V-V-V-Viognier – Episode #262

June 22, 2007

Gary Vaynerchuk tries 4 Viognier wines and gives you his thoughts.

Having trouble viewing this video? Try the Quicktime version.

Comments on this episode(181) Leave a comment ›

“Rats. No place in the U.S. carries any vintage of the Bilancia. I’ll…” by Phredd
“Nice show GV…..love it. I’m definitely including viognier to my list…” by Adrian
View all 181 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

2005 R.h. Philips Viognier ExpOther California White Rhone V
2005 Carina Cellars ViognierOther California White Rhone V
2005 The Foundry ViognierS. African Viognier
2005 Bilancia ViognierNew Zealand Viognier

Links mentioned in todays episode.

181 Responses

June 22, 2007

Wine Lush
QOTD: I’m working. I want to be on a beach somewhere with a something cold and alcoholic in my hand.
June 22, 2007

Brandon M
Hoooaaaahhh!
June 22, 2007

Wine-ot
4 s’s n g’s…hahahaha
June 22, 2007

MikeBro
Oh Boy1 I’m here again…
June 22, 2007

mczinger
Oh work. I sit here in my office and pine away whilst looking out my window wishing I were elsewhere.

… should I skip out of work early to break into the half case I had shipped from CA?
June 22, 2007

holgi
Oh, du alter Janx-Geist…
June 22, 2007

John Witherspoon
top 10
SWEET

off to dinner
excited to watch the Viognier ep later tonight and make a real comment

J DUB
June 22, 2007

pauly
Duuude, thanks for the shout out to my bro. That was way cool. He’s on his way…the next, new Vayniac!
June 22, 2007

Norcal
Love the Viognier, GV! You gotta wonder how it is so closely related to Nebbiolo, yet so disparate in the final product. I guess it’s one of those crazy things, like crossing Cab Franc and Sauv Blanc….must be the geneticist in me talking…Have a good weekend!
June 22, 2007

mczinger
Wine lush, I feel your pain. I’m stuck in the office for I don’t know how much longer. And to think, a week ago I was in CA with my entire wine-cellar at my finger tips.

Anyone have any good NYC after-work wine-bar suggestions?

QFGV: After a long day in the office, what do you drink to relax?

(BTW GV still has yet to answer a QFGV)
June 22, 2007

spautz
Nikolai Volkoff and the Iron Sheik won the tag-team title on March 31, 1985. =)
June 22, 2007

Jason Coulston
Have you tried the Alban Viognier? He’s also doing a Rousanne and some other lesser-known varietals. They have it at my local wine shop but it’s $50+ per bottle which is on the high-end I’d say for this varietal. Oh yeah, and it was March 31st, 1985 my friend. I watched that match live from a satellite feed. We were in Los Angeles, maybe it was at The Forum at the time?

Jason Coulston
June 22, 2007

mikeyrad
Anyone have any good NYC after-work wine-bar suggestions?

TIA POL 10th Ave bet 22nd and 23rd. GREAT TAPAS, nice spanish wine selection.
June 22, 2007

jack
3/31/85
June 22, 2007

Jonathon M Chicago
QOTD: I’m way behind on labeling the bottles in my cellar. Laptop, cool cellar, labels, and perhaps a viognier!
June 22, 2007

Matt Czinger
QFGV, part deux: Since when have you been sportin’ the Cartier watch?
June 22, 2007

Elliot Essman
Great V episode, V.

This weekend, just spending a quiet time before my two-week obsession with Wimbledon begins on Monday.
June 22, 2007

Matt Czinger
thanks mikeyrad
June 22, 2007

KW
What’s up with the hairdo? 2 great Vs at a good price that’s good news.
Playing Golf…what else?
June 22, 2007

spautz
I suppose I ought to post a real comment now.
I haven’t had much Viognier, but the few I have had have been excellent. My absolute favorite was very dry yet rich, almost like an Alsacian Riesling (but better than any I’ve been able to afford). In a recent drive through North Carolina, though, I had a late-harvest Viognier which was *completely* different yet also excellent. Is Viognier normally such a varied and versatile grape, or does it tends towards a particular style?

QOTD: This weekend I’m hosting a wine tasting: “Crisp Summertime Whites”. =) I’m also hoping to finish writing my Master’s thesis and (hopefully) play some disc golf.
June 22, 2007

jack
darn, too late! are you guys wearing out the f5 key to refresh?
June 22, 2007

CindyW
Lllllllove viognier! I’m so glad to see you devote an episode to this. We’re seeing lots of viogniers out here in Washington, more than I see chardonnays, which makes me very happy.
June 22, 2007

Luke Wade
March 31, 1985, beating the US Express to shock the world!
June 22, 2007

Cam
QOTD: Let’s see… going to the farmer’s market, doing chores around the house, and working on our wedding invitations. I think that’s about it. I lead a terribly exciting life.
June 22, 2007

Dominus
Just missed it, March 31, 1985 at Madison Sq Garden.

Love the “V” especially Horton from podunk Virginia.

QOTD: I started it by taking off today to go fishing but I was dissed so that leaves me to sit at the pool, watch the ladies and begin tasting some nice Italian whites. Since the weather should be gorgeous here in DC, I plan on playing some tennis, cooking on the grille and more wine.

