A Gewurtztraminer Tasting – Episode #173

January 24, 2007

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Wines tasted in this episode:

Even though he’s still on vacation, here’s another new episode. Gary again tries a wine that he’s been dying to try on WLTV.

110 Responses

  1. January 24, 2007

    Large Format Fever

    WOW #1, now I should watch it!!!

  2. January 24, 2007

    Matt B DC

    Finally! A Gewurtztraminer tasting!!

  3. January 24, 2007

    CW

    I always trying to get zmor Gewurtz, but I run out.

  4. January 24, 2007

    garyv

    Better Gewurtztraminer tasting coming soon, I was spent at this point

  5. January 24, 2007

    CW

    QOTD – A sparkling Nero D’Avola a friend brought back from Sicilia (not exported….) Funky, just like it sounds, a Nero D’Avola spritzer.

  6. January 24, 2007

    Sakas

    i have been fascinated by gewurtz, but have not tried it yet. Looking forward to another Gewurtz episode!

    thanks for leaving us these taped episodes Gary!!! We miss you!!! Have fun on Vacation!!!

  7. January 24, 2007

    Large Format Fever

    I have to say that I have not really tried anything new recently. Just starting to get into some Spanish delights though, just havent poped em yet…

  8. January 24, 2007

    WinoDan

    First time commenter, long time watcher….top 10 !!!

  9. January 24, 2007

    Italian Stallion

    another top 10

  10. January 24, 2007

    Big Billy from Big D

    I like these one wine shows. Thanks, GV

  11. January 24, 2007

    CHEF

    Champagne…Riesling…Gewurztraminer…Gary you sure do like the “Sweet” Wines…Did you not get enough Sugar when you were a kid? No doubt good wines but very limited in my Consumption. I got enough Sugar when I was a Kid…

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

  12. January 24, 2007

    KAHUNA

    QOTD- I had a CDP for the first time truly tasting it- Had earlier in life and really just drank it cause it was on the table and I didnt pay for it-

  13. January 24, 2007

    garyv

    CHEF-comment # 11- Not sweet at all my friend, most of the champagne and Riesling and Gewurtz I drink is 100% DRYYYYYYY- Dry as a bone!

  14. January 24, 2007

    Matt B DC

    QOTD? Last night I picked up a 2004 Beryna to help wash down the state of the union address. HOLY WOW dod that thing have a nose – I thought I smelled a little chocolate chip cookie dough in the nose. It blew me out of the water for under $20. Was a blend of monastrell, cabernet, syrah, merlot & tempranillo, two of which were new to me.

  15. January 24, 2007

    Hinrgman

    Gewertz is definitely one of my favorites

  16. January 24, 2007

    Hinrgman

    Gary hows the vacation.

    Guwertz is dry and one of my favorites with thai food

  17. January 24, 2007

    waibeans

    GV You didn’t seem too spent to me on that take. Good job dude, nice over the shoulder pour action going on there. For your Pina Collada jones: if you’re still in Naples you should hop on a ferry down to Key West. You’ll really be in Margaritaville there!

    QOD: I’ve recently bought about 2-3 varieties that I’ve never had, including a pinot. just haven’t had a chance to try them yet :(

  18. January 24, 2007

    Robert F

    Gewurtz sometimes rubs me the wrong way with the flowery aromatics and the residual sugar, but definitely is a winner with Thai curry noodles.

    QOTD – Recently had a Chinon for the first time. Definitely an eye opener. I didn’t think wine could taste THAT much like food

  19. January 24, 2007

    a4cb

    Been trying to more of the Spainish reds, like Tempranillo, but Zin will always be King in my books!

  20. January 24, 2007

    The Grackle

    QOD: had a Zweigelt a few months ago. Don’t remember the producer or vintage if that tells you anything.

  21. January 24, 2007

    Big Billy from Big D

    I think we should disabuse ourselves of the notion that Sweet equals childish/unsophisticated, and that dry equals adult/sophisticated. The wines of the world cover the full range and our quest should be for well made expamples.

