Argentina and Those Pesky Malbec’s

Argentina and Those Pesky Malbec’s – Episode #296

August 20, 2007

Malbec is on fire and South America is taking full advantage and credit for this and you know what, good for them. Gary Vaynerchuk explores 4 new world Malbec wines for you today. LURKERS join us!

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Comments on this episode(245) Leave a comment ›

“sniffy-sniffy-sniff-sniff-sniff……WTF is that – what a tool…….p…” by addikt
“FYI Miami is 305…” by Stephan
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Wines tasted in this episode:

Alamos MalbecArgentine Malbec
2005 Ben Marco MalbecArgentine Malbec
2005 Susana Balbo MalbecArgentine Malbec
2002 Nieto Cadus MalbecArgentine Malbec

Links mentioned in todays episode.

WLTV Free Pack #1 (for the Aug 24th show)

245 Responses

August 20, 2007

mbannon
1st for the first time??
August 20, 2007

KenP
Top five?
August 20, 2007

Lars
#2
Hate ta say I told ya so… but…

Go Vikes!
August 20, 2007

Pastore
2nd?!?
August 20, 2007

Pastore
GOO! Top 10
August 20, 2007

Chris Kov
Top 10! yeah!
August 20, 2007

carnyc
Mendoza rocks!
August 20, 2007

waibeans
toppppp TEEEEEN!!
August 20, 2007

BiggRigg
Top Million!?!?!
August 20, 2007

chenin
Nice episode.
August 20, 2007

JSH
score!
August 20, 2007

panoca
Early today!
Top 11?
Argentina! That’s were I’m from. Thanks for this episode!
August 20, 2007

CMA
Mmm..malbecs, good one today
August 20, 2007

Hinrgman
More great value wines from the southern hemisphere..

Thanks Gary
August 20, 2007

Sassodoro
13?
August 20, 2007

dawinecheat
interesting ep
i love argentinean malbec; i believe it to be one of the sleeper varietals of our age
i’ve had the Susana Balbo before, but not the current vintage – i tried it on numerous recommendations and i can’t remember what I thought – hopefully this ep will refresh me lil
i AM interested in the lower price pt wines here, because that is one thing about ArgeMalbec that I seem to come up against a lot . . . namely the best are very expensive and then there’s the range I like to dwell in = $25-40 rnage – one of my fav’s has been the Familia Zuccarddi ‘Q’ Malbec … 2000 was a good vintage, as was 2001 I think, but the 2002 has not been up to snuff

anywayz, gonna watch now
August 20, 2007

Rempshaker
QOTD: Cleveland, Ohio…of course!!

Am I the only one who thinks Mott should speak up a bit more during the shows!!?? His quick answer to “Do you like girls??” was AWESOME!

And, after many times of hearing it now, I still think the new “Whether you like it or not” close is SUPERIOR!!

Gary, you still owe me a podcast!
August 20, 2007

bwizzle
Cant wait until that Pasodoble from Argentina finally arrives.
August 20, 2007

Umbriagirl
Just discovered Gary last Friday… all I can say is AWESOME!! I love this guy!! I’m just wondering when I’ll ever have time to go back and watch all the other 290-and-some-odd episodes…
August 20, 2007

Chris Kov
QOTD – Negril, Jamaica No worries!
I also agree that Mott should speak up more.

Go Vikes!!!! even though it is only pre-season.
August 20, 2007

Chad
Hey Gary … great episode … I’ll have to try some of the ‘06 Argentina wines.

QOTD: Toss-up between NYC, Chicago and Florence
August 20, 2007

Johan
I also like that whether you… new thing. Stick with it Gary
They’ve got some Susana in the store, think I’ll try one. And Gary, wish me luck, perhaps tonight (It late here you know) we are having our second child. Thought I saw someone peek out (joke)
Btw, I’ll bring a Pol Roger to the hospital.

The swede
I like wine
August 20, 2007

Dave Canada
Great episode Gary….
Forgot to ask you about this yesterday but what was with the crazy position that you had the thundercats in yesterday….are you trying to get them to mate?
QOTD – Gotta be Vienna. I went to University there and totally fell in love with it. Great art, food and wine!
August 20, 2007

Karl Laczko
Malbec’s nice, Argentina & Cahors, although “armpit action” is scary. I liked the look of all of those wines.

QOTD – Budapest, closely followed by Sydney.
August 20, 2007

SoCal
QOTD: So far it has been London….but that may change…when we go to Paris in November….
August 20, 2007

MBG
Gary-

Miami is not the 301, but the 305.
August 20, 2007

GrapeStuff
Oooops….Jets Lost!

QOTD: San Francisco, hands down!
August 20, 2007

Dean D.
great show Gary!

QOTD: Curacao! Great island!
August 20, 2007

Jeffrey
qotd: please, ny. is this question even necessary?
August 20, 2007

Kevin Ko-val-chik
QOTD: I visited Vancouver last year and fell in love.
August 20, 2007

Tommy Williams Jr.
Another great one Gary…and I apprecaite your love for balance. Since Malbec was essentially eliminated from Brodeaux in the fifties, what impact did Malbec have in some of the earlier legendary vintages?
August 20, 2007

SP
QOTD: Detroit then New York then Paris

Good episode, love Malbec, would have been interesting if you would have done this episode blind, keep in mind for future episodes like this one.
August 20, 2007

Diablito
Yes! This is the episode I was waiting for!!!
August 20, 2007

Shadowbird
QOTD: My favorite city that I’ve been to is Toronto. Beautiful city. And my girlfriend’s from around there.
August 20, 2007

Taco John
The flavor you were searching for on the Susana Balbo sounds a lot like nutmeg.

For powerful and elegant you go with a tiny figure skater and a psycho? Nice. What about LDT, or maybe your boy Rivas.

My favorite city is Detroit, the D. Especially if you count Detroit as including the surrounding areas. Chicago is great, but it’s just a version of NYC-West. The D doesn’t let many people in one her charms, so if you know how to go get the best Saganaki in the US, or where to find some of the original techno clubs, you’re way ahead of those people who think they’re insiders because they know of some new attraction in a really big city that’s one news article away from being overrated.
August 20, 2007

Elliot Essman
This was a superb episode, the kind I would recommend to friends as an appropriate entry point for the Vayniac experience.

My favorite city is none; I love living in a small New England town.
August 20, 2007

AndrewB
QOTD: Amsterdam!
August 20, 2007

JonE
G-Man…G-Man…GARY!!!!
Oak for Aging????!!!! I had a 1974 Sterling Cab not too long ago. It was fantastic, that aside I am sure upon bottling it was so tannic and oak laden that most people thought it was a waste. And yet my smart friend saw its potential and lade it down for a long long time. I am quite sure that huge oak and tannic structure were the reason this Cab could show its beautiful fruit after 30+ years of aging. Now I’m not a fan of super long aging, but all the same there are too many good winemakers using a lot (that’s a lot) of oak, there must be a method to the madness. Right?

