Serious Red Zinfandel – Episode #244

May 29, 2007

Gary Vaynerchuk attacks 4 very serious Red Zinfandels because you have asked him to.

Comments on this episode(192) Leave a comment ›

“QOTD: Top Gun….” by Phredd
“How much oak is “too much”? Is it diminishing the fruit of the wine? I…” by Erik Wait
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2001 Sky Zinfandel Mount VeederOther California Red Zinfandel
2002 Trinitas Russian River ZinfandelSonoma Red Zinfandel
2004 Haywood Rocky Terrace ZinfandelNapa Red Zinfandel
2004 Coppola Pennino ZinfandelNapa Red Zinfandel

Links mentioned in todays episode.

Having trouble viewing this video? Try the Quicktime version.

192 Responses

May 29, 2007

panoca
First!!!???
May 29, 2007

brooklyni
nice … getting “serious”
May 29, 2007

Jeffrey
I don’t tune in to WLTV for serious!!
May 29, 2007

vibemore
Sweet. Top 5. Loving the story so far…
May 29, 2007

brooklyni
that story is NUTS!
May 29, 2007

waibeans
top 10 again
May 29, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
Livin’ on the edge there GV!! the football game story was enough to keep me away from the west coast, but yet you’re back for more!! Tuff Guy!
May 29, 2007

Karl Laczko
My god Gary, you know how to party, “arrested in L.A.” – that’s gotta be a chapter in the book. I take it none of the cops drank wine?
May 29, 2007

Rob B.
top 10!! Great episode again!!! Love Zins..
May 29, 2007

manual
coming back later. buffering.
May 29, 2007

garyv
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20030114/ai_n9614713 found something!
May 29, 2007

Monrovino
Hey Gary! Thanks again for the visit with us on Saturday night! We had a great time!
Stay out of jail!
May 29, 2007

jsh
in buffering hell
May 29, 2007

Capt M
Haircut!
May 29, 2007

RuralTom
Greetings Mr V!

HMmmm…. which should I try….

As to the question of the day: I’m not sure I really have a guilty pleasure in wines, I’m usually just looking for the best QPR I can find. That being said I find myself happily guilty about 1.) my constant wine acquisitions WAY out of proportion to my yearly income and 2) the giant fruit bombs that seem like liquid desserts – quite unlike my old world loves, they’re like that younger mistress I’d never leave my wife for…

Hey! how d’ya go about gettin’ on of the wristbands?
May 29, 2007

Jonathon M Chicago
BUFFERING HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 29, 2007

Karl Laczko
I’ve liked the Zins I’ve had so far and look forward to getting close to the quality of the last 2 you mentioned (probably won’t be able to get them over here though).

QOTD – Guilty pleasure? 80(+)% Dark Chocolate with an Ille Espresso; accelerating as fast as possible to the speed limit and then holding steady; Greek Yoghurt with Honey, take your pick.
May 29, 2007

waibeans
AWESOME story and great show all around GV..

QOD: latest indulgence was double fisting some Chimay’s and Johnny Walker Blue while playin poker till the wee hours. Didn’t lose my shirt, but did lose conciousness. LOL!
May 29, 2007

Lurker2
For everyone having problems with the viddler feed, why not just scroll down the page and watch the Quicktime version via Amazon S3?
May 29, 2007

ScottL
Gary,

Nice episode today. I will have to give the Haywood a try, I missed out on the Copain Le Printemps Rose (that sold out fast).

Guilty Pleasure: Old Amsterdam Gouda Cheese. I can’t stop eating that stuff, it’s amazing I am not a whale by now.
May 29, 2007

John Blue Label
GV,
Great episode. I love the way you ranked the wines and talked about their relative values. You should get back to doing that. Zin is a wonderful wine. Will have to try some of these. I agree it is a good summer red!
QOTD: Guilty pleasures: 2 of them. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Scotch (hence my moniker) and Grand Marnier Centaire Brandy. That stuff really rocks.

JWB
May 29, 2007

John Blue Label
GV,
Great episode. I love the way you ranked the wines and talked about their relative values. You should get back to doing that. Zin is a wonderful wine. Will have to try some of these. I agree it is a good summer red!
QOTD: Guilty pleasures: 2 of them. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Scotch (hence my moniker) and Grand Marnier Centaire Brandy. That stuff really rocks.

JWB
May 29, 2007

Ben N.
I love L.A. and Zin.
May 29, 2007

vibemore
And here I thought Red Zins were out of style. It is good to have an alternative to the Rosenblums and Renwoods.

Thanks for including cellar times on these wines. I’m just (barely) starting to build up a collection and am curious how long to hold onto something. I realize it is kind of a subjective thing, but a little guidance helps. It is better than the one size fits all inserts in the wine magazines.
May 29, 2007

CindyW
Fun episode — I love zins! Can’t wait for those oak monster tees to come in.
May 29, 2007

Elliot Essman
Guilty pleasure? I feel no guilt in pleasure. We all need less guilt as it relates to enjoying ourselves.

Excellent zin episode. Zin deserves it. The grape did not originate in the United States, but we’ve made it our own. I have a feeling greater zinfandel history is yet to be written.
May 29, 2007

Jeffrey
qotd (re: wines): Has to be cheap Finger Lakes Seyval Blanc’s in the summer…Otherwise, any ice wine/sauternes will do!
May 29, 2007

patrill
haha. awesome story. that’s the LAPD for you.
May 29, 2007

bruty
Good Episode
Sounds like you had a real interesting time in LA this weekend.

QOTD: My guilty pleasure would have to be dark chocolate
May 29, 2007

Mark Z.
Gary,

Did the LAPD take your Jets bucket in lieu of bail? Time for a new one?

Mark Z.
May 29, 2007

KAHUNA
Hey Gary sorry to hear about your troubles
http://64.70.236.6/gvcop.jpg
May 29, 2007

FTboomer
Sorry to hear my hometown did you wrong (and my brother is LAPD, which makes me feel even worse). As for the Zins, had the 1977 Ridge the other night and that totally turned me around on Zins. My new adventure.

QOTD: Surfing the internet and WLTV forums inparticular. I spend way too much time in there.
May 29, 2007

Jeff Williams
Great Show!

