I’m very happy you did this episode. I appreciate a traditionally oaky California Chardonnay when I taste one for being well-made, but generally don’t enjoy it much. I have this problem: I don’t like my wine to taste like butter! Big Chablis fan. Will definitely give the four vines a try soon.

Regarding sniffing, I recently stuck my nose so deep into a glass of red (Tempranillo I think) that I actually inhaled the wine by accident, then sneezed red wine all over my shirt. I had to explain that one to my wife.

80 percent with food, 20 without.

PS– I almost always drink at least half a glass of the wine before eating though.

QOTD: 90 with/10 without

I do love the “whether you like it or not” at the end of your sign-off as a permanent staple on the show. Keep it real and stick it to the (few) whiny nay-saying complainers who have criticized this show… whether they like it or not.

QOTD: I’m probably a 60% with food, 40% without food type of Vayniac.

another great show Gary!
Hey, I saw u cary a blue berry port. Ya gotta add that smurf juice whenever u do your next port tasting.
80% without food / 20% with food.

Thanks for introducing us to a new, better Chard. I may have to start drinking it again. QOTD – 90% food, 10% no food.

The breakdown is probably 60% with food and 40% without… SS Chris… I owe you one the score sheet is big for me. Thanks for keeping that going! Is there anyone interested in an episode where we learn about the benefits of decanting? I’d like GV’s take on how to decide about decanting a wine you haven’t had before.

Groundbreaking EP Gary. Love the pelting fruit on the perfume sprayers. QOTD: We invariably drink wine throughout the dinner period, and finish after the meal, so I guess the percentage would be about 70% with food.

Interesting show Gary!! I will have to give a naked chard a try, probably that 4 vines. I’ve been turned off to chards ever since I’ve started drinking more whites(thanks to your influence GV), can’t stand the oak bombs.

QOTD: 50/50

I wonder how these unoaked chardonnays would compare to most sauvignon blancs, with the overabundant acidity I just personally have a visceral gag reflex to the grassy/heavy citrus punch they carry. Buttered popcorn all the way, baby.

QOTD: 80% without food (though drinking with friends always involves cheese / cracker plates to munch on), but the idea is to focus on the juice, and whatever “HOUSE” re-run or Packers / Brewers / Badgers / Marquette game might be on the big screen…

Addendum: There is a Jets fan in the neighborhood, but he drinks beer….

How do I sign up to be a Vayniac? I can’t leave any tags until I sign up, but I can’t figure out how to do it. HELP ME.

QOTD :: 99% without food.

QOTD- 80% without 20% with. I work nights so I miss dinner five nights a week and my wine is a before sleep cocktail. LOVE it with food but don’t get that many chances.

I have been drinking the 4 Vines for a couple of years and it is great to taste the grapes instead of the barrels.

QOTD: 75% with, 25% w/o
Thanks for the 4 Vines recommendation. Mucho tasty, and such a nice price. May replace Giesen SB as our house white.

I know I’m a little late on this one, but I thought I’d throw this in the pile. I recently when to a tasting of a local vineyards first release. Rominger West vineyards is doing some good things here in Davis, CA. I was most impressed by the fact that their 2005 Chardonay had very little oak on the palate and the wine maker says that their next years release will be completely un-oaked. They said that they were very excited about the fact that the publics palates seemed to be appreciating the taste of the fruit more than wanting oak.

I completely agree! Once again great show!

took me a while to catch up but I’m up to date. Thanks for this ep. I will now have to give a few naked chardonnays. 70% without food 30% with but that is changing now that my wife is starting to drink wine too.

Still catching up on old episodes. I’m glad to make a contribution to the sliders effort! Gary you rock man!

Looks like others are catching up like me. Anyway, I like “Naked” Chardonnay. It’s definitely got a refreshing taste to it. Thanks for the episode!

Gary — not true about the 4 vines! Just a few months ago, you gave the Boekenhoutskloof Wolf Trap an 89+… and it was $2 cheaper! Best value EVER.

I purchased the Four Vines Naked Chardonnay for me and my flatmates to drink during the meteor shower this past weekend. My friend Erika who loves her oakey Kendall Jackson, could not get enough of this stuff. Good looking out for the CKCs with this one.

Great Ep Gary,
I became a fan of the less/non-oaked chardonnays about 4 years ago. I had to get a little education on the difference before I realized what to look for.
I totally agree that the more acidic, low oaked chardonnays are more versatile with food. That said; QOTD: my guess is 25% w/food.

#473 – Talk about comment juicing!

Name change to “The Stainless Steeal Monster”

Gary your killing me, i’m pulling a little wltv marathon!!! will you do a bad boring episode so i get tired and can get some sleep, does the thunder ever end??. its 1am and i have to work tomarrow, with your enthusiam i fear i am going to be up all night.

Qotd. Maybe 70% of wine i eat with food, but a lot of that bottle/s are drunk before or after the dinner itself.