QOTD: The city still has my heart, the only city.
August 20, 2007

Colin Devroe
Interesting Question of the Day: Hard to come up with just one. At the moment I’d probably choose Philadelphia. Though, I’m sure my opinion my swing when winter hits!
August 20, 2007

NathanN
I have only had one Malbec in my life. Thanks for showing me some more.

QOTD: Lake City Colorado. It’s a little town in the mountains a beautiful place. When I was younger our family used to vacation there about every other year. Lots of memories.
August 20, 2007

Shad
Malbecs are my new wines of focus and I was really excited to see a new episode on them. Plus you have to enjoy the energy on the episode.

QOTD: I am split between two completely different cities: San Francisco, CA and Tipperary, Ireland….I don’t know if I could pick one over the other.
August 20, 2007

Neil
QOTD: San Francisco all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 20, 2007

KAHUNA
QOTD: Sorrento, Italy, Rome & NYC

Town- Healdsburg CA
August 20, 2007

gabe
you mean orchids? the flowers i mean.
August 20, 2007

mas
Will have to try that Alamos. Had a Ben Marco last year (either an ‘03 or ‘04) and think the bottle may have been flawed – had noticeable volatile acidity (there was even a bit of vinegar on the nose). I like what Susana Balbo has been doing – really like the Crios Torrontes.

QOTD: Florence, Italy.
August 20, 2007

Robert Howells
Gary,

QOTD- My favorite city has got to be NYC. The people are awesome and the architecture is divine.
August 20, 2007

Palmer
QOTD: Barcelona brings serious thunder for me.
August 20, 2007

Jens
Gary,

OFTD: Paris, then Rome, Venice, New York City, London….

Jens
August 20, 2007

KW
QOTD: In the Americas – San Francisco
In Asia – Hong Kong
In Europe – Paris
August 20, 2007

Mudd
QOTD – Chicago! It has what one would expect from a big city, but it’s populated with real people a.k.a. Mid-westerners. I went to school there and loved it. But, I still hate the Cubs. I’ll always be a Cincinnati sport fans no matter where I live.
August 20, 2007

Lurker
QOTD — Tokyo
Best part was when Gary said, “…almost burned some of my noise hair which is quite attractive and intrigueing, profound.”
August 20, 2007

StÃ©phane
Just got home from Iceland and spent the weekend watching two weeks of WLTV. Thanks for the entertainment!

QOTD: Paris, no doubt. I feel lucky everyday for living here.
August 20, 2007

Sonnenuhr
Great show – don’t let up on the oak issue, you’re so right.

QOTD: Favorite city would have to be Trenton, NJ; second only to Tokyo
August 20, 2007

JOEinLA
Thanks for the Malbec. Where would you rank the Lindaflor that you guys had. I have 6 bottles of it and like it!

QOTD: Paris then Rome, Florence (love the food and wine! ), NY( my home town).
August 20, 2007

Russ J
GV, you were wishing for some Browning Nagle talent from Chad on Friday. Man, he stunk it up. Eli looked WAY better, and that’s not good.

QOTD: Lots of great cities. London and NYC are my top two.
August 20, 2007

Mr. Cabernet
I’m a little confused about oak. If they wine is aged (soaked) in oak isn’t it natural for it to taste of oak?

QOTD-Chicago my hometown, but to visit–Rome.
August 20, 2007

Harley Stan
Way to bring the thunder on a monday afternoon. I have tried a couple of malbecs and have a few sitting in the basement.
QOTD- Victoria B.C. if you get the chance visit it at least once.
August 20, 2007

LarryF
New Orleans, great food, great atmosphere. Post Katrina, the food is still great. People are great.
August 20, 2007

brooklyni
QOTD: NYC. then probably florence, italy and basel, switzerland.
August 20, 2007

Michael Sokoloff
QOTD-Once you cut through the cheesey exterior, Las Vegas is an amazing town for food and wine. Being from a smallish town in the southwest, I find myself spending much of my free time there.

Can you address at some point how oak comes through in red wines? I understand and recognize the butter flavor in oaked chardonnay, but I don’t have a good understanding or taste for how it manifests in reds.
August 20, 2007

Tom (vtjones)
QOTD: I like Houston a lot so I going with the home town!
August 20, 2007

Diablito
QOTD: Favorite city… I have a few. I like Lima, New York, Bogota and Prague.

After trying many Argentine Malbecs, I’ve declared Alamos my favorite. It’s made by Catena and I even like it better than the more expensive Catena Malbec. There are so many great Mendoza Malbecs at that price point, Altos Las Hormigas, Punto Final, Bodegas Sur Ox. I wish you would’ve tried Terrazas de los Andes Reserva. Now, that would have been great competition against Ben Marco and even Susana Balbo’s Malbec. An interesting fact, Ben Marco is produced by Susana’s husband.

Thanks for the episode and Salud!
August 20, 2007

AlisonD
QOTD: No Doubt… NYC! I never get sick of it…never never never…
August 20, 2007

Pitabread
great episode! i agree the recent releases of malbec from argentina rowdy, versatile wines. what do you think the future holds for this varietal, with the onset of global climate change?
August 20, 2007

1855class
anti-over-oaked!
qotd- milwaukee. its home.
August 20, 2007

Jon K
QOTD: Either Chicago or Athens….. Ohio.
August 20, 2007

Martin
I totally agree; let’s save some trees people!
qotd: Phuket, Thailand.
August 20, 2007

JC
QOTD: NYC is “The City” and has been for as long as I remember, Phily is second then Seattle, then San Diego, then …
August 20, 2007

Dusty
hacksaw jim stirring a stew like a witch. classic. QOTD: NYC is always fun to visit, Indy is the place to be though. why not sip some vino with the SUPER BOWL CHAMP COLTS!!! looking forward to opening my two malbecs in the cellar.
August 20, 2007

chitown_wino
QOTD- Chicago #1, New Orleans #2, NYC #1138.

GO BEARS!
August 20, 2007

Tom T.
Montreal. Then NYC.
August 20, 2007

PaulT
I had the Alamos not too long ago, it was good indeed. They also have a Cabernet and a Pinot, I’m curious to try those as well.

QOTD: that’s a difficult question, I have many cities I like: London, NYC, Buenos Aires, Barcelona, Berlin, Kyoto, Rio, … and probably many more that I haven’t visited yet.
August 20, 2007

Grasshopper
I think the flowers you were searching for are pansies? They look like they have little faces on them…..

Love Malbecs and think that they offer great QPR! Everyone should go out and try one. The Alamos is a risk free place to start for 8 bones.

QOTD – San Francisco
August 20, 2007

Grasshopper
Overview: The names â€˜pansyâ€™ and â€˜violaâ€™ are often used interchangeable. There are many cultivars within the genus Viola and most of them are hybrids of the same handful of species, so there are a lot of similarities and probably only a botanist really cares which is which. The gardener knows pansies as cool weather flowers with almost heart-shaped, overlapping petals in bright colors or bi-colors and often with face-like center markings.
Latin Name: Viola x wittrockiana cultivars Common Name(s): Pansies
August 20, 2007

gordoyflaca
rome
August 20, 2007

Jennifer
GREAT show, Gary. I just had a Susana rose the other day. QOTD: I should say NY- and I _LOVE_ NY, but I have to go with Boston- great walking city, I can find my way around, lots of old world charm. p.s. I have freckles.
August 20, 2007

KenP
Good, instructive ep. Thanks, GV!

