150 Responses

1. January 23, 2007

   CW

   Viogniers are underrated.

2. January 23, 2007

   Lynne

   Gary, You didn’t have to do this…you’re
   supposed to take a “vaycation”! But thanks for
   feeding our addiction.

3. January 23, 2007

   Hinrgman

   Thanks again Gary

   hope you are enjoying your vacation

4. January 23, 2007

   Susan

   Gary-
   Hey, thanks for taping so many eps
   before you left!
   Viogniers are underrated!
   Everyone keep voting for Gary!
   http://www.localwineevents.com/blogs/blog_list.php
   Vote often- once a day or more!!
   

5. January 23, 2007

   Lynne

   QOD: No, but now I want to try it.

6. January 23, 2007

   Smith MBA

   Top 10 weird. Gary, take a break.

7. January 23, 2007

   Susan

   Gary-
   Wow – this is
   EARLY!
   

8. January 23, 2007

   Italian Stallion

   top 10

9. January 23, 2007

   Tony S.

   I love Whetstone Pinots…I had a couple, and they are great. I’d like to try their Viognier. As for the QOD: Yes. But, I don’t remember getting any butterscotch or caramel in the nose…sounds kinda CA Chardonnay like to me. But I like those too.

   I liked the short episode, especially since I only watch this at work. See you later man, enjoy your vacation.
   GO BEARS!!!

   T

10. January 23, 2007

    Italian Stallion

    QOD: Never had a Viognier

11. January 23, 2007

    stephen from the ATLizzle

    11?

12. January 23, 2007

    Paul M

    QOD: yes, love them … to bad they are a bit expensive

13. January 23, 2007

    Ken

    Most of the Viognier that I’ve had is from Condrieu which IMO is where the best Viognier is made. I had one this past Thanksgiving, the White Knight or something like that, and I wasn’t that wild about it. About 5 years ago I had a Viognier with blackened grouper and this was a great match. When added to a Cote Rotie, Viognier really makes for exotic aromatics.

14. January 23, 2007

    jon777

    Thanks for the ep! Hoping your enjoying the vacation…

    QOTD: Yes

    Anyone have any recommendations for Viognier at the under $20 price point. The most common one i’ve had is the EXP Viognier, which is fine, but to paraphrase Gary, didn’t change my life. I’m sure there are better QPR Viognier’s out there…

15. January 23, 2007

    Matthew L

    You gotta love getting new shows while Gary’s on vacation.

    QOTD: Yes. I’ve had a number of Viogniers. I’ve also had several Australian reds that use 10% or less of Viognier to blend, and presumably soften the wine.

16. January 23, 2007

    Tangaroa

    YES!
    I tried some viogner at some off the beaten path shack of a store somewhere in Sonoma. This is interesting…

    It was DESSERT wine!
    Super sweet.

    I didn’t care for it.

17. January 23, 2007

    flavasauce

    I heart you Gary Vaynerchuck!
    QOTD: Yes, but never had one that blew me away and honestly $28 is a little steep in my opinion for a 91 point white.

18. January 23, 2007

    Darrell T.

    Yes, I have had an Alban Vigioner 2002

19. January 23, 2007

    GregK

    QOTD: yes. A French vigioner (Didier) a number of years ago, hated it. Had ??? (CA) vigioner within last 1-2 years and it was good, from what I remember. Just not on my list of favorite grapes.

20. January 23, 2007

    KAHUNA

    You better bring 2 clone 5 bottles and more than that warehouse crew with ya! I am ready for a rumble! I’m not no fireman Ed you know! Cracked me up I was laughing my ass off- If you get a chance strap a little chum around your neck and head into the gulf I hear thats a good way to get the dolphins to play with you!

    LOL!!!!

21. January 23, 2007

    KAHUNA

    QOTD-YES MANY- I even made it last year

22. January 23, 2007

    KAHUNA

    What is the cellar life in general of a wine like this

23. January 23, 2007

    David Canada

    QOTD – No, only blended with Syrahs, never a straight Viogner.
    Enjoy the vacation.

