94 Point Parker Australian Challenge

94 Point Parker Australian Challenge – Episode #157

January 2, 2007

Wines tasted in this episode:

2004 D’arenberg Ironstone Pressings
2005 Marquis Philips S2 Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Rusden Ripper Creek Cabernet/ Shiraz
2003 Jasper Hill Georgia’s Paddock

Cheese tasted in the episode

Sharp Picante Provolone a $8.99LB

The 94 Point scored Australian challenge is a fun way to start 2007 for Gary as was the huge win on Sunday and the huge game this weekend against the hated New England Patriots. Sit back and chime in with your thoughts on New Years, wine and football.

124 Responses

January 2, 2007

Brandon M
Happy New Year!
January 2, 2007

Eric S.
Happy New year everyone!
January 2, 2007

hinrgman
wow Gary!!
January 2, 2007

hinrgman
Happy New Year to ALL!!!
January 2, 2007

Denise
top ten! Happy 2007!!
January 2, 2007

Paul
Happy New Year.

BTW, I like the beard.
January 2, 2007

Trish Da' Dish!
I can’t frigging believe that I am in the top 10!
January 2, 2007

Paul R
Happy & Healty New Year! Jets are going all the way or at least past the Pats.
January 2, 2007

DrEdwardo
Top ten & first Canadian. Happy New Year Gary!! Even my 12 year old daughter loves your vidcasts.
January 2, 2007

FTBoomer
Happy New Year Gary & thanks for all you do.

SALUTE!
January 2, 2007

MaryS
Happy New Year!!!
January 2, 2007

KAHUNA
Video looked extra clear- until panned out-
January 2, 2007

CampingLisa
Happy New Year Gary….I would like to recommend some dark chocolate and pinot noir………AMAZING!
January 2, 2007

Glen
Lets go P-A-T-S…Pats, Pats, Pats!!!!!!
January 2, 2007

wine-0
I cant friggen believe i’m in the top twenty!!!!
January 2, 2007

Lb in KS
I know you just didn’t call out Herm????
C-H-E-F…..Chefs, Chefs, Chefs…..

er, I mean Chiefs.
January 2, 2007

KAHUNA
QOTD-Wine was good but the 2006 breast milk I tried tasted like crap-
January 2, 2007

Trish Da' Dish!
“Worst New Years Wine–2007″ : NV Friexenet Spumante, for $9.99, from a gas station convenience store that we stopped at. Treacly, nasty, swill. I normally like everything from brut to icewine, but I should’ve stayed away from this. Thankfully, it was not what we toasted the New Year in with…
January 2, 2007

Brandon M
Kahuna….classic
January 2, 2007

Dominus
Top 20!

I agree with the new resolution by pairing the wine with cheese. Good move.

As for the Jets, congrats! And kick their arse on Sunday. I, too, hate the Patriots, not as much as the Ravens but still, spank them.

My boys made it to the playoffs though should have a tough time with LJ. Wish the Colts luck and maybe we will meet each other in Indy and have a glass of Dominus on me!

Go Jets and Colts!

Dom
January 2, 2007

Erick
My wife the Pat’s fan thinks that beard will be gone on next Mondays show. We shall see…
Happy New Year!
January 2, 2007

mikeyrad
QOD.

I had a visit from the Oak Monster in the guise of a Silver Oak Cab that completely overpowered a delicious tuna steak.
January 2, 2007

Rich S
Happy New Year GV!

Worst wine I had over NYE was a 2004 Bennett Family Reserve chardonnay from the Russian River Valley. It wasn’t expensive (around $12) but I have had very good wines in that price range. Flavor was flat and a little off balance. Not a fan.
January 2, 2007

Henrik Brandt
He, he, he … just watched episode #1 AFTER watching #157. Is it just me, or has Gary changed from an innocent choir boy to a ready-to-be-admitted JETS-lunatic in just a year? Thoughts anyone?

Peace & love from Denmark …..
January 2, 2007

Ann B.
QOTD: 2005 Emu Wine Company Riesling (Tazmania). It tasted like lemon juice + that white powder used to make sour candy, mixed in with tap water. Blech… Can anyone recommend a good Tazmanian wine? I bought it primarily for the novelty of the location (at least to me).

My Packers did not get the breaks they needed, demonstrating that in the NFL, every win and loss over the season counts. That’s why it’s the best sport. As I also live in Indy, I’ll wish the Colts good luck.
January 2, 2007

SS Chris
Gary, Happy New Year!! How was your New Years Eve Party?

