID. Like taking Chlorine and HCL / mixing up with Welches and throwing it in a bottle. I took one small whiff, and small drink, then another drink to confirm, spit and dumped….

NEVER AGAIN!!!!
September 25, 2006

The Godfather
Gary:
Excellent marketing. For those of us lurkers tempted to “take a drive to Springfield” the intro is better than a dashboard GPS map.
Comment about your practice of using a single glass for tasting – OK for Bordeaux and merlot – but white wines and Pinot? I’m convinced glassware influences the tactile qualities of wine – Do you agree?
September 25, 2006

DaveL
Gary,
Great great great episode. I guess emulating Tony Soprano made it OK to break two (not one, but two!)laws during the filming: cell phone of course, and making that illegal left turn into your parking lot! Well, that’s actually not as bad as getting stuck trying to leave your place when someone is trying to make the illegal left OUT of the lot. Ha! Love the store, love the show. I’ll never drink highly oaked chard again if I can help it. Maybe one day my palate will evolve enough to appreciate it.
September 25, 2006

Lawrence Leichtman
Have to second the comments on the cell phone as it is one of my pet peeves and studies show it is worse than driving drunk that I’m sure you don’t recommend. Other than that, this episode was cleverly done. Can’t find the Corte Riva and would like to.

I was very early turned off to anything from Iron Horse or Far Niente but I have to say almost any Cal Chardonnay turns me off.
September 25, 2006

Vinacull
Gary,
Fantastic episode! I’m probably one of the few in America who doesn’t watch Sopranos, but I loved the opening clip just the same. The tribute to your father and family was touching. When my father came to America through Ellis Island in 1949, he was nine years old and his family had only a few dollars to their name. So I follow you completely when you say the things you accomplish pale in comparison. My hat is off to you Gary. As for Pat Benetar, your cutaway to the video vixen reminded me of the wine steward we learned from in Oregon who often used references to female characters or characteristics to describe Pinot Noir — all in good fun of course. As long as you’re running with the shadows of the night, make sure you give props to Blondie and Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders as well! QOTD: Had occasion to try Fat Bastard Shiraz one time. Undrinkable IMO.
September 25, 2006

TimF
100?
September 25, 2006

Russ J
Great episode, Gary. The funny ones are the best. I am sure you were just pretending to talk on your cell phone, to get some of that “breakin’ the law” flavor pumping.

I saw Haley Giraldo, Pat Benetar’s daughter, on “Filthy Rich Cattle Drive”, a reality show on E (?) last year. Very hot, but came off as a vacuous little airhead. Maybe it was the editing…..Yeah, I just admitted to watching “Filthy Rich Cattle Drive”. I also watched “Celebrity Mole” and liked it!
QOTD: directly related to my answer to an earlier QOTD, worst wine experience, Hungarian sparkling wine. Not nearly as good as that mediocre Pinot you tasted.
September 25, 2006

Tony S.
Great episode…let me guess, you listen to the Soprano’s theme every single day you go to work? I thought so. The one wine I’ll never have again is anything from Duckhorn. They sued, or tried to sue, a small winery I believe in the New York area, because that winery had the word “Duck” in their title! Greedy corporate bastards!

Anyway, I heard that story years and years ago and am foggy on all the details, but I’ve sworn off Duckhorn after that, and haven’t tried it since. If you, or someone else out there, knows the details of the story, I’d love to hear about it. It’s been awhile, heck, I may even be wrong, so I’d like to know that as well.

OK, see you later.
Go Bears!
T
September 25, 2006

joseph
Isn’t it illegal to drive in NJ while on your cell phone?
September 25, 2006

Hinrgman
Tony S

Try Google.com sometime.

http://www.decanter.co.uk/news/46215.html
September 25, 2006

dougiefresh
the wine I’ll never buy again was that Baco Cab you turned us on to. dude, I think your show jumped the shark on that episode. In fact, I opened the second bottle I bought figuring there was something wrong with the first and both went down the sink. blech! it was like dirty socks dipped in a compost.

fortunatly the Mellville you had mentioned was there to salvage our Saturday night. ; )
September 25, 2006

Bruce S
Gary,

With your Pat Benatar obsession, I envision you sitting at home watching the DVD of 13 Going On 30. Its my wife and daughter’s favorite movie to watch together and sing along. Didn’t know you were so into chick flicks.
September 25, 2006

Mark
Another great episode…Looking forward to trying the 2003 Corte Riva Merlot.

