Intriguing Wines – Episode #215

April 12, 2007

Wines tasted in this episode:

Links mentioned in todays episode.

Gary Vaynerchuk is intrigued, lets see if any of these wines floats his boat!

Having trouble seeing this video? Click here for the Quicktime version

118 Responses

April 12, 2007

Eric S.
yo!
April 12, 2007

Ben N.
Top 10
April 12, 2007

glassrunnethempty
3?
April 12, 2007

Fiorentina!
top 3!
April 12, 2007

Large Format Fever
THANKS EVERYONE!!!!
April 12, 2007

Miclael M.
PAZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!
April 12, 2007

kingfunk
top 10
April 12, 2007

Acousticdoc
Top 10!!!!!!!????????
April 12, 2007

kingfunk
too bad i have no volume at work
April 12, 2007

njbabs
Out early today.

QOTD: Say a prayer.

Thanks for hangin’ in there with all the peer pressure. I appreciate your honesty and objectiveness with these reviews.
April 12, 2007

mikeyrad
Much better hair day!
April 12, 2007

kahuna
GV
I read in Wine Spectator that they had wines when a Low pressure weather system was in Italy I think and they all said the wines were not showing well at all- They were also not tasting in the same place-

What do you think GV- Atmospheric pressure play a role?
April 12, 2007

Hinrgman
Gary,
You going out tonight??

QOD- Ignore them – It frustrates them to no end!!!
April 12, 2007

David Canada
Cool episode….I am loving the Gru-Ve’s these days.
QOTD – I say screw em Gary…..let them make their shitty wine and sell it somewhere else. there is lots of wine in the world to import. I appreciate that you take a stand and really give us the goods!
April 12, 2007

Hinrgman
Like the birds in the background
April 12, 2007

kahuna
QOTD: I just close my browser and get off WLtv
April 12, 2007

kingfunk02
hey i have that same decanter with the funny neck
April 12, 2007

Brandon M
WOW…Angelus.

Can’t wait to watch!
April 12, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
QOTD: Ignore, or if it is important to maintain a relationship, empathy. Try to get in their head as to why they are behaving in such a manner.
Then when you find they are just jerks, KICK THEIR ASS!!!!
Ah hum,,, excuse me,, been a tough day.

Always big picture,,, will it really matter 5 years from now?? Really puts stuff like that in perspective.
April 12, 2007

Ben N.
Great episode.
April 12, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
Perspective… like me not being able to get my G-Damn video loaded!!! but will it matter in 5 years??
April 12, 2007

JumboJ
Nice ep again! Thanks for giving us wine without pretense. I support that.

QOTD: Tell them to lay off bashing WLTV and start drinking more wine. Those ignorami..
April 12, 2007

LeatherPalate
Super Episode!

QOD: Here in Chicago we don’t take kindly to such behavior
I gotta guy….
April 12, 2007

Fiorentina!
Hey Gary-

Nice picks on the wines.

QotD- I hope you didn’t take offense to my ‘Teen Wolf’ comment left on episode #214….I was just joking around… If you’re talking about certain vineyards or people within the business….I’d say that they’re jealous of your success! Personally, when people bash on me for no good reason I just tell myself that they’re intimidated or jealous of me and if they want to continue to trash talk….it’s their problem…not mine!

Gary, don’t forget that you are an inspiration to THOUSANDS of wine drinkers…including me.
April 12, 2007

Susan
Gary-
QOD:
I have been bashed by the best!
I just ignore – some people will do
ANYTHING
to get attention!!!
April 12, 2007

Mojo
QOD: Turn the other cheek and give them free shipping
April 12, 2007

Dave-from-Katonah
Wow! Early episode.
QOTD – only my closest friends and family bash me, so I try to take it with a smile and let it roll off my back!
April 12, 2007

SoCal
QOTD: Ignore them…people that lead the pack are always bashed and ridiculed for not following the masses. In actuality it is just the insecurities of others that force them to conform. Forget them and set your own trend…the only opinion that matters in the end is your your families and your own.
April 12, 2007

