California Chardonnay and Questions.

California Chardonnay and Questions. – Episode #306

August 31, 2007

Gary resets after the whole Vayniac wine. We do some questions and taste some Chardonnay.

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Comments on this episode(218) Leave a comment ›

“GV…I think that getting the reviews or pts from other reviewers besi…” by Adrian aka AnGkEr
“Another classic in my mind. I love the rants. I feel like a Gary ran…” by Dessert Wine Nerd
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2005 Chappellet Chardonnay NapaNapa Chardonnay
2003 Vineyard 7 & 8 Vineyard 8 Chardonnay ReserveNapa Chardonnay

Links mentioned in todays episode.

218 Responses

August 31, 2007

Brandon M
Let’s make some GD wine!
Numero Uno es Muy Lamo
August 31, 2007

Brandon M
Where is everyone?
August 31, 2007

Brandon M
Top5?
August 31, 2007

JamesW
Apparently everyone is taking Friday off – or taking off for the weekend.
August 31, 2007

Brandon M
WOWZA!
August 31, 2007

Brandon M
How many am I gonna rock out?
August 31, 2007

Brandon M
8 maybe 9?
August 31, 2007

waibeans
you’re done son, you’re done.
August 31, 2007

Brandon M
#7 – It’s a NEW RECORD!
August 31, 2007

CRZYWinemaker
Getting signed up for the Vayniac wine or left early for Labor day weekend. I’m excited about the whole venture, very cool. Keep the wines rolling GV.
cheers ~ Max
August 31, 2007

Seth
TGIF!!!
August 31, 2007

Brandon M
8?
August 31, 2007

bccdavid
Yeah. Finally, top 10. Good luck on the new Cab. wine Gary. How exciting.
August 31, 2007

Brandon M
7 it is…..7 of the top ten…Now that’s gotta piss SOME people off.
Can’t wait to start making wine!
Chardonnay Rocks, and I’m glad you’ve been all over it lately G MAN
August 31, 2007

Lynne
Wow, you really are somebody special when you have your own Bobble Head!
August 31, 2007

Lynne
BrandonM, You’re hilarious!! Are you trying to “positively” piss some people off?
August 31, 2007

CoryS
Gary – I’m going to need a bottle with shoulders, NOOOOTTT.

QOTD – community wine, my friend!!!!
August 31, 2007

Karl Laczko
Hey, you got your name back! Napa Chardonnays, you had a personality change?

Nice posts Brandon, LOL.
August 31, 2007

Brandon M
Favorite Latest Discovery – Reynold Family Winery
Favorite Overall Discovery – Parenthood
August 31, 2007

Autoproxy
Seems like a very laid-back Friday everywhere. Nice and mellow show.

QOTD – favorite new discovery is that I like the beach. I haven’t in the past, but maybe b/c I had only tried the Jersey shore. Booooo to the jersey shore.
August 31, 2007

Dave Canada
Sorry I missed you this time Brandon M….that was fun the other day. Screw the ney sayers
Nice…I am in the process of ordering some 2007 Vayniac Cabernet!
QOTD – That I hate my job and need to find somthing new!
August 31, 2007

Shadowbird
My favorite new discovery?

Nitrogen-powered cannons are potentially dangerous. Bwah-hah-hah!
August 31, 2007

Orion Slayer
Whoa, I’m going to have to try out the Chappellet. I’ve been eyeing it for a while now and Gary dissing it gives me the extra push to try it. It will be interesting to see if I agree or not. Cool!

Wow, what a racy show today. Phrases like “a threesome I’d like to be a part of” and “hot, bitter action” keep popping up!

QOTD: My favorite new discovery is a Wine Blog called “Wannabe Wino.” Not only do I agree with the blogs title, the author has a great style and she reviews very different and interesting wines. I have no connection with the blog, but the URL is http://wannabewino.blogspot.com/

Have a great Labor Day weekend, Gary.
August 31, 2007

Jeff O
Nice episode, not a huge chard fan but good info if my palate changes.

QOTD – Wineries with no or only local distribution, it’s cool to taste a wine that not too many others have tried.
August 31, 2007

aheadwithwings
QOTD:THE VAYNIAC NAPA CAB!
August 31, 2007

NY Pete
Haven’t posted a comment in a long time…sorry…but today’s show ROCKED, not the wines but THE SHOW.
August 31, 2007

Ben N.
Love the show!!!!!!
August 31, 2007

randyb
Two bummer chardonnays. If you give a wine a Pazzz with 7 or so z’s I doubt I am going to try it unless someone who hasn’t watched the show brings it over to my house. Same with Parker, WS, WE, ST, etc. Too bad, but if one has a limited budget for wine, they want to at least get even odds the stuff’s worth trying.

QOTD: I just discovered hybrid irons. You can’t hit the golf ball crooked. Unless you’re say a 2 handicap, these things are awesome.
August 31, 2007

KAHUNA
Curtis Martin is a fink trader
August 31, 2007

waibeans
QOD: favorite latest discovery was on the historical tip.. one of my hobbies as it were.

It would take a long time to explain, but lets just say my mind was blown wide open while at the same time confirming my own opinion. Showed me a whole new perspective on the topic. Gotta love the process of discovery!
August 31, 2007

Karl Laczko
…it would have been a shame had Mott’s aim shattered that Vayniac glass, he throws like a girl .

The Chardonnay’s sucked, not overly shocking news. I liked the educational rant, nice.

QOTD – Fave new discovery….. Indonesian food rocks! (had a killer meal in Amsterdam this week).
August 31, 2007

TagWorld Brian
Gary, I’m in for 3 bottles of VayCab. I created the wine on cellartracker too. http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=401479
August 31, 2007

NY Pete
Brandon…you are crazy…get a life will ya
August 31, 2007

jimkay
Still reeling from yesterday. How can I contribute? NC is a long way from CA. Label design? Purchase? Consumption?
I favor the latter.
Glad the show is still going.
You know, Ian would have done a pretty good job.
August 31, 2007

Paul M
Thanks for the shout-out!

QOTD: google maps on my cell phone … by far the most usefull smartphone app I have ever used
August 31, 2007

wolfie
my favorite recent discovery is gardening. next year, ima grow enough heirloom tomtoes to fill an olympic pool
August 31, 2007

Doyle
LMFAO funniest thing i have ever seen!
August 31, 2007

JerseyGirl turned CNY vayniac
kudos to the genious that made the bobblehead Vaynerchuck!

Oh, and Springstein definitely went to my high school! Way to be a hater Chris! You dont have to like him, but what did he do to you? Jersey pride!

Holy crap Gary – you’re talking really fast around 16:00… too much caffeine?

Rating ARE overblown… i have my own rating system (10-1). i keep the “key” in my wallet and when i rate a wine, i use MY scale…and i prefer to decide for myself!

QTD: my favorite new discovery
1 – wine-realated – wine slushies at the NY state fair. i know, i know, it’s “wine abuse”… but who the F cares – it’s good!
2- non-wine related – shoe shopping online! Zappos rules
August 31, 2007

caleb
Discovering how to sprint properly!
August 31, 2007

Jon B Lodi
Just bought 3 bottles of the Vayniac Cab.

Hey, Gary, could you let us know how sales are going?

I wouldn’t be surprised if you sold out within a month!

You go, Gary! And way to team up with my other (former) favorite podcaster, Alan Baker, the cellarrat!
August 31, 2007

caleb
Oh yeah and my blackberry….what iphone?
August 31, 2007

jimkay
Thai and Pinot Gris go well – Alsace, Oregon or New Zealand
August 31, 2007

KAHUNA
Chris Mott I am sad you are a Giants fan- you Barbra Streisand, Rod Stewart loving bastard!!! It is about time you get some abuse!
August 31, 2007

hugh
Mott disses Springsteen and u gave him a sniffy-sniff….shame on you Gary!!!!
Neither of you can crash my tailgate at CAA

Hugh
August 31, 2007

Lb in KS
qotd~ Willamette Valley Vineyards Oregon Pinot Gris, me likey
August 31, 2007

BruceP
QOTD: Wine-related: Peay Vineyards Syrah. Non wine-related: The nest with the baby hummingbirds in the bougainvillea by the side of my house (I love living in California!!)
August 31, 2007

Brandon M
Tag World Brian…NICE JOB!
August 31, 2007

Withnail
Great show.

