Searching For Wines Under $10 That Bring The Thunder

Searching For Wines Under $10 That Bring The Thunder – Episode #402

February 6, 2008

We are always seeking deals for the Vayniacs and on todays show I think we are lined up for some, but you never do know, We have gone 0-3 many times before!

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Comments on this episode(252) Leave a comment ›

“QOTD: I’ve been drinking a lots of red fruit bombs and entry level old…” by richardvinifera
“I love the end of the video. Vivian is adorable and will probably kic…” by Dessert Wine Nerd
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2005 Castle Rock Columbia Valley MerlotWashington Merlot
2005 Espelt SauloOther Spanish Red Wine
2004 Tours De La RoqueLanguedoc-Roussillon

Links mentioned in todays episode.

252 Responses

February 6, 2008

Brandon M
Bring the thunder!
February 6, 2008

waibeans
thx for bringing it back to our regularly scheduled time.. can’t get rid of my wltv jone at the end of the workday

1st?
February 6, 2008

Social Project Brian
Top 3 yeah!
February 6, 2008

JSH
strike 3!
February 6, 2008

John Farrin
4- more later
February 6, 2008

Chargers Rule
6!
February 6, 2008

crank
I’m in…
February 6, 2008

Kmarie
lucky 7!
February 6, 2008

Kristen
yeehaw
February 6, 2008

cma82
top 10
February 6, 2008

DT
missed top 10 by that much.
February 6, 2008

Tom G. of the CKC
QOTD – I need to learn what the following common tasting notes actually taste like:

Dirt
Cassis
Red Currant
February 6, 2008

Withnail
Good topic with Valentine’s Day coming up!
February 6, 2008

Brandon T.
QOTD: I’d like to see Gary drop a pail of Petit Verdot grapes over the ample busom of an excellent model and they would slather the juice on his bum and recite poems and nice sexuality?
February 6, 2008

KAHUNA
qotd: In my mouth
February 6, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
QOTD — My ‘pal’ is looking forward to a wider range of styles than it’s had in many years

“T”
February 6, 2008

KAHUNA
great video at the end- just what I need to hear another crying baby- first I watch a show with a little elf crying that lurkers dont love him- while that is going on I am listening to my own baby cry now at theend I get to hear someone elses baby cry- GREAT JUST FRIGGIN GREAT!

nice video at the end- all my angst is targeted at the elf
February 6, 2008

Howard
QOTD,,,,,I see my Pal leading me into even Bigger reds( i kinda have given up on Merlots)and hopefully it will allow me to expand more into Whites than just my fave Sauv Blancs and Pinot Grigio.

oh i loved that Video,,,sent it to a bunch of my buddies after you posted it on Facebook….great stuff,,,funny!
February 6, 2008

Chris
QOTD- My “pal” is going to learn to embrace Old World style wines. It’s getting a bit burnt out on many New World wines. Also going to embrace harder to find varietals.
February 6, 2008

Kev and Ams
QOTD: More fruit bombs.
February 6, 2008

E
QOD: how to stop worrying and love the white Rhones.
February 6, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: I have already started to embrace the white wines and am looking to be more adventureous with reds I don’t know….which is many.

Love the video at the end. Start’em young and start’em right!
February 6, 2008

Danny C
Gary,

Vivian’s video was so great. I also have to admit when you put the glass to the camera I took a WHIFFY WHIF!

QOTD: My PAL in the next year will be gettin’ funky!!!
February 6, 2008

John Farrin
When I see all of the current, high tech creativity that is happening today it makes me wish that I were 30 years younger and more adept technology wise. Great video! Vivian is a star. Super idea and narration. You must be pretty jazzed to know that you inspired all this.

QOTD: I hope that it will continue to become more global. Interesting note. I was in three different chain grocery stores here in California today and realized that their wine aisle(s)contained about 80-90 % California wine. Any way you slice it, that’s pretty parochial.
February 6, 2008

Arno
Great show again GV! I am going to try and find that espelt saulo somewhere here in London (too bad you don’t ship to us directly )

QOTD: My palate should be somewhere where I can actually smell past the alcohol and “wine smell”… I still feel a bit like AJ in his B-day episode… I’ll get there, just keep making these great shows man!
February 6, 2008

Arno
oh, and where is the facebook love? I used the friend button on the side, but no result (or is it pending or something (facebook n00b)
February 6, 2008

Obama_Man
White Castle? C’mon Gary!

While you sing a song! You are GRINDING! hahahahha!

QOTD: Being able to taste subtleties and differentiations among flavors in wine.
February 6, 2008

joe f.
okay,okay……
you got me……
I SNIFFED!!!!!!!!!
February 6, 2008

Hinrgman
Great video at the end
February 6, 2008

jeremy_h
Vivian was awesome!

QOTD- I really don’t know. 8 years ago, I really liked Portico and my mom’s jug wine was OK. Today, can’t touch the stuff. I’ve got a cellar with some really expensive bottled grape juice and a couple bottles that would make you (YES, YOU GARY!) drool.

Lately I’ve been into Spanish red wines. Did you see how El Nido Clio now costs $45? Yes, my fault. Everyone jump all over Jumilla, so I can bring Pinot back.
February 6, 2008

Michael Mohammadi
Another great episode, Gary. I’m going to jump on a few bottles of the Espelt to see what it’s got going on.

QOTD: My palate continues to expand at an exponential rate since I attend a lot of tastings, have a big Europe trip planned for this year, and I continually host wine tastings for friends and strangers! I’ve spent the last year with a huge focus on Italy (as I spent time in Montalcino last year) so I think for this year I am going to try and drink up all I can from Austria, Germany, Spain, Portugal and the West Coast!
February 6, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – I am hoping to get a little more PAL training done by tasting wine more often, and hopefully trying multiple wines in a single session (at formal or informal tastings).
February 6, 2008

David James
haha that video at the end is brilliant

QOTD: Hopefully I’ll find a white wine that I actually like. I’m not optimistic it’ll work
February 6, 2008

amgryger
QOTD: Maybe drinking more U.S. wine than I do.
February 6, 2008

*/^_^\*
qotd: i see myself taking some time away from tannic reds in order to appreciate whites from alsace and the loire

sign me up for the ’swart wine drinkers of america’ club

i’d also join an ‘anti-frake fruit league’ if it existed

oh and the song is awesome
February 6, 2008

mikey lennon
QOTD: I want to be able to train my pal enough so I can be able to isolate flavor’s better. Im always wondering what flavor im tasting it. I can usually taste all the different flavors but I cannot pinpoint what they are. I had the same problem with the mystery flavored airheads.
February 6, 2008

Garrett C.
i sniffy-sniffed…you got me. force of habit.

QOTD: all this talk about southern France has my PAL intrigued….provence, languedoc..hmmmmm
February 6, 2008

randyshakes
I see my pal right under my nose this year. Hopefully I will take my pal to Italy and see if it comes with me.
February 6, 2008

Jan-Michael
My pal is gonna learn to like merlot. Why? Cause that’s where the deals are!
February 6, 2008

Christopher J
Great show Gary, I have no idea where my PAL is going in the next year. I am trying different things and getting to know all of the different wines from different regions. I guess it depends on what my PAL likes in a year, I have no control over him, resistance is futile.