QOTD: Barcelona and Paris.
August 20, 2007

RieslingRon
Looking forward to trying the Susana Balbo Malbec. I have had the Torrentes and the Rose of Malbec from her Crios line, and both were excellant for the $12 price point.

QOTD: NYC, Chicago and SF……….How original!!!
August 20, 2007

Orion Slayer
Today’s show made me remember I’ve got a Susana Balbo Crios (Syrah-bonarda) at home that I’ve been meaning to open. It’s not Malbec, but that’s how my wierd mind works.

QOTD: Paucity
August 20, 2007

David M Roberts
QOTD: Any takers for BOISE??

Well, it’s not on my list, but from the very focused expressions of one Gary Vaynerchuk (photos below from last weekend’s Idaho Wine Festival), certainly Idaho’s captital city ranks up there on HIS list…

http://www.treasurevalleywinesociety.org/IWFAug07.htm
August 20, 2007

Jim Rudolf
Ride the buses in San Francisco, you will see an amazing city that will take you around the world.
August 20, 2007

BruceP
QOTD: Gotta go for the hometown. I love San Francisco. I am, however, also a huge fan of Glasgow and Montreal.
August 20, 2007

Bill Hoofnagle
Went into DC this past Saturday to buy some Innocent Bystander and they were doing a tasting with Alamos. It is a good buy at $8 bones. I came home with a few bottles.
August 20, 2007

OttawaB
Malbecs —- my favourites are from Cahors. Argentina can be very hit and miss IMO.

QOTD. My fav. area is Whistler BC in the spring — ski in morning, golf in afternoon, party all night ……… then repeat. However, if we are referring to an actual city …….. then it is Paris.
August 20, 2007

Dominus
You are kidding me right? It has been over 200+ episodes and you have not done Malbec? I’m shocked though pleased. Great show on a great varietal. This is the pinnacle steak and lamb wine, bar none.

QOTD; Hands down it’s Venice, Italy. There are many that comes close; Florence, Vienna (ahhh those Viennese know good music when they hear it — Amadeus), Salzburg, a little town called Eze on the French Riviera but please, give me Venice.

Sante!

P.S. A small package of at least a dozen or so TCs coming your way. I need to find out if Peyton has the time to make a presentation to the G-Man.
August 20, 2007

Doyle
Gary, y not go for the largest thundercat collection in the world?
August 20, 2007

Wine-ot
Q.O.D. San Diego !!!!!!!!!!!! 95 pt. show GV TY!!!
August 20, 2007

Marc
QOTD: Cities are like wine. There’s good ones and there’s bad ones and there’s ones in between. But if I have my favorite one constantly, I’ll get sick of it. So my favorite city is whichever one fits my mood at any given moment.
August 20, 2007

C.W. Miller IV
AotD: SF and NYC
August 20, 2007

Jer
QOTD — Cannes, France

Malbec has a special place for me — nice episode.
August 20, 2007

Canuckchuk
I’ve never been able to appreciate Malbec, finding it too plumy and/or fleshy.

I think my favourite city in the world is Florence.

And thanks for the wristban, Gary. Photo to be sent soon.
August 20, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
QOTD: San Francisco, Chicago, London, Berchtesgaden
What can I say,, honeymooned in SF, Midwesterners are awesome, love my English pubs and Hofbrauhaus’s

Can’t wait to visit Scotland so my scotch fix can be had……

It’s not all about wine ya’ know!
August 20, 2007

kevin
QOTD, New York City ….and Paris ..
August 20, 2007

MossyMo
Ding! GV, you said supposably! It’s supposedly, dude! Sorry, that drives me nuts!!!
August 20, 2007

Autoproxy
QOTD: Trenton. Okay, that’s a lie. Chicago.
August 20, 2007

randyb
Great ep.

QOTD: Lucca, Italy followed by Rome, NYC, SF and Sydney.
August 20, 2007

John Witherspoon
great show, I love the Malbec, but really there isn’t a wine varietal that I don’t love.

favorite city in the world….hrmm, I will have to think on that, but I love San Fran, not sure if it is my fave though.

See ya
J DUB
August 20, 2007

yowens
Lots of love for the Malbec. Have had a couple at random dinners and have been happy w the QPR. QOTD: Edinborough, Scotland
August 20, 2007

drew
QOTD :: Sevlla Spain, Saigon Vietnam, and Bayeux France. Maybe a little Firenze Italy, Paris France, Austin Texas, and Walla Walla Washington thrown into the mix.
August 20, 2007

JoeG
Quality show on a grape which I think is a sleeper in the wine world. Susana Balboa never ceases to amaze me, so I’m glad you chose a couple of her wines to taste.

QOTD: If we’re going stateside, it’s gotta be NYC. Otherwise, I’m a sucker for Rome, Italy
August 20, 2007

JoeG
That’s Balbo…not Balboa – hehe, had Rocky on the brain…
August 20, 2007

paula paradise
Balbo is married to Ben Marco–do you think she tries less on his label? Anyway, I thought Ben made his own wine?
August 20, 2007

DrEdwardo
I got to hand it to Lars: he called Vikes: 21 Jets: 3 at the 1st qtr in the intro to Ep. 295 and the actual score was Vikes: 14 Jest: 3.

Lars didn’t hit it out of the park but I’d say he hit a triple (if you don’t mind my sports mixing metaphor). Okay, Lars nailed a 45 yard field goal, not a 55 yarder. WAY TO GO LARS!!

And more important: THE VIKES WON!! From a native of Thunder Bay Ontario, just up from Minnesota).

My favourite cities are:

1. (a biased opinion, as I live here, but: Vancouver BC as long as you don’t mind rain)

2. central Paris.

Edwardo
August 20, 2007

E
Great eight-buck Malbec, that’s always nice. I’ve had mixed results; sometimes they’re too flowery/oaky/sweet, sometimes they’re nice but generic New World reds, sometimes they remind me of Cahors, like the Altos los Hormigas, and I love them for it.

I think all the really interesting Argentine malbec I had of late, though, was rose. Susana Balbo’s Crios was nice if a little hot, and there was an 8-buck bottle they had tons of at Whole Foods that was just delightful.

Anyone ever try Guy Davis’ Argentine malbec? I was intrigued, but apparently it’s long since gone.

QOD: whichever one’s in the windshield.
August 20, 2007

dk22
Longtime lurker lured out by the QOTD: Venice, especially at night in the summer. There is nothing else like it anywhere. Just walking around the city is magical.
August 20, 2007

wlburk
Gary,

Good episode today, enjoying the enthusiasm.

