LAID BACK FRIDAY – 1 more show to 400

LAID BACK FRIDAY – 1 more show to 400 – Episode #399

February 1, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk tries a wine that everyone has been yapping at him to try and answers some questions!

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Comments on this episode(538) Leave a comment ›

“QOTD: I feel that I can better evaluate wine now that I have begun to …” by richardvinifera
“Damn Gary, when you trash a wine you TRASH it. You just have me rollin…” by Dessert Wine Nerd
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2006 Falesco SangioveseUmbria IGT

Links mentioned in todays episode.

How to taste wine. – Episode #42

538 Responses

February 1, 2008

rajiv A
YAY!
February 1, 2008

billyg
top 5 ?
February 1, 2008

Rajiv A
First first!
February 1, 2008

wine-ot
booo yaaaahhh!!!! mwuah GV!
February 1, 2008

Syrahhhhhhhhh
top 5?
February 1, 2008

Susan
Gary-On the couch? GREAT STUFF! Glad to see the laid back version…..
February 1, 2008

waibeans
top tain
February 1, 2008

Shane
top 10. wow never happened before.
February 1, 2008

Marc
oh..top 10!
February 1, 2008

Dominus
Top 10! Now to get laid back.
February 1, 2008

cma82
top 11! whoo!
February 1, 2008

thepiratedoc
Late and great! Top 12!?!
February 1, 2008

Brandon M
Top 20 is so lame.
Gary has changed.
February 1, 2008

Snarf
Consider me lame, bro!
February 1, 2008

Ray
Changed from ripple to Ruah QOTD answer
February 1, 2008

Brandon M
Mee toooo Snarf! Me Tooooooo

BTW – SANGIOVESE IS A WEAK GRAPE!
February 1, 2008

MATT J.
thanks for the shout out gary, joey is actually a year older than me

matty? my mom is the only other person in the world that calls me matty…lol
February 1, 2008

GR8Wine
So do any early posters actually watch the ep first?
February 1, 2008

Shane
Probably the biggest change for me is a renewed interest for wine. I actually buy wine again to enjoy, and am learning a lot along the way. Thanks GV.
February 1, 2008

Marc
QOTD: The big change in my wine world for the past 6 months is the discovery of WLTV!
February 1, 2008

Brandon M
GR8 – Of Course not….it’s just fun. It’s the Internet culture…embrace it.
February 1, 2008

Chippewamike
qotd: Drinking alot more Italian wines–

Enjoy Sunday!
February 1, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: Decanting wine more often and just learning to appreciate the many ways to enjoy wine which is why you are DA’man GV.
February 1, 2008

JC
QOTD: Um, I’ve been buying wine, but drinking mostly beer if anything the last 6 months. I know …
February 1, 2008

wine-ot
biggest change is sharing my wine with a new, fine female! GV – you do rule! Nice pissy episode!
February 1, 2008

Susan
Gary-What a face!!!!!! Do NOT ever take acting lessons!!! Oh, Boy!!!!
February 1, 2008

FranÃ§ois
Yay! We definitely want MORE WRISTBANDS!

QOTD : My moving to Ontario made me discover a whole new wine market…
February 1, 2008

Z
my biggest change? hmm.. got paid a bonus and discovering that there are shitloads of other grape varieties. Like all the ones from Italy.
February 1, 2008

Dominus
LOL What a great way to end the week. Thank goodness I wasn’t one of the Vayniacs to recommend the Falesco. A few years ago they had an inexpensive wine that I thought was quite serviceable. Not great but it was ok.

QOTD: I would have to say having three stellar cabs (Dominus, Chat Montelena, Bryant Family) during a holiday party with some good wine friends on Capitol Hill in DC. Other than that, that fun and freaky WLTV show is the highlight of my wine world.

I’ll make the “love connections” this weekend.

YOU RULE!
February 1, 2008

boingoal
Biggest change is I tried an albarino because of you and liked it.
Thanks!!!
February 1, 2008

Susan
Gary-HOW many reallys does it take?? wink wink
February 1, 2008

*/^_^\*
i can’t believe C is smoking D….

qotd: i became poor and can’t afford as much wine….it’s been devestating
February 1, 2008

Jeff R
QOTD: Finding WLTV!
February 1, 2008

DHerbie
Looking forward to #400.
QOTD: I trusted my palette enough to jump on 5 bottles of 2005 Prisoner when I usually wouldn’t have spent that much (grad school life). I love this stuff.

Go Pats!
February 1, 2008

Brent
QOTD: Loire Valley!!! Thanks for the intro, GV! It has to be one of the most diverse wine regions in the world.
February 1, 2008

Machine
QOTD: Going back to grad school and going cash flow negative for two years. Sad irony is now have ability to store wine for the first time. Trying to figure out how to finally start building a collection without spending much $$$. Hitting the low-end stuff from the Garagiste list, but interested if anyone has any ideas of value picks to have around or lay down…
February 1, 2008

Brandon M
QOTD: The biggest change in the last six months has been the people that I share wine with! The people I have met over the last year make it so much more fun. That and I’ve been into Zin a little more.

AND I’M NOT A CRY BABY!

tampa is
February 1, 2008

Nick
I’m in love with Rhone, red, white, and rose! I love’m all!
February 1, 2008

Susan
Gary-QOTD: BIGGEST CHANGE:My local wine shop now carries a wine by the glass because I said it goes well with BBQ!!! Get the Ramon Bilbao Rioja !!!
February 1, 2008

Kristen
GV- What’s your # so I can call ya and give you a love shout out?

QOTD: Similar to you, I have noticed a change in my palate in the past 6 mo. However, I am finding my palate loving old world wines rather than the fruit bombs. Zin used to be my favorite varietal, I liked the in your face, Captain Obvious wines. Now I like as you call them the “thought provoking” wines and wines that offer more complexity (second and third tear aromas and flavors). I am finding these characteristics more in old world vs. new world wines. Also I am in love with the values from S. France and S. Italy.

Superbowl Prediction: Steelers 24, Colts 17. Oh wait that was 2 years ago when I was living in Pgh. Damn, guess I’ll hop on Mott’s bandwagon and pull for the Giants.

Cheers All,
KP
February 1, 2008

BobbyTiger
Ok. Came back from a short trip to Argentina last October,which was my first exposure to Argentine wines, (which I fell in love with). Was surfing around to find out more about the wines……and lo, I stumbled on WLTV. Since that time, it has become a regular part of our evening. What has changed? I now will spring for a $15.00 or $20.00 bottle of wine when shopping. Completely unheard of pre GV. Yep, unheard of.
February 1, 2008

Grapestompper (Dave)
Giants 24 Pats 21 we’ll see GV!
February 1, 2008

Brian Specht
GOTD: I now actually know what I like to drink when it comes to wine and I enjoy trying new wines. Also I am getting better at picking out wines that I never had that I like.
February 1, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!!

QOTD: Biggest change in my wine experience over last 6 months has been the heavy addition of white rhones to my palate. Prior to that, I stuck to a few sauvignon blancs from Napa and New Zealand and a select number of chardonays but that was bout it in the white varietals for me. I have also been trying a few more wines from Pomerol when I usually go with those from St. Emillion and Paulliac.

BTW, There needs to be a Mott, Link It Up shirt in black. Id jump all over that.

–RH
February 1, 2008

KNode
QOTD: I think the biggest change in my wine world over the last 6 months has been learning that I actually don’t dislike white wines as I previously had thought.
February 1, 2008

Neil
QOTD: I really have embraced Gallo Hearty Burgundy. NOT! Actually I have braodened my palate and now find myself shying away from big fruit bombs in favor of more balanced wines. I have more old world wines than new world wines in the “cellar” now.
February 1, 2008

FlynBrian
Hey Gary, Love the show. The biggest change for me is that I’m actually enjoying drinking wine now. It used to be my wife would come home from work and not open a bottle, thinking what she didn’t drink would go to waste. Now, I have a bottle already open when she comes home and she’s lucky if she gets even half.
February 1, 2008

Neil
Pats 42 Giants 12
February 1, 2008

Jennifer
QOTD: Malbec consumption.
February 1, 2008

DannInNH
QOTD: Purchasing more wine from WL than I can drink in in 3 years if I have a bottle every day. This has to STOP. Well maybe not.
Go Pats !!
February 1, 2008

KVolk
GV you need to do a goofy wine name episode for a laid back friday. Like fat bastard, or red truck or the slammer one you did with AJ. Of course I know you are willing to risk palate implosion for the vanyiacs right?
February 1, 2008

Michael
QOTD: I am much more open-minded, and I keep more wine on hand.

I am now lovin’ whites, roses and sparklers.
February 1, 2008

John Farrin
What the hell? Are you looking at my paper for the Super Bowl picks and CHEATING (mine was Pats 38-17) AND, just how in the hell are they going to score 36 pts. 5 TD’s and on one of them they go for 2 just for giggles:) Oh, stupid me. Of course, 12 field goals!

QOTD: Really getting into S. France and Italian wines thanks to you my friend.
February 1, 2008

carnyc
Thanks as always.

QOTD: Biggest change in the last six months is that my knowledge of wine has grown exponentially. I’ve tried wines from regions I never knew existed, have a cellar with over 200 bottles and am loving every minute of it!
February 1, 2008

Badger Ann
QOTD: Adding the 100th bottle to my collection in my basement. How am I going to drink all of this?? Plenty to share with friends and family! Really, it’s so much more fun to share wine and good times with my dear husband, family, and friends.

Allow me to say it too – you ROCK Gary!!!
February 1, 2008

Omallley
QOTD – In the last 6 months, I’ve found myself having an unhealthy obsessions with sparklers…from Moscato D’Asti, to Champagne, to Cava. But especially Rose sparkling wines, for some reason.
February 1, 2008

Christopher J
QOTD: I guess just the massive amount that I have learned in the past 6 months. I would consider myself a novice before that, now I could hold my own in a wine conversation. Thank you Gary.

Also, I also have to take issue with the way John wrote that question because I have to deal with this every day. PLEASE BE CLEAR WHEN YOU ARE SENDING AN EMAIL!!!! Don’t abbreviate or send some kind of cryptic message or slang when you send a message to someone when you know they will have a hard time understanding it. That REALLY gets under my skin, and probably ruined my night. Thanks John.
February 1, 2008

Kev and Ams
QOTD: Grenache and Albarino.
February 1, 2008

Spinner
Wow, ego is gettin’ a bit big there. Wife needs to keep you in check.

hehe just joshing ;^)

Great show, nice energy, and not afraid to tell the truth…except for that whole YOU RULE thing. I know that it was Mott that posted that, as a thanks for the shirt.

QOTD, My biggest change was, thanks to GV I started to branch out from what my father was drinking. Amazing father, but will only drink big zins from California Foothills. I Started trying the Gewurztraminer, and other crisp whites. Thanks GV for saving me from the oak monster, he almost had me there.

PS, my dad will never be a fan, never ever ever. You gave his favorite wine a tasting note of ‘burnt BMX tire’. Should have seen his face!!! I will keep trying to have him watch another show.

Spinner, feeling better this afternoon.
February 1, 2008

Michelle R
Aww. Thanks for the feel-good-message

QOTD: Sadly, I haven’t been drinking much wine over the last 6 months — the only change might be looking for the even bigger wine bargains since I’m back in University.

Enjoy your weekend.
February 1, 2008

Dave from VA
QOTD: I have a list of bottles to try based on the tasting notes from you and Cork’d
February 1, 2008

Saftig
QOTD: I’ve got a nice little collection of Champagne but this past year I made an effort to try as many sparkling wines as I could find, Prosecco, Cavas and German Sekt with great results. I drink Champagne or sparkling wine at least once a week. Don’t wait for an occasion, that’s how I roll.
February 1, 2008

Panosh
QOTD: The biggest change has been the experamenting with different varitals that I probably would not have normally tried. Also, I have loaded as many back episodes I did not hear onto my iPod and listen to them in my car. No more radio. It makes the drive so much nicer. Not sure what I am going to do when I get all caught up.

FYI, I am fairly new and missed the wrist bands (unfortunately). I even checked eBay and none are listed. You’ll know you’ve made it when they start being traded on eBay for big bucks. I’ll hold out for one someday, somehow.
February 1, 2008

Panosh
Sorry about the typo’s, need to slow down after listening to the show.
February 1, 2008

Fingerlaker
qotd: exploring several new varietals and have developed a preference to slightly drier/dirtier wines.. away from the skittles with extra sugar added..
February 1, 2008

Scott EJ
Love when you try recommendations. I gotta get on that. That would make a great every Friday show – laid back & listen to the Vaniac type program. Saves you from the work of coming up w/something.

QOTD: Expanded the pallet. Opened the wallet. Purchased more on-line.
February 1, 2008

ramona
QOTD I am drinking more dessert wines I used to limit myself to dry reds and some whites usually on the dryer side
February 1, 2008

Dave
QOTD: I got to meet you Gary, and now my palate is flawless. That’s right people, shake Gary’s hand and your palate will be forever changed. Amen.
February 1, 2008

Little Jonny H
As always GV, we love the candid nature to your analyses. Loved the show, and the questions. I’m still not sure exactly what happens with the wine once you’re done tasting… maybe you feed it to the oak monster you’ve captured and put in the basement. Regardless, I’m jealous of whoever gets the leftovers!

QOTD: I’ve stopped reading all the press, and trying to incorporate a new wine from a different region into my life every week. It’s been quite fun, and satisfying as well
February 1, 2008

Little Jonny H
As always GV, we love the candid nature of your analyses. Loved the show, and the questions. I’m still not sure exactly what happens with the wine once you’re done tasting… maybe you feed it to the oak monster you’ve captured and put in the basement. Regardless, I’m jealous of whoever gets the leftovers!

QOTD: I’ve stopped reading all the press, and trying to incorporate a new wine from a different region into my life every week. It’s been quite fun, and satisfying as well
February 1, 2008

TennLee
QOTD: I’ve tried so many more varieties and regions.
February 1, 2008

RichE
GV, You know how to make it roll, You’re The Best
Love You and all the peeps out there!

Mott is going to need a WLTV Cryin Towel on Monday.

QOTD:
My wine world changes every week.
First I try & discovery:
more sparklers,
then it’s Zin’s,
then its PV’s………..it ever ends.

But I found that the still wines must be decanted
every night, even if it’s for only 20 minutes.
February 1, 2008

MikeD
Tried this wine last week. Thought it tasted like rotting roadkill.
February 1, 2008

Adam A.
QOTD – Fruit bombs stopped wowing me the way they used to and my cellar has doubled in size.
February 1, 2008

JohnnyC
QOTD realizing that it’s hard too find any wine you talk about in Ontario, Canada.
February 1, 2008

Kmarie
Awesome show, GV & CMott! I love laid back Fridays.

QOTD: The biggest change in my wine world in the last six months? I can actually DRINK WINE! I have a five and a half month old baby, Vivian, who (rumor has it) will be making an appearance in my “Spread The Thunder” video.
February 1, 2008

Mike
Hey GV,
Great show. I enjoyed the show with your bro too. Ever hear of or try Quivera winery wines? Just curious.
February 1, 2008

Daniel
QOTD: The biggest change for me is the fact that I actually have bottles in storage!
February 1, 2008

The Fanjestic
I may be signed up twice now, but I’m embarrassed if I wasn’t already signed up. Nice and laid back today – just the way I like it!
February 1, 2008

thepiratedoc
QOTD: THE VARIETY! Not afraid to try anything anymore. Well, except that sangiovese you just shredded.

GV – taste Orin Swift’s ‘The Prisoner’ sometime. Fruity, but not a bomb, and very nicely balanced.
February 1, 2008

CellarDweller
Last of the 300sâ€¦ what a milestone. Proud to leave a comment today; I’ll be prouder still to leave one come Monday.

QOTD: I’ve gone from finding one wine that I like (and drinking it until I get bored or can’t find it anymore) to trying something different almost every time. And it’s a good change.
February 1, 2008

KW
QOTD: More wines in storage and drinking more wines each week.
February 1, 2008

sqrm
qotd: starting to drink wine obiously.
February 1, 2008

Mark Neustadt
QOTD: Frankly, this show has made a huge impact on me. I’ve taken a few “wine appreciation” classes and enjoyed them. This show made me make the new year’s resolution to “develop my palate” though.

