Wines From Ribera Del Duero In Spain

Wines From Ribera Del Duero In Spain – Episode #373

December 18, 2007

Today Gary explores the wines of Ribera one of the most exciting regions in the world!

Having trouble viewing this video? Try the Quicktime version.

Comments on this episode(365) Leave a comment ›

“The Thunder Show has opened up new vistas in a lot of ways. The most …” by Phredd
“QOTD: Trying dry rieslings after the under the radar tip off from WLTV…” by richardvinifera
View all 365 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

2004 Urban RiberaRibera Del Duero
2004 Emilio Moro Ribera Del DueroRibera Del Duero
2001 Bodegas Aster CrianzaRibera Del Duero

Links mentioned in todays episode.

365 Responses

December 18, 2007

Taco John
First
December 18, 2007

Abel
See Gary we still comment even when there is no prize!
December 18, 2007

Ben N.
Top 5
December 18, 2007

Hinrgman
Gary

Keep up these great episodes

thanks again
December 18, 2007

Italian Stallion
Hey guys…..long time no speak….and top 10 this time
December 18, 2007

JohnnyC a.k.a. SmokinActuary
Damn! NO PRIZE?!!!

Now I better actually watch the video
December 18, 2007

kool booy
top 5
December 18, 2007

sky
top 10?
December 18, 2007

SmokeyUST
I expect a prize to be offered every time I view your show GV. What gives!?
December 18, 2007

Josh in Burgundy
Top 15 whoo hoo
December 18, 2007

jason
top 10?
December 18, 2007

Benji
Looks like a good ep…I love wines from RdD.

Can’t wait to watch!
December 18, 2007

GregStefos
I watch your show, Gary, for the scholarly information you provide on a daily basis. That’s the prize…..

Thank you for the shows.

Greg
December 18, 2007

Beginner Connoisseur
Awesome wine show Tuesday. keep it up Gary. Happy holidays.
December 18, 2007

Karl Laczko
Ah, RdD – my favourite Spanish area, I may be going to enjoy this.
QOTD to follow once I’ve actually watched the show.
December 18, 2007

Triple_J
Great to see a show on Ribera del Duero, this is one of my favorite regions!

QOTD: Sheez. I’ve tasted more wine this year than ever before. There are a ton of answers I could give. I’d say either: ‘03 Camille Giroud Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Lavaut St. Jacques, ‘90 Cos d’Estournel, or the ‘04 Margaux. I’m leaning towards the Gevrey.
December 18, 2007

crank
Thank you for listening to your fans. My family will enjoy a Christmas Eve wine tasting.

Crank (aka Ben)
December 18, 2007

JC
Another top quality show. Thanks GV!
December 18, 2007

DHerbie
Great show!
Ironically, I was thinking when I hit play that things would work out much better for my family and me if the Christmas pack was aired on Christmas eve. That is great news!

QOTD: 2004 Kent Rasmussen SouzÃ£o Esoterica – would never have been so interested in “odd” single varietals if not for WLTV.
December 18, 2007

damonakaunknownwine
specific wine. can’t remember, but will have to go with southern France.
December 18, 2007

brandon
ITS DA FUNK TRAIN!!!!
December 18, 2007

DaveyDonut
I just did an ebay search for wine library tv and vaynerchuk, and there were no wrist bands at all (let alone ones going for 20 bones)! I think you’re making it up to make yourself feel good…

QOTD: I’ve had plenty of fantastic wines within the last year, and going through my scores, I don’t find one that I wouldn’t have tried without the Wine Library TV until a 91 pointer… the 2004 Escafeld Petit Verdot. I had never had a Petit Verdot until watching the show, and the first one I had was the 2003 Ballast Stone Petit Verdot (90 points) that I got from you, but the Escafeld was a bit better… awesome stuff, and now every time I see a 100% Petit Verdot (yet to happen locally) I will buy it.

David
December 18, 2007

Trent
Just bought a lurker tee. I guess I’m not a lurker anymore…
Love the show. T-
December 18, 2007

Siggi from Iceland
WOW THANKS MAN, I have been waiting for a value driven Ribera Del Duero, only have the expensive once here in Iceland

QOTD: well as funny as it may seem, I really like Albarinos and I pretty sure that I would not have seek it out if not for the THUNDERSHOW:D

ps. could have been on top 5…. but I watch the show and comment after:P
ps.2 Gary I cant get shipments here to Iceland, you cant get wines from other country unless forming a company around it. so no T-Shirts for me:(
December 18, 2007

Dave
QOTD: The 2004 Charles Creek Pasatiempo Merlot was good.
December 18, 2007

Deano
Gary great episode and good deals on the tshirts

QOTD:
-st clement merlot was good.
December 18, 2007

BobM
Another excellent show, Gary. You’ve really hit your stride, now that those young tannins and rough edges have been smoothed out.

QOTD: 2003 Conte di Bregonzo Amerone Della Valpolicella, which cost me about $15, as I recall. I hadn’t had an Amerone in almost thirty years and had paid no attention to them whatsoever. I just happened to see it on the shelf, thought about your show, and decided to take a flyer on it. I obviously haven’t drunk enough Amerone to know how it stacks up against others, but it tasted great, and It was money well spent.
December 18, 2007

PeterT
QOTD….04 Vina Chocalan Gran Reserva……another Chilean beauty introduced to my palate by Gary V.
December 18, 2007

Jeff
QOTD: I have not yet tasted any wine that brought the thunder…
December 18, 2007

Lb in KS
Ha! I gotta be in the top 650!
December 18, 2007

Mojave Joe
QOTD: Burgan Albarino 2006–thanks to the show for turning me on to Albarinos.
December 18, 2007

Dr T from N. Carolina
Had to comment, since I did yesterday and will be taking a week off after tomorrow (if I win the Silver Oak, I’ll be in touch before New Years!) — QOTD, sorry, no thunder. However, I have had a number of really solid wines I might not have tried otherwise

“T”
December 18, 2007

jason
awesome to see a show on ribera del duero. it was the first spanish wine that i really fell in love with. my friend javi called it the blood of the gods.
enough said

QOTD: sorry about that one. we are rollin’ in different stores. there are surely things that i have learned about, wines that you had brought to my attention. especially wines from the US of A. there are some wines that i did buy in the states, researched them on the internet and found that you had done a show with them. one that i drank, then found your note was the 2004 Tellulah syrah. we had it at thanksgiving and it was gude! it easily could have been a crozes – hermitage… a good one at that. i need to get more of that. the other that i got but have not drank yet is the 2004 evesham wood cuvee J. i think you talked about their normal cuvee, but still. i have read good things about it, i am going to wait a few on it. it was recommended to me by a seller at calvert woodley in DC. great store. my old hood.

peace
December 18, 2007

Ricky B.
QOTD- St. Jean du Barroux from Provance that you went ga ga over a couple weeks ago.
December 18, 2007

Kev and Ams
QOTD: I have bought quite a few wines from WL that I saw on the WLTV. I liked the Thanksgiving pack a lot.
December 18, 2007

KAHUNA
QOTD: The Clio
December 18, 2007

SmokeyUST
QOTD: Was definitely the 2004 Ercavio Tempranillo, took some work to get but I thought that stuff was some good juice!
December 18, 2007

jumboj
La porte du caillou rouge 2004 – Sancerre Rouge
December 18, 2007

Benny Morosco
QOTD: Ok Gary I have watched your show for a while and have taken your advice and got out there and tasted and explored the wines of my region! Fortunately I live in upstate NY and the wineries are only an hour and a half or so fom me. The last THUNDER I have experienced was from Belhurst Winery Neptune 2005 and let me tell you it’s got game…Neptune is an intriguing, fun-forward blend of Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay, showing hints of honey, pear, vanilla and almond.Also long lasting aftertaste. So that was my latest personal THUNDER!!!! Thanks Gary
December 18, 2007

Pardus
QOTD: Because of you.. I have tried prosecco wines for the first time. And now as I write I have 3 different preseccos I plan to drink over the holidays.
December 18, 2007

Bob
QOTD: 2005 Coume del Mas “Schistes”.
December 18, 2007

KNode
QOTD: I really liked the Torrontes that came with the Thanksgiving pack.
December 18, 2007

Paul M
QTOD: 2000 Pontet Canet … had with a big steak, WOW!!
December 18, 2007

purplejuicebruce
I saw the show where you tasted Justin Cab. and I had never heard of the winery. As luck would have it we were going to California last Oct. and Paso Robles was on our way so we stoped and tasted their wines and they indeed brought the THUNDER! So thank you Gary. Here is an idea for you next time you want to have a contest go back and find the episode in the last 30 days with the fewest comments and enter those people, to hell with the lurkers that just want freebies.
December 18, 2007

Shadowbird
Baseball fanaticism is insanity.

Fantasy baseball fanaticism is criminal insanity.

QOTD: A Portuguese white I bought last month. Not bad at all. Not bad.
December 18, 2007

Sassodoro
Top 50?
December 18, 2007

jumboj
I’ve been watchin your shows from ~ep150 and what i really gained are two things: 1. the ability to dodge really bad QPRs, and 2. an insatiable my wine curiosity. These two have brought me much more joy than any one bottle we both liked.
December 18, 2007

sky
QOTD the first wine that comes to mind is the faury cote rotie that you said tasted like bacon fat…that made me want to go out and find that wine and it was ausome- i loved it,i didnt get the bacon fat,but i loved it!
December 18, 2007

MARSHALL
QOTD: That would have to be a $15 bottle of 2004 Paul Jaboulet Aine Beaumes-De-Venise. It’s a steal @ 15 dollars! Blew away the $30 Chateaneuf du Pape I drank the next day.
December 18, 2007

19namatb69
QOTD = AMON RA
December 18, 2007

Cliff and Darcey
Hahaha … you are so goofy today! You have become so comfortable in your persona, likely because you are your authentic self!

OK … QOTD: Hands down our favorite wine, introduced to us by you on the 200th $200-case episode of the THUNDER SHOW: Bodegas Victoria Dominio de Longaz! This wine is awesome, and I am so bummed that you ran out when you did — in fact, the last bottles I ordered from you (customer appreciation sale) were heat damaged in transit and I was SO DAMNED BUMMED because then you had none left by the time I sent them back and reordered!!! UNFAIR!

I have, however, since ordered, but not yet consumed, a $50 bottle of its bigger brother the LONGUS … can’t wait for that … waiting for a special time … likely at some point during the holidaze (hope it’s not corked!).

Thanks so much, G V-N-Ch, for introducing us to this awesome sleeper, it was so worth the $20! Best value we have had yet! CAN YOU GET MORE????????? Some lonely distributor somewhere?

We Love you too, Gary … happy happy to you and yours!

There is NO QUESTION you have rocked our personal little wine world!
Thanks for that …
Really
Truly
Deeply
Bottom of the Heart
et al
December 18, 2007

waibeans
QOD: 2003 Villacreces.. also a Ribera Del Duero eh? Love the mouthfeel on that puppy.
December 18, 2007

Andrew Vitale
2001 Villacreces Reserva was one of the best Ribera Del Duero wines I have ever experienced. I love Ribera, and this wine brought the thunder. Do a Villacreces tasting. Holla!
December 18, 2007

Grasshopper
Love Ribera Del Duero’s and Spanish wines would have to be my QOTD answer and in since you want the wine…..the 2003 Clio brought the THUNDER and you introduced us to it…:)

But we had not had many Spanish wines until I started watching WLTV and with your tutelage, guidance and encouragment, we have now enjoyed many wines from different countries and different varietals we probably would never had tried this quickly. For that and many things, we thank you!!

