115 Responses

1. January 3, 2007

   TimF

   In

2. January 3, 2007

   Brandon M

   Lovin the cheese Gary…now if I can only find it out here!

3. January 3, 2007

   Brandon M

   AHHHH…Ridge…Awesome

4. January 3, 2007

   hinrgman

   Fantastic episode..

   Thanks again Gary

5. January 3, 2007

   KAHUNA

   How exactly you gonna pop a screw top genius!

6. January 3, 2007

   hinrgman

   I’ve seen that book

7. January 3, 2007

   bugbirdfishboy

   Top 10!

8. January 3, 2007

   10SGuy

   Gotta love the Ridge! (First time Top 10)

9. January 3, 2007

   AnthonyS

   Looks like Paul’s suggestions took it. Nice job Paul.

10. January 3, 2007

    10SGuy

    Gary, are you paying for all the face time on http://www.vinography.com/?

11. January 3, 2007

    thefab1of4

    Hey I made the top 10- glad to see you are trying some central coast wines- i went to college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (SLO town) and Paso Robles was just getting started into the wine buisness when I was there back in the 70’s.

12. January 3, 2007

    KAHUNA

    I tried a pre conceived notion once it didn’t work and 9 months later I got a baby.

    1969 is my birthday year and the Giants championship overtime game saved the NFL

13. January 3, 2007

    Rob M.

    Great call, Paul! Excellent episode, Gary.

14. January 3, 2007

    Brandon M

    Nice job Paul…great selection today!

15. January 3, 2007

    Susan

    Gary-
    Keep tasting the cheeses!
    Just one suggestion-
    PPPPPPLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEAAAAAASSSSSSSSSEEEEEE
    tell
    US
    how to buy the cheeses!
    

16. January 3, 2007

    Joyce

    Top 15! wow…..2007 must be my year!

17. January 3, 2007

    Paul

    Really looking forward to this one. More later.

18. January 3, 2007

    AnthonyS

    QOTD1: I had a 2003 Frog’s Leap Zinfandel one time and thought that it was pretty darn good. My favorite one to date.
    QOTD2: Gunna think about this one for a bit.

19. January 3, 2007

    KAHUNA

    QOTD- Rafanelli Zin Yummy- Great episode Great Picks Paul

20. January 3, 2007

    TimF

    Gary — I hope you decanted these — they’re babies!!!

21. January 3, 2007

    Jeff

    I’m going to open a bottle of 2001 Ridge California Zin to go with a porterhouse steak in honor of this episode and my new Job!

22. January 3, 2007

    10SGuy

    QOTD: 2002 Rosenblum Rockpile Road Vineyard Zinfandel

23. January 3, 2007

    Erich

    How about the 2005 Loring Pinots?

    http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=28937
    http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=28934
    http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=28936
    http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=28933
    http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=28935

    A great episode would be to compare the styles and flavors of the 4 (or 5) vinyards. Thanks.

24. January 3, 2007

    dougiefresh

    speaking of double blind tastings, why don’t you guys put together a series of Double Blind Tasting 6-packs? One at $150, one at $250, etc. No need to do episodes, just select the wines and bag them.

    I’d do that, I trust you. ; )

25. January 3, 2007

    Robert F

    Thanks Gary! I’ve been wondering about all the different Ridge zins

    QOTD – Cline ancient vines zin – Great value at under $20

26. January 3, 2007

    Russ J

    Thanks for the Ridge episode, Gary and thanks to Paul for the idea.

    My favorite all time zin is a Ridge, the 1995 Geyserville.

27. January 3, 2007

    Paul

    Thanks for doing this episode, Gary. Been a fan of Ridge for many years. Anybody can get an instant tasting at WL, get together a small group and compare notes.

    QOTD – favorites are still in the basement – 1991 Lytton Springs and 1991 Geyserville. Should be about ready.

    But I remember many years ago, mid to late ’70s, drinking much Sebastiani Zin. Great QPR.

28. January 3, 2007

    SS Chris

    Nice work Paul!!

29. January 3, 2007

    organicguy

    Fabulous–I’ve got the Ridge but do u think Daniel Boulud would make the burger to go????Stop in on your way back from Gillette!!

30. January 3, 2007

    LargeFormatFever

    Ohh yeah… 1992 Ridge Vineyards, Geyserville…. YUMMY!!! Although not in large format

31. January 3, 2007

    Dan C.

    Gary- Great episode, Ridge makes some good wines.

    QOD- 2002 Carlisle Zin, Carlisle Vineyard. Mike Officer’s flagship vineyard. A friend gave me a bottle when I told him I was making marinated skirt steaks on the grill. 84% Zin with 16% other grapes like alicante bouchet, petite sirah, grand noir and carignan. It was my first bottle of Carlisle, which I have sought out in pretty big numbers ever since.

