Petite Sirah Taste Off – Episode #284

July 30, 2007

Gary Vaynerchuk has been attacked by so many emails to taste Petite Sirah that he has finally caved!

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Comments on this episode(225) Leave a comment ›

“First time viewer…loved it,will be back!…” by maryandroscoe
“I’d probably miss wine scores. I like when they’re representative of …” by ulu ulu ulu ulu
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2004 Trentadue Petite SirahSonoma Petite Sirah
2005 Rosenblum Petite Sirah Heritage ClonesOther California Petite Sirah
2005 Elyse Petite Sirah RutherfordNapa Petite Sirah
2004 Earthquake Petite SirahNapa Petite Sirah

Links mentioned in todays episode.

225 Responses

July 30, 2007

CJM
They call me #1
July 30, 2007

wlburk
2nd!
July 30, 2007

Aheadwithwings
top 5!
July 30, 2007

wineaddict
top 10 wipee
July 30, 2007

Harley Stan
Top ten!!!!!!
July 30, 2007

Kirk
Top 10
July 30, 2007

David Canada
Top Ten!
July 30, 2007

Jameus
I’ve never tried one yet… wonder if I made top 10 hehe. Time to watch!
July 30, 2007

Le Vin au Blog
Top Ten?
July 30, 2007

AndrewB
ooh 10!!!
July 30, 2007

charles
QOTD: live
July 30, 2007

Aheadwithwings
QOTD, I will be watching Live while drinking a nice glass of wine (not sure what yet…but something). Can’t wait!
July 30, 2007

AnthonyS
Welcome back Gary.

QOTD: I’ll be trying to catch it live, but I’ll have it Tivo’d for safety’s sake.

Break a leg.
July 30, 2007

alberto
gary. can you show a little map from time to time?
good luck with conan.
July 30, 2007

John Blue Label
GV,
Nice episode. Great news on Conan. Knock em dead. I’ll DVR it. Sorry, early morning to work on Thursday.
July 30, 2007

Marc Mc
Keep the scores coming.

I will be TIVO’ing. Can’t stay up that late.
July 30, 2007

Weston Burk
Hey Gary,

Those people who want to remember what they like, join http://www.corkd.com …

An amazing trio of artifacts that sum up Garyvee’s life…

I have not had a petite sirah yet but I had seen the earthquake and I was thinking to myself “Well that’s a little self assuming”, so it is nice to get someone’s opinion on it…BALLBUSTING and BALLSY (sweet)!

QOTD: Totally watching it live!
July 30, 2007

Harley Stan
Gary, great episode, keep scoring the wines, I don’t want to be told a wine is 90 points only because RP said so.
QOTD- Congrats on the Conan show ! However I will be setting to Tivo as soon as I leave this comment, I get up at 3:30 am so staying up that late is rather hard on a work night. Keep bringing the thunder!!
July 30, 2007

Shad
After watching this and being told that a $50 Petite Sirah was “very good” makes me even more excited that I pazzzzzzzzz-ed on it.

QOTD: I will be getting home from work shortly before Conan comes on, so I will be catching it as it airs…pretty cool stuff Gary.
July 30, 2007

Cabdrinker
Top 20!!!!!!!!
Welcome back Gary!
July 30, 2007

mbannon
Welcome home GV. I agree with you, new world wines seem to have a narrow quality range despite the wide price range.

Congrats on the Conan show – no, I won’t be watching. No cable TV in my house and I don’t miss it.

QOD – I like scores. Yes, they can be very misleading. And yes, people (including me) will shop by score, buying the 90-point wine before the 89-point wine. But I’ve found that reviews without scores make for very difficult shopping. A review for an 88-point wine that you really like can sound an awful lot like a review for a 95-point wine. The score helps pin down just HOW much you “really like” each one. A great example is reading Terry Thiese’s reviews. What the hell does it mean when a wine tastes like a quartz crystal with cherry glaze??!! But if you tell me that and then give it a 94-point score, well that means something. I say keep the scores. They’re mis-used, but what data isn’t?
July 30, 2007

Elliot Essman
No TV, sorry. Wine Library TV is about the only watching I do.
July 30, 2007

wolfie
qotd: i’ll be catchin’ it live. i’m up til all hours as it is…

as for the wine scoring question – y’all know where i stand! time to toss that antiquated stuff… force people to make decisions based on their own opinions, their own likes and dislikes!
July 30, 2007

Spacejay
QOTD – Will be watching. Don’t let Conan run all over you.
July 30, 2007

glassrunnethempty
QOTD: I’ll give Conan a whirl…probably Tivo it too just in case. Dropping scores is ok by me.
July 30, 2007

StÃ©phane
Ratings are important, even though â€“ as you say â€“ we should all trust our palates. They’re most useful as a comparative tool; it doesn’t matter whether it’s Robert Parker or your neighbor, you’re bound to fall in line with other people in terms of taste. Even if it is only a subset of the wines you rate, some might very much agree with your opinions on a particular varietal, and thus benefit from having your scores. It seems you’re worrying about people taking your ratings too strictly but it’s bound to happen even with your simple buy/pass categorization. Not only that, but guessing what score you’re going to give is half the fun!

QOTD: I’m not in the country so, I’ll have to torrent it.
July 30, 2007

OrionSlayer
“…playing intimately with your Strawberry Shortcake dolls” … scary Gary, how you turn a phrase!!!

I’ve want to try the Rosenblum. I’ve read reviews of the Chateau La Paws Red and wanted to try that too. Stay AWAY from the Earthquake. I had their Zin and thought it was way too over the top.

QOTD: If I can figure out when it actually airs (my math skills are not as advanced as Gary’s) I’ll be there! Keep the scores, it helps us know what you’re thinking about the wine.
July 30, 2007

Rick
Congrats on Conan. Glad I have TIVO!!
July 30, 2007

swirlingnotions
Totally agree about Budapest — what a stellar city. We just happened to be there during the wine festival a few years back and thought (this is embarrassing to admit), “how quaint.” Wow were we put in our place. Hungary’s wines (and wine heritage) is indeed on par with the grandest of Europe. And what a treat it was to discover a completely new palette of varietals! Great to hear you so enthusiastic about them as well . . . any ideas where to buy?

Cheers,
Lia
http://www.swirlingnotions.com
July 30, 2007

half century
2 things; big big congrats on the conan thing. great curtis martin interview friday on wfan. he’s planning on staying in nyc and partnering with the bloomberg admin. to work toward ending or reducing homelessness here. he’s a good thing for the nfl
July 30, 2007

Cliff and Darcey
Thanks again Gary!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEAAAAASE don’t give up rating the wines. Darcey and I use these regularly as a guidepost and you have yet to steer us wrong. I could go on and on describing just how valuable the ratings are to us, but I’m trying to be less long-wided, so : Please don’t stop. Please!

QOTD: Actually, we don’t have a TV at our house, believe it or not, nor do we have an Internet connection. BUT, because we are loyal to you and your cause, we just might sneak into my office late that night to watch the show LIVE! Thanks again. Keep it up.
July 30, 2007

stevek1510
it you’re going to start caving to pressure from emails then for the love of god TRY THIS!!…http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=30061….and where is that tool you let host the show on friday?… I miss him…and keep the scores….QOTD, I’ll watch…..you the first guest?
July 30, 2007

BruceP
QOTD: Tivo it. I have to get up at 5:00 a.m. for work. I will however, watch it while eating my Fruit Loops on Thursday morning.
July 30, 2007

Bo
G-man,

I am new to your show but instantly love it. What I would love to see is since you call your show the Thunder show and you bring on the thunder wouldnt be great to play a little AC\DC thunderstruck at the begining?

Can you tell me a little about my local wines in Southeastern Washington. Washingtn is a major player in the U.S. right? I am a member of the wine club at Terra Blanca and love their Ice wine. Also I would love to see more German eiswein. That is the best stuff in the world. If you think other countries thick syrup ice wine is better then please tell me. I look forward to hearing from you.

The BoBo
July 30, 2007

FTboomer
Welcome back Gary. I guess blowing off the Tampa dinner @ Bern’s for the Conan show makes since. lol, grats man!

QOTD: Got the DVR set.
July 30, 2007

Jeff
I would love you to give up scoring. Just tell us what you think (like you always do) and then DON’T give a score.

QOTD: Live…but I set the DVR in case I fall asleep.
July 30, 2007

half century
QOTD; do my best to stay upright thursday night
July 30, 2007

JonE
Watch all the madness if you went one week without scores. It would be chaos and I’m all for it. Interesting tasting of the Michael David Phillip wine, I found it really alcoholic, although pretty tasty in a super sugar candy way. I too am a big fan of anything Elyse produces, the Howell Mtn. Zin is a killer.