24. January 23, 2007

    CHEF

    Yes…I love the Viognier’s from Cali…Russian River and Mendocino County…Bonterra Viognier 2004 is my Fav…

    +CHEF
    -Whenever someone asks what your making for dinner, tell them “Reservations”…

25. January 23, 2007

    ChadD

    Hey I keep checking out the site planning on a watching some of the 40 odd old episodes that I’ve yet to watch when…wow there is a new episode. Thanks!
    QOTD Yes

26. January 23, 2007

    stewart l

    I love viogniers-always looking for agood deal on these as there are rarely any inexpensive ones

27. January 23, 2007

    JimVarney01

    Great episode, thanks for looking out for us Vayniacs and taping some before you left! Hope you’re having a great time!!!!

    QOTD: No, soon hopefully!!!

28. January 23, 2007

    a4cb

    Viognier a great summer time wine and Rosenblum Kathy’s Cuvee is one of my favorites and reasonably priced. I have only come across one Viognier that I was not very impressed with and that was Cold Heaven “Le Bon Climat Vineyard”

29. January 23, 2007

    Shir-Az

    QOD: Have only had the Mollydooker Viognier. Not bad but not great.

30. January 23, 2007

    mbannon

    Wow Gary, what’s the deal? You didn’t tape an episode for every day of vacation did you?? That would be nuts. Groovy, but nuts.

    QOD – Yep, I love ‘em.

31. January 23, 2007

    The Grackle

    Ha! He called Kahuna a moron and a jerkoff.

32. January 23, 2007

    ChadB

    QOD: Yes (Another Russian River / Sonoma Viogner … La Crema)

33. January 23, 2007

    SS Chris

    GARY, Thanks for flying up each day on your WLTV Gulfstream to crank out a quick EP.
    (Should we call it the VaynerJET?)

    QOD: Never had a Viognier…but will git me sum of dis.

34. January 23, 2007

    SteveB

    QOTD: Yes, a few. Some I can remember: Yalumba, Trefethen and Garretson.

35. January 23, 2007

    The Grackle

    QOD: The most memorable Viognier I’ve had was one out of Texas. McPherson Cellars. Don’t remember the vintage. Maybe Gary could taste some wines from “under the radar” states like Texas.

36. January 23, 2007

    waibeans

    SS Chris and Italian Stallion.. you better check the wine list from the Hoboken meetup, if I’m not mistaken Barbotus brought a nice one. Oh wait that’s right SS you were LATE and missed it. LOL (sorry buddy)

    GV.. great one again, hope you’re enjoying your time in the Sun. I’m glad you decided to mix it up for us this time and remembered to change your shirt.

37. January 23, 2007

    Mike C

    remember sun tan lotion….you don’t want to get your white Russian skin burned! QOTD: No there are a lot of wines I haven’t tried…total newb.

38. January 23, 2007

    GottaGoDrink

    Gary- Thanks for the episode. You rock!

    QOD- Only ones I’ve had were too spritzy for me. Have to try more.

    BTW- Am I the only one who thinks Gary and Rex Grossman could be twins?

39. January 23, 2007

    Nathan N

    Nope, never had any

40. January 23, 2007

    cgf

    G-Money,

    You are a rock for giving us a Vaynerfix while we are away.

    QOD: Yes, only Cali ones though. Never a Frenchy unfortunately.

41. January 23, 2007

    Tom T.

    It is great to see you did not leave us behind.
    Hope you and the Family are having a great trip.

    QOTD – Yes.

42. January 23, 2007

    Paul

    Love Viognier, but the best is Condrieu. Lots of new world ones are also good, but quite different. Have several in the cellar.

43. January 23, 2007

    BV

    Wine Library TV-Lite — nice touch!

    QOD:
    Pre-Ep: No.
    Post-Ep: Not yet!

    Bill V.

44. January 23, 2007

    barclay

    Awesome. I dig viognier.

    Last one i had (and i happened to REALLY like it) was the Eberle 2002 Viognier from Paso Robles.

45. January 23, 2007

    damon

    yes, a few. some quite good. all the ones i’ve had tend to be high in alc. %

46. January 23, 2007

    orion9

    QOTD: The only one I’ve had was a Treana (unknown % of marsanne & viognier.) It was different from anything I’ve ever had, fuller mouth feel. Does anyone know how it compares to the viognier Gary featured today?

