Tasting Some Bubbly At Blue Ribbon – Episode #370

December 13, 2007

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Wrapping up the NYC wine tour Gary Vaynerchuk pays a visit to the Blue Ribbon Wine Bar.

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Comments on this episode(224) Leave a comment ›

  • “QOTD: Oops, forgot Boekenhoutskloof’s ‘The Wolftrap’ Syrah/Mourvedre/V…” by richardvinifera
  • “QOTD: One of the best syrahs I have had is the Gemtree Tadpole Shiraz …” by richardvinifera
  • View all 224 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

Gaston Chiquet play review at cork'd
Pierre Peters Cuvee ReserveFrench Brut Nonvintage

play review at cork'd
Jean Milan play review at cork'd

224 Responses

  1. December 13, 2007

    Rob P

    Earliest comment I’ve ever posted!

  2. December 13, 2007

    Rob P

    Holy crap…was that first?

  3. December 13, 2007

    GrapeStuff

    I like early eps.

  4. December 13, 2007

    eightfifteen

    Top 5??

  5. December 13, 2007

    Kdawg

    top 5

  6. December 13, 2007

    Aaron J

    Where’s the bread!?

  7. December 13, 2007

    Dan NYC

    Great episode. I will make it down there. QOTD: Shafer Relentless

  8. December 13, 2007

    Matthew L

    Early today…nothing like wine at 3:30 :D

  9. December 13, 2007

    Gabriel

    top 10, woo woo!

  10. December 13, 2007

    Ultimate Lurker

    10

  11. December 13, 2007

    Kojip

    Gary, I have to admit you seemed a little bit drunk for this epi.

    QOTD: Does Petite Syrah count? You’ll never find this guy because he’s mail list only at this point but an excellent Napa Valley Petite Syrah is Vincent Arroyo, any vintage. If for no other reason, please seek this guy out because he offers excellent tours. You wouldn’t believe the effort we had to go through to get this guy to sell us a case after he gave us PERSONALLY a great tour of his cellar and fermentation area. This guy rocks. I would push his stuff up against a Conn Creek anthology any day for complexity and structure. Anyone that can should seek this guy out. GV, if you know what’s good for you and you like Petite Syrah, find this guy. And that’s all I have to say.

  12. December 13, 2007

    Sassodoro

    11?

  13. December 13, 2007

    Kojip

    Excuse me for being an idiot, the spelling is petite sirah.

  14. December 13, 2007

    David Dickinson

    Early release today Gary. Thanks for the “wine in the city” episodes. What’s up with all whites?

  15. December 13, 2007

    Mr.Sato

    My favorite Syrah? Ouch! I really haven’t tried that many yet, but off the top of my head, the Thorn Clarke – “Terra Barossa” Shiraz – 2006

    Hey, have you ever tried De Sousa Brut Cuvée Merveille? I’m curious how you’d compare it to the Pierre Peters. Reviews would have them almost identical.

  16. December 13, 2007

    Mr.Sato

    My favorite Syrah? Ouch! I really haven’t tried that many yet, but off the top of my head, the Thorn Clarke – “Terra Barossa” Shiraz – 2006

    Hey, have you ever tried De Sousa Brut Cuvée Merveille? I’m curious how you’d compare it to the Pierre Peters. Reviews would have them almost identical.

  17. December 13, 2007

    garyv

    Kojip not even close, when I go “there”, which is never, I am very toned down!

  18. December 13, 2007

    Phocion

    QOTD:

    Hands down, my favorite Syrah is Montes Folly!!!!

    http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=317991

  19. December 13, 2007

    Sassodoro

    QOTD. Cote Rotie, when I can afford it.

  20. December 13, 2007

    Hyperion

    A LURKER HAS COME OUT OF HIDING!! I have been watching for a few weeks now and I really enjoy the show…keep it up Gary!

    QOTD: 1998 Barossa Valley Estates E&E Black Pepper shiraz…it was the wine that really got me interested in wine. When I began serving, this really nice couple came in and dropped 400 bones on dinner. They had a Henschke first and then the Black Pepper. They wanted to express how awesome it was so they poured me a full glass. Simply amazing!

  21. December 13, 2007

    David Dickinson

    Oops! My bad. Champaign (not whites).

  22. December 13, 2007

    Mr.Ambassador

    What a fantastic time to be introducing some new champagnes to the Vayniaks out here.

    QOTD – Favorite Syrah was the Amon-Ra – too bad the price is so steep… I’ve been really pleased with the efforts from Dusted Valley Vintners (Walla Walla, WA) and have many of their syrahs in my wine-rack now.

  23. December 13, 2007

    CindyW

    Wow, now I’m totally craving some champagne!

    QOTD: Favorite syrah is 2003 Reininger Syrah (Walla Wall), and my favorite shiraz is the Glaetzer Amon-Ra (Barossa Valley).

  24. December 13, 2007

    J.R. Young

    QOTD: Right now, 2004 La Sangre de Jonata. There is something that gets me about Santa Ynez syrah.

  25. December 13, 2007

    LeatherPalate

    just one! I’ll go Tensley

  26. December 13, 2007

    AmandaM

    This episode is getting me excited for New Years. This year, I’m going to buy some really nice champagne, I promise.

    QOTD: Only had one Syrah so far since I’m still on the CKC budget and I can’t buy a million wines at a time.

  27. December 13, 2007

    Wine Not?

    QOTD: Can’t pick just one, so here are my top 3: Mollydooker Shiraz (Australia), Montes Alpha Syrah (Chile), and Amon Ra (Australia).

    What a great question….I’m in a big syrah obsession right now!

  28. December 13, 2007

    luvgrapesqueezings

    Fun episode GV! I can’t say that I have a favorite Syrah because there are many different expressions of the grape that obviously have different personalities. Hermitage, Cote Roties are often amazing, but I have fun drinking Syrah in blended southern rhones, and southern French wines (Try Calvet Thunevin Cuvee Hugo). Last week, I had some ‘01 Delectus syrah which I enjoyed a lot. The 2004
    Columbia Crest Grand Estates Shiraz is balanced, complex and delicious. Too many good to great ones out there with different personalities for me to say which on e is the best.

  29. December 13, 2007

    Josh in Burgundy

    Great episode, last time I was in NYC I went to a champagne bar called Bubbles. I think it was a little too mainstream I wish I would have known about this place before.

    QOTD: 2004 Alban Reva, crazy good. Also I would give an honorable mention to Denner Vineyards in Paso Robles. Great Syrah at a decent price.

  30. December 13, 2007

    Wade

    Cool show. I still feel the faint narcotic buzz of being illuminated. Watch out though for the Blue Ribbon crew. They’ll put schmaltz in your matzo balls or slip a mickey in your wife’s oysters, drag her to Billy’s Topless and pickpocket all her singles. I’ve heard they break into apartments afterhours and feed pickled tongue to somnambulists. They hang with hucksters, fakirs, fire-eaters, knife-throwers and bureaucrats. Beware of their canny acoustic siren songs woven into the scents of yeast and brine.

  31. December 13, 2007

    SmokeyUST

    Dang I needs to get me some o that P2.