QOTD: Live…..but VP of Sales next morning all day meeting. Maybe TIVO God forbid.
July 30, 2007

ChefD
CJM is #1 again , he is awesome and my hero
July 30, 2007

FredinNYC
Gary, I’m SO pumped!
I’m Conan O’Brien’s biggest fan, as well as yours.
Can’t wait till Wednesday (technically Thursday)
July 30, 2007

caleb
Keep the scores, dont dilute it.
QOTD-you tube is a great thing! if im up ill check it out live!
July 30, 2007

David Canada
I totally think that you should forget the ratings….make up your own cool ways to let us know that a wine is really good, crappy etc….trade mark them and make some new shirts…
QOTD – Gary…of course I’ll watch.
July 30, 2007

Colin Nicol
Gary, I am SOOOOOO EXCITED for Wednesday. I am a huge Conan fan and think you will be a great guest on there. I think he has the perfect demo for WLTV. Keep rocking the Thunder!
July 30, 2007

Cyd
I just love Conan so I will Tivo for sure! I can’t wait to see your two personalities together. Should be great!
You should try some dark Chocolate with the Petite Sirah… It really masks some of the wines “fakeness” and allows the full flavors to come throu. The Chocolate tastes even better as well.
Good luck Wed night/Thurs morning!
July 30, 2007

Russ J
QOTD: Yes, I will watch and watch live! Will you try and match Conan’s ridiculous hairstyle with one of your own?

I formally request that GV picks my CAS order tomorrow!
July 30, 2007

ecola
will be watching live with t-shirt and wristbands on, good luck. Keep the scores, it is a necessary evil.
July 30, 2007

Pastore
Awesome news on the Conan gig! QOTD: Yes, I will be watching on Wednesday night live. Break a leg!
July 30, 2007

amgryger
Congrats on Conan.

QOTD: I will reconnect the antenna to my TV, which I took off to use on my stereo, and turn it on for the first time in several months to watch you live on Conan.
July 30, 2007

Steve-o
Great ep. I’ve never been particularly familiar with petit syrah.

QOTD: Hell yes I’ll be watching. Break a leg!
July 30, 2007

Kent Benson, CSW
For an update on the latest science on Petite Sirah, see my comments and those of Jo Diaz for Tom Ciocco’s blog entry on Petite Sirah. Petite Sirah is Durif. There is no longer any doubt. Durif is a cross (not a clone) of Syrah and Peloursin. See http://terroir.winelibrary.com/category/grape-varieties/.
July 30, 2007

MossyMo
QOTD – DVR
Do not stop giving a numbered rating to your reviews. We can more easily align our palates with yours if you put a number on it.
July 30, 2007

Bossman
On Conan it would be a gas if Sir-Stick-Up-His-Butt
led off and then sequed into GV and then morphed into
Crazy Gary ranting about Friend/Twitter/Pwounce/Cork’d
/Facebooking him up.

Oh what’s that? You might want a return invite? Yeah,
you’re right normal(pun-intended) GV is the ticket.

Keep the ratings, I like numbers.

QOTD – “Live” for sure (nudge, nudge, wink,wink)
July 30, 2007

E-Rock
I’ll be watching en vivo. Yeah scores really kind of suck……….
July 30, 2007

luvgrapesqeezings
Welcome home Gary! QOTD: I’m usually up then anyways- Definitely won’t miss the show.
July 30, 2007

wine lush
Well done on Conan! I will be watching!

Off with the scores! I’m probably odd man (woman) out. But 99% of the wine world critics uses scores in lieu of more accurate descriptors and I’d like how you change the wine world and having people interpret your words to base their purchases on their own individual tastes without scores is changing the wine world. You put the power of our palates in our hands not the critics. Every other critic in the world use flat mainstream tasting notes. You use unique, descriptive, fun and very to the point words to distinguish what you are tasting. You are the first critic since Parker to change the point of reference in evaluating wine. Some kept to the original 20 point system (which I prefer if you are going to use scores), the rest joined with Parker on the 100 point system and you are the first to truly breakout the mainstream with a wholly unique and new tasting format since Parker came onto the scene the early 80’s. I just think it would be a shame to have something so unprecedented be ignored for the basis of critic consistency approval. I would use your descriptors with your pazz and qpr type approvals instead of scores.

IMHO
July 30, 2007

mas
Enjoyed that Gary, thanks. For the reasons you gave, I’ve typically stayed away from P.Sirah … if you run across one that is less over the top/sugarfied, I’d be interested in hearing about it. I do like it in Zin blends.

I’m ambivalent on whether you give up numerical scoring – however, I do find it useful not so much in absolute value but when it’s used to compare to other wines’ scores … easy way to develop a sense of the QPR.

QOTD: job doesn’t allow me to stay up that late, but I’ll be looking for it on the ‘net the next day. I’m sure it will quickly find it’s way out there!
July 30, 2007

yowens
GV- Petite syrah is somehting I’ve been pondering for a while (what is it, would i like it, why is it so small)- thannks for the episode, I’m going to try to track down that Rosenblum. QOTD: I wish. I’m working Wednesday night, so its TIVO for me Wednesday morning. good luck!
July 30, 2007

Shadowbird
QOTD: I’m going to watch it somehow, someway. May be live, but I’ve got it set to record just in case.
July 30, 2007

Ultimate Lurker
Congrats on Conan. That’s awesome..

I will TiVo it, got to work in the morning. I’ll catch it live when your on Letterman a little earlier:)

I like the scores. Being a new wine drinker(like a lot of us) it really helps.
July 30, 2007

Wave
Congrats on Conan!! Of course I’ll watch it……..on youtube.Just kidding.Looking forward to it. Not scoring wines would definetly be changing the wine world.Give it a trial run and see how it goes.
July 30, 2007

Nathan L
I think you should keep the scores. They are definately problematic (as seen in different quality wines with the same scores in the last few episodew) but they are useful. You’ve said before that many times, in your excitment for a wine you didn’t expect to be good, you over-represent how good the wine is. When you have to say the score it kind of reels you back in and reminds you to qualify you excitment. This is an important question to tackle but I, and an increasing amount of todays wine drinkers, are understanding scores a little better and use them as a reference for that particular critics palate. In this way they are very useful. The problem is when people view a score as a reified representation of the objective quality of the wine.

QOTD: I’ll be watching live buddy
July 30, 2007

Michael H
Congrats on Conan!

Good show. I’ve always been a fan of petite sirah; even while they are over the top with sugar and dark fruit. It’s a nice new world wine to change it up every now and then. I’ve had many bottles of the Earthquake, and I tend to like it a little better than the scores I have seen. As long as you know what you are getting into, it is a fun ride. Check out Enthusiast’s review of the Earthquake (with an 83 rating):

“Rustic and hot, with what seems like residual sugar in addition to high alcohol, this Pet tastes like a blackberry-cherry candied confection. In its favor is vibrant acidity and a clean finish.”

QOTD: Live of course, and I’ll TIVO it as well. Gotta pay you the homage by watching it live. Make sure to throw down in the green room and take pictures if you can to post on WLTV…
July 30, 2007

Paul M
QOTD: probably TIVO (I have three small kids and morning comes too quick) … but if I had a Nielsen box I would definately watch it live so Conan could see some big ratings and you could get the credit
July 30, 2007

Nico
keep on scoring!!!!

QOTD: on youtube the next morning , nah just kidding, most likely live! Though you should put it up on youtube or viddler!

-Nico
July 30, 2007

JC
Don’t stop the ratings. Awesome deal going on Conan! Good to have you baCK.
July 30, 2007

RieslingRon
If the tasting notes are complete, they are more important than the score. To me a good set of tasting notes is more of value than the score.

QOTD: I plan to watch the live show. Bring some good juice to taste!!!! I’m sure you will.
July 30, 2007

Viddler Development Blog » Blog Archive » WineLibraryTV to be on Conan O’Brien!
[...] By far my favorite “TV show on the Internet” and Viddler’s own poster-child WineLibraryTV ( has a big announcement today! On Wednesday night Gary Vaynerchuk, host of WineLibraryTV, will be on Late Night with Conan O’brien, as was announced in Episode #284! [...]
July 30, 2007

Larry
Another great show. Glad to have the real GV back as well! Budapest is a beautiful city, reminded me more of Prague than Paris though.

QOTD: Live if I can stay awake that late.
July 30, 2007

SoCal
Congrats on the Conan Show.
You deserve it…..Keep going.

I am in the keep the scores camp……I like using both scores and tasting notes to make my purchases.
But heck it is your show if you want to shake it up…….do it.
It might keep you out of some hot water with some wineries and distributers.
As if you care……..
Cant wait for the CAPS…..the old credit card is about to get some work
QOTD: I will have to record you bro….I get up very early……Sorry…..
July 30, 2007

Jennifer
Aaaaahh!!!!! Good luck, Gary! Hella yes I’m watching it live.
July 30, 2007

Robert F
I usually go for the Bogle petite sirah, which is big and fake, so not much different from these four.