QOTD: old (’70s) Van Morrison live stuff
August 31, 2007

KAHUNA
Nice catch GV – man the glass catching in the winter outdoor episode was not a fluke- you can walk and chew gum at the same time-
August 31, 2007

Cab Francenstein
Gary,
Shoulders in a bottle trap sediment when you gently pour the wine out. They are not a marketing gimmick. If you are going to age a red wine long enough for sediment to develop, then yes, bottles with shoulders are better. Pop open a bottle of pre-1990 Bordeaux and shine a light through the shoulder section of the bottle while you pour a glass.
August 31, 2007

KAHUNA
I went outside my comfort zone and tried room temp white wine and they suck so now I dont have to do it again- thanks

QOTD: There is a new massage parlor in town
August 31, 2007

Jon B.
Great show today … Still pumped over yesterday.Stopped by my wine shop and bought a Albarino and a Dolcetto this afternoon.Going to purchase the Vayniac cab shortly. With the “Jesus, your like Eli Manning overthere” comment today I literally shot wine out of my nose,hilarious.QOTD Franch dressing on my salads( mix one part Catalina french dressing with 2 parts your favorite ranch dressing ) toss with your salad and it will soon become your new favorite discovery too .Thanks Gary and WLTV crew
August 31, 2007

TagWorld Brian
Brandon, thanks!
August 31, 2007

Robert Mc
Gary,

Chardonnay doesn’t have “a colour” (or color) of its own. You are too used to oak bombs from California. I’d be worried if your Chablis was golden like that! Please don’t make people think that chardonnay has to be that colour or we’ll be stuck with nothing but dodgy oak bombs from now on.

Favourite new discovery: … Apple MacBook Pro + WiFi
August 31, 2007

UserFredly
I agree with you about no correlation between *quality* and bottle shape, but there may be something to *style* vs. shape. I used to deal with a distributor in France who *only* liked Bordeaux wines. If the bottle didn’t have shoulders (as all Bordewaux do), he wouldn’t even consider it. No Bourgogne (tapered bottle), no RhÃ´ne (tapered bottle), no Alsace (tall, tapered bottle). Just Bordeaux (shouldered bottle).
August 31, 2007

Neil
QOTD: Had an Albarino with dinner last night. After the Lindaflor Malbec I have tried other Argentenian Malbecs and have enjoyed them all.

Have a great weekend, drink responsibly and drive safely.
August 31, 2007

Wine-ot
QOD – Hot Wax !!!! GV Nice show and great ‘finish’!!!!!!!!!!!! 96 points…
August 31, 2007

Malphas
QOTD: My favorite new discovery, eh? You mean aside from WLTV? ;P

I guess it would have to be my passion for conceptual art and design. To me, wine and conceptual art share a similar vein in that both have plenty of samples and examples from creative and talented and passionate people in their fields (no pun intended) that are otherwise left undiscovered by the public because of some modicum of overshadowing.

With wine, I’d blame marketing. I mean, come on — bottles with shoulders? Seriously.

With concept art, I’d blame the product(s) inspired by the artwork.
August 31, 2007

UserFredly
BTW, there is a “c” in Jancis Robinson’s name, and it does get pronounced: jan-sis.
August 31, 2007

GrapeStuff
Lots of love GV – my initial order for the VCS (Vayniac Cab Sauv) is in, hoping to re-up in a couple weeks if it doesn’t fly out the door. Thanks for everything you are doing! Cheers you THUNDEROUS THUNDER DUDE.
August 31, 2007

BW
GV – Are we allowed to break your “1 case limit” previously stated on the Vayniac Cab ????

QOTD – Favorite new discovery – Nikaitchuq (google it – favorite discovery my partners & I made)
August 31, 2007

Kevin K and Amara
QOTD: In wine, Grenache. In life, a new appreciation for Amara.
August 31, 2007

Arthur
Gary good call on the Abarino.

However, I believe Primitivo and Zinfandel ARE related and both are descentded from/or cousins of Crljenak Kasztelanski. If I may: http://www.redwinebuzz.com/grapes.htm#crljenak or: http://www.winepros.org/wine101/grape_profiles/zinfandel.htm

“Shoulders” – I have heard this used to describe ullage gone awry – where so much wine has evaporated throught the cork that the top of the wine is at the level of the shoulders of the bottle. Perhaps Jay O’s friends prefer
wines from a bottle that has had some wine poured off, resulting in the level of wine being at the level of the shoulders – the implication being that such a wine has had some contact with air and has opened up some more…
August 31, 2007

virid
Nothing wrong with Springstein, Mott. I’ll forgive you, but only because you’re a Giants fan.

QOTD: Battlestar Gallatica. (Who’s behind on trends?)
August 31, 2007

Alos Diallo
It would have to be the steak and chicken sub! haha
August 31, 2007

Plminer
I agree with you GV, Chapellett Chard bites!
QOTD: How much I like White Burgundy with food but as much on it’s own. And I’m really starting to get into ’stickies’, good fun to be had with those.
August 31, 2007

Arthur
QOTD – Favorite new discovery: Pinotage. Not really an obscure, unknown wine, but I am starting to dig the stuff more – especially in blends.
August 31, 2007

Wave
QOD- My new HDTV
August 31, 2007

mas
QOTD: Favorite new discoveries – Albarino and Torrontes – best finds this year and came from your suggestions … my wife is now in LOVE with both of these wines – it used to just be Pouilly-Fuisse and Pinot Grigio… thanks Gary!
August 31, 2007

chenrys
Well, you’ve convinced us to try some other Chardonnays even though we haven’t been very fond of them. See, it works…we try more things, thanks to you.

QOTD: I like Seyval Demi-sec wine grown locally .
August 31, 2007

sgt vino
QOTD: That my wife is pregnant!
A new secret surfing spot….can’t tell you.
August 31, 2007

Autumnfox
Wow~ it’s been so long since I have responded…I have truly missed you so much! What a joy to watch and get back into the everyday thang of groovin’ you. Now I am done screwing around with summer…you bring me home(and a great glass of whatever!)to a welcoming familiarity.
QOTD: That some people CAN do a great cabernet franc without blending.(next to last latest trip in Oregon proved that to my surprise).

Love you Gary,
Autumn Fox
August 31, 2007

cumpari
Yo Gary V — like the L’Ecole and Pepper Bridge cameo appearance on the WLTV! Walla Walla in da house!
August 31, 2007

Jameus
QOTD: Well I found some decent single track to ride on close to home after thinking I’d never find anything of the sort! Also found something I really like, Carmenere’s from Chili!

Have a great weekend GV, and everyone else too for that matter
August 31, 2007

MaryS
Hey Chris Mott. I thought I was the only person from NJ that didn’t like Springsteen!
August 31, 2007

Terry Funk
Congrats sgt vino, great show GV, I couldn’t agree with you more about the whole wine ratings, I personally will try anything and everything I can get my hands on. Just bought my Vayniac Cab too.

QOTD: 2004 El Nido Clio
August 31, 2007

Deano
Gary!!! I could only afford 4 bottles of the vayniac wine But hey i am stoked to participate in the fun i will be there for sure.

QOTD
-My new vinotemp wine cabinet
August 31, 2007

BobM
Gary=

I really appreciate your candid response to the question about referencing other critics. As long as you’re going to mention critical evaluations by others, you should broaden the spectrum of the critics you do mention. In fact, you could highlight disparities in their ratings as a way to buttress your argument that people shouldn’t follow them slavishly

I’m looking forward to your taking steps to correct this self-admitted weakness.
August 31, 2007

Arthur
Here’s another bit of info on Zin/Primitvo: http://www.kastela-info.hr/en/zinfandel
August 31, 2007

Dean D.
Hey Gary, can those of us up here in Canada get in on Vayniac Cab? I notice that I cannot select any sort of Canadian province, and your site seems US only. How about some love for us brothers and sisters north of the border?
August 31, 2007

SteveC
The reason people sometimes prefer “bottles with shoulders” has nothing to do with the taste. It has to do with how they store the bottles. If they have those big X bins, the “shoulderless” bottles, when stacked start tilting, and the more you stack, the more it’s like a ski-slope and the wine comes crashing down. The straight sided bottles stack nicely. That’s where the preference is coming from. It has nothing to do with the taste of the wine.
August 31, 2007

JC
I agree with Mott, Springsteen is not that great. I hate that I’m supposed to like his music because I’m from the same state. QOTD: The band Cake.
August 31, 2007

Penney
QOTD: I recently discovered that if you only buy ONE item that is a “buy-one-get-one-free” item at Harris Teeter, it is half price. Too bad they never have buy one get one free wine…
August 31, 2007

JonE
OH oh oh I’m on fire…..come on does that song not sum up every angst ridden restless moment of our collective pathetic lives? Don’t get me wrong I’m not a big Springsteen fan, but give a brother his due.

