The Bonarda Grape Shines On Saturday

The Bonarda Grape Shines On Saturday – Episode #389

January 19, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk sheds some light on a very under the radar grape and get this it’s under $5, YES 5 bones!!!

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Comments on this episode(250) Leave a comment ›

“QOTD: Tolva Cab-Merlot, Maule Valley Chile….” by richardvinifera
“DAMN YOU GARY!!! How did I know youd cut out the video just before you…” by Dessert Wine Nerd
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2006 Altos Las Hormigas Bonarda Mendoza Colonia Las LiebresArgentine Bonarda

250 Responses

January 19, 2008

dank
first!

love the huge teddy bear.
January 19, 2008

Rajiv A
top ten?
January 19, 2008

Rajiv A
Yeah!
January 19, 2008

Brian Specht
New episode on saturday… Very nice
January 19, 2008

ChrisR
Top 10!!? That’s a first. Figures it would take a Saturday ep to do it!
January 19, 2008

KAHUNA
Nice bear! Does the bear have to sit on a phone book to see over the steering wheel also?
January 19, 2008

ChrisR
Where’s Brandon M now?
January 19, 2008

GrapeStuff
Top ten
January 19, 2008

sobojosh
10
January 19, 2008

Andrew H.
top 10
January 19, 2008

KAHUNA
Who was there taking pictures? No wonder you did a show today.
January 19, 2008

ChrisR
Nice! Have never had a Bonarda straight up…only as a blend. Will have to try one.
January 19, 2008

ChrisR
Nice! Have never had a Bonarda straight up…only as a blend. Will have to try one. Did we just see GaryV wimp out on REALLY eating something gross for the first time? Couldn’t do it, could you?
January 19, 2008

Brian Specht
you chickened out, what is that
January 19, 2008

NY Pete
No way you ate that cat food !!!
January 19, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Neighbor brought this Borada over last weekend bought it at the local wine store but it was $6. Nice pleasant wine. I don’t think it has much aging potential but who cares? It will mostly be consumed in the short term. The best under $5 wine I had was a 1966 St. Emilion in 1975 that I bought for 4.79.
January 19, 2008

Corrado
Saturday? BONUS!
January 19, 2008

sobojosh
Nice fact about Argentina.

My take on Stelvin closures, is that it’s great for whites and reds that are to be drunk within 5 to 8 years. Best part is you dont need to lay them down. My fear with them is that when people do lay them down, does the plastic taste transfer?
January 19, 2008

Jonathan Fingas
Thanks a ton for this, Gary — sounds like the Altos Las Hormigas would be the perfect wine for those “just because” occasions. At $5 a pop, it’d easily be worth $60 for the case.
January 19, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
QOTD 1998 Ston Plavac Mali, purchased in Croatia in 2001 for $2.75 or so, but consumed here in the US (since you claim the wine always tastes better in Europe just because of the ambiance)

I have to admit, I haven’t even seen a Bonarda sold as such. I hope I do now

“T”
January 19, 2008

Kristen
Oh no GV did you actually eat cat food while there were photographers there? And did Lizzie give you permission to be at WL on a Saturday?

QOTD: Castayud ViÃ±a Albarba 2005; a nice little rosÃ© for under 5 bones.
January 19, 2008

Jon B.
Cool thanks for the episode.Dude “Kinda like that party girl in her 40’s mrrrrrrrrr”, that’s just plain awesome. thanks gary and Wltv crew.
January 19, 2008

Robin C
Sorry you had to come in on Saturday. Glad I caught you.
Argentina’s minimum wage is $200.00 (US) a month.
We like Fancy Feast at our house.
QOTD: I didn’t know they sold wines for under $5.00. Are you sure it’s wine?
January 19, 2008

Rajiv A
Best Ending Ever!!!!!

P.S: I know you ate that cat food.

QOTD: I have honestly never seen a bottle of $5 wine except for 2-buck-chuck. I guess that was the best. No WAY it was disgusting! I was at home in CA and after I tasted it, I actually ran to the fridge for ANYTHING to get the taste out of my mouth. Weird sugar-water, flabby fake fruit UGGGGGHHH.

P.S: Tried a Burg. The most interesting wine I’ve ever had, hands down. I love the sweaty sock!
January 19, 2008

GeneV
Great episode. I’ve had several Bonarda mix wines that were also bargains. Thanks for the heads up on this grape.
January 19, 2008

hinrgman
WLTV Saturday

What a great suprise

Thanks Gary
January 19, 2008

Glenn
QOTD: Best under $5 bottle was the Columbia Crest 2 Vines 2001 Cabernet/Merlot blend, and I don’t even like merlot
January 19, 2008

woodchuck
Did you guys use a different camera? Do quality wasn’t where it usually is.
January 19, 2008

JC
Super terrific Saturday show! 9 Lives isn’t the cat food of choice bro, that stuff is nasty! QOTD: Bare Foot Merlot for 3.99 kinda HiCish, wasn’t great.
January 19, 2008

BF
thx for the saturday ep. I was thinking from your reaction that the bonardo would be better than the $5 Portuguese you rated an “Al Toon” (88) a few months ago.. should be fun to try though.
January 19, 2008

jason
kickin’ it saturday style. better than SNL. more later
January 19, 2008

hinrgman
Gary,

Who is snapping pictures behind the camera???
January 19, 2008

WIneCrazy.com (Glen)
$5 wine……hummmmm. I wonder.

OK, I’ll try it.

Oh yeah… I don’t think Joanne was reffering to eating cat food. I think she was just saying how it smelt like cat food.

Didn’t think you were actually going to eat that. I can’t imagine how cats even eat it…

I’ll be in to pick up my order today. Hope to see you.
January 19, 2008

Grapestompper (Dave)
He didn’t do it, no way! That stuff will kill you. -Smells like a $65.00 bottle of champagne -LOL!
January 19, 2008

Joshua E.
Great show!

I was waiting for the cat food, bonarda pairing, but alas, it didn’t happen.

QOTD: Can’t say that I’ve ever had a memorable wine that was 5 bucks or less, but when I was in Paris I had a great bottle of Faugeres (Unfortunately, I don’t remember the exact grower/vintner) that was about 6 euros which I guess is closer to 8 or 9 USD.
January 19, 2008

jason
QOTD; does a half count? albert bichot, ” bourgogne vielle vignes’ 2005 is about $7.00 and it is tasty. in france, you can get some 5 euro bottles that really do the job. they are not fireworks in the mouth, but they are correct for sure.
have a good weekend…. GO HILLARY!
January 19, 2008

Joel M
GV YOU HAD ME GOING THERE WITH THE CAT FOOD. KEEP BRINGING THOSE VALUE WINES. THE MARKET IS KILLING ME.
January 19, 2008

Toby
Thank you, Mr. GV for taking the time to do this weekend show.

Nice to see something else out of Argentina, besides Malbec…
I have had Bornada before, but only from northern Italy.

Perhaps it could be interesting to do a show about: the same grape – in different areas, to see how different they really are, and to see which affect the different terroirs and climates have on the grape-variety. e.g. Pinot Noir in Burgundy vs. Pinot Noir in for example Mendoza, or sauvignon blanc in Marlboroug vs. sauvignon blanc in Alsace.

QOTD: 5 dollars translates to about 25-30 kroner here in Denmark, which you can get a lot of different wine for! And it is strange to me that several of the people leaving comments, believe it to be such a difficult task to find good wine at 5 dollars, is the wine in the USA SO expensive?
For me I think it would be the: Quara Chardonnay/Torrentes, from Valle de Cafayate in Argentina – 30 kr.
January 19, 2008

maggiej
Thanks for wine info bits- I like that mixed in with the craziness
January 19, 2008

Robert Howells
Gary,

I have not yet found a wine under 5 bones that was drinkable. The few that I tried were horrid and I poured them into the campfire.
January 19, 2008

E
Pity, bonarda runs about $7 out here in the stix. Close, though.