QOTD: Winelibrary TV at work
May 29, 2007

Rempshaker
Guilty pleasure??? DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES…of course!!
May 29, 2007

TheDumbPhase
At least they didn’t take you to “Oz”. You would have ended up like Beecher.
May 29, 2007

wm mole
Gary, you have to get busted in Hollywood by LAPD to be a true celebrity. Looks like you made it! Sat night was great. Monrovino, you really packed some thunder with that Shafer 2002 HS. Thanks
May 29, 2007

FredinNYC
QOTD: Watching American Idol
May 29, 2007

stevek1510
the oak monster taking a dump and spraying it with Febreeze?….I can’t wait for the t-shirt…..c’mon GV don’t hate on the police because you don’t pay your fines!!
May 29, 2007

tomfar
Oh no. I’m gonna be a purist. There is no such thing as “Red” Zinfandel. Only “Zinfandel” and “White Zinfandel”. I know it’s confusing but we have to stop the madness!
May 29, 2007

PhilB
OMG!!
GV is a bad ass thug!! Do you think they’d let you do the podcast from jail?? That’d be pretty neat!!!

QOTD: Getting up at 1pm, having a siesta at 5pm and going to bed early because the day was tiring…
May 29, 2007

tim
Glad the LAPD let you go! Nice show, haven’t had a zin for awhile and it was a great reminder about how tasty they can be. So many wines so little time!
May 29, 2007

e.fremont
qotd- WLTV is my guilty pleasure.Loved the Zin episode.
May 29, 2007

Ben Daniel
Where there is zin, grace abounds! Great show.
May 29, 2007

Greg B.
Big G. Sorry, I missed you Saturday. I couldn’t make it. Memorai Weekend plans got in the way, but I’m glad my boys in blue showed you some LA love. At least they didn’t go Rodney King on ya….I can say that, I’m a Native. LOL
Great episode. I was looking for a good Zin. Thanks I’ll catch up with ya next time your in town.
May 29, 2007

Lb in KS
OMG! KAHUNA…. my new guilty pleasure…the picture you posted not you..specifically…well you know what i mean
May 29, 2007

Lb in KS
OMG! KAHUNA…. my new guilty pleasure…the picture you posted…. not you..specifically…well you know what i mean
May 29, 2007

Neil
QOTD: Bordeaux Futures!
May 29, 2007

Alex Hillman
I was waiting for the part of the story where you were recognized by the cop and he had pulled you over just to get your autograph. Dayum!
May 29, 2007

Marc Mc
Love the Andes Candies reference.

Guilty Pleasure – watching a movie by myself in the home theatre with the volume turned way up.
May 29, 2007

Harold
Gary “No Cell Can Hold Me” Vaynerchuk; if Johnny Cash were still alive he’d be writing songs about you GV.
May 29, 2007

Sean
Great episode….keep up the good work.
May 29, 2007

wm mole
Great picture Kahuna, Poor GV, just going about his business as the world’s greatest guy and look what happens.
May 29, 2007

Sean
Guilty pleasure…20 year old Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon.
May 29, 2007

Ken B.
Gary,

Great show and a great LA story. It would have been even better if you been booked and sent to the lock up only to educate your cell mates on the finer points of wine.

Loved it!

Ken
May 29, 2007

mikep
Gary, Good episode. I remember Haywood from my Cali trip in 91. Yes, they are doing it quietly for a long time.

My guilty pleasure is this friggin wine thing. I have many hobbies (books, stamps, old toys) but wine is where I spend most time, and money. Guilty because of the time and money spent, but my wife and kids loves me non-the-less.

It does have its rewards. This past weekend I had a fasmily BBQ to initiate my new house and sure enough pulling bottle after bottle out of my cellar kept many happy. Pride Syrah was the star of the day.

I will seek out the Haywood again. Possibly be in your neck of the woods tomorrow, and pick one up.
May 29, 2007

maggiej
QOTD: Lately, it’s buying wine. My husband and I started tasting a few months ago and we can’t get enough! There is so much out there to try. I wish there was less alcohol is some of the wines so that I could drink them and go to work.
May 29, 2007

Chris
Great episode. To paraphrase, Barbara Mandrell, I was Zin, when Zin wasn’t cool…love my strawberries with spice!

Guilty pleasure: Cheesy 60’s/70’s pop songs with a great hook – think “Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes”…
May 29, 2007

Kelldey
Gary,
This was a classic! Your LA stories were awsome. And you threw in boxing references. (I’m one of the few women I know who enjoys boxing.)

I’ve never had a Red Zin, so I’m looking forward to seeking some.

QOTD: My guilty pleasure is the cheesetastic crapfest that is American Idol. I’m probably so fascinated because I’m bitter that I’m too old to audition!

Again, classic show!
K
May 29, 2007

graz
Gary Vay-Ner-Chuk please check out flexyourrights.org to educate yourself as to how to proceed wisley and within the limits of the law. I do not understand why they requested the passengers(you) license? And why did you yield it without question? I would hate to have to suffer any interuption of your bringin’ the vino veritas due to some Cali-Cop Kerfuffle
May 29, 2007

Harley Stan
Nice episode, I can’t say I have ever in been in the back of a patrol car, I never got caught. Anyway great story at the beginning.
QOTD- Starbucks, I have cut back to once during the week and one on the weekend.
May 29, 2007

JonE
QOTD: Buying wine as an “investment”. As for the police atleast you weren’t stopped by Eric Estrada, there’s plenty to be thankful for.
May 29, 2007

gatormha
Sorry to hear about your run-in with the cops! I thought I’d quit being a lurker and finally post a comment Thanks for posting on my blog, by the way. I was surprised that the very first comment on the very first post was a dig at your website! I had to defend you and let Arnold know just how way off base he was. Rock on!
May 29, 2007

Winodontist
What a great episode, so nice to see great quality across the board.
I may try to get in on that Haywood.