Thanks GV! My wallet will never be the same.

p.s. Where’s my wine of the month club so I can play along?
February 1, 2008

Marshall
QOTD: I like certain wine varietals more and some less. Like I’ve grown to like chardonnay more than before, but (ironically) I like sangiovese and sauvignon blanc less.
February 1, 2008

Jonathan Fingas
I’m no lurker! I’ve posted before! I’ll mend my ways, I promise!
February 1, 2008

sAgE
QOTD: Went to two wine Ref. from one. One for everyday drinking and one for storing wine for 2+ years. Also started to buy more expensive wines.. used to drink Jacob’s Creek & Yellow Tail, but now, started to buy age-worthy wines (Mordoree CDP, Azelia Barolo, Amon Ra) which is all fine, but haven’t had any of those yet… can’t wait to open them up and finally try them.

Nice show today Gary
February 1, 2008

Pinot Fan
Gary, the Subscribe button isn’t working.

QOTD: What’s changed is that I’m out of storage space and need to wait to drink the wines stored.
February 1, 2008

Orville B
Biggest Change: Because of you I am not afraid anymore to voice my opinion of a wine.

JB
February 1, 2008

Gersh
QOTD: I’ve actually thought about ordering white wines when I’m out on the town. I haven’t been turned completely (still a big Red w/ veggies kind of guy) but I have had a couple that weren’t that bad. Also I’ve ordered sparkling wine to go with a fish main course dinner, something I wouldn’t have done pre-wltv. as a side note, when I did get the bubbly for w/ the main course I got three other people at the table to do the same, we’re pulling them in. also, do you go back and check past episodes for new comments a day or two on? Because sometimes I watch a few at a time but then comment where appropriate, just wondering if you’re getting those.
February 1, 2008

utah
QOTD?

I can’t say that I really had much of a wine life six months ago. I would get the occasional bottle, it became my job to pick out the wines for family dinners and the like (well, I took the job, because I didn’t want to drink any more yellow tail) for a few years, already.

But in the last six months, I’ve really started to branch out. A couple friends moved into the area who also enjoy a bottle (or four, last weekend) probably did the most to change what I was doing, and to really get into it. And then another buddy turned me on to the Thunder around Christmas… and its been all downhill for my wallet and uphill for my pal(ette) ever since!
February 1, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
After being partially away from wine for 2 years, I’ve jumped back in, and it’s been great. WLTV & the WL forums have played a big role in that.

“T”
February 1, 2008

RobJ
I have a bunch of friends who constantly say how much they love this Falesco. Because they know that I am an Italian wine lover, they always recommend it to me. However, I am always disappointed in it every time I break down and give it a try. I think it is garbage and that it is pretty easy to do better among similarly priced Italian reds. Thanks…I thought there was something wrong with me.
February 1, 2008

JonE
QOTD: In the last six months I fell out of love with Shiraz. I used to dance with the Gorilla quite alot, but alas no more. I stare at my Two Hands, and my palate whinces. Oh Sparky, you hurt my soul.
February 1, 2008

Robert Howells
QOTD:

I now have confidence when buying wine that I actually give advice to employees of the liquor store and give suggestions to other customers.
February 1, 2008

brorjace
GARY! I told you not to steal my pick! (You added 5 points on, I know).

QOTD: I am super hooked on Spanish wine….and trying to get everyone to get aboard. Mostly the whites honestly, I was already hooked on the reds.
February 1, 2008

Finn
QOTD: I have significantly expanded my palate in the last few months, and actually started venturing out to really start delving into French wines, as well as grapes I never would have given a chance to a few short months ago. I also realized that the best deals I can find on wine come from New Jersey, which is almost blasphemy for this Texas guy.
February 1, 2008

Joe F
About two years ago I suffered an attack of anafalactic shock. I was drinking a very nice Chablis and eating some heavy duty bleu cheese, also from france when it became very hard to breath and the next thing I know my face puffed up like a pumpkin and I ended up in the hospital. I stopped drinking wine and eating bleu cheese since and started building my collection of high end bourbons. About a year ago I started experimenting (my doctor says with my life)with various wines. Trying lttle sips of different wines and cheeses to see where I might have a reaction. I discovered that I need to stay away from almost all white wines to be safe (most seem to bother me)but red wines are, with the exception of some cheaper Italian wines, safe!
So I have started drinking red wines again, maybe a bottle or two a week with no ill effects. I seem to have also lost my taste for a lot of the new world fruit and oak bombs and have moved onto more old world style wines. Although, there are some of those big Cali wines that I still can’t pass up.
Joe
February 1, 2008

Dr. J
QOTD: My goal in tasting wine is now to try varietals and wines that I am not familiar with, i.e. Petite Verdot, Malbec, Nero D’Avola, Albarino, Chenin Blanc etc. I have also been trusting my palate 80% more than before. When I attend wine tastings I’m not fearful of sharing what I smell or taste in the glass, whether it’s red Twizzlers or a sweaty man’s armpit, I let the analogies fly.

Gary, listen to me. The Big Ass Glass = THE THUNDERMUG!!! Do it if you’re bad!!!
February 1, 2008

T_MODERNE
QOTD: One word: Mailers!.

Ouch.
February 1, 2008

chenrys
Great Laid Back Friday! Sorry the wine didn’t meet your expectations.

QOTD: Haven’t had any really big changes in the last 6 months. But we’ve found some wines we really enjoy…and had fun doing it. Out tastes have been evolving. You have encouraged us to try new wines and we like it.
February 1, 2008

Canadian Chris
QOTD: PASSION! I got a burning passion for wines now that wasn’t there 6 months ago. I suppose it would be nice to say GV gave it to me, and that was a part of it, but it really came from the vaynernation in the forums. Awesome folks, so open, so accepting, funny, knowledgable.
February 1, 2008

Quoc
I love it. One more show to 400. By the way, what ever happened to T cubed?
February 1, 2008

BethB
QOTD- EVERYTHING.. seriously everything ive known and drank and study about wine is different. I met the love of my life and he is a true wine lover and he has taught me a whole lot. Then I found you gv and I’ve learnt so much from you. So in the last six months, my whole wine life has been changed.
February 1, 2008

steve
I have been doing alot better on knowing the nose. Still working on all the different flavors.Love the show as always!!
February 1, 2008

Large Format Fever
Biggest change in last six months= decided to start finding some great bargins…
February 1, 2008

CzechTell
QOTD: Knowing that WS ratings aren’t always on point and to use them more as a guidance tool instead of being the end all be all factor.
Gary YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!
February 1, 2008

ERP
QOTD: Moving to China and not longer have access to QPR wines.
February 1, 2008

Kelsey
QOTD – I started drinking reds. Seriously, I wouldn’t do the red wine thing for the longest time (I’d cook with it but that’s where it would end for me). Now I actually LIKE reds. Wonder upon wonders!

I think you’ve also convinced me/us (the fam) to think outside of the box, to start trying out other new and exciting wines, and we’re drinking some of our white wines at room temp now.
February 1, 2008

Pastafari Pirate
QOTD: I now have a clue as to what varietals & regions & producers/vintners I like, and don’t like. Before 6 months ago (and before WLTV), it was ‘red’ vs. ‘white’ and that’s all I knew.
February 1, 2008

Daniel
QOTD: My wine world probably hasn’t changed that much since i’ve only been drinking the wine for a year or so. I’ve only had a handfull of varietals, a few red’s, a few whites.

Great show GV! Love the laid back fridays.
February 1, 2008

Adam J
Hmm, I’d have to say that the biggest change is that I actually drink wine regularly now. What a great change.
February 1, 2008

Joel M
GV, Surprised by the thumbs down on the Falesco. It has been pretty good in the past. Not much has changed with my wine habits. Been there done that. Try different wines. Trust my own palate. Go from there. Still a value seeker. Joel M
February 1, 2008

playasanchas
QOTD: I’ve decided that going wine tasting here in California is for novices and now I know more than the pourers and sometimes wish that they’d just leave and let me taste their wine without telling me what its supposed to taste like. I only enjoy it now when I’m actually sitting with the winemaker and hearing his or her story and background on the wine.
February 1, 2008

BW
GV, so I didn’t really notice the subscribe button up there until you pointed it out. I am signed up now.

QOTD – Biggest change is the cellar has reached a +/- steady state # (vs growing). Buying more longer life wines & working through some of the shorter life inventory. With a good selection now, concentrating more on food-wine pairings at dinner.
February 1, 2008

GlennF
QOTD: I quit drinking Yellowtail.
February 1, 2008

Kelly In South Dakota
Living in South Dakota really limits my access to different wines. So in the last 6 months I have started ordering my wine from the Wine Library. It has really been fun trying wines I have never had before. Thanks Gary
February 1, 2008

Kristen
Great to see Laid Back Friday again!

QOTD: I actually started to drink more reds than whites, but it’s switched back again. Also, I feel a lot more comfortable helping customers on the wine floor now. And I’ve learned a ridiculous amount about wine because I’m researching it for my thesis. Not a bad thing to learn about!
February 1, 2008

Tim McCraw
This week has been a good week on WLTV. Especially enjoyed AJ ep and Thurday’s ep.

QOTD: I actually enjoy more of what I drink since I started watching WLTV!
February 1, 2008

Tommy Vernieri
Gary, you are out of control. OUT OF CONTROL!

QOTD: Several things, we’re trying to stay on a budget when it comes to how much wine we buy, we decant the majority of our wines now (six months ago it was about half), and we’re more comfortable picking out French wines–thanks to the fact that you and WL have been pushing them so much =).
February 1, 2008

Malphas
QotD: I’ve had my first Zinfandel a few weeks back. And I gotta say, I was quite intrigued.
February 1, 2008

Karl B
QOTD – My biggest change is to turn my back on the Napa wineries that keep charging ever-increasing prices regardless of the vintage, and start picking up Oregon Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir along with select Sonoma Pinot Noir.

Gary – you are close on the score, but remember, the Patriots get a two score lead in the 4th quarter and run out the clock, so the Giants will cover the spread. I’m sticking with 31-20. Lawrence Maroney as game MVP.

Karl B.
February 1, 2008

Alos
I accepted screw tops and embrace them. Big change that took a lot. Cheers
February 1, 2008

Jeremy
My biggest change in the wine world for the last 6 months, is GV making me truly interested. I am now hooked… WLTV and wine has become me new obsession next to my beautiful wife.
February 1, 2008

Donna M.
A little surprised about the Falesco Sangiovese. Haven’t tried it and I won’t. Falesco usually produces some good everyday wines.

QOTD: Hasn’t changed much, but I am more select on my wine purchases. You are very influential in what I buy now and value your opinion.
February 1, 2008

Chris
NO SUPER BOWL SHOW??!!??!! THIS WAS DEFINITELY NOT BRINGING THE THUNDER I EXPECTED FOR A FRIDAY-BEFORE-THE-SUPER-BOWL SHOW. I READ THE WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE A FEW DAYS AGO WHERE YOU WERE RANTING AND RAVING ABOUT THE WINES THAT PAIR WELL WITH SUPER BOWL FOODS AND WAS EXPECTING TO SEE A SIMILAR THEMED SHOW TODAY. I DIDN’T SEE ANY RIESLINGS WITH THE “GREAT FRUIT AND SPRITZ ACTION.” I DIDN’T SEE ANY NEW ZEALAND PINOTS THAT “ARE LIKE THE LOVE CHILD OF BURGANDY AND CALIFORNIA PINOTS.” AND I SURE DIDN’T SEE ANY PORTUGAL’S DOURO AND DAO WINES WHICH ARE AT “RIDONKULOUSLY LOW PRICES.” INSTEAD I SAW YOU TASTE A CHEAP SANGIOVESE WHICH SUCKED ACCORDING TO YOU. I’M NOT MAD GV….JUST VERY DISMAYED, BAFFLED, DISENCHANTED, FRUSTRATED, HAMPERED, LET DOWN, PUT OUT, AND ABOVE ALL DISAPPOINTED!
February 1, 2008

Tom Purvenas
LOL not enough comments! Good luck with that GV! — BTW LINK – it up Mott

QOTD – Spending more time on the net watching Wine videos. Over the last two years we have gotten slowly more into wine. We have hosted wine tastings, attended them and generally enjoyed the social aspects of wine. We have spend time with friends, traded suggestions and enjoyed our family and friends while pouring. I cannot say it is solving all of our problems, but I’ll keep drinking until it does…..
February 1, 2008

Michael Mohammadi
Hey Gary,

Great show. I’m wondering if that wine would have opened up a lot with a 6 or more hour decant…I’ve seen that with a lot of young Sangiovese.

Also, regarding the question about what wines to buy from 2007 for a newborn to drink in 19 years…I think a safe buy will be some of the 2007 Brunello’s. I spent a week in Montalcino in November and my overall impression from talking to a lot of winemakers is that the ’07’s are going to be very good wines with potential similar to ‘01 (of which some of the better Brunello’s will last at least 20 years).

QOTD: I’ve been drinking more and more wines at their peak maturity rather than young. This has given me a greater appreciation for quality winemaking and the ability of grape juice to become something magical.

Have a great weekend, Go Giants!
February 1, 2008

Rhonda
my wine drinking has changed dramatically thanks to this show and YOU. I dont feel overwhelmed or intimidated anymore. I love seeking out new varieties and enjoy reading about the varieties I do buy. Thanks for changing MY wine world.

GV you DO rule!!!
February 1, 2008

Mastershake MC
GARY! I subscribed so whats the prize? Keep up the awesome work!

QOTD: My biggest change has been to actually begin drinking wine. With WLTVs help you are making me a more informed consumer, and making it a whole lot a fun.
February 1, 2008

DaveME
QOTD: Discovering WLTV!
February 1, 2008

Larry
Cant wait to hear something on mead’s.
February 1, 2008

Billyd
GV You “KICK ASS” has the Wine Spectator or Parker ever rated you?
February 1, 2008

Sean S Dub
Subscribed!
February 1, 2008

Mikie C
Great ep, Gary!

Even though the wine was a dud, you made the show fun and interesting. Man, the energy really is back =-)

qotd: To try new wines – some I’ve enjoyed and others… meh.

Even though (because I live in Philly) I can’t get all the wines you taste on the show, GV, I do go to the state store to pick up the varietals and vintages you mention. Not long ago, you did an ep on bubblies. So today, after a long day, I tried brut cava with potato chips. What a feel, just an explosion in my mouth!

So, thanks GV, new stuff has really broadened my enjoyment of wine!
February 1, 2008

Rob Csenar
QOTD: Rolling with Sparkling Wine for any occasion. I used to have it once a year like 75% of the earth, but now I pop one a week at least. The wife loves the bubbles.
February 1, 2008

HuskerJamie
Qotd: I expanded my wine purchasing beyond the very limited selection we get here in Nebraska.
February 1, 2008

Evan
QOTD – 6 months ago, if you asked me, I would’ve told you I didn’t like wine. A buddy of mine convinced me to try a couple bottles with him and then I found out that the reason I didn’t like wine was that I had only ever tried crappy wines. Now I watch WLTV almost every day, I am the member of 2 wine clubs, and I have 47 bottles in my house (40 of which are wedged into the wine fridge I bought). My wife’s a little angry with my buddy.
February 1, 2008

John J.
QOTD: Biggest change? My old car was totaled and I had to buy a new one. Now I can’t afford to buy all the wine I was buying before Sad day. Every tine I pass the wine shop on the way home, I shed a tear. But on the bright side, I have to be more selective.
February 1, 2008

Andrew H.
QOTD: The biggest change in the past 6 months would be that I started collecting and planning to save different wines until they will peak. I can’t wait to try a bottle that I have saved for 10-25 years.
February 1, 2008

kaybee
QoTd
Being a little more informed about what wine I buy has led me into joining a wine club, and trying out special recipes that may go with the wine. Instead of hamburger and chicken this week we had raviolis, pan roasted scallops and pork chops with a mustard sauce.(I like to cook) I’ve also tried a Malbec and discovered that is one of the best wines I’ve ever tried. All +++++++++ Thanks, GV for pushing us.
February 1, 2008

Matt
QOTD: answer 1 – bought a wine fridge, 50 bottle capacity. But there must be a hole in the back somewhere because I never seem to fill it up!