TGIF

Cheers
June 22, 2007

mikeyrad
QOTD
Tonight, dinner (Celeste) and a movie (sicko).
Saturday, having a little dinner party. Will select the wine based on what Suerad decides to make.
Sunday, maybe kayaking on the Hudson, Turkish kabobs for dinner.
June 22, 2007

half century
mikeyrad Supper on E. 3rd st. has a “waiting bar for the rest. next door. something like 300 italian wines on the list
June 22, 2007

Wine-ot
qotd – wine tasting tonight with a few couples…amon ra 2005 will make its appearance…sat. and sun. working doubles at the restaurant….p.s. the ‘t-shirt’ schwag ticker is kinda anoying while watching the show…had to watch in the other format….my opinion. THanks for a lol show, yet again!
June 22, 2007

mikeyrad
> Whatâ€™s up with the hairdo?

Does “There’s Something About Mary” conjure-up any images?
June 22, 2007

NathanN
Cool viognier show & cool hair. I have to show the kids this. Never tried a voignier but have one in the cellar. Will have to give it a try soon.

QOTD: Going to a blues concert in the park tonight with the family and enjoy some cheese & wine in the 90 deg heat. Saturday play with the kids and clean out the basement. Sunday church then a nap. That is what I am up to how about you?
June 22, 2007

Loweeeel
Gary, Nicolai Volkoff and the Iron Sheik teamed up at Wrestlemania III — 3/29/1987!!!
June 22, 2007

mikeyrad
btw, I think that there might be an Aglianico in my very near future.
June 22, 2007

Loweeeel
They also won the original tag-team title at WrestleMania I, defeating the US Express on 3/31/1985
June 22, 2007

jack
qotd: i’m going to find out whether or not i like my bordeaux aged. this weekend i’ll be opening up a bottle of 2001 ferriere, which i recently got from the wl free ship offer last week. i know it’s probably still a baby considering the margaux pedigree but it’s the oldest vintage i’ve got and it’s ready to drink now according to ws tasting note. i would’ve loved to have gotten a bottle of the 1995 ferriere a while back but they’re all gone now! no point in waiting to drink my 2005 futures (when i get them) if i like them young.
June 22, 2007

TimF
March 31st, 1985.
June 22, 2007

Andy
great ep G . Big fAN of Viognier . Need to try the 05 Merryvale . great wine.
June 22, 2007

Jaylash
Good to see some heavy hitting affordable entries there, man. The past few days have been making me want to just whip out my credit card and start ordering… and for a complete wine newb like myself, a good honest opinion is incredibly valuable.. and … you caught the COUCH on fire?? Cheers bro.

P.S. – Have you ever tried Cycles Gladiator ‘04 Pinot Noir? It’s growing on me. A little dry, not bitter, not bad. I think it was even rated 91, though I completely forgot the critic who rated it. Perhaps that’d be a interesting taste for the next “all-request” show

Holy crap I’m writing too much.. it’s the alcohol speaking.. Wine + Wine Library TV = LOW PRODUCTIVITY!
June 22, 2007

half century
tonight dinner @ La Vela (Amsterdam & 78th). Tomorrow, The Coney Island Mermaid Day Parade, and Sunday beach day @ Fire Island National Seashore.
June 22, 2007

half century
mikeyrad, sorry Supper is on E.2nd (bet. A & B)
June 22, 2007

Tom (vtjones)
QOTD: I am heading over to my parent’s house tonight to possibly go bike riding with my father and my wife, then we will hang out and have dinner and drink 2 – 3 bottles of hopefully good wine. I am not sure what is planned for the rest of the weekend yet.
June 22, 2007

3dvw
QOTD: watching some movies, goin out to dinner, mini golf …. drinking some wine.
June 22, 2007

SethID
Atrocioun

1. a mix between atrocious and abomination
2. utterly revolting, and greatly disliked or abhorred

I love it!
June 22, 2007

Brendan McGuigan
Can I suggest that next to the “Play” and “review at cork’d” links at the bottom, there be added a “Add to my Shopping List” link? There is room, and if you want to build the tie-in with cork’d, that is definitely a feature I’m starting to use, and it would be nice to be able to add in one click wines you mention on the show that I decide to try down the line (in this case the Bilancia). Thanks!

QOTD: Celebrating shabbat with some Jewish friends, drinking some good wine. Going to Sierra Nevada Music Festival. Surfing. Loving life, loving the sun.
June 22, 2007

John
I’m coming out of the lurking shadows. I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!!! Best thing on the internet.

QOD: RELAXING!!! With some Reislings that I bought this week thanks to Gary V. Well, maybe do some yardwork too.
June 22, 2007

TimF
QOTD: Spending the weekend wondering who will win the Vayniac T-Shirt contest…
June 22, 2007

Mike In SLO
QOTD – Pirates of the Caribbean w/ Wife tonight. Oil change then a Foxen Pinot on Sat. No plans Sunday.
Have a good weekend everyone!
June 22, 2007

Rich
Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff won the WWF Tag Team Championship on Sunday, March 31, 1985 at the first Wrestlemania at MSG. They beat The US Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo) after the Sheik nailed Windham with a cane and Volkoff landed on top of Windam for the 1-2-3!
June 22, 2007

Davig Grega (CMBTvet)
I’ll be working at a winery by day and bouncing at a club by night! 20 hour workday weekends!!whooohooo!
June 22, 2007

Mike Hale
Awesome … I tried my first Voignier a couple of years ago and found it very hard to find many other Voigniers at my local shops. Thx for the reviews.