QUESTION: and good timing to with the opening of stufflibrary. What kind of glass were you using on today’s show? I don’t know why but I really like the look of it a lot (I don’t know why but I am very taken with it), and I am currently in the market for some. Thanks.
February 6, 2008

Jordan
Check Facebook – there’s a Smart Wine Drinkers of America group now!!!
February 6, 2008

Shane
Awesome vid at the end of the show. The Oak monster scares me like that too!
February 6, 2008

Katherine
Holy cow!!!!! Vivian and I are so humbled! Update on Vivian’s “pal” training… she is currently fascinated with the flavors of toes and socks.
February 6, 2008

Dave Canada
Cool video…cute girl!
QOTD – my pal is going to come full circle and embrace the new world again…..
February 6, 2008

BobbyTiger
QOTD……..Hopefully, a year from now, my palate is going to be somewhere in North Carolina where I hope to retire.
February 6, 2008

Marshall
Thanks for tasting that castle rock. I hope to hear more about wines that are easier to find. By the way, I watched the episode on how to train your palate yesterday and it influenced me into buying alot of “Hero” jam at the grocery store. Hopefully my “grill piece” will get some serious training as well.
February 6, 2008

Dominus
QOTD: I see my PAL and I taking a journey where few men have gone before . . . to the Centurion Club. I’m still a few short of a hundred varietals so hopefully G-Man you will review some off-the-wall wines from far away places so I can become a full-fledged member.

Nice video at the end. Especially neat when the poor child had to endure all of the “organic” tastings and her most favorite was a “silicone” pacifier.

Cheers!

P.S. When does football season start?
February 6, 2008

KJlost
Sorry to say this Gary, but Vivian’s clip totally stole the spotlight from you in today’s episode.

QOTD: err…more wine?(^)
February 6, 2008

FJDR
Heh, got quite a laugh from Vivian being scared by the Oak Monster. Cute.

QOTD: No idea, I’m all over the place now…
February 6, 2008

Plminer
QOTD: My palate has evolved over the last 4 years that I’m almost afraid of where’s it going to be in another year. Example#1: I used to want to puke when I drank any whiskey what so ever, now I can’t get enough scotch. Example #2: I used to think J.Lohr Cab was da bomb, now I wouldn’t use it for sangria. Example #3: I hated old world, now I pretty much only drink Bordeaux. Example#4: I hated all Italian wines, now I can’t eat Italian food without a Brunello and I love eating olives and drinking a Soave. Okay, enough examples, you get the point…
February 6, 2008

Chandler
Yes. I sniffy sniffed… at work too! How embarrassing. Loved the video of Vivian training her palette.

QOTD: I’m really experimenting with lesser-known varietals and old world wines, and I’m starting to enjoy those more.
February 6, 2008

KC
QOTD: Hoping to travel the world with my palate – lots of regions that need exploring.

That video was pretty funny. Thank god Vivian’s folks are holding off on the dirt and cigars!
February 6, 2008

Panosh
QOTD: If I can get a handle on the allergies, I would hope that my pallet would improve with all of the coaching.
February 6, 2008

utah
QOTD: Gary! My journey doesn’t have a set destination! I’m On The Road, Jack!

In the spirit of the last two days, I picked up a $6 bottle from Portugal, to give a little bit of a try, I’m building and building my collection, and enjoying every minute of it, even when I don’t love it, heck, its FUN to think about the wines I don’t love, I think, more than the ones that knock my socks off!

I’ve got a bottle of Chenin Blanc that I thought was WAY too hot earlier sitting on the counter, UN-corked (er, UN-screwed, in this case), UN-vacuumed, breathing; and I’m going to give it until tomorrow night and see what I think then!

I’ve only been watching for a month and a half now, and I feel like I’ve done more exploring than I would have in ten years of just trying what a few friends who were into wine would suggest, or have, from time to time. All I can say is thank you, and I’m going to keep saying it.
February 6, 2008

J-Pipes
Vivian… oh my goodness… I sense the true genius of a sommelier in our midst!!!!
QOTD: I see my PAL and I going deep into France and Italy.
February 6, 2008

Neil
QOTD: In the next year I’d expect my Pal to explore more of Italy and Spain.

The problem with developing a palate with baby food is that it is sooooooo bland. Have you ever tasted baby apple sauce? Yuck! I’d probably like the taste of silicone or terrycloth more too!
February 6, 2008

CindyW
Cutest Vayniac ever.
February 6, 2008

Harley Stan
OK I took the sniffy sniff, all I got was dust and a little cat hair on the screen. Have you tried Mattie’s Perch Syrah? It is a non-vintage wine that runs about 4 bones or so and actually is pretty good in my opinion. Great show today, I am all about the QPR in the juice.
QOTD- I see me and my Pal going new places in the years to come. Anymore I challenge my pal with everything not just wine. Eating and drinking have become a whole new experience since I started paying attention to what I was tasting, it is pretty cool. I also tend to swirl everything I drink now days, I was driving to work the other day and caught myself swirling my coffee as I was driving.
February 6, 2008

chenrys
We’re all for finding great wines for under $10. Great show. We’ll be looking for the Espelt Saulo.

QOTD: We hope to try more varieties that are new to us along with wines from producers and regions that we aren’t familiar with.
February 6, 2008

Katherine
Neil, I’ll have you know that all Vivian’s baby food is homemade. None of that stale jarred processed baby food in this house!
February 6, 2008

Little Jonny H
I love the exploration. Not only does is mean I get to diverisify my palate, but I can also do it for CHEAP! I’ll be representin’ the CKC’s at every wine shop in Cbus buyin up all the “weird” stuff from the shelves marked VALUE!

QOTD: I see my palate going for vegetables and spice more than berries and citrus. I’m getting REALLY tired of the fruity reds put out in the price range I can afford…

I’ve been trying to try more whites because there is a lot of quality in torrontes, sauv blanc, rieslings, etc, in the 8-12 dollar range. However, I struggle with deciding what I really want in a white wine. The more sugar factor in rieslings tricks me into thinking that they’re all quite tasty, but covers up the complexities at the same time. The racy ones are easier to ‘read’ but I enjoy them more with food/cheese than by themselves. It’s a battle trying to justify buying one of these over a value Minervois or Rioja at my local shop ;/ … but my Pal and I are gonna keep trying
February 6, 2008

Paul Nicosia
As much as I hate to admit it, I leaned forward to give the wine a virtual “sniffy-sniff”.
February 6, 2008

kris miller
no virtual sniffy-snif here… sorry gary

QOTD: my Pal, over the next year will no know what hit it. The massive variety of flavors it sees keeps it guessing and evolving, i hope it evolves for the better
February 6, 2008

John W. Taylor
I see my palate goin to more Rhone and Burgundian wines.
February 6, 2008

Tommy Vernieri
“QOTD: Gary! My journey doesnâ€™t have a set destination! Iâ€™m On The Road, Jack!”
Well said, utah.
February 6, 2008

chrisb
QOTD: Gary, since I have been watching WLTV my pal has shifted 180 degrees from Australian fruit bombs such as Yellow Tail to a more old world style. At last count I have had 43 orders from your store and each case leads me in a new direction and wanting to try more new wines. Two years ago I was intimidated by ordering wine in a restaurant; this past weekend I was very comfortable discussing a very extensive wine list with the sommolier and ended up drinking a 1961 Cote Rotie. I left the restaurant thinking that Gary would have been very proud of one of his cyber students, although I admit I am generally one of those lurkers he often complains about. Over the next year, who knows what will happen. Go WLTV!
February 6, 2008

Todd S
My son Max, 4.5 yrs old, loves it when you pour us a little wine. When I watch the show after dinner, he likes to sit on my lap and watch part of the show. Occasionally he makes it through the entire episode.
February 6, 2008

Mark Neustadt
I noticed at the winelibrary.com/stuff.asp page, you’re selling Label Removers.

