89 Point Wines. A Tasting to Settle the Score.

89 Point Wines. A Tasting to Settle the Score. – Episode #132

November 21, 2006

Wines tasted in this episode:

2004 D’arenberg Olive Grove Chardonnay
2004 Falesco Merlot Dell Umbria
2003 Nieto Don Nicanor
2003 Bleasdale Cabernet Sauvignon Mulberry Tree

Having trouble watching the episode?

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Today Gary tastes four wines rated at 89 points by the major critics. This is a topic of interest to Gary how one point in a wines rating can make all the difference. A new QOD of the day.

87 Responses

November 21, 2006

Henry
First?!!!
November 21, 2006

Russ J
ah, why not, 1st..
November 21, 2006

Jim
Early today!
November 21, 2006

Russ J
Never should have tried for first. Just call me “chump”!
November 21, 2006

The Godfather
early today!
November 21, 2006

cgf
top 5?
November 21, 2006

Steve B
very early today……..
November 21, 2006

hinrgman
Love it
November 21, 2006

hinrgman
Thats the second bad tasting Falesco
November 21, 2006

Tom T.
Gary,

The HD cam is working for you now?

Nice. The overall picture look better. I really like how you show the wine color up close.

Tom
November 21, 2006

Jaye
You know, I consider 89 points a good wine. “89″ is supposed to mean “excellent” according to the Parker score key. 89 points might not be so good for the profits because you won’t make as much on it, but it is great for the consumer . . . and I think good for the winery too. It also depends, I think a $30 or under “true 89 point” wine is a great value.
November 21, 2006

Dan C.
Gary- Thanks for the great profile on the Nieto today and your usual honesty on the others. Your expression alone said 75 on the Falesco.

QOD- Do a show tomorrow on American wines from as close geographically to Plymouth, MA as you can get and do it with a family member or two. T-day is a true American family holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
November 21, 2006

cgf
Gary,

Great episode today. I liked the “winelibrary.com” fade-out at the end instead of you frozen on the screen. nice touch.

For tomorrow, how about a malbec episode? You have been really high two days in a row on wines that had malbec blended in. How about an episode dedicated to this grape, and a little background on Argentina. It might be hard to top the Achaval ferrer episode, but go for it.
November 21, 2006

Ken
QOTD: Two words…Turkey Costume.
November 21, 2006

Matthew L
Nice concept for the episode today. HUGE Vayner-Nod for the Nieto.

QOTD: Perhaps you could do something in honor of family. Either bring in some Vaynerchuks or some of the Wine Library family. If not that, how about an episode on a family that makes wine that you tremendously value. For instance, the Browns that make Brown Estate Zinfandel have an incredible story and they continue to make wine as a family (two sisters and a brother).

Cheers!
November 21, 2006

Bill T.
Gary,
Great show, I’m looking forward to trying the Nieto Don Nicanor. I was disappointed with your review of the 2003 Bleasdale. The 2002 vintage was one of my favorite “value” wines …real nice nose, lots of blueberry, full bodied, great mouth feel and wonderful finish …perhaps 2003 wasn’t a good year in southern Australia?
November 21, 2006

SeanM
Thanks for the early episode.

Prosecco
November 21, 2006

Jaye
QOD – If you are going to be on the store floor tomorrow, why not take some footage of the buying frenzy — maybe if there are WLTV viewers in the store, ask them why they watch WLTV?

As to working on bringing viewers to WLTV . . . I don’t know how successful I’ve been, but I have been creative. I ran around a trade show floor in Atlantic City asking people how I could do a creative picture with a NY Times ad (this of course led to questions on what is WLTV)? This finally culminated in Spiderman coming to my aid. People all think I’m “a bit touched” now because I talk about WLTV so much.
November 21, 2006

Jaye
I have question, Gary, and this has been on my mind for a while. Here is the score key Parker supposedly goes by:
Extraordinary (95-100 points)
Outstanding (90-94)
Very Good to Excellent (85-89)
Good (80-84)
Average (75-79)
Below average (70-74)
Avoid (50-70)

You rated the Falesco 85 Points (”Very Good” according to scale above), but your expression, comments and actions came much closer to describing a wine in the 70-74 range (”Below Average”). Is there a scale you go by? How does it compare to the Parker scale? What do you consider as a benchmark of an “Average” wine? All of this would be helpful in determining your thoughts on the quality of a wine.
November 21, 2006

KAHUNA
QOD- I would like to see you juggle and tap dance and the same time
November 21, 2006

AnthonyS
QOTD – I definitely like the idea of getting the family in there for the video. Whether it’s your biologic family or the wine library family, I think that would be a great segment.