    QOTD:
    Ercavio Roble Tempranillo 2004 – I was blown away by the QPR on this wine. For $8 this baby delivers on the nose, in the mouth, and on the finish. Nice old world/new world balance. A GV recommendation (a classic in my book)

    Sancerre – anothe WL/GV eye opener. I have liked new world SB like NO, and NZ SB, but the complexity of minerality, fruit, and terroir in Sancerre was most appreciated.

  22. January 24, 2007

    aktormedic

    Nice pick Gary, I tried this a few weeks ago, and unlike either strongly bitter or cloyingly sweet versions that are out there, this actually tastes like a Gewurztraminer. Pity that more Asian restaurants don’t know this wine, it would make a great addition to any Thai place…

  23. January 24, 2007

    Rich S

    I actually tried a Torrontes based on the episode you did a week or so ago. I thought it was pretty interesting. I dig different white wines (albarino is by far my favorite) so this was a great call on your part. Keep the recommendations coming GV!!!!

  24. January 24, 2007

    Elkiholic

    Ok, so you got this lurker to surface….

    Had a barrel sample of Grenache and Petit Sirah for the 1st time on a trip to Napa on 1/5/07. Very cool varietals.

  25. January 24, 2007

    CHEF

    Okay…I’m going to give Gewurztraminer another try this weekend. I haven’t had it in a long time but I used to recommend it with Dessert and or Spicy foods for it’s dry and “Sweet” attributes.
    I still think you lean toward the “Sweet” Wine GV…Don’t be embarrassed, I’m not going to take your “Man Card” away for liking Sweet Wines…

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

  26. January 24, 2007

    garyv

    chef comment #24

    AHAHHAHAHAHAH I love sweet wines and I am proud of it, I wear PINK too, so there, that being said I adore all flavors, I’ll eat DIRT and CRAP with the best of them! I am a fan of all flavors, I want to try and see it ALL! oh and I like it all-Pickles with ice cream…ALL DAY!

  27. January 24, 2007

    JimVarney01

    QOTD: Wow, lets see… Rioja, tempranillo, brunello, chenin blanc… I think that’s about it for recent drinking!

    Gary, great episode again, I’ll try to have a pina colada tonight too!!!

    I’d really hate to see your inbox when you get back… you should share just how many emails you’ve actually had over the past week. Your wife must be having second thoughts too, you sitting poolside, glued to the forums… She’s definitely a lucky woman!

  28. January 24, 2007

    Celia

    Re: Chef..Nice fake out, Gary!

  29. January 24, 2007

    Louisiana George

    Thanks to you and free shipping, my wife and couple accross the street (the usual wine tasting crew) tried the Le Noble Chinon for the first time a couple of weeks ago and loved it. Ate some fresh bell pepper with it and WOW did that pin down the green flavors.

    Also, just bought a bottle of the Concannon Petite Sirah this week and am looking for an opportunity to try that grape for the first time.

    You have inspired the 4 of us to expand our horizons – Thanks Gary V.

    Louisiana George

  30. January 24, 2007

    Justmarsh

    I just had my first cava. Thanks for the tip Gary!

  31. January 24, 2007

    CHEF

    Watch on Gary’s first day back he’s going to taste a Moscato d’Oro….You must have to Brush your teeth four time a Day!!!! I bet you Cry when you go to the movies…I bet you watch Oprah in the Afternoon…I got a hundred of these…Your probably sipp’in on a “Sweet” drink right now with a little paper umbrella in it…

    Seriously though, I hope your enjoying you Vacation…

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

  32. January 24, 2007

    mike volker

    never a good one

  33. January 24, 2007

    Jeepdad

    Gar,

    I included a G-traminer in a wine tasting I held last week. It was a 2004 Valckenberg from Germany. It had a nose like you stuck your freaking head in a flower shop on roids!

    Go Redskins! (next year)

    –Dan

  34. January 24, 2007

    Jeroboam

    Gary, you must have been running on fumes, as the air quotes have reappeared, including an interesting one-handed air quote for drinking a Pina Collada in “real time”. Style points for the over-the-arm pour into the spit bucket.

    QOD: A Gewurz from New Zealand – Seifried ‘05, on the recommendation of my local bottle shop. Huge grapefruit on the nose, some spice and litchie on the finish. Not as floral as you might find from Germany or the Alsace, but very good value at $13. A good match with shrimp curry.