QOTD: answer 2 – met John Hawley of Hawley vinyards and have been diggin his creations ever since.
February 1, 2008

LB in KS
QOTD…after struggling to find tastes, smells, and so on and so forth….I recently was handed a glass of Sauv Blanc and after a sniffy sniff and a whirl I say’s to myself…”sauv blanc”….and sure as schnikeys…I checked the bottle and there it was. Twas a big moment for me.
February 1, 2008

Deano
Gary awesome episode. Too bad that wine completely sucked for ya. I love the questions.

QOTD:
-Starting to drink better quality wines as often as possible
February 1, 2008

Garrett C.
QOTD: found a ton of great wines coming out of Spain
February 1, 2008

Malarkey
QOTD: In the past 6 months…? maybe not much…but in the past year: discovering Rhones. Good god.
February 1, 2008

sharon
QOTD: Malbec, Cote d’Rhone (spelling?) I’m definitely more discerning. Or more willing to be adventurous. And I take my time with the “sniffy sniff”. I’m with you… I love the aromas…trying to read the scent. Yeah, that’s the big change… an awareness of nose.
February 1, 2008

organicmexican
We are over the over oaked fruit bombs and we drink a lot more white wine. Also we look, smell and think before we drink. Thanks to you our pallets are much happier.
February 1, 2008

Tooch
QOTD: I’m new to wine, so over the past 6 months my palete has shifted from one that gravitated towards oaky, freezing cold whites to more complex wines like torrontes, barolo’s, & cote d’ rhones.

Been quite a transformation – all of my buddies think i’m nuts!
February 1, 2008

Glenn
GV, You ROCK!!!

QOTD: The biggest change in my wine world the last 6 months is all the great wines I have had because of you (and some shitty ones too). Your the reason I have expanded my world. Thank you.
February 1, 2008

crank
QOTD: Drinking better wines. Life’s too short to drink crappy wine.
February 1, 2008

laposte
QOTD:
I am somewhat embarrassed to say this but until six months or so ago when friends came over I would assess their “wine worthiness’ when deciding what to open. Now I open the best bottle I have since these are my friends. I don’t care if they can’t tell a California over oaked over ripe Chardonnay from a Grand Cru Montrachet, I need to know I am giving my best. It’s not about the wine it’s about who you are. Thanks Gary.
February 1, 2008

Stuart
Subscribed in BOTH iTunes and Google subscribe. Can’t subscribe more than that!
February 1, 2008

wrc105
I knew you’d be rooting for the Giants too Gary (or rooting against NE). BUT! I forgot about the commercials…they’d better be good.

QOTD: In the past six months, I’ve been on a wine tour of France, I haven’t left the country, but I have been to bordeaux, burgandy, loire…etc, I am now in Rhone with plans to start touring Italy soon.

-W
February 1, 2008

NADINE
You Gary and all that cool knowledge,
February 1, 2008

CoolHandLuke
This show has changed me the most in the last six months.
February 1, 2008

Bill
QOTD: my biggest change in the last 6 months wine wise? Discovering WLTV! Gary, you rock!
February 1, 2008

JamesN.
QOTD; I have tried a variety of new varietals that I would of never found or even known about if it wasn’t for WLTV! Thanks Gary.
February 1, 2008

RB
Loved the show…..as always, love the family and friends reminder…

QOTD: Shift to try and like more white wine. Prosecco, White Burgandy and Grecco are all three wines I would have never tried. Thanks!
February 1, 2008

Grapedigger
That couch looks to comfy!! I am very wary of 90 pointers that roll at 10$. I feel that sometimes the critics are try too hard to proclaim the find of super value wines…ChNeufdePape experience was highlighted my past 6 months..Cheers
February 1, 2008

Roland
started decanting all red wines in the last six months. some for 6+hours. go giants!
February 1, 2008

Andrew H.
Hey Gary.. This is more of a statement than anything… You are one of the coolest people that I know of, that is associated with wine! I just saw some other video wine thing…. and the guy seemed like a tool. Keep it real!
February 1, 2008

TROC
Tempranillo, St. Amant in particular and N.Z. Pinot Noir. A Merlot like Pinot but I like em.
February 1, 2008

purplejuicebruce
You are the best GV No question about it.
QOTD….I have discovered wines from so many places besides California
and have enjoyed so many of them an look forward to trying so many more
Thank you for all you do!
February 1, 2008

Skol
Started drinking more Languedoc/Rousillon wines
February 1, 2008

Jon Ward
Don’t ban me! Just because I’m antisocial doesn’t mean I don’t love you, man! But seriously, WLTV really has changed my life and gotten me more excited and more diligent about trying more wines and enriching my life, because to me, that’s what wine is all about. Wine has brought my father and I even closer together as we try 3-5 new wines each week and we talk about it with each other and compare our tasting notes. I’m SO glad you decided to keep going (I was heartbroken, btw) and I hope you never stop. Much love, Gary.
February 1, 2008

MarkR
That’s easy.lol hands down it’s been THE THUNDER SHOW…PERIOD!
February 1, 2008

MattyO
nice show gary! lots of interesting q’s and answers…especially the one with the elves.

tonight…yes tonight…i will be trying my first petit verdot. so i’m excited!!!! never had this grape before! wooohooo!

have a good super bowl!
February 1, 2008

ryang
QOTD: after discovering WLTV my checking acct seems to have far less money.
February 1, 2008

H-Why
QOTD: I’ve added more whites to what I’m tasting, no longer stuck on red only. And I definitely “play” with the wines – pop and pour, decant, leave open for a day, etc.
February 1, 2008

DavidB
First thing first – I don’t know if you RULE but that was 3 great eps in a row (IMHO). Next, just got off the phone with my bro while watching and told him I love him, but I have a dozen people to call tonight for curfew check (don’t ask) and will not be telling them I love ‘em. Last, I am drinking the Domaine Sante Leocadie you recommended last week(?) and it ROCKS! Thank you so much!!!

QOTD: Two big changes in the past 6-12 months. I have changes the way I buy wine, (good or bad?)as I now buy from WL more than my local guy and I have probably ventured out a bit more in the type of wines I buy. Varietals I had never tried before etc. Again, a big THANK you for the latter.
February 1, 2008

DavidB
forgot to include I’m drinking the Minervois with two different cheeses (aged gooda and a blue) along with some smoking good olives from Whole Foods! Life is good no matter what the “Market” does!
February 1, 2008

Garret W. Nagle
QOTD: I’ve been spending a whole lot less money on wine because, the times they are a changing. And I’m falling in love with right bank Merlot from Fronsac! Never a bottle that doesn’t taste like chocolate.
February 1, 2008

Dan
Hey Garry… I’m new to the show (2 weeks) – Found out about it in The Globe and Mail (Canadian paper), I’m hooked! – You ABSOLUTELY ROCK!

QOTD: Since I’ve been watching, I’ve been trying new stuff and I’m paying more attention when tasting… This is great, it’s like re-discovering wine again!

P.S.: Loved the question/answer part
February 1, 2008

Sean
QOTD: over the last six months I’ve ventured into more expensive wine. I’m a CKC so I traditionally stick to cheaper wine ($8-20 region), but not just for the price. Having an untrained palette I often feel I won’t fully appreciate pricey stuff. Now I feel a little more confident and ready to throw the dice and roll hard on the good stuff.

I’m also getting into white wine. I think young people like me are initially attracted to fruit-bomb reds.
February 2, 2008

RonC
Good show.

QOTD: I’m ocassionally decanting some wines and have found them to be more aromatic and enjoyable. Thanks for the advice.
February 2, 2008

Golfer Gary
Your funny. And I know funny.
February 2, 2008

Grape Expectations
LOVE the image of little wino elves snarfing the open bottles every night!

QOTD: I’ve been drinking more white wine that I did before and certainly more grapes that I’d never heard of pre-WLTV–albarino, falanghina, torremones . . . Thanks, GV, for making the my wine world bigger.
February 2, 2008

Tim
Like a lot of people I’m trying different wines than the usual cab sauv or syrah. I’m decanting. I still like reds more than whites but I’ve also tasted a couple pinot grigios and a sauv blanc that I like.
February 2, 2008

Vinsant
Qotd; stop saving the good stuff and drink it!
How about a shout out to #77 Paul Coffey for the 77 pt Sangio
February 2, 2008

Sev
Well thank God I started leaving comments..haha. Love laid back fridays. I have had the Falesco Vitiano a number of times, and that always gets good scores from Parker and Spectator. I have been pretty happy with it, but not blown away.

QOTD: Don’t want to kiss too much ass, but watching your show has honestly changed me. I work in wine retail, and rely way too heavily on scores. both in selling and buying. anyway, the show has made me really trust my own palate more, and get back to just enjoying wine, and sharing passion with our clients. that is what people really look for anyway.
February 2, 2008

Kevin W.
So wasn’t the wine you tasted just like the note on the bottle, besides the “ripe and forward” of course. Ripe and forward on the palatte as on the nose. Based on your opinion of the wine, I would say the nose was just as good as how the wine is on the palatte.

QOTD: I just got into wine a month and a half ago so the question is not as relevant to me, but I believe that this show is starting me on the right foot to get into the wine world. I have been trying all different wines from all different areas. Thanks for all the great tips and for a great show.
February 2, 2008

Syrahhhhhhhhh
GVNC,

The biggest change in the last 6 months was to go from applying to a top law school to enrolling in wine making school here in Seattle instead. I blame you. I have been in love with wine for 20 years and it just never occurred to me that it could become such a big part of my life. Again, I blame you. I am very happy lately. I blame you for a third time. Thanks, man. You do ROCK.
February 2, 2008

Fibonacci
I have bought a LOT of wine but I had never bought any online until I started watching WLTV. I have always thought my nose and pallet are about as sensitive as a brick…and have always liked the tasting scale of the Wall Street Journal Weekend section “yech, OK good, very good, delicious, and delicious!” My aspiriation is to develop my pallet and nose more.

WLTV is a great service to ALL wine lovers!!
February 2, 2008

Matthew R
QOTD: My palate has really expanded. What really did it for me, even though I was branching out more beforehand, was Xmas eve at my girlfriend’s house. Her dad is a big wine-o, and opened a 1985 Napa Valley Cab Sauv. I was hooked and have spent more on wine since than in the last 3 years combined!
February 2, 2008

KyBoy
QOTD: I moved from Washington St to Kentucky. Needless to say, the wine selection isn’t quite what I was accustomed to. I’m from KY, but really got into wines in WA. Just going to the grocery store provided an abundance of bargains…I can’t get jack here. Let’s just say it’s good that I am also a fan of bourbon!
February 2, 2008

Adam Zaninovich
I didn’t have much of a “wine life” 6 months ago. I started watching wltv (maybe a LITTLE more than 6 mo ago). I stopped being a lurker. I now have a small collection (around 10 bottles) and I attempt to try a new wine at least twice a week. Lovin it. Thanks.
February 2, 2008

Mason
QOTD: I guess the biggest change in my wine life in the past 6 months would be my new found appreciation for the “veggie” aspect in wines. I have started leaning more toward the veggie in recent months, but I still enjoy a good fruit bomb every now and then.
February 2, 2008

KC
The biggest change for my wine life in the last 6 mos. was WLTV. I only started watching in Oct. and my palate has been broadening ever since.
Call every one I love right now? Man, I wish I watched this a little earlier in hte night, a lot of people are going to be pissed when they get woken up. But hey, if you say so…
February 2, 2008

jason
qotd moving from france to switzerland : (

ps the mott t – shirts are boring as hell! maybe he is boring though… form follows content?
February 2, 2008

Anthony L.
Great Show! And yes, you certainly do rule….

QOTD; The biggest change in my wine life over the past 6 months has been my concerted effort to drink at least a 1 glass a day. It had done wonders for my pallet. I highly recommend it to any wine lover. Constant tasting, constant training, just like when you used to practice for a sport as a kid.
February 2, 2008

Kidder
Not even close.. Below average… No Mid Palate, sad finish….
77 points……..
This is why people love you GARY!!!! You F*CKIN’ TELL THE GOD DAMN TRUTH!!!!
YOU DO NOT PULL ANY PUNCHES!!!!!! You my friend are the original artical. I know everyone has a friggin’ palate But Holy Sh*t!!!!!! GIVE CREDIT WHERE
CREDIT IS DUE- Hats off to you Gary my friend you Are Changing The Wine World!!!!!-Peace & Love Christian……
February 2, 2008

BGreen
I started watching about a month ago, now I can’t stop, I switched from the jug (CKC) to really enjoying what I’m drinking. I’ve got to get a wristband though. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 2, 2008

Fiorentina!
Hey Gary!
I totally agree about the Falesco Sangiovese.
By the way You totally freaked me out about the subscription to WLTV….I don’t know what you’re planning, but if I don’t get my WLTV…I’ll probably go into the shakes.
Anywho….you totally took my prediction for the Superbowl!!!! Check out yesterday’s comments.
Also….I’m going to be leaving a comment at GaryVaynerchuk.com every day until the 120 returns….you know I’ve been asking for like 2 months now….Give me alittle something…tell me the giants Suck….Tell me the Patirots are cocky…..Tell me that the Lakers getting Gasol for Kwame Brown is a sick trade….tell me that WLTV will go public and sell stock….something…anything….120 me!
Thanks for doing the Thundershow! Pictures are coming….sorry i know it’s been long overdue…they’re coming I promise!!!!
February 2, 2008

Nathan
QOTD: The biggest change for me is actually getting into wine. I had drank some cheap stuff from time to time when traveling with the company I used to work for and on occasion tasted some mighty fine wines and got to have some wines while in Italy, but I am truly a newbie. I am trying my best to learn because one day about 6 months ago to be honest I woke up and decided I wanted to get into the wine making business and am now trying to learn as much about it as possible and taste and learn as much about all the wines already out there as possible.
February 2, 2008

Ed P
It’s goda be the sniffy sniff baby! Broke my nose four time playing rugby. Now I get 80% on my air intake in my left nostril but have zero sense of smell in that bad boy. Now I plug that part of the plumbing for the sniffy sniff and I am enjoying the vino way more.

Keep the thunder rolling G!
E/
February 2, 2008

Jeremy G
Yo Gary, great show today!
Nice Victor Borge shout-out with the comma!
QOTD: 6 months ago, I barely knew the difference between a white and a red. Now I have a collection of about 14 wines. Thanks for all the education, dude.
February 2, 2008

Jeremy G
shout out to the CKCs!
February 2, 2008

Jarvis H
My biggest wine changing experience has been simply not buying the same bottle of wine twice, and routinely trying new and different wines.
February 2, 2008

Winegrower
Actually I am drinking less wine, but more pricy wine. Meaning I am going for the $10 to $15 range for better quality then the $3 to $8 dollar range that I am acustomed to. There are some geat bargains out there from CA and Chile that I like. I get greater “utils” from cheaper wine because I don’t expect as much. Pricier wines often don’t deliver. *A â€œutilâ€ is defined as a unit of value in economics. Great show as usual. You rule Gv. Thanks.
February 2, 2008

Angela
so glad i moved from being a lurker to a commenter! looking forward to #400!!!

QOTD: changes in the last six months – learning how to train my palette better, increasing the wines in my “wine cellar”, and moving more out of CA wine (for the MUCH better!)
February 2, 2008

C-Fiddy
QOTD: Drinking a lot more wine, and a little bit of… You Baby, You.
I was always the Thomas Hayden-Church guy (Sideways) that pretty much liked everything that hit my lips. My memory sucks and my wife has an amazing palate so I could never pickup on subtleties. I’ve been to many tasting rooms and liked it all and I couldn’t discern why. (Your brother cracked me up the other day!)
THEN I MET GV!!!! somewhere around episode 310-320, and I discovered the golden secret of “first taste-mid palate – and finish”. OMG! Now I get mouthfeel, tannins and all that. Without being a snob, you really give a great education and have made me more confident in my tasting notes! Thanks and Congratulations on 400!
I’m subscribed!
Bring IT!
February 2, 2008

Mike Z in SD
Dude… don’t be surprised about the 90 points from the Speculator; Sucking has been WAAAAYYYY off for years! IMO, his ratings are about as valuable as used toilet paper.