QOTD: I watch Conan anyways, so I’ll be looking forward to it!
July 30, 2007

Jay!
Budapest is awesome and I still have a scar from when I fell in the street…

QOTD: Live!
July 30, 2007

KAHUNA
I have said it before and will say it again Gary uses the sweet – sugarfied jam tag way too often- While I agree the Earthquake is def over the top but I have had all of these wines and do not think the any of the other 3 are sugarfied sweet wines at all- The trentadue is def the smoothest lightest of the group-
July 30, 2007

Tangaroa
THE GENIUS, DEAD AT 75.

Gary, DUDE!
You failed to mention that a very great NFL coach died today…
That’s right, Bill Walsh, AKA “The Genius”, orginator of
the now famous “West Coast Offense” style of football (which
propelled Joe Montana and the 49’s as well as Standford to
great victories) passed away.

And nary a mention from the Vaynermouth!

Now, remember ALWAYS what Joe Theismann once said about The Genius:

Regarding Joe Walsh, NO ONE in football should EVER be called
a genius. “Genius” should ONLY be reserved for people like
Norman Einstien.

Look it up if you don’t believe me…
July 30, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
TIVO X 2 just to make damn sure I get to watch it during wake up time at 5am CST.

You’re awesome!
July 30, 2007

GottaGoDrink
QOTD- I’m going live with ya!

PS- I like the scores, no real reason, I just like them, and I like when you change them, shows that you take them seriously. Cheers, and ahve agreat time on Conan!
July 30, 2007

Chuck D
1. Awesome that you will be on Conan – I’ll set the DVR so I don’t miss it and can watch it again
2. What California wines DO you like? Seems like they are always being treated by you with some level of dissrespect ( like Sir Gary might bring )
3. Have you done an episode with blind tasting & then the big reveal may be interesting ?
July 30, 2007

Dr. Mike
QOTD: I’m There
July 30, 2007

AppellationMan
Gary: Give up the scores.

San Francisco VAYNIACS! John Barleycorn Pub (Larkin and California)! Wednesday night! Conan O’Brien Show! More details in the forum. You want and offline? This is it!!
July 30, 2007

Tom (vtjones)
QOTD: I will be sleeping when the show airs so I will be Tivoing it.
July 30, 2007

t_moderne
QOTD – I don’t know what I will be doing.

I like the Rosenblum Petite Sirah’s – usually with some character – definitely jammy fruit bombs. Sometimes you feel like a nut; sometimes you don’t. Sometimes you want old, dry, woodsy, cigar box and cedar reserved wines; sometimes you want Schmuckers strawberry jam and black pepper with Hershey’s syrup.

Still waiting to see you taste Kirkland wines. Wondering if ya got the corks to do so.
July 30, 2007

BK
Well first, Congratulations!!!!!!!!!
I’m a huge Conan fan. So excited for you Gary, you deserve it.
(i’ll be setting the DVR…we have a 5 month old at home, so we gotta get that sleep when we can)

Scoring. Well, what exactly IS scoring?
A way to simplify your opinion of the wine.
So, i would say, instead of doing away with scoring, why not…….(drum roll)
INVENT YOUR OWN SCORE!

Movies have thumbs up, thumbs down.
Restaurants have stars.
Parker and the wine world have the 100 point scale (though i can’t remember reading/hearing too many scores under 80 points very frequently).

So how about coming up with your own scoring system or having a contest or poll on what the score should be? Could be as simple as thumbs up/thumbs down…or something more “Gary”.
There’s probably a bazillion pro wrestling terms you could use.

Anyway….
We’re still going to want to know whether you liked a wine or not, and how MUCH!
So keep the scores, but just change em up!
July 30, 2007

David M Roberts
So glad you did a show on petites – I’m fond of three that you rated: Rosenblum, Elyse (they make amazing zins!) and Earthquake (again, their zin is better).

Congrats on Conan! I’ll be watching “live.” Will be really impressed if one day he has your face on screen with the moving lips and voice over thing he does. You need to request that.

Keep the scores – It’s your own rating, but always intersting to know exactly how a wine hit you. No worries with a numeric assignment; we’ll take the digits with a grain of salt, or plum, or cassis, or whatever…
July 30, 2007

Tad
I know this isn’t the forum, but please keep the scores. It gives another reference point when you look through the spreadsheet. Often I don’t rush out and buy things, but take a mental note. The scores help me remember which you liked and disliked when I am ready to purchase.

Congrats on Conan.
July 30, 2007

Rupal
Really Cool Gary!!! I will be up watching. Keep the scores, we all have our opinions, but it gives us something to measure against…… Congrats on the Conan Show!!!
July 30, 2007

Alos Diallo
I don’t have a tv so I am sorry I can’t watch it, even so I have a physics 2 exam the next day. Wine Library TV is the only tv I watch, actually. People make fun of me because of it at work but oh well I love the show and think of you as a friend now. Anyhow I am not a fan of scores, but if the wine is total crap for the money I would like to know. Not sure if that is a good answer. Ha will the Conan thing be on youtube or something? I can watch it then. Latter Gary
July 30, 2007

Brendan
Good luck on Conan man, you rock!
July 30, 2007

Robin
QOTD: I’m thrilled that you’re on Conan. I tape (I don’t have TiVo-I know tapes are declasse, but perhaps Sir Gary will allow me to wash his Riedels for him sometime anyway) him every night – late for me so I probably won’t watch live. I also tape Charlie Rose – I hope you try to get on his show – I think he’s the best interviewer, and he loves wine.
July 30, 2007

Darlene O.
Great episode, Gary! Welcome back! QOD: I’ll be in Atlanta, will be watching Conan whenever it comes on in Atlanta. HOW COOL IS THIS!!!!! Congrats, Gary! You earned this, deserve it, so ENJOY IT!!!
July 30, 2007

Ben N.
Welcome back.
QOTD: DVR
July 30, 2007

Mudd
Will I be watching live? Are you kidding? Hell yeah, I’ll be watching live! Vaynerchuk on Conan. Forget it. But, please don’t be swayed when he ask you to be the new Andy Richter. It will only lead to a string of bad TV pilots and then voice overs for Nick Jr and Noggin.

And, God Bless Bill Walsh. He helped establish my beloved Bengals as an assistant to Paul Brown in the early 1970’s. Then, he proceeded to beat them down in two of the greatest Super Bowls of all time.

The Bengals chose Bill Johnson to replace Paul Brown in 1976 over Bill Walsh, and their’s still old men in Cincinnati sitting in musty old bars sucking down their J.T.S. Brown thinking, “What could of been?”.

Who Dey!
July 30, 2007

BillyA
Welcome back Gary!
A huge KUDOS to you for snagging a Conan slot. It will be a huge step forward for both you and Wine Library TV. Unfortunately, I will not see it as I will be catching a 6AM flight to Pennsylvania to visit my daughter in camp. And, of course I’m taking a detour to finally visit your store and play the kid in the candy shop. I hope you’re around and not too busy to acknowledge a humble fan. Great showcase of the Petite Sirah grape. I love it, but have never tried the four you tasted. As for the scores, I use them as guides and nothing more. I use your scores to exclude some and consider others, but beyond that, you have to trust your palate. Again, thanks for all you do.
July 30, 2007

Mike
Gary,

ya radilsa v kishineve i sovsem ponimayu o chem tie govorish!

I went back to Kishinev a number of years ago to visit, and certainly developed even more respect for the sacrifices my parents made to bring the family to the US.

That said, the worlds largest underground wine cave (many square kilometers with underground roads, etc.) is in Moldova. If you haven’t been …
July 30, 2007

Taco John
QOTD: Three weeks from now I would say 100% absolutely. But I think I might DVR it because of work early in the morning.
July 30, 2007

TROC
Just set the DVR for Conan, have lots of fun, he seems like a great guy. The scores are just part of the fun, I don’t take them that seriously. I have to admit its like judging art, but what the heck, we’re Americans. Sometimes we don’t have to explain American Fun. Tasting notes just don’t do it, we all know what a true 90 plus tastes like and theirs no better way to explain that, than to give it a 90 plus score. That’s my opinion anyway.
July 30, 2007

Grapedigger
Grand episode for a petite Sirah. Good luck with Conan…I heard he’s 6′5” tall!! I’ll give up my beauty sleep and tune in for sure
I think wine scoring is a good idea because one needs a reference to compare with and it’s good for the records. What is blurred is how much different is a 90 pts from an 89 pts wine. Maybe you should say few words on how to define a 90 wine!!

Cheers
July 30, 2007

Jen
Gary, you’re my hero. ROCK on Conan – you’re as big a star as I am Show em what you got!!!!
QOTD: I’m going to watch it AND Tivo it AND tell all my friends to do the same…. because YOU…. and a little bit o’ me…… you know what we’re doin’.
July 30, 2007

BiggRigg
Congrats Gary, the show will be sick

QOTD: definitely staying up to watch Conan, its gonna be wicked awesome.
July 30, 2007

Paul M
oops, forgot to address the score issue in my previous comment…

You have to keep the scores.

