Vay-ner-chuks Choice. – Episode #116

October 27, 2006

Wines tasted in this episode:

2000 Virna Barolo Cannubi Boschis
2004 Yangarra Cadenzia
2003 St Clement Oroppas Red

Today Gary tries three wines that he has been wanting to taste but didn’t have a chance to yet. Watch to see if these three live up to Gary’s expectations. Also watch for the surprise at the end. Have a great weekend everyone!

63 Responses

Pages: [3] 2 1 » Show All

September 22, 2009

John J.
was there a question of the day?
I’ll give you one then Gary. Think we’ll get an episode on vin jaune’s and one on a tasting of the different California charbono’s out there?
August 26, 2007

mudd
Cool. The first episode where Gary uses the “you with a little bit of me….” closing. I’m really enjoying watching the evolution of WLTV.
June 18, 2007

Kraemer
heh typo. The Oroppas we know today was called Sapporo wine back in the day.
June 18, 2007

Kraemer
Gary,

Bravo on the Oroppas review! I absolutely could not agree with you more! I tasted this today at the St.Clement winery for the first time and was absolutely taken back by it. A splended wine.

The story behind that paticular bottle is somewhat funny. Back in the day, St.Clement was owned by Sapporo beer, was named sapporo wine, and was considered to be a non-varietal. When the winery was sold many years ago, a technicality changed the name of it from Sappporo Wine to Oroppas. You’re a smart guy, look at that word. It’s Saparro spelled backwards.

After a few more leadership changes, it was decided that Oroppas would evolve into an actual varietal, thus it being what it is today.

Oh, and with regards to St.Clement wines, I highly suggest you try their 1998 Cabernet, and do it while you still can. I purchased the last three bottles they will ever have from the winery today hehe.
January 2, 2007

dobs
GV & Co

First off, thanks for doing the Oroppas. I’ve been hoping that somebody would take up the disparity between WS and RP.

If it matters, I’ll share our experience with the 2001 Oroppas since it explained to me the stark difference between the WS and RP ratings. A couple years ago, we opened a bottle with friends. Upon first pour, it was virtually undrinkable and we all agreed that WS’s Laube was dead on with his 78 rating. Hell, I would have given it a 68. I ended up pouring two glasses of the stuff on some hated shrubbery, hoping that it would either kill or fertilize them. We happily moved on other bottles. However, a couple hours later I noticed that there was still about a glass of the Oroppas left in the bottle and so in a “what the hell” moment, tried it again. It was terrific. I shared it with the other winers and they were all amazed by the transformation. My guess is that decanting of the Oroppas–as you did in the above episode–makes a profound difference in the wine’s taste. In the end, I agree with GV that the Oroppas is a great value at $35. Just remember to decant it for a couple hours before drinking.
November 3, 2006

the professor and....
Laffy taffy? you really are out of your mind!! On a more serious note, I do love your “take the high road” philosophy.

Gary, pardon my ignorance but you often mention a “fake” artifical taste. What’s the deal? Do these wine makers add something (a chemical or something) to the wine to try and enhance flavors?

Oh yeah, love the ending, you sick bastard. But hell it’s good to be back!
October 30, 2006

Bear Down
Nice work on the Team America World Police song!
October 30, 2006

Tony S.
Wow. That song at the end was really…umm…great. I’ve been curious about those Orappas, have you had other vintages, and if so, do they usually rub you the right way all the time? And you know what Gary…I like how you slipped in the “Bears are still overated” comment really quickly. And that’s fine…it’s your show. You’ve got a great perspective on wine and I respect you greatly, which is why I watch every day. But man-o-man…dude, c’mon! Sure, da Bears are killing most teams, and then if they’re not completely destroying them, they’re just beating them, but can’t you give them just a little respect??

That’s my request for you: Please, just a teensy-bit of love for the Bears. C’mon. They won’t go 16-0, I know, but they’re not going to lose more than 3 (if even that). At least they beat the Browns in the pre-season. How’d your Jets do anyway against the Browns? Oh…ya, that’s right, they lost 20-13.

Take care man! See you later,
Go BEARS!!
T
October 30, 2006

Bill Ross
Ordered myself a couple of the Oroppas this AM, glad it was still available, after you gave it the nod. BTW, would a “What Are We Buying” thread be appropriate on WLTV Forum? It was a popular feature on another wine bulletin board I frequented before this cranked up.
October 30, 2006

Sam Zen
The Miracle Season is in Chi-town baby!!!! After four interceptions and six turnovers last week, the first half against SF was sweet vindication. So we do have an offense to put points on the board. And more importrantly, we’re still UNDEFEATED as we approach the turn to the NY/NJ area. Bear down, Chicago Bears…!!!
October 30, 2006

jon777
Gary — will you “Take the High Road” on the next WLTV episode regarding the AWFUL out of bounds call at the end of the Browns game? UGH!

What do you drink after watching that? Or maybe more importantly, what was the ref drinking?
October 29, 2006

Jason R.
Brandon – I would buy the 2003 Ch. Montrose or the 2003 Leoville Barton. You will have to look hard for either in terms of finding where the price hasn’t been jacked up. On the 03 Montrose I think I passed on it years ago for $79 bones – Now – cheapest I can find is $170 – I will buy 6 of the 2001’s first. The 03 Leoville Barton went from $50 to $125 in a shot with the 98 scores tagged on it. Anyways – this would be my choice for an ager in 2003 – Hell they should last 25-35 years. Godd luck and report on what you decide on buying.
October 29, 2006

SS Chris
Actually, can Court Jester Chris Mott can edit Captain M out (nothing personal Captain)?
October 29, 2006

SS Chris
Forget the wine!! Can we see the rest of Concepcion and Captain M’s video??
October 29, 2006

Rich S
Love the ending GV!!! The WLTV Montage (a’la Team America) was hysterical. I am definitely going to look into that meritage you recommended. I am a huge fan of Bordeaux type blends and this one sounds great.

