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!

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

197 Responses

April 25, 2007

3dvw
1st
April 25, 2007

Elliot Essman
Cigar box is probably my favorite.
April 25, 2007

jsh
next!
April 25, 2007

Carlos Rossi, Hater
Andrew Will- Klipsun (Washington Red Meritage)

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=6911
April 25, 2007

dublin
Top 284,987,873,884?
April 25, 2007

Lars
4? Oh boy!
April 25, 2007

3dvw
Gary try a Cru Beaujolais since you’re on this summer wine kick. Tete Julienas Clos Du Fief 2005 sounds good to me.
April 25, 2007

cpd
How about trying the Twenty Rows ‘05 Merlot?

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31197
April 25, 2007

Greg
top 7?
April 25, 2007

Badger Ann
Top 10 today! Now to watch..
April 25, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
Early Ep,,, but I’m off to a Zepaltas tasting…… have to watch later!
April 25, 2007

RandyB
Take a power nap for five minutes and miss top 10! Sheesh!
April 25, 2007

Acousticdoc
I’m back. Top 15?
April 25, 2007

Le Vin au Blog
Top 15!
April 25, 2007

Joe
Gary, would love for you to taste the 2004 Adrian Fog Savoy Pinot, code 4128. I love the all request show! come on guys – request decent wines!
Joe
April 25, 2007

jprva
Wine to taste: 2004 Chateau Souverain Alexander Valley Merlot
April 25, 2007

Colleen
Wow…early today!
April 25, 2007

Justin
GV, loving Cali chards lately… We did a tasting of cali chards at work. The new 05 Jarvis Chards(reserve and finch hollow), Chateau Potelle, Pride(YUCK!), Far Niente and some others. The Jarvis and the Chat. Potelle were great.

Had a sequoia grove chard recently. Not bad… Do more shows about Cali chards with the summer coming soon. Maybe do a show on Robert Talbott chards… go through the whole line of chards.. Would be great to see.
April 25, 2007

Hank
QOTD: the Vigna Vecchia chianti that you just got it. Been waiting to see what that’s like!
April 25, 2007

3dvw
Guess I should watch the entire episode before answering questions … heh…

Cru Beaujolais link
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31619

QOTD: Blackberries
April 25, 2007

DryDrew
QOTD:In whites it will be the Lemon Lime like in the Sauvignon Blanc.
April 25, 2007

Colleen
Wine to Taste: 2005 Stump Jump Red…White too if you can!
April 25, 2007

TheDumbPhase
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31527
‘03 Torre Muga
QOTD- Been on a big dirt kick lately
April 25, 2007

Ryan
Gary,

Wish you would have reviewed this one today,

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=8683

Maybe tomorrow…
April 25, 2007

Wildebeest
QOTD: herbal mint combined w/ sour cherry
April 25, 2007

Joe
Thansk for the Passagno recommendation! QOTD: Plums…usually found in mature (15 years+) Napa Cabs,
Joe
April 25, 2007

jprva
Here you go- 2004 Ch. Souverain Alexander Valley Merlot

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31163

I also second the above suggestion for the 2005 stump jump red.

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=9403
April 25, 2007

MarkT
Besides the Eric Kent wines that I have been asking for I’ve been wanting to try the Kapcsandy State Lane Vineyard Cab, and would be curious to see what you think.

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=27857
April 25, 2007

Jim Walker
How about reviewing an inexpensive wine? Meridian Cabernet Sauv (2003 if you have it):
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=29920

QOTD: Pear
April 25, 2007

Tom T.
QOTD – probably black licorice.
April 25, 2007

JonnyL
I recently tried the Bodegas Montecillo Rioja Crianza 2001 which at its price point, ($10?) I was extremely impressed with…it tasted like a wine that should be closer to the high $20+ range….recommended.

I see that even though you don’t carry the crianza, you do carry

Bodegas Montecillo Reserva 2001… so I am very curious….

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=30403
April 25, 2007

Acousticdoc
Warm weather, refreshing white wine…Love the peach flavors!
April 25, 2007

Colleen
QOTD: PLUM!!
April 25, 2007

Hank
QOTD: Aluminum Bat. I just love to say ‘I taste aluminum bat.’
April 25, 2007

Norcal
QOTD: Licorice, baby! That or electrical fire…
April 25, 2007

TagWorld Brian
Gary, good call on a chardonnay episode. It’s not the most interesting grape variety IMHO right now, but there’s no denying its huge-osity. And with Wine Spectator working their way through Riesling, Pinot Noir, and now this month, Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s only a matter of time before their big Chardonnay issue hits the stands (probably just in time for summer) – and now you have the jump on them.

Now I just have to watch today’s episode, so I can comment intelligently.
April 25, 2007

Neil
Try this:
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=9023

or this:
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=29116

QOTD: Red: Black Fruit & Chocolate / White: Tart Apple, Citrus & Grass
April 25, 2007

Ken
QOTD: Reds – 1) Black pepper 2) Black licorice & Whites – Lemon
April 25, 2007

Tahmedee
QOTD – Bacon fat
April 25, 2007

PhilB
Good ep GV!

