Collector California Wine with Opus, Silver Oak and Ramey

Collector California Wine with Opus, Silver Oak and Ramey – Episode #338

October 23, 2007

Gary Vaynerchuk gets back into the swing of things going Blind and going serious with 3 wonderful California Red wines!

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Comments on this episode(206) Leave a comment ›

“I think you need to do a blind taste-off on WLTV against that fancy la…” by Chris
“QOTD: I dont know what Im waiting for. I feel like Im stuck in a rut…” by Dessert Wine Nerd
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2003 Silver Oak Alexander Cabernet SauvignonSonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Opus OneNapa Red Meritage
2005 Ramey Larkmead Cabernet SauvignonNapa Cabernet

Links mentioned in todays episode.

206 Responses

October 23, 2007

Mott
Early, early, early. 1st.
October 23, 2007

nougat
Ha!
October 23, 2007

Tom L
Top ten, great! I guess Gary took the magic pill (or glass of wine and got well.
October 23, 2007

Montrose
Love the blind tasting episodes
October 23, 2007

JerseyGirl turned CNY vayniac
hey, top 10 – sweet
October 23, 2007

JerseyGirl turned CNY vayniac
Wristbands – Gary, I think that you should have a new site put up for a very limited time where viewers put their info in, then the computer, or you or whoever chooses randomly. You should only be able to enter once, then if you get one, you get one. I would really like one cause i would rock it hardcore, but I’ll still watch the show if I dont. Keep it fair Gary, that’s all I ask.

Glad you’re feeling better!
October 23, 2007

Marc
Cough, choke, wheez…can barely see you thru the smoke in SoCalif, but glad to see you looking better today!
October 23, 2007

KAHUNA
Sure Mott has to work for his money but GV- he gets sick days for working out 1 day!
October 23, 2007

GottaGoDrink
Gary- Glad to see you back, and early too!
October 23, 2007

slambert
Glad to see a blind tasting, those are always fun!
October 23, 2007

Dominus
Early bird! Glad you are feeling better.

Now to watch some big Cabs.
October 23, 2007

1855class
great show today! glad you’ve returned to health. all of my blind guesses were wrong.
qotd: my girlfriend to bring me some flaming hot thai food.
October 23, 2007

DaveyDonut
QOTD: I’m waiting for this Saturday when Oregon puts the smack down on USC and then the following weekend when we put 60 points on undefeated Arizona State and wind up in the National Title game.

QOTD: I’m also waiting until this damn cold goes away so that I can drink wine and actually appreciate it again.
October 23, 2007

JerseyGirl turned CNY vayniac
QOTD: I’m waiting for a wristband!
October 23, 2007

KAHUNA
QOTD: I am waiting for the 80’s to comeback!! YEAH BABY
October 23, 2007

Elliot Essman
Very intelligent episode.

You mentioned it yourself — you are overusing the “-esque” ending to descriptions. It’s the kind of thing that is most effective if used sparingly, kind of like oak.

Keep up the good work.
October 23, 2007

Carlitos
Glad to see you’re feeling better!

I kind of forgot how it feels having a cold. One of the few perks of living in Florida I guess.
October 23, 2007

waibeans
tis early today hmmm.. what’s the occasion?
October 23, 2007

Tom L
Gary – Great show. But aren’t you supposed to guess the wine before you take it out of the bag?

Glad you are feeling better. Did you do the fast recovery with NyQuil, wine or a secret Russian remedy?

Nice to see my wrist band picture made it. Some of those photos are great.

QOTD: I’m waiting for the wine we are making together at CRUSHPAD!
October 23, 2007

Fiorentina!
Hey Gary-
Good to see that you’re feeling better.
You totally got me by the way…from your tasting notes I thought the Ramey was #1, the Opus One was #2, but at least I got that the Silver Oak was #3!
Well I think I owe you an apology….I recieved both wrist bands and have yet to send you a picture….for that I am sorry…BUT you will be recieving a picture of me and my fiancee this week wearing both! That’s the best I can do, so hopefully this will satisfy.
QotD-
I’m waiting for next Spring when my advanced WSET class begins….they cancelled the January class due to a lack of enrollment.
October 23, 2007

J.R. Young
LOL SO, I had that one pegged as soon as you opened it. Opus and Silver are two of the most ridiculously overblown wines on the market. They were once great, but are nothing close to what they once were. That said, I had a 1985 SO Napa about a month ago and it was AMAZING, not to mention I bought it for less that current release prices early this summer.

QOTD: I’m waiting for the purpose of waiting.
October 23, 2007

randyb
Another fun episode. Poor Cali Cabernets. Oh, that reminds me, where did we source our Vayner Nation grapes and what was the brix? Ramey is my new favorit top end commercial wine. Try the 2004 Jericho Canyon and you’ll be blown away.

QOTD: A return to form by Napa and Sonoma Valley vintners. A few are changing but the vast majority aren’t giving up making wine for yuppie palates.
October 23, 2007

Zachary dackary dock
look i have got to profess the fact that i stopped watching the beautiful thunder show as we know it. with that said i will add the lack of my presence infront of the computer screen watching is due to intense college obligations being brought to my perverbial door step…but may i also add that getting some time to watch a wee bit of thunderdum… brings a smile to my face and to my heart. so in summation…..stay golden pony boy, stay golden.
October 23, 2007

organicguy
Good show—totally holds up to my belief that many Cal. cabs are way overpriced for the juice that can be had for many $$ less. Waiting for the holidays to spend time with family and friends!!!!
October 23, 2007

Benji
Chose all 3 of those correctly by going off of your tasting notes. Had the most difficulty deciphering between wines 1 and 2, but I knew that the Opus wouldn’t overperform. Lots of new extracurriculars being talked about on WLTV, I like it. Another Vayniac contest and a request for a Butter Bandit montage…I like it a lot.

QOTD: For the results of the top-selling wines at this year’s Super Tasting. Top 4. be it an episode or in writing.
October 23, 2007

KW
Fun Show. Could it be the vintage 03 that blew the SO away?
QOTD: Waiting for the Selvapiana I ordered for a special weekend b’day dinner.
October 23, 2007

Deano
Gary i love these blind tasting episodes I cant afford any of those wines anyway haha.