    (Has anyone tried the Whetstone pionot noir? How was it?)

47. January 23, 2007

    SS Chris

    Waibeens, You got me….

    Did I really miss that wine?

48. January 23, 2007

    waibeans

    nope.. it seems you’ve called me on it in fact.

    Serves me right to open my big mouth like that.. LOL

    I was thinking of this: 1990 Domaine du Viking Vouvray Tendre

    Vouvray / Viognier.. what’s the difference right?

49. January 23, 2007

    Lb in KS

    only 1 Viognier have I had, and tried it when I was first trying to figure wine out. Bridlewood Reserve. Somebody I know recommended this. I didn’t like it. Can’t remember why…..I should find another bottle and give it a 2nd chance.

50. January 23, 2007

    mikeyrad

    Yes, I’ve had many a Viognier at restaurants, I don’t think that I’ve ever bought one. The Whetstone might be a good place to start.

51. January 23, 2007

    Rob B

    No I have not had any Viognier’s.

52. January 23, 2007

    MBG

    Miner makes a fairly good viognier, I believe it’s Simpson Vineyard. Also, Tablas Creek produces some nice white Rhone blends. Alot of cool Rhone stuff is happening down in the south and middle central coast. Qupe, Alban, Tablas Creek etc.

    MBG

53. January 23, 2007

    Bill T.

    QOTD – The only Viognier I have ever tried was from a tasting at Martha Clara Vineyards on Long Island and it was okay but I wasn’t impressed but then again I’m not really impressed by any LI wine. The QPR just isn’t there. It’s got to be hard to produce a quality wine at a good price when land costs $250,000+ an acre and taxes are out of control. Seems like it’s more of a rich man’s hobby then a business.

54. January 23, 2007

    Full Throttle

    What a coincidence, I just picked up some Viognier this afternoon – the Yalumba from down under. Nice bottle and under 10 ‘bones’! Why isn’t Viognier the next chardonnay? They are much more interesting and generally better made.

55. January 23, 2007

    Justin

    Yes I have had viognier. Many times actually. Marilyn Remark makes a really nice bone dry viognier. they only made 192 cases of their 2005. Nice small production wine. Good juice

56. January 23, 2007

    MiamiDolphins

    QOTD: No

    Hope you are enjoying your vacation

57. January 23, 2007

    Spitfire

    No, I haven’t had a viognier yet, but I was going to try one soon when it got a little warmer. For some reason, in my mind, I need it warmer to drink whites except rieslings. They are just too bad ass to not drink all year around. I will try this one out.

    – Ben Lee on the MS Gulf Coast

58. January 23, 2007

    mike volker

    yes

59. January 23, 2007

    Rich S

    QOD: Yes, I have and unfortunately did not like the one I had. Granted, it was a cheap offering (under $10) so maybe that is a possible reason. I will seek out a higher quality viognier to give it a 2nd chance but I tend not to like big whites. I enjoy rieslings, un-oaked chards and sauvignon blanc and maybe pinot gris. But I am always up for trying new wines and giving different varietals another shot.

60. January 23, 2007

    JayZee

    QOD: Yes!!!

61. January 23, 2007

    E-Rock

    Nope. Can not say that I have, but maybe Kahuna will give me some of his home made.

62. January 23, 2007

    laposte

    GV,
    Give me a V.
    Give me a A.
    Give me a C.
    Give me a A.
    Give me a T.
    Give me a I.
    Give me a O.
    Give me a N.

    What’s that spell?….I can’t hear you…again. OK that’s better now get off you Mac and enjoy yourself

63. January 23, 2007

    StanVH

    Yup!

64. January 23, 2007

    Jeremy_H

    Yes, I have had Viognier, it is one of my favorite white wines. My favorite has to be Iron Horse T-bar-T. Alexander Valley, Sonoma. In a pinch, Honey Moon from Trader Joe’s will do better than any other Viognier for the $! (5.99 I think)

65. January 23, 2007

    Martin

    No, I have never had a viognier. I would like to though; crab legs sound nice.

66. January 23, 2007

    yoshi

    QOTD No. enjoy your vacation

67. January 23, 2007

    sbpwjm

    have not had…

68. January 23, 2007

    Dominus

    QOTD: Yep! There are few varietals I have not tried. There is a winery in Virginia that produces a very nice Viognier called Horton. One of the very few Virginia wines I like but it is oh so good.