Bears? Overrated? How does 40-0 at halftime sound? )
October 29, 2006

Brandon M
CareyD…not sure what you mean by that?
October 29, 2006

Tony manning
Great show. Have to agree with Rick E. The â€˜99 Oroppas was very good.
Nice finish, easy to drink.
http://www.thewineglass.net
October 29, 2006

Matthew from Barossa
Interesting episode GV. Totally agree with the High Road comments. Recently, through a wine club intial sample my Mum ended up contacting a winery to get a case of their Verdhello. She gave me a bottle all excited that she’d found some real quality wine she liked. It sat in my wine rack for a while as not much a fan of this type of white. But eventually drank it through desperation of not having any more whites left and it was heading to 30 + Degrees C and needed something fresh. Well immediately your analogy of a bucket, some grape juice and vodka came to mind. Very one dimensional, was refreshing with some good acidity so perhaps they chucked a lemon into the bucket also but other than that it was lacking. Saw mum on the weekend and she asked, again, if I’d drunken it and just said yes thanks it was “refreshing” being the only positive thing I could think of. As long as she likes it then that’s great…

Now re Cadenzia I’d have to say Yangarra is exactly as you placed it…manufactured. There are some good reds down there (d’Arenberg Dead Arm, Kangarilla Road, Shotesbrooke as few examples) but if you want a real red come back to what we all know best… The Barossa. Please could you try the Schild Estate 2004 Shiraz from the Barossa. It was recently given 96 points spectator and only AUD 20 down here (though sold out and I just got in early with the 2005 which was nice at cellar door but think the oak on the 05 needs some further integration so will see what a few years in the cellar will do). Thanks Matt
October 28, 2006

Tony S.
Man…I’ll have to watch this on Monday morning. I’ve tried 5 times but for some reason, something’s wrong with my feed. But…I heard you said you were worried about the game tomorrow (Sunday). Dude…Browns. Don’t worry. What, they’re favored by 2 points or something. I picked the Jets in my office pool, and I’m picking them to win, not just cover.

OK…I’ll watch this on Monday when my computer’s not acting like a word I shouldn’t say here.
See you later,
GO BEARS!!
T
October 28, 2006

Lawrence Leichtman
Oropass has been great since the outset. Thanks for pointing out what a great value it is. I’m never impresses with WS ratings. I disagree with them almost every time. I still wonder about their objectivity. It does seem that a majority of the Australian tastings have come up with a similar negative comment. Would you assume that Australia is going through a period like California did when many wines were so over-the-top they were undrinkable? I have a difficult time ordering Oz wines when in restaraunts as I have gotten way too many of the fake wines
October 28, 2006

Matthew L
Another good episode Gary. Thanks for tasting the Yangarra.

I loved the ending. My wife just saw my “toilet shot” picture. She laughed just as much as she did when she saw my video intro. My son (11) thinks I’m famous because you’re show is global.

I really just started to poke around in the forum. I am a regular on a few online boards, but somehow I suspect that my time there will take a little hit now that WLTV Forum is operational.

Keep up the good work WL team, and have a good weekend.

Gary, you’re worried about the Browns? Really? Hey, I’m worried that the Lions will somehow figure out how to lost a game on a bye week. It’s been a tough week from my homestate teams. First the Lions lost to the Jets. Now, the Tigers get bounced from the World Series 4-1. Ouch!
October 28, 2006

eugene
Very sexy intro!

Great show.

Italian wines are always hit or miss for me.
Even highly rated.
October 28, 2006

Voltron
Why dont you introduce us to your camera crew?
October 28, 2006

CareyD
Hi all, coming out of lurk mode here on comments anyway. I’ve made a few posts on the forums. Anyway, that was me 2nd from the end. I’ve been watching 3-4 weeks and in that time have ho-scotched my way back and forth and probably sen more than 80 percent of the shows. Another great episode Gary.

Brandon M, I have a hard time understanding how you post so much! I saw you mention wanting to get some 03’s for laying down because of your daughter’s birth. I’m in the process of deciding on a case of 05 Bordeaux futures for the same reason since that’s the year my daughter was born. Looking for something that can be fairly confident will cellar about 25 years for some TBD special occasion(s) in her life. Also, looks like 2005 was a good year for port and will likely be declared a vintage, so that would be may ‘fall back’ plan in case the 05 Bordeaux I end up with starts peaking too early. (I would probably sample 6 bottes of the Bordeaux along the way…say at 10,12,14,16,18,20 years).
October 27, 2006

Rick E
Brandon M — I just had the ‘99 Oroppas and was very pleasantly surprised. Great dark fruit-acidity balance with a solid enough integrated tannic structure to hold things together for at least another 5-7 years. Give me a day or two to order my bottles of the ‘03 and then you can get your case.

GV — Great montage (and musical accompaniment). I’ll get you my pic with the ad over the weekend.

And where do I vote to have Concepcion (and Captain M) intro every episode???

Drinking Portuguese wine tonight–gotta broaden horizons…

Rick