QOTD: To be honest, it’s watching your show daily. I take 15-20 minutes away from the family, but I look so forward to it. Oh, I also like Strawberry Pez, please try to use that as a flavor profile sometime.
May 29, 2007

caleb
All i have to say is california love from this past weekend! see you in 3 days in SF…great episode….classic..it was better hearing it first hand though! QOTD-Foie gras au torchon with aged reisling.
May 29, 2007

Glazer
You’re teaching me a ton, appreciate it!

Go Cowboys!!
May 29, 2007

Andre
QOTD: Margaritas in the summer time. I can’t get enough of them!
May 29, 2007

Bobinnati
Nice episode. Zinfandel is one of my favorites, so I appreciate the guidance. Hey, at least you didn’t get tased by the cops…..could have been worse.

QOTD: A 16 oz. Reese’s peanut butter cup flurry (with extra candy) from the Greenhills Creamy Whip. You could go to meet your maker with no regrets after consuming one of those little slices of heaven……..but dang, they’re probably about 800 calories, so once a month MAX.
May 29, 2007

mas
Great Gary,thanks – love that one Zin was 6 yrs old the other 5 – don’t see that very often.

QOTD: Jersey tomatoes.
May 29, 2007

Ryo
Thanks for the shout out, man. California love!
May 29, 2007

HipandKneeDoc
Love the (non-white) Zinfandels.

QOTD: Wednesday night poker. A rare luxury my wife affords me….
May 29, 2007

Robin
QOTD: My homemade margaritas.
May 29, 2007

Jen
I’m so glad you had a “zesty” weekend; you really re-told the story well!
Yeah, you know this is actually the first episode I’ve watched all the way through? …. I’M KIDDING!!!!! Who are you, again?

I love Zins! Thanks, good show. And I like the spin on your sign off… though I won’t be completely satisfied until you do it the way we rehearsed!

QOTD: Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls;totally without nutritional or culinary merit, but I love them so much. I eat the outside first, then work my way around the swirl.
May 29, 2007

Alos Diallo
La is a jungle! I am glad you were able to make it back. My favorite guilty pleasure, in all seriousness is something I would rather not say, however the second is cheese I am crazy about cheese
May 29, 2007

J Crazy
Zins definitely CRUSH!!! Had an 2003 Miljenkoâ€™s Old Vines Zinfandel from Grgich and really liked it. I love all the forms Zin can take: light, heavy, summer, winter, it’s phat!
LAPD, tisk tisk tisk. Lived there for quite a while and was pulled over about 7 times. BUT, it was never my fault! I didn’t do it!!

QOTD: being a Denver Broncos fan since 1979!
May 29, 2007

aktormedic
Love the story about Oakland…Since I am a proud City of Oakland Fireman I can attest to the fact that we have often been called to the aftermath of Raider Events..Namely the Raider Riots where 30 City Blocks were overtaken by crazy fans, business and homes were burnt and Firemen were injured by thrown bricks and bottles while trying to put out buildings that were buring down!!
Real nice sportsmanship guys..
May 29, 2007

Dominus
No Jets bucket! Heresy! But back to the show, the Haywood, now you’re talking. I was turned on to Haywood about 5 years ago and it is amazing. I still have a bottle left but now, will buy more for sure. Along with Turley, my two fav Zins and what about that label . . . drop dead gorgeous and elegant.

QOTD: Guilty pleasure? Since the little woman does not approve of my wine passion, I, at times, feel guilty enjoy the nectar of the grape. Not! In all honesty, a bowl of ice cream every single night. At least that’s the pleasure I can post to the world.

Thanks G-Man

Great show.

Cheers!

P.S. Go Colts! I hear they are in mini-camp!!!!!
May 29, 2007

vivaitalia
Awesome show, i’m definitely going to seek out a few zins. It’s something i’ve never really tried outside of the ravenswood. Thank you very much for urging me to try some rose wines. I purchased the menage a trois rose which is a merlot, syrah, and gewurztraminer blend and it was stellar. Excellent summer wine. I also tried a vouvray which was awesome. All of your suggestions so far have been on point and it’s nice to find some things I like that aren’t full bodied reds. QOTD: Wine is definitely my guilty pleasure, I love all these tuscan wines that are way out of my budget.
May 29, 2007

JoeinLA
Hey GV. I’m a retired LAPD copper. Wonder why they asked YOU for ID and wonder why they didn’t take you to the station to run that warrant…but I’m glad they saw the light and cut you loose!:) How do those cuffs feel? I can send you a set for flashback moments.

I have the Coppola Zin…and love it. !!! I’ll seek out the Haywood for sure. I’m sending this episode to my friend, Brooke who reps Rubicon ( Coppola). She’ll love the review!
May 29, 2007

Karol
Wow, interesting experience in LA. Glad everything turned out OK.

QOTD: Milk Chocolate!
May 29, 2007

Gary T
Gary, I almost fell on the floor hearing your story. So sorry!! PS – We’re making Ryo stand in the corner the rest of the night.
May 29, 2007

TimF
Ugh, I hate NFL fans.

Sounds like a great time.

At least you got a story out of it.

People haven’t been watching since episode 1? Who?

I notice no 1977 Ridge in that lineup today.

Say it with me… SOUGHT.

Jets bucket stolen? The Luftahnsa heist was nothing in comparison.

Size matters.

Bright strawberries are much better than dank ones.

Haywood J. Buzzoff

Goose step to the pinot, eh?

QOTD: I’m not putting that on the internet.
May 29, 2007

Bossman
Consider yourself lucky the officer hadn’t read the article, can you say indecent exposure? Inquiring minds want to know: Is bail included in the Vayniac tshirt contest?

As far as ep 64 I took a trip out to WL yesterday (165 miles r/t) and I have to tell you how impressed I am, the setup is perfect and the staff is justc aces. To the point that even after telling the two fellows that were helping me locate the last bottle of Ehlers Estate St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon 1886 ‘03 to “forget it” they persisted and asked a third who knew exactly where in the wine room it was (although I suspect they were dreading the prospect of having to look through that rack of odd lots in the back).
Everyone was very helpful and friendly, very refreshing indeed. If you’re within driving distance or ever in the vicinity you have to seek it out. I stole a few minutes alone in the wine room and am a little bummed that the wine veins in the marble taste exactly like, well, cold rock.