    Syrah: hmmm, well I drink the Wyndham Estates Bin 555 stuff a lot as that is amazing qpr baby!

  32. December 13, 2007

    Kdawg

    if we’re talking american syrah, right now it’s tensley, but after the chicago crew does our thing in jan, it’ll probably be like alban, copain, pax, radio-coteau, etc etc.

    australian, I’m a big time fan of Mitolo GAM

  33. December 13, 2007

    Dr T from N. Carolina

    QOTD — either the 1992 or 1993 Guigal Hermitage

    “T”

  34. December 13, 2007

    SmokeyUST

    And what is this about: “garyv

    Kojip not even close, when I go “there”, which is never, I am very toned down!”

    What kind f crazy person is never drunk?
    I smell a ratt!!!

  35. December 13, 2007

    Ferrigno

    great show! This New years eve I’m gonna try a RM I just bought, I think it’s gonna be great!

  36. December 13, 2007

    Mike T

    Hands down the 1996 Alban Reva! Wonderful to the last drop!

  37. December 13, 2007

    KVolk

    QOTD: Haven’t drank enough Syrah to have a favorite so I will go with a good one.

    Gary don’t let Mott put a light source between you and the camera the candle messed with the picture and pulled the focus away from the people talking.

  38. December 13, 2007

    Taylor

    Great show wish i was in the city so i could go out to Blue ribbon tonight!
    QOTD I would say I dont drink nearly enough Syrah to pick a favorite.

  39. December 13, 2007

    JohnnyC a.k.a. SmokinActuary

    Tough to say because I haven’t been drinking much Syrah, but I have been digging syrah-based wines from the Rhone.

    For new worlds I too like Syrahs from the Santa Ynez Valley.

  40. December 13, 2007

    Greg B.

    Big G, Big ups on the Bubbly! Thanks again for just doing what you do!

    QOTD: Yalumba Octavius

  41. December 13, 2007

    JerseyGirl turned CNY vayniac

    QOTD: fave syrah? off the top of my head i honestly dont know

    I’ll be in NYC on Dec 26th if you want to hit Blue Ribbon Gary!

  42. December 13, 2007

    Jeff

    GV, gotta be honest. I was concerned when I saw the NYC tour thing and thinking it was going to stink, but I’m actually having a good time seeing the culture up-close one-on-one experiences. Definitely is making up for the dry spell of interviews and such over the previous several months. Comfy couch tomorrow?:)

    -Jeff

  43. December 13, 2007

    Big Nick

    Not too bad, must say that the wife and I miss out on places like you visited this week since we do not live in the large cities. Nice to see an episode on the bubbly.

    QOTD: I am not a Sirah fan so I am not sure which I would chose.

  44. December 13, 2007

    Neil

    QOTD: Cuvaison has a pretty good Syrah. Talking about over the top and I mean waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay over the TOP, Elderton Shiraz from down under brings some serious thunder. Everyone is so Mollydooker this and Mollydooker that these days, has anyone tried Elderton?

  45. December 13, 2007

    Hugh

    QOD: Anything from Cayuse

  46. December 13, 2007

    Alos

    The one I like the most is 1998 Penfolds Grange.

  47. December 13, 2007

    Todd Smith

    Love it!!! I’ve been sellig Grower Champagnes for the past 2 years. Blew me away when I fisrt tried them. All that heavily marketed stuff is crap! Pierre Peters – my favorite! Well done!

  48. December 13, 2007

    HuskerJamie

    Blue Ribbon looks pretty awesome, thanks for inviting Omaha, Gary. We’ll try to hit that place next time we’re in the NYC.

  49. December 13, 2007

    Matthew L

    Nice show Gary.

    QOTD: I LOVE Syrah/Shiraz. So far, one of the best I had was a “treat yourself” bottle your recommended when I came in WL last December. Massena 11th Hour Shiraz, Library Code: 1930.

  50. December 13, 2007

    Modesto Jeff

    Thanks for the opening our eyes to what is out there in sparkling.

    QOTD: Stevenot from the Sierra Foothills. MMM.. tasty.

  51. December 13, 2007

    purplejuicebruce

    QOTD…..Ihavn’t had too many but I just had a bottle of Layer Cake Shiraz
    from the B.V. in Australia that was very good except the oak monster’s big brother was in the bottle.

  52. December 13, 2007

    Whipple

    Wade, you’re crackin’ me OUT, man! You’re too much, dude. Pour another one.

    Gonna go watch the ep now.

  53. December 13, 2007

    Ben N.

    Good one Gary!!!!

  54. December 13, 2007

    Obama_Man

    First of all, I just want to say that this comment–in my mind– will officially take me out of ‘lurkdom’. Secondly, Gary, I’m so glad you keep reiterating how awful the classic bubblies are… even though I hate to believe it. I used to get so excited at the thought of a ‘Moet’ or ‘Veuve’ sponsored party… LAME! I’m excited to start drinking more grower-type champagnes!

  55. December 13, 2007

    Ashley

    Cindy W,

    As the long time Assistant Winemaker at Reininger and as someone who helped make that Syrah, thanks so much. Random praise is always the best. Rulo, K, Trio, Sapolil and Tertulia are doing great Syrahs in Walla Walla.

    Gary- You’ve made studying for the MS so much more amusing. Thanks.

  56. December 13, 2007

    DavidB

    Excellent episode and if only I lived in the area I would be down there tipping a few w/ya’…
    QOTD: Probably something from France, but can’t come up with one particular off the top of my noggin…If Aussi – maybe “Molly Dook”

  57. December 13, 2007

    Smith MBA

    I Am digging Benziger 04 Syrah right now

  58. December 13, 2007

    Jens

    QOTD: Côte-Rotie or Hermitage.

  59. December 13, 2007

    DC7

    Good show!

  60. December 13, 2007

    Lee Watkins

    Jack Creek Syrah in Paso Robles. KOJUIP_ Please keep Vincent Arroyo quiet as it is hard enough to get the wines. Best little wine maker up in Napa

  61. December 13, 2007

    Grasshopper

    Love the show and the sparklers….we have really been enjoying Spanish Cava’s

    Also really like that you are tasting wines that WL does not even carry and are following the guest Soms recommendations. Class GV, class…

    if you do a sparkler episode, please do not ficus on all the usuall suspects…help us find some good QPR’s that are wonderful….

    Hopper

  62. December 13, 2007

    Diogo da Silva Santos

    guys

    anyone has an ideia about the 2004 chateau rieussec?? is 60 dollars a steal for it or what??

    cheers

  63. December 13, 2007

    Grasshopper

    Forgot QOTD – the question through me for such a loop as it seemed from left field becasue of the subject matter…

    Not sure we have has a syrah lately and only thing that comes to mind is the 05 Meadowlark red that has 27% Syrah…is real winner! IMO

  64. December 13, 2007

    TommyBoBo of WI

    Another great ep! Can you come find some neat places in Wisconsin??? I’ll put you up in my cellar/bedroom for your grand tour of tasting…..

    QOTD:? I love Barossa Valley Estate E&E, Elderton Command and Penfolds RWT, Gibson Barossa Vale, Clarendon Moritz,, how’s that for a start… have a bunch of Alban, dig the CdP blends….