QOTD2 – I try and get my name mentioned or picture included on any episode of WLTV, and then I send the link to all my friends and family so they can see just how great this whole thing is.

I thought you were going to take my suggestion from the forum and throw in a pickle juice tasting at the end. That would have made my day.
November 21, 2006

Jason R.
Gary – Appreciate the shout out to the “GUY IN IOWA – NEXT TO ILLINOIS” Hey at least I e-mailed you to get your approval versus being a “SNEAKY-DABEARSSUX” Guy.

Show tomorrow – How about a Sparkling Red of some sorts. I have been hearing more and more about this (Specially in Italy), but have never had one.

Spread the word – I don’t have so many wine geek friends – most are into beer, so I am not much help here – sorry
November 21, 2006

Matty Van, Rochester,NY
QOTD: Two wordsâ€¦Turkey Costume or something with a family member..even if its AJ… would it be against win library policy to serve a minor alcohol on the pemisis?

QOD – I have told my friends that drink wine..like Jason R. above most drink beer, I guess I just such at life
November 21, 2006

Susan
Gary-Another
GREAT
episode!
Early today- seems the HD Camera is doing well now.
Super job!
November 21, 2006

TampaSteve
Hey Gary, you forgot to make an announcement for the group of us who are comming to WL on Fri?? You said on Mon you have something that you will tell us on tomorrow’s episode (Tues).

I totally agree with Jaye, you are scoring wines you are saying are close to undrinkable in the mid 80’s…whats up with that. Undrinkable should be scored in the 60-70’s.

Video quality excellent today! Just got to get the close-up shots on the labels focused.

Se ya all 2pm Fri at WL top of the stairs.
November 21, 2006

Jeff S. aka Opus None
Gary,

QOD – How about a “Petit” episode. I’ve been hoping to learn more about Petit Sirah and Petit Verdot for a while. But whatever you decide to do, …PLEASE… do not spit like that again – Gross dude!

And now that the Patriots are back on track (Jets too) watch those comments!

Happy T-Day

-Jeff
November 21, 2006

Jason R.
The close up on Cam of the wine color really was excellent today. I think the first 80 points on the D;Aren. Chard were off the Color alone.
November 21, 2006

Rich S
Great episode as always GV. I liked the theme of today’s episode. I feel the same way a lot of times about how the distinction is made between 89 and 90 points because you always here people talking about “90 point wines” blah blah blah.

QOD: As far as tomorrow goes, I like the idea about tasting a few wines from as close to Plymouth, MA as possible to commemorate Thanksgiving. Maybe some local Northeast wines from the Finger Lakes or the North Fork or even NJ or MA?

Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving GV and all you guys as well. I hope to make it out to WL on Friday. If so, I will see some of you guys there!!!
November 21, 2006

TampaSteve
Hey Gary, can you please tatse the Lemelson Pinot Noir Cuvee X 2003 . You said a couple episodes ago you would taste wines people ask here in the comment section. Hate to bust your chops but you haven’t tasted any…THANKS!!!! You know I love ya!!!!!
November 21, 2006

Rob M.
Does anyone else continue to have difficulty viewing the latest episodes? I can view using Yahoo, but the picture is terrible- all stretched out and blurry. I have tried both Internet Explorer as well as Mozilla Firefox (my preferred browser, but frequently, WLTV locks up Firefox and all Firefox windows must shut down.

Sorry for the griping- Happy Thanksgiving to you Gary, and all the WLTV viewers.

