2004 Vintage Bordeaux, A Timing Thing

2004 Vintage Bordeaux, A Timing Thing – Episode #414

February 22, 2008

We are going with Intense Friday instead of laid back Friday because I think there is a real opportunity to learn and exploit a huge oppertunity and I want to make sure all the Vayniacs out there have a chance to score!

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Comments on this episode(293) Leave a comment ›

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Wines tasted in this episode:

2004 Chateau Clos De L’oratoireSt Emilion
2004 Chateau Haut BrissonSt Emilion
2004 Clos Les LunellesOther Red Bordeaux
2004 Chat CanonSt Emilion
2004 Chateau Leoville Las CasesSt Julien

Links mentioned in todays episode.

293 Responses

February 22, 2008

crank
I’m in.
February 22, 2008

Harley Stan
number 2!!!!
February 22, 2008

MagnumGourmet
Top 3…Woo Hoo!!!
February 22, 2008

bfrankphoto
SWEET!
February 22, 2008

Diogo da Silva Santos
Great vintage, yet underrated, worth to sought after… BUT!! People, seek out Portuguese wines! Just check the values you can get under 20/30 dollars that may beat all these bordeaux!!

Diogo, a Portuguese wine affictionado
February 22, 2008

Flyingscot
Top 5. wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwhhhhhhhhhhhhhooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
February 22, 2008

Josh in Burgundy
How in the world do you leave the first comment? I refreshed like six times. I guess the WLTV gods were not smiling on me today……Much Love to WLTV
February 22, 2008

DavidB
Wow who would have thunk it! Timing is everything in life
February 22, 2008

Matt N.
Top 10- sweet!
February 22, 2008

Paul C
Hey it’s real sad to hang around waiting to be in the top 10.

Paul.
February 22, 2008

Rip
Me top 10
What me worry?
February 22, 2008

Wine Not?
Never got in this early before….gotta watch the show now!
February 22, 2008

HuskerJamie
Let’s get 1000 today. Come on you lazy lurkers.
February 22, 2008

David K
Top one million. SWEET!
February 22, 2008

Withnail
Awesome topic – tasted a bunch of good ’04s last spring.
February 22, 2008

Spanky
Just excited to be back home and now I get to go back and see the Sauternes episode.
February 22, 2008

*/^_^\*
opportunity?
February 22, 2008

Brandon M
Let’s get to 1,000!!!!!!
February 22, 2008

waibeans
tpo 20
February 22, 2008

DC7
I’ve got an ‘04 St-Emilion Grand Cru Chateau l’Apolline can’t wait till…
February 22, 2008

The Fanjestic
Top 20
February 22, 2008

MrJCG1
You da man!!!
February 22, 2008

Diogo da Silva Santos
A couple of thoughts:

1.It can be proved that the price of Bordeaux top reds follows a mean-reverting stochastic process, by studying the last 100 years (considering 2007 prices). I may send you the multi-linear regression that I made if you’d like. It contradicts the “last of the mohicans” view.

2.1990 and 2000, etc have already been considered “vintages of the century”. Wait until the next one and you will see the price behavior referred above.

3.I agree, however, that 04 is a under priced vintage, worth to be sought after.

cheerio mate
February 22, 2008

SS Chris
Intense Friday….mmm…I think I like it. Looking forward to this Ep.

Brandon, we should have a vote to come w/ a name to call ourselves….can you set up some kind of voting mechanism. How ’bout Wine Librarians?
February 22, 2008

Chandler
QOTD: I bought a German Riesling that was alone on the shelf and marked down to 5.85. Not the best, but better than other $15 bottles I could have purchased.
February 22, 2008

TheDumbPhase
QOTD:
I don’t know about the best but I can tell you a pretty bad gut feeling purchase-
I went right out and bought the most expensive HD DVD player Toshiba made as soon as it was released. I just knew it would win the format war!
February 22, 2008

Glen... winecrazy.com
OK, I wanted to leave a comment now. I’ll watch the show later. Hope you catch this one Brother.

Be happy man!!!!!!

What you get to do everyday is a luxury to say the least. Don’t take that for granted. Enjoy and embrace it. Unless of course you have the flu….but it’s seems you are fine. So have fun, enjoy the time you spend there with us on the camera because ME….with a little bit of YOU….we’re changing the damm wine world, and thay can’t do a thing about it!!!!!!!!

Love ya man!!!!
February 22, 2008

SoCal
-700 because of Mott??????
Hell no I ha ma huge Mott Fan …..where is the T-shirt!!!!!
QOTD: My last condo in LA that went up 160 k in 18 months
February 22, 2008

randyshakes
Glad you’ve finally done a show about ‘04 Bordeaux. I have been buying these up like mad. A couple of my local retailers think I’m crazy for buying more ‘04 than the ‘03 and ‘05, but I found them to be wonderful wines and the prices are so much better. You hit it on the head Gary.
QOTD: My first house. It was small and cozy and when I sold it, I made enough to buy another that was double in size.
February 22, 2008

GrapeStuff
Good call on Bdx, GV – the prices are certainly set to explode in the next decade. Set supply, exploding demand.

QOTD: The ‘05 Guiraud on futures at $18 for the half bottles. Looks like that one worked out!
February 22, 2008

Paul C
A gut purchase that really worked . . .

a case of 1989 Lynch Bages for about $60 a bottle in 1993.

That was a fabulous wine.

Glad to see you’re a bit better today.
February 22, 2008

Taylor
Great show today, I dont see how people can watch the show for the 20 minutes and not take the 45 seconds extra it takes to leave a comment w/e.
QOTD I actually just purchased 04 brisson so pretty psyched about that and cobblestone cab rocked it just looked good so we bought turned out to be great
February 22, 2008

ryang
Well if we were asked to leave comments for Mott, then I would EVERY day. Contrary to GV’s thoughts.

QOTD: ORCL spring 1999 unloaded almost exactly one year later. that was fun
February 22, 2008

VinoVixen
GV you are killing my wallet!
QOTD: that you would get the 1000 comments for 412!
February 22, 2008

Nick P
G Money,
Great show! Drinking lots of Bordeauxs. Prior to watching WLTV I was opposed to drinking French wines because of their lack of support in the war, but now because of your influence they are the majority of the wine I’m buying.

thxs
February 22, 2008

Jessica
QOTD: Best gut feeling purchase recently was the wine I bought w/ free shipping (thanks WLTV). Nice deal! And I hopefully got the free wristband I asked for – scoooore.

QOTD for YOU Gary: Have you ever been tasting throughout Oregon? I’ve tasted around Cali and a few other states, and I don’t come across nearly as much kick-ass wine as I do in Oregon (especially pinot and syrah). Hit up some of the Southern Oregon wineries, Gary. I’m telling you…
February 22, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: Years ago I happened upon a pair of gorgeous speakers once when I lived in NYC that I got for $250.00. They may very well have been hot, but the guy let me inspect them and took care of me as a customer and I built my first home theater with them. Sometimes you get lucky.
February 22, 2008

Beth
Great show today! I’m a fan of “Intense Friday”, rather than its laid back counterpart. I’ve never had an ‘04 Bordeaux but I’m going to seek some out in the near future.
February 22, 2008

Brandon T.
A nice one for those who can’t stop thinking how much they’d love to see bordeaux grapes especially petit verdot slathered on the bums of gary and some pretty girls where they recite poems with excellent sexuality
February 22, 2008

ChrisR
Thank You Thank You for encouraging me to buy 2005 Bordeaux on future. I bought a couple of mixed cases and have a added a few choice bottles in the last week. I’m going throught the WS mag right now circling all my acquisitions and smiling. There’s nothing like buying amazing wine for a bargain and then watching the scores come in.

Best wine projections: Leoville Las Cases 2004, Cos d’Estournel 2004 both for under $75 on futures. If it wasn’t my son’s birth year I probably wouldn’t have even bought them. I’m thrilled I also bought 2005 Rauzan-Segla and Giscours at Wine Library for an awesome price on future.

I also think that people forgot about 2005 Sauternes (thankfully) since they were so distracted with reds. A 97 PT Guiraud for $55 and that’s a 750 ML!! A 93 PT 750 ML Doisy-Vedrines for $32! (still on sale at WL for that price!!!) AMAZING!! In a short amount of time those prices are going to go through the roof.

Thank You Thank You for holding your prices as long as you realistically could and for still selling 2005 on futures long past when most places are either sold out or holding back for extra profit. You’ve really talked the talk and walked the walk and have made 2005 Bordeaux accessible, affordable and relatable to the consumer. Major Kudos.
February 22, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
I know I’m looking forward to 2010-2015, or even 2025 (so I have have it when I retire, if I last so long) when the one 2004 I do have might be ready to go.

“T”
February 22, 2008

bfrankphoto
Great episode. QOTD: Rookie Ryne Sandberg card when he was three years into his career. $2.

BTW – thanks for the sweet free shipping deal. I was able to buy 5 different wines that I had never had (at least never beyond what the supermarkets had to offer). Looking forward to them.
February 22, 2008

purplejuicebruce
QOTD…. I bought the 2000 Toyota Tundra and it is every thing I hoped for.
February 22, 2008

LB in KS
qotd…. purchased a 1967 chevy nova and flipped it double my $$ without even trying…if it were always that easy all the time
February 22, 2008

Bob Sherron
Best gut purchase: Chocolate Covered Pringles at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company in Colorado Springs. Love Pringles. Love chocolate. Was worried that the combo would be gross. I’ve never been happier to be wrong.

