90+ Point Wines Under $10

90+ Point Wines Under $10 – Episode #113

October 23, 2006

Wines tasted in this episode:

Watch today as Gary talks about a growing superstar, wines scored 90+ points under $10 and the flavors and complexities that make them what they are. Gary tackles a Shiraz a tawny port a Grancha or Grenache and a Vermentino from Sardegna.

230 Responses

October 23, 2006

KAHUNA
Matthew L, Nice opening!
October 23, 2006

Julia
I’ll settle for second place…
October 23, 2006

Susan
# 2 ?????????????????
October 23, 2006

Susan
# 2 ?????????????????
October 23, 2006

Susan
Did anyone know that I am an accountant?
Just kidding!
My math is great!
October 23, 2006

Mike I
Gary,

As I’m half Sardinian, its great to see the Vermentino covered. I was wondering if you’re planning an episode on Sardinia and some of the other great southern Italian wine regions?

Cheers,
Mike
October 23, 2006

Brandon M
Last night…
2004 Matua Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc paired with wild Ahi Tuna steak in a honey pepper marinade with cabbage salad and prawns boiled in a light soy sauce and seasoned with steak seasoning.
The meal was awesome, the wine was so so..were there hints of passion fruit? yes…were they crisp and well balanced?…mmmmm…not really. Not bad for $8 but not awesome eithewr. Denyce did not like the wine.

B
October 23, 2006

Julia
And, BTW, “Ricola-kian”… that’s brilliant.
October 23, 2006

KAHUNA
QOD- Herolds Farm, Saddle River Rd Fair Lawn, NJ- good cider and fresh donughts 201-445-0069 call to see when they start Cider production
October 23, 2006

KAHUNA
Giants are 1-7 against the Cowboys on Monday night and 0-4 in Dallas. If the G-Men come through I am popping something great- haven’t decided what yet-

If the G-men lose it will be Johnny Walker Green on the rocks-dash of water
October 23, 2006

KAHUNA
Here is my post from #112 on Bottle Shock since Gary V brought it up
Bottle Shock-
I know it takes place after bottling-Being a home winemaker just last month we were bottling 15 gallons of wine- Naturally we were drinking it while bottling and it was amazing. After Bottling three days later I drank a bottle and was out of balance(for lack of a better term) the fruit had seemed to disappear. I opened another bottle just to check to see if it was a miscleaned bottle same thing-

I called my friend who I gave a case too for helping and he said to me that the wine tasted different of course he drank three bottles anyway- I told him not to touvh it for a few weeks to a month. He tried it again before me and said it was back to its pre-bottling self.

I will get wines from wineries that I am members of and if they bottled close to the ship date they will put stickers on the bottle to say let sit for a month due to bottle shock.

That being said I just translate it to shipping also and let them sit for a few weeks.
October 23, 2006

KAHUNA
Has anyone else had the Hawks Crest Cabernet it is $10 and made by one of the Stag’s Leap wineries.
I happen to enjoy it for the price. I know it is a year to year thing on quality.
October 23, 2006

Matty Van, Rochester,NY
GV – thanks for doing the T. Jones tawny port…I bought a bottle in my last order

QUESTION for the room – anyone have any pairing advise for the T. Jones Tawney port??…or should I just drink it after a good meal

QOD – have not had anything other than plain old apple cider…I guess I just suck at life

cheating is base ball does not bother me, spit balls, corked bats, stealing signs…have all been part of the game for decades
October 23, 2006

Brandon M
QOTD
I’m not a fan of hard cider as I would almost always choose wine over any other hard beverage.
I DO love going up to Apple Hill this time of year and drinking the fresh cider. I don’t know what apples make up the cider there, but it is sooooo great on a fall day…Come home with a fresh apple pie, and put it in the oven for dessert with vanilla ice cream!

And of course…a great Zin always goes well in the fall!

B
October 23, 2006

Brandon M
Matty Van…a great cigar!!

And I don’t mind the cheating either. It’s such a down and dirty sport. Also…if anyone thinks, even Gary, that there is no cheating in football, or basketball, they are fooling themsleves.

Kahuna…had Hawk’s Crest at Stag’s leap a few years back and couldn’t stand it. Haven’t given it a chance since.

B
October 23, 2006

KAHUNA
Leon Washington sounds like these guys to me
Blair Thomas, Adrian Murrell, Brad Baxter, Johnny Hector, Leon Johnson, Bernie Parmalee, Johnny Johnson
ALL FUTURE JETS LEGENDS
October 23, 2006

SS Chris
Gary, Any chance of 10 episodes per week…quit slacking!!
October 23, 2006

Julia
Oh, and I like Scrumpy Cider. Not to be confused with the hard cider from the UK…this is from Upstate NY.
October 23, 2006

SS Chris
I donâ€™t if anyone just saw Kenny Rogersâ€™ Press Conference. Explaining the stain on his hand, he just announced that, before the game, he had a small glass of a really inky, viscuous Petite Sirah and thatâ€™s what the stain on his hand.

He likened the â€œstainâ€ to â€œThe Wine Roomâ€™sâ€ imported floor at The Wine Library. He instructed reporters, who didnâ€™t understand, to simply watch WLTVâ€™s Episode #4 (he also recommended the Decanting episode).
October 23, 2006

hinrgman
Fovorite cider is from THE NORTH BRANCH CIDER MILL

North Branch, New York 12766

(914) 482-4823

Its one of the last few working mills open to the public.

Fresh cider no preservatives or pasteurization.

Their hard “barrel” cider is great also.
October 23, 2006

Matty Van, Rochester,NY
being upstate ny we have apple farms all over the place..I guess my favorite cider is “Dickens Cider” my girlfriend really likes it, says it goes down smooth with a good mough feel.
October 23, 2006

Brandon M
Sometimes after Churh my Grandma likes to settle down with a Hard Dicken’s Cider.
October 23, 2006

PattyO
QOD – HardCore Crisp Hard Cider.
Julia – just listened to a podcast interview on CPN (culinary podcast network):
Eat Feed # 59: October in Season Flavor: Jim Koan, the owner of Almar Orchards, talks about his JK Scrumpy Cider and what makes an artisanal cider great.
Cool interview – I’ve never seen Scrumpy where I live but I’d love to try it!
BEST EVER is straight out of the keg in the land-o-sidra (hard cider) – Basque region/Far Northern Spain.
October 23, 2006

Brandon M
ok…that was bad, but it was straight from the comedy skit.
Didn’t want anyone gettin the wrong idea!
October 23, 2006

KAHUNA
Hey Brandon- that was good- a little sick but good.
October 23, 2006

Brandon M
October 23, 2006

mikep
Gary

If and when you buy the JETS ok when you buy the JETS will you have a Wine Library TV fan apreciation day???? Oh as far as cider sorry my friend a good buddy of mine used to press it at a local orchard when we were about 15 or so about 40 years ago and you just wouldn’t believe what gets pressed in with the apples by accident. No cider at my Thanksgiving Table. Another great episode. Have a great day.
Regards MIKE P
October 23, 2006

TimF
Gary – I can’t believe you didn’t mention the color of the Jonesy Port. It’s brown. Really, really, really brown. And I thought it was more like a werther’s original candy than a ricola.

QOD: When I worked at that farm market in Guilford, CT (Bishop’s Orchards), sometimes I’d help on the cider production line — that was before CT law required pasteurization. The best was putting a cup right up to the bottler and taking a drink. Now they cook the crap so I can’t recommend it. I travel up to Wisconsin to get my cider fix now — no pasteurization. The fresher the better. BTW – Making cider isn’t as simple as just getting a bunch of apples together and pressing them — you’ve got to have the right mix. An all red delicious batch, for instance, is sickeningly sweet. It’s all about getting the right mix of 3 or 4 different varietals — kind of like making great Bordeaux.
October 23, 2006

KAHUNA
Just for laughs here are some Jets Quaterback greats:
Frank Reich, Neil O’Donnell, Glenn Foley(so bad yet all in one year), Kliff Kingsbury, jay Fiedler, Vinny testaverde, Brooks Bollinger(again all in one year), Quincy Carter, Matt Turk, Ray Lucas(go RUTGERS), Rick Mirer, Tom Tupa(Oh yeah he was a punter also), Glenn Foley, Boomer Esiason, Jack Trudeau(doesnt he write get well books), Browning Nagle, Ken O’Brien, Tony Eason, Troy Taylor, Mark Malone, Pat Ryan-

Ok I Have to Stop I am starting to cry with laughter now-
October 23, 2006

TimF
Kahuna – Thanks for the laugh. HUGE game for the G’ints tonight. With Philly losing yesterday we need to take the bull by the horns. A win over the dirty cowboys would be great.
October 23, 2006

KAHUNA
TimF,
I hear ya- this is a big one!
October 23, 2006

KAHUNA
TimF- I laughed so hard I forgot BUBBY BRISTER!
October 23, 2006

Lynne
Favorite cider…hmmm..I’ll have to mull that one over. (Sorry)
A hot cider toddy. Great for cold evenings…like now. it’s snowing here. Unbelievable! I am SO not ready for this. Just mowed the lawn yesterday. (After the Bengals win)

I can’t decide if WLTV is saving me money (Vayner-chucks) or if I’m spending more (Vayner-nods). Every episode makes me want to try something new. Now, I just have to try that tawny port.