TampaSteve and QueSeraSyrah, I responded late, but responded nevertheless to our thread of a few weeks ago- would love to get together in Tampa or Orlando.
November 21, 2006

KAHUNA
Rob M,
Are you running a Tv tuner card at the same time- If so turn it off- thats the only time I have a problem
November 21, 2006

GregK
Gary, how about tasting some tawny ports tomorrow? There are some godd, inexpensive Aussie tawnies plus the traditional tawnies from Portugal.
November 21, 2006

hinrgman
Don’t forget to vote for Wine Library TV

http://www.localwineevents.com/blogs/blog_list.php

You can vote once a day – everyday

the competition is catching up
November 21, 2006

Paul
You’ll meet my folks on Friday; they’ll be visiting from CT for Thanksgiving. They still can’t work everything in the Forum, but they’re trying. And that’s where the story lies. To spread the word among some of my parents wine drinking friends, of whom there are many, can be difficult. All in their 80’s, most are perfectly fine with emailing friends and family, but that’s about it. I figured I’d work on my parents first. In order to introduce my folks to WLTV, I provided a link and then told them how to use the link. Then I provided them with guidance to be able to view the video.

On to the Forum. More guidance and hints. They say they can read the posts but haven’t registered yet. And they asked what all the letters mean – WOTM, LOL, LMAO, etc. As I said, my folks will be here for the weekend, so I’ll get them onto the Forums and expand the number of Vayniacs!

But the big growth will come when they get home and spread the word to all their wine drinking friends. They’re very excited about meeting Gary and visiting WL for the first time.
November 21, 2006

Joe F
Great job on the comments fellas: NEVER spit like that again please! Plymouth Mass wines though? Not very exciting. Also having problems on explorer. Tomorrow’s show?? Store footage would be great grab some customers and let them taste,but if not . . .

DIGESTIF drinks. Do you carry grappa? SOMETHING to make turkey fullness go away!
November 21, 2006

QueSeraSyrah
Good to see that you enjoyed the Nieto. They make a great line of wines throughout all in the very good to outstanding range depending one what you get your hands on. Congrats on getting your hands on a Wii. Let us know how you and AJ like it.

I second, third, fourth… uhh… lost count… the turkey costume!

I miss the video intros! C’mon VAYNERNATION! Sorry I have no video recording device… maybe this Christmas?

I think a Black Friday event should be in line for WL!

QOD-How about that heat episode? (I figure someone should bring it back up!)
November 21, 2006

E-Rock
Good Show! And I had a bottle of that Nieto in my hands on Saturday when I was at the store. Damn it! Guess i may just have to drop in tomorrow for some.

QOD = Best tasting wines with a bird on the label? or simply a tasting of wines with birds in the name or label.

Oh and by the way i thought the picture was mad blurry on the close up!
November 21, 2006

QueSeraSyrah
Rob M.,

Responded to your post in the forums.
November 21, 2006

Dominus
Great show! I agree with you wholeheartedly on the Falesco Merlot. Absolute garbage though the Vitiano blend is pretty good.

I really like the thermal tote though I have nothing special to report on getting people to WLTV other than sending a link to my foodie group (aroundthekitchen.net) and my wine-loving co-workers. Of course, I don’t associate with Bear fans so none of those orders from IL are due to my communications.

Question of the Day regarding tomorrow’s show? You’ve already done a Turkey Day Wine show so I vote for a . . . hectic day, busy, erratic, hectic, so why note do a show on off-the-wall blends, i.e. anything from Bonny Doon and his Rhone-Ranger varietals and other similar wineries.

Off to order some wine because Da Bears do sux.

Here’s my Question of the Day: “Which two teams would you HATE to see in the Super Bowl?”

My vote: Da Bears and Da Ravens

How ugly would that be?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cheers!
Dom

P.S. Go Colts!
November 21, 2006

TimF
Gary — I don’t think you’ve shown any love to Santa Rita Hills. How about an episode tomorrow focusing on that?

As for how I told people about WLTV… My parody had over 500 views on youtube. ‘Nuff said.
November 21, 2006

BruceP
Gary,

Nice one. How about doing a show looking at CA Syrah vs. Rhone Syrah-based wines? My 49ers and and your Jets both 5-5. You could’ve gotten long odds on that at the beginning of the season. So I’m thankful for that as well as the 1990 Vieux Telegraphe CNP that will be opened on Thursday. Have a happy thanskgiving no matter what.
November 21, 2006

Jack:)
Gary,
Do you think thast the first two wines may be better if nit alowed to breath as long? Could they have been a “pop and pour” 89 pts?

