Beaujolais Nouveau and Other Wines – Episode #129

November 16, 2006

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Wines tasted in this episode:

Today Gary Vaynerchuk tastes the Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2006 along with three other wines that were e-mailed to him. Pay attention to the new rule if you want to see a certain wine on WLTV. We wish all of you a great holiday.

84 Responses

  1. November 16, 2006

    Mets fan 13

    first?

  2. November 16, 2006

    Steve B

    1st?

  3. November 16, 2006

    hinrgman

    Great episode gary

    i was wondering when you would do these wines.

  4. November 16, 2006

    hinrgman

    Wine library fell to 4th place (shame on the vaniacs)

  5. November 16, 2006

    Len C

    great episode, top 5???

  6. November 16, 2006

    Jason Hicks

    First time in top ten! :-)

  7. November 16, 2006

    dougiefresh

    great quote: “petit verdot baby, I got your back”! hahah, instant classic.

    save that for Jason Hicks season II highlight reel.

  8. November 16, 2006

    IRA

    top 5

  9. November 16, 2006

    cgf

    top 10 baby

  10. November 16, 2006

    Sue Z.

    Hi Gary,
    I’ll be in the store this Saturday to pick up some of your Thanksgiving selections (and another case of the Poggio Al Sole!!). What did you do with the leftover wines from ep.128? Any chance there’s some left to taste so I know if it’s worth spending $28 on a bottle (or 6) of the Felsina Berardenga Chianti? See you Saturday-
    Sue Z.
    PS Great intro:-)
    PSS Top 5?

  11. November 16, 2006

    Jason G.

    been digging these shows for a few weeks now, going through all of ‘em up until the present. Fantastic job, Gary – am recommneding you left and right to family & friends alike.
    Cheers.

  12. November 16, 2006

    Ken

    # 4514
    Blue Amethyst Syrah – 2004

    # 8653
    No Sauvignon Blanc – 2005

  13. November 16, 2006

    Denise

    top 10?!?!

  14. November 16, 2006

    E

    Everyone went over to see the banner ads on Vinography, that’s why.

    Happy Beaujolais Day.

  15. November 16, 2006

    Denise

    Thanks for the great episode, Gary. I have a very funny story about Beaujolais Nouveau…will save it for another day, though.

    I’m home early today nursing shingles. Here’s my QOD: There’s no medication that will do anything…will drinking wine exacerbate the condition? (I was too embarrassed to ask my doctor that question!!!) : )

  16. November 16, 2006

    zerokreap (kw)

    thanksgiving…

  17. November 16, 2006

    Justin

    Gary,
    thanks for tasting the Beaujolais Nouveau today. I have never tasted one, and I am not sure if i really want to now. But i guess you can’t knock it till you try it. Fake fruit and sugar….hmm..
    anyway. video was sorta dark today.

    have a good day.

  18. November 16, 2006

    MarcT

    Gary…Great episode but I’m not a fan of the new camera or microphone. Too grainy and muffled sound, I don’t hear anything without cranking my speakers to the max (then the cell phone goes off and the feedback blows me into the wall).

    Happy B.Nouveau…sorry the GDB wasn’t any good.

    Ken…see episode #94 for the NO Sauvignon Blanc.

    My vote…Library Code: 8598

    QOTD: Sawyer Cellars in Rutherford. Why…because Ian Dorin gave me the hookup. I got to meet Brad Warner the winemaker and he took Stephanie and me on a private tour and tasting of the whole place. I love that they are a small boutique estate winery that has the belief that the wine should not only represent them but also the community/Rutherford.
    Brad took us to the production room and we tasted juice that had just been crushed, then we went to the vines and he talked about how he picks only the grapes that are ready each day (no mass harvest) and then we went to the cellar and did barrel tastings that blew me away and taught me so much. What wonderful people…Mr. Sawyer, Brad Warner, Susan Greene, everybody there. It was an experience that I will use to set the standard for all others. Thanks to Sawyer and thanks to Ian Dorin!