SoCal
BTW…good episode!
April 12, 2007

Shir-Az
Once again….you do an episode of “Intriguing Wines” and you don’t pull out some of the Yarra Yering wines!!! I am becoming a disgruntled Vayniac!
April 12, 2007

Eric S.
QOD: Is someone bashing you Gary? You’ve got the Vaynernation to back you up. Do we need to start breaking some kneecaps?? On the bright side, you probably only get bashed because you are a) becoming somewhat popular (movie star!) and b) they want to be you!
April 12, 2007

Acousticdoc
Awesome episode Gary. It looks like you got your hair product under control.
QOTD: Tell them to open wide and I give them a shot of Novocaine. Works every time.
April 12, 2007

Formally Known as Big man
Gary all you have to do is stare directly at there forehead. One it drives them crazy and two its hilarious.
April 12, 2007

Clifford James
What do I do when bashed for no good reason?

Gotta learn to just let it go, Gary! Drop it … it aint yours if your being honest. I know that’s still hard at times. Being true to your self is the most important thing (now repeat that, as a mantra), and can be hard when others aren’t digging what you are doing/saying/reviewing/screwing, but the only way you can be of any value to any other living soul is by being honest and true to your own inclinations and penchants, retaining your sense of self and integrity, and, of course, not willingly harming anyone. Short checklist, actually! You owe nothing to anybody but yourself, and your responsibility to continuing to be true to yourself is just that, a very definite responsibility, perhaps the only real responsibility we have, and if you come from there you simply can’t lose — though it may take others more than one lifetime to grok that truth! But hey, everyone is at a different place, and it takes work to remain tolerant and understanding when someone puts THEIR shit in your face … and though it sounds pat or trite, you really can and have to honor where they are, be happy you are NOT where they are, smile, laugh, and move on. Believe me this can deflate the situation like nothing else (unless you belittle or demean them in the process, then that will make things a wee bit worse than before, ’tis likely) — you just can’t fight that kind of anger with the same level of rage, unless butting heads (or other body parts) is what YOU need too, then … you’re right where you need to be, I guess.

Realize that anyone you offend is bound to be offended, and that this is THEIR trip; your trip too if you buy into it, if you “have energy” on it, if you fight in the same arena, but if not, then, dude, it’s theirs (hahaha, this is so fun … sounding like a new-age geek, but it’s really all freakin’ true, so I just can’t apologize for it). Own your own shit (repeat that again, as a mantra “I must own my own SHIT, I must own my OWN shit, I must OWN my own shit!”), KNOW yourself, and then it’s easy to let go of THEIR crap ’cause you know it aint yours. Then you can be more tolerant and forgiving, and it will be easier to shrug your shoulders and laugh and say “hey, sorry you feel that way, but it’s YOUR CHOICE to feel that way, and only you can decide to feel differently if you don’t like how you’re feeling!” (uh, or something like that, hahaha … maybe “Dude, get over it!”)

Just my cent-and-a-half (crappers, that may have been three scents, uh, centavos, though … err, sorry)!

GOOD EPISODE, by the way. Someday I will be able to buy one of those $100 dollar wines, this I believe, and when I do I’ll look to WineLibrary TV for advice on which to choose. In the meantime, keep the value wines coming, and … AND … YES YES YES, PLEASE do another blind tasting. That brown-bag episode was great! It showed how much you’ve really got it, man … and you know what? I never freakin’ say this, so you know you’ve moved something in me (uh, yeah) … you ROCK! (GOD I can’t believe I said that!)

KEEP IT UP!!!
WAY UP!!!

