Classic Wine Tasting. – Episode #109

October 17, 2006

Wines tasted in this episode:

Today Gary tastes some of the classics and treats himself and you to some of the greatest wines in the world including Mouton, Le Pin and Torbreck.

237 Responses

October 17, 2006

Brandon M
Everyone…I mass emailed everyone today on Vaynervote and I am getting some bouned emails back.
I will re-tally all of the votes with the bunk emails pulled out and give a final final this week.
Then I am going to SERIOUSLY jump into t-shirt designs. I will post those designs that people have sent, plus a few of my own.
I will post my email address and we’ll vote that way.

Thanks,

B
October 17, 2006

Ed R
Brandon, do you ever leave your computer?
October 17, 2006

Susan
#3?
Brandon thanks for all of your work on the t-shirts!!!!:)
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
yes…but my Blackberry goes with me!
October 17, 2006

Susan
Ed R
I don’t think Brandon
eats or
sleeps or
showers –
he just lives at his computer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 17, 2006

MaryS
Really, you must be checking for the new WLTV episode every second of every day. I’m not much better though
October 17, 2006

Jacob
DA BEARS!!!! And we’re coming to a facility near you soon, Gary.
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
Cmon now…my favorite?
EVERY one knows it’s the Massena…but then I haven’t had THAT much Shioraz, but I’m willing to keep trying!

B
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
Susan…everyone is more than welcome, I am having a blast doing it!
October 17, 2006

zerokreap (kw)
comments are going fast these days
October 17, 2006

Adam
Wow, i knew something was up when the video loaded so quickly.

Anyways, best Shiraz I have ever has was the 2001 Torbreck Descendent. 100 points in my book!!! Always on my toes when I watch WLTV.
October 17, 2006

Susan
Gary-
What is with the book?
Remember you haven’t answered any of my ?’s lately!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
Michael Lewis…the Blind Side is the book
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
Classic episode…I knew the Le Pin was going no where!
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
or the Rothchild
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
or WLTV
October 17, 2006

Colleen
Very clever!! I knew something was up though because it appears as thought the other bottles weren’t open!
October 17, 2006

K Spengler
Brandon,
Looking forward to the T-shirts..please please please remember, there are some of us of the “tiny” variety. Have a heck of a time finding a true “small” ..hmmm…..maybe I need more wine..
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
K….good to note…we’ll get some Petite’s made up!
October 17, 2006

zerokreap (kw)
can’t believe you are drinking these….must be nice

cheers
October 17, 2006

Susan
Hey Brandon M-
Here is my email-
please send me that email about the t-shirts.
spauldingone@yahoo.com
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
T-shirts
October 17, 2006

MaryS
Colleen – I noticed the same thing. I definitely think the Chat Le Pin is not open.
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
any other special t-shirt requests? Lemme know!

B
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
DAMN DAMN DAMN
In the ultimate snub to wine purists, I was going to comment on ALL the LOST numbers. Thought maybe Gary had something up his sleeve. Thanks for screwin it up MaryS

B
October 17, 2006

Jack
Based on your recomendation Gary. My wife and I tried a Penfold’s Koonunga Shiraz 2003 and really liked it. We tried a Penfold’s Bin 128 Shiraz 2002. We liked this too but we liked the Koonunga 2003 better.
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
Susan…all the email was for was to check and see if everyone who voted had a legitimate email adress. I’m gonna give it a day, post the final vote tally to http://www.vaynervote.com and then start working on designs.

B
October 17, 2006

PattyO
OK Gary – that was a good one! I should have noticed at the front end that the 3 bottles weren’t opened – and we KNOW you’d have decanted wines like those if you were going to indulge!

Can’t climb that price ladder to reach your Torbreck – though I REALLY want to after seeing today’s episode!

QOD – M Brown 2000 Shiraz – Barossa (I listed it yesterday as one of my top 5)

A wine storage pass-along (for non-refrigerator storage) – I purchased a “space saver” rack that is great and was quite a bit less expensive than other options. A 120 bottle unit is $100 and is only 58″ by 32″ by 12″ (or so). The design acommodates 2 rows of bottles per row. Anyhow, if you’re interested you can see them (they come in many sizes) at http://www.winerackstore.com
October 17, 2006

wayne530
haha nice episode! i love the 2004 amon ra shiraz (barossa valley).
October 17, 2006

Susan
Brandon M-
All I want is a WLTV T-shirt.
I am not picky – I just want the shirt!
Actually I am very partial to black shirts!
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
The first run is probably gonna be black with white lettering. Cheaper, and it stands out. We may do a white with one color run as well…maybe purple…not sure.

B
October 17, 2006

Susan
Brandon M-
Thanks for answering the book question.
Anyone know what that book is about?
You say you are making black shirts! Very cool!!!!!!!
Please tell me how to get one…………………………………………………………
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
The Blind Side….

The reclusive son of a drug-addled single mom suddenly becomes one of the most valued football prospects in America. How? A year before the scouts came calling, Michael Oher had virtually no formal education, no social skills, and no athletic experience. In The Blind Side, Michael Lewis investigates changes in the pro game that turned a formerly anonymous position, offensive left tackle, into the NFL’s second highest paid job. Among the beneficiaries, he discovers Big Mike. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry â€” really: On the outskirts of Memphis, Lewis unearths a fascinating story of compassion, commitment, and life-altering second chances.
October 17, 2006

Joe P. (portovino)
Gary,

Tell us about Michael Lewis’ inspirational story. jp
October 17, 2006

Big Billy from Big D
There was a lengthy take from the book in the NY Times Magazine 2 weeks or so. A real good read.
October 17, 2006

Nathan N
Don’t drink to much Shiraz. the last one I had was the 2 Up you sugested by WLTV it was good.
October 17, 2006

Big Billy from Big D
here’s a link to an NPR story interviewing Michael Lewis about the book, and a short excerpt.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6241687
October 17, 2006

tampasteve
WOW! I was sitting on the fence saying that with the free shipping and all I might just go ahead and order a bottle or two of the Mouton and this….HHHHHHmmmmmmmmmm…YOU DOG!

QOD
Best Shiraz was just this weekend at a tasting, 2004 Amon Ra. Man, I was impressed with that wine, even picked up a couple bottles.
October 17, 2006

kidseyemd
sorry GV

didnt have me fooled

QOD-for the $ and relative value i have enjoyed many of the Two Hands wines, especially Bella’s Garden
October 17, 2006

Italian Stallion
Hey guys,

Listen I love Gary, but do you think he would EVER open up a $3,000 bottle of wine for WLTV??? Hell No, he’d be absolutely insane to do so. By the way Brandon…when the Vayniac shirts are available, count me in for one.

Can’t wait until manana!!

-Stallion
October 17, 2006

MarcT
Thanks PattyO…I like that design. I was planning on building my own short term storage unit and didn’t think about cutting round dowels in half for the bottle stabilizers. Thanks for tipping me off…although I’m still gonna make my own.

BrandonM…Thanks for your work on the t-shirts. I look forward to your designs. I am making/designing my own t-shirt like I mentioned before but it will only be unveiled at the first WLTV party! I will have extras for trading though!

Best Shiraz so far…it is hard to separate the ‘01 and ‘02 Elderton Command. I love both but feel that the ‘01 is more ready to drink of course. I like both better than any Penfolds Grange I have tasted (’99, ‘00, ‘01) but that is just me. And the price might have something to do with it too .

I knew that without a decanter and the fact that the episode loaded in about 30 seconds we were gonna get something fishy.
Thanks for taking a bit of time out of your busy day to come in and say hi to us Gary!! Shows you care…like we didn’t know!
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
Italian…got it…you’ll be able to sign up for one on the vaynervote site.

B
October 17, 2006

Kahuna
SORRY GARY,

I was at the fumble game Giants vs Eagles when Pisarchek handed off to the turf- Worse than last nights game by far. Especially when we learned what a buffoon Herm Edwards really was all these years later!
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
4, 8, 15, 16, 42
Sooooo Close

B
October 17, 2006

MarcT
Hey its my job to run the numbers!!!
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
Marc T
I built one exactly like this:
http://www.winerackstore.com/sale_items-0025/36-bottle-modular-pine-wine-rack-(save-$10.00)-0133.html

It’s sitting in the garage cause I don’t know where to put it, but if you need any pointers, let me know. I’ll send you pics if you’d like. I drew the whole thing out before I started.