Re: Mott costing 700 votes – no way. We love Mott. Link it up!
February 22, 2008

DaveyDonut
I have had some 2004 Bordeaux and I definitely like them… however I’m not entirely convinced about the pricing vs 2005. Sure there are many cases like this, and I even purchased one… bought some 2004 La Confession from you for $20, and I also bought futures of the 2005 for $57 (but when your score jumps from 90 to 94-95, that’ll unfortunately happen), but I’ve found many more cases where the price increase is more like 15-20%, and for that, I’m thinking the 2005s would be a better deal. In fact, there was almost a prime example here on the show today. I swear it was just yesterday that I was thinking of getting some 2005 Haut Brisson from you and the price was $33.99. Oh, in fact, wine-searcher says the price of it at your store on 2/22 (TODAY) IS $33.99… yet now it’s offered at $39.99? What’d you do, increase the price before the show to improve your point about 2004? haha… okay, I’ll continue my point: YESTERDAY, the 2005 Haut Brisson was $34, and the 2004 was $28… you scored the 2005 91-94. Would you not say that it was worth $6 more than the 2005? I would definitely think so. There are many examples like this, even within your own store (Hmm I see Chateau Sansonnet went up in the last few days too..)

Okay, I’m rambling. I’ll drink some 2004 AND 2005 Bordeaux…

QOTD: It’s going to be all these darn 2005 Burgundies that I buy that the rest of the Vayner nation loses out on because you keep them to yourself!

David
February 22, 2008

Trish
Best gut purchase – a Canadian software stock we bought 700 shares at $1.35 a share – since then it split and we own 1400 shares at $13. a share. Won’t make us rich but we aren’t stock people so we are pleased.
February 22, 2008

DaveyDonut
bfrankphoto, I had a store that sold old, sealed packs of baseball cards from previous years, and I remember he had TOPPS 1983 packs for $2, so i bought one, and in it was a Ryne Sandberg rookie card! I was so excited I ate the 8 year old gum! Still have the card, too!

David
February 22, 2008

MICHAEL
What? No Canon La Gaffeliere?
February 22, 2008

Sue Z.
QOD – All the ‘05 Bordeaux futures I invested in last year;-) You’re the BEST!
February 22, 2008

Jaybird
I’m glad you did this one, I have never really focused on just merlot …but I love it blended especially from St. Emilion. I always seem to lean toward this area (right bank) of Bordeaux.

QOTD: It is a future I purchased from wine library…A few weeks before WS top 100 was released I bought my largest format bottle anticipating it would land in the top ten and be a great collector… 3L 2005 Clos Des Papes CDP
February 22, 2008

Salvatore
My best $$$$ maker yet. I bought an antique vesta match safe at a yard sale for $1…….. Sold it on ebay for $300.

Great show… However way to speculative for an old bastard like me.

Basically drinking what I’m buying……. although I have a small stockpile of $20-$40 wines. Mostly from Italy….. although because of you; Portuguese wines are #2 in my stash now.

Ciao
February 22, 2008

Dave Canada
Great episode..I have bought 4 cases of 2004 bordeaux so this is good news!
QOTD – Gotta be my 1986 VW Jetta I bought in University……best $600 I ever spent!
February 22, 2008

Christopher J
QOTD: The secret 4 packs, definitely!! Nothing excites me more… Maybe I am exaggerating, but it is exciting.
February 22, 2008

Sharon
Nice show, good info as always, will look for 2004 Bordeaux in my neck-o-the-woods. I sort of feel like I’m too much of a newbie to approach Bordeaux and Burgundy yet. Or maybe that’s silly!
QOTD: Well, I’ve gotten some really good deals on things on Ebay. And some not so good deals. All in all people are overwhelmingly honest though.
February 22, 2008

cgatesman
Great episode, Gary! I’m really only getting in to Bordeauxs. I have a few ’04’s (and I just ordered a Brisson from the anniversary deal), and I have a few ‘05 futures.

I thought today’s episode was very informative! Thanks!
February 22, 2008

malliemcg
Loved the show – making me happy that if I can find ’04’s that I should check ‘em out and not be all 05, 05, 05 in my Bordeaux hunt.

QOTD: Gut feeling purchase – don’t really have a tip top one, closest would be taking a job across the other side of the country – best call in my life, over here I met the lady who in three weeks will be my wife .
February 22, 2008

Ed S.
Hey GV. Thanks for the episode. Good info.
February 22, 2008

C.W. Miller IV
You got me. I’m purchasing wine…again.
February 22, 2008

laurie in VT
I liked the ‘intense Friday’. I liked having ’sniffy-sniff’ back.
Whaddya mean, it’s because of Mott you didn’t get to 1000 yesterday?! Harrumph! So when is Mott’s birthday, BTW?
Also, if there are any lurkers out there in VT, get on the Third Thirsty Thursday forum, because a couple of us that haven’t been frozen into the ice in our driveways have found each other (sweet!) and we’re getting a group together.

QOTD: The 5 acres of field & woods that we walked onto in 1993, looked at each other and said, ‘This is it, we’re home’.
February 22, 2008

mbannon
Guess I’d better run out and grab some 04 Bordeaux before it’s gone, thanks for the heads up GV!
February 22, 2008

John S
QOTD: Gut feel on things that really worked out? –

a bottle of Dom Perignon 85 from a French supermarket
…I was a student and living on a grant
1cs Cos D’estournel 2005 double mags (en primeur)
… actually still waiting!
2cs Les Carruades de Ch Lafite 2005 (en primeur)
…100% price increase and I havn’t even seen them yet!
2cs 2004 Vieux Chateau Certan.

Tuning in to WLTV!

installing a cellar under my house…
February 22, 2008

Sayle M.
Gary,
Happy you are back to your old self- energy level UP! Love it! Will seek out the 04′ Bordeaux, for sure…had a question….how long to you let the wines breathe before you taste them on the show and could you address that? Is there a certain time period best for reds and whites to breathe before consuming? Does it really matter with young wines? What about decanting? Would love to know about this stuff! Stay warm this weekend!
February 22, 2008

JC
Great show ….
February 22, 2008

BoiseWiner
WOOT! Love to see you back on your game and bringing the Thunder. Loved the show. Learning more about Bordeaux thanks to WLTV’s Christmas pack and took advantage of the free shipping deal to try out more Bordeauxs.

QOTD: I have to say that the Christmas pack was money well spent .
February 22, 2008

BobbyTiger
Welcome back Gary!!!! QOTD- My life is so regular that I don’t even have an answer.
February 22, 2008

Dr. J
QOTD: My house is the best impulse purchase I’ve ever made. Not that I was completely impulsive about it, but it was my first home purchase and we thought we were going to lose it to some other aggressive buyers, so we put in an offer on my birthday and we were off and running. Now everyone who sees our 1940’s brick bungalow says it kicks ass!

Right now I’m drinking a Chilean Carmenere, the Alcance 2005 and it rocks!
February 22, 2008

Plminer
Great episode GV, heeeeellllls yesssss 2004, bought a bunch of Grand Puy Lacoste 2004’s and they are rocking bro!!! Gonna cellar a hand full and see what happens, and drink some along the way see how they evolve. Well done, cheers!
February 22, 2008

brorjace
Nice episode gary, you are on fire! As for people not liking Mott, thats craziness!

QOTD: My purchase on a whim that cost nothing yet i’m enjoying a lot is 2 canvas bags I use when I grocery shop. Makes me feel good, and I don’t have to throw away those stupid plastic bags.

2nd place: My plasma tv
February 22, 2008

Anthony L.
Great episode Gary. I’m excited about the 2004’s now. Can’t wait to pick some up.

QOTD: The gut purchase that I made was in 1983 when I bought a Topps 1955 Ted Williams card for $14.00. Way too much money for a 14 year old to spend on a baseball card.
February 22, 2008

chenrys
Great show on Bordeauxs, which we love and will be looking for 2004’s. Thanks.

QOTD: Hmmmm…my fist Mac on Ebay that included Photoshop…really a good deal.

BTW, glad your back to your enthusiastic self. You know we like YOU, WLTV and Mott…right?
February 22, 2008

Cheri P
Great Show! But, I must say that sharing your experience as child of immigrant parents, and knowing that we NEVER wasted anything, I don’t really think that you drink the spit bucket. Really?

QOTD: quitting my old job. Not that it was a “true purchase,” in the monetary sense but it was truly a priceless return to sanity
February 22, 2008

daverdude
Gary’ Iam totally convinced again after watching This video
Parkers points are based on Content of ” WOOD ”

He Must Live in A LOG cabin and lawyer For the Carpenters union as well as
Use CHOPSTICKS For All Meals and chews on Toothpicks instead of Gum

Comon Man Fess Up
Is HE The OAK MONSTER ? (lol)
February 22, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

I’m glad I bought a bunch of ‘04 Bordeaux.

QOTD: My best gut feeling/purchase was a vintage Fender Blues Deluxe. I found it at a little guitar shop for $100 in near mint condition. Its worth atleast 7 or 8 times that now and still sounds gorgeous.

–RH
February 22, 2008

Smith MBA
Bordeaux just knows how to make juice.
February 22, 2008

Stan Vasily
Gary Please when you have a guest Please don`t interupt them!!!! Just watched the Jeffery Davies episode and was pissed the you keeped stepping on THE MASTER.
February 22, 2008

Omallley
Loved the episode. Maybe I just like values, but I love to see “lesser vintages” show that they are in no way a PAZZZZZZZ.

