Washington State Wines On Display Again

Washington State Wines On Display Again – Episode #380

December 28, 2007

Everyone knows what Gary thinks of Washington State wines so you can imagine his excitement to do this show!

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Comments on this episode(324) Leave a comment ›

“QOTD: Educate my palette!…” by richardvinifera
“GV…you crushed it in your tasting notes of the Nicholas Cole Camille…” by MikeM
View all 324 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

2004 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Artist SeriesWashington Cabernet Sauvignon
2003 Nicholas Cole Cellars CamilleWashington Red Meritage
2004 Chat.st Michelle Ethos SyrahWashington Syrah
2003 Cougar Crest Syrah ReserveWashington Syrah

324 Responses

December 28, 2007

Jeffrey
1st!
December 28, 2007

passthecab
2nd!
December 28, 2007

purplejuicebruce
real early today
December 28, 2007

Phillip
TOP TENN
December 28, 2007

Jarred
Wow this is early
December 28, 2007

Sonnenuhr
Top Ten – yes, YES, YESSSS!
December 28, 2007

Kev and Ams
Wow, I’ve never seen the Thunder show this early before, and still no couch. =(
December 28, 2007

T. Holland
QOTD: Great question. Got me thinking. I will drink more wines from France and step outside my Aussie comfort zone.
December 28, 2007

waibeans
back with a top 10
December 28, 2007

Tim Vining
Now that I am living in Canada, my New Year’s resolution is to spend the money and try some ice wines.
December 28, 2007

Kev and Ams
QOTD: Drink more… =)
December 28, 2007

purplejuicebruce
Great show I have to hunt down the Cougar Crest
QOTD….. Try more different wines
December 28, 2007

BryanJ
QOTD: Lose weight, gain wine.
December 28, 2007

LeatherPalate
Do ya think about me now and then
do ya think about me now and then
cause I’m coming home again.
co min g home again…

time to be a baller so’s I can drink the CDP Monday thru Friday…
December 28, 2007

Dr T from N. Carolina
Top 20? cool! QOTD — the keep up the wine drinking (and learning about wine) of the last few months without spending quite as much on average!

“T”
December 28, 2007

GrapeStuff
w007
December 28, 2007

Johnny C. a.k.a SmokinActuary
Drink better but less
December 28, 2007

Siggi from Iceland
QOTD:Well gonna keep on tasting something new like I always do, really depends on where I will go to Bourgogne or Sicily next summer but I will get into that then:D
December 28, 2007

VinoPhilosopher
My New Years wine resolution is to continue to seek out great finds!
December 28, 2007

Withnail
Excellent – look forward to this
December 28, 2007

GrapeStuff
My prediction for the next year or two: VAYNIAC WINE FROM THE NEW CRUSHPAD FACILITY IN WASHINGTON!!! Guarans – bo – barons.
December 28, 2007

RANDI
I have 4 barb wire tattoos! LOL No…not really.
2008 I will expand my horizons and try more wine!
Great show..ordering Cougar Crest!
December 28, 2007

kevin D
QOTD: I am going to drink alot more wine this year than I did last year. I can say that for sure and I am excited about trying the cougar crest. Thanks gary for a great year keep up the good work.
December 28, 2007

big_al
Resolution? Drink and cellar more Whites & Bubblies. No Tattoos here. TGIF!
December 28, 2007

chitown_wino
I did pretty good with my 2007 resolution of not buying any more wine from the grocery store. I think I may have only cheated twice.

This year my wife and I have decided to not buy as much wine, but to buy better wines. Instead of coming home with a case from Trader Joe’s we might spend the same amount on 4 bottles at our friends wine shop, Sam’s wine and Spirits, etc.

Seeking out the Villacres Ribba Del Duro, the Frank Family Zin, etc has been really fun this year. I think putting my money into “less but more” will be the point in 2008.
December 28, 2007

Shadowbird
QOTD: I make it a point never to resolve anything. That’s a resolution I can keep.
December 28, 2007

Neil
No Barb wire tatoo. The New Year resolution will be to loose some pounds and stay healthy.

Happy New Year!
December 28, 2007

Tommy Vernieri
I don’t really like resolutions. I think my only resolution this year is to try to go to bed earlier, which really has nothing to do with wine.
December 28, 2007

GrapeStuff
QOTD: To actually try 365 wines this year. Expand my palate as much as possible and drink 1 wine a week from a region/vineyard/wine maker I have never tried before.

Happy New Years GV!!!!
December 28, 2007

Penney
QOTD: To taste and learn more about French Wine
December 28, 2007

jason carey
Isenhower Cellars, dude,, Try their wines..
Also how about a Washington Riesling vs Austrailia, vs Alsace vs NY state Riesling. episode…mmmm the many faces of Riesling.
December 28, 2007

mrzitro
top 35
December 28, 2007

Seo
Cougar Crest’s website says that Brian Carlson is the winemaker (brian@cougarcrestwinery.com) You should send him a thank you note for making your frisay!
December 28, 2007

Dan NYC
QOTD: Buy more wine, get back into the “old world” wines, try new stuff. I think I better start saving too!
December 28, 2007

AthensAustrian
No barb wire tats here!

QOTD: I am making a serious effort to learn more about Spanish wines. Jumillia here I come!

HEY GARY: How about a show on tampranillos? Us poor college kids sure can find values in the Spanish section of the store!
December 28, 2007

Ryan
yes i have the barbwire tattoo was my first one
December 28, 2007

Robin C
QOTD: in a word: Washington.
December 28, 2007

Candace
I love watching you get all worked up! Thanks for the WA wine episode. Having lived in WA for the past 9 years, I’ve only recently discovered how amazing the wines are from here. WA has seen some exceptional growing years recently; ‘04 and ‘05 especially. Too, there are indeed some very crafty winemakers out there turning out very sophisticated and damn good wines. For years I was a devout old world, mostly French wine drinker. Now, I am embracing what is in my back yard. There are wineries all over the place; several in Seattle and dozens 30 minutes from Seattle. I could go on and on.

QOTD: Learn as much about wine as I possibly can & build a cellar for my little stash:)
December 28, 2007

Marshall
QOTD: I want to learn some german.
December 28, 2007

Gonzo
Gary,
I love to see the WA wine, but I cannot describe how depressed I am right now by the projections on where WA wine prices are going to go. Please god tell me there will always be 32 buck chuck. Thanks for the ep.

TO
December 28, 2007

BF
QOTD: new year’s resolution is to stop falling for the shelf talkers and buying 90-pointers that -always- suck.
December 28, 2007

David Dadekian
QOTD: Drink better wine. That’s enough, no?
December 28, 2007

Chargers Rule
QOTD: To get to Oregon and Washington to taste!
December 28, 2007

T Scott
QOTD: Go to Walla Walla
December 28, 2007

CindyW
Cougar Crest has a great viognier that I can’t get enough of. Oh, and we were lucky enough to open a bottle of the 1995 Woodward Canyon Artist’s series this year. Wow, it was incredible. I think that comparing that to a 2003 or 2004 has finally taught me what it means to age a wine (and to understand where a young wine of depth might end up).

Two tattoos, no barbed wire.

QOTD: hmmmmm, sorry, but I don’t have a new year’s wine resolution — just keep on trying new things and drinking what I like.
December 28, 2007

Danq
To build up the cellar with some wines that are meant to be aged. Try more new stuff, and try some higher priced German Rieslings, and high end Canadian Reds (to the non-canadians, they do exists but I have been too cheap to risk the $$$)
December 28, 2007

Sassodoro
Top 50?
December 28, 2007

sonnybobiche
QOTD: To start buying wine by the case. I’ve had just about enough of the hyperinflated prices around campus.
December 28, 2007

jonomck
QOTD: I resolve to buy less wine because my cellar is FULL!!!
December 28, 2007

Kevin M
QOTD: Drink more beer
December 28, 2007

DC7
Visit more wineries.
December 28, 2007

Senator
QOTD: To break out of my new world fruit bomb rut and spend more time with old world wines.
December 28, 2007

H.E. (Butch) Darnell, Jr.
QOTD: search for great Petite Sirah

Gary – Nice way to finish the WLTV year on a high (and energetic) note. Have a Healthy and Happy New Year!
December 28, 2007

Ed-Phx
Iâ€™ll be making a real effort to find and sample some of the lesser known varietals you have been urging us to try.
December 28, 2007

Anthony L.
Another Great Episode. I’ve always felt that Washington State would surpass California.