Relative to Gary’s statement that many retailers are selling the Jasper Hill in the $80 and above range (WL sells for $59.99). FYI, I just did a search on Wine-Searcher Pro…14 locations came up as selling the Jasper Hill in the USA ranging from $58 up to $104 per bottle AND 8 of those 14 were above $89.

I’m glad I picked up a few of these a few weeks ago! thanks, Gary
January 2, 2007

Tim
worst wine was ………..Timbuktu Big Block Red………pure gasoline and almost puked
January 2, 2007

Jim Kay
28th???
January 2, 2007

AnthonyS
Feliz nuevo aÃ±o. I look forward to all the new episodes of ‘07.
January 2, 2007

DrWMD
Happy New Year all…

Rooting for the Chiefs is like playing Yahtzee…and looks like we rolled 5 sixes this weekend.

Didn’t have a bad bottle of wine over the holiday…life’s just too short.
January 2, 2007

Boise State #1
Happy New Years all!
January 2, 2007

Taco John
Sorry, didn’t have a bad wine. Worst would have been the Ch. la Rose Tour Blanche, because the sparkler I had at midnight was fantastic.
January 2, 2007

BlairBrooklyn
happy new year. may there be no skeezes in sight. the worst wine i had was the clos de gilroy grenache. it’s not that it sucked, but it wasn’t interesting enough to talk about.
January 2, 2007

Chad O
worst wine this season was the cooks brut we had on new years. i choked it down in between some seghesio zin.
January 2, 2007

E-Rock
Happy New Year All!! Good show today. I called Sauerkraut on one of the wines in Hoboken.I think it was the Contador.

QOD = None of them. But I was in a great mood had all my family around really was an awesome holiday season.
January 2, 2007

Dan C.
Gary- Congrats on the Jets! Hope you kill the Pats.

Fun episode. Thanks. I’m staying away from the S2. You didn’t like the prior vintage either.

QOD- I had all good wines over NYE. Oh well, many more to try.
January 2, 2007

bugbirdfishboy
First time Long time. At a New Years party/Merlot tasting I tasted 7 different wines. Among them was a 2005? Charles Shaw. It wasn’t bad, but tasted watered down and had almost no finish (I only tasted the wine in the front of the pallet with nothing on the back) compared to the other wines.
January 2, 2007

John Blue Label
Gary,
J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!

Great idea on the wine and cheese pairings. Being Italian, sharp provolone is my favorite. Goes great with Zenato Amarone!

I can’t wait to smell the sauerkraut wine!

By the way, was at Epcot this past week. Have you tried the ride Soarin? Way cool. They have smells piped into the ride. At one point, going over the California Citrus groves, you smell orange, and it finishes with grapefruit. Good training for the nose.

Here’s to 2007!
January 2, 2007

Denise
As usual, KAHUNA, you are one rare bird! That was truly classic!
January 2, 2007

KMANN
First time noticing the Kermit voice…interesting choice to keep the Jet-green-theme going…
January 2, 2007

Italian Stallion
Happy New Years everyone

Gary nailed this episode…….GREAT SHOW GARY

Kahuna…what can I say? I luv ya man and your comment is exactly the reason why. You are absolutely “shit myself” funny. I love your comments
January 2, 2007

Italian Stallion
Happy New Years everyone

Gary nailed this episode…….GREAT SHOW GARY

Kahuna…what can I say? I luv ya man and your comment is exactly the reason why. You are absolutely “shit myself” funny.
January 2, 2007

Steve
The worst wine tasted this holiday season: Yellow Tail Shiraz.

This was an Xmas gift from the boss. Nice gesture. Bad wine.

My problem with this wine is the artifical nature of the taste – which is not totally unpleasant… it just doesn’t taste real.

The color is super, mate. Big red berries and some jam on the nose. But the taste… pink cotton candy! This sickeningly sweet, cotton candy, made with Splenda, artificial taste really made this an awful wine drinking experience. My friends said, “But you can cook with it.” No you can’t. It’s just too powerful a taste to complement anything. I dumped it. Sorry boss.
January 2, 2007

TimF
QOD: Korbel…
January 2, 2007

jbev
Happy New Years

Great show.. Sauerkraut and pickle juice, I have Polish friends who
eat pickle soup I wonder how that would pair? This week I am a Jets fan
but Go Ravens!!!
January 2, 2007