QOTD: working for a couple of hours by choice then opening a b ottle of wine to relax with a nice Monte Cristo Cigar!
June 22, 2007

matthews
QOTD – packup my life and move to brooklyn next week, there will also be copious amounts of drinking at bells brewery over the next couple of days.
June 22, 2007

mikeyrad
half century, Supper sounds awesome. I’m definitely going to check it out in the near future.
June 22, 2007

Renee Anderson
go Viognier

QOTD: eating a lot
June 22, 2007

Harold
Thanks for the Viognier episode; people stuck on Chardonnay don’t know what they’re missing. Also a big fan of Marsanne but it’s tough too find. QOTD: Me, the wife and about a case of Wine Library wine is going up to Santa Barbara to hang out with some friends.
June 22, 2007

psychomike
QOTD: Sailing! If I can squeeze it in between thunderstorms.
Thanks for giving viognier its due—I love these wines, but since my wife is an NBC (Nothing But Chardonnay) drinker, I don’t get to try as many as I’d like.
June 22, 2007

mas
Glad you reviewed these Gary – was looking for some lower priced Viogniers – so many around me are $20+ …

QOTD: Unfortunately, prepping for a week’s work in NJ – but I will be buy WL to pick up my order on the way home!
June 22, 2007

caleb
CKC is still in the house..and what about the finance major ckc’s? This weekend a little bit of work, then a wine spectator offline on saturday night, then padres and red sox game on sunday. go padddds!
June 22, 2007

Neil
QOTD: Kicking back, braising something in red wine – throw in a good cigar and a few fingers of scotch into the equation and call it a weekend. Oh yeh, and some quality vino at dinertime. Because yooooooouuuuu and a little bit of V, we’re chaaaaaannnging the wiiiiiine woooorrlldd! Aren’t we?
June 22, 2007

WineAddict
Great show on a different grape, never tried a Voignier will have to seek one out.
I joined up to Digg this thought you’d like that. Also just to let you know, you are no way any way a jerk off..

QOTD: Going to an Estate Auction in the morning to look at a brush hog. Pull some weeds in the garden, then get ready for a night out with boys playing poker, having a few cocktails and enjoying a big fat cigar..

aka MikeBro

MB
June 22, 2007

WineAddict
I added a picture just wanted to see if it would work.
June 22, 2007

amgryger
QOTD: I got dragged into doing some side work as a favor for someone this weekend. Might try to knock it out tomorrow so I at least have sunday free.
June 22, 2007

Rick "The Model" M
nice hair man.
June 22, 2007

Bossman
Nice modified conehead do.

Is that a disembodied shark fin or a guitar pick floating in the wine glass on the shirt? Are these also limited to 140?

Don’t know if it’s related but the video is jumpy today whether it’s due to the schwag rotating pic but aside from being distracting it smacks of desperation to sell, not something that appeals to me here. We’ll buy without the guerilla tactics and hard sell dude.

QOTD: Getting a haircut (not as fancy as yours but my bro doesn’t call me Hollywood either), mowing the lawn (and a little tasting of this and that…. he he), setting up a 50″ LCD in the den and picking up the mother-in-law for an extended, open-ended visit (no worries I’ve got plenty of wine to see me through it).
June 22, 2007

GeneV
Kicking back with a Pasquie Terasses, getting ready to go out for dinner with my wife and loving life.

Have a great one!

Oh, and TimF–you’ve got it. I mean, look at the material you have to work with.
June 22, 2007

Denise W
Whoa, you’re sportin’ the ‘do, GV.

My weekend will mostly be spent working and drinking wine… Love that I can do both at the same time but I have to be relatively good because I’m running a 10 mile race on Sunday morning. Maybe I’ll open something special on Sunday night to celebrate. Have a good weekend, everyone!
June 22, 2007

Canuckchuk
Off to see Sonny Rollins tonight; work tomorrow; wine in some fashion Saturday night; and possibly a golf tournament on Sunday. I’m terrible at golf, playing it maybe one or two times a year, but my wine glass lifting skills are impeccable.

Be well…
June 22, 2007

Shadowbird
QOTD: I’m heading out to Drumright with my mother. She got me into wine, so I’m taking her out to a real winery as a thank you gift. That, and the winery’s celebrating Oklahoma’s Centennial by introducing the third of three Oklahoma-themed wine blends…this one being a white.
June 22, 2007

KenP
Brilliant ep! Imagine giving a 94 to a Viognier! A truly rad move. Now we’re changing the wine world!
Great energy. A bit fed up with the tyranny of scores? I am. So few dictate the taste profile of so many. GV, you are to be commended. Very daring. Excellent work, IMHO.
June 22, 2007

antony
Everyone in the UK knows those guys won the tag title in 85.
June 22, 2007

John Witherspoon
Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff
March 31, 1985 – June 17, 1985

Am I the first in????

J DUB
June 22, 2007

John Witherspoon
Well I hope I got my answer to the WWF question in 1st!

QOTD: Pizza and wine with friends (Friday night), Vegetarian Festival Saturday followed by cookout at sister and brother in laws house, Sunday, chill, nice dinner at home, maybe some Ridge Cab. mmmmmm

Being from Virginia, we have a lot of wineries putting out great Viogniers, really good ones. Try and get your hands on some from the state, if you want some recommendations I can give you some. Our two fall back New WOrld Viogniers that we usually have one of in the house is either the Yalumba Y Series or the McManis. Both good and good values. ($10)

Have a great weekend!!
J DUB
June 22, 2007

GottaGoDrink
Gary- My daughter and I just watched the show and she said she would like to meet you. I told her you promised to come to Chicago every year, or I guess we could make a trip to the WL. Anyway, great show today!