As George Burns said in Oh God…
“I could never figure out how to make anything with just one side to it. Ever see a front without a back, a top without a bottom, an up without a down? There can’t be good without bad, life without death, pleasure without pain. That’s how it is. If I take sad away, happy has to go with it.”

There is no good wine without the comparison of bad wine and since terms like “leather” or “poop” or “fruity” or “tart” could be a good or bad thing, then you can not compare them and thus without the scores as a reference the whole world would collapse upon its self and cease to be, human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together – mass hysteria … okay maybe not but you should still keep the scores.
July 30, 2007

nougat
Gaz, you are in my WHEELHOUSE tonight – Petite Sirah, Conan, Twix…very exciting.
About Petite Sirah – I love the more tannic, old world versions that you absolutely must lay down for a few years (Foppiano), although I’ve had the Trentadue and I’m sitting on a Rosenblum.
About Conan – My jaw is only now able to close since I heard your great news. He’s the funniest late night host, so I will be there at 12:30 with glass in hand and hand down pants(that’s the way I watch good TV).
About Twix – May be the best American candy bar.
Good stuff, knock ‘em dead.
July 30, 2007

john maki
I can’t believe you would seriously give up rating the wines you taste!
I can see debating different wine scales – stars, puffs, 1-10, 1-100,
or verbal descriptors of quality; and along with that some value correlation, but “the show” would lose a lot of it’s value without this. Unless -
you want to become a smell and taste educator and make sure we all agree on
what our senses tell us (reveal to us) about wine.
Anyway, DON”T DO IT!

So what makes these Petit Sirahs all the same? when every other variety of wine has such variance? Have you only picked too small a sample, or are there so few made? I’m not sure I get it yet…
July 30, 2007

L from Cape Cod
Great news Mr. V, knock em out. I will be watching live.
July 31, 2007

Jake
switched from Jaroni to my real name. this site deserves a real identity. QOTD: I have to go against the tide here and say you can do away with the points. I have found that they never help, at least not with my palate. A few good tasting notes help me more and have been more reliable. It seems as if you want to do away with them anyway.

If anything, switch to a 20 point scale. 20 points is all you need. Parker’s scale doesn’t even really get started til 80 anyway. It’s basically a 20 point scale. You seem to be gaining in success, and thus you can afford to use whatever scale you want, or no scale at all. Use what is truly logical to you. To me, breaking away from Parker’s weird 100 point scale — where you don’t even really use the first 80 points — would be a good step toward “changing the wine world”.

Have fun on Conan. Two entertaining guys on one show, should be great. Relax and have fun, but I don’t have to tell you that. Bring him a nice bottle and see if he’ll have a glass with you on the air, I dunno. Peace.
July 31, 2007

A
Please keep the scores. Even though it’s not perfect, it’s better than not doing it at all.
July 31, 2007

Smith MBA
Opie & Anthony Reference, keeping it real even when going big time with Conan.
July 31, 2007

BK
Welcome back Gary!
great episode. I am a fan of Petite Sirah, and Syrah and well…all wine. I may be in trouble.
AND Conan, seriously, you are going to kill. Congrats, that is huge in so many ways.
Keep the numerical scores. We all enjoy them and the ones that get “it” take them with a grain of salt. The tasting notes are what we base our opinions off of, but I personally enjoy the scores. Much like tasting notes, scores are subjective and are driven by ones own personal palate. Keep the scores, they are educational and do bring the experiance together. Plus I like it when WS gives something a 94 and you give it a PAZZZZZZZ. Mainly because James Laube is probably seeing his pockets empty with every episode.
QOTD: I will be watching live, no doubt.
July 31, 2007

wtvLurker
gary, assuming there exist some petit sirahs that are not new world style, could you pick out one or two and taste them in a future episode since we only saw new world today? like Robert F, i have had the bogle petite syrah and recall it as like todays wines for around 8 bones.

numerical scoring: if the spirit moves you.

conan: will try to catch it live. no dvr/tivo. ask him if he’ll let you post a video of the gv segment for those of us that miss it live.

congrats and knockem dead.
July 31, 2007

Totte
Congrats on Conan…

QotD : I guess the show will air in Sweden in a couple of weeks…IÂ´ll look out for it.

Swedish T
July 31, 2007

Adam
I’m still not sure if I’ll be trying a petite sirah anytime soon, but it’s good to get some info on this very interesting wine.

QOTD: Dude, you’re gonna rock out with your Conan out! I will most definitely be watching live, as well as the TiVo thing too.
July 31, 2007

Jaroni
Have fun on Conan. Should be great, highly entertaining.

QOTD: Have to go against the tide and say get rid of Parker’s weird 100 point scale, which is really a 20 point scale, in that it only uses 80 to 100 points anyway. So maybe just go with a 20 point scale, or none at all. Seems like you are gaining in success and you could afford to use a scale that makes sense to you. This would truly be “changing the wine world”, breaking out of that Parker 100 point thing, doing what is logical to you. 20 points seem like enough.
July 31, 2007

E
Miro Tcholakov – he’s Bulgarian, I think.

Interesting opening comments re thunder content … I was rummaging around locally a few weeks ago and noticed a Guenoc petite sirah (they seem to have gone from a $15-20 label to a $10 label; were they bought out?) and the thing that intrigued me was that it was only 12.5% abv – noteworthy for a California red of any stripe, astonishing for a petite sirah. Anyone have any experience with the stuff?

Texting yourself to remember what you’ve had is a great idea as long as you can manage OK after several different glasses. Not the easiest thing in the world, that.

I don’t care too much about numbers; every time I try to use the 100 point scale it’s more a matter of 80 to 90 (90 if it’s incredible) but if people want to drink bottles of points, that’s their business. Let ‘em have their fun, I don’t mind. I know what to look for in that context anyway, so no harm done.

QOD: that sounds like cranking good fun.
July 31, 2007

E
PS – you ought to bring Conan a colortini in honor of the late great Tom Snyder.
July 31, 2007

Pauly
hey gary, welcome back from eastern europe. just curious about how you repeatedly mention about “fruitiness” and “as if it were created in a lab” with new-world wines…what do you really think these wineries are doing with their juice? Do you think wineries are mixing additives of flavor into their wines to give us what they think we want and expect? How do YOU think they get this flavor?

Definitely do away with the ratings because if we are truly going to change the wine world, we need to change it starting from the bottom!
July 31, 2007

Pauly
QOTD: oh, and I’ll be watching live but have set-up my DVR, just incase!
July 31, 2007

Fred
Dude,, Just heard,, Conan!!!
So Cool!!!
Note to self,, get Tivo!
Is NBC going to let you run the bit on your site, or are they going to hog it all?
July 31, 2007

life's too short...
P Syrah, syrah, whatever will be will . . . uh, whatever. Sorry, had a Julie Andrews moment there. re: Conan, sure, bud: Wife’s outta town. Why not stay up late, have a glass, watch two irreverent class clowns go head to HUGE MELON HEAD CONAN BEAST. Heh, I actually like Conan quite a bit, and thought things would go SOUTH when Andy Richter left. Thing is? Conan finally came through and shined–do you remember how the guests used to love to talk to Andy Richter and ignore Conan during the “silent shot” as they went to commercial? I do. I felt bad for big head: the guy’s a genius. Just like his former boss, Al Jean, Exec. Producer of the Simpsons, and a kid who I used to sit behind in Algebra II and Trigonometry class. Guy was a genius, and used to SLEEP in class, and the teacher never said a word to him. Used to talk to me, though. Interesting… Anyway, I digress. re: no numbers, and only adjectival action, well, that’s how you started the show, right? You didn’t assign numeric ratings? I dunno, it doesn’t really matter, I s’pose, but I think people will tend to want the numbers. Thing is, numbers show how good it is to you–AND you use tasting notes. If you just use tasting notes, it’s really just one dimension less. OTOH, I’ve been nailing your ratings within a point for a while now based on your tasting notes, so I pretty well know how you’re going to score it based on your verbal grade. eh. Anyway, cool, and cheers on the Conan spot!! He’s a pretty over the top personality–and super smart–so don’t blow it. Just kidding. Dude, it’s TOTALLY okay to blow it.
July 31, 2007

Kelly
I’ll probably drink two bottles of wine watching shark week in anticipation of Conan.