What glass with the dessert wines?
October 23, 2006

ML
Does anyone know if the Scrumpy cider is the same as the Scrumpy cider mill that used to be in Belle Mead/Hillsborough many years ago? Just wondering. They had the best cider donuts.

By the way, another good episode.

SS Chris – maybe between updating the spreadsheet every episode, you can come up with a Vaynerchuk wine tasting wheel…include some of Gary’s best descriptors: ricola, strawberry shortcake dolls, lizard, pizza oven, barn…I’m sure there are dozens more.
October 23, 2006

SS Chris
ML,

The wheel is already in production…just waiting for a few trademark issues to be settled before I release
October 23, 2006

Tony S.
Gary,

I’m not a cider guy…so, I have no answer for QOD. Secondly, c’mon, you’re a die-hard Jets fan, why would you lose interest in them if they win a Superbowl? I couldn’t ever imagine losing interest in my Bears if they pulled a Yankees and started winning every other Superbowl. All those Patriots fans haven’t lost interest in their Pats…are you saying that Patriots fans are more die-hard than Jets fans? That’s what it sounds like to me.

Anyway…in case everyone is wondering why we love Wine Library TV so much…check out this guy (it’s only about a minute long):

Http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Free/Video/0,4258,236189525,00.html

Gary, you don’t have to worry about the competition out there. OK, see you later, GO BEARS!!
T
October 23, 2006

Matty Van, Rochester,NY
maybe an online flash based wheel would be good, then the terms could be updated on the fly? unfortunatly the only flash ability I posses invloves a trench coat and public places
October 23, 2006

SS Chris
TimF,

Check out the SS tasting notes for the Trevor Jones Old Tawny Port…
October 23, 2006

EmeryP
OK,OK the Jets won….but what about the Scarlet Knights 7-0 baby? Greg Schiano, great job. Ray Rice 225 yards rushing. Lookout Connecticut.
October 23, 2006

Ian F
OUCH! Huge heartbreaker for us Eagles fans down here. Gotta love McNabb throwing up. Gary love the Los Rocas, should have been on the school night episode. since were on school or values under $10My favorite is Saint Francis RED for 8.99. You don’t carry this Gary and it’s amazing. Please carry it and taste on WLTV, I promise it would be a huge success. Anyone tried the warm cider wine at the Sand Castle Winery above New Hope, PA?
October 23, 2006

TimF
McNabb throwing up was unreal. I was dying laughing. I saw that happen once in a college game and the guy got huge applause.
October 23, 2006

TimF
SS Chris — Wow, I got a full mention in the notes. I’ve never ever seen a wine this brown before. For those of you awaiting its arrival — don’t be shocked when you pour it.
October 23, 2006

Jonathan G
Gary,

You help me through the work day. Such a nice way to break up the monotony of an office day.

I know its called WINE library TV, but would you ever consider doing something like a beer or single malt tasting? Whiskey Fest ‘06 is coming up on monday Nov. 6. Do you have any interests in spirits at all?

I asked before, but how do you feel about the cap top bottles versus corked bottles? I know I have had my share of poorly corked bottles and I am interested to know if how a wine is stopped changes its quality?
October 23, 2006

Sam Zen
No doubt about this one, Basque cider shooting out a spicket of a 5 ton barrel. Nice! Tough to find unless you cross the pond.
October 23, 2006

jon777
Gary — let’s not get too high on the Leon Washington bandwagon. Remember, that was Detroit we played, not Baltimore. Detroits defense can make anyone look like Walter Payton out there.

That said, I looked at the Jets schedule the rest of the way. Cleveland, a game they should win, followed by a bye. Then two tough games (NE and da Bears) to start the 2nd half. But the last 6 games are a cake walk. If they don’t win 5 of those last 6 (Hou, GB, Buf, Min, Mia, Oak), it’ll be a big dissapointment. So assuming they beat Cleveland — lose to Indy and Chicago, and win 5 out of 6 to finish — that’s 10-6.

Holy crap, the Jets could actually make the playoffs this year?!?!?!

QOD: Sorry, no read recommendation on specific types of cider. Anything that’s fresh from the orchard is good by me. And cider donuts! Yum!
October 23, 2006

Brandon M
I for one am getting used to the screw caps. I love corks, and the process, but it’s not that big of a deal. If some of my cherished aging wines end up corked, I’m gonna be pissed!

B
October 23, 2006

Jonathan G
Thanks Brandon! I think the cork thing maybe more of a “I’m a great wine therefore I need a cork” type of a deal. I heard some big cali wines are starting to use the captops over corks.
October 23, 2006

TimF
Playoffs? Uh, dip, Playoffs? Are you kidding me? Playoffs!?! Don’t talk to me about Playoffs. Playoffs.
October 23, 2006

Brandon M
Groth Reserve has been playing with it for a while. I think they are still doing half the release in screw cap, and the other in cork. Not positive though.
October 23, 2006

TimF
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGrewst9tnM

And while you’re at it…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIXvk0urcTg
and…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIgmh-lgI4c
October 23, 2006

SS Chris
TimF,

There’s actually 2 full mentions …just making sure you saw it.
October 23, 2006

TimF
I spoke with the folks at Ridge about the subject. They have tested screwcaps on all their wines and taste them blind regularly. The winemakers always prefer the taste of the wines with corks to those with screwcaps. I go with these guys. I’m okay with it for a cheaper bottle of wine or a white meant to be drunk young, but if I’m going to shell out $20 or more on a red, I want a cork.

As for Domaine Chandon putting bottle caps on their sparkling wine, I’m against it. It takes a lot of fun out of opening a bottle.
October 23, 2006

SS Chris
I emailed Carlo Rossi…he said the screw caps were far superior!!
October 23, 2006

Jaye
Hi Gary. I have nothing to add today, but I thought I’d say hi to everyone. C-ya!
October 23, 2006

TimF
Did the fine folks at Carlo Rossi talk about the proper way to enjoy their gallon jugs? I like to drink it Jed Clampett style with the jug on my shoulder.
October 23, 2006

Jables
Strange that baseball is considered a “cheating sport” by a huge nfl fan…
The NFL has a long history of cheaters, felons, etc… that make Major League Baseball players look like a bunch of choir boys.
Last years defensive rookie of the year from the Chargers, Shawne Merriman, just tested postive for steroids, so is football a “cheating sport” too?
October 23, 2006

SS Chris
The “shoulder” hold is the ONLY way to drink it (according to Carlo)
October 23, 2006

Brandon M
Anyone remember when Gary got all fired up over Double Nickel comments? Now it only takes 3 hours…phenominal!

B
October 23, 2006

Tony manning
Did you see the Falcon’s? Come on Gary got to give us more than the dirty bird. Mike V. 4 td’s!!!
http://www.thewineglass.net
October 23, 2006

Brandon M
YES! The Rocky Creek and Piovano just showed up.
Fed Ex arrived, I signed for it, opened the box, and to my horror, the bottles look like they are in complete shock!

B
October 23, 2006

TimF
I’ll be honest.. fellas, it was sounding great. But.. I could’ve used a little more cowbell.
October 23, 2006

SS Chris
Tony,

Sometime your blogname is “Tony”…other times it’s “Tony manning” and the I think I even saw a 3rd non-Tony name.

~Why the different names?
~Am I correct about this 3rd name?
~If I’m correct, what is that name and what is the meaning of it? (I remember it being slightly odd).
~What determines which name you use?
October 23, 2006

PeteB
That was a good question on the whites and room temp. – it is worth the experiment for those who have not tried it. I prefer to have have mine a bit colder than room temp, so the ice bucket & chiller are now gone when ordering in the restaurant. At home, I just let it sit for a bit – maybe about 2 hrs or so.

