A Grab Bag Of Wines On The Thunder Show

A Grab Bag Of Wines On The Thunder Show – Episode #379

December 27, 2007

Gary Vaynerchuk sits down and tastes through a few wines and gives you his thoughts.

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Comments on this episode(341) Leave a comment ›

“QOTD: Yes, yes, Schloss Johannisberg 2005 Riesling Kabinett Red top, a…” by richardvinifera
“Yay for Joh Jos Prum. I have 2 bottles of the 2005 Wehnlur Somelhur A…” by Dessert Wine Nerd
View all 341 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

2006 Spice Route PinotageSouth African Pinotage
2005 Black Wing ShirazAustralian Shiraz/Syrah
2003 Chat La Tour CarnetOther Red Bordeaux
2004 J.j. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spatlese RieslingGerman Riesling

Links mentioned in todays episode.

341 Responses

December 27, 2007

Brandon M
Hey Oh!
December 27, 2007

Pete
Number 2
December 27, 2007

Andy
First Top 10— Merry X-mas G and hope for a great New Year… Keep bringing the thunder dude………
December 27, 2007

LeatherPalate
Ya,… of course this is the superior wine in Ze Worlds..

VDP in the hizzeeee. I’ve been drinking the shizeeell since I was a kid. Unt listen to my grandfather talk about how the Germans make the best wine in the world. Good times….

Decaf my bro dacaf
December 27, 2007

Phil A
great show Gary
December 27, 2007

portland guy
Loved the mix of wines in this episode.
December 27, 2007

Ken T
Yes and Yes
December 27, 2007

Italian Stallion
top 10
December 27, 2007

Sassodoro
Top 10? It has been a while for that.
December 27, 2007

dmg
Top 10!
December 27, 2007

Carolyn
LOVE Rieslings! Germany for sure does them right, as does Alsace. There is even this little place east of Cleveland that does a half decent job with them (hint..hint).

I’ve tried all types/grades, with the exception of trockenbeernauslese.

Great show – I’ll have to seek out the pinotage.
December 27, 2007

mrzitro
top 11
December 27, 2007

crank
I’m in.
December 27, 2007

CindyW
QOTD: I’ve had several german rieslings. Love them!
December 27, 2007

Matthew L
I was all cranked up for the Black Wing. Oh well…for 7 bones, I may have to give it a try anyway.
December 27, 2007

CindyW
Heck, I’ve even had more than two pinotages.
December 27, 2007

Matthew L
QOTD: (part 1) Yes (part 2) Hell yeah!
December 27, 2007

Anthony L.
Gary, Excellent episode. Want to say thanks for continuing the show through Christmas week. I really look forward to watching on my days off from work.

QOTD: Yes, I have had a German Reisling, I’ve had several and they usually are too sweet for my taste. I can’t wait to try J.J. Prum. Thanks for the tip.
December 27, 2007

RANDI
Yes, have had more than 2 Rieslings, and I enjoy them differently than other wine varietals… My family calls this “The Summer Wine”
December 27, 2007

purplejuicebruce
Great got to try the black wing that is my price range
QOTD….No NO
December 27, 2007

dmg
Love Riesling. Yes – Yes
December 27, 2007

Deano
Great episode gary. We need the 3rd edition of the wristband and we need the mott link it up tshirt come on

QOTD:
-Yes i have had one but i havent had 3 or more
December 27, 2007

Wade
GV, at the beginning of the show looking eerily similar to Donnie Darko before, during and after he torches Jim Cunningham’s Tudor mansion.

I think I’ve had two Rieslings. I must have just by chance. But I honestly can’t remember.
December 27, 2007

Richard Bakker
Yes, Yes.
Most memorable Riesling’s Huia, Prum ‘87 and Wilson’s Polish Hill.
Keep up the good work.
New Year = Mott Link it up T.
December 27, 2007

dino
did u do ur show from Bergen-Lafayette or greenville today? cause i hear alot of sirens … ??

anyway great show but i was wondering when the dwight shrute bobble head is gunna make a comeback…

german riesling and any riesling ,for that matter, is the best of all white grapes.. and even though the producer is harder to pronounce then french wines, they all should be checked out.

got the xmas pack today (yeah it came mad late) and psyched to have the boys over for some naacf bowls, islander hockey and hopefully kick ass bordo

happy new year gang
December 27, 2007

MagnumGourmet
Thanks for keeping up on the videos through the holiday week.

Looking forward to both the “Mott, Link it up!” t-shirt and the third edition of the wristband.

QOTD – Yes and Yes. Like to compare them to what is coming out of Washington. The new world Riesling’s are finally getting just a hint of the diesel that I like.
December 27, 2007

Og
QOTD: Yes many more than two! My best friend and Ithought we were suave by going to the local wine and cheese shop with an older friend and getting reisling for our dates to every high school dance, after having some at a party. That was wow 5 years ago now! errr mebee 25. I have in the last few years aquired a renewed appreciation. We will laugh about it over dinner tonight with Selvapiana Bucerchiale Chianti Classico Riserva 2003.
December 27, 2007

Hotshot162
QOTD1 No

QOTD2 No

But I will try one when I get home, any suggestion?
December 27, 2007

John Watson
QOTD: yes, yes, but only at a wine tasting 5 years ago which was specifically a German Riesling tasting.
December 27, 2007

Tim Vining
QOTD: No and No, but my excuse is that I am still very new to wine tasting. Will try the Black Wing Shiraz as Shiraz is a wine I have just discovered and I found an amazing French bottle (2005 Patriarche) for $9.95 in Canada. Didn’t think I would like Shiraz but one never knows until one tries it…
December 27, 2007

John Watson
Hey, who else out there wants Gary to put up a QPR of the week for ordering on free.winelibrary.com?
December 27, 2007

John Farrin
QOTD: Yes and yes but not for a long time.

I’ve had the Black Wing and thought that it paled in comparison to the Thorn Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz at $9.99.
December 27, 2007

mrzitro
We demand a “Mott, link it up” t-shirt.

QOTD: Part 1: Had my 1st German Riesling at our company Thanksgiving lunch this year. I brought in a cheap supermarket one.
Part 2: no. It’s on my “to drink” list for 2008.
December 27, 2007

JC
Awesome show. QOTD: 1 Yes, a long time ago, and 2 probably not.
December 27, 2007

Shadowbird
QOTD: Yes and no. I have had precisely 2 German Rieslings…Blue Nun and Black Tower.
December 27, 2007

GrapeStuff
Great show, GV. I am a HUUUGE riesling fan, esp German from the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer!!!

QOTD: Had at least 30 German Rieslings in the last 16 months or so. My girlfriend’s dad is a mega German Riesling collector. LOVE THEM!!! By FAR my favorite white. Cheers!!
December 27, 2007

sky
top 50? hey i just got home..long day delivering wine to all those people that happen to be on vacation this week./
December 27, 2007

Henning
QOTD: yes, yes, yes, yes… had more than five German Rieslings this year. Not so spectacular, since I live there. Much easier to get than â€“ let’s say â€“ the Blackwing Shiraz. Can’t find a distributor for that here on the net.

Nice Episode once again.

And: I neeeed one of those wristbands!
December 27, 2007

Peter in Dallas
?OTD: yes/yes It’s been awhile though. It’s pretty hit and miss for my pallete. I need to go back and watch #70 and refine my selections.

Looking forward to the Mott T!
December 27, 2007

Shad
Is Trimbach German? If so, yes…if not I am a loser who has only consumed California and Washington Rieslings.
December 27, 2007

ecola
QOTD: Yes, no, nice chug at the end, too bad you spit!
December 27, 2007

sharon
yeah, yeah…
December 27, 2007

Neil
Yes, Yes.
December 27, 2007

DannInNH
QOTD: Yes, no. ‘03 Langwerth both times.
December 27, 2007

BelgianBeerMistress
Yes and yes! I hosted a German Riesling wine tasting last year, and luckily all four participants brought different producers and ripeness levels. Then, to top it off, we had a bottle of Bonny Doon’s Pacific Rim Riesling to compare – totally fell flat! The real McCoy’s were tons better. I forget which ones we had- I’ll have to dig out my tasting notes…
December 27, 2007

The Fanjestic
QOTD: Part 1 – Yes (actually my first one over Christmas – it was excellent!)
Part 2 – NO (But that will change this year)
December 27, 2007

Dr. Mike
QOTD: I probably drink like 2 to 4 bottles a year, a few more lately since the ‘05 vintage is pretty awesome.
December 27, 2007

OW Holmes
Yes, yes, and if you kept going up one at a time, I’d be yes well past 100 in the last 5 years. Love them.
December 27, 2007

Andrew
yes, no, and I prefer Alsatians if I have to drink Riesling.