QOTD: Cigar box for me too, cause it mixes cedar AND tobacco…

Give Clio’s little sister a try, great value from what I remember!
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=7886
April 25, 2007

Ben N.
QOTD: Green pepper and Black cherries

My wine pick for tomorrow – http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31621
April 25, 2007

waibeans
you’re on a roll today GV.. and early posting and 2 other videos sent out.

keep it up man, but don’t get burned out
April 25, 2007

Badger Ann
QOTD: Artadi Artazuri Garnacha Navarra 2005. http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31517

I’m currently very partial to wines with peppery flavors.

BTW – Gary, I took a look at the video link yesterday to last year’s draft of DeBrickishaw Ferguson by the Jets. I remember watching that guy in the audience pointing to his head after the pick, indicating that the Jets had made a very smart choice (my Packers were next on the clock). Was that you??
April 25, 2007

Joe
Here is the link for the Adrian Fog:

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=4128
April 25, 2007

KenP
Good episode. (The winery I work with sources chard from the Sleepy Hollow vineyard.) And, its true, oak can help conceal weaknesses in chard, such as over-cropping and poor vineyard placement. Take oak away, you got trouble.

Cornas link:
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=4218

QOTD: Black Pepper
April 25, 2007

Andrew G
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=8249 or http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=6669. Good RP scores for not much dough
April 25, 2007

thkorent
QOTD: I guess it’s amarena cherries…
for tomorrow: http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=4187
April 25, 2007

dublin
Great show Gary, good descriptions; sometimes Chards are hard to break down. I also had the same experience as you with the ZD Chard 05′, which was disappointing because I have really liked them in the past too.
A wine I’d love to see you taste is the 03′ Mouton, dying to find out what’s going on in that bottle: http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=23452

QOTD: I love when a Cal Cab has a good plum factor, like a 95′ Opus, has amazing plum nose and pallet.

Cheers!
April 25, 2007

geespot
Good call on a Chard ep. I found an under the radar bottle not too long ago that you may enjoy. It’s called Hawkstone 2004 McMullens Lightning Rod California Chardonnay. It’s a rich, structured, full bodied chard without too much oak monster, very nice vanilla and apple tones. Sadly, it was only about 1200 case release and it’s a pain to find.

QOD: I think my flavorite combo is coffee + cocoa. This blew me away when I had The Heretic 2004 petite sirah from Four Vines. Seek this out if you haven’t tried it yet. I put full a TN on the forum recently.
April 25, 2007

MBG
My favorite flavor in wine: Cat Piss!!!!

Gary, how about tasting any PN from AP Vin or Loring?
April 25, 2007

Elliot
My favorite flavor to taste in a wine is Vanilla, which reminds me, if anyone knows a wine under 20 bones that has a ridiculous amount of Vanilla in it please let me know.

As for the wine I would like to be on tomorrow’s show:

It’s a $10 Cab that was recommended by the wine guy at my local World Market, and since I’m a starving student I thought I’d get your opinion on it before I blow my lunch money.

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=20380
April 25, 2007

Pauly
nice seasonal episode…looking forward to popping a couple bottles of white this weekend with the weather we’ve been having in NY.

QOTD: An intense, dry Blackberry/Currant flavor.
April 25, 2007

Harold
Eric Kent Bennett Valley Syrah http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31537
Favorite flavor? I’d have to say “pear” which is odd because I prefer red wine to white wine. Go figure.
April 25, 2007

Clifford James
Hey Gary … Nice episode … I’m still trying to truly “get into” white wines, and your show is helping, as are local tastings, esepcially now as the warm weather is setting in, as you have noted. I have yet to pop a bottle of Carina Cellars 2005 Viognier I bought, which is available locally, and I would like you to taste it on your show tomorrow, since you are looking for ideas of what to taste! Interesting that I paid $20 for it locally and you guys offer it for $16, which is yet further proof that perhaps — PERHAPS — it is worth the shipping charges to buy my elixir from y’all!

Here it is on your site: http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31362

Thanks Man …

Keep it up!
April 25, 2007

RandyB
Library Code: 31422 Frank Family Chardonnay. My wife and her friends love this and Rombauer Chardonnay. What’s the big deal? I need to know.

QOTD: Sorry, but I can’t give you a single flavor. My palate craves something more integrated. Blackberry/Black Currant and Smoke. You know that cabernet flavor that starts about mid-palate, ends up banging against the top, back portion of the palate and then sits there an obnoxiously long time after you have swallowed your sip.
April 25, 2007

Jen
Eric Kent 2004 Kalen’s Big Boy Blend Syrah
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31538
(no this is not a conspiracy, huh Harold? I actually want you to taste the ‘05 Pinot from Eric Kent but I see you don’t CARRY it yet! If you can locate a bottle, please do taste for me. We sell it at my shop but I can’t afford to drop 39 bones on it right now… I HAVE tasted Kalen’s, and I LOVE IT! Want to see what you think…
QOTD: raspberry pie!
April 25, 2007

Cameron P
Thanks for exploring Cali Chards in this price range. I’ve been wanting to try Pessagno since you first raved about them, I need to get on that!

