105 Responses

1. November 6, 2006

   Steve B

   first? where’s brandon?

2. November 6, 2006

   Mike I

   Second!!!

3. November 6, 2006

   Wine Newbie

   This is my first post ever… even though I have actually watched every single wine library TV episode out there =P. Great job Gary. I only started drinking wines a year ago and I think I’ve learned more from watching Wine Library TV than reading any books and magazines about wines. Thanks Gary!!

4. November 6, 2006

   Stumpf

   Third !

5. November 6, 2006

   lizv

   qotd-YES YES I MISS YOU! now come home already!!

6. November 6, 2006

   Bill T.

   Wow, 4th today?

7. November 6, 2006

   Paul

   I love watching someone tasting wines I can’t get. But I have had several of them and consider myself lucky. Good show.

8. November 6, 2006

   Jaye

   Unibomber GV!

9. November 6, 2006

   AndrewP

   Great episode today, way to change up the pace with a real serious effort. And, of course we miss you GaryV.

10. November 6, 2006

    Italian Stallion

    top 10…wow…for the first time possibly

11. November 6, 2006

    BobW

    Top 10??? Please come back!!!

12. November 6, 2006

    Italian Stallion

    ARE YOU INSANE GARY!!!!! OF COURSE WE MISS YOU….When are you coming back???

13. November 6, 2006

    Jim Vandegriff

    Thanks for this tasting, Gary. I remember finding a 1974 Mondavi unfined and unfiltered in a little wine store about 20 years ago. It was going for $12 a bottle or so. My friend and I cleaned out the store of every bottle they had (6), and really enjoyed drinking them over a year or two. I have a soft spot for Mondavi cab since then. Hope you are enjoying Paris. Jim

14. November 6, 2006

    Jaye

    Gary, very good episode. You sounded a bit horse — were you a little under the weather when taping this? It didn’t seem to affect your nose or taste though.

    Hope you are having a great time in Paris (and bringing something very nice and expensive home to Liz).

15. November 6, 2006

    Rick"The Model" M

    Growing up in Cali, I really appreciated this show. These were all the heavy hitters I grew up with. I see that you are down on the 2003 Opus. Just curious of your thoughts on other years, like 2001. I was wondering what you think of the Whitehall Lane Reserve Cabernets? By the way, Borat, “The Move” I almost threw up.

16. November 6, 2006

    Stephen Menei

    This is the first episode I have ever seen. I enjoy the style and honesty of the wine evaluations. Looking forward to the rest of the episodes.

17. November 6, 2006

    Lev M.

    “the scene” …oh man, I was in severe pain from laughing so hard that I almost started having involuntary muscle spasms. That movie is in my top 10 at this point.

18. November 6, 2006

    zerokreap (kw)

    great episode…i always like to hear about the big names!

    QOTD: not really, but don’t feel bad.
    

19. November 6, 2006

    GOL

    LizV, great post! But my answer is I definitely DON’T miss GV. I’m glad he’s not in the country so he can’t bash my BEARS. But as my wife leaves town next week for 8 days I certainly empathize

    GV – fun episode, like a good heavyweight fight, except those don’t happen anymore

20. November 6, 2006

    SS Chris

    Gary, 4 months ago, when I started watching, I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that I wouldn’t have know that this was a HEAVYWEIGHT Face-off. But, I knew immediately as I am learning every day, largely due to you, as well as some other VaynIACS from “THE STUPID KINGDUMB” (they know who they are). Thanks to all!!

    P.S. My hardrive crashed…lost everything (including SS)…I may be a little behind on SS duties until I get my laptop up and running, but I will catch up. Safe trip back!!!!

    P.S.S. GOL….where have you been…don’t see you on the Bulletin Board?????

21. November 6, 2006

    KAHUNA

    Hey Stallion, You know you did give someone the business for leaving dopey posts and you know nothing is dopier than leaving posts about the number of post that you posted- Anyway you know I am playing- Congrats on the free shipping- you deserver it! I cant wait to get together with all of us Tri Staters for the party! err whenever that is.