    Go Jets!

32. January 3, 2007

    Lb in KS

    >>>>> http://thatvideosite.com/video/937

33. January 3, 2007

    Lb in KS

    Saved the NFL?! Come on.

    Seriously, you gotta luv him. He’s the reason they (the jets) are my #2.

    http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=9002

34. January 3, 2007

    joe

    Robert F – are you kidding me? Cline Ancient Vines is like mixing vodka and grape juice.

    My Favorite Zin was the 1997 Elyse Marigoli Vineyard. Marietta is a very good house zin.

    Gary, can you do a RRV Hudson Vineyard Chard taste off:
    1) Ramey, WL code 9711
    2) Woodhouse, WL Code 7187
    3) Kesner, Hudson Vineyard (my favorite chard) – you will have to special order it
    Joe

35. January 3, 2007

    stewart l

    Great episode Gary. I’ve been lucky enough to have a local restaurant ,the Wooden Angel, which has the largest selection of Ridge zin that I have ever seen. Recently I was invited to a dinner there where we tasted 12 different Ridge zins. The oldest was a 1979 San Luis Obispo Zin, which was still tasting pretty good.The zins there are very reasonably priced-1995’s for 55-60 bones. My favorite zin from then was probably the 1992 Pagani Ranch,late harvest zin-what a fruit bomb-still have one left!

36. January 3, 2007

    Chad M

    QOTD#1 – 7 Deadly Zins was the only one I had
    I am listing these wines I’d like to see reviewed with no theme associated. Hopefully you’ll choose one or more of my selections based on the theme that you’ve chosen. I’m choosing these wines to be reviewed because these are wines that I have sitting in my closet that have yet to be drunk.
    QOTD#2 – Cetamura Chianti Classico Lib Code – 30670
    De Loach Merlot 2002 Lib Code – 27183
    Braida Moscato D’asti Lib Code – 19900
    Red Diamond Merlot Lib Code – 3977

37. January 3, 2007

    Dominus

    Great show featuring really good wines. One of my fav wineries and I fell in love this summer with the Lytton Springs though it was not one of your favs. Oh well.

    QOD #1: Favorite Zin of all time? Turley Zin for sure though I was awestruck by a ‘96 Haywood Zin (Rockey Terrace) which I still have one bottle. I guess I should open it soon?

    QOD #2: What four wines should you review tomorrow? Do you carry any Virginia wines? I don’t see them in your pulldown. Since I live very close to the region, I think an episode on Thos Jefferson and his influence in the wine industry and France would be a good segway into wines of Virginia.

    Make sure to taste the Horton Viognier. Very, very nice.

    Go Jets and Colts!
    Dom

    P.S. If you do not carry any VA wines, how about tasting/reviewing some wines from Austria, i.e. Rieslings and Gruner Veltliner?

38. January 3, 2007

    hugh

    I started drinking Zins about 10 years ago, and the one that really caught my attention was Marietta’s Angeli Cuvee 1997(Mostly zin with P Sirah and Carignan, a la Ridge), in fact popped one open this Xmas. More recently, Rosenblum’s 2003 Rockpile Road was awesome, and kicked some real a__ against Turley’s Juvenile (all 5 of us preferred the Rosenblum)- i have found several Turleys to be disappointing….in case any of u r curious

39. January 3, 2007

    John Blue Label

    Another Nice show Gary. I’m a newbie, and I haven’t tasted a lot of Zin. I love your rec of the Gravity Hills Tumbling Tractor. My question is, does any of the Ridge products seen here beat that for QPR?

40. January 3, 2007

    dave from Osaka

    Yes!! (fist raised in triumph)…this is exactly what I wanted to see! You read my mind (or my email?) I can all the Ridge’s here in Japan but I’ve always wondered which of the many I should try. They’re not exactly cheap so I’d hate to get the ‘wrong’ one (if there is such a thing). Anyway, WLTV rocks it, pure and simple. Arigatou.

41. January 3, 2007

    E-Rock

    Waaaaaaaayy to go Paul!! The 2003 Ridge Independence School Zin is my all time favorite but I’ve only had about 4 others. Think I’ll be hitting up a couple other Ridge Zins in the near future.

42. January 3, 2007

    Michael Sanchez

    Hey great show Gary!!! and thanks for putting my brother up in that little movie clip…my brother and I were very happy. Hope them Jets do well against the patriots because i putting money on them to win…so pray for me on the show please!!! haha…hope tomorrows show will be great!