B
October 17, 2006

tampasteve
Stallion, Gary just gave away what had to be a few thousand dollars of free shipping yesterday, what makes you think he has a problem with opening a $3000 for WLTV? I just want to see who’s a taker on it.
October 17, 2006

Big Billy from Big D
The story in the NY Times magazine 9/24/2006 edition, by M Lewis was called “The Ballad of Big Mike.” It will require a paid subscription to raise it from the archives.

There’s also a review of Blind Side that is still accessible, I think, from a Free public subscription.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/05/books/05masl.html?ex=1161230400&en=03bd5b6e797f279e&ei=5070
October 17, 2006

Dan G.
Kinda figured something was amiss when you were on the first bottle and the video was 2/3 over and it seemed the expensive bottles werent even opened. What a jip! Just kidding. I dont blame you for cracking open 3k wines either. But what was the point of this show?
October 17, 2006

Jason R.
I must be an idiot – What is with the #’s on the board??? Im a little slow on this one..
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
They are the LOST numbers.
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
http://www.4815162342.com/forum/

The numbers
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
http://www.4815162342.com/forum/

Explinations on the numbers
October 17, 2006

Marc Mc
Favorite Aust. Shiraz so far, 1998 Wynns Michael
October 17, 2006

Dominus
Now I am LOST. You’re kidding right?

I get my glass of wine and sit down for my entertainment for the night (yes, I have no life) and this happens!

I don’t give a rat’s butt about 2-3 day old wine. Throughout the work/school week I chuck it down the drain if it’s more than 2 days old. Plus I use one of those electric pumps. There’s a question . . . do they work?

Favorite Shiraz? I had the Penfold St. Henri that was really, really good and I had the cheapo Torbreck “Woodcutters” or was it “Magpie” that was quite good.

I also had the Dead Arm which is also quite good. Ok, let’s have a showdown of the Paris kick-ass and let Gary decide the victor.

Dom
October 17, 2006

Dan
Best Oz Shiraz? Tough.

Several years ago I spent a week in the Clare Valley. There was a vineyard there called Pikes Wines

It may have been the ambiance, but that was the best. Remember, there are no great wines, only great bottles.

Thanks for the free shipping. I took advantage of it today.

Cheers!

Dan (in Houston. My blog is linked to WLTV)
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
No I’m not kidding…they are the LOST numbers!
October 17, 2006

John Coyne
QOD

The absolutely best Shiraz I ever had, and I’ve had plenty, was the Torbreck 1999 Barossa Run Rig. Incredibly looonnng finish.
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
Regarding Pinot Grigio…everyone should check out episode #2 is they are interested in different pinot grigio.

B
October 17, 2006

Russ J
Hey, a “joke” episode and no one is crying…yet. We’ve really matured fellow WLTV viewers. I am so proud of us! Kahuna, I’m with you. The Fumble was the most sickening NFL moment I have witnessed, followed closely by Theismann’s leg snapping!

I have a few ‘02 Aussie shirazes. I stocked up after all the reports of what a great vintage it was: Kaesler Stonehorse, Branson Coach House Greenock Block, Possum’s Vineyard. I have yet to try any of them as I am obsessed with giving them time to really shine. I’ve really got to get over that and start enjoying them. (Gary: You can help-tell me which one to crack and I’ll do it and report back. They are all WL purchases.)
I did have a Rosemount Mudgee Hill of Gold ‘01 Shiraz a while back. $14 and pretty tasty. I also have enjoyed the Torbreck GSM’s, Juveniles and The Steading.

My wife watches “Lost”. I’m just not feeling it like she is.
October 17, 2006

Jason R.
What are the “LOST” numbers?? From the TV show or what the hell – frustrating…..

Aussie Shiraz – I like some of the things that D’Arenberg has put out.
October 17, 2006

Big Billy from Big D
The sum of the lost numbers is 108.
The episode number with free shipping.
Maybe?
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
ya, the TV show..they had a huge cult following cause no body could figure out the “secret” code.

B
October 17, 2006

Jason R.
Freaks!!!
October 17, 2006

Big Billy from Big D
Possibly the numbers might express a range of numbers that would be the daytime high in degrees Farenheit in Hell before GV offers Free Shipping again?
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
Push the button every 108 minutes and you will save the world!
October 17, 2006

MaryS
Maybe Gary will continue with this same episode tomorrow? I really want to see him try the $3K wine.
October 17, 2006

MaryS
Brandon, maybe Gary was trying to push OUR buttons in this episode!
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
could be…how long was the episode?
October 17, 2006

Hal N.
Gary ……no intention of trying the other wines… did ya? 4 corks on the table …yet only 1 bottle open
…..at least you touched the 1998 Chapoutier Hermitage Le Meal Rouge…next time …dont tip your hand…and show the top of the bottle …lol
October 17, 2006

Susan
Big Billy from Big D-
Thanks for the links on the Lewis book.
Those were a HUGE help!!!!!!!!!!:)
October 17, 2006

Susan
Brandon M-
I will take you at your word when it comes to those ‘LOST’ Numbers.
I don’t watch much TV sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo……
I am kinda lost!
October 17, 2006

Brandon M
In all seriousness I have never seen an episode, however, a google search is all I need.

B
October 17, 2006

Big Billy from Big D
Googling shall set you free.
October 17, 2006

Susan
Big Billy from Big D-
You can live in that reality.
I am certain that the Truth Shall Set You Free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 17, 2006

Big Billy from Big D
Truth is much scarcer than reality
October 17, 2006

Susan
ok- maybe your reality but not mine. My reality and Truth are both just great!!1
October 17, 2006

Jim Kay
Great episode. You had me going on that one.

QOD: If you dropped the bottle of Le Pin on the way back to the cellar would you take a taste from the puddle on the floor?

Thanks for the free shipping.
October 17, 2006

Tony
Hey Gary, how many code 2017 orders did you get? That’d be a pretty good gauge of the popularity of WLTV.

Nice fake out. So far, I think the most expensive bottle you’ve tasted on WLTV was about $320. That’s way out of my league. I can’t imagine drinking a bottle that’s nearly ten times more expensive than the $320 bottle. What, that’s like $650-700 a glass? Damn!

I haven’t had any great Aussie Shiraz. Best thing I’ve had was the Jim Barry Lodge Hill. Huge, huge fruit bomb. Good and extremely drinkable, but not complex. I think I just haven’t climbed high enough on the ladder to get to the good stuff yet.

Be nice if you did an episode on good, value-oriented Shiraz.
October 17, 2006

Brandon M.
Tony..are those the pictures of your house on Flickr?
October 17, 2006

Susan
Hey Gary –
Are you still out there?
It would be nice if you finally tried some Biltmore Estate Wines.
They have been growing the grapes since the ’60’s so the winery has come of age.
Here is a link to their web page:
http://www.biltmore.com/
October 17, 2006

Rick E
GV — First off, classic episode. I figured something was up when you undershot the price quote on the LePin by $1K. You’d probably have a better sense if you were really busting it out. And no decanter?

QOD – For some reason I haven’t eclipsed the $30 mark on Australian Shiraz, although I’m a huge fan. I guess I still see it as a value wine. But the best I’ve had so far is the ‘02 Glen Eldon Dry Bore Barossa–huge flavors and silky smooth.

My QOD for the board — how much did/will you end up spending because of the free shipping offer? I thought I was taking a wine-buying break to let my bank account heal itself, but I just ordered three cases of wine, for the simple (and never-before used) reason that the Jets won. The shipping would’ve been $75. Now I have to make sure I’m the first one home when UPS arrives.

Rick
October 17, 2006

Matty Van, Rochester NY
I agree with russ comment 60…no one got upset like after episode #69, I am proud of you all

made me smile…

GV – I still think you should eiather tape some episodes ahead of time to have them for days you cant do the show or have an employee fill in.

GV – when the free shipping is done I will be curious to know how many orders you got with the 2017 code?