  19. November 16, 2006

    Rick "The Model" M

    Gary, I think something was wrong with the sound today on the show. Anyways, I asked you the other day about 2006 wines, and you gave me a difinitive answer of “No way Rick the model”, 2006’s aren’t out yet. What’s the deal with that.

  20. November 16, 2006

    KAHUNA

    Gary,
    Thanks for the imagery from the heat wave- I was there in Italy for the heat wave for three weeks- It was pipen hot- So hot in fact I only ate like six times a day- I liked the Ilatraia also- very nice got it on sale wish I had bought 2-Sorry not from WL.

    QOD- Alexander Valley Vineyards- That is the vineyard that started my annual(sometimes more) treks to Sonoma/Napa- We had there Merlot in 2000 in Key West I think it was a 1997 vintage- Anyway we go to their harvest parties- and are in their wine club- They make a good solid full range of wines- and they treat us great every time we go-

    There are other wineries where we like the wine more but AVV got us out there so they win

  21. November 16, 2006

    TampaSteve

    Were back to the crappy camera….roll eyes…..

  22. November 16, 2006

    LinoD

    Gary, i’d appreciate if you can taste the ‘03 Chateau La Vieille Cure Fronsac, it’s been recommended to me by many people, my friends know i love Old World style wines and they think it’s right up my alley… looking forward to your review of it !

    thanks ! Keep up the good work.
    -LinoD.

  23. November 16, 2006

    Ken

    I went back to view episode 94 (thanks Marc)without changing my speaker volume which I had to crank to hear today’s episode. The sound came blasting out of the speakers. Something has changed, and not for the better.

  24. November 16, 2006

    gabe

    uhh la gerla?

  25. November 16, 2006

    TampaSteve

    My favorite winery is Tenuta Caparzo in Montalcino. Why, because sometimes things just all come together just right and surprise the heck out of you. I was driving around Montalcino one Sun this summer and saw a sign for this place and turned in. It was a sunday and I was surprissed that they were even open. These guy’s were as gracious as anyone could ever be. They rolled out the carpet for my wife and I and pulled out just about every bottle they had. We must of tasted 10-12 wines. And I aint talking little crappy tasting pours either. They then told us the entire history of the place as well as taking us on a private tour of the entire facility. The winery itself is owned by a women…hint …hint…maybe more women should own wineries. They have spared NO expense and it shows. Wonderfull wines, wonderfull experience and most of all wonderfull people….that’s what makes my favorite winery.

  26. November 16, 2006

    Rich S

    GV,

    I would love for you to taste any of the following wines:

    Messapicus – Salice Salentino
    Wishing Tree – Shiraz
    Rancho Zabaco Reserve – Zin

    These are some of my favorite QPR wines and would love to know what you think about them.

    Thanks!!!

  27. November 16, 2006

    TampaSteve

    BTW…Gary, I think your wrong on the Schlid for #1 WS pick 0f 2006

  28. November 16, 2006

    Paul

    The most fun I’ve had at a winery was at Harvest Moon Winery in Santa Rosa, CA. I visited near the end of the day and the proprietor, vineyard caretaker, winemaker (and everything else) Randy Pitts, was setting up for a private tasting that evening. My wife and I were the only ones in the tiny tasting room. Randy was teaching a new employee how to deal with customers in the tasting room. He brought out every wine he had, including some just bottled and a few that were pretty scarce, and shared them with us. We must have gone through a dozen wines (spitting, of course) with a running commentary about how the wines were made and details about acidity, Brix at harvest, etc. He also asked our opinion about every wine and seemed genuinely interested in what we had to say. He’s a marvelous, generous host and was great fun to talk with.

  29. November 16, 2006

    Jim Vandegriff

    Thanks for this enjoyable episode, Gary. Beaujolais Nouveau usually seems unbalanced to me, but I have enjoyed it occasionally for its newish strawberry aromas and tastes. I think my favorite winery is the Joh. Jos. Prum winery in Wehlen, Germany. Why? Because almost every wine they make, from various vineyards and must weights is an excellent example of its type. The weightless, but intensively flavored wines of the middle mosel are typified at this winery, and I enjoy the wines. Jim PS Where do you get your spit buckets from?