QOTD: I really don’t have one. Maybe I can come back in a year or two with something.
February 22, 2008

JoshL
Sure wish WL could ship to WA. So weak.
February 22, 2008

Ben Janssen South Australia
Pity about the US/AUS dollar compared to the Euro. I am trying to encourage friends and family to not always but the $10 – $20 dollar bottles of wine from the same winery you always get your goods from but to branch out and spend a little more and get into wines from outside your own country. Hence the problem the price point. Yes European wines can charge what they do and they will be bought but maybe they should be thinking about spreading the thunder and try to encourage people to buy there wine by making just a little more affordable.
Having been to Europe it is rare to find those who are trying to spread the thunder, If I was the ruler, king and or dominator of Europe I would tell them to stop being such an introvert! But I’m not so I’ll put up with the weak AUS dollar and pay a fortune for European wine….
February 22, 2008

Harold
Great ep GV. Thanks.
February 22, 2008

Harley Stan
Happy Friday Gary and Mott!!! Great show today as always.
February 22, 2008

Kev and Ams
QOTD: Plane tickets to Italy.
February 22, 2008

Black Rolf
I actually bought some 04 this past summer on my honeymoon in Paris without trying any but on a tip from the shopkeeper. Nice to see he wasn’t just trying to send the silly foreigner away with unmovable swill:)

QOTD: Best gut purchase was our first condo. When we sold we more than doubled up and were able to have a great wedding and honeymoon in Italy and Paris.
February 22, 2008

Marshall
Wow, maybe I should go grab some of these quick! Thanks for the tip.
February 22, 2008

Clarke
Hey Gary
Spot on!
And laurie in VT. Yes there are lurkers in VT!
February 22, 2008

Danny C
Gary,

Here is what I called…

Andrew W.K. and his album “I Get Wet.”

WHEN IT’S TIME TO PARTY, WE WILL PARTY HARD!!!

Everyone loves to guy!
February 22, 2008

thisIslandEarth
Wow. Great episode GV. Thanks for the the great info on the 04’s.

One question, I had – a couple of times you’ve mentioned the 03’s won’t hold up over time. Is it safe to assume that even if they don’t have the backbone of the 04’s the 03’s still will be strong in say the next 4-5 yrs? Or should we be drinking the 03’s before the end of the week?
February 22, 2008

John Farrin
QOTD: Bought an oceanfront, 6wks/yr for 29 years, timeshare on Kauai in 1985 for $7500.00. I’ll do the math for you. It’s less than $7.00/day for a room no more than 150 ft from the ocean.
February 22, 2008

Rhonda
I play the game every episode I think my favorite buy on a whim was a bottle of prosecco!
February 22, 2008

M K CT
GVs in top form. 04s in the hizzy.
February 22, 2008

Achilles Mike
QOTD I bought a great bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape when we first got married. I had no idea what a great wine it was- let alone pronounce the name. It had a great looking bottle and as it turns out- was outstanding.
February 22, 2008

Skol
The 2004 Leroy Vosne Romanee
Lots of burghounds dissed the 04 but this is outstanding. Expensive but you are not going to get a Leroy for this price any time soon. The Grand Crus and the Premier crus were declassified and became the Vosne Romanee.

Like the 05 vs 04 Bordeaux some of the best 04 Burgundies are actually great.
February 22, 2008

Crosis
QOTD: My best impulse purchase that paid off in spades was my Mercedes SLK
February 22, 2008

espressokev
QOTD: How about my gut decision to switch to linux instead of buying XP again. Didn’t cost me a thing and now i get bunches of free hardware cuz no one else thinks it’s useful. =)
February 22, 2008

t_moderne
Play the game? Is that anything like Ya gotta be in it to win it?
Good episode. Nice balance between fun and irreverence and information. Wel balanced like an 04 Bdx.
February 22, 2008

Chris D
Good episode GV â€“ I liked the elementary sloppy Joeâ€™s comment and I pictured Mott going to MLK in Edison sitting with the kids eating Sloppy Joeâ€™s and tasty cakes ( thatâ€™s what we used to eat as desserts in Lehigh Valley PA where I grew up )

NO â€“ we love Mott and donâ€™t want you trashing on him…he has to put up with you and I would bet that’s hard enough

Iâ€™m feeling bad for those episodes I watched and lurked after this whole 1000 now GV !!
February 22, 2008

agentorange
GV,

QOTD: Slam dunk. We bought 20 acres of land just south of Redwood Valley, CA (Mendocino County) a few years ago. Some day (soon?) we’ll build a house, and who knows, maybe even plant a few vines?
February 22, 2008

Glenn
GV, Thanks for the episode, as I mentioned the other day, Bordeaux scares the hell out of me. I am less scared now after watching the show. Maybe I will try sneaking up on one.
QOTD: I am going to go a slightly different direction than most. Not quite impulsive but definetely a gut feeling, my greatest investment was in my wife of 27 years now. Because of her we have raised two awesome daughters (even if one is a Democrat) and now have four adorable grandaughters. They rock my world. Family and wine. Does it get any better?
February 22, 2008

DannInNH
Another great episode. After finishing a ‘04 Ch. Valrose Cuvee Alienor (which was as good if not better than your comments back in Dec), I thought it would be nice for my wife to watch this episode with me, since you were discussing/tasting more 04’s. By the time we were finished watching tonight’s show, she had me order the Haut Brisson which I was only too eager to do. You never know when the market will price most of us out of the Bordeaux market altogether, so we have to take advantage of the relatively fair prices today. I have not seen vany places that can compete with WL’s prices!

QOTD: When I bought an ‘05 Vette a few years ago. Something that I wanted ever since I got married (35 years ago), against my wife’s request. Now she loves it as much as I do. The only problem is, in the summer time, it is either driving the car or wine, not both.
February 22, 2008

Kevin
I love hearing about bordeaux, and I love hearing about value. You are my friend. I will keep my palate on watch.
QOTD: recent purchase of a new family home. that i can build a wine cellar in. hah.
February 22, 2008

Dave Allison
Awesome energy. New to watching. Have watched 12 this week! How can I ever catch up? smile. Witty, fun, intelligent, my gosh, run for president!
February 22, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: last car I bought…went on a whim to look and I found one for 11 grand off sticker…..weet

GV as they say in my part of the world…way to cowboy up…..real good episode and I am glad to learn more about Bordeauex wines…
February 22, 2008

Jon
Im a newbie, and I had a question regarding a bordeaux, I when I was in France in 2004 I bought a bottle of Chateau Marquis du Terme – I dont have the bottle in front of me, but I want to say its 2001, does anyone know anything about this wine? I have not seen or heard anything about it in the States (not that Ive honestly been looking that hard). The guy at the store said it was a good one and that we should open it in 5-7 years. Thanks for any input!
February 22, 2008

Jennifer
Who’s there?
February 22, 2008

FJDR
Real good show, and you have now gone over 1000 comments for the show 2 days ago – it just took awhile.
February 22, 2008

Utah
QOTD
I can’t really name one impulse buy that was a great bargain, a great steal. Honestly, I think 75% of everything I buy, I do on impulse. Its terrible for the bank account, but it always seems to work out for me!

Big props to the fellow linux convert I saw in the comments — that may be my best as well, because it hasn’t cost me a dime, and I lovvvvvez the free-(as in speech and beer — or wine?)-ness.
February 22, 2008

Mott-fan
Wow, -700 for Mott..that’s a little harsh. Personally I’d like to see more of Mott. Maybe like every other Friday “The Gary & Mott Show”.
February 22, 2008

Tom Cameron
QOTD: Black 2004 Subaru WRX STI – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDy0QRNaNEs

Love the show as always. Enjoyed talking to you in Boston, and I’m trying to get some friends to to a Third Thirsty Thursday at our local wine bar.
February 22, 2008

Grapedigger
Bordeaux rules supreme…Thanks for oprning our eyes to the value in the O4 vintage. Cheers
February 22, 2008

Mikie C
qotd: definitely to buy a MacBook Pro instead of a PC

Thanks for the great ep – Just don’t have the cash for the level of Bordeaux your talkin about. Even $40 is a lot. So I watch and dream… And then I plunk down 12-15 on a lower level Bordeaux, just to begin to get the essence of what it’s about.

The tossing of all that good wine makes me wonder what you do with what’s left over after filming. Do employees get to take it home?

Perhaps there could be a free tasting downstairs after the show – and get that on film???
February 22, 2008

Lenny
Good show. I have finally given up trying to get the wines you have here in Houston. Different distributors. So I just listen to get some learnin’!!

We need some sort of database to be able to touch base with folks in our area for the third Thursday tastings. I would try to do it, however I work here during the week and live somewhere else. Not too many friends here. Anyway if anyone in Houston is interested, and lives around the Upper Kirby area, e-mail me at leonardned@gmail.com
February 22, 2008

Dave from VA
QOTD: These socks I am wearing, they are AWESOME!
February 22, 2008

Kim
This may be my first purchase to tuck away for later. Thanks for some great ideas!
February 22, 2008

chance vanek
is that glass ginormous or is he mini?
February 22, 2008

Scott
I was out of town the last two days and it was so much fun to watch the the Sauternes episode and this one back-to-back. Talk about night and day. You were really on your game with each with the content, but the attitude today was so awesome. I was just in a great mood throughout this entire show and I’ll be on a little high for the rest of the evening.
I also love that you are just making me feel so awesome about how much I’ve spent on Bordeauxs in the last few years knowing that they are going to appreciate so much in the coming years. I’ll keep adding to the ’04s though as I actually have way more ‘00, ‘05 and even ’06s.