QOD: Since it will be really crazy tomorrow just do one wine with the Vaynerpapa and each of you toast what you are thankful for.
November 21, 2006

johnm
GV-
What I did to publicize WLTV was told my supervisor, who’s a local wine nerd, and had him taste the Domaine La Garrigue AND guess the price. Off by a factor of three, word leaked to the local community (monthly tasting group, but also two retailers). I was in one store two weeks ago and heard the staff wondering what WLTV was and why so many people were asking about it in the past couple of weeks. Secret smile and chuckle. QOD – Video a couple of those fights, then taste the wines at the heart of the fighting. Great episode!
November 21, 2006

Marc Mc
QOD: If you don’t have a lot of time on Wed. Do some speed tasting with riesling.

Look, smell, taste, comment…. 15 seconds each wine…no rating, buy, pazz, or ehh.

Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for your assistance.
November 21, 2006

KAHUNA
QOD- I would like to see you carry my pick up order out to my car
November 21, 2006

RD
Long time lurker and will continue unless you do my question of the day in tomorrows episode.

QoD episode: Do a grenache (or blends) episode because…. well, it works well with turkey and it’s time people learn about this grape. Here’s my picks that are in your store.

Around the world theme:
1- France: 1990 Rayas… joking. 2004 Charvin or Vieux Telegraphe
2- California: 2002 Tablas Creek Esprit De Beaucastel (close enough)
3- Australia: 2004 Tir Na Nog Grenache
4- Spain: 2001 Artazu Navarra Santa Cruz (point of refrence since you previously tasted)
November 21, 2006

Russ J
So you were drinking the pickle juice, right? That’s what made you “giddy” (funny word, cracks me up!). I think themes are over-rated. Grab a few interesting wines, like for instance:
Coturri Estate Zinfandel 2003 Library Code: 7768 or
Acacia A Pinot Noir 2005 Library Code: 9087 or
L’aventure Optimus 2002 Library Code: 3129
Pop ‘em open, swirl, smell, taste, spit (standing or sitting)and give us the scoop.
Nice to hear you’re spending some time with your bro’. I always call mine whenever you mention yours (other times too!). Keep it up.
November 21, 2006

stewart l
QOD-For our american holiday, how about an episode of american wines from the original states such as NY,PA,and VA. I have exposed my friends to wine library in a unique way. I am a physician ,and sev other physicians are always asking for wine recomendations . Several times I have left bottles of wine in their mailboxes at the hospital for them to try that I bought from wine library , most recently the Farleigh and Pessagno zins which they loved. I left them my business card with the wine library website on it. Several have already bought some and are enjoying wltv. Next I’ll spring some on my cancer pts. as they complete their chemo and are feeling better.
November 21, 2006

Andre
Awesome Ep. Gary “I don’t speak in third person.” Vayerchuk!

If it were a wine my TN would read:
Amazing personality comes through during the entire experience; there’s the nice guy, the funny guy, and the “what the heck is THIS!?” guy. Must say this is reminiscent of past WLTV vintages, full of personality paired with amazing show concepts.

QOD: Perhaps you oughtta do wine + foie gras pairing episode. Would most certainly be interesting to hear your views on the controversy. Also, it’d be nice to see a spectrum of wines that pair well with the foie.

Maybe you could also do a wine and fish/seafood episode, tasting small bite of food with each wine. In general, I guess do another episode where you eat and drink since man cannot live on wine alone.
November 21, 2006

JustinL
One word for your tasting tomorrow: PROSECCO!

It’s fun, it’s bubbly, it’s social, it’s a great Thanksgiving aperitif. That would be a great, low-stress episode for you.
November 21, 2006

dougiefresh
dude, finally, the production quality is in the 90 point range. nice one! Great close ups Mr Demille!

two words though: “Manual Focus”… aahh, just kidding, you guys are the kings!

re: the wii. First video game I’ve been able to get my wife to play, so that’s good. Golf was good, the rest, ehh.

tomorrow’s episode. How about good wines to drink the day after thanksgiving when you still have to hang with your in-laws. ; ) also, best wines with Turkey sandwiches.
November 21, 2006

Kell
Gary, since you’re gonna be on the floor all day tomorrow, why not make an episode there? You’ll have a ton of people asking for recommendations and when you give one, why not include the customer? Take
him/her over and you taste it and they taste it. See if they agree with your tasting and if they buy it! Kind of a reality WLTV episode…could be a lot of fun!