HOWEVER, just because one happens to be a CKC does NOT mean that they are buying crappy wine between 5-7 dollars….

Now, I am no wine snob, but I have bought good bottles of wine for great values so far, and I intened to stay that way! Just cuz we’re CKC’s, doesn’t mean we’re dirt poor!

QOTD: CHICAGO, BABY! YEAH!
August 20, 2007

Totte
Im buying the Alamos tomorrow !

QotD : New York…ItÂ´s where I feel home

Swedish T
August 20, 2007

Bossman
Tap.. tap… is any one paying attention???? 100 odd comments and not one picked up the “I’m a one woman, girl” comment? Is Kahuna napping?????

Vinny is a traitor, for sure.

I bet if the bear can’t take that nasty oak monster, ‘nana Vayherchuk could teach it a thing or two. Borscht and healthy candy, oh my. Poor child.

Love the eggnog, hold the 2X4, please.

As for Thundercats, one word: incoming!
August 20, 2007

Bossman
Since no one else did it: the episode with the info on the tasting is episode #289 “The Naked Show”, in the first segment (sorry links aren’t taking for me)

QOTD: Although I did spent a week in Trenton one day, it would have to be a toss up between NY (come on need I explain?) and London which is only in the running because of the combination of new and ancient.
August 20, 2007

Withnail
QOTD: Paris
August 20, 2007

Boozer
Great episode.

QOTD: So many cities and countries and so little time.
Right now Europe – Rome Italy, US – Chicago

Munich, GE is at the top of the list too…

Have trips to Amsterdam and Paris planned
August 20, 2007

Keith L
ROME!
August 20, 2007

Matt the Lurker
QOTD – San Diego ain’t bad.
August 20, 2007

Christopher T
Zing! Ouch on the Jets prediction, Gary. Open mouth, insert foot. Its not all bad, you’ll get a nice, fresh taste of sweaty sock.

Nice episode, I love learning about less common wine-producing areas (less common in my grocery store, that is)

QOTD: Charleston, SC. I spent my honeymoon there, its beautiful. Full of history, and the beaches can’t be beat.
August 20, 2007

wine whore
chuk~ thanks for the alamos tasting!

QOTD: Minneapolis, MN

thanks for the wristband!

GO VIKES!!
August 20, 2007

CaseyA
QOTD: Seattle, WA — wish my Hawk’s didn’t get smashed!

Malbec’s are great! Hard to find one I haven’t liked yet.

-Casey
August 20, 2007

Alaska1
Ohhhh gary, Look what my Vikes DID…….. oHHH snap!

QOTD: Anchorage, Alaska

Thanks for the wristband!

GO VIKES!!
August 20, 2007

Roo
Great show as usual – adore the malbecs…

QOTD – Seattle or San Fransisco in USA. If I ever left the states for good, it would have to be Madrid or London.
August 20, 2007

Larry
While I’m sure I’ve had some malbec’s in the past, I can’t remember any of them now. Time to change that.

QOTD: Wow, where does one start? Kind of like asking which do you like better, the porterhouse or the ribeye? I would have to say Venice is my fave so far. After that might be (not in any particular order): Milan, Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Tokyo, Hiroshima, Paris, San Francisco, Seattle, parts of Chicago, Boston and Vancouver. Heck, it’s easier to remember the cities I didn’t like!
August 20, 2007

E-Rock
The good old N.Y.C.
August 20, 2007

JennyO
QOTD:
NYC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 20, 2007

Garret Nagle
QOTD: I hope to say Barcelona is my favorite city – I will be there in less than a week for my HONEYMOON!

Wedding pictures to follow!
August 20, 2007

SteveW
TOP 200!!!!
Great show, will have to buy both the Alamos and the Susana Balbo.
QOTD: San Francisco & Seattle. Outside the US its Paris & London.
August 20, 2007

Ferrigno
Great episode blah blah blah, haha but i DO really liked it!
QOTD: I do not have one, YET.
Oh Gary, I love the 50s, brings A LOT OF MEMORIES, it has been a wonderful year (1/2)
One last thing,”33289″ you know what I’m talking about, if not then CHECK YOUR INBOX!!!!! BYE!
August 20, 2007

AmandaM
QOTD- Oxford England, Dublin Ireland and of course, Boston, Ma where I’m from. But I have aa ton of traveling to do still, so that list is bound to change in the next few years.
August 20, 2007

amgryger
Gary,

Thanks for the wristband which I got today. Will send a picture soon.

QOTD: New York City. If it wasn’t my favorite I would live somewhere much cheaper.
August 20, 2007

PRW
I’m a recovering lurker, in a 12 step (episode) program. Had to post something . Always loved drinking wine, but pretty new to “wine tasting”. Not sure I understand the “oak monster”, but hopefully by watching more WLTV and tasting more of these wines, I’ll get the picture. Gary, your enthusiasm is contagious.

QOTD: Portland, OR
August 20, 2007

NorCal-DMB
QOTD: Reims, France – all those champagnes and so little time.

Another great show. Have not had a Malbec in a long time, but placed my order to pick some up.
August 20, 2007

lenny
AAAgghhhh!!! I have been telling myself to send you a request to taste a Malbec I found that I really like (Bodega Septima 2005) to compare with your taste – and now you do Malbecs!!!!!!!!!!! I missed the boat!

Oh well That’s Trix.

QOTD: Right now I would have to say Singapore. I loved Bangkok, but didn’t spend enough time there to really know.

Keep the Bodega in mind for future episodes. Don’t be a lurker – keep our suggestions in mind!
August 20, 2007

nougat
Love the Malbec. Please do more shows. I have some 2006 Alamos Malbec already and I also enjoy the Nieto Sentiner Malbec for the same price.

QOTD: NYC’s got it all.
August 21, 2007

t_moderne
QOTD – favorite city – Springfield, VT. Doh!

actually, favorite city is Siena Italy . . . or Havana, Cuba, or San Franciso, USA, or London, England, or Roma Italia, or Madrid, Spain, or . . . lots of great cities!
August 21, 2007

monkuboy
QOTD: Favorite city – I’m not too well-traveled but my answer is Pacific Grove, California. It’s soooo nice up there! I live in Southern California and wonder why I put up with this.

Thanks for another entertaining and informative show!
August 21, 2007

Mike
QOTD: Fiance says Seattle WA, I say San Francisco (if I could afford it!)
August 21, 2007

Todd S
QOTD: Favorite for what? The answer could be San Gimignano Italy, Estes Park Colorado, or Playa Del Carmen Mexico. What a wonderful world.
August 21, 2007

ktw
drank benmarco 2005 from your store, delish – you did benmarco 2004 episode #59 and susana balbo. i really appreciate you throwing up a hand sign for mendoza and perhaps your next contest should be for whomever comes up with the best “stacking” for WLTV
qotd: portland, OR
August 21, 2007

Malphas
QOTD: Nothing beats the Capital of the World, baby: NYC.
August 21, 2007

lurking Robin
Coming out of lurkaholic mode… I almost bought that Alamos Malbec yesterday, and after this episode I think I’ll go ahead and pick it up. As for the Cadus, the comparison to “Cakebread” is enough to steer me far, far away. Oh, Cakebread Cellars, how very sad you make my palate–but that’s a comment for another time.