  35. January 24, 2007

    Bryan in SC

    Great vid on a wine I HAVE NOT tried yet but have wanted to and definitely will NOW! Thanks Gary!!! Can’t wait for the follow up episode where several are tried and evaluated.

    Not normally a sweet white drinker but to answer the QOTD – had a Reisling with sushi lately that I actually really enjoyed. Still a bigger fan of the reds – especially those of Tuscanny and the riojas from Spain.

    Thanks for pre-recording this one Gary!

  36. January 24, 2007

    thomas korent

    QOTD: I tried, after seeking out your Episode on Lebanon wines, a chateau Kefraya Les Breteches, because I sort of bumped into it in a store. Loved it.

  37. January 24, 2007

    acousticdoc

    QOTD: Same answer as yesterday. Clos LaChance 2005 Estate Viognier. Gary–You have really inspired me to get out of the main stream and try the new and different stuff. Thanx!

  38. January 24, 2007

    Martin

    I’ve had some good Argentine Malbec recently. However, you could say everything is new to me since I’ve only been of legal age for about a year.

  39. January 24, 2007

    Rick "The Model M"

    Cool episode man. Keep ‘um coming.

  40. January 24, 2007

    Jonathon M Chicago

    I’m with Gary- I want to try it all too; life’s too short to miss out on all the tastes in the world. Like dirt and Krystal for instance ;-)

  41. January 24, 2007

    Susan

    Gary-
    I like the one wine episodes!
    I have never tried Gewurztraminer before!
    If it is DRY like you say – I’m going to like it!
    I like all dry wines!!!
    Thanks Gary – for stretching my mind!
    :)

  42. January 24, 2007

    mikeyrad

    QOD: Just had my first Brunello, 2001 Fattoria Pinino from episode 167. It was a absolutely fantastic and paired perfectly with an Italian stew cooked in wine (an inexpensive but very drinkable Nero d’Avola) with veal, pork and sausage served on top of polenta.

  43. January 24, 2007

    TampaSteve

    QOTD = Vacqueyras

  44. January 24, 2007

    Jahlove

    QOD: 2003 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. I have had Sangiovese before, but never from this area. I liked it very much. Here are my notes. 1/20/2007 rated 91 points: Nice deep red color. Earthy nose. But you can tell right away from the nose that this wine is ripe. On the palette, very ripe plum (bordering on prune), but also some nice blackberry in there as well. This is juicy with pronounced acidity and a nice tannic grip on the long finish. This is screaming for a nice grilled steak!

  45. January 24, 2007

    David Canada

    Nice pour on the signature finish!
    QOTD – Gotta be Gruner Veltliner from Wachau in Austria

  46. January 24, 2007

    GottaGoDrink

    Gary- Enjoy the vacation and we’ll see you next week. Thanks for showing another grape I’ve never tried before. Sounds worth a try from your description.

    QOD- 1998 Pio Cesare Barolo and 2005 Ken Forrester Petit Chenin. Obviously, very different from each other, but both very satisfying. Still have many more to try.

  47. January 24, 2007

    Brad

    Antonopoulos’ 2005 Greek rendition of Moschofilero (a native white varietal).
    It was a shellfish experience at an off the beaten path restaurant on Park Avenue South. The wine’s briny minerality and floral citrus flavors proved to be the best shellfish pairing I’d ever had- goodbye sauvignon blanc and Chablis, hello Moschofilero!

  48. January 24, 2007

    Justin

    Hi had my first Vacqueyras the other day. Actually my mom ordered a few of the Montirius Le Clos Montirius Vacqueyras 2003 when it was on free.winelibrary.com. We cracked open one of the bottles,and it was awful! It smelled like someone farted in a balloon. And it tasted worse. I think it just happened to be a really bad bottle. It happens. I will not let that keep me from trying the wine again however. We plan to open the other one really soon. After rewatching the video when GV tasted this wine, it just sounds too yummy to pass up.

  49. January 24, 2007

    Joe F

    Two good ones: Samling 88 by Strauss, just a 10 dollar sprite/acidic/delicious crisp white
    and a 2005
    “The Chumhra”
    Paso Robles
    viognier/grenache blanc

    Dying for someone else to chime in that they had it . . .