QOTD: Still looking for new….stuck in old right now.
August 31, 2007

t_moderne
woohooo – top 100!
Yesterday, I was top 500. Now, I’m top 100.
Like the Jefferson’s . . . I’m moving on up.

What a day. Almost as exciting as vayniac cab.
man oh man – i can’t control myself. So flustered I’m not sure if I even remember the Q O T D.
August 31, 2007

Grape Expectations
Good show. Always love Fridays (for many reasons).

QOTD: Shiraz/viognier blend. Tried my first one at my tasting group this week. Liked it a bunch. Saving up now for a Cote Roti.
August 31, 2007

Grape Expectations
Ohmigosh. What am I going to do. I just found out WL can’t ship to Washington state anymore! How am I going to get my Vayniac cab???
August 31, 2007

Len C
Dude, your QB is named Chad and you have the balls to take shots at Eli?? Haha
August 31, 2007

rob in indy
QOTD: WINE.. that’s what I have discovered. There is so much to learn and so much to love about it. Kudos to GV & WLTV for turning me on to this great new love of something. I needed a new hobby. Beer was getting old. Great show again. I think my wife is starting to get curious about WLTV.. she wonders what I am doing on net that makes me laugh and want to drink wine. Thanks GV; Thanks WLTV
August 31, 2007

Arthur
BobM

All the major critics using the 100 point scale do so on the basis of how much they like a wine. None of the major publications seem to use set, strict set of criteria for allocationg points to different areas on the wine (nose, palate, mouthfeel, finish, etc) – it is all a matter of, as Parker puts it, the score reflects: “how much pleasure” the wine gives them.

Since different people have different preferences, scores are bound to differ.

Somewhere along the way, these numbers were taken to be synonymous with degrees of quality.

I think that is why Gary emphasizes both training your palate and then trusting your own palate.
August 31, 2007

Jeffrey
qotd: JOBA!
August 31, 2007

Bossman
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

Chris, you ignorant slut, you wouldn’t know good music if it hit you smack in the forehead and left an imprint.

You’re so involved in all the geeky goobledeegook you have no appreciation for the soul of American rock. I suspect you have no soul period, instead you have a CPU and it’s probably an 8086 (and you’re about as useful).

I used to respect you and always refer to you as Chris, that’s it, you’re nothing but a low down hidden behind the camera, pocket protector wearing nerdy MOTT to me now.

Yeah I once said you had a face for radio because you know that if they put you in front of the camera you’d break the lens.

In fact, when you walk into a bank they turn off the surveilance cameras.

Don’t you need a license to be that ugly?

You have a face like a Saint, a Saint Bernard.

Don’t let them fool you, when they tell you you’re dark and handsome they men when it’s dark you’re handsome.

Everyone has a right to be ugly but you abuse the privilege.

I heard you were disqualified from an ugly contest – rules state no professionals.

When you were born your mom said you were a treasure, your dad suggested she bury it.

MOTT, I don’t need to sign your check to call you that, because I may not be your boss but I’m the Bossman and I’m not going to let some two-bit thread-locking, girl-throwing pansya$$ dis the Boss and get away with it.

What’s your idea of a rocking toon? The P.O.S.T. beep when a PC boots? The whirl of a HD on it’s last legs? I bet it’s the tick tock as Space Invaders monotonously make their way down your screen because your glasses are too thick and you’re too spastic and uncoordinated to move the joystick and fire at the same time?

I used to see the guys who dress in Barney and Mickey costumes standing by the side of the road on my daily run trying to lure kids into annoying their parents enough to make them stop. I invariably told them there had to be a better way and felt bad that someone would have to sink that low to make a buck. You’re lower than that, how does it feel to be a human cork target?

You’re so low you play handball off the curb.

Did Gary make you a shirt with a bullseye on it?

What exactly do you do behind that camera? There’s a tripod right? I bet Gary just keeps you around so he can snicker behind your back and throw corks at you.

Gary, scratch that about the shooting Thundercat, do me a favor and squash the Mott goggles, sharpen the ammo and dip it in curare. I know Mott moves so slow it’ll probably be hard to tell whether paralysis took effect or not but do it for me, please.

Are you always this stupid or are you making a special effort today?

Do you often find yourself lost in thought because it’s unfamiliar territory?

I’m not sure what makes you so dumb but it’s working really well.

You’re a few fries short of a Happy Meal.

Have you considered suing your brains for non-support?

How come you never post in the comments? Come on tell us everything you know, I’ve got ten seconds to spare.

I’d like to see things from your point of view but I can’t seem to get my head that far up my ass.

QOTD: I just discovered how much better I feel after commenting.
August 31, 2007

wildebeest
I hope some of the events surrounding the Vayniac wine will occur during summer of ‘08, because that’s the only time of year that I know I can afford to venture far from school.

QOTD: My favorite new discovery is a manner of orienting the hips that brings strength to the rest of the body. A less incomprehensible discovery is a wondrous new pipe tobacco blend: “Embarcadero” by G.L. Pease.
August 31, 2007

Vinsant
G-man, your cleavage is becoming a distraction! Dump those damn Cali chards down the drain and talk about L’Ecole and Pepperbridge instead. Hopefully Vayniak Wine number 2 will come out of Washington. Cheers
August 31, 2007

Senor Sangria
QOTD: Twitter is what i’ve discovered recently. Even though you have been using it for a while and I’ve been keeping track of the posts. I just started to use it a couple of days ago.

It is a pretty slick way to stay in touch…
August 31, 2007

tom_mackenzie
QOTD Red wine from Spain!!!!! Wow is it good!
August 31, 2007

fatherthechair
Been gone for a while, work craziness. I love the response to the shoulders question– mine was the same!! It might be helpful to add the purpose as I understand it in certain wine bottles such as Bordeaux, i.e. to catch sediment (right?)
August 31, 2007

fatherthechair
Regarding Springsteen, I am staying neutral, BUT:

shouldn’t the same rules apply to music preferences as to wine preferences?
August 31, 2007

fatherthechair
[making up for a long hiatus here]
Regarding point ratings, Gary I suggest a week where you don’t mention how many points anybody gave the wines you’re tasting– or better yet, two weeks of tasting wines none of the major critics have rated…
August 31, 2007

fatherthechair
QOTD, my assistant and I discovered yesterday how to mix the turntable in my office with the music coming out of iTunes on his MacBook, then bring it back into the input on the same MacBook and capture it to an audio file, and use the cue mic on my little mixing amp for commentary. Were getting some magic cutting up Glenn Miller with Propellorheads, Smothers Brothers with Aesop Rock.

We made our first rough stab at a podcast yesterday– we’ll send a link to the next one.
August 31, 2007

Bossman
Now that I’ve calmed down I realize we’ve been snookered, the old bait and switch. Vaynerchuk asks us for a dime, adds an extra show and ends up with his hand in our pocket for an extra 2 cents.