Herm
Happy New Year! I enjoyed the show….I had some good wines and some not as good but nothing awful…The Jets will need some good fortune to get past the Patriots…..I hope you can continue with the playoff beard….
January 2, 2007

wine-0
Great energy today…Love the hat, I got a red and blue one just like it.
QOTD.Between you, me and the Shiek, the worst wine I had was at my parents house on New years Day. Compobasso (giunea jug red). And he mixes it with Sprite none the less, which was not a bad thing I guess considering the wine on its own was barely drinkable. And I’m no wine snob, believe me you.
January 2, 2007

organicguy
HAPPY 2007 GARY!!!! Thanks for Aussie review. Let the kids pick out the holiday wines from the cellar. They did a great job. Not a bad one in the house. GO JETS-GO JETS-GO JETS!!!!!
January 2, 2007

David Canada
Killer episode. I love it when you bring out wines that have been rated by other critics and then see how they stack up to the chief vayniac. Worst wine I drank over the holidays was blind tasting between a Blue Pyrennes ‘98 Estate Reserve and a 2005 Concho Y Toro chilian Cab. I was trying to illustrate to my mother what good wine is and what bad wine is and she still choose the chilian one which tasted like fecal matter on garbage, mixed with candied rat piss….yeah that bad, especially for concho y toro whose don mrlchor I love. Anyways….great episode
January 2, 2007

Sherri
Gary,
Well, looks like we’ll be seeing you in Foxboro! GO PATS!

QOD: Ravenswood Vintners Blend 2004 South Eastern Australia Shiraz. The equivalent of purple rubbing alcohol. Gross.
January 2, 2007

BigMC
Happy New Year. Gary, am rooting for the Jets but I think this weekend spells…..bye bye beardy. Give em hell in Beantown. QOTD: Can’t remember the wine….had too much Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale and football.
January 2, 2007

Andrew K
GARY, Super show, love what the Aussies have done over the last few years. GO PACKERS The 2 worst wines of the weekend Terre Palladiane Merlot, moldy cork looked pretty good on it’s way down the drain, I’ll give it a 3. Also Tisdale Vineyards 05 CAB had a watered down paper bag flavor, would make a great RIT dye replacement, perhaps a 9. GO PACKERS!!
January 2, 2007

stewart l
You are pumped up man! Save some energy for this weekend. Worse wine this weekend was 2004 Riesling from Jacob’s creek
January 2, 2007

ronguy
QOTD: Unfortunately a 1997 Joseph Roti Grand Cru Burgundy that was corked. And I was sooo looking forward to it after holding it since I bought it at the winery. Bring on the screw caps!
Is it the beard and cap or are you becoming a little cherub?
Happy New year and keep up the good work. Also, thanks for giving me a team to root for since my team didn’t make it.
January 2, 2007

Tom T.
Congrats on the Jets. I can’t believe my Giants also made it in the playoffs.
QOTD – no bad wines this past weekend.

Are you going to trim the beard or just let it grow untamed?
January 2, 2007

Jon E
Do you think Chris Ringland never had sugar when he was young. Like he had very strick parents, or worse yet lived in an orphange that couldn’t afford candy. Maybe the S2 could sub for Sangria? Ole?

QOTD: So here goes-I call the folks who plan the party lightly suggesting I bring the champagne. Mind you I don’t want to throw down a ton of cash, but all the same its been a tough year and I don’t want to toast with any garbage. The party planner (love you Caroline)assures me Champagne is set and taken care of. To my surprise, @11:52 multiple bottles of Cooks Brut come streaming out of the kitchen. NOTE TO SELF ALWAYS HAVE BACK UP CHAMPAGNE AT NEW YEARS, ALWAYS!!! Cooks Brut- Equal parts Motts Apple juice, warm urine, and old candied drier sheet.

Cheers to Sauerkraut.
January 2, 2007

TommyO
Good comment from Henrick … I was going to comment on the same thing … watched some very early episodes this weekend and was amused by the “old” Gary … so calm and sedate … was trying to figure out what episode the “VAY..NER..CHUK” came out….somewhere around 40? … Worst wine was Red Tail Cab ..
January 2, 2007

Victoria
Didn’t have a bad one!
But BSU had a GREAT GAME!!!!!!!!!!
January 2, 2007

Rick "The Model" M
Can I pour some of that ripper creek in chili and make chili cheese dogs?
January 2, 2007

E
QOD: Having to watch everyone else drink Andre was bad enough, but then again, being Chiefs fans, they weren’t in any mood to complain. Because Herm played … to win … the game! As for me, both the 2001 Longoria Pinot I thought might be past its prime and the Moncuit/Delos delivered nothin’ but joy (although the intense sourdough-starter nose was a bit of a surprise). Nothing bad, nothing at all.
January 2, 2007