QOTD:
-I am waiting for next monday when i start my new job. I am excited
October 23, 2007

Mr. Cabernet
My wife and I do true double blind tasting. Since you can sometimes tell from the height of the bottles or the shape of the bag we do this–first I open them and put them into bags. Then I leave the room and she pours them and covers the bottles with a cloth. If there’s a height difference she bunches up the cloth. This is the best way to keep yourself honest.
October 23, 2007

Lyn
You should do a random drawing for the remaining wristbands. That way – new viewers (like me) have a chance of getting one. …and you should send me one ’cause it was my idea.
October 23, 2007

NateO
QOTD: Can’t wait for the Sox to lose the world series!
October 23, 2007

J.R. Young
Mr. Cabernet – A true double blind is not knowing what is being poured at all. In your example you know what the wine is once you open it.
October 23, 2007

Pamela
So I won’t be getting my wristband eh? That’s OK. gary is sorry website was prize enough.
QOTD: I am waiting for one of my comments to finally post to WLTV (sure I did some tech thing wrong) and I was waiting for my birthday greeting to be sent to Bobby till I noticed that the link has his email address as Booby and not Bobby. Maybe that is why he is down on his 40th, you calling him booby!
October 23, 2007

wine-ot
Drink the Mice Wine!!!!

qotd – my cellar to be bursting from the seams with age worthy wines…such a panty dropper!
October 23, 2007

Dave Canada
Hell ya I bought Bad…Michael Jackson rules the cosmos!!!
I say whoever has posted in the most episodes should get the wrsitbands….honour the committed few who give you the 2 cents!
QOTD – For my hockey game tonight….I am on a tear! Basketball tommorow night…feel like learning a few moves Gary…
October 23, 2007

Lawrence Leichtman
Go for the mice Gary!!! I’m not waiting for anything

I have tasted all 3 of these wines and the Larkmead Cab is my favorite as well. To me it’s worth the price for an occasional splurge but normally I don’t drink that price point of wines. I have been to tastings at both Silver Oak and Opus One. I haven’t liked a single version of Silver Oak since 1994 and I have yet to taste an Opus One I like. The big drawback is that Silver Oak charges a boatload for their on site tastings so I never plan on going back to it unless they make some big changes. Napa prices don’t reflect wine quality anyhow but how expensive it is to produce a Napa wine.
October 23, 2007

VegasChris
QOTD: I’m waiting tomorrow’s WLTV episode!
October 23, 2007

wtvLurker
qotd: free shipping.
October 23, 2007

ev
I’m waiting for my wife to come in the door today and attack me (again) like it’s the last day on earth. (I felt like I could put this on because it’s a family bonding thing, and Gary is into the FAM)
October 23, 2007

3dvw
The Butter Bandit

http://www.3dvw.com/butterBandit.jpg
October 23, 2007

Taylor
That was a little bit of a let down, kind of sad i had big hopes for the day. I feel if you dont post comments after the show that you shouldn’t recieve a wristband! seriously thats like the ultimate Lurker move order the wristband and not post up!
QOTD the weekend it’s already been a long week. Big plans I hope, maybe try soem big wines.
October 23, 2007

carnyc
Love the blind tastings, but when are you going to do another double blind like episode #197??? If you recall, you picked out the Petit Verdot last time, so “don’t be scared”!

Happy to see you call out the overpriced Cali Cabs of the world. Bottom line is that there is a ton of value out there if you take the time to look as opposed to relying on what sounds familiar or what carries an often undeserved reputation. I cannot count how many great bottles of wine I’ve had in the last six months that were priced between $15 and $30, many of them bought at the WL. The Selvapiana Bucerchiale Chianti Classico Riserva 2003 from episode #333 was a 95 pointer for me personally, and it completely changed my outlook on what was possible out of a chianti.

Thanks in large part to this show, my knowledge and appreciation of wine has grown tremendously in the last year. Thank you for your continued dedication!
October 23, 2007

carnyc
Oh yeah,

QOTD: I’m waiting for my ‘05 Bordeauxs!
October 23, 2007

JizzyLay
I signed up just to tell you to go for the mice and is Bobby’s e-mail really booby or is it a typo?
October 23, 2007

thinkjose
Yo Gary-

Mice: No

AOTD: Waiting on my frickin wristband (you have to figure out a way to give something to everyone that signed up – also you may want to take down the site if you are not going give away any more wristbands – it is still up and running as of today)

Wines: Brown bagging rocks!
October 23, 2007

A-Gar
Well done. I was not too surprised on your reactions.

QOTD: I am waiting for you to do a Washington budget wine show. Grab some of the big CC, some of the Covey Run, Arbor Crest, maybe a little Columbia Winery. It’s all gold.

Loved the show, glad you’re feeling better. Keep it up!
October 23, 2007

KenP
RandyB on point! Good ep, GV! Love the idea of balance between fruit and vegetable! Respect the ‘tough love’, from Cali on fire.

QOTD: Waiting for rain.
October 23, 2007

crank
Wristbands…What about those of us that requested one way before that garyissorry thing? I asked for one almost a year ago!
October 23, 2007

GrapeStuff
Good ep. GV – the result was pretty much was I expected from these three. At the end of the day, there are just better values to be had out there – even from CA!!

QOTD: I am looking forward to the announcements coming to us in the next few days!
October 23, 2007

chenin
Great show !

Although you sounded a little bit like you
had a cold, and also pale… you did a
great job and nailed it perfectly.

Very interesting stuff, more to come?
Hopefully
October 23, 2007

SS Chris
I’m waiting to see whay you’re doing for MY birthday tomorrow!!

Maybe a Tensley tasting….
October 23, 2007

Chargers Rule
QOTD: My wristband! Step up Vaynerchuk, you drop a G! at a Manhattan dinner and you wont supply enough wristbands for everyone because postage went up?!?!?! Leave that weak suck program to the Jets and take care of your peeps!