QOD: a 3-buck bottle of Bulgarian cabernet I had with Indian food. Yeah, it was around 15 years ago, but still.
January 19, 2008

Chris
What’s up with all the picture taking goin on during the episode GV?

P.S. The saying is “not the SHARPEST tool in the shed”
January 19, 2008

Scott F
QOTD: Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc. I say this because it is the only uner 5 wine I can ever remember trying.
January 19, 2008

Christohper J
Thanks for the Saturday episode Gary!! My cats love 9 Lives and I know what it smells like, and when you took a big whiff of it with your nose 1 inch away, I know how bad you wanted to throw up.

QOTD: I am not a wine snob or anything like that, but I honestly don’t think I have ever had a sub-$5 wine. But I will be seeking this wine out, never heard of it but very willing to try. Thanks Gary.
January 19, 2008

Christohper J
I almost forgot to ask, what was with all of the pictures snapping off? I am curious.
January 19, 2008

John Farrin
Thank you for not tasting the cat food and, therefore, the prerequisite ralphing that would necessarily, immediately follow

QOTD:Alexander Valley Vineyards New Gewurtz that I got on sale. Super!
January 19, 2008

Hotshot162
What’s all the clicking sound at the back throughout today show? Someone was taking pictures at the back or something? And I hope Gary didn’t eat that cat food…

QOTD: Haven’t been drinking wine too long, so haven’t really try any wine under $5. Unless if you count white zin that I had…
January 19, 2008

Saubrey
Oooh, WLTV Weekend Edition!
January 19, 2008

MagnumGourmet
QOTD – Found some 2000 Covey Run Barrel Select (they don’t make that type anymore) for $4.99. Ended up purchasing a case and a half. Had my last bottle about six months ago. Tasting note below.

Proving that inexpensive wine can be very good and develop complexities over time. Nose started out with mint and caramel. Good deep fruit on the palate with only a slightly heavy handed bit of oak. Stayed fresh and lively over a two hour period. Wish that I would have picked up more of this originally. Would purchase again.
January 19, 2008

Grape Expectations
Maybe you should have asked Joanne whether she meant dry cat food or canned cat food. They are very different smelling and, if would guess, tasting–although I’ve never indulged in either of them.

QOTD: Man, I can’t find any wine for under $5! $6 or $7 is about at cheap as it gets around here. About a hundred years ago I used to drink Gallo Hearty Burgundy and think it was pretty good until someone gave me a glass of Lafitte Rothschild . . .
January 19, 2008

JD
Great episode, nice suprise on a Saturday.

QOTD: ‘03 Columbia Crest Two Vines Merlot, pretty tasty.
January 19, 2008

Saubrey
I hope we’re getting a http://www.garyeatscatfood.com
I need chicken, I need liver, MeowMix, MeowMix, GV deliver!

QOTD: I honestly can’t remember the last $5 wine I had. I did try the Panarroz Jumilla for $7. It was burning electronics for days! It was interesting and I’m glad I tried it, but probably won’t buy it again.
January 19, 2008

Syrahhhhhhhhh
Thanks for the Saturday Thunder GVNC. Improved my rainy cold day here in Seattle.

QOTD: Man, it’s been over a decade or more since I’ve had any $5
January 19, 2008

Kristen
QOTD: Oh yeah and practically any wine that I had while I was abroad in France. I think the most I ever spent on a bottle was 8 euros (and this was before the dollar became really weak).
January 19, 2008

Jaybird
Laid back Saturday, just thought I’d check and there you were…The perfect NCAA half time show!
QOTD: I am not sure if I have had a wine under $5 but Close to it. The best one that sticks out in my mind is Lindemans Bin 50 Shiraz, whats crazy about the $5 range is you can’t find a glass of wine under $5 anymore at a restaurant.
January 19, 2008

Jon Ward
NO WAY DUDE! You gotta show us that you tasted the cat food, you ain’t gettin off that easy

I have a great idea for a question of the day though, ask the viewers what THEIR cat’s food tastes like
January 19, 2008

KVolk
You were doing a photo shot today weren’t you?….starting the WL magazine I bet. I hope you really didn’t eat the cat food oh and lay off my Cowboys!! My QB’s girlfriend is prettyier than your QB’s girlfriend.
January 19, 2008

Doc Johnson
I just got some 2005 Arrogant Frog (cab sauvignon/merlot blend) from South France. It was at least near $5 from world market. it’s halfway decent, and I bought it mostly for the label. It’s been hard to find anything good under $10 let alone $5
January 19, 2008

Hamid
QOTD: I’ve had plenty of $7 wines, but only one sub $5. It was a Bandito(?) cabernet sauvignon tetra pack.
January 19, 2008

Jason Chu
QOTD: Never had a wine under $5 that tasted good

NOOOOO!!!! You gotta try the cat food Gary! If you can eat dirt with cherries and tobacco… you can take the cat food!
January 19, 2008

Marc
I don’t remember tasting any good wine under $5…guess I’ll have to try the Bonarda! Plenty of good cat food for under 5 though
January 19, 2008

KyleLikesTies
Awesome show; I’ve actually had bonarda at a tasting before … I forgot about it … and how tasty + value-driven it is; now, I just need to find a shop that carries some!

I was so afraid Big Bear was going to drop the big-ass glass, but he’s totally sober, so I guess he’s got a good hold on it.

I definitely have to agree with those who want to actually see you eating the cat food … After dirt, rocks, cigars, … what’s a little cat food :~P?

QoTD: Wow, the only
January 19, 2008

KyleLikesTies
P.S. This is a totally random request, but … When can we look forward to Lizzie joining you on WLTV!?
January 19, 2008

Bigsigar
Great Show!!

QOTD: I don’t remember ever having a 5.00 wine. That is about to change though.

Also, my cat came in and saw you. He said that Deli Cat is the cat’s….well, you know.
January 19, 2008

Characterlost
Woah GV, i like my WLTV thunder but i dont want you miss out on your weekend now. it was an awsome suprise though, great episode. yeah and cat food… man that stuff has a stench i could probly never try it, well maybe the dry kind. glad to see you in your element and in full force, that british chick was cool though, it was a good episode too, peeps like it when you mix it up. enjoy the games tomarrow

QOTD: i guess the Bandit Pinot Gris, found it on sale somewhere, but its a tetra pack not a bottle. btw the bandit is way better the first day you open it. i left it in the fridge and retasted it the next day, it seemed to get a bit acidic, still good and very drinkable though.
January 19, 2008

Elliot Essman
Under five, I haven’t tried.
January 19, 2008

Alos
you big baby you should have eaten it . Good to have you back Gary
January 19, 2008

ceewats
don’t think i have had one yet but im still looking
January 19, 2008

Mike L
QOTD: I guess Welsh’s sparkling grape doesn’t count?

Good show, GV! I like this Saturday thing, I know that won’t be a habit though, wouldn’t blame you.
January 19, 2008

Senor Sangria
QOTD: Haven’t tried anything under $5. Will go out today and pick up a bottle and try it out. I did try 3 $8 reds last week with no luck (Mano a Mano, Red Guitar, ?????). All of them had a strong alcohol flavor and were very acidic.