Dave-from-Katonah
Gary V –
Great show. Great Energy. Great VaynerNod during the VaynerSwish for that Jasper Hill. Gotta lay down a few bottles of that. Not sure about the pickle juice/kraut flavors of the Rusden Ripper, but I may have to see for myself…Anyway, it’s easy to pair with…franks or even the pigs-in-blankets reference from prior ep…
My Packers are out (and hopefully not yet for Favre), sooooo…let’s go Jets!! Hope the protege Mangini can just coach the game and not get too excited about going up against the grand master Belichik. And hopefully we’ll see that beard for a while!
QOTD-The crap Chandon NV bubbly my New Year’s Eve host serve was horrible. Luckily, my backup was the 96 Lenoble blanc de blanc which was a superb way to ring in 2007. Also had a couple of good reds…2001 Five Cali cab and Lohr cab – both delicious. Despite 2.5 hrs of decanting, the 96 LaTour Pomerol I had the night before New Years’ smelled/tasted of Hess gasoline until it opened up in another 3 hrs.
I agree the new Gary is feeling his oats, but after all, his Jets are IN!!!!
January 2, 2007

johnm
Nothing bad this holiday. Worst lately was the Jardin Cab from WOTM #1 on the first night after an hour decant. Needed more like five, but gradually eased off to being enjoyable, but not better than what I can make. Happy New Year to all! And, now that the Panthers are done, GO J-E-T-S! Until the Saints meet them in the Super Bowl, anyway.
January 2, 2007

Smith MBA
The worst drink I had over New Year’s eve was Miller Lite. But at three in the morning I was just thirsty. Gary, you should taste some beers. It is playoff weekend and an IPA would be excellent when the G-Men beat the birds and the J-E-T-S slam pretty Tom Brady.
January 2, 2007

ChuckW
Dude…Toothpicks? Seriously, you really eat your cheese with girly little toothpicks…while rooting for a football team…COME ON!!! MAN UP-Your team made the playoffs! What are ya going to bring your fancy toothpicks to Foxboro?

-Pissed off Browns fan.
January 2, 2007

ChrisR
Worst Wine of the break: The complete lack of wine. I was sick so I didn’t drink anything till New Year’s Eve.

Gary, I hope your Jets pull it out this weekend but I think we are going to see a shaved face on Monday. Good luck.
January 2, 2007

Alaska1
Henrik Brandt ~~~~ where sis you find episode #1??? I Wanted to watch that too but when I looked back the closest I could get was episode # 10. Please Help anyone!
January 2, 2007

Mike C
Congrats on the jets, great episode! Love the food/cheese idea…you should pair some wine with chocolate as well, perhaps even some meats.

Happy new year!
January 2, 2007

Jason G.
QOTD – went tasting in Santa Barbara over the holiday weekend, and swung far out of our way to visit the Costa de Oro tasting room based on some nice pinots we’d purchased a few months back. Brand new tasting room, and cheap(er) tasting fee, but they weren’t pouring their best. My wife insists the two Chardonnays we tried were the worst, but I’m going with their Syrah – flat, bottomless, tangy silt water. We hit the road.
January 2, 2007

Riezin
I bought wine for a group of 11 this weekend so we got to try about 15 different wines. Many were great but the QOTD didnt go there. So…seemed to have worse luck with whites. Emu Co Riesling from Tasmania was just ok – leftovers stored in a half bottle were actually better the second day. Kartauserhof Gruner Achleiten Smaragd 03 had an odd finish, seemed off, and overall was a real disappointment. Bellenda prosecco was fine but uninspiring – but we were drinking from a Jerobaom which helped make it seem more special. Also had a mencia from Bierzo and was disappointed for the first time with an offering from the region – Luna Beberide was the producer.
January 2, 2007

Mark Block
QOTD, Worst wine of the weekend: 1984 Heitz Martha’s Vineyard.

This is the perfect example of a monstrously tannic Cab that just never came around — and never will, probably, but who knows? How long should you have to hold a Cab before it’s drinkable?

Over 15 years ago I bought two cases of two different Heitz Cabs: a Martha’s and a Bella Oaks. The Bella Oaks was spectacularly good when young and just kept getting better every time I had a bottle. By the time I finished the case a couple of years ago it was up there with the best wine I’ve ever tasted. The Martha’s, on the other hand, was tannic, tight, unyeilding, unpleasant. Once the Bella Oaks was gone I started trying the Martha’s again — more or less one a year over the last 10 years. I have one left from the original case and have not particularly enjoyed a single bottle of the stuff. It’s the Oakland (Raiders?) of wine: beneath the tough tannin there’s no there there. (Apologies to Getrude Stein.)
January 2, 2007

joe
Gary:

You nailed the Marquis Phillips again! I just hate the stuff. Parker can screw up Australia so badly – - and udner $10 spainish wines. I just cannot trust Parker in Australia. Thank you Gary for giving us reviews I can trust!