I’ll never have another Freemark Abbey Wine, especially the Sycamore Vineyard. I purchased a case of the 2006 at the vineyard a few years ago and brought it home. Almost every bottle was tainted…badly. And when I complained I never got a response. Needless to say, both the wine and the service left a bad taste in my mouth!
September 25, 2006

GOL
Pure genius on the intro!

QOD – Wine I’ll never have again: DuBoeuf Beaujolais Nouveau. I can handle some really cheap and bad wines if presented with nothing else to drink, but that stuff is so awful I’m not even sure I’d call it wine
September 25, 2006

Julia
I was so disappointed in a Dr. Loosen riesling I had recently. It was really just like drinking sugar water, and I like German rieslings–for example, the ‘01 Charles Schleret Riesling Herrenweg. I did really enjoy the Ste Michelle-Dr Loosen Eroica Riesling I had not long ago, however–that’s a ‘new world’ co-production.
September 25, 2006

Rick McQ
Gary:

I stay away from anything from Austrialia for the most part. It always a little too new world and has a hint of Yellow Tale (Which I can’t Drink). However, I did have one Pennefolds Private Reserve 99′ that was pretty good.
September 25, 2006

TimF
Julia – The Eroica is a nice bottle of wine. My wife loves riesling and always buys this one called ‘Relax’ and I always make fun of her for doing so. Then one day I’m listening to the SF Chronicle podcast and they guy does a review of ‘Relax’. It made me feel like a wine snob so now I don’t make fun of anything she wants to drink…
September 25, 2006

Rick
Gary

For the next time you smell worms in your wine!

http://www.friedwormsmovie.com/
September 25, 2006

kidseyemd
two questions GV-
1) No hands-free cellphone law in NJ??
2) Don’t u have a private reserved parking space where no one will ding your Lexus??

Outstanding episode, as always

Hugh
September 25, 2006

kjb
DaveL – Why do you say its an illegal left turn into WineLibrary’s parking lot? I do it every time I go there, can’t say I ever saw a sign to the contrary…
September 25, 2006

Tony S.
Thanks Hinrgman!
T
September 25, 2006

TimF
Gary – I think changing around the comments section would make for much better conversations. You could have one for ‘current episode’ but stuff like ‘What are you drinking tonight?’ and ‘What’s your favorite new restaurant?’ are timeless. We need a more hierarchical format than this.
September 25, 2006

GOL
Spreadsheet is up! Great job Chris and WL tech team!
September 25, 2006

Officer Wilson
Mr. Vaynerchuk, I am Officer Wilson of the State Police. I am hereby issuing you a summons for driving without a seatbelt as well as for use of a cellular phone while driving without a hands-free device. However, I am a big Sopranos fan and I think your intro, while dangerous, was creative. I suppose I can let this one slide.

Keep up the solid work and DRIVE SAFE!!!
September 25, 2006

Rob M.
Hey GOL- where is spreadsheet?
September 25, 2006

Tony
Nice job on the spreedsheet! Looks great! I’m glad that it’s sortable too. Nice work Chris Stan and the folks at WL.
September 25, 2006

GOL
To the right of the “search box” on the tv.winelibrary.com page… “Chris Stanisci’s Spreadsheet”
September 25, 2006

Brandon M
Triple Ditto…great job on the spread sheet.
Rob…there’s a link right between where the episode block ends, and the Schwag link.

B
September 25, 2006

Francis E
Great spreadsheet Chris. Really nice job. I note when you sort by price it doesn’t quite. A small glitch in a wonderful tool.