43. January 3, 2007

    stephen from the ATLizzle

    Go Atlanta Falcons…oh, wait…we sucked…

    Great episode Gary…PS – the freakin Jets were blacked out in the ATLizzle over the weekend and I couldn’t muster up the 40 bones for NFL Season Pass…but, I was rooting for them all the way…

    Oh, and the Boise game!!! Holy badness Batman, was that a sweet couple of plays from the men of Boise! Sadly, my mediocre Razorbacks ate crap and proved they were overrated all season against Wisconsin…oh well…guess I’ll get ready for the ‘07 season…McFadden for Heismen!

44. January 3, 2007

    Nico

    Great episode, Gary! I’ll be thinking about my suggested 4 wines and post in the forums!

    Great show!
    -Nico

45. January 3, 2007

    JOEYdaMUSH

    Are those labels for blind people?

46. January 3, 2007

    JOEYdaMUSH

    1969…best year in NY sports history. Gary, that giant glass makes your head look small.

47. January 3, 2007

    chogan

    lurker here…

    As a zin fan, the QOTD caused me to delurk.

    My favorite zin is FRANK FAMILY ZINFANDEL

    Love the stuff.

48. January 3, 2007

    JavaMonkey

    Hmm… I can’t decide whether it was a good idea to do 4 Zins from the same winery. At least I got a good recommendation for a special occasion wine (yes, sadly, a $25 wine is a special occasion wine for me).

    QOTD 1: OK, I forgot what it was.

    QOTD 2: How about doing budget cabs from big wineries? I know it’s not as sexy and fun as the pricier wines, but this would be more useful to me, since these are the types of wine that I might stock up on for daily dinner drinking. I’d like to get Gary’s take on a couple of wines I’ve already tried, and also his opinion of a couple that I haven’t tried yet:

    61800 – Rosemount Cab Sauv
    18820 – Columbia Crest Grand Est Cab Sauv
    62300 – Robert Mondavi Priv Sel Cab Sauv
    17920 – BV Coastal Cabernet Sauvignon

49. January 3, 2007

    Randy B

    Best Zinfandel I’ve tasted in recent years was a 1997 Haywood Estate Morning Sun. Another, which was fun just to sip without food was the 2001 Windsor Vineyards Private Resevre (16+% alc).

    Friends often ask me what to order at a casual dining joint such as the local barbeque restaurant. This might be something fun and informative to try similar to what JavaMonkey was asking. My favorites at $6 or less a glass are:
    8263 Rodney Strong Cabernet – barbeque rib joint
    22937 Greg Norman Shiraz/Cabernet – of course, Outback steakhouse
    7264 Kenwood Cabernet – sit-down burger joint
    11188 Beringer Estate Pinot Noir – fish and chips
    The selections are usually limited but these certainly beat the house specialy white zinfandel.

    Keep ‘em coming Vayniac!

    Ciao

50. January 3, 2007

    jbreker

    QOTD: This is the only wine in my cellar that wine library carries… Gary you need more Canadian wine in the Wine Library store!

    Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
    Type: Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
    Size: 750ML | Vintage: 2003 | Library Code: 8263

    Could you review this wine the next time an appropriate theme is done.

51. January 3, 2007

    Rick "The Model" M

    The guy from minnesota is unbelievable.

52. January 3, 2007

    Winosaurus

    New Year’s greetings to you all from the reclusive Winosaurus – a long-time watcher and first-time poster.

    QOTD #1: I’ve been drinking zinfandels for about 30 years, and I remember when Haywood, Seghesio, and Chateau Souverain zins were incredible bargains. A memorable zinfandel that I had recently, at a restaurant, was the 2003 Turley Dogtown Vineyard. It was elegant, yet bright with fruit and spice, and matched well with everything from veal to halibut. When I held the bottle up close to read the fine print, I was surprised to discover that the 16.5% alcohol was so well integrated. If the Lodi grape growers were wise, they would reserve all their fruit for Turley’s winemaker.

53. January 3, 2007

    Dave-from-Katonah

    Yes I agree with Dominus – how about a review of Thos Jefferson’s contribution to wine in America?
    Luckily, I had a bottle of the 2004 Ridge Paso Robles ready to go for the simulcam!! Awesome, but I only got black cherry and no Raisinettes! Sad, but cool.
    QOTD1 – I guess my everyday go to zin is sort of burgeois, but I like it: Ravenswood. All time best zin: Lytton Springs 1991.
    QOTD2 – How about Washington state wines?
    Great shows. Great concept. Love Ridge.

54. January 3, 2007

    Steve R

    Thanks for reviewing these — I was about to but the Lytton Springs, but will look for the Geyserville instead!