QOD: Gary take a trip to Colts Neck and get your cider @ Delicious Orchards – I enjoy it quite a bit!
October 23, 2006

SS Chris
Brandon, I picked up wine @ WL today, and the bottles were completely unfazed when I opened the boxes. The plot thickens……
October 23, 2006

Miguelo DiMarco
There’s a cider in N. Cal. called Dickens Cider (no joke!), plus the very respectable stand-by Martinelli’s (we shouldn’t take more visible brands for granted just because they’re not obscure-chic). I’m not sure you get these on the East Coast. TJ’s has a Spiced Cider -haven’t tried it.

–Can’t wait for the 2 surprises this week; sounds like it’s going to be big!
October 23, 2006

K Spengler
ok, what did I miss with Kenny Rogers and cheating baseball………??????????
October 23, 2006

Brandon M
Hey Guys…I put my pants on one leg at a time like the rest of you!
Except when I put my pants on, I make gold records!
October 23, 2006

PattyO
Sam Zen (44) – DEFINITELY worth crossing the pond for. I thought I was going for Rioja – but if I had to choose the wine or the sidra house (it’s just not the same once it’s bottled – even locally) – only one – it would be the cider! Nothing like it.

SS Chris – e-mailed Rossi. That was a good one!

Screwcaps vs. corks – all “science” aside, I’m with Tim F – the cork is part of the fun, the “ritual” – it’s just an emotional thing! I keep trying to get past it but so far, no luck.
October 23, 2006

TimF
Babies.. before we’re done here.. y’all be wearing gold-plated diapers.
October 23, 2006

Brandon M
What does that mean?
October 23, 2006

TimF
Re Kenny Rogers: It was pretty clearly shown on TV last night that The Gambler had a foreign substance on his hand in the first inning last night. He didn’t in the second. When asked about it later he said he noticed he had a clump of dirt on his hand and removed it. He said that the umps never said anything to him. A spokesman for the umpires said that they did ask him to remove it. Somebody is lying…
October 23, 2006

TimF
Never question Bruce Dickinson!
October 23, 2006

SS Chris
Patty O, The amazing thing was how quickly Carlo replied!!

It was reminiscent of when I first emailed Gary a copy of a spreadsheet that I was keeping, expecting no response. Gary responded within hours…and you all know the rest.

Carlo replied in 7 minutes!! (He must be bored w/ the JUG business)
October 23, 2006

Miguelo DiMarco
I thought screw caps only came from the cellars of Ernest and Julio?

I have to admit, I like the new-world Synthetic Corks over the real-cork corks.
October 23, 2006

Brandon M
I’ve got a fever…and….the…only cure….is MORE COWBELL!
October 23, 2006

PattyO
SS Chris – I’m sure Carlo finds it’s lonely at the top…

Question to Vayniacs – what do you do with the WL igloos (the styro shipping cartons)? They’re good for long term insulated wine storage – but does anyone else have clever uses for them?? I find that an inverted top is a comfy chair for sitting on while unpacking the wine…. Are they recyclable? Appriciate your thoughts!
October 23, 2006

Matthew L
Gary…thanks for running the intro. It’s the least I could do after talking so much crap about the Lions. I still stand by my team, but I must give credit where credit is due.

Good episode today. Right up my alley with wines in the $10-15 range.

I’m very interested to find out what’s in store this week.

QOTD: I’m not a big cider person. Way too memories of being held against my will after church for coffee and cookie time. Yikes. There is a great orchard in the DC area, though, called Stribling Orhcard. (www.striblingorchard.com) They make good stuff including apple and pumpkin butter and cider. Be sure to check them out if you’re out touring some vineyards in the northern Virginia wine country–particularly Linden Vineyards. (www.lindenvineyards.com/linden/index.cfm)
October 23, 2006

Justin
I’ve got to admit that i’ve been lurking for a while, but Gary you made me post! It was your comment about the Eagles. Ouch! I can’t wait until the Jets get robbed. I’ll have to remember to rub it in.

BTW – Can you do an episode tasting old wines from great vintages to see how they’ve stood up? Also, you mentioned in an older episode that the ‘94 Etude Cab used to be your favorite. What wines have surpassed that one for you?
October 23, 2006

Kahuna
did we just get Iron Maiden involved?
October 23, 2006

SS Chris
Wasn’t my KENNY ROGERS joke in comment #19 funny?

If it’s not funny, I do enough work on the SS, so that you guys can fake it.
October 23, 2006

Kahuna
Baseball & Football Cheaters? They do not even hold a candle to the Senate & Congress when it comes to arrests and drug charges- At least bsaeball & football have not had a bribe or extortion scandel for quite some time.
October 23, 2006

K Spengler
a-ha…now I see, thanks Tim F (comment 70). Have since found it on yahoo news. That’s what I get for not keeping up with the news 1 day.

Yes SS Chris, that was a funny comment , now it all fits. BTW, your work on the SS is incredible..many thanks to you for your hard work.
October 23, 2006

TimF
SS Chris: I missed those remarks by Kenny. He clearly needs to switch over to white zin.
October 23, 2006

Brandon M
Is anyone else having problems with the site not coming up, or is it just me?
October 23, 2006

TimF
Yeah, it’s been out of commission now and again the last half hour or so…
October 23, 2006

SS Chris
Brandon, There was a problem with the site….seems OK now?

Also, in #70 you asked, “What does that mean?”

Was that directed at me??
October 23, 2006

TimF
I’m guessing “What does that mean?” was directed at Bruce Dickinson.
October 23, 2006

PattyO
Brandon – no, not just you. I think someone’s working on the site…
things are looking a bit different…Is there a web-construction crew in the WL??
Speculations anyone? Gary alluded to the comment section and the large number of comments since Friday and whatever is in store later this week…
October 23, 2006

Carlitos
Hey Gary,

Good episode on a much needed category.

I totally agree with your point on the “soda era” and how a lot of the new wines are way too sweet. They tend to be way too heavy and give you huge headaches.

My favorite cider would have to be Savannah Dry Cider from South Africa after a trip there. I was also able to find it here in the States. Good stuff!

Cheers!
October 23, 2006

MarcT
Thanks for the shout out Gary!
And thanks for your input on my question!
Great episode and glad to see you smiling!

BrandonMâ€¦you coy SOB!! I almost fell out of my chair laughing at your Grandmother!

QOTD: I donâ€™t know if I have even had â€œgoodâ€ cider, so donâ€™t ask me. I would love to try some though. I think the Ellijay Apple Festival in North Georgia is soon so maybe Iâ€™ll go and hang with the hillbillies!

I was surprised at the comment Kenny Rogers made about the â€œdirtâ€ on his handâ€¦WTF!?!?!?

What the hell happened to the WLTV servers?
I have been waiting to post for damn near 1 hour!!!
October 23, 2006

SS Chris
My guess is a “Wishlist” section on WL site and some enhancements to the comment section.

I hoping that it shows you a preview of what your posting allowing you to make changes before you actually post. Also, a way to follow certain threads for specific subjects.
October 23, 2006

MarcT
Aaaaahhhhhhh….I see.

Still had to wait!
October 23, 2006

E
Nice to see the Costamolino … got the ‘04 (WA 90, I think?) over there last year and it was terrific with grilled red snapper … some herbs, a little banana and lemon, all kinds of interesting stuff going on and not at all heavy. Plus, it held up a lot better than most whites I’ve had as it warmed from cellar to room temperature. Good stuff.

QOD: I got nothing.
Seriously … I got nothing.

Re closures … I was wandering around in a local shop and found two bottles of ‘04 Leitz Dragonstone Riesling, otherwise identical except one was corked and one was Stelvinned. So more on how those hold up in about two years I guess.

If you’re between 25 and 40 and you don’t know from Strawberry Shortcake, then what were you doing on Saturday mornings … sleeping in?
October 23, 2006

ChrisR
Ouch! That 62yd Field Goal still hurts. McNabb threw up his egg and sausage breakfast during every game at Syracuse. It was a regular ritual. That said, it still bothers me that he’s not in shape. He’s heaving after every scramble and struggles to catch his breath during the 2 minute offense. I’m getting Superbowl McChoke flashbacks.

Gary, I love the 88 to 89 to 89+ escalating rating but refusal to give it 90. LOL!

Your assessment on the Boolaroo is reaffirming my disappointment in medicinal Aussie Shirazs.

The Jets are 4-3(question mark) I can’t believe they have the same record as my Eagles. Isn’t that embarassing(question mark)
October 23, 2006

Carlitos
Oh, my goodness!

Sam Zen you are absolutelly right! I completelly forgot about Northern Spain’s cider or “sidra”. The most popular one is actually from Asturias. It’s only fitting to remember cider after Fernando Alonso (from Asturias) clinched back-to-back Formula 1 championsips this weekend. Ooops! But forgive me, I forgot this is an American football blog…

How did I forget? I’m must be getting Americanized… (Sob)
October 23, 2006

eugene
Gary,
last time I had Las Rocas I thought it was a little too oaky.