QOTD: San Antonio (East LA winery), Almond-Flavored Sparkler that my baby sitter brought to our celebration, and I felt compelled to open for us with her. It was so bad, we could not finish the bottle so my Mag of 1995 Pommery went un-opened!
Joe
January 2, 2007

joe
72nd???
January 2, 2007

joe
Wow, can’t believe I am in the top 73!!
Joe
January 2, 2007

Michael Sanchez
Nice show gary! just to let you know i am a lurker and have been for past couple weeks and now not anymore…great show, my brother and i watch ya every chance we get. Look at my website and see what my brother did in a little movie clip, you will love it. its great… thanks for the show

-Michael Sanchez
January 2, 2007

Steve R
Finally — someone else who doesn’t “get” the Marquis-Phillips hype. I just can’t get into their wines — but then again, I like Freixenet as a cheap sparkler, so what do I know?

QOTD: No real duds on NYE, but last year I was given a four year old cheap sauvignon blanc as a host’s gift. Note to friends — I love any and all wine gifts, but if you are regifting wine, please give one that is not years past its prime! You are SO busted!
January 2, 2007

Bopete
I don’t know about the worst wine, but the best was Honig Vineyards Cabernet ‘04. Very nice nose of cassis and dark berries. Good QPR of upper 20’s.

P.S. no longer a lurker

P.P.S. Go Jets!
January 2, 2007

E
Alaska – use the links along the left side of the Spreadsheet.
January 2, 2007

Chop
QOD Cline 2004 Syrah MILDEW MILDEW MILDEW. Sure it was only 10 bucks, but what the hell?
January 2, 2007

ML
Top 75???

Worst wine of the weekend…2000 Rabbit Ridge Barbera Grand Reserve. It wasn’t corked, but was incredibly sour…it did not taste like that when I bought it a few years ago in Sonoma…what could have happened to it??? Awful.
January 2, 2007

ML
Damn…I couldn’t even make the top 75.
I suck.
January 2, 2007

Eric O
Happy New Year everyone! Worst wine I had over the weekend was at a friends house. He had a bottle of Rosenblum Zinfandel Vintners Cuvee. I totally agreed with Gary’s comments about the wine and hope I never have to drink it again.
January 2, 2007

Suzanne
Happy New Year

QOTD: Hess Select Chardonnay. No more for me, thanks.
January 2, 2007

James H
“Gato Negro”. I *did* puke. Oh god did I puke =(
January 2, 2007

HomerJ
Watching WLTV with Marquis Philips Holly’s Blend, French Brie, and Asian pear. Doesn’t get any better.
January 2, 2007

Nico
hey Gary, happy new year!!!

I enjoyed the episode and really enjoy the themes you often do (like Australian RP 94s). Thanks again, AWESOME vblog!

QOTD: it was a funny moment as my wine interest is spreading to my fiancee and we had couple of bottles – one a yellow tail, one a chianti – where she questioned her mother (my future mom-in-law) on the quality/value of the purchases… it was funny and I was laughing inside.

-Nico

p.s Gary, did you get my email with my New Year’s video I sent you via email minutes into the new year???
January 3, 2007

Darlene O.
Ahhhh….love it, love it, love it!!!! Great hat, great game (I actually watched the JETS win!), great episode!!!! QOD: OK…had WONDERFUL wines this New Year’s weekend, however, probably the least compelling of all the wines was a simple little Blackstone Merlot. I have to say, it wasnt’ horrible, it just wasn’t up to par to the other wines sampled. HAPPY NEW YEAR, GARY!!!!!
January 3, 2007

William N
Happy New Year, first timer for me….. hehehe
worst wine is actually is not worst but biggest disappointment is the 2001 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cab Sav. 91pts…. ordinary nose, mid pallete ordinary as well and the finish is the most disapppointing…. no way for a $45 bottle and the 98 i had few years back kicked butt.
so Gary when can you do a compo on Penfolds 707 v Henschke Cyril v Moss Wood?
January 3, 2007

Tony
Happy New Year to all! Gary keep up the good work.
I have to agree with the post above, the Hess chard just didn’t cut it.
http://www.lovelifetruth.com
January 3, 2007

Nathan N
Good show. The S2 struck out again it looks like they are batting 0 on WLTV.