For those who question whether or not they work, they can (and often do for me). I posted a video of myself using label removers on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fmgfw5Lrt2M

Still working on the episode, but I wanted to get this out of the way.
February 6, 2008

Bill
Fantastic kid vid! Too funny and cool.

QOTD: My new years resolution was to go well out of my wine comfort zone and try a lot of new and different wines. Where do I see my palate in the next year? Ideally, evolving and embracing many new wine regions. So much wine to taste, and so little time…
February 6, 2008

KG
Video was awesome. Kid will have quite a refined pal by the time she is 21.

On the question, I plan to take my pal on a walk this year to explore some regions I have not tried before. Portugal sounds interesting. My family is from Goa which was colonized by the Portugese so I am torn about patronizing their vineyards but I think that I will cut them a break as they have had it rough lately.

You continue to be entertaining and I will keep writing Winelibrary.com on every public toilet stall I visit. Does that get me any entries?
February 6, 2008

ramona
thanks for adding schwag
In PA we arevstuck with state stores… and we don’t want to go there
What are the chances you would visit our wine club??
We have dates oipen
February 6, 2008

Canadian Chris
I sniffed.

QOTD: end of this year? My palate will be graduating cum laude from the high school of wine tasting, ready to move into the academy of kick you in the teeth with good taste. I’m looking forward to the end of the year making more friends, surprising more people, having more laughs and chats around wine. Really UNDERSTANDING wine, my palate, and how they play together.
February 6, 2008

Andy Hannon
QOTD: I see my PAL opening up to the more tannic reds that I generally have avoided in the past
February 6, 2008

Mark Neustadt
I love the “workman” wines. I’ve been exercising my palate a lot lately with a bottle per day. Is that healthy? Anyway, the wines you can drink instead of beer or soda really appeal to me. It reminds me of Europe where wine is more part of the culture than it is here.

Great job.

QOTD: I’m enjoying wine so much lately. I’ve really been working on expanding my palate. In one year, I expect that I’ll really be able to identify with wine like I do with scotch now. I also expect that I’ll probably be in the poor house.
February 6, 2008

pawncop
Great show as usual. I hope that I see my palate better trained. Still getting the basic tastes down. In fact, the episode with AJ was most interesting to me as he is beginning to develop his palate. Hey what a series where he learns and we get to watch.
February 6, 2008

kaybee
I liked the show and the lil video star! Trying to find value in the lower price range is a treasure hunt.
Riesling person- try it with Mexican food, tacos, or taco salad, the spicier the better. It was an eye-opener for me.

QoTd
My pal and I are having a great time with wine and food, how one changes the other. Also we’re going to try all the wine producing continents this year. Got to go and try the ratatouille with the malbec. Later . . .
February 6, 2008

JC
QOTD: My cellar needs a clean out! Most of those early 90’s vintages from California need to be gone through and considered for consumption.
February 6, 2008

DannInNH
QOTD: Older and wiser
Video is the best, she is just beautiful !
February 6, 2008

Kristen
White Castle and Wine? Never considered it….although I never go to White Castle, so there you are. But what an experiment that would be to have BK chicken nuggets with wine….hmm. I love the enthusiasm GV! It’s great to see that you got pumped up after episode 400! I’m so glad you didn’t quit! And my Spread the Thunder idea is coming…

Nice video btw, I saw it on facebook. What a great way to train her palette.

QOTD: My palette might evolve to more tannic reds and the like. I’ll be in France by the end of this year, either at a vineyard or some other wine-related internship, so it’ll be an amazing opportunity to get good (and relatively cheap) French wines!!!
February 6, 2008

Matt
Great show, gotta love the value wines.

QOTD: I hope that my pal evolves to where I can taste more of these mysterious flavors that appear to be in wine.
February 6, 2008

Mike Co.
QOTD: I see my palate really being accustomed to drinking new wines and experimenting with new varietals that I’ve never tried before. I’ve just started to pick up on new smells and flavors in wines.

A great show for us CKC’s. Thanks Gary! My friends and I really like wine but have been sticking to some of the lower quality stuff for a while. You’re making me look like a hero, coming in and suggesting new, great, value-driven stuff.
February 6, 2008

KyleLikesTies
QoTD: Hrmmm, interesting … Well, my palate is pretty general: I taste dark fruit or dirt or something really obvious like cat pee … But I can’t directly identify more specifically (e.g., blackberry v. black current v. other dark fruit), and I’d like to move towards more specificity.
February 6, 2008

Nickyb85
Too cute at the end there!

QOTD: I see my pal becoming more adventurous and digging on some different wines! Hopefully it will become more adept at recognizing different flavor profiles!
February 6, 2008

dave berk
of course I “sniffey-sniffed.” All I got was a renewal of
allergy to monitor screen dust.

the geezer
February 6, 2008

Mike S,
QOTD – My pal has been enjoying Bordeaux lately.

Congrats on 400 episodes!
February 6, 2008

tuscanbob
Nice job. Can’t wait to try the Espelt. There are so many excellent $10 red wines from Spain it isn’t funny. If I see Jorge Ordonez or Eric Solomon on the back label I’m purchasing, popping and pouring.

QOTD: I’ve been so focused on trying and learning as much as possible with Italian, Spanish and French wines in the past couple years that I know very little about Cali and Oregon. Sadly there’s so much more value to be had from across the pond, but I plan to take my pal on a tour of Cali & Oregon more often, particularly when it comes to small producers…starting with the McPrice Myers Grenache from a few nights ago.
February 6, 2008

Doc Johnson
I leaned in for the sniffy sniff
February 6, 2008

pete c
QOTD- my pal and I will be tasting food friendly wines that refresh him with good acidity and soft tannins. He must share the experience with the guy upstairs, however, because the nose likes his first “sniffy-sniff”.
February 6, 2008

Orion
QotD: hopefully i start liking crane lake soon. it’s expensive to expand your horizons. especially with the dollar where it is.
February 6, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

Awesome video of the kid. Too funny.

QOTD: My PAL is always evolving, so in a year from now, who knows? I generally stick to bordeaux, CDR, and Cali Cabs/Blends and have been wanting to venture into the world of Super Tuscin, Brunello/Barolo/Barberesco, and Spanish wines, so I’m hoping my PAL can distinguish the different flavors in these wines and soon be able to differentiate between them. But I’m always in search of new ways to add to my PAL

–RH
February 6, 2008

Dr. G
I think it’s great that you do shows that explore wines from a variety of perspectives!! While I prefer to hear about different places and grapes, maybe every now and then choose a price range like 0-10, 10-20, etc.

QOTD: I see my PAL traveling quite a bit more than it’s used to. Rather than explore how a few select grapes taste from different countries or producers, maybe start exploring a larger number of different grapes.

Also, taking a cue from ep #148, I’m starting to piece together a “Wine(less)Tasting Party” for my friends and I – we’ll send everyone out with a list to get different things and then bring them all together to do an afternoon of exploring tastes that could be found in the wines! (then probably follow it up that evening with some wines)
February 6, 2008

Devin P
February 6, 2008

Devin P
I broke my comment!

