The Wine Worlds Big Name Brands.

The Wine Worlds Big Name Brands. – Episode #99

September 27, 2006

Wines tasted in this episode:

Today Gary tastes through some of the biggest names in the wine world and has a lot of fun doing it. He also tackles some of the stuff going on in the comments section

136 Responses

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September 28, 2006

MarcT
Gary…you were supposed to eat the mangos on the air!!!
Try them with the skin on. Then if you can find some green mangos…chop them into little squares, put them in a bowl with some fresh key lime juice, salt, white vinegar, and a pinch of sugar. Heaven!
September 28, 2006

MarcT
BrandonM…I like how you caught Sam Zen’s sign off too!
I have already started getting comfortable and coming to the realization that by Friday night I will be lying in the tub shaking and kicking for my WLTV fix!
Actually this is perfect as I am going out of town (to San Francisco) next week…BTW Ian Dorin and Gary hooked me up so big it is ridiculous! IF ANYONE IS GOING TO A WINE PRODUCING AREA YOU MUST CONTACT GARY!!!! He told us to about 20 episodes ago so don’t feel bad. I know that I am going to have a trip of a lifetime because of these guys. I can’t thank them enough!
I am going to have to get back for the QOD. I will have to pull up some of the old videos and watch them before I pick a favorite…although I think I know which one it will be.
Gary, again great episode…I knew you would set the record straight…Good luck on your fast and warm wishes on Yom Kippur.
September 27, 2006

Chris Stanisci
Gary, Here’s the “Favorite Resturants” that were recommended for DC in comments section of Ep#88:

Equinox Recommended by NickP in Comment #61
Tosca Recommended by E in Comment #85

You can check those comments to see any details that NickP or E provided.If you go to one of these, let us know if you agree with them.
September 27, 2006

Chris Stanisci
CORRECTION: the Russ J’s comment that I was referring to is #18……GOL’s comment is #17.
September 27, 2006

E
Episode 99: It’s Not That Bad!

I wonder if the Corvo would be any better if you were drinking it out of water glasses and Godfather II was playing. You know, context and all.
September 27, 2006

Chris Stanisci
RUSS J
Thanks for the recognition you gave me in Comment #17 regarding my defending Gary in Ep #97’s comments section. I’m believed strongly in what I was saying and am very proud of that.

GOL (and all WLTVer’s who have left comments since the Sreadsheet was launched)

Thanks for all of the compliments on the Spreadsheet(SS). All of the Column Headers that are on the WEB SS are exactly as I had set up my initial SS, including the episode #. However, it was Gary and WL IT guy, Brian Woolley, who added the LINK feature to this (I agree GOL that this is sweet). PLEASE give Brian Wooley big shout outs.

As Gary stated on Monday, I initially created the SS for me. I want to make it clear that the “WL Price” and “WL Code” columns have always been there. In fact, a few weeks ago, as we were getting closer to the SS launch, I sent an email to Gary urging him to make this point clear. I knew that Gary philosophy was to seperate his WL business from WLTV and I didn’t want anybody to think, “Oh look how he’s incorporating the WL price and code”. Anyway just wanted to put this out there for the record.
September 27, 2006

A
Gary, I love WLTV. It’s the one thing that I really look forward to watching each evening. Please don’t listen to the naysayers. You can never please everyone. I predict that WLTV will be a very big phenomenon in the wine world and I am confident that you will be rewarded for your efforts.
September 27, 2006

Brce S
Gary, sorry you seem so pissed today. I have been a WL customer since I moved to Short Hills over 5-years ago. There are several basic reason: (i) selection — I have had the ability to try wines that I have never heard of before or even knew existed; (ii) price — other stores, at best, have the same price for a few of your selections, but not accross the board and (iii) service — I wanted some 2003 Ducru — WL did not have any — so one of your sale’s associates took my number, tracked down some within a day, called me back — all at a price that was fair and reasonable. The notion that you pimp certain wines is silly — I would try to ignore those comments. In any event, enjoy the holidays, looking forward to #100.