    Actually going to open a 2000 BVE E&E Black Pepper shiraz tonight. :-)

  65. December 13, 2007

    JonE

    Blue Ribbon and grower Champagne, G-Man you are the king. Ultimate hipster alert beep!! beep!! beep!!

    QOTD: At the current moment Pax Syrah Rose. Baby Pax with plenty o’funk.

  66. December 13, 2007

    Whipple

    QOTD: I don’t drink syrah. I drink only sirah. I mean shiraz. No, wait…whatever Sarah’s having. Somebody pour me a sherez, plz.

  67. December 13, 2007

    Dominick Mack

    QOTD – 2005 Neyers – UNBELIEVABLE QPR….it was the hit of Thanksgiving with my family.

  68. December 13, 2007

    AlisonD

    Definitely going to stop in the Blue Ribbon next time I am in the city….great episode..

  69. December 13, 2007

    John Witherspoon (J DUB)

    QOTD: HRMMMMM Probably any COte ROtie.

    Fun episodes this week. I really enjoy the “on the scene” wine shows, great idea.

    J DUB

  70. December 13, 2007

    Justin E

    I love Ravenswood Icon, Its real good like!

  71. December 13, 2007

    Shadowbird

    QOTD: A local winery, Panther Creek, makes one of the few shiraz I will actually drink. I’d have to say that’s my favorite.

  72. December 13, 2007

    Diogo da Silva Santos

    oh and the best syrah ever? no doubts, la-la-la’s.

    Anyways, as a portuguese I’d love to ask you guys to try new syrah-based wines from France, especially Northern Rhone, as Cote Rôtie, St Joseph or Hermitage. I’m sure they will not be as easy to like as some more fruit-driven wines from the new world, but if you’re trying to know a bit more about wine you’ll have to try them. If you hate them that’s cool as well! Just make sure you get to taste them…

    This is a plea against the uniformization of wine or whatever you’d like to call it. A shoutout to that!

    cheers vaynerdudes

  73. December 13, 2007

    NathanN

    Best I have had in a while was the Grappler by Twenty Rows. I’m liking this road trip you are taking us on.

  74. December 13, 2007

    Orion Slayer

    Gary, you are going to have a hard time topping this week. Way to go. Not so high on the Champagne, but still an interesting show.

    QOTD: Hands down my favorite Syrah is Layer Cake! What a beautiful fruit bomb!!!

  75. December 13, 2007

    Palmer

    QOTD: Failla ‘05 Estate

  76. December 13, 2007

    Robert F

    Amen on the champagne. Screw moet and clicquot!

    QOTD: For me, syrah is all about the rhone. Guigal cote rotie is where it’s at

  77. December 13, 2007

    Social Project Brian

    Gary, if you were stuck on a desert island… just kidding.

    QOTD: My favorite syrah? Really? After all that boutique champagne? Well, I love the Aussie Shiraz at all sorts of price points (Pillar Box, Marquis Philips, Two Hands, R Wines, D’arenberg blends… no, haven’t tried Penfolds Grange yet). I enjoyed the Koehler syrah from Santa Ynez (2004). I dug the Majella sparkling shiraz (got a couple bottles after GV’s review – great stuff! huge crowd pleaser). Also have some interesting little syrahs from Couteaux du Languedoc. I dig syrah.

    By the way, here’s the newest online wine accessory, USB Wine. Check this out, it’s pretty radoolishious: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3jwe0_usb-wine-telechargez-vos-vins-en-di_fun.

  78. December 13, 2007

    sky

    QOTD;LUCA without a doubt!! lovin tha growers tasting.’round here we haf ta make du with cava causin are budjets donte halaw forign tha extre monedas

  79. December 13, 2007

    sky

    around here we have to make do with cava because our budget doesnt allow fr the extra money(tranzlashun)

  80. December 13, 2007

    wine-ot

    QOD – AMON RA 2005…99 pt. nose after 5 hr. breathing…thanks for the reccomendation on the 2004 amon GV…never bought it but its why i have some 05′!

  81. December 13, 2007

    sky

    where’D MY HEAD go??? help me catch it!!

  82. December 13, 2007

    chenrys

    O.K. so you got us thinking seriously about what to drink for New Year’s Eve. Great show BTW.

    QOTD: We have so rarely had Sirah as a varietal. We drink blends, GSM is a favorite. So now we have to seek some out. We’ll be monitoring the responses from other Vaniacs to get some good selections to try.

  83. December 13, 2007

    BobbyTiger

    Nice show Gary! Don’t drink too much Shiraz, but I do enjoy the blends. Really enjoy the Callia Alta Shiraz-Melbec 2006 from Argentina. It is not a very complex wine, and find it very smoooooth for most occasions.

  84. December 13, 2007

    David Grega

    Great show GV….I think you hit on a great topic…marketing!

    How about Cognac…I have really been getting into Cognac and have noticed the huge difference between the big money big advertising Cognacs and the little guys you never hear about….perhaps there will be a Cognac ep? just a thought!

  85. December 13, 2007

    jason

    love blue ribbon, drank some champagne last night with my wife for her big day. i guess i can say i am still learning my way to realllllly taste champagne. it is almost more about mouth feel for me.. way more than still wine.

    QOTD: first off , love the question. it is starting to be syrah season. alain graillot is making some kick ass crozes hermitage.i have a bottle of the 05 of his son too, maxim. some wine geeks say he is making better syrah. i just bought a bottle of 05 CH from chapoutier. i had a bottle of talloulah 04 over thanksgiving. the US of A was impressing me. if i had some big pockets. i would buy a bottle of la meal 05 from chapoutier for a roasted lamb leg in 15 to 20 years. i still need to taste an older bottle (15 years +) of hermitage to see what it is all about.

    great episode.

  86. December 13, 2007

    Whipple

    Social Projet Brian: ah-ah-ah-ah! Quelle si drôle!

  87. December 13, 2007

    Capt M

    Classy, classy, very classy string of shows these are. What a treat! Thanks Garyvee. Congratulations on a super job. This is a better end-of-the-year treat than free shipping. QOTD: Rusack Syrah, Santa Barbara, CA

  88. December 13, 2007

    Rock n Roll Andy

    My favorite Syrah is the Garretson Bulliador Syrah. I think I spelled it wrong!!! It’s a new world wine. BIG fruit , and 16.7 alcohol. If you decant it , it drinks great. You can find it for about 60 BONES!!! This Syrah can handle my favorite, BONE IN RIBEYE’S. PEACE!!!!!

  89. December 13, 2007

    Boozer

    What an episode, keep trying it all. I really love reds but always have room for a white or port. The sparkling wines; an entire dimension to the wine experience and if you don’t explore it well you are missing out.

    QOTD: My favorite Syrah had so many good one but in keeping with the theme of the episode … my favorite Sparkling Shiraz is Rumball from Australia.

  90. December 13, 2007

    Mandy

    Such fun shows this week. You should come out and do the same in SF!!

  91. December 13, 2007

    Saubrey

    Been meaning to broaden my champagne palette lately. I think I may have just gotten the motivation to do it.

    QOTD: Not a big Syrah fan, but then again most of the Syrah I’ve had have been the “fruit bombs”. Planning on taking a browse through the Rhone options that have been mentioned.