Obviously I’m outta control, so I’ll stop digging right here!!!
April 12, 2007

TagWorld Brian
QOTD: Gary, when people are bashing me for no good reason, at that point I’ll usually go out of my way to give ‘em a good reason! Or I’ll knock ‘em on they ass… Glad you’re keeping it real with the reviews. You could have easily edited out the bad ones, to softpedal it and avoid ruffling feathers. But you’re taking the pure road. Not easy for a retailer. Bravo. This is what will keep the eyeballs coming back. And that was an awesome email from that winery…

Man, what is acousticdoc chewing on, in that gravatar? Looks like a dead horseshoe crab.
April 12, 2007

mikeyrad
QOTD: The trick is to determine if the bashing really is for “no good reason” and that takes a lot of wisdom and introspection. I have the tendency to react by launching a counterattack before determining whether there was an element of truth in the bashing. Then later, I think about it and wind up owing someone an apology. Unfortunately, if a bashing hurts, it’s usually true, even though it may not have been couched diplomatically.
April 12, 2007

Neil
QOTD: Bashing for no good reason? Stand your ground. Bashing for a very good reason? Duck!
April 12, 2007

GottaGoDrink
QOTD- The bashing is born of jealousy. You are a guy with an idea, and your unwavering honesty makes your idea work and the show a success. It’s as simple as that. Those who bash lack integrity, and you don’t. Keep up the great work!

PS- Shout out to Bubbe and double shout out to our hometown boy LFF who is drinking just the right amount of wine!!
April 12, 2007

flavasauce
As a reviewer if you aren’t pissing some people off you aren’t doing a good job. Being controversial comes with your job so you should be proud that you are stirring s–t up! We love you for it!
April 12, 2007

BV
QOTD:

Depends on who’s doing it.

Usually I just say “Yes, dear.”

Bill V.
April 12, 2007

Lb in KS
QOTD: I usually call Tony Soprano, and strangely enough….it all seems to just, go away…………
April 12, 2007

stevo
You’re in a peculiar position with an inherent conflict of interest. Do you remain loyal to the wine producers or do you remain loyal to the consumer? You’ve said before that you lean towards the consumer, but what if that starts to hurt sales at WL? Tough spot. All you can do, if you believe in what you’re doing, and all anyone can ever do, is be honest and accept the consequences.

You could tone down the way you crap on a wine if you don’t like it. Do what WS does and just give tasting notes and a score but don’t comment as to whether or not it is a buy. But that really is a puss thing to do and losing that would be losing the main part of what makes your show great.

I say, screw them all! Maybe then they will start making a decent product.
April 12, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
BRINGN’ THE THUNDER!!! STEVO!
April 12, 2007

Cat Pee Smells Like Wine :-)
QOTD: I drink…
April 12, 2007

gnagle
Hi Gary,

When people are bashing me, I’ve learned that there are much better ways to deal with the problem than to bash them back. It’s better to let dissapointing people have the last word and continue digging themselfs into a hole of oblivion. You can always defend yourself, and hold your ground, but it is going to be a waste of time to try and make them like you, or change their opinion about you.

There will always be people that don’t like you, and those who love you – best not to waste time and fuel the fires of conflict.

And yes Gary, we love you, and I’m excited for you to be a dad.

But hey? Why did you need to decant that 14 year old Bordeaux 4 HOURS!

Ciao,

Garret Nagle
April 12, 2007

mbannon
Another good episode Gary.

QOD – Two types of people will always be bashed. Innovators and professional critics. A healthy amount of bashing is your best indication that you’re staying on the cutting edge. The question you have to ask yourself is what you want Wine Library to be known for. If you want to be known as the store that carries everything, WLTV will probably to have to change. From a consumer’s standpoint that would be a real shame. Because you really ARE starting to change the wine world, and it’s about time. Keep it up!
April 12, 2007

Clifford James
Hey, I’ve got another idea for ya … dig dig dig (another penny or two):

ANOTHER thing to try to defuse the weird energy in the air when someone is bashing you — AGREE with them:

THEM:
“Hey man you’re a schmuck and your wine tasting blog-tv-internet thing really sucks!”
YOU:
“Wow, maybe you’re right, I probably am a schmuck, sorry man, I’ll try to do better. Keep watching and let me know what I can do to improve my show. Thanks for your input!”

