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

Bill T.
On a lighter note!

The Bathtub Test…
It doesn’t hurt to take a hard look at yourself from time to time, and this should help get you started. During a visit to the mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director what the criterion was which defined whether or not a patient should be institutionalized.

“Well,” said the Director, “we fill up a bathtub with cheap wine, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub.”

“Oh, I understand,” said the visitor. “A normal person would use the bucket because it’s bigger than the spoon or the teacup.”

“No.” said the Director, “A normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window?”
September 28, 2006

Charaka Dharma
This was the first video I looked at from your emails…. why did I not start sooner?
I was about to search for the 2002 Silver Oak when you gave it a thumbs down (for $55).
Thanks
September 28, 2006

Julius
The question was asked in a previous episode, “Does Robert Parker give 90+ points to EVERYTHING?”
The chart below (if it shows up as a readable chart) says no. While his percentage of 90+ wines has increased over the past 20 years, probably as a result in the improvement of both viticulture and viniculture, it is still signicantly less than the number of wines scored below 90.

Vintage 90+ Below 90
2004 1551 2366
40% 60%
2000 2046 3563
36% 64%
1995 1275 2775
31% 69%
1990 897 2075
30% 70%
1985 286 747
28% 72%
September 28, 2006

Philgilt
I have yet to taste a wine that you recommended that i didn’t like.
But at this rate I will have to expand my “wine cellar” or start
drinking earlier in the day. Thanks for a great show everytime.
September 28, 2006

Vinacull
Gary,
First of all, big thanks for listening to the request from myself and others to get rid of the pea-green screen and return to the standard backdrop with offbeat and occasionally bizarre hanging accompaniments. Please bring back some little action figures (Andre the Giant?) to hug the Vayner-NOD wines and we’ll be all set. I agree with GOL’s comment that it would be great if the shots of the wine labels could be made bigger in the window for a few seconds. Thanks also for mentioning ahead of time what’s happening with the schedule and when we can expect the roll-out on big 100. Really looking forward to it!! Congratulations for all you’ve done to champion your straight shot opinions and weathering the storms behind the scenes for the last 99 episodes. Today was another example with the ‘02 Silver Oak. I was hoping it would do better, but like you say, you just weren’t feeling it. Last Silver Oak I drank was a ‘95 Alexander Valley a couple years ago, and it showed well, or at least true to its flashy dancer form. I’ll raise a glass of something extraordinary to you on Saturday Gary (it’s my wife’s 40th birthday), and here’s to hoping someone sends in some clips for your crew to put up while we wait for the next WLTV installment. Cheers, C
September 28, 2006

TimF
Rafa – It’s probably not fair to ask Gary to comment on underage drinking – he could possibly lose his license for doing so. So while he probably can’t, I can. The US is such a puritanical society it’s ridiculous. There’s guys who are 18 getting killed over in Iraq who can’t open a bottle of beer legally. Any kid with even half a brain can make their own alcohol (take a bottle of lemonade, add some sugar, add some yeast and put a balloon over the top). IMO the legislation over this behavior is crazy and leads to more problems. So I say teach your kids to be responsible. Don’t get drunk in front of your kids. Show your kids you can have a glass of wine with your dinner every night and it’s not a problem — it’s all about leading by example. I think a big problem has to do with alcohol being considered forbidden fruit (even though it’s really, really easy to make). We give kids alcohol at church and that’s okay, so why not in our homes?
September 28, 2006

zerokreap (kw)
bravo…let em know what you’re about! i have always believed in what you are saying…and i knew i was right when buying your raves and agreeing completely with your assessments…i think you and i like the same things in wine. this was another great “everyman’s” episode. i have not drank any of these wines in a long time, but these were the wines i started out on many years ago, so it is nice to see you taste them and give some thoughts, which seem to follow my thoughts that lead me to “better” wines. these wines are not great for people that like wine, but they are great for people who want to like wine…and therefore lead people, who brave the bad wines, to better ones. “smoky garbage” is classic!!!! once again i will just say thanks for what you are doing…and let me say that my favorite gary v move is the jaw knashing after a taste of bad wine…
and just for you…Go Jets!
September 28, 2006

SeanM
Guys, Gary gets your email with every post. You don’t need to put it in the message.

Gary, I’m a little miffed that you didn’t mention earlier that you were going to be down here in DC. How are we supposed to meet the man and shake his hand for all the honest commentary and heat you must be taking from the ’suppliers’. I have one thing to say to them:

“Get better wine in the bottle and quit complaining when someone points out you are selling crap.”

Have a great weekend and holiday.
September 28, 2006

denise
My last comment for a double digit episode of WLTV. I’m feeling a little verklempt. Talk amongst yourselves…
September 28, 2006

Jaye
Gary,

It is truly a shame that you even had to address us with your topic of the first 5 minutes. I pity people who always seek the ulterior motive, and are unable to take things at face value, they obviously don’t understand how much extra work is involved in dealing with all the minutia of actually reading all the comments and your personal e-mails and everything else. You have to love doing what you do in order to keep it going. If I were running WLTV in addtition to a huge wine retail store and internet operation, I would have given up by now and would have moved on. I have tremendous respect for you and look forward to meeting you in person one day to tell you that face to face.