Anyway, I sniffy-sniffed.
February 6, 2008

Glenn
Great show, I have to seek the Tours De La Roque out as I love the black pepper flavor profile. Guess that is why I drink so many syrahs. Watching your show I am trying my first Pinot Noir from New Zealand. It is a 2006 House of Nobilo from Marlborough. Nice enough wine but am disappointed as it is SO California Pinot. In a blind tasting I would not be able to pick this out from a Clos De Bois, Kendall Jackson type wine. Disappointing for 14 dollars.

QOTD: I see my pallet moving from the Aussie Shiraz, Cali Syrah and Oregon Pinot to way more Old World wines from France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. To be honest with you, I am starting to tire of the fruit bombs that got me into wine a year and a half ago and am now looking for more complexity and subtleness.
February 6, 2008

Erik Klumpp
Great episode and Great vid

QOTD: I see my palate going more towards vegetal wines. I was really into the fruit bombs, but of have since turned away from them. I am really into Spanish wines currently, and I am just starting to get into Douro from Portugal.
February 6, 2008

sev
Cool show, always looking for great values. I have seen some reviews recently for the Castle Rock wines, specifically the Pinot Noir. Conn. Guide to Cali Wines gave three of their Pinots high 80’s. Anyway, the Spanish wines looks killer. Spain has some awesome values. Great show, thanks for keeping it all in perspective for us not so far removed, CKCs.

QOTD: I started drinking wine when I began working at a wine shop, a good wine shop. Trying new things was always the most exciting part, so I have always mixed it up pretty thoroughly. This year I would really like to focus a bit more, and really try to pinpoint a few varietals’ key components. Like focusing on a grape a month or something like that. Of course I will continue to mix it up and drink austrian whites, german reds, portuguese dry reds, torrontes, etc.
February 6, 2008

familydoc
Gary- I already created the Smart Wine Drinkers of America!

http://washington.facebook.com/group.php?gid=21392690928

QOTD: My pal will continue to be my friend, 10 days and counting until my next trip to Walla Walla, and I will continue to grow my cellar.
February 6, 2008

Robin C
I hope that Vivian gives us updates on her palate training.
QOTD: I’m just hoping that I still have a palate after a week of flu-like symptoms.
February 6, 2008

Brandon T.
There’s not much I haven’t noticed about the differences between the two excellent tastes? Plus it just seems to make sense, which explains how great their tannic monster can be.
February 6, 2008

H-Why
Great video at the end. The joys of parenthood.

QOTD: Where do I see my palate in a year? Probably in the mirror, same as today.
Seriously, my guess is that I will get better at describing what I’m tasting and perhaps be able to recognize varietals and regions.
February 6, 2008

downtnmark
QOTD: I’m taking my pal to Napa Valley every month for the rest of the year. The hard part is picking one new winery to visit. Next hardest is picking only three of my favorites. Gary, the next time that you find yourself in Rutherford, you have to visit Provenance Winery. They pour the good stuff.
February 6, 2008

Taylor
Loving the deals for the ckc’s, considering I am one!
QOTD considering I’ve been drinking many different and more wines than ever I feel my PAL is becoming much more developed and precise so the way I see it no matter what I try I feel I will be better able analyze it and therefore enjoy it!
February 6, 2008

Grapedigger
Sniffy sniff all the way…
QOTD: Exploring, Evolving and maturing…
February 6, 2008

Bill
Jesus Gary! – I have asked this before (never answered!!), but why the screaming *&^% do you rinse a TOTALLY CLEAN GLASS ON THE FIRST WINE IN THE TASTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is aa screaming WASTE OF WINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 6, 2008

Orville B
Almost had a Sniffy Sniff….caught myself though.

JB
February 6, 2008

ScottG
Great show. The 05 Espelt Saulo sounds interesting–something my PAL will become pals with. I’m not a CKC, but am always looking for good values (especially in Washington wines), so please do some more shows featuring price points $15 and under. Vivian’s video was hilarious–very creative parents. I noticed that Vivian did not taste baby barf for us (probably for the best). Maybe she’ll remember that taste with a corked wine?

QOTD: My PAL will be visited by wines from different countries. I also hope to train my PAL to taste more of the nuances in wine–not just black cherry, strawberry and blueberry.
February 6, 2008

EvanR
I see my pal taking a long trip to the old world in a year, and maybe never coming back?
February 6, 2008

Shadowbird
QOTD: Still with me, I hope. (Ha-ha…literal definition of where.)
February 6, 2008

JordanW
QOTD: I see myself going towards blue-fruit, chocolaty, juicy wines… the kind that just completely coat the palate with love. I’m all about Malbec recently.
February 6, 2008

brorjace
Excellent video at the end…instant classic!

QOTD: My goal is to make my palate like your show, I want to try more things, especially out of the ordinary wines. More bourbon, more scotch, and lots of wine. Thats the palate of 08.
February 6, 2008

sobojosh
qotd: I see my pal always wanting that next mouth coating 3 min finish glory, and getting pissed off at thin bs cliffhangers (like tonight)
February 6, 2008

Monica J
OK, Gary you are no longer the cutest thing on WLTV! Vivian has totally commando-ed that title from you!

Most adorable baby ever!
February 6, 2008

Mark Antonio
Good question Gary.. I think my palate will be back to drinking and appreciating more Old World wine styles this year – have had plenty of new world fruit forward wines recently and want to get back to slightly lighter alcohols and more complexity (generalising I know but..). ‘05 is such a good vintage in most regions France with quality spread across most price points. Rhone, Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Languedoc, Cahors is where I’m going to be. Yes, I know that needing to age good 05’s is part of the deal, but there are some affordable wines that do drink well young and that’s where I’m heading.
February 6, 2008

CoolHandLuke
Great Show! The Spanish wine sounds awesome. Or in Gary speak, “Radool.” I have no idea where my palate will be. But hopefully it will continue to evolve.
February 6, 2008

Andrew H.
hey Gary, I’m a part of the CKC. Thanks for doing some value wines. I’d love to see more of that in the future.

QOTD: My PAL is evolving and I anticipate I will be into big fruit bombs and new world wine in the near future.
February 6, 2008

Yamashtashta
“BECAUSE YOU WITH A LITTLE BIT OF ME WE’RE CHANGING THE WINE WORLD!” Dont worry I got yo back GaryV! Thought of WineLib yesterday when I tasted a 100% Petite Verdot from Clenenden. 04 From Bien Nacido here in the Central Coast. It was tight as a nuns… oh well you know, but snacky.
My Pal in a year will be stained red and thirsty for more
February 7, 2008

PFORTY
QOTD: Tough QOTD! Hard to say really. I love Turley and the fruit bombs, but I am rolling big time old world with Bandol and buying the bad boy Sagrantino in a couple of weeks for a celebration. I’d hope my PAL expands to embrace more white and even pink wines. BUt my guess would be that it will migrate toward the old world while still fondly drinking the Turley and Mrarcassins of the world. But who knows…
February 7, 2008

Peter Johnson
“Salo” on black bread. Very popular in Ukraine an other former Soviet Republics. Will you ever do a show featuring wines from the Massandra region of Crimea?
February 7, 2008

Nathan
QOTD: Didnt you just ask a similar question? Well, being that it is hard to predict the future I can say one thing for sure. I will find a new favorite region and varietal. I am so new to wine tasting that it is clear to me that my palate may only change a little but tasting so many varieties from so many regions will allow me to find a new favorite.