QOTD 1: No, I don’t have a barbed wire tattoo

QOTD 2: Wine New Years Resolution is to build myself a mini wine cellar to store some of the great wines I’ve learned about from watching the show.
December 28, 2007

Anthony L.
Oh yeah, Happy New Year to Gary and everyone else.
December 28, 2007

Joe TX
Gary…. GREAT SHOW! Like always. I just wish I knew about winelibrary earlier when I listened to wine stewards in stores and bought bad wines. Now, Im in a streak of buying good wines, tasting good and new stuff, and saving money. Really appreciate what you did on the 12 days of christmas, (discounts and free shipping) I really did took of advantage that.
I have two new years resolutions. 1) To try at least 200 new wines during next year. 2) And visit Wine Library at New Jersey.
December 28, 2007

Fingerlaker
qotd: attempt to actually cellar some wine.. and try to break the good ole american habit of drinking wine too young.
December 28, 2007

eightfifteen
The only tattoo I have in my life is my collection of Fantasy Island videos.

QOTD: New Years resolution? Land a photography job at a newspaper.
December 28, 2007

Jeff Baldwin, RN
QOTD: Decant, decant decant. Also; try a lot more Sparklings
December 28, 2007

Olaf Nikolai
Hello Gary,
QOTD: Buy less wine!!!!! (my cellar is exploding)
see you in 08
December 28, 2007

Bob
QOTD: To win a winelibrarytv contest. Looking forward to trying Cougar Crest! No tatoos.
December 28, 2007

Robert F
QOTD: Next year, at least every other wine I have will be from a region/varietal I’ve never had before
December 28, 2007

Sue Z.
QOD – 1. Post more comments, 2. Drink different stuff, & 3. Help change the wine world! Happy new year everyone!
December 28, 2007

drw
QOTD: Grow the palette, try new wines, go old school with the Old Worlds
December 28, 2007

Fred Liu
Hey, dear Gary. This is gooooood.

QOTD: For New year, 2008, I will taste wines from all over the world, as much as I can, and share those nice ones with my wife.

For the new year eve~~, 2 bottles has been settled, while more is still to come. A 1998 Medoc Cru Bourgeois; and a 2005 Bordeaux Chateau Grand Ferrand from Entre-Deux-Mers, which is a 100% Merlot.

Gary you are right~ The 2005 vintage allows a lot of small producers to release nice wines. I tasted Chateau Grand Ferrand yestoday and rated it 85+, the same score I gave Chateau Senejac 2004, the Medoc Cru Bourgeois. But the Chateau Grand Ferrand is just around 7 euro. That is a bargain. And not the first I’ve got from 2005 Bordeaux. Thanks for your suggestion! It is working.:)
December 28, 2007

John Farrin
QOTD:I resolve to keep buying wine until someone in my family visits me and gathers the rest of the clan for the intervention

No tats.
December 28, 2007

Hotshot162
QOTD: Try a Washington state wine!

Thanks for keep making WLTV such a great show, Gray!!

Happy New Year Everybody!!!
December 28, 2007

JonE
Status offerus mostest. Agreed. E-high five for the Wash State, had some L’Ecole 41 for Christmas dinner and it was super duper.

QOTD: Wine Resolutions:
1. do buy 05′White Burgundies
2. do buy Loire whites a la Joly,and Baumard.
3. do buy more Washington states reds actually, and i’m not just sayin that
4. taste and compare all Belgian abbey ales
5. find more occasions to share the goodstuff
December 28, 2007

Tstank
Great show, I love it when the theme is of the episode is non-napa united states greatness. BTW thanks for the Holiday pack, my dad loves it. I had an Idea for a pack from this episode for people new to wine “Gary’s educator pack”. You should put together a pack of wines that have a new world vs old world vs wine you need to put away.

QOTD: No tattoo, especially the barbed wire. Barbed wire is the second dumbest tattoo you can get, number one your initials.

Next year I am going to actually going to keep a cellar instead of letting my friends come over and drink it all.
December 28, 2007

John Watson
QOTD: don’t generally do new year’s resolutions and this year is no different.
December 28, 2007

KVolk
QOTD: I will be more wine adventurous in 2008.

I think the sirens knocked Gary off his stride…coming to get you!!
December 28, 2007

Big Nick
Nice ep Gary. Good to see some nice washington wine get some love.

qotd 1: No tattoos. Nothing I like enough to put it permanently on the body.

QOTD 2: I am going to try and get a cellar of some sorts started so I can store some young reds, and also visit all the vineyards in my home state.

Happy New Year and Let’s get this thing rocking next year!!
December 28, 2007

KVolk
Oh and no Tatts here
December 28, 2007

Dr. Mike
QOTD: Keep building my Washington collection and visit Walla Walla.
December 28, 2007

John Blue Label
GV,
Great episode. Lots of good stuff.
QOTD: Try more varietals. Did a good job going out of my comfort zone, but still have some wine I haven’t tried. So, there it is.
Happy Happy New Year
December 28, 2007

Obama_Man
The Ethos proves my point as to why I shy away from the big distributors other than Mondavi and some Dubeuf.

QOTD: Buy 2005 Bordeux’s and PRAY for more free shipping! And as a new (Oct. ‘07) Vayniac and wine enthusiast… DRINK MORE WINE!
December 28, 2007

chenrys
What a show…the Walla Walla Shiraz sounded awesome. I lived in Pasco not far from there when I was a kid. It wasn’t much of a wine growing area at that time. It would be interesting to go back and see the changes.

QOTD: No resolutions yet…we’re working on some.
December 28, 2007

Sharon
QOTD: To educate my palate to recognize more flavors/aromas, to expand the number/type of vinos in my experience portfolio, heh heh… perhaps to visit the WL some time even though a 4 hour drive (argh)
December 28, 2007

HuskerJamie
QOTD: I resolve to put away a bottle a month instead of drinking everything that enters the house.
December 28, 2007

The Fanjestic
QoTd: I will be reading and finishing at least 3 different books on wine.

BTW – Gary, we leave comments regardless! But FREE SHIPPING Bribes are always an awesome surprise. I’ve got Christmas money burning a hole in my pocket!

Link it up Mott T-shirts! Reconsider Gary! A lot of people were on vacation for the holidays – put it to the test again!

The Fort Worth Jerks had a 15 bottle tasting and the $5 Berco Infante Portugese Wine was the majority favorite. Mine was the Mollydooker Goosebumps! Happy New Year!
December 28, 2007

Mojave Joe
resolution: find some Cougar Crest notwithstanding its goofy name (sounds like a soap opera).
December 28, 2007

portland guy
Nice episode. Barbed wire tattoo — are you kidding? GV, only nerdy twerps watch this show — we don’t even have the courage to wear sleeveless tees.

QOTD — I resolve, never to make a New Year’s resolution. This, I can do.
December 28, 2007

sky
wtf?
December 28, 2007

stewart l
I love wash. state syrahs
For the new year- I hope to continue to trynew wines from areas I know little about, esp. some of the french areas. I also want to explore more rieslings and rhone wines
December 28, 2007

jack
qotd: my 2008 new year resolution is to buy 2005 bordeaux! yes i know, why haven’t i already?!
December 28, 2007

Fredhead
QOTD: Find a wine I absolutely love for under $20.
December 28, 2007

JordanW
QOTD: I’m going to grab as many bottles of 05 Bordeaux as I can afford, gobble them up, and save the best ones for ‘later’.
December 28, 2007

Terp
No tattoo yet, want one though, might get a vayniac one!! New years resolution…work out more and drink more wine…..eat more THINGS to train my palate
December 28, 2007

jfoobar
My New Year’s resolution is 1680×1050. *rimshot*

Thanks folks, I’m here all week!

QOTD:

1. To keep trying new stuff. I’ve never had a Washington state syrah. Boom, there’s one to try. Thanks for the reminder GV!

2. To take at least a couple of wine trips. Long Island will be one for sure.

3. To increase my red consumption percentage a bit this year.
December 28, 2007

Tom T.
QOTD to get some good wine storage for my growing collection.
December 28, 2007

amgryger
QOTD: This year I am going to continue trying new things, but in a more focused manner. I use to randomly buy wines from all over the map, but my new plan is to focus on a couple of different bottlings of the same area/varietal before I move on to the next thing. It seems like being able to compare several similar wines will give me a much better representation of what certain wines are all about.
December 28, 2007

Chris Bartell
QOTD: My New Years Wine Resolution is to comment more. That and German Resilings.
December 28, 2007

crystal
Walla Walla is my home and I’m passionate about the wine being made here. The first Walla Walla wine I tasted was one of K Vintners syrahs made by the one and only Charles Smith. I wish I could remember which syrah it was, regardless that holiday barrel tasting weekend forever changed my view on my small town. If you’ve never been here, take Gary’s advice and find a way to visit this year. Small word of advice: book your hotel and restaurant reservations well in advance.