CAN YOU PLEASE LEAVE A SUGGESTION AS TO WHAT WOULD BE A GOOD COMPARISON AS AN OLD WORLD WINE?!?
July 31, 2007

Greg B.
OK Big G! I hit you up about conan last week. I saw it on my Tivo. I have Wine as a key word and your show came up. Anyway, Petite Sirah. I bought from ya the 2003 Wooden Nickel. You gave it 91+ points. I would have given it a little higher, so my question is do you feel that Petite Sirah was any different than the ones you had today?
As far as not scoring the wine anymore. I’ll say this for your fans like me, we benefit from you scoring the Wine. It is our way of weeding thru all the crap. We do appreciate your notes, but without a score I just don’t feel good about purchasing that Wine. Same goes for the Wine mags and that is why I read them. Notes and Scores.

QOTD: I’m a Big Ass fan, but Tivo Baby.
July 31, 2007

diego de la p...
congrats on the conan show man!! thats awsome, hope you enlighten conan about wine haha, and give him some sauternes!
nice show today!!!
July 31, 2007

dkeck
Gary,
Glad to have you back. It so true that we are blessed to live in this contry.
QOTD: I like some type of wine scale just because it gives me something to debate with my friends. Tasting notes become all too common unless they have a coresponding reference, meaning and value to the person that is tasting the wine. However, I would like to change the numbering system so that it gives more information to the taster. I would like a scale that would be more quantitative to each sense and an over all score. Like you, I like to sniffy sniff my wine. Tasting notes alone tend to loose a quantitative opinion of what you experienced. Therfore, a wine with a 9/10 on the nose would be important information to me.
July 31, 2007

TWofPasadena
Gary,

The director of Late Night w/ Conan is Allan Kartun, someone I know and have worked with in the past. Bring him a good bottle and tell him to make you look good (HA!). Way to go!

QOTD: Tivo my friend. It’s the only way.
July 31, 2007

Garret Nagle
I shall watch you three hours after you go on live…. because there is a three hour delay to the west coast!

Don’t be nervous – just think ahead of time some key things you want to say, realize Conan is a comedian and might not ask you the type of wine questions you anticipate, and just go with the flow and enjoy yourself.

The most important thing is to figure out the one main key message is you want to communicate to the audience, and find a way to get it in. I think this situation might be a little like trying to educate tipsy women about wine at a tasting – they might not really be remembering what you’re saying, but you smile and go with the flow.

You’ll be fine because you have a lot of experience ad libbing in front of a camera 5x a week! You’d make any PR guy happy because you understand media and people.
July 31, 2007

ryan
DUGG!
July 31, 2007

Scottymatt
Great news with Conan-fantastic PR for the site, you, and wine. A scoring system is and objective way to give recommendations based on your taste profile- and can thus be extrapolated accordingly. Parkerâ€™s scoring rates points on the different aspects of the wine-colour, bouquet, taste, length, ect. Wine Spectators is a little mystery- industry secret.

Once this is known-you can compare. Do not forget- the written word (or spoken) can be mis-leading if constructed by a good writer (or talker)-look at politicians. Points can be documented and compared to see if they are in line when you taste—like what you do. Both system-Score and Discription should be used-Keep up the same style.

QOTD-LIVE on pacific time!.
July 31, 2007

Sarah L
I am a purist, I’ll watch you live or not at all. I’ll try to make a point of catching Conan on Wednesday or is it Thursday? You’re wearing my favorite shirt tonight so I guess we will not see it on Conan. Your handler will probably put you in a telegenic solid.

Please don’t give up scoring wines; we can always listen to the tasting notes and adjust for our own palates. Break a leg!
July 31, 2007

Scarred1
Gary,

Welcome home! We missed you, especially when that phony, SGV, stood in for you on Friday. Great show. Thanks for doing the Petite Syrah – I have a couple Rosenblums in the collection. I make sure to have some dark chocolate around when I open them. Kudos to Cyd for that recommendation. Congrats on the Conan gig.

QOTD: TIVO for sure. Live if I’m awake at that moment (I am so excited about it, that shouldn’t be a problem) and definitely look for the YouTube clip the next day to email to friends.

As for scoring, Gary, I personally like the scores, and use them as a shorthand reference point. Tasting notes are excellent, but the score is the bottom line. It should wrap everything you sense about the wine – the color, smells, texture, flavors, and finish into a one or two word reference. Of course I like having the notes too. But I think they go hand-in-hand. That said, do what YOU think is best. Most scoring is done in a 15-20 point range anyway, so the venerable 100-point Parker scale is a little silly. Oh, and every score is subjective to the scorer. You always have to consider the source, their experience, and their motives. This is called “Common Sense.”

my 2 cents
John
July 31, 2007

KC Dan
Qotd : LIVE .
July 31, 2007

JOEinLA
Petites are awesome. Many better one’s out there..Vincent Arroyo, Delectus…

Live
July 31, 2007

JOEinLA
jaffurs
July 31, 2007

Ferrigno
“I should have done a georgian wine” WELL THEN DO IT!!! SERIOUSLY I DYING TO SEE WHAT’S YOUR OFFICIAL WLTV TAKE ON THOSE!!!
About giving up scores, hmm I don’t know. the reason I like your scores is because you take the customer view on them, the whole 90-point factor, you score 90 and above when there’s the “humgh” factor, the shoulder thing, you know… that’s what I think about that.
Finally, gratz on the o’brien show, I know you’ve got so many congratulations that I really don’t know how to do it myself
well I hope you don’t blow it boyo LOL!
July 31, 2007

wildebeest
Holy crap! THE Conan!? You’ve got to be freaking kidding me! Congratulations, man! I’ll raise my SF Vaynerglass to that! Cheers! I’ll have to find a friend with cable TV for sure.

…Normally I’m very proud to say that I’ve completely eliminated television from my life. But at 12:30 on Thursday morning (and the day before my finals for the summer semester) I’ll be really upset if I haven’t figured out some way to watch you on Conan. With all the establishment-loving schmucks around who love to veg-out in front of the TV for hours every day, it doesn’t seem like it ought to be difficult to find an available venue. And yet, I normally shun all company in favor of my studies. Dang it, Gary, you’ve gone and given me yet another incentive to venture outside of my cave.

Sure, Gary, I’ll text myself with my non-existant cell phone.

No way man, don’t stop scoring the wines. Hell, I don’t even watch the show anymore; I just wait for SS Chris to post the ratings. Seriously, do what you want, man. Personally, I like the ratings, but if you decide that they’re getting in the way of what you’re trying to accomplish, give ‘em the boot! I refuse to let a bunch of silly numbers dictate whether or not I watch the show.

I’m curious: You once gave the Concannon Petite Sirah (2004, I think) 90 points. However, you were also really sad that day because of the Jets’ loss. How do you think that wine compares with these? (Personally, I’d give it an 88 or an 89. It blows Bogle out of the water, but there’s nothing all that unique about it either.)

QOTD: I’ll find some way to watch it live, and maybe I’ll record it as well. You see, I’m actually using the legendary Gary Vaynerchuk as a case-study in my term paper on modern trends in leadership. So, I’ll be able to watch without guilt, despite the fact that I’ve got finals the next day.
July 31, 2007

wildebeest
Holy shit! Do I see 244 digs on this episode!?
July 31, 2007

Jon B.
Very interesting all hit around 88.First off congrats on the Conan spot very nice.(QOTD) I’ll be tivoing it (have to work at 4:00 AM on thursday)so I’ll long have been in bed.Second no I think you should keep the scoring system in place. The point scale all be it irrelivant to a wines true quality to each individual is still a good tool for people to see your opinion on a wines quality, which is valued by some ,I say keep the point scale. Thanks GV and WLTV crew.
July 31, 2007

winelynn
Good luck on Conan’s show ! Congratulations! I will be watching, with my wristband, my pekinese watches wine library tv with me but she may not be able to stay up that late…You’ll do great, remember, you are changing the wine world!
As for the scores, have been learning about wine for a year or so and the scores are helpful to me. The wines for me are about 70% white and 30% red.
July 31, 2007

Tom L
Keep scoring the wines, Gary.
July 31, 2007

Ricardo
Hi Gary,

I noticed that there are some wines that, for one reason or another you found mediocre, when they were rated well by other wine sites or magazines. Could it be because the wines you have in the video have not had time to breath out of the bottle? I am assuming that since you present them in bottles, they are/were not decanted. I could be mistaken in that your staff may have transferred them back to the bottles after decanting… Just an observation.
July 31, 2007

Bernie Bearnaise
Eggasheggadra! One of the first wines I tried was Hungarian, Bagravita Bulls Blood. Inexpensive. The wines of Hungary were muted as they supplied Russia with a lot of plonk. They now have assumed their rightful place in wine history. I liked your comparison to Paris.

Conan the Barbarian has a TV show now? I thought he went into politics…

I would like a Gary Vaynerchuk QPR rating which would really give the relationship of flavor vs. cost. You do this all the time and this episode really demonstrated this well. For a wine to be worth $2,000 a bottle it would have to make me 5 years younger after drinking it…..

