2005 German Rieslings – Episode #169

January 18, 2007

Wines tasted in this episode:

Kabinett or Spatlese what is your choice? Gary Vaynerchuk goes through the white grape that has his attention these days. Please join us and leave a comment if you haven’t yet.

146 Responses

January 18, 2007

CW
jawohl !
January 18, 2007

Bota
#2?
January 18, 2007

Susan
Did I really get in this early?
January 18, 2007

garyv
Yes u did Sus
January 18, 2007

Susan
Top Ten?
Maybe this makes up for our bad weather!
January 18, 2007

Susan
Hey Gary!
Any time you talk about German wines you have
MY vote!
Very cool!
January 18, 2007

Rob B
top ten, cool this looks like it will be a good one.
January 18, 2007

JohnC
I have an hankering for Reisling!!!
January 18, 2007

Tom T.
Gary,
You’re the man. I was in the “too sweet for me” camp until today.
Thanks!!
January 18, 2007

Matt B DC
I can now show this video to my fiancee as proof that reislings aren’t just viscous Hi-C
January 18, 2007

CW
Thanks for this, I don’t know how many times since I started drinking wine in (1985) that I have been ‘dissed by you name it for my love of Rieslings of Alsace, Pfalz, Nahe etc. As a child I ate German gummis from Haribo called Weinland that have german wine in it and the name of the wine prodcuing regions on it. The variations in Rieslings are vast, which makes them so interesting.
Ok Gary practice with me = Schpaht-lay-zuh…Nice segment.
January 18, 2007

Methuselah
ok top 25
January 18, 2007

Methuselah
Where is the Vayner tasting glass
January 18, 2007

KAHUNA
Just don’t have Reislings with BBQ that would be boring right GV!

Yes film away for while you are away- No question- Do one wine that you really like for each day that WL has in stock-
January 18, 2007

Sakas
Great show Gary! I love rieslings!!! Perhaps i don’t drink enough of them right now though… I’ll have to search some more out soon.

In regards to your upcomming trip – have fun!!! If you are feeling a little burnt out, then just go and recharge your batteries (eventhough we all love WLTV and would miss it for a little while). How long will you be gone? If you are planning on an extended trip (2+ weeks) would you consider taping a show or two a week for us all?

QOTD – I’m not sure if i have a single grape i am addicted to right now (past phases have been washington state merlot, california petite sirah, and new zealand sauvignon blancs). Right now i am more about trying to expand my horizons than being addicted to a single grape (italian and some french wines intimidate me a bit, i think just because i don’t fully understand the labels and the regions)
January 18, 2007

David Canada
Ass kicking episode!!!! I’m heading out for a Spatlese.
As for your vacation….I say take some time off and come back with the best episode yet. Maybe get Mondavi on, maybe Baroness Rothschild, Joeseph Phelps, Gaja, Engerer whatever but may it kick my ass!
QOTD – I am loving Pinot these days….I tried some of the central Otogo’s you recommended and am really loving them. I’m also getting into Nebbiolo’s!
January 18, 2007

ecola
If you’re on vacation, keep it that way and don’t bother taping. We have 169 episodes to play with. Nobody wants a Vayner burn out.
January 18, 2007

wey
I loveeee Riesling! How about an ep on Gruner Veltliners?
January 18, 2007

michael J Vino
Top 20? One day I will make it to the top. Maybe.
January 18, 2007

Dave-from-Katonah
OK as long as you don’t tell me that I “must wait” to taste these Reislings…
yuccchyuccch

Great show. I’ll have to give them a try…

Have a wonderful vacation and don’t worry about the VaynerNation. We’ll be fine.
January 18, 2007

John Blue Label
Gary,
Fantastic episode. I tried the johann Haart reisling and really liked it a lot. I am going to taste these and see how they fare. I can really see how they would work with a light cheese dip appetizer and with fruit for dessert.

I think you should take your vacation and take a break. I love WLTV, but it is ALWAYS good to take a break from work (even if you are so passionate about it, as you are) and recharge the batteries. I’ll miss you for a few days, but I believe you will come back even STRONGER!!!

QOTD: I have always loved Corvina (Amarone) but am falling for Sangiovese; the recent brunellos that I have tried have been mind blowing.

Have a great vacation!!!

JW
January 18, 2007

Orion Slayer
Rieslings . . . I haven’t been impressed with them (I’m a wine newby though.) They don’t seem as complex as red wines. Maybe I haven’t had the right one. I will educate my palate and look for some of the ones you sampled today.

(Do you guys have pet birds in the office? I hear birds chirping on the shows often.)

Vacation – Take it and don’t do extra episodes before you leave. Great wine makers will not produce wine in a year that the grapes are not up to par. Leave us wanting more. Besides, we can always go back and watch the past episodes we missed!

QOTD – I’m addicted to fruit bombs, cabs and zins especially. Maybe it’s because I’m so inexperienced, but the Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Zinfandel grapes make my mouth HAPPY!

(If I was ever on a wine-cork basketball team, I’d want Gary as my shooting guard! Nice bounce shot today.)
January 18, 2007

Rich S
Woo hoo!!! Just the episode I was looking for. Thanks for taking care of this subject GV!!!!!

I will be placing my order shortly…….
January 18, 2007

PL
Repeat after me

Spatlese = SCHPAT-layzh-uh

Auslese = OWSH (as in Auswitz)-layzh-uh

And PLEASE stop telling people about riesling. We DONT need the Napa cab horde discovering our secret.
January 18, 2007

Wine-o
I just read an article about German Rieslings yesterday. Pretty interesting. How they stop the fermentation process to keep some residual sugar so it offsets the natural acidity due to the cooler climate, yada, yada, yada.(run on sentence?) Non the less, I have been using Reislings as a cross over or stepping stone if you will for the wife, tring to break her away from the white zins and white merlots. It seems to be working thus far, yet there is still alot of work to be done there…

QOTD: Anything Spanish latley
January 18, 2007

Herm
My first wine experiences were with German white wines…..I have enjoyed them since the late sixties….one of my favorites is Burg Layer SchloBkapelle Spatlese….My favorite grape is Cabernet Sauvignon….Looking forward to the live show tomorrow…
January 18, 2007

Rich S
Oops, QOD: Right now I am all about rieslings and zins. 2 definite separate ends of the wine spectrum…………

Take a break GV. Everyone deserves one…………
January 18, 2007

Salvatore
Gary…….. You just brought me back to Summer of 1962 Heidelberg,Germany on the terrace of the Old Castle overlooking the Neckar River. Drinking chilled Riesling, 50 cents for a large 12 oz glass. No pains after a few of these. I liked the wine better than the beer; and the beer was fantastic. You certianly reminded me just how delicious German wines are.
Maybe…..just maybe; if you need a little break from vacation you could do a couple of shows.
January 18, 2007

stewart l
Great episode-will have to pick up a couple of these. One of my patients brought me back a riesling from his family’s estate in Germany. I’ll have to try it this weekend
QOD-Presently, I’m addicted to Zin(actually, allways have been) and Grenache blends. Also love Alsatian Gewurztraminers.
January 18, 2007

ML
Great show!! So many items you covered today. First of all, when you were talking about the Reinhold’s color, I think you compared it to Hulk Hogan’s locks(hair)…which you called gorgeous. Yikes.