    QOTD: So far, the Girard Old Vine Zinfandel has been my favorite, with Seghesio a close second.

55. January 3, 2007

    Jon E

    I think perhaps heaven exists,…perhaps somewhere that you can have Ridge comparison tastings at will….. and where you can drink Dugat Py with Thomas Jefferson and Tom Waits. Ridge tasting-Gary-kudos. By the way the Ridge 2000 Santa Cruz Mtns Cab/Merlot is all over the place (sometimes great, sometimes dirty banana peel), I’d love to have your opinion.

    QOTD: Tough, just plowed through some Ridge Independence School which was very nice, but Geyserville is a perennial favorite. But maybe the best is yet to come as recent vintages of Rosenblum Rockpile Road don’t seem ready to drink yet. As Mick said-Time is on my side.

    QOTD2:How about a sample portfolio tasting, perhaps all Jorge Ordonez,or Kermit Lynch, or Eric Solomon, or Grateful Palate. Lets give RP a good video to have some alone time with.

56. January 3, 2007

    GeneV

    QOD: Rosenblum Rockpile Road and Radio Coteau Von Weidlich Zin. The best examples of both are from 2003. Two totally different styles, the Rockpile Road, a favorite of WS, is a full bodied Zin in the style that is expected of California Zinfandel, but flawlessly executed. The Radio Coteau is an elegant, almost understated Zin. It shows unexpected finesse which is a rarity in Zinfandel.

    I tried all of those Ridge Zins at the winery last year. I did not think the Lytton Springs was worth a 95, but an 88 is a bit stingy as well.

57. January 3, 2007

    rino70

    great episode today, I love the Ridge selections. The zin that really stands out in memory was a Seghesio siani(spelling?)zinfandel 2001. Also Coturri estate zin 2002, and Ridge york creek 1998.

    How about an episode featuring library wines 10 year old wines… with pedigree and maybe some that you never could move off the shelves.

    dude get some pourers the ridge dribble all over the front label was klling me.

58. January 3, 2007

    ChrisR

    QOD: Orin Swift’s the Prisoner and Rosenblum’s Rockpile Zin.

59. January 3, 2007

    Brian

    How about wines from the James bond Movies.
    -Dom Perignon_3820- In a lot of Bond Movies
    -Bollinger_27749- In a lot of bond movies
    -Taittinger Blanc De Blancs_28938- In From Russia with love
    -Chat Mouton Rothschild_23452- In Diamonds are Forever

60. January 3, 2007

    Antone

    Great episode, and congrats to Paul on the selection. Actually served the Ponzo on Thanksgivig Day this year. Very good.

    QOTD: Taking just a little liberty with the definition of zin….. my favorite is the 2001 Feudi di San Marzano Primitivo di Manduria Sessantanni Old Vines. In fact, I think I’ll go open one.

61. January 3, 2007

    ChrisB

    Great episode, Gary!

    QOD1- I’m relatively new to this obsession, but I’m quite a Zin fan. The best Zin I’ve had so far is Orin Swift’s The Prisoner 2003. Also had a lovely 2003 Elyse Marigoli Vineyard on Christmas.

    QOD2- Episode them idea: 91 point Pinots!
    Lange Reserve Pinot Noir 2005
    Type: Oregon Pinot Noir
    Size: 750ML | Vintage: 2005 | Library Code: 28647

    J. Wilkes Block Q Pinot Noir 2003
    Type: Napa Pinot Noir
    Size: 750ML | Vintage: 2003 | Library Code: 27858

    Mount Eden Pinot Noir Estate 2002
    Type: Other California Pinot Noir
    Size: 750ML | Vintage: 2002 | Library Code: 2896

    Lemelson Pinot Noir Cuvee X 2003
    Type: Oregon Pinot Noir
    Size: 750ML | Vintage: 2003 | Library Code: 27784

    Taz Pinot Noir Fiddlestix 2003
    Type: Other California Pinot Noir
    Size: 750ML | Vintage: 2003 | Library Code: 8128

62. January 3, 2007

    KAHUNA

    I think you were way to harsh on the Lytton and probably should have drank it before the Geyserville based on the usual Fruit fullness of the Geyserville which could make the Lytton seem a little flat- but hey if you want to be the overscoring Robert Parker of Zins – you go right ahead brother- I am not buying your rheteric at all-and uh I bought a case of the Lytton Springs pre episode.

    It really needs to be decanted for 4 hrs at this point minimum and mine going to be resting for a few years.

63. January 3, 2007

    Vinifera

    Gary –

    I’m a lurker no more!!! I’ve been following Wine Library TV for several weeks now and I think it is awesome…a great concept…and a wonderful, educational show. I’ve been obsessed with wine for only about a year and can’t get enough information, or wine for that matter.