I’ll teach you GV, I’m not commented tomorrow, OR the day after! Take that!
August 31, 2007

Bossman
Oh shoot, that made .14 and this makes .16 ARRRGHHHHHH you guys are driving me nuts! (I know, I know, short trip.)
August 31, 2007

Harley Stan
Gary, great show today, I just happen to be drinking a California Chardonnay ( 2005 Insatiable Chardonnay) while watching the Friday couch edition of WLTV. I can’t agree more about trying different things regardless of other peoples opinions, if Robert Parker jumped off a bridge would you? that is what comes to my mind when I hear people buying based on other peoples ratings. I have a friend that was only drinking about two different wines and it drove me crazy. I have had him over to dinner a couple of times and he is now expanding a little, he has moved out of Australia and into spanish wines, I even have him seeking out different Priorat wines, something he had never heard of. ( I hadn’t heard of them before the Priorat episode but I gave it a shot)
QOTD- Icewine, just went to Toronto and went tasting around the Niagra area and I was wowed, they have other wines that I really like as well but I have never really tried the icewine before, it is yummy!!!
August 31, 2007

fatherthechair
Between this and the cold episode, could be a new extreme sport, the dangerous art of wineglass catching…
August 31, 2007

Kevin
First time viewer, thanks to chez Pim’s sharing, and holy good god are you one talented ‘expletive’. I hope you’re seriously proud of what you’re doing. I have a lot of viewing to do to catch up on all the previous episodes – can’t wait!!!
August 31, 2007

Bernie Bearnaise
As this show demonstrates the wine world is a vast and unpredictable territory. We need guides like gary and robert p. and others to blaze trails and report back to encourage us to visit ourselves. I am sometimes relieved to hear that a certain wine is a pass. That saves me time and money to try other highly rated wines. This is positive not a negative. It is hard to keep up though. Here in Maryland we have a difficult time getting wine shipped directly unless a vinyard is so small that they don’t mind. I would also appreciate knowing who the shipper or importer was of the wines tasted. If a wine is really excellent I would like to know who the winemaker was so he or she can take a bow. I have found a lot of interesting information from the websites of wines I’ve tasted recently. Sometimes their web address is already embossed on the cork….

There are now after only a month of watching Gary many wines I want to try that I haven’t found yet but the fun is also scouring the local wine shops for them. Even though I could be happy in the Old World I am curious what’s going on elsewhere too. Gary has definitely accelerated my wine appreciation.

QOTD: I saw a bottle of 2004 Alamos (Catena) Bonarda. This varietal was originally imported to Argentina from Italy. I didn’t recognize it so I had to buy it to discover what it tasted like. I’ll post a review when I do…Thanks for the Dolcetto and Albarino suggestions. Innocent Bystander has still eluded me…Cheers
August 31, 2007

E
If you want shoulders, you need to get the Mourat Collection Red, that stuff’s got Carl Sandburg shoulders. Oh, and the wine ain’t bad either.
August 31, 2007

guyincongers
I love the topic of california chardonnay. it my short but intense introduction to the wine world my views on cali chard has varied the most. at the earliest, i kinda enjoyed the movie popcorn buttered orville redenbacher flavor profile. this gave way to discovering old world chard and not paying any mind to new world styles. i know appreciate both and find a suitable situation for either. i get my kicks in seeing peoples faces light up when enjoying a burgundian stlye cali chard….when there previous statement is “i’ll drink any white but a cali chard.”

QOTD—-watch out kids for Monsant’s!!!!!! having recently received D.O. status, the monetary value of these wines is so under par! Montsant is the region surrounding the coveted Priorat D.O.C. which lies in the Cataluna region of spain (in regards to QOTD….i could not decide between Montsant or Cava ;-p )
August 31, 2007

Pastafari Pirate
Why can’t y’all ship to Maryland? Admit it – it’s a Ravens-envy thang, aint it?

alrighty right… QOTD: favorite new discovery: DARK chocolate Nestles crunch miniatures.

Caw! Caw!
August 31, 2007

vivaitalia
QOTD: My favorite recent discovery is my love for some california cabernets. For the longest time I wouldn’t try any because of a few bad experiences with some horrifically oaked wines. Now I have found quite a few that have great fruit and a nice subtle oak integration. I’m still kinda mad that I think you’re going to ruin this albarino thing for me (j/k). By the way, how would adding more bastions of the wine establishment be advancing our goal?
August 31, 2007

vivaitalia
Oh yeah i just really got into monstant as well, and you get priorat quality for alot less dough. But there are great value wines all over spain.
August 31, 2007

Byzandula
My favorite new discovery is NOT Springsteen (blech). It is definitely Jamison 1780 Whiskey poured over some cubes in a nice glass. Yum.
September 1, 2007

Greg C
Gary im pissed…. Whats the deal? Im from Massachusetts and now live in Nevada, both non shipping states!!! How can i order from your store? would it be possible to ship to a hotel i work in (fourseasons), or do you know a store that can receive shipments? Can I participate in the Vayniac Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 project?
September 1, 2007

Saftig
Favorite new discovery: Podcasts, from the Onion, to Savage Love to BBC news to Car Talk to Philosophy Bites, it’s all good. Great way to pass the time waiting in line.
I think I’ve discovered a renewable energy source: attach electrodes to Gary-the man is a walking triple espresso a veritable ferret on crack.
September 1, 2007

Daniel
Favorite new discovery? This show!!! And the band, Beirut, and Piave Vecchio cheese!!! WOW!
September 1, 2007

KenP
Springsteen is the Robin Williams of music; he just won’t get off the stage.
September 1, 2007

linda
Love the bobble head!! Weekend is screaming for a road trip to the WL. C u soon!

Linda in NJ
September 1, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
So much more comfortable now that I know you are going to be around awhile…

QOTD:
Michael Perry and the Long Beds Album Headwinded Check it out!

Have a great weekend ya’ll.
September 1, 2007

onemore
Shoulders: Oh man… Once upon a time I was browsing the wine section of a large grocery store when I saw bottles of Silverado chardonnay. I had never tried Silverado anything before, and the wine was on sale, so I picked up a bottle. Then I heard a woman next to me (a fellow shopper, not a store employee) say, “Oh, have you had that before?” I said “Nope” and she said “Ah, I seeeeeee… You should try that wine instead [pointing at some bottle of cabernet sauvignon].” I asked if she had tried the cab before and she said: “No—but it’s got shoulders, so it MUST be better than that wine [pointing at the Silverado].” And I thought, “Shoulders? The hell? Does she mean legs? What the—oh wait, SHOULDERS, on the BOTTLE!” And I laughed and laughed.

On a separate occasion, someone told me he won’t buy or drink any wine that comes in a narrow bottle. “The wider the bottle, the better the wine,” he claimed. I asked if that meant I’d find nothing but jugs o’ wine in his kitchen, and I think he took offense to that. I guess a glass jug doesn’t qualify as a bottle, I dunno. So I asked him for examples of wide bottles, and he named some pinot noirs and said “I don’t drink anything that comes in a bottle skinnier than those.” I told him he was missing out on a LOT of wine. He disagreed, citing some non-pinots that he sometimes finds in “those big double-sized bottles, I’ll drink those.”

People have bizarre wine selection methods, I tell ya.

QOTD: Beets. For years and years I stayed away from beets. They were on my Yucky Foods list, right up there with okra and liver. Turns out I had just never tasted well-prepared beets: earlier this year, a friend cooked me a beet dish that rocked. That led me to research beets and the various ways to use them. And now I like ‘em.

Also: That Alamos Malbec from a recent episode, and malbec in general. I recently visited a Whole Foods and found one bottle of Alamos left. (Heh, there must be many WLTV watchers here in Chicago!) I took it home and tried it. At first it was a little off—it tasted kind of bitter and a little too sweet—but it improved greatly as I let the bottle sit open for a good long while. Now I’m exploring malbecs. See what you did? It’s all your fault.

One more thing and then I’ll shut up: A wineloving acquaintance of mine likes to pick on me because I rarely capitalize the names of grapes. Were he to read this comment, he’d get all bent outta shape because oh my gosh, it’s Capital M Malbec and Capital CS Cabernet Sauvignon, and don’t even think about shortening it the “cab” or “Cab” or “cab-sauv”—oh, the sacrilege! I like to remind him that there are better things to worry about, even when it comes to wine, than the case of a grape’s name. I suspect he wouldn’t try the best bottle of chardonnay in the universe if lowercased “chardonnay” was printed on the label. Wine selection methods, man… crazy.
September 1, 2007

Aaron C
I’m know others have asked but I’ll throw it out there anyway. What about people who want to order the Vayniac Cabernet but don’t have shipping to their state? Are we just out of luck or are we going to have to use this as an excuse to make it out to SF?