I’ll report back on the $5 wines…
January 19, 2008

Ernest_G
QOTD: I think it may have been a wine called Pigs In The Sky Shiraz. . .but I do’t think it was under 5bones, maybe a few bucks more. It was, as you would say, one dimensional sugarfied drink. Not bad, and probably buy it again if on a budget.

So, how was the cat food?

GG, GV.
January 19, 2008

wirelesswine
The best wine I’ve had under $5 was the 2001 Talomas Cab/Merlot blend.
Picked up 2 cases for $3.99 a bottle, and it was a great ‘cellar defender’, in fact I still have one left.
January 19, 2008

Justin Viger
The ending was quite a tease.

QotD: I don’t think I have had a bottle of wine that was under five bones. That is because I live in Canada.
January 19, 2008

Mike In SLO
I can’t find “good” under $5 here in CA.

I did have an ‘01 Arcadian Garys’ for nuthin.

Does that count?
January 19, 2008

Carlilius Maximus
..so being a T.J.’S guy I have the opportunity to try many $5 and under wines. The secret to shopping there is finding a store with a real wine geek. With so many stores cost to coast now, I don’t have to sell you anything. There are enough stores (300-ish) to absorb the garbage wines. (And there is a considerable amount out there) If something is crap I will tell you flat out.
Yada yada yada.. Chalk Creek Petite Syrah 2003 $4.99. Drinks at about the $10 price point. Epicuro Salice Salentino $4.99 can’t keep it on the shelf.
January 19, 2008

Mr SHY
QOTD – Berco Do Infante – Estremadura Reserva – bought from the Wine Library
January 19, 2008

Grapestompper (Dave)
QOTD: I’m thinkin’…hmm… I’ll have to get back to you on this one.
January 19, 2008

Sue Z.
QOD – A Portuguese red – Berco de Infante @ $4.98. Outstanding! Thanks Gary!
BTW, I stopped by the store today and had an absolutely great time. Not only was the staff very helpful and informative, but they just kept the samples coming. The variety was not to be believed! Amazing! And if the cheese was not enough, there were sausages, smoked trout, pesto, and olive oil samples as well! Needless to say, I’ve got enough cheese and other goodies to last a long while;-) Thanks again Gary and all the folks behind the scenes for your very hard work! You are the best!
January 19, 2008

C-Lo
QOTD: I think the only under $5 wine I’ve ever had that I can remember loving was after watching WLTV and buying the Berco do Infante Reserva Estremadura. LOVED IT.

Didn’t read a lot of comments after the episode with Joanne, but I’m a bit disillusioned by the superficial comments being left after the show. I’d hate to see what kinds of comments would be posted if you ever had a female guest that didn’t meet the “hotness” factor. Cheers to having a female guest, and cheers to Joanne. Keep it real.
January 19, 2008

Tim Vining
QOTD: Never had one but this may be THE one for me.
January 19, 2008

Wade
Hey, I didn’t know that bears waxed. Isn’t that an oxymoron? I wouldn’t even snuggle up to a bear like that.

Here’s a fact for those Vayniacs outside the Garden State. Bears are the new raccoons. Secure your garbage and children. No backyard playtime for tots anymore in NJ.

I liked your explanation of the relationship between fruit and tannins/structure. I took me so long to figure that out on my own.

The best sub-$5 wines I’ve had were in pre-Euro Spain. Most of them were from Penedes and cost around 500 pesetas which probably was the equivalent of between 3-4 US dollars then. I could shamelessly walk into the local wine shop and say I wanted to spend only 500 pesetas and they suggested a wine at or below that cost. And then they would say, here, we had this for dinner, check it out. It was pretty awesome.
January 19, 2008

Dominus
Sniffy sniff some sheep butt?! That’s what I’m talkin’ about!

QOTD: I cannot remember the last time I had a 5 bones wine but I would guess it was either Sutter Home or Boones Farm.

Thanks for the Saturday show. I just got back from a day of errands and “Cloverfield” (not good at all) and I sat down with a bottle of Allende and voila! we have a treat on a Saturday!

Cheers!

P.S. No predictions? Since my season is over I’ll go with the Cheats and the Packers. Go Pack!
January 19, 2008

MARSHALL
What! I thought you were going to eat that cat food! What a let down.

QOTD:never had anything less than seven dollars
January 19, 2008

zac weiss
Wait, wait… did you? DID YOU!?!?!?!? Did you puke it!? Did you actually eat the tin with it (what flavor does aluminium have?)!?!?!?!

QOTD: a 1.30 euro cali chardonnay I found in a supermarket in france. It was actually terrible (obviously!) but I can’t think of any other wine I’ve had at that price. Granted the last thing I should have gone for at that price was a cali chardonnay. Sorry(?)
January 19, 2008

Cal
Eating cat food. Now that should eliminate the wine snobs that didn’t like your guest on Thursday!

QOTD: It had to be Boones Farm back in the 70’s. I think the band bought that stuff by the truck load back then…. Wow that was a flash back.
January 19, 2008

zac weiss
oh, I also just drank a bottle of red arbois pupillin, fizzUGLY color, really, but damn good, DAMN good! Very strange wine, made me like it all the more.
January 19, 2008

Dan. M.
About 15 years ago I bought a case of Muscadet Sevre et Maine for $1.98 a bottle with the case discount. Great on a hot summer day and with fish. It didn’t require any deep thought – you just popped the cork and drank the stuff.
January 19, 2008

EdKoo
When did you smell sheep’s butt? And I really haven’t had to many good experiences with sub $5 wine, but now i know what to look for when i’m poor.
January 19, 2008

Dave Canada
$5 wine…..it does not exist up here…..I have never had any of them but would love to try….
January 19, 2008

chenrys
We’ve only tried one Bornarda so far and it was so so. We’ll have to try some more.

QOTD: J.w. Morris Riesling from Trader Joe’s. Not awesome but decent.
January 19, 2008

Bobby B
I have had wine that smells like the DRIED cat food, but not the WET cat food, which is way more nasty. My cat doesnt even eat the wet cat food. Try the dried Gary.
January 19, 2008

Robert
I honestly have never had a good under $5 wine. I did drink a really cheap grocery store wine my friend bought, I think barefoot something, and it tasted gnasty. I nearly spit it out, it was that bad, but then again, they don’t have the best selection in the grocery stores in college station, tx. I normally have to go to a wine shop down the street to get anything decent, and it still isn’t that great.
January 19, 2008

pforty
QOTD: OX 2005 Malbec/Cabernet.

PAckers Vs Pats in the superbowl…
January 19, 2008

TennLee
QOTD: Any- after I’ve already had a couple bottles to start with!
January 19, 2008

TROC
Every body’s entitled to their opinions? Dude, if you don’t realize how rare that chemistry is in entertainment. I won’t go on, thanks for not eating the cat food.
January 19, 2008

bh
the best sub $5 wine i ever had was also from argentina, but was a blend of malbec and merlot, i believe. can’t remember the name of it, but a friend broke it out when i was at his place. stuff had great fruit, but also a really cool green pepper thing going on, that made it interesting. easily the best sub $5 wine i’ve had, and it was better than a lot of sub $10 wines i’ve had to boot.
January 19, 2008

BargePlus
Absolute best under $5 wine was that liter of mourvedre we pumped “en frac” into our empty plastic water bottle after pulling over our barge along the Canal du Midi. Cost was 0.88 Euros from the local co-op, but it wasn’t that the wine was a 90+ effort, but that the wine, the people we were with and the barge experience combined to make it an unforgettable memory.
January 19, 2008

Sharon
I’ve never had wine that cost
January 19, 2008

Sharon
One more time… I’ve never had wine that cost ‘less than sign’ $5. Hold on, I had some boxed wine over at a friend’s house which would probably qualify. It was, as Miles would say, quaffable but not transcendent.
Today at a wine tasting I heard myself utter Sniffy-Sniff. I don’t know what to think of that… apparently the GV lingo has permeated my cranium.
January 19, 2008

Shadowbird
QOTD: Haven’t had any sub-$5 wines yet.