Good show, we need more single and double blind shows.
October 23, 2007

Neil
My wife and I were dining at La Toque in Napa and the table next to us had a vertical of Opus. It turned out that the folks from Opus were treating two people to a vertical tasting with dinner. After they left, there were still half full bottles on the table and the waitstaff poured us some Opus Vino at the end of dinner. I can say that Opus is waaayyy overpriced and did not blow me away.

Regarding Silver Oak, Gary they pride themselves in Oak. Lots of oak. They brag about it. They love the oak monster. He’s their friend. They have him over for Thanksgiving dinner. Their kids are on the same soccer team. They car pool. For you to put Silver Oak on the show and then say it tastes “oaky” is entrapment. I agree that they’re overpriced as well. Incidentally Alexander Valley is in the Sonoma AVA, not Napa.

Never had the Ramey.

Regarding the Vayniac Cab, hopefully we can come up with a wine with balance.

QOTD: What am I waiting for???? The Vayniac Cab of course.

Cheers!
October 23, 2007

sky
cali cabs are wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy overrated! see-you proved it. but i hope all the wine snobs keep buying them so those of us with a sense of adventure can drink stuff from spain and italy and france ect. i love blind tastings. fun fun. qotd: i’ve been waiting all day to finally get off work and come home so i could watch todays episode.it was so early today and i had to work late. its the first thing i do when i arrive…..everyday. love ya thanx gary
October 23, 2007

David
Nice episode, Gary. I had a similar opinion when I visited the Silver Oak vineyard two years ago – overrated and like $25 per person just to taste!

QOTD: Waiting for the Vayniac Cab.
October 23, 2007

John P
QOTD: I’m waiting to hear some final reports on how the Willamette Valley harvest went. I’ve gotten some good, some decent, and some more good news, so I’m cautiously optimistic about the 2007 vintage. It definitely wasn’t a hot year, so the wines will be more refined and balanced, without the jammyness of 03 or 04. From what I can tell, 2007 will be a vintage of the winemaker.
October 23, 2007

John M
Thanks for the honesty and guidance. You have been accurate everytime so far…why would this be different?
October 23, 2007

Louisiana George
solution for the wristband dilemna: anyone on the waiting list who emailed bobby a birthday wish gets one in the order of the emails to bobby. i already have my wristband, so no personal interest, just trying to find a way to help you reward those who do you a favor when you ask, which seems like a logical way to break the tie.
October 23, 2007

Karl Laczko
So that’s why there’s been a new batch of I.Y. posts today, prospect of free stuff for the birthday celebs!

Don’t drink the mouse wine.

I liked the blind tastings, keeps us guessing too!

QOTD – Waiting for?, right now I can’t answer that, too many thoughts, maybe another day you’ll get a straight answer.
October 23, 2007

JonE
SILVER OAK not good??? What a big freakin obvious not so much of a surprise surprise! Slash and burn, some of these old dogs need leave the buildin’

QOTD: Vintage reports of whether 05′ Cali syrahs will be on point with 04′. And that beautiful someone to walk in.
October 23, 2007

OhioShawn
QOTD – I am waiting for the music website, Oink.cd, to be back up, and the head admin released from custody. Power to the people.
October 23, 2007

Fred
Butter Bandit!!! Hah!

QOTD: Gary (or Mott) to get back to me on the bumperstickerholder, or just to get better at skateboarding (I’m horrible, 8 year olds laugh and, well,, I’m 4x their age).

Oh, and I’m waiting for this weekend my wine/food buddy is coming over for tasting (Gary’s Black Pig!)
October 23, 2007

DC7
Glad you’re feeling better! One solution is to just make more wristbands.

Barboursville was a blast. Their Octagon brings thunder!
October 23, 2007

Autoproxy
QOTD: Godot, as always.
October 23, 2007

Le Vin au Blog
Oba!!!!!
I’m going to the States!!!
I’m waiting for the instructions.
Beijos.
Rafaela
October 23, 2007

Omar Jasso
You can’t turn Kevin Rose down!

I really think you should try the Korean wine.
October 23, 2007

Jeff & Heather
Gary,

Dilemma solution… If someone has added a link to their blog or website to WineLibraryTV via a badge or note… They should get it as they are helping to ’spread the Thunder!’:)

My two cents and a wristband!

-Jeff
October 23, 2007

luvgrapesqeezings
QOTD: I’m waiting for my nasty little flu to go away.

A friend poured some ‘03 Silver Oak Alexander Valley at the beginning of September. Thought it was pretty good- it was oaky, but I also had some nice eucalptusy olive flavors and berry flavors. It had some nice complexity- not mind bending, pretty good mouthfeel, and decent length, but I believe it is grossly overpriced.
October 23, 2007

Sonnenuhr
Great show! Serious wine and frank critique. Lovin’ it!!!

QOTD – A great cabernet sauvignon from Iceland. Based on global warming trends we’re expecting some great stuff by 2025.
October 23, 2007

Plminer
Thanks GV! Wow, that was quick, I asked you to try the 04′ Opus last week and you already came through, cheers! Very fun episode, my buddy and I tried to guess them as you tasted as well, guess who got them all right, that’s right, your’s truly. I based it on tastings I’ve done in the past of all those wines, as soon as you said Oaky on #3 I knew right away it was Silver Oak. That swill is an over priced Oak Bomb!

Cheers!
October 23, 2007

Jason S.
Wristband suggestion: since you’ve been so generous giving them away, why not give them to people that are equally generous and send them to people that make a charitable contribution!
October 23, 2007

jcprice
Great show, as always. My uncle is a recovering “wine snob”. I’m slowly converting him back to reality. If Parker didn’t rate it 90+, he didn’t buy it. I’m a college kid, so I’m all about the QPR, and the lower the price the better. 130 bones for a bottle of anything is pretty steep right now, but buying lower cost, quality Cali Cabs like Turnbull, Sequoia Grove, etc lets me enjoy the quality and complexity that the big ballers do, sans the deep pockets.