    Gary, I miss the Jets losing more than anything as I am a Giants fan.

22. November 6, 2006

    Matthew L

    Nice show Gary. These are all wines I’ve read about quite a bit. I hope to have a chance to taste them, if only to see what’s the difference between what I normally drink–high 80 point/low 90 point wines under $15–and these behemoths. I would be lying if I said there wasn’t some gratification in seeing you pass on Opus 1. There are times when I felt like this wine gets way too much hype. I am by no means suggesting that it’s not a good wine, but for $120+ a bottle, it had better be damned good!

    After seeing Liz’s reply…do we even need to address the QOTD? There is nothing like having someone or something (pet) who cares about you when you’re gone and looks forward to your return. All the best in Paris and safe travels my friend.

23. November 6, 2006

    KAHUNA

    By the Way #21!
    SS Chris I use Maxtor one touch Backup for my computers-(Actually first one touch died) but anyway you just push a button and it backs up the whole system- Highly Recommend it!

24. November 6, 2006

    Matthew L

    Gary…did you really think I was NOT going to mention the Lions 30-14 victory over the Falcons yesterday??? I will take a winning streak of 1. They play San Francisco this Sunday, so we should be on our way to 10 and 6.

    Good luck with the Pats. I’m sure Brady and company have something to prove after being put to bed by …let me get this straight…the Colt’s DEFENSE??.

25. November 6, 2006

    Brandon M

    Meetings MEetings MEetings….Gary, how could we miss you if your not even gone?
    I miss my wine grotto though…I’ve been away from my collection for a whole 5 hours!

26. November 6, 2006

    Brandon M

    Why use a one touch system…why not use Windows Task manager to back it up on a daily basis to the Maxtor drive. Then all you have to do is…well..nothing!

27. November 6, 2006

    BigBob

    Opus is always over-rated…

28. November 6, 2006

    Brandon M

    I ask the same question I asked on the forum…isn’t Opus and Mondavi Reserve the same damn juice?

29. November 6, 2006

    GOL

    SS Chris – It’s nice to be missed! Work has been killing me but the load is getting lighter so beware I will be active in the Forum shortly…

30. November 6, 2006

    KAHUNA

    Brandon M,

    I back it up as a complete bootable drive-can I do that with Task Manager? I will definately try your suggestion on my other computer with external Hard drives. Thanks for the info

31. November 6, 2006

    Brandon M

    hmmm…never done it as a complete bootable drive, but I don’t see why you couldn’t.

32. November 6, 2006

    Italian Stallion

    Thanks Kahuna….I can’t wait for all of us stupid kingdumb members to sit around our round table, so we can grunt, swear and be men (and women) and enjoy some good wine.

33. November 6, 2006

    TampaSteve

    QOTD….check your e-mail and you tell me.

34. November 6, 2006

    TampaSteve

    STUPID KINGDOM POWER!!!!!!!

35. November 6, 2006

    Albert and Remy

    Gary,

36. November 6, 2006

    Brandon M

    Gary,

37. November 6, 2006

    Albert and Remy

    Gary, Great episode! You saved us the $100+ on the Insignia, but now we really would love to try the Caymus. Do you know if you will be getting it in stock?

38. November 6, 2006

    Brandon M

    Is it me, or is Insignia getting to be like Silver Oak?
    Not is taste, but in the fact that it’s EVERYWHERE

    Costco, Grocery Store, Wine Shop, Online….why is it $110.00 whne you can literally get it whenever you want?

39. November 6, 2006

    cgf

    brandon,
    im not sure about the vineyard sources but im pretty sure the blends are different. for instance the 1997 reserve was 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot while the opus one was 82% cab, 8% cab franc, 5% merlot, 4% malbec, and 1% petit verdot.
    im curious what makes you think they are coming from the same site, or as you say “the same juice”? i couldnt find an answer to that question. and also, don’t things like different winemakers, oak treatments, and grape selections make a difference? or are you literally saying that they just stick a different label on a bottle?