Does Jolly Rancher make a pineapple flavor? Life Savers does. I like it. I think it’s in the tropical flavor roll.

While you’re on vacation…any chance you can just pre-tape a few shows…just a couple a week. Do only one bottle per show. Or any chance you’d be willing to let one of the WL staffers do some guest spots? Just a thought.

QOD: Grapes I’ve been recently into…over the summer I drank a lot of Albarinos and Gruner Veltliners. Perfect for warm weather. I need a new winter grape varietal to get into.

See you tomorrow at 4:30!
January 18, 2007

Portland Guy
I may have been sitting next to Sal in Heidelberg enjoying wine from the same cask. But we would then go down to the Red Lion in the late afternoon to enjoy the suds with a brat. Enjoy the vacation Gary, we will live w/o WLTV for a few days. That will make your return even more special.
January 18, 2007

waibeans
take some time off man.. enjoy being with your family!

the vayniacs will be here when you get back.

La Chiam
January 18, 2007

Dan R.
Great episode – I have tried the Johann Haart Piesporter and the Wegler Estate lately and have enjoed both. Question – how long can you put down (celler) a Riesling?

Dan in Kansas
January 18, 2007

Eric Opheim
Vacation is vacation. The whole point is to get away. We will be here waiting for you when you get back. You said there were 5 or 6 levels of rating German Reislings, but only covered 2, what are the others?

QOTD: My current common varietal is Syrah/Shiraz.
January 18, 2007

Justin
I might actually have to open that bottle of 05 German Riesling I’ve been holding on to. Nice episode! Everbody seems so into the 2005 vintage, I’m suprised it took you this long to do this episode. I think I’m generally more in Alsace Rieslings than German ones, but I have some more exploring to do.

I’m drinking:

2004 Twenty Bench Cab (This is the best under $15 bottle I’ve ever had!!!! I can’t stop drinking it)
January 18, 2007

TampaSteve
Big G your heading down to my end of the world. If your anywhere near Tampa we would LOVE to have you over. QOTD…I have been big into Bordeaux for the past few months.
January 18, 2007

MiamiDolphins
What a profound effort! Gary keeps delivering the goods day after day. Another Great Episode!!!

Thank You, Thank You for showing us these great wines.

GaryV in front of our eyes is becoming the Anthony Bourdain of the Wine world.
January 18, 2007

Wil H
QOTD: currently diggin Shiraz / Syrah.

Enjoy your VAY-KAY-SHUN!

I like Kahuna’s idea…
If you feel up to it, Iron Man, do several pre-taped one-bottle episodes. We will still love you if you don’t, but it’s like a drug, we need our VAY-NER-FIX!
January 18, 2007

Matthew L
Gary you are a nut! I can see you played a fair amount of Quarters in college. (Well maybe not because you couldn’t find enough people that wanted to chug wine )

Great show. While I listened, I opened the Terrior Blog in another tab and read the piece on sugar in German wines. What a great tie-in today.

I’ve been building my shopping list for about a week now, and I think the Von Hovel just rounded out my case.

QOTD: I am addicted to Rhone blends and Shiraz. However…I have been on a serious Sauvignon Blanc kick lately…thanks to you having me put three bottles of Vavasour in my cart.

Congrats (prospectively) on the much-needed vacation. I hope you completely check out, unplug (intended Matrix reference), and just enjoy time with your wife and family. Cheers!
January 18, 2007

mikeyrad
On reading a German Riesling label: If you’re looking for dry Rieslings look for the word Trocken on the label. It means dry. For off-dry look for Halbtrocken. Therefore, a Spatlese Trocken will be a dry wine.

However, don’t get Trocken or Halbtrocken confused with Trockenbeerenauslese. That’s the sweetest and most expensive German Riesling. The German equivalent of a Yquem Sauterne.

http://www.germanwineestates.com/understanding_german_wine_labels.htm
January 18, 2007

CW
Herr Opheim,
There are 6 really if you’re talking about sweetness, which from less to more is as follows -> Kabinett, SpÃ¤tlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Eiswein, and Trockenbeerenauslese. The trocks are amazing, few things can be so sweet and so good. For pronounciation, you can’t really due Kabinett injustice. SpÃ¤tlese is really Schp-ate-lay-zuh (I missed the umlaut before) – Beerenauslese is Bear-in-ows-lay-zuh (ows is like meows less me) – Eiswein is Ice-Vine – The Trocken is -> just add Trocken (say it with your best NJ accent) to the aforemetioned Beerenauslese. The tenet the assures teh sweetness or ripeness of the grapes into the above categories is QualitÃ¤tsweine mit PrÃ¤dikat. Say Kval-ee-tates-vine-eh mit Pray-dee-cot. Now we can all speak german.
January 18, 2007

mikeyrad
Great episode! I’ve loved German Rieslings since my senior year in college when I took a winetasting course. It was a science credit! I remember tasting Kabinets Spatleses, Ausleses and a Trockenbeerenauslese that cost $180 way back in 1979, WOW! Basically, I like any wine that I can pair with food. That includes Gruner Veltliners from Austria, NZ Sauvignon Blancs, Italian wines from Piedmont (Barolos, Barberas, Barbarescos), Tuscany (Chiantis and Brunellos), and Sicily (Nero d’Avola) and of course French Wines. I’m also finding that there are some very nice wines from Long Island and the Finger Lakes.
January 18, 2007

Sam Zen
Is the ‘05 Gerwurstrameiner (however the hell you spell it) vintage in Germany as good as Reisling?
January 18, 2007

GottaGoDrink
Gary- Super episode. I’m trying some Riesling lately and like mine toward the Kabinett end of the sweetness. If you are gone for two weeks or less, don’t tape shows, just take a vacation.

QOD- Monastrell/Mourvedre. Rustic for the winter.
January 18, 2007

Jason G.
Great episode. I love Rieslings, too.

QOD – I don’t think it qualifies as an addiction, but my wife & I hosted a tasting party in which everybody had to bring a really (or relatively) obscure varietal. The one recommended to me by my local wine shop was a Petit Courbu from Les Jardins de Bouscasse. Fantastic white wine, and totally unexpected – sweet yet solid, with lemon and sugar. I’ve since bought some others for our own collection.
January 18, 2007

Dave-from-Katonah
That was an awesome cork toss/bounce and an awesome show.

QOTD – Right now, I’m into those NZ pinot noirs you turned me onto last week (Blackridge), but I’m also just getting into some Spanish wines…had the Alto Almanzor Este last night and will try the Ercavio, Cleo, Finca Sandoval, and Tierres de Luna soon.