QOTD- Take the kids to the orthodontist, my son’s baseball game, attend a wedding on Saturday with hopefully good vino, more baseball on Sunday plus my daughter’s dance show. Life is good. Enjoy the weekend everyone!
June 22, 2007

Tom T.
I’ll be doing a lot of biking as usual. Probably log about 100+ miles or so.
Also taking the folks out to dinner for their 43rd anniversary. Will be popping a nice Chianti and a bottle of Gewurztraminer from Alsace. What the heck is Yenta?
June 22, 2007

JoeinLA
Love the V episode and I’ll try the Bilancia. Thanks!

QOTD; Going to a Birthday party for a friend in Beverly Hills then getting the gear ready for a 4th of July camping week in Napa.Mineral hot springs, daily massages,hiking, endless wine tasting, great food and sleeping under the stars…

cheers
June 22, 2007

TheDumbPhase
Dude th Lo-Hawk is not kind to you. Makes you look like Astro Boy.
June 22, 2007

Jon B.
Another great episode your on a roll.94 pts. unbelievable…QOTD Potty training my 2 yr. old.Couple of nice diners planed with a couple of good bottles of wine.Sounds like my first Viognier on Sunday to wrap up the weekend.Later
June 22, 2007

portman
Another lesser known grape that I have yet to try. Nice ep to point it out. I’ll be on a quest to see if there is any viognier in Maine.

Not only do I think there might be scoring snobbery going on, but I also think there is a general rise in scores. Scoring inflation? Almost a market driven need to keep inching the points up and up as the market share/market base of consumers continues to grow. Or maybe a subconcious need to inch up scoring over time to keep one’s self (as a critic) important. It may be entirely possible that there is a trend in wines getting better and better in quality…. but….. Anyone have the time to take various critic’s scores over time and see if there is a general rise in the average score?

Just a theory, and it’s all mine.

QOTD: some gardening and chores around the house. Getting my hair buzzed down too. Ah yes, some more pounding in the gym too.
June 22, 2007

flavasauce
It’s Gay Pride weekend here in San Francisco YAY! Speaking of…you should have offered 2 women’s or men’s tees for the gayniacs. Happy Gay day everyboy check these OUT!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9a18D6zTlA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPhFxFyVsNQ
June 22, 2007

RieslingRon
Viognier…….a very flavorful grape, I have had a few, none of the ones on this episode, but I will look for them.

QOTD: Used book shopping in Ithaca on Sat. and brunch with tennis buddies and wives on Sun.
June 22, 2007

Protoman
QOTD: MS BIKE Tour Warmup Ride… 30 Miles baby!
June 22, 2007

jlair
QOTD: Well…I will be working at the winery all weekend..(Andrew Murray Vineyards, across the street from Carina Cellars BTW) The vayniac wife will be at a flower festival having fun with the baby.

QOTD for you Gary….. What will it take to get you to taste a Andrew Murray on the show? Let me know.

J Lair
June 22, 2007

jlair
oh…an Andrew Murray does a Viognier and a Late Harvest Viognier.
June 22, 2007

wolfie
qotd: have a funeral tomorrow AM, followed by the traditional italian post-funeral food fest. then tomorrow night is up in the air. i think i’ve gotta do a little painting around the house on sunday, but other than that i’ll probably lay low.
June 22, 2007

Dave Canada
What is a yenta?
Nice episode…I have ben having some Voigner from the Languedoc region that is awesome and a huge QPR at 12$
QOTD – Going to the cottage, building a deck and drinking wine!
June 22, 2007

Jerry the 2THDR
Just drove down to Florida and back to bring 2 of my grand-daughters back for 10 days of fun. They are coming to the office to help “Pop-Pop” fix teeth. 10 days without wine! Wish me luck. 2thdr
June 22, 2007

CellarDweller
QOTD: Celebrating my birthday (probably with one of the wines you reviewed today — they sound excellent!), and writing: a little TV music (writing with notes); a little fantasy-novel (writing with words). Thanks for the note, btw! Great start to a great birthday.
June 23, 2007

SoCal
QTOD: Thursday Dinner with a friend & Chat Brane-Cantenac 1996 (thanks for the hook up G) Friday Page Cellars Vertical tasting 1999-2002. Sat…work…. Sunday fishing and wine…perhaps Sav Blanc at 5 am….?
June 23, 2007

stevo
Sunday I’m headed to London for a week to watch my friend play at Wimbledon.
June 23, 2007

MuSte
We actually had a Big V(ironically the EXP) brought to our last wine tasting group. It was as said a very solid wine, and was a nice change of pace that night.
QOTD: sadly it is a work weekend, but sunday night is our next wine gathering (dessert wines and a red or two this time)
June 23, 2007

Jen
QOTD: Going up to Los Olivos …. yes, AGAIN for a little tasting action. While the men folk are out of town, my friend and I hit the road for some vino. Oh, and to stop on the way home in Santa Barbara to buy some sundresses. That’s my plan, VayVay. Hope you have a great one!
June 23, 2007

thabeav
Are the couch fire and haircut connected? Be honest.

Great episode. I love viognier.

What’s a Yenta?

QOTD: working. blahh.
June 23, 2007

Robin
Great T-shirt. Very artistic plus tasteful.
QOTD: This weekend my husband and I are attending two wine events which are part of a benefit for the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra – we just came back from one. We saw lots of old friends and acquaintances. I had several memorable wines I’ve never had before – L’Aventure Optimus, McMurray Pinot Noir, Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc, Beauzeaux. Tomorrow 6 of us are going to Prairie Star (restaurant) for another wine tasting, silent auction, dinner under tents next to the restaurant and a live auction during dinner. The ladies dress up, the men wear Hawaiian shirts (not sure how that got started), and we enjoy the evening.
June 23, 2007

coffeetowine
Thanks for the “shout out” to teachers!!! Lord knows we need to drink wine during the summer!
June 23, 2007

Marc
QOTD: George Clinton and P-Funk concert Friday (just got back from it), run earlier Saturday, followed by Des Moines downtown Farmer’s Market (with special guest Bill Richardson), followed by Brewfest (beer-tasting event helping some disease too), I-Cubs minor league baseball game, and then I don’t know what from there on out.
June 23, 2007

JCfromtheWC
Guns? Do you mean water pistols?