I have to tell you though, should there be a few hours warning of imminent world destruction I’m heading your way with my trusty pocketknife(w/corkscrew that I always have with me), a hacksaw and some french
bread. I’ll grab two carts, stop by the gourmet section to load up, grab the elevator and zoom towards the wine room where I’ll baracade myself in to spend my final moments in sheer bliss. What a way to go!

QOTD : Judge Judy the perfectly-coifed one sure knows how to lay the smackdown!
May 29, 2007

Clifford James
Thanks YET AGAIN Gary for a very enjoyable episode. The only freakin’ problem with watching you is that I take my wallet out far faster than I should. You are one enjoyable wine taster to watch.

QOTD: Sittin’ around drinking wine that I have no business buying because I am so poor! THAT is my pleasure! Feeling rich drinking good stuff!
May 29, 2007

glenn
dude – those LA cops should have beat you (May I Suggest Using The Nightstick Officer) for this episode!

4 CA Zins and you can’t find one from El Dorado or Amador Cos! where is the love?

the Pennino is too-sweet/too-hot, worst QPR on the planet, Zin.

Sky is nice always. Trinitas gets some zzzz’s huh? goodness that is all anyone will talk about out here.

bought 03 Del Carlo Ranch Ridge today. that is a $30 bottle you should test drive. 100% Zin.

fly safely.
May 29, 2007

amgryger
QOTD: The pairing of coffee and dark chocolate.
May 29, 2007

Pauly
Oh man, Im about to go get some Zin, which is coming early for me this week, and fire up some steak on the BBQ this week or weekend…damn!
May 29, 2007

BV
Just like the Beach Boys say, your LA story is “Fun, Fun, Fun”!!

And all I could think is: LizV sure has her hands full!

QOTD: Oh yeah, too many to mention. And a couple — too guilty to mention!

Bill V.
May 29, 2007

Susan
Gary-
Excellent Ep!!
The worlds BIGGEST Jets fan has no Jets spit bucket???
What is this?????
May 29, 2007

Susan
And yes, LizV does
have her hands full!!!
May 29, 2007

Darlene O.
Hey, Gary. First, ridonculous time in LA on Saturday. Thank you for such a superb evening of wines! You’re awesome! Great episode!! I happen to be a little partial to a very select few Zins. QOD: My pleasures are my pleasures. I’ve earned them, and don’t feel guilty. :}
May 29, 2007

PeteC
QOTD- guilty pleasure? Cigars on the deck at night in the summertime watching the Mets. Very bad for the wine palate!
May 29, 2007

E
So what I wanna know is … what did LA think of the Joguet?
May 29, 2007

Sasha
Great episode. it’s nice to see Zinfandel getting some love!! Some good wines today that i’m definitely putting on the Cork’d shopping list. So many zins so little time this summer. Keep up the good work,
May 29, 2007

ecola
Maybe you can use your wristbands for padding next time you get cuffed and stuffed.
May 29, 2007

JayZee
Gary, great story about the weekend in LA. Outrageous.
Nice ep on red zins – love the good ones. Did you ever try any of the Mayo Family Zins? QOTD: I still occasionally listen to Barry Manilow
May 29, 2007

laposte
QOTD: Goose foie gras with Sauternes
May 29, 2007

jason carey
I hate to say it but having lived in LA, the Police are notoriously heavy handed and are
prone to being power crazy.
Ironically one of my guilty pleasures is the tv Show called Reno 911.
May 29, 2007

Shadowbird
My guilty pleasure?

I have to say WWE, because what it is now is nothing like how it was. The days of Nikolai Volkoff, the Iron Shiek, Hulk Hogan (before he became such an egomaniac), and Roddy Piper are dead and gone. Now we have the Great Khali (ain’t that a misnomer) and an overdose of Vincent Kennedy McMahon.
May 29, 2007

Jeff
Hey GV, All of us in the OC hate the raider fans too. Losers! They don’t even know what wine is. Go Bolts!!

QOTD: Weekend trips to Vegas! (It stays in Vegas)
May 29, 2007

Grapedigger
Thanks for sharing your funny cop encounter with us…Great show on Zinfandels. My guilty pleasure is sneaking out of bed in the middle of the night and dipping into the Nutella chocolate spread jar (to the desperation of my wife
Cheers,
Grapedigger, Montreal
May 29, 2007

Russ J
Great show, even better story, GV. I visited LA years ago (drove there!) and got a parking ticket while I ran across the street to use a pay phone (like I said, years ago). Being a hardass Jersey kid, I ripped up the ticket in plain sight of the cop and went on my merry way. A few months later, I got a letter at home telling me first that my $15 ticket was now worth $100 and second that if I did not pay up post haste, my very own NJ state troopers would be coming to “seek me out” on behalf of their CA bretheren. I believed and I paid! Friggin’ LA….
QOTD: I’m with TimF. No comment.
May 29, 2007

KW
Interesting that the LAPD stopped you. I suspect they were profiling “the car” you were in.

Nice touch on the Zins. Will have to try the Sky and Haywood.
May 29, 2007

Jerry the 2THDR
QOTD: You take a ripe strawberry, dip it in warm milk chocolat, then take a diabetic syringe and fill it with Grand Marinier and inject it into the strawberry. Wait 5 minutes and bite into the strawberry. Explosive taste orgasims occur under both ears. Follow quickly with Champagne. Life is good. Jerry the 2thdr
May 29, 2007

Susan
QOTD: Chocolate!!!!!!!
Lots of Dark Chocolate!!
May 29, 2007

Marc
First off, that’s hilarious that a guy with the name “JayZee”’s guilty pleasure is Barry Manilow.

QOTD: My guilty pleasure? I don’t have a TV right now so I haven’t been able to partake in it, but it was watching infomercials at 2 AM or on a Sunday afternoon for entertainment value.
May 29, 2007

aaronT
wow. so the SF party… will be you on the lam? sweet! I hope we don’t get raided, unless it’s prohibition style with tommy guns and fedoras.