Here are a few Walla Walla wineries that I recommend checking out.
Otis Kenyon – The Kenyon family is amazing and Muriel will take great care of you when you visit.
Flying Trout Wines – Ashley is young and loves to teach people about wine. She makes wine here and in Argentina.
Dusted Valley Vintners – I think Corey and Chad would be great buds with Gary…read their tasting notes.
Ensemble Cellars – One Wine:Three Vintages! Craig makes killer wine and loves to educate.
Stephenson Cellars – Simply outstanding.
DAMA – Dawn & Mary are lovely and their tasting room is gorgeous.
Reininger – Chuck makes the wine but the winery is a family effort and you will feel right at home.
Sleight of Hand – Try the Spellbinder–great value. Ask Trey to show his youtube video of the Pearl Jam concert.
Balboa – Tom’s wife does the artwork for all of his labels and she also has a local business, Studio Opal, you should check out.
aMaurice
Mannina Cellars
Isenhower Cellars
Zerba Cellars – Just across the Oregon boarder. They have a rocking Cab Frac right now.
Saviah Cellars
Sheesh I could keep going on….

QOTD: To drink more wine from other parts of the US. Living in Walla Walla makes it easy to drink local wine. To be more active in online wine communities.

Thanks Gary for doing what you do and being you.
December 28, 2007

Dale Cruse
I have several New Year’s resolutions:

1. I’m enrolling in a sommelier course

2. I plan to continue my wine/food blog at http://www.DrinksAreOnMe.net and grow traffic

3. Take a few wine trips

4. Have Lap Band surgery to help lose weight

5. Get mentioned on WLTV
December 28, 2007

Dave Canada
QOTD – Drink more wine! Learn more….try new stuff!
December 28, 2007

Nick
In 08 I want to try new wines from regions I have over looked, ie Washington State.

Happy New Year!!
December 28, 2007

SteveW
Great Episode, love Washington wines but I might be biased as I live in Seattle.
QOTD: To watch every episode of WLTV in 2008!
December 28, 2007

Dusty
qotd: try more kinds of wines. different varietals from different areas. that’s my goal. and i have possible future inlaws that live in washington, so a trip to walla walla might be in the picture.
December 28, 2007

BobbyTiger
QOTD….It’s totally impossible, but I resolve to drink a lot more wine in 2008. Like I say……impossible. But I’ll try.
December 28, 2007

Benny Morosco
Great episode!!!! as usual!!!

QOTD: to broden my wine pallet! Taste Taste and Taste new wines!!
December 28, 2007

Araldite
QOTD – taste bug blood and tar bubbles so I can know what you’re talking about

Happy New Year, man
December 28, 2007

ceewats
Find colombard and bukettraube wines(I am liking the ones I’ve had so far), drink as many obscure varietals as I can
December 28, 2007

VinOrecul
PRE-QOTD: Tatto Free, some chicks like that, some don’t.
QOTD: Buy my first case of Bordeaux for distance tasting, take it serious and measure what my palate says. Otherwise I may try to haunt the comments to see if any lurkers will help step up and fight for a Mott Tee or Hoodie. Oh yeah!

GV, Your rollin hard with the perspectives you cover on your shows that in itself will speak volumes. Thanks for putting in the work to help change, manipulate, create and modify The Wine World. Somebody has to do it. You Stepped up. Much Thanks man.

Sour note: Everytime you do a show about WA Wine…the freakin shelves dry up out here at the local merchants in the city. I know the locals (won’t name them here) are watching the show. Chumps.

MOTT! Hang in there Bro!
December 28, 2007

addamms3
Tats-none
N.Y. Wine Res.-clean out the climate controlled rom and put in a humidifier so I can do what my wife says she will not allow, fill it up with wine.
December 28, 2007

AngioRanger
qotd: expand my palate and keep rooting for a “Mott, link it up!” t-shirt!
December 28, 2007

steve
no no german wines german beer yes many/ wine resolution to gain more knowledge about wines and try twice as many
December 28, 2007

brorjace
The love you betweeen you 2 was the best part. Washington does rule though, Cadence is a wine I drink a lot of…gotta love Cab Franc blends.

QOTD: Drink better wine, and less cheap wine. Italy and Spain will lead the charge, Champagne should get in there too. Happy new years everyone!
December 28, 2007

soleil
New Year’s wine resolutions:
1. Further develop my palate
2. Study wine pairings

Happy New Year!
December 28, 2007

Mike Diz
Taste as many different wines from different regions as possible. Especially 2005 Bordeaux!
December 28, 2007

Tom R
QOTD — My New Year’s Wine Resolution is to make an effort to explore and appreciate old-world wines. Because I live in Sonoma County, and I like to try things out in the local tasting rooms, most of the wine I drink is from this area. My taste is skewed toward the California approach to wine-making. I will admit that French wines are more subtle — but when I say “more subtle” what I’m really thinking is “less exciting”. Maybe I can find some that are subtle but exciting too.
December 28, 2007

late-start
QOTD: keep a wine diary
December 28, 2007

t_moderne
I eat my steak with a 6 liter bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet.
What?
what do you mean I’m late?
Happy new year everyone.
December 28, 2007

DaveME
QOTD: Learn more, taste more, try new varietals, and learn some more.
December 28, 2007

Scott EJ
Of the 5 tats I have, there are no barbed wire. Purposely not done, I should ad.

New Years Wine Reso. = Travel to more wine regions. Spain in the Fall. Maybe Washington after that.

I can’t believe that Cougar is already gone. GV, you are a marketing genius!
December 28, 2007

Grapedigger
I have to admit that the only Washington wines that I tried were those of Columbia Crest (good effort with their affordable Merlot)…I gotta try some of the premium ones.
New Yr’s resolutions: do more swimming (to lose 6 Lb), try more wines, and improve my french language ability to a near fluent level. Cheers.
December 28, 2007

LB in KS
QOTD… continue to try and educate my gosh darn palate. Also try and put more wine away to actually build somewhat of a collection. Oh, grow some of my own wine!
December 28, 2007

Grape Expectations
Hooray! I just checked and my local wine shop has the Cougar Crest 03 Syrah. I’m gettin’ it tomorrow . . .
QOTD: In 2008 I’m going to try to not drink the same wine more than once.
December 28, 2007

The Virginian
As always, great show!!!

QOTD: To really understand how to get the different aromas and tastes out of a particular wine.
December 28, 2007

Vinsant
QOTD: drink some of the good stuff and stop saving it.
ps…stay away from WA wines…please us poor folks can still afford it!
December 28, 2007

E
Damn, I hadn’t thought about that one. How about this:

1) More German riesling (it’s woefully underrepresented in my stash).
2) Affordable stuff from WA/OR–there’s gotta be some, right?
3) To stock up on rose in the spring so I have some in the summer.
4) To try Marquisdooker just to say I did, and to see what the hell the fuss is about, although I think I know.
December 28, 2007

RodneyM
QOTD: Trying a new wine with each visit to my local wine shop.
December 28, 2007

PiperJS
QOTD: My New Year’s wine resolution is to learn learn learn, especially about French wines (where I’m seriously lacking and scared.) And teh best way to learn is by tasting. So, it looks like it’s going to be a great year!
December 28, 2007

Gabriel
QOFD:

I resolved last year to not drink as much beer and go to the gym; that resolution came in to port around October 07. This year…uh…get more buff?

I’d love to be able to find something other than ‘el-cheapo, expensive wines. Maybe i’ll make a HK run or two and try to visit some wineshops.

I also resolve to pick up Cantonese since I’ve got Mandarin and Kejia down well.
December 28, 2007

cameron w
Fantastic episode. I’ve been “long” on WA state wines for a while now – it makes up 50% of my cellar (mostly Januik, Leonetti, and Delille). I’ve never tried the Cougar Crest before although everyone seems to love it, but this episode may have convinced me. New Years Resolution? Work harder, play harder, drink smarter.
December 28, 2007

CHATrBox
Nice shout to Washington State! I appreciate that as a local wine promoter. You should have worn one of the shirts I sent from WineCOW.com (Wine Connection of Washington). I know you love pushing your own schwag but itâ€™s also good to share the love, especially for the featured wine state. It was a gift after all.

Gary, why donâ€™t you come on out to the WA! Iâ€™ll show you around and weâ€™ll taste some great juice and eat some good food.

Columbia Crest may be mass pro but it does offer some quality amongst those millions of bottles of wine.

Insect bloodâ€¦are you serious!!?!? Wow, I wonder what that’s like.

QOTD: New Yearâ€™s resâ€¦mmmmâ€¦more effort toward quality food and wine pairing, and of course being a good husband and friend.
December 28, 2007

mrzitro
No tattoos for me.

Being a ‘Noles fan, I agree with you on Leon Washington.

QOTD: getting through the tasting of the different varietals so I can start collecting the ones I want to drink again. Tonight, I just tasted the 2005 Grimaldi Dolcetto Dâ€™alba you reviewed in Episode #311. What an incredible wine. Having forgotten exactly what you said about it, I tasted the same earthy components you described. I need to buy a half case of that wine to see how it evolves over the next several years.
December 28, 2007

JC
Great show as usual. QOTD: Organize my wine cellar, and actually build some racks rather than keeping them in there boxes.
December 28, 2007

Achilleas
Great episode.