  30. November 16, 2006

    Italian Stallion

    Another solid episode Gary

  31. November 16, 2006

    Jim Vandegriff

    By the way, Gary, I’d like you to do a Santa Lucia Highlands/Paso Robles vs. Russian River Valley/Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir taste off. Is there really a particular type of fruit flavor that predominates in those regions? Thanks, and tell your mom from me that she did a wonderful job on that Thanksgiving feast. It looked glorious. Jim

  32. November 16, 2006

    Cameron P

    Nice episode Gary. I ordered your Zin recommendation from yesterday for the upcoming feast, so hopefully you were right on that one;)

    QOD: My favorite winery hands down is Summerwood in Paso Robles, CA. Their wines are stellar across the board, from their excellent blends (Diosa and Diosa Blanc) to their pure varietals. On top of that, everyone in the tasting room is always incredibly helpful and friendly, even when they’re packed (which they usually are). I highly recommend it!

  33. November 16, 2006

    Joe Swirl

    KAZ Winery is very fun. Crazy labels, casual attitude and another small California winery that thinks outside the (Franzia) box.

    “Kaz makes wines from varietals that he admires like Mourvedre, Carignane, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Barbera, Alicante Bouschet and many more.”

    Yea, and the wines are BIG!

  34. November 16, 2006

    BigAl

    Gary, I love your honesty Re; Beaujolais Nouveau. First you say ‘we’re going to sell 500 cases….
    then you go on to taste the wine and give it an 82 rating (not that I have tasted any this year but based on what I have tasted before…. I’m sure you were prob. on the high side). Not sure what the situation is in the States today, but here in Canada, 10 years ago, people used to line up for this stuff. Today, its a non issue. I was actually in one of our local ‘LCBO’ (provincial monopoly; Liquor Control Board of Ontario) store this evening and did’nt see any on the floor???. Great episode.

  35. November 16, 2006

    Jim Kay

    Favorite winery: Ridge.
    Why: American wines with a european aesthetic (disregard the Japanese ownership), longish history, Cabernets that age forever and stable, reasonable pricing. Also, they’re willing to expolre unusual grapes and blends. Their name on the label guarantees interesting wine in the bottle.

  36. November 16, 2006

    jon777

    Gary — thanks for saving my money on the Beau Noveau. Usually pick up a couple of bottles, but not this time!

    QOD: Favorite wineries:
    1) J winery – not only are the wines great, but at the tastings they do pairings with food (for a reasonable $$). Very fun and not only can you taste the wines, but see how they pair. Great wines, great concept.

    2) Poggio Antico (Italy) – Wonderful farm/vinyard and restaurant. We had a memorable dinner there, and drinking the wine over there it’s dirt cheap! Food, olive oil, wine and setting made for one of my favorite experiences in all of Italy.

    3) Matanzas Creek (Sonoma) – Great wines, and beautiful setting (fields of lavender). Out of the way from the wineries that sit on top of each other — a little off the beaten path which is nice.

    On on that, I’d love to see you taste any of the WL offerings from Matanzas:

    ) Matanzas Creek Bennett Valley Merlot 2003
    Type: Sonoma Merlot
    Size: 750ML | Vintage: 2003 | Library Code: 7515

    ) Matanzas Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
    Type: Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
    Size: 750ML | Vintage: 2002 | Library Code: 26319

    Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2005
    Type: Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc
    Size: 750ML | Vintage: 2005 | Library Code: 9799

    ) Matanzas Creek Sonoma Chardonnay 2005
    Type: Sonoma Chardonnay
    Size: 750ML | Vintage: 2005 | Library Code: 28047

    Happy Thanksgiving — I’m off to SF for Thanksgiving, and will be watching this thread closely, as we’ll be spending a day up in Napa/Sonoma. So keep those QOD answers coming!