And what the heck was with that not eating the cat food, Gary? You owe us!
January 19, 2008

Daniel
QOTD: I cant remember ever having a “good” bottle of wine for under $5.
What was that chickening out on eating the cat food?
January 19, 2008

Michelle R
Great show!!
QOTD: I’ve had a few cheap wines from Trader Joes — not sure the names but it’s always exciting to find a tasty wine bargain.
January 19, 2008

johnny MACHINE
How about filling up Big Bear’s glass next time… I bet he would be able to man up sans spit bucket… unlike another WLTV host we know!!
January 19, 2008

Panoca
Vamos Argentina Carajo!
January 19, 2008

Joe Bohannon
I really like your show, I’ve learned loads. I would buy way more stuff from you but like this wine, the bill to ship to California doubles the price of the wine almost. PLEASE, PLEASE figure out a way to get wine to California cheaper (even if it takes longer). You out to open a Southern California chain store anyway now that your getting so popular.
January 19, 2008

jason carey
try Dry Oloroso sherry with Artichoke hearts.. the food that no wine suposedly works with
ps..
January 19, 2008

jason carey
someday soon they will produce alternate closures with the exact same oxygen permeabiltiy profiles as cork.. then they will age the same way
January 19, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo Gee !!
Five Bones for dat Bonarda, Woooooo….. Da CKCs gotta
be goin’ Bananas !!!!

QOTD: Gotta Cabernet Franc Rose made by Maurice Carrie Winery
right here in Temecula, CA dat’s reeealy deeelicious and goes
for only Four Bones !!
January 19, 2008

WIneCrazy.com (Glen)
Hahaha….. I meant smelled.

I hate typos.
January 19, 2008

mikeyrad
well, he did sniffy sniff the cat food and didn’t puke.
January 19, 2008

billr
A Saturday surprise….GREAT…

QOTD: I know this isn’t saying much but a bottle of the “Leonard Kreusch Riesling Blue Bottle” does it for my Wify Wife and I……….
January 19, 2008

steve41602
QOTD – $2 buck chuck – cab. but don’t let it sit out. after 5 hours it was like vinegar.
January 20, 2008

yowens44
Thanks for introducing a new grape varietal to me and especially at that price. QOTD: Shaw Cab
January 20, 2008

nougat
WEAKNESS!!!!!!!

I’m sitting here with no audience and I’m seriously thinking about eating some damn cat food. Didn’t you eat soil and a cigar on Conan? Seriously man, you need to step it up and eat some cat food!

Also, you seemed a little buzzed on this episode Gary. I like it.
January 20, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

QOTD: I actually dont know if I have ever had a truly decent bottle of wine under $5.00. I am excited about trying this varietal though. Always looking for a pleasant affordable day to day wine.

–RH
January 20, 2008

Rhonda
QOTD: I got a Gavi and it was $4.99 and it was such a nice summer drink. AZ in the summer is brutal and it was light and refreshing.

You talked about food pairings and I just said at dinner tonight that I don’t think anyone pairs their wine with their mashed potatoes but this combination is wonderful!
January 20, 2008

CindyW
Dude, at least get some decent cat food. I wouldn’t feed that crap to my kitties!
January 20, 2008

Cookiedds
Altos Las Hormigas Bonarda Mendoza Colonia Las Liebres 2005. No kidding, this has been a staple inexpensive wine for us most of last year.
January 20, 2008

Augustus
I am annoyed with all of the people commenting so far about having “never had any wine that cost less than five bucks”. That is such crap. Then you have never been to a corporate event/dinner? You have never been to a poorly catered wedding? You don’t have even ONE friend that knows very little about wine? I find that very hard to believe. Well live in your little fantasy world, then. While those who profess ignorance about such “plonk” perhaps believe that such an invented ignorance also gives them some cachet (please….over the internet?) they are wholly incorrect. One cannot know the value of expensive, “quality”, wine without also dipping in to the juice enjoyed by the masses.

That all being said….My company once laid it’s hands on a few hundred cases of Carneros Chard, 2005 vintage, under the Trellis label. We sold it for just 3.99 a bottle. Gary would have hated it, probably – it was so full of oak, butter and sugar. But, damn, it was delicious. It would have stood right up to La Crema, or any of those other over priced butter bombs out there. So, QOTD: 2005 Trellis Chard, Carneros – 3.99. If you ever see it, scoop it up.
January 20, 2008

JoeD.
QOTD: Feudo Zirtari Rossa (Sicilia) – 3.99
January 20, 2008

Oregon Jim
Qotd Crane Lake Chardonnay – California 3.99 . As good a chardonnay as any I have had the misfortune to swallow in the under 15 bones category.

Great show! My long term test is to see how a bottle holds up sitting open on the counter. 3 days and still not vinegar? – 5 years ageing. 5 days and still not bad? – 10 years ageing. 6 days? – nearly immortal!
January 20, 2008

Rice
QOTD: 2003 Fusee’ Merlot, a project done by the brothers at http://www.donsebastianiandsons.com/threeloosescrews/

Paid $4 local here in California, Sebastiani put it out in screw top for about 3 years straight and then dropped the label.

Someone’s blog on it… http://winecask.blogspot.com/2006/03/fusee-merlot-2003-wine-review-by-pb.html
January 20, 2008

BobbyTiger
Rough QOTD. But not for me. Easily the 2005 Bears’ Lair (California) Merlot. $4.99 at Traders Joe. However, I would expect that all of the people that took out their frustrations on Joanne haven’t gone near a $5 bottle, based on many of their “hotsy-snotsy” comments. It’s a shame too…… as you aptly demonstrated today that there are low priced values that have appeal- just as Joanne’s appearance on your show had appeal for many of us who are not so close minded.
January 20, 2008

argenvino
Gary – To answer your question, minimum wage in Mendoza is 4.90 pesos an hour, which is 1.63 dollars per hour at the current exchange rate. The Argentine government is keeping the exchange rate artificially low to help exports, which were badly hurt during the 90s when the peso was pegged to the dollar (although, that enabled the wine industry to buy new technology from abroad).
January 20, 2008

joel delon
hi gary ! storically speaking and from a french point of view i’ve have never seen you in such a nervousness (agitation in french !) you should have invited joanne on this confortable armchair you behaved like a big bear towards her but she succeeded to make you eat cat food ! it was an evil plan from her have a good week and remember one thing slow down a little bit on the other side french people try and listen to you…:-) is there a day without a night NO is there a red without a white ? have a good work…
January 20, 2008

Lynette Sullivan
The shipping is more than the wine! I …just …can’t spend more on the shipping than the wine. I have to pass. Damn it.

By the way – I’ve been kinda busy so I never mentioned – I made a comment that I didn’t get my wrist band with my Thanksgiving order, and it showed up in the mail just a week later! Thanks!

QOTD: Trader Joe’s Cab $3.99 …not great.. but not bad either. It served it’s purpose, I was on a tight budget!
January 20, 2008

Canadian Chris
Way to bring the thunder GV, great show!