As for the wristbands, you can always rock paper scissors it out, but I’m willing to bet if you just keep a running list(in the order of the inbox) of who submitted, and make sure they’re first on the next giveaway then Vaynernation will understand. 30,000 wristbands can’t be cheap, personally I don’t care that I didn’t get mine.

QOTD: graduation, hands down. im not wishing away my college years, but doing work that contributes to more than my resume definitely has a nice ring to it.

Keep up the good work
October 23, 2007

Orion Slayer
QOTD: I’m waiting for my post to post.
October 23, 2007

Will Shatter
I’m waiting for Friday and my return to my wife, civilization and my wine cellar. Regarding the wristband solution, besides hooking me up!!, pick randomly. For all those “whiners”, have more made up and sell them!
October 23, 2007

KyleLikesTies
Good to see you back :~}

QoTD: I’m waiting for an opportunity to move back to Europe!
October 23, 2007

Social Project Brian
I’ve been hearing lately that Opus One is overrated, so I’m not surprised. I’d like to try a Ramey cab someday. (Great Chard. from Ramey!) Silver Oak, eh. I did enjoy a 2002 Alexander Valley that we had, but it just seemed so cabby. One dimensional, maybe? Or maybe I’m just not in a cab phase these days. (I’ve also heard that Screaming Eagle is sort of a let down, but at those prices, how couldn’t it be?)

Sorry you weren’t feeling well yesterday. How about a blind tasting of Robitussin DM, NyQuil, and Triaminic? Talk about a buzz…
October 23, 2007

Orion Slayer
Scary, scary, scary. The cost of the three bottles of wine review today total a third of what I spent on wine this year! If I had bought one of those bottles, there’s no guarentee I would have liked it more than any of the wines I did buy. Price is no guarentee of enjoyment!

Cool pointers on conducting a blind tasting: remove the corks and foils from the wine tasting area.

QOTD: I’m waiting for the Jets and Raiders to return to their former glory and contend in a hard hitting game that decides the AFC Conference champion!
October 23, 2007

Joel
QOTD: I’m waiting to get my right knee replaced and for Winelibrary to carry Shoofly Buzzcut 2006!!!
October 23, 2007

Robin C.
Great recovery from illness. Was it the Nyquil or the bourbon?
QOTD: I’m waiting for the Innocent Bystander and the Heartland Stickleback I ordered from
Winelibrary in mid September.
October 23, 2007

Badger Ann
Thanks for this episode Gary. Yet another reason to keep looking towards Washington. Glad to see you’re feeling better!

QOTD: I’m waiting for Thanksgiving and Christmas, so I can take some time off of work and world travels to visit my family!
October 23, 2007

Derek
Very cool EP Gary…some great wine there pal!!

QOTD: I am waiting for episode 500 of WLTV…keep up the great work!!
October 23, 2007

Dominus
My vote before the unveiling: Opus, Ramey and Silver Oak. Let’s see.
October 23, 2007

Campinglisab
Hey Gary…

Being a “math teacher” I suggest you use a random number generator to choose who gets the wristband. You give each person a number, then randomly generate the numbers using your TI 84 silver edition plus graphing calculator! and VOILA…your people get their wristbands WITHOUT BIAS!
October 23, 2007

Dominus
Happy Birthday to Bobby!!!

I thought Ramey would be #1 and why did I put Opus? Must be the wine. Oh well, great, great show as always and glad you are feeling better.

OK, how to alleviate the problem of the wristbands? I say give them to the Vayniacs who have ordered any of the Vayniac Nation wine or to the most prolific posters!!! Moi! That should bring out the lurkers.

QOTD: Good question. I’m waiting for that perfect bottle of wine? Too easy. I’m waiting to finally get to meet the G-Man somewhere, some time in the near future.

Cheers!

P.S. And yes, the ‘85 Opus would have destroyed those bottles tonight.
October 23, 2007

canadapete
Thanks for cutting up the big names — Saves me bones!!
October 23, 2007

jbailey
How best to handout the wristbands?

http://www.random.org/integers/

It might take a little work, but it is random.
October 23, 2007

Chris J
Gary,

Just had to raise a point about the BUTTER BANDIT. Wouldn’t the Butter Bandit take away the butter? I would think that a wine suffering from an attack from the BB would have no butter in it. Shouldn’t it be something like “butter bag” or “butter bomb”? Just a thought.

Also, “did our did” is an awesome catch phrase, I am going to start using it.

Thanks,
Chris
October 23, 2007

SoCal
QOTD: I am waiting for the birth of our first child…..a boy!
October 23, 2007

K MAN
QOTD : The draft next year where our boys get first pick.
October 23, 2007

Stu
Great show! Just goes to show you, labels and $$$ aren’t everything.
QOTD: December 1
October 23, 2007

Mandy
Wow. Thank you for doing this. I have tried these type of big name, $$$$, wines at work and just not been impressed. I actually feel bad for my customers when they order such expensive bottles when I know for a fact that we have bomb wines on our list between 40- and 60 bucks. People need to think for themselves a bit more I guess!
October 23, 2007

Eddie Lee
Gary, you absolutely MUST try the baby mice wine. You always say it yourself, you need to try new things and explore. What if your tasting another wine and it has a hint of baby mice, you’d never realize it because you’ve never tasted baby mice before. Anyways, love the show, keep it up!
October 23, 2007

chenrys
Fun episode. I had high expectations for those wines…

But had a chance to taste an AWESOME wine this weekend…Louis Jadot Grand Cru Mares vintage 2003…once in a lifetime experience…maybe.

