Secret 4 Pack Tasting – Episode #421

March 4, 2008

Today Gary Vaynerchuk tastes through the secret 4 pack. Taste along with Gary and compare your tasting and sniffy sniff notes.

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Comments on this episode(332) Leave a comment ›

“QOTD: Haven’t tried dry or sweet Tokaji, Episode was excellent even wi…” by richardvinifera
“yet another wine my local wine and spirits does not carry Chateau Dere…” by Sean Dawes
View all 332 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

2006 Le-tendance RoseRose of Bordeaux
2006 Chateau Dereszla Dry TokajiHungarian Furmint
2003 Mas De La Barben La DanseuseLanguedoc-Roussillon
2004 Menguante Garnacha SeleccionOther Spanish Red Wine

Links mentioned in todays episode.

332 Responses

March 4, 2008

Joe F
Wow did I get the first comment in??? Great show, great wines. I missed out on getting these since you don’tdeliver to my state but I am going to look for some of these and watch the episode over.
March 4, 2008

nicolas
Top 3
March 4, 2008

Tom L
Double wow. Top 10! Been awhile
March 4, 2008

Senator
About time!
March 4, 2008

TommyBoBo of WI
Gotta go for the 1op 10,,,sry
March 4, 2008

Hinrgman
Yeah Baby
March 4, 2008

Hinrgman
I’ve been waiting all agfternoon – It was hard to wait after I popped those corks
March 4, 2008

Marc
oh…top 10!
March 4, 2008

dolphan
Jets spend tons of $$$ and didnt address the QB.
Hopefully the Tuna can turn the Phins around..
Nice to see some new shows..Was at the store this
past weekend..Take Care
March 4, 2008

Seo
TOP TEN!
March 4, 2008

flynbrian
Just out of top 10
March 4, 2008

crank
I’m in.
March 4, 2008

randyshakes
Man I got 2 of the secret packs and I didn’t get one stinkin’ wrist band. I even put in the comment section that I wanted a wristband. Oh well I got 8 awesome bottles of wine!
March 4, 2008

Larry Phelps
I ordered a wristband like two months ago and still no joy.
March 4, 2008

Neil
QOTD: Of course.
March 4, 2008

brorjace
Yup, great show gary, I need to try some dry Furmint. The Weir experiment was pretty rockin too! You do seem to slip into pre-school mode for these secret packs, which I understand for the new people, just wondering if you do it on purpose.
March 4, 2008

brorjace
Whoops, I meant pre-school teacher mode, sorry!
March 4, 2008

Syrahhhhhhhhh
Every show is a great show. This one was better than even the norm because there was the educational-philosophic element. Sweet.
March 4, 2008

shawnandlu
Great show Gary, I love the picks you made for this pack. I only wish you did them more often. Once a month Vayniack 4 pack tasting perhaps?
March 4, 2008

Josh
I would send you a picture but I called for the wristband in either july or august and never got it!
March 4, 2008

sharon
Yeah I liked it a lot. Very informational. And no I have never tried Furmint (sounded like ferment, to me). I’ve never even heard of it.
March 4, 2008

Marc Bienvenue
it’s a drug…i love this show…like alway’s.
March 4, 2008

Marc
Hmmm…no QOTD????

I liked the Mas de la Barben most. Though I didn’t smell or taste anything that Gary did, I found a very strong pickle juice component and spent a lot of time sniffy-sniffing…it was wonderful!
March 4, 2008

tomfar
I loved the show and especially the comment about “fairness” to vintners, winemakers, etc. The scores have their place but they are always in a monolithic format: bigger is better. I think that wines of lighter styles are just as deserving of high scores FOR THEIR STYLE. The fact that people are afraid of wine (it’s a complex subject) and they want some assurances before they lay out the cash make the scoring a fact of life. GV, I think that you do a great job of judging within a particular style and I greatly appreciate that. That’s MY soapbox.
March 4, 2008

FJDR
QOTD: Yes, I enjoyed the show quite a lot today. On the other question, I have never had a Furmint, never even heard of it prior to this show. Which is one reason why I watch this show everyday, to find out about these things. Thanks.
March 4, 2008

eastbayrich
Great show Gary! Loved it! You should seriously try to do a Secret Sampler once a month!
March 4, 2008

RonC
Great Episode !!!
March 4, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
QOTD 1 Yes, I had the 2005 Royal Tokaji Wine Co. Dry Furmint last month. Not my cuppa, I I thought then you would likely enjoy it or something similar