Right now I like the Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc and every wine I have tasted from the Medoc. These may be rookie choices but im a rookie, what can I say!
February 7, 2008

Fibonacci
Great video of Vivian training her palate! I wish I had thought of that. My granddaughter Graceanna is going throught the same training regimen right now. As for my own palate, I would like to move from my current state…about as sensitive as a brick, to something more sophisticated and discerning.
February 7, 2008

MattyO
good stuff tonight! excellent show cause i love merlot!

QOTD: in one year i see myself still training my palate but having had a lot of good wine experiences that rocked and brought the thunder baby!! woooohoooo!

LOTS of mott linking it up tonight as well…we like that…
February 7, 2008

Paul
QUOTD: I starting watching your blog about 4 weeks ago, which is when I first got into wine and I thought all wines tasted like old grape juice. Now I am picking up the subtle complexities of certain wines, and even the complexities of the grape juice in the back of my fridge.

Hopefully in the future my palate will evolve into defining characteristics beyond “fruity”, “stingy”, “stabby”, and “not bad.”
February 7, 2008

Dan C
GV, fun show today …. I gotta say I am a spanish wine FREAK right now. I’ve only consumed something like 20 bottles of wine so far in my young wine life; But, the only three wines that actually have stuck out and really impressed me were spanish reds. Of course I’ve got ALOT of other stuff to try before I can say that’s my fave.

Yes, I did sniffy-sniff when you held the glass up to the camera, im not ashamed! lol.

QOTD: Taking a RAD-TASTIC adventure up variety mountain! This year I have the means to really branch out and try new things and I plan on taking that opportunity to develop my pal and learn and experience.
February 7, 2008

Yoni Rabkin
As the current chairperson of the Smart Wine Drinkers of Israel Association, I approve of this episode.
February 7, 2008

ken
Link it it applesauce! Riddle me this!
Great job Gare. How bout a week long series on wines outside CA, WA, OR. You have already done this some. Have you tried any Muscadine wine from the South East. Very healthy with tons of resveratrol. Peace hizzout..
February 7, 2008

Hotshot162
Funny video at the end!

QOTD: My palate is still in training mode, I guess I’ll know where it’s going in a couple months
February 7, 2008

henry
just got hip to your show. didn’t sniff the screen. out here in Washington. have you featured Washington State? Will you?
February 7, 2008

Adam Z
So I’m watching the episode and you stick the glass in my face and tell me to take a sniffy-sniff, so I do. Didn’t get much, pretty tight nose in my opinion. Ok, back the the ep…
February 7, 2008

Sam Lydecker
Something went wrong….The wine smelled like my computer screen.
February 7, 2008

Kenny Hyder
QOTD: In the next year I see my palette having cost me a lot of money thanks to your show! But hopefully with a lot more maturity and having tried wines I don’t even know exist yet!
February 7, 2008

Lysa Marie
I sniffed – but no one saw, so its okay.

QOTD – Definitely in the red wines. When I started drinking wine it was white wines all the way, but in the past couple years or so I’ve found that my pal doesn’t like sweet and sugar as much as it used to and it wants something drier and spicier.
February 7, 2008

Oregon Jim
Qotd- I find my Pal changing at different times of the day, and in different environments. I constantly find myself seeing different things in wines from different bottles of the same exact wine.

I believe your palate changes so much that paying attention to wine scores is a waste of time and more importantly money. Next year I am going to analyze what information my palate is giving me and along with my nose I am going to be forgetting scores and trying to buy based on producers, varietals, locations, and of course price!

I want to do more exploring in California’s Central Coast, Russian River, and Anderson Valley, Oregon’s Dundee, Ribbon Ridge, Columbia Gorge, and Walla Walla Valley,and Washington’s Yakima Valley, Red Mountain, and Walla Walla Valley.
February 7, 2008

Robert
I didn’t try and smell my computer screen, but thats because I’m doing late night homework. So I was listening but not in responsive mode.

QOTD: Right now my pallete is still kind of young, but i can pick out general tastes pretty good and can gage general stuff like if the wine is still too young or something like that. If I keep drinking wine like I do, I think in a year I should have a pretty healthy pallete and will be able to pick out individual tastes, but no where as good as an expert like you. I don’t like to do that though, I’m like you and tend to compare it to some food or candy I’ve eaten instead of completely dissecting the individual flavors. I feel like it gives me a better feel of the wine, especially if I’m going back later and reading my reviews on cork’d.
February 7, 2008

medo
QOTD: I will answer this question after the ProWein fair mid march
February 7, 2008

The Lukas
I can’t believe i didn’t notice yesterday.
You have a new table cloth. It’s probably best you don’t spill wine on this one.
It’s not wine colored.

QOTD:
Over the next year, my palette and i are going on an adventure.
We are going to travel the world (via wine stores), and try out as many different things as possible.
I hope we don’t end up fighting and going our separate ways.
But i can imagine we will start to head towards the old world.

Gary, i think there should be some sort of huge wine label database on the internet.
And you can go there and download the labels of the wines you know you like, and put them on your phone. That way, you’ll always have a little gallery of you favorite wines with you, all the time.
February 7, 2008

SoCal
Nice Stuff site……but no Big A$$ glass?????
Dude you would sell thousands of those……you got to hook that one up…..heck have it etched with the WLTV logo…..you just have to find an affordable producer make it sub $70 per glass…….come on hook it up……just remember who helped develop the idea

QOTD: Very good question, I have gone from Cali to South Africa, to Spain, to Bordeaux, and now I am getting into Italy….a lot…..so probably Italy……….
February 7, 2008

Klassh
QOTD: In a year, my pallet will be above yours! You know, since your rather short.
February 7, 2008

Lindsey
QOTD: hopefully my pal will be friends with, or at least be able to distinguish, more Italian varietals. ItÂ´d be great to see a show with wines that express a textbook definition of different varietals.

Also, Baby Vivian is a-DORRRRR-able!
February 7, 2008

Memphis Mike
Wasn’t Castle Rock the town in Stand By Me? Vivian and the Oak Monster.. priceless
February 7, 2008

italianwinelover
Good Show GV!! Thanks for doing some more “touchable” wines.

QOTD: I’d like to learn more about white wines. I just can’t get past the sweetness, short finishes and the simplicity. I like to taste them but I can’t see me sitting down and drinking a whole bottle. Not that I do that!!!
February 7, 2008

Anthony L.
Almost forgot to leave a comment. Great Show again!

QOTD: I think I’d like to move my pallet toward the non food tastes. I haven’ been able to do that thus far.
February 7, 2008

JerseyGirl turned CNY vayniac
Haha! Gary, you know your Vayniacs… I have to admit that I jokingly sniffy sniffed when you said to!

QOTD: I definitely see my Pal leaning more toward reds than it has in the past, mostly because I think my taste is maturing and I’m starting to love reds a lot more….BUT it’s hard to tell so we’ll have to see!

Thanks for the under $10 wines gary! I love it when you have great wines on the show that I can afford!
February 7, 2008

Orion Slayer
Every day it’s more of the same: Variety, entertainment, quality. I don’t know if I can stand it!

Great video at the end. I like the way Vivian commented on what she was tasting. Way to go!