It would be cool to do a remote show while you’re away, but won’t Liz kill you?? Have a good time without the Vayniacs on your vacation and don’t think about us. Rest, relax, refresh, then restart another strong run of episodes.

Thanks so much for all you do. I’m learning a lot.

BTW does Erik’s announcement tomorrow have anything to do with the countdown???????
January 18, 2007

cgf
Gary,
This might be my favorite week of WLTV. You are absolutely killing it. Your themes have been awesome. There has not been one “Today Gary tastes 4 wines” episode. Every day has been educational. It looks like you prepared and got it together more so then your last Riesling episode. I am LOVING IT!

QOTD: I am hooked on riesling. I constantly drink it. I am not a part of ABC, because that is all the people in my family like to drink, but riesling is my favorite. I do think that Cali. Chard can be profound, but just at a price point that I don’t like (but thankfully my parents do).
By the way, you mentioned Australia, New Zealand, California, and Washington as the New World producers putting out good riesling. How about the Finger Lakes my man? Hermann Wiemer’s rieslings kill any other New World producer in my opinion.

In terms of taking some time off, go for it. Maybe a couple of farewell episodes would be nice, but you do deserve a break. It will make the Vayniacs remember how much we appreciate you.
January 18, 2007

CampingLisaB
I love Rieslings! My family heritage traces back to Alsace. People who don’t like Reislings or haven’t tried one it is okay with me…I am glad there is more Riesling left for me!

I have to say… I’ll miss you while you are gone (as will my daughters), so I would love to have you tape some episodes. How about having Eric do some tastings…or some other guest taster!

The thing I am into right now…hmm…I have learned to really appreciate PORT…thanks to winelibrary TV!

Have a GREAT VACATION!
January 18, 2007

jason carey
remember these wines are great now but theese are also KILLER WINES AT15 YEARS OLD!! So buy some to try over a long period of time.
January 18, 2007

Nathan Day
QOTD: Sangiovese
January 18, 2007

irPatz
This episode could not have come at a better time…
Hi my name is irPatz, and I’m addicted to Riesling.

Gary, Take your vacation with no episodes guilt free. We don’t want you to get tired of us. We’ll see you throw more corks when you get back.
January 18, 2007

Dominus
This is my #1 show (so far) of all time. Of course, being featured in the intro for the champagne was nice but your palate (likes/dislikes) is so similar to mine that seeing German Rieslings reviews just excites me to no end.

I also learned about “must weight” which determines the levels of sweetness of German Rieslings. I always thought it was the stages in which the winegrowers picked their grapes. Learn something every day.

Looking forward to tomorrow’s “live” performance. I can watch WLTV and get paid for it at the same time. Sweet! With acidity! And yes, NOTHING compares to Riesling.

QOTD: Obviously, I’m addicted to Riesling for sure with Pinot Noir (Oregon) a close 2nd.

Cheers!
Dom

P.S. The football season continues. Great bounce at the end. Hopefully all the bounces go the Colts’ way this weekend!
January 18, 2007

Russ J
Great show, GV.
I have been down the Riesling road several times before but have never really enjoyed it. I don’t dislike them but I have never had one that comes even close to making me as happy as that Reinhold made you. It’s been a while so maybe the 2005’s will be the ones. Worth a try. If you really want to do some shows to be put up while you are gone, fine, but I would say let it go and come back fresh.
Looking forward to Gastineau live tomorrow!
January 18, 2007

joe
Gary, first of all, take needed time off and do not tape shows and get burned out. We will all live, albeit less richly, without WLTV for 10 days. Relax and come back strong. Also, bring down a few bottles to get cooked in the florida sun for the heat episode.

I love Reisling – although do profess a preference for the bone dry Alsasce versions. Over Christmas season, we opened a 1969 Spatlese that was brown in color – but fresh and alive and super complex. Gary, remind your viewers that these reslings can age with any cabernet!

I pair my wines with food so I don’t have a particular concentration…but have been drinking a lot of Santa Rita Hills Pinot lately – - Sea Smoke anyone?
Joe
January 18, 2007

e mojo
QOD: I am a *huge* fan of alsacian and german rieslings and gewuertztraminers right now. I was floored on my birthday this year by a gift of a bottle of 1989 Oppenheimer Sacktraeger Auslese Riesling from Baumann. It was not fresh and crisp like most of the rieslings I drink, but it was HUGE. Arguably the best wine – at least the best white wine – that I’ve had in my life.
January 18, 2007

Anne
Have a great vacation Gary. Just enjoy and no work!
January 18, 2007

mbannon
Nice episode Gary, I love Reisling! I don’t care what those snooty red-wine drinkers say, they don’t know nuthin.

Have a great vacation. How about recording one or two (or three) shows for us? I mean, throw us a bone here, huh??!
January 18, 2007

GeneV
Gary, thanks for giving a super wine a pazzz. Now, I won’t have trouble getting it.

Do NOT taste a Nahe in the middle of a group of Mosels. It is a completely different animal. Nahes are balanced, subtle and charming, but they do not scream like a top Mosel. The Schafer Frohlich is loads of fun, and an easy 91. By the way, there was no Riesling petrol at all in mine.

As everyone on the forum knows, I am a Riesling nut, so I’m with you on that grape addiction.

It’s Shpayt-lay-se, not spaht-lay-se. I’m fluent, so if you ever need a tasting partner on a trip to Riesling country (either side of the Rhine) I’m available. I can show the some super places in Alsace.
January 18, 2007

Kirk
Gary,

First & foremost…take your vacation. Every working man & woman deserves a vacation…and you are no different. People can survive without you for 7-10 days (I know no one wants to think that way…but we’ll survive). I just stumbled onto your website the other day while killing time between classes (in college in the frozen state of Maine…one of the few places you can’t ship to). You offer a fun informative environment here…and I’ll look forward to going through old episodes on your vacation. As for wines I am really enjoying right now.

1. 2005 Domaine Haut-Marin a great alternative to Sav Blanc for under $10
2. Oregon Pinots…I’m tapping into my 2002’s and they are singing. They still have a long life ahead so I’m trying to play around with some other wines.
3. Sauternes…I had a friend open a 1976 Chateau d’Yquem for me this summer. Talk about rediculous! It was an almost religious experience.
4. German rieslings are always a staple in my collection. I lived in Germany from 1997-2000 so I have been hooked for the better part of a decade.
5. Caduceus…it’s a winery owned by a rock star that Looooooves wine. Absolutely amazing juice!
6. Muller Thurgau…this is like an amazingly floral riesling…you should check it out when you have the time. Right now I’m stuck on one producer. 2005 Colterenzio (Italy)
January 18, 2007

hockeystick2583
Ordered a few of these bad boys from your fine, fine site. I have been a huge fan of Alsace rieslings as well as the dry rieslings of Washington St. but have never actually tried a German varietal. Looking forward to it. Well done again my friend.
Weekend Prediction: Bears 73, Saints – 17 (yeah, that’s a negative)
Go Bears!!!!
January 18, 2007

E-Rock
One of the best shows to date! You were on point today my friend, but “It almost smells like crabshell take away the crabbiness” come on bro.
January 18, 2007

BV
More lip-smackin’ snackin’ —

A forkful of meringue with a
Reinhold Haart Spatlese chaser.