QOTD 1: I’ve been wanting to see an episode on wines from the Jura, though this is the only one you have in stock, so please taste it:) 2005 Clos Lepeyre Jurancon Sec Vieilles Vignes: http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31071

QOTD 2- My favorite flavor in wine is probably chocolate-covered fruit. A lot of new world fruit bombs seem to possess this, where it tastes like red or black fruit with that chocolate essence behind it. Garretson’s “The Bulladoir,” which you profiled on here before, would be a good example.
April 25, 2007

Krey Aerlson
Owen Roe Lady Rosa Syrah 2005

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=29873

Let’s put owen roe on the map
April 25, 2007

Chris
I was in California last summer visiting friends. We made it up to Landmark to taste their wines. The setting was charming, the people were really friendly, and the wine was great. The Overlook is now a personal favorite of mine.
April 25, 2007

DryDrew
My pick for the show is Carmel Kayoumi Shiraz 2003 of Mount Meron especially with the holiday of Lag BaOmer coming up and its strong ties to mount Meron.
April 25, 2007

Autoproxy
Wine request: Penfold’s Cab/Shiraz Bin 389 http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=29209

QOTD: Tobacco/Leather combo in a good Zin. Nothing beats it.
April 25, 2007

Garret Nagle
My favorite flavor combination is the darkest dark chocolate smeared with nearly over-ripe blueberry. You know, the blueberries that are large and sweet, with lots of smoothness and not much acidity.

If that is cheating, I would say the back palate cheesey flavour found in red wines similar to the aftertaste of aged parmagiano reggiano.

You gotta love the back palate… I love the back palate as much as the front, middle and side palates, but the back palate is a lonely guy sometimes… He gets left out of the fun in enjoying wine sometimes, and I find wines lacking the back palate element more often than other palate areas.

The back palate looks at the front and mid palate like spoiled rich kids who are fed with a silver spoon, but he was born of humble background, and he smells like smelly sock, is covered in soil, and likes to roll arround in stinky truffles and licks rocks.

Like you, I have compassion for this fellow. Let’s have back palate appreciation day sometime.

Garret Nagle (the sheisty little dissapointing guy from episode 206)
April 25, 2007

mike m
How bout some zins? The M2 old vines comes to mind.Give him a call!!
April 25, 2007

Craig
QOTD: Apple

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=28247
April 25, 2007

Ryan D
QOTD: Your Cerro Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2004. Thanks!!

Great job as always Gary. Love what you do.
April 25, 2007

Kevin
QOTD…Strawberry/raspberry/Brown-grey olive/Malted milkball. Can I call that a flavor?

Please try the first wine I got interested in…Rosso 04 Zin, Cab, Syrah blend
OR my second …..Yuleca Castelanno 05 I might have have spelled this spanish rioja incorrectly.
ORRRRR try a Robert Bailly, Black Chicken Zinfandel.

(:
April 25, 2007

Grasshopper
Sensei,

My wine request for tomorrow…

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=9332

Fife Zinfandel – tasting notes from Wine & Spirits sounds wonderful. Would like to see if you agree.

QOTD – First, when have you ever descibed anything with only one flavor….my answer is black fruit covered in leather that was soaked in cedar and tobacco juice then rolled in cocoa dust and finished off with a touch of vanilla behind both ears……:)

Grasshopper
April 25, 2007

Caren
QOTD: whites, grapefruit / reds, liquorice

white…http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=7686
red…..http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=26948
April 25, 2007

Lars
QOTD: dark berry

Did da Wine Guy actually see the Oak Monster? I think he has an imaginary friend in the office. Perhaps a couple that he talks to.

Enjoyed the ep.
April 25, 2007

dougiefresh
I’ve always found vanilla to be an enjoyable flavor to happen upon, both in whites and reds. Always seems to smooth things out.

dying to find a nice barolo with a good QPR. (I still can’t get over that Convento Cappuccini Barolo 2001 from the taste-along episode back in December. 19 Bones!)

How about trying one of these less expensive Barolos?
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=28583
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=4286
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=5628

Cheers,
April 25, 2007

cruster
What about some Tokaj?
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=3206
April 25, 2007

Randy
Dude, Chateau St. Jean 2002 Cinq Cepages (http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=2656) – 92 points Robert Parker, and I’ve personally tasted the ‘94 and ‘95 (still have a bottle of 2000 Cinq Cepages in my cellar).

QOD: I’d have to say vanilla is probably my favorite wine flavor profile. I don’t end up drinking a lot of wine that has it, but it’s always a pleasant surprise when I do.
April 25, 2007

Johnny Jet
I have two flavors that I really enjoy.