QOTD: Biggest change? I think it’s the new obsession I have with Barbaresco. My wife doesn’t even know what I’ve spent on the 2004 Piedmont vintage… Yikes.
February 2, 2008

Claus
Biggest change is that I’m drinking way more of it! (Thanks to you guys!)
And I keep convincing myself that the preservative action of red wine tannins is going to make me live forever….right?
February 2, 2008

Bill Ward
Gary,

How does your dad feel about it when you totally trash a wine on the show that you carry in the store? He must be the most laid back dad on the planet or you’ve sent him to funny farm. Which is it?
February 2, 2008

KennyMac
QOTD: Not trying to be a suck-up here, but I would have to say discovering the Thunder Show. Great job, GV, and keep it going.
February 2, 2008

Omid Khorram
Gary. Thanks for staying on. I was wondering when you will be able to do a show on the Cameron hughes wines. I am very curious to know your assessment of these wines. thanks
February 2, 2008

Lewy
QOTD: been drinking whites more frequently.

Super Bowl: Pats 42, Giants 20
February 2, 2008

Matt
QOTD: Been drinking a lot more. Keep up the good work!
February 2, 2008

mateo
QOTD: Wine Lib. TV!!! Among being a better spot to afford more wine — I still can’t bank-roll more thatn $20 for bottle, but I’m not running out of options anytime soon!
February 2, 2008

sobojosh
QOTD: I used to not like the funky funk… now I love it
February 2, 2008

CRZYWinemaker
GV ~ great show on the laid back couch. Glad you reviewed the Falesco. I’ve had it many times as the house wine at various places in Seattle and I always think it’s going to taste better than it does, your reaction is spot on, Mehhhh, for sure !!

QOTD: The most significant wine related thing to happen to me in the last 6 months is that I’m having my first 1/2 acre of Syrah & Viognier planted in Walla Walla and I can’t wait for the first fruit, I’m so totally excited. Looking forward to meeting you at Taste Wa in April, Cheers ~ Max
February 2, 2008

jacob
I haven’t had wine in several months because the stores around here don’t carry much wine. And wine library won’t ship to MN. *sigh*
February 2, 2008

Dan C
Man I wish i would have seen that giant subscribe button earlier … oh well … subscribed now.

QOTD: Definitely discovering the thundershow and being very very very happy and exited that there are other “normal” people out there that love wine and rebel against the snobbery (and the oak monster), and also learning from you GV about new regions, grapes, etc. Secondly just being blessed with a great job and the ability to afford more wine and more types of wine lately and really being financially more able to experiment.

Hugs GV. See you monday.
February 2, 2008

Marc - Irvine, CA
QOTD: I am afraid I used to like a little bit of the oak monster… I also used to try to avoid fruit bombs, but recently somebody recommended me Pillar Box Red, and I tried it together with the Rosemblum’s petit sirah (which you rated pretty well). And I think I’m starting to like more some fruit bombs.
February 2, 2008

Swedish T
This is crazy…
Busy week for me and what happens ?
Gary quits and than changes his mind and gives the highest score ever and cheers some fruit bombs…
IÂ´ll never leave the thundershow for more than a week again, itÂ´s just to much to cope with.

QotD : I started my sommelier course in september. Thats easy the biggest change.

See ya monday

Swedish T
February 2, 2008

Withnail
QOTD: WLTV. (Will be 6 months Monday since I started watching daily.)
February 2, 2008

Philip
Thankfully there has been no biggest change for me: several different groups of friends and I try a few new bottles of something we’ve never had each week and we enjoy some good company (always) and good wine (usually .
February 2, 2008

JoshL
Wow! I was on TV (well, WLTV) today! What a great surprise after coming back from enjoying the Friday night with some young people! Thanks alot for the answer GV…but isn’t the bear under 21?

QOTD: I’ve had plenty of wine before WLTV, but even up until not much before I got into WLTV, wine was just another form of consumable alcohol – only more expensive and used for those “special” occasions. But something made me want to learn more about wine, and the more I learned, the more I wanted to know. So many varietals and variations from vintage to vintage…there are infinite possibilities with wine and that’s what makes me want to taste and smell more! And WLTV allowed me to set goals within that desire to learn more about wine in a more efficient manner without boring the heck out of me by providing a family oriented, fan loving, cameraman man-boob fondling, older brother type of guy that knows his sh!t and knows how to articulate it in a way that appeals to next gen wine lovers. I go out and meet people these days, and if I somehow start talking about wine, people give me their undivided attention not because I regurgitate GV’s knowledge and taste in wine, but because I too encourage people to trust and follow their own palate.
February 2, 2008

RickD
I’m doing a better job of tasting my wine – especially the middle of the road – weekday wines. I’d gotten lazy about really checking out the wine I drink – if I’ve had it before – I often just poured and tasted – now I’m swirling, sniffing, and tasting even my familiar wines again. Thanks GV!
February 2, 2008

Justin L Ove
Biggest change? That’s easy. WLTV BABY! Your show has inspired me to trust my own palate, and to ignore the rules! Aside from that, I’d have to say I’ve really moved away from the fruit bombs that I oh so enjoyed 6 months ago.
ps: YOU RULE (period)
February 2, 2008

sten
for sure, the biggest change in my life over the last six month is meeting garry (winelibrary-tv) on the internet. great show, great guy, great thing!!! greetings from hamburg, germany

ps: i`m desiring a wltv-t-shirt as a german. no shipping?! ;-(((
February 2, 2008

RJ
Yo dude lurker here biggest change is you man! And your show about sparkling wine drinking it more tis sweet.
February 2, 2008

TsTank
WOW Gary you want to see injuries? WTF man you should never want to see injuries! That is somebodies life. You should really see the HBO special of NFL players after they are done playing. How offensive linemen can’t put on there own pants because of back injuries ect.
February 2, 2008

Andrew Kellner
Biggest change has been drinking more wine with informal meals during the week and not just limiting it to a restaruant or at a dinner party, or other event.
February 2, 2008

Tom R
QOTD: Learning to pay more attention to the nose. I have come to enjoy that almost as much as I enjoy the taste. With a really good wine, I feel as if I’m getting intoxicated just from sniffing it.

However, I still can’t identify specific components on the nose — I never sniff a wine and think “Ah, yes, I smell marigolds, talc, ozone, and vinyl”. It’s not that the smell isn’t distinctive, it’s just that it almost never reminds me of any non-wine substance in particular.
February 2, 2008

Isaac
Am i still considered a lurker? Where do i post to not be a lurker? And why can’t i post a comment on the video?
February 2, 2008

Andreas Adolfsson
QOTD: the last year or so have had drastic change because of winelibrary tv ofcource but if we’re only counting the last 6 months I guess I have to say more wine, more expensive wine and ALOT more of the sniffy sniff!
February 2, 2008

The Lukas
QOTD:
6 months?
i haven’t been drinking wine seriously for 6 months.
So it has to be getting into wine.
But i’ve been trained by the GV, so i’m pretty much a pro now……
ha
February 2, 2008

Isaac
QOTD: I found icewines and fell in love with them! Also, the late harvest Rieslings are good too!!!
February 2, 2008

Fred Liu
Hi, Gary. I wrote a long comment, and it disappeared…

Real freinds are important, family and other loved ones as well. My country is suffering a horrible storm. Volunteers died for fighting the storm to protect the electricity-transmiting facilities. They sank into dark to protect our brightness. We are now passing a widget for them to let more people know their brave existence. The storm is not just an economic deal.

QOTD: Last year, when I tasted wine together with my wife for the first time, we are linking up a bridge. For the first time, she had the same experience as me, and began how I understood and looked at the world. Communication and sharing are so important that they can lead your life into a better stage. That is the most impressive thing changed my wine world. I am not alone any more.

Best wishes.
February 2, 2008

PhilB
Man, this is so exciting having #400 coming!
QOTD: By going to nice tastings, I discovered that I liked some wines that cost 15 euros more than some classics that sell for over 10 times that price! Which is nice for a CKC like me!! Embrace your taste, not the high price tags!
February 2, 2008

Andy in Montana
GV – This show is probably the biggest change in the last 6 months. It has really got me excited about wine again. You really need to get on Food Network so everyone can see how funny and knowledgable you are. I predict that you will someday. Thanks for all that you do and congratulations on episode 400 on Monday, can’t wait to see it!
February 2, 2008

Susan
I drink more Rieslings and other whites such as Gruner Vetliner and verdeho than I used to.
February 2, 2008

woodchuck
Biggest change? I am drinking more expensive wines, but less of them. I have moved over to quality over quantity. Daily drinkers? What’s that? I want every wine I taste to be great.
February 2, 2008

Achilleas in Cyprus
QOTD: I tried rose and some whites – the biggest change in my wine life.
February 2, 2008

JordanW
QOTD: Blowing my wine budget by about 300% became the norm rather than the exception. I started buying cases of wines I like. I realized I like plummy, juicy, ‘wet’ wines about a bajillion times more than dry wines. I realized I can go on road trips to the US and bring back wines that I can’t find in Canada. I’ve got big plans for a 100+ bottle wine rack. I’ve got a big Barolo to drink. Exciting stuff. /rant

PS: I love how you went back to answering questions. Do it every day!
February 2, 2008

Dr. Dan
QOTD: Good question. Recently, I’ve begun to drink much of my wine like you do on WLTV, spitting it out. As much as I like tasting wine, I don’t always want the calories and alcohol. So, now I swirl and spit and still enjoy wine as much as before. Actually, I probably enjoy it more, because I can taste more wine without worrying about the extra calories or the not-always-desirable effects of alcohol. While drinking wine with food, I still swallow because spitting food out with wine is kind of disgusting.
February 2, 2008

Dasgull
My biggest change? I am getting into more white wines.
February 2, 2008

Lyn
QOTD: One word – WLTV. Wait.. is that a word? Oh well.
February 2, 2008

ceewats
QOTD I’ve introduced my girlfriend to the wines and now it has become an us thing rather than my thing so much more enjoyable now….
February 2, 2008

Vinacull
BoooYeaah! The Sangiovese gets a huge Vayner-CLANK! The way Gary shook his head while doing the weeny spit into the bucket had me laughing all the way. And the facial expressions that followed will be prime fodder for a classic compilation EP in the future, if there is one. Highly entertaining.
February 2, 2008

J Crazy
QOTD: started a business to import eco-friendly wines to this side of the globe. Just just started, but yo, we gonna rock this shiz.
Also, I started drinking a lot more port, cherry and other dessert/sweet wines.
February 2, 2008

Obama_Man
Yeah, GV, it’s definitely ‘MOTT, LINK IT UP!’, I was thrown off when I saw the ‘Link it up Mott’ shirts.

Run and find a mouth, Gary! One of the funniest things I’ve ever heard in my life.

Speaking of wristbands….. hrm hrm….

QOTD: Discovering WLTV about 5 months ago, and actually being able to learn about wine and gain interest!
February 2, 2008

cb
QOTD…..spending more on wine..went from the 10-20 bones to 30-40….is it better, sure why not. great show love the comments you have about the wine and here is a Question for you…how do I become one of the elfs? Shame to see them getting all of the left over wine…PEACE
February 2, 2008

Garyh
qotd: i’ve been trying to improve my ability to discern specific aromas and tastes over the past year. as a beginning wine enthusias there was one aroma i really loved, especially in reds. eventually, i realized it was the oak monster that i loved. ever since i realized that, i’ve enjoyed oak less and less. i want the grape, not the barrel. (now i have Gary Vay-Ner-Chuk making the oak monster noise in my head whenever i encounter the monster!) i think it’s really interesting that my taste changed in that manner.
also, 6 months ago i had rarely met an italian wine that i liked. then i discovered borolo and barbaresco. wow! i can’t get enough of those!
February 2, 2008

DonnaWat
Truly. You so totally rule! QOTD: Our biggest change is that we can’t seem to keep any bottle of wine around the house for any time. We are enjoying it at many more dinners; just because! And I’m beginning to actually remember (believe me, it’s an issue) the wines I’ve enjoyed.
February 2, 2008

Mike Griffin
My big change came in the appreciation of wine. Before I began watching this show, wine was just wine to me. I was homebrewing beers and decided to make my own mead (honey wine). In researching the topic I came upon WineLibraryTV on YouTube. I watched several episodes (actually about 20) and was caught up in the enthusiasm of The Thunder Show. I then took what I learned and tried several wines and began to really taste them. Now I enjoy them and try to get a bottle per week of something new. My latest was a French Bordeaux that was awesome. I now have a wine cellar (cooler) and am collecting wines for 5 year storage. Thanks Gary for the new outlook on the wine world. You changed it for me and I liked it.
February 2, 2008

Robert Whitney
Great show as always. I have a wine related problem that I hope you can help me with. My fiance and I are getting married next September-October, We are planning to have the wedding and reception in Napa or Sonoma Ca, The problem there is most of the wineries make you purchase a 3 case min of their wines and serve only their wines during the reception if you want to have the party on site. So the question do you know a beautiful site that has great wine. Someplace with a great Grenache would be awesome. Its a pretty big favor I know but I figured if anyone would know its the triple G; Gary Guru of the Grape. Thanks.
Rob
February 2, 2008

Mike L
QOTD: good question…mostly I’ve been training my palate. I’ve been trying different berries and spices so I can better follow the Thunder Show.

Have a fun weekend everyone! The Super Bowl is fast becoming as traditional for family and friends as Christmas…even if both of the teams playing are awful.
February 2, 2008

Jer (from DC)
Total agree on the Falesco — I tried this wine last fall primarily based on the Spectator rating and the price point — thinking this is “too good to be true” which does prompt a question — how can the Wine Spectator be so off?

QOTD: I’ve expanded my wine experience to trying different types of wine from regions all over the world — it’s been a very enjoyable experience. WLTV has greatly expanded my “comfort zone”
February 2, 2008

Sonnenuhr
QOTD – been collecting older wines. Thanks to places like winebid.com, older wines can still be purchased without a big premium.
February 2, 2008

Elliot Essman
QOTD – Biggest change – WSET Advanced Certification + dozens of new wines. I keep tasting.
February 2, 2008

Stanvh
Gaary,

You really dissed the Falesco Sangiovese. I have not tried that wine. BUT could there be some bottle variation? I tried the Lily Pinot Noir that you raved about a few episodes ago and found it rather flat, without much aroma and altogether lackluster. I even went back and re-tasted it with you (Episode #380). It could just be that my palate is different from yours. But I know that when Wine Spectator finds a wine that should be pretty good and is found wanting, they often try some other bottles. There could be differences in shipping, cellaring, and even different bottling runs at the winery. How often do you encounter this?

Happy 400th.

Stanvh
February 2, 2008

RobH
QOTD- Trying to be more ‘playful”with my wine.

Great Show GV
February 2, 2008

Mathieu
QOTD: the biggest change is definitely the sniffy-sniff: wow, what a difference! I feel like I still have so much to learn, but I am enjoying the process and the learning curve.
February 2, 2008

randyshakes
QOTD: Has got to be my palate’s affinity/desire for more vegetal style or old world style wines.
Gary, you’re BADASS!!! Can’t wait to see #400!!!
February 2, 2008

TedStriker
Typically, very happy with Falesco stuff. Very interested to try it it out.
Brady for President. Loved #398. Your not really stopping at #400 are you?
Seriously.
February 2, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
QOTD – I am drinking less Pinot and trying more new wines from around the world.
February 2, 2008

luvgrapesqueezings
Banfi makes a sparkling dessert wine that pairs well with chocolate. It’s a sparkling red called Banfi “Regale” and it supposed to have a flavor profile of dark fruits, roses and chocolate. GV, I’m surprised that you didn’t mention port as a wine to pair with chocolate. Zin sounds like fun though.

QOTD: I find my palate drifting further from new world wines.

Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!vGo Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!