QOTD: What are we waiting for? Good question…we’re old folks…maybe a weekend like this last one…again.
October 23, 2007

MossyMo
How about a shout out to me and SS_Chris for our b-days tomorrow?!!!
October 23, 2007

Kev and Ams
QOTD: My girlfriend to come home from China. I miss her. =(
October 23, 2007

Jennifer
QOTD: A new Linksys box from Vonage- mine fried.
Great show. Glad you’re feeling better!
October 23, 2007

James Roscoe
QOTD: I’m waiting for a decent California CS!
October 23, 2007

Harley Stan
HE’s BACK!!! Great to see you up and running again
You could ask the Colorado Rockies how to distribute a limited supply for an overwhelming demand. On second thought, not a good idea, the World Series ticket sales did not go to well.
Have you done anything with the thundercat pics or the thundercats? Just wondering.
QOTD- Vaniac Cab
October 23, 2007

Danny C
Gary,

Great show, exciting stuff…nice change up! Not gonna lie though, I thought the Opus One would have been the Oak Monster (shhhh…let’s not tell Jay Z)!

QOTD: I am waiting for the moment…when it hits square in the jaw and you realize you’re there (hopefully I’ll have a glass of wine with me or at least near by).

MY QOTD: What do you do with all the wine you taste after the show has been recorded?

The wrist band situation is tough…I’ll think about it!
October 23, 2007

TimF
For the dispersement of the remaining wristbands: simple, a race around the earth.

QOTD: Nuttin’.
October 23, 2007

Mcpapa
Great show today! As far as wristbands go, hit me up. Happy birthday, Billy!
October 23, 2007

Dr. Joe Herman
I too dislike the opus one and the silver oak. I was just in Napa and went to all three of these wineries. I didnt like the opus one because the people there were not nice. You know what they say, you only have one shot a first impression. Therefore it set me off on the wrong foot. The people at silver oaks were very nice but I too didnt think it was worth any where near their price point. The people at Larkmeade were great and i enjoyed the fruit forwardness of their Cabs.
October 23, 2007

Jon B.
Great show. Interesting how these wines didn’t really pan out,I had high expectations for them.QOTD I’m waiting for the birth of my third child mainly because it’s my child and all the wonderfull things that go along with that.But also because of my wife being pregnant I’ve been drinking wine alone, and wine was so much better when it was enjoyed with my wife,I’m waiting to get that back.Thanks Gary and WLTV crew.
October 23, 2007

amgryger
Gary, PLEASE DO NOT DRINK THE BABY MICE WINE! And I don’t really feel any need to explain.

QOTD: I tend to live one day at a time, I’m not really waiting for anything.
October 23, 2007

DulaMae
No baby mice wine! I was watching DiggNation last night and was excited to see you there.

QOTD: I am waiting for it to finally not be 90 degrees outside in the afternoon. Come on fall!
October 23, 2007

E
Meh. The McKenzie brothers did the mouse in the bottle thing two decades ago. Take off, eh.

Happy birthday Bobby, happy birthday forum, happy birthday SS.

I’m waiting for an excuse to crack my last ‘97 Smith Madrone because I think it’s the only bottle of Napa cab I have left. And I got it for under thirty, so there.
October 23, 2007

jcrazy
Well done. I use Opus One to water my plants and drink 5 bottles of Heller Cachagua Cab instead.
QOTD: I aint waitin’ for jack. You just gotta get out there, hustle, and make it happen. Gary, Make It Happen! (that’s not a question either)
October 23, 2007

michelle
Gary, I also hate going to an expensive restaurant, eating a small sculpture with flowers, (my husband’s description), and having to stop for fast food drive on the way home, because you’re still hungry…
QOTD: seeing my 3 kids next week in their halloween costumes, my husband’s 40th birthday in a few weeks, it’s going to be a PARTY!!!
October 23, 2007

stevo
Oct. 25 is my birthday too!!!!!!! Turning 28.

QOTD: I’m not waiting for anything man, just taking action.
October 23, 2007

Cuse Wino
I did what I did, did you did what you did? That is the QOTD!!!!!!
October 23, 2007

lurk-stress
qotd- i’m waiting for another bottle of wine to rock my world like 99 silver oak did. guess i’m defective. but i am drinking a $13 chinon right now, so there’s hope.
October 23, 2007

BW
So GV, for the wrist bands, don’t do like the Rockies selling World Series tickets; That was a disaster (especially since I didn’t get tickets) !
How about do a special Wine Library promo for Vayniacs, maybe on wines you would like Vayniacs to try – buy some wines, get a wrist band ; Saves shipping, you win with some more sales & Vayniacs win with some cool wines.

Absolutely fun episode tonite – do more of the blind tastings – How about triple blind & let Mott choose some out of the warehouse at random & serve them up to you ??? Have to figure out the varietals, as well as the quality. Could be fun !

QOTD – I am waiting for a big O&G exploration discovery & the 1st vintage from Epoch Estate Wines (2 more years ) !
October 23, 2007

Kirk
I say that you eamil each of them asking for a photo of themselves without the wristband(maybe pointing to where it would be)….and the first that reply with a photo get one. It can be done via email, it’s fast & easy….Then those that reply in a timely manner you know really want one. How many have you already given out that DID’T send in their photo? Exactly…..

QOTD: I am waiting for this upcomming Sunday (28 October) and no more work…..so I can seriously get into my studies….
October 23, 2007

Capt M
Nice, nice episode. Yummy indeed. Use the wristbands to promote cork’d. Reward the peps that have input the most in cork’d. Again, that was a big show today, THANKS! QOTD: My 40th b-day, Nov. 2
October 23, 2007

Capt M
PROMOTE CORK’D USAGE AND INPUT!
October 23, 2007

PiperJS
Were you influenced by our blind tasting party on Saturday here in LA???!! Of course you must have seen all the fun that was had, and you needed to do your own!
C’MON!! I GOTTA win this contest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is so ME. I am going to win. Second place will not do this time. Hurry up and tell me what I need to do.
Hmm… the Silver Oak was a birthday gift to me. I hope I like it better than you did. It’s possible!
QOTD: a phone call. that’s about it. otherwise I’m living fine.
October 23, 2007

Grapedigger
Great show! For the wrist bands, just put the names in an Excel file and sort’m alphabetically and pick from the top (or the bottom)!! As for waiting, well, I am looking forward to 2 trips, San Diego next Sat. (I hope the fires are out by then) and visiting family in Dubai/Abu Dhabi to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Cheers!
October 23, 2007

Pastafari Pirate
QOTD: a visit in
October 23, 2007

John Farrin
Obviously the remaining wristbands should be doled out to Scorpios first because we deserve the best and can handle the flak about how unfair that distribution system would be.