Good show. I’ve had some V’s in the past but not sure I’ve appreciated it enough. It’s going on my to do list.

QOTD: I’m working. And hopefully tasting something interesting.
June 23, 2007

vibemore
QOTD: cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. And maybe catch a couple of our local Saturday wine tastings.
June 23, 2007

diego de la p...
nice episode gary!!, ohh this weekend is my birthday!
on sunday!, so i think im gonna party and drink wine!!
June 23, 2007

YoungDave
YESS- Viognier! I’m a huge pro-Viognier guy, and always try to suggest it to friends who can’t get away from over-oaked Chard and sugary Pinot Grigio.

QOTD: Not to be boring, but I’m in the restaurant business so I work every weekend. However, I hope to go out with a girl I recently met for some tapas and a tasting at a chic restaurant and lounge on Tuesday… wish me luck.
June 23, 2007

Autoproxy
QOTD – Don’t know…I rarely plan ahead. Makes life more fun/unexpected that way.

I became a Viognier fan from living in the Finger Lakes a while back (nothing too fantastic in the region, but both solid and fairly prevalent). Thanks for the episode…
June 23, 2007

Rempshaker
It’s a great weekend for BBQ!!
June 23, 2007

MikeyB
champs from March 31, 1985 – June 17, 1985. 1st one?
June 23, 2007

MikeyB
you’re a yenta – funny. qotd: family reunion in ct. haven’t seen my sister in 2 years and never seen her kid, cause they live in texas now. so that’s pretty cool. see if i can open their minds to some good wines while i’m there.
June 23, 2007

George H
QOTD –> hopefully ill get of my butt to go see some friends I haven’t hung out with in a while.
June 23, 2007

That transplanted Napa Valley Dude
I miss the ocean so much that I ordered the Carina Cellars.
June 23, 2007

Nico
QOTD: this weekend??? Making music and making wine!!!!
June 23, 2007

Ken from Boston
I have liked the Carina Viognier in the past. I love cannoli’s. Can’t wait to find it. However, hard to find here in Mass.
June 23, 2007

Mark
This weekend: selling a car and packing for a move.

Very interesting ep today. Have to pick up a few of this and see what my friends think. It will be a new grape for us.
June 23, 2007

WPROC
Nikolai Volkoff and Iron Sheik dolls…………….can this site/show get any better? I dont think so.
June 23, 2007

stewart l
I love viognier! Unfortunately, the bilancia is already sold out! Will have to settle for the Carina cellars
QOD On call for the weekend. I will go to the local italian rst. where you can bring your own wine and also try to play some golf.
June 23, 2007

Senor Sangria
Hey All… I’m a new Vayniac. I’m learning a lot from each episode.

QOTD: Going to the Winelibrary and buying some Viognier and making sangria for a friends BBQ on sunday.
June 23, 2007

Bill Luby
Good episode. I particularly enjoy when you focus on some of the overlooked varietals. Since you are such a Rhone fan and focus a lot of energy on the red varietals, why not touch on some roussane, marsanne and Rhone white blends in future episodes?
June 23, 2007

TIM
QOTD: Very excited for Saturday night! Want to comment on the excellent service from Wine Library. I ordered several bottle of tempranillo that Gary reccommended on Wednesdays show. They arrived in Ohio on Saturday morning. That is some of the best web service I have ever recieved. Really looking forward to trying the wine this evening!
June 23, 2007

italianwinelover
new hairstyle GV? Nice grape to talk about…

QOTD: Weather should be better, raining now, selling wine and sampling new vintages….riding my horse on Sun…working a wine tasting on Mon!! Love the new shirts!!!! Thanks for my wristband!!
June 23, 2007

pegleg
Love the faux hawk thats going on up there. Whats the story with that?

Not much, just wine and drinks and bars.
June 23, 2007

Montrose
QOTD: going to a garden party (yeah!). Hopefully tomorrow will see some nice wine and a cigar.
June 23, 2007

Garret Nagle
Hi Gary,

This weekend I’m poping a Brunello and grilling some filet mignon with a friend from out of town I haven’t seen in 9 months.

And last night I had a few of the College Kid Crew friends (I’m not a CKC anymore! ), and they told me they wanted to taste wine. So we had 3 wines in a Old vs. New World Battle Royale. I went to a wine store last night and requested one outrageous fruit bomb and one outrageous old world dirt bomb – each under 20 bones. Then when we got home I decided to pop my last Duas Quintas (we had this in LA) to represent sort of some middle ground between old and new.

I had a great time discussing wine and the history of rock music, but I have to tell you, THE OAK MONSTER WAS IN THE HIZZIE, AND VIOLATED MY PALATE.