    I would love to see you do an episode on wines from the Finger Lakes AVA of New York. Most people don’t know about New York wines, and if they do, they think of Long Island. The Finger Lakes area has about 100 wineries in a 30 mile radius, most in beautiful settings on the shores on one of the narrow, long lakes that characterize the region. While the region is still developing, it is making some wonderful world-class wines, notably reislings and gewurstraminers. I would love for you to get the word out on just how good these wines can be. Here are some suggestions: 1) Hermann J. Wiemer 2005 Dry Riesling, 2) Hermann J. Wiemer Reserve Gewurztraminer, 3) 2005 Sheldrake Point Dry Riesling (89 Wine Enthusiast), 4) 2004 Riesling Ice Wine, 5) Dr. Konstantin Frank (named greatest wine producer in the Atlantic Northeast for the last 3 years by Wine Report) either a riesling or a blanc de noir.

    As you can tell I love NY wines! Please get the word out on Wine Library TV by doing an episode… Thanks…

64. January 3, 2007

    mikeyrad

    QOD #2 – I’m not going to suggest which wines you taste, but today’s episode gave me the idea that it should be a blind tasting. It would be informative as well as extremely entertaining.

65. January 3, 2007

    PeteC

    QOTD Best Zin was a 2001 Edgewood Estate Butala Vineyard.

66. January 3, 2007

    Len C

    Nice episode dude. QOD My favorite zin is an Italian Primitivo A Mano, why dont you taste the four Primitivos you have at WL? You could give a lesson on the grape too!

67. January 3, 2007

    grilljockey

    Woo hoo!!! Top 60!!!

    QOTD: Top for me was a recent 2001 Williams Selyem Zin

68. January 3, 2007

    grilljockey

    CRAP! Lost out on top 60 by mere seconds.

69. January 3, 2007

    Alaska1

    Ohhhhhhh YES!!!!!!!!!!! My fav ZIN!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! ok I do not want everyone to know the very best Zin but because you guys are like my new Fam, I will let you in. It is Everett Ridge. They are out of Dry Creek Sonoma. The 2001 was the one that put me over from Reisling to Red wine. It was the best wine I have ever HAD, other then DR.Loosen. I hope you can find some, I know they ship to NY, Fl and CA. So track some down. Great price too!

70. January 3, 2007

    glenn

    Gary – hate the j-e-t-s, jets, jets, jets but love you dude. man love only if that is cool. Ridge Montebello has been my CA Meritage of choice for years now and if purchased as a future thru the Ridge website is quite reasonable when compared to Palmeyer, Opus, Insignia, Dominus etc.

    keep on rockin’ man.

    Go Giants…

    CA fan – Glenn

71. January 3, 2007

    Doc Brown

    QOD: Easy one……by far the best zin I hav had is was the 2002 Selby “bobcat” zin from sonoma. Huge fruit bomb, very complex, structured tannins. She is a small producer and sells only out of her tasting room in Healdsburg. If you ever are in the Sonoma area, drop by Selby, you will not be dissapointed in ANY of her wines!

72. January 3, 2007

    glenn

    sorry but i forgot my favorite zin answer. CG DiArie, Amador Co CA. Southern Exposure, any vintage is a wine you’ll find pleasing.

    CA fan – Glenn

73. January 4, 2007

    E

    QOD1: the 2000 Ridge Buchignani I cracked open last summer. Elegant, fragrant, and delicious.
    QOD2: Vuelta a Espana!
    7021 – Itsas Mendi Txakoli
    4944 – Abad Dom Bueno Bierzo Crianza
    8250 – Finca Sandoval
    6103 – Ercavio La Plazuela

74. January 4, 2007

    KAHUNA

    Hey Doc Brown- I have those in my racks now- I got lit at her staing room in Healdsburg- Well i had a head start before I got there and only had to walk to the hotel

75. January 4, 2007

    Eric O

    I am fairly new to wine drinking, but so far my favorite zin has been the 02 Ridge Geyserville I had a tasting some months back. I also enjoy many Paso Robles zins, though I am biased because there and Monterey, CA, is where I lived when I first got into wine.
    For tomorrow….how about some dessert wines? Chambers Rosewood Muscat Library Code: 19430; Peller Estate Riesling Ice Wine 2004 Library Code: 3812; Bonny Doon Frambois Library Code: 19342; Kanu Kia Ora Noble Late Harves Library Code: 16312. All received 90-95 points from either Parker or Wine Spectator and I think it would be great to see how the different countries compare; Australia, Canada, US, and South African.