  92. December 13, 2007

    Michel Dugas

    My top syrah up to now was Incognito 2001 from Cortes de Cima in Portugal

    MD

  93. December 13, 2007

    StockJockey

    Great show, those guys run great restaurants in the city. Love the original Blue Ribbon.

    Best Syrah? Justin Smith’s 2001 Saxum Bone Rock was incredible. This is some funky terroir:

    The section of James Berry which produces the bulk of this wine (and gives it its name) consists of terraces constructed in 1990 on a very steep, rocky hillside composed of layers of shale. The “soil” is actually layers of rock, which are easily sheared, and this fractured composition allows the vines’ roots to go deep, and also provides excellent drainage. The name comes from prehistoric fossilized whale bones (left) found on the site, as the entire region was at one time the basin of a shallow sea.

    I only had one bottle, but it was remarkable.

  94. December 13, 2007

    Dominus

    $10-$12 a glass! Now you’re talking, especially hitting the 90pt mark!

    THIS is a good show. Thank you

    QOTD: The NY sommeliers seem to have a fetish for Syrah? Actually, during my last summer’s “Sideways” tour I really enjoyed the Fess Parker Syrah. Yep, ole Daniel Boone makes some pretty good vino.

    Cheers!

  95. December 13, 2007

    The Fanjestic

    QOTD – I think my brain exploded. I love Syrah and yet I can’t think. I would say Lnagmeil Shiraz but that’s not right.

  96. December 13, 2007

    billyg

    I enjoy Carina Cellars 7 Percent (7% Viognier).

  97. December 13, 2007

    RichE

    Favorite Syrah:
    Well for this week it’s the
    2004 Nicholson Ranch Las Madres Syrah.

  98. December 13, 2007

    Joel M

    Berrys Bridge 2004, kicks serious a$$.

  99. December 13, 2007

    onemore

    Ha! I knew champagne would be the feature of one of these on-location episodes. And thank goodness, because as I mentioned in yesterday’s ep comments, I’m far from highly knowledgeable on champagne. I’ve begun to ping wine shops for two of the three you tasted. I’m also putting champagne near the top of my Things To Research list for 2008 (”research” = “try lots of ‘em, probably several at random, research what I bought, jot down tasting notes, repeat cycle”).

    QOTD: The 2003 Guigal Cote-Rotie Brune et Blonde is my favorite syrah.

    I have three bottles of 2005 Amon-Ra (one I bought, & the other two were gifts). I plan to open one this weekend, then wait a few years to open the other two. Who knows, maybe this will be my favorite by Monday—but I doubt it. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t blanket-hate Australian shiraz wines. (I like several of them, actually.) But it’ll be hard for any shiraz to win out over my favorite.

  100. December 13, 2007

    GalvezGuy

    Without a doubt. Herman Story 2005 White Hawke Vineyard. Amazing juice.

  101. December 13, 2007

    Marshall

    QOTD: Paul Jaboulet Aine or M. Chapoutier, or anthing from the Northern Rhone

  102. December 13, 2007

    Brian

    QOTD: My favorite Syrah is the 2003 Zaca Mesa Santa Ynez, Estate grown and bottled. This is a wonderful wine and I just received a full case of this stuff to share with friends and family over the holidays.

  103. December 13, 2007

    Daemon

    QOTD: La Ninas 2006 Syrah, it’s a Chilean wine, a little young but amazing flavors strolling around in that wine.

  104. December 13, 2007

    Carly

    QOTD:
    “Sirrah, whose grave is this?” said Hamlet to the Clown. “Mine, sir.” The Clown (a gravedigger) replied.

    Since I haven’t tasted many Syrahs in my life, and none worth remembering the name of, I cannot answer the QOTD, except to quote from Shakespeare: in those days, Sirrah just meant a polite “Hey, you!”

    “Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used.”
    [Othello, II. iii.]

  105. December 13, 2007

    Fred Liu

    Quite a comfortable episode, thus I nearly leave with my smile and without a comment…QOTD, Cotes du Rhone, E.Guigal, 2003, my favorite of the year so far.

    The Blue Ribbon looks good, and I just love it and its peace. Maybe I will keep such a wine bar someday, that is beautiful.

    Nice episode, and let’s move on.^_^

  106. December 13, 2007

    Kristen

    Great show, cool place. Mott should’ve panned around the wine bar!

    QOTD: My favorite shiraz? Well, seeing as I’m a part of the CKC and done particularly *love* it, I don’t often buy it (ask me about Vouvray, though, and I’ll give you a list!). But if I go with a Shiraz, it’ll be something like Layer Cake or Mad Fish. The HI-C Australian versions are so easy to drink…But I do like Syrah grapes from France!!

  107. December 13, 2007

    Snarf

    QOTD: even though I have NEVER tasted a Pax Syrah, it had better be my fave since I have 27 bottles of it in my cellar!

  108. December 13, 2007

    Pastafari Pirate

    QOTD: syrah? STRAIGHT syrah? I haven’t yet found one that didn’t underwhelm me…. I seem to only like syrahs when they are in blends, especially GSM (e.g., Rhone) style blends. Of those, my favorite is the Boekenhoutskloof Wolf Trap, which was primarily Syrah (53%?) in the last vintage of it that I tried.

  109. December 13, 2007

    Susan

    Gary- Love this ep and LOVE the Sasha – bread story!!! Can’t stop laughing – picturing Sasha asking “Where’s the bread?” Sounds just like my dad. My dad wants some bread with his parker house rolls and biscuits!!! :)

  110. December 13, 2007

    Kevin

    I really dug this one. Very cool. I WISH I had access to a cool wine bar like that here. When I’m in NY, I will keep it in mind.

    And really? Am I missing something with champagne? Really?

    QOTD: It’s a blend, but I’m going to go with Domaine de Mourchon from Seguret.

  111. December 13, 2007

    Wiley Reilly

    QOTD: Straight, fruit bomb syrah?? Bonny Doon or Rosenblum. I prefer to have my syrah blended with grenache ala Jumilla or Yecla…or the tried and true Cotes du Rhone…Gigondas…ah yes…Gigondas with bacon…bacon dipped in mocha frosting…MMM

  112. December 13, 2007

    Dr. Mike

    QOTD: Hands down ‘03 Cayuse Armada, ‘98 Henschke Hill of Grace a close second

  113. December 13, 2007

    Wiley Reilly

    And how could I forget, as far as blends…REILLY’s Shiraz/Grenache out of Clare Valley…not only cheezy fun at a party – whipping out my personal product (Ha!) but it’s actually very tasty in an over-the-top-Aussie-fruit-bomb-sort-of-way!

  114. December 13, 2007

    John Cabot

    Geat show! Rolling with Lizzy? Oh, that’s right you don’t have kids. Enjoy while it lasts, pal.
    Got to love all the Syrah talk from the last two guys. I can’t wait fo you to try our three. Maybe I can bring you back over to our side. I’d bet they are way different than you think they’re going to be. If you want to open one with Lizzy, try the Kimberly’s. It’s coofermented with Viognier, and I know how you feel about the big V. As far as what I like syrah wise, Alban, Saxum, Beckman, Stolpman, Red Car, and Linne Colado.