QOD – none yet that I have had in my $10-$15 range that were great enough to remember I will try some of the ones you all recomend though

hey…does anyone know of a resterant or wine bar that carries expensive wines and lets you order by the glass…say if a bottle is $500 retail then they would sell a glass for $50-$75, I know I wont be buying $500 a bottle wine anytime soon but if I were out I would pay $50 for a glass of something I would never have a chance to try otherwise.
October 17, 2006

Rob M.
Rick, I spent $300 on 2 cases. Saved 60 bones (or another half case of value wines).
October 17, 2006

Kahuna
Matty Van,
I am in NJ but if you ever get to Tampa, Fl go to BURNS Steak House- They have one of the largest legit wines cellars on premise(meaning they didnt just stock up at auction) They sell an amazing amount by the glass. I will check with my friend who lives in the NYC and see what he knows
October 17, 2006

Matty Van, Rochester NY
“Possibly the numbers might express a range of numbers that would be the daytime high in degrees Farenheit in Hell before GV offers Free Shipping again? ” Comment 65: By Big Billy from Big D

more like the sum of all numbers= is how many years it will take for the jets to win one super bowl?

QOD from Rick – $185 on 23 bottles

Brandon M – could you put the info to order the T-shirts on the vaynervote web site?

I google there for I am
October 17, 2006

Skol
Dude! Le Pin!!!!

Don’t screw with us like that…..
October 17, 2006

Tony
Matty Van,

Given that you get about 4 glasses out of a bottle, selling a $500 bottle of wine for $50-75 per glass is probably not a recipe for business success.

Brandon M,

Yeah, that’s our house, but don’t get too excited. It’s just that the drug trade has been very good to us. Trust me, I earn a lot less than you do, and the house isn’t quite what it seems.
October 17, 2006

PeteB
I have an absolute great Australian Shiraz that I can’t live without and it is…………………………………………………………………………………

Sorry I am just too tired to finish this comment Must be all those trips to Wine Library!
October 17, 2006

MarcT
Yeah…me too. The “drug trade” is pretty good for me too!!
Just kidding…but I had to say it. It was put out there.

Tony…it is not the dollar amount that defines life but the quality of the experience

My future mother-in-law is into “Lost” and I have to hear about it all the time!
I watch about 2 hours of TV a week (not including WLTV) and I have never watched Lost, CSI whatever, Prison Break, 24, or any of the other shows…its all food, travel, sports (including poker), and the occasional cartoon (Southpark).
October 17, 2006

Kahuna
Maybe we could get Southpark to spoof WLTV- Now that would be great
October 17, 2006

Chuck W
I went back and watched #69 and then read the comments. Comment 39 cracked me up!!! Are people expecting a Charlie Rose experience or a Jim Kramer experience?

“What a complete waste of a customerâ€™s time! How incredibly disrespectful and immature!
I mean really Gary, do you think that your viewers have nothing else to do but seek out information and get this juvenile crap in return!!
This is the last time I watch.

Comment 39: By Greg G on August 13th, 2006 at 7:18 am”

To all the haters: Lighten up, Francis!
October 17, 2006

MarcT
Ha…I wonder if Greg G is back watching again….Maybe under a different name now that he has been called out?
October 17, 2006

Russ J
Yeah, South Park. Gary looks a little like that teacher with the hand puppet, mmmmkay?
October 17, 2006

Andrew B.
Gary, that was not cool. Stop teasing us! I was all excited to watch and taste my wines. Today at work I got a free just opened (slightly poured for tasting) 2001 Chambolle Musigny From Lignier Virgile sarl as well as a 2001 Ch. Rossignol-Jeanniard Grand Vin Volnay. Sooooo Goood, is like silk, I never get to drink Burgandy like this! And its not even my birthday! I still wanna know if you have plans for Beaujolais Nouveau and if you’ve tried de la brune. Hope everyone is having a great Tuesday, come stop by your nearest Wegmans Wineshop if you get a chance.
October 17, 2006

Kahuna
and he is always dressing the bottles up like.
Mr. Garrison: Let’s start the day with a few new math problems — what is five times two? Yes. Clyde?
Clyde: Twelve.
Mr. Garrison: Okay. Now let’s try and get an answer from somebody who is not a complete retard.
October 17, 2006

MarcT
No Mr. Garrison has the hand puppet and Mr. Mackey says, “mmmkay.”
http://www.southparkstudios.com/downloads/display_sound.php?snd=http://images.southparkstudios.com/media/sounds/410/410CARTMAN.wav&snd_name=It’s%20a%20man’s%20obligation%20to%20stick%20his%20boneration,%20in%20a%20womans%20seperation…v

I know it is a long link and broken up a bit but very very funny!
October 17, 2006

Chuck W
It’s been 50 episodes….is Brandon still married?
October 17, 2006

Chuck W
Wine math, I mean 40.
October 17, 2006

Craig & Laura G
hmmm. favorite Shiraz? Lets see. Well, the 2002 Match Butterdragon Hill we are drinking now is a Cab. Got three of the last five on the shelf. Ok the best Aussie Shiraz I have had is ……….
October 17, 2006

MarcT
Ooooo
100 baby
October 18, 2006

E
QOD: not generally my style, although I have enjoyed some of the Western Aussie stuff from time to time (Flinders Bay, Xanadu etc) … but the best would have to be ‘98 Elderton Command – a formidable beast even after I got done picking the splinters out of my teeth. Two more left, and anyone who’s more an aficionado than I is welcome to suggest when to crack ‘em as it didn’t taste like it was anywhere near ready last year.

Rick E – only a case, around $180 or so (a few Rhones and Languedocs, some Chinon, and a few of WLTV’s greatest hits) … I’d have gone for two, but I was a bad boy last week as it’s been some time since the weather was shipworthy. Otherwise I’d have tried the Arrocal too …
October 18, 2006

Brandon M.
Tony…it doesn’t matter how much you make if you have two women in the house. (no offense to any of the female viewers…but…uh….it’s a little expensive).

Tonights wine:

2002 Sebastiani Secolo (my last bottle of ‘02)
Seems very syrupy to me…but also very dark chocolate, real European Chocolate. I cheated and looked at the tasting notes cause I needed a little help. (Still developing the palette and I think this is a great way to learn). I have picked up the smokey venison flavor from the notes, and the dark chocolate has subsided after three hours of decanting…..then the worst happenned….
I didn’t even have a sip left, just a tiny bit of wine and I was REALLY trying to decipher the nose. Well I sniffed a little to hard and tipped a little to much…Secolo right up the right nostril…OUCH…IT BURNS…..IT BURNS
I’m gonna be blowin purple all day tomorrow….now that’s dedication.
Seriously have only had one glass….what a gaboosh!

B
October 18, 2006

SS Chris
CHUCK W, Looove the quote from “STRIPES” (Cmt #92)
October 18, 2006

SS Chris
CHUCK W,

BTW, Have you ever checked my comment for Episode #69 in the Spreadsheet?

Check it out…I think you’ll enjoy
October 18, 2006

Rafa from Mexico
Nice episode, too bad that you had to go, maybe tomorrow you will finish the episode.
October 18, 2006

EJ
Brandon M- I voted on Vaynervote.com awhile back but I did not get your mass email that you sent today (i must be one of your bounceback emails from my aol account). Do i need to revote again???
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
Rafa from Mexico…it’s so cool to have you on the blog…I would love to see posts from countries not of the US, and what City / Towneship the bloggers / lurkers are from. I would love to see how “hidden little city you never heard of” we could get. It would be even better if the blogger named the closest winery to them!!!!
Cmon everyone, let us know where your from. (outside of the US)

B
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
EJ…sorry…here’s what’s happening…

AOL was having problems with their POP 3 Servers today. Many of the AOL people did not receive my email, however, AOL bounced the messages with a failed delivery, and not a bounced “no user exists” message. If it is a failed delivery from AOL then I am counting it!

B
October 18, 2006

EJ
Gary,

If you ARE continuing this episode tomorrow, how about allowing some local Vayniacs to sip the remainder of your Le Pin…. i guess the chances of that are about the same as the chances of a Giants vs. Jets Superbowl this year!

You definitely keep us on our toes!
October 18, 2006

EJ
Brandon,

You DO live by the computer! Make sure you get up off the chair once in a while to prevent butt sores. Get some rest! Go to sleep!
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
I bet I spend less time on the computer than people think, but more time on the computer than I used to! If I’m gonna have a habit that interferes with my day like this, then some night work must be done!!!!