I enjoy the green apple type acidity in Sav Blanc’s like Kim Crawford

I also enjoy the cherry flavors in some cabs and tempranillos
April 25, 2007

James D
Heya Gary, just thought I’d quit lurking around and chip in on this one.
I’d love to see your take on the 2003 Allegrini La Grola Veronese.
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=28445
I had this a couple weeks ago as my first (legal) glass of wine on my 21st b-day and absolutely loved it, though the great food and family probably helped =P
QOTD: Mocha, but only because its the first flavor I’ve been able to identify so far.
April 25, 2007

PeterL
QOTD: Baking spices
April 25, 2007

BWicked
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31537
Eric Kent Syrah–Great small producer. Great labels.
QOTD: blackberry/brambles
Gary, Thanks again.
April 25, 2007

Suzanne
Nice episode today.

For tomorrow, I’d like to see you taste this Bordeaux:
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=30335

QOTD: In reds, my favorite flavor is black cherry, right up front and loud. In whites, my favorite thing is a little different….it’s a barely-there wisp of raw honey that hides in the background, but comes out on the midpalate.
April 25, 2007

sfgiants55
I’d love to see a Malbec… we haven’t done one in a long time… if ever. (Noemia J.alberto Malbec 2005)
April 25, 2007

brooklyni
QOTD: that’s a hard question. it’s a tie between leather in old world reds and big blackberry jam in new world reds. i’m also a huge fan of that litchi flavor in some gewurtz.
I’d like you to taste: 2003 Ladera Cab Howell Mtn.
April 25, 2007

Dave H
QOTD: sort of ashen smokiness I sometimes get from wines grown in very volcanic soils–some Aglianico del Vultures, and I’ve had it in a couple wines (including a white) from Ischia in the Bay of Naples. But also I totally loved this taste of…walnut oil, or hazelnut oil, like just barely going rancid, on the tip of oxidizing but not, that I got from a Chassagne-Montrachet once. Sounds like I should give that Passagno a shot.

Incidentally, and not that you asked, but my *least* favorite taste in wine (besides actual flaws) is movie theater buttered popcorn from so many mid-high priced California Chards. Interesting that only one of the four Chards today went in that traditional oak-and-movies direction. I’ve also had a vague sense of recent CA Chards ditching the overwhelming oak and lactic characteristics–and often revealing flawed, overpriced wines underneath–but because it’s not a category I tend to buy in I couldn’t tell if it was a real trend or just the random ones my roommate happened to take home.
April 25, 2007

SP
QOTD: black pepper, green pepper, and earthy tones
April 25, 2007

brooklyni
gary, also wanted to say i always appreciate your realistic view of wine prices. so many people think: a $25 wine? that’s nothing. give me a case for the heck of it! from all of us that can’t always do that, i appreciate it. $25 isn’t a splurge, but it is, as you said, “special.”
April 25, 2007

Portland Guy
And GV goes 4fer4! QOTD – Bit of pepper, dark fruit and ‘earthiness’, which I find to be quite elusive to describe – never can find the appropriate adjectives.

Interested in knowing if O’Reilly has got something with this:

Owen Roe Sharecropper Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=29871
April 25, 2007

Jon B
QOTD: black licorice, cassis and bacon on top of dusty/chalky tannins.
April 25, 2007

Winodontist
Nice episode. I already purchased the Pessagno.

QOTD1: http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=42720 Carmenet Dynamite, this got me into Cabs 10 years ago, so I pay tribute here.

QOTD2: I’m going Blueberry, I like the fruit baby!
April 25, 2007

Capt M
Gary, try a spanish wine from Rioja: Finca Allende Calvario Rioja 2002. http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=2891
That would make me happy. QOTD: Black Cherry! but also Figs.
April 25, 2007

Godfather
GV,
I have a love/hate thing with California Chards. For me oak is OK as long as the wine is in balance. No oak is cool too as long as the wine has fruit. As for the rest – oak+fruit+bland is 3…One out of three is dee dee dee.
April 25, 2007

BV
That was a fun one — going from 87 to 91+ to 78 to 84 — if any of the Passagno’s watch this ep, they’ll be poppin’ their buttons!

QOTD: Cat puke on a white-hot Hibachi.

Bill V.
April 25, 2007

TimF
I just so happen to be drinking a bottle of 2004 Talbot Sleepy Hollow right now. It’s delicious.

Please give this a whirl tomorrow:
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=4134

I love the Keller Pinot Noir — it’s always a solid choice. And it’s my very favorite feta-cheeseburger pairing. I think you got a bad bottle of the chard.