QOTD: My first visit to Chicago was way back when I was in jr. high. I fell in love straight away: the street musicians, the el rumbling overhead and snaking between tall buildings, the architecture, so many bridges on the river, the not-so-crazyhectic big city atmosphere, the lake, and man, I knew back then that I wanted to live in that city. It became a life goal. Some years later I got a chance to transfer out of a Big 10 university in Michigan to a smaller college in my favorite city, and I took it. I graduated, landed a job, and I’ve lived here ever since. I love this place.

And while I’m rambling: Gee, now that I’ve come out of hiding, I guess I should head over the forum sometime today or tomorrow and introduce myself. (I know, I KNOW…)

Great episode, as always.
August 21, 2007

Nico
QOTD: can I have 3 favorites?

Buenos Aires, Argentina
Medellin, Colombia
San Francisco, California

-Nico
August 21, 2007

Panoca
Great episode Gary! The best match is Malbec and steak.
I’m from Argentina and really enjoyed this episode. Bad that ended it with that oak monster wine. Usually they are not.
QOTD: although i live in Los Angeles, born in Buenos Aires (love too much both of them) i got to say that Florianopolis, Brazil is an amazing city. Probably my favorite. If i was brave enough…
August 21, 2007

corebigg
Gary!!! Great freaking episode!!! I loved it!!!
August 21, 2007

Mason
Disappointed with that last one, eh? Thanks for bringing us the Malbecs. Great show.

QOTD: I haven’t traveled much, so I really couldn’t give you a great city here. I will be going to San Francisco in October, so I might enjoy that.
August 21, 2007

Joseph M. Kennedy
QOTD: Hands down, San Diego, CA. I love that city. I love it more than I like San Fran. I could totally live there.
August 21, 2007

Gdot
Berlin, Germany!
August 21, 2007

Micha
Great Episode Gary. Argentina was a little off the focus for the (german) customers in the last years, but i think it’s coming back. As we can see, Malbec from Argentina offers some great values (and some unexpected damn scary Oakmonsters
August 21, 2007

diego de la p...
great episode gary!!, haha poor thundercats beaten by the oak monster…

QOTD: i dont really now right now, it would probably be florence or something

keep the good work!!
August 21, 2007

Darlene O.
Loved it, Gary!! Great, as always. QOD: Had to think hard. Has to be Paris. Ran up and down the Rive Gauche. Will live there six months out of the year, one day. That’s my goal!
August 21, 2007

YoungDave
QOTD: Although I’m making the big permanent move to LA tomorrow (please wish me luck in the not-so-angelic city of Angels, BIG G!), I still will always have a soft spot in my heart for the unbeatable small city feel of BOSTON, where I spent the last 2 years of my life. Big UPs to Beantown (yet notice that I didn’t say anything about the Sox, so calm down!)
August 21, 2007

Ivan C.
Great video Gary, I’ve been getting into Malbecs over the past year, and I feel that there are some great ones coming out of Mendoza as of late. I’ve really enjoyed a blend (malbec, bonarda, merlot and cab) called Vistalba Corte B from Carlos Pulenta recently, as well as the Norton Reserve. BTW, Alamos isn’t so such a small producer, coming from the Catenas, who are pretty large if I recall correctly.
Anyways, keep up the great work.
August 21, 2007

ChicagoChris
Yes, I’m the grammar nazi. GREAT EPISODE! Nice rant on oak. Oak aside, it’s just refreshing to see someone so passionate about something. Best city? New York. (After saying that, I must give the parodoxical “Go Red Sox!”)
August 21, 2007

vibemore
Malbec. nice episode. It has been interesting seeing Malbec making its presence known here in WA state. (look for 7 hills)

qotd: Sorry for being a homeboy here, but…Seattle. If you can deal with the weather (and I can) there is no better place to be.
August 21, 2007

TheNall
Finally breaking down and shedding my lurker cloak because I’ve been loving the Malbec’s lately. A couple weeks ago I bought a few bottles of the BenMarco ‘05 to take to dinner and was super impressed with it (as were the other 6 people drinking it). It paired just about perfectly with the pork confit we were served.

Lets see more Malbec (and Tempranillo) on the Thunder Show!
August 21, 2007

medo
Thunder show Gary! I tasted a lot of Malbec on the ProWein fair in DÃ¼sseldorf in spring this year.. great grape – especially from Argentinia.

QOTD: Sevilla!
August 21, 2007

Jon B.
Great episode. Loved the Hacksaw Jim Nog bit. I have had a few Malbecs that where not my cup of tea but will for sure still continue to give it a chance.Maybe I’ll grab the Alamos seems to have great qpr.. QOTD As much as I’d like to give you something different I have to go with Cincinnati Ohio. I’m born and raised in Cincy and my blood runs Orange and Black for my Bengals.By the way your beloved Jets have to make a trip To the Jungle (Paul Brown Stadium) Week six this year..and they are going to have there hands full with Carson and the boys. Thanks GV and WLTV crew.
August 21, 2007

Tony R
Gary,

I’m totally with you on the oak monster. Why, oh why, are so many wines over-oaked. How did this happen? Where did it start?

My favorite city is Paris.
August 21, 2007

Denise
GOTD …….. tuf one, I have Alaska (seen many, many cities there), Germany, no one mentioned Cabo Mexico, gotta love it once you know how to be there, which I have many many times, but the all time favorite is home ….. Seattle.
August 21, 2007

Mathias
Loved the episode! Partially because the Alamos is available in Sweden! Yay!
QOTD: CÃ³rdoba, southern Spain! Such a lovely place.
August 21, 2007

alex
Hi Garry you said “…Malbec is on fire and South America is taking full advantage and credit for this…” I’m Alex from Argentina, I’m a sommelier and I can tell you that everybody is taking credit but really all the credit is belongs to Argentina, and everybody else is taking advantage of it, for example in the last vinexpo, I saw wines from Cahor, with the word Malbec in its label, odd don’t you think, I don’t. Now that the Malbec become famous because of Argentina everybody want to take credit for it even France.