Kell
November 21, 2006

the professor and....
Gary, best story for spreading the word about WLTV. . . I tattooed my ass with the logo and web address so that as I ride around New Jersey chuckin’ moons out the window of my car everyone gets the message. How’s that!!!

I hit it right again tonight, this has happened to me once before. I was in the store earlier today and picked up the Don Nicanor, taught my classes, got home tonight and there it was on the screen. I can’t wait to hear what you have to say about it, I paused the video so that I can let it breathe for alittle bit before I taste it with you, virtually, anyway.
November 21, 2006

Arnold
I’m with Joe F., so what you shouldn’t to tomorrow is that last spit. And I’ve been wondering about your scoring system too, your reaction to an 85 point wine would make me think you just tasted a 75 point wine

Some technical issues, you might want to consider compressing the video a bit more, the quality is much better but the stream kept stalling, I think you can sacrifice a little quality. I’m on a DSL wireless connection so it’s not the greatest but I never had problems with your older videos. And dougiefresh is right, MANUAL FOCUS. When you do the close up on the labels you might be able to hit Manual Focus and then to back to Auto for the long shots.

Sorry, I’ll stop complaining, I love the show.
November 21, 2006

the professor and....
Hell Gary, if you brother is in town put him to work and make him do the episode.
November 21, 2006

Steve F (Fingerlakes NY)
Show Idea:

How about a huge tasting – 6 to 8 bottles

2 to 3 big tastes on each bottle – absolutely no spitting allowed!

In the spirit of the holiday, Eric has to drive you home.

Turkey Suit – Great Idea!

Spreading the WLTV word story:
I am ordering a new vanity License Plate “WLTV 1″
November 22, 2006

MarcT
QOTD: Pickle tasting!!!
November 22, 2006

scotty
gary-being on the floor on crazy wed. you should taste the wackiest wine someone asks you about and and the coolest wine your asked about. Also bring the customer who asked you about the wines in for the tasting-make someone a star!
November 22, 2006

Bill Ross
As for plugging WL, I am being threatened with a gag order on my other wine bulletin board. Here is one of the latest responses, “ross, is it true that Wine Library is naming a wing of their new building after you?”

As for the other QOD, I’m with cgf (comment 23) on a Malbec theme. Hope you would include something from the 9000-+ ft level in Salta Province, especially Bodegas Colome’, which got good ratings/reviews in current WS and WE issues. It will sell out, but then, what doesn’t these days?

Finally, what are you thoughts on shipping code “them there texans sux” for me and homerj and others trapped in this wasteland. We’ll be watching this weekend.
November 22, 2006

Darlene O.
As always, Gary, I love it. Two things; first, I love the comment about your brother coming home from college and a nintendo all-nighter…how saaaawwweeeeeeeeeeeet is that! Second, love to see some Prosecco tasting. We prepare our Thanksgiving dinner while enjoying a Prosecco. Love to see you try some. Happy Thanksgiving to you and all of your loved ones!!!
November 22, 2006

Seth - MacGeek
You should get someone in your family that has tasted wine simiar to you. And you both taste the same wines and compare the reactions of both of you.

seth
November 22, 2006

SS Chris
Gary, Great episode….thanks!!

QOD#1: How about sparkling Reds…just saw an article about sparkling Australian Shrirz’s?? or as I’ve said in the past….an episode w/VaynerPOPS where you interview him about his journey and then taste some wines together.

QOD #2:
A) You know me enough by now, do you not think I’m telling everyone and their mother about WLTV and the SS…I’m as obnoxious as you are about the JETS (I mean that in a good way…by the way, that wins this contest by itself, but I’ll continue).

B) Ask Ian how many people, I’ve personally sent in

C) Ask Ian how many folks come in w/ the SS or SS info in hand?

D) Called into the radio show…providing, in effect, an full advertisement for both the store & WLTV.

E) Look at my account and what I’ve bought

F) I named us VaynIACS AND came up with the concept that voth VayNIACS and VaynerNATION should be used. This “branding” is helping to spread the word.