I agree with your notes about the high alcohol. Although I like garnacha based spanish wine, I haven’t bought this one second time, and not planning to.

QOTD:
I get my apple cider from Trader Joe. As good as any in my opinion – 92 points. Try to worm it up and add some caramel syrup. Some people even like whipped cream on top.
October 23, 2006

Chuck W
Bring in the Cuvaison. It’s time to party! I know the Browns are looking rough this year. But I see the talent. If the O Line can hold up and Rueben can get a buck or buck 50, the Jets are in trouble. Wait until you get a load of Wimbley. My prediction is that Wimbley will be all over Kebler the ELF. If we can stop the one hit wonder, Leon, it will be a long game for the overrated JETS.

Tim F awesome video.

I haven’t found a cider I don’t like! Apples Rule!

SpreadSheet Chris – hilarious!!!
October 23, 2006

Colleen
Gary…
Delicious Orchards Apple Cider!!!! The BEST apple cider you will ever have. Delicious Orchards is on Route 24 in Colts Neck, NJ.
October 23, 2006

Chuck W
Bottle shock personified. You take a huge vat of happy wine molecules swimming around enjoying existence. Then out of nowhere and all of a sudden you forcefully pull the happy molecules through a system of piping and then shove them into a tight cramped 750 ml cubicle. What you get is some pissed off, angry wine!

Do not drink angry wine! Bad karma.
October 23, 2006

Chuck W
Screwcaps vs. Corks. Are you kidding. I am sick of getting corked bottles. Corks are by far an inferior product held over by miseducation and nostalgia. As an educated consumer please insist on screwcaps. I have yet to have a screwcaped wine.
October 23, 2006

Andrew B.
Gary, I had a French Apple Cider that was 2.5% ABV and it was awesome, I forgot the name, and it was probably under $6 or 7, but I’ll check back on the name and let you know. Let’s see, at work I am always reccomending our 2005 Sonoma MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir at $18.99, I think its the best wine I’ve ever tried yet, probably better than the $45 Burgandys I had last week. Andrea Immer gave it a 29/30 for taste, better than any other tatse rating she gave for pinots I think (one of my selling spiels). I think I had the 2004 last time, and I have a 2005 waiting to be opened this week, hopefully that will be just as awesome. I’ve been on a mission to find the bvery best Pinot under $20. I really wish you had tried the 2004 Coteaux du Languedoc Les Hauts de la Brune that got 90 points WS, and its $8.99!!! I know this is the 3rd time I’ve mentioned it, I just wish you knew how huge the buzz with this wine has been at my shop. Huge!!! If I send you an intro video, will you try it on your show? that is if you can obtain it before its gone forever.
October 23, 2006

TimF
Anyone who likes apple flavored beverages might like Calvados. It’s some pretty good brandy made from apple wine in Normandy. It’s a nice after dinner drink.
October 23, 2006

Chuck W
GV – I have a great idea for your next suprise. Why not bring RP on as a guest speaker. What bigger platform is there for the world of wine. It should be an honor to be on the Nightly News of Wine WLTV! It would be enjoyable to watch you with your wine mentor.

Good night!
October 23, 2006

Chuck W
The number of comments should always be greater than or equal to the number of the coresponding episode. Wine Law! Do I have a second.
October 23, 2006

SS Chris
Chuck W

GREAT IDEA!!!!!! I like it…
October 23, 2006

SS Chris
Second…
October 23, 2006

MarcT
Third
October 23, 2006

Susan
Brandon M,
Yes, I do remember when
Gary got all fired up about double nickle comments.
Let’s go for 300!
October 23, 2006

Brandon M
Wine Law!!!
October 23, 2006

Brandon M
SS Chris…my previous question (What does that mean?) was not directed at you, and was directed at Mr. Bruce Dickinson as TimF had mentioned.

B
October 23, 2006

Susan
Gary-
Fabulous episode!
I always like a bargain!
Inexpensive wines are exactly what I need!
Glad to hear that energy again!

QOD:
The best apple cider in the world is from
Hainlen Orchard in Indiana.
The have FREE cider on tap when you visit the orchard.
The recipe is very difficult:
Jonathan apples + Jonathan apples!!
Jonathan apples are bursting with many different,
great flavors and it makes great:
applesauce, pies, tarts,
baked apples,
cider, apple fritters,
apple butter, cobblers,
apple sauce
and anything else you want that is made from apples.
I grew up with Jonathans and had
NO idea I would live someplace that you
can’t get Jonathan’s!!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?
I used to go to Indiana and
buy 4 bushel loads every other October.
Boy, do I get strange looks!
Everyone else at the orchard is getting 5 or 10 pounds and
I ask if they have 4 bushels!
I always remind them to check the license plate:
North Carolina!
That’s why I get a boat load – it’s for alot of people!
For the first time in 15 years we can get
Jonygold (sp?)apples
which are a hybrid apple that is a cross between a
Jonathan & a Golden Delicious apple.
Not as good as a Jonathan
but at least I don’t have to go to
Indiana to get them.
Can you tell I am
an apple fanatic!

I like apple computers, too!
Apples are just good stuff!!
October 23, 2006

SS Chris
Susan,

WOW! I think you need to start ALATV (all things apple TV).

I’m feeling an urge to create another SS – God help me!
October 24, 2006

cyclops
Gary,

What’s up with the pricing with Chat. Haut Gardere? Last month WL had it for $19.99. Now it’s $25.99. Just curious, what happened so that you had to raise the price??
October 24, 2006

Dan G.
QOD IMO Cider sucks. Unless you get it from the Love Brothers. You go Matty Van! Kenny Rogers cheating. so what; they all cheat to some extent; besides after he wiped it off the cards still coulnt hit him so was it real or not? I love Iron Maiden but how in the hell did the Bruce Dickenson thing come up. BTW the jurys still out on their new album. It seems to be ok. Priest is still better.

As for the Steelers, man what a let down. My 16-0 prediction is toast and maybe even the playoffs too. Oh well. I still have my NHRA.

Just my 2 cents towards the 300 comments.
October 24, 2006

SS Chris
It’s past midnight…October 24th..Happy Birthday to Me!!
October 24, 2006

Brandon M
Should I comment on wine I drank tonight or should I wait two weeks until the bottle shock weares off?

B
October 24, 2006

Brandon M
SS Chris…In my neck of the woods your still a year younger for another 2:45 hours…..enjoy it man!

Susan…as Denyce would miss out…I think you forgot Appletinis!

B
October 24, 2006

Kahuna
GIANTS WIN! ESPN has the worst coverage and announcers – they spent half the game interviewing emmit smith, hank williams jr, and jerry “face lift” jones- Ton Kornidiot actually makes Joe Theistink sound halfway decent- It is lousy and a shame they ruined a great Giants victory with their dancing with the idiots 1/2 hour segment.
October 24, 2006

SS Chris
Brandon M….Thanks for the nice effort to keep me younger, but since I was born in Eastern Standard Time, I think that, from a legal perpective, I am a year older.
October 24, 2006

SS Chris
Brandon & Susan (& VaynIACS),

Our best chance of the first 300 comment is the previous episode (Ep. #112)…it is up to 273 AND there’s a bunch of things to comment about.
October 24, 2006

SS Chris
GO KAHUNA, GO!!! Excellent Rant!!!
October 24, 2006

ray n
Can’t believe the Elvis reference at the end of another great episode. Actually sang Elvis on stage at my sister-in-law’s wedding. Maybe I can get the video for you. Or I will have to do one for an opening…if I can figure out how to get it to you. I am not very computer savvy.

Saw an ad for a hand held argon gas gadget to save wine in an open bottle. Do these work?(question mark). Now that my wife is pregnant, I feel bad about opening a bottle just for myself.
October 24, 2006

SS Chris
And if it’s going to go to 300 comments, it needs to be legit.

No “Comment 274″, or “Comment 275″, etc. etc. etc.

Again, there’s enough REAL stuff to respond to on the video and in the comments.
October 24, 2006

Jonathan G
I just wanted to add to the effort to reach 300 responses.

Also,

Apples belong not in a glass as a juice or in a cup as a sauce, but only and ONLY in a pie as a delicious, mouthwatering dessert. (Sometimes in a nice apple dumpling though, those are good too)
October 24, 2006

EJ
GO GIANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!

On top of the NFC Beast!!!