BTW – what do you do with all that leftover wine?
December 27, 2007

Greg B
Big G, Your a Nut! LOL.. Good Show. Black Wing Vs Smoking Loon? Hmmmmm….

QOTD: NO/NO
December 27, 2007

Isaac
I’ve never had a german rieslings ever…In all honesty, i have only had maybe 5 wines ever. I did have one at a restaurant and it was very very dry. But i was way younger. I have yet to purchase my first wine and not sure what to get. I like fruitiness fruit bombs though…any suggestions?
December 27, 2007

Siggi from Iceland
Great episode Gary and happy holidays

QOTD: Yes, I love Rieslings tho I drink more of Alsace I have come across very good German to like Lingfelder and some of the once that Dr. Loosen makes.
December 27, 2007

RaiderNation
Nice ep.

Lots of German Riesling flowing at my house. I think the most misunderstood wine in the wine world.
December 27, 2007

BCWinesAreIn
Yes and yes. Tried a Zind Humbrecht riesling at a free wine tasting a few weeks ago. Great stuff.
December 27, 2007

sky
yes and yes but i always end up in alsace instead of just pure german like mosel..valkenberg and carl graff,and then deiss and trimbach for alsace. pinot blanc and gwvertsty too.,
December 27, 2007

Siggi from Iceland
And to answer Shad, no Trimbach is from Alsace France, very close to Germany.
Love it btw:D
December 27, 2007

sky
my friend shane and i had a big tasting ont he back porch not last summer but the one before and deiss came out ahead i think the gewurzt was our favorite
December 27, 2007

jfoobar
Thanks for showing some pinotage love!

QOTD: YES and YES. Riesling is my desert island grape. I have had more than two but I have probably had less than two HUNDRED, which makes me sad.
December 27, 2007

Obama_Man
Wow, Mott was pretty uncomfortable during the ‘Mott, entertain!’ period! Love German Rieslings- as a sucker for sweet, I seek them out as much as possible.
December 27, 2007

sky
is alsace officially french? iguess it is but it seems so german 2me
December 27, 2007

sky
the question was about German Reislings, right?
December 27, 2007

The Virginian
Yes!! I drink German Riesling all the time, usually Schmitt Sohne.
December 27, 2007

monkuwino
Q’sOTD: Yes and yes. German rieslings are wonderful!!
December 27, 2007

cgf
interesting conclusion.

we are going to miss you in hoboken tonight.

qotd: i prob drink german riesling more than any other wine. i have started to branch out a bit more and try alsatian versions. im obsessed with riesling.
December 27, 2007

Danq
Double the yeses. First intro to wine was German Rieslings with my father in law. I have wanted to, but have not yet tried some of the higher end rieslings. That Prum is $40 here, and there are tons of piesporters for around $10. I thought Pinotage was beleived to be related to Zinfandel?

Great episode again!
December 27, 2007

Steven Pautz
QOTD: yes and yes. I don’t drink German Rieslings very frequently — maybe one every 3-5 months — but the last one I tried (Leitz Dragonstone) was outstanding.
December 27, 2007

jonomck
QOTD: Yes and Yes
December 27, 2007

amgryger
I had the Black Wing Shiraz a couple of days ago while visiting my parents. It wasn’t really my cup of tea, but I’m not one to reject wine offered to me when I’m not the one who bought it. Nonetheless, my non-wine-drinking brother basically condemned it as “the worst wine he’s ever had,” basically because he knew a)it was from Australia, b)it was cheap. The whole situation was really frustrating.

QOTD: A) The only German wine I’ve ever had was a Reislaner. B) No. I haven’t been into wine long enough to have tried as many different things as you have put on the show.
December 27, 2007

Malphas
I have never had a German Riesling… yet.
December 27, 2007

grace
QOTD: Yes and Yes. On Christmas Eve, we had a lunch of Riesling from Rancho Sisquoc and cheese (Brie and Point Reyes Blue) with currants, grilled pears, truffle honey, raspberry chipotle, and gingery jam. The other Riesling that I’ve had have was a Boeger.
December 27, 2007

Fingerlaker
no and no.. several ny rieslings but no german
December 27, 2007

Senator
Yes, I’ve had several; kabinett, spatlese, & auslese. I even bought a case of an auslese I think many many years ago. I have to admit though, it has probably been pretty close to 20 years ago since I bought my last German reisling. QPR is just not there for me.
December 27, 2007

SoCal
QOTD: Yes I have had one. No not more than 2.
December 27, 2007

Sonnenuhr
QotD: Yes, more than 2 – try more than 500
December 27, 2007

Kirk
Great show today….I was totally stoked to see my favorite German producer on the show. I have most definately had many German rieslings having lived in Darmstadt as a soldier for three years. German Rieslings comprise about 1/3 of all the whites in my collection. Such an amazing wine with such long lived potential…I wish more new wine drinkers were open to trying them. I think with so many levels that there’s a wine for every moment with food…and that’s what I love about them. For those of you who think Alsace is superior I’d love to do a blind tasting of your Alsace wine with my German Trocken wine….see who wins. Hmmm….a possible eppisode down the road maybe?
December 27, 2007

Flavio
QOTD: Nope.

Only rieslings that I’ve had were from Alsace. Will definitely look into German ones (last German wine that I had was the pinot you featured a few months ago and it was pretty darn good and I know those guys are better known for rieslings than for pinots)
December 27, 2007

randyshakes
Never had a German Riesling. I have had some Oregon and Washington state Rieslings and they’re not bad.
December 27, 2007

Sassodoro
Good ep, Gary!

QOTD. German Riesling? NatÃ¼rlich! How many? Vielleicht fÃ¼nfundzwanzig. I’ve had far more German Riesling than I have had Pinotage. I’ll have to check out the Spice Route.
December 27, 2007

Antonio TouriÃ±o
Three out of 4… not bad!

QOTD: Yes, I’ve had blue nun and another one that I cannot remember right now. But I did seek out reislings specifically.
December 27, 2007

Dave Canada
QOTD – Yes……Yes…but probably not more than 20 in my life so i still need more!
December 27, 2007

Lynne
Whott? Nott the Mott? I think I’m a bit upsott!!
December 27, 2007

Social Project Brian
No Link It Up, Mott! t-shirt? I think it could be even bigger than dead deer with cherries.

petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/bri1970/petition.html
December 27, 2007

chitown_wino
QOTD, yes more like around 100
December 27, 2007

TommyBoBo of WI
QOTD: 1) YES
2) HELL YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The M-LIU TShirt is a must!!!!!

Great ep,, I now know what I will be doing this weekend,,,, going thru my 2003 Bordeaux and checking out how they are doing…. thanks for giving my weekend life direction!
December 27, 2007

Washington 101
What’s up with the pronunciation “Hote Maydoc”, somebody give me some help on this, I always thought it was “Oh Maydoc”. Definitely don’t want to be challeging gary (the dude is great), but we are trying to learn some things here.
December 27, 2007

bh
yes and yes

friday night is riesling night…
December 27, 2007

E
Yes, thanks to my dad the JJ Prum fan. ‘03 Wehlener Sonnenuhr, even.
December 27, 2007

Martini
QOTD. Yes. Yes. Yesyesyesyesyes. I salivate just thinking about German rieslings, from Trocken to QbA to Spatlese and beyond. And JJ is a rockstar. Muller-Catoir, Dr. Thanisch, Donhoff. This is why i live…aside from family and friends and all that other stuff.
December 27, 2007

Kristen
GV, please don’t tell me you’ve tasted a tumbleweed! I’ll do a lot for wine, but that goes too far for me!

QOTD: Yes and yes. Germany really does a good job, whereas I think Alsace overshadows them (although they make excellent wine too).
December 27, 2007

Joe G /TX
Great show Gary. Ive never had a German Riesling. I have tried about 2 or three other rieslings and did not like them much. Not too much into rieslings, but I think Im going to try this one out. Im always happy to try new wines.
December 27, 2007

Kristen
And PS- Mott where were the hand puppets in front of the camera while you were supposed to entertain?
December 27, 2007

DavidB
qotd: Yes I have had more then two, but have not had one in a long time. Not since I was in Germany years ago…sad but true
December 27, 2007

Cosanostra
As of June I had not tried any German wines, then lucked into attending a Riesling distributor event and tasted through ~40 2006 vintage German wines from a dozen producers. From Kabinett through Auslese ending with an amazingly intense dessert wine (Trockenbeerenauslese) made from hand selected vine dried grapes. It was a fantastic introduction.
December 27, 2007

KVolk
QOTD: No and No but I am willing to learn.