QOTD: Some of my wines to mature.
October 23, 2007

laposte
QOTD;
I am waiting for opera season.
October 23, 2007

Ryan Erickson
BABY MICE WINE! Gary you have to do it. World’s most legendary wine critic. I’d like to see Parker try that…

http://www.null-hypothesis.co.uk/science//item/weird_science_baby_mouse_wine
October 23, 2007

Chris
You do know that the wine with baby mice in it isn’t really grape wine, it’s more along the lines of everclear. It’s extremely strong sort of like Mai Tai (Chinese). The Chinese drink the same thing only they add scorpions and snake heads and full grown rats and other random things. Rather than drink it I recommend you power your car with it.

Also why don’t you just source some of those wrist bands over here in China. They’ll be a ton cheaper to make and that way everybody that wants one can get one.
October 23, 2007

Vinsant
I just waiting on a friend
October 23, 2007

David Grega
QOTD: My big break! I belive!!!!
October 23, 2007

FJDR
QOTD: rain (it’s been dry here in Virginny) and the World Series.
October 23, 2007

Toke-Dawg
I’m waiting for wineries to stop charging so much damn money for mediocre wines.
October 23, 2007

Toke-Dawg
QOTD: I’m waiting for wineries to stop charging so much damn money for mediocre wines.
October 23, 2007

randyshakes
QOTD – my free shipment order from WL and to go off call so I can drink some albarino.
October 23, 2007

pforty
A) DO NOT DRINK MOUSEY-MOUSE WINE!!!!
B) Give me a pair of wrist band. Forget those other folks. No really,me. Okay, here’s the deal. As much as I want a pair o’ wrist bands, you gotta go in order of your mailbox. You could do some silly contest, but really go in order, that is life. I was next in line to see SNL when Sinead ripped up the picture of the pope, I saw it on tv, my pal and his girl saw it live. That’s life man!!

C) QOTD: I am waiting to make my debut at the MET!! Maybe someday…

Dude, take care of yourself, if you are sick…rest..see your doctor..drink giner tea!!
October 23, 2007

natb
Time for the new breed of Napa cab show, Cliff Lede, Vineyard 29 Cru, CJ Melka, Andrew Geoffrey or anything Stagecoach! Let’s see some top shelf for under 60 bones that will smoke Opus and Sliver Oak!
October 24, 2007

Jen
Gary, you should definitely give the wristbands to your loyal Canuck fans…hook us up!! I am waiting for my Meritage to get over bottle shock, ouch! I kinda feel bummed that you were so down on the wines. You were stoked about the Ramey, but when it came to pricepoint you seemed to disown it…why mate, we don’t mind shelling out a few bucks once in a while for a good 90+pointer!!!
October 24, 2007

Jx
Bobby, you know it’s true – 40 is the new 30, brotha! Happy birthday.
QOTD: Tonight is World Series EVE for my Rockies, and the ONLY thing I am waiting for is a Rocktober for the ages! Go Rockies! Win the World Series and I will open my most special bottle with respect and admiration for my Colorado Rockies Nation!
October 24, 2007

Lare B
doods, for the wristbands you should do random 100 peeps on your myspace page and one to LARE B…check my page on myspace..hit-me-up!!! BETTER YET ILL LINK IT UP ON HERE..(..www.myspace.com/larry81..)and for peeps reading this…
October 24, 2007

Ferrigno
Give the wristbands to the people as they appear on your inbox, don’t be a jerk
QOTD: to be wiser
October 24, 2007

MW_DM,IA
QOTD: Waiting for my 21st.

Here in IA the law states “Liquor, wine, or beer may be given or dispensed to a person under legal age within a private home and with the knowledge, presence, and consent of the parent or guardian for beverage or medicinal purposes.” so I’m waiting to be able to buy and taste what I want when and where I want to.
October 24, 2007

Gobi
wristbands… divide the amount left by categories in which you got people (facebook, myspace, forums etc.. whichever seems better) and then jsut randomly select people and give them away.

QOTD: WAITING TO FINISH MIDTERMS >:@!!
October 24, 2007

AmandaM
QOTD: Waiting to finally be done with college and start paying off all this debt.
October 24, 2007

Alex
QOTD: Im Waiting to go on a trip to New York in the spring.
October 24, 2007

Alex
I’m waiting for Thanksgiving break so I can get my hands on a feast, rather than making food in my apartment.
October 24, 2007

Alex
oh, P.S. … Lurker checkin in… finally!
October 24, 2007

Beetroot
QOTD – I am waiting on the next episode of wltv!!!!!! lol

You should have a chat room based wltv trivia contest for the wrist band!
October 24, 2007

Arthur
Waiting for the 2007 California wines to live up to the hype.
October 24, 2007

Angelo not quite right
Hey Gary, You look like a wino with those paper bags! An expensive wino anyway!
You said you were sick yesterday. Wasn’t self-induced was it?
October 24, 2007

YoungDave
QOTD: Now that I’m in LA, I’m waiting for someone to hire me to play a 15-year-old on some Disney show because that’s realistically within my acting range, even though I’m 22. It’ll be a long, uphill struggle in this town, but I’m ready for the challenge.
October 24, 2007

Angelo not quite right
Yo Dude, EXTREME OAK! Bogus
October 24, 2007

yourfrienddownunder
Good on you Gary. 1 day downtime is not bad for a man that is single-handedly starting a wine revolution. The revolution is catching Gary. Yesterday at a wine tasting a wine I pointed out the bug spray aspect of Aussie Red; they were not so happy. It is not going to discourage me though.
October 24, 2007

craig gernandt
great episode. Thanks again for exposing Opus.
October 24, 2007

dmg
Hey Gary, why don’t you give out the wrist bands to the people who didn’t get them in the order that they filed out the “Introduce Yourself Forum”
October 24, 2007

mudshark
I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.
October 24, 2007

NathanN
Love the blind tasting shows they are my favorite.
QOTD: I am waiting on my wife to lift the wine buying moratorium.
October 24, 2007

Wednesday
Brave move with the blind cult tasting. Opus is 0-2 these days?