Considering opening my only bottle of 2001 Pago del Ama, but i’d be drinking alone Maybe will celebrate tomorrow with a nice steak on the grill.

Question: I placed a bottle of white wine (2004 Albert Mann Gewerztraminer) in the fridge to chill thinking i’d be enjoying a particular meal that never developed (that was about 2 weeks ago). Is there such a thing as overchilling a wine? should I just leave it chilling in the fridge indefinitely? or should i be letting this dictate tomorrows dinner (and hold the Pago for when the Giants beat TO, Tuna and whatever quarterback of the day is in Giants Stadium later in the season). I am thinking that letting it slowly cool back to my cellar temp of around 60-62 degrees may be detrimental to the wine. What does Vayernation think???
October 24, 2006

Rick
Gary

I like the following cider:
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/growers-granny-smith-apple-cider/17340/6217/
But here are some others to pick from
http://www.bcliquorstores.com/en/products?keyword=cider

These are much better than my homemade hard cider which is a dry light-bodied wine that has no aroma. The best description for the Okanagan ciders — crisp and sweet. Best when laying in the grass at Jericho Park at the Vancouver folk mucic festival http://www.thefestival.bc.ca/ They welcome volunteers from all over. http://www.thefestival.bc.ca/volunteers/index.php
October 24, 2006

Brandon M
EJ…To echo Gary on the subject…wine is a lot tougher than you think. If you are going to drink the wine within a week or so, it’s not gonna matter if you put it back in the cellar or keep it chilling in your fridge. The important thing is going to be serving at the ultimate temperature you like German Whites at.

Personally…I say keep it in the fridge to remind you to make a great meal!

B
October 24, 2006

Brandon M
The Rocky Creek is not tasting well at all tonight, unless you like grape koolaid.
I’m gonna give it another 18 hours and see what developes, but right now I could pass on this Zin.

B
October 24, 2006

Craig
Gary, you MUST seek out and taste the ciders of Eric Bordolet if & when you get a chance. He’s an artisanal cider producer in the Loire who makes estate, terroir-driven hard ciders from his biodynamically-farmed apple & pear orchards. He’s pals with Loire winemakers Didier Dagueneau and Francois Chidaine.
October 24, 2006

Miguelo DiMarco
Are we talking Hard Apple Cider? I answered for non-alcoholic earlier.

I’ve tried about a dozen Hard Apple Ciders and the best (by far) is Ace brand from Sonoma County, CA. Real fruit taste and not super sweet (for a cider) unlike the more popular Canadian ciders which taste candied/artificial.
October 24, 2006

Miguelo DiMarco
Brandon:

Are you sure you’re using the appropriate glass for the Rocky Zin?

Is it the Bordeaux, Burgundy, or Chianti glass for that?

I would think it would be the Bordeaux, but I’ve seen other glass recommendations from the websites that sell wine glassware. Is this not a science??
October 24, 2006

Colin D. Devroe
Gary, gary gary gary!! For the last time! I am not an Eagles fan. Chris is. So come on all ready!

BTW, I am a Steelers fan, who also lost by a field-goal on Sunday. But quit saying I like the Eagles!! Great episode.
October 24, 2006

MarcT
Happy Birthday SS Chris!!

Last night I drank the Domaine “La Garrigue” 2004 from episode #45…very nice wine. I really enjoyed it a lot. It has good color, nice terroir and spice on the nose which follows to the palate, very nice tannins, and a long finish. I agree with GV and RP…90 pts. And a great price for such a well made wine.

So Gary, what about those WLTV parties?
October 24, 2006

Steve B
I’ve been drinking the Las Rocas for the last 3 vintages. It has always been an excellent value and is perfect for everyday drinking purposes. Here is a link to my blog where I discussed this wine.

Steve B
blog.thegrapenuts.net
October 24, 2006

Steve B
Oops, forgot the link…………… Here it is

http://blog.thegrapenuts.net/?p=23 – my entry

http://blog.thegrapenuts.net/?p=5 – my brother-in-law’s entry

Steve B
October 24, 2006

Tom T.
YES!…The Giants beat America’s Team. It’s gonna be great watching Eli grow into a great NFL QB.

QOTD – Try the cider at Och’s Orchard in Warwick, NY. I used to go there apple picking. It’s a great area where you can just go explore by driving around all day in the country.
October 24, 2006

E
What I’ve never understood about the Las Rocas is, there’s actually two of them: the regular Garnacha and a Vinas Viejas. The regular one (as seen on WLTV) comes in a standard Bdx-shaped bottle but the VV comes in a tapering bottle, like a Pinot. What’s up with that?
October 24, 2006

Kahuna
Ray n,

A few of the wineries I have visited in Sonoma store their wines with that gas- they were usually small producers. I asked about the gas as I saw her use it. She said it preserves it just fine till the next day for the tasting room.

This type of gas is also uses during various stages of winemaking to fill head space on tanks that do not have variable floating lids. That is quite common as the gas is heavier than air and forces the air out.
October 24, 2006

Kahuna
Ray N,
My wife is pregnant also- She is due Dec. 31 but we(I) am hoping for Dec. 28th that is right between Giants games and still gives me the tax break for 2006- Hey every little bit counts. In terms of feeling guilty I have no shame as my wife has never had to drive me home after every party or pass on a third glass of wine because she had to drive.

So Ray stand up proud and say I AM GETTING DRUNK ON GOOD WINE- besides its not like you can Knock her up or anything!
October 24, 2006

Panman
Gary,

By the way, nice touch with W – I – N – E ! billboard outside the Meadowlands. I saw it on Sunday. Really cool. Has anyone else seen this? For those not in the area, Gary’s love of wine and the JETS has successfully invade the Meadowlands. He has a billboard for Wine Library up outside Giants stadium, altering the J – E – T – S chant into W – I – N – E ! I say brilliant!
October 24, 2006

SS Chris
KAHUNA,

My eldest son was born on 12/28 (which was the due date).

My next two boys, were also born on their respective due dates…what are the odds?
October 24, 2006

Big Billy from Big D
SS Chris and Brandon
The two of you could combine for another 25 or so comments to get Episode 112 to 300 adding to your combined comments of 53 as it stand now. Golly, that would only be 1 in 4.
October 24, 2006

TimF
Panman — We’re going to need to see a picture of that billboard.
October 24, 2006

Michael P
I was going to buy the Rocas from WL but since you’re going to give away some free stuff I guess I’ll wait

ps Kenny Rogers IS a cheat. So is Bonds, Giambi, Sheffield, Pudge (anyone notice how emaciated he looks??), Juan Gonzalez, etc… La Russa let him get away. That in itself is a crime.

Neon Leon is a Godsend. Curtis who??

J-E-T-S…. (where’s Gastineau when you need him)
October 24, 2006

Jonathan G
I think I can safely say that I am one of the youngest viewers of WLTV. Everyone talking of kids and wives…no wife, no kids, just me and my vices at a ripe age of 24.

Gary,

Why wouldnt you put that Trevor Jones against the other ports? Unless it was rated with the price range in mind?
October 24, 2006

Colin D. Devroe
Jonathan G: There are much younger viewers than you! I’m 26, but Chris F. is 23. So he has you beat! And, Gary’s brother isn’t even 21 is he? Not sure.
October 24, 2006

Jason R.
EJ – Great question. I was wondering the same thing. I have a NV bottle of Mumm Napa 25th Anniversary Sparkling in the fridge now for about 2 months. Same thing – Had it all planned out and then plans fell through – Still in fridge. Is there a danger in this?

I was thinking before I drink it, to actually take it out of the fridge for a couple hours to let it “warm up” a little (Still chilled) as I think that when you something is that cold it kills all flavors like Gary was talking about with the Chards.

I too would like some thoughts on this? I will report on my findings on this bottle as I have had this before in a more “traditional” manor.
October 24, 2006

Jonathan G
Colin D. Devroe: I just saw everyone talking of wives and children, but its good to know that there are other young people. I tell all my friends about WLTV. We all love learning about it, drinking it and…drinking it.
October 24, 2006

Kahuna
SS Chris,
My brother-in-law and my dog also born on Dec. 28th! Well right ow the baby is sort of on its side so they are leaning towards a c-section which would give us some flexability in the date. I think-

Jonathan G,
I have been drinking wine my whole life(Italian Family) but got into drinking it around age 24(and by that I mean something not out of a Gallon Jug) of course it was because of a girl-She was drinking the Mr. Carlo Rossi out of a Jug and I brought a 1.5L of Ruffino I think we she just was very impressed- Lets just say “It’s Good to be the king” that night.