  37. November 16, 2006

    Susan

    Gary-
    Another fabulous episode!
    I like to see all of your energy!
    I give this one – #129- a 97.
    Hopscotch!
    I never thought you could like wine and
    hopscotch!
    Keep up the good work!
    :)

  38. November 16, 2006

    stewart l

    QOD- Rosenblum is my favorite winery. I love the variety of the zins, which are reasonably priced and always of good quality. Also makes excellent syrahs and viognier. Usually easy to find also. Gary, I love amarones, but not always willing to pay the price. Many times I settle for a ripasso. Could you taste the Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre 2003? code#9231. I still have sev. bottles of the 2000 in my cellar Denise[#15], drinking wine won’t bother the shingles.

  39. November 16, 2006

    Marc Mc

    Please taste
    1) Calvet Thunevin Cuvee Constance 2004
    Type: Languedoc-roussillon
    Size: 750ML | Vintage: 2004 | Library Code: 8314

    I have had it and really think its a very good wine at a great price. I want to know your opinion?

    I have to appologise about the Thanksgiving dinner, it looked so good I thought it was fake. Your Mom must be a fantastic cook.

    Best winery: Dry Creek Vineyards for lunch. Oakville Grocery for supplies and Dry Creek for a 1/2 bottle of fume blanc and the outdoors.

  40. November 16, 2006

    jason carey

    My favorite vineyard is a small producer in the Loire Valley called Catherine and Pierre Breton. Its not because they are the
    highest end or most sophisicated wines, but the purity of thier fruit and the incredible sense of place that
    you can taste through the wine. The Nuits d’iveresse is especially interesting. The fruit comes right at you and
    envelopes you.
    jason carey

  41. November 16, 2006

    TampaSteve

    Gary, I would like you to taste the Benton Lane 2004 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, I had this last night and loved it, you can read my SEXY review on the forum.

  42. November 16, 2006

    Jim Kay

    If you do the Calvet Thunevin, how about adding these to make for a South of France tasting:

    D’aupilhac Lou Maset Rouge 2004
    Library Code: 28446

    Chateau D’aussieres Corbieres 2003
    Library Code: 3848

    Domaine De Fontsainte Corbieres Rouge 2004
    Library Code: 9236

  43. November 16, 2006

    Russ J

    Coturri Estate Zinfandel 2003 Library Code: 7768
    Acacia A Pinot Noir 2005 Library Code: 9087

    Thanks for yet another interesting episode!
    QOTD: Sadly, I do not have a particular favorite winery. I have not had the good fortune to visit one to form a personal bond so I am evaluating via wine only and there is not one that stands out among the others.

    Gary: Do you like beets? What wine would you select to drink with pickled beets?

  44. November 16, 2006

    Matthew L

    Nice show Gary. I’m :D because it seems like the Duboeuf Beaujolais is always stacked 8 cases high near the door in every wine shop. I don’t know if it’s to push the wine or serve as a door stop. I never see anyone buy it, but clearly it sells.

    QOTD: Given that I would be considered a second semester freshmam at Wine U., it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I don’t have extensive experience visiting vineyards. Aside from St. Julians in Michigan (yikes!), I have visited several vineyards in Virginia. By far it has to be Linden Vineyard. (www.lindenvineyards.com). I had a great time there with my wife. It’s a small vineyard. The tours were small and informative. The wine, particularly the Claret, were pretty pretty good. The have a nice patio where you can enjoy a wide variety of cheeses, venison sausage and breads, while overlooking the valley leading up to the vineyard. Naked Mountain vineyard was also pretty nice. Oasis Vineyard was about as nice as one of the Roy Rogers on the NJ Turnpike.

  45. November 16, 2006

    E-Rock

    Gary,
    You had me rollin on that pitch fork comment!! I mean honestly the funniest line i’ve heard in a while. Great show! I haven’t commented for a bit, but that doesn’t mean i’m not watching. You’ve been tearing it up lately guy, and I’m feeling where you’re taking this whole thing!! Kudos Buddy!! Well i’ll se you on Saturday need some help with some vino for my wife’s B-day. Top winery has got to be…….. I don’t have one wine changes too much from year to year (plus I’m new kind of new to this wine game), but Mollydooker is a new winery (TO ME!!) that i’m impressed with!!