Thanks for covering that shiney head today…
December 27, 2007

Dr. Dan
In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, I used to drink lots of Rieslings. For the price, they were very good and very inexpensive. Since then, I’ve gotten away from them, but WLTV has caused me to re-familiarize myself with the Riesling grape. They’re very food friendly wines and bring a lot of complexity to the table.
December 27, 2007

Joe
QOTD: 1. St. Urbans Hof Reisling Kabinett
2. Relax Reisling (does that count?)
3. Thats about it
December 27, 2007

paraace
yes and yes ! Schmitt Sohne “Relax” is decent wine for about $7 (bones)
December 27, 2007

JordanW
QOTD: No, No. Where should I start? Canada has some kickass Rieslings too… a little closer to home.
December 27, 2007

jack
qotd: yes and yes…and i’ve got 2 mixed cases of 2005 in the cellar! can’t say riesling is underrated because it’s not. recent vintages have all been outstanding and scored appropriately. however, it’s definitely overlooked by most wine drinkers out there and undervalued. good for those of us who are into riesling!.
December 27, 2007

BobM
Great episode again, Gary. But sometime I’d like to help you out with your German pronunciations. They make me wince mentally. I’ve had several vintages of the PrÃ¼m, and year in and year out, the wine is delicious.

I’m going to have to look for the Black Wing. A somewhat higher alcohol level generally doesn’t trouble me much, and so it sounds like an absolute steal for me.
December 27, 2007

Fiorentina!
THANK YOU! I don’t know how many guys I run into at my work that say, “I’m looking for a sweet wine from Germany that my girlfriend likes.” Then I’ll say, “Oh, Rieslings…the Germans make the best Rieslings….which one would you like?” Then they’ll say, “Ah..I don’t care…I don’t drink that Foo-Foo %$#!!!!!”
It’s sad….
QotD –
I’ve had more German Rieslings than I can remember…I usually have Spatlese or Kabinett….actually..now that I think about it… I don’t think I’ve had a TBA or BA before. I’ll have to try one soon.
December 27, 2007

Jake K
no, no, im thinking of trying one soon, they look very interesting
December 27, 2007

Aaron
Yes and yes. LOVE German Riesling (and German wine in general).

COME ON give us a Mott Link it up tee!!!!!
December 27, 2007

Todd Smith
German Rielsing is what got me drinking white wine. Many years ago it was all red until I had some of the 2001 German Rieslings. They showed me how complex a white wine can be. I still have a couple 2001 Germans in the cooler. I should find their currrent vintage counterparts and do a compartive tasting.
December 27, 2007

Jason Chu
QOTD: nope and nope

Thanks for the review on 2006 Nora Albarino, I loved it tremendously the pineapple feeling was a new thing to me.
December 27, 2007

Brandon M
QOTD….In the last year, because of WLTV I have collected a ton of German Rieslings, I have only popped one and liked it very much. I’m letting them age a little and then will pop in the future!
December 27, 2007

chenrys
Great show…we’ll have to look for the Pinotage and the Shiraz. As for Riesling…that’s always a favorite around here…

QOTD: Big YES! And I don’t know how many.
December 27, 2007

BWicked
I don’t drink them regularly, but have had
many good Rieslings, and they can pair
well with many first courses.
It was actually a 1976 German Riesling that
opened my eyes (or palate) to fine wines.
December 27, 2007

Kathryn
QOTD: Yes and Yes. My mother is a HUGE Riesling fan. I was actually talking to her and my wine-buff uncle about the Riesling/Steak combo and they both got a stunned and then “Hmmmm…” look on their faces. I have a feeling they will be trying that out very soon!
December 27, 2007

Evil Homer
QOTD: Yes and Yes and in fact I was looking at the picking up for my cellar the 2005 version of the JJ Prum this weekend.
December 27, 2007

Kevin Ko-val-chik
QOTD: Yes and no. But that will change after Monday.
December 27, 2007

BobbyTiger
Yes…….and no. Not a big fan. Sucking on a cube of sugar gives me about the same comfort level.
December 27, 2007

Evan
Yes, Yes, they rock. I keep them in the house for any friends who like sweeter style wines. BA and TBA are great.
December 27, 2007

Marshall
OOTD:I’ve had ton! Some are great, some are ok, but alot of them are appalling. I actually like australian riesling, when I’m in the mood for a dry white.
December 27, 2007

Alos
Actually over 100 Rieslings German wines were the first I got into due to my heritage.
December 27, 2007

TROC
I grew up on German Riesling’s. Just tried a Beringer 04 dry Riesling that was incredibly surprising for Kalifornia, get it if you can. God I love being on Vacation. Cheers to all!
December 27, 2007

Mojave Joe
qotd: yes and . . . yes?
December 27, 2007

Ethan N
had the blackwing a few times and been digging it for a little while… decant it for 3 hours and the alcohol tones down a bit, and i guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
December 27, 2007

joe fragale
NO, NO
December 27, 2007

Chris Bartell
QOTD: No, and unfortunatly no. It has offically been added to my “to drink list”
December 27, 2007

ChrisR
QOTD 1: Yes
QOTD 2: Yes. My dad saved a bottle of Spatlese when I was born (1982) and we popped it in ‘04 for my college graduation. What an amazing color, amazing mouth feel, absolute beautiful wine, even 21 years later!
December 27, 2007

Harley Stan
Great episode today very from the hip selection.
QOTD- Yes I have had a German Riesling, I havn’t had more than two but I have one in my possesion so any day now I could.

have you considered a Vayniac head band to go with our wristbands?
December 27, 2007

Ed
QOTD: 2003 Strub Niersteiner Paterberg Riesling SpÃ¤tlese
QOTD2: only the 1… for shame
December 27, 2007

MattE
QOTD: I think that I’ve had one german reisling, but not 2. I went to Alsace when I was in college and was indoctrinated that Reisling should only come from there, so I’m tainted…
December 27, 2007

PaulT
QOTD: yes and yes, I’ve had quite a few. I live a 20 min. drive from the german border, so they’re easy to get and not very expensive! Dr. Loosen riesling from the Mosel area is a favorite of mine.
December 27, 2007

Carly
I loved that shocking little move you did at the end…but would have loved it twice as much if you hadn’t spit out that 92-point delicious reisling!

QoTD: I am actually not positive that I have had a German reisling. I know I have been served several different reislings in the past, but I only just recently started really taking notice of labels, vintners, vintages, etc. So, I guess I can’t answer definitively on either score.
December 27, 2007

thepiratedoc
How about that last gratuitous swish and spit? GV walkin’ the edge, AS ALWAYS.

QOTD: Nope and nope. Can’t remember everything I’ve drunk, for obvious reasons. Guess I need a little German sweetness in my winelife.

In case you missed it, the PIRATES dogged the Cowboys 41-38 Sunday night. Aloha, boyz! Aaaaarrrrrrgghh!! q;^)
December 27, 2007

Robin C
Were you talking more than usual? I’m sure no one faulted you for it.
QOTD: I haven’t had many rieslings. I find them too sweet, including Eroica. But we love Dr Loosen Kabinett Mosel-Saar-Ruwer and are sitting on a coule of 2002s. We just bought an Alsacian riesling – Zind-Humbrecht Gueberschwhier 2005 that we tried at a wine tasting and liked a lot.
December 27, 2007

Saftig
QOTD: Jawohl und natuerlich on the Riesling question. We were stationed in Germany three times, once in the Nahe region and spent weekends up and down the Rhein hanging out in the narrow streets of Ruedesheim, eating Zwiebelkuchen in Bacharach and stayed in the most lovely Gasthaus in Assmannshausen. Could not recommend German Rieslings more, lovely or should I say, einfach herrlich!
December 27, 2007

JonE
Good hodge podge G-Man. I had real high hopes for the Tour Carnet, I was really hoping it was another under the radar Haut Medoc steal.

QOTD: Of freakin’ course!!! Recent highlight (well about a year ago actually)a vertical tasting of J.J. Prum (mostly spatlese, auslese)from 1997 to 2004. Awesome, just so thoroughly complex and interesting. The older stuff became so rich, and actually picked up alot of weight. Love the German riesling, love it.
December 27, 2007

Achilleas
Nice show ..

QOTD .. yes and yes … but its been a while since I had any.
December 27, 2007

Mike Diz
Love German Riesling. I started to get into them on my trip to Germany. I visited some great vineyards on the Mosel. Beautiful place!
December 27, 2007

Scott
First, thanks for the thoughts on the 2003 vintage in bordeaux. I’ve been buying equal amounts of ‘03 and ’04s lately, but I’ll probably switch to more ’04s now.