I am 37 now, first kid on the way and married four years(no, not to the above mentioned girl) so you have a ton of time to sway the babes with good wine! Lucky you.
October 24, 2006

jman
was that about wine or football?
October 24, 2006

Bob Falcon
Gary, Gary, Gary:

Shame on you for taunting us Steelers fans. I’m disappointed in you. Surely you are aware that your Jets are a combined 2-16 against my Steelers since 1970, including (most recently) that devastating choke by the Jets in the playoffs in January 2005. The ring count is similarly lopsided. Don’t knock the Steelers out just yet.

You should apologize for these glaring omissions and offer all true Steeler fans free shipping for life!!

Seriously, I really enjoy WLTV and your wacky presentations. Keep it up.

Bob Falcon
October 24, 2006

Matty Van, Rochester,NY
yes chicks dig wine…but too many times I ask if they like wine..they reply “yes I love wine..I like sweet red wines”….I usually drink what I like give them a sip to prove to themt they wont like it then pour them a glass of the lambursco I keep stocked for such occasions.

this board could hit 300…probally will run out of time…

if anyone needs a topic.. how about…

NHL hockey… my buffalo sabers are 9-0

If I said the that the war in iraq was a great idea and I think its going perfectly..anyone have a comment on that?

I have been starting to drink brandy and scotch….anyone have a favorite I should try?
October 24, 2006

PattyO
Jonathan G – The Jonesy is a tawny port (non-vintage) and the port episode was on vintage ports.

Ray N. – That’s noble of you (feeling bad about opening the bottle by yourself) but what does your wife say? I bet she won’t begrudge you – I mean, if you were running marathons together, and she had to give up running during her pregnancy, would you feel the need to give it up too?? I say keep drinking – and if you open any fantastic bottles you REALLY want to share with her, run out and buy another to keep till after the little tot arrives!
October 24, 2006

Matty Van, Rochester,NY
I thought that after a certian point in a pregnancy a small amount of alcohol can be consumed maybe a glass of wine or 2 a week?
October 24, 2006

Brandon M
Matty Van…doctors go back and forth on it, just having my second child not too long ago, the doctor’s told Denyce absolutely not! There’s too much evidence of what it can do to the baby. Some say a small glass won’t hurt a bit, some say it’s a recipe for disaster. Most mom’s to be I have ever met would never have alchohol just on the sheer chance that it could effect the fetus.

Also..the war in Iraq going perfectely? You really want to bust out politics on this blog? I mean, I have no problem getting into deep conversations on such matters, but I don’t know if this is the place.

B
October 24, 2006

Brandon M
http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/preg/a/aa070997.htm

“One thing is clear, if you are pregnant and take a drink — a glass of wine, a beer or a cocktail — your unborn child takes the same drink. Whatever you eat or drink while pregnant goes directly through your bloodstream into the placenta.

If you’re having a drink, baby is too.

For the unborn child, the alcohol interferes with his ability to get enough oxygen and nourishment for normal cell development in the brain and other body organs.

Research has shown that a developing fetus has very little tolerance for alcohol and infants born to mothers who drink during pregnancy can have serious problems.”

B
October 24, 2006

Kahuna
NO POLITICS ON THIS BOARD OR I FOR ONE WILL NO LONGER BE POSTING. Unless it has to do with the “FREE THE GRAPES” Campaign- that Gary’s distributors are all against.
October 24, 2006

Kahuna
If it wasn’t for Alcohol interfering with oxygen going to a woman’s brain I might still be a virgin
October 24, 2006

Brandon M
ha ha ha ha ha lol lol
classic Kahuna
October 24, 2006

Jason R.
I do not have any kids yet (just married in July), but I am on board with NO ALC during prego. The same goes with smoking. Why would you even think about risking it? Are you guys even having this conversation???
October 24, 2006

Italian Stallion
The Italian Stallion is 24 yrs old!!!

Rock on Stallion
October 24, 2006

Jason R.
On a serious note – My wine arrived today!!!! A whopping 25 degrees this morning. Packed well, bottles a little chilled, but I prefer this as I think that when it gets chilly it shuts down those happy wine molecules during shipping (prevents them from getting out of whack, and then as they slowly wake up in my cellar they become very very happy to be in their spot for the next 10+ years and play with the other Bordeaux children.
October 24, 2006

Brandon M
JasonR…I think it’s a good conversation. Some people are truly in the dark on such matters. A lot of people or given such bad advice on things that I hope we could help someone make a more informed decision at the very least.

B
October 24, 2006

TimF
Interestingly enough, my wife’s pregnancy got her more into wine. Before being pregnant she wouldn’t touch a Cab or Merlot with a 10 foot pole. So I kept right on drinking in front of her while she was pregnant. She would get serious cravings for it (she never actually drank while she was pregnant) telling me how good the wine looked. So after she delivered, she started drinking with me. It’s pretty funny how that came to happen.
October 24, 2006

Jonathan G
PattyO: Thanks! That never even crossed my mind. Must have been all that wine on the brain.

Gary: I have never been to your store and noticed that you cant find anything but wine online, but I remember you mentioning in an episode that you stocked beer. Do you stock anything besides wine? (eg. Single Malts and bourbons)
October 24, 2006

TampaSteve
Thanks for that great shout-out Gary. A still can’t get over that 62yrd field goal. We are still in there baby. Congrats on those J-E-T-S. I always keep an eye on those Jets. After all I did spend a few years when I lived in NJ (before moving to Fl) in the Meadowlands cheering J-E-T-S. Wow. sounds like a couple of surprises in the works for WLTV…..excited!
Funny you should mention cider. I was in Williams-Sonoma today picking up a Panini Grill and they has some cider in there going that smelled out of this world. I didn’t try it but it was very fitting for the fall like weather here today in Fl. I would say my favorite cider is Delicious Orchards fresh cider…I know you are familiar with Delicious Orchards Gary. Man, I love that stuff and sure do miss it.
October 24, 2006

PattyO
In pursuit of 300 – more on Port.
Gary’s port episode was on true “Port” – by the strict definition, meaning from Portugal (there are also non-vintage ports from Portugal – tawny and ruby). So here’s some fun port-trivia (or portrivia)!

“Port wine (also known as Vinho do Porto, Porto, or simply Port) is a sweet, fortified wine from the Portuguese Douro Valley in the northern part of Portugal. Port is produced with grapes from the Douro region, fortified with distilled grape spirits, and stored in caves in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Port became very popular in England after the Methuen Treaty of 1703, when merchants were permitted to import it at a low duty, while war with France deprived English wine drinkers of French wine.
The long trip to England often resulted in spoiled wines, the fortification of the wine was introduced to improve the shipping and shelf-life of the wine for its journey.
The continued English involvement in the port trade can be seen in the names of many port shippers: Cockburn, Croft, Dow, Graham, Sandeman, Taylor and Warre being amongst the best known.
Similar wines, often also called “Port”, are produced in several other countries, notably Australia, South Africa, India and the United States.
In some nations, including the countries of the European Union, only the product from Portugal may be labeled as Port.
In the United States, the Portuguese product, by Federal law pursuant to a treaty with Portugal, must be labeled “Porto” or “Vinho do Porto” for differentiation.
The Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e Porto (IVDP or Port and Douro Wine Institute) regulates the Port industry in Portugal. Of all the wine regions in the world, none has a stricter regulatory regime.
Wine with less than 16% ethanol cannot protect itself against spoilage if exposed to air; with an alcohol content of 18% or higher, port wine can safely be stored in wooden casks that ‘breathe’, thereby permitting the fine aging of port wine.”-wikipedia
October 24, 2006

Jason R.
Brandon – I agree that good advice to help people is what the VaynerNation is all about. My comment was more in tune with the debate over drinking while prego which is not even a topic in my opinion. Answer is NO – and get the word out. I guess that it was common sense?

Anyone have some good advice to #147 for EJ & I on the “risks” of chillin a wine or champagne in the fridge for extended periods of time??????
October 24, 2006

Brandon M
SS Chris…Happy Birthday…have a great one with the family!

Stallion…is it your birthday too, or were you just shouting out what a young punk you are?

B
October 24, 2006

TimF
PattyO – Do you know the Bishop of Norwich?
October 24, 2006

Russ J
WooHoo, cheap wine! I will skip the “Las Rocas” myself. I didn’t like the ‘03 much. Just not my thing, I guess. Anyone find a certain type of wine that yields a much more severe hangover than it should relative to the amount consumed? I have found, through extensive testing, that the wines most likely to kick my butt are usually Australian or Spanish blends containing Grenache/Garnacha. Last one to get me was the ‘04 Alba Liza Tempranillo/Garnacha. Tried it twice (in moderation I swear!)with the same head cracking results.