QOTD: I had some cab sauv kit made stuff that an acquaintance of mine made up. Wasn’t bad, wasn’t great, but suppose it would qualify for the best under $5 bottle…
January 20, 2008

J Crazy
The best was probably a ‘94 Haut Brion I got for free dollars and freety sense. Now, as for wines that I’ve paid for I haven’t really had any good ones. But to answer the question and give you the best of those I have had I’d say I can’t really remember.
That bear is awesome. I do believe he will maul you if you don’t get us our “Mott Link It Up Shirt”!
January 20, 2008

Matt
So many wines, so little time. Thanks again GV for exposing your fans to another varietal. I will have to try this one and put it on the go-to self for when i want to share a wine with someone who a) is a wine-snob and i just want to F with them, or, b) is new into wine and wants to find good stuff cheap.

QOTD – can’t rememebr the names but when i lived in Germany years back i found many Reisling’s under the $5 price point that were great! I supect the strong dollar helped. For those who claim to never have stooped to this price point – think in-side the box…surely you had some wine from a box that when calculated against the bottle quantity would have come in under $5.
January 20, 2008

caleb
the berco do infante!
January 20, 2008

Derek
Great show Gary!!

QOTD: A wine called Canyon Oaks.
January 20, 2008

Mario Salas
QOTD: It was a close-out at a local winery in my hometown, but Omega Cellars in Lodi was closing out their 2002 RTW of Merlot and Carignane for 5 bones, and it was incredibly smooth and plush with a good core of fruit in the middle. Also, when I only want to spend under 5, I always reach for the 2-Buck-Chuck shiraz….pretty tasty for the price.
January 20, 2008

Sassodoro
QOTD. I’ve had some great luck with under-$5 close-outs. I don’t know what the original full prices were, but I had some $3 miracles from Italy: Santadi “Cala Silente” (Vermentino from Sardinia), Manincor Terlaner (mostly Pinot Bianco from Alto Adige), and Montesole Fiano (from Campania). I don’t remember the vintages offhand. I would have to look them up. They were all great.
January 20, 2008

Cliff A
Pairing wine & food. Gary’s got it right, at the end of the day, it is what you like. But….there are a couple of good references on pairing food & wine. Andrea Immer Robinson is good. Natalie McLean has a good tool on http://www.natdecants.com, but the best two that I have found are: 1) Perfect Pairing – Evan Goldstein MS and 2) What to Drink with What You Eat: The Definitive Guide to Pairing Food with Wine – Andrew Dorenburg and Karen Paige.

QOTD: 2004 Salvador Poveda Monastrell Alicante $4.99. Best under $5 in the last few years that I remember.
January 20, 2008

Gabriel
QOFD:

I think I had one of those 2 Buck Chuck wines that you did on your show; the red one that you said didn’t suck. Do the small bottles of swill you get on airplanes count as “bottle of wine”? I think those are like 4 bucks a pop on domestic flights. hah!

Man, I was going to so eat some catfood tomorrow if you did it. Come on, show us!!!!!
January 20, 2008

Kevin C
Thanks for the extra effort, nice surprise! Local shop always has about a dozen wines marked at 3 for $10. I picked up a 2004 Carril de Contos Tempernillo that wasn’t half bad, served with Texas style chili.

The kicker is I found a 2001 Verget Puligny-Montrachet Les Enseigneres in the bin Friday. Haven’t opened it yet, and it may not live up to expectations, but $3.33 for a white Burgundy, how could I pass it up?
January 20, 2008

Eric
Dude, you didn’t try the catfood!

qotd: the 2 buck chuck shiraz wasn’t horrible right out of the bottle. after a couple hours though, it really went down hill.
January 20, 2008

Nick
I was in Spain in 98, I had a very nice Rioja for about 5 bones.
January 20, 2008

Anthony L.
Great Episode Gary. I can’t wait to try this wine.
QOTD: I don’t think I’ve ever had a wine for $5 or under.
January 20, 2008

purplejuicebruce
QOTD… The best under 5 bones wine Lindemans bin80 Cab/merlot on sale $4.25 also their Cab/ shiraz was good too.
January 20, 2008

J-Pipes
QOTD: Funny you should mention it, VayVay, last night I had two really great tasting bottles, both under $5. The first was Avila Merlot ($4.99), the other was La Boca Chardonnay ($2.99!!!) They were quite enjoyable, simple, pleasing wines that totally brought the thunder to my girl’s-night-in sleepover!! Paired nicely with taquitos, chicken wraps, white cheddar popcorn, cheesecake brownie bites… And a kooky 90’s movie.
Hey, great episode btw. I hope I’m as good a guest as that bear. I will definitely be less vocal.
January 20, 2008

SacramentoKrista
QOTD: Recently found Gold Rush at Trader Joe’s for $5…A perfect weeknight wine for the price.
January 20, 2008

Taylor
Yeah Gary putting in the OT Saturday show!!!
QOTD Havent had an under 5 dollar wine ever
January 20, 2008

Patt
QOTD: Crane Lake Cab Sauv
January 20, 2008

Dan WI
I don’t think I’ve ever had a
January 20, 2008

The Fanjestic
WLTV on Saturday? NICE!!

QoTd: A while back I got some 1998 Byron Chardonnay for $4 a bottle – but that was a closeout steal – not a $5 bottle. The best $5 bottle that I’ve had would be the Berco Infante Portuguese wine. I wasn’t surprised to see it get an 88 by Wine Enthusiast who picked it as their #3 best value wine of the year.

Plus with 12+ bottles tasted at the Fort Worth Jerks Christmas tasting – it was the most favored wine.
January 20, 2008

The Fanjestic
Also the Teddy Hall South African Chenin Blanc is a very solid white for the monsy. Nothing to get too excited about – but wayyyyyy better than anything else in that price range.

Lot of other people picked the Berco Infante – I think that wine needs a shout out. I don’t think a wine has ever gotten a shout out before…..do I hear a double dog dare?????
January 20, 2008

Bob Sikorski
Great to see your show on Saturday, actually it’s always great to see your show.

The cheapest wine I ever bought was a $2.00 bottle of Vinoverde. So, I bought two cases. I usually only drink reds, but I bought this because it was so cheap. For a summer wine, it was good.

Did you actually eat the cat food?
January 20, 2008

Erik Klumpp
This was a great episode, and its good to see you kicking it on the sofa on a Saturday. As for the question of the day, I don’t have a good answer. The best wine I drank was dare I saw it, Charles Shaw. I know it isn’t the best answer in the world, but I am working on it.
January 20, 2008

Harley Stan
Great episode to finish off a stellar week of WLTV
QOTD- Double Dog Dare cabernet, it was under five bones but I was not overly impressed.
January 20, 2008

H-town winer
QOTD: Best under $5 was a 2003 Charles Shaw Shiraz; prior to it being Trader Joe’s Charles Shaw Blend.
January 20, 2008

BenF
Great find GV I hope the PLCB carries it…. Anyway up untill a week ago it would have been something stupid like Mad dog 20/20 since you just don’t see any wines under 5 bones.. but last weekend a friend had some 2 buck chuck and the cab was ok for me and my pal…
January 20, 2008

Mike Z
QOTD: I had a lovely Muscadet recently that was 5 bucks. Great with all kinds of seafood.
Cat food is disgusting. It’s often hard to tell if it’s cat food or cat poo.
January 20, 2008

Mikie C
qotd: never had it – least expensive was yellow tail… haven’t gone there for awhile

qogv: Playing the role of social visionary: “I have a hope, a solid hope, that if I could get every human being that consumes Yellow Tail shiraz to try a bottle of this wine that the entire thought process of the way they look at wine, the opportunities out there, and the enormous amount of great wine under 8, 6 even under 5 dollars, that are out there still today – God forbid that the dollar gets stronger – um I think we would have a totally different wine drinking community.”