GIVE US THE NINETEEN AND OH SHOW

Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!Go Pats!!!!!!
February 2, 2008

DirtWineKen
QOTD: I have become a great fan of Iberian wines in the last six months. It started with preparing my palate for a trip to Portugal and Spain last October and has NOT LET UP!! Ribera del Duero, Priorat, Jumilla, Yecla, La Mancha and ( in Portugal) Douro, Estremadura and Alentejo. Not crazy on oak (like Rioja can sometimes be), dusty and complex.
February 2, 2008

TedStriker
BRADY FOR PRESIDENT! Just in case anybody missed that.
Junior for Secratary of D… Belichik, of course, will recieve the top post at CIA. And, GV for Comandante of !Delicioso!
February 2, 2008

DARREL LAS VEGAS
Trying more odd grape varietials.
February 2, 2008

Orchidvet
Travel for wine, not place. Seek out small production, support small wine business. Learning about all the different grapes available and ALL THE DIFFERENT WINES that are not listed the big wine books and wine encylopedias -
TONS (literally) to learn about. Thanks for 399 classes.
February 2, 2008

Eric
QOTD: Being more methodical (thinking more in advance about what I’m picking out and why) in selecting different wines and trying new ones.
February 2, 2008

Nick P
The thing that has changed me the most is WLTV.
February 2, 2008

Sassodoro
The Wine Spectator always seems to like the low-end Falesco wines (i.e., their Sangiovese and their Vitiano, which is a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon), but I have never been a big fan. Sometimes they can strike me as pleasant, but usually they seem one-dimensional and a bit too oaky for me. On the other hand, I had one of their high-end wines at a tasting last night, namely their Montiano, which is 100% Merlot. That was very nice. Lush velvety fruit.

QOTD. I’m not sure that much has changed for me in the last six months. I keep buying it and drinking it. I try to be open to everything, although I do have my favorite categories. One change, although not a huge one, is that my wife and I have been experimenting with a cuisine that has not been in our regular rotation — Indian food — and playing with different wines to pair with it. We always open (at least) a couple bottles to compare at dinner, and drink the leftovers over the next couple of days. Some of the pairings that worked well have been rather surprising to us. For example, with a mild (i.e., not very spicy-hot) chicken curry, a Chilean Carmenere with lots of green pepper flavor worked great.
February 2, 2008

NB_Spazz
I’m relatively new to wine, and after having the 90 pt Falesco Sangiovese this summer I figured I was still clueless, since it did nothing for me. Bitter finish from tannins or whatever and nothing much before that to balance it out. Best food pairing: drink immediately after burning your tongue on too hot pizza.
QOTD: Biggest wine life change = learning more as a WLTV Lurker, of course.
February 2, 2008

Jack Turner
A lurker speaks…in a way, I feel a bit of betrayed b/c I have been watching the show since Gary was timid, quiet and soft spoken, doing the show with a grey wall behind him. I mean there wasn’t a hint of Vay-ner-chuck. I have watched staright through as Gary his added thousands of viewers, and gained popularity. Now the show is blocked…tough one. At any rate, I am glad the show is still on and Gary is doing good work. I hope that everyone is having a good year and enjoys their wine experience.
February 2, 2008

EvanR
QOTD: Trying more old world wines.
February 2, 2008

Howard
QOTD~I have been reeeeeealllllly Getting into to South America…..specifically Argentina and the Malbecs which reside there!
February 2, 2008

Ernest_G
QOTD: In the past six months, I’ve explored more wine than I have ANY beverage in my life span. I’ve passed my knowledge to a few friends. One actually likes to roll with me since it “seems” I have the knowledge for a good vino. But all that knowledge comes from watching you GV!

GG, GV. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for monday.
February 2, 2008

Steven E Baumgartner
Since July 2007 I have made my own wine. May not be the best wine there is to appreciate but it is good. Making my own wine has promoted me to learn more and taste different wines. Occasionally I will buy an outside wine to see what it is supposed to taste like. I’ve even bought a few from Wine Library… I can’t say I have more friends but I do have more interested folk inquiring into my wine (folks like free wine). I went from drinking a bottle a year to maybe 4 bottles a month. Wine has replaced beer and I’m actually loosing weight.
February 2, 2008

Christian
I’ve been experimenting with different types of wine and trying to concentrate more on what I’m smelling and tasting. The goal being to learn more about my own palate.
February 2, 2008

Caren
Are you heading out to the game this year Gary?

QOTD-exploring more malbec, syrah blends, chablis and WA state wines
February 2, 2008

Will
White Dessert Wine
February 2, 2008

Thq Queazel
NO WHAMMY!
February 2, 2008

Rob P
The thing that has chaged the most with me is the amount of wines I’ve tried that I would have been scared to look at before…wines from so many different countries. I don’t think I’ve had the same wine more than twice during the past 6 months.
February 2, 2008

joe trdinich
Interesting commentary. I bought 6 bottles of the ‘06 right before Christmas after the rating appeared in WS and had a bottle with pasta and sauce. Was very disappointed–thoughts were very similar to yours. Had some friends over a few weeks later and they brought a bottle of California Sangiovese (can’t remember what winery). We had pasta and sauce again and tasted the two wines blind. Overwhelmingly we liked the California better. Can’t see what WS liked in this–its like drinking dirt. No positives at all!
February 2, 2008

Sven Johnson
QOTD: decanting.
February 2, 2008

JÃ¸rn Idar
QOTD: This might sound like ass-kissing, but it is you and your THUNDER GV!!
February 2, 2008

BobMac
Biggest change: I’ve started buying wine, storing wine, tasting wine, joining wine clubs. All thanks to GV.
February 2, 2008

Characterlost
Grat show GV, nice to see yo on the couch and asking questions, I love it when you do that.

QOTD: I have only really been drinking wine for 6 months, so the biggest change is pretty much everything, training myself, and just really loving wine
February 2, 2008

hasbeen
QOTD: I have been drinking more whites. You have convinced me to try several new varietals and retry some old.
February 2, 2008

laurie in VT
QOTD: My awareness of why I like what I do, being better able to articulate that, and picking out a wine in order to try a new varietal, etc instead of because the label is cool. I knew things had changed in a big way last fall when I poured some wine to go with dinner and my husband said “so, should we give this a sniffy-sniff?” and he’d only watched a couple of eps! Thanks, GV!
February 2, 2008

El Snerd
Day’s query: moving to Turkey — a 40% tariff on all imported wine, a sad array of mediocre industrial wines at the Commissary, and heavy taxes even on the local wines (though we’re giving them a whirl). Unless you’re at Medieval Times for the evening, $45 for Frontera = sad days. Actually, the first option’s pretty sad, too.
February 2, 2008

Dr. Mike
QOTD: I was using Riedel Vinum glasses. Then I decided to cash in my Amex points and get a set of Riedel Sommelier series glasses. This definately enhanced the drinking experience of all wines, across the board.
February 2, 2008

David
QOTD:

The past six months have been awesome for me with wine – really, the first time in my life I’ve ever dedicatedly tried to develop my wine palate, in many parts thanks to your show. I remember the first wine I tasted that I knew I loved, and that I had developed some of the tools to describe WHY I loved it. I love that wine for me is an adventure in tasting, that the more I taste, the more I note the massive differences between wines and styles.

With 400 around the corner, thanks so much again, this show is kickass.
February 2, 2008

Alex
trying everything and anything.
February 2, 2008

T. Holland
Had a Falesco a few years ago. It was their Vitiano 2004 (33 Cab Sav, 33 Merlot & 33 Sangio). Was not impressed. It also got 90 points from WS.

QOTD: Easy for me. My wife is pregnant, so I only drinking wine when we get together with friends or family.
February 2, 2008

Chris Pennell
QOTD: Started watching GV on WLTV.
February 2, 2008

IPv6Freely
QOTD: I tried wine for the first time, thanks to Gary V and WLTV. There never would have been any interest to try it, until I got hooked on the show. Thank you!!!
February 2, 2008

andy
Gary

You changed my wine world during the past six months. YOU RULE!!!!!! God bless you and your family and may the Giants win.
February 2, 2008

e.fremont
QOTD: Alot more Sniffy-sniffing! Love Ya, GV!
February 2, 2008

Sharon
QOTD: Well, prior to Nov. when I started watching Gary & WLTV I was a vinous neophyte buying ‘white’ from the ‘2fer bins’, but now I am a budding oenophile. In fact, just came back from 1/2 hr discussion with local wine store buyer about *Barolo*. How cool is that? Thanks to GV and his show I have this neat new interest. And echoing what someone else here has said… my palette has expanded, my wallet has contracted, but I’m having a lot of fun. And it’s because of that first GV show I ever saw… about Beaujolais ! I was hooked! It’s his freaking personality!
P – A – T – R – I – O – T – S
31-24
February 2, 2008

vawinelady
I feel so ready for the Super Bowl, now. Gary, you are the most pumped up football guy I know since I lost my grandfather.

Biggest change in my wine life: starting to conduct tastings for a local wine shop. I love tasting new wines with other people so that I can hear their thoughts too.
February 2, 2008

SteveW
WOW TOP 300!!!!
Love laid back Fridays on WLTV.
QOTD: I’m off the Shiraz/Syrah bandwagon unless its blended with Grenache and or
MourvÃ¨dre(monastrell) as in Rhone or Spanish wines.
February 2, 2008

Ben F
I am expanding my palate.. I am really changing over to old world. really loving it…
February 2, 2008

thisIslandEarth
(Why do I feel like I just stood up at an AA meeting?)
Hi, my name is Michael. And I’m a Lurker.

QOTD: You my man!
Ok, Gary I give. WLTV was an epiphany for me. (Oh, sorry you’re a Jets fan – translation: WLTV blew my socks off!). You’re the best. Thanks for saving me from the day after day drudgery of Yellow Tail and “Burgundy” jug wines. Thanks for opening my eyes and palette to the incredible variety of wine. It’s been a great ride so far and I’m having a wonderful time.

p.s. – Don Maynard was awesome.
So was Maynard G. Krebbs
February 2, 2008

Joe F.
By far the best reaction I have seen! Great show.
February 2, 2008

C
WLTV and GV….Thanks for getting me excited about wine again.
February 2, 2008

Steve41602
Great show today! I appreciate your willingness to call a stinker a stinker.

QOTD: I am drinking more old world wines now – Chateauneuf du Pape, Burgundy, and Barolo. Thanks for helping me to open up to something other than California.

If you ever do a Washington State tasting – try a Wilridge Merlot from Klipsun Vineyard.
February 2, 2008

nougat
I HAD THE EXACT SAME REACTION!!!!! I tasted this about a week ago and was dumbfounded. No way this is 100% Sangiovese either – I have never seen this color or tasted Sangiovese like this. It sucked. I was looking forward to something with character to go with my wife’s killer stuffed shells, and it sucked!

QOTD: I can’t just drink wine now – I HAVE to do the aeration sucking thing. My kids are starting to do it with their milk!
February 2, 2008

Matt H
QOTD: My family realized how much I was in to wine and cigars. For my birthday every present I got was for my collections.
February 2, 2008

steve-o
QOTD: I went from working at a winery in WA and drinking almost EXCLUSIVELY northwestern wine, to working as a profesional actor in new england (GO PATS) and getting in good with the guys as the wine shop, thus drinking wine from a different country every night.
February 2, 2008

Sharon
p-a-l-a-t-e doh
ps: Wine Spectator does blind tastings, wonder if there was a bottle mix up, is James Suckling that out of it?
February 2, 2008

yathink2
QOTD: I now decant, swirl, sniff and try to analyze what flavors that I taste. I also order all different kinds of wine now to broaden my palette. I got my first chocolate smell a few days ago. yummy….
February 2, 2008

Charlie
I’m finally getting away from California Cabs. I’m exploring Italy, Portugal, Spain, Chile, France.

QOTD: I’m able to appreciate each wine for what it is and what it brings. For me, some wines I buy are just delicious old standby wines like california cabernets while others are experiments that may be good or may be terrible, but each wine is what it is. Now I’m able to assess each wine critically instead of disliking a wine because it wasn’t a california cab.
February 2, 2008

mikey lennon
QOTD: Biggest change in my wine world in the last six months was discovering wine. I decided to educate myself on wine so I could talk to my customers more and answer their questions and I discovered that along with quality beer, I equally enjoy quality wine. Thanks Gary and Mott for a backbone of my education.
February 2, 2008

Ohio Bruce
The biggest, not to mention the best change in my wine world was my Son-in-Law and Daughter building me an AWESOME cellar and tasting room in the basement. My wife and I have spent every single night in town down in my “happy place” sipping wine and reflecting on the world and our lives.
February 2, 2008

Cookiedds
QOTD: I’ve gone back to more new world style wines for a while, focusing on WA state and even tried 30 or 40 Merlots in that time as well. I still love big Napa wines though, by themselves and not so much with a meal. When are you going to put the Ladera; Howell Mountain, Lone Canyon and Napa Valley Cabs on the show?
February 2, 2008

Taylor
Radool episode minus the vino, weird. Liking the prediction on the game, GO PATS!!!
QOTD I’d have to say trying more whites and the fact that I’m drinking a lot more of both and my palate is expanding like crazy picking up flavors I never could before!!
February 2, 2008

Eli
I know why the Falesco wine was sooo bad!! If you put one of those suction pump wine-stoppers in the bottle, you will will see BUBBLES coming up from the wine. This doesn’t happen when the wine is first released. But six months later, the wine breaks down and starts to emit carbon dioxide. I think they leave residual sugar in it so that it tastes super fruity when it’s released. But then the sugar continues to ferment, and the wine gets robbed of its flavor and prematurely ages.

QOTD: During the past six months, I’m starting to discover French wine again (after years of mostly Italian and Spanish).
February 2, 2008

Joe Discher
Have not been impressed with these wines. Tried this and was disappointed. Then again as used to call it “Wine Speculator”! I do not go by there ratings.
February 2, 2008

Robin C
QOTD: We’ve started using the huge Magnum glasses for the reds – the nose is a lot more pronounced with them. We’re seeking out different grapes, different wines.
The Giants have a psychological edge as the Patriots have a perfect record to defend, so I think the Giants will use that edge to defeat them.
February 2, 2008

Bob D.
QOTD: Besides watching WLTV, GV helped me discover Riesling and Malbec. Thanks GV!
February 2, 2008

Brianna Vieira
QOTD: I work in a great contemporary french restaurant in San Jose, and WLTV has helped me to be a lot more confident in talking to my tables about wine. We have a killer list, and I’m starting to really work it. I love introducing people to new varietals and helping them move beyond the Rombauers and Silver Oaks. Each time I turn someone on to something they never would’ve noticed on our list is a little victory. My pet project; getting the ladies to step up and taste/order, instead of always deferring to their date.
February 2, 2008

Chas.
QOTD: The biggest change is that I’ve become more comfortable trying new stuff and looking for obscure wines. Oh, and that good wine does not have to be expensive!

THANKS GV!
February 2, 2008

agentorange
QOTD: We went and bought a decanter. Oh, and by the way, how the hell do you clean those things out anyways…?
February 2, 2008

Steven Wyatt
QOTD: You, obviously
February 2, 2008

Steven Wyatt
OH yeah (sorry for double post) Im subscribed with MIro. Does that count?
February 2, 2008

JoshL
QOTD: Watching WLTV has REALLY changed how I perceive drinking wine. Now, I’m trying to get my friends to feel the say way about DA JUICE!

Thanks, Gary.
February 2, 2008

Achilles Mike
I began too see some of the subtle differences in wines, especially just taking the time to enjoy the aromas sniffy sniff is great! Decanting a wine was new for me-but what a difference it makes- thanks Gary
February 2, 2008

WinÃ˜
the Q? Inheriting a little cellar of old Bordeaux, without which I wouldn’t have had a huge interest boom which in turn led me to discover a lot of other great styles (and WLTV!)
February 2, 2008

matt h
QOTD- I went from drinking only red wines to drinking more whites and sparkling whites than reds. Now I tell my friends that they’re wimps for only drinking reds. Reds are like rock n roll, because theyre great, but what about jazz?
February 2, 2008

Tony V.
QOTD: Studying for my level 1 sommelier exam with my secret weapon known as Gary V.
February 2, 2008

Blueberto
QOTD: drinking a lot more CrÃ©mant especially CrÃ©mant de Bourgogne and of course a lot of Champagne too
February 2, 2008

Steven Roy
QOTD – Aerating
I have discovered that Decanting, not always to get the silt out, but to aerate, has really allowed me to experience several different versions of wine from the same bottle on the same night. 6 months ago, several wines I tasted that I thought would be awesome were thin and watery ( California meritages) that had rally opened up became very complex and interesting wines after a few hours.
February 2, 2008

Shadowbird
QOTD: I’ve been drinking a lot more non-US wines.
February 2, 2008

Chris Braun
Interesting episode. I’m fairly new to watching the show, and was wondering the other day if you ever rated anything below 80. (One kind of wonders about a 100-point scale…) Anyway, today you answered that question.