  50. January 24, 2007

    Licinius

    Mmmmm I am a fan of the geh vurtz tra meaner.

    QOTD: Nora Albarino, 2004

  51. January 24, 2007

    SJZLurker

    QOTD (first time poster – long time lurker)
    I recently tried a port which I purchased on a trip out to Pindar. Have heard different opinions on Ports, but figured I’d give it a try. Have to say I wasn’t overly impressed, too sweet for my taste. With that said, I will try something else.

    Just a note for those of you that aren’t in the area or may not have had the chance to visit the store. You should make every reasonable effort to do so. Clearly the wine selection is impressive, overwhelming for a newbie like myself, but the staff is so helpful (and not in an “in your face” manner either). On top of that, the cheese selection is just out of this world. A Gouda pesto, Levender Brandy (spelling?), cheddar Guinness (yes the beer), I mean come on!! I was just blown away. I walked out $300 poorer (and that was after restraining myself), but am oh so much happier. With a little bit of you, you’re also changing the cheese world!! Would also love to know your thoughts on the Clone 5 to see how far off my palate is. It was definitely a nice bottle of wine to wash the aforementioned cheeses down. Keep up the awesome work.

  52. January 24, 2007

    JimZak

    Gary – Gewurzzzzttttttzzzzzzzmmmrrr…if I could say it, maybe I will try it. Another great episode. BTW while you are enjoying warmth and sunshine, it’s like 90 degrees in the northeast!!

    QOTD: Domain Fichet Macon IGE Chateau London Burgundy – this was your “ghetto white burgundy” tip from WLTV a few months ago – very nice for the price!

  53. January 24, 2007

    Badger Ann

    2004 Alain Brumont Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne La Gascogne. It a blend of merlot and tannat. Very rustic, but here’s a wine where blending with merlot really helps round it out.

  54. January 24, 2007

    Dominus

    QOTD: Crawford Grenache from Australia. Very, very nice.

    Have fun in the sun!

    Go Colts!

    Dom

  55. January 24, 2007

    Dominus

    Oops, my bad. It’s “Craneford” not “Crawford”

  56. January 24, 2007

    Jan Wicher

    i love the big G. The only complement i have of the verity is that the nose is often better then the taste. IE it promises more then it delivers. I have just bought a case (via online auction 9 bucks a case) of Colombard as i have never tired it before.

  57. January 24, 2007

    E-Rock

    I had a Nero di Avola for the first time recently, and was impressed. Gary is Lizzie sick of you already?? What’s with all the post’s today??

  58. January 24, 2007

    SS Chris

    E-Rock,

    Gary’a good multi-tasker (if you know what I mean)

  59. January 24, 2007

    DS in DC

    Yes, I had a Viognier recently, and still have a couple of bottles, Adelaida Cellars, Paso Robles.

  60. January 24, 2007

    Don from Seattle

    QOTD: I recently tried Tiger Mountain Touriga Nacional varietal from Georgia (USA, not former USSR.) Touriga nacional is used in port, but the bottle I drank was a fully vinified wine. I chose that wine for its novelty — and in part on recommendation of the wine guy at Whole Foods in Duluth, Georgia. It wasn’t great, but it wasn’t awful either. To be fair, we were drinking it alongside K Vintners ‘El Jefe’ Tempranillo & Cabernet blend from Walla Walla, Washington, which was quite tasty — and another varietal first for me.

  61. January 24, 2007

    DS in DC

    I had my first Brunello this week.

  62. January 24, 2007

    E

    I wonder if Gary’s ever had fried pickles. Truly a truck stop delicacy!

    QOD: Mondeuse from Bugey in the French Alps. Light and deep at the same time, and absolutely delicious.

  63. January 24, 2007

    Ferrigno

    QOTD: albariño woaaaaah :) liked it…… and i wonder how many more taped episodes are left………

  64. January 24, 2007

    JonE

    G-Man and Gewurz, its all starting to become crystal clear. World domination coming from suburban New Jersey. Its a sad, sad day.

    QOTD:I too had a domestic Touriga sourced from Georgia, made in North Carolina. But I don’t know if that counts because it was so piss poor. Beyond that…no really new varietals, but I did have Two Hands Gnarly Dudes. Wow. big time people.