If you haven’t had the Mollydooker 2006 Boxer Shiraz, don’t! It was so oaked that I couldn’t taste any fruit. All I could taste was a wicked forest of oak trees, and alcoholic candy. I truely felt like I was Saruman drinking my wine as the tree men from the Oak forrest attacked my fortress in Lord of The Rings II.

great episode gary
June 23, 2007

Wimberly Miree
My wife and I love Viognier. I am really excited about the Bilancia. What a rating and what a price for Viognier this good.
June 23, 2007

Karl Laczko
Nice Viognier, a grape I will always enjoy.
QOTD It is Saturday evening now (what’s with the late shows recently?, I’m having to catch up the next day) and as the weather is being typically British (i.e. raining) then I’m inside watching TV (normal and WL versions) with a Gewurtz/Riesling. Nothing else planned, just relaxing.
June 23, 2007

ryan brignole
I think it’s great youâ€™re getting the “V” out there. One of the lesser understood Rhone grapes with so much potential. I just got my wrist band, wore it out and 3 people claimed to be Vayniacs, I asked them where their wrist bands were? They didnâ€™t have them but we got still drunk together.

GV, bringing wine-oâ€™s together.
June 23, 2007

chuck
QOTD: twins game sunday in sunny so. fla.
June 23, 2007

AlisonD
I love Viognier…I found it on my first trip to Sonoma back in 2004…it was a 2002 St. Francis wine. Haven’t found one that good yet..will have to try these.

QOTD: Hanging out at the pool all weekend…
June 23, 2007

Erin
Dinner and wine
June 23, 2007

Steve-o
Viognier FTW, spread the word.

QOTD: Saturday: Arts festival (buddie has got two films up for awards) followed by a friend’s “freedom party” (it’s amazing how quickly dudes get over being dumped).

sunday: recovery
June 23, 2007

Neal Khurana
QOTD: Saturday I catching up on a book I am trying to read with a girl who is 400 miles away (The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger)…the same girl who I had try a Gerwurtzraminer with Sushi and recently she had some Viongier in a flight of 4 whites (Chard, Viong, Riesling, Pinot Gris) at a thai restuarant in Pittsburgh called The Silk Elephant. Running my 6 mile run. Working on my banter for my sister’s wedding that I am MC’ing for (450 people!)

Great hair my friend. Smiles over here!
June 23, 2007

Dan NYC
It’s my 4th wedding anniversary. So it’s Del Posto tonight and who knows tomorrow. It depends on the hangover. I’m hydrating as I write this.
June 23, 2007

Louis S
I don’t think I’ve ever tried a viognier, but I will definitely seek them out after seeing this episode.

QOTD: I’m having a wine and cheese housewarming party. Really looking forward to it.
June 23, 2007

Steve
Gary,
Atrocian. The people of Atrocia. This is the style that they craft their whites and reds. Thank god they didn’t toss this varietal by the way side.
Spend a bone or two and spring on some Condrieu.Yum Yum.
June 23, 2007

Bobinnati
QOTD – playing golf, taking my daughter to the airport, watching golf, regripping clubs, doing yard work, relaxing, going to church, cleaning up my office, tool shed and garage that are massive pigpens and …..maybe even drinking some wine. Unfortunately, supplies are getting low and I am still on a SIWBM. Gotta start buying again……
June 23, 2007

Colin Nicol
Good episode today Gary. Looking forward to heading to the store and searching for a couple of these.

QOTD: Just going to relax and hopefully make it out to the beach.
June 23, 2007

Jake
QOTD – I am drinking a wine this weekend that one of your co-workers recommended when I was there on Thursday. He was on WLTV when you were in Italy, etc. 2005 Rhein River Riesling. Its crisp clean with and within my CKC budget!!! I believe it was Ian. Give him props for finding a wine that I love! I am having with a gourmet blue cheese from Wegman’s.
June 23, 2007

Jim in Atlanta
I went to a wine tasting today. Had a couple of good reds from Paso Robles.
June 23, 2007

Ken B.
Good show Gary as usually. I have had good Viognier but none of these; I will definitely seek them out.

QOTD: Hanging by the pool this weekend and enjoying a good book and good wine (I hope).
June 23, 2007

BW
QOTD – I rode 115 miles on my bike with 4 friends to the top of Mt Evans (Colorado – highest
paved road in NA – 14,200 ft), came home, collapsed, watched a couple James Bond movies with my kids & drank some Meditrinia – producer is Sokol-Blosser out of OR – a pinot blended with, if you can believe this, Zin & Syrah. Hard to believe that is works, but it works well – I would give it a 91. Check it out if you want to try something different & very good.
June 24, 2007

wildebeest
Yay! SF glass!

Holy crap, this was a FANTASTIC episode!

GV, your praise of the Viognier grape started to sound a little Sideways

QOTD: This weekend I will be travelling back to my home in Nevada.
June 24, 2007

shaggy D
Great ep GV i dugg it!
June 24, 2007

RuralTom
Greetings Mr V!

Question of the Day: Alas this weekend, like 99% of all weekends, means work for this chef….
June 24, 2007

IamAlurker
Gary, enough wHining about lurkers!!! I don’t have time for this, since I’m too busy shopping at WL.
June 24, 2007

Bonzo
I am rock climbing this weekend, both days, and having a nice dinner with my wife, a couple of friends, and some really nice wines.
June 24, 2007

DrEdwardo
No doubt Gary is using John Edwards’s hair stylest

Edwardo
June 24, 2007

Rob B.
QOTD: Catching up on the cleaning of the week and WLTV episodes I missed this week, with a few stops by the pool. And trying to keep from returning to lurker status.

Love the hair, Alec A. inspired?
June 24, 2007

J Crazy
QOTD: rockin’ it with the father in law.
June 24, 2007

EvilHomer
Love your shows…you are such a breath of fresh air. Loved the episode on Viognier, it is defnitely an underapprecited grape. Going to go out and see if I can find some of your reviews right now.