QOTD: Butter
April 25, 2007

Capt M
It’s funny how you always pick on our friend the Oak Monster. I get a kick out of that very time. As my second suggestion, I have second feelings every time that I’m going to taste wines from Argentina, because most of them come out rather young thus with residual heat. Try this Argentinean, it’s supposed to be real good: Terrazas De Los Andes Cheval Des Andes 2002
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=3270
April 25, 2007

DAVEe
Love Pessagno! They also just put out an LH Sav Blanc retains the bright SB acidity, winery direct, very limited production on this unique wine (and this is coming from someone who doesn’t normally dig the sweet wines).

QOTD: Black Pepper Crusted Bacon!!! Oh great, now I’m hungry… and thirsty…

DAVEe
April 25, 2007

mas
Gary – would like you to taste this – mainly because it got 95 from Wine Enthusiast and I always find myself at odds with their high ratings.

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31778

QOTD: Cherry.
April 25, 2007

tarheel17
Try this, I’m curious:
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31515

My favorite flavor, in wine, in food, in lipgloss, is chocolate. Dark, dark chocolate. I’m such a girl.
April 25, 2007

leatherpalate
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=30415

The Value Pinot Noir of the season??-besides the Hammond of course..
April 25, 2007

jeff
For tomorrow’s tasting..

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=2808
Rare Wine Co New York Malmsey 93 Pts WA ($35)

I was going to say a Rkatsiteli, but you don’t appear to have any!
April 25, 2007

gordoyflaca
Try one of these on the show:

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=7176
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31235

QOD: I like raspberry and anise. I guess that’s not a ’single favorite flavor’. How about this: I like the flavor of “pizzelle covered in Hero-brand raspberry jam”
April 25, 2007

E-Rock
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=30517

QOD = A nonoverpowering dark fruit component. However sour cherries and green peppers are very close behind
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
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abel
QOTD: Montes Alpha Syrah

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

Porter
QOTD: Provincial Herb

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

holgi
Pazo de Barrantes
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

amgryger
QOTD: Dusty dried roses. I usually get this with piemonte wines.
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

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

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

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

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

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

Paul R
Whistler Black Piper GSM 2005

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=29157
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

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

David DeFazio
For Thursday’s show, I read some decent reviews of this wine somewhere:
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=15215
But then I tried it and didn’t taste the same things. I wonder where LL Cool G would come down on it.

QOTD: Pear
April 25, 2007

Darlene O.
Gary, love the episode. QOD: There is a small winery in my area, has a ridonculous Zin. In that Zin is my favorite flavor in wine: chocolate!
April 25, 2007

Len C
QOD Leather

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=27579
April 25, 2007

NathanN
Cool show! Can you try the Norton Ridge Cab. you tried the ‘03 last year on WLTV and we enjoyed the few bottles that we drank. I always like to compare vintages and was wondering what you thought of the ‘04

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=28529

QOTD: I really enjoy vanilla in my cabs.
April 25, 2007

GregL
One more Chard !winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=27615
April 25, 2007

cgf
Raat’s chenin blanc 2006 http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31781

QOTD: bing cherry.
April 26, 2007

Greg
Chilean Cabs please!

Clos Apalta
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31741

Almaviva
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31449

Montes M

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=29617

Montes Alpha Syrah

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=9960

QOTD: CASSIS
April 26, 2007

CarolynS
Try this one:
Twenty Bench Cab
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31102

or give some more love to Mary Elke with her Chardonnay
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=30987

QOTD: bell pepper (mainly because it always catches me off guard) and white pepper.
April 26, 2007

mbannon
QOD – Violets. Gawd I’m a sucker for violets in a wine.
April 26, 2007

Justin S
QOTD: Cigar Box

Chapelle St Arnoux Gigondas 2003
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=9688
April 26, 2007

Panoca
Great episode, as usual…
I agree with a comment earlier, let’s taste a Malbec, like the Altos Las Hormigas Malbec 2006 code 9444. Looks like a new arrival and it’s only 8 bones!
QOTD: strawberries covered with milk chocolate!
April 26, 2007

Justin S
And a with to go with the red

Te Kairanga Sauvignon Blanc 2005
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=8368
April 26, 2007

Jon B
Try the Klinker Brick Lodi Zin:
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=5574
April 26, 2007

JustinL
Dude, we’re coming up to summer, how about a great Sancerre? You love Sancerre. http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=30756

I love really tart red fruits, so I’d have to say that cranberry or pomegranite is my favorite wine flavor.
April 26, 2007

JOEinLA
Two wineries that I really enjoy are Delectus in Napa and Jaffurs in Santa Barbara. I know the Delectus people ( gerheardt) and would really enjoy a Delectus tasting. Jaffurs Petite is awesome and would be great along with some of the single vineyard Syrahs.

You have both producers in stock.

QOTD…Bordeaux)))— Lead pencil/ Graphite with cassis…It’s alllll about terroir.
April 26, 2007

diego de la p...
i really love finding chocolate and black berry
and in whites i like grape fruit, and ive gotten mango from some albarinos thats real nice
April 26, 2007

KC Dan
Great ep you were on was on fire today , holding hands with the OAK MONSTER and everything .QOTD Coffee And Mocha even better when you get them together !!
April 26, 2007

MikeMe
Gary, I think the candy you were trying to describe with the ZD was “Bottle Caps”. Loved those things.