QOTD: My nintendo circa 1987. My parents would not spend $100 on a “toy” assuming like all my other toys I would play with it for a month and then move on and want something different and stop playing with it. But I knew better so I mowed lawns around the neighborhood for $7-10 each and saved up enough to buy it for myself. I played with that “toy” for nearly ten years until I went off to college and my mom gave it away while I was gone. I still wish I had it. I could really go for some Techmo Bowl right about now.
February 22, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – hm… i don;t trust my gut enough. or maybe it hasn’t come up with any good predictions???
February 22, 2008

zabin29
my gut is a jinx, i don’t play roulette
that’s why we have gary v. calling the shots!
February 22, 2008

Canadian Chris
Nice show dude. I keep thinking the 04s must be worth something with 05s exploding. I’m also wondering about how much character the 05s bring to the table, I’ve heard more than one bordeaux grower say they were disappointed to have a perfect year, there wasn’t any room for the struggle with the elements that makes things interesting. I wonder what does to the character of the wine.

QOTD: I habitually act on gut feel – that’s how I met my girl, and that has worked out more than awesome.
February 22, 2008

Boog
My best gut feeling purchase ever was $50 on the 2005 White Sox to win the World series at the Flamingo, (Bugsy’s Place).
February 22, 2008

Robert Howells
My best gut purchase was a 1967 Chevy Chevelle Super Sport. I bought it in 1988 for $6,000 and now it is a classic.
February 22, 2008

Scott
Great episode. I only wish I was rolling deeper. Something to look forward to I guess.

QOTD: When I bought my favorite guitar for a thousand dollars cheaper than it was on any other website due to a misprint. I saved a ton of money and received my most prized possession, a Taylor 914ce.
February 22, 2008

Isaac
I love Intense Friday!!! I appreciate all you do for us Gary. Just to let you know, I was watching the last episode and it really hit me that you knew what you were talking about. Not that i doubted you, but it was like an epiphany…Al the subtleties and nuances you taste and smell got me thinking because when i tasted and sniffy-sniffing one of my wines, i realized that it takes alot of practice and time to develop the pal…
Great job GV!!!!!
February 23, 2008

Obama_Man
Wow, what a great and interesting episode!
February 23, 2008

Moselman
N/C
February 23, 2008

underivy
QOTD: I’d have to say it was my dog. Well, another great gut feeling I had was for my gf (of 8 years), but I didn’t pay for her, so I don’t know if that counts….

I was happy to see you talk about the Haut Brisson, as it’s one that I’ve been eyeing for a while. Good show!
February 23, 2008

ryan
thanks for bringing the thunder, us vayneacks live for it
February 23, 2008

Justin Erickson
QOTD – When I found 2 bottles of 1982 Salon Les Mesnil Champagne is a small little wine shop for under $100 each. Still get excited about it.
February 23, 2008

Bob Sikorski
It was not just a Good Show or a Great Show, it was Special.

QOTD – The best investment was in speculative business venture that gave me the opportunity to meet my wife. The business was fine, but finding a wife who is so special, has no equal.
February 23, 2008

Dave Lighton
Gut feeling wine purchase, 1982 Chateau Gazin. Parker gave it an 81! I got it for $50 and it was killing. Little short on the finish, but IMHO the single best nose I have ever experienced.
February 23, 2008

MattyO
gary VEEEE!

yoooo! a great show! i have had one Bord. from 2005. didn’t really impress me, but i was also in a bad mood that night, so i’m sure that affected the taste. i wasn’t satisfied with anything. i was hacked about work! what can i say?! i’m laughing right now…this is rediculous!

going to have some dessert wine tomorrow! very excited!

love ya’ll!
February 23, 2008

Rob Csenar
Picked up the Haut Brisson the other day as it was a SECRET selection during the 2nd anniversary show. Yes!

QOTD: Not that these are rare, but I was an early user of PDA’s, DVR, and Slingbox. They have all literally changed the way I get through almost every day.

Rob
February 23, 2008

Portland Guy
Always love the Bordeaux episodes. Well done, GV.
February 23, 2008

jp
very nice- and after all the 05 hoopla I’ve heard from you over the last few months that I’ve been watching, I thought that surely there are some great wines at great prices from some of these “inferior” vintages. Since you can’t ship to my state, I will be actively searching for at least a few bottles of the Brisson to lay down. Thanks for pointing this out to everyone.
February 23, 2008

George
QOTD: my fountain pen. I love the way it makes my writing look. I think the pen also helped me get a job.
February 23, 2008

Chris
My favorite WLTV so far… Welcome back Gary. Once again lots of talk about the climate issues for the different vintages and how that affects the wine, and a whole bunch of wines that are really interesting. I really think you nailed it today. Nicely done.
February 23, 2008

Clinton
QOTD: An airline ticket to Canada

Good show Gary. I’ve enjoyed some of the 2002 vintage as well, despite it being an “off” year. I think your prediction about the 2003 is on target…
February 23, 2008

Robert
I’m envious. I’d love to try a Leoville Las Cases… but I’ll settle for a Haut Brisson… love the show
QOTD: Altar Nano-tech… made 3 times my investment and got out… and of course Sonsierra 2004… what a wonderful Spanish wine, saving 2 for the future if I can hold myself back and not drink it all with my brother in law. I’m telling you, if he spoke good english he would be a vayniak too… I’m thinking of subtitling your shows jut for him.

Love Mott too
February 23, 2008

Clinton
Psssttt: I prefer vegetal, too.
February 23, 2008

jp
way 2 go linux winos!!
February 23, 2008

ED-PHX
I have no more room in my limited cellar so I have vowed to lay off wine purchases for several months â€“ until I watched todayâ€™s show. Now Iâ€™m now off looking for 04s.
February 23, 2008

Cookiedds
A very happy GV tonight.
QOTD: My best gut purchase was a brilliant cut piece of Tanzanite while I was in Tanzania a couple years ago. I had it set in a diamond pendant and gave it to my wife for Christmas. It appraised for 5 times what I paid for it and my wife flipped for it.
February 23, 2008

Nathan
QOTD, I got a QOTD!!! Explain why, if I can get and excellent bottle of wine, say a 90+ pointer for 15 dollars, then why should I seek out a 90+ pointer for $100 dollars? I definitely THINK I know the answer to this question, but I would like to hear your take.
February 23, 2008

Kevin Carpenter
Gary, you know I have to comment. But I really want to think about this episode and get to a point where I can actually try wines of this caliber before I form an opinion.
February 23, 2008

Dan C.
alright 27 minute Epi! Woo!

also I think that Nathan has a great question there down below.
February 23, 2008

Nickyb85
QOTD: I do believe that Bordeaux’s no matter what vintage provide a promising future. It is a region that (as you said) can not expand any further than it already has, thus brining a certain level of demand. It has the pedigree to produce exceptional wine no matter what the year brings it. But at 1,500 a case… damn! I need to get my foot in the door! Soon, due to complete global competition it will be even harder to secure wines from this region. The sooner the better I say. Also, support your local wineries, no-matter what they produce (as long as it is not filth), one day your region might be the next Bordeaux!!!
February 23, 2008

Withnail
QOTD: a camera lens.
Awesome episode; best in awhile.
February 23, 2008

Dennis D
Excellent show, Gary! I learn something every episode. Keep bringing it my friend!!!!!!
February 23, 2008

billr
Nice show….

QOTD: A little red headed thing from San Antonio named Betty, only $20 bucks and oh so nice…..OOOOPPPPPSSS, wrong show…:):):):):):)

A covered up mint conditioned imported 1955 VW Bug with 13,452 miles on it found in a barn in DeKalb Texas for a $100 dollar bill about 12 years ago. Cleaned out the juel tank, carb and put in fresh gas, started right up. Sold last year to a collector for $20,000 grand…..OOOOPPPPSSS, wrong show agin.
February 23, 2008

Remps108
QOTD: Way on back in the day, when the twentieth century was still in diapers, everyone was saying, “The horseless carriage will never catch on.” But I believed down to my soul that they would, and I disputed them all, predicting that one day, everyone would be driving an automobile. The naysayers scoffed and laughed, but that didn’t stop me from buying one of the first Model T’s off the lot. I went with my gut, and I never looked back. And here we are today living in a world where every five seconds, somewhere in the world, someone crashes their car into something that isn’t air.

And they said it would never catch on.
February 23, 2008

Brian Walch
QOTD: asking my wife to marry me! Can’t figure the ROI on that! Now, tell me what I gotta do to get NJ to allow shipping to Alaska! No more lurkin’ – love your show!
February 23, 2008

J Crazy
QOTD: Mike Tyson’s Knockout, and bottle off 98 or 99 Marylin Merlot. Asked my dad to pick up the bottle cuz I thought the label was pretty hot. Got it for 12 bucks and sold it recently for 500 plus, good ROI hey.

Long Live Sir Vaynerchuck
Thunder Bringer
Lord Thunderchuck!
…I like that “Thunder Chuck” Yo, Gary, for your next intro try it out for size: “Hello, everybody I’m your host Baron Von Thun Der Chuck!”
February 23, 2008

Dan C.
QOTD: wow … gut feeling purchase … ummm I rarely make those I’m not very spontaneous … but probably my HDTV … that one was pretty spur of the moment.

Fun show GV … got some Bordeaux in the mail, an 04 and 05 … so ill be testing those out on the pal next week.
February 23, 2008

dave from Osaka (thunderball)
Rad show today. Best gut-feeling thing I ever bought was probably a really nice handmade acoustic guitar…cost alot but has paid for itself many times over. It makes me want to play and lets me sound as good as my skill level will allow. Life is too short to play bad guitars and drink crappy wine.
February 23, 2008

Achilleas in Cyprus
Excellent show.

Will be looking for some 2004 Bordeaux here in Cyprus.