  115. December 13, 2007

    Susan

    Gary-QOTD: Favorite Syrah is the the 2005 Olson-Ogden Syrah. QSS brought it to our first NC offline and I asked him to bring it to the third offline. It is such good syrah, even for Old World Fans!!!
    :)

  116. December 13, 2007

    Kale Knowles

    If you don’t include Australian Shiraz, my favorite Syrah is the Stolpman Hilltop Syrah.

  117. December 13, 2007

    Candace

    Thanks for the show on bubbly! It’s one of my favorite food groups. I agree that if you have to choose one wine to go with everything, go with bubbles…..maybe even rose bubbles. In fact, had a Duval-Leroy rose two nights ago that was very yummy. I didn’t want to grow up and move on; but did eventually move on to the reds.

    Anyway, QOTD: The best Syrah I’ve had is the Betz Winery, WA Chapitre 3 2005.

  118. December 13, 2007

    Robin C

    Perrier Jouet Fleurs is the Gallo of champagne? Is Ridge Montebello the Charles Shaw of cabernets? Interesting to hear about other champagnes though. Still pretty pricey. I like flowers on my bottle of wine.
    QOTD: Penfolds Grange

  119. December 13, 2007

    Andrew Kellner

    Great episode, champagne is one of the wines I know the leaset about, so all edycation welcome. Favorite is a Shiraz — Mollydooker The Boxer

  120. December 13, 2007

    pforty

    QOTD: 2005 Pax Syrah, Kobler RRV Old School meets new world.

  121. December 13, 2007

    Christopher J

    Gary, you read my mind on a champagne show!! Perfect timing.

    QOTD: I do not have any particular Sirah that I would consider favorite.

  122. December 13, 2007

    SteveW

    Great episode, its nice to see you get out on the city for the last 3 shows.
    QOTD: Cayuse Bionic Frog and Amon Ra

  123. December 13, 2007

    amgryger

    I went to a grower champagne store tasting a couple of weeks ago and tasted the Gaston Chiquet and a couple of others.

    QOTD: I don’t have much syrah experience, but I’m into the syrahs from Edmunds St. John. My plan for the beginning of the new year is to spend some time exploring the northern Rhone.

  124. December 13, 2007

    E

    So what about Duval-Leroy? The fact that they call their Blanc de Blanc “Blanc de Chardonnay” is a little weird, but can’t beat the price.

    QOD: Crozes-Hermitage! The two most thought provoking Syrah I ever had were C-H: the Habrard that smelled like sardines and an old Jaboulet/Thalabert. Honorable new world mention to the Curtis Crossroads Vineyard, which I can’t get locally anymore and miss dearly (Firestone’s Rhone Ranger outfit) and Guy Davis’ Guyzer Block syrah, which while I’m not sure I liked per se reminded me of no other syrah on the planet. You’ll get lost in this stuff.

  125. December 13, 2007

    pomace

    I’ll have to try some of this grower champagne…had no idea it was so food friendly…
    QOTD: Chave?

  126. December 13, 2007

    winelover4ever

    Ohhh well I as I write I’m tasting …. Molydooker Carnival of Love 2006….. great, outstanding shiraz…. exceeded my expectations…great balance, despiting a high alcohol level, with a royal elegance. Another kicking sirah is Lewis Cellars 2002, 2001 or 2003….. powerful, fruit bombs with some fine elegance as well. My other favorite one is D’Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz … an explotion of fruits complexity on most of the vintages I’ve tasted.

  127. December 13, 2007

    SacramentoCharlie

    QOTD: 2000 Trecini Syrah. It was the first time I realized not to fear a higher alcohol wine. Now I just proceed with caution :-)

  128. December 13, 2007

    yowens

    Cool wine bar. QOTD: None yet.

  129. December 13, 2007

    Grapedigger

    I love Champagne with a big “C”…I like the Syrah based Cote Rotie the most…Cheers.

  130. December 13, 2007

    Flavio

    QOTD: Anything by Mr. Jean Louis Chave (genius)… maybe some Fonsalette (Rayas)… but must be from the Rhone!

    For the day-to-day, a recent pleaseant discovery from the new world was the 2003 Ernesto Catena Tahuan Syrah – really delicious with incredible fruit and a lot more class than any reasonably priced Australian fruit bom.

  131. December 13, 2007

    ZachB

    Tensley 2005 Colson Canyon Syrah and Kaesler The Bogan Shiraz

  132. December 13, 2007

    Robert Ryan

    Just got done watching the NYC wine tour and I am pumped to go to these places! Just got my Christmas 4 pack in the mail! I am pumped to taste these wines on Christmas with my family! I never even knew that there was such a thing as a white Bordeaux! Ohhh Baby!!! Gary you have really stepped it up a notch! I am a former lurker and I just couldn’t stand lurking out there anymore! Lurk no more I am a Vaniac just bursting at the seams!!! Conan who? Ellen who?? Gary you really are blowing up and there is no stoppin’ you now!!!

    Syrah…Rosenblum, That’s how I roll!

  133. December 13, 2007

    Darold

    As promised, I will answer the QotD… Unfortunately, I don’t have a favorite Syrah/Shiraz because of limited experience. I CAN say that I don’t much care for Yellowtail. I had a Pennfolds that I shared with some friends that I wouldn’t pour down the sink (however, I am not sure I would buy it again either). I think I need to step into other regions to learn more. Unfortunately, this grape is further down on my educational tour of wines.

  134. December 13, 2007

    RED_DEVIL

    I tried about 20 sparklers today at work. (on my own time..what a team player!)
    I think what I learned was that the N.V. bubbles vary so much from batch to batch that it is a real crap shoot as far as consistency is concerned.
    Syrah favorite….I seem to be enamored with the cool climate Syrahs this week like anything from the Bassetti Vineyard in (Cambria…just tell them it is Paso Robles..sort of..)

  135. December 13, 2007

    Moselman

    Is that tomato soup on the menu board? I’ve had it with gin in it, but not bubbly…

    QOTD: 1962 Penfolds Bin 60A Cabernet Shiraz 750ml. Gave my bro-in-law a bottle of this for his 60th d’day. Of course, it was a PhotoShopped label on a (still very nice) Penfolds C/S, and titled
    ” Bin 60, eh? “

  136. December 13, 2007

    Luke P.

    QOTD: I don’t drink Syrah that much (but I’m new to this wine stuff, GV, so don’t get mad). But I shall have a favorite by Monday. :)

  137. December 13, 2007

    chitown_wino

    QOTD- about 8, 9 years ago I had a Bremerton young vines Shiraz (technically a Syrah, right?) that changed my life. That was the day I became a wine lover, rather than a wine drinker. I didn’t just taste the wine, but I could smell the Eucalyptus grove next to the growing vines and I was hooked.

  138. December 13, 2007

    Tom Cihil

    Gary, I noticed you swirling your sparkling wine. That’s a habit I, too, understand from red wine tasting.

    This year, I had the good fortune to visit Russian River Valley, CA and stopped by Iron Horse Winery, which produces some respected sparkling wines. During the tasting, the good natured pourer offered the unexpected question: May I teach you something about sparkling wine? Hey, it’s your valley, so teach away!