P.S. The Jets suck — Go Pats.
P.S.S. You need to improve the Scotch selection.
September 27, 2006

johnb
gary vaynerchuck, a man of the people. you are a true revolutionary. gary for president in 2008
September 27, 2006

Markyb
By the way … nice decor! Has a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to it!
September 27, 2006

Markyb
GaryV,

Been catching up on episodes I missed, and once again I’m excited to test some new “waters”. My wife accuses me of having a WLTV addiction and / or a man-crush on you, but the bottom line is it’s fun to taste wines vicariously.

Question for you – what’s a very good Rioja in stock at WineLibrary for under $30 to have with my pizza this week? Planning to come in for the B&S special, and would love to experience the combo.

Enjoy the short break – my wife thanks you!

MarkyB
September 27, 2006

Douglas
Hi Gary! I am actually happy you are taking a few days off to get ready for #100. Here’s question for you when/if you have time: Do you think investing in futures is worthwhile for those of us still learning about wine? Or is it better to leave futures to the experts?

Douglas
September 27, 2006

Douglas
Hello all WLTV watchers, esp. those here in Chicago! My name is Douglas, and Gary has been kind enough to answer several of my questions the past few weeks. Since there isn’t a Frappr map for WLTV viewers yet (hint, hint), I was wondering if other Chicago fans of WLTV would like to get together for dinner out at some future date? Maybe we can all bring our favorite WL reviewed wine to one of the (many) BYOB restaurants here in Chicago.

Or maybe we can just root against the Jets one Sunday afternoon while sipping some Goose Islands or Three Floyds!

If yor’re interested in getting together, please email me off the board, thanks!

Douglas
demilove99@yahoo.com
September 27, 2006

Grant Gallagher
Hey Gary.
I’ve been away from wltv for about a week. I want to add my voice here. It’s important I think. I cannt believe that anyone, ANYONE, who has watched WLTV for any length of time would think you would use it to push wine. It is simply ridiculous. Aside from your personal integrity, you are simply too candid in your comments. It IS frustrating when people are cynical, but your core audience and much of your casual audience too, wine expert or not, big buyer or not, knows that you speak your mind. I can perfectly well believe that you’ve gotten flak for some of the things you’ve said – that’s what happens when you call it like you see it. Good for you, I say and long may you continue.

The wines: – I didn’t like SIlver Oak the two times I had it. Never tasted Luna. Find Kendal Jackson rich and oaky as you say and thin with a slight bitterness behind. DOn’t knoe Corvo. Haven’t had Mouton since I was a child practically and it was hard tannic stuff back then ans yes, thin (”needs more grapes”).

Sounds like you have a great week lined up. Enjoy it!

best regards
Grant
September 27, 2006

JohnM
Looking forward to #100 and the heat episode. Have a good week away, and I’ll root for the JETS against the Dolts.
September 27, 2006

Jason R.
I liked this one Gary. Believe it or not I have never had the KJ Chard!!! I was actually tempted to pick one up the other day and for the 10-12 bucks I always find something else that “I think” would be better for the price. Someday I will pick one up and I am sure that it will be decent enough. You know what – I have to now – I really like the oaky, buttery chards as long as they bring the fruit with them. Ya know what – I hope I like it – LOVE IT – I doubt it – For some reason all the stuff I LOVE is not $10-12 bones…. I live to find EXTREME VALUE!!! Like my recent purchase of 2001 Heitz Marthas for $39 bones – I LIVE FOR IT!!!

I guess “SUDDO” question of the day time: What is everyone been drinking?? Thanks Brandon for the lastest!!!
September 27, 2006

Al D
Hey Gary great episode. You told me to remind you how to search for wines that have been sold out and folks would want to check tasting notes, price, score etc. so I am reminding you. Do an episode on Sakes please. thanks.
September 27, 2006

GregS
Gary,
Don’t get down on the WLTV concept because of the naysayerâ€™s (the Jets are depressing enough). They will always be there in every aspect of life. Some people spend far too much time looking for ways to be offended rather than sitting back and enjoying what people have to offer taking the good with the bad. I can relate to the apparent conflict of interest, but I have watched every episode thus far, and based on this find them unfounded. Believe me when I tell you that I have a low tolerance for the mundane, and WLTV has always been raw, fresh, and enlightening. Does this mean I have loved every wine that you recommended? Of course not, nor have I loved every wine recommended by big wine critics like Tanzer, Parker, etc. Watch the show and form your own opinions! If someone honestly feels that it is worthless propaganda for Wine Library, then nobody is forcing them to watch.