Don’t forget guys Malbec is Argentina

I had a tip for you Garry if you can try any wine from this winery http://www.bodegafoster.com they only make Malbec. One of the best Malbecs that I tried, and believe me I tried a lot

Bye Garry

Keep up whit the good work

Alex

“In Vino Veritas”
August 21, 2007

Will E.
Favorite Malbec is Argentnian TUPUNGATO from Finca Flichman, about $16 at TOTAL WINE. Super silky, inky, cherry and chocolate on the nose and palate. Ahh no longer a lurker…..
August 21, 2007

Rob B.
Great Show Gary!!!
Chad Pennington and the JETS suck!!
My favorite city would by New York, with New Orleans a close second.
August 21, 2007

Mezz
QOTD: NYC
August 21, 2007

Mezz
QOTD Part 2: Another favorite city was Buenos Aires, 3 1/2 yrs ago, drinking Malbec for $3 a bottle.
August 21, 2007

Andy
Awesome Ep G — Malbec is great with grilled foods, fun party wine…
QOTD.. San Francisco greatest city in the world
August 21, 2007

luvgrapesqeezings
Good episode-cool comment about underlying 2nd tier flavors that can evolve into secondary characteristic with bottle time. Since this winter, after hearing you criticism about the over-use of oak, I’ve noticed how some of the wines that I like don’t taste like they did when I bought them even just a few months earlier. For instance a more than fair amount of new world wines seem to have nice vanilla flavors that don’t overly mask fruit, but after several months or longer many of those vanilla flavors seem to turn into overbearing cedar flavors that mute the fruit and other flavors.

QOTD: The question makes me want to travel more. Only been to NYC once for two days around 15 years ago, and I was impressed with it-had fun in some clubs in the village with some friends. Love to see Paris, London, Prague, Florence and so many other places. For now I’ll say Boston is my favorite city because it really is a wonderful place with: amazing colleges and universities, great museums and a good arts- performing arts scene, innovative and diverse food scene, and of course a fantastic sports culture!!!!!!
August 21, 2007

Jeff
QOTD: That I’ve been to – Boston. That I want to go to – Seattle. That I REALLY want to go to – somewhere in Italy
August 21, 2007

Robin C.
Didn’t get much of the program. It kept loading and buffering. We just got a new modem; maybe that has something to do with it.
QOTD: My favorite city to visit is NYC. It always feels like home. Maybe it’s because I lived in Utica for awhile as a child. Anyway, I miss Sarabeth’s for breakfast. I love being able to walk to most places we want to go. I just get there once a year usually; my opera buddy and I see a couple of operas, maybe something on Broadway.
August 21, 2007

Deano
Good Episode Gary.

QOTD: San Francisco!!! oh p.s go giants
August 21, 2007

BPlague
Thunder Thunder Thundercats HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

QOTD: I really do not have a favorite city but I like a city that has a selection of good food and good people.
August 21, 2007

Anthony
Big hi from the UK Gary, great show ! Been getting your emails for a month or 2 now and started watching your show a couple of weeks ago .Have also looked at a few old eps. Love the energetic and compelling way you present your show and the fact that it fairly light hearted. Not really tried any Argentinian wines will deffo have a try soon!!

Fav city … London !!!
August 21, 2007

Paulo P
Gary,

Cadus and all big Malbecs needs AT LEAST 3 hours decanting. Sorry to say but you’ve killed Cadus. The fruit will come forward (yes, even more!) and most of that oak will integrate with it.

That is a suggestion for an episode. “Decanting wines… is it good or necessary?” I think it is interesting to show (with all of WLTV style) that some wines will tremendously benefit from it and some will die.

… still waiting for a tasting of Familia Deicas Premier Cru Garage!

QOTD: Venice, Italy.
August 21, 2007

italianwinelover
Great ep…love Susana Balbo she is a great wine maker and I have enjoyed her wines for along time. The love story of how she met her husband and they made wine together is awesome almost like a fairy tale!!!!

QOTD: I haven’t traveled as much as I like, but I would have to say Sonoma was the one of my favorite places to visit. Its beautiful and the people are very nice! Not to mention all the good wines that come out of there! But Chicago is my hometown so it would be a toss up, cause Chi-town is an awesome city with lots of good food and wine!!!
August 21, 2007

Raphael S
QOTD: Florence, Italy. For the amazing art and architecture.

Gary,

I noticed that the best way to see the color of the wines you taste, particularly the reds, is when you swirl them in the glass. If you get the wine high onto the sides of the glass and the background is lighter (won’t work against a dark background), you can really see the color differences. Holding the glass close to the camera doesn’t really seem to help. FYI
August 21, 2007

Lb in KS
Mem’ries,
Light the corners of my mind
Misty water-colored mem’ries
Of the way we were

Ah…..yes. Everyone should go back to episode #59. The Ep that I first found Gary V…. checking out the Ben Marco. Kinda puts a tear in my eye watching how our little Gary has grown.

Now…don’t expect me to be so warm and fuzzy come December 30th, G. After all… “You play….to win….the Game”
August 21, 2007

Bill Luby
QOTD: I’m going to go with a small city: Verona, Italy.
August 21, 2007

Joe Po
Gary,

Thanks for the malbec show. It is delicious.
QOTD: San Fran – New World; Rome – Old World; NYC – All World!
August 21, 2007

DavidB
Love the Melbac! Excellent QPR

QOTD: It’s a toss up as San Francisco, New York and Paris are amazing cities, each with their own feel. Throw in Boston and Vancuver BC as close runner ups.
August 21, 2007

Brian
Gary – Martin Luther?! Did you have Mrs. Kohut by any chance? Wow, dude, we grew up about a mile away from yer elementary school. My brother had a condo in Westgate where he taught me all about wine – Little did I know you would grow up to be “Thunder Wine Cat J E T S” Guy. Funny how paths don’t cross, but sure as hell coulda. Great Show – as usual… Turning my friends on to WLTV out here in CA, so far they’re just lurkers (so Far!!) Love the Oak Monster (your impression, not in my wine) Cracks me up every time! QOTD – Tie between New York City and San Diego – obviously two different vibes, but I love ‘em both!
August 21, 2007

Trevors
Thanks for the great shows. I signed up a couple of weeks ago (lurking since the Slate article) and have been pretty much hooked! Loved the Cote Rotie episode. Am going to be in Lyon in mid September and thought I might do some tasting in between work, maybe even drive down to Cote Rotie… Shouldn’t be too hard to find some good places but I’d love to hear from anyone with suggestions.
August 21, 2007

Carlitos
QOTD. Tough one. Too many great cities to pick just one. Paris, SanFran, Barcelona, NYC, Sao Paulo (great food!), Seville…
August 21, 2007

Sassodoro
Great show, Gary, as always.

Interesting comment about winemakers working for other brands versus their own label. I’m sure you’re right that one can’t help putting more love into one’s own project. The winery’s website implies something to this effect by saying, “After twenty years of producing wines for others, Susana decided it was time to apply her education and experience to her own wines and put her name right on the bottle.” (BTW, Balbo once worked for NicolÃ¡s Catena, who makes the Alamos.)

However, the situation may be a little more complicated between the Susana Balbo and the BenMarco. Diablito mentioned that the BenMarco is produced by Susana Balbo’s husband, Pedro Marchevsky. Actually, both wines are produced by the same winery, Dominio del Plata, that they own and operate together (http://www.dominiodelplata.com.ar/). Balbo is the winemaker and Marchevsky is the vineyard manager. (BTW, Marchevsky also once worked for Catena.)