What can they say?
You’ll feel better, you won’t be spreading more negative energy out there, and they likely won’t have a decent comeback (until the next day, maybe, and then you do it all over again)– so you win by pretending to lose.

Kewl!
April 12, 2007

TagWorld Brian
So I called up the Captain, “Please bring me my wine.”
He said, “We havenâ€™t had that spirit here since 1969.”
And still those voices are calling from far away,
Wake you up in the middle of the night, just to hear them say, “Welcome to Wine Library TV!
April 12, 2007

Jennifer
Gary, you’re a good man.
Bubbe was fantastic. But oye, the Red Sox???!!! I’d buy a whole damn case of Bubbe consomme if it were real.
QOTD: WHAT!?! Is someone giving you a hard time? We send out a Vayner-Thug. That’s what we do. Nobody bashes you but us, right?
You know, let me tell you- the beginning of my week was the crappiest I can remember…in years. Seriously. Not just saying that. Watching your show at night was the one thing I looked forward to, and was the only thing that cheered me up for two nights. So to “h” with anyone who bashes you. Unless they apologise. There.
April 12, 2007

brooklyni
QOTD: i step back and think about whether they’re right. if they are, i do some reflecting. if not, i remember that every artist, visionary and genius caught all sorts of crap in their day.
April 12, 2007

daniel von trier
Great show, Gary — sorry that Gruevi didn’t work out: there’s some good ones out there.

QOTD: If they’re bashing me for no good reason, I’ll usually point that out. Otherwise I bust out my mad debate skills and make ‘em look dumb.

D.
April 12, 2007

Dom
I like the potpourri style program which emulates my drinking style. A little bit of this, a little bit of that. Nice job “throwing in” that $100 bottle of wine. I’ll have an offline question for you regarding $100+ wines.

QOTD: Hmmm, depends on who is doing the bashing. If I respect them, I take their bashing seriously and try to appease them, if it’s from some moron (which happens too often at work), I vent in a myriad of ways by taking a jog or open another bottle of Dominus.

Cheers!
April 12, 2007

Edward Hafer
Great Show!

QOTD:
April 12, 2007

Godfather
Gary,
I’m F***ing thrilled that your being bashed by wineries that don’t like your reviews of their wines. May pinch business in the short run but – what goes around comes around. You go boy!
April 12, 2007

mas
Like the Angelus – nice price too.

QOTD: Ignore it – if there is really no reason for it, why worry?
April 12, 2007

Harley Stan
Gary, great episode as always, hair was a little mild today.
QOTD- let them bash you an be flattered by it, they obviously can’t beat you in the arena of ideas so they must try and tear you down to make themselves “feel” better. Remember that a little bit of you and all of us are changing the wine world and you are leading the movement.
April 12, 2007

PattyO
QotD-If I’m honest with myself, I have to say that if I’m being bashed, there’s likely a good reason. If I think I’m being bashed for “no good reason” I’m being defensive. If I can be humble enough to look at myself, my choices and my behavior, objectively – there’s typically something I am doing that disadvantages the one(s) doing the bashing.

That said – the vaynernation loves what you do and wouldn’t want you to quit or change. HOWEVER, it’s notable that you are probably the FIRST influential wine critic of all time who is also part of, (paid by) a MASSIVE BIG wine retail establishment. SO, on the one hand you’ve got relationships that your dad has grown, nourished and nurtured since you were a tot – and those relationships served both the producers (on the one side of your dad) and the consumers on the other side of him. Relationships are important! Then you come along, in all your Gary-ness, and at times you say (essentially) “why yes, dear – as a matter of fact, those pants make your butt look HUUGGEE!”. You’re hurting feelings (and possibly hurting business) of winemakers who’ve been part of your dad’s “family” possibly longer than you have! Sometimes – when there’s relationship at stake – you don’t say what you think.
Maybe the Wine Library is no longer the right place for you to be authentic and true to yourself and the consumers your serving through your show.
So I wonder – have you considered that maybe it’s time to debut GVTV…. that is to say, going solo and breaking with the WL association??
April 12, 2007