I also feel that, as long as you are adding value and education, you have the right to profit from your WLTV endeavors. I love WLTV and want it to succeed!

Already starting to feel a twitch from WLTV withdrawl.
September 27, 2006

David
Gary,

Great job with WLTV. Don’t let those neg blogs get you worked up. You’ve been genuine from the start. WLTV is not carrying the store and the people that never been there and haven’t had the personnal experience with your staff are truely missing out that Wine Library is a service operation looking to make the customers happy. You’ve given the excellent suggestions on wine to try and never felt like the WLTV was purely a marketing campaign. Only thing I have to complain about is that we have to wait till next week for the 100th episode. Thanks for a great job these past 99 episodes!!

Best regards!!
September 27, 2006

Evan S
Nice episode. Looking forward to 100. Appreciate the explanation about potential conflicts. Get used to it. Parker has to deal with the ‘parkerization’ question every day. As long as you wear two hats, you will hear this grumbling, more so as you become more successfully exposed. Keep up the good work. I enjoy WLTV!
September 27, 2006

PeteB
Hello all!

I don’t think it is fair to accuse Gary or WLTV on rating wines in order to promote sales, because as we all know wine is totally subjective for the most part – what tastes good to one may not taste good to another. If a wine is recommended on WLTV, you may go out and buy it – but if you don’t like it are you going to buy it again? Well I would hope not. If you like it, then what have you lost? You found a new wine that you like. Regardless WL is going to sell wine.

Consumers who don’t trust their own palate and need to blindly follow another (ie. Parker, Tanzer, WS, GV etc.)are the one’s that grossly perpetuate sales of a certain wine. Be an educated consumer and experiment for yourself – trust your own palate.

I don’t know, I am just a simple guy who has been into wine for a few years, because simply “I like it” – heck when Gary is explaining the nose and flavor profiles of wines – half the time I am like what is he talking about? – I don’t smell or taste that – it smells & tastes like wine!

What I do like about WLTV is that it makes wine fun. Everyone is friendly and best of all we are all able to share our opinions on wine, sports, life etc.

So feel free to agree or disagree with Gary it is what makes the board great! Attacking someones opinion or credibility is not what the board is about, so if you are going to do please go elsewhere! Thanks!

P.S. – sorry for rambling, but in the spirit of how I see the board. Gary I’ve had the 2002 Silver Oak and liked it, so we will disagree on that one. But the 2005 “No” Sauvignon Blanc, which I am having this evening is great – so thanks for the recommendation!
September 27, 2006

GOL
Russ J – I had forgotten about that comedy from ep 39, definitely gonna go back and watch that one again!
September 27, 2006

Picktown
Great episode, Gary! The fact that you’re willing to speak your mind, and give us your frank opinion is why we all like you so much! Keep it up, have a wonderful break, and we’ll all anxiously tune in next week. : )
September 27, 2006

Brandon M
Tony S…uh…Rams fan here…but how is that fair weather?
September 27, 2006

Matthew L
Gary, I’m glad you set the record straight about your philosphy and objective for doing WLTV. I have aksed questions about the business side of things, but have NEVER thought you to be a schill for the industry. In fact, I’ve always wondered about the impact your reviews have had with your distributors. You frequently say “Man, I’m going to get in trouble for that” when you diss a wine. Hands down…you have my support, and developing quite a following here in DC.

Sam Zen…I, too, am in DC. Give me a shout and maybe we can check out some good grape. matthew@halllyons.com

LOL…High quality and Applebees in the same sentence.

I had never of the Silver Oak, but noticed it got the Vayner-Clank.

Too bad we have to wait until next Wednesday, but the time will help build the anticipation. Gary, if you’re hanging out in DC and have some extra time, give me a shout and I will gladly treat you. Maybe along with Sam Zen.

I agree about the wine…KISS!