Back to the EP…some great new GV sayings or at least ones I had missed…Funky Train?…Parrot Poop? That one will be interesting..next time over at our friends they will catch me with my nose in the bottom of their bird cage smelling the poop and I will say…”but I am training my palate for the next Ribera Del Duero I have!!…..they will lock me up!

Happy Holidays Everybody!

Hopper
December 18, 2007

Cliff and Darcey
BTW:

I looked back at my tasting notes for the 2004 Emilio Moro Tinto Fino (http://www.cliffordjames.org/tnMoro.php) and found that we were on the same relative page … which makes me smile, becuase you are the one who truly got Darcey and I to even consider writing tasting notes in the first place.

Funny how I enjoyed the wine so much I ended up saying to hell with the tasting notes, whereas usually I am long-winded and really get into writing what I (we) think. I have another bottle to consume so perhaps I’ll add more notes next time …

You taught us well!!!
We scored an even 92!

Keep up all you do!
We remain devoted fans … would have loved to be the ones to win the spot next to you on your show!

Be Well
December 18, 2007

Zakk Forchilli
QOTD – None yet even though i have been watching for awhile.. Christmas Pack is my only answer! Haa.

P.S. – Just ordered a lurker tee and the normal WLTV shirts!!
Gotta love WLTV!!!!
December 18, 2007

GrapeStuff
QOTD: 2 wines I had this thanks to you and the Thunder Show that really brought the thunder.

1. The 2005 (think that was the vintage) Wolf Trap from South Africa
2. The 2005 Justin Cabernet

Cheers, GV!!
December 18, 2007

Benji
QOTD:

2004 Coup de Foudre

You gave it a PAZZZ based on QPR, but it rocked!!!
December 18, 2007

Grasshopper
One more thing….

Please stop tasting wines that you enjoy or know might be good! I really want to buy a few of the Emilio’s but I have already busted my nut for the month and probably for the first couple of months of 08!!!

And you can tell your marketing department to stop sending me emails with all those great wines at great prices….I get the DT’s and start shaking!!!!..:)
December 18, 2007

rmgroves
QOTD: Kosta Browne pinot – brought the thunder, the lightning,the tsumani, the quake – the earth moved.
December 18, 2007

Evanny
Justin The Orphan… a red… vintage 2005(?) made people including me happy when they drank it. Thunder? I’m not sure I’ve ever had the thunder, but many bottles of the Justin were drunk this summer. One of them in a classic 40s Chris Craft on a lake in the middle of Seattle under clear skies.
December 18, 2007

Jim Sargent
QOTD: I’ll be drinking it in under an hour, but I hope I can say Black Pig Albarino.
December 18, 2007

Michael J B
QOTD 2004 Aglianico del Vulture (black bottle – no company on label) brought some serious thunder. Didn’t think that such amazing aglianico was out there at 18 bones. Your palate comes to the rescue once again. Much thanks.
December 18, 2007

Martini
Joly’s 2003 Coulee de Serrant

Not even from the best vintage, this hooked me on Loire Chenin Blanc, and I can’t stop!!! Vouvray, Montlouis, Savennieres, oh my!
December 18, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
QOTD: Solaria BdM
Clos de Sainte Catherine
Ch. Sansonnet
Ch. Le Gay
Ch. Montviel
Parsons Flat Shiraz/Cab
Mas Doix Priorat Salanques Priorat
Mas Romanis La Basseta Priorat
Black Pig Albarino
I’d say you have been a good influence, NOW GET SHIPPING BACK TO WISCONSIN!
December 18, 2007

Bryan Bell
Rotta Old Vine Zanfandel
December 18, 2007

Jason R.
I would have to say that it would be the CLIO – I would have never spent this much on a Jumilla, but damn glad I have for a couple of vintages now. I was stuck in an old world – Brunello, Barolo, Bordeaux (which I still love), but venturing out more
December 18, 2007

KVolk
QOTD: I will tell you after the Christmas show…
December 18, 2007

Elliot Essman
Black pig Albarino was a hit with my guests at a tasting I organized.

I think they went and ordered a case after that.
December 18, 2007

JoeyB
Good show. Thanks for giving me a couple of ideas to put on my Christmas list…Vayniac tees.

QOTD: I haven’t had wine recently that has brought the thunder but that is my fault for not buying and drinking enough wine. I’m hoping to find the thunder during the holidays.
December 18, 2007

Karl Laczko
…what the heck is going on tonight?, nearly an hour later and I can’t get past the first half of the show, download speeds for me today are sslllloowwwwwwww….

Looks like I’ll have to finish off tomorrow, I’ll have to guess the QOTD from the other comments…. – Aglianico, never heard of the grape ’til you did a show, loved the one I tried.
December 18, 2007

Social Project Brian
Gary, great show today! You definitely play deep inside sometimes (did you have an imaginary friend growing up?), but I always seem to follow along somehow. That’s the sign of a great host.

QOTD: I live in LA within driving distance of a bunch of great wine stores (but I’m jealous of the NJ people who can walk into Wine Library). But despite where I live, I tend to buy most of my wines online after reading about them in magazines, on sites, or by watching GV. So most of my wine world is influenced by the Internet. But there’s definitely a bunch of wines that GV in particular turned me onto, that rocked me:
2005 Felline Primitivo di Manduria
2004 Majella Shiraz Sparkling
2005 Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap (bacon, yum!)
2004 Clos des Soutyeres Coteaux du Languedoc Les Verrieres

Seek some of these bottles out, people. Me likey likey.

(There are a bunch more that I’ve bought from WLTV, but haven’t tasted yet, plus 2005 futures that haven’t been delivered yet, so no comment on those.)
December 18, 2007

nickel and dimed
The Albarino episode took me in a totally new direction. I haven’t found anything specifically from the show except for the Nora you tasted on #363. Brought enough thunder to get me going.

Just finished “First Big Crush”! Fun Read!

I just bought originals the other day! Any retroactive action possibilities? I actually just want a wrist band!!! BAD ASS!
December 18, 2007

DavidB
Another great show and love the Tee’s as stocking stuffer idea..
QOTD: Sauternes – never tried before and thought it was great for certain times, not my personal everyday wine ubt very nice and something I would never have tried w/o WLTV
December 18, 2007

Loweeel
Allan Scott Sauv Blanc. I love citrus, and it was my first branching out into whites other than viognier.
December 18, 2007

Uncle Wain
Gary – Treana Red brought the thunder to me big time. Thanks.
December 18, 2007

Loweeel
Also, Majella Sparking Shiraz. ‘05 Wolftrap. Ercavio Roble La Mancha.
December 18, 2007

E
It’s true. The Emilio Moro is even available out here in the stix ($30 in Omaha, but it was a Whole Foods after all). Even I like a little fruitbomb now and then, so that’s nice. Numbers and notes aside, it’s the ones you get giddy about that usually turn out to be interesting. But most of that stuff I haven’t opened yet.

QOD: well, it was a nice Chinon … but this year? So let’s say the Habrard from the Rhone show February, I think it was. That was fun.
December 18, 2007

Don Y
This goes back a while but the 2003 Reininger Syrah. Have had plenty of syrah but this was amazing stuff. Not the typical fruit bomb, oak monster variety. Wish I had purchased more.
December 18, 2007

The Original Marc
QOTD: The Domaine Vieille Julienne Chatteauneuf Du Pape. I bought it as a gift to myself after quiting smoking/chewing for 6 months. I got it off the GV recommendation (with no points, just tasting notes and excitement when tasting it), and drank it with a friend while staying home from work and watching the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament.

It was the best wine I’ve ever had in my life.
December 18, 2007

Jeff Baldwin, RN
Thanks for the great shirt/no shipping offer! I just took advantage of it!
December 18, 2007

JeffWalnuts
2004 Shotfire Ridge Shiraz………… awesome after decanting for 1.5 hours.
December 18, 2007

crank
QOTD: The 2003 Selvapiana Vigneto Bucerchiale based on your recommendation. Brought some SERIOUS thunder. I had gone away from Chianti’s recently – to many bad experiences.
December 18, 2007

Jon
A Sauvingnon Blanc ‘06′ Silver Birch from New Zealand brought home the thunder for me this week. It was on sale at Target for $7.99 and was so easy to drink! Very nice ruby red grapefruit action with a hint of lime and lemon grass on a long finish. Your show Gary has given me more confidence to try new things. I recognized the Marlborough appelation referenced by your show and thought it was a safe bet. So I gave it a whirl and a sniffy sniff and it was such a winner that I went back and nearly bought them out of the stuff to give away for Holiday gifts. Thanks Gary!!
December 18, 2007

Dale Cruse
Sometimes I like to think about what I’ve learned from each episode of WLTV. Tonight I learned that Jay Miller hearts Ribera!

QOTD: Pairing Albarino with chili.
December 18, 2007

Sue Z.
QOD – Lamartine Cahors
December 18, 2007

Taylor
Edosipe TaerG just trying out the backwards thing. I meant Great Episode!
QOTD Sea Smoke Ten had it out at dinner one night and LOVED IT!!!!
December 18, 2007

Sassodoro
QOTD. Well, let’s see. I don’t think I would have tried the 2003 Selvapiana Chianti Rufina Riserva “Bucerchiale” if it hadn’t been for WLTV, and that was pretty damn good. I tucked away a few bottles to see what it will do in a year or three. Going back a little earlier, I doubt very much that I ever would have tried the 2005 Boekenhoutskloof Wolf Trap if it hadn’t been for WLTV. I love the bacon on the nose.

More generally, there are a lot of wines that you make me want to try, but they sell out too fast for me, and I can’t find them locally. Today you convinced me to try the 2004 Emilio Moro Ribera del Duero. Locally that’s going for $29. (See, I can check these things on the internet.) Hmmm. Your price is $23, and the difference is more than enough to cover the shipping cost (I think). Maybe I’ll see about assembling a case of stuff. Just don’t see out too fast.

I have a question about Ribera del Duero’s. Some of them have a real “scorched earth” flavor, and I like that. I gather that the Emilio Moro isn’t one of them, though. Can you recommend something that goes off in the “scorched earth” direction? Thanks.
December 18, 2007

Sarah L
2005 Sea Smoke Southing
December 18, 2007

Fred Schechter
QOTD: Innocent bystander ‘05,, and it so did bring the thunder

The silence at the end,, awesome!! I had it on it my headphones (cutting paper as usual) I had to turn around and see what the deal was, then,, bam! You got me!)
December 18, 2007

Carly
Just so you know, the iTunes podcast download is titled as today’s show, but it’s just downloading yesterday’s show.

Guess I won’t be watching full screen tonight

…check back later for my relevant comment.
December 18, 2007

Tom
Great show Gary- I found you first on YouTube and watched your NYC episodes all great shows. Thanks for the Carlile(sp) show I seriously doubt I’d ever be in the place let along sitting down and tasting wine with the sommelier. You shere enjoyment of wine is what it’s all about. Next to try some of you wines and comment -Thanks again for your show Tom
December 18, 2007

tyson crosbie
QOTD: Gary thanks for the heads up on the frank family zin. Brought it to thanksgiving in texas and I loved it. Maybe had something to do with being with family over the holidays, but nevertheless, without you I would have to rely on labels or price to find something new. I much prefer the thunder show.

