California Chardonnay Tasting

California Chardonnay Tasting – Episode #224

April 25, 2007

Wines tasted in this episode:

Gary Vaynerchuk checks out for $20 Plus California Chardonnay’s. Sit back and enjoy WLTV, cause heck that’s why it is here!

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197 Responses

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April 25, 2007

David M Roberts
Black currant and leather glove…

Someone else posted Rosenblum petite sirah, and I agree – really odd label, in that some releases are complete misses, and others, like the petite sirah, are wonderfully jammy (in a good way) and balanced with good concentration. http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31601.

Love that Oak Monster!
April 25, 2007

Jack2112
wow, you don’t make it easy GV, QOTD: sour cherry, chocolate, cassis… Can’t pick one dammit…

For tomorrow, if I was to pick ONE wine…wow…probably the Fort Ross Reserve Pinot 2002.
April 25, 2007

Paul R
Whistler Black Piper GSM 2005

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=29157
April 25, 2007

Dave Canada
Still haven’t got my wristbands Gary? Do you not ship to Canada?
QOTD – It must be candied tobacco!
April 25, 2007

JonE
QOTD: Bonny Doon’s new Cali Syrah “Le Pousseur”, how much of that flies out the door?! Whether by label or taste? Do tell G-Man, do tell.

QOTD: Cherry baby, cherry.
April 25, 2007

Dale Cruse
Favorite flavor? Fresh-cut grass! It’s all about Sauv Blanc for me!

Try a dessert wine – maybe Rosa Regale!
April 25, 2007

Dmjperc
Gary!!!

You told us in Ep. 151 that you would give the Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut a chance and do a tasting. Haven’t seen it yet. I want to drink more Cavas so please…PLEASE.. Give this a go… because shouldn’t sparkling wine be enjoyed anytime..not just around the holidays!!!

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=17450

QOTD: Nutmeg and pumpkin
April 25, 2007

johnmaki
I have really enjoyed the mint/eucalyptus flavors in some old Heitz wines which I haven’t noticed more recently. Got any wines like that to taste?
April 25, 2007

Capt M
I agree with Abel. I recently discovered the Montes Alpha Syrah, and I fell for it. I keep going back to buy more. I get it in PriceSmart at $15, same as in WL. For the money, it is a screaming value. I find it to be so earthy, with aromas so defined of wet soil, worms, vanilla, and undertones of cherries. For $15 bones it’s an expense sure to be enjoyed, and never to be dissapointed. However, for tomorrow, I’m hoping Gary to taste something a little bit more intriguing and thought provoking
April 25, 2007

amgryger
QOTD: Dusty dried roses. I usually get this with piemonte wines.
April 25, 2007

Les
How about this, GV?
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=28814

QOTD-It was pepper for a long while, then chocolate, now I’m not so sure, I’m trying to identify it- it’s an earthy, dark fruit-perhaps fig or fig-leather! For white, it’s definitely “wet stones.”
April 25, 2007

holgi
Pazo de Barrantes
April 25, 2007

Porter
QOTD: Provincial Herb

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=8313
April 25, 2007

Abel
QOTD: Montes Alpha Syrah

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=9960
April 25, 2007

Harley Stan
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31533

I guess will have to break down and try chardonay now, for some reason I have not had the desire to try it, and I have been on a grenache kick for some reason. Actually I just had a grenache blend from Priorat that was phenominal, a region I would not have given any thought too except you did the Priorat episode.

QOTD- Grape! Actually I find a tobaco finish really interesting, it might be I have had good experiences with wines that have a tobacco finsh, or I gave up chewing tobaco 2 years ago this june and miss the flavor.
April 25, 2007

Douglas
If the Jolly Green Giant and the Oak Monster fought in a bloodsport match to the finish, who would win? Please discuss.

Douglas aka demilove
April 25, 2007

aktormedic
I am very surprised about the Keller..You should have tried the unoaked version, much better IMO…. It is one of the best Cali Chards I have ever had. Their Pinots are also very nice, and well priced. QOTD:Truffles…

For tomorrow, I’ll throw this one out there again : http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=8697

or this one : http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31480
April 25, 2007

sharon
Another wonderful episode…As far as favorite taste I would say roasted red pepper. But of course there are the usual suspects like blackberry and chocolate,too.(One flavor is not enough)
I’d love to hear your take on Rosenblum 2005 Petite Sirah which has an unimpressive label but is a nice table wine for the price.
April 25, 2007

RonC
Interesting Episode. Think I’ll try the 2005 Pessagno Sleepy Hollow Chardonnay when I put in my next order.

QOTD:
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=30082
April 25, 2007

AngioRanger
For tomorrow’s tasting: http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31428
Re: QOTD : Old barn spiderwebs
April 25, 2007

CHEF
Gary another great episode…The weather is getting warmer here is Texas and it’s time to start enjoy that “Spritzy” white Wine…My favorite summertime flavors are “Lemon Peel”…But “Cat Pee” is a close second…
Here’s a wine for Tomorrow’s episode…
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=9504
+CHEF
-Whenever someone asks what youâ€™re making for dinner, tell them â€œReservationsâ€â€¦
April 25, 2007

JamesN.
I thought the comment board was for opinions about wine & the video! I enjoy reading the comments, but, who actually cares if anybody’s post is in the top 10 ?????
QOTD… I don’t actually have a favorite flavor in a wine. I love balance and the ability to go with food.
April 25, 2007

MR Berry
Nice episode. I, too, agree that California Chards are changing their course by using less oak. However, they are exposing the flaws which the oak was to hide. I think you may have seen some of those flaws in today’s episodes. Maybe with these changes, people will start (as I think they are) looking to lesser known varietals.
QOTD – Earthquake Petite Sirah. NICE bottle! http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=9068
-MrB
April 25, 2007

portman
QOTD #1: my single favorite flavor that I always enjoy finding is canned plums.

Nice epidsode. Interesting that all four were the butter and/or oak style of chards. About half of the chards I get are the more crisp style, apples and pears instead of butter and oak. Other than reading the often erroneous tasting notes on the back of a bottle, any tips on identifying the style of the chard?

Mike