E-Rock
QOD = Pay them no attention
April 12, 2007

karl satirev
QOD: Let me help you up. I think I can stop the bleeding!
April 12, 2007

Winodontist
Gary should not have to take any shit from wine makers whose grapes didn’t make the cut in his mind. They should have made better wines. Don’t ever turn into Wine Spectator Gary.
April 12, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
Excellent observation PattyO. You know we all think the skys the limit with GV, Might be a great thread to explore.
April 12, 2007

waibeans
What’s up from Cape May GV!!

Great show today, we got WIFI in our room, so wanted to share our dinner experience. I actually noticed a misprint on the winelist at our restaurant: Washington Inn. We recieved a bottle of ‘96 Chantalouette from our friends in Normandy. I saw a ‘97 listed as a Paullaic. We ordered it of course and yes I was right.. it was a Pomerol. We loved it of course.. rounded tannins, and metallic earthy tones.. much like the ‘04 Le Gay you brought to the NJ tasting.

Good night from Jersey’s southernmost point! — again sorry couldn’t make it today.

– Wai Out –
April 12, 2007

KenP
Important ‘Garagistes’ reference. Very good episode. Lots of new information.
QOTD: If they’re in my house I ask them to find other shelter. If abstract, just words on a page?… I would do a google entry for Gilligan’s Island. Must be a billion entries. ‘How dare you say that about Ginger!’
Moving on….
April 12, 2007

PattyO
I think you should end the contest and just go to Bubbe’s for the winner dinner! Bet you’d get some Bubbe’s chicken consomme for the first course and it’d be a guaranteed great time (if she doesn’t win, I think I’ll invite her to MY house for dinner! I like her!)
April 12, 2007

matt long
what cliff said w/ a ” !!! ” behind it.
April 12, 2007

Ron Leview
QOTD – Like that song by The Box Tops, I cry like a baby
April 12, 2007

H-Why
QOTD: I usually listen intently and let the bashers finish bashing and then say, “Why did you stop? I was really learning a lot about myself. Please, go on.”
April 12, 2007

TheDumbPhase
QOTD- I usually respond with a “Dreaded Clawhold” a la Blackjack Mulligan.
April 12, 2007

JonE
QOTD: In the words of Martin Scorcese..”use it,.. use it!”.
April 12, 2007

Bobinnati
Very enjoyable episode. I always learn something. Thanks for your candor. Without it, you would have very little credibility. The fact is that we can trust your evaluations and that is worth a lot. It was nice to hear the guy from the Jersey vineyard back you up.

QOTD – I try to let it go, because “bashing” is usually without factual basis and frequently done out of jealousy. You know deep down inside if you are guilty of what people are saying about you. If it something you aren’t proud of – change. If it’s something you intended and you believe in, then just realize that the bashing indicates you are getting uncomfortably close to the truth.
April 12, 2007

professor mole
QOTD answer: Suck it up! you’re doing a great thing! Deposit your ego in your wife’s heart, your workmates, your bottom line and your fans. We all love you no matter what we say!
April 13, 2007

ecola
QOTD: Bash back baby!
April 13, 2007

3dvw
qotd: I join em …. self-effacing humor.
April 13, 2007

The Smartest Girl in San Francisco
Who’s that little russian wrestler? I love how he’s rockin out on the table. Oops! Now he’s leaning against the gruner! Owch! Now he fell over! Perfectly weird! My favorite part!

Wltv is so great because of how inclusive it is. I love that, and I’m so glad you are doing this.