So both wines are the result of a collaboration between married people. That being said, presumably Balbo has her heart in (and total control over) the wine that carries her name. The BenMarco is more identified with Marchevsky, and I imagine that here Balbo is trying to produce wine more in the style that Marchevsky is looking for. Regarding the name, at one point the winery’s website says, “BenMarco is Pedroâ€™s surname which means son of Marco in Hebrew,” and elsewhere says, “Pedro produces his wines as homage to his father, Marcos who taught him how to plant, tend, and love the vineyards.”

QOTD: I’ve never been there, but I have a fantasy about the town of Bra in Piemonte, Italy, close to Barolo country, and world headquarters for the Slow Food organization (http://www.slowfood.com/).
August 21, 2007

RICARDO
Seville in Europe and
San Francisco in America.

the best Malbec is Catena Zapata.
August 21, 2007

Lynne
Great show, Gary, tho’ I got a little frightened there at the end. I thought maybe you were gonna reach through the camera and grab someone by the neck!;)

QOD: Tough question…we really prefer the great outdoors, so a city has to have quite a bit to offer to draw us there. We just got back from Chi Town and I have to agree with posters before me. Great midwestern town. ALL people we came into contact with were friendly and eager to help. (We were constantly asking for directions)
A city we would visit would have to have a colorful history, good foods and wines,and great blues. Memphis (didn’t find such great wines, but everything else was plentiful) New Orleans, Chi Town, San Fran and Asheville, NC have been some of my very favorites. Have never been to any foreign cities, but one day hope to.
August 21, 2007

mcj
QOTD: I’m not terribly well traveled, but my favorite cities that I’ve visited are Juneau, Alaska, Minneapolis, MN and Toronto, ON. Vancouver, BC, seemed pretty awesome as well, but I’ve only spent a few hours there.
August 21, 2007

winecollector57
will oak, like tannins soften over time?….Does french oak impart as much “oak monster” profile as american oak?

QOTD…it’s tough to decide, but for one day, Venice Italy, for a weekend Paris, and for a week Rome.
August 21, 2007

LeatherPalate
New York- New Orleans- Chicago
August 21, 2007

RLZ
Rome…great food, wine, women!
August 21, 2007

chenrys
Great show.
Got an Alamos Malbec today for Carl.

QOTD: I’m not well traveled and don’t really like cities much – probably either Asheville or Portland.
August 21, 2007

wtvLurker
gotham city
August 21, 2007

E
By the way:

“Malbec’s” is possessive.

“Malbecs” is plural.

Drives me nuts when people do that to apostrophes.
August 21, 2007

streamertyer
You hit the nail on the head with the Alamos. I’ve had all of them since 2002. None were as good as the 2002. ‘05 was OK. Have to pick up the ‘06.
August 21, 2007

sharon
Ohhhhh….How about ParisRomeSanfranciscoPortlandPerusiaSeattleMexicocityLondon
OsloAmsterdamBarcelona but when it really comes down to it L.A.or Hollywood
because that’s home and that’s the place I like the best.
August 21, 2007

Jayhitek
QOTD: From Boston. But loved San Diego. And Hamilton Bermuda was pretty sick as well.
August 21, 2007

David
Great show, thanks for the Malbec education – seems like they are everywhere these days.

QOTD: Paris followed closely by New York.
August 21, 2007

BW
QOTD: Park City, UT – great snowboarding, incredible mtn biking, good eating, close the airport (SLC) w/o all the big city hastles of traffic, crime, etc. – what more could you want. On the other hand, wine selection is limited by the state (altho I was pretty impressed with the selection at the state store last time I was there).
August 21, 2007

wannaBconnoisseur
Starting to become a Malbec fan, good episode.

QOTD: Cincinnati, OH, my home town, great city, great people!
August 21, 2007

nyc621
Bummer about the oak monster. Can we start a petition? A group on facebook…”I hate the Oak Monster”.

QOTD: NYC with Sydney a close 2nd. Love the Thai food and the BYOB’s in Sydney, wish they did that more here.
August 21, 2007

Greg B.
Big G, Ya know you sure did sell at lot of Oak Monster T-Shirts for a reason. LOL

QOTD: Santa Barbara, NYC, Florence
August 21, 2007

Matt T.
Great show. Just started watching the other day since the Slate article and I’m loving the wine education Gary is giving us all.

QOTD: San Francisco. NYC is a close second.
August 21, 2007

Cam
So awesome to see you taste the Alamos! I think it’s great.

QOTD: Asheville, NC is my favorite city. Runners-up: Portland, OR; Louisville, KY.
August 21, 2007

J Crazy
C’mon, San Francisco baby!! Banff, Canada is right up there, too.

Great little bit about malbec. Mos def.
August 21, 2007

Scarred1
Ok a coomnet few will see cause Im a day late . . .

Great episode. I love Malbec since going to Argentina last year and drink it often. I am always looking for values, so the Alamos is a big hit. I have also liked the Clos del los Siete and Amancaya (they may be Malbec blends) for
August 21, 2007

Scarred1
wierd?

. . . for
August 21, 2007

Scarred1
Qotd

Paris
Buenos Aires
Chicago
Birmingham AL
Houston
August 21, 2007

Dash
QOTD: I fell in love with Nice, France & Cervo, Italy… I can’t decide, but at least they are not too far a way from each other!

Gary, I just have to say that my boyfriend and I do drink wine with you everyday, except now my boyfriend (appellation man) has a second job and I must carry on the tradition of after work tasting by myself… Oh well, I don’t mind!
August 21, 2007

Capt M
The Susana Balbo looks so yummy!! TREMENDOUS show! QOTD: It’s hard to say, but I love Madrid. However, I would love to go back to Hong Kong, and to Singapore. But my favorite in the world is probably Madrid.
August 21, 2007

Eduardo
I’ve been told that since most wines are aged in oak, it can be said : “If you don’t like oak, you don’t like wine”………just kidding.
Ed C.
August 21, 2007

ciaobarbara
the Milwakee person up there has obviously not been to Florence Italy…or any small town in Tuscany.
August 22, 2007

Alos Diallo
Bangkok then maybe New York city, the most fun cities that I have ever been to.
August 22, 2007

def
total newbie to the show. i am hooked already, however. maybe you’ve covered this in the past, but have you tried the pascual toso malbec (2004 vintage, in particular)? i wasn’t very knowledgeable on malbecs before drinking this wine, and it seems to be a little uncharacteristic in its mellowness and smooth fruit. i couldn’t get enough of it, and now the new vintage has taken over and it isn’t quite the same. opinion?
August 22, 2007

the big wine O
santa barbara, cali was pretty nice; also the monterey area (cali); st tropez, france; scituate, mass; san fran pretty fun
August 22, 2007

Augustus
Rome, no question about it. Try to sit by the Fontana di Trevi with a terrific bottle of Pinot Grigio on a hot summer night, watching a couple get married in the most beautiful piazza you have ever seen, and somehow avoid falling in love with Rome.
August 22, 2007

BHOWE
If you like the Almos, and I do. Try the Terrazaz and the Andluna malbecs. The Andeluna was really good, about $12.
Gary, watch out for 11/22 a different kind of monster is coming!
August 22, 2007

wayno da wino
Yo Gary !!
Thanx for another fantastic episode !!
Da Alamos sounds like a “find”, love dat
armpit action. Nice Oak-Monster (Cadus)!!