    E-ROCK

  46. November 16, 2006

    Tony

    My favorite winery is Windwalker in Eldorado County, CA. For two reasons:
    1. They have some of the best wine in the region.
    2. They’re great friendly people, and it’s always a joy to go there.

  47. November 16, 2006

    GOL

    So great to see GV trash the Beaujolais since one of the vintages (I can’t remember which) was my answer to a prior QOD of which wine did you hate the most. For me it’s this wine. Gary described perfectly why I don’t like it; bitter flavors that try to be covered by sugar. I know supposedly there are some great vintages of this wine. And when one happens again I’ll suppose I’ll try it, and then when I don’t like it I’ll never have it again!

    Favorite Winery is Melville. Beautiful property, nice people, family owned and there is almost always a family member around. Took my wife and I for a private tour without us asking for it when we visited on what was a slow day. Plus they make very good (and I think continuing to get better) wine

  48. November 16, 2006

    Jaye

    Hi Gary — your mom is amazing, that feast yesterday was unimaginable. I don’t know how you sat in front of all that and were able to concentrate on the wine!

    I am sorry today’s episode didn’t offer you as many fireworks as yesterday’s, but you were as entertaining as ever. You have come a long way since your first episode and you seem very, very comfortable in front of the camera now. I will try to stop by on Saturday if I can.

  49. November 16, 2006

    Denise

    Thanks, stewart l (comment 38). BTW, like yourself, I also love Amarones but am often not willing to pay the price. I haven’t heard of ripasso. Thanks for the tip.

  50. November 16, 2006

    Uncle Josh

    QOD.

    I love the Eberle winery in Paso Robles, CA. Let me tell you why. The DOGS! They have large black poodles running around the place. It’s fantastic. Oh yeah, and they serve Eberle wine. Are you kidding me? Their Cabs are awesome. Beautiful vineyard. Classy old school tasting room. Excellent wine. Cute dogs. Friendly people who KNOW THE WINE. This is my favorite winery.

  51. November 16, 2006

    Seth - MacGeek

    Please taste the following!
    # 28108 here
    and # 4293 here I would love to see your opinion on the differences (in the same episode).

    Also please do a Long Island wine tasting :-D

    Just following directions :-D

    seth

  52. November 16, 2006

    JayZee

    QOD: I have visited lots of wineries and I’ve liked many of them. I guess my favorite was Boudreaux Cellars in Washington State. The reason is that it is just a small winery. Actually, until this year it was just a log cabin and a large garage. They just built the tasting room. The winemaker is Rob Newsom and he is a really cool guy. He is from Lousiana originally and was a mountain climber for many years, but now he makes wine, and pretty darn good wine. I’m on his mailing list so I get a case or two each year. He makes a nice Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Rusty Figgins was the one who talked him into making wine professionally.

    Now I have a question: Have you ever had any Beaujolais Nouveau that you really liked? I’ve trie it and even in a supposedly good vintage, I didn’t really like it. The overwhelming aroma I got was bananas and that just isn’t what I want in a red wine.

  53. November 16, 2006

    Bill Ross

    High fives to your Mom for the Turkey Day spread. Could almost smell it.

    With no experience visiting acclaimed wineries, Seghesio pops into my mind. Everything I’ve tried was a winner, and I think their ‘03 Sonoma County Zin is a top-rated QPR. I had one bottle of ‘03 Seghesio Sangiovese and now I can’t find anymore (hint, hint). And their ‘01 Omaggio is as good as it gets, for those who try to stay under $50/bottle.

  54. November 17, 2006

    LevM

    I bought the Beaujolais Nouveau before I saw the video and had it with some duck and lamb. It was pretty tasty IMHO. The thing I like about it is the lively cherry flavor…its not full bodied and only 12% alcohol which makes it very drinkable (i had about half a bottle on my own). It has no legs as well. But the thing I really enjoyed about this years, is the nice caramel I tasted on the finish when I drank it on its own. So I think the 82 score was way off and people should at least try it. I dont think its for everyone though so if you are used to drinking darker wines daily, this will be weird for you. I think “personality goes a long way” in wines.
    QOTD- Clos Pegase …i dont remember the wine all that much, but the guy is an art collector and hes got some pretty wild sculptures around the property.

