Tasting Some Bubbly At Blue Ribbon

Tasting Some Bubbly At Blue Ribbon – Episode #370

December 13, 2007

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
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Wines tasted in this episode:

Gaston Chiquet
Pierre Peters Cuvee ReserveFrench Brut Nonvintage
Jean Milan

224 Responses

December 13, 2007

Rob P
Earliest comment I’ve ever posted!
December 13, 2007

Rob P
Holy crap…was that first?
December 13, 2007

GrapeStuff
I like early eps.
December 13, 2007

eightfifteen
Top 5??
December 13, 2007

Kdawg
top 5
December 13, 2007

Aaron J
Where’s the bread!?
December 13, 2007

Dan NYC
Great episode. I will make it down there. QOTD: Shafer Relentless
December 13, 2007

Matthew L
Early today…nothing like wine at 3:30
December 13, 2007

Gabriel
top 10, woo woo!
December 13, 2007

Ultimate Lurker
10
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.
December 13, 2007

Sassodoro
11?
December 13, 2007

Kojip
Excuse me for being an idiot, the spelling is petite sirah.
December 13, 2007

David Dickinson
Early release today Gary. Thanks for the “wine in the city” episodes. What’s up with all whites?
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 CuvÃ©e Merveille? I’m curious how you’d compare it to the Pierre Peters. Reviews would have them almost identical.
December 13, 2007

Mr.Sato
My favorite Syrah? Ouch! I really havenâ€™t tried that many yet, but off the top of my head, the Thorn Clarke – â€œTerra Barossaâ€ Shiraz – 2006

Hey, have you ever tried De Sousa Brut CuvÃ©e Merveille? Iâ€™m curious how youâ€™d compare it to the Pierre Peters. Reviews would have them almost identical.
December 13, 2007

garyv
Kojip not even close, when I go “there”, which is never, I am very toned down!
December 13, 2007

Phocion
QOTD:

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

http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=317991
December 13, 2007

Sassodoro
QOTD. Cote Rotie, when I can afford it.
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!
December 13, 2007

David Dickinson
Oops! My bad. Champaign (not whites).
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.
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).
December 13, 2007

J.R. Young
QOTD: Right now, 2004 La Sangre de Jonata. There is something that gets me about Santa Ynez syrah.
December 13, 2007

LeatherPalate
just one! I’ll go Tensley
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
December 13, 2007

Dr T from N. Carolina
QOTD — either the 1992 or 1993 Guigal Hermitage

“T”
December 13, 2007

SmokeyUST
And what is this about: “garyv

Kojip not even close, when I go â€œthereâ€, which is never, I am very toned down!”

What kind f crazy person is never drunk?
I smell a ratt!!!
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!
December 13, 2007

Mike T
Hands down the 1996 Alban Reva! Wonderful to the last drop!
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.
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.
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.
December 13, 2007

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

QOTD: Yalumba Octavius
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!
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
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.
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?
December 13, 2007

Hugh
QOD: Anything from Cayuse
December 13, 2007

Alos
The one I like the most is 1998 Penfolds Grange.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
December 13, 2007

Ben N.
Good one Gary!!!!
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!
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.
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”
December 13, 2007

Smith MBA
I Am digging Benziger 04 Syrah right now
December 13, 2007

Jens
QOTD: CÃ´te-Rotie or Hermitage.
December 13, 2007

DC7
Good show!
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
December 13, 2007

Dominick Mack
QOTD – 2005 Neyers – UNBELIEVABLE QPR….it was the hit of Thanksgiving with my family.
December 13, 2007

AlisonD
Definitely going to stop in the Blue Ribbon next time I am in the city….great episode..
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
December 13, 2007

Justin E
I love Ravenswood Icon, Its real good like!
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.
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 RÃ´tie, 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
December 13, 2007

NathanN
Best I have had in a while was the Grappler by Twenty Rows. Iâ€™m liking this road trip you are taking us on.
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!!!
December 13, 2007

Palmer
QOTD: Failla ‘05 Estate
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
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.
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
December 13, 2007

sky
around here we have to make do with cava because our budget doesnt allow fr the extra money(tranzlashun)
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′!
December 13, 2007

sky
where’D MY HEAD go??? help me catch it!!
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.
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.
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!
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.
December 13, 2007

Whipple
Social Projet Brian: ah-ah-ah-ah! Quelle si drÃ´le!
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
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!!!!!
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.
December 13, 2007

Mandy
Such fun shows this week. You should come out and do the same in SF!!
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.
December 13, 2007

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

MD
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 â€œsoilâ€ is actually layers of rock, which are easily sheared, and this fractured composition allows the vinesâ€™ 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.
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!
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.
December 13, 2007

billyg
I enjoy Carina Cellars 7 Percent (7% Viognier).
December 13, 2007

RichE
Favorite Syrah:
Well for this week it’s the
2004 Nicholson Ranch Las Madres Syrah.
December 13, 2007

Joel M
Berrys Bridge 2004, kicks serious a$$.
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.
December 13, 2007

GalvezGuy
Without a doubt. Herman Story 2005 White Hawke Vineyard. Amazing juice.
December 13, 2007

Marshall
QOTD: Paul Jaboulet Aine or M. Chapoutier, or anthing from the Northern Rhone
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.
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.
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.]
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.^_^
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!!
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!
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.
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!!!
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.
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
December 13, 2007