QOTD: Ziegler’s, from their orchard in aisle 15 of the supermarket.

cyclops comment #113-the Haut Gardere was $25.99 for a while, then went on sale for $19.99. Sales over. Sorry you missed it.
October 24, 2006

PattyO
SSC – HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
What will you be drinking tonight to celebrate??

Chillin’ questions – I wonder about the “over-chill-over-kill” too – but even more so, my husband and I have wondered about the back-and-forth to the fridge and back to the storage rack. If I chill 4 bottles for guests and we only drink 3, I often (gasp) put the 4th back in storage. Sometimes a bottle even makes this journey more than once! My husband insists that good beer suffers from this treatment and that once it’s in the fridge it has to stay there…
Is that true? Is it true for wine??
October 24, 2006

Brandon M
TimF…could you pass the port?
October 24, 2006

Jason R.
Patty – I have heard the same for any Beer for that matter that extreme heat will hurt beer (Coors Commercial), and once chilled and back to room temp and then back to chilled results in SKUNK beer.

Maybe the equivalent of the HEAT EPISODE??? we will have to wait for that one?

I HAVE NO IDEA ON WINE?? – MY BET IS KEEPING IT IN FRIDGE ONCE CHILLED IS TO KEEP IT THERE. I AM GUESSING IT WILL JUST SLOW DOWN OR STOP ANY AGING ON A WINE AND IT WILL BE FINE?

There was an article I read years ago about a ship back in 1800’s that sank and a bunch of good stuff went down with it, and they pulled the bottles out once finding the wreck over a 100 years later and the cool water and lack of light preserved the liquid and the stuff was still good? Dont remember much more than that, but was an interesting article.
October 24, 2006

PattyO
Tim F – the Bishop of Norwich wine bar in London? Or Reverend Graham James – the 71st (and current) Bishop of Norwich?!
October 24, 2006

Brandon M
PattyO….would YOU PLEASE pass the port?
October 24, 2006

Italian Stallion
ITs not my B-day….my b-day is July 3rd (4 days before the Heat episode)….Happy Birthday Chris!!
October 24, 2006

Brandon M
got it
October 24, 2006

TampaSteve
Chris…HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
October 24, 2006

Matty Van, Rochester,NY
anyone who gets medical advise of any kind from a internet board is not the sharpest crayon in the box… but at the same time there is no such thing as bad conversation..

wine and beer from cold to room temp and back I dont think makes a differnce unless you do it over and over again, now leaving beer or wine in your garrage for a year exposed to all those temp. changes will ruin it

does WLTV make anyone else wish they could drink at work?

anyone have a fav. brandy to recomend?
October 24, 2006

MarcT
My mom drank wine while she was pregnant with me and now that I am 28 I have the palate of a 49 year old! Never mind the twitching and funny colored skin…I can drink like a fish!!!
So for all of you doubters…tell your wives to drink while pregnant…your kid might be the next Bob Parker!!!
October 24, 2006

MarcT
BrandonM…I’ll have some Port after you please.
October 24, 2006

Rob M.
Russ J- interesting comment. As I am into value wines, I drink a fair share of Spanish (value) and Australian (less of a value, but still many value wines), among others. I have noticed 2 glasses sometimes has no effect, othertimes feels like I just drank a case of beer. I always thought it was other factors (hydration, amount/quality of sleep, food, etc), but I will pay attention to which wine.

Speaking of “fake” tasting wines, I had a Hanna Zin recently, and like Gary’s tasting of the Boolaroo, my interest was peaked by the great nose, but the wine tasted like a Capri Sun fruit juice box.

Stallion- just saw a trailer for “Rocky Balboa” and thought of you. Now, if I can just get you to not refer to yourself in the 3rd person. :>

As a physician and father of 2, I cannot urge pregnant women strongly enough to not drink alcohol.
October 24, 2006

Brandon M
MarcT…do you know the Bishop of Norwich?
October 24, 2006

Brandon M
MAtty…I wouldn’t get ALL my medical info from the Internet, but that article mirrors the setiment of Denyce’s doctor for both our children.

B
October 24, 2006

MarcT
Jason…When you chill wine in the fridge, it gets REAL cold. When you take it out of the fridge it takes FOREVER to get back down to ultimate temp…Try this…
Get a large KoolAid jug (you know the ones with the top that twists around from closed to strain to pour) and fill it 2/3 the way with ice. Then add water to the top of the ice. Insert your wine from your rack/cooler and spin it around for about 6 minutes. This usually brings a wine down to a nice cool drinking temp. Of course experiment to find what times in the ice bath work for you and your temp preference. This way your wine can age at the proper temp until you are ready to drink it…
Why do this…water is the perfect conductor!
October 24, 2006

MarcT
Jason…When you chill wine in the fridge, it gets REAL cold. When you take it out of the fridge it takes FOREVER to get back down to ultimate temp…Try this…
Get a large KoolAid jug (you know the ones with the top that twists around from closed to strain to pour) and fill it 2/3 the way with ice. Then add water to the top of the ice. Insert your wine from your rack/cooler and spin it around for about 6 minutes. This usually brings a wine down to a nice cool drinking temp. Of course experiment to find what times in the ice bath work for you and your temp preference. This way your wine can age at the proper temp until you are ready to drink it…
Why do this…water is the perfect conductor!
October 24, 2006

Rob M.
I want to take the refrigerated wine question one step further. In Florida (or at least in my house), room temperature is usually 75-80 degrees, too hot for my taste. Even with fuller bodied, hearty reds, I still like to take the chill off, either in the freezer for 10-15 min or in the refrigerator for 30-60 min. Often, I do this, then cannot (or decide not to) have the wine, so out of the cooler it comes, back onto the wine rack.

One solution, a big refrigerated wine rack to always keep it at the “correct” temperature. Aside from this, and I hear Brandon reminding us of Gary’s “Wine is tough” comment, does anyone think I am doing the wine harm?

Geesh, I always keep a bottle of white in the refrigerator just in case someone comes over that prefers white, or on the infrequent days I want white. Didn’t know I may be doing damage, but I don’t keep anything classic in there (quick peak shows a bottle of No Savignon Blanc and a bottle of Yalumba Viogner in there right now).
October 24, 2006

Brandon M
Is there an echo in here?
October 24, 2006

TimF
Brandon M — Major faux pas. The next line should be, “He’s a great guy, but he always forgets to pass the port”.
October 24, 2006

MarcT
BrandonM…
This one…
http://www.norwich.anglican.org/bishop_of_norwich.htm
Or this one…
http://www.london-eating.co.uk/2111.htm
October 24, 2006

MarcT
Finished with the Port?
October 24, 2006

Brandon M
whooops…yes…well…you can’t win them all!
October 24, 2006

Matty Van, Rochester,NY
I agree with ya brandon….I think you knew what I ment….

The Bishop of Norwich is the Ordinary of the Church of England Diocese of Norwich in the Province of Canterbury….not sure why this was asked
October 24, 2006

Matty Van, Rochester,NY
MarcT after brandon passes you the port and you have had your fill…may I have some port?
October 24, 2006

garyv
YO what is all this chatter? Lets talk about something serious. IS everyone ready for today’s episode….I just taped it, it’s pretty high energy and 2 big announcements too!
October 24, 2006

Jason R.
I do use the ice bucket water trick when I have time to screw with the mess, but sometimes it is just easier to throw a bottle in fridge and take it out in an hour or so (White, champagne, etc.).

Anyways – Rob – I am against the FREEZER comment. I think that the extreme SHOCK of room temp to freezer could DUMB the wine. Just me and from what I have heard? Maybe I take my new bottle of D;Arche and give it a try??? NOT
October 24, 2006

SS Chris
Thanks for all of the Birtday Wishes!!!!!

Patty O, I think I’m going to crack the ‘02 Havens Black & Blue (a Napa meritage from Ep. #41).

If all of the VaynIACS & VaynerLURKERS who ever utilized the SS in anyway, would wish me a Happy Birthday, we should blast right through 300.
October 24, 2006

TimF
Port traditions (stolen from Wikipedia):

There is a unique body of English ritual and etiquette surrounding the consumption of port, stemming from British naval custom.

Traditionally, the wine is passed “port to port” — the host will pour a glass for the person seated at their right, and then pass the bottle or decanter to the left (to port); this practice is repeated around the circle.

If the port becomes forestalled at some point, it is considered poor form to ask for the decanter directly. Instead, the person seeking a refill would ask of the person who has the bottle: “Do you know the Bishop of Norwich?” (after the notoriously stingy Bishop). If the person being thus queried does not know the ritual (and so replies in the negative), the querent will remark “He’s an awfully nice fellow, but he never remembers to pass the port”.