B
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
Cmon everyone…how does episode 91 only have 88 comments…seriously? Chianti? Great episode, lets hear from the lurkers.

shill b
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
And remember EJ….I’m on the West Coast, which means I better suited to be around the computer at times when it seems late.
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
And I have kids, so 10 – 11 at night is my only ME time since Denyce goes to bed early.
Wow…I think I’m talking to myself here….I am in a world of hurt!

B
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
Besides the beloved I.T. Guys at Wine Library, am I the only one that knows what “Slow Down Cowboy” means?
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
Here’s another one…howabout episode 4 where Gary goes through the wine room. 7 comments? are you kidding me? The wine stained floor alone is worth 100 comments.

shill B
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
Episode 13 – Wine tasting parties? 4 comments? Wha Wha Wha Whaaat?

shill B
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
At the very least, people who are worried about comment position (Which I do not) get a top 5 out of episode 13!
October 18, 2006

Tony
Brandon,

GO TO BED!!!
October 18, 2006

Brandon M

Goodnight
October 18, 2006

mikep
I thought i heard a thud in the backround audio of ep 109 i understand it was Garys dad hitting the floor when he walked in during the filming and passed out when he saw the
Le Pin on the table
October 18, 2006

Misguided Mortal
Best Australian Shiraz I’ve had is the 2001 D’Arenberg Dead Arm at a tasting in Tijuana, Mexico.
October 18, 2006

Dan G.
Hows this for some late night action. Brandon you still up?
October 18, 2006

Matthew from Barossa
QOD – Best Australian Shiraz # 1 would be the Langmeil Freedom Shiraz. One reason for this is the exclusivity of it but would closely follow that up with d’Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz and the Barossa Old Vine Company Shiraz.
October 18, 2006

TimF
How about episode 16 when Gary says he’s going to do a blind tasting? 93 episodes later and no luck…
October 18, 2006

Panman
I think if Gary finished the line up he had displayed THEN WL would have no more money left to fund WLTV.

This was like watching a rated R movie on TBS…all the good parts were cut out.
October 18, 2006

Dan G.
Good one Panman. Hey Gary was that a Sound & Vision test pattern?
October 18, 2006

TampaSteve
Did I hear Burns mentioned. That is my neck of the woods…GREAT RESTAURANT! Best steak-house I have ever been to and I have been to many.
October 18, 2006

Sonicgg
Fool me once, you, er, won’t get fooled again!
BrandonM- coming at you from the original Ground Zero, Hiroshima Japan! Not from here originally but clocking 7 years here now.
Glad you at least got to the Torbreck, Gary. My fave Shiraz up to now might just be the Torbreck Wood cutter but would love to taste their better stuff. The Woodcutters is amazing for the price. I have tried a ‘98 Grange but it did not show well given the circumstances: Tasted at a wine party after about 8 different very nice Burgs. The Grange came off as battery acid! I’ll still give it another chance though….
October 18, 2006

Matthew L
I’ve tasted very expensive Shiraz at wine tastings, but those don’t count because I didn’t really get to enjoy them.

I’ve also purchased some Shiraz, while visiting my family in Michigan, and…ooops…forgot to peel the labels.

So, with that said, for me it’s maybe a 2001 Penfolds St. Henri or the 2002 Greg Norman Limestone Shiraz.

I would like to think the numbers from left to right and top to bottom represent the possible scores of the Jets/Lions game on Sunday. The top row has the Jets scores, and bottom row represents the Lions.
October 18, 2006

Paul
Wake up, BrandonM. Your kids must have gotten you up by now.

QOTD – Can’t say I get to taste a lot of expensive Oz Shiraz. Most interesting one was from 1978, the first year Rosemount sent their Shiraz to the U.S. Two bottlings – black label and yellow label, the latter unfiltered. They actually made interesting wine back then. Not Grange Hermitage, but still good juice. Can’t say it was what we associate with Oz today because it was more Rhone-like – peppery, balanced – but I remember it well. Ah, the good old days …………
October 18, 2006

Susan
Brandon M,
Are you really on the west coast but working for Wine Library?
Are you originally from New Jersey?
I am confused!
October 18, 2006

SS Chris
TAMPA STEVE,
When I go to the Wine Ethusiast link that you provided for the EuroCaves, I can’t fine any section that shows units with scratches, etc. Am I doing something wrong?

TAMPA STEVE, JULIUS & STALLION,
A few more questins:

Regarding the EuroCave–the picture of the 260 shows a something like 8 shelfs, but the description talks to only “two adjustable and one rolling shelf”. Can you clarify this for me? Do you need to be extra shelves seperately

Also, do you guys know anything about Avanti’s? Are they quality units? (STALLION, By the way, if I decide NOT to go big, I will be going with your recommendation)

P.S. Burns Steakhouse is on my “Favorite Restaurant” SS from the QOD from Ep #88. I remember your description very well and it was also mentioned by VaynIAC “Michael W”. It includes a bunch of NYC “favorites” as well. If you guys want a copy , just ask Gary to forward your email address to me, and I’ll send it. (this offer is good for all VaynIACS as well)

thank you all for your help
October 18, 2006

SS Chris
SUSAN,
Brandon doesn’t work for WL (either do I by the way–I’m a regular VayNIAC like you who created and, now, maintains the Spreadsheet).

Not sure if B is from NJ originally (but, a good question). He DOES live in Cali now.
October 18, 2006

Bill
Gary – yes, pretty obvious that the other wines were not going to get a showing. I suppose this is also why you did not decant the Torbreck, so as not to give the game away?!
Best Aussie shiraz. Easy. Grange (almost always predominantly shiraz). Best Aussie shiraz in a realistic price range had recently? McIvor Creek (Heathcote), but I am having a Tatiarra Trademark tomorrow night so this might change soon!
Oh, and Gary, the shiraz episode we have spoken about . . . . . . . . . Soon?
October 18, 2006

Susan
SS Chris,
Thanks for setting me straight.
You and Brandon must be
HUGE Vayniac’s with all that the two of you do.
On behalf of all the Vaynicac’s:
THANKS
to
Brandon M &
SS Chris!!!
October 18, 2006

SS Chris
SUSAN, thanks for the thanks!!

Yes, I think that Brandon and I are slightly more VaynIACy than some.

I know our wives, Denyce and Dede, think so…
October 18, 2006

Italian Stallion
Chris, stay away from Avanti…..I have heard many many bad things about them. They also didn’t even get reviewed in Consumer Reports from what I can remember. You will definetely be happy with the fridge I recommended…If I didn’t love it I would never recommend it. Us Vayniacs gotta stick together and watch out for eachother…we’re a wine family..

-Stallion
October 18, 2006

TimF
Gary — You really need to get a frapper map going. I don’t think it takes much effort (if any at all)…
October 18, 2006

ChrisR
Almost as good as #69. Fun episode. Loved the test pattern. Made me laugh.

Michael Lewis is also the name of the safety that cost my Eagles a big loss on Sunday. Ouch!

QOD: Clarendon Hills Brookman Syrah. One of the few Aussie Shirazs that I actually loved. I’m not too keen on the medicinal reds from Oz.
October 18, 2006

Christopher
QOD –
From Meerea Park (Hunter Valley), The Aunts Shiraz is a nice drop, as well as the Meerea Park Alexander Munro Shiraz. Not sure if you get it in the US?
October 18, 2006

Tom T.
QOTD – A nice but inexpensive Shiraz is the Vasse Felix 2003 Adams Road from the Margaret River area.
October 18, 2006

TimF
QOD: The only Australian shiraz that stands out in my mind for any reason is the Black Opal. I remember tasting it at the very first wine tasting I ever attended back in 1997 in Lafayette, IN. I remember the guy telling us to pair it with chocolate. That was a completely foreign concept to me at the time. It was one of the seminal moments in my developing a love for wine…
October 18, 2006

Sam Zen
I had a wonderful Kaesler that sets the stamdard for me.
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
7:30 I’m up…but the kids aren’t!

No…I don’t work for Wine Library, I’m just a complete Vayniac!
Allthough I didn’t play Fantasy Football this year, so I’m actually saving time!