76. January 4, 2007

    KAHUNA

    ugh I type like I am still drunk

77. January 4, 2007

    Kent Benson

    Gary, here’s a fabulous Zin I bet you’ve never had, maybe never even heard of. It’s called C.G. di Arie, and it is incredible. The grapes are sourced from “The Original Grandpère Vineyard” in the Shanandoah Valley. Established 130 years ago, it is the oldest living Zinfandel vineyard in America. The grapes come from the southern-exposures slope at 1,600 feet. The founders are Chaim and Elisheva Gur-Ariehs.

    Chaim is a Turkish-born Israeli, who immigrated to the US and became a highly successful food scientist, responsible for developing such products as, Cap’n Crunch Cereal, Del Monte Pudding Cups, wine coolers, and Power Bars.

    The 2004 is 86.5% Zinfandel, 9.0% Petite Sirah Lodi, 3.5% Cabernat Sauvignon, 14.7% alcohol, 3.6 pH, and less than 0.1% residual sugar. It was produced in Chaim’s unique “Submerged Cap” fermentation tanks. Intead of pumping over or punching down the cap, Chaim’s method keeps the cap completely submerged for the entire fermentation period, resulting in incredible flavor extration and unblievably silky tannins. You have to experience it to believe it.

78. January 4, 2007

    Lars

    Hey, Wine Guy. Great episode. Zins are at the top of my list.

    QOD: Nalle. Hands down. Doug and Lee Nalle make an incredible Zin. The Wine Guy should check them out. http://www.nallewinery.com/

    Say, didn’t Namath wear pantyhose? The playoff beard is enough, so don’t you be thinkin’ on emulating Broadway Joe.

    Lars

79. January 4, 2007

    Jeff

    I 2nd Vinifera’s suggestion of a Finger Lakes episode. (Welcome Vinifera and thanks for your suggestions)

80. January 4, 2007

    eugene

    Thanks, Gary
    Very interesting episode.

    I haven’t had zin in a while but I really liked Dry Creek vineyards old vine zinfandel .

81. January 4, 2007

    mike volker

    Yoakim Bridge Dry Creek Valley

82. January 4, 2007

    Joe Po

    JOEYdaMUSH, great observation on the labels!LOL
    Gary, Zins are the best.Thanks a bunch.
    Seghesio can not be beat on taste and price.Delicious!

83. January 4, 2007

    Bill T.

    QOD – My Favorite Zin has got to be a 2004 Elyse Howell Mountain Zin …absolutely wonderful!

84. January 4, 2007

    Steve B

    QOTD #1: Turley and Nalle

    QOTD#2: 2005 Pinots from smaller producers
    Landmark Pinot Noir Grand Detour 28995
    any AP Vin 29448 29445 29451 29449 29447 29446 29452
    any Loring 28933 28934 28935 28936 28937
    Sineann Pinot Noir Wyeast 28303
    Bjornstad Pinot Noir Hellenthal 29667

85. January 4, 2007

    dobs

    Long-time lurker but can’t resist given that I love zins.

    First off, Lars is amazing. As a former Minnesotan, he’s dead-on, scary good. Reminds me of my father-in-law from the northern woods.

    Favorite zins? Hard to argue against those who suggested Rosenblum’s Rockpile, a really hot AVA these days. Same goes for recent Elyse releases, though they have that oak-monster and high-alcohol thing going (RP wines) and so might seem slightly unbalanced for some. And I’ve heard from others that Swift’s Prisoner is awesome. Agree that the Turley’s have lost some of their charm; last 3-4 bottles have been disappointing. Di Arie’s an interesting wine and I like it enough to buy a half-case every year or two. Yet it tastes a little manufactured to me (perhaps no surprise given the winemaker’s pedigree; I swear that you can actually taste the Captain Crunch in his wines).

    I used to like Ravenswood and their “no wimpy wines” philosophy a lot–especially the Old Hill and Dickerson bottlings. Yet they went through a slump a few years ago. I think they’re finding their stride again, yet in the end I come back to Ridge with my favorites being the voluptuous ‘97 or ‘01 Pagani or perhaps the sleeker ‘99 Lytton. The Ridge “magic” is Draper’s talent and the fact that they use field blends (with petite syrah especially) that make their wines more multidimensional with far greater structure than most.

    Great segment, Gary. Since it’s play-off time, why not continue with the zins on Friday and compare your fav Ridge zin (Geyserville?) to some of the others in your portfolio, including Shelton and Di Arie? Here’s a suggested line-up, though it omits several other potential superstars from Rosenblum, Seghesio, Terraces and Storybook, as well as your great value in the Rocky Creek:

    Carol Shelton 2004 Rockpile (9638)
    di Arie 2003 Southern Exposure (8066)
    Fife 2002 Old Vines (9332)
    Ravensood 2004 Barricia (28801)or Tedeschi (28800)
    Ridge (your choice)

    p.s. agree the 2004 Lytton was overrated at 95 pts; even Tanzer’s number seems high for this wine especially given how stingy he typically is. Maybe I’m missing something and it will knit together in a few years? Hope so.