Mmmm-hmmm!!

BV
January 18, 2007

JavaMonkey
I had a Jacob’s Creek Riesling that was so heavy on the petrol smell I had to pour it out. I’m going to order the Von Hovel, though, and give Rieslings another try.

Please, please, please record some tastings to play while you’re on vacation! I can think of, like, a million wines I’d like to see tasted. I’m hooked on your shows now, you can’t leave me hanging.

QOTD: I’m trying to do a lot of Cabs and Syrahs. Boring, I know, everyone is drinking those. I want to get to the point where I can identify a Cab or a Syrah out of a bunch of different wines, which I probably couldn’t do right now.
January 18, 2007

E-Rock
QOD = Rhone blends
January 18, 2007

BV
One other thing.
You’ll have about 175 episodes in the can.
We can easily take 10 days of “Best of’s”–
If Howard Stern can do it, so can Vay-ner-chuk!
BV
January 18, 2007

Dirtbag
Hey! Have agreat Vacay! Take some time off and enjoy the folks you are with. Skip all the wine stuff and analyzing every sip… it’s what wine brings with it that’s the magic, the best wines integrate with the people as well as the repast.
As for the videos, if you really can’t stand being away from the front of the lens, how about some bits on the foods you’re having, maybe some local brews. Wine can be so boring after years and years.
Remember, the antithesis of tedium is te deum!
January 18, 2007

Susan
Gary-
I have to agree.
I really like Rieslings!
TAKE
your vacation.
We have plenty of vodcasts to watch!
Go REST
and
RELAX!!!!
January 18, 2007

Mike W.
Hey Boss,

Good job. Excellent episode tonight. I learned a lot. I’ll be out this weekend looking for the 16 bone 2005 Von Hovel. And don’t bust your butt trying to record for your off week. Kick it back, dude whenever your done (Friday?). We can get along without’chya for a while. Just don’t stay too long in 85 degree Puerto Rico. You’re needed back here where it sucks…weatherwise. Your credibility might suffer if you spend more than a week soaking up the sun and f’n off.

Workman
January 18, 2007

Lil Luce
Loved today’s episode! And I agree with CGF (Comment #47) – we can’t forget Finger Lakes and the pioneer, Dr. Konstantine Frank.

Being a newcomer, I have plenty of old episodes to get me thru the vacation days. Please take the well deserved rest and enjoy your time away!

QOTD: I have had plenty of Viognier in my day, however, on Tuesday night I had a Condrieu for the very first time. I immediately fell in love with it and am now seeking out Condrieu everywhere. I am so addicted that I am changing my summer vacation plans so I can include a tour of Northern Rhone vinyards.
January 18, 2007

JimVarney01
Great ep! Question of the day for YOU Gary… WHERE THE HELL IS RICKY THE DRAGON STEAMBOAT??? HUH, ANDRE THE GIANT?? What? You got nothing to say?? Yeah I thought so… I’m gonna have to change my name to Rowdy Roddy Piper. I’m callin you out!

QOTD: I am SERIOUSLY addicted to ANY grape that I’ve never tried before… recently, brunello, tannat, medoc, great grapes, and I’m trying to expand my horizons!

Thank you for the motivation!!!
January 18, 2007

Susan
Gary-
Thanks to you I am trying new varietals!
I really have enjoyed Pinot Noir lately.
I also have enjoyed some Syrah also.
January 18, 2007

Jeff M.
Gary-

For the last 10 years I’ve been addicted to inky black rough & tough “in your face” “who’s your daddy” Petite Sirahs. Although most believe this to be a “trailer trash” grape varietal it can be dressed up and taken out on the town. There are a handful of producers who have figured out how to tame this beast and give it the sexy style of Halle Berry. Tart, sassy, & vivacious!

Who does your favorite grape varietal remind you of?
January 18, 2007

Darlene O.
Hey, Gary, great again! Have a riDONCULOUS
January 18, 2007

Darlene O.
Oooooooops. Did something above and screwed up my response! Sorry. OK…to continue. Gary, have a riDONCULOUS vacation. QOD: Drinking alot of zins and sirahs/shiraz right now.
January 18, 2007

E
Good luck staying away from your e-mail. It can be done. Be strong.

QOD: while I love my Cab Franc of course, the dark cold winter has finally arrived out here in the sticks, so it’s time for something warmer like Rhone blends and of course Tannat, ‘cuz it’s good for you!
January 18, 2007

Riezin
Great show, as a riesling lover its nice to see the attention (even if as someone mentioned we’d probably prefer the secret kept in the bag). I got a couple things to take issue with though from todays episode. 1. 5-7 years to last seems awfully conservative, riesling can kick ass at 10 and 15 years easy – esp on a strong, balanced vintage like 05. 2. How do you give a PASS to a wine you score 89, WS scores 93, and which costs only 18 bucks? That seems cruel and unusual. Also the comment posted earlier about the Mosel vs Nahe, etc is a detail worth mentioning to folks – Napa aint Sonoma and neither is Germany homogenous. QOTD – buying riesling, drinking loire reds. Have a great vaca and take the time, no need to tape.
January 18, 2007

dadobs
Great episode: one other upside of rieslings is that they’re still terrific 20-30+ years later; can’t say that about most Cali chards.

QOTD: I’d like to claim something trendy like reisling or pinot, but with the colder temps I invariably come back to cabernet and the occasional shiraz/syrah. No different this winter even if cab juice is generally overpriced these days.

Btw, my buddies who have been drinking wine far longer than me say that everyone eventually gravitates towards (German) rieslings,(often Burgundian) pinots, and dessert wines. Best wishes to Kirk (Post #59) the college student since he seems to have the palette of someone in his 50’s. Where does one go after dâ€™Yquem?

Take the days off entirely, Gary. You’ll come back better for it.

Best laugh of the week: play the last section of the video (where GV corks the lens) in stop-action super-slow-mo. I’m still smiling 15 minutes later. You rule.
January 18, 2007

Alaska1
I just got in to the wine world BIG
January 18, 2007

Shaggy D
I just got addicted to German Riesling. About four weeks ago I ordered a Spatlese on a cruse in the carabian to eat with my lobster…. fantastic! My friends and I have since opened 8 or so other’s. They are alot of fun to share with friends who usualy don’t drink wine.
January 18, 2007

Alaska1
Sorry, I just got into the wine world BIG time two years ago and riesling was my veryfirst love in the wine world, ( DR Loosen!!!) But now that I am trying to exspand my wine exsperiance I have found a new Love, Fruit bomb Zins. Love them. My hart will always be with Riesling.