QOTD: Taking a chance on moving from England where I was born to Cyprus where my parents are from. Best choice and biggest risk I ever made.
February 23, 2008

JOEL M
GV keep the hidden value vintages coming. I am going to buy a ton over the next six months if I can find them. Great show as always. Joel M
February 23, 2008

gregg
you are wild, man! the 04’s rock, and I knew it all along, like 2 years ago when I was working in a wineshoppe in greenhills with josh, rick, courtney, dave, denny, and the master of ceremony… Ed. anyway, I’m enjoying you enjoy your wines. you should have me on as a guest. you should drink the 2005 green lion merlot, 06 the scooter by mollydooker, and the 06 Quincy cuvee.
February 23, 2008

Klassh
How is that French pronunciation book that-that Vayniac gave you coming along? You could learn a thing or two from Jeffrey Davies.
February 23, 2008

Katherine
I was in ALDI (cheap food grocery store) the other day and there were three bottles of a 2005 Bordeaux, believe it or not. I snapped them up. Don’t know if they are any good, but at only $7 a bottle, it’s at least worth a try.

QOTD: My dog Sophie. Got her from the Humane Society. Best gut purchase I ever made by far… I walked in and there she was, and my gut said “this is your dog.” Here she is about a year and a half ago: http://tinyurl.com/2uzfv7
February 23, 2008

Rich
Great Friday show. I like the intense, educational Friday.
February 23, 2008

Matt
Great show as always!
February 23, 2008

Len
Great episode! Enjoyed it a lot…don’t know much about Bordeaux’s …will have to change my thoughts on French wines and give it a try. QOTD Watching WLTV and you bringing the thunder.
February 23, 2008

OmarG
the twizzler 2×4, the BigBoy 2nd grader, and VEGGIES!! hilarious..
great show

Purchase: A hunch that the BluRay format would beat our HDDVD. Whew…it worked out!
February 23, 2008

davidB
qotd – it is a toss up but I think my dog Toby as I took him in while doing volunteer work for a rescue place and never gave him back – 5 yrs later he is still with us and a great part of the family. Added bonus he cost nothing, talk about QPR
February 23, 2008

DirtWineKen
Great Show!! QOTD: This is my all time favorite wine story. In the mid 70’s, I walked into a wine shop in Madison, NJ (had never been there before) and near the front door was a basket filled with wine bottles and a sign saying: “Cooking Wine $.99″!! That’s right — less than 1 bone. I looked at the lable– Savigny Lavieres 1959. Bear in mind that, back then, It was only 15 years old tops. My wine experience was limited then, but it called out to me from the basket: “BUY ME, KEN” So I did, a case. It was the first of three cases I eventually bought ($12 a case!!!) and it was superb. Sure, there were a couple of clinkers gone sour in each case (probably the reason customers complained and it winding up in that basket). When I went back for my fourth case it was back up on the shelf with the other burgs at ten times the price. I guess the owner finally sampled a bottle himself, damn!
February 23, 2008

Carly
QOTD: is this wine-only gut feeling? I had a gut feeling about a “lemon plum” I saw in the grocery store, which turned out to be delicious….though I had to wait 10 days for the damn thing to ripen.
Wine-wise, I bought a cheap Portuguese wine (with your suggestion in mind) that was SO delicious I drank the whole bottle by myself in two hours. I just couldn’t stop drinking it! (2001 Porta do Fontelo Dao))

Great show!
February 23, 2008

Antony
I’m down with Bordeaux – deep down. I haven’t tasted enough of the 04 to have a firm opinion – or frankly of other vintages to compare – but I do think, in general terms, that Bordeaux can be fantastic value. 05 may be an exception but I have learnt, through many bitter disappointments, that Bordeaux under Â£10 – particularly when on “Special Offer’ – is bad news. Stretch to Â£20, however, and you are in a world class league – the second wine of Lascombes is a bit of a fave’ in this department. Bordeaux is such great wine and if you are rolling deep surely offers tremendous value – particularly if compared to ‘icons’ from other parts of the world. I went futures this year for the first time and scraped up enough cash to by cases of Clerc Millon 05 and Arrosee 06 (plus two relative cheapie 05s… and one other 05 that certainly wan not a cheapy and I daren’t talk about). The Clerc and Arrosee will end up costing me under Â£30 a bottle and provide immense pleasure and interest on special occasions for the next 20 years. That, to me, is great value! I just got to say one other thing. It may be the way that exchange rates work – the pound has only recently plummeted against the euro – but 06 doesn’t seem such bad value to me.
February 23, 2008

Sassodoro
Good show, Gary! I noticed that 4 of the 5 wines today were from the right bank of Bordeaux. Is that just coincidence, or did the right bank tend to do better than the left in 2004?
February 23, 2008

Snogging
LOL…”What is the oak monster doing going to travelosity…” Soo Funny!
February 23, 2008

KW
Great show today – entertaining and educational.
QOTD: 58 inch HDTV Plasma
February 23, 2008

Fiorentina!
Hey Gary-
Great EP! Honestly, I have yet to disagree with your opinions about bordeaux. However, I really liked the “kangaroo” vintage….esp. for Sauternes and Barsac….not as elegant as the ‘04, but full of flavor. So, when are you going to bust out with another Malbec ep?
February 23, 2008

Mike L
Bordeaux mania!

QOTD: I don’t have a particular purchase in mind, just taking my gut instinct and trying out bourdeauxs which I have been doing more lately. Overall I’m very pleased and I hope the next vintages continue to blow me away.
February 23, 2008

Lisa
- “Knock, Knock…”
- “Who’s there?”
- “Me…I kill you!”

Great show Gary!!
February 23, 2008

kitty and meow meow
EXCELLENT SHOW. many thanks.

QOTD: oh my xbox 360 totally. HEY! when iz i going to get to play Halo with Mottster? my gamertag iz o4nari friend me up dude!
February 23, 2008

Sonnenuhr
I buy way to much wine becuse of Gary – but he’s right. 10 years from no that 2004 Haut Brisson is going to be a steal. Stocked up with another case of 2002 and 2004 Bordeaux. Just love the JD episode!
February 23, 2008

Allan
Thanks for the info on 2004 bordeaux – my wife and I are going out today to try to find the Haut Brisson because your comments on it seem to math our pallette.
February 23, 2008

B-727
I’d of loved to see the color of those wines; there’re probably beautiful. The black shirt didn’t help. How about wearing whatever you want (”Gee, how nice of you”) but put on a dorky white lab coat so we can see the great color? Yeah, I suppose wearing a lab coat is not likely.
February 23, 2008

Syrahhhhhhhhh
Just starting to explore the bordeaux…

QOTD: Taking off to Amsterdam by myself for 10 days…he he
February 23, 2008

Redmeat
QOTD,,,,,,,my House was a gut purchase,,,,it was half way done in a remodel and I didn’t even know how it would look when done…but the price was very tempting…..so I went with the gut and made an early offer(and got it for the price I wanted)….now 9 1/2 years later it has MORE than doubled and should double again in less than 5 years….

Def my BEST gut choice!
February 23, 2008

TROC
Bordeaux’s confuse me, I never know what grape I’m drinking. They seem to be mostly Cab and Merlot blends but its usually not on the label. Also their Cru,Grand Cru, and other quality standards seem to be inconsistent depending on the region. Some regions can call an average wine a Grand Cru and others can’t. Its all mumbo jumbo to me. Best Gut decision would have to be a 1965 4speed, 4barrell, Mustang that never stops giving me Joy. Great show by the way.
February 23, 2008

stephen
Great show
Considering the over the top prices that these 05 wines are being released at, 04 Bordeaux strikes a good balance between value and quality.
My best gut buy was a plane ticket over the pond to the USA. After 6 years I am still here, found the girl of my dreams and loving every minute
February 23, 2008

Rob
Love the Bordeauxâ€™s, but gotta admit I prefer the white B’s. The green apples are great on the finish.
February 23, 2008

BobMac
I just finished a 2004 Bordeaux…very good.
February 23, 2008

David L
Umm, still don’t like Bordeaux’s. meh…
February 23, 2008

Amir
This was probably one of the funniest episodes in terms of describing. You used some pretty amazing examples. I loved the Clos Les Lunelles. That was funny.

The best gut decision I had was purchasing iPhones and selling them overseas. You can sell them for twice the price.
February 23, 2008

DaveA
#403 – what a hoot. Ya gotta get Pipes back – she’s hot. Your dad reminds me of my dad – great guy. This was a great change of pace from your normal, but I love them also. don’t go changin’, just to please me…
February 23, 2008

WMiree
Great show! For me, you hit just right the perfect blend of enthusiasm, emotion, and professionalism. I have really enjoyed the enhanced educational component you have added to the videos in the last few months. The value added is enormous.

QOTD: I bought fairly heavily on the 1983 Bordeaux in spite of all the hype surrounding the 1982’s and 1985’s. I have now drunk all my 1983’s except for a few bottles of Chateau Margaux. I wouldn’t call the vintage a “homerun,” but I am really glad I bought it. There were very few disappointments, and they were the last “classic” vintage at anything like those prices. The vintage also set a solid benchmark from which to compare the wines from 1982 and subsequent great vintages benefiting from the greatly improved vineyard and vinification techniques imployed by Bordeaux in the 1980’s.
February 23, 2008

Tommy Vernieri
Gary, that was hilariously (oh yeah, and very serious with the wines I like that once in a while).

You better watch your back, get on Mott’s bad side and he may stage a coup.