I play a game when watching the videos – Guess what Gary will say when he tastes the wine just from his facial expressions – it’s fun and I never get it right

QOTD: Resolution – drink more wines, wines I have never tried before.

Happy New Year to one and all – safe and prosperous.
December 28, 2007

Canadian Chris
Great show!

QOTD – I’m tasting through some varietals this year month by month, and doing the research each to back it up. Cab sauv in Jan – some old world, new world, south american, north american, cheap bottles pricey bottles you name it I’m going at it. Really diving into understanding wines this year.
December 28, 2007

monkuwino
QOTD: work on being better able to identify/describe scents and flavors in the wines I drink.
December 28, 2007

Arthur
Nice show G!

QOTD: Not to use hackneyed literary devices in commenting on the state of wine.
December 28, 2007

CoolHandLuke
New Year’s Resolution. Put together a budget to start trying new wines. Ever since I saw this show I have become FIRED UP about wine! Thanks Gary. I look forward to learning more from you. No barbed wire tattoo.
December 28, 2007

vivaitalia
I’ve been all over the Washington state wines lately. The QPR’s are unreal compared to California. Everyone out there needs to try a pinot noir from Archery Summit, pick one, you can’t go wrong. With the seemingly limitless flavors and great structure you described with the Cougar Crest, i’m surprised the score wasn’t higher. The enthusiasm you exuded has me hoping you didn’t hold it’s price against it. My wine resolution is to have another succesful year of trying 365 different wines.
December 29, 2007

Jaybird
I got the tattoo, (1994) 18 years old when all I could afford was Old English 800 malt liquor…man that crap made me do some stupid S@#t.
My resolution is to get serious about settling down I would really like to focus more on wine education. I do have some disabilities from when I was serving in the Air Force 12 years ago, and recently since pursuing wine I have found a new passion with no limitation and very accessible. This last year with WLTV has been very exciting and I am especially looking forward to Vayniac Cabernet.
So Gary thanks for 2007 and best wishes in 2008
December 29, 2007

joe fragale
my new year resolution is to buy more wine.
December 29, 2007

Cuse Wino
Love to see you all worked up for a good and a bad wine. That is what it is all about.

QOTD- Keep trying new stuff. New regions and new wineries. Different price points. Buy the Mott Link it Up Tshirt. Keep watching WLTV. GOing to be a busy 2008.

Happy New Year to all and to all a good night.
December 29, 2007

Deano
Gary great episode that cougar sounds awesome. Sorry but i don’t have a barbwire tattoo lol. But i am sure many vayniacs do.

QOTD:
-Start drinking some of the good stuff i have in the wine fridge
December 29, 2007

Flavio
QOTD: To continue buying heavily and enjoying Chateauneuf-du-Pape and other Southern Rhone, while expanding my wine horizon – especially in terms of new world wines, which I know so little about but have been quite intrigued by, since I started watching the show. Especially some of the elegant and not so fruit-bomby over-oaked wines that are apparently being produced, such as Oregon pinots, bordeaux-style Washington state, South Africa… and maybe even break the prejudice and pay more attention to California and Australia, in order to try to understand how so many people love those oak & fake fruit combos, which I’ve never been able to do.
December 29, 2007

mikey lennon
QOTD: to learn as much as I can about wine, still quite inexperienced I must say. Oh and to introduce my mother to real wine she can enjoy. Have to convince her that Arbor Mist Blackberry Merlot is not wine.
December 29, 2007

Christopher J
QOTD: With so many wines out there, and my inspiration from Gary to try different things (not to mention I love trying new wines), I am going to try to go ALL YEAR without drinking a wine I have had before.
December 29, 2007

Scott
GV: Great episode! I’m lucky to live in Washington State with all of the great wines in my backyard (well, at least close by). Gotta get some Cougar Crest. Columbia Crest has some nice everyday wines reasonably priced. You mentioned touring Walla Walla and Yakima. Also, there are new wineries in the Lake Chelan area (along with nice golf courses), producing wine from estate grapes and Columbia/Yakima valleys. Closer to Seattle are about 30 wineries in Woodinville, using Columbia/Yakima grapes. Most of these are small, boutique wineries with lots of personality and really great product.

QOTD: In 2008 I hope to enjoy more Washington wine as well as wines from unfamiliar regions like Argentina and Spain.
December 29, 2007

In Vino Veritas
New Year’s Wine Resolution? That’s easy, taste more wine, try new stuff. I’m somewhat new to wine so I still have a lot to learn. Happy and safe new year!
December 29, 2007

Jon Armstrong
QoTD: My New Year’s Wine Resolution is to be much more structured in my wine tasting, both in documenting, as well as setting a goal of 1-2 wines a week (outside of work).
December 29, 2007

Golfer Gary
Like everyone else that watches you, I plan on trying different wines this year. Have a great New Year.
December 29, 2007

Cookiedds
QOTD: My wife, me and another couple from our Well Squozen Grape wine club are taking an RV to Washington for a 10 day winery tour. We have been planning it for a couple of years but it’s just not much fun dragging a pregnant woman around wine country……this year will/should be a go. I also plan on broadening my wifes wine palate a bit along with my own, every month I’m trying at least 6 bottles of a different varietal, blend or region. December was give Merlot another chance month which produced some great results(thank you Napa, Walla Walla, Bordeaux and others)..Cheers and have a wonderful, safe New Years with Family and Friends.
December 29, 2007

onemore
Barb(ed) wire tattoo: I don’t have one of those. I have dragon tattoos instead, hand-drawn by me. I’m seriously considering a Tempest tattoo. “Tempest” = my favorite video arcade game of all time. (Avoid spikes!) That’s how I roll.

QOTD: Change my [Bordeaux & Rhone] to [all other countries & regions] wine ratio from 3:1 to at least 1:3 throughout 2008. It’ll be hard, especially if it means drinking less French merlot and CdP, but I think I can do it.

Cougar Crest: Pffft, like I’ll find that wine anywhere now. Sigh…

New Year’s Eve: Have a safe one, Gary. Happy too, but safe as well.
December 29, 2007

Cookiedds
PS. I also want to fill the rest of my wine room so I can start putting a little bottle age on the wines we drink (150 bottles to go)!
December 29, 2007

Jim Sargent
Well I’m working on my law school applications now (which would be DONE if not for WLTV) and I’m hoping to end up on the west coast. My resolution is, in addition to not dropping the ball with law school, finally getting to see the source. I need to spend time in vineyards, and keep trying new things. If my mom asks, though… not failing out of law school.
December 29, 2007

nolongeralurker
QOTD: I’m going to try to buy older wines from auction. I don’t have the storage space to age wine, so I’m trying to buy older stuff that’s ready to drink now. Would love to see WL offer more older bottles like the 88 Chateau Beausejour Becot. Great stuff!

Keep up the great work in 2008 GV!
December 29, 2007

Yoni Rabkin
QOTD: Never miss a signle WLTV episode for the entire year, and leave a comment on every one I see.
December 29, 2007

MagnumGourmet
Good episode today GV. Granted, the Cougar Crest portion of the show would have been a great opportunity to mention the Walla Walla tasting in NY on February 4th.

QOTD – Make my own wine!
December 29, 2007

dave from Osaka (thunderball)
Excellent! Will try to find that Cougar Crest over here in Japan.

QOTD: Hmmm…I think my wine resolution will be to continue to seek out new and interesting wines and avoid drinking crap. That, and to not pop the corks on any of my wines that I know are not ready yet.
December 29, 2007

Isaac
My New Years Wine Resolution is going to be this: I am going to start my wine collection!!!! Since I have yet to buy one, i will buy one this weekend for my first bottle of wine!!!
December 29, 2007

Rebecca Bailey
The Cougar Crest wine maker and owner went to Washington State University, where I am studying viticulture and enology. Go Cougs!

QOTD: Put my knowledge to the test and make my own wine.
December 29, 2007

Justin L Ove
QOTD: I resolve to drink more white wine. I drink so much red, and I’m always looking for the next great buy, but tonight I tried the 07 Kim Crawford Sauv Blanc…Serious Thunder. White wine rocks!
December 29, 2007

Kristen
QOTD: Drink outside the box, ie. try new varietals, show some love to the old world, keep an open mind (maybe even drink from the box holding back the stereotype)
December 29, 2007

YoungDave
Barbed wire armband tattoo? Come on Gary- I’ve got a bit more class than that.
QOTD: I need to actually organize a regular blind tasting get-together with a few friends and co-workers from the wine bar I work at and start really getting into breaking down the components of wine so that I’m better at pinpointing varietals and wines made from certain regions, and share the experience at the same time.
December 29, 2007

Evan
Continue to expand my wine palate. I think I am getting into more old world wines. I still love my new world fruit bombs, but I am really begining to love the earth, leather, forest floor qualities of bordeaux.
December 29, 2007

Montresor
My resolution is to work on my palate and try as many different wines as possible.
December 29, 2007

Theaaronc
QOTD: To get a solid handle on the oak monster, tannins, and other nuance’s of the wine world.