Sorry, it’s out of stock… but you’re still changing the wine world, Gary!
January 20, 2008

CoolHandLuke
Haven’t had any wine for five dollars or less. Been tempted to try the Charles Shaw just to see what it is like.

Were you having a photo session during the taping of 389?
January 21, 2008

Malcolm McGrath
QOTD: Well it’s a tad more than $5, but I picked up a few bottles of Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise Red (Shiraz, Cab Sav, Petit Verdot) for 6.50AUD. Yummy yummy.

I’ve never tried this yellow tail you speak of and am thinking I might have to buy a bottle of it, just so I can understand the flavour profile that you’re going on about. Just hoping I can go into it with an open mind
January 21, 2008

KW
QOTD: Chateau Du Buisson 05 Bordeaux – $4.99 Trader Joes’ exclusive. Mid-year 2007 price. I think it’s around $5.99 or $6.49 now for the 06. 80/11/7 – Merlot/Franc/Cab blend. Very smooth and drinkable with a medium body not complex but solid effort – probably reflects the character of the 05 vintage for this “table” wine to be such a good QPR. Still have almost a case left so won’t be trying the 06 for a while. The $2.99 Charles Shaw cab/merlots etc aren’t worth it. Too light and flat for my taste.
January 21, 2008

CzechTell
Wow up here in Canada the Altos goes for almost 16 bones.
January 21, 2008

nodoubtdd
I had a bag of decent $5 Shiraz on a freight train once.

Re: Cat food… That little stunt was NAWT cool. Keep doing that and we will lose faith. And then you’ll be able to taste my foot in your a$$!
January 21, 2008

kkiwi12
Ken Wright (I think that’s how you spell his last name) pinot noir, Oregon. Excellent, but I am only 21, so don’t take my word for it, try it. Certainly not under $5 though.
January 21, 2008

Fred Liu
No catfood…not for me…I love my kittens, and they deserve this…

Great great big bear…My wife was addicted to it when she asked me to have my launch…

QOTD:Two in all, can not decide which one is better until I try them out again.
1-2002, Baron la rose, cuvee cab, Rosbercon vinyard, Victoria, Australia, about 4.6USD
A sweeter version of some left bank bordeaux: caramel, wet leaves and green apple, with a hint of candied pear. The problem is it is a little light and alcoholic, just a little. 84 for me.

2-NV, Baron de Mevouillon, ROSE, Portes de Mediterranee, VDP, about 4.1USD
A provence ROSE with a orange-dominated complex and subtle scent, stronge acidity, 13% alcohol under control, transforming mid-pal(banana, bread, flora, orange juice, eucalyptus and etc…) and a creamy mouth feel. The only problem is the tannin is a little bitter. 85 for me.

Okay, let’s move on.^_^
January 21, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: Although it was QUITE SWEET, in the under $5 pricepoint my vote goes to the Little Penguin 2005 Shiraz.
January 21, 2008

Shinmaryuu
I think that teaser was comment glue so I’ll bite and post one .

Cat food isn’t horrible. My aunt had a sick cat and it ate this really odd moist food that had hardly no smell and was kind of sponge like. One day my uncle dared me 5 bones to take a tiny bite so i manned up and gave it a shot and to my surprise it had hardly no taste as well. It was kind of like mashed potatoes meets dollar store tuna. Not something i plan to add to my daily diet but not vomit inducing either.

People forget mainstream name brand pet food is made out of better products than what goes into that big mac you just ate . At least there is real meat in pet food.
January 21, 2008

JordanW
QOTD – A home made wine that I make (Zinfandel Rose) that comes out to about $2 a bottle. Tastes like strawberry concentrate. Fun to drink during the game.

Gary, are you going to do a non-alcoholic wine episode? Not that I’d ever drink the stuff, but I’m curious.
January 21, 2008

Ryan D
QotD: The Les Arnevels offered on free.winelibrary.com, I was able to get it when offered for $5, bought 6 and was definitely pleased with every bottle. Would absolutely purchase again if it came up for that price.
January 21, 2008

Totte
Gary
Nice EP. with good questions.
Bottleageing has less to do with the oxygen seepage and much more to do with the Fenols, bacteria and microorganisms in the wine. And in that statement lays the questions on why small bottles evolves faster than big ones. Some say it has to do with the air left in the bottle vs. amount of wine ratio.
And also, good wine with substantial bottle age should not have oxidative smell or taste, unless its intended, but a developed flavourprofile which is something different.

QotD : IÂ´ve never had a under $5 wine. We cant get the in Sweden.

Tjo
Swedish T
January 21, 2008

John Witherspoon (J DUB)
QOTD: I don’t think I have had a wine under 5 bones, not that I can remember! Back in the day when we would have wine at the apartment for people who didn’t want to drink beer we probably had a “magnum” of Fetzer sitting around. haha I am psyched to try this Bonarda though, sounds nice and at $60/case, HOLY COW!!

SEe ya
J DUB
January 21, 2008

italianwinelover
QTOD: A Sangiovese I bought at Trader Joe’s for $3.50. Easy to drink.

Thanks for not forgetting about us – love it when your on the couch!!!
January 21, 2008

Susan
Gary-QOTD: Had several under $5 but they weren’t worth finding!!!!
January 21, 2008

Susan
Gary-I think you SHOULD patent the whole 6 cork plus 6 screw cap case concept. 6+6 !!!!
January 21, 2008

Susan
Gary-Like the singing before the sniffy sniff !!!!
January 21, 2008

gayle
QOTD: Protocolo, 04, Spanish Red, $4.99 huesos.
January 21, 2008

dank
GO G-Men!

first and last with the comments.
January 21, 2008

George from NEPA
Hey Gary,

Is someone taking pictures during the show??
January 21, 2008

Jon K
Thanks for the “darnit” rather than the alternative, Gary. Shit, it was awesome.

Jon
January 21, 2008

prouty
QOTD: Live in British Columbia so under 5 bones not avail….unless your talking brew on premise wedding wine… oh well went well with the chicken and fish…
January 21, 2008

Rob P
The best wine I’ve had under $5 is the Little Penguin Shiraz, which is fantastic for its price. I recently tried the Little Penguin Pinot and was highly disappointed though.
January 21, 2008

Scott
QOTD: Can’t say I’ve found a wine that I wanted to try under $5. The closest I’ve come is the Chateau Ste Michelle Reisling for under $7. I’d love to try this wine, but its already SOLD OUT!!! Get some more GV!
January 21, 2008

Susan
Gary-I hear a camera shutter. Who is there taking pics????
January 21, 2008

JeffC
Hey, another wine that is not available. What gives?? I tried a Bonarda wine from Susan Balbo, Crios lable that was very good. Worth a try. Wasnt under $5 though. QOTD: Under $5? Hard one. Have had alot of bad wine for under five, can think of anyone in particular that stuck in my palate or mind that I would say was good.

Thanks for another great show. Love the full-frontle spit action.
Later.
January 21, 2008

Neil
QOTD: Except for $2 Yuck I have never sampled an under 5.00 wine – never knew one existed. At that price I usually am in beer mode. No offense to Argentina and I’m not trying to be snotty to the ckc’s………….

Regarding the cat food, Joanne described the nose as organic moist pellets, not funky tuna from a can, so your tasting the wrong product and I don’t for a minute think you actually tried the stuff – you tease! I mean, c’mon, Gary eats dirt on national television but, noooooooooooooooooooo, he has to try cat food off air. The housecat-crew have lost all respect!
January 21, 2008

Irv
QOTD:After surveying the comments from your viewers, I happen to agree with Augustus in that you have to know and have tasted what “bad wine” is to know “good wine”. Back in the day, many of us thought MD 20-20 was good depending on our budget and the state of mind we may have been in. There are so many wines out here that are good that at times you can get from a supplier that I have tasted under $5.00. As you indicate in your reviews, ‘trust your palate”, it’s what you like that counts. We all know that marketing may be misleading.
January 21, 2008

Dan H
My favorite under $5 wine so far is Casal Garcia Vinho Verde ( http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=24280 )

Dan
January 21, 2008

wayno da wino
YOOOO Mott !!!