Ohhh and please tape some showes before you go I need Wine library in my week. Please!!1
January 18, 2007

Ricky Bobby
Riesling is the bomb. Repeat after me: hy-drom-et-er.
January 18, 2007

RedZin
What does a jersey kid know about pumping gas? Does the mob allow self service now?

Ok, ok, I’ll try a riesling, thanks for the education.

As far as vacation, my wine rack is full for now so feel free to take a short break and recharge. The Jets are on vacation after all!
January 18, 2007

Doc Brown
QOTD: Right now I am enjoying pure mourvedre’s the most. Example: Rosenblum’s old vine San Francisco Bay Mourvedre. Huge fruit, dark, a little high in alcohol but will smooth out over the next few years. Hey gary…..how about a show on mouved’s??

Doc Brown
January 18, 2007

Sugar Shane
You had me at Hulk Hogan. Great comparison! It’s like the time I got laughed at for smelling bananas in a wine I was drinking at an uppity wine bar. You saw the Hulkster, I smelled plantains. Dig it.

QOD: Living in Oregon, I’m addicted to pinot…but I’m still learning to discover whatever anyone puts under my nose (even if I smell bananas).

Thanks for making wine fun and not intimidating!
January 18, 2007

Ken
Gary, Great episode. I love Riesling but Shhhhh!!!! â€“ donâ€™t make it so popular that the price skyrockets!!! Did you drink the wines today chilled or room temp? Have fun on vacation. Why donâ€™t you take a break from the show and not pre-tape any episodes? If you canâ€™t resist, tape maybe a few episodes. Keep the anticipation high! However, to celebrate your vacation you should throw us a free shipping code so that I can stock up on some Riesling.
QOD: Reds â€“ Iâ€™m really into Grenacha, Grenacha blends, and Priorat. White: German Riesling mostly, Albarino & NZ Sauvignon Blanc a distant second.
January 19, 2007

corked
Take a vacation and don’t worry about taping. It’ll make your wife happy.
Wine addicitons lately: Austrian Gruner Veltliner, specifically Wess Wachauer and Loimer. Always addicted to Marcel Deiss Pinot Gris from Alsace, it was one of those wines that completely changed my perspective on what wine could be. Bandol is my latest favorite region. Love Tempier. I think Mourvedre is going to get some name recognition soon.
Have a good vacay.
January 19, 2007

Nico
hahahahaha… the “bounce pass” to the camera lens with the “OHHHHHHH that was AWESOME” made my laugh hard core! Nice

Gary, seriously enjoy your vacation!!! You will be missed!

QOTD:
- Sangiovese (and its clones): Chianti Classicos and Brunellos, even some new worlds
- Malbec: from Argentina I’m more and more impressed by the value reds it produces, especailly malbec-based (an example: 2004 Bodega Norton Malbec Lujan de Cuyo Reserva). I really REALLY REALLY am curious about trying the Chat Lamartine Cahors Cuvee Particuliere 2003 (Library Code: 5963, ep 154) for an old-world malbec example. I wanted to make the “special request” but only wanted 2 bottles… any more coming in? Any thing super similar in QPR you’d recommend instead?

Looking forward tothe live episode!
-Nico
January 19, 2007

PeteB
Thanks for the Riesling show GV! Timely, as I agree about getting into phases with wine and Rieslings are in favor for me right now and I am enjoying the ride – what value!!!! I can’t wait to try some from today’s show.

Enjoy vacation!
January 19, 2007

Badger Ann
Thank you, Gary. The statements about Nahe wines are right on the money. The 2005 Donnhoff Kabinett Nahe is a great example of the wonderful dry wines from this region of Germany. By the way, has anyone here ever seen the vineyards in Germany where these grapes are grown? I think only a billy goat could climb those hillsides!

QOTD: I’m working both ends of the spectrum these days – I’ve been buying Gruner Veltliner and Zinfandel. Apparently there are Rieslings from Austria too, though I have not found one yet. It would be neat to try one of these and compare to what comes from Germany.
January 19, 2007

Mark Block
Very interesting episode. I’m not a Riesling fan, but I’ll give it another try.

In whites, my fave for a long time has been Viognier, although lately I’m on a Sauvignon Blanc kick because really good ones are so cheap. The Viognier wines I drink are mostly from California because a good Condrieu is expensive and the cheap ones from France are usually awful.

I’m in the ABC camp: Chardonnay is OK for blending, but it’s one of my least favorites on its own. Actually, I’m a big believer in blends.

Cabernet Sauvignon is by far my favorite red wine grape. Nothing else come close, but the contenders are, in order of my preference: Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Malbec, Syrah. Some people love Syrah (like Parker), but in general the grape doesn’t do it for me. I basically subtract 5 points from any Parker Syrah review.
January 19, 2007

Celia
A friend of mine likes riesling. I’ve not been fond of the sweetness that I remember, but I’m thinking one of these Kabs may change my mind. I’ll look for it next time I’m out.

Please do NOT tape while you’re away, don’t pre-tape… just take a break and RELAX. We’re having so much fun with wltv – your resting up will hopefully give us outrageous epi’s after you get back!

Stay safe and have fun!
January 19, 2007

dan
Riesling is catching up in the affluent urban cities of Singapore, Hong Kong and to a lesser extent Malaysia… ABC… good epsiode.

Let’s just hope the 2005 Riesling prices will be sane like the burgundians and doesnt warrant the nightmare of the 2005 bordeauxs.

Like what they said. Watching wine is the best way to understanding by the book. (Internet too)
January 19, 2007

Oregon Jim
I hav ebeen building my wine room all night and just poured a ‘05 Pfalz Reisling from Mueller ($6 a bottle)and sat down to watch todays show. Gary you are in my head! I talk all the time to my friends about German Reisling. “I don’t like sweet wine” they say. I say you will like this one. And of course they do!
Oregon Pinot is definitely my Red of choice but German and Alsace Reisling are the whites that rock me. I have a Dr Loosen 2004, a Trimbach 2004, and have you tested the Jacobs Creek Reserve at $9.00 a bottle? I like it cheap! I have never seen the brands you tested today, but will keep an eye out for them. $16 is in my range now and then.

Great show. I wonder if you know how facinating you are. Stay real and go with your instinct. You are a original!

Oregon Jim
January 19, 2007

Yanni
Think it’d be fun to do an episode on Muscadet as a follow-up to this episode on Rieslings. Muscadet(the ‘melon’ grape), to my young pallette, seems to have alot of similar properties to many of the Rieslings I’ve had. I’m enjoying a great ‘03 at the moment.
January 19, 2007

Vinifera
Hey Gary –

Great show on the rieslings. But, I have to say, while you did mention new world rielings you forgot to mention the rieslings from the Finger Lakes region of New York. We love our rieslings up here! In fact, Wine Spectator focused on some of these great wines in the May ‘06 issue. I would love to gee you do a new world riesling taste-off, comparing Californian, Oregonian, and Finger Lakes rieslings…that would be too cool. Just don’t forget us :0
January 19, 2007

Gordon
You rock Gary!!!