  65. January 24, 2007

    gordoyflaca

    I recently had a red from Morocco that I picked up in France about 6 years ago. I don’t know anything about it, including the varietal. I thought that it would be damaged (clear glass bottle)or way past its prime, but it was doing just fine. My Dad said that it has the nose of his grandmother Nano’s moldy dirt floor basement, with some creosote, and the palate was dark fruits, plums, and mud.

  66. January 24, 2007

    Nathan Day

    I have been trying a lot more new wines since discovering Vaynerchuk TV (thats what we call it at my house) Primativo, which I found out is just what they call Zin in Italy, so no, but Cahors, a few different kinds and more Cote Du Rhones.

  67. January 24, 2007

    Dale Cruse

    QOTD: Recently I’ve turned many people on to a dessert wine: Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Acqui. Unlike many reds, it actually works with chocolate. This is a wine that people who don’t think they like wine actually enjoy!

  68. January 24, 2007

    winejedi

    QOTD: after the Petite Syrah episode i picked a few up and i love them. not what i was expecting at all. thanks gary!

  69. January 24, 2007

    E

    Oh, and I suppose the WOTM qualifies too–never had a Spanish PX before, either.

  70. January 24, 2007

    Nanook 37

    I had my first Torontes a couple of weeks ago – I actually had it sitting in my wine room for a couple of months before the episode on Wine Library TV but I opened it a couple of days afterwards. My big “discovery” of the past 1/2 year had been dry rose – I used to never drink pink wines but I got a couple of decent dry French ones and now I keep on finding food where a good dry rose whould be the perfect wine. I think an episode or two on dry rose would be a great idea.

  71. January 24, 2007

    yoshi

    QOTD I had a bourriquot recently when I visted Haven’s vineyard. It’s a blend of cab franc and merlot. delicious.

  72. January 24, 2007

    jbev

    Happy vacation,

    Pina colada and corn on the cob with butter
    I’m going on vacation!

  73. January 24, 2007

    AndrewB

    Gary, I had a Ruche from Italy. Pretty sure you can only find it from Italy. It was called 9.99 and that’s also how much it costs and it was very exotic, not mind blowing or too complex but very different from the normal reds I’d been tasting. It has nice wild berry earthy kinda nice soil rustic quality that would make it a great food wine. You shoulld really bring a Ruche to one of you next shows. Really expands your pallate studies. Good stuff. I also love Brancotts South Island 2006 Pinot Noir from New Zealand for $10!!

  74. January 24, 2007

    cgf

    Gary-
    I can’t believe you filmed this many episodes before you went away. This is awesome. I love Gewurztraminer with chicken pad thai.

    QOD: I had my first Amarone recently. It was the 2003 Zonin Amarone. I found it unique and delicious with lots of raisin, chocolate and cherries. My fiancee, however, though it lacked structure and was just a simple fruit-forward wine without any personality. Different folks, different strokes I guess. Either way it was a blast trying new things, especially with good company and the Italian food we were consuming.

  75. January 24, 2007

    Kai

    QOD – Domaine Soumade, Rasteau – Fleur de Confiance 2003

    Still watching everyday from Hong Kong

  76. January 25, 2007

    James H

    Cool! I’ll have to keep my eyes out for that one.

    I just had a Riesling this week that was AMAZING. It was the first time I had a Riesling (thanks GV!) and I had a Lingenfelder 2005 Bird-label Riesling. It’s like eating a golden delicious apple, with maybe a bit of cinnamon and a hint of petrol. Lovely wine and went fantastic with some aged cheddar and black berries.

  77. January 25, 2007

    ATLien

    Don-
    Tiger Mountain Winery, the touriga national from the blue ridge mountains of georgia, is only a few miles from my families cabin. Talk about a good lesson in QPR. The land is so expensive up there they have to charge over twenty dollars a bottle just to break even. I agree, just a novelity. I’m a buyer for a restaurant/wine shop in ATL and I would prefer the novelity of a $15 Germain Donfelder than under ripe syrup they stuggle to ferment dry on tiger Mountain!

    Hint: to all of those of you who have a yachet, giant home, or a plane. Before you add another charm to your charm braclet (your winery) hire a enologist!

