California Cabernet Taste Off.

California Cabernet Taste Off. – Episode #242

May 24, 2007

Gary sits down with 3 very different California Cabernet.

Comments on this episode(132) Leave a comment ›

“Please send me a wristband ……I know I know….I’m just 2 years 1 m…” by Adrian
“QOTD: Water. Many of my wines are too young to be drinking now or sh…” by Dessert Wine Nerd
View all 132 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

2004 Clos Du Bois Cabernet SauvignonSonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Seventy Five Wine Co. Cabernet SauvignonOther California Cabernet Sauv
2002 Chateau St Jean Cinq CepagesSonoma Cabernet Sauvignon

Links mentioned in todays episode.

Having trouble viewing this video? Try the Quicktime version.

132 Responses

Pages: « 6 5 [4] 3 2 1 » Show All

May 24, 2007

Badger Ann
(It’s good to be finally back in the USA! Now to catch up on all those episodes I missed.)

This weekend, I’ll likely pop open a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc for relaxing on the porch. And, we’ll also make some mojitos to go along with our slow-roasted Cuban Pork for our post-500 mile race dinner. I can’t wait!
May 24, 2007

zeppo55
QOTD: Robert Biale Black Chicken(Can’t remember if 2004 or 2005)..
May 24, 2007

Chris S.
Since your on the tasting widely available wines kick, how about chateau ste michelle? Food and Wine did a whole article on the winery.
May 24, 2007

TimF
Wow, lots of wristband pics!

Will the oak monster be travelling with you to Cali?

Talk about confusing marketing — a 2004 from 1975. Yikes!

I agree about 1975. I had a glass of Port at Berns the other night from that year just because it was such a great year (not for Port, but for people).

I know some folks who like the “bean action”.

Spam with chocolate syrup! Yum!

QOTD: I haven’t thought that far ahead.
May 24, 2007

Scott S.
Hey Gary, next time you do Cali cabs seek out the 2002 Forth Vineyards. You have it it your stock and you have diamond in the rough. This is real under the radar Dry Creek cab from a 500 case production for 20 bones. Last year you had the 01 and this was unreal.

Qotd: just received the winery my 6 bottles shipment of Rochioli Russian River Pinot Noir. Awesome stuff, going to pop a bottle with some friends and pair with some Cedar Plank Salmon on the Grill. Perfect Macth!
May 24, 2007

E-Rock
QOTD = Probably some Albarino after yesterday’s show
May 24, 2007

amgryger
QOTD: I haven’t figured it out yet. I’ll be traveling to the Philly area this weekend and prefer to travel light, so the State of Pennsylvania is probably going to have to something to say about what I drink. Maybe I will look for a Chateauneuf Du Pape.
May 24, 2007

Doc Dan
Good show. Love to see Clos de Bois get routed!
QOTD: V.Sattui 2000 Moriselli vinyard
May 24, 2007

Dale Cruse
QOTD: I’m LOVING Hungarian Harslevelu.
May 24, 2007

Tom T.
QOTD – a hefty dose of Margaritas with perhaps some nice white wine in there somewhere (maybe the Albert Mann Gewurstraminer…not sure just yet). BTW I agree with Lars 100%. We all should pause and give thanks to our service men and women both past and present.
May 24, 2007

RuralTom
Greetings Mr Vaynerchuk!

Question of the day: Whatever wine goes best with the last of the season’s morels… leaning towards a French pinot, followed by a good rhone.

enjoy ‘Frisco
May 24, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
My attempt at Twittering,, comment style:
Sitting here sipping a 2004 Alban Lorraine syrah,,16.9% alcohol WOW!
Tomorrow, massage in AM, Golf in PM, Beer and Fish fry
Sat: Golf, Golf, Golf,, 29 day dry aged ribeye on grill and old Beringer Cab Reserve 1989-1995 haven’t decided which yet,,1990 Suduiraut for dessert.
Sunday: worship, golf, SpiderMan with the kids, brats and a viognier.
Monday: attend parade honoring those that have made the sacrifice, pontoon Lake Wissota, all you can eat and drink Native Bay hog and microbeers.

How’s that sound Mr. Twitter??!
May 24, 2007

ColdVVaves
QOTD: 03 Flowers Pinot with a monster dry aged ribeye sounds good to me.