QOTD: Didn’t have a bad wine we enjoyed 04 2 UP Shiraz, 00 Ciaci Brunello, and Sam Adams
January 3, 2007

alco holland
This is the best episode you’ve done all year!!! QOTD Talbott Sleepy Hollow chard while I’m not a fan of the malo-cali style of Chard my mom is and I had to make sure the wine wasn’t corked before serving. It wasn’t as bad as I thought but I’d rather have a Burg any day.
January 3, 2007

Mike Goldberg
QOTD: Does Boone’s Farm count? No? Well, then I would have to go with the complimentary Champagne served at Midnight anywhere. Although at the time it tasted like water.

2004 Rusden Ripper Creek Cab/Shiraz, a wine for the Ball Park? A steal at $36 considering a beer is going to be $10 anyway. Now all I need to do is sneak it and a glass or two through Yankee Stadium Security. ***33 days until Pitcher & Catchers report. Let the count down begin!***

“Remember the Hot Dog may be $9.50 but the sour kraut and relish are free.” – The Man Show

As long as we are reviewing Aussie wines, why not give Passion Pop (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passion_Pop) a try? Well, maybe you can save that for your next birthday Episode.
January 3, 2007

Paul
Nothing bad this holiday. Worst lately was the Jardin Cab from WOTM #1 on the first night after an hour decant. Needed more like five, but gradually eased off to being enjoyable, but not better than what I can make.
Comment 62: By johnm

johnm, if you can make wine as good as the Jardin I would love to try some. Feel free to share.

QOD Cline 2004 Syrah MILDEW MILDEW MILDEW. Sure it was only 10 bucks, but what the hell?
Comment 78: By Chop

FWIW, it’s probably corked. Never had a mildew taste unless it came from the cork. Now you know why Gary pushes screw caps. I’ve got the Cline 2004 Syrah in my cellar and haven’t had (yet) a bad bottle.

GO SCREW CAPS!!!!
January 3, 2007

JavaMonkey
Hey, look, it’s Gary the wine gangsta! Nice hat and scruff.

QOTD: I saw that Wine Advocate rated 2004 Di Majo Norante Sangiovese 90 points, so I picked up the 2005 at my local liquor store. The worst wine I’ve had in a while, let alone in the past week.
January 3, 2007

Matthew L
Another fine show Gary. As I mentioned while in the store, I’m a HUGE fan of Australian reds. I think that I’m going to have to expand my price ceiling from time-to-time to enjoy some of these big boys. As you told me on Friday…I need to treat myself.

I didn’t really have any bad wine. The worse, if I had to call one out, was a glass of Cab I had with some friends at I Trulli on 27th. It was really musty. The other red there were great, so I’m glad we were sharing.

As others has mentioned, thanks for the comment about screw caps. I got a back-handed diss and funny look about the Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc at the New Year’s Eve party by some jackass “wine lover.” I cannot stand the pretentious sort who would have wine be something only enjoyed when wearing a shirt and tie.
January 3, 2007

Henrik Brandt
Alaska1: Go to the WLTV search bar a type VERITE – that will direct you to the first episode
January 3, 2007

Pats All The Way
Good episode. Aussie wines are our favorite and we have not tried three of these four so it was fun to learn about them. A good WL buy right now is the presale on The Laughing Magpie, which is just one point under these (93 RP) and $20/bottle. We drank a 2001 bottle of this the other night and were blown away by it. It has a bit of Viognier in it (5%) to complement the shiraz and works well.

Worst bottle over the holidays? A 2001 CDP by Guigal. Strictly mediocre and definitely disappointing for the price/vintage.

I’m a Pats fan so I will be rooting for the home team Sunday. But your Jets are tough and if they can beat the Pats again on Sunday–and I do not think they will–I will pull for them the rest of the way. Frankly, I think this is San Diego’s year, they look awesome. Cheers!
January 3, 2007

Toby Ho
worst wine over the new years – Copper Moon from BC Canada. Too fruit-juicy on the palate, and a bit too strong alcohol on the finish. This is a cheap wine we had for free at the hotel.
January 3, 2007

waibeans
Hello GV from Curacao and Happy New Year everyone!

Found an internet cafe and on the island and am using up all of their bandwidth to dl ep 157 as I type.

I can’t wait to see more JETS hijinks.. congrats on the win. Go into Boston and kick some A$S next week.

CHEERS!
January 3, 2007

James G
The worst bottle of wine I had this weekend was Veramonte Primus, tasted like a tar smoke bomb.
January 3, 2007

Eric Anderson
Number 100! Woo hoo….

Nice episode. Not sure I am going to pick up a wine that smells like sauerkraut and pickles, not my bag. Might look into Jasper Hill though. Love Australian Shiraz. First botle of wine that I started to get into wine was Peter Lehman Shiraz and I was hooked. Thanks for another great show and good luck with the Jets. My Cowboys need to get their hears out of their………..