Thanks again!
September 25, 2006

Jaye
Zuper Tool! Chris . . . you rock!
September 25, 2006

Russ J
Chris Stan:
Thanks for the effort. Nice job by you and the WL IT people.

Victor Hobson jersey indeed! GV must have smelled, or tasted, that fumble recovery for a touchdown coming!
September 25, 2006

Derek
Dear Gary,
While I do not write or post my comments often, I felt necessary to do so now. While I do enjoy your past TV Wine Library episodes (most of them) I am inclied to disagree with your overwhelming review of the Corte.
I tasted this with my friend and his wife (they tasted the wine blank, no idea about the rating or the price tag). We all found the juice very simple, and not exciting to the pallet. For such a price tag, I would demand more from such wine.
How about the complexity or flavor that one would expect from a fine bottle of wine?Try Atalon or Keenan, or perhaps Luna. All are structured and well balanced for about half the price of Corte. I wonder how much the bottom line of the profit that Wine Library makes; effects your review of the wines featured in your episodes??
Your loyal customer,
Derek
September 25, 2006

good old ludwig van
Our worst wine was a bottle of Pinotage a few years ago. Smelled and tasted like Chloroseptic!

Sing it with me:
“Say you
say me
say it together
Gary V”
September 26, 2006

Chris Stanisci
DEREK (Comment #127),

I am the viewer who has created the speadsheet and thus, I’ve watched mmost of the episodes. Hence, I feel relatively qualified with respect to having a pretty good grasp on Gary’s approach and philosopy at WLTV. I’m not sure how many episodes you’ve seen, because it’s VERY CLEARLY evident to me that Gary does not let the price dictate how he reviews the wine. In fact, I find this aversion to typically wine snobbery to be one of the most refreshing virtues of WLTV. Bill Dwight agrees when he writes in his BLOG entry, “but that doesn’t keep him (Gary) from giving an honest opinion about an expensive wine that he thinks fails to cut the mustard; or, on the flip side, singing the praises of a $7 steal.”

You can certainly have the right to disagree with Gary’s tasting notes on a specific wine, but to accuse him of ‘doctoring’ his reviews is outrageous and, factually, just plain wrong. Your accusation attacks the very integrity of the Man and this great service. I think you owe him an apology.

NOTE: Bill Dwight’s complete entry can be seen at: http://whdwight.blogspot.com/2006/08/tribute-to-passionate-craftsmanship.html
September 26, 2006

Sam Zen
It’s just wine, let’s keep it simple… I love it!
September 26, 2006

Derek
Dear Chris S. (Coment# 127)
While I do not pretend to be a wine “expert” in the compacity that Gary V. is, I am a wine lover. And yes, Gary has been coming through for all of us with some incredible finds that are priced accordingly. However, if one pays upward of $40 for a bottle of wine, which carries such a superrior rating from our expert Gary, should not one expect good if not great things??? Or maybe I am wrong here?? Maybe the economy has gone so much south that now $40 buys you mediocracy?? Me and my friends tasted the wine BEFORE this episode was aired and we both agree…there are far superior wines for about half the price…Gary V. please, if you can, do a taste of Luna or Keenan.
September 26, 2006

Chris Stanisci
DEREK, As stated in my initial comment,”You can certainly have the right to disagree with Garyâ€™s tasting notes on a specific wine”. Which is what you are saying in you last comment #131….you disagree with his NOTE’s. So you don’t need to defend your different opinions as there is no argument. By the way, I believe WL will allow you to return unopened bottles if you don’t like the wine.

My point was regarding your statement, “I wonder how much the bottom line of the profit that Wine Library makes; effects your review of the wines featured in your episodes??”. The clear implication being that GARY dishonestly will rate wines higher based on price point and profit. Again, this is both inappropriate and facutally incorrect. Just watch the latest Episod #97…the whole episode is about the Quality Price Ratio (QPR). He has two inexpensive white burgandy’s and two more expensive ones. In both cases, he recommends the lower priced wines becuase of the QPR. Maybe you didn’t mean for it to come across that way, but it did.