40. November 6, 2006

    MarcT

    Great episode Gary, of course we miss you!!!

    I think that Opus and Insignia are both over marketed. Both wines to me while being very good on most vintages are over priced. I feel I can get the same quality and not have to pay for the upkeep required at the Mondavi facilities.

41. November 6, 2006

    MarcT

    Brandon M,

    I back it up as a complete bootable drive-can I do that with Task Manager? I will definately try your suggestion on my other computer with external Hard drives. Thanks for the info

    Comment 30: By KAHUNA on November 6th, 2006 at 5:28 pm

    Kahuna…if you want another bootable drive backup try Acronis…it’s free!
    http://www.acronis.com/

42. November 6, 2006

    MaryS

    Gary,
    I’m sure your wife misses you more than I do. Didn’t have an extra seat on the WL Jet for her?
    

43. November 6, 2006

    MarcT

    I can say from experience that you can have the same grapes from the same vine picked on the same day taste totally different. How? American Oak and French Oak make things very different. I experienced this first hand at a small boutique winery in Napa (Sawyer Cellars). We did straight barrel samples and were blown away at the difference. It was new world from one and old world from the other.
    So can it be the same juice? Technically yes. Is it the same? NO!

44. November 6, 2006

    Tony S.

    Great show Gary…I’ve had a few of those wines at tastings (not those vintages) and, although I love new world heavy hitters as well as old world dusties, I go up and down on them…especially when taking price into consideration. I never buy these kinds of wine, so when I taste them, I try and look at it just from the perspective of tasting a wine. But it’s hard to fathom spending that kind of money and getting something that’s run of the mill. If I’m ever going to spend $100+ on a bottle…it better be DANG good, like it better kick me in the teeth.

    QOD: I only miss you when I go to log on to watch a new episode and there isn’t a new one. So, for right now, I don’t miss you. I’m still hoping to see you tomorrow.

    OK…GO BEARS!! Stupid Dolphins. Leave it to a 1-6 team (well, now 2-6) w/ ex-Vikings and ex-Lions quarterback to make the Bears look like a powder-puff team. That’s alright, our tour of the East Coast will be void of all the “undefeated” talk now, so we can just concentrate on football.

    See you later man, have fun in Paris.
    T

45. November 6, 2006

    sheila

    Awesome line-up for this tasting…how true that Insignia and Opus One have become extremely over-priced… I have enjoyed the ‘01 and ’02s… Is ‘03 a rough year for Napa?

46. November 6, 2006

    Steve F (Finger Lakes NY)

    Gary; Great Show!

    It is the value content in today’s show that pushes WLTV beyond the top! You are definately our Fat Albert in the junkyard game of Bunk-Bunk!!! You’re Huge; and of course we miss you!!!

    Please give us a show to help pick wines for the Thanksgiving feast. I need something for everybody; or a couple of somethings. I need the show quick so that I have time for delivery!!!

    Travel Safe!

47. November 6, 2006

    KAHUNA

    Sheila,
    I am finding 03 a tough vintage for my Cab tastes. Most of my old stand by’s are not up to snuff. I have found that I am spending more money per bottle right now due to the lower priced 03 cabs not hitting their mark with me yet- I have about 15-20 2003 Cabs to get through before I pick a few to stock up on.

48. November 6, 2006

    KAHUNA

    Thanks Marct for the info-

    I have too say it is nice to se the comments area back for some good dialogue-

    I will be stocking the 2004 Caymus as I think that has the most promise in the $50-$120 range- I also picked up a case of the 03 Amizetta estate Cab- based on so little 03 that I love- I hope Gary is right on this one.

49. November 6, 2006

    Brandon M

    I was told by an industry “INSIDER” that they are sourced form the same reserve block at the Mondavi reserve vineyards. I never knew if it was true or not, but this guy was a pretty stand up guy and had been in the business for a LONG time.

    I have always been curious.