    According to the helpful young man, unnecessary swirling can change the PH of sparkling wine and alter the flavor, beyond the winemaker’s intent.
    OK. I don’t swirl bubbly anymore.

    Question 1: What do you think of this idea?

    Question 2: Have you been to Korbel Winery, which you dissed in earlier episode?

    QOTD: Honestly, Syrah (shiraz) is the grape I don’t understand yet.

  139. December 13, 2007

    AndrewB

    THANK YOU FOR PREACHIN THE WORD ON GROWER CHAMPAGNE!!!!!!
    QOTD: I had a Cornas once and it was as good as syrah gets, and I had a crozes-hermitage that was incredibley elegant and well structured and everything great about syrah. That’s all I have to say.
    Right now I am sippin on a Cremant de Loire made from CabsFrancs&Sauvs…Awesome! – $16!

  140. December 13, 2007

    cpd

    QOTD Dutschke Semmler or God’s Hill Road.

  141. December 13, 2007

    Mike Miller

    QOTD: My favorite syrah is a shiraz that I had with my wife at Atelier the night I proposed to her. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the producer! I remember it was really peppery and they may have mentioned limestone soil. It may have actually been from an island off the Australian coast.

  142. December 13, 2007

    mrzitro

    QOTD: no favorite yet. enjoyed the Water Wheel Memsie 2005 which is a Shiraz(86%), Malbec (9%), & Cab Sauv (5%) blend.

    I’ve got a prosecco lined up for New Years but now I need to add a grower champagne to the party.

  143. December 14, 2007

    ERP

    QOTD: Meerea Park Alexander Munro 2003 Shiraz

    Discovered the great small producer while touring Hunter Valley two summers ago and I am so happy that I did.

  144. December 14, 2007

    Paul M

    QOTD: it is mostly Syrah so I think that counts … Les Verrieres Clos De Soutyeres Coteaux De Languedoc 2004

  145. December 14, 2007

    Paul M

    QOTD; Wait, what was I thinking, discount my earlier post, I forgot about E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde 2001 … this was really great, clearly the best syrah I have had

  146. December 14, 2007

    t_moderne

    Champagne??? what about Cali sparklers?

    QOTD – Penfold’s Deam Arm.

  147. December 14, 2007

    vivaitalia

    Love the bubbly!. I really wish they had cool places like that around here. My favorite syrah is definitely the 2002 Chameleon syrah from Cali. It must be a small producer because i’ve only seen it in two stores but this wine was stellar. It had everything in perfect balance.

  148. December 14, 2007

    MagnumGourmet

    QOTD – Great syrahs, have to be either Rulo, Buty or Cuneo.

  149. December 14, 2007

    Danq

    Great show! Real champagne has been one of the biggest surprises for me in tasting different wines, thanks to the NV Nicholas Feuillate Premier Cru Rose Brut.

    QOTD: Shiraz is what got me loving red wines, and the single greatest thing I have ever tasted in my life was the 2003 Torbreck the Factor. Best that I can afford, 2005 Torbreck Woodcutters Red, 2006 d’Arenburg Laughing Magpie (with about 6% Viognier)

  150. December 14, 2007

    KenP

    QOTD: My favorite Syrah? Won’t say.

  151. December 14, 2007

    KC Dan

    Qotd : Luca from argentina

  152. December 14, 2007

    Brandon T.

    favorite syrah… I drink roughly 3 bottles of La Landonne a week, every once in a while throw in a Mouline for kicks… besides that, love Yellowtail Shiraz and (as we all know) the 2BuckChuck Shiraz is the greatest Shaw red. Beckmen Vineyards in Santa Barbara really got me into Syrah. Their Clone 1 and Block 6 are very tasty, as is their Estate Syrah.

  153. December 14, 2007

    Yoni Rabkin

    Thanks for the heads up about the Blue Ribbon, now I only need to find a little plane ticket to NYC.

  154. December 14, 2007

    J.Rice

    I don’t care as long it’s an excellent Hermitage. Oh, how I love that Rhone Valley.

  155. December 14, 2007

    ev

    GV, I think most people don’t know what “grower champagne” is, how to identify: (The R M on bottom of the label: Recoltant Manipulant (sp)), and why customers would want to know this. My wife’s (The most awesome chic on Earth) birthday is Friday, December 14th and I need to make this one the best. We have moved too many times in the past few years, or other things have come up (such as 23 years together) and worked during the most important wine time, that I have to make the most of this. If I was closer (not even close), I would hit the Blue Ribbon Bubble Bar.

    QOD:Penfolds Grange. Or St Henri, Mitolo GAM or other not overoaked syrahs. Many WA state syrahs.

  156. December 14, 2007

    ev

    Oh, GV, in terms of the QOD, dare you to do an upper level Penfolds tasting, ie, Grange, 707, Magill, St Henri, 389………………..Have to do it around May when they come in next.——Eric

  157. December 14, 2007

    ev

    OK, after this, I’m done. Maybe for Cathy’s birthday, I’ll open up a Penfolds Grange. It’s such a treasure around here, she won’t believe it’s actually “popped”.——-Eric

  158. December 14, 2007

    wm mole

    Nice format GV, and good timing Blue Ribbon:

    Ojai, at a tasting tonight

  159. December 14, 2007

    Jaybird

    Great show, and I’m looking forward to another show on sparkling wine.

    1996 Penfolds Grange

  160. December 14, 2007

    Panoca

    QOTD: bring The Boxer baby!!

  161. December 14, 2007

    Oregon Jim

    Qotd – I’m not that well traveled, my favorite so far is the ‘02 Le Ecole Seven hills Walla Walla. Overripe, thick and nasty, but each sip an adventure. Not a food wine.

    What is a growers champagne? We love the Argyle vintage Brut around here, but we are not that well traveled!

  162. December 14, 2007

    YoungDave

    QOTD: As of late, I guess I’ll go with Falset Marca 2001 “Etim” from Montsant.

  163. December 14, 2007

    Ryan D

    QotD: 2006 Stellenbosch Vineyards Shiraz Oracle of the Sun from South Africa, really impressed us when we had it.

    My notes:
    A steal. Bought the wine because we hadn’t had wine from South Africa before and wanted to give it a shot, hearing good things. We were impressed. Been drinking a lot of shiraz lately and this wine outshined them, bringing vibrant fruit, little if any oak, and a good finish.

  164. December 14, 2007

    Glen DiGirolamo

    Favorite Syrah is Cayuse……

  165. December 14, 2007

    Rice

    QOTD: Conn Valley’s

  166. December 14, 2007

    Mike Z

    QOTD: Favorite Syrah? I guess the best I’ve had was the Summerland 2004 Paradise Road… which was a lot like an Hermitage.

  167. December 14, 2007

    Andrew Garber

    My favourite shiraz so far: Heartland Limestone Coast 2005.

  168. December 14, 2007

    CHATrBox

    Great show! Perfect for the pre-holiday festivities.

    QOTD: Favorite Syrah…right now I would have to say Darby 2005 Destiny Ridge. It’s Darby’s very first release, but already shows exceptionally well and gets me excited about where this winery is heading.