QotD: Wines. I’ve been enjoying really delving into good coffee, tea, beer and whiskey for quite some time now. I had tried some wine in the past and had decided I didn’t (and wouldn’t) like it. Over that last six months or so I’ve been trying to get my hands on as many types of wine as I can and I’ve been loving it. Now that I’ve found WLTV it’s only getting better!
September 1, 2007

portland guy
Not your best. Answer to the ’shoulders’ was aweful. OK review of the chards. BUT – You continue to talk to the camera guy — why? Because he prefers Diamond over the Boss? Because he is a living bottle head doll, nodding his head in agreement to everything you say? Because he loves when you rant? Or that your bottle head doll reminds him of his mother?
September 1, 2007

LeAnne
Great show & great answers.
September 1, 2007

Matt the Lurker
QOTD – belly buttons
September 1, 2007

Mudd
I’m with Mott, Springsteen is soooo overrated. His 1970’s stuff is passable, but Born In The U.S.A. is offensive. I like the guys from his band though.

QOTD: I’ve really only been going at wine for like 4 or 5 months, so I’d have to say wine and the whole Gary V. Experience. Before that, CIGARS! Cigars helped me stop the pack and a half a day habit. And, I don’t care what people say, a good cigar and the right wine is a great combination.
September 1, 2007

Peter E
QOTD: New discovery, shoulders don’t matter.

Alright just kidding, I’d say that my newest discovery is that I may want to try to write a book some day. Never thought I would, I’ve had a poem publish, which I have no idea how I pulled that one off. But I think I may start with a couple of short stories and work my way up to a book.
September 1, 2007

TR
Interesting show. The bobble head didn’t look a thing like you the hair was all wrong and the face too angular. Perhaps it’s really just some tosser repackaged and your mates are just having a piss with you.
You’re are dead on about the shoulders comment, a few shows back you tasted a wine with the Rhone style sloping shoulders that you said tasted “just like a right bank Bordeaux” and the ones in the Bordeaux style bottles you said were all very New World. Although, I wonder if the question might have been refering to vintage wine that has had it’s fill reduced down the shoulders by evaporation from LT storage in low humidity.
I am opening a new restaurant and the comment about the red Thai coconut curry resolved my dilema between choosing to serve that or a green Thai sauce with my Mahi dish. So your show is altering the world around you, in case you were wondering.
Have a fine labour free weekend.
September 1, 2007

TR
Best Wine rating method:
The Three Stooges wine rating system
MOE: Moe-ness in a rating denotes the rough harsh qualities of tannin and acidity.
LARRY: Easygoing, simple inoffesive, soft, just trying not to grate.
CURLY: Wines of great character and distinction.
SHEMP: not an actively bad wine but is bland and clumsy-more lame than awful.
joe: doesn’t even deserve to be capitalised- a truly bad wine of this world- a real swill would be a joe besser.
-A wine can be assigned up to 3 Stooges.
-The more Stooges the greater the impression on the taster.
-A wine’s personality is expressed by the particular mix of Stooges.
September 1, 2007

Augustus
For a huge, new world, Oak Monster style chard, but intergrated and well made, check out the Chard put together by Silver Stone in Paso Robles. The winemaker, Dan Kleck, has crafted the most delicious “new world” Chard I have come across. It’s all buttered caramel popcorn on the nose, with a touch of oak and citrus – and the finish is all sugar, butter, caramel etc.

QOTD: I have two new discoveries. First, I love the feature on iTunes that lets you print out the song list when you a make a mixed CD. There are lots of options, and when you print it out on to photo paper it looks very cool. I have also discovered Alsatian Pinot Blanc – very fun, with a terrific citrus component that just cuts and cuts. Trader Joe’s has one for eight bucks (in Los Angeles… I can’t speak for those of you in the provinces).
September 1, 2007

sky
lurker no more. discovered wltv after the conan thing and went back and watched all 300 or so episodes-it took me three weeks- and i became current at the zero episode yesterday. Yeah!!! WLTV I have finally arriven…(inside joke) arrived……….wltv has reminded me not to leave behind the over oaked and the over hyped although i prefer old school old world………..more later
September 1, 2007

sky
whats moderation. awaiting moderation? is that what i should b doing in my life? i dont think so…more wine,gargorle..garson
September 1, 2007

Glazer
Glad to see your excited about the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets 8-8 finish this year!
September 1, 2007

DrDave
You only need to know what you know. Very yogic…I like. Sold on your site
September 1, 2007

J-Pipes/PiperJS/any Pipes you please...
QOTD: This may be along the road to T.M.I., BUT..at least it’s a universal topic, and if I can’t be candid here, where can I be?: Honestly, my favorite new discovery is this herbal deoderant I got at Target. Way back when I used to use Tom’s of Maine, but then two years ago it started giving me a rash. So I had to switch back to normal brands. But I prefer natural products. So when I saw this brand last week while doing my household shop, I decided to give it a try. I know this is totally weird, but I have worn it to multiple sweat-inducing events, and I CANNOT stink. It’s amazing, and cheaper than all the other deoderants. It’s called Herbal Clear. And I found it just in time; it’s been in the hundred degrees here!!
September 1, 2007

Dusty
Let me know when the bobblehead goes on sale, and it’ll be on my desk for sure. QOTD: my fav discovery? caribbean jerk sauce. delicious. and also the idea that how i interact with my students is almost as important as what i am teaching them.
September 1, 2007

Robert S
great show…
September 1, 2007

Robin C.
QOTD: My favorite discovery is the Vayniac community wine effort. I’m very much looking forward to every step in the process.

Appreciate the bobbelhead nod, but Gary is much better looking than the bobblehead.
September 1, 2007

d547
6 bottles, we’re in. Sharing the love. Yeah, we’re a bit prickly, but we still heart you Gary!
September 1, 2007

d547
oh my, we’re now being moderated. hmmmmm.
September 1, 2007

Jill
guess we’re on the outs???
September 1, 2007

wlburk
Great episode, sorry the wines were not good.

QOTD: My favorite new discovery is probably….my talent in the kitchen!
September 1, 2007

Sassodoro
As another suggestion for Nicole for a wine pairing, my wife and I like Viognier when the dish is getting curry-esque. Primitivo is a very interesting suggestion. I’ll have to try that.

Gary, I have to preface my additional comments by saying that I love your show, I love your missions (Changing the Wine World, bringing people together through wine), and I love you. You are a mensch. And I know you are looking for real feedback, not just praise. In that spirit, I have to say that I was a bit disturbed by the manner and vehemence of your answer to Jay O.’s question about wine in bottles with shoulders, although I don’t disagree with the substance of your answer.

There is no shortage of stupidity in the world, and some of it deserves to be confronted directly and vigorously. However, I think that Changing the Wine World — a world in which wine bullies intimidate people with all kinds of arcane knowledge and rituals and prescriptions for what you should like — should include giving people permission to ask “stupid” questions without fear of being ridiculed for it. In your defense, I note that you were careful not to call Jay O. stupid, or to call Jay O.’s friends stupid. Still, by saying “That’s the stupidest thing I have ever heard,” it might be hard for Jay O. or his friends to refrain from drawing the inference.

A more sympathetic (and informative) way to answer the question would be to try to understand where somebody could have gotten this strange idea. Perhaps because the taste of the wine is affected by the size and shape of the glass in which the wine is served (which also seems like a strange idea until you try it), people are overgeneralizing to the size and shape of the bottle. (And people do claim that the *size* of the bottle affects how the wine ages because of the air/wine ratio.) Another possibility is that Jay O.’s friends have picked up on the fact that, by history and tradition, certain wines are put in bottles of certain shapes (e.g., Bordeaux in bottles with shoulders, Burgundy in bottles without shoulder, Alsatian wines in long slender bottles, etc.), and to some extent producers from other areas have honored those traditions by putting wines of similar styles in bottles of those shapes. So there actually could be a statistical *correlation* between bottle shape and taste of the wine without the bottle shape actually *causing* the wine to taste any different. Perhaps Jay O.’s friends prefer wines of the style that tends to be put in bottles with shoulders, and they have confused correlation with causation (which is a very common mistake).