QOTD: Ah, the life of a critic. But, TSGISF couldn’t say it any better than Professor Mole in comment 71. Don’t stop!
April 13, 2007

Lars
QOTD: Walk away. Bashers usually have a host of physiological for which they are trying to cure by bashing other people. Never works. Never goes away. Leave them in their misery.
April 13, 2007

cpd
Hey Vaynerchuk, you rock.
April 13, 2007

Portland Guy
Interesting episode — but your scoring on all the wines left me somewhat bewildered. You seemed reluctant to give scores that were consistent with your tastings. Feeling the pressure from your suppliers?
April 13, 2007

KC Dan
Qotd Ignore it !!! If they see they are getting to you it just adds feul to the fire . Here’s a qoute from yourself Gman [ WHO GIVES A RATS ASS !!!! ] Keep on doing what you feel is right , us vayniacs got your back ..
April 13, 2007

KenP
Quick question: you often reference Parker, Tanzer, the usual suspect critics. Could you include their tasting notes, not just their scores? Of Parker, personally, I cannot stand the man. Not your problem. But if you could provide a contrasting palate to his, that would be most instructive. The Wine Advocate is a subscription only periodical, as is Tanzer’s. God bless Jancis Robinson’s Purple Pages: Yet she’s pay-to-play, too! Can you lift select passages from any and all and tell us how your evaluations differ? Parker says ‘liquorice’, you say a ‘fresh fennel’.
At some point you have to go toe to toe with these folks. Draw the line. IMHO.
April 13, 2007

YoungDave
Enjoyable and informative Ep, Big G. I truly can’t wait until the day that I can pop an older bottle of Bordeaux to taste something other than young wine…maybe I’ll smell pickles…exciting.

QOTD: Honestly, if I know that I “keep it real” and stay true to who I am, and treat others selflessly with respect, then I can’t be too worried about anyone who is bashing me–because they’re obviously WRONG. All I can do is continue to be myself, including the way I interact with the bashers. Their bitter negativity will eventually break them down from within. Sad. So sad. I feel bad for the insecurity these bashers feel that provoke them to try to bring down others.
April 13, 2007

tarheel17
Way to go. Keepin’ it real – that’s why we all watch you religiously! (OK, so sometimes I catch up on 5 episodes in a row.. .but I do watch every one.)
April 13, 2007

Ross
QOTD: Depends on the bashing. I usually start a fight though.
April 13, 2007

Tom T.
QOTD….I tell them to f@@@ off
April 13, 2007

Matt the Lurker
QOTD – Add fuel to the fire. Let them think they are winning and you’ll get to see everything they’ve got. Learn what you can and then move on because you already know that you are right don’t you.
April 13, 2007

Autumnfox
We love you Gary!

QOTD: I usually let it bother me for one day but then I wisen up and say screw them. I make sure to be nice to them because I don’t want to stoop to their level(sitting in refuse). I focus on people who don’t bash me.
April 13, 2007

PB
Glad you lost the “nappy head” look……that thing needed some serious ironing yesterday. Or at least some Brill Creme and Jai Karate!
April 13, 2007

Justin S
Keep up the good work.

QOTD: Relish in the bashing and become a stronger person because of it.
April 13, 2007

Englishman
Just wanted to concur with alot of the people commenting today. If the people bashing you would take more time to properly prepare their wine to get a good rating rather than going for volume at any costs, then your comments would “please” them more. If they come up with a questionable wine, price it accordingly, not increase the price because everyone else is for the new vintage.
You have helped me and soooo many people have a much better understanding of wine maybe just flip them the bird!!! You are right, they are wrong.
Thanks for your honesty and help.
April 13, 2007

BobbySee
Gary,

Great episode as usual.

QOTD: Not sure exactly if your talking about the wine producers bashing you or the notable number of personal bashings you’ve been getting lately about your appearance. If the former is the case then qudo’s to you for being true to yourself and not faltering under their pressure. F***k ‘em if they can’t take the truth. If the later is the case then I personally owe you an apology for I am one of those. I will never complain about your sweaters again. It was all just good natured ribbing. I only pick on you because I care.
April 13, 2007

Vange
To me it’s very simple. If wine producers want better scores then make better wine! Stop the mass production and do things the right way. Of course they might make less profit, but then they’ll get the GV seal of approval on WLTV if its worthy.