I hope you bring the thunder and a little bubbly to the national audience.
July 31, 2007

Rempshaker
“Definitely surely” ….LOL!! That’s not right dude!

I will be watching live and I have gathered some of my family for a late night wine tasting in upstate NY to take it in as we will be on our way to Saratoga Springs for a week. Good luck, Gary! Conan is AWESOME!! I love that guy! (in a non gay way of course!)

Is Howard Stern next??? I have Sirius!!
July 31, 2007

NathanN
Welcome back Gary! Glad you are home and that you have a renewed appreciation for how blessed we are to live in the USA.

QOTD: I’ll be watching live!

Check out Conans trip to Napa.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4hF71WGd3c
July 31, 2007

Dusty
nice return show! these are the kinds of tastings i like to have with my friends to see if i can pick out the differences. leads to some interesting conversations. props on landing on Conan. Gonna have to check it out live AND record it to watch later.
July 31, 2007

Ryan D
QotD: Too late… sorry!
July 31, 2007

Sarah & A Schop
When you get on Conan, you know you have made it! Better do something memorable and interesting. I would recommend going back to your earliest vblogs and not acting that way…kidding, you must have done something right. So as wine library becomes more well-known do the prices continue to fall and the selection rise? Hope so. What have you brought back from your trip for us?

QOTD: Ratings are useful guideposts. They may not be an exact science, but they give you a general idea. People should realize that everything in life is given some rating to compare it with something else, whether its 4 stars for a hotel, or a job performance evaluation, or a college class rank or for these “vayniacs”…how quickly they were able to comment on the video!. From a logical standpoint, those who don’t favor the ratings can easily ignore them and concentrate on tasting notes if they like, or go back to trying bottles based on how much they cost (now that’s an advance in the wine world). But do away with them, and those who like them don’t have the option to follow, or for that matter to challenge. I’ve bought a few expensive bottles only to discover they were horrible, and later discover they were rated horribly low. Better to have an option to ignore or disagree even than to have no option at all.
July 31, 2007

Tom T.
Congrats on the Conan show. That should be a cool experience for you. Will watch it live for sure if I can stay awake.
July 31, 2007

dadobs
Hey GV, good to have you back!

Keep the scores unless you have the winemaker sitting next to you.

Will Tivo, I think. Hope you kill!

Thanks for doing the PS today. I’ve had all four, though maybe the Rosenblum was the ‘04.

As for your comments, the Earthquake is truly over the top but still fun to drink. As I recall, it was “Best in Show” PS at the SF Wine Competition.

I really have enjoyed the Elyse wines over the last few years, but they (including the zins) are getting a little too sugary/fake of late.

As for Trentadue, try their La Storia reserve PS–it’s great and for not much more money. Even better, their Bulgarian winemaker, Miro (?) has his own PS (Miro label) that’s excellent (and Miro’s a nice guy so do him a favor!).

On the Rosenblum, the Heritage is good, but if you’re willing to pony up $40 for their Rockpile Road, that’s truly a killer, teeth-staining ride. Btw, all of these wines are better than the Concannon you tried some time back.

Good luck with Conan!
July 31, 2007

Paul
Scores, no scores – doesn’t matter to me. Pazzzzz, QPR, comments, etc. – those matter. So do what you like, just keep talking (as if THAT would ever be an issue).

QOTD: Have fun on Conan. I’ll try to stay awake – I get up early – but will record it to be safe.
July 31, 2007

Matt the Lurker
QOTD – Got Internet? I’ll have to look at Conan’s site. I hope he’s got it there, or if not maybe yall can hook us up. I threw out my cable tv when I got WINE LIBRARY TV!!

Ratings – I think they are helpful. But I also read the tasting notes which are more helpful matching a wine to your pallet. However, the rating tells you about the overall experience more than notes can I think. One vote for keep ‘em.
July 31, 2007

Martin
Scores make me crazy. (In a bad way.) I firmly believe that getting rid of them (in favor of tasting notes and enthusiasm) would help to change the wine world.
July 31, 2007

Bryan
Woot, grats on the Conan appearance Gary. I’ll hopefully be able to catch it and, if not, someone will need to youtube it up.
July 31, 2007

Kraemer
WOW! Grats Gary! I won’t miss this!
July 31, 2007

Kraemer
I had a chance to taste the Elyse Petite Sirah at their tasting room and could not agree more. SUper friendly people and great wine!
July 31, 2007

Mr. Cabernet
Shouldn’t it be “Wine Library TV, aka the Thunder Show”?
July 31, 2007

Christopher T
QOTD: If my wife lets me, I’ll stay up… (no tivo)

Ratings don’t mean a lot to me, I’d rather have a value for price recommendations. Is the bottle of wine good enough to warrant the price? That avoids the confusion of 88 pt wines being recommended wile 91 pts “not being worth it.” In essence, your wine reviews are subjective, so to give a quantifiable number rating seems artificial.
July 31, 2007

MC Dubs
Will attempt to stay up
July 31, 2007

Matty Matt
TIVO it. Sorry GV but cant stay up that late, although I am going to the Police concert tomorrow night so if I get home late and its on I’ll watch it live, or filmed before a live studio audience.
July 31, 2007

Ari
Woot! Earthquake! I grew up near M-D Vineyards, and I remember their first vintages — the Symphony white blend, which I still occasionally buy a bottle of for old times’ sake.

*ALL* the Earthquake wines are a bit over the top, in my experience with them. As a rule, I try to let them mellow out at least a few years in the bottle.

My bottle of 04 PS is still sitting patiently in the cellar, gathering dust and waiting for me.
July 31, 2007

Marko TJ From Finland
Hi,

So, so, so exited about you beeing in Cozy Conan’s Show, can’t wait to see it. Probably have hunt that show from internet, the show airs here in Finland 1 or 2 weeks later (wich is unexceptable!). Conan is BIG here, he just visited Finland few months ago and he got quite a welcome. Gary, don’t give up your points, that’s just one of those things that make your show so special, Thoug i rely more on your view of the wines. (Finally found someting interesting… Santa Ana Reserve Malbec Shiraz 2005/argentina). Anyway, kep up the good work and all the best!!
July 31, 2007

TR
It pained me to see you struggle with the “history” of petite syrah so here goes: It was created in 1884 by botanist Francois Durif hence the name, in France, by blending Syrah and Peloursin grapes. Pelousin are tiny very black and tightly bunched variety, so the blend made a smaller more intense, blacker syrah.
Widely planted in California pre-prohibition it was used to make jug “Burgundy” wine (not PN?)and still is except for many of the better parcels are now making Petit Syrah.
Good luck on Conan he’s great his wife Valeria is hot too. Be careful not to insult him or he may lop off your head with his broadsword.
July 31, 2007

LeatherPalate
will be watching live!
popping a special occasion YTBD wine and
eating some cow poop with it yep!
July 31, 2007

Lurkerdog
Congratulations and good luck on Conan! Hopefully I can catch it.
July 31, 2007

John P
QOTD: I’m going to DVR the show. I work at 7am, and staying up til 1am doesn’t work very well.

I would really suggest eliminating the numerical scores. I truly feel that the scoring systems used is ruining the wine industry. It results in people who will only buy a 90+ point wine, but is there really that much difference between a 90 and an 89? Or a 90 and a 91? The differences there probably just come from the mood of the taster, and how their palate is doing at that time, as well as their preferences (Like Parker prefers bigger, bolder wines).
July 31, 2007

Palmer
QOTD: Definitely gonna TiVo it. But I’m on the west coast, so even if I watched it live it would be three hours after all the east coasters…which is still not really “live” since you’re taping it at about 6 pm. Good luck; kick some ass! Are they going to show clips from WLTV? Hopefully they show the clip from the Burgundy episode – “this wine tastes like a shoe that is covered in mud and poop, and I LOVE IT!”
July 31, 2007

Micha
Never had a petit sirah yet, so it was a very interesting episode. Thanks Gary!
July 31, 2007

Armando
Congratulations on the Conan appearance. SO PLEASED that you finally did a Petite Sirah episode. I’m pazzo for PS!!

Bravo Zulu,

Armando
July 31, 2007

talksnmaths
Congrats on the Conan show. I watch every night and this will definitely not be an exception. As far as scoring, I would not mind if you did away with scoring so long as there was some sort of evaluation. Tasting notes are fine, but I still want to know if the wine is a Pazzzzz, a maybe or a must try.

QOTD: Live
July 31, 2007

Plminer
That’s so rad you’re going to be on Conan! Brings me back to my college days when I stayed up that late on weeknights and watched Conan when he first started out. Very funny guy.
Petit syrah, haven’t had many that I’ve liked…but thanks for taking one for the team GV!

Cheers!
July 31, 2007

Lawrence Leichtman
Gongratulations on the Conan gig. Great job GV. Bit disappointed in the Elyse review as I have three cellared but since I enjoy elyse wines so much the review won’t bother me. Just more mastadon steak with them.