  55. November 17, 2006

    I.B.

    Suggestion for a coming episode:

    CHENIN BLANC (3x DRY, 1x SWEET)
    $9,99: Dry Creek Chenin Blanc, Napa (19120)
    $13,99:Kanu Chenin Blanc Barrel Fermented 2004 (4921)
    $19,99:Domaine Du Closel Savennieres Clos Du Papillion 2004 (7392)
    $67,99:Foreau Vouvray Moelleux Reserv E 2003 (27229)

  56. November 17, 2006

    GatorFan

    Gary, great episode! Keep it up. QOTD: Since I live on I-80 directly in between two great wine regions, I have to choose one from each side.

    In Sonoma, Kenwood wins hands down. Not only is the wine great, but if you play your cards right, they pour for you twice. (St. Supery in Napa has excellent wine–their meritage Elu is fantastic–but it’s always crowded). There’s a balance: when I walk into a winery, I don’t want to struggle to find space in the tasting room, but I don’t want to be the only one there, either.

    In El Dorado county, I have to go with Granite Springs. They have a great atmosphere, and the wine is affordable and gooood. Plus, they give you dark chocolate to taste with their port. Awesome!

  57. November 17, 2006

    Lynne

    QOD: It’s one of only two I’ve ever visited. Schramsberg in Napa Valley. Never had had the sparkling wines before, either. The wine caves were cool and the guide demonstrated wine-sabering which was another first for me. The other winery we visited (about 45 minutes before closing) was Niebaum-Coppola Estates. I preferred all the Godfather memorabilia to the wines we got to taste that day. “Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.”

    Mrs. Vaynerchuck,
    What a beautiful meal. I’m sure it was enjoyed by all who got to partake. We viewers could only imagine.

  58. November 17, 2006

    Lynne

    Gary, How about an Ohio vs. Michigan ( Man, it hurts to even type that :) ) tasting in honor of one of THE biggest football games ever!!?

    GO BUCKS!!!

  59. November 17, 2006

    Italian Stallion

    Gary, I would really like you to try the following wine, becuase I would like to see if you had the same feeling on it as I did:

    Twenty Bench Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
    Type: Napa Cabernet
    Size: 750ML | Vintage: 2004 | Library Code: 7505

    -Stallion

  60. November 17, 2006

    TampaSteve

    Gary, told ya you were wrong on the Schlid …lololol

  61. November 17, 2006

    Ken

    I enjoyed my visit to Benziger Winery in Glen Ellen, CA. They gave a very interesting tour.

  62. November 17, 2006

    Bobby

    Gary,
    I think Ridge wines are fantastic and they age really well! Visited the winery several years ago and had a fantastic time even brought home some 96′ and 97′ Monte Bello which is not even ready yet right? Also Morgan does a nice job year after year with their Pinot Noirs, Chards and Sauvignon Blancs always reliable

  63. November 17, 2006

    Butter Buddha

    Gary,

    Truly impressed that you bashed the Nouveau. Would you taste some other Beaujolais (fleurie, chiroubles, etc.) in the near future so that people aren’t entirely turned off to the category solely based on your comments re: the Nouveau?

  64. November 17, 2006

    vermilionsteve

    Gary,
    I agree with dougiefresh, “petit verdot baby, I got your back!” is another classic! I agree! How about tasting Viader “V” which is one of my favorites and as you know is primarily petit verdot. I couldn’t find it on winelibrary.com but am sure you could secure a bottle. I think the ‘03 is the current vintage and I have not tried that.

  65. November 17, 2006

    GeneV

    IMHO, Beaujolais Nouveau shouldn’t be sold in the U.S. New wine is loads of fun when you drink it right from the winery, but not after a long trip in big boat. To me, imported BN always tastes like bubble gum floating in Mr. Clean.