QOTD: In the last couple of years, since I retired, I’ve been trying more actively to really learn about wine. In the last six month, probably the biggest change is that I’ve been drinking a lot more French wines. Years ago I kind of drifted away from French wines because the ones I was familiar with mostly became very expensive, and for various reasons I had a lot more opportunity to become familiar with wines from Germany and Italy, and of course New World wines. Lately I’m experimenting much more with French wines.
February 2, 2008

Dave Canada
QOTD – Gota be that I am tasting so much more wine…I have a crew that I have met through WLTV that meets every other week for tastings and then also quartely for blowout tastings….AWESOME! THanks
February 2, 2008

Hunter
QOTD – I turned 21 like a month ago, that was a huge change!
February 2, 2008

JayZee
QOTD: In the last six months? My wine world has changed because I have visited some wineries that Ian and Gary hooked me up with in Paso Robles which were simply AWESOME – thanks guys! – and I have tried several new varietals and wine from regions that I hadn’t ever had before because of the Thunder Show! Kep up the great work, guys.
February 2, 2008

Dan Fontaine
If you look at the on-camera progression from your first episodes to now, the change is CRAZY. I theorize somewhere around episode 600 you may actually explode. Just be careful, that’s all I’m saying.
February 2, 2008

Cliff and Darcey
QOTD: We are drinking MORE WHITE WINE than ever!
February 2, 2008

pomace
QOTD: Realizing that wine*IS*food and that there is a whole lot more to white wines than Chardonnay…
February 2, 2008

misswinegirl
QOTD – of all time…when I started working with the largest wine competition in the US…then I became a winemaker…professionally!!!

In the last 6 months…I try to drink a different wine everyday…thanks to you!!!! That inspiration came from you…and now I have several others hooked on you, the show, and the idea of tasting a different wine every time they crack open a bottle!!!
February 2, 2008

paul
QOTD: Met some great people and shared some great wine with them.
February 2, 2008

Russ
My wine life just recently started in the last six months. I am trying everything I can and I am having so much fun with it. Thanks for making this show and continue the great work!
February 2, 2008

ericov
QOD – A stop in Walla Walla on a family vacation sealed the deal on my impending wine loving disorder! Eric
February 2, 2008

Evan
QOTD Getting away from the fakey fake fruit bombs and going more old world
February 2, 2008

David James
QOTD: To be honest the biggest change in my wine world was when I discovered you. Before then I refused to taste wine, because I hated it. You pulled me back from that horrible abyss! Thankyou GV. You’re radool! >_>
February 2, 2008

Wiley Reilly
QOTD- everything has just turned to wine: meals are planned around wine, not the other way around; keep tasting notes so I can avoid garbage and revisit some old friends; when I find something I’ve never had, ie. variety or location, I jump in head first instead of ordering/buying something familiar. And I always have a glass or three while watching the THUNDER SHOW!!!
February 2, 2008

NathanN
Cool show! Awesome to see all the questions & answers.

QOTD: Last 6 months Spain is no longer my go to wine. Itâ€™s all about the Rhone now. Itâ€™s amazing how different Grenache tastes for these two regions.
February 2, 2008

Chad
What qualifies a lurker? I’m probably one, but just wondered )

QOTD: I’ve started buying anything, and never anything more than once unless I’ve got some special reason. I working on starting a wine blog with my friend in Chicago… and I love buying Local wines wherever I go. My collection of wines I want to wait to try later (in comparison with now) is also starting to grow. ) My Girlfriend, my friend Marty, and you have helped with all of these.
February 3, 2008

tuscanbob
QOTD: I’ve bumped up my average bottle price from around $10-$15 to $25-$30. Although I still pop and pour plenty of great $10 wines, the price point step up has resulted in much more complex and enjoyable wines. I’ve also started seriously cellaring some wines. Particularly ‘05 Bordeaux, ‘05 CDP’s and some nice spanish riojas.
February 3, 2008

TheNati
I’m new to WLTV. I dig the hell out of it. I actually had a German friend “link it up” to me a couple of weeks ago. I’ve been “lurking.” (and evidently getting carried away with my quotations) I’m somewhat OCD about things that I like, so I’ve probably watched 100 episodes recently.
I have heard a very strong theme from you wanting comments & wanting to get the lurkers out of the closet. I’m gonna try to participate more in the coming episodes out of respect and total appreciation for you and the show.

Anyway, I was just watching episode #239 (Rioja wine 5/21/07), and you just were ranting about wanting people to try new things & not to just like Old World or New World styles. You then mentioned that you like everything & everybody, except for The New York Giants & New England Patriots. That kinda made me laugh on this eve of the Superbowl. Have fun watching the game. Congrats ahead of time on episode #400. From a selfish standpoint, I hope you keep it up.
-Marc
February 3, 2008

Martin
In the last six months? Well, I’ve been drinking less, but better stuff.
February 3, 2008

Queen Cork Dork
QOTD: I am ADDICTED to WLTV!!! I try to watch EVERY DAY! Now I Sniffy Sniff much longer than I ever have. And honestly, I am not afraid to drink red…hard to believe myself…but with a little bit of you (and Mott) I am stepping out of my Riesling box. Could you do dessert wines sometime??? YOU GUYS ROCK!!! I voted for my fav TShirt, but there needs to be more “Yelling” in the graphics…somehow you need to emphasize “MOTT”.
Love you more….
February 3, 2008

Corrado
Biggest change has been my buying habits. I bought bought bought a lot of sub $20 wine as I was trying to figure out my palate (still am; always will be). Now that I’ve got a pretty good stockpile of drink-soon wine, I’m looking more to buy wines that might not be ready to open up for a bit or, if it’s ready upon release, at least something that will cellar for 5+ years.
February 3, 2008

kw
qotd: i just tasted 05 bordeaux for the first time this past weekend in nola…i was impressed…looking forward to my futures this summer
February 3, 2008

troytee
QOTD- Tasting more, experimenting more and trusting my inner wine Jedi. Gary your the vino Obi Wan. We don’t use the “force”, we use the palate!
February 3, 2008

David R.
QOTD: I haven’t tasted wine at all so couldn’t tell ya :p
February 3, 2008

Teddy T
QOTD: I’ve been doing computer work for Lazy Acres Market, in Santa Barbara California, for about 4 years now. After I turned 21 I started nagging our Wine department manager to give me some hours in his department (we’ve got one of the best selections in SB), but he always had all the help he needed with his full timers. About 3 months ago that manager left our store to work on a new chain of California Wine stores; but the new manager that took his position gave me the opportunity to pick up some hours over this very busy holiday season (nov-jan). At that point I dove into the wine world head first. I started tasting anywhere from 10-100 wines a week, visited all the local wineries around Santa Barbara, took a little trip to Napa, organized a weekly wine group and DISCOVERED WINE LIBRARY TV! I’ve since been lurking about, but wanted to take this QOTD opportunity to come out of the shadows and thank GV for being totally AWESOME and the WLTV community for making this one of best shows online and anywhere. looking forward to reading comments and watching the show throughout the 400s. Happy tasting, keep it fun!
February 3, 2008

David L
I am very picky about wine now. I donâ€™t care about the rating, wine maker or varietal. If I donâ€™t like it, Iâ€™ll dump it and go to something else. And not in a pretentious way. Life’s too short to drink bad wine.
February 3, 2008

JK from WV
QOTD: In last six months I started watching The Thunder Show!!!!! Actually about 5 months ago at the start of football season. Football and wine. Two of my favorite things.

Another thing I discovered was the wine section at a local store in Charleston, WV, Drug Emporium (The D.E.) They have a awesome selection at good prices and they always have a sale rack. I also started a notebook so I can remember what I like and jot down Gary’s suggestions. Thanks Gary.
February 3, 2008

Cosanostra
QOTD: I finally ran out of room in my wine cellar. Rather than stacking boxes of wine on the floor, I made the decision to start enjoying some of the keepers to create space for the new. Very happy with my decision so far.
February 3, 2008

Tom Y @ SF
Learn to appreciate the terroir – decant for 1-2 days sometime, sniffy sniff deeply, gurggle ferociously then ponder on the terroir with the after taste……
February 3, 2008

Nickyb85
QOTD: Ive been drinking more varieties and trying new things.
February 3, 2008

Erik Klumpp
Great show Gary, but I have to say I disagree with your Super Bowl prediction. The Giants have a defense, and I think Brady is going to get sacked. Anyways, my biggest wine changing moment in the last six months would have to be watching you on Conan for the very first time. It really opened my eyes and showed me the complexity of wine.
February 3, 2008

Jaybird
QOTD: I have taken a few classes, and tried new wines, every week learning so much but the best change is being a part of Vayniac Cab. It is truly hands on and I never thought I would have the opportunity to experience this side of the industry. I am looking forward to the end product to share with family and friends.
February 3, 2008

GalvezGuy
QOTD: Learning to love the secondary characteristics of wines after they age. Aged wines show more of the tobacco, cedar, sour cherry and other classic flavors. I am drifting more toward France and away from Cali and Australia.

Funny about Falesco in the lower price points, it seems that you see a lot of bottle variation. At least that is what I am seeing from the Vitiano over the last few years.

Cheers and God Bless for the comments about loved ones. Sometimes we get too busy with our crap to realize what is really important.

Cheers.
February 3, 2008

Matt Sengbusch
First off, this is my first post, and I am no longer a lurker.

QOTD: In the last six months I started requesting that restaurants decant my wine before I get there. If anyone is in Portland, OR there is a great steak place called the RingSide. check out their site, the have a pretty impressive wine list (for my standards) http://www.ringsidesteakhouse.com/ – we had the Ponzi Vineyards, Willamette Valley â€™05, pretty overpriced I think at $55, but I wasn’t there to be cheap, I had a freakin $50 steak, totally worth it! The wine had a beautiful bouquet and I wonder if that had a lot to do with the fact that I don’t usually decant when I’m drinking at home (I’m a bachelor, I have two wine glasses and a swiss army knife, I’m working on it)

Anyways, none of that would have happened with out WLTV, thanks Gary!

Blessings,

-Matt
February 3, 2008

Kevin
Hey! There’s nothing wrong with being a lurker
February 3, 2008

Mandy
Qotd: Learning about great, cheap Italian wines!
February 3, 2008

malliemcg
QOTD:- Biggest change is two fold – hunting down different varieties more than before, including even whites which I shunned and playing with them – with food, no food, warm, cool, after being opened for a while. Or it could be sharing and infecting my friends and family w/ enthusiasm for trying many different wines and dissecting them amongst ourselves and getting what we get out of them.
February 3, 2008

Svante Adermark
QOTD: Every weekend I am buying different wines now. Before I always bought good beer and only had wine for dinner, and I usually bought the same wine over and over again.
February 3, 2008

Andrew
QOTD: Living in HK and getting to try a lot more international wine & visiting a cellar doors & doing some decent tasting in Tuscany

Cheers Andrew
February 3, 2008

Rajiv A
GV – Another great episode I watched with my dad, who’s visiting.

QOTD: That is a 3-way tie: I turned 21. My best friend turned 21. I started watching the Thunder Show!!!
February 3, 2008

Tony
QOTD: Drinking way more French wine due to WLTV
February 3, 2008

Derek
Great to see you back on the couch Gary, we love LB Fridays!!

Another great EP!!
February 3, 2008

Cal
QOTD: Switched from Beer, to fruit bombs, to old world wines. GV, you have been a great influence to try anything and everything. Great show, keep it up.
February 3, 2008

Karl Laczko
Today’s wine sums up my experience with Sangiovese, I’ve been relatively unlucky with it the last couple of years, I tend to avoid it by choice and concentrate on the other Italian grapes which tend to serve me better (Corvina, Nero D’Avola, Primitivo, Aglianico (that’s yours!) etc…).

QOTD – I’ve gone semi-Pro on wine writing, contributing to a new U.S. Blog using my new found Wine palate and the fact I travel the world on business so get to experience a bit more than the average consumer.

Talking of travel – how is this I.P. blocking going to affect me on the road, I often watch WLTV from different countries and different computers, I’ll be pissed if you’ve cut me out Mr V.
February 3, 2008

dominick mack
QOTD – I have started to drink A LOT more whites…originally thinking that whites were the “bastard children” of wine.
February 3, 2008

Rice
QOTD: Nuthin in my wine behavior changed… always been open to everything and willing to try it all. Except, now a portion of my budget goes to WL But I must admit, I gave away some Stag’s Leaps cuz they were WAAAY over oaked – I’m not seduced or my palette changed?… but made some friends happy that day.

Superbowl – it’s only a game
February 3, 2008

salvatore
Patriots win the world Championship !!!!! with a perfect Record !!

I sometime feel like i’m begining to recognize some of the “Thunder flavors” Gary gets on the show !!
February 3, 2008

Todd S
QOTD: We moved into our new house and in the past 6 months I finished the wine cellar. It is a small space in the basement (11′ X 3.5′) under the stairs. I have two bottle deep Vintage View racks along one side and a standard rack in the back for bulk bottle storage. I love the Vintage View racks, very clever design. http://www.winemastercellars.com/
February 3, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: That’s kind of easy and odd – my pregnant wife. I am not complaining in the least as we’ll have a baby any day now, but wow have I had to drink different stuff. That’s the change, not that I’ve had less, but that she’s asked me not to open the “good” stuff in our little wine cellar/cooler but stick to what I refer to as drinkable table stuff. It gives you a better appreciation for well-made wine and at the same time, surprises you occasionally with a good bargain.
February 3, 2008

knudwig
QotD: Drinking wine daily, keeping several bottles open at the same time. Usually 2 whites and two reds and a dessert wine. I often try more than one with each meal.
February 3, 2008

Ptex
QOTD- Similar to my experimentations with red wine varieties, I’m now tasting many varieties of white wine.
February 3, 2008

Todd Smith
QOTD – watching this show; it’s made me step up my game at work, and made me think more about my family relations, while providing much-needed comic relief in the progress. Thank you Gary.
February 3, 2008

Big Nick
Nice to see the Laid back couch episode return. Friday’s are the best days……they are the day I get to spend with my wife and kids with no work.

QOTD: I must say that the last 3 months for me have been full of personal change and improvement, but for me the last six months have been full of stepping outside the normal wine path and looking for something new and different. I have tried many wines I would never have tried or been afraid to try before. Gary, you havee openedmy eyes beyond the over marketed everyday find wines.
February 3, 2008

BoiseBob
Just a short question: Seeing as how Valentines Day is around the cvorner, are you going to do a show on Sweet Wines For A Sweet Person?
February 3, 2008

Michael Y
qotd seeking higher quality wines.
February 3, 2008

wayno da wino
Yoo RADOOL Gee !! Great Show !!

QOTD: Ya got me back explorin’ da Old World Wines of France (Burgundy,
Bordeaux, Languedoc-Roussillon, Champagne, etc.) You are a Real
Influence to all us wine-nuts !! THANK YOOOU, Geee !!!!
February 3, 2008

Brandon Ronk
I enjoy your show, and I would subscribe, but it wouldnt change the frequency that I watch. I would be more likely to subscribe to you in a youtube channel. I subscribe to many vloggers on there and it is my central video site. Just a thought, thank you for your reviews and energy.
February 3, 2008

Scot
Thanks for the Patriots bid! Should be a great Super Bowl!!!
February 3, 2008

James
QOTD: I moved from Australia to London and started really appreciating wines other than big Australian fruit bombs. It’s not been easy but the more I try the more I can appreciate aspects other than fruit and masses of alcohol.
February 3, 2008

Characterlost
I really hope you get 400 comments before episode 400!!! i am sure you will though, thanks for the show GV, i have something to look forward to watching after the superbowl
February 3, 2008

fotodevil
Can’t wait for the Big 4-0-0! QOTD: I’ve actually been getting more interested in wines over the last year. I decided that once I get into my new house, I’m going to build a cellar, even if it is only a small one.
February 3, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – other than watching WLTV, in the past 6 months, i was able to re-organize my wine collection and start adding to it. i would also say that my tastes are swinging from zin to more rhone styles…
February 3, 2008

tursiops
The main thing that changed since I watch the show, is that now I know what to chose from the wine list when I go to a restaurant, and that is a AWESOME feeling!!!
Thank Gary, You’re the king of the world (of wine) ^^
February 3, 2008

BPlague
Down with the Pats they do not need the win or the record.