I’m waiting for more ‘05 Bordeaux to make grad school life better.
October 24, 2007

Arutigl
Amen. I always thought that these wines were over-rated.
October 24, 2007

italianwinelover
Great blind tasting! Good to hear you ramble again!!! Glad your feeling better!!

QOTD: Waiting for my case of the Vayner Cab….did I mention the FREE case!!! Ha! Ha! Really I’m waiting to go on vacation anytime anyone wants to take me!!
October 24, 2007

GottaGoDrink
Gary- Very fun episode. Three overpriced CA Cabs, hhmmm.

QOTD- Halloween. Pretty much my fave!
October 24, 2007

some guy
dude, you totally should try out the mice wine…
October 24, 2007

Irv
Happy birthday Bobby! Congrats for being alive another day on the planet. Forty is what it is, which is better than the alternative. Enjoy it!
QOTD:I’m waiting for some leadership to evolve in this great country of ours before it’s too late.
October 24, 2007

de Las
qotd: I’m waiting for my f-in wristband.
PS-Tasted Sassicaia (wasn’t told vintage) for the first time. Too young. Still, wow.
October 24, 2007

JeffC
Hey for those of us that get screwed on the wristband deal, how bout a “free” bottle of Vayner Cab?
October 24, 2007

Colin
GV – Maybe lottery off the wristbands? Good show!
October 24, 2007

Sk-Hawt from Salt Lake
GV – Seriously, you have to do the Baby Mice Wine Episode. You’re viewer subscription base show would blow up!

QOTD ~ I’m waiting for the snow to dump on the Wasatch Mountains here in Utah so we can ‘Shred the Gnar’ all winter long.
October 24, 2007

Linderelli
QOTD: I’m waiting for my benefits to kick in so I can go to the dentist!
October 24, 2007

Linderelli
I’m also waiting for the SNOW so I can go skiing!
October 24, 2007

Tony S.
I am waiting for the birth of my daughter!! January 10th. I can’t wait, that’s going to be the best day of my life!

Great show, I’ve never had any Ramey yet. Opus and Silver Oak, when I’ve had them at tastings have always been hit or miss with me. Silver Oak usually suprises me when it’s got some age on it, but Opus has let me down more often than not. The 97 is pretty rad though.

OK…see you later!
GO BEARS!
T
October 24, 2007

Martin
Just waiting for the Rockies to win the World Series!!!
October 24, 2007

Brad
QOTD: to have an awesome dinner with great wine with you someday.

Your the man GV!
October 24, 2007

wayno da wino
Yooooo GARY !!
Faaaantastic Episode!! You was crackin’ da Thunder!!

QOTD: Waitin’ for da California Firestorm to end!
Things kinda scary/hairy out here right now!!
October 24, 2007

john witherspoon
Hey Gary – great show today. It was great to see you back in the hot seat, just brining IT!!

I like it when you bring out the on paper “big guns” and totally shut ‘em down. Don’t you wish that you could go into every situation single blind, without any preconceived notions??

i totally guessed ‘em as you tasted them.

QOTD: Nothing anymore!!

J DUB
October 24, 2007

sharon
I’m waiting for the cows to come home. And for the smoke to clear.
Thanks for the blind tasting…Entertaining as usual.
October 24, 2007

MtnCharlie
Another great show. Wristbands, first come first serve.
QOTD: For prices of highend wine to come down. It is unfortunate that such classism exists in the wine world or in the world at all, but hey, there it is.
October 24, 2007

Cookiedds
My wife and I recently spent a week in Napa and of course had to make our pilgrimage to Silver Oak. All I can say is that we were extremely disappointed in the wines. For the price it is a severe slap in the face. The wine you tasted was from their Sonoma Alexander vineyard, kind of their second label, at $60 not any kind of deal.
October 24, 2007

Rob B.
Finally caught up on WLTV podcasts. V-8 TV would probably get old after a while so stick with wine

Diggnation: I was in tears laughing at the Diggnation episode and would love to see you review the mice wine. You don’t have to eat the mouse .

Wristbands: Keep them until you have a WLTV meet up and pass them out then. You could also send them out to other wine critics and people that had/have you on their shows (Om and Joyce should have some to wear on their show ).

QOTD: Waiting for my Cornhuskers to return to the great team they were the last three decades.
October 24, 2007

Isaac
I enjoyed the episode, Gary, but I don’t see the point of tasting these three wines blind when you clearly knew beforehand that they were overrated and over-priced. Can you please do a more convincing blind tasting where you taste similar wines of different pricepoints knowing only the category of wine and not the producers? I only get nine channels of Italian tv, so I depend on you for quality entertainment in my native New Jersey tongue.
October 24, 2007

Sassodoro
Welcome back, Gary. I hope you are feeling better.
October 24, 2007

Scott
Happy Birthday Bobby.
October 24, 2007

JC
QOTD: I’m waiting for the moment to move me.
October 24, 2007

SmokeyUST
I am waiting for the right time, Gary, the right time.
October 24, 2007

yowens
i’ve never bucked up and tried any of thsoe wines- this show makes me feel better about that decision. QOTD: guidance
October 24, 2007

Jeff M.
I’m waiting for you to come to Tampa and show up at Berns Restaurant. You promised a year ago you would “be there soon” and let me know.

So, Gary, what are you waiting for?
October 24, 2007

Tommy Vernieri
QOTD: I’m waiting for the contest. I want that iPhone.
October 24, 2007

glenn
love a blind show. and who could not have guessed that Big Triple with SO as the show horse and O in the place position! chalk wager.