-lurker in recovery.
December 18, 2007

sonnybobiche
QOTD: The Franciscan!!!
December 18, 2007

Kristen
QOTD: Burgans Albarino 2006. Absolutely delicious and I probably wouldn’t have thought twice about it before you’d mentioned it GV!
December 18, 2007

Dave Canada
I am getting into Ribera del Duero huge these days…2001 Mauro, 2003 and 2004 Pintia, Numanthia, etc etc…….awesome wines!!!!
QOTD – A bit crazey as it is such a young wine but for me it was the 2004 Pichon Baron…..I was looking for a wine from my son’s birth year and Gary raved about this so I bought one to try and really loved it…..bought 6 more for Josh.
December 18, 2007

stevo
2005 Thorn Clarke Shotfire Shiraz, because of the Thunder Show baby
December 18, 2007

Totte
Yoyo Gary

Ribera rocks yes it does…

QotD : Dolcetto d’Alba in NYC…greeat stuff

Swedish T
December 18, 2007

BBurns6653
Great show. Waiting on the Fedex guy to bring me my first order from WL.
December 18, 2007

Caren
QOTD: Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2005
It sang to me.
December 18, 2007

AlisonD
QOTD: The Black Pig Albarino and the Four Vines Naked Chardonnay
December 18, 2007

Orion Slayer
New classic wine aroma/taste quotes: “parrot poop” & “playing dodgeball with basil bombs” (new tee-shirts?)

QOTD: I tried some Poilly Fuisse (Joseph Drouhin Pouilly-Fuisse ‘04 & Pierre Dupond Pouilly-Fuisse ‘02) both were a pleasant change from the kinds of Chardonnay I have had. But the best tip I got from Gary was to drink white wines at room temperature!
December 18, 2007

Dominus
Kudos to having the Secret Santa on Christmas Eve!

QOTD: 2004 El Nido Clio, Corte Riva Merlot, Chocalan Gran Reserva in that order.

Cheers!
December 18, 2007

Carly
Great show! I want a tee that has a picture of you with basil-bomb dodgeballs rocking your mouth-hole.

QOTD: Bandit Pinot Grigio in the box (tetra pak). I would never have let my boyfriend talk me into buying a boxed wine for something other than a party if I hadn’t seen you enjoying it on the Thunder Show. AND it’s a pretty great wine!
December 18, 2007

Tom
2005 Pillar Box Red. I’ve just gotten into the show over the past two weeks and can’t get enough. Gary, have you checked out “Big Ass Cab” from Australia?
December 18, 2007

sqrm
qotd: sick dreyer gewurztraminer 04 alsace grnd cru.

this was a rad episode. id like to buy the wltv funktrain boxer shorts.
December 18, 2007

contrarian
The ‘03 Domaine Habrard Crozes-Hermitage anchovy bomb was a blast, if not a thunderstorm.
December 18, 2007

Sharon
QOTD: I spotted a Reinhold Haart Spatlese riesling 2005 in a store and remembered GV’s reaction… so I picked that up. I’m saving it… I know I’ll LOVE IT! Really, it’s because of GV (Vaynerchuk, not Vanderchuk, NPR guy) that I’m into trying all the varietals. The other day I had a Malbec, which believe me I had never heard of before watching many GV episodes.
We love you too, Gary!
December 18, 2007

portland guy
Nice episode — QOTD – none yet — some nice wines, some not so — still waiting for that big ‘diamond in the rough’.
December 18, 2007

MARKSHARKY
hOW COME YOU DIDN’T TRY THE “Legaris Reserva 2001″
December 18, 2007

GregO
Great episode. Love Ribera del Duero’s and keep the Canadian shout outs coming! Sure we can get the Emilio up here in Canada…I have one in the cellar, the only problem is that it costed $33..ouch.

QOTD: My most memorable WLTV purchase was my first which was the good ol 05 Wolftrap
December 18, 2007

ecola
QOTD: Pillar Box Red 2005
December 18, 2007

Robin C
QOTD: Je repete (I anticipated your question): Saint Jean Du Barroux L’oligocene 2003. Memorable.
December 18, 2007

CellarDweller
Ecola, you are cool in my bookâ€¦ 2005 Pillar Box Red for me as well! Bought out my wine shop & gave a bunch of bottles at parties. And, you know, drank a couple myselfâ€¦
December 18, 2007

Mike
QOTD: Poggiarellino Brunello di Montalcino … I would have thought to try a Brunello until I heard Gary rave about them.
December 18, 2007

TennLee
QOTD: None from WL since you don’t ship (yet) to my state, but I tried (and liked) port since watching.

Thanks!
December 18, 2007

Achilles Mike
The last wine that really rocked my world was the Chumeia (Paso Robles, CA)
2004 Dante Dusi Zinfandel.
December 18, 2007

Achilles Mike
and oh yea..of Course the 2004 Vina Chocalan Gran Reserva! WOW!!!!!
December 18, 2007

Harley Stan
Great episode today. I just had a Ribero Del Duero the other day that I purchsed because I could not find a priorat and the nice lady at the wine store suggested Ribero instead. ( I have a fondness for priorat because of wltv). It was the Arrocal 2005, an OK effort for around 14 bones.

QOTD- The one wine that really blew my socks of and was recomended by Gary V and the Thunder Show is Reinhold Haart 2005 Ohligsberger Spatlese. I always look for it just in case you get more. This juice made such an impression, I still salivate just thinking about it. I only wish I would have bought more.
December 18, 2007

Penney
What!? Parrot poop? Gary, you’re awesome.

QOTD: I’m going to go with the 2005 Felline Primitivo di Manduria, I wish I could still get more of that at $12.

Also the 2006 ChÃ¢teau de SÃ©griÃ¨s Tavel RosÃ©, I would not have ordered a RosÃ© at a restaurant a year ago, but I really enjoyed it.
December 18, 2007

Tommy Vernieri
Whoops. That last comment was from me, Penney is still a lurker. Maybe I should buy her a lurker shirt.
December 18, 2007

Overseer
2004 Three Rings Shiraz, fruit heaven.
December 18, 2007

SoCal
QOTD: Hmmmmm very good question……I would say 2002 Pieve del Vescovo Lucciaio from Ep #108…..dry as a bone….yes….but very flowery and it really opened my eyes to a good quality old world wine for cheap…… a credit to you GV….. I love it!
December 18, 2007

Cookiedds
Boudreaux 2004 Cabernet from Rob Newsom.
December 18, 2007

VinOrecul
QOTD: I was tasting(slamming) two bottles one night. Both were ‘04 Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf du Pape and ‘L’ Estimee Chassagne Montrachet.

It started out like Rocky Balboa VS Apollo Creed in the first movie but near the end of the last round, I mixed the last glass half n half of each.

Experiment. Hack. Explore. WINE.
December 18, 2007

Joel M
Great show GV, Sorry I can’t be more specific about a particular wine, but the show you had on Priorat wines with Robert Mondavi’s son, turned me on to that region in Spain. Been seeking out different stuff and love them.
December 18, 2007

Colin Nicol
QOTD: Gary I’m so happy I started watching The Thunder Show because, I was scared of white wines beacause I tried many that I didn’t like, but because of you I stepped into the world of Viognier. I have really enjoyed each that I have tried and I have also had many friends and family try it now for the first time. You my friend have a great influence.
December 18, 2007

Marcus Mendelson
L’ecole Syrah 2004. Okay you didn’t drink the syrah, but when I saw the l’ecole label at a wine bar in Korea I jumped on it (not much selection over here). It was the best wine I’ve tasted all year (I’ve been deprived).

Thanks Wine Library TV!
December 18, 2007

ktw
qotd: dolcetto, valpolicella, aglianico
thx gv you are radool
December 18, 2007

wwave
Felsina Vin Santo 1999
December 18, 2007

michelle
I just saw that I can get the Emilio Moro for 36,25$ Canadian dollars here in QuÃ©bec, at least it’s not triple your price, I’m going to try it for sure.

QOTD: Wine from Chateau Kefrata (a Libaneese wine). I probably would never have tried a wine from this country if not for your show.
December 18, 2007

Kevin
QOTD: You’ve got me looking for 05 Bordeaux values. Dang. So the last wine, I drank, influenced indeed by you, was a 2005 Chateau Ste. Gemme Haut Medoc. Trying to assess how much to pick up.
December 18, 2007

Ant'ny
QOTD: 2005 Chateau Ste. Michelle Reisling… we first tried this at my best friend’s wedding and loved it. Three bottles later, the wine bug had bitten! Had we not drank this wine, we would know nothing of the great eastern PA wineries, nothing of Wine Library TV, and be missing out on a wonderful experience that is wine! Peace and happy holidays!
December 18, 2007

Jason Dallas
QOTD: 2005 Twenty Rows Cabernet
December 18, 2007

Billr
Another nice show….I don’t know how you keep pulling it off but you do…

QOTD: An 06 Alice White Lexia with fruit and cheese……..
December 18, 2007

Jeffrey Brown
New to the show. I picked up a bottle of the 2004 Clos de l’Ã©glise. I was also very interested in your brief grower champagne tasting.
December 18, 2007

stevek1510
it’s a toss up of 3…
2001 Dutschke Shiraz God’s Hill Road (probably my wine of the year)
2004 Twenty Rows The Grappler (wish I bought more)
2004 Gravity Hills Zinfandel Tumbling Tractor (became my everyday drinker for the year)
December 18, 2007

JoeD.
QOTD: Tie Between the Vina Chocalan Gran Reserva 2004 and Gerard Boulay Monts Damnes Sancerre 2005….both excellent! GV…Look I posted a comment and no contest today!
December 18, 2007

Tom L
QOTD: Hunters Sauvignon Blanc.

You are actually getting me interested in tasting more WHITE wines (something I thought would never happen).
December 18, 2007

Mike Fagan
Gary,

Thanks for your work. I’m based in Sydney and soon moving to Singapore and will deffinately be sticking with the show.

Your comments on the oak monster are spot on. I lived in the UK for 8 years before moving home to Sydney and was shocked that the oak monster hadn’t died since I left. I miss two things about London . . . French wine at the right price (especially Bordeaux) and a good selection of US wines.

Last week in Singapore I’d had enough of going out with bankers so hit the hotel steakhouse on my own and had a great bottle of Dan Duckhorn’s Howell Mountain Merlot 1997 (I think). I was slightly embarassed when the waiter had to wake me up to clear away the main course, but I can still taste the merlot and hey who really cares.

Keep up the good work.