QOTD: I have a nice collection of wine and enjoy it on a regular basis.
February 3, 2008

NickThe Wine Guy
Great Show!!!
February 3, 2008

fred han
not sure if this counts, but i bought several bottles of the 2005 montes alpha syrah in october. i had one bottle then which had very nice blueberry, blackberry notes with some hints of oak which was nice, but the wine didn’t knock me off my feet. the other night, i opened it with a couple friends, some are just getting into wine and they like the oak and fruit combo. This time the wine had the same blackberry/blueberry notes followed by a very interesting blast of petrol, gaminess that took over the bouquet. the taste had evolved too to reflect this with dark blue and black fruits on the attack, followed by this petrol and spice tastes, a lot like some northern rhone wines i’ve had. i loved it, but my friends who like the oak monster were turned off by it. too me it’s the quickest i’ve seen a wine evolve. maybe my nose and tastes changed, if so, i’ve got to figure out how.
February 3, 2008

obrianksu
Another great laid back friday. To bad I couldn’t enjoy it on friday. Down with the commercials, and many injury’s during the game today.

QOTD: To be honest the biggest change I have experienced would have to be watching you show everyday. I have so much more incentive to really enjoy wines and try a larger variety more often. Whether the whirly whirl, sniffy sniff or tasty taste, its given the experience of trying new wines a greater joy.

THANK YOU GV!
February 3, 2008

winelynn
Hi GV,
My biggest change is that I am drinking more reds than did previously. Keep bringing the thunder…
February 3, 2008

James H
I’ve been trying to bring my family into wine. I’ve not been into wine very long, but it’s so much more fun when sharing it with friends and family.
February 3, 2008

Mtn Laurel
someone was feeling a little crazy on friday afternoon– Gary???

am over sideways brainwashing. recently very much enjoyed a bottle of whitehall lane 2005 merlot.

(this lurker has just come out of the closet)
February 3, 2008

Nathan L
Statement on the Falesco. Last year when the Vitiano scored high I bought one bottle that I loved and then bought 3 more. Of the last three bottles, I only found one of them to be as good as the first and the other two to be BAD. This winery appears to have problems with their high volume wines.

QOTD: I started collecting about 2 years ago and have been slowly acquiring wines and staying within my budget. In the last six months I have gotten freakin nuts with 05′ French wines. I keep convincing myself I have to buy “blank” now or it will disappear. In doing this I have almost driven myself into the poor house. But I now how some really nice Bordeaux and Burgundy coming in!
February 3, 2008

ScottG
Too bad the $9/90 pt. wine didn’t work out. It would have been a great find. Washington State has some great Sangios at $20 or less that are worth the search.

QOTD: I’m buying more wine, especially from areas that I haven’t focused on in the past: Loire, Austraila and S. Africa are a few.
February 3, 2008

Kirk
QOTD: I would have to say that the biggest change in my wie world was visiting Napa, Sonoma, and Anderson valley for the first time during 2 weeks in December. Meeting a few Vayniacs at an off-line tasting in Napa to pop a magnum of 1970 DRC and the excellent experiences I had out on the West coast. I also visited the Willamette valley for the second time the first week of the newy year…and once again it supported my love, passion, and desire to share those amazing wines with people I know.

Ps. You said people had to follow the maze for the “new wrist bands” was that the “gary is sorry” ? Because I got to a dead end way back then….and never really understood what it was about. However it was very cool to see my first photo up in the New Year montage
February 3, 2008

Kathleen Lisson
Gary,
I got my wine certification and started teaching wine classes at my Coop. Being able to share my love of wine and make other people more comfortable about drinking wine THEY like has been a blessing. But you know that already, don’t you?
Kathleen Lisson
February 3, 2008

Penelope
Biggest change in the way of wine for me……a new job with an up and coming wine custom crush facility and being able to make my wines there- yippeeee! A dream come true for me.
From One Happy Mustang Winemaker
February 3, 2008

KyleLikesTies
I was really, really hoping we’d have an incredible bottle … If we had a good bottle of sangiovese @ $9 I would have bought a case! Too bad.

Can’t wait to see 400 tomorrow :~}

QoTD: The biggest change has *definitely* been that I’ve started drinking whites. I’m still about 60% or 65% red, but I’ve very much enjoyed discovering albariÃ±o, pino gris, verdejo, etc.
February 3, 2008

Tim Morea
QOTD: Biggest change is that I started drinking wine! On GV’s recommendation from my question at Ask Gary, I bought a bottle of Albarino last week and I did, in fact, enjoy it!
February 3, 2008

Wine Not?
Gotta love the couch episodes!

QOTD: You mean besides discovering WLTV and talking like GV when I taste wine now (I just said “funky funk” while tasting a Bordeaux last night!)??? Well, it could be that I have now tried a petit verdot! Yes, I did actually hunt one down (it was Trinchero) and made all of my wine friends try it so that they could expand their wine world, too. Never would have done it without ya, Gary!
February 3, 2008

David M Roberts
QOTD: Willing to spend more money on top wines after either tasting or doing some research. I then like to share those finds with friends.
February 3, 2008

RANDI
YAY! So happy about more designs for Mott T’s!

QOTD: I no longer believe that pricey wine is good wine, and that if I didnt like it, I must have just been missing something! I am more open to trying all varietals and Im so very glad I am! I mean, why not!?! What if I discover I LOVE something?! I would have sadly missed out! I have you Gary, to thank for that…and the Thunder Show!!!
Thanks!!!
Mucho Love xox
February 3, 2008

Derek Jensen
QOTD: Spending much more time exploring wines and trying something different whenever I can.
February 3, 2008

Gus
Might episode 400 actually be all-Mott??
February 3, 2008

kris miller
QOTD: I have gotten away from my obsession with big reds… not that i no longer drink them, i am just not exclusive to them anymore.
February 3, 2008

LeRoy Guilford
Gary,
I was LOL on this one! Keep telling it “like it is”! Hey, have you ever met Antonia Allegra, founder of the annual Symposium for Professional Wine Writers
(Meadowood, Napa Vally)? She and I talked a little about you on Saturday’s
re-debut of the new WineCountryTalkRadio(TM)(1pm/PST @ http://www.am830KLAA.com). She is a good professional aquaintace of mine, and heavyweight in the industry. Beleive it or not, she was not sure if she was familiar with your daily blog.
She is now…… So when do I get to put you on our So Cal 50,000 watt blow tourch station, in the nation’s #1 wine consumption market?

Le Roy Guilford
February 3, 2008

Gus
Congrats to Mott and the XLII Super Bowl winners, the NY Giants
February 3, 2008

Bob
Congrats Mott! Big ups to Plaxico – Michigan State, represent!
February 3, 2008

Mike Z in SD
Happy day for Mr. Mott! I have to confess, I thought the Patriots were going to roll big, but boy was I wrong!
I’m actually quite happy to see the G-men win. Enjoy the afterglow, Mott.
February 3, 2008

Bill Ward
Mott,

Who’s the MAN now huh? You must be the happiest SOB in the world right now! What a grat last drive! Un-F’n-believeable! Congrats!
February 3, 2008

jpbebeau
Congratulations Mott!
February 3, 2008

Grapestompper (Dave)
MOTT & GARY!! Incredible huh Mott? That was an unbelievable game!! Look back at my prediction in this episodes comments I said itb would be
Giants 24 Pats 21. Not bad huh? Said it would be by a FG. Congrats Mott, I wore my Simms Jersey!
February 3, 2008

Grapestompper (Dave)
Gary,

Episode 400 should be Mott sharing his favorite wine to drink while watching the World Champion Giants!
February 3, 2008

Mark Thomasseau
Mott, relish this VICTORY! All next season you can strut, while GV wishes!
MT
February 3, 2008

Blake
QOTD: Your show GV! The Thunder Show has opened my eyes to a whole new realm of the wine world. New food and wine combinations and embracing the sniffy-sniff have really made wine much more enjoyable than it already was!
February 3, 2008

David Dickinson
How about them Giants?!? Who knew their defense could shut down New England?

QOTD: I order my wines over the internet. I had never done that in the past. Your free shipping offers got me rolling. Can’t wait for another free shipping (you should have at least one per month!)
February 3, 2008

Gotsha
QOTD Biggest change would be not being afraid to pay a little extra money on wine without feeling like i just got ripped off, ie acting like an educated consumer
February 3, 2008

Anthony L.
CONGRATS NY Giants. The Evil Empire goes down in a cliffhanger.
February 3, 2008

Lee
QOTD: Now drinking 1 glass of wine a day with dinner instead of being a weekend drinker. Biggest change… I now tune in to Wine Library TV EVERY NIGHT instead of doing other insignificant stuff on the internet.
WLTV has become a habit!
February 3, 2008

chito
Sweet ending to your show, Gary. But not as Sweet as the Super Bowl ending. Absolutely the best ending ever. (not the best upset… that goes to the JETZZZ)
February 4, 2008

Adam Cobain
I repent, I repent!
Oh no, will I really be blocked for ever for my Lurker Sins. Nooooooooooo!
Have mercy!!!!!!

QOTD: Cheese, my girlfriend is right into cheese and recently we have been ordering direct from France (we live in Japan) an assortment of different artisanal cheeses. The milks, the regions, the weights and creams, so interesting. I try to match wines and see how/if the region has any distinct characteristics that cross over. The most amazing recently was a Epoisses de Bourgogne and ‘96 Nuits-Saint-Georges. Really blew my mind and knocked my palette for a six.

Cheers
February 4, 2008

Danny
QOTD: mmm I would say WLtv as made the biggest changes to my wine world. It has helped me to really pick apart the different characteristics in wine that I couldnt’ really identify before. I just grip it and rip it! … no second guesses, first impulses! If this wine smells like a new tire store, then that is what it is!! Thanks GV
February 4, 2008

Lurker
16 and 0ooooohhhh no!
February 4, 2008

ChezJosh
Biggest Change: Well, if we extend it to 12 months, I turned 21, then had a wonderful wine experience in italy. But past six months, it has to be the eye-opening tasting of about 50 Portuguese wines that I had the privilege of attending at the good ol’ CIA.
February 4, 2008

Chris S
Biggest change is watching Winelibrary TV (aka The Thunder Show), and doing more sniffy-sniffs with the wine I’m trying as a result.
February 4, 2008

Robert
QOTD: I think the main thing that has changed with me is that i actually think about what goes into making the wine and not just saying this tastes good. I especially noticed this just last thursday when i was telling friend of mine that I thought a wine might taste better after a year of aging, and a few months ago I never would have said anything like that.
February 4, 2008

SkinnySteve
QOTD: I actually bought a CASE of wine, though it was a mixed case. All from Grimont in South Africa. I got a nice discount.

You would probably get more comments if people didn’t have to totally start over on watching the show when they click the “comments” button. You should at least let it open in another page so people can respond as it comes to them.

Whenever I see interesting links on the site and click on them or want to comment on something, it always takes me away from where I was, so I have to go back, right-click, and choose “open in new window” etc, etc. Sometimes it’s just too much trouble to handle, or I forget what I wanted to say in the first place.
February 4, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: I now work at a winebar where I have a say with which wines make our list and which don’t after I taste along with the owner when purveyors bring in new wines. Power to my palate? Yes.
February 4, 2008

billr
QOTD: YOU and THE SHOW has been the BEST THING that has happened to me and my wifeewife in the past six months……….
February 4, 2008

whiteshadow
have seen a few past episodes and like your style. energetic, adventurous and controvercial. although i do not claim to be a palate master, I do believe that a competitive element to the show would lead to a soar in the ratings (viewers/subscribers). this should take two forms. firstly, the wine box of shame. vayniacs should have to court your favour a little more. gary, you’re a little promiscious. you need to be harder to get. a little more aloofness and distain. not really worked out this part of the competition yet. I’ll have to come back to it. secondly, I believe the wrist bands are a fine wardrobe addition to the show but need to be pushed by a fine stylist to take on a more prominant role in the competitive part of the show. gary, the wrist bands should be combined with a head band (think john mcenroe, byorn borg) and bad wines should be smashed into the net may be, or into the stands and good wines, majestically coaxed down the line for a winner. good fruit bombs could be a smash winner. subtle and delicate whites a drop shot. the really special ones could be service aces. (I’m losing the run of myself, the possibilities are endless). if tennis doesn’t float your boat, the equivalent baseball terms could be incorporated. mott can then improve his skills as a live action carera man. after all my ranting, the point I’m tring to make is that although i like the show. you need two wrist bands and a head band. may be even a full costume. lastly, post spit the wristband should come in to use, everytime. left to right, or right to left or may be a mixture. it’s up to you.
February 4, 2008

Menelaos
QOTD: I went to a master class on Ribuera del Duero and Toro a few months ago. A lot of snobby tasters, contradicting each other. Tasted some expensive wines (Vega Sicilia). Promised myself I would not buy expensive wine for the name anymore.

Greetz,

Menel.
February 4, 2008

Thomas the Swede
We want Mott! We want Mott!

Big ups for the Mott Man. And Gary, once being a Giants fan and then switched to Jets; what is you feeling about this.?.

Greetings from Sweden.
February 4, 2008

Ben
QOTD: Discovering that white wines can have a sexy nose.. and then becoming obsessed by them.
February 4, 2008

Hinrgman
Gary,

I hope You didn’t bet the store on your prediction. We don’t want to lose you.
February 4, 2008

Pardus
QOTD: In the last 6 months I went from drinking reds with an occasional white to the exact opposite. Also, been drinking a lot more sparkling wine than normal.
February 4, 2008

Allyn Cutts
Hey guys… I have been a lurker for a while, but I just had to post this.

My wife and I have been traveling around Europe a bit, and this past weekend we went to Budapest…. Great city, if you haven’t been it should be on your list.

Anyway, we went to the ‘House of Hungarian Wines’. This was probably the first time that I really spent time ‘tasting’ wines.

You pay about US$25, they give you a glass, crackers, water, and a map and send you to the basement on your own. They had over 60 bottles open to taste. If you ever have a question, or see a bottle that’s not open that you’d like to try, the cellar master is there to help you.

It was a great experience. You can find out more about the place here:

o http://www.budapesthotels.com/touristguide/ibusz/winetasting.asp

And NO… I do not have any affiliation with the place.

Go NYG
February 4, 2008

NeverHadWine
This show is awesome
February 4, 2008

NC Carl
QOTD – WLTV!

Congrats Mott and the NY Giants!
February 4, 2008

JerseyGirl turned CNY vayniac
QOTD: the biggest change for me has been going to my Wine Club meetings. I started in the fall, and I have gotten to try so many new wines and have a great time! We meet once a month, which usually isnt often enough for me, but it’s a great time and I’ve learned a lot!

It’s monday Gary, and I’m glad you were rooting for the Giants, cause we were too, and they rocked it! woot! Go underdogs!
February 4, 2008

Allan
Great Game Sunday WOW!!. I would say the biggest change in the last 6months is trying as many wines as I can and not limiting my budget to $20/$30 bottles. Love the wine and love the show Gary..
February 4, 2008

spaetm
Biggest Change – my wife is understanding wine. Before she drank and liked the flavors, but now she really is enjoying it. She has a great ability to pick out the flavors and she is really understanding wine and my fascination with it.

Congrats Mott.
February 4, 2008

DW
I wanted to know what he does with all that wine! I guess I should make friends with that bear…

GO GIANTS!!!!! WOOOOT!
February 4, 2008

MannyPants
Congrats on the big win Mott, you’ll get ‘em next year GV… or not.
February 4, 2008

Chad B
QOTD: In the last TWO months I have gone from not liking, not understanding and not drinking wine to being very excited about trying wine! I even had a bottle of Greco Di Tufo with my hot wings during the super bowl, how about that?
February 4, 2008

Ricardo
QOTD: I guess my biggest wine change has been leaving my teatotaling fiance, for non-wine related reasons, and meeting a really fun new gal who spends nearly as much time studying wine as me.
February 4, 2008

John Funk
Can us non-lurkers see the dancing monkey?