  169. December 14, 2007

    Chinon Rouge

    Rockin episode. Man this is good stuff. Too bad the growers’ Champagnes can be a little difficult to find in my hometown of BFE. I’m not into Syrahs right now. Taking a break, shall we say.

  170. December 14, 2007

    Adam Altman

    QOTD – the syrah/shriaz that I had most recently that I really dug a whole lot was the 2005 Oliverhill Jimmy Section.

  171. December 14, 2007

    Fiorentina!

    Yo G! Good Ep.
    To be honest, I have had several well made syrah’s, but, just like PN…I just don’t appreciate the varietal. I’ve tried Aussie Shiraz….Rhone Chat-Nu-Pape….CA Syrah….just can’t get into it….sorry yo!

    PS
    What’s the spread this week….20 points? Prediction…… Pats 34 Jets 17 … just be happy you’re not a 49ers fan like me.

  172. December 14, 2007

    BoiseBob

    Good episode, Gary! Shingleback “Black Bubbles” Shiraz is good for me.

  173. December 14, 2007

    Rich G

    UGH….QOTD – the reason why I dont drink them…the last one I had was a Yellow Tail…I KNOW BIG G! Yellow Tail is not a big hit…and NOW I understand why!

    LMAO

    Cant wait to get over there to Blue Ribbon… seems like DA JOINT!

    Cheers!

  174. December 14, 2007

    damon aka unknownwine

    This is killin me. I wanna go.

    You wanna idea for another CONTEST!

    Do one for a NYC wine tour.

    By the way, this is another spot mentioned in the Book #1 of the GV book club.

  175. December 14, 2007

    MtnCharlie

    I have been getting more interested in sparklers and seeking them out. I recently had a Loire sparkler (tried to look up what it was, but to no avail) that was excellent.

    QOTD: The Syrah I make! Actually, one of the best (domestic) I have tried is Beckman Purisma Mountain Clone #1

  176. December 14, 2007

    Kathy HUghes

    Gary, Thanks soooo much for this episode. Naples, Kathy aka Champagne Lady

  177. December 14, 2007

    Wey

    Wow, I suggest a bubble show and within 24 hours it’s there! Now that’s what I call thundershow :D

    QOTD: favorite Syrah? I think from the Rhone Valley, Auguste Clape – 2003 Cornas.

    First Syrah I drunk was a Rosemount, diamond label. I think the 2002 and it got me exploring a lot more Syrah. Ever since, I enjoyed many Syrahs. A friend of me started to explore the big nice world of wine because of Yellow Tale. Those wines do get a lot of people started, so I thank them for that ;)

  178. December 14, 2007

    Jason S.

    QOTD: maybe not my fav, but my current fav is Big Hands – which is Beckmen’s “table” wine. But I have to say, for the price ($15), it’s a fantastic bargain.

    Gary – My wife and I are going to be in the NYC this weekend. When do you want to hit Blue Ribbon?

  179. December 14, 2007

    Ricky B.

    QOTD- favorite syrah is the Sine Qua Non group of syrahs.

  180. December 14, 2007

    Lisa Strawberry

    Great show! Glad to know that there’s so much more out there in the Champagne world.

    We’ll be in NYC in early January. Any good “neighborhood” (aka reasonable) wine bars you’d care to mention, dear pal Gary? THANK YOU!!

    QOTD: My husband and I tried PET Petit Syrah 2005 by VINum for $10 at the Alamo movie theatre here in Austin TX the other night. What a deal!

  181. December 14, 2007

    Brian V

    Loved the past three episodes, thanks for the field trips!

  182. December 14, 2007

    KNode

    Just got the secret Christmas pack! I’m definately curious to know what your thought process was for the wine choices, but I’m also excited to dive right in!

  183. December 14, 2007

    wayno da wino

    GRRREAAAAAT EPISODE !!!! Ya Guys had me salivatin’ big time!!! :)
    I Loooooves da Bubblys!!!!

    QOTD: Two American Syrahs I like are Dehlinger & Terre Rouge.
    I’ve been delvin’ into da Aussie Shirazs lately & startin’ to
    get a likin’ for them also!

  184. December 14, 2007

    Christopher

    QOD – Everyday drinking wine – Muratie Shiraz 2005 (South Africa).

    I really enjoy these ‘guest’ episodes. With winemakers as guests it comes across as being hard to critically look at each wine however other industry personalities tend to complement the show very well (just like the NZ white wine episode).

    Keep up the good work!

  185. December 14, 2007

    sobojosh

    qotd: Penfolds McGill Estate mmmm

  186. December 14, 2007

    Plminer

    Again, great episode GV, really digging the wine bar theme.
    QOTD: 2004 Novy Judge Syrah, pure velvet. “Baby wants his blue velvet!”

  187. December 14, 2007

    BruceP

    QOTD: Thierry Allemand Les Reynards Cornas (2001, although I hear the 04 and 05 are also great). As an under the radar pick, try The Foundry syrah from South Africa (01 through 04 are all great). Or at least was under the radar till the Spectator gave it a good score last month.

  188. December 14, 2007

    Dave Canada

    QOTD – Gotta be Northern Rhone….kicks it!

  189. December 14, 2007

    VinoVixen

    Once again, really love the traveling wine show and especially the champagne. I agree, when you can buy Clicquot at Target…something is wrong! Love the smaller producers.
    QOTD: Lately, Shiraz from Margaret River in Oz. I had a Woody Nook and really enjoyed the it!

  190. December 14, 2007

    Harley Stan

    Great episode again!!!!!
    QOTD- I don’t think I have a favorite Syrah at the moment. ( I know it is not really an answer, just nothing came to mind)

  191. December 14, 2007

    james marinello

    Nice to get a lil more in depth about the bubbles!!

    QOTD – We are heavy with GREAT syrah here in WA state. I’m sure I could list off a dozen but the one that pops in my head right now is 04 Sheridan Vineyard Yakima valley. Deep brabaly fruit and a gamy edge I L-O-V-E!!!

  192. December 14, 2007

    DARREL LAS VEGAS

    QOTD: RICHARD PERRY SYRAH 2001 (down to the last 6).

    Don’t forget MORRELLS WINE BAR NYC “The WILL man” will thrill ya!

  193. December 14, 2007

    Andrew

    Good show Gary

    Using the word ‘Syrah’ I’m going to have to say De Bortoli Reserve Syrah – Yarra Valley, Victoria AUSTRALIA! Vicotira is where the magic happens for Australian wines (apart from Riesling and Semillion)!

    Andrew

  194. December 15, 2007

    fatdoi

    intersting about sparklies…… good one GV

    qotd… 04 Two Hands Ares & 98 Penfolds St. Henri

  195. December 15, 2007

    Cassie

    seriously GV whats with your depressed emo friends? Anyway, QOTD: my favorite syrah? right now I like….wow i don’t even know. Israel has some serious petit syrah action happening but i can’t really say one specifically.

  196. December 15, 2007

    Jon B Lodi

    QOTD: We’ve always liked Arrowood’s Saralee’s Vineyard. He co-ferments with Viognier. Lately we’ve scored some Alban Reva from the mail list. It really is in a class by itself, with intense concentration and nearly untamed alcohol.