    Love the Gwertz epi!

  78. January 25, 2007

    SteveD

    Hey Gary. This is my first response. I,m out of the lurking closet!! Great show man! I’ve been watching for about three weeks and I’m addicted. Hope your enjoying your vacation!

  79. January 25, 2007

    mbannon

    Gary, you really ARE a workaholic, how many episodes did you tape?? And get off the computer and get back on the beach, man! I know you feed off all these comments, but c’mon!! (j/k, I’d do the same thing in your shoes).

    Thanks for the Gewurz tasting, I totally agree that US Gewurz has been sadly lacking, but I’ve always harbored a secret belief that it could be done. Nice to finally be vindicated.

    QOD – Just recently tasted my first dry Furmint (the grape used in Tokaji dessert wines, for anyone unfamiliar). Wow, really nice. Kinda like an Alvarinho, but with a bit more mineral aspect.

  80. January 25, 2007

    ThomasS

    Yuw Gary, are you nuts? I thought, well, yesterday that ‘d be the last episode he taped for us. Let’s not hope for more. Maybe a bit covering up myself on beforehand … Like that. I appreciate it very much that you taped a whole day away, just to have us watching the whole week along (that is: I hope so :-) ). Question: what’s this about that name of this Gewürz? The ‘Z’ referring to Zind-Humbrecht’s Z’s? ‘Z mor(e)’?
    QOTD: there is a small shop quite nearby here that’s selling only South African and a small amount of Chilean wines. Last time I went over there to get some more bottles of Independent Minds Merlot, the owner let me try a Buckettraube from Cederberg (she always does: you have to be carefull or you leave the shop completely soused :D ). I knew the varietal only from reading about it: a forgotten German varietal, bland, nothing special. So, I was a bit sceptical when taking my first sip … well, that was wrong, I should have known that. Great, really great. Very crisp and velvety on the palate at the same time. A lovely nose (not really big, but with excellent definition) of mellon (Cavaillon), tangerine, green tea and lime confit, some spices as well. Long finish, pleasing mouthfeel. Would go superbly with foie gras (I think the traditional combination whit Sauternes is really murdering murderer and witness) or some nice soft cheeses. And the best thing still had to come: I got it for free, as a New Years present … isn’t that nice!

  81. January 25, 2007

    pan Cuketka

    Last year I’ve tasted two ice wine made of Gewurztraminer (Moravian winemakers from Czech republic) and it was just wonderful!!! And I do adore the nose of this grape, its just killing meee ;)

  82. January 25, 2007

    MetalDave

    QOTD: Last week, we had our staff (late) Christmas dinner. I tried a couple things I’d never had before – the most impressive of which was the Tokaji Aszu – 5 Puttonyos. This was my first experience with Tokaji and I loved it! This is a bottle that someone had brought me from Hungary about 8 months ago and I had been dying to try it, but just waiting for the right company with which to do so. This was WAY different to any of the Sauternes, or Loupiac that I’ve had and different to other botrytised wines as well. In a word – unbelieveable!

    Gary, I noticed you did an episode where you tasted an Escenzia that was about $70. How does this compare to the ones at around $200-$300?

  83. January 25, 2007

    Deano

    Hey Gary great episode this was a good heads up so i can get my hands on this one and taste it. I hope you are having a good time on vacation i am sure yoiu are :)

    QOTD: Found a cool looking bottle during the holidays and decided to try it. It was called Electric Reindeer and it was a Merlot. I think it was from santa rosa ca. I was stunned that it was pretty good and i am glad a tried it.

  84. January 25, 2007

    Spitfire

    Damn it. i’m getting in later and later on these episodes lately. Anyway, I think I have a Gewurtz stashed away. I’ll have to break it out and try it.

    QOD: Sad to say, nothing. I’ve been sticking to Cab fruit bombs and very nice Zins lately. I’m on a Zin kick right now. Try some better Zins in an episode soon so I know what to attack next.

  85. January 25, 2007

    Abasenji

    Nice to see such wine tasting diversity Gary. Gewurtztraminer is one of our favorites… now if I could only learn how to pronounce it!

    QOTD: Last new wine was a Spanish Albarino, very good but hard to find in the US.