On the other hand, if you give a wine a 88 or less, I doubt many people would go out and get it. I certainly do not. Now I know you say, to trust our palate and to develop our palate to see what we like. That is all fine and true, but with the 10s of thousands of wines to choose from we need some filters to narrow the field. If you (or RP) give a wine 88 or less, I don’t even consider it. I’ve never agreed with many WS scores so I take those with a grain of salt. With thousands to choose from why would I want to drink a 85 point wine? So many 90 pointers to choose from it doesn’t make sense to me to try many others. I can see where some wine producers frown upon your honesty when you rate them sub 90, but your clientele and friends appreciate it. Keep it up.

The hair is MUCH better today. I was getting worried.
April 13, 2007

Arnold
QOD: nothing. Why waste the time. Hope it’s not a personal question.
April 13, 2007

Greg B.
Good Stuff Gary. As far as the QOD. I don’t listen to other people that I don’t love or Respect. Just do what you do baby!
April 13, 2007

sharon
Re: QOD: “Ouch” works for me.
Sharon
April 13, 2007

PattyO
I’m intrigued by lots of the comments on the qotd for this episode. The essence of some comments is, Gary’s taste opinion (or any wine critic) is the “truth” and if he assigns a low score or a PAZZZZZ then the wine maker should just make a better wine – they’re clearly just going for volume and ignoring quality (pretty presumptuous to judge the integrity and craft of the people behind the wine!). Haven’t you ever loved a movie that was panned by well known critics? Haven’t you ever hated a movie that won every Academy Award there is? Tasting notes are a much better guide than “score” to whether YOU will enjoy a wine. AND, there’s a whole WORLD of delicious taste experiences (and great values) that got some critic’s rating of 70 – 88. In fact, according to Parker’s score explanation (he invented the 100- point system for wine), anything he gives above 70 is probably worthy of your dinner table in one situation or another. Here’s what he says:

The numerical ratings are utilized only to enhance and complement the thorough tasting notes, which are my primary means of communicating my judgments to you.

96-100 points
An extraordinary wine of profound and complex character displaying all the attributes expected of a classic wine of its variety. Wines of this caliber are worth a special effort to find, purchase, and consume.

90-95 points
An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. In short, these are terrific wines.

80-89 points
A barely above average to VERY GOOD wine displaying various degrees of finesse and flavor as well as character with NO NOTICEABLE FLAWS.

70-79 points
An average wine with little distinction except that it is SOUNDLY MADE. In essence, a straightforward, innocuous wine.
April 13, 2007

cdavis
QOTD: Jealously shortly follows Success. Bashing is merely an immature way to express jealousy.
April 13, 2007

cdavis
Your line of work is highly opinionated. Bashers are inevitable.
April 13, 2007

Rink Man
Nice episode, as usual!

QOTD: I usually try to get even but I am not always happy about it. I always go back to the truth and let them know that they have pissed me off. They usually come back crawling.

Going to WL now!
April 13, 2007

Sarah L
QOTD: I buy a case of wine from WL. Now, don’t we both feel a little better?
April 13, 2007

Capt M
Gary, that was a nice e-mail you read, and I was wondering if you can taste on WLTV some of the wines that he mentions, and very likely I’ll put some of them on my shopping list. I like to patronize and support integrity.
April 13, 2007

SteveB
Need triple-digit comments each day…….

Done.
April 13, 2007

Dan
First!

uh, well.

Here is a video for you first posters:

http://break.com/index/life_of_a_first_poster.html

Sorry about that!

Dan (still in Houston)
April 13, 2007

geespot
That letter really said something there, I think it is a perfect example of what we are accomplishing with WLTV…changing the paradigms of not only wine drinkers but producers too, awesome!