Mike
December 18, 2007

AngioRanger
QOTD: 2004 Domaine Le Galantin Bandol (great WLTV episode and “eye-palate opener”. Thanks GV.
December 18, 2007

Tom Renn
Most suprising wine I’ve tried this year is the 2005 Broc Grenache Dry Sack Vinyard. It really turned me on to grenache.
December 18, 2007

Done Lurking
QOTD: Cayuse En Chamberlin 2004. Easily one of my top five wines of the year. Incredible nose, reminded me of Hermitage. Delicious. Wish I could get more. Maybe in a few years I will have waited long enough to actually be on their mailing list. Thanks for the heads up Gary!
December 18, 2007

Martin
The Wolftrap.
December 18, 2007

Luke P.
QOTD: 2005 Mano a Mano, because its the one wine I have had both pre- and post- discovery of The Thunder Show.
December 18, 2007

Pastafari Pirate
QOTD: actually, there are a LOT of wines that have rocked my world that I would’ve never even known about if it weren’t for the ThunderShow. Dozens, easily. I have discovered more fantastic QPRs from this show than I could’ve ever found in a lifetime. If I had to pick my favorite, it would be the 2003 CASTANO HECULA (episode 76) even though you under-rated the 2004 (episode 286) even though it still brings me the thunder like the 2003. In fact, all the bargain price-point Spanish Monastrell that WL has promoted (e.g., Alto Almanzora Este; Olivares Altos de Jumilla, etc) has delighted me to no end. I am a Yecla / Jumilla / Alicante FIEND.
December 18, 2007

Skol
I don’t believe you tried it on WLTV but I tried the Benedicte De Rycke Jasnieres 2004. Thought it brought the thunder so I bought a case.
December 18, 2007

Rob Jensen
Re-watching the steak show b/c that is what came up in my feed, something go wrong on the back-end?
December 18, 2007

Lawrence Leichtman
The Nimes wine from 10-12 episodes back that I ordered and drank up all 3 bottles in 4 days. I’m not home so I don’t have the exact name in front of me.
Glad you had one red today that got a decent score, Out of the last 6red wines only one good one. Kind of disappointing but I’m glad you suffer through them so I reduce the crapshoot.
December 18, 2007

Og
dang I cant say Chinon? I guess i may be as predictable as me wife says cripes!
I will say the Coume del Mas 2005 Schistes.
December 18, 2007

pforty
QOTD: two 1) Le Galatin Bandol and 2) saint jean de barroux they rock my world!!

Great Episode!!
December 18, 2007

C-Lo
Hey GV the 2005 Peacock Ridge Merlot rocked my socks off. Tried it after you reviewed it and just loved it. I just spent a good portion of my afternoon catching up on the last 7 shows, and I liked your tour of NYC hot spots. You should do shows from different cities when you travel; give people a taste of different places to hit up. It would kind of be like the travel channel meets WLTV. Keep it real.
December 18, 2007

DannInNH
Good show…thought I was going to buy both wines until your final comments on the Aster. I will wait for the show on premium Ribera’s.
QOTD: ‘03 O’Shaughnessy Cab, really did the trick. Smooth and quite polished.
December 18, 2007

markfarrell22
QOTD: 1975 Cabernet. No, not 1975 vintage, but Seventy five wine company Cabernet. Watched an old episode. I thought this wine was great!
December 18, 2007

Justin E
QOTD: I watched the episode on Italian wine and was curious, so I bought a Barberra and it was magical. Hey Gary please taste the Tre Donne Barberra ( I know you will read this) cause that is the wine that rocked my socks off!!
December 18, 2007

Senator
QOTD: 2005 Zardini Valpolicella.

I can definitely be described as someone with a new world palate. The vast majority of my purchases are California, Oregon, Washington, Chile, and New Zealand. This valpolicella, purchased at the recommendation of the show, brought the thunder to me in big way. I have definitely made the decision to start incorporating more old world wines into my rotation.

I may not be changing the wine world much, but the Thunder Show is changing me.
December 18, 2007

Michael
great show.
BTS (before thunder show) i would have never gotten into white wine. I just wasn’t interested. thanks to your recommendation i now love NZ Sauv. Blanc.
But…
Specifically, the last wine I had because of WLTV and would have never tried otherwise and was “radool” was the Aglianico Del Vulture.
thanks for all your hard work putting out the show.
December 18, 2007

monkuwino
QOTD: 2004 Escafeld Petit Verdot – great wine.
December 18, 2007

KW
I got a few bottles of Urbana from WL and thought it stunk. How can JM rate it a 90? Was his palete out for a walk or did he mix up his tasting notes? Not sure what to do with the other two bottles – maybe if I leave it alone for a few years it may settle down some.

QOTD: I have had several bottles from WL that I thought rocked. Best value – the Ercavio 2005. Deep old world taste – La Vieille Cure Fronsac 2000. Best overall, smooth and delicious – Victoria Dominio de Longaz 2004 – all sold out, getting any more?
December 18, 2007

Jeff R
QOTD: 2006 A To Z Pinot Gris
December 18, 2007

Gotsha
QOTD ‘04 Turn Bull Cab recommended by Gary V was out of this world. Silky smooth.
December 18, 2007

Todd Smith
QOTD – 2005 Ladera Sagrada Castello do Papa Godello – knocks my socks off!
December 18, 2007

Kelly In South Dakota
Nice show Gary
I must say that before I found you on the web last spring I didn’t know anything about wine. So every wine I have bought since has had your influence behind it. QOTD Selvapiana Bucerchiale Chianti Classico Riserva 2003 with a nice meal with the family. It was very nice.
December 18, 2007

Kale Knowles
QoTD: The Thunder show has kept me interested in trying new areas. The wine that stuck out for me this year was a 2002 Kilikanoon Reserve.
December 18, 2007

Rhonda J
I really liked the 2006 Premiado Torrontes that was in the Thanksgiving four pack!
December 18, 2007

nodoubt
Rockin. I always like the show even more after two glasses (a night?) QOTD: Selvapiana Bucerchiale Chianti Classico Riserva ‘03 [and yes I copied-pasted].
December 18, 2007

The Fanjestic
QOTD: Quinta Da Cortezia Touriga Nacional 2004 – I never would have tried this wine if not for the WL! I’m not going to sit here and tell you it’s the greatest wine in the world, but it is an amazing wine, and it blows away almost every other wine near it’s price range ($12 – 90 Points Wine Spectator).

This is just a great drinking wine and has a large palate to help expand your wine taste buds. It’s wined like this that make me perserve through the bad ones and want to learn more about wine!

I actually had to pop a bottle of this before I started typing = sooo good!
The twizzlers are an odd pairing though.
December 18, 2007

Pinuck
QOTD – Turnbull Cab 2004!
December 18, 2007

Steven Wyatt
QOTD: Dunno yet. The little lady bought me 3 bottles for x-mas that were featured and highly rated in the last couple weeks. Ill get back to you!
December 18, 2007

winelover4ever
Two wines that matched my palate on GV recomendations that I’ve tasted:
#1: Chateau La Fleur Des Pins 05′…my rating….. 95′ to 97′ (young)
#2: Dubakella Pinot 2004…..my rating……94′ to 95′ (realtive young)

BOTH BROUGHT THE THUNDER BIG TIME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 18, 2007

mikeymoaz
Great show!!!!! Love spain! dollar for dollar spain blows away Cali…
December 18, 2007

John J.
QOTD: Dolcetto, and it was all because of WLTV!
December 18, 2007

Chris Ridout
I’m just getting caught up on all the older episodes so I’m gonna go with Perrin and Fils Chateauneuf du Pape.
December 18, 2007

Mike Z
QOTD: I don’t know if it rocked that much, but the 2000 Ch. Martinens was interesting. I tried it because it did a “casper the friendly ghost” on the palate… After trying it, I rather agree!
December 18, 2007

Grapedigger
Thanks for bringing out widely available wines that even us Canadians could find. Yeah the 2004 Emilio Moro Ribera Del Duero is available in our part of the world but it’s rolling at 36.25$ (with 1 CAD$ = 1 US$)…I just wanna say that you guys are lucky in the US for such low prices
Well, I really enjoyed the Amisfield Pinot noir 05 for its tremendous QPR. Cheers
December 18, 2007

Roy B
Can’t say one in particular. Here are three:
1) Betts & Scholl 2005 Grenache The Chronique
2) Melville 2005 Pinot Noir
3) Meadowlark Red 2005
December 18, 2007

Canadian Chris
QOTD: I actually went out and bought the Domaine Le Galantin 2004 Bandol, not just because GV liked it, but also because I don’t drink much outside of Niagara region so far. Popped the bandol a couple of days ago, and I was amazed – different than anything I have ever had. It was like drinking leather from a cow that was grown on an all black cherry diet. Very interesting. The thunder for me was just having something completely off the wall, totally different, opening my palate to different experiences from different parts of the world!
December 18, 2007

Stu
This is not exactly what you asked. I bought the Solanera, you did not like it but Parker gave it 91 points. I decided to compare my pallate to yours and Parker’s. I hated it the first day, pop and pour. Tasted like a zesty detergent. I kept it in the fridge overnight with an air pump stopper. The second day, the detergent was gone and I was pleasantly surprised with blueberries, raspberries, slight cream flavors. Kinda nice, but what a huge change from one day to the next.
December 18, 2007

Garret Nagle
QOTD: 2002 Pieve del Vescovo Tezio on my honeymoon!
December 18, 2007

Garrett C.
2003 Quilceda Creek Cabernet. Like. None. Other.
December 18, 2007

Danq
I’m drinking a 2005 Poderi Luigi Einaudi Vigna Tecc Dogliani (it says Dolcetto somewhere, but I think Dolcetto is supposed to be a secret or something) right now, and while it is not bringing the thunder at the moment, I am going to get a couple of bottles to cellar for at least 5 years, cause it has some serious potential with the tannins. I also had a 2006 Terras Gauda Rias Baixas O Rosal, which again was too young, but still got me interested in Albarino, and I have not been curious about a white wine for some time. Being a newer viewer, I have gone through alot of the archive videos, and I have had the 2003 Torbreck Factor, and that is still the best wine I have tried by miles. I have a bottle of the 2004 Domaine du Pegau, which is going to be waiting a ong time before I crack that, as well as a 2005 Amon Ra ( I know you tried the 2004, but I thing Robert Parker listened to you when you said he missed it on the 04, cause he gave the 2005 98 points)
December 18, 2007

The Fanjestic
BTW – I’m voting second place to the below pick – especially for the money.
markfarrell22 – QOTD: 1975 Cabernet.

(I didn’t count the Sea Smoke or Kosta Browne – you can’t get em’ or yes they would top the charts)

But the most OVER RATED wine on the list –
2005 Felline Primitivo di Manduria

Hey – I bought 3 bottles and wanted it to be awesome – I’ve got 2 left, but even with age this wine would be mid 80’s point range for me.

And yes I like old and new world wines – but I’m a New Kid on the Block that kicks it old school from time to time. Not an Old school guy that listens to the New Kids.