Anyway, please respond to my point rather than justifying that you and your friends have different tastes than Gary.
September 26, 2006

mike cocca
gary, put down the damned phone and drive!!!
September 26, 2006

Derek
Dear Chris,
If you do remember, Gary V did an interview with Wall Street Journal. In that interview he was asked why he’s so succesful in the wine industry. His reply was “It’s just a matter of wanting it more”. What do you get from that statement?? What is more?? Is it the bottom line, or is it the true taste and quality of wine?? The reason why I find value in Gary’s video blog is that he brings to the viewer a true value in wine such as 20 Rows. If he can rate a $15 wine at 91 points (and I agree with that rating) I expect much more from the 96 point rating. Ohh..by the way, I see that Corte is all sold out. Wow, how about that???
Very rarely my friend and I dissagree with Gary’s opinion, that is why I felt inclined to respond to what I think is an erronious rating.
September 26, 2006

Chris Stanisci
Derek, You continue to merge two seperate issues. One is whether or not you and your friends can disagree with Gary’s rating on any wine. I, Gary, and all WLTV viewers fully support your right to disagree with Gary’s rating and tasting notes on any wine’s reviewed AND to post those disagreemts with vigor. Nobody has any issue that you and your friend disagree with Gary’s opinion. If that were all you did, I wouldn’t have spent one more mili-second on your initial post(#127).

But, you took it one step further by accusing him of purposely overrating the Corte Riva soley to sell more bottles. This is the ONLY item that bothers me….so let’s stick with that. As per your most recent posting(#134), you’ve now made it crystal clear that you are sticking with this allegation — essentially calling Gary a liar. Where I come from, it’s a bold statement calling someone a liar and a fraud. Don’t you think that such an claim requires more evidence than you disagreed with Gary on one wine? I’m sure that Gary is offended by this….I know I am.

Moreover, after watching most of the episodes over the last 2 months, I would say that one of the recurring themes, if not the PRIMARY objective of Gary’s, is to find wines that offer a great QPR. This is the precise opposite of your assertion. I believe many viewers share this opinion and is why many of us continue to watch.

You asked me “What I get from that statement?” referring to Gary’s WSJ interview where he states, “It’s just a matter of wanting it more.” Well, I think he believes that working harder than anyone else to provide a superior product with unparralled service at very competetive prices in both his retail store and online busines is what he is referring to. Have you ever been to the store….it is truly a marvel.

I will give you one small personal anecdote that illustrates what I believe his “wanting it more” means. After the spreadsheet came out yesterday, there was some back and forth about adding all of the non-recommended wines to the list. For one, it would involve a ton of work in going to all 97 back episodes to enter the data. I went up to WL to discuss this w/Gary and his IT guys, Brian W. and John K. I told them that I would start to enter ALL of the wines for all of the new episodes, but that I couldn’t do it for the back episodes. I fully expected Gary to push that work off on Brian and John. Do you know he said, “well, I’ll end up entering alot of that myself….I just want to get it complete for all of the viewers.” I was stunned..how many owners of a sizeable company would say or do that…..this is what I believe Gary was talking about on WSJ interview.

Finally, we’ve gone back and fourth on this, but I have one final question for you. If you believe that Gary lies about ratings, why do you even watch WLTV?
September 27, 2006

Brandon M
Allright…I wasn’t going to jump in, but I simply must….

Derek…are you kidding me? Cmon…Do you REALLY think that Gary needs WLTV to sell more wine? Did you really take “Wanting it More?” to mean WLTV selling more profitable wine. I’m not Gary, so I cannot, with 100% certainty, say that there is not a profit motive, but has anything Gary has ever done made you think he doesn’t care about the wine customer / consumer before profit? If I bought $3,000 of wine…opened two bottles, thought they were crap, and sent them back…I am 100% sure that my money would be refunded…That is more than I can say for a handful of Napa wineries.