Damn, I was just in SF this weekend – would have like to make the party!
May 24, 2007

Bossman
Forgot QOTD: either Grant Burge Meshach Shiraz or Schulz Marcus Shiraz, probably the former as I have 2 of those and only 1 of the Schulz left. Oh wait, it’s a 3 dayer? More likely both. I have my annual physical on Tues. but what’s a little elevated liver function among friends?

Clifford,
No offense intended, if I weren’t a NYer and had some semblance of couth I would’ve said MY being in the top ten and crowing about it is silly. Whatever floats your boat, diversity is what this world is all about.

In retrospect though it does make it easy to skim the first ten knowing there’s no real content…. he he.

Enjoy the trip Gary, it’s not often I get to be envious of the West Coasters.
May 24, 2007

Autoproxy
QOTD – Hendry Zin, probably block 28 if only because some old friends are back in town. Bottle number two will be their choice…and they’re big fans of Chard. Uh-oh…
May 24, 2007

Dave Canada
Nice episode Gary…noticed my photo didn’t make the collage but I asume Chris Mott will hook me up next time around.
QOTD – No memorial day in Canada, but it is my 30th B-day party..gonna pull out some serious shit! 1990 Dom, 1997 Clarendon Hills Cab, 2001 Dominus, 2002 Mosswood Pinot Noir and 1977 Fonseca…It is going to ROCK. IF you are in the area, drop by!
May 24, 2007

Bobinnati
Thanks for the cab episode. QOTD – no idea……I’ll peruse my massive collection of two dozen bottles, pick out one of my best and raise a glass to those who can no longer drink with us because they have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our wonderful American way of life.
May 24, 2007

J Crazy
Bye the Eye of Thundera this was a great episode. I see Cal Cabs as a challenge. Get out there and taste a whole heck of a lot and you’ll be sure to find some great ones. I went to some great wineries in Cali recently and had really nice cabs or cab blends at: Benziger, Kunde, Turnbull, Galante, Georis, Heller, Grgich Hills, etc. I definitely agree that the Oak Monster and his gang of Fakies runs rampant around the state but there are still many many fantastic Cal Cabs at good price points. I tried some from the barrels and have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how many cabs are stearing away from the oak, the sugar, the fruit all up in your mouth and are focusing more on balance, complexity and subtle excellence.
QOTD: 2004 Ch. St. Jean Merlot, 2003 Weisinger’s Rouge Valley Gewurztraminer (an awe awesome Gewurtz!)
May 24, 2007

EthanPSU
Great Cab episode…
QOTD: It’s my sister’s graduation so we’ll prob. pop some Cava but that’s just a guess i’ll have to see what my father’s in the mood for.
May 24, 2007

Winodontist
QOTD: Gary you’ve inspired me again to open some of my better bottles.

I was thinking about doing a 1996 Vigneti in Cannubi Barolo.

I know it seems too big for a barbeque, but it needs to be opened!
May 24, 2007

Tom (vtjones)
QOTD: I am going to the Austin Wine Festival so most likely we will be drinking a wine from a Texas Hill Country Winery of some kind. Hmmmmm… Though we might go shopping in Austin. We will be cooking some 1.5 inch ribeye steaks though for sure. Yummy!
May 24, 2007

Kirk
QOTD: hahaha….I have no clue. I have a 2004 Copain I was thinking about opening, or possibly a 2004 Domaine Serene Yamhill Cuvee…time will tell.
May 24, 2007

KAHUNA
I think the GV is throwing the “fake” term around a little too much these days- I did not get any fakeness in the 1975 Cab at all- When I think fake I think Yellow Tail or Baroosa Shiraz- This is no where near that level. I also did not notice any sweetness to it.
May 24, 2007

vivaitalia
QOTD: Memorial day usually calls for a huge cooler full of beer. But over the weekend i’m drinking and 1.5 of 2000 rosemount gsm that is at it’s perfect drinking age. Also drinking an 04 gaja promis right now. Are you going to tape episodes for friday and monday? I’ve always hated Cali cabs but i’m thinking maybe i’ve just had some really bad ones and maybe there are some that I would really like. Any suggestions?
May 24, 2007

Sue Z.
QOD – I’ll be popping some awsome homebrew (my interpretation of lager) @ my mom’s annual Memorial Day picnic on Sunday. It will pair up great with her chile dogs:-) Maybe some New Zealand sav. blanc &/or dry Austrian riesling as well! Got any wine suggestions to pair with some grilled vidalia onion/panchetta and balsamic vinegar reduction kabobs?