QOTD 2 Fun show, esp. the wine from yesterday

“T”
March 4, 2008

mrzitro
top 30
great ep
March 4, 2008

adam
Great show. I wished I would have bought the mystery pack.
March 4, 2008

ChezJosh
Q1: Haven’t tried it yet, but I will once we bust it open from the secret pack!
Q2: Yes! I always love seeing the effect of being open and decanting on wine. I like that you threw an old world vs new world tasting at us too. Thanks!
March 4, 2008

BobbyTiger
Did I like the show? Hell no….loved it. A top 10! I’m not a white guy, (like in wines), but my mouth was watering B-4 you sniffed the Tokaji. While I never even heard of Furmint, ol cheap-skate me, will for sure try a bottle. It sounds fantastic. My wife”s tennis coach is from Hungary, so I’m expecting and extra “uuuu-ahaa” when I pop that bad bottle. Was also anxiously awaiting the results of the decanting on yesterdays bottle. GO MIKE! You came thru……again. Did I say I loved the show………? I did?
March 4, 2008

Little Jonny H
That might be a top twenty type of show, GV. All the wines were solid, all under $20, and we vayniacs got to compare our palates’ with yours!!! I know that when my box was delivered I ripped it open and was intrigued with the wines chosen. Two of the four were completely new varietals/styles for me, and the others were from wineries I hadn’t experienced. I couldn’t wait; my anticipation was palpable. Then everything came to fruition! You HAVE to make this a monthly experience!!!

QOTD1: My young palate has never had a lot of things, including ANY eastern european wine.

QOTD2: See above!
March 4, 2008

SteveW
QOTD: Great Show, would of been even better if you could ship wine to Seattle.
March 4, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

QOTD 1: never had the furmint varietal, but will definitely try and seek out.

QOTD 2: I loved the show today. I especially like seeing more Rose on the show. Before I went to Napa a few months ago I thought Roses were much more feminine wines, but after trying a bunch of dry Roses out there I really enjoyed them alot more. They really are very refreshing wines for that sunny day type of consumption.

**Will get a pic sent out of the wristbands on me later on this evening**

–RH
March 4, 2008

Noah Sachs
Loved this episode, Gary rocks! Is there a way to order the wine that will be featured in the next episode? I can’t find any link to that? If not you should totally do a deal with woot.wine, my old favorite wine website (Wine Library is my new favorite).
March 4, 2008

Chris
QOTD- yeah I liked today’s show!!! I am really excited about trying the dry Tokaji, and it was cool to see the change in the Weir overnight. Will this cause you to open the wines the night before, perhaps?
March 4, 2008

Smith MBA
Props for pointing out Pandora.
March 4, 2008

underivy
QOTD: Great show! I’ve been looking forward to it for a while, and it didn’t disappoint.

TOP 200! Seriously, who cares? ;p
March 4, 2008

Dave Canada
QOTD – Great show gary…..wish I could do these with you sometime…….damn LCBO!!!! GRRRRR.
When are you getting up here….let me know…the Canadians will rock it out!
March 4, 2008

Taylor
QOTD loved the episode, many of wines were enjoyable and i hope to drink them again!
March 4, 2008

Dominus
Pre-QOTD: No Furmint in the past for me but I ordered a couple bottles to get onboard.

I loved the rant from the heart. I could not agree more and have experienced many, many times what I thought was a stellar bottle of wine and come to find out it was the “terroir”, i.e. the entire environment, time, place, attitude where I tasted the wine.

QOTD: Not a good show, an amazing one. You touched a nerve today with your PAL, different varietals, the whole nine yards.

Kudos to today’s show.
March 4, 2008

NickJW
Great show!
March 4, 2008

*/^_^\*
qotd: only hungarian wine i’ve had was bull’s blood, which was not bad for
March 4, 2008

Greg B
Big G, Can’t wait to try the wines with friends and watch the show with them. Good Stuff, love the energy!

QOTD: Pt 1 – No
QOTD: Love the show, always do. I must say I’d like the next Pack be Wines that you know are going to rock the house. Your 12 Days of Christmas wines Killed, so something like that.
March 4, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: Really great show today. I was able to learn even more by tasting along and trying to find the different aroma’s and flavors with you. Still a long way to go but I feel like I get it more now. I would like to say I appreciate your little rant on wine and that it really is about our own tastes and and where and when we enjoy that wine. Keep up the fine work you are doing GV your little bit is really demystifying wine for me and I bet a lot other people.
March 4, 2008

Christopher J
I love the secret pack episodes. I think they need to be done more frequently, at least once a month. Maybe for every third Thursday wine tasting. Great wines Gary, thanks!!
March 4, 2008

Tom T.
Yes for sure even thought I did not buy the 4-pack.
March 4, 2008

DX
Great show. Can’t wait to go home and try the wines.
March 4, 2008

Nick
nice show gary. that grenach sounds good
March 4, 2008

chenrys
Loved your enthusiasm today. Great Show!