In other old English traditions when port is decantered, commonly at the dining table, the whole bottle should be finished in one sitting by the diners, and the table should not be vacated until this is done.
October 24, 2006

MarcT
Bring it on Gary!!!
Have Matty pass you some Port! It’s delicious!
October 24, 2006

Jason R.
Anyone try the new Bailley’s flavors? They have Mint Chocolate and Caramel. I am a huge Bailley’s fan, and not turned on by the subtle Mint Chocolate, but I would have to say that the Caramel one is quite tasty. It does mask some of the original flavor however (I think Rum)? Anyone try?
October 24, 2006

Brandon M
The announcements better not be, “I’m the new towel boy fot the Jets” or “I just sold my entiore action figure collection for a buttr-load of money”

B
October 24, 2006

MarcT
TimF…Thank you for updating me on proper Port etiquette!
October 24, 2006

Jason R.
I think the port is out to sea!
October 24, 2006

TimF
Gary – Give us a hint on the announcements…
October 24, 2006

Grasshopper
Sensei,

My Wife and I drank a bottle of the Leeuwin Siblings last night and really enjoyed it. You were right on in your tasting back in episode seven. Nose was wonderful and the Semillion added nice weight and structure to the Sauv Blanc. As we were drinking, we talked about our need to stock up on some more fall/winter style white wines…..

Tasting request for an upcoming episode……..”School Night Winter Whites”. You did the school night wines episode and had only one white which was a VaynerPass. My Wife and I like to mix in white wines and this summer we really enjoyed Sauv Blancs, especially from NZ. We are now looking for whites with more weight to drink this winter like the Leeuwin Siblings. I consider a school night wine in the $15 – $20 range and would love to see you do an episode around this price point on white wines that are good in the winter time…..

Your humble student,

Grasshopper
October 24, 2006

MarcT
Grasshopper…is your wife pregnant?
October 24, 2006

Susan
SS Chris,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
I hope you have a great day.
I am assuming that you are 19 again – right?
I know I have been 19 for some time!
October 24, 2006

Matty Van, Rochester,NY
TimF..thanks for the info..I was wondering how all that pass the port, bishop of norwich stuff was about

SS Chris – Happy B-day…let us know how tonights bottle is

hmm two WLTV annoncments..one will be this is the last episode…just kidding, and #2 maybe info on the WLTV party dates
October 24, 2006

Susan
SS Chris,
I will be starting ALATV
just as soon as I get enough money!
Hint: Don’t hold your breath! I am poor right now!
Thanks for the idea.
I got my hands on some real Jonathan apples today.
They are from Michigan. Almost as good as the real thing.
Very rare to find any Jonathan’s any place south of Kentucky.
The last time I went to an orchard near here to get a Jonathan they said:
‘He’s not in today’?!?!!?
So I think we were on different pages!!
Maybe different books!
October 24, 2006

eugene
Stainless Steel Chris,

Happy birthday!

All the best to you and your family!
October 24, 2006

Tom
Gary,

Liked the comments about Las Rocas. I buy this by the case(s) each year when I can find it. The secret to this wine is to decant it for at least 1 hour before dinner.

The Jonsey is wonderful too.
October 24, 2006

Susan
On the subject of Drinking while pregnant.
Children do suffer during their whole life time when mom drinks while she is pregnant.
My cousin, who is adopted, has a bad case of fetal alcohol syndrome.
He is not just hyper, it is like having a hyper child on a bad day – a very bad day.
He hallucinates and has trouble concentrating and has trouble in school. The problem with that part is that my cousin is smart. He has trouble with the whole social thing. Most children with fetal alcohol have serious problems all around.
It is NOT
a good idea to drink at all while pregnant.
October 24, 2006

PattyO
eugene – Stainless Steel is one thing that pops to mind with SpreadSheet Chris’ nickname of SSChris – but I have to say I always think of SS in the context of Hitler’s regime (as in the elite, personal guard unit in Nazi Germany). Not good.

SSChris – would you consider changing your name AGAIN? Maybe – to mark your special day today??
October 24, 2006

saul
nettie ochs in livingston up till last year was delicious cider unfortunately they sold to builders
i have some live elvis shows i can burn for you if you’d like
October 24, 2006

eugene
PattyO,

I was being polite. I thought exactly like you but didn’t want to bring the f*n’ nazi’s up.
I hope Chris will listen to you.
Thanks.
October 24, 2006

Chuck W
Happy Birthday Super Star Chris! I hope you enjoy that â€˜02 Havens Black & Blue (a Napa meritage from Ep. #41).

Brandon M. – please pass the port.
October 24, 2006

David W
For really really really brown wine….Lustau San Emilio Pedro Ximenez Sherry….super delicious.

For great apple cider, Delicious Orchards Cider down in Monmouth County. Great stuff.

Gary…Rosenblum Heritage Clones Petite Sirah….please share with everyone….they need to know.
October 24, 2006

SS Chris
LIZ V,

Per your direction (#107), I did cast my 3 votes for your VaynerMAN.

Also, I almost missed your birthday shout-out….thanks very much.

REQUEST: I believe I’m speaking for all VaynIACS in this ever-growing VaynerNATION when I say, that we all really enjoy your comments. You’ve been commenting more lately and I love it…please keep them coming.
October 24, 2006

Pedro
Dear Gary:

In one of your next episodes could you please taste a 1960 Australian or Californian or South African Port?
Can’t?
Well off course not, because the real genuine Porto only comes from the Douro Valley, it is an obscenity that producers outside the Douro valley in Portugal are allowed to call Port to wines which do not have the required characteristics to be considered or called Ports. Unfortunately the US, Australia and South Africa do not follow international or EU guidelines that prevent wines not being from the Douro regin to be called Ports.

Adding Brandy to wines will not make it a Port!

Resuming, if it is not from Portugal’s Douro region, then it is not a Port!

Thank you.

Best regards.

Pedro Fernandes – Portuguese wine importer.
October 25, 2006

Roberto
The Hell Gary.
Where are the Italians ???
Hopefully Sooner then later.
Ciao
October 25, 2006

kjb
I second delicious orchards cider… and their apple cider dougnuts. Great produce and gourmet products as well. Makes a perfect fall day trek.
March 9, 2007

WhiteH2OWoman
Gary, I guess my mistake on buying 3 bottles of the Las Rocas was that I didn’t know what white truffles smelled like! What you call “white truffles” smells to me like “walking into the bathroom right after someone else went #2!”

I guess I should’ve googled “white truffles” to read that they’re SUPPOSED to smell “earthy”. Oh well…other thing I don’t like about Las Rocas is the thinness of it, and the slight carbonation.
May 18, 2007

Frances
las rocas… that nose is really something else, but i am kind of fascinated by it. the flavor of the wine wasn’t something i liked very much… but again, i just kept wanting to taste it. weird.
May 21, 2007

Alos
Market Basket Apple cyder or the type from the farm
January 1, 2008

The Fanjestic
Finally the Jonesy is back in stock! A bottle or two will do!
January 10, 2008

Sharon
I have tried the Jonesy, and It Is Good. Sort of like prune juice, plums, raisins with maple syrup and burnt caramel. It’s a ton of fun! Yum. It could be fortified Shiraz being from Australia and all and not true Port, but well, it sure tastes good and for ten bucks!
QOTD: I like apple cider, especially the murky kind, but can’t think of a brand. Probably ‘Trader Joe’s’ since I like pretty much everything they offer (not the 2 Buck Chuck though).
July 11, 2008

Dean
Gary,

Just tried the Jonesy Tawny Port today. Very dark brown/red color. Absolutely loved it. First time I’ve had a Port. Will be in my cellar in the near future.
January 28, 2009

Salvatore
I know this is an old archive…..however.

Hat’s off to Robert Parker; regarding Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino !! I agree 110% with his score. This is one of the very best Italian White wines I have ever had! It is complex, bright and delicious.

Trevor Jones Tawny Port..I’d score about 80 and that’s being generous. Yoy said it right Gary when you said “Ricolaaaaa !!” It tastes like cheap bad cough drops. It simply sucks !! It should in no way be compared to any Portugues Port; even the least expensive. It is bad bad bad!
September 22, 2009

John J.
fav apple cider lol? i guess zigler’s since that’s all I think i’ve had and it does the trick.
Gary, How about you doing an episode where taste a slew of different charbono’s?
An episode on vin jaune’s would be awesome too, don’t think I’ve seen you do either of those before.

90+ Point Wines Under $10 – Episode #113

Wines tasted in this episode:

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