    Now back to some sun!

    Dom

    Go Colts!

69. January 23, 2007

    winejedi

    thanks for taking the time before vacation to tape these episodes!! QOTD: i have not tried one yet but i will now.

70. January 23, 2007

    chogan

    I had a Viognier at a tasting that was so good I signed up for their wine club.

    It was at Rideau Vineyards in the Santa Barbara area. They make a lot of Spanish and Italian style wines and some interesting meritage blends. Very much under the radar as well.

71. January 23, 2007

    E

    Yes, but viognier makes me go “meh”.

72. January 23, 2007

    Dave C

    QOD – I had an AMAZING 05 Viognier from South Coast Winery in Temecula a few months ago. Brought home 6 bottles. I’m a huge fan of viognier, mainly because the aromatics are so much different from chardonnay. Great stuff.

73. January 23, 2007

    Jahlove

    Yes. It’s not a varietal I seek out often. I’ve got to be in the mood for it. Sometimes find it obnoxious (and not in the way you like to use it). Best one I’ve ever had was a Yves Cuilleron from Northern Rhone (not quite Condrieu, but close). Incredibly aromatic nose and just a huge palette of spiced super ripe pear. Last one I remember drinking was from Australia’s Yalumba – pretty decent – screw top too, always a plus.

74. January 23, 2007

    Badger Ann

    QOTD: No, but I have a bottle of Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viognier in my basement. I received it as a gift a few months ago, but now I’m interested in giving it a try.

75. January 23, 2007

    Benji

    QOTD:

    Yes, I’ve tried the RH Philips EXP Viognier. It was not a very memorable wine, but a good value.

76. January 23, 2007

    acousticdoc

    QOTD: Yes, I just had one yesterday. I took a chance on Clos LaChance 2005 Estate. Pretty good deal at $14. First one I ever had and was not disappointed. Thanks for the show Gary!!

77. January 23, 2007

    Capt M

    Thanks for another “Bonus” episode!

78. January 23, 2007

    labmat

    I can’t believe were still seeing new episodes. I love the dedication!

    QOD: No but you can be sure I will now.

    -Matt L

79. January 23, 2007

    Marc Mc

    yes

80. January 23, 2007

    JonE

    QOTD: Yes, but not nearly as many 100% Viognier, as the the small percentage Viognier blends out of Cali. As for Badger Ann, I think you will really enjoy the Pine Ridge. We ton that stuff out at the two stores I buy for. Its actually an all around favorite white. Viognier is also fun for the fact that most people who don’t know it try to pronounce it vee-ogg-ner. I think everyone out there that can find it should try Copain’s Saison Des Vins Viognier, its a real winner.

81. January 23, 2007

    TagWorld Brian

    Tried a Yalumba Viognier. Nice. Also tried another one, but I can’t remember the name. Geez, Gary – I want to buy every wine that you like. But (1) I can’t afford that everyday, (2) if I could, where would I store it?, and (3) sometimes they sell out before I can even pull the trigger. But keep up the great work. I’m definitely fired up… and the whites have my imagination more than the reds right now, which is a new phenomenon for me.

82. January 23, 2007

    TagWorld Brian

    Oy Vay! Forgot to say, enjoy your vacation.

83. January 23, 2007

    JonE

    Condrieu, love it! Guigals 04′ is stellar. Totally forgot about that.

84. January 23, 2007

    Celia

    QOD: Never had. But I certainly will try one now.
    Just recieved my shipment From WL sans shipping. I can’t wait to taste and compare with your notes now. Gots me some merlot, cabs, reisling..

    These last two epi’s have been a pleasant surprise. Time to get busy relaxing, tho, I think – no?

85. January 23, 2007

    Joe P.