QOTD: Yes.
March 4, 2008

Malphas
QotD: I enjoyed the show very much. There may have been a different vibe underscoring the tone of today’s episode, but it could be just me.
March 4, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – yes, thank you.
March 4, 2008

NB_SPAZZ
QOTD: Liked the show, but couldnâ€™t love it since I didnâ€™t have the secret pack to play along with you all.
Secondary Question: Unfortunately, Iâ€™m 0-for-2 with Hungarian wines. Had a Tokaji Furmint last year that smelled and tasted of sulphur and 5 day old banana peel in the garbage. Had to apologize to guests and pop a bottle of a different wine. And then there was the Nyakas Pinot Gris that had no cork – it should have â€“ itâ€™s not a screw cap â€“ they just failed to put in the cork. (Nice quality control, huh?) Those two experiences soured me on Hungarian wines for a while.
March 4, 2008

argenvino
QOTD: Loved the show, even though I didn’t buy the secret pack.

You should do a secret pack over a week’s long period…so the first wine each day will be from the secret pack. I mean, you’re asking one guy to roll pretty deep here opening all of these wines at once. I’d rather open up one bottle a night, yeah? Of course, we could open one a night and just watch the part of the ep that you open that wine, but is that as much fun?
March 4, 2008

Mikie C
qotd: great show! Personal, focused, as well as fantastically informative. Because of you, I really like to try new things! This ep gave me more to run wit =-)
March 4, 2008

RichE
GV
QOTD:
Loved the show !!!

You were right on point through out the entire show. Thank You.

Can you just IMAGINE where the new wave of wine drinkers will be
in 10 years if they follow your advise ? OMG….

I konoe that your show helps sell wine but:
As a wine lover I only hope that more people, especially ones I know, see your show and get TURNED ON TO WINE. Then the Romance, Passion and Overall Enjoyment of drinking wines with Love Ones and Friends becomes common place.

Keep It Up
RichE
March 4, 2008

Len
GV Absolutely loved the show….as always!
March 4, 2008

JimChem
QOTD; I loved the show. Too bad I didn’t have the wines to taste along with you.

Jim
March 4, 2008

jason
i am glad to see that you had kept the bottle for today and gave it a chance. something that wound up deserves a little more love. i opened a bottle of swiss pinot on sunday night and finished it tonight. the difference was not night and day, but, it was so much more complex. the deal that had me really going was how the color got deaper. i have read about wines, especially pint doing this, but it is true.

QOTD: why would i not like this show. good times.
j
ps, thanks for the advice on the pomerol
March 4, 2008

JonE
QOTD: Great show G-Man, yet a tough show. I sometimes feel like I’m running into a brick wall trying to sell and promote dry roses. i love’em, but people are not always willing to give it a go. A dry furmint, now your just hardcore. you one of the few in my field that stands on the soapbox, and actually says some good advice. Cheers!

And the next day decant- perfect.
March 4, 2008

Justin Viger
You talk about the Rangers beating the Canucks in ‘94 like that was a good thing. It wasn’t.

QotD: For me also twitter. I have been using it more know that i use twitterific.
March 4, 2008

Plminer
Cool show man, didn’t have the pack but still learned enough about those wines to understand what’s going on.
QOTD: I liked it, I have other favorites but this was still fun and informative. Cheers!
March 4, 2008

Justin Viger
My earlier comment was for yesterday’s episode. That’s why it doesn’t make any sense.
March 4, 2008

amgryger
I’ve had dry Furmint.

QOTD: I always like the show.
March 4, 2008

agentorange
QOTD: Yes. (so wish we oould have tasted along though…)

My Question: If you eat tons of asparagus, do you think of Austin Powers and laugh when you pee?