  197. December 15, 2007

    Withnail

    QOTD2: Are there any straight sommeliers in Manhattan?

  198. December 15, 2007

    Brent Stiffler

    QOTD…. Rather partial to Sonoma’s Nicholson Ranch but know there is so many other great ones out there.

  199. December 15, 2007

    Keith L

    This place is on my list for my next visit to NYC

  200. December 15, 2007

    Crick

    Great episode—SEAN—SEAN—I want to party with that dude! Not a big bubbly fan, sounded like the blue ribbon barkeep knew his stuff. Favorite shiraz is quantum from the hidden hills of italy, if you have not tried it it is a must. Can’t wait to go to the blue ribbon.

  201. December 15, 2007

    PiperJS

    QOTD: Sorry, broken record time, but my fave is still Eric Kent Big Boy Blend 04!

  202. December 15, 2007

    Bernie Bearnaise

    You’re improving with each episode in NYC. This cozy wine bar has a friendly aura and I almost cringed when you shouted your lead-in which we are quite used to but might be a shock to the uninitiated. Thanks for the sparkler tips which will pay dividends in a few weeks time. Champagne is a funny wine in that you somehow need to have an occasion to drink it. You can drink red wine alone but bubbles demand an audience….

    The QOD is a simple question but difficult to define. Syrah would be a Cotes du Rhone varietal and Shiraz the Southern Hemisphere version. Except in South America where they call it Syrah again…At the moment I’m imbibing a 2005 Cotes du Rhone from Louis Bernard at about $10. It is a Grenache/Syrah blend. Maybe an 87 score in my book. If I were able to spend an extravagent amount then a ‘95 Cornas like Domaine Johann Michel or an Hermitage like Paul Jaboulet Aine “La Chappelle” is fine for watching Comedy Central reruns…..I’ve been aching to visit the Carnival of Love but can’t seem to get Two Hands on it. Home is where the Grange is.

    I’m not a big fan of blending Cabernet with Syrah even though it is the trendy thing to do. The flavors of Cabernet and Sangiovese also seem to struggle for supremacy when intertwined. BTW, I was out to the Capital Grille Wednesday evening and quite enjoyed a 2005 Caymus so I guess I’m just a Chauvinist. My respects to Chuck Wagner and his wonderful Cabernet Sauvignon.

    I now have added the Blue Ribbon to my list of places to visit before I croak.

  203. December 16, 2007

    cumpari

    QOTD: In the spirit of the question, I’ll have to say 2003 Cayuse, Walla Walla Valley, en Cailloux vineyard…the New World “Roti”

  204. December 16, 2007

    Tommy Vernieri

    QOTD: I don’t think I have a favorite Syrah, haven’t had enough of them.

  205. December 16, 2007

    lee

    Right Now, Domaine de Fondreche Persia because it is like drinking STRAIGHT BACON. But I also love the Tensley, which i saw in the background on the bar in the episode.

  206. December 16, 2007

    ChadD.

    QOTD: Right now I’m big on Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Ridge-loved the ‘04, ‘05, and waiting to try my “06

  207. December 17, 2007

    Lawrence Leichtman

    Favorite Syrahs are Tensley from CA and D’Arenberg the Dead Arm from Australia, French Syrahs are usually blends but the style I love. So one of my questions is why don’t restaurants ever feature grower champagnes but always insist on Moet or Vieux Clicot or the like. By the way my favorite champagne is Billecart Salmon Blanc de Noirs, vintage if I’m feeling flush but even the non-vintage is great.

  208. December 17, 2007

    Mandy Cuthbert

    Great Episode… !!! I have been trying to find a few non-traditional bubbels for the holidays !!

    QOTD:No questions… hands down … fav. Syrah is the Lilly Hill Estate Syrah, Dry Creek Valley form Bella Winery in Sonoma County
    Totaly worth a taste if you can get your hands on it!!!

  209. December 17, 2007

    Karl Laczko

    Good show, I still have a mental block on bubbly, but had a nice one a couple of weeks back with some great sushi. Will be popping some Champagne over the holidays, a small producer near Riems (a present from a friend on vacation there in summer) – is that what you mean by “Grower”?

    QOTD – Don’t have one, Syrah/Shiraz is one of my “grey area” varietals, still figuring out what I like.

  210. December 17, 2007

    Russ J

    Another good one. On the road with GV. I like it!

    QOTD: I’m a Crozes-Hermitage guy. Can’t afford to be a Hermitage guy…..

  211. December 17, 2007

    Jeannie

    WOW!! Nice Bar Keep…..can’t wait to see him at Christmas!!!

  212. December 17, 2007

    Dash

    QOTD: My recent favorite was a Syrah that I tasted at Crushpad. It was from Santa Barbara County CA made at the Crushpad facility… I was pleasantly suprised, and I remember part of the name… Kindred Syrah …

    Gary, cool that you ventured outside of wine library!

  213. December 18, 2007

    SoCal

    QOTD: 100% Syrah…..2004 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah, South Africa….in a blend…..2002 Shafer Relentless

  214. December 18, 2007

    Elliot Essman

    Next champagne tasting: grower vs. major brands.

    At a holiday dinner I attend every year, they always serve Veuve Clicquot. I’m just not interested.

  215. December 18, 2007

    royd

    Beckmen Purisima

  216. December 19, 2007

    J Crazy

    QOTD: Weisinger’s of Ashlands Shiraz is big, bold, balanced and tasty to boot!

  217. December 19, 2007

    jayjay

    hay garry great show been watching 4 ages but not left message b 4 your the best luv the show.

  218. December 19, 2007

    JayZee

    QOTD: 2001 Guigal Cote Rotie la Turque (Old World) and 2004 Garretson “Mon Amie” Syrah (New World)

  219. December 28, 2007

    Dan-o

    That was a trick QOTD.
    Do you mean the grape Syrah? or do you mean CA Syrah?
    I will roll with you this way:

    France Cote-Rotie – Gangloff La Barabrine
    Australia Barossa Valley – Barossa Valley Estate E&E Black Pepper
    California – Tensley Colson Canyon Vineyard, August Briggs, Jaffurs Bien Nacido Vineyard

    Nice show on bubbly. My wife won’t drink it and therefore it makes it tough because I can’t handle a whole bottle at one sitting.

  220. January 27, 2008

    Sev

    Cool place…favorite Syrah wine is the Torbreck Woodcutter’s Shiraz 2005.

  221. January 1, 2009

    Dessert Wine Nerd

    Another great show. I hope you do more of these in the future. QOTD: DOnt think ive had a syrah yet :( Im buying a Molly Dooker or two pretty soon so that will change!

  222. September 16, 2009

    richardvinifera

    QOTD: One of the best syrahs I have had is the Gemtree Tadpole Shiraz (Australian). Tastes like it should cost more.

  223. September 16, 2009

    richardvinifera

    QOTD: One of the best syrahs I have had is the Gemtree Tadpole Shiraz (Australian). Tastes like it should cost more.

  224. September 16, 2009

    richardvinifera

    QOTD: Oops, forgot Boekenhoutskloof’s ‘The Wolftrap’ Syrah/Mourvedre/Viognier blend and Majella Sparkling shiraz too!

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