Thanks again for all you do — and I do like LJ Pouilly-Fousse (don’t know how to spell it though), it is one of the few Chardonnays I do like. Most are just too oaky.
September 28, 2006

TheGosling
I have never doubted your intentions and love watching the show everyday. Keep up the great work Gary.
Looking forward to #100! As a HUGE Colts fan Im sorry…. Colts 21 Jets 3
September 28, 2006

NickP
Gary,
By now most new postings will be redundant, but in the blog spirit I have to add my own. I have become somewhat evangelistic with all my friends getting them to watch WTLV. Getting into WLTV has caused me to get ‘back’ into wines in a big way. Work and kids created a void for a number of years during which I always appreciated a good bottle, but I wasn’t keeping pace with all the changes – thus one of my earlier comments ‘explain New World vs. Old World’. In fact, while I don’t believe you have addressed that point directly, it is clear to me what you mean because I have gone out and tasted different bottles you described using those terms. I also enjoy being part of this blog community – I love the comments almost as much as watching you give the ‘G-nod’ to a wine you didn’t expect to give a 90 pt. rating to.
As for my favorite episode – can’t say I have one. Got hooked back around episode 40-something, but loved the tour of WL in #64 – got me to come to the shop and actually meet you – and for the sheer creativity of it #96.
BTW – SS Chris (comment 59)mentioned my recommendation for Equinox in DC – if you want some insite you can e-mail me as I have a connection: nickjp@verizon.net .

Don’t change your style or your M.O. Use the holidays to recharge the batteries for the next 100+ episodes!
NickP (Go Giants!!??)
September 28, 2006

Mets fan 13
We were in Napa a couple weeks ago and Silver Oak was one of the places I was really looking forward to visiting. We tasted the current release cabs and came to the same conclusion that you did – we were disappointed and found many cabs at other wineries far superior. I was wondering how we could have been so off when this seems to be a universally well regarded wine, so I feel much better after watching today’s episode.

Thanks for being so honest with your opinions. Keep up the great work!
September 28, 2006

MarcT
Rafa…you may get knocked for even thinking about giving your kids alcohol by some of the bloggers here but I don’t think it is a bad idea to start the 11 year old. I remember my dad introducing me to the world of alcohol at about age 13. Of course things were very limited (like a sip every 6 months) but he would describe things to me that really made drinks more understandable (I started with beer). First and foremost my father explained and hammered into me that beer, wine and everything in “this locked cabinet” is for adults ONLY but “here son, taste this. That is why we are drinking it. It tastes good.” Ya follow what I’m saying?
The down side to being introduced to quality alcohol? Man was my wallet hurting in college!!! I could not drink the horse piss my friends were drinking and always had to fork out what at that time was big money for something of quality!

Well guys after thinking about some of my favorite episodes I have not yet been able to nail a single one down yet…
You have Episode #64 which was the WL store tour. So funny with the Benny Hill music!
Then there is Episode #39 which turned me on to the 2000 Chateau Henye Tojaki Aszueszencia. My god that is one of (one of) the best things I have ever put in my mouth!
Episode #58 was the “Iâ€™m not pissed” episode. That one set the foundation for what would become WLTV standardsâ€¦and he said â€œBurgundy is over rated.â€ HAHAHA
So I’m still debating…I have a few other stand outs both early on and later but I am not sure I can pick just one!
Wow a viewer from Australia. The world is yours WLTV!!!! MMmuuuuwwwaaaaahahhhahhhahahahhhhaaaaaa!!!
Julius…who ever said that was an absolute GENIUS!!!! I am a triathlete so I love to ride my bike…I am normal so I love sex…and I am an oenophile so I love wine…That guy has me totally figured out!
September 28, 2006

SS Chris (Stanisci)
Matthew L (comment #37),

You are right!! That was was just a VaynerCLANK for the Silver Oak. I missed it the first time and thank you for pointing it out (comment #37). I had to re-watch, but it definitely is a VaynerCLANK, albeit a mini-CLANK. As per a previous postings, this is, by far, my FAVORITE and I believe BEST of the all the VAYNER-ISMS. It is also the RAREST!!

QOD for WLTVer’s(since there are no episodes, we’ll have to amuse ourselves)

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VAYNERISM? The NOMINIES are:

#1-The VaynerSHAKE (when GV is swooshing the wine, but before he spits, he begins to shake his head in disapproval)

#2-The VaynerNOD (opposite of the SHAKE–he begins nodding his head in approval prior to spitting)

#3-The VaynerCLANK (this ususally comes after a VaynerSHAKE–the SHAKE happens before he spits, and then after he spits, he CLANKS his teeth together multiple times–this means he REEEALLY doesn’t approve–watch #99 again with the SILVER OAK and you’ll see a mini-CLANK)

******PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE******

You all know my vote–the CLANK!!