    Gair,

    I’m not a routine white wine drinker, ALTHOUGH I do love white wine… I just love Red more! But, I have had lots of viognier. Plenty from CA, but being from Virginia, I have to tell you, although our red Bordeaux varietals still have a little ways to go (probably owing lots to the weather, which doesn’t typically favor perfect ripeness) our viognier is fantastic. Maybe you should taste some wines from VA! You do Cali, France, Italy, blah blah blah, how about the Commonwealth! Mr. Jefferson would be proud! jp

86. January 23, 2007

    Mark Block

    Probably a third of the white wines I’ve had in the last 5 years were Viognier or had Viognier in the blend. Every time I’m in the Wine Library I look to see if there are any Viogniers under $24 — the Whetstone is just over my “what-the-hell-I’ll-try-it” limit. BTW, I’ve also looked for an affordable Condrieu but haven’t ever had a decent one under $40.

    The first wine I ever drank with Viognier in the blend was the old Caymus Conundrum. My currnet favorite blend with Viognier is The Other, $10.99, which Gary rated 89 points back in November. I’ve been drinking it for a while, and friends who’ve tried it at my house all raved. It’s the best “everyday” white going.

87. January 23, 2007

    hockeystick2583

    Hell Yes!!! They rock my socks off frequently.

88. January 23, 2007

    John Blue Label

    Gary, Thanks for the bonus episodes.
    QOTD: yes, a couple. Had a Kunde 2003 which went very well with Pan seared Tuna. Also, EXP. It is also blended nicely in one of your thanksgiving specials, The Other White from Peirano. Fabulous wine. Don’t get sunburned.

    JW

89. January 23, 2007

    EJ

    thanks for the surprise episodes while on vacation.

    QOD- yes, stag’s leap

90. January 23, 2007

    eugene

    Nice shirt, man! Where did you get one?

    QOTD:
    I like French viognier.
    I also had one nice one from Washington State.

91. January 23, 2007

    boingoal

    Gary,
    Last Viognier was a Murray. Great bottle! Thanks for the bonus.

92. January 23, 2007

    Bexter

    QOD: Absolutely!
    A couple of my favorites happen to be quite affordable: “Renwood 2004 Select Series” (~$12) and “Jean-Luc Colombo 2004 Viognier La Violette” (~$14).

    Thanks for thinking of your diehard Vayniacs and pre-taping the eps!

93. January 23, 2007

    Steve R

    qotd: Yep — and I really like the rich, full-bodied feel of the wines.

94. January 23, 2007

    eltejano

    QOTD: yes, I have.
    I like three – Cline has a good (and cheap) one from Sonoma county, and both Rosenblum and Copain have a nice viognier from Catie’s Corner.

95. January 23, 2007

    Lenny

    Never that I know of.

96. January 23, 2007

    Dave-from-Katonah

    QOTD – Nope, not yet…but maybe this newbie, with the help of GV and WLTV, will taste a Viognier someday!

97. January 23, 2007

    Herm

    I have not had a viognier….Thanks for the surprise episode….

98. January 23, 2007

    Raptor2023

    Not yet…

99. January 23, 2007

    PJ

    Gary, great show. Fell off the wagon (or is that got on) for a while so haven’t been around. I am very sorry I missed the ‘live’ show. I have never tried Viognier. I am not much of a fan of white wines. I try they just aren’t heavy enough for me or something.

100. January 23, 2007

     Ryan

     Washington state has some nice viognier producers. I know I was here yesterday pushing Washington merlots, but hey, what can I say. I am proud of my state! Of course Cayuse does a great job with viognier. A new winery from Walla Walla, aMaurice, made a wonderful botteling right out of the gate. DeLille makes an interesting viognier/chardonay blend.

101. January 23, 2007

     cpd

     QOTD: No, but I will.

102. January 23, 2007

     RyanWV

     Great episode Gary this is my first comment but ive been watching for a couple months now…Love the show especially this one Viognier is one of my favorite grapes. Had a chance to try a few Condrieus and also a bunch of lower priced but quite tasty Viogniers. Keep up the awesome work.