Oh, and I just sent a text to myself with the Cougar Crest. Going to hit up the local wine stores in the next few days.

Gary, how could you be insignificant? You’re the fearless leader of the Vaner-Nation!
December 29, 2007

ninefingers
I like the area in WA state around Lake Chelan. This is the sweet cherry premeier area. The wines are growing, getting better and my buddy has a new winery “Four Lakes Chelan” starting there.Its on the east side of the lake and up the mountain side from Manson, WA and north of Chelan, WA.
Silver medals for 2005 vintages.
December 29, 2007

manpod
QOTD – buy fewer wines based on reputation or to fill out a vertical. More wine based on taste.
December 29, 2007

Carly
Hope I can find that Cougar! Even though it’s way out of this CKC’s price range, it would make a great gift.

QoTD: My resolutions are to exercise daily, drop 20 lbs by summer, and host at least three educational wine-and-cheese parties.
December 29, 2007

luvgrapesqueezings
QOTD (new year wine resolution): I want to buy some ‘05 Bordeaux, and I will drink more rose this summer.
December 29, 2007

Bill Rasche
QOTD: My New Years wine resolution is to try more wines outside of my comfort zone — especially from Washington, Italy, and those ‘05 Bordeaux — and thereby improve my cellar diversity.
December 29, 2007

hasbeen
My resolution; add cellar space or buy a stand alone cabinet to stick outside my cellar. It’s either that or take my wife’s advice and buy less wine, which doesn’t appeal to me at all.
December 29, 2007

Tad
I was able to go to Walla Walla (from WI) this year and it is great. Night and day different from Napa – both great, just different.

QOTD: Always buy two bottles of whatever I’m picking up. I hate drinking a bottle, liking it, and then having to try and hunt it down again.
December 29, 2007

espressokev
my resolution should be to try to ditch my lurker status and comment more…
December 29, 2007

cumpari
QOTD: Get in touch with my inner palate!

Great episode!!! Thanks.
December 29, 2007

Ben F
QOTD: to go out and drink more wines, open my palete. I also want to go out and buy all the things in the palete building episode…
December 29, 2007

Bill H
link it up mott t-shirt

pierre peters monday night

qotd – find a wine i like with aging potential, put a case away, and watch it evolve. i’ve been meaning to do this since the first time you suggested it.
December 29, 2007

Matt
No barbedwire tat, but I do have a tribal, and I earned it!

QOTD: 1) broaden and deepen my appreciation for wine by growing and (hopefully) making my own. 2) travel to and experience a viticultural area where I have never been before (perhaps Walla Walla). 3) find some Cougar Crest!!
December 29, 2007

Sassodoro
But Gary! You are already sold out of the Cougar Crest!
December 29, 2007

Dave from VA
Happy new year GV,

QOTD: decant more… rather decant as much as possible

-D
December 29, 2007

FJDR
QOTD: Similar to Dave from VA, except mine is to actually buy a decanter and use it, which I have never done before.

2nd QOTD: I have no tattoos at all. I’m from Squaresville, man.
December 29, 2007

Shad
QOTD: I would have to say that I want to be drinking more wines NOT from the US…yeah, OK, so I have to try more Washington wines, but I have not tried enough wine from across the pond.
December 29, 2007

caleb
nice show GV loved it….RADOOL going to walla walla this spring for some vaca! QOTD- to pursue somm certification.
December 29, 2007

wayno da wino
Yo Gee !!
“got a little insect blood” (Cougar Crest)….Gee….quit eatin’
dhose poor little defenseless bugs…..i’m gonna get PETA after
Ya…..

QOTD: Wine resolutions ?? Just keep knockin’ ‘em down and hope
da Liver don’t rebel……
December 29, 2007

Emery
QOTD My friends are drinking Yellow Tail…so I’m having a wine tasting party to introduce them to some alternatives… going from Australia to Rhone.
Happy New Year everyone and drive safely!
December 29, 2007

organicguy
New Years resolution is that everyday say something nice about 1 person you meet. Complements do wonders.
December 29, 2007

sobojosh
I have to go with a big WTF!? “insect blood”!!! what the F are you talking about? Cant yall picture GV in like a safari outfit, extracting the blood from a mosquito and tasting it?! Hahaha, Just bustin your balls GV!

QOTD: Well, I’m taking my court somm. test in cali in march. so, I guess my resolution is to be able to pick out different ACs blindly.
December 29, 2007

moonbot
qotd: my resolution would have to be to find a way to get more american wines up here in canada… seriously, we’re hurting.. big time
December 29, 2007

Phil A
dude, seriously…Insect blood? First off, what does that taste like, and how do you know? I didn’t see that on the palate building episode.
WA makes some real nice Pinot Noirs; good body, not too thin like some PN’s get.
December 29, 2007

Isaac
Insect blood…it’s that smell when you smash a bug on the bottom of your shoe and you sniff it….great stuff!
December 29, 2007

mlong
sadool !! Ha…

QOTD – grow my knowledge of french wine.
December 29, 2007

themostrighteous
GV – Insect blood?!? Nice! Another killer episode.

QOTD – That would have to be to try at least two new varietals per month. (I could aim higher, but, really, when would I have the time to drink the stuff I love?) My De Long’s Wine Grape Varietal Table tells me there is a boatload more than 24, so my this New Year’s wine resolution should be eminently doable.
December 29, 2007

ChrisR
QOTD: My resolution is to put away some keepers (not that I can afford any) and NOT open them this year.

Too bad about the Nicolas Cole Cellars. I had a WA Meritage, the Ash Hollow Nine Mile with about the same percents and it was great. A really killer food wine, IMO.
December 29, 2007

Chippewamike
QOTD

Add to my (tiny but expanding reserve) without opening and to expand my knowledge of Italian wine! Happy New Year!
December 29, 2007

Elliot Essman
New Year’s Wine Resolution: at least 50 wine varieties I have never tried before.
December 29, 2007

HuskerJamie
Gary, how are you not in first place on this thing?

http://www.thumpbowl.com/
December 29, 2007

Andrew Kellner
Great episode. You turned me onto washington wines with the Boudreaux episode (Mott Link IT UP) and its on my short list. No tatooo. Wine Resolution: experiment more, try more outside the box.
December 29, 2007

JeffC
QOTD: Continue to be a Mott Link it Up, advocate. Com’on G-Man, when is the shirt going to be announced. Give it Up!

On wine, new years resolution, only drink what appeals to the pallette, and dump down the drain those that dont. Life is too short, to drink crap.
December 29, 2007

Og
No barbed wire but do Thorns count?
QOTD: I resolve to actually take back crappy wine to a local retailer that says they will take it back for any reason.

I also am a ” Mott link it up” T advocate but have not said so because I am bitter that i wasn’t the first to request it Loooong ago.
Unfortunately just made wine a verb ….sorry
December 29, 2007

GoldensGirl
QOTD: My New Year’s resolution will be to stop lurking…already accomplished!
Thanks GV for the months and months of wine education. Because of you, I’ve tried more white wines in the past year than ever before. Still prefer reds, but I’ve discovered that whites are sometimes good and often appropriate.
December 29, 2007

yourfrienddownunder
I resolve to bite the bullet, spend a bit more (because my bottleshops do not stock cheap imports) and try more French and German wines. Too long have I focused on finding good value Aussie wines. Happy new year Garry.
December 29, 2007

*/^_^\*
qotd: explore loire valley wines…and washington state wines….
December 29, 2007

eeandoh
New Year’s resolution – total beginner currently, by Dec 2008, i hope to have learned enough to be able to host my own wine tasting. Thanks for the thunder, Gary! Happy New Year!
December 29, 2007

IPBrian
QOTD: Work on learing more about wine…I am going to make a strong effort to watch every episode of WLTV.
December 29, 2007

fernandob23
Wine resolution:
Find 20-30 minutes in my day to watch Winelibrary TV on a consistent basis. It makes me laugh and I learn something new nearly every episode. Thanks and have a great New Year!
December 29, 2007

Bal H.
I want to take a big ass glass to the wine shop that I help at and use it for tastings instead of those tiny
plastic cups that seem to be the standard for wine salespeople. Also want to focus on doing a better job of detecting and identifying various aromas. I need the Vayniac gene for aromas!
December 29, 2007

Alex H
QotD: I want to try as many different varietals as I can get my hands on (newbie here!). I went to get a german riesling after your episode the other day so I think I’ll start with that one.
December 29, 2007

Fiorentina!
Gary! Fun Ep….I totally agree with you that WA has been making some excellent wines (Huge fan of some of their Merlots)…However, would you be able to try some Idaho wines??
QotD-
1. To try more than 250 wines
2. To learn to be more patient
3. to be more vocal about my appreciation for others.