Gary – I dare you to use that reference on the show!
December 18, 2007

amgryger
QOTD: Marc Ollivier 2006 Clos Des Briords Muscadet Sevre & Maine. I found out about this one from Florida Jim on the forum.
December 18, 2007

question
Little Penguin Shiraz- big fruit, lots of fun!
December 18, 2007

Rajiv A
QOTD: Tonight I tried a Tannat because of your episode on it. Domaine Brana Irouleguy 2004. $23. The Princeton Corkscrew. It brought the THUNDER. We had it with Indian food, which I suspect killed the nose – even though we double-decanted before going to the restaurant, very little fruit showed up except in random flashes (it was a really stinky restaurant). Mostly manured earth… but somehow I was digging it! hehehe. But it was DRY, EXPLOSIVE, and TANNIC, and the tannins really enhanced the spiciness. Also, they were sweet yet smooth and also bitter. Like Teuscher 99% dark chocolate! Chocolate all day long. Forget Shiraz, I think I’m in love.
December 18, 2007

Nathan Spady
The Bandit Pinot Grigio 2006 (boxed wine) was a shocker for me that really brought the thunder!
December 18, 2007

stephen j
GewÃ¼rztraminer – I hadn’t tried it till watching this show, It replaced Riesling as my spicy seafood wine of choice.
December 18, 2007

Vinsant
2004 Quilceda Creek Cab & 2004 Cayuse Widowmaker, two great and completely different WA state Cabs.
December 18, 2007

JamesN.
QOTD; There is too many to name, Gary you have turned me on to so many wines. Off the top of my head Teddy Hall Chenin, The Other, Gravity hills Zin, leocadie les clauses, Altesino Rosso Di altesino, Ercavio, Stickleback white. You have brought out the wine monster in me! I love trying new wines, and you give me the education and the access to feed my addiction.
December 18, 2007

EricB
QOTD: 2006 Vionta Albarino – dry, crisp, and slight nutty flavor. Very nice, and one I bought several more of.
December 18, 2007

Jesse (PatsFan) G.
QOTD: GeeVee, after watching the episodes around Turkey Day, i went out and got the Coume del Mas 2005 Schistes and shared it with the family… it brought some serious thunder!!!
December 18, 2007

Hans
QOTD: Hands down, the 2000 Oberto Barolo Albarella. The best $40 I’ve spent in a long time. My wife and I enjoyed it with a couple of grilled veal chops.
December 18, 2007

John Cabot
Radool show big G. You rock the casbah!
Qotd- Rusack 05 Pinot Santa Maria Valley. Strawberry leather(circa 1980)fruit roll up all day long, great purity and perfect balance. Gorgeous stuff!
December 18, 2007

2thdr
QOTD: The Ancient Pillars Saki. I had a blind tasting with friends and owners of my favorite chinese restaurant. They loved it,knew they hadn’t had anything like it, and enjoyed it at room temp. 2thdr
December 18, 2007

Jason Chu
QOTD: 2005 Reserve Rosenblum Black Muscat. I tried this wine before I started watching the Thunder Show. After watching it, I searched the wine library TV archive to see if you’ve reviewed it or not. That’s when I saw you reviewed the 2004 Rosenblum Black Muscat. It totally changed my wine tasting experience!
December 18, 2007

Doug in St. Louis
QOTD: 2001 Fattoria Pinino Brunello Di Montalcino. Happened across it in a luxury grocery while traveling in Minneapolis earlier this year…totally lived up to GV’s 97 points, and for only ~$65 if I remember correctly…
December 18, 2007

Mr.Sato
QOTD: 2001 Annie’s Lane “Copper Trail” Shiraz/Cab/Merlot blend. This one was hard to describe, but mostly it was new and old worlds colliding… perfect tannin structure and nice deep red fruit. It really paired well with our meal.. so when I found out that the winery targets this wine for restaurants it made perfect sense. Hard to get though. I’m currently trying to get my favorite retailer to order some for me though the US distributor.

Here’s a show that actually introduced me to a wine I didn’t know about! Rockin! Actually, it isn’t the first, but it doesn’t happen often. Thanks Gary!
December 18, 2007

Robert Rittenhouse
QOTD: Ive only bought three wines since watching the thunder show (sadly) but I dont have to good of a budget. The last wine I tried was a Corbett Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon. YUCK!!!!!!!!

The best one I liked was either the cheap sutter home white zin or best of all was the even cheaper Lambrusco from Ruinte. They all tasted like they had an overpowering alcohol but they werent bad besides the oak monster in the cab.

~Robert
December 18, 2007

Christopher J
QOTD: The Torrontes and Monica from the Thanksgiving pack, and PV of course. I love trying new wines, I learn a lot from the show. Thanks Gary!
December 19, 2007

Alex
i really liked a 2001 castello di bossi chianti classico
and i really enjoyed the fruit explosion in a 2005 Nivole moscato
…but im a newb haha
December 19, 2007

Ernest_G
QOTD: At this very moment, Innocent Bystander ‘05 (since my shop was out of the ‘04). I have to agree on the balance it has and not over the top. Also, ever since you tasted two Charles Creek wines (Miradero and Pasatiempo), I haven’t stopped buying that line of wine. My favorite being Muy Bonito, which I’d like to see you try.
December 19, 2007

fruit bomb baby
QOTD: Sparkling Red Wines, notably D’Arenberg “Peppermint Paddock,” Sparkling Chambourcin, McLaren Vale. Just rocks my socks off.
December 19, 2007

Jim Sargent
Yeah, the Black Pig was killer.
December 19, 2007

Gregster007
I tasted the Trevor Jones port. Love it!! I introduced it to my cigar buddies along with some roaring forties blue cheese. It was an instant hit. I’m bringing Riondo Presocco for christmas. Hopefully it will be a hit as well.
December 19, 2007

Jon
Kilikanoon Oracle Shiraz 2004
December 19, 2007

virid
QOTD: Black Pig and Innocent Bystander.
December 19, 2007

Adam
Faunus Primitivo Di Manduria 2005, because I couldn’t find a Primitivo reviewed on the show. Big Thunder.
December 19, 2007

SteveW
QOTD:
1)2004 El Nido Clio – Great wine that has been enjoyed by everyone I served it to.
2)2003 Boudreaux Cellars 2003 – After your show I was able to find 4 bottles of this vintage, I live in WA but I had never tried any of their wines. Rob Newsom was just at my local wine shop tasting his 2004 wines.
December 19, 2007

HO
QOTD
I have not been watching too long so I have not tried any wine inspired by the show, but i did seek out a Duro last weekend which i will try over the christmas holiday
scott
PS thanks for the coupon for the tee shirts
December 19, 2007

vivaitalia
QOTD: The Altesino Rosso de Altesino. I used to drink only Italian wines but in the past few years i’ve gone away from them completely. It showed me that there was still great value to be had there. Sorry the wines didn’t quite live up this episode, I love RBD. I could give you quite a few under $25 wines that kill it! I did love the Emilio Moro, but the ‘03 was even better.
December 19, 2007

BobMac
I bought a bottle of Riondo Prosecco after you reviewed it, and I loved it.
December 19, 2007

SS Chris
Great Ep…you were on fire today!!!

QOTD: The two ‘05 Tensley Syrahs (Colson Canyon & Three Creek)…thanks to you and Joey T. who helped ROCK that Ep.
December 19, 2007

SS Chris
QOTD #2 answer: The 2005 Von Hovel Oberemmeler Hutte Kabinett Riesling from Ep. #169. What an amazing pairing w/ Thai food…YUMMY

This lead me to appreciate that sweetness can not only be good but be delicious…. which lead me to probably my WOTY last year… the 2005 Domaine Des Baumard Quarts De Chaume…. Oh My God!!! this stuff is pure nectar!! but ALL thanks to you and the Thunder Show!!! oh and to Gene V.too, but he’s part of the whole thunder connection too!!
December 19, 2007

Simon
QOTD: Definitely and without a doubt, Dolcetto! Now I can’t believe I didn’t know about it sooner.
December 19, 2007

Grape Expectations
2006 The Black Chook Shiraz/Viognier. After the episode on shiraz/viognier blends I tried to find one of the wines on the show. Couldn’t get any of them but my local wine shop suggested this one.
December 19, 2007

Fiorentina!
QotD-
I feel bad because I fogot the name of the producer, but what I can remember is that it belongs to a Grand Series and that it was a 2005 Tavel.
Because of this I have purchased about $200 worth of different roses from different regions to attempt to understand the differences between rose regions. So far I’ve tried a Tavel, Bandol, Anjou, Navarra, Napa Valley, and Provence Rose and I really like the Tavels for some strange reason…..maybe it’s the vintage (all were 2005)
December 19, 2007

batstongue
I tried a Chilean wine, Vina Chocalan carmanere reserva 2004. You gave the gran reserva 94 points I think, but we can’t get it here. Never had Chilean wine before but at $20NZ it kicked arse(as we spell it)and my wife loved it.
Viva Vina Chocalan!
December 19, 2007

Withnail
QOTD: 2005 Pillar Box Red
December 19, 2007

David L
A ‘Sine Qua Non’ Pinot Noir from the shea Vinyard. Either 1998 or 99. Crazy wine, maybe a bit too much oak. BTW, thanks Tad.
December 19, 2007

Fred Liu
QOTD: Not yet, I have to say. I will try the Barbera and Primitivo because of the corresponding episodes this year, after I finish my own 2005 Bordeaux “trip”, which I planned ahead of that two episodes. And Duero from Spain as well. I love Spanish and Italian wines a lot, as they are so different from their French counterparts which I love as well. More wines from the “unpopular” old world regions for next year, that is my plan.:)

BTW…Mouth Hole…- -….yeah…a little bit shocking….but that is really enjoyable…@_@…
December 19, 2007

Montresor
The Di Majo Norante Contado Aglianico ‘04. You reviewed the ‘03, but I couldn’t find it locally. But, I really dig this one.
December 19, 2007

Yoni Rabkin
another great show. thanks GV
December 19, 2007

Toke-Dawg
QOTD: Yatir, Yatir Forest, 2003. I’m talking serious thunder–like Ron Dayne back in the day.
December 19, 2007

Jon Armstrong
Another nice show Gary, I especially liked the rewind feature you tossed in there.
December 19, 2007

Merlin
TOMMASI 2000 Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico

I always have loved Brunellos, but now Amarones are right up there.
December 19, 2007

MattyO
great show…never heard of that region before. i always leanr something new on the Thunder Show! wooohoooo! well done gary, well done…
December 19, 2007

Fred
OK…everybody…lets get LIZZIE to come on the Thundershow…Christmas Eve..sorta a family thing….and with the gift pack…how perfect…Let Gary know that this would be a cool thing…

Great show as always Gary…keep it up…
December 19, 2007

Isaac
I love this show….sorry about just being a lurker, i will post every day Gary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 19, 2007

Hotshot162
QOTD: I just started seriously drinking wine like a month ago, so I haven’t drink enough bottles to give an answer on this one. And Gary, stop calling me a lurker!!
December 19, 2007

onemore
2004 Emilio Moro Ribera Del Duero: Jotting that one down…

2004 Urban Ribera: I’ve tried it before and didn’t like it. I thought maybe the bottle I got was wonky, but apparently I’m not the only person whose palate couldn’t take all that heat.

QOTD: Heh, yet another chance to mention this wine. If it wasn’t for WLTV, I’d have absolutely passed up that pricey bottle of 2001 Gloria de Ostatu Rioja Alavesa I found in a local wine shop, especially after all the disappointments of previous Rioja trials. I had never tried any other vintage of that specific wine. In fact, I had never tried any of the Ostatu wines. Now I wish I had bought several bottles of it when I had the chance.

Speaking of Ostatu wines, I later tried the 2004 Crianza. It wasn’t spectacular, but it did taste better the 2nd day.

Lurkers who come out only for contests: I’m sure others have already suggested this, but maybe you shouldn’t announce which episode’s comments you’re going to draw eligible names from. Sure, I don’t comment on every episode (I always feel weird about leaving comments on older episodes that I couldn’t watch sooner), but I wouldn’t mind missing out on a surprise drawing if it meant more earnest (eh, not “omg I’m gonna get a prize” driven) commentary from the regulars, not-so-regulars, and lurkers. Anyway, that’s my $0.02.