     Ryan

103. January 24, 2007

     ChrisR

     yes, viognier many times

104. January 24, 2007

     scotty

     Gary-thanks for the fix. The 2 best viognier i’ve had lately were the 05 alban and a 04 jl colombo

105. January 24, 2007

     Robin in Boise, Idaho

     Gary, The white paper you used with such flair was a perfectly executed background for showing the Gold of Viognier. Thanks for taking my suggestion to heart. You are a luv. And for taping an episode while on ‘vacation’ which is when you SHOULD do / taste something you’ve been wanting to experience. Good On!
     I first tasted Condrieu many years ago in France and am delighted to see so many wine regions doing well with this varietal. As the man from Texas suggested, try some new regions. 5 of the 25+ Idaho wineries are growing and vinifying Viognier. Two of the recent Gold Medal Winners at the all Idaho Wine Festival last August were earned by Parma Ridge and Coeur d’Alene for their 2004 vintage Viognier. Only 8 Gold, 21 Silver and 23 Bronze medals were awarded. Idaho had wines placing highly at pre-prohibition international expositions, before grapes were ever planted in Washington or Oregon! We are just now coming into fame again. We took so many medals in LA one year that the Californians don’t want Idaho wines in their competitions. So we have our own… Please consider coming out here this summer to be a judge. I’m a New Jersey native and so is Alice Waters of Chez Panisse. Great cabbage patches produce well in the Garden State. If you believe in the Stork Theory, I don’t want to challenge your version of reality. Just agree we are good people of great taste.
     Enjoy your well-deserved vacation. I am becoming addicted to your videos. Cheers, Robin.

106. January 24, 2007

     Nico

     Thanks for the episode, Gary!

     QOTD: YES, I had a chance to taste a viognier when I visited Napa’s Saddleback Cellars. Definite distinct varietal character!

     -Nico

107. January 24, 2007

     Adrian T

     Never had a Viognier, kinda of an esoteric wine purchase for me…Although I did try my first resling by your recommendation…I think I might have to still play around with it…It still was just to sweet for me…However I will continue to try them out…

108. January 24, 2007

     RobM

     QOTD: Yep, but only from Virginia, specifically Barboursville. Even from VA I love the varietal. Can’t wait to try some wine from other areas.

109. January 24, 2007

     Kai

     QOD – Yes. Miner Family, Simpson Vineyard. Perry Creek Vineyard. E Guigal etc….

     I am going to try the Whetstone.

     Thanks.

110. January 24, 2007

     Darlene O.

     Hey, Gary, hope you’re having a ridonculous vacation! Yes, I’ve had an amazing Viognier. :}

111. January 24, 2007

     ThomasS

     Tsk, you with your toes stuck in the sand while I’m working through piles of paperwork. Njg, njg, njg, … . Anyway, don’t forget your rubber ring when taking a splash !
     QOTD: Love viognier. Over here it’s a hype: when you pretend to know smth about wine, you drink viognier, that kinda stuff. So, yes, I plead g. Because of course, I’m a guy who pretends to know a bit about wine . I’ve had some viogniers, but never tasted a Condrieu yet. Definitely should go for one. Want to know what all that talk about these is about.

112. January 24, 2007

     vayniac formerly known as JohnC

     gary,

     My wife and I both love Viogniers and have had several, but mainly Jewel and Yalumba because their price point make them everyday drinking wines. But after this episode I am tempted to purchase higher end Viogniers and lay them down as I do some reds.

     Thanks.

113. January 24, 2007

     Eric B

     QOTD – It just so happens that I had my first Viognier (Georges Duboeuf Pays de L”Ardeche) last night at a restaurant with Mediterranean-style food. I have to say that I was disappointed. It was aromatic but it missed what I believe is essential to white wine – ACID! It tasted flat/flabby and could not cut through the food as well as a crisp Chenin (or good Riesling) would have.

114. January 24, 2007

     Suzanne

     QOTD; I’ve only tried one Viognier so far; Yalumba. From what I remember, the nose was incredibly flowery, which I sort of expected, but the floral aspect carried over into the actual taste of the wine, which didn’t appeal to me. I did think it was a very interesting change from the more mainstream whites, however, and I’ll be seeking out more Viogniers to try.

     Gary, hope you’re having a great vacation, and some obnoxious fun & relaxation down there in Florida! (or as a pal of mine refers to it, “God’s Waiting Room”)

115. January 24, 2007

     rino70

     g,
     viognier is interesting varietal for me, it’s kind of like stiflers mom from american pie. while somewhat exotic its seem flabby and almost fat at times. thats great on occasion but would prefer a muscadet or good austrian grunier veltliner for most occasions. firm, crisp, easy wine that pairs nicely at meal time.
     that being said, treanna viognier/marsanne from the central coast, pierano the other white and pine ridge chenin blanc/viognier are nice domestic offerings.