QOTD: My best gut-feeling purchase is my TV. I got it in 2005 off of craigslist. It’s a gigantic tube TV but I like it.
February 23, 2008

Big D
Gary,
Don’t dis the Mottster!!
My best purchase was to pick up some Chateau Lascombes 2005 futures.
February 23, 2008

BYKFXR
My best gut-purchase was the first full case of wine I ever bought. I saved up for a couple of months when I was a poor bike mechanic and purchased a full case of 1989 Chateau Clerc Milon in 1993 (I think it cost me around $200.00 or so back then). I still have a couple of bottles, and it is so fun to be able to remember the day I bought it, and remember every bottle I have opened since!
Keep brining the thunder…Love to see the shows on Oregon wines!!!
-Kelly
Portland OR
February 23, 2008

Justin Viger
QotD: I don’t think I have ever spent money on a “gut” feeling. Other than food when I am hungry.
February 23, 2008

ClingF18
Didn’t go to MLK Grammar but was born in Edison!
Thanks for the Bordeaux inspiration! Thanks to you, Gary, I have tried several and can’t wait to try some of my 2005’s when they come in.
QOTD: Wine-wise, mixed case of Mollydooker Boxer, Blue-eyed Boy and Carnival of Love. Love the Aussie fruit bomb!
Non-wine: Bought a Wii for my kids last summer (for Christmas) when I knew nothing about it and then they were the sought after and almost impossible to find Xmas gift.
February 23, 2008

Steve
Gary, I’ve watched about 20 of your episodes, and I’ve noticed that, prior to tasting the wines, you always seem to know exactly what the Robert Parker score or the Wine Spectator score of that particular wine is. Do you think this knowledge may be influencing your experience? This may be impossible for you, but do you think your reviews might be more “objective” or “honest” if you could taste the wines WITHOUT knowing the scores? Yes, I know that often you disagree with Parker and score either above or below him, but still you’re carrying his score information into the tasting with you, that’s got to color your perception. After you taste it, Mott could give you Parker’s score, and you could comment on that. Just a thought. Love your show.
February 23, 2008

BenF
Great Show GV… I am going with your gut… GOTD: wow great question i think there are lots of these gut decisions you make every day but who can remember… I may need to get back with you on this one… I know people and for the most part have good instincts on people…
February 23, 2008

laurie in VT
Note to Clarke (no longer) lurking in VT. Hop on the forum (bottom of page) & check the Middlebury, VT topic in the TTT forum… didn’t want to send WLTV stuff to your business email…
February 23, 2008

Senator
Awesome show Gary. This one made me smile.

QOTD: Hands down it’s gotta be that pencil I bought in 5th grade. Best pencil I ever owned.
February 23, 2008

Senator
BTW, still waiting for the ‘04 Saint Jean Du Barroux episode!
February 23, 2008

RickyB
QOTD- I picked up a 12 liter bottle of 99 Fontodi Flacienello at a Sotheby’s auction for around $500. A new T shirt in the making ” The Oak Monster has his passport”.
February 23, 2008

Blake
QOTD: Best value purchase I’ve ever had…was a box of hockey cards about 8 or 9 yrs ago. Inside a box which I purchased for around 10 bones, were 3 cards, all of which were above $400 in value. Quick impulse buy, and it worked out.

I think you should start answering your QOTD, I’m curious to see what your best value purchase was!
February 23, 2008

DanM
Who’s there?

I know it was said already, but I couldn’t resist.

QOTD: The larger size snowblower when I moved into my house… boy have I used it…
February 23, 2008

Donna Marie
QOTD: My House and my piano..Wine purchase–Kosta Browne Pinot…
February 23, 2008

WineChuck
QOTD: Asking a woman to marry me for the third time after 2 rejections. Still married after 38 years.

Gary, you finally got over a 1000 comments for year 2 BDay episode. I know it was not instant gratification though. With your attitude, you must give up on the Jets. How can you like wine? Some of it just takes time.

Keep it coming. We will try and keep up. Thanks . . .
February 23, 2008

David M Roberts
QOTD: My house. The street spoke to me, though the house itself was a fixxer upper. I am now blessed with the most amzing neighbors on the planet. It’s like something out of a 1950s sitcom, though with lots more alocohol – we all hang out together and enjoy those times. You can’t find communities like that often.
February 23, 2008

Benjamin-from-VT
QOTD: hmm, my butterflyknife bought for 50 bucks at a pawn shop, turns out its worth over 200. Very reliable, fun, and challening.
February 23, 2008

Jason Bonds
I bought Google stock on its opening day on the stock market. At the time I was so nervous now I just laugh about it when I look at my return on the stock over the past 2 years.
February 23, 2008

Shadowbird
QOTD: Headset.
February 23, 2008

Kristen
OMG- Gary! This was an awesome…no, no it was a *radool* episode!!!! Really loved it. And all of the amazing Oak Monster quotes. I really do think he has his passport and is flying wherever Michel Rolland goes. And the “twizzler 2 x 4.” What an amazing description!

Sorry about commenting late- I did my first pouring for a tasting at work last night and it was awesome. Plus, I found a great merlot from WA state (2000 Northstar) that just kicked it! I definitely see what you mean, with WA and OR bringing the THUNDER!

QOTD: Well, if we’re talking purchase, I’d say my down parka that I bought before coming to WI and it’s ridonculously cold weather (it was 30 degrees today and I felt like it was summer!)

But other gut feeling that I went with was studying abroad in France and subsequently coming to the PFMP at University of Wisconsin.

PS to Beth- You have had at least one 2004 Bordeaux…it was at the WASTED meeting with the Thanksgiving 4 Pack!
February 23, 2008

Dr. Mike
QOTD: 6 cases of ‘05 clos des papes at 62 a bottle. Sold it all 12 days later when it was named wine of the year for 190 a bottle.
February 23, 2008

CABDRINKER
QOTD: Purchased some of the ‘05 Shelter Cab on a gut feel because of the cloud of secrecy with it and it was a great bottle of wine.
February 23, 2008

SteveM
It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve seen the show. You’re in great form, and the show was excellent and very informative. BTW, just got done reading First Big Crush by Eric Arnold. His book was funny and very interesting. I would love to see you revisit some New Zealand wines sometime soon. Thanks again!
February 23, 2008

amgryger
QOTD: The trip I made to the ‘06 Winter Olympics in Torino with a couple of my friends. The whole experience was even more amazing than I could have ever imagined.
February 24, 2008

Brian Johnson
GV,
QOTD: Wasn’t really a purchase, but more a decision to go to the US Naval Academy. Wanted to go my whole life and when I got accepted, I became very nervous if it was what I really wanted. Looking back, the best decision I ever made besides marrying my wife. Being an officer in the navy, I’ve experienced more and seen more of the world than I ever would have imagined and I haven’t even been in for a decade yet. Most importantly, it has given me the opportunity to serve the greatest country in this world.
February 24, 2008

Lee
Sniffy sniff…Particularly funny ’cause I just watched the episode with Ellen. These wines look great in this episode, and I love their labels.
February 24, 2008

JonE
So right on the 04’s G-Man. 2nd and 3rd growths were rockstars, and it will be hard in the future to beat the QPR of these wines compared to any future vintages especially 05′.

QOTD: Kosta Browne before the scores. Used to blow out the 02′ Sonoma before the monster mag took it all away.
February 24, 2008

Justin L Ove
Freaking awesome show. Thank you for tasting 5 wines, and thanks for the heads up on the 04’s.
QOTD: Kirkland Signature 2005 cabernet. This wine brought the thunder for under 15 bones. YES.
February 24, 2008

Daniel Sandoval
Gary, wow this was my first taste of “the thunder” and I gotta say I love it.
I was once a culinary student, and cooked in a high end hotel in Dallas TX
(yup I am a Cowboys fan, I hope that does not cause you to shun me, lol). I have had tasting classes by Kendel Jackson, and I thought I knew a bit about wine, I would buy a different bottle every time I hit the store, and not go by “main stream labels”, but look for the more obscure bottles. I am really impressed with what I have learned from watching just a few episodes of the Thunder. I really appreciate what you are doing, and I am hooked man, sign me up as a new Vanyiac! Here is to slaying the dreaded “Oak Monster” lol.

God Bless,
Daniel Sandoval
February 24, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Love the intense Friday show!! Really good stuff!! I am also happy to be caught up on episodes, been very busy and out of town. Don’t worry commented on every ep as usual even though a little late, fortunately caught the 2yr anniv show the day of and commented. Would have felt a little guilty about that one.

Q-Most recent, pricey diamond studd earrings for my wife for x-mas this year, she deserves them.
February 24, 2008

Seo Salimi
QOTD: Everytime I purchase a wine from WL based on GV’s comments, I am going with my gut. So far, GV has been about 95% spot on, so I thank you for that.BTW–I opened up the Leocadie Minervois Fernand Averoux that you recommended and your tobacco gives way to lilacs descrtiption was 100% accurate. Awesome stuff.
February 24, 2008

Montrose
QOTD: 2003 Leoville Poyferre, rated 89-91 by Spectator, as a future for $ 50.
February 24, 2008

NB_SPAZZ
Catching up and feeling good about this episode. Friday morn I was placing my first WL order – a mixed case – and then decided to add 3 bottles of the 2004 Ch. D’Aiguilhe Querre. And now I see you were talking about the same wine a few hours later at the end of the show. Premonition, dude! But now the question is whether to let the 2004s age a couple more years or yield to the temptation to pop them soon.
QOTD: Best semi-impulsive buy that worked out? Money spent on a family vacation 2 years ago – 13 people, 3 generations, one house on the Outer Banks for a week. The memories last.
February 24, 2008

SGoodwin
GV,

Awesome show! Glad to see you’re back to your old self.

QOTD: I picked up a copy of Wine Spectator at a relatives house (had never opened one before) and fell in love with the whole wine thing. It’s been a great two year journey. And it got even better when I found WLTV!