Keep on rocking the wine world!!
June 25, 2007

EthanPSU
Viognier is so underrated thanks for bringin the thunder Gary!

QOTD: Two of my best friends from home came to visit for the weekend had a great time.
June 25, 2007

DRHamp
After the “V” episode, I went out and found a couple of bottles of Viognier since I’d never tried them before.
Some different from the Chards I generally drink — I was impressed and will explore them further. Wish we could get the Bilancia locally!
June 25, 2007

Ryan D
QotD: Didn’t do much this weekend… Friday night went to friend’s for laid back BBQ action [popped a Chile Carmenere], Saturday fixed a fence and cleaned off my dock and went back over to friend’s for some laid back hanging out [popped a Morellino di Scansano], Sunday fixed some steps, poured some concrete for a fence post, dropped off the screen door to be fixed, put in the walkway lighting, removed two annoying pricker bushes, hung out by the fire with my wife, bro and sister-in-law and still found some time for floating in the lake.

But like I said I didn’t do much.
June 25, 2007

Herm
We had a garage sale and then went to the Sandusky Bay for some R&R……Gary have you ever heard of Lord Layton or BoBo Brazil?….I have tried a couple of Viogniers and I enjoyed them especially one called Windmill…..
June 25, 2007

keith prothero
Glad you liked the Foundry Viognier Gary. A lovely wine made by the very talented Meerlust winemaker,Chris Williams. Have you tried his syrah?
June 25, 2007

E
OK, still looking for a viognier that will convince me that I don’t really hate viognier. So that’s interesting.

QOD: Lorenzon ribolla gialla with dinner … wonderful stuff.
June 25, 2007

BigBob
A Be-Wig-House Shout out! Cool…

I’m on my way down with some scissors to fix that hair!
June 25, 2007

jorge
Gary, you are given away one of my secrets, Viognier. This and Chenin Blanc are possibly my favorite white grapes. I a wondering how these four compare to the Treana and the Alban, those are my favorites and the ones I drink all the time. If you have a chance send me a note and let me know how close are these guys to those and what is your opinion of the two I mentioned.

QOTD: Spent the entire weekend with my son and his baseball try-outs, is begining to look like there may be a couple of schools interested on him, so we are happy this Monday, By next week we should have a better idea, and he did it without the wrist band, imagine how easier it would had been if he had the wrist band, but he never got it
June 25, 2007

Susan
Gary-Viognier I CAN afford?WOW!!!!!I am happy now!!
June 25, 2007

DryDrew
QOTD: went up to the “Yenta” Catskills and had some New Zealand Goose Bay Sauvignon Blank (my 7th boatel since episode #200 in March got nothing else to drink and I am dehydrating)
June 25, 2007

Lawrence Leichtman
Well, another one sold out as soon as it went up More Bilancia please. Had the 2003 of this and loved it but wasn’t ever seen in the stores again.
Working this weekend in Pulaski NY…….
So who is the Lindsay Lohan look-alike wearing the new T-shirt?
June 25, 2007

lurker1
Gary,
I will be working all weekend at the wine bar as usual.
June 25, 2007

msb2ncsu
One of the Napa wineries (wanna say Beringer) gave my wife and I a free bottle of Viognier when we were there on our Honeymoon. The wine definitely surprised us. We have not picked up any since simply because the pricing can make it hard to justify at times (especially with what we can get a good NZ SB for these days).

QOTD: Hours upon hours of work in the yard… have to remove scrap heap from the deck we tore down, replace two outdoor spigots, plant our new shrubs, and cap it all off with late-night hockey on Sunday.
June 25, 2007

Carlitos
QOTD. It was a nice weekend. Walks on the beach (Hot and humid!), went to our Saturday Brown Bag wine event. We brought the 2002 Valrose Alienor that we got from WL (nice!) and some Dornfelder that nobody guessed. Sunday was relaxed with some shopping and some housecleaning chores.
June 25, 2007

mjhch1
This weekend.. was a graduation, but not exciting for me. But did drink a nice Malbec. Next weekend tho… I am MIAMI bound!!
Looking forward to try the Vee-Ong-yay…
June 25, 2007

Lurkerdog
QOTD: Had dinner at Momofuku. Grilled some burgers. Drank some Sky Mt. Veeder Zin 2001 (85 pts). Saw the Yankees lose 2 out of 3 to the Giants. Did some honey dos. Typical weekend, perfect weather!
June 25, 2007

Ari
I’d be curious to hear GV’s opinion on Michael David Vineyards (Lodi, CA) Viognier, “Incognito”.

It’s got quite an interesting story behind it, and was my first introduction to Viognier.

Despite being a native Californian, I will choose a Viognier over a Chardonnay most any day of the week — but none of them have my attention quite the way Incognito does.

Oh yes, and I suppose I’ve finally rescinded my “inveterate lurker” status.

.ari
June 25, 2007

MtnCharlie
QOTD: Friday was a busy day. Big dinner b-day party for my wife. Herb de provence rotisserie chicken, assorted other grilled meats, roasted vegetable couscous, salads and wine; With appetizers: A Chardonnay (can’t remember what), a Muscadet (thanks Gary), a Paso Robles Viognier (that was very good), With the grilled meats: 2004 Windy Oaks Proprietorâ€™s Reserve Pinot Noir, TAZ Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir, Our 2004 El Dorado County Syrah,
Saturday went for a hike with my son and relaxed. Sunday racked our 2005 Zinfandel. Ahhh, summer is here! Wish I wasn’t at work right now…:)
June 25, 2007

TagWorld Brian
I love how the Viddler screen grab catches you mid-grimace at the worst possible moment. Is that your staff messing with you?
June 25, 2007

Raffi
Has anyone tried any of wine that woot.com sells? I’ve never looked any of them up or tried them..just curious.
June 25, 2007

Wino Willy
Yes, I have tried this once, order a Trio of Castle Pinot Noir – disappointing. Better off spending on so,ething you really like. In the end nbot a good value.
June 26, 2007

Mason
Gary, good point about the point systems, and all that gush and love to the “big grapes.” I am with you on the equality of the grapes, man! By the way, when Transformers comes out, I want to see one on the table next to the Jets spittoon!