How ’bout dhem GIANTS !!!??!!! Dat was a Super Game !!!!
January 21, 2008

Ryan Brignole
best wine under 5$, that i’ve had, is the Jaboulet Isnard Cotes du Ventoux 2003. it comes in at a whopping $2.99 and drinks like a $30.99 bottle,
January 21, 2008

Anthony L.
Congratulations Big Blue. And that is coming from a diehard Jets fan. I’ll be Cheering for you guys in two weeks.
January 21, 2008

Andy
2005 Julian Chivite Gran Feudo Rosado, on sale for $4.99 at World Market a while back. Pretty decent stuff, and it’s typically in the $10 range.
January 21, 2008

MtnCharlie
QOTD: I cannot recall. The last wine I had that was under $5 was awful. I bought it as a lark by it’s label.
January 21, 2008

Panosh
QOTD: We don’t have wines under $5 in Hawaii that I am aware of. I guess thats the price of living in Paradise.
January 21, 2008

MrTaz
QOTD. THIS ONE (the Bonarda) has been my go to everyday under $5 wine for nearly a year. Last February I cleared out the shelf at Wine Lib. Glad to see you’ve jumped on board with more inventory.
January 21, 2008

Kristen
QOTD: Falling Star Sauv Blanc/Semillon from Mendoza, rolled in at 5 bones.
It had a pretty impressive grapefruit meets grass and a little summer sun component.
January 21, 2008

Oregon Sipper
Loved the teddy bear! What about a plush jet?

BUT WAY TO COP OUT!!! on the catfood…chump

QOTD:I have yet to have a wine that cheap yet…probably purchase this one just for that reason.

…cop out….
January 21, 2008

Cuse Wino
Who was taking pictures during episode?
Thanks for finding a nice $5 wine. Need to check it out.

QOTD- Don’t think I have had a good wine under 5 bones.
January 21, 2008

Kidder
I’m gonna try that Argentine Bonarda sounds good-Peace- Kidder….
January 21, 2008

*/^_^\*
qotd: never had one

dude, i had to google ckc’s. there was a huge gap between explanations when i started watched….

what about the mice wine, eh? still waiting on that one…
January 21, 2008

GrapeStuff
Another great ep, GV.

QOTD: Hmmm, I can’t remember a $5 bottle that really brought the thunder. Maybe you should do a $5 wine ep.
January 21, 2008

spoon
OOTD: Les Deux Rives Corbier and Borsao both used to be 4.99 and they’re both still great. they cost a buck more these days though.
January 21, 2008

sharon
Uh-uh. I didn’t believe it for a second. Whew!
qotd: I do remember a great 5 dollar deal in the early nineties but cannot remember it’s name. It was red and very tasty.
January 21, 2008

David M Roberts
QOTD: Under $5 is tough, but I can come very close at about $6. It’s from Chile and it’s called Veo Grande – a soft and approachable cabernet sauvignon with integrated fruit and some structure. You can actually find the stuff at Sam’s Club, and by gods, it’s not bad at all.
January 21, 2008

SoCal
Sorry to date I have not had a great wine under $5…. ;(
January 21, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: I don’t know that I’ve ever had a bottle under $5.00 or at $5.00 for that matter.

And I sincerely hope you didn’t eat that cat food, Gary.
January 21, 2008

Michael Y
is yellowtail under $5? that’s the closest
January 21, 2008

Michael Y
how do you make comments on the video?
January 21, 2008

Pastafari Pirate
QOTD: this is an easy Q (and appropriate, given today’s Bonarda wine): ViÃ±a Antigua red from Argentina, which is a blend of 50% Bonarda and 50% Sangiovese. You might even find it as low $4 some places, and it is as SOLID a wine as you can find anywhere under $9.
January 21, 2008

CHATrBox
Joanne really stole the show on Thursday, so it’s no wonder you chose a non-speaking co-star for this episode. I’m not going to lie though, that bear is pretty sexy…or is that just the wine speaking?!?!

Get on that cat food Gary! Don’t be skerd. Hey I’ve got an idea…why don’t I give you a spoon…

“Smartest tool in the shed?” Come on G!

QOTD: 5 bucks! Seriously? I haven’t had a wine under $5 since the days of backpacking through Europe. On it’s own not so good but when mixed with orange Fanta it made a great impromptu sangria.

I have had some extremely good wines between $6-10 though!
January 21, 2008

Cindy P
What did you mean? Party Girl in her 40s? Bring it!!!
January 22, 2008

Anjay
*stops lurking* Wine Lib is sold out?!! Noo! I’m from the bckc (broke college kid crowd) with an expensive wine habit, so this is intriguing. Will this be coming back soon? Ever?
January 22, 2008

SaraMHC
I can’t remember a $5 bottle, at least since I started paying attention to what was in front of me. great episode…very informative.
January 22, 2008

Colin
GV – Fun show. QOTD – I need to find me a $5 wine and fast!
January 22, 2008

Carlitos
Hey Gary,

It would have been nice to compare the Altos las Hormigas with the only Italian Bonarda you carry. The 2003 Torti Bonarda. It’s a great Lombardi producer. I loved their cask aged 1998 Pinot that we had recently. As good and complex as any 1er Cru Burgundy if not Grand Cru.

QOTD. Under $5 I’ve had plenty of Spanish wines when I was living back there that were just unbelievable. In the States it becomes a more difficult proposition. Probably something from a closeout. The 2002 Ricasoli Formulae, or 2002 Bouchard Burgogne PN come to mind.

I don’t think you ate that cat food, or did you?
January 22, 2008

Lb in KS
I am no wine snob, but I am almost positive I’ve never had $5 bottle of vino.. I don’t even know if they sell anything for that $$$ around here.
http://www.primevine.com/
January 22, 2008

Big Nick
Sorry its late, but nice to see you made it in on Saturday. Not sure I have ever had a $5 bottle of wine. Just cannot find anythin around here for that price. I did have something called 1492…..I believe it was a blend, and it was really young. I bought a few more bottles to age and see if it matures.
January 22, 2008

Jang-Woo Park
I tried Sur de los Andes Bonarda 2006 last week for the first time. To me, it tasted like some some sangeovese-cab franc-syrah blend which wanted me to have with pizzas or tomato sauce based pasta. It’s nice to hear similar things from you

qotd: Delicato Merlot, I forgot which vintage it was.
January 23, 2008

johnmaki
Gary, great idea about cork and screw caps. I was thinking about that for my Vayniac Cabernet a few weeks ago. What do you think?

QOD: forty years ago, all the wines I drank were less than $5!
January 23, 2008

C-Fiddy
QOTD: California State University, Fresno has the only licensed winery in the nation,and they produce a large variety of different wines, but their TailGate Red is the blend that sells the most. You can still pick it up for 4.99 I think but their website has it at 6.99 now. For the CKC, Yhis stuff ROCKS!
January 23, 2008

jenjen
hey gary you’re on globe and mail in canada today, the picture of u and the bear on this bonarda episode!!
January 23, 2008

Andy Drinkard
Re: Big Nick

I too have tried the Christobal 1942 bonarda and really enjoyed it. I found it for $5.99 at a close-out. Very impressive.
January 23, 2008

Obama_Man
Awesome episode, so much energy!