    B

50. November 6, 2006

    Bruce S

    Gary,

    Excellent point about how the Insignia has really increased in price over the years, especially after the WS WOTY award. You have to wonder at what point these types of wines leave their customer base behind and appeal for only a brief time to the point chasers. I think the CSJ Cinq Cepage went this route and now we see the wine being closed out at rock bottom prices left and right. I wish that places like Phelps wouldn’t go for the quick buck at the expense of previously loyal buyers, but it will be interesting to see what happens to the pricing over the next few years if the wine doesn’t get the reviews necessary to justify its current pricing.

51. November 6, 2006

    TimF

    QOD: Why would we miss you? You posted a new video today. If there was no video today, I’d need some WLTV methadone equivalent.

52. November 6, 2006

    Capt M

    No, you do not to say more. This has been a TREMENDOUS episode. Concepcion and I congratulate you for it, and we’re very thankful. Do we miss you? Yes! But what’s going on in Paris? tell us about it. But again.. tremendous show and effort. Congrats! Thanks!

53. November 6, 2006

    Craig G

    Yes, we miss you. Hurry back with some more good Burgundy or Bordeaux. Also, can you stop by Spain on your way back and get some more Rioja?

    Merci and Adios!

54. November 7, 2006

    Dan G.

    Do you nee dto say more? Nah. Not like Im going to be able to buy any without getting crucified. Would like to try them though. You seen Borat but werent you wearing an anti-Borat shirt. I couldnt quite read the printing on it so Im not sure.

55. November 7, 2006

    Rafa from Mexico

    Nice tasting on this wines. After the disappointment of the Insignia and the Opus One, what should I do if I have allready bought a few bottles of each one, should I return them for store credit? should I cellar them and wait some 5 to 10 years and expect the to be better? should I open them just out of curiosity and compare tasting notes with you? should I hide them in the deepest and darkest corner of my cellar to avoid the mocking of wine connoisseurs and jealous friends? What should we do with the wins that you score as a pass but we allready have them or are coming?

56. November 7, 2006

    Beetz

    Gary,
    You said 04 Caymus Special Select but the list of wines shows 2003.
    Which wine did you taste?

57. November 7, 2006

    Chris From NY

    It should be man law that you can only post once or twice a day, anymore than that you are not acting like a man.

58. November 7, 2006

    SeanM

    Miss you? Did you miss me while I was over there last week?

    We need a 4 show series for Turkey Day:
    Apertifs
    Whites with turkey and cranberry
    Reds with turkey and cranberry
    Desserts with Pumpkin Pie

    You’ve gotten so only 1 or 2 wines are not “Passed” so you can’t do a single T’day wine show, we’d end up with one wine!!!

59. November 7, 2006

    Pat L from CT

    Lurker no more. Really enjoyed your podcasts and have been in the shadows since the WSJ article. This episode was terrific and really enjoy your views and it propelled me to come out. I love wine and have been fortunate enough in my wine tasting experience to have a 61 latour, 82 petrus and 95 montrachet (all at the same dinner no less) while also really enjoying a $6 bottle of Bodegas Mas Que Vinos 2003 Ercavio Roble with a good burger. Wine is an experience that just makes life fun. Keep it up and I look forward to your podcasts everyday. Have fun and come back soon!!!

60. November 7, 2006

    Sam Zen

    Excellent, excellent, excellent!!!!! This what I’m talking baout when I say that Gary G and WLTV IS a revolution. This is without doubt one of the top episodes to date. Great work Gary!

61. November 7, 2006

    Michael P

    I’m surprised that the RM Reserve did so well. I’ve been down on them lately. I still can’t see myself coughing up the $88 bones.

62. November 7, 2006

    cgf

    beetz,
    when he held up the bottle of Caymus it read 2004 on the label.

63. November 7, 2006

    Brandon M

    Chris…what are you talking about?

64. November 7, 2006

    JBelleJinx

    I second the man law. Miss you? Have you gone somewhere??? I see you on my computer everyday!! You are always in that room…….right? Aren’t you?