QOTD: My wife and I are going to St. Louis for the weekend.
June 26, 2007

Matthew R. Miller
Not sure the the tshirts were won yet, but The Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff won the WWF tag team championship on March 31, 1985 and held it for 78 days when the lost on June 17, 1985.

Believe it or not I am not a wrestling fan. Here is my source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_World_Tag_Team_Championship_%28WWE%29_reigns_by_length
June 26, 2007

john ripperger
Gary, nice job selling your WLTV high scoring wines. I went to buy some of the Carina and Bilancia and they were both sold out. You are a marketing genius.

Rip
June 26, 2007

TSchampaert
Hi, little bit late, but had no time this weekend. Yet, I don’t wanna miss one single episode! Great, Viognier is indeed one of the ’smaller’ brethren in the wineworld. Why didn’t you bring in a Condrieu or a Chateau Grillet? The birthplace of Vio. Northern Rhone Vios are also quite different from all other Viogniers.
QOTD: what I did this weekend: correcting test from my students and celebrating smth I’m so proud of with a Tignanello and a Puligny-Montrachet from Leflaive …
June 27, 2007

LevelBoss
They won the gold on March 31st 1985.
June 27, 2007

yowens
GV- Love the big scores for the viognier. QOTD: We went down to CT from RI and went to Haight-Brown vineyards. Its work checking out their rose for anyone in the area…
June 30, 2007

Mike Erdely
Great show. I paused the show shortly after starting and found myself a Viognier upstairs. It’s a 2005 Yalumbra. I’m tasting it at room temp. It tastes pretty good. I’d be interested to see how it compares to what you tasted.

QOTD for the weekend you asked: Went to my office picnic (fun!) while my wife hosted a bridal shower. Saw my parents for my dad’s birthday and then her parents for her dad’s birthday (a day later). Good stuff.

QOTD for THIS weekend: Watching my wife compete in an equestrian event. Doing some personal computer work (as opposed to the IT work I do all week for my company). Drinking some wine.
July 1, 2007

cnw
Not had a Viognier before. Will try it soon!
July 3, 2007

LurkerNoMore
Why is it that I thought Viognier was used as a blending grape in red wines, yet all of these wines were/are white?
July 5, 2007

Lurk'n Out
Just thought I’d put out there that I had the EXP Viognier 2005 with some wonderful homemade german food, and it was a blast! The heat was subdued by the fat in the German Koinigsklops (meatballs in a white wine sauce with scallots and capers) and Spetzla. It was Awesome, and that 14.5% ALC. really did wonders for the after dinner games! Lots of fun, really good QPR!
July 9, 2007

wayno da wino
YOOOO GARY !!!

Just got to this Episode.

Love da “DO” !! Johnny Rotten
would be proud !!!

VIOGNIER ROCKS !!!!!!!!!
July 17, 2007

mcj
QOTD: That weekend was the first day of a week long vacation, so I did nothing, and it was everything I thought it could be
July 17, 2007

scottydog
love the V

bummed that you are sold out on the top two . . .

QOTD–going to maine to chill at my camp on the lake . . .
August 10, 2007

Sam I
QOD: I went to a Mets/Phillies game that weekend
February 29, 2008

Rhonda
I got the EXP Viognier from your store when you were offering free shipping and I tried it tonight. I was very excited when I noticed it was a little ‘hot’ on the first taste and you said the same. I just got into wine about 6 months ago so its cool to feel like I am starting to get it. Thanks as always for the awesome content.
April 2, 2008

Harry
Thanks Gary – I really apreciate the thoughts on Viognier. I just had a kosher one from Goosebay, New Zealand, and was deeply impressed. QOTD – I need to go dancing this weekend, so hoping to get a crew together.
Peace – Harry
July 19, 2008

Dessert Wine Nerd
Another shot at California Chardonnay? Ouch.. ha ha. Ive had a few Vioginer’s, and I rather like them. I own a few bottles and its def. a wine Im going to stockpile some more of. By the way, Niccoli Volokoff (spelling?) for the win. Great gimmick. I loved it when the crowd booed him basically because he was Russian and Russia was bad… blah blah blah. Iron Shiek, too. I was down with them. I always wanted them to crush Hogan and Savage, or Hogan and whomever. QOTD: Working. I work day shifts as a cook in a good seafood restaurant, so Im in around 6 or 7 am and out around 2-3 pm. 7 nights off a week and Im a cook? Are you kidding me!? How great is that? Pretty damn great. But I pull the weekends like any cook should and so usually when I get home I veg out for a bit, mabye do some reading and or working out. I dont really make plans on days I work. If I do its usually going down the street to get dinner nearby. Hey nearly all of us have our two days off, dont we?
June 24, 2009

Adrian
Nice show GV…..love it. I’m definitely including viognier to my list….after I have tried Beaujolais, Gerwurztraminer and Riesling. Keep it up….
July 7, 2009

Phredd
Rats. No place in the U.S. carries any vintage of the Bilancia. I’ll have to try something else, I guess.