I do.
March 4, 2008

Daniel
Very nice to see you bring one back after being opend for a day… too many times I’ve dismissed a wine during a tasting, only to find that the next night it’s changed drastically, and often favorably. I just started watching your show today… I’ll be tuning in daily from now on. Great show.
March 4, 2008

jp
yeah- really enjoyed the show today, especially the “rant”. Wine does deserve better than a drive-by. Also, I’m withe you on watching a wine evolve over days- I’m the only one who drinks at my house so I ALWAYS get to enjoy my wines over two or three days. I really think it’s interesting how some are great the first day and fall apart before I get home the next day. Some I have totally panned on day one and I even despair of going back there on day two, but to my great surprise the wine has gotten a lot better.Well, sometimes:)
Anyway- great show again and thanks!
March 4, 2008

thisIslandEarth
Great show GV. It is REALLY an education tasting the wines with you. It was a lot of fun too.
March 4, 2008

kaybee
Yeah, I agree with you about wine being personal and “of the moment.” I really like soft, aromatic reds with fruit and soft tannins. I’m sure they are “simple” to more experienced people, but it’s what rocks me.

QoTd

The show was great. I liked how the Weir wine opened up after 25 hours.
March 4, 2008

J-Pipes
QOTD: I did love today’s show. Made me wish I had the anniversary pack!!
(You can feel free to smuggle me wines at any time. )
March 4, 2008

Kelly In South Dakota
I like all of your shows Gary. You have turned me on to the wine world!
March 4, 2008

Scott EJ
Yep…perfect show. Hip & Heart!! Sounds like a law firm…meant for the wine lover in all of us.

QOTD: In a word – youbetcha.
March 4, 2008

Danny C
I didn’t order the 4-pack, but I did enjoy the show. However, I am drinking the 2002 Chateau Belle-Vue from the Jeffrey Davies show and it is delicious. Not to mention I am rockin’ the new WRISTBAND!!!!

Sub-QOTD: Never had that white.
March 4, 2008

Tim M
I didn’t even have the Secret Pack and I liked the episode! Keep it up!
March 4, 2008

Matt
Gary! Love the show. This episode was very informative like always.
March 4, 2008

Greginnd
Gary, what kind of question is that? I usually hate all of your shows because I so want to be sitting there tasting the wines with you. This show was GREAT! I think you should do more tastings with us. Thanks.
March 4, 2008

joebot
QOTD- Yes!!!!!!!! great show and sorry I haven’t left replies as much as I should’ve lately, great show, good info and always learning !! I’ll seek out the tokaji for sure!!! thanks for the shows and have a great week!!

JB
March 4, 2008

Lenny
Liked the show. Didn’t have the pack, however still liked the show.
March 4, 2008

tarany
definitely enjoyed the show.

i think it’s a lot of fun to taste along with you, how about doing a tasting pack once a month or something?
March 4, 2008

Carbondiamond
I feel bad that i dont know much about this secret pack… but maybe that is why it was titled so. But anyways The show was great, it was good to hear those heart felt words.
March 4, 2008

Marshall
QOTD:Never had furmint
March 4, 2008

Anthony L.
I certainly did like the show. It’s awesome tasting the wines along with you. You should do more interactive experiences. That rules.
March 4, 2008

Thanks to our Vets!
Hey, I like the wink at the end. Very nice. Loved the show, even though I live and PA and couldn’t get the wines. Great idea to save the Mike Weir decanted…really worked out great.
March 4, 2008

Kev and Ams
QOTD 1: Nope.
March 4, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: I loved today’s show, especially the re-tasting of yesterday’s wine part at the end. That was very interesting to hear about. Thank you, Gary.
March 4, 2008

Skol
Great episode and I need to try some of the different types of wines you reviewed.

Some of the guys on Wine Spectator forums just don’t get it. I do like the high end wines just like those guys but you have to appreciate wine and not worship it.

I think you do bring an unbiased view to the wines. Yes it is hard to be objective if money is on the line, but just watching the videos you see that your heart is in the right place.

Great show and keep it up.
March 4, 2008

Achilles Mike
A great show from the heart, Gary. We all need to trust our own palate and enjoy the wide spectrum of wines, with people we love. I’ve never had a Hungarian wine but will seek it out. I think the anniversary pack was a great idea, kinda roller coaster ride of the senses. I plan to share mine with my family this weekend and watch 2 segments and enjoy the two wines-the old world new world match ups. A really great show for giving time to re-taste wines and see the broader picture of the growers and wine makers in Canada.
March 4, 2008

BenF
Loved the Show GV but i roll in PA no wine pack for me…. Some wines you roll with are very difficult to find here. Hey how about a show where you choose wines or review wines that the PLCB calls Chairmen selections… just an idea….
March 4, 2008

SGoodwin
Loved the show today. You really brought the passion thunder!

Scott
March 4, 2008

SoCal
QOTD: yes
March 4, 2008

John Jackson
QOTD: Yes, yes!
March 4, 2008

Kev and Ams
QOTD 2: Sure, it was awesome. But I still wonder what happened to my new wristband…
March 4, 2008

Fibonacci
Great show today!