QoD: You ever bite off the ends of licorce and then suck juice through it? I go for black licorce sucking the juice of ranier cherries rolled in black pepper.

I like you adding a champagne into mix once in awhile – http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=40870
April 26, 2007

wm mole
Flavor? Cherry. Definitely cherry. Wild, bing, sour, dark, light I don’t care. Bring on the cherry.
Kudos to Fiddlehead Kathy Joseph who had the nerve to serve tasmainian cherries and gummy cheese with her fab pinots last weekend. Wine and life is good!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 26, 2007

Robert F
Hmmm…our friend the oak monster? I think i’ll stick with alsace and the loire for my whites.

QOTD: Cherry cola, sour cherry, black cherry, but especially chocolate covered cherries rolled in dirt.
April 26, 2007

Jester
QOD: In red wines, my favorite flavor, by far, is blueberry or boysenberry pie w/ sour cherry………in whites, I really like butterscotch & starfruit……..but I can’t leave out one that I find to be really odd, but that I absolutely love, cinnamon in rieslings.

I’d love to see the below wine reviewed, and I’m not even a big Pinot fan, but the flavors and aromas sound out of this world!!!!

Panther Creek Shea Vineyard Pinot: https://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31016

This one would be nice, too

Viking Vouvray Tendre Cuvee Aurelie: https://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=30767
April 26, 2007

jorge
QOTD: Whatever the flavors in the 2004 El Nido Clio are. That is just wonderful to smell and drink.
I have to also agree with Jester above, the honey tones in certain whites, such as 2002 Viking Vouvray Tendre Cuvee Aurelie, and any of the Mer Soliel Chardonney vintages are wonderful tasting wines.
April 26, 2007

hugh
31514….k vintners cougar hills syrah

qod: cotton candy….rare but really cool when it hits ya…
and chocolate, bittersweet…
April 26, 2007

Andy
Learning to like Cali Chards for great bargain price.

QOTD- Red bing cherries- fresh and big
April 26, 2007

hugh
maybe the keller was an off-bottle??
April 26, 2007

Susan
Gary-
Please try the 2005 Vinum Africa Chenin Blanc!
This South African White is a real treat!!!!!!!!
April 26, 2007

Brookhouser
GV-

Good Episode

I wouls have to put in to try a Pontet Canet Bordueaux….They are getting a lot more Hype since 1999 and seem to be making wine consistently good…even the 02 got a decent rating
April 26, 2007

SoCal
G,
Grrrr…. Oak Monster…..butter fest……
You said to remind you……
RUDI SCHULTZ SYRAH 2003 check with Ian he just got it in!
Thanks Bro…
April 26, 2007

Tom T.
How about trying this:
https://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=29795
April 26, 2007

SoCal
QOTD: I seem to be attracted to the more of the “game” & “barnyard” flavors in some syrah. I know it sounds weird but my pallet is changing
April 26, 2007

Photo Joe
Gary,

I’ve never had this one before and was curious how it tastes.

Niebaum-coppola Cask Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=31778

Joe
April 26, 2007

Susan
Gary-
QOD:
Single Favorite Flavor?
Black Raspberry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 26, 2007

MikeyB
Gary, how about tasting one for the little guys: http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=8674

QOTD: Sour cherry. mmmmmmmmmmm.
April 26, 2007

Lev M.
you tried the previous vintage of casa julia merlot, try the new one…
https://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=18712

QOTD: It’s a tie between green pepper and strawberry
April 26, 2007

cdavis
I had this wine the other night. I would like your thoughts!

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=28024

you know how your fans love when you do value wines!
April 26, 2007

SoCal
https://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=3433
April 26, 2007

ken
Iâ€™m finally leaving my longer comments about yesterdayâ€™s show. I watched it late because it would not load and I had to download the entire episode. It is interesting that you mention Chardonnay as a â€œwarm weatherâ€ wine because Chardonnay is one of the few whites that I consider to be good for cooler weather. I think that this is due to the oak & butter factor and I guess the exception would be a Chard that is either un- or lightly-oaked. With all of that being said, I am not a huge fan of the â€œbutter bombsâ€ unless I am having a very rich Vichyssoise or I am in Maine eating fresh lobster â€“ something you wouldnâ€™t know about because of your cholesterol issues. ; – ) Very well done episode!!

QOTD #1: I did answer already but again, for reds I love black pepper & black licorice and I enjoy lemon zest in my whites.