Derek, sometimes Gary will miss the boat on your palette, he has on mine, but he gets it right more than the Spectator guys.

Chris…Gary did say that price effects his ratings though (I’ll find it if you need me to). A $10 cab that has “potential” will recieve a higher rating than a $50 cab with “potential”

B
September 27, 2006

Brandon M
And Sam Zen…if you say it’s just wine one more time I’m coming up there to beat the living snot out of you!
September 27, 2006

Chris Stanisci
Brandon M. Thanks for responding…I wish more would.

You are partially correct in that Gary USED to take price into consideration when rating the wines. Although, at that time, higher priced wines like the Corte Derek is referring to would be held to a higher standard, hence getting lower scores, not higher.

But that was the past. As you know, Gary changed his policy approximately 10-12 episodes ago, after a bunch of viewers suggested that price should no longer be taken into consideration when rating. Gary acquiesced announcing that he would do what people asked for and would no longer take price into account when rating. This was his policy at the time the Corte was tasted and rated.

thanks again, Chris
September 27, 2006

Brandon M
Ah…I missed that…good to know.

B
September 27, 2006

Chimerego
If Gary is still reading these exchanges, days after the review of the Corte, I think he may be rethinking the 96 rating. (maybe not) I think that (occasionally) challenging his ratings is our way of keeping him honest. I don’t believe he is dishonest or has any ulterior motives. I just think that for some people, Gary can say he likes a wine and it will trigger many viewers to order a case of it before it sells out. I have been watching the videos since the beginning and with the exception of Spanish wines, he has been ‘right on’(for my pallette) 95 percent of the time. But I disagree with parker on spanish wines also. They both find something in the overly spicey and bitterly tannic flavors that doesn’t appeal to me. I think Derek was implying that he felt he could trust Gary never to steer him wrong and it was the first time that he was completely disappointed. I know that Derek isn’t going to stop watching wltv, we’re all hooked on this ingenious, unparalelled service. I tried the Corte and found it to be basic. My collection of wine is 80 percent made up of wines recommended by Gary because I tried them and agreed with his opinions and then bought more.
September 27, 2006

Derek
Chris,
Go back to my coment number 134 and you’ll find the reason why I watch WLTV. Read it over and I am sure you’ll find your answer. Look, nobody is calling anybody a liar here, I am a buisness man myself (I run three buisnesses) and I also hold a Bachelor’s in Finance and Accounting. I understand about trying to make a profit and covering your overhead. I am not merging the two issues since I feel that the PRICE that I paid for THE WINE is too high!! And so is Gary’s rating of it. What I do believe however is that you are not understanding the point that I am trying to make here. What I would love to know is exacly how Gary picks the wines that he tastes on the WLTV? Is it random or does he have some other formula that we are not privy to??
As a loyal customer I do stop by the store now and again. And one more point, mass media, wheather internet, or TV is a selling tool. It’s used to get information across to the end user, which in this case is us. I do listen to Gary’s opinion, matter of fact I rely on it. This wine is just a miss…that’s all..and to clear up any confusion I am not calling Gary a liar, what I am trying to do is to find out his motives for selling and recommending the wines in the store. I hope that I have explained myself in detail here, and frankly I consider this matter closed. Happy wine drinking to all of you…I am sure that most of those that purchased Corte will be very satisfied with it, and most of the consumers will feel that the got a good value out of the price tag…
Derek
September 27, 2006

garyv
Derek its pretty random, Its like what pops in my head for a topic and then I go to the site or walk the floor and pick 4 wines, just to see what pops, its my little way of actually having a wine buying experience, it’s been pretty cool actually! I thank you for the business Derek and I know you are a good guy and I respect and UNDERSTAND where you are coming from, I hope through the episodes you will see that I am trying to the best of my ability to keep WLTV away from the commerce as much as I can help it.

Gary Vaynerchuk
September 27, 2006

Chris Stanisci
Derek, Thanks for your response. And this WILL be my final posting. After this response, I consider this closed as well….promise!