116. January 24, 2007

     thomas korent

     QOTD: yes, a condrieu from france and an Australian from Yalumba. Both good, both very different.

117. January 24, 2007

     Gregg Johnson

     QOTD –

     No, but I will be trying some very soon.
     Thanks

118. January 24, 2007

     cgf

     Gary,
     You down in Naples for the Charity Auction?

     My fiancee saw Robert Parker at her hotel yesterday.

     Hope you are having a good time.

119. January 24, 2007

     Adam B

     yes, the ‘03 Guigal Condrieu. Did not blow me away.

120. January 24, 2007

     wine dog

     Love the episode. Love Viognier.
     I go to the Santa Barbara Futures tasting each year looking for Pinot, Granache, etc. This year I bought more small production white wine than ever before:
     Foxen – Chenin Blanc 89
     Cold Heaven – Viognier 90
     Curtis – Rousanne 90+
     Don, Des Deux Mondes – Viognier 91+
     Clendenen Family Vineyards – Tocai Friulano 92 Wow!!! If you can find this one you should. Incredible!!!

121. January 24, 2007

     Skip

     Yes, I’ve had viogniers and love them.
     If you want to splurge a bit try the Dariousch Viognier from Napa.
     If you want $20 and under try the Kathy’s Cuvee Viognier from Rosenblum Cellars.
     Both are intensely floral and feel lusciously thick and finish off-dry.
     Can’t really justify spending the huge amount for a good Condrieu from France at the moment, but will some day.
     Had a moderately priced one and was surprised how dry it was.

122. January 24, 2007

     ScottJ

     Viogniers are great wines. My favorites from California would be from Miner, Dariousch and Renwood.

123. January 24, 2007

     Joe Po

     Viogniers are woderful tasting wines.
     Thnxs for the show!

124. January 24, 2007

     Lawrence Leichtman

     Really like Viognier. Great alternative to Chardonnay for me and always crisp and clean and no hint of oak though the butterscotch and caramel you mention with the Whetstone makes me think that oak may have touched this wine other than the stainless steel these are usually made in. Never had Whetstone but I will give it a try. The last Viognier you recommended was a big hit.

125. January 24, 2007

     Sakas

     QOTD – No, but i have one in my cellar!!! =)

126. January 24, 2007

     Jay

     No.

127. January 24, 2007

     yowens44

     Once- wasnt impressed

128. January 24, 2007

     Joe T

     I had an inexpensive Viognier from Australia several years ago during the summer and it was fair at best.

129. January 24, 2007

     bugbirdfishboy

     QOTD: Never

130. January 24, 2007

     Lil Luce

     QOTD: Yes and I love them. Just last night I had the 2005 Yves Cuilleron Condrieu La Petite Cote. I am looking forward to trying this Whetstone now!

     Shouldn’t you be drinking a glass of Viognier and eating crab legs in Florida right about now? Thanks for the suprise episode and have a great time!

131. January 25, 2007

     ATLien

     QTD: Yes, many. William Roan Viogner, Great juice but big alc as well!

132. January 25, 2007

     YoungDave

     Thank you again, Gary- I didn’t know what I was going to do without your blog at the end of my shift (restaurant server/bartender) every night of this week.
     ANYWAY– yes, I have had a Viogner…exactly one, and in my price range (college student in Boston) it might be the best affordable new world option. Unlike some of the other 2005 Smoking Loon varietals I’ve tried (the pinot was too thin and astringent/tart for me to appreciate), their 2005 Viogner was a well-balanced, fruit-foreward effort with a fair amount of acidity. What a floral varietal Viogner can be, and I hope to try many more in the future. Great ep, Big G.

133. January 25, 2007

     Wino

     QOTD- No. Wait, wasn’t it in the Wolf Trap blend? Maybe yes.

134. January 25, 2007

     Russ J

     Yes. Last one I recall having was the Melville on a GV/WLTV recommendation. Loved it.

     Thanks for the episode!