Not to get down on lurkers. Hell, I was a lurker for a long time and I still don’t consider myself a regular commenter. Now I wonder how many WLTV comments I’ve left—and if I’ve left more of them than wine reviews at Cork’d. Hmmm.
December 19, 2007

J Crazy
The Prisoner and…I hate to be a brand whore, but I had a 1990 Lynch Bages last weekend that (although I would think twice about paying 300+ bones for it) was something special.
December 19, 2007

Virginia
I had a bottle of Coume Del Mas 2005 Schistes from Collioure because I saw it reviewed on the Thunder Show. I like that wine and am glad I ordered two bottles.
December 19, 2007

Bacchus
QOTD: None… On a tight budget, so I’ve been drinking from my cellar for the past few years… But I was about to get the ‘05 Chateau Angelous based on your review.
December 19, 2007

josh in burgundy
QOTD: The Frank Family Zin you had on the show. I am not a huge fan of Zin but that stuff was good.
December 19, 2007

Kent I
7.77? 13.33? Where do you come up with these numbers?
December 19, 2007

Kent I
QOTD: I just had the Pessagno Idle Times Zin that you had on the show forever ago. Good stuff, although it really came out of its shell after a night left breathing on the counter. Definite Thunderousness!
December 19, 2007

joeinla
Great episode. I like the pace and the fact that you got right to the wines and broke em right down.

QOTD: My cellar has SO many bottles from WLTV and the Forum. Hard to pick out just one.
December 19, 2007

elliottf
QOTD: Can’t think of one specific wine since I’ve tried so many recently! Before I started watching the thunder show I didn’t know much about wine and hadn’t tried anything that you couldn’t get at the grocery store. Now I’ve tried all kinds of wines from all parts of the world! The most recent variety that I’ve tried though that I liked was Grenache.
December 19, 2007

Anthony L.
Great episode. I’m really starting to like Spanish Wine. That’s something, coming from an Italian Wine Addict. Good Job.
December 19, 2007

dmg
QOTD: Clone 5 cab. 3 days ago. Everybody thought it rocked, thanks Gary.
December 19, 2007

Anthony L.
Forgot to Answer the QOTD. The Thundershow has inspired me to try wines from countries and regions that you don’t hear much about. For example. Vallone, Salice Salentino, from Puglia, Italy. Great Stuff and relatively inexpensive too.
December 19, 2007

VinoPhilosopher
I’ve found many good wines by watching WLTV–here are some:

Falesco 2004 Vitiano
The Little Penguin Shiraz
These brought the thunder:
Corte Riva 2004 Merlot
2003 El Nido Clio
2005 FrÃ©dÃ©ric Mabileau St. Nicolas de Bourgueil Les RouillÃ¨res

Cheers
December 19, 2007

Bonzo
Mahi Francis Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. This quickly became a favorite of a group of us that share a bottle of wine after a long day of rock climbing in the Texas heat. Fortunately, I bought several bottles. Unfortunately, Winelibrary ran out of stock quickly and I couldn’t find it anywhere else.
December 19, 2007

DaveME
QOTD: I have had a lot of great wines over time. Even a few that were featured on the show. Sadly, I don’t feel like I have any had any that REALLY brought the thunder, but I will keep looking…
December 19, 2007

Capt M
This is a kick-ass episode! Interesting! love this region of Spain and the wines that come from it. Very, very good QOTD! my answer to it is: 1999 Chateau Musar, from Lebanon. Loooong transition, amazing wine. 95 pts in my book. Gary Vaynerchuk you HAVE GOT to try this wine on the show!!! It’s a treat, very french, half way burgundy and bordeaux. Concepcion, my son Eduardo and I love you too!
December 19, 2007

amm3rd
2001 Pinino Brunello di Montalcino with La Tur cheese.

Enjoyed very much, but not cheap!
December 19, 2007

Dr. Dan
QOTD: Selvapiana Bucerchiale Chianti Classico Riserva 2003 really brought the thunder for me with pizza one evening a few weeks ago. It’s no wonder that it was one of WL’s top 5 of the year.
December 19, 2007

Obama_Man
QOTD: The Riondo Prosecco you had on the show is an all time favorite of mine now. GOnna get me a TEE shirt now! Glad you did the Spanish episode, I’ve found them to be a little hit or miss, but will continue to seek them out!
December 19, 2007

ciaobarbara
Irreverente from Portugal 2004 – always full of thunder
December 19, 2007

spaetm
QOTD-Four Vines Naked Chardonnay 2005 from the Naked Show. This show and this wine have changed the way that my wife and I look at Chardonnay. She used to hate it and we would have to always get a Sauv Blanc or a Reisling which are great, but now we can vary the selections even further. Thanks for expanding our horizons.
December 19, 2007

Toronto Geoff
Great show as always G! Always appreciated as it helps me through boring work days!

QOTD: Tohu Sav Blanc 2005
December 19, 2007

Justin L Ove
QOTD: 2006 Willakenzie Pinot Gris. Helped me remember how satisfying cheap white wine can be.
December 19, 2007

PhilB
QOTD: Clos des FÃ©es Cotes du Roussillon… AMAZING stuff.. Of course, you need to willing to spend like 50 euros on a Cotes du roussillon, but it is a true gem!
December 19, 2007

Wade
What’s up with the creepy boy on the Urban Ribera label? Last time I saw something that chilling was at the end of Blair Witch.

I have no idea what was the last wine library wine I drank. I have a poor memory for such things. I’m struggling to remember what I drank last night, and I didn’t even topple over unarrested and wake up with blood crusted on my lips and chin, or suffer a blow to the skull from an improvised blunt instrument. I did though eat some herring for breakfast this morning.
December 19, 2007

MB Dallas
iTunes downloaded Monday’s steak episode again, even though it was titled #373. Anybody else run into this?
December 19, 2007

David Masi
Hey Gary!

Happy Holidays…in from the left coast today going to try and stop by the shop! The Clio 2003 was the one that you turned me on to and got me into exploring more wines from Spain other than just Rioja and Priorat! I will definatley come in and buy at least one case today!

Best,
December 19, 2007

Jimmy S
I’ve drank 2 bottles I’ve seen on the Thunder Show, and they were if the daily drinker variety, nothing that brings the thunder.

However, one of them was the 4 Vines Naked Chard, and it has made it into my rotation.

The Teira Zin was decent though.

Looking forward to drinking some of the higher rated ones.
December 19, 2007

stewart l
QOD-Carina cellars seven percent 2005
December 19, 2007

Johnny2Sheds
QOTD: Innocent Bystander Shiraz/Viognier 2004 (episode #295). Everything GV said it was (though I somehow missed the “green colored croutons”). It has me very curious to try Cote Rotie. BTW, the InnoBy 05 just arrived here. Curious to see if it still rocks.
December 19, 2007

Hank
QOTD: 2000 Antinori Tenute Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva. Totally opened up my eyes to wine. Redefined my perceptions of what wine was (this is chianti?), the idea of old world vs. new world (i love dirt), and the idea of wine and food pairing (it’s even better with the red gravy).
December 19, 2007

Iron Man
QOTD: GV, did you recommend it? no, but I was walking the store hoping to pick up some fresh veggies and noticed a box of this lying around the wine section and I thought, oh crap, the 2003 was suppose to be nice but bought too much and ended up giving the rest away. But GV popped into my head, try new things, try NEW THINGS!! Alright! OK! I get it! So I bought a bottle, took it home and was happily impressed, drank it over 3 days and it was still, yes, bringing the thundah!! Thanks GV – your inspiration was well…it was inspirational. 2006 Two Hands Angel’s Share Shiraz (my score 93+)
December 19, 2007

jschwab
Domaine du Banneret 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape

Had not really been my style, but it brought the thunder for me. Liked the cherries and sun dried cigar. Not a cheap cigar, a good dark honduran.
December 19, 2007

SaraMHCRU
On Sunday we opened the 2004 Gravity Hills Tumbling Tractor Zinfandel that you did for a Thanksgiving episode last year and it was fantastic. We had it with homemade BBQ chicken pizza, which was a great match. Of course now it’s sold out almost everywhere I’ve been…I should have bought more!
December 19, 2007

CA Jake
QOTD: Not yet, but hoping to try some of these Ribero Del Duero’s.
especially the exploding basil bombs.
December 19, 2007

David Dadekian
QOTD: Selvapiana Bucerchiale Chianti Classico Riserva 2003, I bought it because of you Gary. Thank you. I probably should buy more, but with a baby on the way in 9 weeks my wife has curbed my wine spending!
December 19, 2007

VinoVixen
QOTD: GV, this is a hard question and cannot limit to one. I have tried to really step out of the comfort zone and explore new wines this past year. And I have enjoyed every minute of it The first two wines that come to mind are two that I ordered from WLTV after watching the show. Neither are expensive but that even makes it even better! 1) Grimaldi Dolcetto d’Alba 2005. Loved it. Ordered a case.
My number two is actually one I opened last night and it was from the Secret Thanksgiving Day Pack. 2) Premiado Torrontes 2006-I have had a torrontes but man this one made me want to jump in the glass and take a swim….so interesting and will order a case just so my wine club can try it. 3) 2001 San Polino Brunello di Montalcino. After a wonderful visit to this winery….I cannot leave it out and hope to go back this next year! Cheers
December 19, 2007

mikey C
Orin Swift “The Prisoner” 2005 Red Wine. This wine brought it! A very attractive and silky blend.

Love your show.
December 19, 2007

Tom T.
You did the Emilio Moro 2003 vintage too which was awesome, in episode 50. Wow time flies! QOTD the one wine which brought the thunder this year was the 2003 Saint Jean Du Barroux L’oligocene.
December 19, 2007

Saubrey
QOTD: On Sunday I opened an Agnusdei Albarino and the Las Rocas Garnacha. Both bought thanks to the Thunder Show. Loved both! Thanks WLTV!
December 19, 2007

OW Holmes
My “thunder” wine, among some really good ones over the year, was a 1998 Pegau Reservee. I could not get my nose of the glass. It was two weeks ago, and I can still smell it……..
December 19, 2007

Soldaddy
I started drinking wines made with malbec because of this show and love them….found a great cab and malbec blend made by cueller the 2000…is fantastic for 40 bones ….
December 19, 2007

Bernie Bearnaise
It is not possible to list only one wine that I learned about on WLTV. The value for thunder category was found in the Ravenswood Lodi Zinfandel, Hecula Monastrell and Dolcetto D’Alba. New varietals I tried in the last year were Carmenere, Carignan, Bonarda, Touriga nacional and St Laurent from Austria which tasted like Pinot Noir. Because of Gary’s advice I’ve sampled blends of different varietals like Cabernet Franc/Tempranillo, Syrah/Viognier and Sangiovese/Cabernet Sauvignon.

I think it would be useful to see a top 25-50 wines that “brought the thunder” show or countdown to WLTV wine of the year. This is not to be confused with best selling wine of the year that already is on Wine Library.

I posted about a new Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa called Sojourn and three months later you did a show about it ironically. It is my personal pick for Thunder wine of the year….

Gary, your tannins are rounding out and you’ve entered a smart phase. Your peak years are ahead of you. A day without a glass of wine and WLTV just makes me sad.