  86. January 25, 2007

    Eric B

    I will add a vote for Gewurz being the perfect pair for Thai food. I find two main flavor/aroma profiles go well with Thai, with the best having some of both: floral and lychee. The Columbia Crest is a good example of this, and it has some RS to calm the searingly hot dishes.
    As for Cali gewurz, I recently had a Thomas Fogarty (Monterey) and was very impressed with the dense mouthfeel and golden COLOR, and concentrated lychee aroma & flavor. For all those sweet boo-hooers, it had the *impression* of sweetness but only 0.5% RS. The Gundlach-Bundschu (also Cali) is supposed to be awesome, I’m saving that one for birthday Thai dinner.
    For non-US, the Hugel Gewurz was like drinking liquid roses.
    QOTD: Viognier with Mediterranean food. The aromas were nice but it lacked the acidity to stand up to the food. A Vouvray Chenin would have been much better.

  87. January 25, 2007

    Nathan L

    Gary you are a sadist man! I hope your enjoying a much needed break and thanks for the unexpected fun you left us. I tried some Texas cabs recently and while not great (or even good for that matter), its an experience worth trying. You can really taste the 100 deg weather. All three I tried had lots of stewed prune flavors and the grapes tasted like they had been cooked.

  88. January 25, 2007

    Brookhouser

    never had it…have to try….usually stay away from too many whites…..That is quite the glass there gary…when you get back you can do away with the jets sign and put up a colts if you would like:)

  89. January 25, 2007

    Tim Tamblin

    I recently purchased and tried a 97 Dunnewood Signature Charbono Port (Napa Valley). 18.2 alc, 38 months in French & American oak. It was less viscous than expected or hoped for with a soft nutty (think almond) mid palate and finish. Found it recently for $10.00 and have been a fan of DW for years so couldn’t resist. The gorgeous packaging belied it’s modest price so I picked up a second bottle for a friend.

    Go ahead, try to beat this esoteric find, I dare ya…

  90. January 25, 2007

    Wino

    QOTD- I have really been jumping around lately.
    Recently tried for the first time:
    Tempranillo (Ercavio)
    Brunello di Montalcino (Atreus)
    Wolf Trap (many kinds of wine in that one)

    Enjoy vacation and have a pina colada for me

  91. January 25, 2007

    Karl B.

    QOTD – I had a Swiss wine recently. It lasted like a German Silvaner but with a touch less body. I never knew they were producing wines in Southern Switzerland, but why not?

  92. January 25, 2007

    Nathan L

    OPPS…meant masochistic

  93. January 25, 2007

    Tony S.

    Hey Gary. That Zmor sounded good. I’ll give it a shot one day. As for the QOTD: I just recently had a Bandol from Domaine Tempier for the first time the other day. Man, that was good. Had just a little hint of black olives. It was definately a food-wine, but we had it by it’s dang self. I want to have it again.

    OK…gotta go to the Bears website now before my lunch is over. See you later, enjoy your vacation.
    GO BEARS!!!
    T

  94. January 25, 2007

    jason carey

    2 wines from regions that i have had not has that grape from before
    I recently had a Tim Adams Clare Valley Riesling.. the driest i have ever tasted, super mineraly. great now and
    will develop for 10 years into something really interesting.
    Also Tried a Washington State Mourvedre.. Isenhower Cellars..Profound, deep tannic, great!!!

  95. January 25, 2007

    Lawrence Leichtman

    Only new wine for me which wasn’t totally new but one I haven’t had in a long time and for good reason was Retsina. Was at a Greek restaurant with friends and they insisted on buying this wine. It still sucks. I have had so many bad Gewürtztaminers over the years that I have become completely truned off to it. Made a real try with Alsatian ones but they smelled like hair treatments to me and I never could get past that and all of the CA ones I had have been weak and unappealing.Maybe the Zmor will change that.

  96. January 25, 2007

    Russ J

    QOTD: Alvear Pedro Ximenez Solera 1927, current WOTM on the forum.
    Talk about sweet!

  97. January 25, 2007

    chrisb

    QOTD: Chinon, lets just say I’ll cross this one off my list!