QotD: waiting to get my dad squared away. his situation takes up a lot of my intestinal fortitude, but i love him.
October 24, 2007

E-Rock
QOTD + Quite simply.. I’m waiting for the Dolphins to win a game this year.
October 24, 2007

John J.
QOTD: I’m waiting for my girl to get home so we can eat dinner. I’m starving!
October 24, 2007

james marinello
esk, esk, esk, esk! The 80’s were cool….but I cut my mullet!! Can’t live in the past baby!! Cool show…I like the parrall of a super hot chick and not convo and a gool lookin chick and great convo!! NICE!!!
October 24, 2007

Kevin Galligan
Wristbands: You should give them to people who come up with good ideas for you. Nice idea, right? Wristband please, right here. In all seriousness, I don’t know if I deserve one, but I’ll wear it during gigs. Its a hard rock band. Full disclosure, haven’t done too many gigs lately, but they’re coming soon.

Saw you are sick again today. Take it easy. When you’re back, if you get a chance, do the Green Groves Cab. We picked up some this weekend, at the library. Interested to hear your thoughts.

QOTD: Responses to some consulting proposals. Come on, baby, no whammys.
October 25, 2007

stoogs
i reckon your most diverse ans should get some, esp. those from Scotland!!
Plus i met Kev and Alex in London, woot!
October 25, 2007

wildebeest
Gary,

Wow, looks like your 2nd cousin Bobby and I have the same birthday! I just turned 28. I’ll send him something for sure.

QOTD: lol, NV shipping, of course.
October 25, 2007

Rauri
VA Jiuce, Gary you are confusing us! Some American vegetable juice or Volatile Acidity, or even the VA monster?
October 25, 2007

Cincinnati Kid
Shouldn’t this get a “do over” cause of your not yet healed cold?
October 25, 2007

Guy LaMarca
Hey Gary,

Glad you’re coming back healthy. You have the right idea on what’s important in life…and that, along with your wine knowledge and humor, is why I continue to make WLTV part of my day.

Keep up the great work and PROPS to Bobby for hitting the 40’s! My wife and I are 41 and had our second daughter, Isabella Grace. Life just keeps getting better if you just have the BPP!

Have a great weekend,

Guy (GlaM)
October 25, 2007

GregS
Gary,
I admire your dedication to the show. Thought you were gonna try to pick-em before you revealed, but nice episode.

QOTD: Free Shipping
October 26, 2007

Ken B.
I’m waiting for the damn Detroit Lions to win the Super Bowl. It’s worse than the Red Sox 87 year curse. We are doomed year in and year out here! Helpppppppppppp!!! GV – That said, you can’t make then win but you can toss me a wrist band!

Muchos Gracias
October 26, 2007

vibemore
Cool episode. Although I must admit I watched them out of order and know that you get sick “tomorrow”. Still it is fun watching the big boys fall. QOTD: I’m a waiting for this weekend to be over…it is the end of a LOOOONG, but good, journey.
October 26, 2007

Oregon Sipper
QOTD: I am waiting to graduate with my business degree on December 16th…

Watch out business world!
October 26, 2007

PaVo
About the wristbands, being a newish Vayniac I was not in the running for the wristbands but since you have so many people and so few wristbands; Randomize it! I dont know how but just randomly pick 600 or however many lucky Vayniacs. (I also think you should save one for the person that suggested the best way to help you determine how to dole them out;))

QOTD: I’m waiting for the skins to upset the pats this weekend. It COULD happen….yeah…maybe.
October 27, 2007

Mason
QOTD: I am waiting for the next episode of Heroes, and to see if my local wine store is going to be able to get the Boudreaux Cellars wine from Washington state.
October 27, 2007

Chris
Happy B-Day Bobby.
Cheers!
October 27, 2007

Matt S.
Love the show Gary, just started watching and am loving it. Found out through diggnation and yes I know about the mice wine. You have got to get that on the show and give it a taste. They called you out and now you’ve got to prove yourself. You are always saying you like to widen your pallet, and I can’t think of a better way to do that.

Keep it up.
November 7, 2007

Dan the Man
Gary, you are so right on the Silver Oak and I’m from California! There is so much better wine out there for my bones.
November 13, 2007

Moose
QOTD: the end of the workday – but hell, that allows me to catch up on some WLTV, so hold it off
November 28, 2007

HuskerJ
I waiting to get done writing my book so I have more time to drink wine.
January 2, 2008

Chaz
I understand the “over-hyped” nature of certain cult wines, but how can you do a taste comparison on “Big Wines” with 2 Napas vs an Alexander Valley. Most often than not, AV wines are more feminine than the masculine Napas cabs, and to taste an AV cab after tasting 2 napa cabs probably diminishes the impact of that wine. Why didn’t you include the Silver Oak Napa instaed of the AV? That would have been a more fair blind tasting assement.
February 8, 2008

Ryan
an employer to call me!!!!!
April 24, 2008

Hillary
Gary, you are right-on about the hype with these “names”. I’ve had the Opus a few times and never loved it, PARTICULARLY with the PRICE!

Right now, I’m sipping a 2005 Guenoc “Victorian” Claret – $17.99. GORGEOUS color, knock out flavor, 90 Wilfred Wong and I have to agree. WHY spend $150 on an Opus?
April 24, 2008

David Cole
Thanks for bring us back through twitter! It was a great reminder about value. I happen to have three bottles of the Silver Oak in the cellar and it’s funny, but all three were give as gift last x-mas!! LOL! They should have watched your show and save some $$. I’ll pop one out this summer with a steak and send you a shout out!

Piece out!
April 24, 2008

LuvsChandon
QOTD: I’m waiting for it to warm up a bit so I can take my Kayak out near Lodi and hit some wineries down there!
September 13, 2008

Dessert Wine Nerd
QOTD: I dont know what Im waiting for. I feel like Im stuck in a rut that I need to get out of. I feel like I just want to pack up and move somewhere on a whim. I certianly have the money where I could afford to do so and find some apartment to fall into. Though Id be quite poor after doing so it would be a new adventure. I dont know, a nice week long vacation at least is in order for me. … Sorry about the 0-3, esp at those prices.
October 2, 2008

Chris
I think you need to do a blind taste-off on WLTV against that fancy lad Brian Freedman from Classic Wines!!! Take him down to China-town Gary and show him what’s what!