EA
January 3, 2007

Tony S.
Happy New Year Gary. Nice episode…I was just looking at a bunch of Australian wine today and now I watched this, so I guess it’s a sign that I should have an Aussie wine today. I’ll take it.

It’s nice to see your Jets made it to the playoffs, I hope they do well. But they’ll probably hit a stumbling block with the Chargers, if they play them in the playoffs. I would be worried for how my Bears stumbled into the playoffs, but the rest of the NFC is pretty bad, so I think I like our chances. It’ll be the Chargers playing (and beating) either the Bears or the Saints in the Superbowl. Or the Bears will fall on their faces and be one and done like last year, against a crappy Cowboys/Giants/Philly or Seattle team.

QOD: Fortunately, I didn’t have any bad wine during New Years. My wife and I went to her sister’s house and we watched all three Godfather movies and had Italian themed food and wine. If I had to choose the wine that was least impressive, it would have to be the Prosecco that my brother-in-law brought. I have no idea who the producer was, but, although it was enjoyable, it didn’t make me do flips or anything. Either way, it was a great, safe evening. And I got to enjoy New Year’s day without a hangover (I think I’m at 5 or so years in row now!).

Take care man…good luck to your Jets,
GO BEARS!!!
T
January 3, 2007

TimF
Is it just me or does Gary look like he belongs on America’s Most Wanted in this episode? I kept waiting for the cops to walk in and slap the cuffs on him.
January 3, 2007

mike volker
Rodney Strong Cab
January 3, 2007

Michael P
Gotta love the energy. You’re all jacked up. I can’t wait for Sunday. Haven’t decided on the bottles yet but I know we’ll be gnoshing on some manchego cheese, spanish & greek olives, dates (pairs awesome with cheese) & a Godfather hero…mmmmm….

QOD: holyyyy crap. We had company over & they bought 3 bottles of Columbia Crest Cab..uuggghhhhhh
January 3, 2007

Paul
QOTD – A friend brought a bottle of Gaetano D’Aquino 2003 Chianti Riserva. Tasted like nothing. I mean nothing. Cherry flavored water on entry to the palate and no finish – nothing. Cute bottle with raised lettering, though.
January 3, 2007

Genghis
Happy New Year Gary!

My favorite part was the frustrated Oak Monster pantomime the third time. -Hilarious-. Good episode, feels like 2007 is gonna be a hott (with two t’s) WLTV season. And don’t you be hating on Hi-C and Alcohol.

QotD: Andre blush sparkling. It was like battery acid. What the damn.
January 3, 2007

JimB
No bad wine. I cannot stay awake during 15 bowl games if I drink wine. You might want to get a new look – more like the owner of the store not like the guy who robbed it. Happy New Year. Go Jets.
January 3, 2007

Oak Monster
MUST HAVE NEW EPISODE!!!
January 3, 2007

Lynne
Happy New Year to all!!
We celebrated New Years Eve at home watching old movies and drinking new wines. (Of course they were from WL) I didn’t drink any bad wine since what I have has come highly recommended.
Gary, Congrats on your Jets win….my Bengals took their own bad selves out of the playoffs.
I guess green is my new favorite color!! J-E-T-S!!
January 3, 2007

Lb in KS
“Is it just me or does Gary look like he belongs on Americaâ€™s Most Wanted in this episode? I kept waiting for the cops to walk in and slap the cuffs on him.”

Does this mean G is gonna break out the wife-beaters until he shaves?
January 3, 2007

TimF
wait for it… wait for it…
January 3, 2007

AlanV
Lb in KS – I couldn’t agree more – I am trying to get my wife into wine and WLTV, but there is no chance to get her back until the scrappy Jets lose and their scruffy fans shave…

I think we should call Gary “Wallace” during 2007 – he is like that character in the Wallace and Gromit series that really, really loves cheese…

Bad wine over holidays – it would have to be the Rothlisberger ‘07 – still too young, and a little bottle shock evident – perhaps drinkable in ‘08 and beyond?