BB
December 19, 2007

Jaybird
It was an under $20 Riesling… Max Ferd. Richter Riesling QbA Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 2006. I think it had a lot to do with not having a white in a while, and appreciating the aromas and flavors from a classic German Riesling. These were all I drank when I first started drinking wine, it was like remenissing!
December 19, 2007

Baruch Bro-der-sen
QOTD. 2002 Hebron Height Armageddon. Rogov no like, so that shows you just how unsophisticated my palate is. But then again, does Danny-baby watch? I don’t think so.
December 19, 2007

hugh
I would like to point out, that i have noticed, both from personal experience and WLTV that Jay Miller + 90 points = unreliable expectations ….caveat emptor….

QOTD: Vinho Sogrape Douro 2001….really packed serious punch for $12 ….
December 19, 2007

MtnCharlie
QOTD: 2004 Cambiata Tannat. Noted it from episode 263 then forgot about it. I was in my favorite wine shop a couple months back and spotted it but didn’t immediately remember the WLTV episode. Drank it with a steak dinner and both my wife and I were diggin it. Went back and bought a couple more bottles. The other night we were over at a friends house and he pulls out another domestic Tannat!
December 19, 2007

Gersh
you guys should check the upload to iTunes. Yesterday’s episode came up again instead of today’s. I honestly don’t know what the last wine that really brought thunder was, but it was long before I found WLTV. What WLTV has done for me has had me drinking different wines, but I’ve yet to find one that really rocked my socks off. Granted I haven’t had any wine that I’ve seen you talk about on WLTV, though I have had some of the producers.
December 19, 2007

JeffC
Great Show G-man

QOTD: Most recently, I had the 2006 Alamos Malbec, found at Total Wine for less the $8.00 a bottle, thought it was a great price performer.
December 19, 2007

Colin
GV – Fun show. QOTD – I had a Standing Stone Gewurtz (2006) that simply ruled.
December 19, 2007

AaronS
A comment solely for the sake of commenting, in an effort to lurk less.

That is all.
December 19, 2007

Smith MBA
Ribera Del Duero and Priorat are driving value out of Spain. What is up with that?
December 19, 2007

Chris From NY
Priorat baby, Cims de Porerra rocks the house
December 19, 2007

hasbeen
1996 LÃ³pez de Heredia ViÃ±a Tondonia
December 19, 2007

Dan H
QOTD: A wine that changed the the way I understood wine was a bottle of Bricco Rocche Barolo (I can’t remember the vintage). It’s super old-world and tasted like tobacco, dirt and leather. At that time I never knew that wine could taste like that. Blew my mind!
December 19, 2007

Monstrose
QOTD: The Cambiatta Tannat. Had it with a nice steak au poivre. FANTASTIC.
December 19, 2007

Jarvis Winescare
The wine that made me put down the Big Reds for a little while, was the Malbac. I’ve been diggin the Chile and Argentina Cabs and stumbled across this Malbac (Trapiche Broquel 2005). Fortunately, shortly after I found the Thunder Show and have been exploring routinely ever since. The Broquel locked it in that there are many ah-wines I need to experience. Pleasant Holidays!
December 19, 2007

Dominick Mack
Black Pig Albarino – I had the “white wines suck” mentality until I tried this one.
December 19, 2007

aronowm2
Thanks for the episode Gary. The best Ribera del Duero I’ve had so far is Figuero Ribera del Duero Old Vine Selection(2001)

It’s unfiltered, delicious and elegant.

QOTD: Stag’s Leap Winery Petite Sirah (2003 or 2004) was a wine that brought the THUNDAH.
December 19, 2007

Neil
QOTD: Montlouis Chennin Blanc from Loire. Yummy.
December 19, 2007

Brian V
QOTD: I sought out due to last weeks show a blanc de blanc… super tasty and sophisticated.
December 19, 2007

Bill H
2004 Chateau Beausejour Duffau St. Emilion Grand Crux from episode #331. not that I needed the thunder show to make me try bordeaux, but this one probably wouldnt have been anything special to me because 1) i think I fell into a little of the sideways merlot bashing, but you’re definitely bringing it back 2) because of all the hype about the 2005 vintage, but you were dead on about this wine and its probably one of the best bordeauxs i’ve ever had
December 19, 2007

Folsom Mike
Gary,

Since finding your website a year ago and watching your show, I have now become a closet wine collector. I haven’t eaten any dirt or sucked the must out of sweaty socks but I’m loving the wine. The 2004 Felix Callejo Crianza opened my eyes to Spanish wines. Thanks.
December 19, 2007

K J Ulin
LOVE the thunder show!!!! Wife was a ‘white zin’ only girl, until the thunder show…she’s now a true believer! Just got our Christmas pack, can’t wait for Christmas eve! Thanks Gary
December 19, 2007

Lewy
QOTD: 2001 Rotllan Torra Priorat Reserva – very unique flavor profile
December 19, 2007

RonAtl
Good show GV!

QOTD: 2005 Masi Valpolicella. I had never heard of this type of wine before you enlightened me on it. Loved and I am now going back to the episode archives to try other “off mainstream” wine types.
December 19, 2007

Lee W
Boudreaux Cellars 2004 Washington Cab brought the thunder as you had stated on WLTV.
December 19, 2007

Coachlen
Saint Jean Du Barroux L’Oligocene 2003
This wine totally rocks!
December 19, 2007

Tim Vining
QOTD: Aurora Pinot Grigio 2006 — only $9.95 and a 91 WEX rating. (For some reason, in PA I can purchase online from Wine Express but not from Wine Library — the issue becoming moot for me since I am in the process of moving to Toronto.)
This wine is excellent with fish. I had it with friends over Thai food and will likely buy a few more bottles.
December 19, 2007

LeatherPalate
The 2005 Alma Rosa Pinot Noir La Encantada Vineyard

was and is pretty pretty pretty good….
December 19, 2007

akellner
recently the most thunderous wine was the Boudreaux Cabernet (WLTV sole reason) and the Mollydooker “The Boxer”. The Thanksgiving box also was great as there were 4 wines I would have never tired especially the Premiado
December 19, 2007

HeadWino
QOTD: Black Pig Albarino. Very together wine. Something different that friends had never had. +++
December 19, 2007

JBerardo
QOTD: casa emma chianti… all thanks to you Gary
December 19, 2007

Dusty
I am totally forgetting the name of it since I’m at work now, but the white that was in the thanksgiving pack rocked hard.
December 19, 2007

grace
What this show has done is inspired me to try new varietals. Nothing lately has rocked my world, but I have a stable of favorites that I turn to when I want something that I know will rock.
December 19, 2007

MrTaz
QOTD — Easy one: 2005 Domaine de La Garrigue Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Romaine. I bought 2 bottles at WL, loved the first one, and you were sold out when I wanted to buy a case
December 19, 2007

John Witherspoon (J DUB)
QOTD: The last wine that really brought the thunder was the 2001 Rivetto Leon Barolo. HELLZ YEAH!!!!!!!
But seriously, all wine brings its own thunder in its own way.

J DUB
December 19, 2007

wayno da wino
Yooooo Geee !!
Gotta seek out somma dat Emilio Moro!! Sounded Deeeelicious!!

QOTD: I looooved da Guillon -Gevrey Chambertin- Pere Galland 2005
i got from ya!! Yum Yum Yuuum !!!
December 19, 2007

Andy D.
QOTD: LA VELONA 1999 Brunello di Montalcino

No Brunello that I’d ever had before really proved to me that it belonged in a category superior to, say, Chianti Rufina. This Brunello is the one that changed all of that for me. It ROCKED!
December 19, 2007

BiggRigg
definitely the ‘05 Coume Del Mas Schistes. It brought some serious thunder.
December 19, 2007

NathanB
QOTD: I just up’d my wine drinking tenfold in the past couple months (Thanks GV). I am hitting Italy pretty hard right now. I went from knowing the obvious wines to seeking out all the Ripasso Valpolicellas’ I can get my hands on. Many are bringing the thunder at an amazing price point.
December 19, 2007

Bigsigar
Susana Balbo Malbec. Was intrigued by the “cinnamon eggnog stirred up with a 2×4 by Hacksaw Jim Dugan”. Verrrrry Tasty. The whole bottle evaporated quickly, though.

Also, the Thunder Show turned me on to Tennats.
December 19, 2007

Scott F
2005 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz. I decanted it and let it chill out for a few hours and it was out of this world. It brought some serious thunder.
December 19, 2007

Dan de Roo
QOTD: Knisper CuvÃ©e X trocken

http://www.weingut-knipser.de/cuvee.html

I was at a wine party Saturday night with a few friends (I live in Germany). My buddy has been raving about Knisper for months and finally brings out the CuvÃ©e X, Knisper’s flagship wine.

I took a sniffy-sniff and was immediately taken aback by the tobbacco notes along with smoke. It was like smelling an ashtray. I took a sip and immediately realized what separates wine that can be stored for 5+ years, and that which should be drunk before then. The tannin structure was amazing, and I was 100% certain that this wine would become better with age.

I told the other people at the party this, and they were amazed that I knew so much about wine. I then told them about your show and how I watch it constantly; I also mentioned it was very funny and talked a lot about American Football, and they had a laugh. Thank you so much for expanding my wine education.

Best,
Dan
December 19, 2007

antony
La Mott Shiraz Viognier 2005. For me, it’s very demanding of one’s attention – perhaps too much so to pair well with food – but has genuine complexity and structure. A rarity at Â£10.

Of course, with a name like La Mott I could not resist in honour to the famed Chris Mott. I also remembered you talking a lot about this style and Cote Rote.

Incidentally, the Yalumba Shiraz Viogner sniffy sniffs just like the old Northern Lights. Really odd.
December 19, 2007

Shad
2005 D’Arenberg The Stump Jump GSM…structured fruit bomb..different and fun or 2003 Solo..Tempranillo, old school, delicious
December 19, 2007

U wish my wife was yours
QOTD: In the past year I’ve tried lots. Especially since finding your site. I’ve had from $5.99 to over $500 wines. Believe it or not, the one I have been most impressed with was the Ercavio Roble La Mancha you recommended in episode #260
December 19, 2007

DARREL LAS VEGAS
QOTD: OLIVERHILL “JIMMY SECTION ” SHIRAZ 2005
December 19, 2007

Barry O
QOTD: I purchased a 2004 Dominus to enjoy on my B-day and it completely brought the thunder!! Thanks for your great tasting notes on that specific wine, it helped me find exactly what I wanted to drink my on special day.
December 19, 2007

Big Nick
Sorry for the late comment, busy day yesterday. Gary, I must say I went out and looked for the Cline Zinfandel after the holidays since you cannot ship to Michigan. I know it wasn’t your cup of “tea”, but the wife and I loved it. You always say to go with your own palate. Thanks.
December 19, 2007

CareyD
Okay, I know, it’s supposed to be just one, but this is just too good of an opportunity to give back some love to Gary and this community. This is my ‘uber-short-list’ of winners from the Thunder show in the last year.

Before I do the list, let me just preface that the links are to Cellar Tracker. I hope Gary and Co. are working on improvements to Cork’d, because I’d gladly move over there if it gets beefed up a little more…and I also need a way to automatically import all my old notes from CT.