Killer stories, enjoyed them thoroughly! As a bay-area resident, I can say that most people shake their heads and talk about how $hitty it has become at raider’s games. Lots of fans can’t share the experience of a live game with their kids because it’s too dangerous. A guy I went to HS with played for the 49′ers (Jay Newberry #62) and his father had a beer bottle busted over his head in the stands in Oakland. Outta control!

guilty pleasure: chevy’s fajitas w/ the hot tortillas from “el machino”. Holy crap I’m about to BURST when I leave that place.

See ya thursday.
May 29, 2007

Brian
Way to mess with the popos Gary! I love zins and now I think I’m gonna have to get one for the weekend.
QOTD: Playing my guitar that I spent WAY too much money on. I love that thing.
May 29, 2007

Rob Lind
QoD – Bad kung-fu movies ….

Thanks for the story …. another reason to stay on the “right” coast.
May 30, 2007

thabeav
Another great one. The oak monster takes a dump……nice.

Questions:
1) How’d you talk your way out of jail?
2) Where you in jail with Lindsay Lohan after her arrest (also saturday)???!! Don’t worry. We won’t tell Mrs. Vaynerchuk.

QOTD: watching your show…..at work.
May 30, 2007

Nico
Crazy story, Gary! Thanks for sharing!

QOTD: staying up unbelievably late for no reason (and then sleeping in like crazy the following day (when work doesn’t ruin that)… I’m an owl!)
May 30, 2007

TWofPasadena
OK, I just had to pause this episode to make one comment.

Oak Monster crap masked with the scent of Febreze??? Dude, that’s just sick.

Back to WLTV.
May 30, 2007

TWofPasadena
Just finished watching and it was great(although, I’m still queasy from the Febreze comment).

Zin is, by far, MY FAVORITE VARIETAL! Next time, throw in some PASO ZINS, ok?
May 30, 2007

dkeck
You Rock, Your show Rocks, and what Rocks my world is having a glass of great wine while your camping or just sitting on the bank of a nice stream/river thinking life is good.

Show idea: How about an office road trip to see if wines taste different in nature(the beach, the mountains, the park, or a “Jets” game). If we are changing the wine world lets not leave any place unexplored.
May 30, 2007

YoungDave
FABTASTIC LA story, BIG G! I’m just glad you didn’t get cavity searched…(see– we ARE so lucky)

QOTD: It’s wierd, and maybe it’s because I’m a poor college student, but I really like to drink wine while eating TOAST and watching WLTV– good toast- like 9 grain or flaxseed and whatever nut bread- something about the way it soaks up the wine in your mouth… ok this does seem odd. But it’s my favorite after-work pairing when I watch WL every night. Hey- you asked.
May 30, 2007

Russ B
Love the Copola Zin. Guilty please is a blizzerd from dairy queen, peanut butter cup!
May 30, 2007

Bryan
Someone stole the bucket??! Dun duh dun….
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l147/rmgill/1180329564250.gif

QOTD: Watching WLTV everyday at work
May 30, 2007

KC DAN
Awesome story about LA , glad they let you go ! Great ep also , the OAK MONSTER takes a dump and then sprays fabreeze LOL . QOTD Cheese Cake !!!
May 30, 2007

Daniel
great as always, would be helpfull with some general facts when you go for a theme eg. Zinfandel is the same grape as Primitivo aso

big-up fro Swden
May 30, 2007

Jon B.
This episode killed it… I’ll laugh about that story all day thanks. If there were only footage of the 80yr old grandma road warrior in the three point stance(or better yet how about grandma road warrior T-shirt)… Great zins to boot…great show.QOTD My guilty pleasure wine and cheese
May 30, 2007

Jimmy B
Hmmm…. arrested in L.A., likes wine = Wino?

Never tried a Zin, mostly because people tell me if I don’t like red, I won’t like Zin. Have to change my brain.
May 30, 2007

Kirk
Ha! Killer My guilty pleasure is opening wines I have only one of with old friends. Something special to me because I have only one…and most likely something I can’t find again…so we share something special together. I had an old Army buddy and his fiance stop in to see me recently and I opened my only bottle of 2004 Domaine Alfred CALIFA Pinot. They were totally blown away as they normally stick to white wines. It was great to share something new with someone who doesn’t normally drink red wine. What am I going to share with you when you come to visit me at Havana???
May 30, 2007

Robert F
Looooove the Zinfandel. Now I’ll have some serious zins other than Ridge to try.

QOTD: Hours of back to back Star Trek TNG on Spike TV
May 30, 2007

Rick McQ
GREAT STORY – Did you hear the Music – Bad Boys, Bad Boys – Whatcha gonna do if they come for You – While they cuffed and stuffed you.

A similar situation happened to me in Washinton Sq Park when I was 17. They gave me a open container ticket. Meanwhile everyone esle was selling drugs.

I’m just getting into white wine for the summer – Please do a show on French whites.
May 30, 2007

Adam
I have an AMAZING Zin for anyone to try, and not bad at about $21…

2002 Collier Falls Zinfandel Private Reserve

WL… get some of this!
May 30, 2007

Rick Dickulous
Great episode! Zinfandel, BBQ, and this weather are the perfect match. Go Steelers!
May 30, 2007

jorge
Gary, I’ve never heard of the cops asking the passenger for their DL, sounds like they knew you were coming and had an APB on you. I suspect a conspiracy, maybe the same people behind the assassination of certain president. That is like the LAPD, arresting “celebrities” (status change for Gary) while the gang bangers run the city.
Kahuna, great picture, again. Zins rock.
QOTD: Every second alive is a guilty pleasure for me.
May 30, 2007

hugh
I guess spitting in a generic black bucket is like drinking Lafite out of a plastic Solo cup….(and that’s from a Big Blue fan…somethings missing without that Gang Green tub)

QOD: WLTV….helps me unwind after a 10 hour, 50 patient day….dont change a thing…keep it light, and keep it real…
May 30, 2007

Herm
I like the Zins that I have tried….I will try some new ones….I have read that Zinfandel is considered America’s varietal….Qotd: Golf
May 30, 2007

Tom T.
Nice story. Stay away from LA.
QOTD – no doubt it’s CHOCOLATE!
May 30, 2007

Doc Dan
quite possibly one of the funniest stories I have heard on WLTV!! The grandma in a three point stance is priceless! QOTD: Reeses peanut butter cups!
May 30, 2007

Another Ira from Brooklyn
From a former lurker in Colorado….