SonicGG…that is awesome! Anyone else? Europe, Africa, Australia, South America?

TimF thats a great idea on the map…those are too cool…someone should look into it.

B
October 18, 2006

Grasshopper
Sensei,

I know I have been bombarding you with questions, but I have one more…..

When dining in a very nice resteraunt and you are going to have their five course tasting menu, do you usually go with their wine pairings or do you prefer choosing the wine or wines yourself? As you know, my Wife and I are celebrating our Anniversary this Saturday and I really appreciate your recommendation of the 1996 Ridge Monte Bello. But now that I have seen the menu and know they offer a five course tsating with pairings, which way would you go??

Grasshopper
October 18, 2006

DougG
“Chris, stay away from Avantiâ€¦..I have heard many many bad things about them”

I have had an Avanti for 7 years now and it has worked perfectly for me, not sure if there are any other opinions on these units.
October 18, 2006

Lawrence Leichtman
The numbers are integral to the LOST series and are the solution to the Valenzetti equation that is the premise for the DHARMA intiative to be on the island in the first place where the LOST characters crash. It is fairly complicated and the number source came out in an on-line game called the LOST Experience over the past summer.

My favorite Shiraz is virtually any year of the Dead Arm from D’Arenberg. Have had only one bottle of the Torbeck don’t remember the designation from 1998. Loved it but not readily available here in Tideater Virginia.

Knew the other wines weren’t opened and the cost of the rest of the tasting would have been about $3500. Free shipping is one thing because you are making sales that way. Tasting Le Pin isn’t going to make anyone run out to buy it. Same with the Mouton and the Hermitage probably $250 each.
October 18, 2006

TampaSteve
SS Chris go through this link http://www.wineenthusiast.com/E/landing.asp?N=63&uid=233FF331-08B9-4A50-9E18-31B45319C6F1 It will still take you to the same spot but you will see the link there for the outlet. The inventory in the outlet varies constantly. Not all the items in the outlet are scratch and dent, sometimes they are mistake orders or cancelled orders or refabs. The good ones go VERY fast so check there daily. The bought mine as soon as I saw it listed. The units generally only come with something like one rolling shelf and 2 fixed shelves, you have to buy any extra shelving. The more shelving you buy the more space it will take out of the unit. The bulk shelving (the way it comes) gives the most capacity. You will cut the capacity almost in half if you fill it top to bottom with sliding shelves and the shelving get’s expensive. I did buy extra sliding shelves and ended up taking some out to make more room. The unit is top end, you will love it. I have the Confort series 260 with a glass door. I bought it to replace 2 small 36 bottle Haier units I had. Not only have I pretty much filled up the EuroCave I have even put one of my Haier units back to work. After I receive my shipment from the WL free shipping deal I will be putting the second Haier back in service also. This wine buying is addictive.

I love Burns. We go there at least once a year. We used to goes almost monthly when my wife was on her expense account and did a lot of entertaining for her job….those days are sadly gone now however, so once a year it is. I went there for my 40th birthday with my nephew and best friend. Those were back in the days when you could still light up a cigar and enjoy. We got in at 6pm and walked out from the desert room at 11pm $1200 later. On the way out they were kidding us that we knew how to do Berns in grand style..lol
October 18, 2006

Julius
SS Chris – The Wine Enthusiast is saying that at the price listed you get 3 adjustable (actually, a fixed shelf that is adjustable by its placement) and 1 rolling (pull-out) shelf. You can order additional shelving (which will make it look like what you see pictured. Remember, the 260 bottle capacity is determined by using only the minimum number of adjustable shelves and standard Bordeaux bottles. Those slightly fatter and/or taller bottles favored by some California and Australian wineries can further reduce that number. I have 3 fixed and 8 rolling shelves plus basket at the bottom in my unit and the capacity is about 190. I was lucky when I bought it, because they were running a “super sale” at the time and I got the glass door and additional shelves for free, and the base price for the unit was less than what it is now. (I guess I should have bought two.)
October 18, 2006

joe
Gary:

awesome episode, that is the old Gary humor! I loved episode 69 then, and I love episode 109 now. I almost flipped when I saw that wine lineup – - I half beleived your were going to open $4-$5K worth of wine up. Very funny!

My favorite Aussie Shiraz I ever had was the 1997 Penfolds Grange had this year, with 2 hours of decanting before consuming. Wonderfully complex and mamouthly long.

Joe
October 18, 2006

Jaye
Yowsa! 152 comments already in the can by the time I have a few minutes to watch this episode?!!

Yikes. I used to read all the comments before I would post, but I can’t go through that many and still keep my job.

Yes, I also noticed the bottles weren’t open. I got all tingly when I saw the screen thing come up after the Torbreck — I knew it was going to be followed by some sort of silly fun. Thanks for not disappointing.

So far the best Aussie Shiraz I have had was the 2001 Glen Eldon Dry Bore. I have a fairly pricey shiraz sitting in my cellar that I am waiting a few more years on before I try . . . Elderton Command 2000.
October 18, 2006

Julius
Brandon – You, and anybody else, might find the following link useful in developing your nose and palate. I know I did.

http://www.wset.co.uk/documents/xac_sat_17_07_06.pdf
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
This isn’t about selling wine Lawrence, it’s about the experience!

B
October 18, 2006

Susan
Julius,
Thanks for the link:)
Yes, it is helpful to a newbie like me!
October 18, 2006

Jason R.
Everyone – I would like to Thank all of you for buying all of the 2001 Guigal CDP. It was on my order and they are all out I will just have to sniff my computer while reading your comments, lick my baseball glove & spit into a decanter for about 2-3 hours to get the same orgasmic experience that everyone explains.

Oh’well – thats what is so damn fun in enjoying wine – The guys at WL Shipping dept. were awesome and I quickly found something to replace it with. GL everyone else that had it on their order list!!!
October 18, 2006

Rick
Gary

I would have to wait ten years for the Torbreck and I can drink the Two Up now. Oh Yeah! I get it! I can drink the Two Up for the next ten years while waiting for the Torbreck.

These are your tasting notes for comparison.

Two Up Shiraz 2004 â€“ 12.99

By Far, the BEST of this BUNCH, NOSE-wow, acacia flowers, plum, cocoa; TASTE-great structure, nice mid-palate, long bacon fat finish, ton of fruit: strawberry, currant, plum, blackberries. FANTASTIC. This is what you’re looking for..BARGAIN!

Torbreck The Factor Red 2003 â€“ 79.99

#1; NOSE-candied licorice, liqueur aspect, very intense, very big; TASTE-Wow !, So massive, huge luscious blackberry, black currant, raisins, huge wine, taking over entire palate, very well structured, great character, real long finish, pure silk, HUGE wine, needs to be cellared (another 7-15 years), a VALUE @ $80, as good as it gets; black pepper, apricot on finish; RP-96; GV-95
October 18, 2006

Matthew L
Julius…(comment #154) thanks for the link.

Thanks to those who mentioned the Dear Arm. I’ve seen bottles of 2003 for 52 bones (as Gary would say), but the 2002 is $35 a bottle. ‘03 must have been a superior vintage year in Australia for Shiraz.
October 18, 2006

Kahuna
TampaSteve,
Last time at Burns we did the Kitchen and Wine Cellar tour- I was blown away- I love that place and I tell people it is worth the flight down there just to eat at it. They grow many of their own greens and the seperate dessert floor is the best. Other steak houses I love are El Goucho(over priced but great expierence the waitor actually escorts the women to the bathroom) and Metropolitan Grill in Seattle.

I ate at a place in Houston that was amazing as we ate in the cigar room. I will have to dig up the name.
October 18, 2006

Panman
SS Chris – Avanti wine coolers are a pain to get repaired if you need to have one fixed. Check out the website. Half the authorized repair shops listed don’t exist or are no longer repair shops.

Gary – not only was this episode like having a R rated movie on TBS, this episode was like the Heidi Bowl!
October 18, 2006

SS Chris
TAMPA STEVE,
Thanks VERY much for the info. When I was compiling all of the “Favorite Restaurants” into the spreadsheet, your description of BURNS clearly stood out. I wish I was there for your 40th…sounds like a PERFECT evening (great steak, great wine, great cigars). I think I may have to make a trip to Tampa…I’ll let you know if I come.