QOTD for GV: Did they teach French at that Martin Luther King Elementart school? Some of that pronounciation is funky!
February 24, 2008

kazu
car, jetta 2.0t
February 24, 2008

Michael Y
qotd bought a pack of signature rookies and inside was an autographed Derek Jeter card.
February 24, 2008

Robin C
QOTD: choosing our current home
Wow. You and Eric Asimov both loving the 2004s. There must be something to it.
February 24, 2008

Lyn S
Gary! Thanks for the great Bordeaux show. Mott – don’t listen to Gary, we love you too!
February 24, 2008

Lyn S
QOTD:
Best gut decision wasn’t a purchase – it was my decision to move to this tiny community in the AZ mountains. Population 200 during the winter, 800 during the summer! THIS IS THE LIFE!!! I manage Alpine Cabins, the best job ever! I frigging LOVE it here!

http://alpinecabinsretreat.com
February 24, 2008

GalvezGuy
QOTD: Gut purchase of Kosta Browne and Sea Smoke. I am probably going to sell rather than drink them because they can pay for purchases that have more interest to me.
February 24, 2008

Mark Neustadt
QOTD: Believe what you like about a supreme being or whatever. For me, my best “gut” purchase was a Subaru Impreza WRX. I had gone through a TON of hassle trying to buy some other car when it just got to be too much. I figured that was God telling me not to buy that car. When I got home, I spec’d out the “alternate” car I wanted… a White WRX wagon with a 5-speed and stock rims. The following day, God put that exact car… THE EXACT CAR! right out in front of the lot. I signed the paperwork that very day.

Sometimes, you just gotta have a little faith.

LOVE THE SHOW!!! Mott too…. he needs more screen time.

MCN
February 24, 2008

Anj
QOTD: My only splurges are usually trips. Most recently, quit my job a week early, bought some gear, and booked it to the Shenandoah Valley in VA to go solo backpacking for a week. Unforgettable! I can’t wait to go again.

Another was when I went to Denmark on the spur of the moment for 3 weeks. Great friends, beautiful country, mindblowing beer, LOL
February 24, 2008

Ryan
Buying a Honda
February 24, 2008

yowens
Dude- no one talks about 04′- thanks for the insight. QOTD: I guess my car- 07 jeep wrangler which has treated me very nicely
February 24, 2008

Tara
I’m still learning about the Bordeaux varietal…very interesting. I especially liked how you said they would be great with food. I will have to look for them on some restaurant wine lists. QOTD: This is tough since, like many women, I can talk myself into many purchases…I will say my recent trip to New Zealand. I would move there in a heartbeat!
February 24, 2008

JeffK
Thank you very very much for this enjoyable episode!
February 24, 2008

steveko
Great show! Thanks so much. It’s amazing how much information you pack into this show.
–steve
February 24, 2008

Gabriel
Nice to see you are back in a better mood; caught yesterday’s episode. I’ve been away for a few weeks during the Chinese New Year…good to be back.

I’m a tea fanatic. I bought up a whole bunch of Puerh a few years ago because it was cheap and it really paid off. This stuff is a bit like wine in that the longer you store it, the better it generally tastes. One of my pals who also watches WLTV called me the GV of tea.

Anyway, the 05 “vintage” of tea in general was really your sort of Last of the Mohicans. Since the tea farms aren’t really limited by strict regulations, they basically can produce as much as the can plant. The 06 was extremely expensive and rubbish similar to the 06 Bordeaux.

07 isn’t even worth buying to store.

I am happy to say I have a bunch of Menghai 05 and 04 sitting in storage.
February 25, 2008

CRZYWinemaker
Gary is baaaaaacckkkkk ! Thanks GV for a fantastic ep. I’ll for sure have to track down the ‘04 Haut Brisson. It’s perfect price point and right up my alley.
Qotd: Taking the leap of faith to plant my own vineyard in Walla Walla, Wa before it’s all locked up !! Keep bringing the Thunder ~thx. Max
February 25, 2008

YoungDave
FRIDAY!!!

QOTD: After moving to CA and buying a car, I chose, for some reason, to add uninsured motorist coverage to my new plan. Two months later, I was blind-sided by a man driving a car that he did not own, and who did not have insurance. My car was totaled. He also grabbed my neck after the accident, grappled with my friend, who tried to pull him off of me, and drove off with my ID before the cops then tracked him down and arrested him. If it weren’t for my coverage, I wouldn’t have been able to get the money to buy another car. That was a damn good gut choice.
February 25, 2008

Ryan D
QotD: Best “gut feel” that comes to mind was I was driving around my town and poked into a garage sale. They didn’t have much that was interesting but I noticed a couple old sail boats off to the side on the property and asked if they were for sale. He said absolutely and after some discussion he said he’d give one to me for $50, the price someone paid for a canoe the previous day. I jumped on it and actually spend more on a couple pieces of hardware for the boat than the actual boat itself.
February 25, 2008

Menelaos
Hey! I love Mott!

QOTD: A dutch tube amp.

Menel.
February 25, 2008

Gdizzle
‘04 Bordeaux Kickin info Gary, Thnx!
February 25, 2008

SaraMHCRU
hmm, gut feeling purchase? I have to say I think a lot about how I spend my money, but my recently purchased macbook has helped me be enormously more efficient, which is fabulous. My last vacation was also a great way to spend some money.

thanks for the awesome show.
February 25, 2008

JerseyGirl turned CNY vayniac
QOTD: The best gut-feeling purchase I ever made was… nothing comes to mind. Although, I did just buy a plane ticket for this summer to go to MN to meet the boyfriend’s family, so i suppose that kinda counts even though I dont know if it was a good purchase or not. We’ll see.
February 25, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: Maybe my car. Just went to go to lunch a with a friend and ended up trading in my car and buying a new one.
February 25, 2008

Brandon T.
my gut told me to eat 3 large pizzas 2 days ago and I followed it but was a bad idea and I barfed
February 25, 2008

Scottie P
Good to see the energy again! Good show.
QOTD: I guess My home, but if I could take the “purchase” out of the question Hands Down I’d go with my Wife… couldn’t live/function without her!
February 25, 2008

Rolf Lydecker
Funny how one magazine has so much pull. I read the Spectator foir the same reason I read playboy…for the articles. The ratings, I take with a grain of salt for the most part.

The Million Dollar Man probably has a sweet wine cellar.
February 25, 2008

JGimbs
QOTD: 12-string guitar last summer
February 25, 2008

LauraG
My custom titanium/carbon road bike. It seemed expensive at the time, but I love that bike almost like it was a person. The return on investment? Priceless.
February 25, 2008

BruceP
QOTD: Probably my house. Bay Area real estate. Yikes. Other than that probably the Ansel Adams photgraph I bought a number of years back and recently sold for about 70 times what I paid for it. You think the wine market is getting expensive. Try the art market. There’s getting to be an awful lot of rich people in the world willing to pay big time for luxury stuff.
February 25, 2008

Rolf Lydecker
For a non-wine purchase??? That would have to be my Bushmaster M4 Type Carbine. I still love it to this day. Seriosly, lock me in a room with it, some vino, and my girl, and I would have all I need to live and be happy.

P.S. Mr. Perfect rules.
February 25, 2008

damon aka unknownwine
qotd. My 1966 Dodge polara I bought for $2750.00 with 60,000 original miles! Has been the most reliable car I’ve ever had and is cooler that yours!

I bought 2005 futures, about 3 cases, may pick up some 04s if there are still some decent ones available, but I think I’m done with Bordeaux after that. Not enough quality for the money. I don’t like paying for the “brand”
February 25, 2008

Matthew L
QOTD: Honestly? My fee to Match.com. I met my wife through that site. A lot of my friends were giving me grief about going on the site. In the end, the fee was a pittance.
February 25, 2008

Wednesday
Nice show, Gary. It’s good that 2004s haven’t been forgotten.

I bought some 1930’s HOF gum cards that I flipped for double.
February 25, 2008

Capt M
I’m craving for Bordeaux now
February 25, 2008

Neil
QOTD: I bought some 2004’s to put away and am glad I did.
February 25, 2008

Panosh
QOTD: I bought a large bunch of mangy looking orchids last year from a guy who cleaned out his garden for less than $20. Most didn’t have blooms, and now that they are flowering, I can see what I got which ended up being some hybrids and unique ones he was playing with. Sasha, this ones for you.

Mahalo
February 25, 2008

Colin
GV – Fun show man! QOTD – Early in my wine drinking I saw three bottles of 2000 Ch. Laforge at a grocery store with a price tag of $20 each. Thinking this was wrong – I bought all 3. Now – Laforge isn’t my favorite, but I still like it (having one of the 3 recently) – but I was happy I got this these for $20!
February 25, 2008

Cliff and Darcey
QOTD: Darcey was MY gut feeling … and it was a controversial move to “be together” with her … but I know it was not and will never be a mistake.
February 25, 2008

EvanR
Great show! QOTD: My mandolin a few years ago. I love bluegrass!
February 26, 2008

Harry
Great show – loved the description on the Haut Brisson. A recent gut feeling accquistion was my dog, who I adopted in June. Although he just peed on my floor for no reason, it was one of the best gut decisions I’ve ever made.
By the way, are you considering doing some more kosher wines soon? I realize Passover is still a bit away, but Purim is another big drinking holiday, so thought you might be interested in some new kosher finds. I work as a sommelier at a kosher restaurant, and would be happy to give you some good leads.
Best,
Harry
February 26, 2008

DJB
I find that I rarely buy wine because of a gut feeling. I just don’t have the money to do that. I often ask the people working at the wine shop for recommendations between a couple different wines, and/or I will do some research. I did buy a bottle of Amon Ra Shiraz 2006 recently, but I won’t be drinking that for another decade or so. Great show Gary and Mott. We love you too Mott.
February 26, 2008

Sledge
Awesome show. I’m buying the ’04’s.
February 26, 2008

Christian
I had a gut feeling about trying some “local” British Columbia wines when I was in Vancouver. Loved them! Of course Vancouver is an beautiful and fun city, so that probably didn’t hurt!
February 26, 2008

John Funk
QOTD: Best gut feelin’ purchase… my wife’s engagement/wedding ring. Turns out my gut was BAAAANG on!