Not exactly a Zin, but have you done any tastings of Orin Swift’s The Prisioner. Good Juice!
May 30, 2007

kevin
great show! QOTD: fruity pebbles with whole milk
May 30, 2007

JOn
What the hell did you do, Gary?

It was fine when it was quicktime – now it serves up slower than molasses, with constant interruptions in playback for rebuffering.

Go back to the old video format!!!
May 30, 2007

TSchampaert
Hilarious story, no grandma’s like that here …
QOTD: profiterolles, I can’t stay away from them.
May 30, 2007

Justin S
QOTD: Eating massive ammounts of fried chicken.

My .02 If you don’t support what you like who will?

Sounds like you had fun with the Po Po.
The SKY Zin looks like one worth looking into.
May 30, 2007

CabernetNoir
Alright GV…you put the heat on me at the end of that episode. I have been lurking for quite sometime now, and I promise to devote my 10Â¢…err..2Â¢ to you, and to the rest of the wine world from now on.
1st, sorry to hear of your legal troubles. 2nd, wonderful show. I’ve been really interested in the Trinitas and Coppola Zins you tasted today. We sell both of them at the store here in Wisco.

QOTD: My guilty pleasure would probably have to be a big fat hunk of Wisconsin Cheese and a nicely paired wine ta boot.

Keep on shockin’ the wine world!
May 30, 2007

Halden
great story. Really excited to try some Red Zin.

QOTD: Guilty pleasure? Cheap beer. I love a nice Belgian or a Guiness but once in a while there is nothing better than a watery trashy beer.

PS Got my Wristband, Thanks picture coming as soon as I unpack my camera.
May 30, 2007

cali6buff
Picked up a SKY last night. I’m a sucker for a big Zin.

QOTD: Swayze Movies.
May 30, 2007

Orion Slayer
That was a great story, thanks for sharing. It would be awesome to sit with you at a Raiders / Jets game in Oakland some day. I would proudly sit next to you as you wear your Jets jersey!

Nice selection of Zinfandels.

QOTD: Beating up fans from other teams when they dress in non-Raider jerseys (just kidding.) Eating Capn’ Crunch cereal.
May 30, 2007

Bill M
Great episode, great story, great to see some Zins reviewed.

QOTD: Hot wings with big reds.
May 30, 2007

TP
Loved the Zin episode…..another learning experience for me…..your cop experience confirms my resolution to go to hell rather than visit LA again.

QOTD—After my wife goes to bed, I dig out the NY Cheesecake with a good glass of cab and I’m in heaven.
TP—Denver
May 30, 2007

rich loughrey
Great shirt to spill wine on. How do you rate the Italian Super Tuscan vs. the US Zins? Good Info today.
May 30, 2007

Jay
QOTD: Dunkin Donuts. Goddamned f@&%ing Dunkin Donuts!
Doing great in the morning, having half a protien bar and a cup of coffee for breakfast, then someone walks in with a dozen donuts.. AAAHHHHHH. Like Homer Simpson and John Pinette at an all you can eat buffett.
May 30, 2007

daniel von trier
Gary,

Great episode — you didn’t lie on Twitter!

That is a really, really good story. And you told it well. Had us set up waiting for Ryo to get arrested and then you got arrested too!!

I know that feeling: I got arrested once too, unpaid ticket which I challenged and then which was decided in my absence, so that there was a bench warrant. The cop was nice though and let me pick up bail on the way down to the station, at the ATM, driving slowly behind me all the way. My mom never would have found out, had it not been for a loudmouthed friend of mine.

What happened in your case though? They took your money but forgot to remove the bench warrant?
Or they kept the bench warrant because of the late fees and penalties only? LAME.

What was it that Woody Allen once said about LA in the late 70’s (to Diane Keaton in Annie Hall)?

“Why would you want to go to a city where the only cultural advantage is that you can make a right on red?”

Anyway, QOTD time: I guess my guilty pleasure would be Rittersport Chocolates in the dark blue pack (Vollmilch). I know it’s less than 50% chocolate, and so not real, but I buy at least one per week.
May 30, 2007

Penguin
Not a lurker anymore.
May 30, 2007

Jen
I am shocked to discover how many people commented that they consider cheese and/or wine as a “guilty pleasure”! What’s to feel guilty about, especially HERE, as a WLTV supporter?! We all agree that wine and cheese are worthy, wonderful, respectable comestibles. Guilt free! Ha ha ha…
May 30, 2007

Randy B
Hey, I’ve got to agree with Sierra Doc (Glenn) that Sierra Foothills zins bring the thunder and have for along time. Hats off to Buena Vista for making a great Haywood for the last dozen years. I thought SKY was a entry level vodka.

QOTD: Camembert and a Borossa Valley shiraz.

C’Ya in SF.

Ciao
May 30, 2007

Jen
wait, actually, I guess not THAT many people wrote it… I should really think before I post… also, I should be AWAKE first!! ;/
May 30, 2007

WML
Holiday Weekend..LA cops out in full force protecting us from the crazy people…

Chips, Salsa….and wine margaritas!!
May 30, 2007

Grasshopper
Sensei,

Glad you made it back from lala land…..I had a cop pull a gun on me in Eau Claire, WI. I was home from college (many years ago) and had not paid a traffic ticket in Phoenix (where I went to college) and somehow I ended up on a wanted felons list and the cops pulled there guns, handcuffed me and was hauling me in to the station when they learned my bail was $59. They decided it was a mistake and let me go…but was very scary!

We Love Zinfandels and will definatley try the Sky and Haywood. We really liked the 04 Gravity Hills Tumbling Tractor you tasted in the Thanksgiving wine episode last year and have been a big fan of Nalle Zins from Sonoma.

QOTD – buying and drinking wine and taking time each day to watch YOU!!

Grasshopper
May 30, 2007

wildebeest
QOTD: spice drops; can’t get enough of ‘em! Also… *lowers voice* …every once in a while I’ll break down and listen to some 90’s-era Garth Brooks.