QOTD: Crescent City, CA (laid-back town
nestled in da Redwood trees)
August 22, 2007

eric
Krakow Poland is a gorgeous old world central European city that is modern enough to be comfortable in, but still traditional enough that it isn’t all tourists. Great food, cafes, beers scenery and wonderfully kind and friendly people.
August 22, 2007

Marz
Nice call, Lars! How ’bout dem Vikings der, eh? Loved the intro. Oh, and good episode.
August 22, 2007

Marz
Oh, QOTD – Austin, TX!
August 22, 2007

eduardo amaral
Hi Gary,

Benmarco is fully-owned by Suzana Balbo too. It’s a hommage to the father of his husband (Pedro Marchevisk), I guess. Pedro has worked for ages on the vines of Catena.
BTW, Catena Zapata owns Alamos; it’s one of their startup brands. The pinot noir is also very interesting
Finally, Cadus is a brand of Nieto Senetiner. Pretty consistent producer, specially the Don Nicanor product line (best buy).
Catena Zapata is probably the great emperor of Argentinian wines. His top brands are excellent.

Congrats on the episode.
==
Eduardo Amaral
Brazil
August 22, 2007

portland guy
OK episode —

QOTD – tough call, but Barcelona, London, San Sebastian and – of course — NYC come immediately to mind.
August 22, 2007

Louis S
QOTD: Bit of a tough call. Five years ago I’d have said Barcelona, no question. Now Montreal is catching up, thanks in large part to the music kicking so much ass.
August 22, 2007

Kathleen
My first love – San Francisco. I can hear the cable cars in my dreams about a week before I go back home, sometimes.
Kathleen
Albany, NY
August 22, 2007

organicguy
Nice….love malbecs…favorite city is Florence, Italy…Must go back and spend more time there seeing all that we missed.
August 22, 2007

Steve R
Guess I better get a Malbec… it’s been a long time! Thanks for the inspiration!

QOTD: Barcelona.
August 22, 2007

Grapedigger
Thumbs up for Malbecs…
One of my favorite cities is Halifax (Novascotia, Canada): nice easy going citizens, small city with no traffic, gorgeous harbor front, historic, and lots of surrounding attraction within 30 min drive.
August 23, 2007

dkeck
GV
Great show and thanks for the wrist band. QOTD:Seattle WA, home of the Seahawks.
August 23, 2007

MetalDave
QOTD: Paris
August 23, 2007

Lar
Tried a great Argie Malbec, Pulenta Estate 2005 from Mendoza last week.
August 23, 2007

Mike
Let’s see some more wine from Argentina. Great episode.
August 24, 2007

Brandon M
#227 is seriously lame!
August 24, 2007

cruster
QOTD: I like Prague (Czech republic) a whole lot.
August 24, 2007

chogan
Paris, followed very closely by NYC.
August 24, 2007

KimG
QOTD: Rome, Paris, Berlin coming up, and I am not unhappy living close to Aarhus, Denmark either Prague is a very good candidate too – especially after this shop opened: http://www.ndv.cz/ – he ought to do a page in english though…
August 25, 2007

Vinacull
Tremendous EP Gary! LOVED the description of the Nieto Cadus, and that is what this is all about. To me a phenomenal angelic “FOF” nose like that makes it worth the anty, even at 32 bones. I’m not an oak fan either, so it really is a shame to have such beautiful fruit mangled by a chain saw on tree trunk. Can’t believe Tonya Harding made an appearance on WLTV!! Brings back memories from the mid-90’s when we lived in Portland and that whole thing went down. QOTD: Paris. In U.S. I’d have to go with Minneapolis.
August 27, 2007

JayZee
Super episode, Gary! I really enjoyed your passion once again. I don’t get the massive oaking either. A very intriguing episode, though. I am definitely going to seek out the Susanna Balboa.

QOTD: My favorite city in the world is still Paris, but Barcelona is now a very close second.
August 27, 2007

LT
Vinnie’s 43, he’s taking what he can get. Jeez, give the guy a break! great episode. QOTD: of europe: Paris, Florence. of US: DC, Boston, Charleston, SC.
August 27, 2007

LT
one other thing – do the vayniacs know they can watch TWO back to back episodes of The Wonder Years at 10pm EVERY WEEKNIGHT on the ION channel????
September 11, 2007

KNode
I’m a little late on this episode, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE Malbec, so I was so excited to see this episode in the archive. I’m definately going to have to try the Alamos (keep the great wines under $10 coming…great for wine addicts on a budget!)

QOTD: In the US I LOVE Austin, TX (such a fun city!). Internationally I love Paris (I went there on my honeymoon in June…I might be a little biased).
November 18, 2007

Bobby Lyon
Great show. First time viewer.
Another possibility is the Alta Vista Malbec from Mendoza, or a
Shiraz-Malbec blend from Callia Alta, origin San Juan. Also reasonably
priced.
We like Buenos Aires.
December 19, 2007

Andy
Oh, and did not know about it. Thanks for the information …
January 13, 2008

chris barco
thanks gary…Baltimore City…MD
tatachilla 2000 cabernet Australia…whata ya think?

Thanks…Thanks…can’t buy wine from you in Md.
but love your show. My wife and i are wine lovers and we have had tons of fun watching
your videos! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
February 29, 2008

bigmay
Great show. I need to try more Argentine Malbec. I really enjoyed the ‘06 Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes so I’ll need to seek out more of her wines.

QTOD: Tough one. Probably have to go with NYC.
April 19, 2008

Vox Wine Group
Stay away from the cookie cutter industrial malbecs. There are hundreds of small production wineries producing only Malbec such as Naiara that are making excellent wines.

2005 Naiara Malbec – 88 points Robert Parker – $9.99
NY Times: “Best Malbec in the World for under $10″

2005 Malbec Reserva – 90+ points Robert Parker – $14.99

Cheers!
June 21, 2008

Matt Dixon
I’m from Rhode Island and I have to say NYC
July 3, 2008

washuta
Zurich
August 7, 2008

Dessert Wine Nerd
QOTD: Its not fair really to answer this seeing as how I havent been to places that I’d like to all over the earth, but if I must I must. I live in Seattle, and I will die in Seattle. Its such an amazing place when you think of how close you are to lakes, oceans, mountians, rivers, parks, beaches, etc. Then when you toss in the cultures, food, wineries, weather (yes, we do have amazing sunny days)and people there’s no beating it (from my perspective).
February 2, 2009

Stephan
FYI Miami is 305
November 19, 2009

addikt
sniffy-sniffy-sniff-sniff-sniff……WTF is that – what a tool…….people actually like this guy? go figure……
“The stupidity of the masses is unfathomable”
–Nietzsche