QOTD:
Yes and yes.
I’ve had terrible german reislings at every holiday with my german grandparents who apparently only know their terrible german reislings. However, I’ve also had some very solid beerenauslese. Although, a few months ago I had a ‘72 that was way past its prime, took a few sips then dumped the rest down the drain. Now that I think about it, I’ve had very few decent german reislings: they’ve been either outstanding or terrible.
December 27, 2007

FellaOne
QOTD: Of course I’ve had more than two German Rieslings not only that but I’ve probably have had more than 10. Nice producers to me are Joh. Jos. PrÃ¼m, Domdenchant Werner, Dr. Thanisch and Dr. BÃ¼rkling Wolf.
I’m amped up to see some more German Rieslings on the show.
December 27, 2007

Monstrose
QOTD: Yes and yes. My only complaint is that they are too easy to drink and go so quickly.
December 27, 2007

soleil
I have had more than two rieslings in my life, but am happy to be learning more about white wines. My daughter-in-law has allergic reactions to reds, so I am wanting to find many options to offer her when she visits, which she does often. I am also interested in more unique food pairings with whites, like the steak on yesterday’s show. Thank you for the show!
December 27, 2007

JeffC
QOTD: Yes, and Yes. Most memorable German producer, Muller Catour (spelling). Had a roomate in college, family from Germany, introduced me to some great German wines. Hey, also. Finger Lakes region of New York, Dr Konstentein Frank, heavy German influence and some decent reislings up yonder. You should do a selection of New York Finger Lakes Reisling tastings.
Many to choose from.

Hey, whats the deal on the Mott Link it Up tee shirt. I sense you are bustin some balls here. We know you are going do give the Mott his just deserts and give us the much demanded T-shirt. What gives G-man. Also, what about the New Years Eve, secret champagne sampler?
December 27, 2007

Jim Sargent
QOTD: Yes! I am down with Deutschland. That’s actually where I had my first glass of wine, though it was a Spatburgunder. I’ve probably had 10-12 German Rieslings, and I liked them. A lot.
December 27, 2007

FJDR
QOTD: I tasted Riesling for the first time on Christmas, but it wasn’t German- it was one of the big commercial brands but I can’t remember which. Anyway, it tasted good enough that I’ll try a real one sometime soon.

No “Mott link it up” tee? Wha?
December 27, 2007

VinOrecul
QTOD: Will not be answered due to the “No Mott Tshirts comment”.

There is still hope…A WL Hoodie with a cartoon cloud containing the words….MOTT! Link it up! just above the WL URL.

I totally look foward to GV’s outlook on wine in ‘08, and now the food is coming. Gee, that just opens all the doors…interesting to see how he integrates it with the wines. Hrmm.

HNY all!
December 27, 2007

wtvLurker
qotd – yes, yes. i think riesling is the best white varietal in a league all its own. i go red 80-90% of the time, but if i had to choose one wine red or white for eternity, it just might be riesling.

if you had asked has anyone ever had 2 german rieslings they were not happy drinking, i wouldn’t expect many yes answers to that.
December 27, 2007

Jang-Woo Park
qotd: yes… and yes. i’ve tried 5 or 6 maybe… i don’t remamber most of them because they were not really great not as complex as i expected. but i do remember one, which was Langwerth Von Simmern Erbacher Marcobrunn Riesling Spatlese 2003.
December 27, 2007

orion
Another good show. Riesling represent! My fiancee drank riesling exclusively for quite a while. Now she’s discovered moscato and is usually torn between the two. I lived off of riesling and gruener weltliner in Austria. They can be some pretty versatile wines.
December 27, 2007

John Witherspoon (J DUB)
Awh man, I can’t believe you spit out the Riesling after the massive chug at the end!!

QOTD: YES AND YES! FO SHIZZLE

J DUB
December 27, 2007

Michael
QOTD: Yes, No
I love the reisling I have had. will make an effort to drink more in the future.
December 27, 2007

Grape Expectations
QOTD: I’m not sure. I’ve been drinking wine for so many years that I’m sure I must have had German riesling at some point. I know I’ve had Alsatian and Washington (love Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica!). But, lacking proof to the contrary, I guess I have to answer no and no.
December 27, 2007

AngioRanger
Re: QOTD yes, yes.
GV, tumbleweed?????!
December 27, 2007

VinOrecul
He is wearing the Mottster Hoodie! Pay Attention Vayniacs!
December 27, 2007

Kale Knowles
We have had a few German Reislings including Spatlese, Auslese, and Eiswein. We have also had German Scheurebe which is also excellent. I believe it is a cross between Reisling and Silvaner.
December 27, 2007

Mr.Ambassador
Nice eclectic mix of wines today.

QOTD – I’ve had more than 2 German Rieslings. For the price I was really pleased with the Dr. Loosen Riesling purchased through Wine Library. I first became aware of Loosen through his cooperative efforts with the Chateau San Michelle Winery here in Washington State (the “Eroica” and Ice Wine).
December 27, 2007

Jeff Faust
QOTD: Yes and No. I have most of a case cellared of Weingut Johannishof 2004 Johannisberg “V” Kabinett that really impressed me. I think I would drink more except 1. I drink many more reds than whites and 2. I know so little about Rieslings that I don’t know where to start. It’s one of the areas I’m leaving for future explorations along with Burgundy (too expensive!)
December 27, 2007

Jeffrey Rodriguez
QOTD: No I have not.
December 27, 2007

brorjace
QOTD: Tons of German Riesling. Prum, Muller, even crummy hirschbach and sohn. Sugar and acid are a great combo, and its hard to get it as good anywhere but in Germany.
December 27, 2007

David Dadekian
QOTD: LOVE German Riesling, so yes, yes. One of the few wines I’ve bought 6 of in one shot was a Darting Spatlese.
December 27, 2007

Mike S,
QOTD – yes and yes. Paired a dry Riesling with sushi recently and it went very well.
December 27, 2007

Cuse Wino
Yes and maybe. Had the J&H Strub and the Leitz Dragonstone and maybe another that I cannot remember.

Happy New Year and our best wishes to the WLTV family.

Link it up Mott!!!!!
December 27, 2007

GR8Wine
GV,
Great episode once again. German reislings are what got me into wine many (many) years ago. Several business trips to Germany and several visits to my favorite weingut in Piesport on the Mosel and I was hooked. Ever had one from the Goldtropfchen (little drops of gold) vineyard? One of the best from the Mosel.
Gotta get summa that aussie shiraz for 7 bones.
thanks for the memories this year.
December 27, 2007

PiperJS
QOTD: No, no. I guess I haven’t….
I’m working on it!!!!!!
p.s. That final rinse was pretty cutting edge, VayVay. Cutting edggggge!
December 27, 2007

Barry
Yes, no.
December 27, 2007

damon aka unknownwine
I’ve had bunches. Have an 03 JJ Prum WS spatlese in the cellar as a matter of fact.
December 27, 2007

EricB
Like the mixed bags – always something new!
Almost half of my 90 wine cellar is german riesling. Mostly 05’s but some 04’s and 03’s. I especially love the ones where the minerality shines.
December 27, 2007

Jason Henderson
QOTD: Love the German Rieslings….and reislings in general. Here is what I like

cheap: Dr. Loosen
midrange: Prum
favorite: Armin Diehl

We have had a lot of trouble getting Diehl Rieslings…any secret to finding them?
December 27, 2007

KenP
Lovely ep, GV.
QOTD: Love Riesling. Have had many. Will have many more!
December 27, 2007

Grapedigger
I love German Rieslings..I appreciate their sweetness. I’ve had few Prums.,. Talking about 2003 Bordeaux and the Oak Monster, I tried over X-mas the 2003 Ch Bellefont Bercier Grand Cru St. Emilion, and was disappointingly struck as well with the heavy oak that eclipsed the good fruit and the great potential of this wine…Cheers
December 27, 2007

mikey lennon
QOTD: Yes, sadly no
December 27, 2007

JamesN.
QOTD;
I have actually been to J.J. Prum winery in Wehlen Germany, may 2007, but unfortunately they do not do tastings , but we were lucky enough to taste thru wines from his neighbor Dr. Weins-Prum, and Studert prum, up around the bend, all 3, within a mile of each other. I purchased wines from all, but jj was the best. The 2005 rieslings are exceptional, and yes I have had more than 2 German Rieslings!
December 27, 2007

PhilB
YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GV!!

Nice ep… I hope you’re having great holidays!