QOTD #2: How about Altos De Luzon Jumilla 2004, http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=8249

OR

Since it was corked the first time you had it,
Rustenberg John X Merriman 2003
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=28745
April 26, 2007

Kerry Tilden
Flavor: oak
Wine to try tomorrow: Frei Bothers Chardonnay
April 26, 2007

Kerry Tilden
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=15238
April 26, 2007

Fiorentina!
Hey Gary-
Sorry that i’m a bit late in my comment, but I went to the Ducks v. Canucks hockey game last night … I’ve found the same problem with new CA Chards., but I believe that the CA Chard. market, althought solidifiying itself as a butter/oak beast, is starting to venture off a bit and trying new things…kind of like David Ortiz’s lead off first…he’s off the bag, but not too far away and definitely won’t steal/leave the bag. (bad analogy, but you get what I’m talking about and I just got my first cup of coffee) I’m just kind of hopeful that a couple ’semi-big name’ wineries will start to make Old World style Chards.

QotD – In red wines I really enjoy Strawberry Red Licorice (you know the soft kind…not that twizzlers stuff)
In white wines I really enjoy Kiwi flavors.

By the way, it’s probably too late, but here are some suggestions.
Chiyonosono Sake Garden Of Eternity – http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=26913
Franz Hirtzberger Rotes Tor Gruner Veltiner Smagard 2005 – http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=9131
Ladera Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 – http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=9209
Icardi Cortese L’aurora 2005 – http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=8122
Smoking Loon Viognier 2005 – http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=16397
April 26, 2007

Ken
QOTD: Barnyard.
April 26, 2007

Brookhouser
GV saw you had this one…..this would be a good one as well…i have heard a lot about this

Niebaum-coppola Cask Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
April 26, 2007

Iron Man
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=28839

QOTD red roses and black asphalt…..ahhhhhhhh!
April 26, 2007

Brookhouser
Pontet Canet…Heard a lot of hype about the great wines that are coming out of there….the 2002 got a 92…..
April 26, 2007

tim
QOTD: I Recently purchased a Chateau La Thys from WL. Had this trememndous, silky, smooth, chocolate finish. I could have believed I had just finished eating a very expensive chocolate bar. That is my favorite flavor, when it is coupled with fruit in the mid palate.
April 26, 2007

Benji
Hey GV,

Here’s my pick for one of the wines today, if it’s not too late…

Juslyn Vineyard Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 – Library Code: 29689
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=29689

Peace
April 26, 2007

mikeyrad
QOTD: I’m a barnyard kinda guy.
April 26, 2007

Matt Solo
Hey Gary! I just discovered the site, love it to death and am a first-time poster. Thanks for this service. I would love to see a show like this that did sort of the same thing for very common wines. I know a lot of us live in rural areas where the closest thing we have to a wine store is two rows in Harris Teeter. It might not work, though, because all the wines probably taste about the same. Oh well …

I love the cru beaujolais, and would love to see you taste one. I can only get my hands on the Deboeuf stuff, but a nice Morgon or Moulin a Vent would rock so hard.

Keep up the good work!

QOTD: I’ve only been drinking wine for a few months, so I’m just starting to taste differences, and still having a hard time picking out individual fruits, but “light” berry seems to be a preference … strawberry and such.
April 26, 2007

ulysses
QOTD: anything spicy
April 26, 2007

Ross
QOTD: Toothpaste
April 26, 2007

TSchampaert
Doesn’t seem like I miss that much with no Cali Chards over here.
Try a Ripasso for the show, or at last a Sagrantino di Montefalco of Arnaldo Caprai (never had that on WLTV).
QOTD: I love the smell and taste of wet moss in wine. Some Barolos, Burgundies, Nero di Troias, Sankt Laurents have it. Great.
April 26, 2007

Matthew L
Thanks Gary. Keep the white wines coming.

QOTD: Favorite means picking just one. Gosh…ummm…blackberries. Followed closely by raspberries, dark chocolate in reds; and grapefruit and fresh cut grass in whites.
April 26, 2007

Orion Slayer
Too late for today’s show, but try Layer Cake!

QOTD: Cherry, but tannins have to be there!

(Only 2 more days till the draft!)
April 26, 2007

Jim Walker
Orvieto Classico please!
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=16491
April 26, 2007

GottaGoDrink
Hi Gary!

QOTD- This week, for reds- plum/blueberry with a tannin bite, for whites- shiny metal.
April 26, 2007

Sarah L
QOTD: red- rose hips; chardonnay- love a little butter; champagne- toasted almonds.
April 26, 2007

Louisiana George
QOTD: 2004 Mas Donis – Loved the 2003, which was rated even higher by RP. I think the 2004 is just as good, although rating a little lower. Great wine for the pricepoint ($12).

Thanks for all you do.

Louisiana George
April 26, 2007

Matthew L
Likely too late. Hall Merlot
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=29624
April 26, 2007

wayno da wino
QOTD: CHERRIES (bing or black) That’s why i’m a pinophile.

If ya drink no Noir, ya Pinot Noir !!
April 26, 2007

Cat Pee Smells Like Wine :-)
QOD: Red: Tart red currant and tobacco. White: Cat Pee sizzling on a space heater.
April 26, 2007

flavasauce
QOTD: TRUFFLES!
April 26, 2007

Garrett
QOTD: Arm-pit! No seriously, it would have to be currant.