QOD: Scoff in the face of the bashers because, honestly, I’m making the waves and I’m damn proud of it.
April 13, 2007

Jay
QOTD: I kill the pain with Booze.
April 13, 2007

yowens44
QOTD: go home, open a bordeaux, complain to my girlfriend, and watch steelers or penguins highlights/games/superbowls/stanleycups.
April 13, 2007

Pat Mc
What the wineries are complaining about is the new age of information spreading – so it’s not just those that can afford the Spectator subs who will know about wine but it’s everyman with a browser and the news of how good or bad their wine tastes spreads pretty far and wide at a pretty cheap price. They have to deliver solid results at a fair price or the world will know – thanks to WLTV.
They need to get with the program.
April 13, 2007

eatapc
Gary, why give pinot noir such high scores? Why give it the benefit of the doubt? (I’m not bashing — I’m saying this because I love ya — but I’m sick of the over-rated, over-hyped pinot noir grape.)

You give the Nobilo an 88 after these notes: not a lot coming through … tight … little heat, bitter tannins … green vegetal & sour, but not integrated, little disjointed, short finish. Hmmmm. Sounds like an 80 at best. — Mark B
April 14, 2007

Panoca
Wow..Great Episode! Very nice picks Gary…
We love you because you are the most honest guy in the wine industry. This attitude will take you to the top.
April 14, 2007

TSchampaert
Hey, your description of the Angelus sounds quite strange: charcoal, leather, black liquorice, pickles, … Sure it’s no Northern-RhÃ´ne Syrah, like Hermitage or CÃ´te-Rotie? It just reminded me of the Bro’s in Arms 1998 a friend of mine popped two days ago. An almost indescribable nose and same for the palate. I dunno, I was just stunned. It was blind, so I guessed a new world Cab Franc or smth like that as I did not have any eucalyptus on the nose or fruit Niagara .
QOTD: I never get angry at the very moment. Dunno why, but I just can’t. Then afterwards I always start fretting myself and go gloomy. That’s it. I don’t even open a bottle to feel better again. I’d rather put on a Symphony of Mahler, an album of mÃºm or Sigur Ros … .
C ya!
April 14, 2007

Lynne
QOD: In my life, when it all came down to it, the culprit has been either jealousy or not caring enough to get to know me. My shoulders became broader because of it, tho’. I can take a lot more heat now.

Large Format: Way to Go!!!! How are you celebrating?
April 14, 2007

wayno da wino
QOTD: I just realize I’m too Superior to lower
myself to the basher’s level & ignore such Scum.
April 15, 2007

Elliot Essman
People often bash me for no good reason. Sometimes they do it unintentionally. I have a history of being misunderstood. Of course I have the critical ability to bash back and cut them to shreds with just a few deft strokes. Now don’t think I don’t want to use this power, especially when its application is deserved on the other end. But I know for a fact that when you get upset, it is often the upset state you remember later, not the cause (this is just like a girl I was in “love” with many years ago; I remember her, but can’t quite remember her name.)

So the best thing to do is to find some distraction. Wine is a good one. Song is another good one. I would say wine, women and song, except that women, unlike wine or song, can and will bash you. I have to amend that, since I guess a bad wine can really bash you — reflux and all that — so that leaves song. And song is jazz.
April 15, 2007

SoCalDaveBandito
I tried to watch Bubbe, but just couldn’t do it.

Oy gevult. A Red Sox fan? My grandmother would be turning in her grave if she caught me watching that.

haha.
April 18, 2007

NY Pete
tell them GFY…
April 18, 2007

NY Pete
I forgot to add ha ha right SS…
April 19, 2007

matt long
Dice Man…..

” I bought you pizza “
April 19, 2007

Karen Lorentz
Give them something real to bitch about.
April 30, 2007

wtvLurker
QOTD: expose’em. tell us who’s whining, what their beef is and we can decide by trying the wines ourselves and boycotting their products if they’re expecting you to lay off bashing wines you dont like.
November 9, 2009

John J.
qotd when it’s for no good reason, its pretty easy to spin the table around on them.

cool episode, would love to catch one on vin jaunes