Regardless of the way that Jay O.’s friends arrived at this idea, the fact that they now *expect* wine from certain bottle shapes to taste better to them may itself have an actual effect. This could be like a Placebo effect, where the patient really does feel better after taking the doctor’s prescription, even though the unsuspecting patient is actually only taking a sugar pill. Expectations in themselves can have real effects. That being said, personally I don’t want to enjoy my wine solely because I expect to enjoy it (or because the Jets won). I want to enjoy my wine because it has certain sensory characteristics that other people can agree are really in the wine. But if our own palates (and our own pleasure) are all that matter, it isn’t really clear whether I should care about that. Perhaps this is a philosophical question that people have to answer for themselves.

In any case, I think there were better ways to handle Jay O.’s question, and it is only because I think so highly of you that I took the time and trouble to call you on it. You do an awesome job, and I want to thank you for it.
September 1, 2007

Jay
QOTD: This new Wine Bar in San Diego. It is called Wine Steals. It has the best prices in San Diego. Plus the atomsphere is just awesome. I have been there three times in four days. They also have the 2005 Dover Canyon Cujo for only 18 bones (that is the same price on the website). The other place I was going to marked the price all the way up to $56. Place was a damn ripoff. Plus this place serves all kind of foods to go with your wine.
September 1, 2007

alberto
Sassodoro your so BOOOOOOOO00000000…ring.
This is not your diary.
September 1, 2007

Chris Turyk
Gary, I would like to order The Vayniac Cab, but the order form only ships to the US, and I am in Canada. Problem?
September 1, 2007

Vinsant
WTF, you don’t ship to WA?! What up wit that?
September 1, 2007

BK
Great episode Gary,
And i have to say, contrary to Sassodoro’s lengthy diatribe, i love how you responded to the shoulder question.
There are lot of wine videos on the internet…lots of opinions.
Why do we all choose to watch Gary? Why do people who have NEVER been into wine choose to watch Gary and maybe try new things?
Because of the originality, passion and personality that he brings into an old, dusty, crusty, snobby, elitist pastime.
I would HATE to see winelibrary tv degenerate into a nice, polite, don’t-offend-anyone, freakin CASTRATED, buttoned-up version of what it once was.
Gary throws things at the camera, spits into a jets bucket and has thunder cats on the table for god’s sake. Everyone should know what they’re getting into 30 seconds into the show.

Gary, we love you. We love the thunder. If you make any change at all….MAKE IT LOUDER!

QOTD: Really had a nice discovery with Gravner’s wines. Very unique and interesting.
(also, WLTV is probably my favorite wine discovery lately!)
September 1, 2007

Annapolitan
GV, good show! QOTD: Montevina pinot grigio from CALIFORNIA ! Awesome!!
September 1, 2007

Kristen
Nice show, I’m glad you rated the chardonnays the way you felt and weren’t influenced by the “big boys.”

QOTD: Pinot Auxerrois 2003, a nice change to the everyday American white.
September 2, 2007

Happy Wine Guy
QOTD: That Gary rates wine he doesn’t like 84. Doesn’t leave much wiggle room for ones that you do like, does it?
September 2, 2007

Seth Zuckerman
A suggestion on how to improve your rating system. err.. :”changing the wine rating system world”.. I think that you should rate wines based on 3 categories 1. Smell 2. Taste 3. Finish..

seth
September 2, 2007

wmole
I love it Gary when you throw corks and talk to Chris Mott. Every great show has a sideman, and he’s yours… Your press portrays you as the wine world’s everyman, talking to your cameraman cinches it, great stuff, how many stars do that? (Julia Roberts?) Keep bringing it bro G. Also, yeah, I love your tasting descriptions and ratings because you put so much life, energy, and reality into them, it’s what makes this show so enjoyable.

Discovery? I’m a champagne/sparkling wine slut, haven’t had one I’ve disliked yet.
September 2, 2007

wmole
Pretty scary post Jen. Why? Me too! Thanks for the recommendation. Have the Tom’s deodorant and it makes my pits smell like wet dog fir. Did you catch that aroma profile? I was thinking about “secret unscented” as a replacement until I read your post and was thinking…..

“Two vaynians, unoffensive, and desiring to remain so, find odor protection in an unexpected place. Their quest for fine wine has brought them to a place where “nose” takes on a new meaning, they ask the question, does my human aroma overtake, surpass or in any way trump the enjoyment of this wine or affect my personal relations with other beings? Am I offensive?

Two different people, one has the answer, the other? has just seen that Target sign post ahead, and has entered the twilight zone.

Thanks Jen! You smell great!
September 2, 2007

wmole
Gary, pumping Albarino one day as the new chard and then bashing two cali chards soon after? tsk, tsk.

Nonetheless, tried an Albarino for the first time and loved it! Thanks bro.
September 2, 2007

Rani H
Great show GV.

QOTD: A new discovery for myself is that I am finally beginning to enjoy different styles of white wines. Listening to the way you describe the nose or the taste opens my mind up to a much wider variety of scents/flavors I may not immediately think of due to my slowly maturing palate. I have a much better appreciation for these wines now that I previously did not know how to enjoy. Thanx GV!

–Rani H
September 2, 2007

Shotgun
Disagree with you on the Chappellet. While I prefer non-ML and subtly oaked chards from California like Mayacamas or Stony Hill, the Chappellet is a nice example of a well-mannered “California-style” chard. Haven’t tried the 8.

Sorry to say but the bobble head looks nothing like you. Looks more like Nick Faldo the professional golfer. Plus they needed to throw in a few spikes into the hair, like you are fond of wearing from time to time. I have to give the GV bobble head a 78, and for that, a huge PAZZZZZZZZZZZ…
September 2, 2007

Justin S.
My .02; The wine world is changing and the producers seem to be listening, I’ve noticed a big shift in Chardonnay lately.

QOTD: I am going to have to say my new Gravely Hydro mower, it’s manly. And in the wine world, wines from the Lodi region seem to be kicking ass.
September 2, 2007

Nathan
QOTD:
Smoking a pipe.
September 2, 2007

Greg Schimizzi
Gary,

I loved the dolcetto episode. This is a wonderful grape with tremendous palate ‘tonality’ depending upon producer as well as vineyard location and seasonal variations (nature + terroir = nattoir). I am so glad to hear that you appreciate this wonderful wine and I too am sorry that it is not as readily available. I like to think of it as a hidden treasure also.

I enjoyed your Chardonnay show today also. California chardonnays have always intrigued and befuddled me. I have a kind of love – hate relationship with them and it is not the fault of the grape, the land or mother nature. It is what has been done to the juice. This grape has been prodded, primped, jazzzed, oaked, buttered and at other times completely disrobed. (I personally prefer the naked Chards best.) I know that the California Chardonnays are my choice for a party white wine, but I have great difficulty pairing some of them to foods and considering it a serious food wine. I tend to go to old world white wines when serious food is involved. I think that California has the most to gain by refocusing Chardonnay into a true expression of the grape given the wonderful land, climate and expertise available.

Greg S

PS Consider episodes on;
Wines made from the garganega grape and trebbiano: As you had in episode 220, the Soaveâ€™s can be subtle, elegant, refreshing and delightful.
Would it be over the top to do an entire episode on Soave? You loved the Gini La Frosca – right up your alley with bake shop, floral, fruit and mineral on one hand. Others can be packed with fruit and honey in the recioto versions.
And an epsiode on desert wines made by different techniques: Botrytis, Eiswine, recolta, passiti, fortifying.
September 2, 2007

Daniel O
QOTD: My new wine discovery is Spanish wines! Had tapas last night and experimented with a Rioja Crianza and a Rueda. Yummy!
September 2, 2007

Kent Benson, CSW
Garrett,

Please…her name is JANCIS, JANCIS, JANCIS – that’s Jan’-sis…not Janice!!! Sorry, but that drives me crazy.

Kurt
September 2, 2007

Greg B.
Big G, I like it. Nice friday show. Too bad about the 84’s.