QOTD: I see my palate being more educated in a year. I see it being able to pick out a couple more flavors in wine. Maybe my palate will even learn what liche is.
February 7, 2008

bigmay
I totally tried to get a sniffy-sniff but somehow didn’t get that sulfur component.

QOTD: With your help and guidance, I see my Pal exploring regions and varietals that it doesn’t even know exist today.

Join the “Smart Wine Drinkers of America” facebook group! (We don’t really care if you’re really you’re in America though.)
February 7, 2008

Deano
Gary good episode. I love the wines for the CKC i can afford them

QOTD:
-In a whole new place now that i am trying new wines.
February 7, 2008

Tom G. of the CKC
Gary,

I love that you’re trying to find wines that are more widely available and provide a good QPR. I’m not sure that two of the three wines listed here fall into the former (easy to find) but they are certainly at a good price point. Keep it up! Lower priced wines that score well (or present in your opinion a great QPR) are HUGE amongst the CKC. I’ll keep adding them to my blog as I see you reviewing them!
February 7, 2008

B.
QOTD: What should be the vacuum of a dream becomes continually replete as the source of dreams is being tapped so that this one dream may wax, flourish like a cabbage rose, defying sumptuary laws, leaving us to awake and try to begin living in what has now become a slum.
February 7, 2008

DavidB
I sniffed but did not inhale so it does not count.

QOTD: No freaking idea where it is now much less where it is going…
February 7, 2008

Sharon
I tried a WA merlot the other night – Chateau Ste. Michelle “Indian Wells” 2003, perhaps a few rungs and dollars above that Castle Rock, probably a bit more memorable… if you look past all that freaking wood, I mean new American oak aging for 18 months.
BTW, what’s the deadline for the Thunder contest? Friday?
QOTD: My PAL is becoming less exclusionary and more adventurous. However, it still has a preference for aromatic whites like Gewurz & Viognier & Sauv Blanc. It still recoils at tannic monsters like Tannat.
February 7, 2008

Dan A
QOTD: I see my pal going more old-world, discovering more of what I’m really getting into now…
February 7, 2008

Oak Park Kris
Vivian Rocks! Good episode, gonna try the Espelt, sounds right on!
February 7, 2008

BoiseWiner
Love the Value Episodes as we typically have a glass (or two) of wine with dinner and always searching for our next favorite ‘table wine.’ One that we enjoy is “Under 10 Buck Red” at Paradisos del Sol in Zillah Washington. Great with a hamburger!

QOTD: Next year I see my pallet still in the ‘New World’ but understanding more about the ‘Old World.”
February 7, 2008

Colin
Fun show GV! QOTD – S.W. France, Cali Central Coast and Whites. More Whites!
February 7, 2008

JeffC
Nope, didnt sniff. Was eating lunch at the time and missed the sniff que.

QOTD: Me and my Pal will continue to try new and interesting wines. Looking for the price performers and not buying too much of one wine. Taste, enjoy and move onto the next.
February 7, 2008

Roy
I didn’t sniffy sniff the screen but sniffyvision would be good to have.
I see my pallette sorting out the different tastes in the wine as I am just starting to really enjoy wine.
I also see my nose doing the same with the sniffy sniff.
February 7, 2008

wino
Nice show G.V. While your on a value kick, how about a tasting of some #1 selling grocery store wines (you know… the ones that are under 10 bucks, sell by the truckload, and are AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE). You could taste the best selling cab, merlot, pinot, ect. I would like to see how some of these commercial monsters can handle the sniffy-sniff?
February 7, 2008

Bostonianboy
Great Video at the end!!

QOTD: I see moving more toward the old world style. I drink a lot of fruit bombs now…but have started to collect a little and they are more on the old world side of things. Plus i just see my palate becoming more advanced and educated.
February 7, 2008

Michael Y
qotd being able to distinguish varietals and flavors
February 7, 2008

cumpari
QOTD: I want my palate to understand the difference between asphalt and oak!
February 7, 2008

SaraMHCRU
I think I had a wine that tasted like teddy bear ear once before… Vivian is on point. Thanks for the great episode.

qotd: expanding, expanding, expanding.
February 7, 2008

latraviata
I took a sniffy sniff with you but I sniffy sniffed my own glass or wine sitting near the computer.
February 7, 2008

Susan
Gary – MORE value driven wines??????? WHAT?????? This is too good to be true……………..
February 7, 2008

Brianna Vieira
OMG, other people’s babies are sooo cute! That little girl is going to be the next GV.
QOTD: Hmmm, I hope to feel secure enough in my grasp on Europe and Cali to finally delve into Ports, Grappa and dessert wines.
February 7, 2008

Susan
Gary- Carolina Blue shirt AND a Carolina Blue Tablecloth ?? Are you secretly a Tar Heel????
February 7, 2008

Susan
Gary- BTW: LOVE the whole:”Smart Wine Drinkers Of America” thing!!! You should brand this!!!!
February 7, 2008

Tooch
QOTD: I am hoping to develop a taste for some of the bigger, more dramatic reds.
February 7, 2008

James
QOTD – Old World – red wines with enough acid to make them refreshing rather than just fruit bombs… crazy
February 7, 2008

Susan
Gary-QOTD: I hope my palate will allow me to do better in blind tastings in the next year!!!!
February 7, 2008

Chippewamike
Vivian is awesome!! As are you Gary (and Mott).

QOTD: Would like to “enlighten” my pal to more old world wines and tastes.
February 7, 2008

Leonard Libitz
Sniff Sniff… oh yeah! I have to admit.. I took a sniff..!
February 7, 2008

pomace
QOTD: My pal is going deep to find gravel, rocks, slate, minerals, and acidity…
February 7, 2008

Elliot Essman
Trying to train the brain behind the palate not to read too much into wines. Better discipline. More patience with my palate.
February 7, 2008

Rob P
Did not sniff. I’ve really been into cheap garnachas and tempranillos lately as I think there some great values there.

That baby was great!
February 7, 2008

Brad
Great show! How about some white wines under $10? For German Rieslings, I like the Schmitt SÃ¶hne QbA, and the Saint M, both good values and very nice with casual dining like Chinese or Thai take-out…
February 7, 2008

Karl Laczko
So you’ve not had any CRock wines in a while? Lucky you . But I didn’t sniffy sniff….sorry. Liked the imagery of Eastern European bacon fat though!!

Slow hotel connections speeds mean I’m only going to see about half this show, so QOTD once I get back home.
February 7, 2008

Henning a.k.a Plastikstuhl
QOTD: I’m gonna learn from the youngest!! How cute is this vid!
note to self: teddy bear ear = better than gala apple
February 7, 2008

Cobra
In a year I want to be able to name and recognize more smells than I even know exist right now. Oh, and I totally sniffed the screen. You gotta believe!
February 7, 2008

Jayhitek
Holy shit that was funny.

Ya, I said it.. What!
February 7, 2008

Glen... (winecrazy.com)
That was funny….

Hey Gary,

Sorry I can’t make the expo and the dinner as I planned. Something came up and…..well, I can’t go up. Sucks because all week while I was in Vegas I could’nt wait to come home so I can go to Boston and spend some time with you.

Have fun up there..!!!!