QOTD: 1) YES and 2) YES! Just had one tonight, Studert-Prum Wehlener Auslese 2005… Pretty good, a solid 90-pointer, although not as exciting as the WS score of 94 had me thinking… My favourite producer is probably Dr. Loosen
December 27, 2007

Panoca
QOTD: yes, yes.
But i tried only the entry level ones (kabinetts and cheap spatleses). Never liked them. Too sugary or syrupy and no acidity to balance it. However, since i’m stubborn and wanna find out why everyone says is the greatest white wine ever, or why they get those huge scores, i recently bought a J.J. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spatlese from the 2005 vintage. I’ll wait till next year or two and give it another try to these German rieslings. Meanwhile, i’ll drink the alsacean ones. Keep up the good work, Gary. We love you.
December 28, 2007

Kyle Davis
Yes and Yes (6)
December 28, 2007

Justin E
Yes. I have had more than one. Dont remember which ones they just dont floor me like some other wines do.
December 28, 2007

Ed Cesarone
ya bitte, zwei mal…Ya Ya, for sure mit Kuchensenfstuhl!
December 28, 2007

Jeff Baldwin, RN
QOTD: Yes and Yes. About 5 German Reislings and very happy with all of them!
December 28, 2007

CoolHandLuke
I’ve had one. Don’t remember the name. I enjoyed it. Don’t know why I haven’t gone back.
December 28, 2007

Darlene O.
Great episode, Gary!! QOD: Yes and yes. Actually, I also still have, from Pieroth winery, from Austria, a 1983 Illmitzer Kaisergarten Beerenauslese. Say that three times, really fast!
December 28, 2007

duane adamson
QOTD – Yes and Yes. Too many to count
December 28, 2007

Laffaye
Yes, I had several Riesling mostly when I visited Germany last year. I drove 50 miles along the Mosel river stoping at 3 or 4 wineries. People at the wineries tried to explain to me about the German Riesling Quality Categories. I remember they have something like 6-8 catogories that were based on grape ripeness and how some wine categories were sweet and others were dried. It was very complex, but I do remember liking one of the categories. Too bad I don’t remember which one.
December 28, 2007

stephen j
YES – the one i had seemed unfocused and very sweet
NO – with Riesling being one of my favorites i would love to try more from Germany
December 28, 2007

Jon Armstrong
QoTD: Yes, and yes. I know I’ve had quite a few German Rieslings (it was my grandfathers favorite wine), but I didn’t really pay attention to names until I got hooked on wine later on. A few months ago I tried a few Rieslings by Markus Molitor, and mmmm were they good (especially the auselese).

Speaking of German wines…are you holding out on any recommendations for Sekts, Gary? You’ve talked about grower champagnes, and mentioned a little Cava, how about some German bubbles too? The only reference I’ve found is the Raumland Pinot Blanc Brut Prestige in episode 222, which you gave a pass.
December 28, 2007

matthews
qotd- yes and yes german rieslings are some of my favs
December 28, 2007

Darold
QotD: Yes, I have had a lot, as it is tied for one of my favorite wines. It shares it’s spot with Gewurztraminer and Gruner Veltliner. When are you going to do some Austrian wines like Gruner?
December 28, 2007

Cabel
Sorry, no and no, but marked down the 2004 JJ Riesling for my next Wine excursion!
December 28, 2007

Withnail
QOTD: Y/Y. I’ve tasted that JJP you had today (maybe not that vintage), but had some German Rieslings off-and-on over the past decade+. My favorites are the von Schubert Maximum Grunhauser – bought them many times and those Mittel Mosels are fantastic.
December 28, 2007

Gabriel
QOFD:

Yes. I haven’t had more than one, though. Limited selections and all…here…just imagine SUPERMARKET WINE ON CRACK; thus is my selection.
December 28, 2007

Cabel
Love it when you throw shhhhtuff at the camera! Don’t know why, so very bad arse maybe? who knows. l8r
December 28, 2007

Rico
QOTD: had one like 2 weeks ago bought another one before but took it me to a family party and never got a chance to try
December 28, 2007

MattyO
oh man! the ending! rediculas! great stuff! love it. i wonder…does the oak monster go home at night, open a bottle of wine and say ” aaaahhhhh…the gary-vee-monster makes an appearence…very heavy gary-vee on the mid-palet…” and so forth? you never know…it could happen.

QOTD: no and no. not a lot of access to german wines here. but i should seek them i out. try different things. and i will.

thanks! great show!
December 28, 2007

jahlove
QOTD: Yes. Drink a crap load of German Riesling. And it pisses me off when I pull them out for my friends who only take red wine seriously and dismiss German Rieslings as sugar water. For me Riesling, followed very closely by Pinot Noir, if done well, is the most food friendly grape around. In fact, I would go so far as to say Riesling in its finest expression crushes any other white varietal or blend out there. It’s simply no contest. And yes I have had JJ Prum wines. They ALWAYS bring the thunder.
December 28, 2007

Montresor
I’ve had one once, though I don’t remember much about it. However, I did buy two different ones this week!
December 28, 2007

Brad O
QOTD: Yes and YES!!!!
My wife and I spent 2 years in the Mosel Valley area in 03,04, and 05.
We were able to visit many local Weinguts.
Our favorite was located in Brauneberg. Weingut Heinrich Krebs. He runs a great B&B. His girlfriend has a wonderful gift shop as well.
Heiner produces many different styles of Resling. Our favorite was the 2003 Brauneberger Juffer Reisling-Kabinett Halbtrocken. We brought back a case and have 5 bottles left. They are only pulled out for special occasions. Other areas to hit on the Mosel would be Bernkastel-Kues, Zell(famous for the black cat), Piesport and Trittenheim.
The best part is that many of the local producers sell their wine for 5 to 10 euros a bottle.
If you line it up in advance, often for a small fee you can do a wine probe. It is a tour of the vineyards, sampling wine on the way and a home cooked meal waiting for you on your arrival back.

Great Job Gary. Keep selecting the interesting bottles.
December 28, 2007

Craig Owen
QOTD: Y/Y, I’ve tasted about 50 so far… I still have a bottle of the ‘01 JJP Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spatlese laying down- what a vintage that was! I had the ‘01 Auslese earlier this year and it was fantastic.

I also would love to see Gary get into some Austrian rieslings on WLTV – they can be amazing (and dry!)… the ‘03 Hiedler Heiligenstein Riesling I tasted earlier this month was the most exciting new wine discovery of the year for me.
December 28, 2007

AaronW
QOTD: I’m totally on board with the German Riesling phenomenon! Although I’ve probably only had about four GR’s, the ability of Germany to get all that flavor into a bottle of wine absolutely fascinates me! I’ve been eyeballing the J.J. Prum stuff for awhile now and it lookes like I need to take another plunge. Thanks GV for keeping the VaynerNation AWARE!
December 28, 2007

Glen DiGirolamo...aka G. Francis in 2008
No….never had one.

No….never had more than two.
December 28, 2007

Patricia Thomas
Yes. Yes. Yes-Yes-Yes-Yes-Yes!!!!!!!!!
Have had: Kabinett, Auslese, Spatlese, Eisewein…
Can’t afford/haven’t yet had: Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese.
Donations WILL be accepted–just e-mail me
(aren’t I shameless)
Riesling rules! Long live Riesling!
December 28, 2007

CRZYWinemaker
QOTD: Yes, and Yes GV. But honestly, it’s taken me about 5 yrs to really begin to appreciate the rieslings, it was a slow transition for me to begin to understand that burnt bmx tire was a something to be liked. I really didn’t get it until after doing several blind tastings. Thanks for the great show as always. Mott Link it Up !!
December 28, 2007

Glen DiGirolamo aka G.Francis in 2008
No…never had one.

No…never had more than two
December 28, 2007

Rhonda J
QOTD: yes and no. I guess I have a mission to track some down in the next week or so!
December 28, 2007

Canadian Chris
QOTD: yeap/nope. Lots of Niagara Rieslings! Had a German riesling with Christmas dinner, actually!
December 28, 2007

Jaybird
German Rieslings are what turned me on to the wine world. This is still my first choice for white wines, although I am a regular red wine connaisseur. Last one I tasted was a Max Richter 2006 QbA
December 28, 2007

Chrisfs
Yes and Yes. My parents are German and my grandfather is a fan of Rieslings. He brought 4 of them to Christmas dinner. We only got through two of them because my parents had a different wine planned for the ham.
Oddly enough the first one, a Kabinett, was amazingly sweet. eat some fine chopped grass and then follow it with a big glob of honey. That’s what it was like. The Spatlese was drier than it.
December 28, 2007

medo
PLEASE DO MORE GERMAN RIESLING ON YOUR SHOW!!!

QOTD: Yes for sure / yes for sure. My best dry German Riesling in a while was the 2005 KÃ¼nstler Hochheimer HÃ¶lle Riesling Erstes GewÃ¤chs from the Rheingau region! On the sweet side, I had a 1976! Christoffel Ãœrziger WÃ¼rzgarten Auslese ** a while ago.. Absolutely stunning wines!
December 28, 2007

Michael Y
qotd – not yet, but i sure would love to.
December 28, 2007

Ferrigno
QOTD: haha I just had one tonight, and every week I tend to drink at least one
December 28, 2007

YoungDave
QOTD: Yes. And Yes (more than two), and that includes auslese, beerenauslese as well as spatlese and kabinet (sorry I didn’t have the energy to spell check…damn Germans and their crazy 15 letter, 5 syllable words.)
December 28, 2007

Gabriel
QOTD:

I came back from the Mosel 2 weeks ago. And for all the Americans that are going to Montalcino year after year I can really recommend to try Mosel instead. It is truly a marvellous, beautiful place. And if you would rank the wine regions of the world in terms of where the hardest labour is, Mosel would be no 1.