I’ve never had Furmint….will have to look for it.
March 4, 2008

thefanjestic
Qotd – Secret packs are always good episodes! Wish I had the guts to buy the pack this time! Funds are lowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!
March 4, 2008

Sonnenuhr
Great show Gary. On eof the reasons so many of us return night after night is for the education, and to try something new…
March 4, 2008

CyberTLH
GV,

QOTD:Absolutely…

Incredible Tokaji! Best white since we tried the Chappellet Chenin/Viognier last summer! The Languedoc Red was so-so, but the Garnacha was excellent. We’ve had Furmint before, but only as a desert wine. We’re on our way to Russian River Valley barrel tasting, stand by for the wrist band pix!!!
March 4, 2008

E
Q1: no, but as soon as that hits the FS page I am on the furmint train in a multiple way.

Q2: of course.
March 4, 2008

Araldite
I always like the show, dude.
March 4, 2008

Palmer
(qotd: no, never)

QOTD: loved the show today. great effort. 91+.
March 4, 2008

KennyMac
I am a Canadian who, of course, couldn’t get the secret pack, but still really enjoyed the show. Very interested in the Mike Weir wine experiment, and good to see another Canadian wine make the Thunder Show, even if it is from Ontario (we in British Columbia have a bit of a rivalry with our fellow Canadians to the east). I had similar experiences with wines we didn’t finish and tried the next day, only to find we enjoyed them more.

And thanks, Gary, for the heart-felt comments on scores and such. Walking into a wine store can be a bit bewildering and intimidating, so it’s always nice to have someone you can trust to act as a bit of a guide, but I really appreciate your encouraging us to experiment and trust our own taste.
March 4, 2008

RB
QOTD 1: have never had furmint….I am excited to taste the pac…..
QOTD 2: loved the show….would like to do more of these, however, would like you to taste them prior to sending them out…..not a big fan of spending 20 bones on a rose that doesn’t bring the thunder.

Thanks for doing what you are doing.
March 4, 2008

ecola
QOTD: great show, will seek out some tokaji
March 4, 2008

Young Hova - PA style
Great bit on allowing the wines to grow – 24hrs later. Keep up the good work there tuff guy!
March 4, 2008

Victor Barriga
Great show Gary.Wish I had jump at the opportunity to purchase the secret pack.
March 4, 2008

joe bohannon
This is my first comment to you. I did like the show but am bumed out that I have never been able to order one of your packs before they are sold out. It’s not like I am waiting days but we on the west coast do seem to have a disadvantage.

I still wish you would open a southern calif branch.
March 4, 2008

Nathan L
QOTD 1: Yup. Actually had one for the first time at the Super Tasting this year and for me it was the wine of the night. It was the Demeter “v” 2005 and was FABULOUS! I bought 4 bottles and I NEVER buy more than two bottles of anything.

QOTD 2: Great show. Love the idea of going back to a big boy wine the second day. You should do it more often
March 4, 2008

Bryan
Give me a holla when you visit the Niagara Peninsula. I’m just across the border in the Niagara USA wine trail. Always looking to taste in Ontario.
March 4, 2008

David Masi
First QOTD- No I have not, although recently tried a dry Sauterne, will give this a shot. Second QOTD- Was good although got the sense you rushed through the descriptive part of each wine, not as in-depth as usual. BTW, any minerality on the furmint?
March 4, 2008

Brad -73-
great show
despite the fact that I did not get to taste along with you.
stupid shipping laws *grumble-swear-grumble*

I’ve told my roomates about WLTV and you can add two more Vayniacs.
You make wine fun Gary.
thanks.

wristband pic’s to come tommorow.
more than likely on the “spacedog” than my tattoed left arm.
you’ll see.
March 4, 2008

BobMac
Loved the show (love every show)

I bought the pack and really enjoyed drinking them virtually with you. Please do it again.
March 4, 2008

pete c
I like the taste along concept, but how about revealing to us what’s in the pack prior to purchasing.
March 4, 2008

E-Dub
QOTD 1: NO
QOTD 2: Yes, but, liked last weeks head to heads better.
March 4, 2008

MattUD
Thats a silly question, of course I liked the show. I would have liked to have tasted along, but there is always next time.
March 4, 2008

Paul
GV, you are helping us change the wine world, without a doubt. The show was one of your best, lots of passion and excitement. Am bummed that you sold out of the wines before I could order. I will hunt for them locally for sure.
Keep up the great work.
March 4, 2008

tarheel17
QOTD: Of course I liked the show. The only time I don’t like the show is when you say ‘radool’