As for a wine to taste – how about a cheap’er’ Cali meritage?

Quintessa? Since you do not have St. Supery ‘Elu’ in stock…

http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=29253
April 26, 2007

eatapc
QOTD:

White wine: peaches.

Red wine: pepper.

– Mark B
April 27, 2007

Matt the Lurker
QOTD – What flavor? It changes all the time. That’s what’s so great about wine is that you don’t have to have the same thing every day. Currently I’m a fan of strawberry. But in general I think my palate screams for cinnamon.
April 27, 2007

Matt the Lurker
Oh, one other thing. I think you are completely right about the change in California Chardonnay. I have noticed from the tasting rooms that I have been to that the first changes of an anti-oak movement have already started. Lucky for us I guess. The real 64k question is is that going to bleed over into the reds as well? Currently I only get a sense that oak is passe in the white department and the new world oak monster reds are still in favor. I guess we’ll see soon enough.
April 27, 2007

John
Hey Gary
This past November we hit Landmark while we were in Sonoma and tasted the 2004 Overlook. Megan (my wife) and I enjoyed it, (notes: lot of granny smith apple on the nose as well as citrus fruit, not too much oak, great toasted notes on the palate)
We didn’t purchase this we went with the Damaris reserve Chardonnay which doesn’t have as much distribution and doesn’t make it to Virginia. It had much more hazlenut aspects again with a lot of apple and asian pear, and not too oaky.

Great episode.

John
April 28, 2007

JayZee
Intriguing episode. I am rarely impressed with Cali Chards, but the Passagno sounds good to me – I’ll have to give it a whirl.

QOTD: I’d have to go with licorice in a red wine.
April 29, 2007

aaronT
qotd: gonna answer in the context of whites since you’re feelin that flava with summer coming… favorite flavor profile in a wine is sunflower seeds! Get that fantastic salty nutty aftertaste from some of my favorite Chardonnays (Esterlina, for example).
May 1, 2007

Harmony
Wow 2 wrestling comments in one episode. You are a complete and total weirdo. Thank you.
May 6, 2007

Lawrence Leichtman
I like a mixed berry taste. Blackberry, blueberry, strawberry and even cherry in reds.
Citrus does it for me in whites.
May 31, 2007

Erik
Enjoyed watching the Cali. Chardonnay tastings.

QOTD – My favorite flavor in wines is blackcurrent; when a red wine manages to capture the truly recognizable flavor of blackcurrents I know I’m going to have a great tasting experience!

In white wines I’ve recently been enjoying many of the flavors that the New Zealand Sauv. Blancs bring to the table (lemon-lime spritzer, gooseberry).
April 14, 2008

Grif
My favority wine flavor? That’s easy. Oak!! I like the oaky reds. Back in the 1990’s I went shopping for my favorite reds from Sonoma and discovered that the prices were higher than I expected. The store people talked me into trying Chile and Australia. I wasn’t familure with the concept of “fruit bomb” I just concluded that there was something desparately wrong with this wine and actually went off wine for about a decade. With your help I’m starting to figure out what I like and I even had a fruit bomb that I liked after 24 hours of breathing. It strikes me as odd that you put oak and fruity in the same category “new world”. They’re opposites on my liking scale. I’m watch the shows from episode one forward. I’m half way to the present.
June 30, 2008

Dessert Wine Nerd
Gary – Another great episode as always. I love the nerd-factor and humor you bring time and time again. I could see you actually wrting like this if you ran a magazine. Nice notes on the Sleepy Holly, too. I will have to remember to check them out arund here and see what I can dig up. Love the Duggan references. He was always fun to watch even if he didnt have a lot of techincal skill or a good finishing move… Yes, I am calling out the clothesline! QOTD: Well being new to wines and of course going the sweet route to start with, I think I would have to go with peaches.
June 18, 2009

Phredd
Great episode. Nice to expand palates, but nice to hit the center from time to time, as well.

QOTD: For white, I like apricot. Especially in dessert white, but I also like when chardonnay or dry riesling has an apricot component, as well. For red, I don’t know that there’s only one. If I had to pick a single flavor component, I guess I’d go with vanilla. Not because I particularly like the flavor by iteself, but because it is one sign of a big red wine that has aged. I am much less a fan of astringent, biting wines, and vanilla always seems to be present in one form or another in wines that have had the time to mellow out.
November 17, 2009

John J.
qotd wow tough question. thats impossible to pick 1, or even 10. Most recently, I really enjoyed the petrol character in this 96 german riesling I had last night.

Gary, how about putting a vin jaune on the show for something new?

California Chardonnay Tasting – Episode #224

Wines tasted in this episode:

197 Responses

Leave a Reply

Subscribe To WLTV

Crush It Book

Follow Me

What's Hot!

Things To Do

Favorite Episodes