86. January 4, 2007

    Nathan N

    Great Show

    QOTD: Haven’t had to many Zins untill last year so far we like the 04 2Up, & the Grappler

    Can you please try these wines?
    Library Code: 7505 Twenty Bench Cab
    Library Code: 27784 Lemelson Pinot Noir Cuvee X 2003

87. January 4, 2007

    upstater

    First post…ever…how bout some sherry. Never was really into it, then had the 1927 solera…it was awesome. And bring out supafly snooka!!!!

    1) Alvear Fino Sherry
    Type: Spanish Sherry
    Size: 750ML | Vintage: | Library Code: 21068 | Email this

    2) Alvear Pedro Ximenez Solera 1927
    Type: Spanish Dessert Wine
    Library Code: 2881

88. January 4, 2007

    Chris D.

    QOTD — Absolute best Zin ever poured down my gullet…. Hands down — 1985 Nalle.

    CD

89. January 4, 2007

    Eric Anderson

    QOTD- Peachy Canyon Incredible Red is my favorite Zinfandel.

    Show idea- 4 wines from Justin Winery
    Syrahs (including Ojai)
    Please no more Sauvignon Blanc tastings

    E

90. January 4, 2007

    Tony S.

    Nice. I’ve always liked Ridge. Ummm…I’ve had plenty of satisfying Zins, but I can’t really think of which single one I like the best. I’ve always been happy with Turley, and now that their prices are getting a little more reasonable, they’re even better. I definately think Zins should always be affordable though.

    A company called Outpost makes a pretty kick-butt Zin. I’ve only had it twice, but both times I was impressed. OK, have a blast in Bahston. Do those people tailgate with Lobster? Tell your defensive ends to sack Brady a whole bunch of times, cause I’m sick of my wife constantly telling me how hot he is.

    GO BEARS!!!
    T

91. January 4, 2007

    Matthew L

    Great show Gary. I saw the Ridge Gyserville at WL last Friday. I have always heard good things about the vineyard, but have never had any. As much as I love Zinfandel, I need to give them a try.

    The show was somewhat related to a question I asked a couple of times. That was: What vineyard do you think does the best job producing multiple varietals? I remember you having Hogue and St. Jean on early episodes and you liked some wines and not others.

    QOTD: The best Zin I’ve had was a Martinelli Jackass Vineyards 2002. HUGE!

92. January 4, 2007

    Adrian

    Rafanelli Zin is my fav…I have always wondered about the Ridge wines but have never bought any of thier wines due to all the blends…Glad I have second opinion…

93. January 4, 2007

    Joe Trdinich

    Favorite Zin for a “fruit bomb” is the Monster from Norman. I also really like the Carl and Sawyer Vineyard efforts from Wilson Winery in Sonoma. The 2004 vintage is outstanding.

94. January 4, 2007

    Victoria

    We like Peachy Canyon Zin, and Starry Night.
    Nice episode Gary!

95. January 4, 2007

    Deedee

    god-darn hahahaha I had to laugh

96. January 4, 2007

    Rich K

    Hi Gary,

    Actually, my favorite Zin happens to be one of the bottles you missed by Ridge, the Pagani Ranch. The 01 is great, dence, but a little more austere than the other bottles. And maybe its a trend, but I usually find most of their Zins to be a little hot on the finish. The Pagani has a similar profile on that note.

    J-E-T-S

97. January 4, 2007

    Sean

    Great stuff Gary!

    Mmmmm… Ridge wines. Some of the best Zins out there. I had a 1983 Geyserville a couple of years ago that was still GOOD.

    There’s a great tasting at the end of this month (I’m going!) in SF that focuses on Zinfandel producers – ZAP (http://www.zinfandel.org/festival/). If you’re a Zin fan, you should go!

98. January 4, 2007

    Sean

    Best Zin?… Wow. That’s tough… right now 2 words spring to mind: Robert Biale.

99. January 4, 2007

    anomynous

    Hi Everyone,

    I really like the Ridge wines, but are they old school? Are they new school? In the old days they were far ahead of the other winemakers, better than most Cabernet Sauvignons. Are they as good, or better than their competitors? I’m asking, ….