TAMPA STEVE, JULIUS, STALLION and DOUG G,
Thanks so much for all of your great info…I can’t tell you how much I appreciate.

Gotta love this BLOG!!!

Gotta love the VaynIACS!!!! thanks again, Chris

P.S.
If you guys would like the ‘Restaurant Spreadsheet’ (actually it’s the entire Spreadsheet w/ different tabs), have Gary forward me your email addresses so that I can send. (I’d feel like I’m recipricating in my own small way.)
October 18, 2006

Bruce S
Funny joke Gary.

Reading some of the other comments, it strikes me how clever an offer the free shipping codes are. It saves the customer about $2.50 a bottle by the case and yet it causes us to open up our wallets like drunken sailors. So, I assume that you made enough profit from the sale of the bottles to keep WLTV going for awhile.
October 18, 2006

Julius
Matty Van – If your ever in Las Vegas, check out the Wine Cellar at the Rio. It hosts a 50,000 bottle collection valued at over $10,000,000 and at the wine bar offers more than 100 wines by the glass.
October 18, 2006

Jason R.
Bruce – This may be true – But what great timing. How many people out there in the VaynerNation have been sitting on their ass all summer waiting for the Hot weather to go away so they could start shipping in again??? I’m guilty – Ordered a case last week from Los Angeles and this week from WL. Other than that for the past 4 months, I have only picked up a couple bottles here and there at local wine shops on my travels. With Free Shipping and ordering out of state (Takes Sales Tax out of the mix) – It doesn’t mean you are spending less – IT MEANS THAT YOU CAN ORDER MORE FOR YOUR BONES!!!
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
Bruce…yes…but when you have the lowest prices in the country another $2.50 a bottle, especially on something that costs $14.99 REALLY makes it worth while!
When I get wine I can’t find in a lot of places and it get’s shipped for free from NJ to CA, I HAVE to jump.

Also Jason R…exactly!

B
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
Has anyone ever been to Aureole at Mandalay Bay, LV….I have only stood at the door and stared at that huge wine system! Unreal

B
October 18, 2006

Julius
To answer the QOTD, I would have to answer by category. And I think that the answer will probably change as I get into the ones I currently have cellaring, like Clarendon Hills and Shirvington from recent vintages. And I can’t wait to compare them to some of the Pax offerings.

For Bold and Brash – 1996 Glaetzer
For Elegant and Refined – 1997 Eight Songs
For Everyday Affordability – 2002 Laughing Magpie
October 18, 2006

PattyO
Brandon M -
If you’re thinking of expanding the WLTV-Vayner-Fashion Line past the T, here’s a thought:

My kids have suggested a rubber wrist bracelet with the inscription:
WWGD….
Lately, they tease my husband and me about all our “Gary said this” and “Gary tasted that” comments and they roll their eyes when they see us sitting together in the den, with the laptop, watching WLTV. (My 15 year old had the audacity this weekend to say, “HE’S OBNOXIOUS!! TURN DOWN THE VOLUME!”) – and she couldn’t believe I was checking the Jets game-in-progress scores all afternoon Sunday!
October 18, 2006

SS Chris
PattyO, did you get the SS??
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
PattyO…Great idea, however….I would only do that if Gary put in touch with a charity to hook up with for the wrist bands….I think that this should be a WLTV Schwag item that WLTV is allready puting together!

B
October 18, 2006

SS Chris
JULIUS & BRANDON M,

I’ve added ‘Wine Cellar’ and ‘Aureole’ to the Restaurant SS.

Aureole was already there per David K’s comment #42(Ep #88), but I enter restaurants as many times as they’re recommended — I figure that it is significant if a Restaurant is mentioned 3 times.
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
Chris…where is the restaurant SS?
October 18, 2006

Tony
Jason R,

Sorry about the Guigal 2001! I think I might have got the last three bottles. Sweet! …but not for you. If you’re ever out in California, I’d be happy to pop one of mine for you.
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
Julius…that is a phenominal link…printing it out and puting it in my wine binder.

To all…Gary has mentioned that woman are more in tuned with the wine senses than men. I wouldn’t know, but here’s a story from last night (not my wine up the nose story either)

I was having a very difficult time with the Sebastiani last night. REALLY trying to get into it, but pushing too hard to come up with what I was smelling and tasting. Then Denyce spends about five minutes with the glass and says, “I smell black licorice!” And BOOOOM it all hits me. She nails it like never before, unbelievable!

B
October 18, 2006

SS Chris
KAHUNA,
I just saw your comment (#160) and addded Burns and Metropolitan Grill. Where is El Goucho so that I can add that one.

By the way, this now makes ‘Burns Steakhouse’ in Tampa the ‘most recommended’ restaurant on the SS (recommended 4 times by: Tampa Steve, Kahuna, Ian S. and Michael W). Both ‘Daniel’ and ‘Grammercy Tavern’,both in NYC, have been recommended 3 times.
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
Jason R…I have a bottle of the ‘01 I would share as well if your ever in the area….maybe we could all get together and pop both bottles!

B
October 18, 2006

Big Billy from Big D
More on flavor and fragrance revelations

Saturday I decided to serve the recently acquired Godella. It would be my second of the two bottles. I was alone in a moment of little before dinner activity when I pulled the cork. I poured 2 ounces or so into my glass, let it sit a moment, then swirled and only smelled it. The up front fragrance was of lemon zest, a little earth, and â€˜something elseâ€™ I couldnâ€™t quite name. It was a little like Mr Clean, but not that unnatural. A few minutes later it came to me when I was chopping parsley! Fresh chopped parsley was that herbal in the background. Kind of a clean smell.

Since becoming more interested in wine I have begun collecting fragrance memories. Leaf mold, garden soil, fresh fruits and herbs, cedar pencils, mothballs, asparagus, and even cat pee. Not the cat pee of an overused cat litter box, but the smell of â€˜that dad-blasted cat winkied on my ball cap that fell on the floor.â€™

Iâ€™ll add my thanks, Julius for the WSET sheet. I have also read of similar work done by Ann C. Noble at UC Davis regarding the semantics of flavor and fragrance. Basically its: FLAVOR + FRAGRANCE = WORDS.

She compiled a lifetime of research on the subject as it concerned perceptions of wine. You can find out more by Googling â€œwine aroma wheelâ€

Chin chin
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
Big Billy…did you buy a wine aroma wheel?
October 18, 2006

SS Chris
PANMAN, thanks for the input on AVANTI units (sound advice).

BRANDON M, It’s one of the tabs in my MASTER SS. I have your email address, so I will send it to you. SS
October 18, 2006

Big Billy from Big D
No I haven’t bought one. (Wine aroma wheel) But I have read three or four articles on the subject and follow wht’s on the wheel in principle.
October 18, 2006

TimF
You don’t have to buy an aroma wheel — there are plenty available on the web that you can just print off…
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
cool…I’ll look it up. Thanks
October 18, 2006

Big Billy from Big D
In the interest of furthering wine science I just completed an on-line order to Beringer for their Wine Aroma Wheel(s) , that are based on Ann Noble’s work.

From their web site:
The â€œBeringer Wine Tasting Wheelsâ€ consist of two wheels, one for white wines and one for red wines, which feature terms commonly used to describe the aromas, tastes, flavors and mouthfeel of wine. It also lists descriptors that often are used in connection with certain wine varietals, i.e., pineapple and vanilla for Chardonnay, black pepper and blackberry for Zinfandel, etc.

For $6 I figured, why noy not be a big spender this afternoon.
Chin chin
October 18, 2006

Tony S.
Gary, I was out of town the last two days…so congrats on your Jets (plus that got me a win in my football pool), and sure the Bears won, so I’m happy, but jeez they looked horrible. And against the Cards!! We got a bye-week this week, so maybe that game will slap them into reality, but now I KNOW that they won’t go 16-0. They’re going to probably lose to the Giants and to the Patriots, sorry, but I don’t see them getting slapped around by your Jets. And the last couple weeks of the season, when they’ve clinched home field throughout the playoffs, they’ll take it easy and lose a couple meaningless games. Then the playoffs will come, and since they’ll be TOO rested up, they’ll get smoked in their first playoff game, just like last year. You heard it hear first…from a die-hard Bears fan.