I love to try new things, BTW. I’m on the hunt for white asparagus…..
March 4, 2008

RANDI
GARY!!
That was maybe one of the best eps Ive seen, so far.
Thank you for being honest and for being entertaining!!!
LOVED THIS EPISODE.
Ssooo…what are we going to do about this wristband situation? I have none…and Im sitting here with a camera to take a picture of my naked wrist!
March 4, 2008

Shadowbird
QOTD1: Nope, I haven’t…

QOTD2: Yep, I did. And I wish I’d gotten the chance to buy the pack and taste along. That’s thrice now I’ve missed out on it! I’m sad.
March 4, 2008

BoiseWiner
Your energy is awesome and I loved this show…even though I will open the bottles at a later date and watch it again with friends

QOTD: AWESOME! Wish you could do one of these a month.

??? Got the Anniversary Pack but not the swag which I asked for…next time
March 4, 2008

tuscanbob
You brought the thunder today…great show. I haven’t had any dry tokaji. Local stores don’t carry it so I’ll order that one from you.

I did, however, recently try some dry rose for the first time due to your insistence. Had a lunch at Bottega del Vino in NYC and my wife and I really enjoyed a 2005 Tenuta Guado al Tasso Bolgheri. Perfect match with our salads.
March 4, 2008

Mike Z in SD
Good show today. I have no furmint.
GV talked a pretty big game with that Tokaji, and then just brought a 90-point score… I was expecting bigger than that.
March 4, 2008

Sev
GV, always telling it like it is. That is why we love you!

QOTD: Awesome show, as always. One of these days I will buy and try along with you. I did buy a wine from a past pack, and am looking forward to popping it open while I visit the archive. Thanks again for everything GV.
March 4, 2008

Paul
Loved the show, I really wanted to see what happened to the Mike Weir wine and the results were awesome. Also really appreciated your “soapbox rant.”
March 4, 2008

Orville B
Love every show….even without the pak.

JB
March 4, 2008

Grapedigger
Loved the show…Keep it up G! Cheers
March 4, 2008

Justin Viger
Okay. I am pretty sure that this comment is actually for this video now.

QotD1: No
QotD2: Yes it was very good. I like it a lot even though i couldn’t taste along.
March 4, 2008

laposte
QOTD:

Yes, good show Gary. Had a number of Roses while on holiday in France last fall. These are not the wines of our youth.
March 4, 2008

Ryan
rrrrooooosssssss! new album a week from 2day
qotd1 = no sir
qotd2 = yes sir
March 4, 2008

georgie k
qotd: yes
March 4, 2008

kazu
Most definitely, I wish I had the pack with me too.
March 4, 2008

John Orland
hey gary, I have been a lurker since August 2007, but today is my 21st birthday, so I am coming out of lurkerdom to say that as much as I love your show, I can’t wait to start trying some wines and making friends with my pal’. kind of bummed because my buddies flaked out on me and I didn’t get to go out drinking tonight, but your show brightened my day, as it always does.
March 4, 2008

Vino Uomo
This was my first taste along…..I did not enjoy the wines but am happy that I tried some new things. Everyone is different. I am glad I had a opportunity and will do it again.
March 4, 2008

Jerry the 2thdr
QOTD: Tonight was one step closer to being in the same room with you. I routinely drink older wines. I run them thru an airator into a decanter and spread them out over 3-4 days. Every day is a surprise. Jerry the 2thdr
March 4, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
Great show. It was a classic. Great idea tasting along with you. I got a real chalky aroma from the rose. LOTS OF FUN!!
March 4, 2008

Chrisfs
ARRRGH ARRGH ARRGH, I talked myself out of getting the secret 4 pack and I missed getting Tokaji!!!!!
March 4, 2008

Chris D
Love the interactive shows â€“ letâ€™s do more!
I bought 2 of the anniversary packs and prior to the show about finished 2 of the 4, I enjoyed tasting and exploring â€¦I possibly like that aspect most of the Thunder Showâ€¦the exploring. learningâ€¦trying new things

The Roseâ€™ was OK, but nothing too special â€¦.enjoyed the experience
I really liked both the Menguante & Mas De La Barben â€“ I liked very much
Havenâ€™t opened the Takaji yet ..