Per your comment #140, you are now saying that, “What I would love to know is exactly how Gary picks the wines that he tastes on the WLTV”. This is a fair and legitimate question to ask…and does he only highlight wines w/ good margins?. I believe his answer would be “No” to that question.

I would have had no issue if that was your question in your initial comment (#127) , but it wasn’t. You asked me to “read over” your initial post and I did. You ask, and I quote, “I wonder how much the bottom line of the profit that Wine Library makes; effects your review of the wines featured in your episodes??” This is undeniably a completely different question implying that Gary’s rating on a wine is influenced by the profit margin.

Anyway, I accept your clarification on what you meant to ask in your first posting. Look forward to meeting sometime, Chris
September 27, 2006

Chris Stanisci
Brandon M. FYI, It was on Ep. #86 where Gary announces that, per VIEWER request, he would no longer be taking price into consideration when scoring the wines.

BTW, this a historically relevant episode for another reason as well—it is the first time that Gary mentions the SPREADSHEET (and me) on the air. (at least historically relevant for me..LOL).
September 28, 2006

Brandon M
Chris…Isn’t it funny how this whole thing has taken hold.
I have never mentioned my “Own” spread sheet. It helps me be able to accuratly talk about the epsiodes and where things are, I just take little notes from each episode.

My first “mention” episode is #64 where Gary talks about the Vaynernod and Vaynerchucked graphic I built. He calls them hill-arious…I was in such a great mood that day.

http://www.gngnet.com/images/MySpace/vaynernod.gif
http://www.gngnet.com/images/MySpace/vaynerchucked.gif

Keep up the great work!

B
September 28, 2006

Karl Satirev
Andre California “Champagne”; absolutely foul. Poured down the drain with gusto!
March 27, 2007

Fernando
Muy bueno el blog, sigan asi, saludos desde San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina
May 17, 2007

Sam
yeah Dwight… that bobble head is rockin’
June 19, 2007

Alos Diallo
I love this episode I love the 80’s music Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have never been that mad at a wine sorry
July 18, 2007

David Canada
Yeah Pat Benatar! Bring on Some Micheal Jackson now….he is the King!!!!
QOTD – D’Arenberg – I am so tired of their over extraction…it drives me CRAZY!!!!!
February 13, 2008

CRYSTAL
I LOVE YAGO SANGRIA!!!!
February 16, 2008

thefanjestic
Now I have to try that Merlot! Good episode, it was interesting to see the La Mission Haut Brion review – I’ve always wanted to try their wine.
February 17, 2008

Billyd
GV What is the song playing when you are driving to work?? Could you “Link it UP” Thanks. I dig seeing how your show has evolved
March 2, 2008

conscious
Been working my way through the back issues and thank you, cause I just blew tang all over my laptop when you threw in the Pat Benatar blast from the past – that was seriously funny, GV.
March 12, 2009

Kevin K
This is one of my favorite episodes of all time. I loved that Pat Benatar video as a kid.
September 14, 2009

Brian Eberly
Wow, Gary, great episode.

I guess that you must be a lot older than you seem, because I have absolutely no clue who Pat Brenetard is.
I would like to ask a question that has, undoubtably, been asked before. For a new wine drinker, with a rather meager allowance for such nicities, how would you recommend going about trying different wines? When you don’t have too much money, like myself, I like to know that I am spending my money on what I can reasonabaly expect to be a good wine.

Also, I was wondering if you would ever do a tasting of the Klinker Brick Zin, from Lodi, it has been a personal favorite, and I was wondering what your thoughts would be on it.
September 20, 2009

John J.
Cool episode Gary, gonna look for the Corte Riva merlot now. Would love to see you do an episode on vin jaune’s, and a tasting of different charbono’s.
September 28, 2009

Cool Dave
Gary, Gary, Gary. A Lexus? Man step up and get a real Mercedes. An M-class or GL since your a family man now.
Cool Dave

A Very Special Wine Episode. – Episode #96

Wines tasted in this episode:

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