OK: Yesterday’s show was great. But, I somehow knew you weren’t going to finish today’s show. Oh well, you can try the Chapoutier, Mouton and Le Pin today.
See you later,
GO BEARS!!!
T
October 18, 2006

Susan
Tim-
Thanks for the tip about the wine aroma wheel.
Very helpful & cool:)
October 18, 2006

Kahuna
Hi SS Chris,

El Gaucho(looked up the spelling this time) is also in Seattle. they have also opened one in Portland but I have not been to that one.

In Houston we ate at The Capital Grille which was awesome also- I understand there are many locations through out the country though
October 18, 2006

Italian Stallion
Hey Brandon….with the Vaynervote…even if “Wine Librarians” wins the race….you should still put “Vayniacs” on the shirt……I don’t ever seen anyone refer to themselves as “Wine Librarians”

-Stallion
October 18, 2006

Jason R.
Tony / Brandon – Thanks for the offers – I checked with my father and he has 7 in his cellar from 2001. He said that he paid $2 bones more per bottle and then $2.83 each for shipping from CA about a year ago. AGAIN – WL BEST PRICE!!!

What a dilema I have – He wanted to pop a 1983 Diamond Creek Gravely or a 1984 Mouton at Christmas and now I have to ask for a 2001 Guigal CDP @ Thanksgiving.. LOL I think that I will shoot higher. I know he has some older Guigal Cote Rotie’s stashed away in his cellar so maybe I will win in this scenario….

BTW – I will be in So. Cal in 2 weeks, but dont know if I will incorporate my rounds up north to all my label customers… I will let you know – If I do – I am in for my usual ribs @ Rutherford Grille across from BV. I will be drinking the house wine as usual BV Rutherford… What a great pairing!!!
October 18, 2006

Susan
Kahuna,
The Capital Grille is a chain but a darn good one.
We have Capital Grille here in Charlotte, NC.
October 18, 2006

Italian Stallion
we are VAYNIACS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One big Vaynerfamily
October 18, 2006

Susan
Brandon M,
I agree with the whole charity – wristband idea.
If part of the $ went to a charity for the wristbands
that would be great!
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
I know everyone on the BLOG seems to like Vaniacs. I’m gonna come up with a couple of great options we can all pick from.

B
October 18, 2006

PattyO
Brandon – I had to google “schwag” and the urban dictionary tells me – first thing -
“1. schwag

adj. Term used to describe low grade marijuana. This type of marijuana is usually brown, seedy, dry. The term is also used by many pot heads to describe anything that is low grade.
noun. low grade marijuana”

OK – so I’m thinking that’s probably NOT what the reference on the “Get WLTV Schwag” refers to…
unless that’s how Gary’s funding his “free shipping” offers…

But lower down I see:
“1. schwag 300 up, 44 down

adj. Term used to describe low grade marijuana. This type of marijuana is usually brown, seedy, dry. The term is also used by many pot heads to describe anything that is low grade.
noun. low grade marijuana

adj- Ewww this schwag ass weed tastes horrible and it didnt get me very high.
noun- I hate smoking schwag, but i cant get any dank right now so i guess i’ll have to.

by PotHead Apr 28, 2003 email it
permalink: del.icio.us
Send to a friend
your email:
their email:

schwag images
schwag

2. schwag

1. Any free or extra goods, usually given to employees or workers.

2. Low grade marijuana

3. A rock & roll band based in St. Louis, Missouri”

And I’m betting it’s not the St. Louis band either – so – I guess it’s the description #1 under schwag #2…

And as for the charity -
I’m thinking a non-profit charity needs to be set up for aid to “recovering WLTV addicts” and the profits from the wrist bands could go there…
Just kidding.
October 18, 2006

PattyO
Sorry – a chunk of that copy on schwagg repeated, which didn’t show in what I submitted
October 18, 2006

TampaSteve
Kahuna, isn’t that tour GREAT! Burns has an old world cellar, not flashy, no towers but a damp dusty dim light “basement like” cellar that has bottles lined up from floor to ceiling. I mean you could pull some bottles out and have to wipe the label off to read it. There super high end wines sits in a locked part of the cellar that you are not allowed to enter, and with wines topping the $5000 mark there is little wonder why. They have bottles of wine that date back into the 1800’s. Like mentioned before many wines are available by the glass, even some of the real old stuff. I believe the cellar holds 100,000 bottles with a warehouse close by that makes for half a million bottles of wine total. There are pictures and equipment in the cellar of when Rothschild came to recork some of their oldest wines. I have done both tours over a dozen times as no trip to Burns is complete without. Yes, they have a organic farm here in Tampa that supplies most vegetables. Each waiter at Burns must first work on that farm. They are not considered full waiter status until they have worked in the restaurant for a year. The women who used to stand grilling the steaks for over 20 years just recently retired. This is old world style dining at it’s finest.

SS Chris, just let me know if you ever come to Tampa, I will never pass up on a Burns event. Can’t wait to see the restaurant list.
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
Here’s how I view the word Schwag, and I have known quite a few companies that have gone through this:

The company starts out by making shirts / hats for their employees and special events. The company then becomes so popular and well known that people are willing to pay for the schwag!
So having a schwag store, to me, means selling the stuff that normally only people on the inside would get!

B
October 18, 2006

Kahuna
TampaSteve – I am getting Hungry now- OH MAN
October 18, 2006

Big Billy from Big D
It took awhile, but I found these Wine Aroma Wheels for free (downloadable). Thanks Tim F

An Acrobat Version can be found here:
http://www.retzer-land.co.at/Weingut-Himmelbauer/tips/aroma.pdf

A jpg file here:
http://www.retzer-land.co.at/Weingut-Himmelbauer/tips/aroma.jpg
October 18, 2006

Susan
Vayniacs,
Keep the comments coming – we are almost at 200!
Great Stuff!:)
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
Just ordered the presale on the 2005 Valrose…2026 is gonna be awesome…cause that’s when we’re poppin them!

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=7511

My kids are gonna be lovin life with all this damn wine!

B
October 18, 2006

Peter
For shiraz lovers, check out the new Mollydooker wines from Sarah and Sparky Marquis. They split from their importer and business partner Dan Phillips/Grateful Pallet, with whom they made Marquis-Phillips line of wines (Sarah’s Blend (Shiraz/Cab belnd),etc.) The new wines, The Boxer (100% shiraz) and a cabernet and a shiraz/cab belnd are about $20. They have some more complex wines, “Carnival of Love” and “Enchanted Path” coming out soon for about $45. I tasted them all a couple of months ago at party and met Sparky and Sarah, and was very impressed. But I love big obvious powerful wines!
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
of course…if either one of them goes to an ivy league, I may have to sell it all!
October 18, 2006

Grasshopper
Brandon M,

I have been to Aureole at Mandalay Bay, was pretty cool. They hoist the girl up the wine stack, looks like a a glass elevator shaft full of wine bins and it is about three stories high. The food was good and I was a guest of someone else. We had a nice Bourdeaux but can not remember which one. Is a fun place to have dinner when in LV.

Grasshopper
October 18, 2006

Lev M.
I know its wine library tv and all, but wouldn’t it be fun if Gary did an episode on beer? Its kind of like wine made from grains (think barley wine and mead). I just think its nice to change things up every so often. You guys think this is a bad/good idea?
October 18, 2006

Susan
I hate to sound negative but…
I have never met a beer I liked soooooooo….
No, I don’t like the beer idea.
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
Lev M. I’m not sure Gary has trained himself to know a great beer from a not so great beer. I think the idea of doing this for beer is an awesome one though. Someone should start a beer vlog.

I still would like to see Gary mix it up with on location cellar episodes, winery visits, and GUESTS GUESTS GUESTS!

B
October 18, 2006

Rob M.
Jason R- I, too, got shut out from the 2001 Guigal CDP, however they did have the 375mL bottles available, so I went that way.

TampaSteve, isn’t it spelled “Berns”?
October 18, 2006

Rob M.
If we are being precise, I guess I should say “Bern’s”. Here is a quote from their website: (http://www.bernssteakhouse.com)

“Bern’s Wine Cellar houses the most extensive selection of wines of any restaurant in the world. The restaurant’s cellar features 90,000 bottles which represents only about 15 percent of Bern’s complete wine collection.”