  66. November 17, 2006

    Rob B aka robnmo

    QOD:, Since I have never been to California, my favorite winery would be Applewood Winery in Warwick NY, or Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville NY. Applewood has a great atmosphere, music in the summer, and apple picking in the fall. Great fun for the family. Brotherhood is Americas oldest winery, and touring the cellars is awesome.

  67. November 17, 2006

    Julius

    QOTD – Two of the best winery “tours” I went on were at Fisher Vineyards and Viader. In both cases, they were arranged by appointment and my wife and I were shown around personnally; by Juelle and Whitney Fisher at the former and Delia Viader at the later. They were all very gracious and of course we tasted some great wine.

    As for wines I would like for you to taste, they are:

    #5230 – 2004 Argiolas Costera
    #7122 – 2003 Inama Soave Classico Du Lot
    #1938 – 2003 Terra di Lavoro
    #1788 – 2002 Nina Negri Sfursat 5 Stelle (it says you out of stock, but I know from past experience that you may actually still have a bottle or two)

  68. November 17, 2006

    ando

    Love the episode, but the camera and mic are way off. Camera looks totally out of focus.

  69. November 17, 2006

    burkekr

    Gary, Thanks for the PETIT VERDOT shout out–I am a lurker no more. I’ve been enjoying Veritas’s 2004 Petit Verdot all year; but I can’t say that I’ve run into another single varietal petit verdot in my life. Could you recommend any?

  70. November 17, 2006

    Johnny Jet

    QOTD: Benziger in Sonoma, CA. I love their Oonapais(65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet
    Franc, 12% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot)and Tribute (69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc,
    11% Merlot , 5% Petit Verdot)wines. I also found the winery beautiful and the staff knowledgeable. Not only are they producing some fantastic wines but they do it using a sustainable farming practice known as Biodynamics. If you have never visited Benziger, I recommend you stop there on your next trip west.

  71. November 17, 2006

    Joyce

    Years ago, Sterling Vineyards was a highlight of our trip to the wine country, due to the fact that we got stuck on their overhead gondola ride! Not so bad, actually, the views were amazing. An hour or so later, we were given Sterling Vineyard T-shirts for our trouble. But, for sheer beauty, I’d have to go for the Mondavi Estate…wow, I can still smell the musty-oaky barrels in their stone-walled cellars, and the rolling vine-covered hills on the property. So memorable.

  72. November 17, 2006

    Joe Po

    Gary,
    Your handsome self is looking out of focus and grainy.
    The Mondavi free insider tour was the best. Tasting 8 wines in the beautiful
    dining room, after a very knowledgeable tour was a wonderful experience.

  73. November 17, 2006

    Skip

    Gary,
    I would love to see an episode on viogniers. I’ve had a few this past year and really loved them (especially the one from Dariousch in Napa) and they seem a great alternative to chardonnay. I’ve also enjoyed the Mas des Bressades Roussanne-Viognier.

    As far as the Beaujolais Nouveau, I couldn’t agree with you more and I would score it even lower. I thought anything above 80 was supposed to be acceptable wine from RP or ST.

    My favorite winery to visit is Peju Province in Napa. A wonderful French country home with a Mansard roof with a beautiful sculpture garden and some awfully nice wines including a Petit Verdot and some award winning Cabernet Francs. Great staff too.

    But you have to see Dariousch, also in Napa, the building is like a huge Babylonian temple or palace and its very 21st century inside with a glass waterfall. Their Red Table Wine, Viognier and Chardonnay are all excellent.

  74. November 17, 2006

    Kathy Hughes

    Denise, For shingles, your doctor will want you to take an anti-viral med to stop the progression of the shingles. Your doctor may prescribe a pain med as well, especially if the shingles are in the area of your face. I’m worried that you’re not taking proper care of the shingles. Naples Kathy aka fellow shingle sufferer.