QOTD: For the last six months my new discovery has been WLTV and I just have to say thank you Bro!
September 2, 2007

Lawrence Leichtman
First time I have listened and not agreed with you at all Gary. I read, watch you, taste, and read some more. Problem is there are thousands of wines out there. Maybe you who have access to any wine you want to taste can get to thousands of wines but neither I nor the giant majority of your watchers can. Yes, I agree, I hated the Chapallett but don’t really want to taste it again as the wine you tasted is what the last 5 vintages of Chapallett have been. But all of us need someone to point a direction. Wine really is an expensive hobby and one that I’m not fond of wasting a lot of money on drinking bad wines on purpose. I have had more than enough bad wines to know the smell and taste of a bad wine. I think that you can quite quickly fall into the same trap of all of the elitist wine advisors but in a reverse way. Don’t forget that we buy the wines. No one hands us 30 bottles to sample. Also, I find in my business, medicine, there are no stupid questions, just the unasked ones so when someone asks a question that you feel is stupid either don’t answer it or don’t put them down. So continue to advise. Scoring is only a guide obviously but there need to be some guides somewhere that people can rely on. Hoping you will continue that. This is about the first episode from the begining that I have been totally disappointed with.
September 2, 2007

*/^_^\*
qotd::: WLTV
September 2, 2007

jason
laid back friday was real laid back.

QOTD: Kaefferkopf Riesling from Alsace. I have had a bottle or two of wines from Kaefferkopf ( it is a village in alsace that is sort of rare and produces good quality wines) but over the weekend, i had a great bottle of 2005 for 9 euros that was really good. there was a nice tension between acidity, fruit and minerals. loved it.

also l *_* l for a tape cassette
September 2, 2007

jason
SHOULDERS!!!!!!! it also a term that can be used to describe a wine that is large in stature, masculine and has weight a muscle. for example a hermitage or cote roti are wines that have shoulders and a wine form say chambolle musigny is not a wine that has shoulders.
September 2, 2007

AlisonD
Too bad these Chardonnays werent very good..I am always looking for a new one.
September 2, 2007

Tommy Vernieri
Glad my Dolcetto comment made you happy, Gary.

QOTD: Maple Bacon Cupcakes! You heard me right, bacon, in a cupcake. http://www.flickr.com/photos/tommyvernieri/1304374137/

I have to say, I agree with some of what Sassodoro said. There are no stupid questions; that said, I do love your intensity and attitude and I’m sure any regular viewers will realize that you don’t want to talk to JayO’s friends on the phone to tell them they’re stupid but instead to convince to expand their wine world.

Keep it fun and make some cupcakes!
September 2, 2007

Jeff Cleveland
QOTD: Twitter! I’m having a blast with it.
September 2, 2007

maggiej
Forgot to comment on the BIG DAY! Sounds like great fun…too bad the wine is pricey, though it will probably have great QPR

QOTD: tea salad at a Burmese restaurant. That’s right, cooked tea leaves…yummy. Also found and enjoyed the tasting room at McKeon Phillips, in Santa Maria, CA, especially the 15 wine line-up.
September 2, 2007

GottaGoDrink
No bobble head has ever looked like the person. Yours is no different.

Gary- Loved the show! Two wines that you really hated, your facial expressions were outstanding…”I really don’t like this wine.”

QOTD- Brunello. Cheers!
September 3, 2007

Madcap
First episode for me (I’m looking back on the rest though) and I haven’t a clue what I’m watching but I like it and I’ll keep watching. Thank Diggnation for the mention cause Kevin Rose brought me here.
September 3, 2007

Paulo P.
Sassodoro, I agree with you…. and with BK. I think it is possible to maintain the GV style and being informative at the same time. He often do this. Was the original question stupid? Yes, for sure. But there are reasons for that. You partially explain here as well as I pointed out at the “ask” site. Vintners often put their products on bottles shapes that could suggest a reference in style to the regions that you pointed out. For instance, if everyone talks about how “great” Bordeaux is -overshadowing other great places-, it make sense that this factoid did emerge. However, I believe WLTV should be safe for everyone, specially for the ones that are starting.

Gary, slow down a bit and try to understand where this things come from, ok? Being so passionate sometimes blurs our vision.

On the other hand… IT IS SO COOL that my question got answered… so passionately. And I have to say that I could not expect anything else from you. After all, you’ve talked and talked about the importance of trusting your palate. By just mentioning that you like and respect these other people (please, don’t butcher JanCis, not Janis) and publications you reinforce the idea that there are so many different opinions out there. And that, my friend, includes your listeners opinions. You bring a whole new dimension to something that sometimes could sound patronizing (which I know that is not).

Still waiting for the Familia Deicas Premiere Cru Garage to be tasted.
September 3, 2007

Paulo P.
QOTD: A fantastic old and made to be oxidized ViÃ±a Tondonia Reserva Blanco 88 (Rioja, Spain). It has an amazing character and freshness.
September 3, 2007

J Crazy
QOTD: Organized paper work. I’m starting a company and it’s vital that I have all my paper work organized. This is not my forte but as I practice more I get better. Just like with wine; practice makes better.
September 3, 2007

chenin
Gary,

What a shame you have to answer thousands of emails, and I pity
you because I couldn’t even think of doing that.
I won’t send you an email.

PEOPLE !!! Instead of sending emails, post it here in the comments or
the forums. Give a guy a break.

My favorite new discovery is Chenin Blanc
And I’m not kidding either!
September 3, 2007

mikey c
Great response to Paulo P’s question. When it’s all said and done it’s about what we like/dislike. Anyone that just buys wine based on points or by what you say or RP says are missing the point. Keep up the great work!
Go Saints!!!
September 3, 2007

Happyuke
Great show Gary,I love your honesty on the Chardonnay,and you are right It’s up to our own taste,but it is great having an opinion and then tasting the wine again and seeing what you did not like about it.
Are we going to be able to order your wine to Canada?
September 3, 2007

tony mahoney
Gary, since I live in (the Nazi state of) Massachusetts, how do I order the Vayniac Cab and join the effort to make this a great wine?

Tnx
September 3, 2007

Scottymatt
Great show Gary-agree with you on the Chappellet…I have had it thought the same. Too bad because it is a good producer (like their Cab you rated).
Very excited about your (our-collective)) new venture. Brilliant!

QOTD: College Football. This Saturday was great. Cal against Tenn. Went great with a â€˜02 1er cru Chablis.
September 3, 2007

Matt E
Hey, It’s September 3rd. Where are you….?
September 3, 2007

Gina
My favorite new discovery is the Valdesil Montenovo Godello ‘06. So upset to see that WL was sold out this weekend!
September 3, 2007

Matt E
…BTW, I think thar Dr. Leichtman, Sassodoro and others with like sentiments that somehow you were putting JayO and his buds down is, at best, a hugely inaccurate perception of what you were saying.
My reading of your aptly passionate response was that you considered *the notion* of “shoulders” making a difference in the taste of wine to be “stupid”; a far cry from assasinating the the guys who asked the question.
I cry foul at the dudes who are just analyzing, and over-analyzing your gunslinging because somehow your response didn’t fit their “preconceived notions” of you. Bollocks to their hyper-criticism and bravo to you, man.
September 3, 2007

Grapedigger
Couch episode rocks!!
QOTD: I recently discovered Chateauneuf-du-pape!! I was with awesome friends and they poped the 1999 E. Guigal Chateauneuf-du-pape. This was 2002 wine of the year by wine spectator (WS 93) so expectation were high. I loved it but I was a bit disappointed with its mediocre finish..To me it was a 90 pointer! May be if I had not known that it was WS wine of the year then I’d have enjoyed more!!
Cheers
September 3, 2007

Paulo P.
Matt E… I understand you and GV. The problem is that people are hypersensitive about the stuff and usually gets upset about it. And I see no point in pushing away people that could be your allies.
September 3, 2007

Palmer
QOTD: that if you look really hard, you can see the potential for a fabulous wine cellar in my to this point totally useless California basement…
September 3, 2007

Matt E
But Paolo P., my point exactly: I don’t think Gary was nor intended to push away JayO and friends.
If they felt pushed away, they really missed his point. If I were JayO I’d simply have read GV’s passionate statement as saying, “Wow. Were *we* ever misled by whomever fed me that BS….”
GVs reaction was, to me, just his emphatic way of reiterating that the wine bullies have really spread their insidious false truths — a very important and consistent message that he’s been touting from the get-go.
September 4, 2007

KevinatFieldSound
QOTD: Living in the moment: AKA Constantly being surrounded by things that quicken the heart. Enjoying life, enjoying people, understanding the vastness of the universe and knowing that to savor and enjoy is more important than any dollar, any argument. That this life, this moment, this memory can never be bought and that every new thing just adds to your education, your heart and your dreams.
September 4, 2007

Brendan L
95 Points – Bernardus Chardonnay 2005, and it’s $17. “WOW WOW WEE WOW” as your favorite fake news/movie personality might say.