As to ratings, this is America dammit. We rate things here. What good would it be to go to a Jets/Browns game and have the outcome be. Well I liked the Brown’s uniforms better and that tight end was teally tight know what I mean nudge nudge wink wink. Nah we like scores like 24-13. So for comparison sake and to not be a European socialists keep giving us scores Gary.
July 31, 2007

wlburk
I guess I never said congrats in my first comment, so….CONGRATS! and I’ll of course be watching live.
July 31, 2007

Michael
Hmmm, does anyone read the other entries before commenting? QOTD – I’ll try to stay up, but probably watch on youtube. Good luck.
Ratings – having done some research in this area I would suggest a Likert scale – (5 star) works better than 100. I think people cannot differentiate between more than 5 levels of ‘good’ if so it’s too capricious. – I had the problem with my itunes, that 5 star meant ‘extraordinary’ but didn’t mean ‘listenable’ (lots of 2 hour long drone music is great, but) so decide on what 5 star means (delicious or amazing) , and say 2 star is drinkable and you have a decent start.

Cheers
July 31, 2007

rdhover in Indy
Gary, You should stop scoring wines when the Jets stop keeping score (for them that would not be a bad idea). Is this little league where it’s just for fun and everyone wins or is this the big league where you want to be respected. You have my respect as long as you are scoring these wines. Keep up the good work and GO COLTS!!!
July 31, 2007

Rick M
QOTD: TIVO, Congrats on Conan!
Scores: Keep them!

I have an idea that I’ve been meaning to suggest for a while now, but now may be the time. After Conan you will have many, many new viewers. So how about we do away with “I’m in the Top Ten” comments that just take up space. So what if you’re 1st to comment. Seriously, so what. Use that space to say something that’s actually about wine, Gary or the show! Start the new viewers off right!
July 31, 2007

Billman
QOTD: I like the scores for a quick reference. When trying a new region or grape I stick to the scores for guidance; but if it’s a region or grape I am familiar with the tasting notes are more helpful.
July 31, 2007

maggiej
Do the Geogian wine show!!! Even better, get your grandma to come on and help with the Georgian wine show . My husband has Russian connections and gets a kick out of the little Russian moments on your show.

QOTD: I like the 100 point rating scale, though really, the 0-50 point range should be used as well.
July 31, 2007

Karl Laczko
Budapest, my favourite City anywhere – although I am biased. Paris is a good comparison, hope you had a chance to drink some cold Dreher SÃ¶r on those hot days and sample some of the rich meat dishes and pastries MagyarorszÃ¡g does so well. Silent on the Tokaji – you keeping secrets?

Petit Sirah – yet another variety I have yet to taste, sounds interesting though.

Scores – keep them please, I need some point of reference and I think I’m getting a handle on yours, introduce other identifiers as well, but don’t lose the scores.

QOTD – I’d love to watch it live, just not sure if that’s practical, or even possible, from the U.K. (am investigating though). Will see it sooner or later.
July 31, 2007

Martin
You were in Hungary and didn’t stay for the Formula One Grand Prix?!!

I hope I can stay up for Conan.
July 31, 2007

RandyB
QOTD: DVR so I can watch it and share with the WCC.

The rating scale is a convenient quick reference. Usually, I ignore anything under 86 points (except for Wilfred Wong where I ignore anything under 92 points). Once the wine is selected, I then go to the tasting notes to further refine my wine purchase.
July 31, 2007

Ken B.
Gary,

Good luck on Conan! I know you’ll do a great job.

Enjoyed today’s episode.
July 31, 2007

BW
GV, totally agree with your comments on Petite syrahs in general – it is true that most are similar,
however I have one that stands head & shoulders above all others – try the Stags leap Petite Syrah.
Much more vegetal – has a strong & beautiful dill component to it; the sweetness & fruit is much more subtle & well balanced & integrated. It is still definitely a new world wine, but it just seems to be much better crafted. I have tasted many other Petite Syrahs (being a New World man – queue up “Rush” for the next New World Show) & always been disappointed in their one-dimensionalness. So, give it a whirl & see what you think.

On the rating scale, i would vote to keep it. It is a useful measure to gauge craftmanship
I would add to your discussion what you think the cellar life would be. I always want to have
a sense of that before I get a bottle – do i drink it today, in year, in 5 years or whenever. Being a bit of a wine geek, I have it all in a spreadsheet so I don’t overload on wines with short cellar lives – which you feel compeled to drink so they don’t go bad, vs. being able to go into the cellar & pick out what ever you want for the occassion – just some basic cellar mgmt.

QOTD – I’ll try to stay up & watch it live, but I don’t know if I’ll make it that late.
July 31, 2007

hermitaged
GV, the 100 point scale is kind of a weird thing in wine. So many people use it as a buying tool, but it never tells the whole story. Not to be dramatic, but I am a fan of the concept of every wine having a story to tell. Some are profound, others more understated, but each have redeeming qualities. I would pan the 100 point scale in your reviews.
July 31, 2007

italianwinelover
Welcome Back!! Great ep…totally agree about the wines tasting the same although I really enjoy David Bruce’s Petit Syrah Central Coast..one of my favs!!! Are Petit Syrah mostly from CALI???

On the rating scale…I would be more willing to try a wine you rated at 92 than one that you rated at 85, and its a quick reference…depending on the price..I think the rating is easy to understand in the industry as a whole.

QOTD: I don’t have a tv…having someone tape it for me, but if I did I would watch it live!! Good Luck!!
July 31, 2007

Dominick Mack
Gary…can’t wait for Conan! PRIME TIME, BABY!
July 31, 2007

John Witherspoon
ROCK ON GARY, you superstar you!!

QOTD: I am planning on staying up to watch, but I will have the TiVO set since most likely I will fall asleep. haha

Pseudo question of the day….GIVE UP RATINGS = YES! Who needs ‘em.

J DUB
July 31, 2007

Juicy Jesse
Gary on Conan…Woo Hoo!!!!! It’s about time you got this national recognition on TV, fella! Ratings? I have my misgivings…but I sure like it when you review a $13 wine and say that it belongs in the $30 category (like recently with the Altesino Rosso), just as when you suggest that an expensive wine is really not offering the quality that should go with its price, and give at a pazzzzzz.
July 31, 2007

Andy
GOOD LUCK G on Conan —- Break a bottle…
QOTD- Plan to watch it live and maybe pop a bottle while watching.
July 31, 2007

TimInFL
Well, Well, Well…getting to big for our bridges soon! Man, to remember when you were so mild mannered and calm…now look at you! Glad to be a part of it!
Anywhoâ€¦Petite Sirah is one oh my Favorite. The ultimate date-night wineâ€¦get on the comfy couch with the playmate of your choice and Get Sexy! Rosenblum and Michael David Vineyards Earthquake lable…Huge!

Got one for ya..I’d email you but I know that box is overflowed…taste differences between Zin and Petite Sirah?

I personally like the scores!

Lets go Cruising!
July 31, 2007

Grasshopper
Sensei,

Congrats on Conan!

QOTD – will be staying up to see this one!

As for not scoring wines anymore…I vote for a two score system………..tasty and not tasty! That is all I have to know….

Your humble vaniac…

Grasshopper
July 31, 2007

WML
I will record Conan…how did you get on his show? I know he is a wine buff.

Keep the scoring. I think it’s important to know your thoughts and that you differ from the the experts as sometimes when we buy we buy based on so few experts. I like to hear the rebuttals.
July 31, 2007

elron
HOHO! Gary! Loved the show! First off, welcome back from Budapest(My Gramms old stomping grounds) Got to get there one of these days.

Secondly, CONAN! WOW! CRONGRATS BROTHER! And good luck. Don’t worry; you’ll be fine. Make us proud!

Thirdly, really liked the show. I do agree; I think you were right on when you talked about old world and new world and balance. Also, about giant fruit flavor (P.S.)wines being price equivalent practically. Excellant, nice points to bring out!

Lastly, keep the point ratings just for measure. Might not be able to tell if your dislike was an 82 or 87? Unless, you just give it a whirl for a week and see how it works.

Peace Gar! NOW, GO KICK SOME ASS ON CONAN! WILL BE ROOTING FOR YA!
July 31, 2007

Lilia
Hi, Garry,

Do not have much time to write you a long e-mail, since I am about to leave to Ukraine, which IS my home. I do not appreciate you talking bad about my home country. It is not perfect as any other country in the world, but yet it deserves some respect. Those bad comments do not reflect good on your personality either, even though you are already so famous as a wine promoter. Be thankful and grateful that Ukrainian land once gave birth to your parents or grandparents. You owe it the same kiss as one that you have already available for the United States!