  75. November 17, 2006

    Ken

    The first California winery I ever visited was Viansa. I suspect it’s the first for many people because of its location. It’s probably the closest winery to San Francisco. I enjoyed the winery, but the wine, not so much.

  76. November 17, 2006

    Lawrence Leichtman

    Gary, you should have said yesterday that your mom had made the great looking spread and then everyone would have commented. As it was could have been bought from Safeway and we wouldn’t have known. Be nicer to your mom!
    Very revealing tasting today. I hacve disliked every bottle of Beujolais Nouveau for the last 15 years without exception. They make too much of it to be any good. The hype is what sells it.

    My absolute favorite winery is Elyse. They give you so much to taste of so many great wines and don’t charge. Absolutely amazing and great wines to boot.
    The second favorite is Turley in Paso Robles simply because of the quality of what they have for tasting and, since I am on the list, I get to taste that for free as well.

  77. November 17, 2006

    Nathan N

    Living in the Midwest the only winery’s we get to visit are in Hermann MO. Adam Puchta produces some really good wine with the grape varieties that they are able to grow and Oak Glenn has a beutiful view of the MO river. We enjoy our visit every year.

    Another good episode and I don’t have a problem with having to turn the volume up a bit.

  78. November 17, 2006

    PattyO

    Favorite winery – Davida (somewhere around Montalcino, Italy!). As we walked up the gravel path to the tasting room the wine maker came around the corner from her clothes line with a basket of wet laundry. vinyard on the hill behind, laundry basket in the doorway, unlocked the tasting room and sampled us through a lovely selection. Real people.

    Worst winery – Fall Creek – Texas Hill Country. Several years back we visited because we’d heard that good things were happening with the local grapes. Driving in we noticed that the grape vines were all dead as a doornail. In the tasting room we inquired and were told that a bug had taken out all the vines in the vicinity several years back and they were now buying grapes from east Texas and other states. We commented that we thought the local “terroir” was significant to the vinyard and the guy responded with a smirk,
    “Not at all! A grape’s a grape!”

  79. November 20, 2006

    BigMC

    Gary,

    Nice episode. QOD–Pride Mountain Vineyards….hands down. Sits atop Spring Mountain above St. Helena in the Napa Valley. Incredible views from various picnic tables and a brand new wine tasting room just completed. Bob Foley, their winemaker is amazing. The wine, the views, the people….never a disappoinment.

  80. November 28, 2006

    Brandon M

    QOTD – Answered Before – Far Niente…reasons are the same!

  81. December 20, 2006

    Adam

    Favorite Winery: Messina Hof. Why? I am a die-hard Aggie, I bleed maroon, and this winery is in Bryan/College Station TX (Aggieland). I would love to see you do a show on Messina Hof wines. Maybe even a show on Texas wines.

  82. January 13, 2007

    Pat Reed

    Imagery Estate Winery in Sonoma, CA makes a wonderful single varietal Petit Verdot, as well as an amazing Lagrein. They specialize in single varietal wines.

  83. May 18, 2009

    Phredd

    QOTD: Gotta be Trefethen, appropriately enough, given the episode. I generally like Trefethen wines, but the reason I like the winery was because the people there were so nice. We were the only ones there, so they took us on a guided mini-tour. They had a basil garden out front and we were just chatting about how much we like making our own pesto and how nice it would be to have a big plot of basil like that instead of a tiny little box on our deck. So they told us to go pick as much as we wanted. Super friendly people.

    Honorable mention to Sebastiani vineyards in the Sonoma valley. The carved casks are gorgeous.

  84. September 24, 2009

    John J.

    qotd: how do you pick 1, how do you pick just 100? My fav at the moment would be Jean Bourdy. Because I’ve heard amazing things about his wines, they are not easy to get, and after a VERY long time of looking, I got a vin jaune, and his is supposed to be the best.
    Love that you are tasting wines from you’re library. I hope that that is not an alwayd absolute however. That seems like imposing limitations on yourself with all the 1000’s of wines out there.
    So Gary, how about tackling a vin jaune episode?, and on eon tasting different charbono’s?

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