QOTD: Never had one, wish this one wasn’t sold out!
January 23, 2008

pawncop
Banrock Station out of Australia
January 23, 2008

Steven Pyke
Gary- I’ve been lurking in the background for a while, and love your show. I LOVE this bonarda. I tried the 2005 bottle and it was great, and opened up even more after a few hours open. Thanks for showing some love to the bonarda, and validating my palate in Saint Louis, Mo.
January 24, 2008

The Adam Bomb
QOTD: I bought about 6 of these… Vinzelo’s Tinto Douro, 2005. Granted the cost was under five dollars from the distributor, but in stores it was more like $8+.
January 24, 2008

JayZee
Fun episode and very interesting. I’ve never tried a Bonardo wine.

QOTD: Well, since the ONLY “under $5″ wine I have ever had was the Charles Shaw Cabernet Sauvignon, I guess that would be the best – and worst!
January 24, 2008

Karl Laczko
QOTD – less than $5, are you kidding? The only one I’ve had recently that was any good was a semi-sweet Georgina wine that I bought in Lithuania, in the UK even 5 POUNDS is a threshold I don’t go near.
January 25, 2008

NADINE ANTOUN
Hey Gary,

Under 5 dollars, wow, I don’t think I ever come close to that or none are coming to mind right now but under 10 dollars, yes. Recently, I tried Los Molinos, Tempranillo 2004, Valdepenas, Red wine from Spain, 13.5% alc./vol.; it has perfumes of spice, raspberry & blackberry flavors. I find that it’s pretty good.

But the one that you reviewed today under 5 dollars is definitely a seeker. Keep it up !
January 25, 2008

Cathy G
Espiral Vino Verhde. Trader Joes $3.99. Sparkly yummy drink for the summer. Low alcohol and just refreshing. Lime zesty.

Just tried the bondarda….bought it here in NYC though, so it went for 7.99, but it is AWESOME! Seriously, could become my new house red. Juicy pomegranates. YUM.
January 25, 2008

Dan-o
GV – The only wine that I ever bought for under $5 per bottle was a close out deal on an Italian Merlot from a region I can’t recall. IT SUCKED!!!

My mom bought me a T-shirt that says – “Life is too short to drink cheap wine.”

I don’t roll in dough, but I would rather drink less good stuff than a lot of cheap stuff.

See you in Boston!
January 26, 2008

Grapedigger
5$ wines!! I can not answer this question since in Canada I’ve never ever seen a bottle less than 9$ (even those from grocery stores that have no vintage label)!! Glad to know about the Bonarda variety..Cheers
January 27, 2008

Josh in Burgundy
Gary,
You had us all excited to actually see you eat cat food, then you just teased us. I think you owe it to the Vaniacs now in a future episode to actually eat some.

QOTD: 2005 Cote-du-RhÃ´ne rouge 3 USD, very fruity but nice
January 27, 2008

Hillary
Gary!
don’t let anyone pressure you into eating cat food! YOU don’t make us go out and eat fistfuls of dirt, WE won’t make you eat cat food. Besides…you really never did?? You must not have grown up with cats. For the record, it tastes…exactly like you’d expect. Stanky. ;]
January 27, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Great show! Lots of education, interesting that there is more Bonarda than Malbec planted in Argentina.

Q-????
January 28, 2008

DARREL LAS VEGAS
Love these shows with the oddball grape variatels.
January 28, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – I don’t even remember…
January 28, 2008

quinn
@ Ask Gary question re. Pocket wine guide: Gary you are missing the point about wine references, especially for use while buying wine–when faced with a wall of radically different wines at radically different prices, how else are most people to make a purchase? Would you rather a purchase be made on label design?
January 29, 2008

Jeff Taylor
QOD: 2001 Owens Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Closeout $15 down to $5 about 4 years ago. Still rockin’ and a poor poor poor man’s Margaux. No joke.
January 30, 2008

Diablito
I agree with the ViÃ±a Antigua comment. It’s an amazing wine. One of my favorite under $5. I’ve found it at Costco for $3.99 a few times. My second favorite is a wine from Castilla-La Mancha, called Casa de La Vega. Also around $4, an amazing find, once again.
January 31, 2008

Chandler
I’m sure you knew or you’ve heard, but it’s interesting that you wondered if ants make this wine since that’s what “las hormigas” means in Spanish.
February 1, 2008

PSPatrick
Great episode!

Gary, I love Big Bear – please ask him to FRIEND ME UP!

QOTD: Casa Santos Lima 2003 Quinta de Bons-Ventos (Portugal, Estremadura, Alenquer IPR)
February 1, 2008

Anonymous
hi this is a test
February 4, 2008

ChezJosh
Make fun all you want, but for drinking vast amounts of wine for cheap, it doesn’t get any better than Casual Garcial Vinho Verde!
February 12, 2008

Ozzybeef
Just found this wine out in Chicago for $9.99 US Dollars. I like it and think its very enjoyable.
February 13, 2008

Tom G of the CKC
So, I just tried this wine last night. I felt it was decent for $5-6. A little hot on the finish, quite tannic (green tannins for sure), clear pomegranate taste on the pretty long finish. I’d recommend it to anyone that wants a cheap, daily food wine.
February 15, 2008

Carly
Too bad the catfood was not eaten on camera.

However, I trust that you actually did it Gary…

QOTD: I have never had a
March 6, 2008

tuscanbob
Just popped and poured that Bonarda and I am frankly stunned. I paid $5.99 at my local shop (you clearly rock as you’ve got it priced at $4.99) and it must be the best bottle of $6 wine I’ve ever had. In fact, it’s better than a lot of $20 bottles I’ve had. My wife and I agree that it’s very similar to a spanish garnacha but combined with a little merlot. Loads of fruit on the nose, love the fact that it’s unoaked, and enough tannins to balance out the fruit. What a super mid-week quaff!
April 8, 2008

Ben F
GV, i picked up this wine when i was at WL on the 29th. really good stuff and 5 bones!!! Really great value thanks for bringing to the public..
May 23, 2008

P Augustin
I brought a bottle of this along with a bottle of 1994 Mondavi Private Reserve (talk about opposite ends of the spectrum!) to an LSU graduation party last week. The Bonarda was a hit… I drink wines at all price points on the spectrum, up to Chateau La Tour. I liked the Bonarda. I bought a case for my cellar.
September 6, 2008

Paul V
The best sub $5 wine that I have tasted is what I am drinking right now. Seriously. RIGHT NOW.

2006 La Berberine Cotes du Rhone
At the local wine store here in San Diego – $4.99.
French wine. $5. Insane.

It’s lighter and slighly less polished than a really fine sangiovese, but has lots of the wooden (teak and sandlewood) with cherries and raspberry tartness. Not as good as some other wines I’ve had, but for the price, one of the best values I’ve had in a long time. Really quite nuts.

Really like your energy on this show.
Keep up the great work
October 19, 2008

jane karns
very interesting and entertaining!
January 4, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
DAMN YOU GARY!!! How did I know youd cut out the video just before you were going to eat it!? QOTD: Honestly I cant say. Ive been buying a lot of pricy wines to stash away for 5-10 years ( like d’yquem or 05 Bordeaux’s), and not much on the cheap side. I have tasted a fair amount of the wine my parents buy ( usually $10 a bottle and under ), and am rarely impressed. Cant remember the last one that I enjoyed, and never one that I was :O wow!!!
September 23, 2009

richardvinifera
QOTD: Tolva Cab-Merlot, Maule Valley Chile.