65. November 7, 2006

    Brandon M

    You have to be part of the Man crowd to second a Man Law

66. November 7, 2006

    Don S

    I second the second that you have to be a man to second a man law.

67. November 7, 2006

    Lawrence leichtman

    Nice tasting. Glad to see it wasn’t 2003. I have never been impressed with Opus One and thought it was overpriced out of the gate. Insignia hasn’t had a good showing in a while for me. None in this century. Was nice to see a favorable review for the Mondavi. They have had lots of bad years. Caymus seems to produce good wines regularly. Will you hve more of that or is it gone for this allocation?

68. November 7, 2006

    Julius

    Hey guys. A PALETTE is an thin oval or oblong board that an artist uses to mix his paint or the selection of colors on that board or the range of colors used by the artist but it is NOT the sense of taste that you are referring to in the description of the episode. That which you refer to is a PALATE. Unless you are metaphorically comparing Gary to an artist using his colors to paint a picture of wine characteristics.

69. November 7, 2006

    Dominus

    Wish you compared those Cabs to Dominus.

    Agree with you on the Opus. Try the ‘85 Opus, it is great.

70. November 7, 2006

    Dominus

    At the end you say the Caymus is ‘04? Your link shows ‘03.

71. November 7, 2006

    John Roi

    Hey Gary, sounds like you’re getting a cold. I just got over one… pissed at the world because I couldn’t enjoy wine for a couple of days. I was wondering if your nose was a little compromised during today’s show. All the best, John.

72. November 7, 2006

    Jim Kay

    Gary – you have got to change the way you hold the spit bucket! With both hands on the bottom, your head disappears into the bucket like you’re about to puke.

73. November 7, 2006

    ChrisR

    Of course we miss you. You are like family.

    I can’t thank you enough for doing this episode. It reaffirms my thoughts on these overpriced wines (that they are hit or miss) and also takes down the wine snobs that seem to put these wines on a pedestal. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve felt like the pink elephant in the room when everyones raving about a bad or average vintage of these kinds of Cabs because they are seduced by the label. I don’t believe any of these people would even like these wines sometimes if they were tasted blind.

    Great ep!

74. November 7, 2006

    chito

    Hell yes we miss you ( that’s the way we say it in Texas ). Great info, great show. Have a safe trip.
    Great slogan at the end of 122!!!.

75. November 8, 2006

    Scruff

    Hi Gary,

    Maybe you should use your field trip to check out the wines offered on your airline. What about an airline wine episode? I have usually never heard of them or wonder if any ever get imported(even the business class wines). When I see the airline wine awards listed I have never seen any of the wine mentioned offered on the airlines I travelled. Do they really serve them more than once?

    I assume they are all low QPR so this might be an interesting tasting!

    Just a thought,
    Scruff.

    P.S. Of course you have to taste them from the wonderful plastic glasses!

76. November 8, 2006

    Dan C.

    Gary- Great job on calling the expensive wines as you see them. I don’t usually buy in that price range (OK never) but I did receive a 1993 Opus One as a gift and that bottle got me started on wine.

77. November 8, 2006

    shrtstockyindian

    Gary,
    I agree 100% on the insignia had a bottle the other day when I went out to eat. I couldn’t help but thinking maple syrup its the first thing that came out. Quite shocking acutally, and i must say i was pretty dissapointed with the effort and i drink a lot of these cult wines. No structure it tasted like a wine that had no real direction. Great show, especially for a first time viewer. Thanks!

78. November 12, 2006

    Vinacull

    Gary, Another one of those episodes where I could see you pausing and perhaps thinking “jeeezuz am I going to get blitzed in the background for delivering this news”. But you did it as you always do, and I so thank you for that. I’ve had enough great/classic wines in my day to know that they can provide a valuable dimension of education, and for that they are worth it to me to spend the big bucks. The problem has always been having big confidence, some kind of strong assurance that the so-called classic will be what its supposed to be when I crack it. I just don’t have major cushion cashola to buy “hundy-plus” major leaguers but a couple times a year. So thanks for the straight shot reviews and perspective. BTW, your QOTD doesn’t even deserve a response (dude). Cheers, C

79. November 15, 2006

    tonyo123

    Gary-

    Nice gutsy job on calling it as you taste it. Yes, it was comical when you tasted the Insignia. It became sad when you tasted the Caymus SS. Here’s too highly priced wines not holding their own. Thank goodness the Mondavi Reserve saved the show. With that company and the recent Mondavi history it was like the Jets beating the Pats…Keep it going.