I love German Rieslings.
I remember being at a party where everyone were Chardonnay drinkers and I ordered a bottle of Reinhold Haart Spatlese. After twirling the glass for a few seconds they were intrigued by the bouquet. Needless to say the bottle was finished and I converted a bunch to Riesling.
January 19, 2007

eugene
Gary,
Thanks for bringing Rieslings to the show. I am a big fan of them but so far I havenâ€™t found German one that I like a lot. A few of them that I tried put me off with sweetness. I love Alsatians on the other hand. I guess my preference is for dry Rieslings.

Yes please tape some episodes for us while youâ€™re away and send some clips from vacation so Eric can insert them in the episode! Have a nice vacation, you deserve it.

QOTD:

I am recently into Loire wines both red and whites.
January 19, 2007

Eric B
Gary,
I love Thai food as well, and I’m torn between riesling and gewurztraminer for a pairing. I have to say that I’m leaning more towards a good gewurz with floral and lychee flavors. Regardless, I love riesling and that is my favorite wine overall. I’ve been trying some chenins but it is harder to find good chenin (Dry Creek Vineyard and Vouvray being exceptions).
Don’t even THINK of taping an episode on vaycation!! relax and enjoy your time off.
January 19, 2007

Finest Wine Racks
Fantastic coverage on the seldom shared Rieslings. It seems like every party you go to, never has a decent Riesling. I hope the hosts and hostesses out there see this!

Ken
January 19, 2007

Raymond
Gary,
This would probably be the episode, which you had spat out the least.
Those wines are indeed serious and undoubtedly delicious.
January 19, 2007

David
Gary,

Good job, enjoyed your love for wines. However, I think it might make more sense if you can tell the viewers what wine regions the 4 rieslings are coming from. As you know, the different regions in Germany offer different styles of Riesling, some are sweeter, some are more acidic, some has a nice fizz to them, and some are even more food friendly than others. I think just an overbroad category is fine, but hopefully you dive into a more specific region, or a comparison between the regions the next time.
January 19, 2007

Nathan N
Enjoy your vacation and good luck on the live show today.

QOTD: I’m loven Spain now
January 19, 2007

Brady
Hey all, I’ve been watching these wblogs dailey for about a month now. I did start from the beginning so this I didn’t missing anything. I’m hooked, I love your (Gary V) personality on wine and I think it definetly opens more eyes to the world of wine. Keep up the good work, can’t wait for teh live broadcast!!!
January 19, 2007

Nicholas
QOTD: I’ve been drinking different international Syrah mixes — like Malbec/Syrah (Chile, Maule Valley), Montestrell/Syrah (in Spain’s Jumilla), etc.

There are some killer reds coming out, and cheap, all of which host some Syrah — good with grilled meats and a large orange cheese named Mimolette, which I once heard the French used as a replacement for cannonballs (when cannonballs were in short supply).

Taste some of these Syrah mixes, Gary, I’d love to hear what you think about these.
January 19, 2007

Mark Block
Interesting that only 3 people mentioned Pinot Noir as their favorite grape, and two of them specified New World Pinot. It’s been my experience that Pinot Noir is fragile and one of the most difficult grapes to turn into a good wine. Maybe that’s just my taste buds. When I named my favorite grapes earlier, I didn’t even bother to list it, it’s so far down on my list.

When I was in my 20s and just learning about wine, my father had a pretty good Burgundy collection, so that’s what first got me into red wine. However, I can’t remember the last time I had a Burgundy that was even remotely worth the price. When friends bring them over as dinner party gifts, I’m always eager to try them, but usually find the taste simple, light and a bit bland — at best. Maybe they’re just too subtle for my aging palate.

And speaking of bland, here’s a grape mentioned by NO ONE: Gamay (Beaujolais). With good reason, if you ask me.
January 19, 2007

Brady
errr, I think I need a personal editor. Hehe. Maybe 7:30am is to early to start tasting wine?
January 19, 2007

mikeyrad
Want to try a killer food and wine pairing? Try a Spatlese, or even better, an Auslese with steak! It may be unusual, but the combination of sweetness and acidity in rieslings are wonderful foils to the charcoal taste of the meat.
January 19, 2007

Lawrence Leichtman
Have a great vacation. You will be missed during that time off though. Rieslings have been a major struggle in my house. I lived in Munich for a year and learned to love them though my flavor profile tends toward Rheingau and Rheinhessen not Mosel as I think these were. My wife absolutely hates German Rielings saying they are too sweet or fruity or other lame reasons to force more blah oak monster Chardonnays to the table. I love them alway the way to TBA’s and ice wines (just a tad too expensive nowdays). I have tried sneaking up to the with Alsatian Rieslings but on Pinot Gris or Pinot Blanc from Alsace ever seem to make a hit. If anyone has a clue how to change someone’s tastes please let me know. For whites right now Soave, GrÃ¼ner Veltliner, Sauvignons are high on my list with my just beginning to try several Spanish whites though I don’t knw the grapes as well.
January 19, 2007

Elliot Essman
Addicted: Semillon, ever since I visited Hunter Valley last year.

Washington State L’Ecole No 41 2004 Fries Vineyard also does some advanced work with this grape.
January 19, 2007

Hinrgman
Gary,

It would be good to revisit some of the earlier WLTV episodes.

Ones that you pick out for their significance.

With all the newer viewers I am sure there are some episodes they probably have never seen.
January 19, 2007

WINO
Don’t worry about us Gary- vacation away, we’ll be fine without you. PLenty of old shows to watch.

Love Rieslings. Been drinking the J&H Strub and Leitz Dragonstone for awhile. Great with Chinese/Thai Food.

QOTD- Really trying not to drink just one thing these days. Bouncing around alot.
January 19, 2007

mikeyrad
Lawrence Leichtman, try bringing home a Kabinet or Spatlese Trocken (not TBA) and don’t let your wife see the bottle. Tell her that it’s a California or NZ Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are dry with just a hint of sweetness (no oak, though).
January 19, 2007

Skip
My current addiction is viognier and viognier-roussanne blends. You ought to try ‘em.
January 19, 2007

tp
Thanks for doing the Reislings, great episode. . . love them also.
My advice. go have a great and relaxing vacation and don’t worry about taping. There are lots of good past episodes to flip through and I enjoy doing that anyway.
January 19, 2007

Chris D.
Love the Rieslings. I’m a self admitted red wine snob, but the one white I’ll always jump at is a German Riesling. Prum, Tanisch, Balbach…

QOTD — Have been diggin the Spaniards… Montrasell(Mourverdre), Grenache, Tempranillo….
January 19, 2007

Emery Gerencser
Turned my daughter-in-law and niece on to Rieslings last year. Neither of them thought much of drinking wine before then. They just love the sweet aspect of the wine and ” never thought wine could taste like that”. I’ll have to stock up on the 2005’s, my 2001’s are all but gone thanks to our newly minted wine lovers. Have a great time on your well deserved vacation.
January 19, 2007

Boucher
My current addiction is verdejo – from Rueda, Spain.
Infact, I suggest doing a tasting on native spanish white wines.
January 19, 2007

Joyce
Gary…thanks for mentioning that NJ doesn’t ’smell’…it doesn’t, mostly, it has some great features, perhaps most notably, Wine Library!