NOTE: Now that I am entering info for ALL wines into the SS (for all new Ep’s starting w/ #97)including the wines’s GV “passes” on, I will definitely be entering ALL VaynerCLANK’s into the Tasting Notes section. Unfortunately, since the SILVER OAK is currently sold out, I cannot enter anything for this wine yet (I’ll be working on it and will post a comment if and when I have it worked out).

Obviously, my vote is for the VaynerCLANK!!
September 28, 2006

Eugene
Julia,
same to you.

Thank you.
September 28, 2006

Eugene
Gary,
Please accept my sincere apology if my comment offended you in any way.
In my mind I compare you to King of all media in the wine business.
Brutally honest, controversial at times but always entertaining, just like him in his early terrestrial period, you are revolutionizing your industry.

Donâ€™t take our comments too seriously. Things get out of control whet friends are talking, especially after a glass or two.

Now to the wines.

Agree on KJ, but donâ€™t remember Corvo being that bad. I think I even enjoyed it. Perhaps food helped. Actually I had similar feeling about Falesco vitiano.

Another big name that shouldâ€™ve been brought to the table is Mondavi. In my opinion his $10 Cab is so bad that the name of the Californian wine pioneer should not be on the label.

Gary, you know that most wine drinkers start with the big names. How about an episode on what I call a second tier: Boggle, Ravenswood, Rosenblum, Rabbit Ridge, Echelon, etc?
September 28, 2006

Panman
Jets 16 – Colts 7….nostalgia prompted me.

Just for the record, I never considered WLTV or anyone at Wine Library to “pump and dump”. Keep at ‘em!
September 28, 2006

SS Chris (Stanisci)
GOL (comment #63),

So, SS Chris for SpreadSheet Chris. I think I like that…but, is it too “Ernst & Young”? Spreadsheets are associated with accountants, now I’m like one of the accounting nerds that are annoyingly trotted out on award shows? I don’t know if this is a “bad-ass” enough handle. LOL

Just Kidding…I like it. How’s this (see my name below) at least for a transition period? Sort of like John Couger to John Cougar Mellancamp to John Mellancamp OR Puff Daddy to P Diddy to Diddy– this requires a name change transition stategy. . What do you think?? LOL
September 28, 2006

Matthew
Absolutely F*%#’n great episode Gary. You hit all the nails on the head. Hope you enjoy your business travel and a few days off. I am sure we’re all happy to wait for episode 100! I’d like to pose a question of the day for your 100th episode. How many people watch you outside the US of A?! It would be great to get an idea of how many of us… like me in the Barossa South Australia, or Mexico like Rafa are out there. While you’ve been to most of the worlds wine regions, perhaps there is an opportunityg for a GV World Tour WLTV Spectaular… I am sure some of us out of towners may be able to assist with some sponsorship. Matt from South Australia (wine capital of Australia)!
September 28, 2006

Rafa from Mexico
Never mind about the spreadsheet, I found it.
September 28, 2006

Rafa from Mexico
What the hell? one week without WLTV, are you crazy? I can’t belive what I am hearing, 7 days waiting time is waaay too much. But also it is going to be one great episode, the big one, 100 and counting, so I will behave and be a good boy until next week.
I don’t want to discourage you, but frankly I don’t see the Jets winning over the Colts, 3-0 Colts are a better team right now.
I have a question for you, I have three sons, 11, 8 and 7, how do I introduce them to the world of wine, of course I not going to give them a full glass to taste, but a little sip can get them to start tasting what is wine all about. I have heard that in Europe the parents start teaching their kids at a young age how to drink and enjoy wine. Maybe my two smaller boys are too little, but the biggest one can start to learn how to do it. What do you think,if they are too small what will be the best age to start teaching them the joy of wine?
One more question, where is the spreadsheet, I don’t see it anywhere in the page, can you put a bigger link on it.
Thanks
September 28, 2006

GOL
SS Chris (I nominate that as your new blog name for this blog, kinda cool, all WLTVers know what it stands for but it also sounds like a ship), didn’t mention this but I also find the link to the wine as sold at WL useful… I’m using those links to build my order that will come free to Chi on Nov 20 after DA BEARS stomp the J-E-T-S’s!
September 28, 2006

ChrisR
Gary,

Thanks for removing the green screen and bringing back the classic WLTV. It is easier on the eyes and feels like home again. Thanks for not going all George Lucas on us and destroying the simplicity we love. It is the content, your knowledge, personality, integrity and honesty that keeps us coming back. It is not the digital effects.

Silver Oak gets Vaynerchuk’d!

Even good Silver Oak has always been a disappointment to me. For the amount of money that label commands it should be a complex wine. I always find it underperforms and at best it is a smooth, silky Cabernet that can be a bit too straightforward and boring. I’ve never understood the oooos and ahhhs over this wine. It has become an upscale “brand” by positioning itself as an expensive, desirable “it” wine. Nice marketing, but there are much better wines out there. I feel the same way about Screaming Eagle which is an overpriced cult status wine. I’ll take Staglin, Ernie Els and Kathryn Kennedy over those two any day.
September 28, 2006

Julius
A wise man once said, “Learning about wine is, like bike riding and sex, best achieved by doing, in this case, tasting.”