80. December 6, 2006

    Denise

    How did I miss this episode? Loved the spirit of that “Braveheart” opening!

81. December 14, 2006

    Napa Valley Spas

    Really interesting episode!

82. December 14, 2006

    Michael

    I started watching the wine library TV out of curiousity. I am a regular on wineloverspage.com and saw your “ad”. I really, really enjoy watching these videos. Gary is a very lively character, WITHOUT BEING ANNOYING! I like the way the comparisons are organized and look forward to your future videos. Unfortunately, my wine cellar is full…there are many wines I love to buy from your show, but I have to pace myself (for now!) GREAT JOB, KEEP IT UP!

    Going back to today’s episode..I am glad Gary is not intimitated by the reputation of these wine, and grades them honestly. Many times I have been at a wine tasting, with famous and not-so-famous wines for comparison. Sometimes I felt the famous wines were a let-down as well.

83. December 23, 2006

    Craig G

    Great job with the Caymus 04 scoring. You said Parker came in low at 91-93. You said it was a 95 pointer. I just got the Parker update today. Parker just re scored the Caymus 04 at 96! Damn, you are right on the money with this one! Also went to Caymus last fall for a tasting. Pretty great vineyard that almost nobody can seem to find. It took me about 45 minutes to find it driving with a map. Anyway, I am a huge Caymus fan and was psyched to see you predict the high score before Parker. Go Jets!!!

84. February 6, 2007

    gl

    i had a bottle of caymus 2004 cabernet this past weekend. not the “special select,” just the regular vintage. nonetheless, my impression was virtually identical to your assessment of the special select 2004 cab. i thought it was a fantastic wine, probably the best i’ve ever tried. 3-4 hours decanting. i am glad that my assessment matches gary’s, i now have a good benchmark to gauge how well these reviews synch with my palete.

85. February 6, 2007

    KaySyrah

    Gary–How do you square the vegetal nose (by your description, broccoli, asparagus) on the Caymus with your final rating? Don’t you think those flaws tend to come out more with time in the bottle? Would be a bummer to lay that down for 10 years at that price and end up with veggie stew.

86. March 10, 2007

    Alos Diallo

    This was a great one I had seen Caymus at my local store at 79 dollars and wanted to know if it was worth it now I know it is . Thanks Gar

87. March 10, 2007

    Alos Diallo

    Gary Sorry about that I hit submit by mistake

88. April 23, 2007

    Drink of the Week 2.0 » Blog Archive » Sponsor Spotlight - Wine Library TV

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89. May 16, 2007

    Steve Ivy

    Gary, I’ve been meaning to ask (N3WB alert!) what is “structure”?

90. June 1, 2007

    rob robbie

    I totally agree with the calls made regarding Opus One and Joseph Phelps. My wife and I recently visited those two wineries and were very bummed. At Opus One it was a $25 tasting for one wine that that did not meet up to our expectations. It is a shame that they think that since there are big names backing this production that they can expect the public to drop $160.

91. June 9, 2007

    The Other Robert

    This supports my view – when you are paying for the big names in wine, you don’t always get what you pay for!

92. June 15, 2007

    Kelly

    Um, you just SPIT OUT and then POURED OUT Opus 1.

    Swallow it, you wine snob.

93. July 2, 2007

    Phil

    Great episode its good a heavyweight battle now and then. I’d love to see one with some of the seconds growths vs some of the first growths. I have bought Overture from Opus for the past few years and have always been fairly impressed especially at the reduced price point.