QOTD: I’m going to try and taste wines I would’nt normally try. I’m stuck on certain ones and I like what I like, but I am tatsing different wines now because of you. I guess I have Thunder fever!!!!!!!!!!
February 7, 2008

Nick
I won’t lie, I sniffed the wine.
February 7, 2008

RB
Great show….loved the video….

QOTD: Hope to take my palate to France….Having ordered 7 cases of the 05 bordeaux’s….I really want to learn and understand the differences between these old world wines.
February 7, 2008

Julie K
No, I didn’t sniff, but oddly enough when you describe smells and tastes I actually sense them somehow, somewhere in my brain.

QOTD – I see my palate with more courage of its convictions and fewer preconceived notions – not caring what anyone else thinks.

CUTE baby! Mine was a dog-food connoisseur by the time she was two and had a strong penchant for dead ladybugs caught in the sliding glass door track. There’s a challenge for you, Gary.
February 7, 2008

steve
I am a wanna be ’smart-wine drinker’!!!!!
February 7, 2008

Gonzo
QOTD: I have no idea, and I’m pretty pumped about that.

Great ep. I hope I can get my hands on some peppery goodness.
February 7, 2008

CHATrBox
Whew, almost there! Nice to see a California producer show some respect for Washington grapesâ€¦even if they didnâ€™t do a very good job with them.

My pal is going to be all over the place. A lot of international producers and a lot more obscure grapes. Itâ€™ll be fun!
February 7, 2008

patrick hill
i bet 50%sniffed
February 7, 2008

patrick hill
i bet 50%sniffed.we need more value after the holidays.agentina chile etc
February 7, 2008

Billyd
Awesome show GV. I loved Vivian’s segment! That’s Family..
February 7, 2008

Kevin W.
QOTD: I am hoping my pal will be able to tell me more than two flavors that I am tasting. Right now I can not really determine one flavor. My nose has now been able to get me at least one distinguishable scent. My mouth has told me about tannin. I just recently had a cheap 2005 Mouton Cadet and got my mouth dried out. I am guessing this is the affects of tannin. If I am wrong someone please point it out. Either way it was an interesting experience.
February 7, 2008

Aaron Gonzales
QOTD: My pallate has a mind of its own nowadays but thats why is is my PAL. My goal is to try as many different style Bordeauxs and be able to identify each appellation as possible. Oh and the SWD of A should include the Smart-Ass Wine Drinkers of America as well. I might head that list.
Aaron
February 7, 2008

DARREL LAS VEGAS
I didn’t sniffy sniff the computer, I sniffy sniffed my own glass !

RULE #1 Never watch LTV without you own wine glass.

RULE# 2-10 to follow
February 7, 2008

Tatum Korin
I admit it, I sniffy sniffed…and I’m sure I am in the majority out there!

QOTD: I can say that I am starting to move away from the big bomb, oak monster Cali reds. I am starting to explore old world wines, rose and whites. I am appreciating complexity, finishes, bouquets and mouth-feel a lot more, which has made a huge difference.
February 7, 2008

DARREL LAS VEGAS
Another comment: You rock but!

GV .vs. The Baby !

YOU lose!
February 7, 2008

wyldshaman
QOTD: I want to try that pepper wine… thats where my palate is moving.
February 7, 2008

WineMaynard
Love the show and the videoâ€¦.Me and my Pal will be working on those 2nd and 3rd tier flavors this yearâ€¦
February 7, 2008

Reed H
I see my pal being very disappointed with the wines that I can afford because I am a college student and my parents spoil me when I am home.
February 7, 2008

RickyB
QOTD- I think by palate will be liking older (aged) wines as the year goes on.
February 8, 2008

courtney
awww thats soooo cute! i was told to come and look at this post from a lady that posted on babyfit, her daughter is gonna be a great wine tester!
February 8, 2008

Jim
Yeah, i sniffed… doh

QOTD, Thanks a large part to your show, I am getting quite a bit more adventurous. I love old world burgundies (and no, smart ass, I have never seen sideways), and as a -rule- don’t like many whites. I am starting to expand that and have been quite pleasantly surprised so far.
February 8, 2008

JohnnyC aka SmokinActuary
That video is brilliant!!

I did sniff the wine.

My palate a year from now will want real, pure fruit, but bathed in terroir.

Thanks for staying on the “air” Gary.
February 8, 2008

BigATB
yeah i sniffed so what do you want to fight about it?
QOTD:
my pal in a year? i like a lot of big ass wine now, borolo and granache (plus the new world fruit-bombs) but i had a white Bordeaux that really rocked my world so i might be moving to something different
February 8, 2008

Big Mac
Tough competition! Love the CKC eps…my PAL in the next year? Water, cheese, and Casa Brava (Authentic Mexican Cuisine)! And hopefully a bottle or two of wine. Poor ckc/lurker.
February 8, 2008

Sara L.
doh, i totally sniffed when you held up that wine. doh!

-sara the gary-lovin’ songwriter
February 8, 2008

Bernie Bearnaise
This show typifies the challenge of discovering rich flavor and value in wines. More and more I am drawn to Spain seeking exciting wines at moderate prices. The Languedoc-Roussillon appellations have a wide variety of styles at reasonable prices. The Douro wines of Portugal show pedigree at affordable price points. It could take decades to do justice to these fine wine traditions. I have had other Castle Rock wines and thought they were also slightly better than their price class.

All wines have their own story and behind every great wine you will find an interesting person or family or partnership that has a passion for quality. The Pic St. Loup area is known for its Craggy mountain that resembles the shape of a Wolf’s tooth hence the name. It would be interesting to interview some of these individuals who make these wines with honest toil. Mother nature has her whims and the winemaker must enjoy the blessings and withstand the scorn of rain or hail which can ruin a years work.

I am still seeking out the Carm without success. I will add the Espelt Saulo to my list. In the last week I have had some excellent wines. The 2005 ERIAL from Ribera del Duero showed beautifully rich dark fruit and a long finish. It was from Elite Wines Imports in Lorton, Virginia.

Thanks Gary.
February 8, 2008

lynelle
I sniffed, thinking he likes pig crap but the sulfur is a little bit of a turn off.
February 8, 2008

Surekat
vivian is so cute! kids put everything in their mouths – my son is currently training his pallet on dust bunnies, yogurt, and sweaty socks.

no, i didn’t sniff the screen, but i did peer into your glass!

QOTD: i’m hoping to see my PAL much better educated, so i can get over the “i can tell there’s a taste in there, but have no idea how to name it” stage.
February 8, 2008

Rajiv A
QOTD: I see my mental library of wines growing to the point where I have several mental comparisons for the common varietals. I think my tasting technique is improving to the point where I can observe a lot of complexity – but I lack the experience to know what to focus on.
February 8, 2008

Pardus
QOTD: I am hoping to branch out with new tastes this year as we are planning trips to several of the neighboring countries and wine is on the agenda for each one.
February 8, 2008

James H
I’m hoping that I’m more into vegetal wines in a year or so. I spent a large portion of my early wine years with sweeter wines, like Rieslings. I still love them, but I want to branch out a bit.
February 8, 2008

Craig S.
I’m all about trying new wines and new grapes. I remember back when I knew next to nothing, and knew that I no longer liked white zin, but shockingly, tried a true zinfadel and fell in love with it. Same thing with the Grenache (and it’s poor cousin the boxed pink grenache.)