G) Don’t forget the Dwight BOBBLEHEAD.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and your family!! (Lizzie, Sasha, Mom and AJ)
November 22, 2006

Carlos Rossi, hater
Gary,

You should do the wines most requested/purchased in preparation for Thanksgiving…even the ones you are totally confused by.
November 22, 2006

Thorazine
First time writer, long time lurker.

Definitely caught up in the vaynermania. Have to say I’m loving every second of it

As for tomorrows episode and how hectic it is going to be, here is my take. I’d consider myself a wine newbie, so why not do a true blue vertical or horizontal tasting, so we can really see what it’s all about?

Keep on keeping on big guy.
November 22, 2006

Wildebeest
CONGRATS ON THE WII!!!! Please tell us how you like it. I’ll be playing the Wii with my own little brothers when I visit them over Christmas break. Maybe the next episode should have an “I love Nintendo” theme. …just a thought.

Yep, the spitting thing was pretty gross, but I think the “giddyness” makes for some of your best eps.

The next episode: I’d really like to see an episode devoted to old-world value-priced reds. I’m STILL giddy over the Castello Della Paneretta Chianti Classico Riserva 2001 that I never would have tasted if you hadn’t done a Chianti episode. Besides, your analogies are likely to be even more picturesque when you’re talking about old-world flavor profiles.

Have a great Thanksgiving!!!!
November 22, 2006

Rob M.
Hey stewart l, what hospital, and where are the mailboxes that you frequently leave wine for your colleagues??
November 22, 2006

Voltron
i say you taste with your dad.
November 22, 2006

Capt M
Good morning Gary (and Vaynerfolks!), sorry I’m late in posting.
QOD: I think you should present in today’s show, since Txsgiving is a family holiday, present your wife, or your mom or pap, or all of the above. Let’s hear what THEY (or any of them) like to drink and appreciate.
QOD2: I recently sold a Laser Disk on eBay, and while exchanging some after-the-fact e-mails with Wendy Boyer (about other LD’s), from Hyannis, MA, I took the liberty of refering her to tv.winelibrary.com But here’s a better one: ConcepciÃ³n and I will invite a couple friends of ours out to dinner, and we’ll bring out handycam with us, and we’ll make an intro among the four of us, tasting and paring wine. We’ll do it THIS thursday (T-day), and we’ll send it right away to Gary, to be ready for airing on Friday. That way, we’ll get this other couple very interested in watching WLTV from then on.
November 22, 2006

Miguelo DiMarco
Argentina rockin’ and rollin’! – and I like their women almost as much as their wine.
You and a little bit of me will make the wine world believers.

How do I tell people of WLTV: there’s this video blog by a goofy Belaruski tasting and spitting and using colorful words; he likes the Jets; and once in awhile you get free shipping from his store that has great prices.

~~FOR THE SHOW WEDNESDAY: Since you’re going to be busy, How about if you pick a time (why not Noon?) and a particular checkout register and then take note of the next 4 wines being purchased (that have not already made it on to WLTV) and make a show out of tasting them.
November 22, 2006

Tony S.
Nice show Gary as usual. How is it that swill like the first 2 bottles get 89 points? I’ve never trusted the whole point thingy, I just try and go by recommendations. Sometimes I agree, sometimes I don’t…whatever, it’s just wine.

QOD: You should do reds from places not really known for red wine, or that just don’t do that much red wine. Like Loire, or Austrian reds…or Hungarian wines that aren’t Tokaji. Just off-beat stuff like that, you might find some wines that may go particularly well with Thanksgiving.

OK, see you later and have a great, great Thanksgiving. Seriously. Relax and have some nice wine with friends and family. Reflect on the game last Sunday…aaah…memories. Alright man, take care.
GO BEARS!!
T
November 22, 2006

Flemboy
If I spit like that, my parents would have slapped my face! Actually, you could gag on TV and we wouldn’t want that, right?

For the Thanksgiving show how about you bring some of the guys from behind the camera and have them taste with you? They are part of your (work) family and deserve a little recognition.
November 22, 2006

Louisiana George
Spread the Word QOD: I am a member of Lotus Ltd, a group of owners/lovers of Lotus automobiles (imagine a down to earth version of a ferrari owner’s club). Our annual convention was in Dallas last month and we have an extensive email group. I suggested anyone interested bring a bottle of wine with them and we would get together for a tasting one night.