You almost can’t imagine how they are able to harvest the grapes in some of the best sites. First they are standing in a slope that has a 60 degree angle and harvesting. Then they “mountain-climb” for 20 minutes with 80 kilos of grapes on their backs, and after that they walk for 15 minutes to get to the tractor, because there are no roads near enough. It’s totally crazy!

With this in mind, Mosel is truly bargain wines. And if you appreciate finess and subtle flavours, there are no better wines in the world. And the ageing potential, it’s oustanding!

I had a 1973 Ãœrziger WÃ¼rzgarten SpÃ¤tlese from Weingut CH Berres, it was still fresh as a sunny winter’s day! And extremly complex.

Yeah Gary, do more German Rieslings please!
December 28, 2007

Yoni Rabkin
The finale was hilarious.

QOTD: nope and nope
December 28, 2007

Billr
Mix it up Mix it up………

QOTD: YES YES
I would say that the Auslese is our standard favorite around here.
December 28, 2007

David Ziemba
Sorry, posted this in yesterdays by mistake…QUOTE OF THE DAY: â€œI am getting this meat thing up my nose, I prefer it.â€
December 28, 2007

Gordon
qotd: yes, yes, …., and yes. I love German Riesling. I’m glad you reviewed the JJ Prum which I love too.
December 28, 2007

Big Nick
Good show Gary, must say that I love the Rieslings. We have been on a bit of a local kick here in Michigan, but there is no comparison to the Germans.

QOTD: I have probably had around 20-30 different German Rieslings. I cut my wine teeth on them. Usually a decent price, with a lot of great taste. Not to mention that my wife does not like the reds very much so a riesling is her favorite.

Thanks for the great year and happy new year to you. Much success.
December 28, 2007

brad.v
qotd: yes, yes; It’s what the wife and I are currently drinking, while we work our way to more complex wines.
December 28, 2007

luvgrapesqueezings
QOTD: I love German rieslings. My favorites are from the Mosel region, but I also enjoy Rhinegau, and Phaltz and other places. JJ Prum is my favorite producer, followed by Dr Loosen. JJ has a couple of cousins in the Mosel area who also makes rieslings. Check out wines from SA Prum, and Studert Prum.
December 28, 2007

Dan-o
new to the “real” wine world – grew up on Noni’s homemade Barbarone – so no/no
December 28, 2007

hasbeen
Yes
Yes
December 28, 2007

wfdeac
QOTD: No, no.
December 28, 2007

italianwinelover
QOTD: Tasted but never bought. So I guess yes and no. Too sweet for my tastes.

Can’t wait to see the new wristband…I would love to add it to my collection, never would sell it on ebay.

Great job GV!
December 28, 2007

Jayhitek
QOTD: Yes / Yes
I have like 4 bottles of the 2000 La Tour Carnet. Bought them as futures and they have been sitting in my wine fridge for all those years. I was due to start cracking them because they are getting to the 8 year mark.. Man I hope they are better than the 2003 that GV just tasted.
December 28, 2007

MannyPants
Yes, yes, although I am not really a fan I somehow seem to get lured back in from time to time.
December 28, 2007

Tzahi
QOTD-
No…
and No…
December 28, 2007

Sharon
Gary, you look like another Russian Gary, Gary Kasparov! I mean, when he was younger.
QOTD: Oh yeah, I love Dr. Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett, great stuff, complex, refreshing, nice with food. Bmx tires, so that’s what that is . Have tried others as well. You can drink a few glasses and not get sloshed too . I will definitely seek out the J.J. Prum. I guess 2005 was a great vintage for German Rieslings in general btw.
December 28, 2007

Rich S
Huge German riesling fan. Stocked up on 2005 and have around 25 bottles or so in the cellar. Probably my favorite white wine.
December 28, 2007

nicolas
Hello Gary,

I love your show, try to watch as often as possible!
QOTD: YES/YES, I’m from Germany so I really enjoy a lot of Riesling, especially with meals and in summer. From my opinion a good and dry Riesling is nothing sweet but full of fruity flavours with a fine taste of sourness, ideal to enjoy on a warm summer evening.
One of my favorite Rieslings to enjoy in summer is the “2003 KÃ¶nigshÃ¶fer Turmberg Kabinet”. 2003 was extremly hot in Germany, so many wines from that year came out very sweet and with high alcohol content. However some winemakers managed to handle the high sugar content of the grapes and produced excellent Rieslings. If any of you should have a German Riesling from 2003 I recommend to enjoy it before it is too old. Due to the low content of acids the wine is not good to keep in your storage.

Keep on thundering the wineworld!
December 28, 2007

jason carey
Oh yeah, and I have the 98 and the 2002 of that exact Prum wine..
I love German riesling, but you should do a show with some Scheurebe as well
how about some Muller Cattior and some trocken Rieslings from the Rheingau or Pfalz?
December 28, 2007

stewart l
Over the last year or so I have become more of a fan of rieslings and have tried and bought many since them. One of my best friends is a huge riesling fan and we recently tasted some from the 80’s. Amazing how well these age
December 28, 2007

Totte
G.V

I just love love love and love Joh Jos Prum. His wines lives forever and always kicks serious ass. Got some Auslese from 05 and IÂ´m around buying more.

And yes QotD : IÂ´ve a couple of hundreds german Rieslings. At least one per week for the last couple of years.

Keep It Up G.V

See Ya
Swedish T
December 28, 2007

Grasshopper
Intersting wine selections for today. I have not tried a Pinotage as of yet, but shall seek one out to ‘give it a whirl”…

QOTD – Yes & Yes, we enjoy German Rieslings and were in Germany 15 months ago. We usually go prefer a Kabinet. We have also had the JJ Prom Whelener Spatlese and enjoyed as much as you did. JJ makes some wonderful Rieslings!

Hopper
December 28, 2007

B-727
Yes/yes.
A tad to sweet generally for my liking with food, with the possible exception of roast pork where the slight sweetness matches well with the fat in the pork.
December 28, 2007

Irv
QOTD:Yes. My wife and I have been drinking and enjoying German Riesling’s for many years. We particularly like them when paired with Asian cuisines, turkey and pork. Some of our favorite Rieslings are those produced by Ratzenberger that are drier or of the trocken variety.
December 28, 2007

DOF
QOTD: Yes/Yes. My favorite is the Detonation Riesling from Immich-Batterieberg.
December 28, 2007

VinoVixen
Thanks for the show. Pinotage is an acquired taste!
QOTD: Ja…Ja…..I also enjoy the Alsatian Rieslings!
December 28, 2007

Don Wright
No and No, but will try some soon.
December 28, 2007

Matt
QOTD: living in Germany (courtesy of Uncle Sam) in 90-91 my first introduction to wine was the local Reislings. A good place to start on this journey around the wine world, although I can’t clearly remember how many different ones I had – that’s always a good sign
December 28, 2007

BigSteve
Yes, and Yes.
December 28, 2007

Whipple
Wow! What an eye-opener to see that so many haven’t tried any or more than two German rieslings. I just assumed that we all drink them. Good question!

Washington 101: Gary (and those two posers who mispronounce the beers in their own beer club) will remain unapologetic about mangling foreign languages. It’s one of those ‘is-what-it-is’ things. We need to accept that even as offensive to the ear (and the culture) as it may be. And it won’t help to call them the New York Jaits. Yets. Chaits.
December 28, 2007

wayno da wino
Whaaaaz Zuuuuuuup, Geee, Mott !!?!
GRRRREAAAAT Episode, Wooooooo !!! Cooool Grab Bag of VINO in
da Hizzy !!!
Yoo, Geee, easy on da acorns, not good for da teeth……

QOTD: German Rieslings ? Had a few and even more Alsacian
Rieslings……. i Loooooooovz ‘em !!!!
December 28, 2007

Tommy Vernieri
Yes, and yes, but I still haven’t had enough of them to have a frame of reference.
December 28, 2007

dwatson783
QOTD – Umm, YES YES HECK YES. Gotta go out and give those German Rieslings some loving. I’ve also been trying some from the down under regions that are pretty good. I have to say though, for an 8 dollar bottle, the Polka Dot Riesling is a stealllllll, go out and give that a try people, because I find it’s a great every day wine that you can have with a variety of dishes. If you like it drier, also try the Bonny Doon Pacific Rim Riesling, another good buy at something like 11 dollars.
December 28, 2007

Brian
Had my fare share of German Rieslings. It’s my pick for Indian food delivery in New York or Green Curry Thai.
December 28, 2007

Lawrence Leichtman
2 German Rieslings. I have more than that in my cabinet now including Dr. Loosen and Dr. Tanisch plus a TrÃ¶ckenbeerenlauslese and a beerenauslese. So yeah just a few. Looking at my written log and online log about 250.
December 28, 2007

Bill H
a mott link it up t-shirt would sell out too.

qotd – yes, no
December 28, 2007

Isaac
A Mott Link it Up T-shirt would be cool…although i’m a huge fan of Mott, I would buy the Oak Monster T instead…sorry Mott.
December 28, 2007

MTM
Cool episode. I think I learn more when you go single varietal because you get more in depth, but the grab bag is fun every now and then. Thanks for an entertaining year GV.