Side note:
Cheer up GV! Ya still seem a li’l down. If I don’t get that, “HEEEEELLO EVERYBODY!!!!…” in the morning I might start drinking Drano (and not to expand my pal). Juuuust kiddin’!

… seriously though.

—
*NEVER EVER EVER drink drano… gotta love your pal
February 26, 2008

Sara L.
my favorite gut purchases have been some masks–native art, really, that I’ve bought while travelling. Now that they’re up on my wall, they remind me of both my travels, and the way people live in the rest of the world. They help me appreciate what I have every single time I pass by them. And they’re beautiful to look at.
February 26, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo Gee…..What do Ya mean “Wine ain’t a necessity”………
WHAAAAAAAT?????……..
FAAAAAANTAAAAASTIC Episode !!!!! Ya got me cravin’ Bordeaux,
Big Time!!! Thaaank Yoooou, Gee !!!!

QOTD: Best gut-feel purchase??…..i’m comin’ up blank…….
Now, Worst gut-feel purchase…..got a lot of dhose…….
February 26, 2008

Paul Horan
Jumping on that Haut-Brisson as we speak!

QOTD: Best “gut feel” purchase? Marvel Comics stock (MVL). Bought a ton at a buck-sixty back in 2001. Nothing like a 2,000% return on investment, I always say!

Paul in VA
February 26, 2008

JeffC
Hey, picked up some 2004’s during your post holiday super sale. Those were good purchases I must say. Great show Gman.
February 26, 2008

John W. Taylor
My best wine deal will probably be the 2004 wine futures I bought 18 months ago. My best financial deal would be my house which I bought 12 years ago and has doubled in value. I have only 3 more years to go and it will be completly paid for; not bad considering that I will not be retiring for at least 25 more years.
February 26, 2008

ValerieM
QOTD: Best gut feeling…knowing I was pregnant.
February 26, 2008

alfredhayes
QOTD: The best gut feeling that I have had was when my wife I and decided to purchase our first house.

I just sat down for an hour and watched your shows…
February 26, 2008

Mike Z in SD
QOTD: Best gut purchase? I bought a copy of the movie “The Big Lebowski” once when I saw it in the store, even though I didn’t know much about it. Now it’s one of my favorites, and one of those rare films you can watch multiple times without getting sick of it… in fact, it only gets funnier.

Wine-related gut purchase? Probably the 2001’s I bought, which included the Pape Clement.
February 27, 2008

Sev
Amazing show as always. I have had a few 2004 Bordeaux, and truly enjoyed.

QOTD: Just recently I bought a $45 Gewurztraminer from Alto Adige that I just really believed I needed to try. I haven’t opened it yet, so can’t say if that was a good gut feeling!
February 27, 2008

Ryan
Good: picked up a bottle of Glendronach 1968 when I was visiting my brother in Ohio. Only 20% of what it is being sold for out here in LA

But even better: I met a girl who was on a business trip, I had a feeling I should get her number and two years later I proposed.
February 27, 2008

john ripperger
Great question Gary. My biggest gut-feel purchase happened this year at your place when I bought a case of 2005 La Mission Haut Brion futures from you. I won’t say how much I paid but it was expensive relative to what I normally buy. The reason I bought it is because the Pessac Leognan is really oustanding that year (maybe best ever?) and given what first growths are going for from that year, I felt it was undervalued. I guess we’ll see what happens, eh?
February 27, 2008

Cyn
QOTD: saying “yes” to my hubs of 10 years. There were a whole lot of people asking “Why”, but we just followed our hearts (and I followed my gut). I’m not saying it’s been easy as pie, but it’s definitely been one hell of ride!
February 27, 2008

ChezJosh
Gut feeling – I just bought rockband and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. How lame is that?
February 27, 2008

pawncop
QOTD – Definitely not a wine purchase but had an opportunity to buy a legendary handgun several years back, a Browning Hi Power in 40 caliber. May not mean to you but this is a gun I have wanted for a long time and got it one day when I went in visit my friend who is a gun dealer. Made me a good price and I bought it on the spot.
February 28, 2008

vibemore
I have no idea on the gut purchase thing…I just wish I had some cash to throw into Bordeaux…which I don’t.
February 28, 2008

GR8wine
Hey GV,
Nice show. I hadn’t started specifically seeking out ‘04 Bordeaux’s but now I will. Unfortunate that most of these wines, even the $28 bones, are out of my price range and I lament that having access to world class Bordeaux wines is becoming a class thing and a privilege for the wealthy. As for my best gut purchase; my ‘96 Harley Road King! – it played a large role in my involvement in wine (I’ll explain in person).
February 28, 2008

Metal Dave
Hey – great to see some good Bdx!! First post in months. I reently bought a new TV. One of those lcd ones. Totally on a whim. Ididn’t research it a bit and ended up with a sweet tv with a very high spec. Usually I thouroughly research a purchase such as this, but i really landed on my feet!!

For the opposite: I had decided to get ONE case of BDX after Christmas. After a looong deliberation, I got the 2004 Leoville Poyferre. Still stoked about that. Or at least I will be when I open my first bottle in 2022…
February 28, 2008

Josh in Burgundy
QOTD: My gut feeling purchase was the 2005 Ridge Santa Cruz mountains Chardonnay before it got blown up by Wine Spectator. I cant wait to have a bottle of it.
March 2, 2008

Tom Purvenas
So your trying to make me buy more French wine again as the dollar tanks against the Euro. I get the idea that the value will hold up as the market gets more crowded, and cellaring for later will be greatly appreciated as I look back on my fabulous buys of ’04s way back in 2008.

Wow that sounds really stuffy….LOL
March 3, 2008

JÃ¸rn Idar
QOTD; My macbook, started using iTunes, found podcastes, and found The Thunder Show!
March 6, 2008

Quinn
The selection of “value” Bordeaux isn’t all that exciting in Ontario, Canada, but this episode made me realize I need to crack that $15 price limit (I’m CKC) and try something just a little more expensive from one of the great regions.

Also, I watch on iTunes, and often don’t comment because I can’t be bothered to go over to WLTV, find the correct show, and then leave a comment. I have seen Macbreak video embed links into the Quicktime, I haven’t a clue how difficult this is, but it sure would make me leave more comments.
March 6, 2008

Cuse Wino
Too many tomato juice references for me.

I am not in a buying stage right now so I am going to have to mooch off friends in a few years and tell them just how smart they were to listen to GV!!!!!
March 8, 2008

Surekat
that was brilliant! we got several bordeaux wines (an ‘04 amongst them) and really enjoyed them.

QOTD: deciding to have kids NOW, because there’s no such thing as “the right time”.
March 10, 2008

MtnCharlie
QOTD: I second the comment about having kids. They are 9 and 12 now, but at the time I was really unsure. There is never “the right time”. They are the most rewarding part of my life.

Another thing was buying a house in CA 18 years ago. At the time I thought we were nuts…
March 15, 2008

Martin
Hey Gary,
Another great episode ! I love Bordeaux and appreciate every time that you are tasting these great wines.
I was very excited seeing you tasting Leoville Las Cases 2004 because I also have 3 bottles of this one waiting in my cellar…a pity I will still have to wait a couple of years before opening it.
June 28, 2008

Valentin
Gary I just had the Sansonnet. I agree with you scorewise but not regarding your tasting notes. It is lacking of any fruit but it is dense and even though the alcohol content is 13.5% you cannot feel it. The predominant flavour and bouquet is pine-wood. A good wine but overpriced.
November 2, 2008

Ray Barnes
I wholeheartedly agree with Gary’s sentiments about how good the Bordeaux 2004s are, and with hindsight knowledge, turned out to be very good value for the money. I have also tasted the Leoville-Las Cases and was impressed with it, but not as much as the staff of WS were. Its bouquet is wonderful; a friend who was tasting it with me stated, “I think my nose is having an orgasm”. I found it was flavourful as well, but so too was the Pontet-Canet, at half the price, which wound up (as I recall) somewhere in the 20s or 30s of the WS 100 list. Personally I would have switched the two wines’ positions on that list. I’ve also tasted Ch. Chasse-Spleen, Lafon Rochet, Potensac, and several minor chateaux, with no dissapointments.

Potential answer to QOTD: I ordered a half case of 2004 Les Forts de Latour en primeur at around $45-50 a bottle, based on the excellent initial comments on the Grand Vin and the estate’s reputation of making superb wines in good but not great vintages. This seems like it will be a wonderful buy. I have not tried it yet. Same goes for the 2004 Chateau Leoville-Barton, which should be a wonderful wine for the relatively modest price.
January 8, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Too bad Im so far behind in episodes. If I would hacve caught this thing live maybe I would have been able to score some 2004’s at a good price. Maybe I still can? Depends on my wine shop/stores in the area. Im still happy with the 2005’s I own. QOTD: The friends I have. I feel Im a good judge of character and can read a person pretty well.
February 4, 2009

Chris Lotz
top 300 wewhewwww……best gut feeling, moved to nyc right after high school.
October 20, 2009

richardvinifera
“I went MLK Grammar in Edison and so did my wife”. Mott send me some free stuff!