I keep going back to cabernet sauvignon and zinfadel, but I want to try and grow, especially with wine and food choices. New foods, new wines.
February 8, 2008

Paul
Vivian is one cute kid!
February 8, 2008

Kathleen Lisson
My pal is always on the hunt for more interesting things to smell…
Kathleen Lisson
February 8, 2008

Valerie
I sniffy sniffed!
QOTD: I see my palate moving more toward french wines and old world, although I have been enjoying spanish and chilen wines quite a bit lately.
February 8, 2008

Aubree
I love the baby video at the end! I’ll keep checking back for updates on Vivian’s maturing palate!
February 8, 2008

john
”I sniffy sniffed when you held up that wine also ….
February 8, 2008

David Eldred
yeah you got me… I sniffed
February 8, 2008

Kristy
GO VIVIAN!! That little girl is soooo freaking cute! I came here just to see her video but ended up telling friends about the wine site!!
February 8, 2008

gerald
sorry…I got a cold..couldnt smell it…..lmao..its good to see you again gary…I’ve been working too much…..
February 8, 2008

Mike in MI
Wines under $10.00 that BTT must include the M. Chapoutier 2005 Cotes du Rhone Belleruche. If you can find the ‘03 (WS 91), it’s even better. I currently pay $9.49.

It’s my “house red.”
February 8, 2008

Mike in MI
Error: that M. Chapoutier ‘03 Belleruche is a WS 89, not 91. Sorry.
February 8, 2008

Susan
Gary – HAPPY to see more wines that poor people like me can afford!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 8, 2008

Jordon
Show after show, I continue to want to actually try wine, preferably one that is at least a bit over “meh”. I’m 22 and have not drank a drop of alcohol of any kind, ever. I figure if I do drink a little something, it will be wine. If I keep watching, I won’t be able to hold out much longer.

Thanks Gary, your energy, and your views on life and family are refreshing.
February 8, 2008

Jason & Vivian
We were sucked in by the Vivian video which is adorable but the site is pretty cool too.
February 9, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: I see my pal trying more wines from Italy, Alsace, Austria, and such countries and regions where I haven’t “rolled” in a while (lately I’ve been buying a lot of southern France and Spanish wines).
February 9, 2008

JÃ¸rn Idar
QOTD: I hope to see my pal being trained and challenged as often as I can!
February 9, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo Gee !!
Ya better watch dat “Vivian” don’t take over your Job !!

QOTD: Me “palate” is eagerly watchin’ da Thunder Show for further
guidance !!
February 9, 2008

Ben F
Great Show GV always love you do shows with wines under $10 Bones…

QOTD:Where is my Pal going. Well unfortunately is seems to be going old world and more precise I think it is going French old world, why is that a problem you ask. I am Italian and I should be loving on the Italian wines. Anyway more Italian Reds on the show GV find some valuesâ€¦
February 9, 2008

Big Nick
QOTD: I see my pal beginning to enjoy more red wines, and getting further into old world wines. I have gradually grown away from sweet whites, never really been into chards, but then into new world reds. Hopefully I can make a good run at it.
February 9, 2008

DonnaWat
Nope, my nose did not move closer to the monitor. I still feel a little stupid from licking the monitor when you poured some wine for us.

QOTD: I think in a years time, my palette will be more appreciative of whites. I have avoided them, being frightened off by what I think was the Oak Monster. But with your gentle guidance, I am going back for an adventure.
February 9, 2008

Dan Fontaine
totally sniffed.
February 10, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
QOTD – I see my palate continuing to expand into different varietals and regions of the world. Less pinot and less California.
February 10, 2008

Derek
I am so happy that I can buy a shirt now without any problems at checkout….thanks for fixing that Gary, you the man!!

QOTD: my palet is getting better and better every month.
February 10, 2008

thefanjestic
Precious – but I have to say my baby girl is even prettier – but I might be biased. Cute video – GV not too bad youself.
February 10, 2008

thefanjestic
Precious! GV – not too bad yourself! j/k
February 10, 2008

thefanjestic
Good episode – for some reason it hasn’t been letting me post. So if there are several messages by me – my bad.
February 10, 2008

Jim
Vivian: “Ah, this Gala apple has hints of earthworm castings and cinnamon. I would prefer a Fuji….”
February 10, 2008

Cookiedds
I use the Castle Rock Reserve Cab as the benchmark for over oaked when someone is having difficulties isolating the oak influence in wines.
February 11, 2008

malliemcg
Wish I could have smelled it, but did not try and sniff, run into to many times that I’ve tried to sniff.

QOTD: No idea where my palate will be in the next year, it just keeps on evolving, lets hope that continues as it has been.

M
February 11, 2008

ChezJosh
I’ve been huge on old world for a long time, so I have a feeling that I’m going to be shifting towards either sweeter wines or distilled wines that have been aged on oak for a while. Or maybe i’ll just stay the course.
February 11, 2008

Susan
Gary- It is really me!!! Seems I have a twin here in the comment section………………… GREAT to see affordable wines!!!
February 11, 2008

chris the greek
Yeah sniffted, got sucked in. My monitor needs a clean down, smells bad. Kinda funky, southern Rhone-esqe.

QOTD: Intersting Q, started out as a big, bold, brash cab sauv guy. Was a suttle flowery aromattics guy for a bit. Then anything crazy was a must. Now a wine for me has to be well balanced friut/tannin/acidity with a good nose too. Am leaning towards bigger wines again in terms of structure but really love some age in bottle. Then again might change on a whim, my mood, the weather, if Joba is going to be a starter or bullpen, who knows. The one thing i do know is that there will be a wine that will suit me.

chris the greek

Spreading the thunder in the UK
February 11, 2008

chris the greek
Forgot to say Vivian is a star, move over Parker. Thew new generation has arrived!!!!!
February 12, 2008

Mike Powell
A red wine worth checkin’ out – 2003 Riserva Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
February 12, 2008

Mike Powell
The Cantina Zaccaonini 2003 Riserva Montepulciano d’Abruzzio, . . .

http://www.ryebrookwines.com/203773?utm_source=wine-searcher.com&utm_medium=vert&utm_campaign=std
February 12, 2008

MtnCharlie
Great video at the end. I had the urge to sniff the screen, but stopped short.

QOTD: All over the map. My top wine priority is “wines made from grape varieties I have never tried”
February 12, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Great show as usual GV!!!!

Q – Touring the WORLD!!
February 13, 2008

bfrankphoto
Been out of town, so I am just catching up on episodes, but thanks for the widelt-available wines!! Love it!
February 15, 2008

Rolf Lydecker
The store I work at in CT focuses a lot on mid ranged wines. We have many at the $10 mark. Who says you have to spend money to get a decent bottle? Caymus can blow it out the back end…
February 27, 2008

Kevin
i made a sniffy sniff. but i took a sniffy sniff from my own glass of espelt
February 29, 2008

jdl8r
I sniffed! Than again, I always watch the show while drinking something myself…
January 6, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
I love the end of the video. Vivian is adorable and will probably kicking wines tails in years from now. QOTD: Enjoying reds a lot more. Wasnt a fan of them at all a year ago and that has slowly changed as I drink more and better red wines.
October 7, 2009

richardvinifera
QOTD: I’ve been drinking a lots of red fruit bombs and entry level old world dry/off-dry whites, i think i might try a bit more old world red, eg moderately priced bordeaux, indigenous italian red and white wines, and maybe some single village white burgundy. Whether or not my palette likes it, that’s what it’s getting!