Damn am I psyched for ep 400! This show got me a) into wine…. b) into food more and thinking about how things ACTUALLY taste…. and heck… even started making my own.

I can’t count the number of folks I’ve turned onto wine and the thunder show since. Spread the love!
February 4, 2008

Don Wright
In the last six months I have gone from drinking Pinot Noir four or five times per week to experimenting with all kinds of wines. Trying to find old world wines and more complex wines to expand my cellar.
February 4, 2008

ChadD.
Yeah, I was fat during that time period too. Lost 35 pounds last year…QOTD: Not sure…maybe drinking less Shiraz.
February 4, 2008

MacNPhish
QOTD: YOU have changed my wine life! Making me and my wife look at wine completely different and discovering new wines daily! THANKS!
February 4, 2008

MtnCharlie
QOTD: Buying more wine than I ever have before. Trying more wine than I ever have before.
February 4, 2008

Patrick L
QOTD; Biggest change, reading lables and understanding what they mean, (french wines) it helped me better explore wine and expand my taste with confidance.
February 4, 2008

Colin
GV – Biggest change has been the lady getting into Reds again. Sweet…
February 4, 2008

JeffC
GO GIANTS!!!! Congradulations Mott.

QOTD: Watching WLTV has opened my eyes to the vast number of great wines and alternative sources we have available. I stopped buying wine from my one supplier here and am trying many new wines from different sources including Wine Library. Thanks G-Man.
February 4, 2008

Chandler
I can’t believe the Giants did it! Congrats Mott!

QOTD: I have really started experimenting with other wines, esp. old world wines.
February 4, 2008

mattygroves
QOTD: while in the past, though a heavy wine drinker, there were wines i wouldn’t touch. i’ll try anything now for the unlimited experience. Thanks, GV!

You do rule, O Thunderous One!

bringing it,
mattygroves
February 4, 2008

Aaron Gonzales
QOTD: The biggest thing I want to do is start focusing on Bordeux and Burgundy more and more. Also I am enrolled in the ISG and I want to ace the class as well. Being a Bronco fan it was hard to see those G-Men win but BeliCHICK is a baby so it made it easier for me to be happy for the Giant nation. Way to go Mott!!!
Aaron
February 4, 2008

Josiah Simon
QOTD- Now living in Germany, and started loving white wines. A year ago I was very ignorant of them, but it is true that you have to let your pallet develop. All about the Riesling’s under five. Kassel represent!
February 4, 2008

SaraMHCRU
qotd: actually trying new wines, thinking about them, and gaining confidence in picking things out. and understanding a little bit about what i’m drinking.
February 4, 2008

Wayne Guidry
Gary,
Mega grapes (dittos) from Plano TX!!! I just passed on your link to a bunch of friends. You need to tell your audience that they need to do the same. Don’t just lurk!!! Send the link to a friend!!! In fact, You could ask Mott to install a link that counts how many friends you send a link to and win a T-shirt of something for the most friends you refer. Have a great day and I know you are a Jets fan, but I believe you probably are enjoying the Giants win over the Pats.
Cheers!!!
The GMAN
Wayne Guidry
February 4, 2008

Raffi
QOTD: Probably the whole process of bringing in smell and taste. Problem is when the ‘tail or something like that comes out, I don’t enjoy it as much…still drink it though.
February 4, 2008

Wayne Guidry
The biggest change in my winelife in the last six months is that I found Winelibrary and I am enjoying a much bigger variety of wines because of you!! Thanks a bunch!!!
The GMAN
Wayne Guidry
February 4, 2008

Bryan
QOTD: Starting to drink wine! I am very new to this and I thank you Sir Gary of Vaynerchuck (ok and Mott to) for helping me throughought this new adventure!
February 4, 2008

Tom G. of the CKC
In the last 6 months, I have:

- Grown to love white wine.

- Began trying wines from areas of the US and the world that I would have never tried before (Visiting local PA vineyards with a more open mind has been a great experience).

- Trying wine/food combinations I would have never tried before (Riesling and steak!)

- Convincing all of my friends to try wine, even if they tell me they don’t like it!
February 4, 2008

Big D
In the last 6 months I have learned to appreciate the role of acid in wine (in moderation!).
February 4, 2008

ryan
QOTD: just bought a house so I have to be more focused on keeping the wine budget from growing.
February 4, 2008

Daniel O
Gary, thanks for answering my question. Sort of. I’ll keep coming back for more of the Thunder Show and watching closely for the updated answer later this year. And huge props to you for pronouncing my name correctly!

QOTD: There have been a lot of big changes, the biggest being the impact of Wine Library TV on opening up my mind to trying different wines from around the world I would never have thought about!
February 4, 2008

estanoche
I’ve started playing with my wine!! And finding new varietals, I was kind of a one trick pony there for a while
February 4, 2008

Tom (vtjones)
QOTD: Finding this show has changed my wine world in the last six months! You have opened my eyes and expanded my horizons. I am still a NOOB but I am starting to feel like I can go to a wine store and pick out a wine with some idea of what to expect. Keep the education rolling.
February 4, 2008

Jimmy Bryght
Yes!!! New York beats the cheats and justice has been served!!! Take that, Susan!!! The Patriots will never know perfection!!! Let the whining begin!!!
February 4, 2008

Wade
The biggest change in my wine life is that the dull intermittent pain in my liver has become more of an incessant pinching but I am encouraged by the unscientific assurances of friends and strangers that the liver is resilient and responds positively to regular doses of raw red cabbage and optimism.
February 4, 2008

Donna Watson
Augh. Where’s #400?
February 4, 2008

Atreyu
Gary,
sorry about the wine that you didn’t like.

QOTD: I’m starting to tolerate more oaky wines. Before I hated them.
February 4, 2008

Josh in Burgundy
QOTD: It would absolutely have to be moving from Cali Paso Robles/SB area with all of its new world love to Burgundy the big mamma in the old world. It has been a very different experience for me.
February 4, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: Drinking way more wine!
February 4, 2008

brook
Now when I talk to husband about wine he is asking where I’m coming up with this stuff or where am I learning so much about wine. Love the show!!
February 4, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Well you got the Giants score right just not the Pats. Way to go Mott, rooting for a team that can actually win as opposed to the moribund Jets. As soon as you said Wine Spectator rates this a 90 I knew the wine was going to be bad. Biggest change for me is no longer collecting wines that need to be aged for 15-20 years as I’m too old to ever enjoy them.
February 4, 2008

Dominus
HAIL TO THE GIANTS! Bring on #400! It’s time to celebrate.

As they say, cheatin doesn’t win.
February 4, 2008

Valerie
QOTD: I stopped buying at the grocery store and now buy at a local wine shop, and try all sorts of different varietals. I’m finding things I like that I nver knew existed!
February 4, 2008

Corrado
Great game. Giants’ D >> Patriots’ O
February 4, 2008

Kirk
Mott….link up Episode 400
February 4, 2008

Bobby B
Man, having to admit the Giants kick ass on the big 400 will be rough. I think we are due an all Mott show!
QOTD: I have been an all Italian wine guy for a long time, but since a big move from NJ to the South I have had a hard time getting consistent Italian reds, and have switched to Spain, South America, and France.
February 4, 2008

Linderelli
QOTD: The biggest change for me is the fact that even though the supermarkets where I live do not have a great selection, there are so many local wineries, with such great things to offer! I have long been a fan of drinking local wine, so although I work for a company that carries the MO “drink American” – I am interested in finding some more foreign wines that I like.

See you in Seattle at Taste Washington!
February 4, 2008

Anthony L.
#400, Where are you??? LOL
February 4, 2008

Brian Specht
Mott link it up!!!!!!!!
February 4, 2008

JÃ¸rn Idar
Hmh, have anyone seen the radool #400? Mott?
February 4, 2008

Fingerlaker
Sry for the delay folks.. Mott is busy linkin up the Eli to Tyree miracle to all the vayniacs
February 4, 2008

Social Project Brian
Can’t wait for Episode 400 – featuring the Oak Mottster!
February 4, 2008

TimF
Gary, YOU RULE!!!
February 4, 2008

4four1ones
I need my “Vaynerfix” – Bring on the monumental webisode 400! Congrats to Gary, Mott and WLTV for an awesome achievement.

Vayniac 4 Life,
4four1ones of thedailysamurai.com
February 4, 2008

MagnumGourmet
Bet he doesn’t post the new episode until he reaches 500 posts on #399.
February 4, 2008

crank
Let’s
February 4, 2008

crank
get
February 4, 2008

crank
him
February 4, 2008

crank
to
February 4, 2008

Robert C from Folsom Prison
Just about there 0 let’s GO!
February 4, 2008

crank
500
(just in case)
February 4, 2008

4four1ones
B R I N G – T H E – 400th – T H U N D E R!!!
February 4, 2008

Matthew R
You want 500 posts?
February 4, 2008

Matthew R
There, 503 lets go post the episode!
February 4, 2008

4four1ones
GARY – We need our VAY NER FIX!! Mott link the 400th Up!
February 4, 2008

4four1ones
Gary – Bring on the 400th Thunder!
Mott! LINK IT UP! We are waiting.

OMG! Post Post Post……Vayniacs are standing by.
February 4, 2008

3robins
The biggest change…I like wine now…all I think about is what I can pair together…fun, fun, fun.
February 4, 2008

matt
whats the hold up, ive been refreshing for almost an hour
February 4, 2008

JK from WV
Hey, post the show, please. If you go much later you’ll interfere with my Jeopardy time.

MOTT, LINK IT UP!!!!! THE GIANTS WIN THE PENNANT! THE GIANTS WIN THE PENNANT !!

Way to go Giants. Great karma beating the cheaters.
February 4, 2008

PFORTY
Hey sorry about the wine, but nice ep wnyway!!!

QOTD: Biggest change? Went to the wine store and bought a case ranging from 8 – 36 dollars pep bottle based a) areas of the world I have tried and b) specific regions I have seen (and or tasted) since becoming a Vayniac. Have to say only 1 or 2 we didn’t like. 1 fromDown under and one from spain. Otherwise most were bringing some thunder!!! Thanx!!
February 4, 2008

tarheel17
QOTD: well, I’ve recently got my husband somewhat into wine. When I say somewhat, I mean he is interested in buying, tasting and researching champagnes. That’s it. I’m on my own for red and white still wines, but at least he has somewhere to go when we enter the wineshop!
February 4, 2008

SoCal
QOTD: I have become much more of an old world fan……….
February 4, 2008

Mari
I’m a lurker, de-lurking in honor of QOTD

Gary has made the biggest impact on my wine habits in the last 6 months. Inspired me to quit drinking the same wines every week and explore. And I couldn’t be having more fun.
February 4, 2008

yowens
QOTD: new zealand wines. Thanks for the recs on vineyards to visit GV.
February 4, 2008

J-Pipes
QOTD: Biggest change is that I CHOOSE to drink Chardonnay now. Now I get it. Yay!
February 4, 2008

Joseph White
Biggest change? I have had my first Rhone wines (LOVE the CDP now) and my first Sauternes, and both are a result of watching The Thunder Show. Also I’ve begun the practice of never buying the same wine twice and expanding my palette.
February 4, 2008

Dr. G
FINALLY got to see the ep from Friday!!! As always. . .great stuff.

QOTD: Over the past month I’ve been jazzed about changing how I think about and describe the tastes of wines by using what I would call more “contemporary” tasting references.
And now I get to start up ep 400!!
February 5, 2008

Steve Perman
My Fiance actually getting me to drink, and then for me to love it.
February 5, 2008

Lilblue
What Steve said, getting him into wine. Gives me a chance to try more wines if there’s someone to enjoy it with.
February 5, 2008

philippe
you are the man……. in the world of wine!!!! robert parker is killing everything because the old world is trying to please his pallet by making all wines taste the same,michel rolland is pleasing the winemakers with his talent in order to please parker plus, his friends with parker…come onnnnnnnnnnnn spear me, wine spectator is to afraid to go against the trend but………….you!!! take on the hole world from a different angle….i look up to you man !!!!. don’t stop being you!!!!
February 5, 2008

JB
QOTD…just bought a wine cooler holding 100+ bottles and started watching WLTV and searching Wine Library daily for various wines
February 5, 2008

Astrad
Hi! I am a big fan of WLTV from Singapore. Loved all your shows. Appreciate your honesty and keeping it REAL. Not only have you shared with us your vast knowledge, you demystify the “impenetrable” wine world! THANK YOU!!!!
February 5, 2008

pedro
GV
Yes U RULE !!!!!!!!!!!!!! 4 long time the wines from Falesco have gotten great points from Parker and Speculator For the $ they are ok try the Marrietta old vine red same sorta thing big red wine buncha stuff blended together to taste basicly the same every year bang for the buck sorta stuff
anyway been watching you for a long time I run a wine shop as well and try alot of the stuff you put on your show and for the most part have a pallet close to yours so its funny to watch you say the things that i cant say to the winemaker or guy who owns the vineyard keep at it speak your mind it makes the show so so good
thanks agian
Pedro Rusk
The Wine Shop
QOTD i went to a vintage Krug, Grand Dam,Dom pouring put on and I have never looked at bubles the same way
February 5, 2008

pawncop
You have been th biggest change in my wine world. I learn so much with each show and the forum is another means to increase my knowledge.
February 5, 2008

Ethan N
getting out of college and being able to afford MORE WINE!
February 5, 2008

chris the greek
You can tell big bear is a alcoholic, he has a permanant happy glazed look in the eyes.

QOTD: The biggest change in my wine life is that in the last six months i have been forcing myself to remember smells. Had a wine the other day that smelled like the dried ketchup left as a crust on the top of the bottle. Fair to say the wine was not that good.
February 5, 2008

MattE
QOTD: Biggest change is searching out Spanish & Argentinian wines. I had a great cheap wine, Borsao this weekend. It was $7 and got better over the weekend. PnP on Friday night, not very exciting. Saturday w/dinner of pasta w/bacon & sausage & it was really good. Tasted like black plums & tannin, but a great wine for the money.
February 6, 2008

Keith Brown
QOTD: Easily, since watching WLTV, just being more open to new wines and “trusting my palate” baybeeeee….
February 6, 2008

Bigapablo
QOTD: I finally got a wine rack to get all the boxes of wine off the floor.
February 6, 2008

Paul Horan
QOTD: What’s changed? I think I finally GET the old world French wines! I was a Napa fruit-bomb guy and now I love, love, love the CDP and Bordeaux… And I used to drink Beaujolais-Noveau and think it was pretty good stuff.

I still don’t get Italian wines tho. Still a mystery to me.

-Paul in VA-
February 6, 2008

Larry
Thanks for pronouncing Paso Robles correctly. Don’t you run into a lot of folks that don’t?
February 7, 2008

CHATrBox
Whoa, way off on the prediction. But since you were rooting for the Giants I guess you won. But then again you were also watching for the commercials, which sucked, so I guess you could also count it as a loss.

Biggest change…I stopped buying wine…because I have too much!
February 10, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
I’m with you on the oak, I used to love the over oaked fruit bombs, but as my tastes have evolved and matured I’m often turned off by most of them.

Q – In the last six months I have gotten on the biggest Italian wine kick!!
February 10, 2008

Dan-o
Your prediction on the Super Bowl was very much like everyone else’s.
Who’d a thunk that Eli Manning would be the hero?

QOTD – the most interesting experience for me in the past 6 months was the Boston Wine Expo where I saw you! I haven’t had a lot of experiences recently, but that was the largest tasting I had ever been too and it was great to meet you and Sasha!
January 6, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Damn Gary, when you trash a wine you TRASH it. You just have me rolling in laughs half the time. QOTD: You. Yes thats such a kiss-ass answer but its true. I got lucky and stumbled upon you on youtube and now here I am. Id never know about half the stuff I own without you there to at least point me in the direction. Thank you.
October 6, 2009

richardvinifera
QOTD: I feel that I can better evaluate wine now that I have begun to educate my palette.