Gary – do you know anything about a highly-rated Australian call Amon-ra?
January 3, 2007

Celia
Ha!
I see your own show on Food Network!!! Get busy, Gary! Have your people call thier people!
January 3, 2007

Vinacull
Boo-yah and Happy New Year Gary! And props to me for coming in under the 150 comments mark because it’s a good day if I do get a chance to watch and respond. I think the nod from the Shiek was mighty appropriate for this episode. I guess he should have thrown the sleeper hold on the monster oak of the S2. Don’t forget to mix it up with the guest wrestlers on the show — for example to you have Pan Parel Purple?!?! QOTD: Don’t have one because I’m always select something excellent to classic from the cellar that I’ve already assessed at some point previous. The Holidays are too short and few between to waste on hoping a mediocre bottle will shine. And I guess I’ve been lucky enough not to have had a bottle that was corked.
January 3, 2007

Vinacull
AlanV,
Regarding your question to Gary on Amon-Ra — if you have a chance go back and watch WLTV episode #18, Gary provides a review of one of the mammoth Amon-Ra shiraz. It’s a great episode because it demonstrates the value of decanting.
Regards, CK
January 3, 2007

Pelochain
Howdy from South of the border!!!!

I am probably your only Mexican viewer and I must say.. I love WLTV! I wateched all episodes over the holidays.

Too bad my SD Chargers are eventually going to destroy the JETS or whomever crosses our path!!!

Why don’t you try one of the Montelena’s that Parker found perfectly OK and Laube found corky?

Best regards from Monterrey, Mexico.
January 3, 2007

Jason Coleman
Unlike some, I’m not feeling the beard. I was going to comment earlier that it looked like you were losing some weight. The beard makes you look heavier, I think. Though it is for a (tremendously) good cause, so I fully support it.

Great episode again. Good luck with everything.
January 3, 2007

Jtk
I really like the Aussie Shiraz etc. Great Episode. Gary nice beard, it’s coming along nicely. I practically live on wine, sauerkraut, pickles, and cheese. Love that stuff. Keep up the good work ~ Jtk
January 3, 2007

redzin
lurker comin’ out… can’t pass up the QOTD since I choked and nearly died on… Arbor Mist Mango White Zinfandel. Step mother’s holiday party… next time I won’t answer yes to “would you like some ‘wine’?” !
January 4, 2007

Paeonia_9
Hello Gary!

Another great episode. The Rudsen sounds amazing. Hope it’s back in stock soon
Worst wine this year? Frexinet. My best friend of 20 years parents literally have cases of this stuff in their basement. They serve it with everything. Didn’t care for the Sofia Blanc de Blancs, either. I got a really strong floral nose, which was odd to me since I was expecting a chardonnay based wine. Checked the Coppola website and it’s actually 82% Pinot Blanc, 9% Sauvignon Blanc, and 9% Muscat, which would account for the sweetness and floral aromas.

Also, I was wondering if you’d seen the Wine Taste TV on http://www.zachys.com (Gee, I wonder where they got that idea from!) Suffice to say, it’s not even in the same ballpark as WLTV! Take a look if you get a chance.

Thanks again!
January 4, 2007

Joel Bombardier
On the second of January, I shared in a bottle of Trader Joe’s Blanc de Blancs (Brut) it was like drinking sin, or just terrible tasting and smelling white wine, with a smidge of carbonation. I could barely believe how fast that junk went flat. Not pleasant at all.

but I have a 2001 DeLille Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, SÃ©millon that I have been saving for an occasion.

If you are interested either DeLille Cellars (Chaleur Estate) or Matanzas Creek would make a great focus for an episode, they are both beautiful and amazing wineries that produce some quality vino.

in health,
Joel
January 4, 2007

flavasauce
Happy new year everybody! QOTD I had a nasty Barolo that cost $98 at a restaurant: 1998 Brovia ca’ mia. It was all ethyl acetate ie. nail polish remover-absolutely disgusting. Gary-I’d love it if you could explain ethyl acetate and what causes it.
Sorry to be posting so late but I was in Connecticut for holidays with family and the internet was down so I fell way behind in my Vaynerchuck-viewing. Glad to be back in SF where the wine is always flowing and the internet access is always working!
~Rachel Wiener(chuck)
January 5, 2007

Kamikaze
Worst was the 1997 Chateau Musar you tasted on the episode on Lebanon. Bought 2 bottles at WL, decanted for 3 hours, but it tasted like vinegar. Way too acidic. Huge disappointment, but this is what the wine world is all about. 9 out of 10 people did not enjoy it. Way too peculiar. DonÂ´t know what to do with the 2nd bottle…

Quick question: when you say “these bottles have been open for 4 hours”, it means you guys simply opened them or opened, decanted for 4 hours and put the juice back to the bottles using a funnel ?

Thx and regards from Brazil !!!
January 10, 2007

Lawrence Leichtman
Great show as usual. Two wines came to mind. One was a Barbera that I can’t even remember the name of. Tasted and smelled like corn smut. Also, served Bouvet Brut for NY on ship. Not good, soapy taste.