Wow. I must go!
October 18, 2006

TampaSteve
I think Gary said he has drank like a six pack of beer in his life-time.
October 18, 2006

TampaSteve
Yes, Robert it is spelled BERN’S, why did I spell it wrong….my spelling sucks..lol. I ordered a couple bottles of the Font De Michelle CDP Etienne Gonnet (as well as 26 other bottles of wine) from WL’s free shipping. I was at a local Australia & Rhone tasting this weekend. I tasted a 2001 Beaucastel CDP….OH MY GOD!…that was GGGGOOOOOOOODDDDD juice. 96 rated RP. They only had two cases available and sold it right out. I did grab a couple of bottles. Also grabbed 2 bottles of the Amon Ra…those were the best 2 wines of the showing IMO. Boy this has been an expensive wine week.
October 18, 2006

Kahuna
My fault I started the wrong spelling brigade on Berns
October 18, 2006

Jason R.
Rob – Thanks for letting me know I was not the only one to get shut out. I was in a hurry this morning and simply threw in the 2003 D’Arche Sauterne and another bottle of the 2003 Ch. D’Alesme Becker, so I was o.k. If my wife would let me order more, I would, but I am already in a jam as my racks are full, I have improvised and have rigid cardboard shippers on their sides for short term racks until I either free up space, or buy another rack to add. I have an octagon wood rack spindle with dowell conectors. Probably not the cheapest option (about $70 & hold 40 bottles), but it looks nice and I can keep adding to it. I will be on rack #4…

WHEN IS THE NEW EP COMING GARY!!!
October 18, 2006

SS Chris
TAMPA STEVE (& ROB),

I’ve made the change to “Bern’s Steak House”.

Regarding the very end of your comment #196, where you say, “SS Chris,…Canâ€™t wait to see the restaurant list.”. I just want to make sure we’re on the same page. This SS will not be showing up anywhere on the website.

If you or any other VaynIACS…no WINE LIBRARIANS (JK…LOL.. ) would like the â€˜Restaurant Spreadsheet’, please ask Gary to forward me your email address and, then I can send it to you. Actually, itâ€™s my entire Spreadsheet that has different tabs–one of them being the Favorite Restaurants from EP. #88’s QOD. SS Chris
October 18, 2006

QueSeraSyrah
Peter (comment 202): Good call on the Mollydooker. The 2005 The Boxer is an excellent value and even thought I don’t agree with RP’s score (95 I believe), it is a solid shiraz for the money. As for the QOD: 2002 Shirvington (an absolute beast that with some proper decanting evolved into quite an elegant and complex shiraz).
October 18, 2006

SS Chris
KAHUNA,
While it doesn’t matter, there were 2 misspellings of Berns before you (on Ep #88).
October 18, 2006

Kahuna
La Legua 2003-Bodehas Emetorio Fernandez, Cigales Red Wine 96% Tempranillo, 4% Garnacha

I purchased this wine a few months back just for the sake of trying something new- I just opened it last night and it had a very odd nose – Almost smelling like an Oxidized cabernet- I had a glass with dinner and it was so so- probably less than so so.

I am generally not a decantour person nor do I usually opens wines more than 1/2 hour a head of time I use a big glass and swirl. This has changed my mind- I went back to the wine four hours later with no cork in it and it became a very smooth well drinking wine. This is not an expensive bottle but it is the most transformation I have ever seen in a wine in a few hours. I believe I will be getting on board with the opening early crowd!

Again I am not saying to seek this out I got it at our Bottle King(sorry Gary) but if you are like me and finally want to see a wine transform before you try this out.
October 18, 2006

Rich S
Mmmm, best Shiraz I have ever had? I don’t really know if I have an answer to that since I have not really had a lot of straight up shiraz. I can say however that one of my favorite Shiraz producers is Two Hands from the Barossa Valley. I do have a very high end Elderton 2002 shiraz that I am sitting on because I have heard it is a massive wine and would benefit from some time in the bottle.

Very funny GV. Crying poverty over the free shipping code. I am sure WL did quite well and all of us Vayniacs surely appreciated it……………..even though I didn’t get to order since I was upstate and didn’t have access to a computer. Oh well.
October 18, 2006

TampaSteve
Thanks SS Chris I will e-mail Gary now.
October 18, 2006

Brandon M
SS Chris…I never did receive the email today for the spread sheet? Did you send? Just curious.

B
October 18, 2006

Ken D.
D’Ardenberg The Dead Arm.
October 18, 2006

garybee
Best Shiraz I’ve ever had? That’s easy. 1997 Jim Barry “The Armagh”. Coming from the hotter Clare Valley, this Shiraz has less pepper bite to it. Very smooth with tons of fruit.
Gary Beesley
October 18, 2006

Arnold
I was wondering why you didn’t decant the Le Pin. You bastard!
October 18, 2006

Noah Rosenblum
“I feel sorry for people who don’t drink. When they
wake up in the morning, that’s as good as they’re
going to feel all day. ”

~Frank Sinatra

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher, smarter, faster and better looking than most people.
October 18, 2006

Arnold
Thanks for the chocolate/port matching. Very nice. My wife said “I could have told you that!”
October 19, 2006

Julius
I asked Gary back in August if he was going to be getting in the Mollydooker wines and he said yes. When he didn’t and several other stores in my area started selling them I ended up buying a case of each elsewhere: The Boxer (Shiraz), Two Left Feet (Shiraz/Merlot/Cab) and Maitre D’ (Cab). They are all excellent and will last me maybe a couple of years (maybe not).
October 19, 2006

J.P.
Gary, Gary – this was NOT funny (but then again. you are a Jets fan)!

My favourite Aussie Shiraz is definitly Wirra Wirra R.S.W. from McLaren Vale. This has much more elegance and style than the big Barossa Train wrecks that you and Parker have been recommending! If you have not tried the wines from Wirra Wirra you have missed out!

Go BILLS!!!!

J.P.
October 19, 2006

TampaSteve
Why doesn’t Gary just add the “restaurant list” the spread sheet you already have up on WLTV?
October 19, 2006

Colin D. Devroe
LOST numbers!
October 20, 2006

Brandon M
Sorry but I just had to be the one to break the record!
February 18, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
QOTD:
2000 Barossa Valley Estates E&E Black Pepper Shiraz
July 6, 2007

vibemore
QOTD: I haven’t had much top end Australian Shiraz, but my favorite so far has to be the Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz-Viognier I had today. I liked it so much I decided to see if you had ever tasted Chapoutier during WLTV. So I did the search and was led here and apparently you HAVEN’T tasted any Chapoutier on WLTV. Oh well.
August 29, 2007

TimF
So what’s the big deal about this episode?
November 25, 2007

Vito
My favorite Australian Shiraz…..2003 The Standish from Barossa. I’m not generally a big fun of Parker’s big scores (often too alcoholic) but this one @ 14.5 is perfectly balanced. I hope you can taste it and share your opinion.
Vito
December 28, 2007

The Fanjestic
Please tell me the $3000 bottle did not go to waste! I wonder what the most expensive bottle tasted on the show is!
May 19, 2008

Mike Gigante
Favourite Australian Shiraz – not the Barossa Valley wines for me, but rather shiraz from the cool climate regions of my native Victoria – esp Heathcote, Great Western, Bendigo, Sunbury and Yarra Valley.

Jasper Hill, Seppelts St Peters Shiraz, Bests Bin 0 and Thompson Family, Craiglee. I’ve been a 20 year fan of Jasper Hill and Craiglee.. I could also throw in Warramate and Paringa Estate too.

Cool climate Victorian Shiraz is more reminescent of the Northern Rhone (OK, Jasper Hill ’s Georgia’s Paddock is unusual).

BTW, the video for episode 109 appears to be corrupted. I’d be really interested to see the tastings of the remaining 3 wines (after the Torbreck) so if it is possible to fix it….

Thanks for the great site. I can’t believe I haven’t discovered this until now. What a hoot!

cheers, Mike
September 21, 2009

John J.
Good episode Gary, love when you throw those curve balls. Would also love to see you do an episode on vin jaune’s and a tasting on different charbono’s.

Classic Wine Tasting. – Episode #109

Wines tasted in this episode:

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