Happy New Year!
December 29, 2007

Penelope
Wow- do you think you may have seen the difference between soul-less big name winery vs heart and soul small winery with the syrahs??????
Love the insect blood descriptor- will have to use that one sometime-big tasting, lots of impressionable people……
December 29, 2007

djs
QOTD- New Years Wine Resolution: To mix it up!
December 29, 2007

Daniel.G.
Here’s a big time lurker coming out. I’ve been watching the show daily since the article came out on Slate. Right now I’m in Israel volunteering and studying for a year. Thus, I’ve really been enjoying the Kosher wines/Israeli wines which you’ve occasionally featured on the show. In Israel, it seems very hard to find anything but Israeli wines at a reasonable price-point. I guess that’s good for their wine makers. When do you plan to make the trip to Israel, GV?
Unfortunately, I’ve even received a wrist-band (the old-school kind) but never sent in the picture (boo to me) and never once commented (shameful). However, I’m coming clean and correcting at least one of my errors (picture w/ wrist-band soon to follow).

QOTD: Pop some Israeli growers’ (assuming that exists) in Tel Aviv with friends on New Years. What could be better?!
December 29, 2007

Capt M
Try Chateau Musar from Lebanon. QOTD: splurge a lot more, baby!
December 29, 2007

Harley Stan
Great show today!!!! I have had some killer WA state wines in the past.
QOTD- Make my friends try new wines,
December 30, 2007

Jason Bonds
My resolution is to buy more wine that I lay down for 1-5 years.
December 30, 2007

H-Why
Another great show, GV. Just FYI, I had the pleasure of actually visiting Wine Library on Friday. This store is the Mecca for wine enthusiasts. If you have yet to make the pilgrimage, it is worth it.

QOTD: New Years resolution for wine is to share my enthusiasm for trying different wines with more people.
December 30, 2007

jahlove
QOTD: New Year’s Resolution specific to wine – Stick to my wine budget. Something that Wine Library will not help me with.
December 30, 2007

BobM
Nice episode, Gary. I really enjoy your sense of outrage.

QOTD: My resolution is to buy wine faster than I drink it.
December 30, 2007

downtnmark
Cool. I already had bought some Woodward wines with the intention of aging them 4 years.

QOTD: I have a wine consumption problem that has nothing to do with drinking. I vow to buy no more wine than I actually drink in 2008 (except for the 2005 Bordeaux’s I’ll be stashing away). Boy, that’s going to be a difficult one to keep!
December 30, 2007

Tam
QOTD: No tats. My tastes are too wide ranging to settle on something so permanent.

Rezo: Make sure all my friends know about WLTV. Try some grower champagne.
December 30, 2007

Jason Chu
QOTD: honestly i have none Gary LOL

Happy New Year to Everybody!
December 30, 2007

Syrahhhhhhhhh
New Years Resolution…continue my three year exploration of only Washington State wines into year four. You said it and I can confirm: Washington State wine is America’s best. Finish my wine program at Northwest Wine Academy. Cheers, and Happy New Year everybody. Syrahhhhhhhhhhhh.
December 30, 2007

Richard Bakker
QOTD= Buy ‘05 Bordeuax and finish biulding wine cellar.
Great show.
Happy new year to all.
December 30, 2007

Chrisfs
Wine resolution. Find more good wines for under $10. I have some steady favorites, but it’s always nice to discover more.
December 30, 2007

cody perry
start saving and collecting! instead of buying one and drinking it I’ll buy 2 and save one.
BTW, Woodhouse, Maghee Cellars Merlot is a great Washington wine from Rattlesnake Hills. Prices in around $30′ish
December 30, 2007

joel delon
QOTD : my wine resolution i’ll try hard to make wltv my everyday drinking…
My qotd : is wltv addictive ? wine sure ! moderate bibendum est..
bonne et joyeuse annÃ©e Ã tous
from France (Languedoc)
December 30, 2007

Totte
Yo yo G.V

Nice with WA wines. IÂ´m going to NYC and Chicago in march so IÂ´ll pick some up and bring back to the good people of Stockholm, Sweden.

QotD : 2008 is ALL about wine for me.

IÂ´m ending this different year with:
Leclerc Briant NV Champagne
Villemart Blanc de Noir NV Champagne
Louis Jadot Sauvigny-Les-Beune Blanc -99
Tenuta Marchese Antinori Chianto Classico Riserva -01

Happy New Year
Swedish T
December 30, 2007

John
Hi All

After Gary’s spirited review of Cougar Crest I was highly motivated to obtain a few bottles. Unfortunately, living in Switzerland, it is not so easy for my to get ahold of US made wines. Does anybody have any suggestions for either a) someone who imports within Switzerland or b) someone who exports from US?

Ah, Switzerland: lots of money, nothing to use it on

BTW: I already tried contacting the producer – no luck there. Too bad Gary doesn’t ship internationally…
December 30, 2007

life's too short...
QOTD: Cut back on wanton acquisitions. That Black Bart Syrah was NOT COOL! (Just when I think I’m out? They pullllll me back in.) The BBS is serious juice, and maybe because it was a wedding wine (Black Bart and Bride of Black Bart). Okay, prolly too much info. (too bad! it’s my ((largely unread)) comment!)

Nice episode Mr. Vaynercharles. Now then, get back to work. Oh, QOTD on the Riesling side of things. I’ve had lots, most were not good (I used to drink Piesporter and Riesling when I was a kid (20s) because we thought we were being erudite and cool–and only German white wine can do that for you, apparently.) My adult Riesling choices these days are much better, though…
December 30, 2007

Tzahi
QOTD-
Take my wine much (much) more serious. Search, discover, learn, taste and share the wine love.

Thanks, Thanks, Thanks
Have a great year,
Don’t drink and drive,

Tzahi
from Israel
December 30, 2007

Billr
It’s amazing how much I learn from this show, just amazing……….

QOTD: Drink and taste more wines. I have been stuck on the Auslese’s here lately and need to work on all the other grapes out there. YOU, with a little bit of ME, will change how I look at wine………….
December 30, 2007

Billr
AND, Happy New Year………..
December 30, 2007

Todd Smith
QOTD – I wanna see a vineyard, damn it! I’ve been in the wine business for 6 years and never been to Cali, Washington, nothing. Rediculous. Since I wasn’t invited to Pinot Camp I think Washington is in order.
Woodward Canyon makes some great wines. Their Nelms Road label, Cab or Merlot, are outstanding for $18. We’re on our third vintage (2005) at the store – big customer favorites.
Just wanna say that Chat. Ste. Michelle and Columbia Crest makes some really good wines for the $$, especially considering how much wine they make. Never had the Ethos Syrah before.
December 30, 2007

Todd Smith
Was just reading the comments… NEVER TASTE WINE FROM PLASTIC CUPS! Plastic always inparts a smell, and it’s just wrong. A lot of work went into making that wine. The least you can do is get a glass. I don’t know what those wine sales reps are thinking carrying around those little plastic cups. What a joke. A good glass makes all the difference.
December 30, 2007

Moose
Wine resolutions? Wow, I think I might be drinking a bit too much if… okay, i suppose my wine resolution would be to find the BEST tasting EXPERIENCE (wine + atmosphere) in Sonoma on our family vacation there this summer.

Other resolutions:
Drop 20 lbs (it’s really gonna happen this year)!!!
December 30, 2007

Jeff & Heather
New Year’s Resolution… Keeping ALL the wine-tasting notes from wines I’ve purchased, tried, etc on my Cork’d account! I’ve been bad and haven’t logged some good and bad wines over the past couple of months. So being pro-active in my tasting notes and scoring while helping others figure out if they are similar in preferences or way out in the weeds when it comes to my palate vs. theirs. Corkd.com… The ‘Facebook’ of Wine… Get on, get active (make me your drinking buddy so we can compare notes, etc)!;)

http://corkd.com/people/fanafi

-Jeff
December 30, 2007

mhova23
Wine Resolution? To drink more with more variety. Step up and try more wines outside of Cali Cab.
December 30, 2007

ChadD.
Yeah, you read my mind…QOTD: drink some grower Champaign
December 30, 2007

Scott the ex wine dude
QOTD: Buy more wines to lay down for 5-10 years. No tats, too mainstream now.
December 30, 2007

U wish my wife was yours
QOTD: Just keep trying new wines.
December 30, 2007

HipandKneeDoc
QOTD:

To bill better at work to allow me to step up in what wines I can afford to drink.

Happy New Year…
December 30, 2007

Monstrose
Happy New Year from Colorado!

QOTD: I plan to spend more time exploring Champaign.
December 30, 2007

Mike
the usual… ride my bike more, taste more wines, get more fit….. and watch WLTV more!! haha. happy New Year GV.
mike
December 30, 2007

Candace
……..oh, and I’ll a take super snug girly “Mott, link it up!” tee. Thanks.
December 30, 2007

paul
QOTD: To continue drinking many and varied wines and sharing them with people I enjoy.
December 30, 2007

Rick Cox
Love the show! New Year resolution: Drink more wine; play more guitar; put the two together!
December 30, 2007

wannaBconnoisseur
Great Show!