QOTD 1 â€“ never heard of Hungarian Furmint before

Thanks for the referral to Pandora Radio ( howâ€™s that Diana Ross radio station â€“ a lil girly GV )
QOTD2 â€“ Loved it, thank you.
March 4, 2008

ktw
always get and love the secret packs – keep it going – christmas in march
qotd #1 no – but will at your suggestion
qotd#2 loved the show today (as per normal)
March 4, 2008

Kristen
Thanks for pointing out pandora…I’m hooked now! And your soapbox moment was awesome GV!! Thanks for putting things into perspective again!

Q(uestions)OTD: Never had Furmint, but will be on the lookout for one. And I most definitely enjoyed the show, although I was sad that I didn’t get the wines. Oh well, my friends and I are going to taste the Xmas pack soon…who knew it would be Xmas in March?
March 4, 2008

Eric J
As much as you might diss the rating of wines people do pay attention to them. What I’ve forced myself to do is listen to your discriptions of nose & flavors to get a better idea about the wine than a simple score. Anyway keep it up, great show.

QOTD1: Nope, heard of them but have never seen them in a wine shop

QOTD2: Absolutely!
March 4, 2008

J vandersloot
ridunculis saves the day…. sorry I was too late to get the pack… maybe next time
March 5, 2008

Tupper
QOTD-simple question, simple answer…”YES”…
Keep it up.
March 5, 2008

Crosis
QOTD: Loved the show today
March 5, 2008

TWofPasadena
This was a great episode. I didn’t open my 4 pack tonight, but will re-visit the episode when I do.

I hope a 4th of July secret pack will be in the cards (with at least one great Zin!).
March 5, 2008

Moselman
Show was OK. Feelin’ a little left out, not being able to get the wines, not being able to get Pandora, the beat goes on. Just have to buckle down to improving our own back yard, like Mikey W. has done. Good on ya’, Michael. And thanks, GV, for hanging in with it rather than dumping it in the spit bucket Monday night. Experience tells.
March 5, 2008

Doc Johnson
great show today. I didn’t get the pack, but I did order the takaji today so I’m very curious to try it.

I love the concept of the surprise pack and definitely think you should continue doing them. I think they’d also make for some good third thirsty Thursday fare.
March 5, 2008

Remps108
Good for you, GV. This is a show that a lot of wine-drinkers, informed and uninformed, should most definitely watch. Muchos kudos.

QOTD: Yes.
March 5, 2008

Jose
Very interesting, i felt like i was in a wine tasting class. Great show, keep it up. Me encanta el vino!!
March 5, 2008

Chris
Who the hell puts basil in their turkey stuffing?
March 5, 2008

mateo21
QOTD 1: Nope!

QOTD 2: Sure! But I need to get out of this CKC realm so I can justify $50 on wine at a time!!!
March 5, 2008

Yoni Rabkin
QOTD1: no.
QOTD2: yes!
March 5, 2008

C-BusWineMofo
Canada is already making killer wine. Skybus now flys to The Falls, $40 air fair to a smaller wine growing region. Wish that Mike W. was part of the 4 pack but Oh well.

QOTD – YES, Gary this was a very moving show for me, mabye because I was drinking but what you say is true and what you are doing is true. Please don’t ever stop WLTV.
March 5, 2008

Hamid
QOTD: simple question gets a simple answer: YES.
March 5, 2008

dave from Osaka (thunderball)
What’s not to like?!

Still holding out for that Okanagan Valley episode though…
March 5, 2008

Withnail
QOTD1: Never had a furmint.
QOTD2: Loved today’s show.

P.S. Come to Vancouver’s Playhouse Wine Festival in 2009.
March 5, 2008

J Hartfiel
Come on now GV… Of course I liked the show. I set time purposely set time aside regularly to watch WLTV. Its a part of my week. Love the T-Cats to-boot. Have not had the Furmint yet, but it will be put on the ongoing list of new wines to try. Once again, am looking forward to 3/29, and thanks for all that you do to improve the Wine World!!!
March 5, 2008

downtnmark
QOTD: I really did enjoy this episode.

Would you ever consider doing a half-bottle taste-along? I live alone and cannot power through all that wine in a short time (2 weeks?). With half bottles, I actually stand a chance of finishing before your next taste-along shipment.

It was fascinating to see how the tannic wine settled down over night. If I come across a wine like that, I’ll have to try that. It’s good to see that leaving it in the corked bottle isn’t much different from decanting when leaving ot over night.

Thanks again.
March 5, 2008

Nathan H
yes gv.
March 5, 2008

xtrmtk
QOTD – Loved today’s show. Gotta get me one of those dry Tokajis.