100. January 5, 2007

     Jtk

     Gary good episode, I’m not a big fan of the zins though. Please taste these, or some of these wines sometime in the future. QOTD 2: Clone 5 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Library Code: 29687, Juslyn Vineyard Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Library Code: 29689, Macarico Aglianico Del Vulture 2003 Library Code: 4992, Paternoster Aglianico Del Vulture Don Anselmo 2000 Library Code: 4845. Or maybe do different grapes with similarities to help get people “like me” out of the same grape ruts. “Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon” Thanks ~ Jtk

101. January 5, 2007

     QueSeraSyrah

     QOD: Favorite zinfandel: 2004 Robert Biale Black Chicken Ranch Zinfandel

102. January 6, 2007

     zinman

     Best zin I every had was from “Storybook Mountain” in Napa. I think it was a 1998.

103. January 6, 2007

     Riezin

     Lytton Spring has long been a favorite – I havent had the 04. Storybook Mountain also makes several great, quite age-worthy wines. And the Hanna Bismark Ranch 00 from Sonoma was awesome when drank a year ago.

     How about seeing some verticals in the future?

104. January 9, 2007

     Benji

     Hey Gary,

     Favorite Zin is the Brown Estate Zinfandel from Napa. Vintage was either the 03′ or 04′. Pretty tasty wine and the best zinfandel of the group from this varietal that I have tried.

     -Benji

105. January 10, 2007

     Lawrence Leichtman

     Zindfandels fill up a lot of my wine cabinet. Many from Turly, Ravenswood and Rosenblum single vineyards. Great as always Gary.

106. January 10, 2007

     Dave

     Favorite zin? 2002 Elyse A.K.A. Unbelievable juice.

107. January 11, 2007

     Miguelo DiMarco

     Why are you using a Syrah/Amarone/Malbec glass to taste Zinfandel?

     Favorite Zin: Earthquake Lodi Zin (Wine Library – $19.99); all kick, no filler. Wimpys need not apply.

108. January 14, 2007

     Vinacull

     Gary,
     Excellent concept and thanks for taking the idea from the Forums. You mentioned two hours open, but I too wonder whether they were decanted and would have benefitted from being open longer because it seems unusual for the nose to be restrained on the Lytton. QOTD- Can’t list just one – 1) 91 Ridge Lytton Springs 2)’01 Turley Duarte (perhaps because it was excellent and yet smelled/tasted unlike a Zin) and 3) ‘01 Hartford Court Fanucchi Wood. I have a ‘99 Turley Howell Mountain Pringle that I’ll be drinking this year that may challenge this listing.

109. January 30, 2007

     DJAAA

     Gary,

     I actually love The Ridge you tasted a few months back – and if it weren’t 3am, I’d have the gumption (sp???) to check the label out. I am ‘cellaring’ a bottle to drink in a year or so and I am curious to see the changes. Zins are my absolute favorite wine.

     AAA

110. February 1, 2007

     John Masters

     I’ll second what Comment 69: By Alaska1 said about Everett Ridge.. Neat place to visit too in Healdsburg California..

     They now are part of Esterlina Vineyards which has an awesome Riesling..

111. February 9, 2007

     Dan

     I am a big fan of Ridge. We visited the Healdsburg location in Sept. ‘06. The facility is very nice, and the wines excellent as well.

     I have to wonder, Gary, if maybe your bottle of Lytton Springs was a bit off. I recently had a bottle of the LS Zin which was very very nice. I’ll agree, maybe not a 95, but I would have given it a 92.

112. February 22, 2007

     Robert Hickey

     Gary,

     I stumbled on this site while researching some Riojas. This episode particularly hits home as I visited a Ridge winery in Healdsburg, Lytton Springs, and bought the Three Valleys, Pagani Ranch and Ponzo after some intense tasting. Anyone in that area should take the beaten path to this vineyard. Anyway, I have to say that I found all three to be great and I always consider Ridge when I see them on the wine list. I think that you may have suffered through a bad bottle of the Lytton, but I am glad to see a site that has such a friendly venue for wine afficiandos.

     One more thing, do you guys deliver to Florida?

     Rob
     Altamonte Springs FL

113. July 1, 2007

     Texican

     Gary,
     Great show! I am a big zin fan and enjoy wines from Ridge.

     QOTD 1: Lamborn Family zin by Heidi Barrett. A great Howell Mountain wine. Also Howell Mountain 1999 Old Vine; we had this at a restaurant in Scottsdale and still talk about it!

     Gail

114. November 7, 2007

     Alos Diallo

     Awesome episode as always I love ridge

115. August 13, 2009

     Seth

     QOTD Earthquake Zinfandel from Lodi as mentioned below is my favorite for the price (about 20 bucks), but have also fallen in love with the Turley stuff

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