Q – Drink more!!
December 30, 2007

Steve B
QOTD: ‘08 resolution: for every $10 I spend on wine in the coming year, $1 to charity and another $1 to organizations supporting sustainable agriculture.
December 30, 2007

laposte
QOTD:
I need more white burgundy in my cellar and champagne from small producers.

AND I need to quite looking at my friend’s “wine worthiness” when choosing a bottle but rather think, these are my friends I will open the best wine I have…they may not know…but I will.
Happy New Year Gary.
December 30, 2007

sharon
That’s a very good question…I think I’ll work on my antipasti. Keep exploring the taste buds and maybe buy a vineyard. Okay that’s not going to happen but I do resolve to plant a few grape vines in the garden.
December 30, 2007

Tgatesman
QOTD: work on figuring out a way to store all these wines!
December 30, 2007

Paul
QOTD:
New Year’s Resolution, go to 2 wineries in eastern Washington. (I live in Seattle, not too far).
December 30, 2007

Eric
QOTD: To not spend more than $15 on “weeknight wines” (so that I can spend more on the fun ones!)
December 30, 2007

Robert Ryan
My New Year’s resolution is to stop being such a lurker! I also want to seek out and try more wines from Walla Walla.
December 30, 2007

Kevin C.
Nice show GV!

QOTD: Drink more Loire reds; learn more about California zins and tr different producers; keep better tasting notes
December 30, 2007

Ant'ny
QOTD: Get to the Finger Lakes, NY and try as much wine as possible! Happy New Year GV and to all the Vayniacs out there!!!
December 30, 2007

Kristen
Nice episode, I really want to try out that Cougar Crest Syrah!

QOTD: I really need learn a lot more about Italian wines and other German varietals. I like to try more *growers* champagnes and cavas. Plus, I’d love to make it out to CA for another Vayniac Cab get together.
December 30, 2007

organicmexican
QOTD…..When I buy a “good” bottle of wine, buy at least two. Why do you ask? Do you ever say to yourself I want to wait for a special occasion to open that bottle. Well if you have at least two bottles you can just open it knowing you have another. Also, it allows you to compare the same bottle over time. Open it now and open the other in a few years.
December 30, 2007

Stephen
QOTD: I want to drink wine at least once a week despite living on a grad school budget to learn more about wines and train my palate.
December 31, 2007

Jarvis Hartfiel
New Years res is to develop an accurate palate and identify smells and flavors consistently.
December 31, 2007

Jordan
QOTD: yo my new years wine resolution is to purchase a wine I like by the case. As a college student sometimes this is tough cuz we have no money but, I am going to do it because life is too short to drink stuff you don’t like, right?
December 31, 2007

Phil G
QOTD – um… probably to take better tasting notes. i’ve gotten into a bad habit of not writing my thoughts down…
December 31, 2007

Jen
QOTD: Drink wines outside of British Columbia. I like to support local wineries but definitely need to see how they compare to old world and new world wines outside our Province! Other resolution is to learn to golf…properly! Great show GV, I just got the sound fixed on my computer and am about to catch up on old episodes…my sound died at your b-day episode a while back.
December 31, 2007

Oregon Jim
I resolve to keep the wines that need more time! I just drank an ‘03 Hogue Reserve Merlot from the Columbia Valley and it was too young (still very exciting but I have regrets! So I need to keep out! I am weak! Drink the ‘03 Columbia Crest GE Syrah not the ‘03 Cougar Crest, or even the ‘02 Artist Series Woodward Cab. Dang you Washington State!
December 31, 2007

Pardus
QOTD: I plan to travel quite a bit through Europe and am going to try wine from places I have never had before.
December 31, 2007

brad.v
qotd: none

Gary and Mott, have a great and safe New Years! Great job in 2007, can’t wait to see what thunder you bring in 2008.

-Brad
December 31, 2007

Andy
Have a great new year G —- I can hear and feel more thunder in 08 ….
QOTD— Try new wine from unique places around the world.. expand the palate and keep a true tasting log
December 31, 2007

Dan-o
In 2008, I think WLTV will evolve into a multidimensional experience for everything you need to entertain (wine, liquors, food, â€œentertaining stuffâ€ mixed in with some sports and music) howâ€™s that Gary??â€¦. U DA MAN
December 31, 2007

Markdotnet
Love the show! Keep it up.
December 31, 2007

Sara
QOTD: To convince my boyfriend to try more white wines. He’s one of those guys that thinks red is for manly men and white is for wimps.
December 31, 2007

streamertyer
QOTD – SHARE more wines.
December 31, 2007

Michael
QOTD:
…to try at least 1 varietal/region for each month of 2008.
December 31, 2007

Mike L
QOTD: Wine resolutions: Visit a winery, seek out some Washington wine, buy a holiday pack next year before they sell out.

Happy New Year, GV! Thanks for bringing it every day.
December 31, 2007

Carlos Solares
QOTD (aka New year’s wine resolution): To try at least 1 different wine every month, to train my pallet and to expand my wine horizons.

I sincerely wish that the Vayner-nation has a tremendous 2008 winewise and personalwise.

Happy new year to everyone!
Feliz aÃ±o nuevo a todos!

Sincerely,

Carlos Solares (aka el Mexicano)
December 31, 2007

Neil Johnson
I liked the show on Friday so much that I went out and tasted both Syrah’s with my wife Saturday night. You hit the nail right on the head with Cougar Crest! What a great wine and I am sure glad that the winery is only 4 hours from my house.

Neil
December 31, 2007

queneau
QOTD: Ask Gary

Most restaurant wines are sold at 2X – 3X whsle. When I order a red that arrives at room temp, I request an ice bucket hoping to approximate cellar temp, which I prefer.
What does Gary do when this situation occurs?
December 31, 2007

Greg B.
Big G, Nice EP. No Barb on my Stems Bro. I still get the biggest kick when you get pumped for a good bottle. It’s freaking great!

QOTD: Will be drinking a mass amount of Washington Wines this year!
December 31, 2007

Juicy Jesse
QOTD: Ouch, this new year’s res will really hurt, ’cause I tend to “save” all the “great” wines in my cellar (I don’t know why…maybe someone can tell me), but in 2008 I VOW to drink one of those “great” wines EACH MONTH and not just wait for “open that bottle night” once a year (in February)!
December 31, 2007

Kale Knowles
QoTD: My wine resolution is to keep trying different regions. I also want to get to know German wines better this year.
December 31, 2007

Diana
QOTD:
Hmm…. just to try wines from Europe more, I’ve had very few from outside the US and Australia.
December 31, 2007

Scott
awesome show.
my dad is from Seattle, we used to go there every summer and picnic on the grounds at Chateau Ste Michelle. BTW: one of the greatest intersections in all of the US is there in Woodenville, WA. CSM, Columbia Winery, and a Redhook brewery on three of the four corners of one intersection (at least it was the last time I was there a few years ago).
Anyway, love the WA wines and its great to see its growth and quality getting some love.

QOTD:
I have too many wines that are ready to drink now, so I want to buy more wines for drinking in 5-30 years. You keep introducing me to 2005 bordeauxs under $25 like you did with the xmas 4 pack and I might just be doing much more of that long term buying from WL!
January 1, 2008

Susan
QOTD: Try new and unusual wine varietals from new and unusual places!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 1, 2008

Rajiv A
QOTD: Try more varietals. Improve my tasting technique until I can get the same tastes from a single wine on two different occasions. Learn to spit. Get better at drinking wine: Finding the right people, choosing wines others will like, not just myself, not talking about wine too much when the focus should be on my friends, and our conversation. Also: Bring the THUNDER to my university!
January 1, 2008

Greg
Check out Fidelitas, winemaker Charlie Hoppes brings serious Thunder on a scale of one to 10 he is the artist formerly known as Chad Pennington.
F.Y.I. Walla Walla is producing less than 4% of the wines from Washington. Walla Walla is nice to visit because they have ALOT of wineries but most are producing Columbia/Yakima Valley wines.
Check out merlots from Red Mountain that is serious wine.
January 1, 2008

Greg
My resolution.
Go to the Wine Library in NYC in March!!!
January 1, 2008

Ryan
qotd: learn more about barolo
January 1, 2008

Horacio Campana
Gary,
You are way off on the Julio Cesar Chavez dramatic KO of Meldrick Taylor. Fights don’t end until they end. Chavez brought back the essence of boxing and stopped the run and hide style of so many so called “good boxers” (Taylor, de la Hoya, etc.).
January 2, 2008

Mason
Awesome show, Gary! And I will go ahead and say it, I did have some grower Champagne on NYE! Gaston Chiquet to be exact. It was a really good champagne, and my wife even liked it…

QOTD: My new year wine resolution is to get off my lazy butt and have some wine tastings at my home for some of my closest friends. First one is in 3 weeks, so I am looking to educate, but most of all to enjoy the friendship and the wine.
January 2, 2008

Karl Laczko
Happy New Year WLTV, just catching up after a few days of R&R.