Secondly, I’m torn between letting you off the hook for a well-deserved vacation and asking that you stockpile episodes for viewing in your absence. Maybe a quick daily wine tasting from your pool chaise or beach towel, for our viewing pleasure? You decide….no pressure….:)
January 19, 2007

aktormedic
There is nothing like licking the sweet wet rock of a Riesling….or as some may say, the underlying minerality…but sounds better my way, no?
January 19, 2007

AlisonD
Thanks for the Rieslning suggestions…will definitely try!
January 19, 2007

Arnold
QOD: Viognier
What’s Condrieu?
January 19, 2007

The Vaniac formerly know as JohnC
Condrieu is a very expensive, Northern Rhone wine made with Viognier Grapes.

I have been exploring Viogniers recently too. I am more of a red wine drinker, but my wife likes white and is tired of the tongue-depressor chards out there, but wants a white that is dry, fragrent and full-bodied.

Gary – take the vacation. Start up again when you get back.

Thanks for the webcasts. You deserve a break.
January 19, 2007

yowens44
Take a break from the show- you clearly deserve it. couldn’t agree more about Rieslings- have found finger lakes, NY not a bad region in the US for the riesling. Have a good vacation!
January 19, 2007

DJA
GREAT EPISODE!!!!!!!!! My favorite grape, and German’s (especially the Mosels) are my favorite. I’ve been posting this from way back that riesling are the best. I had a differend Gunderloch Spatlese and its one of my favorite wines. The only draw back is that if it catches on it will drive the prices up which would be a shame!!
Wow, Italian reds and German rieslings in one week.
January 20, 2007

glenn
been working like a dog for 48 hours and just finished this episode! love Riesling and loved this episode. sweet work with the cork toss too.

QotD: Sangiovese. if i was restricted to just one grape i’d pick Sangiovese as i love it with food.

next episode upon your return: Auslese baby. suh-weet.
January 20, 2007

KMANN
Orange curd?!? Come on, you picked that out of a book…
January 20, 2007

KMANN
Send one in from PR…that’s enough. Take a true break.

Enjoy the Boricua’s…fantastic people / place.
January 20, 2007

DS in DC
Gary, given your admitted fetish for Riesling, could you also do an episode on GewÃ¼rztraminer? I’ve used the latter, with it’s sweetness, to compliment spicy foods. Also, take some time off and don’t worry about the Vayniacs, we’ll muddle through while you enjoying your much-needed vacation.
January 20, 2007

Jon E
Very Late comment my apologies. Anyways G-Man take the vacation, enjoy you earned it. No need for shows until you get back. Big-ups on the Riesling, just next time give JJ Prum some love, I mean he’s like the godfather. Have some respect.

QOTD: I think people will really have a hard time finding this guys stuff, but theres a winemaker named Joe Otos, who does stuff for a label called Owl Ridge and Willowbrook. His Pinots are ridiculous, Owl Ridge is a custom crush facility in Sebastopol that does stuff for Dumal and tons of great producers. Anyways if anyone can seek this guy out his stuff is killer. He did an 04′ Dutton Morelli Pinot, unbelievable.
January 20, 2007

ThomasS
Gary, one word: awesome!
No, I am serious, I was just waiting for this kind of episode. More of this. Why? Well, I suppose as wine drinker I was trained on Riesling and especially these Mosel-Saar-Ruwer ones. It just across the border for me (100 km): no distance from the one and only wine Walhalla, Winehalla, Weinhalla . My passion for wines did not really start with just “that singular great bottle” (of d’Yquem 1945), no, I just kinda rolled into it with Italian wines. Love them as you know, but then I think the German wines did the trick. It was with them I had the first awe inspiring experiences, and, so, for me still they are just ‘it’ (whatever that means). This cleaness, pureness, extreme focus, terrific balance and perfect integration of sweety, almost overripe fruits and high toned acidity are to be found in almost no other wines. This aromatic potential gives them such a huge structure, easily supporting botrytis, slate, kerosine, those ‘enfleurage’-scents, I dunno, I always go nuts about them when I have a good one. It’s also the most guarded part of my cellar: nobody will touch them, nobody will choose them, I know it’s nerdy and peevish but you know, I, just being a student, can afford these great wines!
I completely agree with you on the Von Hovel and the Haart, they are both great (had them a few weeks ago on a fair). As for the Gunderloch … I dunno, I always give them a try, and they never seem to please me: to sweet (as for the balance), a little bit fuzzy on the finish, no lift, … to my (very humble) opinion they are overrated (didn’t it just all start with a WS-article?). I always doubt my own palate when tasting them. Just everybody says they are great, the greatest, the supreme, the epitome, … but my palate says ‘no’ (as the computer in Little Britain ). Am I wrong? It’s just that I go for my own to the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Nahe or Rheingau and have had much better, I think: Loosen, Thanish and LAUERBURG (especially the last one, disgrace that this small producer is unknown) or Molitor, BÃ¼rklin-Wolff’s Wachenheimer Gerumpel, … I get emotional when I talk about these wines. Especially the Lauerburg: he has the botrytis and kerosine on his hands, it’s not that all his wines are superb, but when they are (i.e. 1999 Bernkasteer Lay Auslese) then they are beyond any comparison: focus (yes that’s what it’s all about for me), abundancy of honeysuckle, pineapple, kiwi, lime zest-confit, curry, iodine, kerosine (it’s almost as if they crush the rock and throw it in the tanks). Just try it. His Doktors Auslese and SpÃ¤tlese 2005 are of that one and sole class of wines you ‘ll never forget.

Haaaaaaaa, anyway … QOTD: yep I’m into Riesling. Other varietals: Nero (Uva) di Troia, Pinotage and recently Barbera. I am preparing a Barbera d’Asti tasting for March. Great wines, really good QPR, but then, the Asti-growers are becoming aware of their potential … . Maybe an idea for another episode? Barbera?