94. July 26, 2007

    Zoltan

    Hi Gary,
    I’m your fan from Hungary! I’m sadly noticed that you are here in my country, now that I am not there! We are leaving to Tuscany early in the morning. We (few wine enthusiasts) would be honored to welcome you on an experience if you are still in Hungary after the fifth of Aug.
    Please let us know!!!
    yours,
    Zoltan and Andrea
    Vayniacs

95. August 24, 2007

    angryphoton

    so this is Gary’s favorite episode. cool.

    AP

96. August 24, 2007

    Denise

    I can see why it is his favorite. Some good wines. Even though he did not like the Opus One, I have had a 1994 Opus One that was awesome (enjoyed it in 2000). And of course he loved the other Robert Mondavi, his stuff is also awesome.

97. August 27, 2007

    Ookla

    Opus One was the wine that made me realize that I’m missing something in not understanding wine. I’ve always enjoyed wine, but it seemed like I really didn’t understand what ‘good’ wine was or how to go about picking it. I think the problem was that I never really had wine that was really, really good…

    Then I was out on a business dinner with a partner and he was pissed at his boss – so he bought a $300 bottle of wine on his expense account. It was either an ‘82 or an ‘88 Opus One (can’t remember) which we had with dinner at Bareli’s in Secaucus. As I was tasting the wine someone asked me what I thought and the first thing I said was ‘kool aid’.

    Everyone laughed at me, but that was the only thing I could think of – it wasn’t sweet, but it was the first wine that I had ever had that was so enjoyable, it brought back memories of hot summer days when I was a kid and the perfect thing to drink was kool aid…. That wine was the perfect thing to drink that evening and I realized that, although I wasn’t going to be popping a 20-year old bottle of wine on a regular basis, I needed to understand a little more about something I had been missing out on for far too long…

    Sorry to go off on you here, but just felt I needed to say all of that apparently. It’s too bad the Opus One failed to impress on this vintage, but you mentioned a soft spot for the Insignia – I’ve got one for Opus One.

98. September 2, 2007

    chenin

    Gary,
    Good to see how you bring legends back to earth.
    Similar things could be said about a lot of first-growth
    Bordeaux, too.

99. October 2, 2007

    pats

    Gary, a few other great cabernet’s are Puriri Hills Estate 2005 which is made in Australia. Another one is the 2002 Chateau Pontet Canet Paulliac, Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal, and one from Spain which is Torres Mas La Plona 2001.

100. October 20, 2007

     Craig

     Gary

     A correction for Pats. Saying Puriri Hills comes from Australia is like saying Opus One is from Canada.

     Puriri Hills is the genius of New Zealand.

     Also if any cab sauv is present it is only in very small quantities. It is Merlot Carmenere predominant. The Estate version is the third tier wine behind their Reserve and Pope.

101. October 21, 2007

     ben

     are you sure Gary?,that sometimes maybe your nose does not get it,and you might be irracional in judgment hey sometimes got to check twice

102. November 11, 2007

     John

     How about blind tasting and not knowing what Parker or the Spectator have to say? Funny how you slurp/slurp, fail to cleanse your palate, and sometimes swallow. I’m not impressed

103. November 19, 2007

     Max

     When I tasted these wines for work the Mondavi and Caymus came out with that impressive complexity and balance. Where Opus and Insignia seemed like they were being crushed by their Names.

104. November 28, 2007

     VinOrecul

     Big prices. Rhone has saved my palate from bankruptcy many a night.

     Walla Walla N Rhone…with a little bit of Williamette valley. Now there is romance!

     BECAUSE US! WITH A LITTLE BIT OF YOU! WE’RE CHANGING THE WINE WORLD. WHETHER YOU TASTE IT OR NOT!!

     GARY, are you watching?????????

105. September 24, 2009

     John J.

     Interesting episode Gary, love seeing love real pricey wines get beat by the more affordable ones. Price definitely isn’t everything.
     Would also love to see you do an episode on vin jaune’s, or if you tackled a charbono tasting episode.

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