I want to see you taste this one!!!
September 4, 2007

Jayhitek
Button that Shirt MAN!
Is it me or does the Gary Bobblehead look just like the Monk bobblehead..

QOTD: Can’t think of anything right now. Will get back to you.
September 4, 2007

BK
Another great show GV.
Thanks for keeping us informed and entertained.
September 4, 2007

mcj
QOTD: A place to get good bagels
September 4, 2007

paco
Gotta say that the Malbec show encouraged me to give that a try the other day. Mendoza is on the map for me now. Thank you for that.
September 4, 2007

Vykyng
Will definitely take Gary’s advice from this show. Tried a Dolcetto and didn’t like it, but must try another one.

QOTD: Crowded House, the band. Didn’t know of them, saw them on Live Earth so I read about them and then went to a show. They’re pop, but I like them and they’re good people, too.
September 4, 2007

DAvid O
I agree with you about wine scores,but they can be used as a refferance
point.We all need someplace to start.
September 4, 2007

wayno da wino
Gary, ya know ya hit da “Big Time” when ya
got your own bobblehead doll!! WOW!!!!
September 4, 2007

italianwinelover
Congrats on getting your own bobblehead doll, but I think it should have you wearing jeans instead!! Are we able to order them to keep on our desk????

QOTD: My recent discovery of Pino & Toi, fabulous blend. Also very happy with the Albarino I recently tasted…totally agree that it will replace the Chard and the Sav Blanc and I’m not even a white wine drinker! But I want to broaden my taste buds thanks to you!!!
September 4, 2007

eddie h
nice bobblehead, but it has more hair than you, what gives?
September 4, 2007

Kevin
Gary, you look sort like Joe Pesci right at the end of this episode!
September 4, 2007

Grasshopper
Sensei,

Wow, I am just catching up after being out of town and just watched Thursday and Friday episodes!

1st – congrats on the Vayniac Cab idea and I look forward to watching it develop and hopefully participating. I know I will order some! What a great idea to bring everyone together and to create a group project.

2nd – This episode was great! I almost died when you went off on the shoulder/bottle question – hilarious!

I commend you and your team for keeping things fresh, always pushing the envelop and bringing people in and making them feel part of the action.

your humble and always amazed student..

Grasshopper
September 4, 2007

Renee Anderson
qotd: http://www.bookmooch.com – a free book swapping site. free except for mailing books to people who want them – but you get books you want sent to you for free, it all balances out. There’s a lot of wine books for the taking…
September 4, 2007

msb2ncsu
QOTD: Fruit, especially berries… for almost all of my 28 years I’ve hated all fruit but apples, peaches, and oranges. I think the palate training episode did a lot for me rethinking what I like/dislike and why. I mean I always loved certain fruit flavors but never the fruit in the flesh and that just didn’t make sense (I would only eat a blueberry muffin if it had imitation blueberry bits). It seems my preconceived notions were simply so strong that I convinced myself each bite was going to suck and therefore it did. I just had my second ever actual cherry just this month. That is just insane. I said “screw it” and just started eating things… low and behold I like them! Kiwi, cherries, blueberries, mango, figs, pineapple, etc. However, I do draw the line at bananas… those are just disgusting!
September 4, 2007

Elliot Essman
New discovery? Tokaji.
September 4, 2007

SoCal
QOTD: My 9 day old niece I was visiting in LA this week. (That is why I have been off the boards and the WLTV train for a while)
September 4, 2007

yowens
Always love to chill couch episodes. QOTD: That I like my inlaws.
September 4, 2007

rafi schutzer http://www.KosherCuvee.com
Gary, for someone with your powers of discernment, I can’t believe you haven’t sent back that bobble-head. The bobble head looks NOTHING like you! Send it back and tell them you do want one. Only it can’t look like a generic 6 O’clock news anchor man.
September 5, 2007

Dougie
GARY i love your show!
BRINGIN THE THUNDER TO MY COMPY9000
i can’t thank you enough for giving us a wine i would never have an op like that from anyone else.
don’t stop wachadoin i mean you got a guy to eat fruit up there… DAMN lol
September 5, 2007

Craig Owen
Got WAY behind on my WLTV viewing, so this is coming in late, but…

QOTD: Persephone’s Bees. Great indie-pop band out of Oakland, with a female, Russian-born & raised lead singer.
September 5, 2007

Theo
Just got back from Napa, was on Spring Mountain, and it seems that Vineyard 7&8 is the laughing stock of not only Spring Mtn, but Napa and Sonoma. They were digging their caves, and they went over some type of hot thermal pocket, and now their cave has to be air conditioned. Not quite the idea of a cave?? Also, the cave comes out on the other side of the mountain, and they had all the glass up, but then there was some type of problem, and they had to redo it all. They have been working on it for over 3 years straight, and still no winery. Maybe you like them because the owner is some NY business man who purchased the wineryâ€¦.unseen. Enjoy the show. GO RAMS.
September 6, 2007

vivaitalia
I long have been a victim of pre-conceived notions. I thought they were all heavily oaked buttery garbage. Having gone out and tried some of the naked Chard’s, I have definitely found a new white grape to love.
September 6, 2007

jaye
Finally watching this almost a week later . . . Gary, such a touching and personal episode today (even though the wines didn’t deliver). Thank you for that. Your wrap-up was very special. Thanks for all you do!
September 6, 2007

BelgianBeerMistress
Just getting around to this too – and since I’m hosting a Sonoma Valley Chard tasting tomorrow, I am glad I watched! QOTD: my new discovery is sewing. Yes, that’s right, sewing. I have been interested in fashion for quite awhile. Finally bought a machine about 2 years ago, and have slowly become a better sewer. In fact, I’m wearing my most successful skirt creation right now!
September 6, 2007

Derek F
QOTD…WLTV

Thanks for everything gary, I am only going to buy wine if it comes in a bottle with shoulders….WHAT A GREAT TIP!!!!
September 10, 2007

Raffi
I’m with Mott on Springsteen. This from another jersey boy. I’d rather listen to Skid Row (also new Jersey). and probably one of the best musicians to come out of New Jersey (even if he was born elsewhere) George Clinton.
September 10, 2007

tarheel17
QOTD: stinky cheese. I used to hate it. Now that I realize it goes well with fruit (which I love) and with Port (which I’m really getting in to) it’s a staple in my fridge!
QOTD2: Not being able to play ultimate frisbee is not the end of the world. I used to be obsessed. I’ve cooled down a little, and will play when I have time, inclination, and feel healthy. No more surgeries for me, thank you very much.
October 3, 2007

PeteV
YOU!!!
December 13, 2007

Adam
The last minute of this episode is phenominal. I hate use that cheesy, cheesy word “inspirational” but it is. Best QOTD ever. I now ask myself this QOTD everyday and it enhances my life.
August 10, 2008

Dessert Wine Nerd
Another classic in my mind. I love the rants. I feel like a Gary rant a day keeps me alive. As nerdy as that sounds, I enjoy someone ripping another person who deserves it, like when you rant about snobbery. QOTD: WLTV. Since I started collecting wines about a year ago, I only bought dessert and ice wines. Thanks to this show Ive been able to take a few chances and try some things other than sweets that ive found interesting enough to try again and hopefully like. Ive also added different types of wines (sherry, docetto) to my to-do list. I woulent have this without WLTV. Thank you for everything, Gary. Keep it up.
June 29, 2009

Adrian aka AnGkEr
GV…I think that getting the reviews or pts from other reviewers besides RP, ST, WS, WE etc might give us the viewers to actually see which critic or reviewer our palettes agree with…….and great show as always……