We had about 15 people participate, some bringing vino and some coming just to taste – smooth drink of the night was a 1996 Heitz Bella Oaks – very smooth and ready to drink, but short on fruit flavors (may have been better a year or two ago). I brought a 1997 Whitehall Lane Cab which ended up being the comparison of the night, contrasting with a 2002 Caymus Special Selection. The Whitehall showed bordeaux style tobacco, dirt, mushroom, etc. in comparison to the Caymus which tasted like a tablespoon of plum and blackberry jelly in your mouth. Talk about old world vs. new world taste – it was awesome! Spent about 4 hours with the bottles and friends and told all of them (many just getting into wine) about WLTV.

Suggestions for today’s show QOD: THE CHEAP DATE EPISODE – punched up your “just in” list on WL, categorized from lowest price first and picked 1st 4 wines rated by outsiders (non-WL ratings) – your wines for the day should be: 28726 Matua Sauvignon Blanc, 28652 Step Road Chard, 28571 Domain Wachau Reisling, and 28578 Castell Del Reme Gotim Bru

Have a great Thanksgiving!!

Louisiana George
November 22, 2006

gordoyflaca
I agree with some of the comments above. If the wine is just barely drinkable, why does it score 85 points? One of the advantages of a 100-point scale is that you can really spread out the scoring, making it easier to distinguish between wines and scores. If 85 if just barely drinkable, then we might as well be using a 20 point scale.
November 22, 2006

Lawrence Leichtman
I’m with a Malbec episode especially since you have said how many times you like them. Our everyday red is Navarro Correas Malbec from Argentina. It rarely disappoint. Would like to hear about some other positive tastings of Malbecs. I too wonder how you come up with your point score Gary since the Falseco could not haver been any better than the white zindfandels that your rated in the toilet a few episodes back. Many stores would put a positive blurb on an 85 point wine as would Parker so are you easier?
November 22, 2006

woodchuck
What’s wrong with being sneaky? When you said that, all I could think about was the movie Mr. Deeds. When the butler guy says something to Adam Sandler like “you underestimate the level of sneakiness”
November 22, 2006

Smiling Pelican
Hey Gary, I just pimped your act on a bulletin board. A surfing one, no less.

http://forum.surfermag.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=UBB1&Number=1106431&Searchpage=1&Main=1105764&Words=+smilingpelican&topic=&Search=true#Post1106431
November 22, 2006

karl satirev
Film the store and the parking lot and make me thankful I wasn’t there. I was in on Monday with a friend and Jim Gorman was excellent in helping us pick out about $600 worth of wine.
November 22, 2006

Shotgun
Short time WLTV viewer, first time poster. The vid-casts are OBNOXIOUSLY addictive. Great job Mr. Vay-ner-chuk. Great fun and instructive. And I really like the munching-on-celery sound effects as you taste the wines!
November 22, 2006

Wildebeest
Considering that it’s Thanksgiving, a family-oriented episode would be great. I especially like the idea of tasting w/ your dad. …but I still think it’d be nice to see an old-world episode at some point.
November 22, 2006

Lynne
Anything involving family.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Enjoy the food, drink, family and friends.
November 22, 2006

shacke
Written on bathroom wall at work: “For a good time … tv.winelibrary.com”
November 22, 2006

canadian-kid
Gary,

Been watching for a while, first time post right here. Great shows, look forward to them everyday. Becoming part of my daily routine! I have a case of 1998 St Hallett Reward Cab Sav and havnt been able to find any tasting notes or drinking ranges for it. If you could taste that wine on an episode that would be cool!

Keep up the great shows!
November 22, 2006

97 Brunello
added some Don Nicanor to my order. Hope it’s as good as you say it is Gary!
November 22, 2006

97 Brunello
btw, I have been spreading the word as I travel around the world on business. You now have fans in England, France, Switzerland and California, thanks to me! No better advertising than word of mouth.
November 28, 2006

Brandon M
People I know are watching…but they are either lurking or not reading the comments. I don’t have the energy to chase them down!
December 12, 2006

Susan
Hmmmm….how could you give the Merlot an 85 if you didn’t like it?

I’m so confused………;(
September 24, 2009

John J.
qotd: i know that episode has passed but i’ll throw in a request anyway. How about a vin jaune episode? or one on a bunch of charbono’s?