QOTD: No and No. I try to avoid the whites.
December 28, 2007

Brian
Definitely. It’s my choice for Indian Delivery and Green Curry Thai.
December 28, 2007

Christopher J
That look on your face when you said “we will continue in 2008″, followed by “we will try”, scares me! You look and sound not very sure of it, please tell me you are not going to abandon the show!

QOTD: I have only had one German Riesling before, and did not like it. Too sweet for me, Rieslings are really not my style, but I would be willing to try one again.
December 28, 2007

question
YES times 2. I love dry, crisp, riesling.

GV- You are awesome. Thanks for hours of fun, entertainment, and education!

Mott- Never fear, GV knows we want a shirt!
December 28, 2007

question
YES times 2. I love dry, crisp riesling.

GV- You are awesome. Thanks for hours of fun, entertainment, and education!

Mott- Never fear, GV knows we want a shirt!
December 28, 2007

James H
Indeed I have had two German Rieslings! Great stuff. I went out and tried a bunch of random German Rieslings after seeing an earlier episode about them. It was the first time I really had a white wine I enjoyed.
December 28, 2007

Ben F
Yes and No… I need to seek out some dryer Rieslings from Alsace… I like my wine on the dryer side…
December 28, 2007

JeffWalnuts
I have a pinotage or too in the cellar and am looking forward to trying them. The only Reisling I’ve tried is the one in the green bottle from Trader Joe’s…. was $5.79 a bottle. Not bad Spatlese. Great show Gary!
December 28, 2007

mike volker
yes, yes
December 28, 2007

mandy
ok .. the truth …nope!! I am heading to to my fav wine shop after work to pick up a few wines for the new years weekend… I promise to pick one up and give it a ” whirl! ”
Happy New Year.. all the best !!
December 28, 2007

Chargers Rule
QOTD: Yes , Yes and they are insane!
December 28, 2007

Richard T
QOTD: yes, and yes. I actually have a couple of bottles of the J.J Prum in a box right now.
December 28, 2007

Fred Liu
QOTD: NO, and, NO. I will…

BTW, is it the first time that Gary forgot to pour out the wine which he used to wash the glass??

If it is a Yeah…we may need to try that Riesling one more time, at least, on more swirl…because the kangaroo Bordeaux red blend might have added weight and complexity in to the German effort…
December 28, 2007

flippy
QOTD: yes and yes… dozens, in fact, including one bought at a German gas station for about 6DMs.
December 28, 2007

Rajiv A
QOTD: Yes, No.

I’ve had 2 Alsace Rieslings and one German. Right now, my palate doesn’t like the sugar, so I’m staying away from these for a while.
December 28, 2007

cgatesman
QOTD: Yes / YES!

Big fan of Riesling. One of my favorite white varietals.
December 28, 2007

Michel Dugas
Oh Yes I had many dozens of… I have around 100 bttes in my wine cellar

MD
December 28, 2007

magoo
yes, and yes; my wife and i drank german riesling in college when we first started getting into wine. twenty years later we find ourselves getting interested in them again (this time the drier versions).
December 28, 2007

TennLee
QOTD: Yep, and yep. Spent a lot of time in the Mosel area- love it!
December 28, 2007

Brian Specht
Yes, No
December 28, 2007

Snowdog1
Yes and yes. I especially like the 2006 St. Urbans-Hof Riesling.
December 28, 2007

Skol
Yes, Yes. Rieslings are great.
December 28, 2007

NathanN
QOTD: Yes & Yes
December 28, 2007

KW
QOTD: Yes, Yes
December 28, 2007

T. Holland
Liked the format today for a change of pace. It’s kind of how I drink wine, whatever suits my mood.

QOTD: Yes & No. I have had exact 2 German Rieslings, but I do have another in my basement that is a “special occasion” bottle: Johannishof Riesling Kabinett Rheingau Johannisberg V 2004. I plan on cellaring that for a few more years.
December 28, 2007

Martin
no x 2!
December 29, 2007

Wiley Reilly
QOTD – Yes!! love Prum, but also enjoy alot of Max Fer. Richter offerings. German riesling from slate/graphite to peach nectar…it’s all good baby!!
December 29, 2007

DARREL LAS VEGAS
QOTD: YES &YES and Prum Rocks!
December 29, 2007

Phil A
yes and no. i grew up on shwartza katz (sp?) which is pretty good for 7-8 bucks (try it), but a little too much resid. sugar. havn’t tried much else. forgive me, gary.
December 29, 2007

nolongeralurker
Yes – and yes! I like them a lot but am still trying to get used to the sweeter ones. For some reason sugar in wine really turns me off, even when it’s well done.
December 29, 2007

carnyc
QOTD: Yes and Yes

Need to try more though because it seems to offer a tremendous range of flavors that could pair well with many foods.

Thanks for another great show!
December 29, 2007

sten foeth
as a german i had lots of different rieslings
December 29, 2007

Jesse (PatsFan) G.
no, no

Guess I have to go make at least one of those a yes.
December 29, 2007

Adam E.
yes, and yes – but I don’t love em’
December 29, 2007

Joe Po
German rieslings are terrific. The Von Hovel, Prum, Urbanhof, Dopff & Irian…delicious!
December 29, 2007

Carol E
“Bit a live bird?” Hilarious! Yes and Yes but it’s been a long time.
The more you tell me I can’t have a “Mott, Link it Up” shirt, the more I want one!
December 29, 2007

sobojosh
YES YES

I like dry riesling, and have had some very good german ones.
December 29, 2007

Elliot Essman
Heddesdorff Riesling 2005
von HÃ¶vel Riesling 2005
Schloss Schonborn Riesling 2005

and a few I cannot remember
December 29, 2007

yourfrienddownunder
Have only ever had one, a local one from a small producer brought back from Germany by a friend. It was GOOD! It had acidity/zippiness AND residual sugar on the end which seems rare in Australian white wines and riesling.
December 29, 2007

Karl Laczko
Spice Route Pinotage, Charles Back makes good wines, I’m looking for this, & that Riesling sounded luscious!

QOTD – Yes, one of my faves & Yes, 7 different ones in the last couple of years, and more in the cellar .
December 29, 2007

Fredly
Yes, yes, yes. The first serious wine I remember drinking and enjoying after having grown up on Thunderbird and Ripple and Grandpa’s homemade wine was a Mosel Riesling in college. These days I drink mostly red wines–except for German Rieslings.

But *please* learn how to pronounce “spÃ¤tlese” correctly. The umlaut over the “a” changes it to a long vowel (”aay” instead of “ah”). “SpÃ¤t” rhymes with “late”.
December 29, 2007

Juicy Jesse
QOTD: 1) Ja! 2) Ja!
December 29, 2007

Paul M
QOTD: 1) Yes 2)Yes (probably 100)
December 29, 2007

gordoyflaca
yes and yes- sometimes it’s the only way i can get my Dad to enjoy a complex wine (I think he digs the residual sugars)
December 29, 2007

CHATrBox
Yes, Yes, but could I ever remember the names…NO!
December 29, 2007

bluemerle
yes, YES, especially fond of some vineyards in the Bacharach and Bingen areas. Unfortunately hard to find good rieslings jn America – so many places carry Schmitt Sohn or sweet rieslings and thinkthey have it covered.
December 29, 2007

BiggMakk
YES and YES!!! When I started drinking and appreciating wine I was in Germany and Riesling was about the only wine I drank.
December 30, 2007

MossyMo
yes. yes. Where’s my wristband? Ordered it eons ago!
December 30, 2007

Serggi
Great show Gary, and yes I’ve had several Riesling.