One more thing…a big Thank You to Gary V, Chris Mott, and everyone that helps crank out WLTV. I really REALLY appreciate you guys, and so enjoy the show. I’d participate more in the forums, etc. if I had time, really I would! But my life/work/wife/kids take so much of my time (priorities, right Gary?) that there just isn’t a lot of time left for the forums, et al. Nevertheless, I want everyone to know how much I appreciate everything you do to further mine (and everyone’s) wine education and enjoyment.

continued in next post
December 19, 2007

CareyD
So, without further adieu…
My ‘Thunder Show’ favorite wines for the year and my tasting notes (careyd)

2005 St. Urbans-Hof Riesling

2005 Alma Rosa Pinot Noir

2001 Aries Merlot

2003 ChÃ¢teau Lamartine Cahors CuvÃ©e ParticuliÃ¨re

2006 Henry’s Drive Pillar Box Red (Gary taught me that when I’m in the mood for over-the-top Kangaroo flavors, this is an economical way to get them!)

2003 ChÃ¢teau Sansonnet

2004 Innocent Bystander Shiraz – Viognier (amazing!)

2003 Panther Creek Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard (also amazing!)

tasting notes here in my consumed bottles list:
http://tinyurl.com/34lqj4
December 19, 2007

Seth
QOTD-I had a bottle of 2003 Xavier Chat.-du-pape after hearing the G-man talk about Chat.-du-papes quite a bit. The wine was really good, nice mix of fruit flavors along with some licorice and leather.
December 19, 2007

Brandon T.
My favorite wines this year have been a 2001 Pierre Sparr Schlossberg Riesling, a 2005 Cass Roussanne, and 2005 Caymus (so delicious… much more so cause o’ my company and happy time mind set).
December 19, 2007

trav himself
Gary,

Had to sound off after getting called out as a lurker in your last episode. And then I decided to drop a line here ‘cos it was getting a little crowded in the other thread.

Anyways, I’m new to the show, but I’m loving it. Don’t know a single thing about wine, but I get a kick out of the show, and maybe some wine knowledge will rub off on me eventually. Started watching after your cameo on Diggnation a few weeks back (which I just watched last week ‘cos I was slacking on those guys, too). I always thought wine was a snooty old man’s drink, but you’re totally changing my perception.

Keep it up! You guys do an awesome show.
December 19, 2007

chenrys
Great show!

QOTD: Altesino Rosso and Small Gully Mr. Blacks Concoction.
December 19, 2007

Phil G
QOTD – I just tried the Domaine Le Galantin Bandol. I hadn’t tasted a Bandol before, and this one was a big wine. Thanks!
December 19, 2007

Justin
QOTD: I can’t answer because almost all of the wines that I would have liked to done out and find after watching the “Thunder show”, are unavailable here in this small cover of B.C., Canada.

Also: for some reason this episode downloaded as the steak episode from the previous day through iTunes. So I had to come watch here on the website.
December 19, 2007

Herm
almost every wine that I try now is is because of your show….I used to get stuck in a rut with a particular variety or winery….I now seek out different varietals as well growing regions all over the world…..I owe it all to you Gary
December 19, 2007

mrzitro
QOTD: so far it is the Noblaie Chinon Rouge ‘04 from episode #200.
This wine was so good, I’d buy a case.
December 19, 2007

ChrisR
QOD: The Clio
December 19, 2007

pete c
QOTD- Bricco Roche Barolo “Riapo” 1998. Awsome!
December 19, 2007

pawncop
I have purchased the Justin Cab and the Francisan Cab but have yet to try them.
December 19, 2007

Ben F
I have been much more willing to just seek out new and different wine of varietals that I like but different vintners…
December 20, 2007

T. Holland
Gary was off his rocker today.

QOTD: Would have to be Altesino 2004 Rosso di Montalcino. I always kind of glossed over Rosso di Montalcino in the store, but when you raved about this specific wine, I gave it a shot & it was great. I actually bought 4 bottles including one for my good friend who was expecting a baby and told him & his wife that we could all have it together when they had the baby. They had a baby girl last week which is great news X2- cute baby & great wine!
December 20, 2007

yourfrienddownunder
Innocent Bystander Shiraz Viognier. I picked it up while at their cellar door in the Yarra. Pretty cool place: it has a cafe feel, they bake thier own bread, you can see the wine being made through a glass window AND it is in the town NOT next the vineyard. I think it is the first in Australia of its kind.
December 20, 2007

Michael Y
qotd pavie
December 20, 2007

nolongeralurker
The 2006 Mahi Sauvignon Blanc blew my mind. Not only one of the best white wines I’ve ever had, but also an outrageous value at 14 bones!
December 20, 2007

pawncop
Always enjoy your education and your encouragement to pay attention to the tasting notes. Am still very much a rookie when it comes to being able to distinguish the subtle flavors and aromas. Will stay with it, am having a ball.
December 20, 2007

CHATrBox
I just had a wine at our company Christmas party, which I had not tasted previously, that totally blew me away (aka. lot’s of thunder!). It was Domaine Serene 2004 Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir. Wow, that was a goot Pinot! I’m sorry to say though that this had absolutely nothing to do with the Thunder Show. But regardless, it’s always nice to discover a great new wine!
December 20, 2007

MIDave
As a wine noob, WLTV has given me courage to sample wines I would have never considered. Keep up the great work!
December 20, 2007

Mike L
QOTD: I hate to not give a specific answer but, ALL. I wasn’t drinking wine or even know what wine I was drinking when I was drinking wine until this year. So they have all brought thunder whether I liked them or not.

Great show. I had a ribera recently and it was good, very veggie ish. (black pig).
December 20, 2007

Juicy Jesse
QOTD: The Altesino Rosso, hands down! Whatta winner!
December 20, 2007

Simon
2003 Rubicon Estate “Cask” Beautiful Nappa Cab
December 20, 2007

wannaBconnoisseur
Good show! I have found some good values recently from Ribera.

Q: White wine!!! I used to ignore it, but because of the thunder show forcing me to be more open-minded, white now probably makes up 30% of our wine consumption.
December 21, 2007

Lindsey
Thanks for featuring Ribera, “one of the most exciting wine regions in the world” and my home away from home. (My husband picked grapes for Vega Sicilia in his younger days and my father-in-law was in wine sales in Valladolid). And big ups to Emilio Moro. Really great producer. I’d love to see a review of Cepa 21 (by the sons of EM) on WLTV. Is that available in the US?

Keep bringing the thunder! I love it!
December 21, 2007

PiperJS
QOTD: It was the Mollydooker Two Left Feet!!! I was inversely influenced by your reviews of the whole Mollydooker line, so I sought them out. And I really loved it!! So, thanks
December 22, 2007

Bill
Gary – good show. To answer the QOTD, I am not a huge white drinker, but I have been listening to you consistently challenging people to “try new things” and this along with your talking about Loire valley wines made me pick up some of the Pas Saint Martin Saumur 2006 from Garagiste (sorry – you don’t stock it!). This is spectacular and a complete revelation. Bone dry and acidic, but with a core of flavour so focussed and pure that it really is quite stunning. So thanks for encouraging a broader perspective, as I would never have bought this before THE THUNDER SHOW!! If you could get this wine – even the next vintage maybe, I think you would LOVE it!
December 22, 2007

Dan B
QOTD — Innocent Bystander. One of the first episodes I watched, and my wife and I both LOVE the wine.
December 22, 2007

Joel M
Great show. Always like exploring the wines from Spain. Now how about an episode on the Tempranillo grape?
December 23, 2007

Snowdog1
QOTD: Nino Franco Prosecco.
December 23, 2007

PatrickD
Elderton Command & E.Guigal CÃ´te-RÃ´tie Brune et Blonde

Tried both wines off a restaurant list. Each one was wonderful.
December 23, 2007

tarheel17
Tintoralba Crianza. YUM.
December 26, 2007

YoungDave
RIBERA!!

QOTD: I wish I were at my computer in L.A. because I could find the name of the specific wine on it, but as I’m with my family in R.I. for the holidays, I’ll just tell you that it was an ‘03 Merlot, Cab. & Cab. Franc Tuscan IGT (I know- the kangaroo vintage, but the fruit and alcohol were under control!) that I tasted at the BYO table at Crushpad for the Vayniac Cab. barrel tasting… f-ing rocked my palate. Thanks GV, and the thunder show (again).
December 26, 2007

Kristen
2003 Cave de Tain Hermitage – I called it Christmas in a glass – awesome spice notes
December 27, 2007

JayZee
QOTD: I was in Barcelona at a wine bar and we tried the 2004 Alvaro Palacios Las Terrasses Priorato and it rocked! What does this have to do with the Thunder Show? I dunno, but it was good so perhaps you should try it on the Thunder Show. Seriously, you have influenced me to try some great Languedoc wines as well as Albarino, Arneis, Cahors, Chinon, Chenin Blanc and many other wines that I have come to love because of WLTV. Thanks Gary and Happy New Year!
December 30, 2007

Dan-o
Four Vines Naked Chardonnay!
It was one of the first wines I sought out after an episode and really enjoyed.

Good call on the Emilio Moro – I bought a case of the 2000 and it rocks!

I bought a 2004 recently and did not drink it yet. I will have to do so soon!
December 30, 2007

Michael H.
Never had a Ribera. Need to go out and get one fo sho.

QOTD — It was really a QPR wine — the Berco Do Infante that you reviewed a while back. I had tried at least 5-7 other $5 – $10 wines (some that you reviewed) on a quest for a good QPR, everyday drinking wine. Finally, that one brought the thunder; and at $4.99!!! It actually had complexity, nice tannin structure, and zero fakey fake fruit. Portugal rocks in my opinion… Happy Holidays and thanks for WLTV again and again!
December 30, 2007

yowens
QOTD: Huia Sav Blanc- made me realize how complex sav blanc can be
January 4, 2008

PS Patrick
The one wine that really rocked me in 2007 was the 1998 Finca Valpiedra Reserva from Rioja in Spain. Dark colour, great nose, very well structured, creamy and balanced. About 28 Dollars I think.
February 12, 2008

TonyStro
I’m a late-comer to the Thunder Show, still archive-diving! This is easily my favorite episode so far. Jockstrap, sweaty socks, parrot poop. HEY, I just watched #148 and didn’t see you taste either the parrot poop or the jockstrap!! Keep rolling out the Thunder.
July 7, 2008

Oakmon's BF
I just had my first Ribera Del Duero while rewatching this episode. It was 2004 Cosecha Valdubon Ribera Del Duero. It wasnâ€™t bad. A little oak. Some heat. A bit acidic.
October 6, 2008

Tom Zingarelli
Are you familiar with a Ribera del Duero wine called El Arte de Vivir, 2004?
January 2, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
QOTD: This is the same answer ( as far as the wine ) for another question, but it fits. The first time you mentioned Tokaji wines back in I think the first dessert wine episode I was hooked. Then I bought and tasted one and BAM! It was a Royal TOkaji 2001 5 Puttonyos. Wow. it actually smelled like meat on the nose, and that was the first time I had ever smelled that in a wine. Wonderfully rich and complex, it was well worth the 40 or so bones.
September 16, 2009

richardvinifera
QOTD: Trying dry rieslings after the under the radar tip off from WLTV. E.g. Leitz Rudesheimer Kabinett.
November 20, 2009

Phredd
The Thunder Show has opened up new vistas in a lot of ways. The most notable specific wine, though, was the 2007 Cult Vines Roussane you sent out back in July, 2009, with Wine Club B. Wow! That was a white variental I’d never had before that made me sit up and take notice. Serious Thunder, baby!