Thanks a ton for the your quick summary of the aging potential and current drinkability of each of the wines. That’s one consideration I wonder about every time. At the end of an episode I’m often left wanting to order some wine, but at the same time I’m asking myself, “How long should I wait before popping this stuff?” Thanks!!!

btw, I’LL SEE YOU IN SF!!!
May 30, 2007

dadobs
Great show, GV; love zins–please review them as much as you can–especially this time of year since they are the ultimate warm weather red (I’m not sure about others, but I’m pretty much done with cabs and merlots until fall). Thanks for all the entertainment!

Omaha Dobs
May 30, 2007

thedom
I am not a lurker!

hehe…great show keep up the amazing work. I also liked the links to some of your previous episodes. I really like knowing what’s going on behind the scenes.

As for the question of the day:

Cigars and wine(obviously a bit ClichÃ©, but true)
May 30, 2007

Jon
A lurker no more!

I must confess that I have been a fan since the Diggnation episode; they got me looking in your direction. And I swear, as soon as I go back home-home I’ll be sending in a picture of me and the wristband!

A little story to go along with your police encounter. A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine from Virginia was approached by a Princeton public safety officer. He had pulled over because his friend, who was the one drinking, felt sick. My friend was asked to get out of the car after not producing a NJ license (since he lives in VA) and was padded down. I heard it’s illegal to possess two valid licenses, but regardless, he was given a ticket for driving without a valid NJ license in the rent-a-car, which carries a penalty of $400 and a mandatory court appearance. Just thought you might find that interesting.

Quick suggestion: You should consider adding clickable links to the podcast video. I normally watch the episodes in iTunes, so when you are pointing in all directions for links, they aren’t really there. If you need any info on that, let me know. Keep up the good work!
May 30, 2007

Iron Man
QOTD: Guilty pleasure? pelting visiting fans wearing Jets jerseys…uh, not really but cool story. It would have to be buying wine…guilty as hell.
May 30, 2007

Lukedog
QOTD: Lurking, drinking red zinfandel and sitting in the back of police cars.
May 30, 2007

Ben Lee
Awesome episode, Gary. I’m really getting into Zins for some reason. Love them.

QOTD: Cigars and tea
May 30, 2007

3dvw
QOTD: creme Brulee and rainbow cookies … delicious
May 30, 2007

David Canada
That story rocked…..I was waiting for you to say that the police officer recognized you from WLTV and you all smoked that 10 lbs of weed that was in the back….
QOTD – Kettle Creek potato chips. They are terrible for you cholesterol though.
May 30, 2007

MattyD29
Gary V! My first post – you’re the man. Way to make the Zin fun!!!! Hit me up with a wristband.
May 30, 2007

geespot
LOVE the big Z! Great episode, fantastic story. I’m finally back in Vegas, and had my wristband waiting in my mailbox! Pic to come soon, worry not.
May 30, 2007

lifestooshort
QOTD: My latest favorite vino (lately Mitolo Cab–amazing QPR!); dark chocolate, usually the high-end dark bars with yak pepper or ginseng petals or cayenne chipotle shavings or weirdness like that; Homicide: Life on the Streets episodes with my gal (best. show. ever.). Okay, that’s more than one.

Oh, and dude, you’re officially the raddest kid on the planet? Makes sense. Exxpecially since you’re prolly the only one who still actually uses the word “rad.”
May 30, 2007

Trish da' Dish
Does anyone know what’s wrong with “Ask Wine Library TV?”
I couldn’t get in there last night from my Mac, and now I still can’t get in from my PC. I see that Gary wants questions from us, but if that is down, where should we put our questions?!
May 30, 2007

Steve B
Nice episode on zins. Haven’t tried any of those; mainly because Ridge is just right up the road behind my house and I get a case of their zins every 6 mos. But I like the Seghesio Sonoma for 16 bucks as well.

QOTD – Dark chocolate truffles and a bottle of zin: what else! Do you know of any good dessert zins? Always on the lookout for a good one.

Steve B
Cupertino, CA
May 30, 2007

Oregon Sipper
QOTD:

hmm guilty pleasure = cheese and wine. Like you Gary I have to watch the cholesterol not because mine is high, but because of family history. A good cheese is always something I could run into a closet and hide and enjoy every bite!
May 30, 2007

Lu
This is my first time to the site and I thoroughly enjoyed the ’show’. It sure made the time at work fly by alot faster. Also enjoyed the edumacation since I am in the wine biz and kind of get tired of the same old mags and books. Very interesting concept and if you ever need a side-kick…
P.S will tall and blond and very cute fit the profile?
May 30, 2007

sharon
Sorry about our LAPD…They are notorious….. Loved the show as usual
QOTD: Medool dates stuffed with Gorgonzola, warm homemade caramel sauce on ice cream, bread fresh from the oven to name a few.
May 30, 2007

Douglas
QOTD (for Tuesday, anyway) my guilty pleasures musically are Amy Grant, and one of the most underrated singers of the 80s Ms. Deborah Anne Marie Gibson (you probably remember her as Debbie Gibson)!

You can start laughing . . . in about twenty years !

Douglas aka demilove
May 30, 2007

John Witherspoon
WOW do I love ZiN. I am drinking a 2005 Castle ROck (12.45) from Mendocino right now. Seghesio (single vineyard stuff), Ridge (although slightly pricey) and Yoakim Bridge (great small producer in Dry Creek) are 3 of my favorites plus you can always count on Rosenblum.
Great Ep.

QOTD: Greatest Guilty Pleasure = I don’t know if it’s guilty or not, but video games are crazy addictive, even if you are 30! haha

Keep it up
J DUB
May 30, 2007

H-Why
Don’t mess with the LAPD!
May 30, 2007

Kathleen Lisson
QOTD – The all you care to eat sushi Sunday’s at Totem in Albany, NY
I love sushi so much!