Salud,

Serggi
December 30, 2007

ChadD.
Oww man…I thought you would swallow that last monster gulp for sure!
QOTD: Yes, Yes Yes!!!!
December 30, 2007

chenin
QOTD: Yes and yes! Actually I’m drinking on right now, Gunderloch Jean Baptiste. Yummy. Unfortunately I never had a JJ PrÃ¼m yet…
December 30, 2007

Kazi Indakwa
QOTD: Yes and Yes. Drinking the 2005 Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese today.
December 30, 2007

*/^_^\*
qotd: yes and i think so….
December 30, 2007

GalvezGuy
Yes and Yes. I probably should drink more of them, especially with my love of spicy foods. Prum is my favorite value choice for consistently and QPR. I tend to stick to St. Urbans Hof, Pauly Berweiger and other value brands for more day to day drinking.
December 30, 2007

Ant'ny
QOTD: Yes… but just one… Riesling Kabinett, Friedrich Gymnasium, Mosel Saar Ruwer, Germany, 2005… at Danny Brown’s Wine Bar & Kitchen in Forest Hills, Queens, NY. You have got to check this place out!
December 30, 2007

Derkec
Yup
Nope (just two)
December 30, 2007

J Crazy
We get a lot of German Rieslings over here in Japan and most definitely have had more than two. Good drops, too.
December 31, 2007

Lewy
QOTD: Yes and Yes. Love German riesling.
December 31, 2007

Phil G
QOTD – yes, i really like german rieslings – i have actually done some winery visits in the mosel region…
December 31, 2007

knudwig
Yes, and yes. More than 10 I think.
December 31, 2007

Pardus
QOTD:Yes, Yes

Pinotage often gets a bad rap, but I enjoyed many nice ones In South Africa when I was living in Zimbabwe.
December 31, 2007

Eric Bergen
My wife especially likes the sweeter German rieslings, so yes and yes, we have them often. I’m going back to the old German episode so I can learn about the “sweetness” ratings.
December 31, 2007

MIDave
Yes & Yes. I love Rieslings, especially German and Michigan.
December 31, 2007

Diana
QOTD:
Yes. Got one for Christmas Eve to have with lobster raviolis

Nope haven’t tried any others than that one, but plan to now
December 31, 2007

Jules
YES YES!
January 1, 2008

pawncop
Have not but will try at least one this coming new year.
January 1, 2008

Jim M
QOTD: 3 years in Deutschland, 1 Deutsch frau, many. many Deutsch wines consumed…many gooood. Spicy food does great. Need to consider spicy Mexican food with Riesling…
January 1, 2008

Ryan
QOTD: multiple rieslings yes, unfortunately many extra sugary and uncomplex because my wife family likes residual sugar. They are the yellow tail, beaujlais noveau, sweet riesling sort of wine drnikers
January 1, 2008

Russ J
QOTD: Yes/Yes but I don’t love them like you do, GV. Once in a while, with the right food is plenty.
January 1, 2008

CIA Grad
Yes/Yes I am a fan of German Riesling. Mulenhof (spelling) has been my favorite so far. I LOVE when you can find a spritzy spatlese. Great show Gary,

Happy New Year

P.S. I introduced you to an entire wine shop this week!
January 1, 2008

familydoc
No/No, but we’ve got two aging in the cellar. Can’t wait!
January 2, 2008

Mason
QOTD: YES!!! I have had German Riesling, and it is one of my favorite varietals, in terms of being able to really show what terroir is all about. No other R in the world tastes like German R from the Mosel. Part 2, yes, I have had more than 2. I have probably tried more than 10 from Germany, just because my wife and I both love the Riesling. Probably our favorite white.
January 2, 2008

Bill
yes on both accounts. best when aged and love the versatility with food.
January 2, 2008

Sangio
QOTD – yes I have had many German Rieslings and found you don’t need to spend much to get a great wine. I am mostly a red drinker, but find these to be a great wine to take a break from reds, and they also go well with food.

I had a dry Riesling that threw me for a loop because I did not pay much attention when I bought it, but once you realize what you’ve got, they are very good.
January 2, 2008

David
QOTD: Yes, Yes, but I’m not a big fan of Riesling’s that have residual sugar…just not my thing.
January 2, 2008

C. Jurczak
Yes / No
January 2, 2008

Cliff and Darcey
QOTD: Yes, at a tasting only, never a whole bottle; yes, probably tasted more than two.

Still fans of yours … AND turned my little sister on to you as well!
January 2, 2008

Timothy Burke
Great episode, I’m going to check out the German episode since I haven’t seen it yet.

QOTD: No, I have not yet tried any, I have a California Resling right now, but I’m going to look into the German one and give it a try.
January 2, 2008

Oregon Jim
I am a believer! Been on the Mosel, Can’t count the number, love the Riesling.
It is good also from Alsace, SE Aus., and Washington’s Columbia Valley and Oregon’s Willamette Valley are coming on too.
I want the Mott T!
January 2, 2008

Ibrake4wine
QOTD – Yes, I have had several German Rieslings. It is one of my favorite while wines and pairs very well with food.

I do not think you have ever done a show on Finger Lakes, NY Rieslings. I think that this deserves a look. There are several very good ones. Dr. Frank Konstantin, Hermann Weimer, Standing Stone. Check them out!

http://www.drfrankwines.com/
http://www.wiemer.com/
http://www.standingstonewines.com/

Cheers
January 2, 2008

Pastafari Pirate
QOTD: no, no.
January 3, 2008

RieslingRon
Sorry for the late comment, but I just got home last night from the Holidays out of town and am just catching up on last weeks episodes.

QOTD: Yes, I have had many German Rieslings, as the German ones are my favorite, especially the MSR region. I have several JJ Prums in my cooler now along with several other producers from Germany.
January 3, 2008

Dan-o
I am a big Riesling fan. I have drank loads of them.
In my cellar I have Kabinett, Spaetlese (pronounced Shpetleeza), and Auslese.

One of my favorite Riesling experiences was at a Christmas party at my favorite wine restaurant in Winston-Salem – it was comment #?, Link it up Mott! – the chef brought out a 1976 Auslese that was a beautiful mix of fruit and nutty aspects and it aged beautifully.
January 4, 2008

JayZee
QOTD: Of course I’ve had German Rieslings. Yes, I’ve had MORE THAN TWO. Now for the confession – in my ~1,000 bottles of wine in the cellar, I think I only have 4 German Rieslings – and only a couple of bottles of each.
January 4, 2008

Jason S.
QOTD: YES, YES
January 6, 2008

AmandaM
QOTD: Yes and Yes. I love German wines.
January 6, 2008

Jeff Cleveland
QOTD: Yes and YES; THEY ARE MY FAVORITE WHITES!!!
January 6, 2008

yowens
QOTD: Yes/No
January 7, 2008

Colin
GV – QOTD = yes and yes. But I’m still finding it hard. I’m working on it – but these haven’t captured me yet…
January 7, 2008

MtnCharlie
QOTD: Yes, Yes. Riesling has become only of my favorite wines. I am amazed and intrigued by their complexity and ability to age. I recently had a 1995 Carl Schmitt-Wagner Longuicher Maximiner Herrenberg Kabinett and it was exceptional! Decanted it!
January 7, 2008

Matt the Lurker
QOTD – Yessy, yes.
January 7, 2008

Chris Braun
Coming in late here, but very much yes and yes. I started drinking German Rieslings 20+ years ago and love them. Among other things, I belong to the German Wine Society and also attended the German Wine Academy a few years ago. I think that Rieslings probably account for over 50% of the European wines in my cellar.
January 8, 2008

Taylor
I have a few but not to many from Germany so
QOTD Yes/No
January 9, 2008

PaVo
QOTD: Yes, Yes, in fact I have had a number of them whilst in the Mosel Valley. Good stuff if you find what you like in the Trokken’s or the Spatlese’s
January 16, 2008

Ben F
Mott Link it Up!! Tee…
February 13, 2008

Valerie
QOTD: Yes, Yes, and I loved the 2005 Meulenhof Riesling Kabinett.
February 14, 2008

Benjamin
QOTD: no, no
March 26, 2008

evolvingmonkey
QOTD – yes, yes

Growing up, my parents pretty much only drank German Mosel Rieslings and Canadian icewines. I think the low alcohol level makes German Rieslings a great wine to drink with your family, even for smaller children. So when I went to college near the fingerlakes region, I was predisposed to like the fingerlakes rieslings (which I do).
May 3, 2008

Jeff
I’m looking through all of the older episodes on German wines after looking through a set of 3,000 pictures I took along the Rhine river outside of Frankfurt, Germany last summer. The wines there grow along the cliffs, at–what looks from afar–to be close to 90 degree angles, but are really between 30-60 degree angles to flat earth. I LOVE German wines, particularly Trokken wines, and it was an amazing experience to be on some of the vineyards there. It was also amazing to buy bottles of wine for the equivalent of $10-20 there that would cost three or four times that here in America.

You should go to Germany to do an episode. Hit up Italy and Spain and Portugal too while you’re there…
January 3, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Yay for Joh Jos Prum. I have 2 bottles of the 2005 Wehnlur Somelhur Auslese, and I cant wait to open those bad boys. QOTD: I know ive had one, I just cant pull the name out of my head. God I need to start writing wines ive drank down.
September 18, 2009

richardvinifera
QOTD: Yes, yes, Schloss Johannisberg 2005 Riesling Kabinett Red top, and Leitz Rudesheimer Riesling Trocken are the best ones i’ve had.