135. January 25, 2007

     Shaggy D

     QOTD: Yep, love them

136. January 26, 2007

     Wil Neverspit

     Thanks GV.

     QOTD: No, but I will.

     Ciao.

137. January 27, 2007

     Skol

     Yes. I tried one Viognier which was the 2004 Guigal La Dorianne from Condrieu.
     I was looking to expand my horizons and wanted to try a Rhone white.
     I thought the aroma was nice the at first but it really opened up over time to be very aromatic. The mouthfeel was great with more glycerin than I expected.

     I wonder if this is typical of viognier. Looking forward to try some California ones.

     Cheers.

138. January 28, 2007

     Riezin

     I’ve had a number of viogniers and I love the aromatics but i often struggle with the flavor and body of the wine once i start drinking. It often seems like there’s too much going on – no focus. I love viognier as a blending grape in reds like syrah though, and still hope to find a viognier to my liking, its in that cool category of exotic whites like gewurtz that are fun to introduce people to.

139. January 28, 2007

     DJA

     Yes I’ve had a couple. They have a distinct taste. Quite pleasant, however, not my favorite.

140. January 28, 2007

     Portland Guy

     Top 140? QOTD – Maybe.

141. January 30, 2007

     Miguelo DiMarco

     I’ve never had any white wine ever.

     that’s my story and I’m sticking to it)

142. January 31, 2007

     Uncle Josh

     QoD: Yes I have had Viognier.

143. February 6, 2007

     Joel in Kyoto

     QOD- yes…i love viogniers….seems the french table versions always show a green apple on the nose at first, the some petrol-ly characters. the mouthfeel you didn’t mention gary but i find the viscosity attractive in viogniers….a little oily and slippery. guigal’s condrieus can be superb…definitely more complexity than the french table versions of the varietal……and i like darenburg’s hermit crab, which is a nice rhone white blend (great too with crab as you said!)…….i find these whites really enjoyable but let me ask this: has anyone out there had a PROFOUND viognier experience? parker always seems to say that these wines have no more aging potential than a year or two, which i find hard to believe given the size of these wines…but i wonder if a 10 yr old low yield hand made viognier wouldn’t be outstanding?

144. March 1, 2007

     Jtk

     QOTD: Gary, I can say that I’ve never had a viognier. Cheers ~ Jtk

145. March 21, 2007

     Paradoxical Entity » What to make for 2007?

     [...] During last week, I was thinking of one of the Zinfendels for mid to high-$6K.  Then over this weekend, I was reading good things about Viognier (white wine).  I even came across an enthusiatic Wine Library TV review of it that was made with grapes from the specific vineyard Crushpad was offering.  Unlike the Zinfendels sources which I haven’t found anything in particular about.  The Viognier will cost just mid-$5K which is definitely easier on my credit card.  As of now, unless I hear or read something better, I’ll probably commit to the Viognier this week. [...]

146. March 21, 2007

     Paradoxical Entity » Easy come, easy go

     [...] While watching the Wine Library TV review of the Viognier from Catie’s Corner Vineyard gave me a lot of confidence to make a barrel from there too, the winery who’s Viognier it was troubled me.  They are Whetstone Wine Cellars.  I immediately caught the similarity to my intended Whetwater Winery name.  What are the chances that there would be two “whet…” names producing the same wine using the same source? [...]

147. October 12, 2009

     Gid

     I have never drank a viognier yet, but I bought a bottle at a restaurant the other day and am just waiting for a good time to pop it open!

148. October 20, 2009

     John J.

     qotd: yes of course.

     Gary, have you ever had a vin jaune? you should do a vin jaune episode

149. November 2, 2009

     Cool Dave

     Het Mr. Gary V.
     Had a great Viognier today.
     Victor Hugo Paso Robles Viognier 2007 ( I give it 89pts) $ 18.00
     I have a great local wine shop.
     Nothing like wine library though. I have family in Pennsville and I told them to make a trip to your store.

150. November 2, 2009

     Cool Dave

     Oh yeah I almost forgot!
     I know you are ultra busy but you don’t carry this winery in your store. Check the link here on the viognier I just had. You may be interested. I have no affiliation with Victor Hugo Winery.

     http://www.victorhugowinery.com/07_viognier_technotes.pdf

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