Kathleen Lisson
Wine and Stories from the Vineyard Blog – http://www.myspace.com/gamay
May 30, 2007

yowens44
We went zin hunting today- wish we would have seen this episode first!!! loved it.
May 30, 2007

Slick
Great episode Gary. I love old-school zins (I’ve found old vines to have the best depth.) The Trinitas winery have been some of my favorite zins (I haven’t had the 2002 Russian River you sampled). The Trinitas 2002 OV Contra Costa County is a 92+ and while the Old Vine Cuvee blend is a 94 in my book.

QOTD(after): NASCAR racing, am I the only wine drinker amongst these tailgaters – zins and high octane is a wonderful mix ?
May 31, 2007

Adrian
See you tomorrow night…Were coming up from Santa Rosa. Can’t wait to meet. Nice story about L.A.
May 31, 2007

Karl B.
QOTD: guilty pleasure – I wish I had something fantastic outside of buying great wines, but mine is to enjoy tobacco products while I am playing golf.
May 31, 2007

Jennifer
Outstanding ep, GV. Good job, big man!
I’ve been on vacation, so I’m catching up.
Great story… I was was beginning to think that the guy that pulled you over was a “hot cop”, and it was all a big joke. But no banana, huh. What I want to know is, why in the world did he pull you over in the first place?
Ah well. There’s no place like home.
QOTD: My soap- Days of Our Lives.
May 31, 2007

Wine Lush
QOTD: Taking two hour long bubble baths in the whirlpool tub, with a nice bottle of Champagne (preferably single grower) and one of my books on wine to relax and read. Two loves, one place.

Nice to see some serious Zin coming out. I dunno about Coppola, he kinda makes his wine like Disney. $25 Entrance fee to the estate? Kinda lost some respect there, but I understand, his estate is probably overrun with tourists.
June 1, 2007

tnfdude
QOTD: oh dear, i can’t believe i’m admitting to this, watching Laguna Beach/The Hills on MTV…
June 1, 2007

ChadD
Gary, I live in Ohio but spent a week in LA last year-only saw one cop and only one person pulled over the entire time I was there! Crazy story. I must admit I was never into wine or any alcohol until about four years ago when we went out with some friends to a nice restaurant. They were wine drinkers so I ordered a bottle of Coppola Shiraz (yes I’m a movie geek and I ordered it just because it was “THE” Coppola). Bottle was $40-and I really liked it. Later I went out and bought several bottles (at $15-I quickly learned about price mark-up in restaurants) and have been drinking wine since. I don’t know if I would still like that wine today or not, but I have a bottle in the cellar that I’ll pop one of these days.
QOTD: Myspace-I’ve met and talked to people I would never have in a million years otherwise.
June 1, 2007

SoCal
Dude,
Just catching up on some eps I missed while traving.
QOTD: guilty pleasure…wine collecting
June 2, 2007

Slick Nick
Gary — too funny!!

QOTD: guilty pleasure.. fork a Perugina Baci and dip it in Nutella hazelnut chocolate spread!!
June 3, 2007

Mike Erdely
Holy crap, dude! That must have been scary as hell.

I got pulled over for speeding in N.C. one time and the cop asked me to come back and sit in the front seat of the squad car. I thought, “Oh no”. He was trying to scare me (thinking I was a college student) about my future if my insurance rates went up. But sitting in that squad car was scary enough. Anyway, I just got a warning that time.

I love Red Zinfandel. I’m definitely going to have to check out the Sky & Haywood.

QOTD: My guilty pleasure has to be Christina Aguilera. My musical taste is generally rock: Pearl Jam, White Stripes, Green Day. But I loves me some xtina.
June 3, 2007

Jeff
QOTD: Eating a whole pint of Ben & Jerry’s or Starbucks ice cream.

Great show!
June 4, 2007

Lawrence Leichtman
Guilty pleasure was up until the end of the show Gilmore Girls. Since I am a big fan of Zinds this was fun, probably much more fun than getting arrested in LA. As a passenger I’ve never been asked for a driver’s license at a stop so I guess some bad luck there. Are the Sky and Haywood pretty available?
July 18, 2007

Donald Pipkin
GV: Eric, smell this.
Eric: Smells like wine.
GV: Eric, taste this.
Eric: Tastes like grapes.
August 1, 2007

Trish
Gary, I love your honesty and enthusiasm. I’m new to wine, but have found that Zin and Cab are my favorites. I like something that lingers for oh… eternity. Could you do an episode on a winery from Washington state called L’Cole 41? I love their wine, and they are good people. Very streight forward wines. I didn’t really like Chardonay much, but their 2005 changed my mind in a big way. I would love to hear your view on it.
October 20, 2007

9524tee
Awesome, never heard of Sky, you made me want to try it. I’m getting sick of these explosive zins, they were fun for awhile.
February 18, 2008

Chris Tessari
Bring a video camera next time you go to a Raiders game. I’d love to see an 80 year old grandma in Road Warriors gear get in a three-point stance and charge at you! Next time do a head slap and slide to the right.
February 18, 2008

Chris Tessari
Good call on Roger Clemens not doing anything when he came back to the Yanks.
July 12, 2008

Dessert Wine Nerd
Ouch. Id be dropping bricks all over the place once I got my hands in the cuffs. Nice to see everything worked out. For some reason I was thinking the way you were telling the story the cop knew who you were and was having a bit of fun with you. And as I watch this, I have indeed been watching since episode one. Go me! Oak plus poop plus Fabreeze? Well that just sounds all kinds of yummy to me…. mmmm mmmmm. Is there ever a show where you dont have a totally bizzare way to decsribe a wine? Yes or no, its a part of the brilliance of WLTV. Yet again, ive never had a Red Zin but promise that I will in the future. The 2001 Sky sounds like it would make my pallate happy.
QOTD: Journey. Yes, the band Journey. How can you not like the absolute dorkiness of this band? And Steve Perry’s voice? Come on! Not the greatest songs by a long shot, but something about Perry’s voice and Neil Schon on guitar (he was in Santana, you know) make it work.
August 23, 2008

Erik Wait
How much oak is “too much”? Is it diminishing the fruit of the wine? Is it overbearing? Does it dominate the wine? Or is it merely a key characteristic that YOU don’t particularly care for? I have been to Trinitas, loved their wines.

GO RAIDERS!
June 30, 2009

Phredd
QOTD: Top Gun.