QOTD – Wine resolution, don’t really have one, except maybe to keep on with trying as many types & styles as possible as I have for the last year.
January 2, 2008

Andrew
Interesting show Gary, and interesting that there are quite a few Washington State Wines available in Hong Kong.

‘Fun Fact’ in Hong Kong the buildings have no 4th, 14th, 24th, 34th floors and sometimes they also miss the 13th as well (apparently four sounds like ‘death’ in Cantonese)

Cheers Andrew
January 2, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: No tribal armband tattoo! Thank god!
January 2, 2008

SaraMHCRU
qotd: definitely to keep learning so I sound like I know what I’m talking about. and to keep trying stuff.

great show.
January 2, 2008

ryptide
QOTD: To keep on trying new wines and learning about them.
January 2, 2008

thepiratedoc
Better late than never, I hope …

QOTD:Try more NEW stuff and quit buying the same ’safe’ wines that I know I’ve liked before.

Maybe order some wine from WL since I can’t get any of the stuff you taste on a routine basis out here near the end of the earth.

And last but not least, keep turning friends on to WLTV! Radool, baby!
January 2, 2008

Timothy Burke
QOTD: Try more wines, broaden my horizon some and just try wines I wouldn’t normally try.
January 2, 2008

Ed
QOTD: Drink more champagne
January 2, 2008

mbannon
Hey Gary, how about a show where you bring in Deborah from Cougar Crest (or some other wine you love) and have her walk through the decision-making process when she made that wine? How long to ferment on the skins, what kind of oak, etc etc and why she did what she did. That would be uber-educational.
January 2, 2008

Linderelli
I love Woodward Canyon. I used to work in the tasting room. I have a bottle of 2004 Artist Series that I’m cellaring. I also have a 2001 Old Vines from them. I have never been a big fan of the larger WA producers. Anyway – I digress. . . you still aren’t shipping to WA so we can’t try some of the wines that you insist upon – BOO. AND you have yet to acknowledge the WINO team at AmericanWinery.com that values you and your show so much. Sitting in the heart of downtown Walla Walla we set aside time every day for you and we are not feeling the love. Talk to us. Come see us. It would be fun. More fun than today’s episode. Seriously.

QOTD: make more money, collect more wine, and continue being happy with myself

p.s. we are selling some fantastic Walla Walla wines on our site: Otis Kenyon & 428 are especially D-lish
January 2, 2008

Erica37
QOTD: I only get to crack open a bottle of wine with friends (no more wino solo!).
January 2, 2008

Doc Johnson
This year I plan on exploring wines with some passion
and lessen the lurk factor a bit
January 2, 2008

RichE
2008 Wine Resolutions:
-1- Try as many Washington State wines as possible
-2- Seek out 2005 French Wines
-3- Go to Gary’s Store
January 2, 2008

Stu
Insect Blood! QOTD: Actually open my good bottles.
January 2, 2008

DARREL LAS VEGAS
QOTD: LEAVE MORE COMMENT’S
January 2, 2008

Russ J
Good to see GV so pumped!

QOTD: More time on the “nose”!
January 3, 2008

Kerry C. in Maui
QOTD: Begin to build a wine collection
January 3, 2008

MannyPants
Invest in some 05 Bordeaux
January 3, 2008

lee
Gary,

I had Grower champagne on NYE. 375 of Margaine with the first three courses of my 6-course dinner. It really worked with the potato foam and caviar for course #3.

Lee
January 3, 2008

Dan-o
My New Years Wine resolution is to visit the Wine Library.
I am not saying this to be funny.
I lived in NC for 6 years and found a real good merchant that nurtured my palate and taught me a load about wines – Wine Merchants Gourmet in Winston-Salem, NC. They had weekly wine tastings, winemaker dinners, wine tasting dinners, etc.
I moved to the greater Boston area in 2006 and I have not found a shop that comes close to my NC wine store. The shops do not have the wide variety of QPR wines that I really like – sort of like the Cougar Crest you mention.

Therefore, I resolve to visit Wine Library to see if I can snatch up several cases of QPR wines!

Peace….
January 3, 2008

Pastafari Pirate
Great Episode!! No barbed wire tattoo here. Nothing against tattoos, but I just don’t feel the need for one… maybe someday, but it won’t be barbed wire.

QOTD: Splurge (for me), and get 2 or 3 pricey wines (which for me, means >$20). Probably a Brunello, maybe a Cab (Bordeaux?), maybe a Ribera del Duero, but throw some money down on 2 or 3 wines in the $40 range.
January 3, 2008

pawncop
New Year’s Wine resolution, try to watch you in a more timely fashion, usually don’t get to view for a couple of days after the program, and to continue to learn as much as I can.
January 4, 2008

Matt the Lurker
Build the cellar. Do the research. Find wines that need to be drank 5 years from now. Oh yeah, and watch my WLTV.
January 5, 2008

LudwigVan
Wow! Cougar Crest lifted prices up to 55 $ per bottle! Well, I know someone watching GV! Wht I had on NYE: Chateau des Annereaux Lalande de Pomerol 2000 – which was not as good as the 2003.
January 6, 2008

yowens
QOTD: buy less wine.
January 7, 2008

Cliff and Darcey
QOTD: Our New Year’s wine resolution: drink more white!
January 7, 2008

Daniel O
QOTD: My wine-related NY resolutions: to try one new varietal or wine from a different wine region at least once a month, and to seek out restaurants that have fabulous wine lists to choose from.
January 7, 2008

Colin
GV – QOTD = Purchase more everyday value wine…
January 8, 2008

Jason S.
QOTD: try to be nicer to everyone I love
January 9, 2008

MtnCharlie
QOTD: Build a wine cellar , Complete the unfinished, Spend more time with family.

Cougar Ridge is on the list.
January 9, 2008

PaVo
QOTD: I never make resolutions but a wine resolution for this year…to drink a wine from a new region (that I’ve never had in the past) once every month.
January 9, 2008

james marinello
late to the party! but thanks for the love on WA wine! The the WC artist series was one of my favs on my late summer wine trip to walla walla this year!!!

qotd – hhhhuuummmm, have more wine & food with friends!! can you ever really have enough?!?!?!?
January 13, 2008

Redmeat
Dude…..don’t give away my secret wines…..we have been drinking our Syrah’s here in Washington for years,,,,now everyone will want them and I shall run out to the Right Coast and kick your butt!

In the new years I vow to find more bang for my buck!

I want to find an unknown 93 point Red under $10,,,,,I will find it and drink it silly!
January 14, 2008

A.Spain
QOTD: taking the first 30 days of the new year to not drink wine. resetting myself and wine choices for the new year. so that. . .i can enjoy some REALLY AWESOME wine this year.
February 13, 2008

Valerie
QOTD: Wine Resolution is to keep trying new things and expanding my knowledge about wine.
March 2, 2008

mikey schotts
QOTD: To drink 100 different 2005 bordeuax’s by the end of 2008! Then………………………..Then!!! ….. Take a trip to Walla Walla.

Mickey Schotts
April 28, 2008

Dave Feldman
Finally opened the 2003 Cougar Crest Syrah Reserve. This wine, 5 months after you reviewed it, may even be better! 94 was conservative. This was truly a 95-96 point effort. Only sad news is: I won’t be able to come up with another bottle of ‘03. The 2005 Reserve Syrah, which was an alltime year for Washington, is still going for $19.95.

Thank you for introducing me to Cougar Crest….my resolution will be to go visit these guys.
June 18, 2008

victor
picked up the syrah on a visit to Cougar Crest yesterday. Hung around the
tasting room long enough to meet the winemaker(s).
July 22, 2008

washuta
Just tried the Cougar Crest 2003 at dinner in Walla Walla – amazing!
January 3, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Score another win for Washington state wines! Pride points, baby, pride points. I may not make it, but i’ll damn sure strut around like a proud peacock when someone gives my state good scores! QOTD: Buy ( and drink! ) more red wines. Have to get used to those tannins!!!!
May 24, 2009

MikeM
GV…you crushed it in your tasting notes of the Nicholas Cole Camille in this old episode. I was accidentally sent a bottle of this in an order from Wine Library. I decided to keep it and just opened it this weekend. Upon tasting it I couldn’t really get my head around what was going on with this wine. I saw that you had reviewed it and decided to sip while listening to your review. I bow to your pallette. Especially your comment about how this stuff drops off at the end, making it a great 11 round fighter in a 12 round bout. Guess that’s why I couldn’t figure out if I liked it or not. Came on strong at the beginning but got sloppy and was KO’d at the finish.
September 20, 2009

richardvinifera
QOTD: Educate my palette!