Oh yes: tape some eps for when you’re away. Really, you make my day. I’d miss your cork throwing, grinning with a mouth full, …
January 20, 2007

Joe Po
VACATION: Time away from the every-day-routine! Leave us without episodes so we will be gasping for your return routine!
RIESLING: Way to go, Gary! Now you have turned your Vayniac hordes onto a well kept underpriced secret! I love Rieslings and have been telling my friends that this is the grape to go to with spicy foods and seafood.Good by under $15 bottles! St.Urbans-hof, now there is a wonderfulbargain wine.
QOD: Riesling & Zins
January 20, 2007

Slick
Hey Gary, I’m a long time viewer but sporadic contributor, but your show on Rieslings today really got me POed You’ve let the cat out of the bag! Rieslings from the Rhine Valley, Mosel, Nahe and Alsace are by far the most sublime wines in the world. I was a red wine snob (big Cabs taking front seat) until last January when I frequented a local wine store here in South Jersey and the great staff there convinced me to expand my horizons and I ended up purchasing a mixed case of 6 reds and 6 whites. The wines we’re all of high quality and by far my favorite was the Riesling Spatlese (I also loved the wines of the Rhone (especially Chateauneuf de Pape), Italian Piedmont reds including Barbera and Dolcettos and Vourays from the Loire.) Well I’ve definately become an addict and have since bought a wine cooler for the dining room and am eyeing a desirable location in my cellar. My latest favorite Rieslings are the 2003 Wein & Sektgut Thielen Merlen Fettgarten Riesling Spatlese, the 2002 Weingut Ratzenberger Steeger St. Jost Riesling Spatlese Trocken and the
2004 Peter Jakob Kuhn Oestricher Riesling QbA Trocken. All 95+ in my book (and under $20 if you can still get them.)

Wine TV came along the same time I was changing my narrow opinion of wine and has been a font of knowledge for me during the last year (I think I need another part time job to support my habit!) I’ve enjoyed the Malbec I purchased recently from you and look forward to taking a detour to WL on my next trip north. Keep up the great work (put shhh! on the Riesling.)
Peace
January 20, 2007

R/Eason
Gary,

Love the Riesling Episode. I lived in Germany for a few years, really developed a taste for Riesling. One suggestion – “Spatlese” is pronounced SCHPAWT-LAY-ZA (not SCHPAT-lace).

Anyway, Cool episode! Have a great vacation!

R/Eason
January 20, 2007

Kwan
Gary, you have singlehandedly created a new (expensive!) habit for me. I haven’t had a Riesling in a long time but it was the first type wine I ever tried. I remember it being sweet sweet SWEET, and the glass I had on New Year’s day brought back the same memories – way too much sugar for me to want to drink it at any other time than at dessert. I’ve kind of become a Shiraz snob lately, so I’m looking forward to the bottles I just ordered from this show to help switch things up a bit.

And thanks for tasting a few Chenin Blancs. The bottle I ordered from you guys was awesome.
January 21, 2007

Vinacull
He shoots he scores on the VAYNER-BOUNCE! Cool beans Gary. Have a great vacation with family. We’ll miss you, but please do NOT tape any episodes while gone. As others have said here it defeats the purpose of the vacation if you’re working. When you come back you’ll be full batt and the creative vino juices for more EPs will be flowing. I fully appreciate the complexity and value of the German Rieslings, but admit we don’t buy them enough because we enjoy less the ones that tend toward sweetness; the trick is finding the right ones. QOTD: Drinking more wines lately with tempranillo to explore this varietal.
January 22, 2007

Miguelo DiMarco
If I drink white wine, I won’t have the “I drink wine for the health benefits” excuse for drinking wine.

I totally go through the grape-type phases. I’m currently hooked on da Syrah – going through 3-a-week to find the bliss. So far, the best is the Clos Pegase Syrah/Cabernet blend over any syrah varietal. So much of that clove and anise spice, I want to eat the glass that it’s poured into.

I dug up a 2002 Delicato Syrah 3L Bota Box (the brand/vintage/type 90-point box wine – Wine Enthusiast) from my local grocery store. They had “stored” it on the shelf in the back behind the 2003 and 2005 vintages Bota Boxes and on sale for $12.99 (the amount of 4 bottles of 90-point wine for under 13 bucks!). I’ve been drinking it and it is a 90-pointer – fruit bomb, super-jammy black fruit, not enough syrah spice as I like, but great QPR overall and probably the last time I will find the 2002, though other years have ranked high for the money.
January 22, 2007

thomas korent
I am currently on a Sauvignon Blanc trip – this grape is so interestingly different, depending on where you plant it. I’ve lived in Friuli (northeastern Italy) for 2 years and they make lovely Sauvignons there (especially the “collio”), but I’ve also had some from New Zealand (Cloudy Bay, or the one from the Ornellaia – founders, Campo di Sasso), Chili (tried that Casa Lapostolle Gary recently commented on) and I’m still not tired of it, because everyone of those goes in a completely different direction.
By the way, Gary: you think German Rieslings are Grand in 2005 – for the sake of the whole wine community: try some Austrian Whites! Rieslings, GrÃ¼ner Veltliners, Pinot Blancs – they are amazing and already hard to find!
January 23, 2007

Jahlove
Thank you for this episode! I’m so tired of arguing with my friends over German Riesling and the whole sweetness perception. The best white wine I have ever had was a German Riesling. And I mean it’s not even close. And I’m not particularly a fan of sweet wines. One thing I wanted to ask you about though is your preference for drinking them young. I mean some of these wines have like 10-20 year drinking windows. Do you think drinking or at least judging them at this stage can be a tad unfair. I mean that disjointed, closed bottle might evolve into something more memorable down the line. No?
January 23, 2007

Smith MBA
Gary,

I just came back from VayK and am catching up on the back episodes. Take the time off and don’t do the show. If you don’t take a break I will punch you in the face with a lemon pie. Enjoy the time off and get a tan man.
January 23, 2007

Spitfire
Ok, I’m catching up after that Saints loss. I love Riesling. I wish you wouldn’t talk about it much either because I don’t want the prices to freaking skyrocket.

QOD: Zin. I can’t believe it because I really hated it a while back.
March 16, 2007

David
Just an FYI it’s pronounced “spate lazey” in German.
Love Riesling!
David
August 10, 2007

GrapeStuff
Great episode GV! I adore riesling, its really the grape that got me turned onto wine. QOTD: Drinking a lot of syrah right now, but this episode has inspired me to go and stock up on some of the ‘05 rieslings in the next couple weeks. I knew the ‘05 was supposed to be amazing, and it looks like it is. I think I will go for some of the lesser known labels, as it appears “even Poppa Smurf” coulda made good German riesling in 2005. Cheers, GV!
December 27, 2007

Todd Smith
Solid episode. It’s been a while since I had a Riesling but my mouth is watering for one right now. QOTD – Lately it’s been 05 Baudry Chinon Les Grange and 05 Ladoucette Pouilly Fume, some 05 Palacios Bierzo and 04 Atalayas Ribera del Duero – still finding lots of great 04’s in Spain and Italy.
November 2, 2008

Jay
Awesome episode. Very informative and will get me to try Rieslings. Nice toss at the end =)
May 29, 2009

Phredd
Love the rieslings. Maybe my favorite grape. S.A. Prumm Essence is one of my always-on-hand wines. Not as good as the ones you tried here, but easy to get and a very nice QPR.
October 20, 2009

John J.
qotd: at the moment the savagnin grape, especially the vin jaunes. although, i can feel corvina is gonna be the next one i get hooked on.

Gary, would be great to see you do a vin jaune episode on here

2005 German Rieslings – Episode #169

Wines tasted in this episode:

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