  98. January 26, 2007

    glenn

    Gewurzt? two words:

    Mendocino County

  99. January 26, 2007

    boyd

    Had the Dornfelder. Interesting. Not one I’ll be reaching for again any time soon though.

  100. January 26, 2007

    Bass playing oenophile

    Hi Gary, I hope the vacation is going well. QOTD: Barbaresco. I just had my first, and a good one! The Moccagatta Barbaresco Basarin 2001, paired with pasta and ossobuco at Piccola Venezia in Astoria, Queens. Wow, this wine turned me around…I was just coming to the conclusion that Italian wines weren’t for me, too “old world” for my tastes…now I’ll have to reassess. This wine was really lively and exciting, while still being dry and pairing well with food. Any chance of WL stocking Moccagatta wines? BTW, yes, I’m a lurker. I LOVE the show and am a complete WLTV addict…keep up the good work!

  101. January 26, 2007

    Wil Neverspit

    QOTD: I tried a Riesling ‘Spatlesse’ for the first time after your Riesling ep. I’ve had a ‘Kabinett’ or two, but this was my first SHPAYT-LAYZH-UH.

    Nice “over-the-top” dump during the sign-off.
    You’re getting “loopy”.
    I hope you’re enjoying your VAY-KAY-SHUN.

    CHEF… (Comments 11, 25, 31)
    in your humorous quote at the end of each of your comments…
    it’s, “…what you’re making for dinner…”
    not, “…what your making for dinner…”

    I’d let it go if I didn’t see it 3 times every day.

  102. January 26, 2007

    bugbirdfishboy

    Last week I tried a “wine” from Spain that is made from oranges. My friend brought it back. It isn’t exported. Not surprisingly it tasted like sugared orange peel, but without the bitter aftertaste.

  103. January 27, 2007

    GeneV

    The only thing disappointing about the review of this wine is the price. Alsace produces excellent Gewürztraminer for less money. The Albert Mann tasted on a previous episode is a great example, as we enjoyed it with Thai food last night.

  104. January 28, 2007

    Shotgun

    QOD– Last 20 days or so… hmmm…. It would have to be the 2005 Burge Family Barossa Semillon (purchased from WL, BTW). Wow. I have had several Hunter Valley Semillons, which seem to differ in style, being more austere and less ostensibly fruity. But the Burge is full of tropical fruits but matched with wonderful acidity. It is a stellar wine. I highly recommend the Aussie Semillons to all Vayniacs– and if you can get your hands on an aged Hunter Valley sem, like from Tyrrells or Mount Pleasant, you will be in for a treat– they turn from the crisp citrusy sort of young wine into a beautiful mouthful of honeyed toast with 10-15 years of bottle age.

  105. January 28, 2007

    LordofBrews

    I recently tried the Von Hovel Kabinett Riesling you had tasted in your show. I too had the impression that Rieslings were sweet dessert wines that I really wasn’t interested in. All i can say is WOW! I loved it. Now on to Gewürztraminer. Mu uncle had the Trimbach version of this wine at a dinner a few years back and I really loved the wine. I’m looking forward to trying this one however I too am a little turned off buy the price……

  106. January 28, 2007

    Riezin

    QOTD – I had a Bourgogne Passetoutgrain. Pretty sure that’s a pinot-gamay blend. Was an 04 by Robert Groffier. Really enjoyed it. Brought in by M Skurnick whose wines I tend to like. Good way to drink burgundy without spending burgundy.

  107. January 30, 2007

    JayZee

    QOD: In the last couple of weeks I have tried for the first time an Arneis, a Torrontes, and a red Douro wine – Meandro – that was UNbelievable. Thanks, Gary.

  108. March 1, 2007

    Jtk

    QOTD: I tend to get stuck in my wine ruts so to speak. Just drinking the varieties i know i like. So sadly i have not tried anything new in a while. But the last new wine i tried was Olive Gardens House Red. Not bad, and you can’t go wrong with the $30 per magnum price tag. Keep up the good work. Cheers ~ Jtk

  109. April 27, 2007

    pitek

    don’t you think most of torrontes taste like gewurtztraminer

  110. October 20, 2009

    John J.

    qotd: for me it was a vin jaune about a month ago, after looking and waiting quite a while to get 1.

    How about giving us a vin jaune episode Gary?

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