Sincerely disappointed in your comments,
Lilia.
July 31, 2007

sharon
Thanks for the show…and giving the Rosenblum its due. My husband and I loved it. As far as the ratings are concerned I’d be happy to see them go. They really make so little sense but the tasting notes give insight.
Congrats on the Conan appearance. Unfortunately, it’s past my bedtime. Break a leg!
July 31, 2007

Paul
I suppose I wouldn’t be all too opposed to dropping ratings… it would influence people’s overall opinions less and lead them to taste the wines more for themselves
QOTD: No telling what us ckc’s will be up to at 1230 in the am, but i’ll have it recorded just in case
July 31, 2007

Dominus
First off, welcome back and I agree with you wholeheartedly we have it sooooo well here in the great USA. Glad to hear you had a great trip. I need to make it over to Prague myself.

Petit Syrah . . . yes, a heavy duty bad boy. I always thought Bogle and Parducci did well at the inexpensive spectrum of PS.

Customer Appreciation Day? Well, let’s add some of those Bordeaux futures, ehhh. Reignac?

QOTD: Please, both. Live and DVR since no one will believe me.

Cheers and Congrats!
July 31, 2007

jshubeck
Gonna step up and watch Conan live.
July 31, 2007

Dominus
Ooops forgot. KEEP THE SCORES!!!! Everything in life should be rated. We are not politically correct here where no one child gets the MVP trophy so not to hurt any fragile child’s ego.

Kick some butt tonight!
July 31, 2007

Dominus
Lilia:

Just read your comment. I can’t speak for the G-Man but I’m sure he was not dissing your country. He was enforcing how wonderful fortunate we are in the great ole USA.

I have travelled the world and though we are biased or partial, it goes without saying we are very fortunate though appreciate the turmoil and hardships in other countries. The world media paints a very negative picture on the face of Americans which is not true at all.

May you have a great time back home and be safe. The Vayniac Nation loves ya.
July 31, 2007

Capt M
I loooove Petit Sirah!! I have Chateau La Paws by Rosenblum Cellars. Gary, I’ve been away from home, because I’m on vacation. But now I’m catching up with my vaniac duties. I need to find out if I can see the Conan O’Brien Show here at home. If I get that in my Cable plan, I WILL watch it live.
Do not stop giving out your scores. please DO NOT stop issuing your scores.
July 31, 2007

J Crazy
Mad props for being on Conan. Take it to him, homie.
QOTD: I’ll watch it when it’s released to DVD in 2030 here in Japan. But, I’ll definitely enjoy it at that time.
July 31, 2007

James Roscoe
Scores are for suckers! Skip ‘em! I’m an old fart. I’ll be in bed. Good luck!
July 31, 2007

Jeffrey
qotd: i watch you 20 minutes, 5 times a week already. i need more? KIDDING, i’ll DVR it.
July 31, 2007

stewart l
I still like to give wines a score. Congrats on the show- I’ll have to tape it. got to be at work at the hospital at & am. Good luck-wear your vayniac shirt!
July 31, 2007

msb2ncsu
Keep giving the scores. Tasting notes don’t always give you the full picture.

QOTD: Will try to make it live but DVR is likely. Emails are out to everyone to check it out. Can’t wait!
August 1, 2007

chito
Gary, watching you in the double digit episodes was like watching those football games where regardless how far down your team was, everything clicked, your team was in the zone and you knew in your heart your team would win and untimately they would. Thats the way I saw Team Gary V. Crazy props for the Conan show, (watching live!), the big sale ( I will be there buying as usual),and dude you haven’t even started.

P.S. Art almost finished.
August 1, 2007

Phil
Just put Conan back in the Tivo Season Pass. Good work Gary, looking forward to it!
August 1, 2007

vibemore
SOOOO pumped about the Conan show. QOTD: has to be live.

The ratings thing is tricky. When you say 90 pts it seems to me you’re really saying “definitely seek this out” even up to the $40+ range. When you score a wine 89+ or lower you seem to be saying “seek this out” (without the definitely). When you score the wine 87 and lower (especially on the higher priced wines) you give the “PAZZZ”. It also seems to me that you do this because that is how people perceive scores. I was at a wine shop today and a guy was doing just that. Sooo that being said, I think you could do the same thing without scoring the wines. I am learning to trust my palate, and forgive my sentimentality here, but I trust yours as well. Rock on.
August 1, 2007

MJC
Gary – 2 things for tonight:
1. No matter what you bring, bring the Jets can
2. And of course at least one rubber wrestling figure
August 1, 2007

Jayhitek
QOTD: I am gonna DVR it. too late for me. Got the 6am wake up. Plus my wife would think I was gay for Gary or something.
August 1, 2007

Judi
I am staying up for the show!!true fans will. as for the scoring…I think
it would be difficult to change the system. but if anyone can, it would be
you. I will go along with whatever you decide.
js
August 1, 2007

Mo
This is the first time I’ve seen your vlog. Good luck.

As some other commenters have already pointed out, Miro Tcholakov (Cho-la-kov) is from Bulgaria. He’s a good guy and a talented winemaker. I know that some of his wines have scored well with Parker in the past and iirc, Parker called them “well endowed.” That seems to jive with some of what you said about the Trentadue 2004 Petite Sirah. If you’re up for another PS tasting, try to get some 2005 Miro.
August 1, 2007

ktw
QOTD: LIVE, can’t wait!
ps-keep scoring
August 1, 2007

BobMac
QOTD: I’ll be watching it the next day. I’m too old to stay up that late. And keep the number scores.
August 1, 2007

portman
Chugging along. A few hours before your live appearance with Conan. Best wishes!

QOTD: keep the scores. The scores along with the tasting notes helps with framing and making references between different wines easier.
August 1, 2007

Tommy Vernieri
Personally, I like having scores, but I think Wine Lush had a good comment on why you should do away with them. It’s nice to have something easy that summarizes your opinion but I bet you can come up with something better than just 50-100. You’re already doing this a little bit with stuff like “Old/new world lovers leave the room”, the Oak Monster, and fruit bombs. They’re more descriptive than a number anyway, but your viewers do need a bit of experience with wines that fit into those categories before they can appreciate what your palate is experiencing.
August 2, 2007

YoungDave
QOTD: LIVE BABY!! How else? Gotta show my appreciation as a true Vayniac.
August 2, 2007

Jonathan Craven
Love the Rosenblum. Kudos on the Late show. I haven’t looked in the archive yet, but would love a Malbec show.
August 2, 2007

mcj
QOTD: Conan live and a young kid in the house are a lethal combination.
August 2, 2007

Marc Mc
Thanks for the Petite Sirah episode.. It made me want to try the Robert Floey ‘04 Petite Sirah I had in the cellar. It was fantastic, I realy need to try some others, just great with bbq chicken.
August 3, 2007

WILDWEST
MR V.

WAY TO SHAKE,RATTLE AND ROLL…GOOD LUCK ON THE SHOW,
LIKE AN EARTHQUAKE(syrah)GOING BAM,SAVE THE WRESTLER FOR THE SUMMER SLAM!!!
August 4, 2007

thabeav
Thanks! Great Show.

I just watched the Conan episode on youtube – was AWESOME!!!! You REALLY did a great job…..even my wife thought it was great and now only hates you half as much as she used to.

Also, I spotted another Vaniak wearing the new t-shirt last weekend at the wine and cheese palce in St. Louis. Looks like the 6 dollar shirt thing worked.

QOTD: KEEP SCORING THE WINES!!!! I can almost always guess the score +/- 1 point now and have a decent sense of how I might perceive the same wine. Yes, scoring is an oversimplification, but offers a good starting point to work from.
August 9, 2007

Sam I
text yourself!!! Gary you should be promoting cork’d as a place for what wines people like then focus on a mobile device interface … Please please please don’t stop scoring wines. People who don’t want to use the score can ignore it. It seems like the same thing we’re trying to “change” that those who are complaining about the scoring are trying to instill. Let me do it my way… besides I buy more of these wines based you saying “this is intriguing” or “it’s worth it just for the smell” or “this is a good example of…” then I do because it’s 91 pts
August 24, 2007

Brandon M
They call me #220
October 2, 2007

WineLibraryTV to be on Conan O’brien on Wednesday « TV Shows and Television
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February 25, 2008

Fangorn81
No Gary don’t text it!

I do it way easier, Take a picture of the bottle!

I do the same thing at bookstores, and buy them later at Amazon! (I know it’s terrible)…
July 31, 2008

Dessert Wine Nerd
Scores to me are somewhat important, but I wouldnt miss them. I agree that tasting notes are more important. QOTD: Im a year late, but I did watch it. Classic stuff. I loved it when you and Conan went at it on the dirt and tobacco.
September 24, 2009

ulu ulu ulu ulu
I’d probably miss wine scores. I like when they’re representative of what a wine means to a specific person, though, and I also like them to be independent of price.
September 30, 2009

maryandroscoe
First time viewer…loved it,will be back!