Dr. Mike
QOTD: Hands down ‘03 Cayuse Armada, ‘98 Henschke Hill of Grace a close second
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!
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.
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!!!
December 13, 2007

Kale Knowles
If you don’t include Australian Shiraz, my favorite Syrah is the Stolpman Hilltop Syrah.
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.
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
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
December 13, 2007

pforty
QOTD: 2005 Pax Syrah, Kobler RRV Old School meets new world.
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.
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
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.
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.
December 13, 2007

pomace
I’ll have to try some of this grower champagne…had no idea it was so food friendly…
QOTD: Chave?
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.
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
December 13, 2007

yowens
Cool wine bar. QOTD: None yet.
December 13, 2007

Grapedigger
I love Champagne with a big “C”…I like the Syrah based Cote Rotie the most…Cheers.
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.
December 13, 2007

ZachB
Tensley 2005 Colson Canyon Syrah and Kaesler The Bogan Shiraz
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!
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.
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..)
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? “
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.
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.
December 13, 2007

Tom Cihil
Gary, I noticed you swirling your sparkling wine. Thatâ€™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, itâ€™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 winemakerâ€™s intent.
OK. I donâ€™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 donâ€™t understand yet.
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!
December 13, 2007

cpd
QOTD Dutschke Semmler or God’s Hill Road.
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.
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.
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.
December 14, 2007

Paul M
QOTD: it is mostly Syrah so I think that counts … Les Verrieres Clos De Soutyeres Coteaux De Languedoc 2004
December 14, 2007

Paul M
QOTD; Wait, what was I thinking, discount my earlier post, I forgot about E. Guigal CÃ´te-RÃ´tie Brune et Blonde 2001 … this was really great, clearly the best syrah I have had
December 14, 2007

t_moderne
Champagne??? what about Cali sparklers?

QOTD – Penfold’s Deam Arm.
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.
December 14, 2007

MagnumGourmet
QOTD – Great syrahs, have to be either Rulo, Buty or Cuneo.
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)
December 14, 2007

KenP
QOTD: My favorite Syrah? Won’t say.
December 14, 2007

KC Dan
Qotd : Luca from argentina
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.
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.
December 14, 2007

J.Rice
I don’t care as long it’s an excellent Hermitage. Oh, how I love that Rhone Valley.
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.
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
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
December 14, 2007

wm mole
Nice format GV, and good timing Blue Ribbon:

Ojai, at a tasting tonight
December 14, 2007

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

1996 Penfolds Grange
December 14, 2007

Panoca
QOTD: bring The Boxer baby!!
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!
December 14, 2007

YoungDave
QOTD: As of late, I guess I’ll go with Falset Marca 2001 “Etim” from Montsant.
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.
December 14, 2007

Glen DiGirolamo
Favorite Syrah is Cayuse……
December 14, 2007

Rice
QOTD: Conn Valley’s
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.
December 14, 2007

Andrew Garber
My favourite shiraz so far: Heartland Limestone Coast 2005.
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.
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.
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.
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.
December 14, 2007

BoiseBob
Good episode, Gary! Shingleback “Black Bubbles” Shiraz is good for me.
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!
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.
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
December 14, 2007

Kathy HUghes
Gary, Thanks soooo much for this episode. Naples, Kathy aka Champagne Lady
December 14, 2007

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

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
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?
December 14, 2007

Ricky B.
QOTD- favorite syrah is the Sine Qua Non group of syrahs.
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!
December 14, 2007

Brian V
Loved the past three episodes, thanks for the field trips!
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!
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!
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!
December 14, 2007

sobojosh
qotd: Penfolds McGill Estate mmmm
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!”
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.
December 14, 2007

Dave Canada
QOTD – Gotta be Northern Rhone….kicks it!
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!
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)
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!!!
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!
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
December 15, 2007

fatdoi
intersting about sparklies…… good one GV

qotd… 04 Two Hands Ares & 98 Penfolds St. Henri
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.
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.
December 15, 2007

Withnail
QOTD2: Are there any straight sommeliers in Manhattan?
December 15, 2007

Brent Stiffler
QOTD…. Rather partial to Sonoma’s Nicholson Ranch but know there is so many other great ones out there.
December 15, 2007

Keith L
This place is on my list for my next visit to NYC
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.
December 15, 2007

PiperJS
QOTD: Sorry, broken record time, but my fave is still Eric Kent Big Boy Blend 04!
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.
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”
December 16, 2007

Tommy Vernieri
QOTD: I don’t think I have a favorite Syrah, haven’t had enough of them.
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.
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
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.
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!!!
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.
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…..
December 17, 2007

Jeannie
WOW!! Nice Bar Keep…..can’t wait to see him at Christmas!!!
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!
December 18, 2007

SoCal
QOTD: 100% Syrah…..2004 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah, South Africa….in a blend…..2002 Shafer Relentless
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.
December 18, 2007

royd
Beckmen Purisima
December 19, 2007

J Crazy
QOTD: Weisinger’s of Ashlands Shiraz is big, bold, balanced and tasty to boot!
December 19, 2007

jayjay
hay garry great show been watching 4 ages but not left message b 4 your the best luv the show.
December 19, 2007

JayZee
QOTD: 2001 Guigal Cote Rotie la Turque (Old World) and 2004 Garretson “Mon Amie” Syrah (New World)
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.
January 27, 2008

Sev
Cool place…favorite Syrah wine is the Torbreck Woodcutter’s Shiraz 2005.
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!
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.
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.
September 16, 2009

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