Thank you so much for the comments about giving farmers and winemakers their due. This past fall I spent some time working the crush at a local winery and I was blown away by the love, passion, and hard work that go into making good wine. I’ll be so depressed if the 2007 Abeja Syrah doesn’t get decent ratings! And I only worked there for a week, I can’t imagine what it would be like to put your entire life into something that gets so much public scrutiny.

I so agree with you about wine tasting different at different times and places. Dozens of times a year I’ll taste a wine at the winery, then again at home and they seem like totally different animals. It’s so frustrating. How can I learn to be more objective and consistent about this?
March 5, 2008

Big D
Didn’t order the surprise pack cause I didn’t think I could arrange the time to do the tasting justice, I was right. But….I loved the show!

QOTD 1: Never even heard of furmint before.
QOTD 2: see above!
March 5, 2008

medo
GRRREEEAAAAT show Gary! Even if I didn’t get the secret pack over here in Germany.. I will seek out a Furmint for sure! Sounds great!

QOTD1: No.. unfortunately.
QOTD2: Oh yes!
March 5, 2008

Justin L Ove
Awesome show Gary. I didn’t get to taste along, but I’m going to seek out a tokaji for sure.
I find myself enjoying wine the second day quite often. It really softens up. Like spaghetti sauce. Always better the day after it’s made.
I liked your rant today. Very on point. I was attached to the wine scores for a while, but I think I’d be cool with just knowing whether or not you’d reccomend a wine. I don’t really care if it’s a 89 or 91. The bummer these days is that they put scores up in the store next to the wines. This makes it all to easy to go only for wines that score 90+. I’m probably missing out on a lot of great wines that are scoring between 85-89 points.
March 5, 2008

AlanH
Great show Gary–fun and informative, even though I didn’t order the surprise pack. Maybe next time.
March 5, 2008

Bob Sikorski
Good show,brought a lot of different and interesting wines to my attention.
March 5, 2008

Michael Y
Great show as always
March 5, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD 1: Tokaji, yes. Dry Tokaji furmint, no. Gotta get on that.

QOTD 2: I was SO pumped to watch today’s show… and I didn’t even get the secret pack. I tried, but it was sold out by the time I watched the show after work on the West Coast that night. Next time. Thanks, Big G.

CAN’T WAIT FOR THOSE SHOUT-OUTS!!
March 5, 2008

Lynne
QOD: Yes, but then, I always enjoy the shows. I was too late to pick up the 4pk, though. Ya snooze, you lose. Intriguing. How long does a furmint ferment?
March 5, 2008

Irina
Yes, I did and it was great to see your heart open. Molodec!
March 5, 2008

Klassh
First Question: Neh..Second Question: This was a great show, I like it when you try a wine from the previous show and re-evaluate it. And it was a bonus for the Canadian Vayniacs. ( Cavaynians? Cavayniacs? )
March 5, 2008

Antony
Yes! I liked.
March 5, 2008

Ryan D
QotD #1: Nope, but it is really high on my list.

QotD #2: I did, even though I didn’t get the pack. Am sorry I didn’t because there were some deals in there.

Wristband picture sent.
March 5, 2008

Bal H.
QOTD

1 I have had a Furmint – believe it was Royal Tokaji 2005 – had with a crab dish – very good!

2. This was an awesome show. Looks to me like the best of the Secret Packs so far. The wines, your sincerity, even the Weir retaste. I’ll be tasting these this weekend via long distance with CO. friends I sent a Secret Pack to. Can’t wait.

Thanks Gary
March 5, 2008

paul
I have had a number of furmints and have the Dereszla in the cellar.

QOTD: The show was okay. Since I usually watch these a day or two after they’re posted, the 4-pack thing doesn’t intrigue me. But the wines were interesting.
March 5, 2008

Sassodoro
QOTD1. I have a couple bottles of Oremus “MandolÃ¡s” dry furmint in my cellar, but I haven’t gotten around to tasting them yet, so no, I haven’t yet had a dry furmint.

QOTD2. Yes. Your tasting of a dry furmint gives me some idea of what to expect with my Oremus and what food to pair it with. I also especially liked the experiment of tasting the wine from yesterday after breathing in bottle and in decanter. Good show, as always!
March 5, 2008

Sharon
I liked the thoughts about scoring wines quickly. It’s a damned if you do, damned if you don’t sitch.
QOTD1: No, but I’m sure I will some time to be in the ‘Wine Century Club’.
QOTD2: Good show.
March 5, 2008

Andy
Great ep G,, a nice selection of wines.
Never had a dry Tokaji, sounds interesting is you are a Reisling fan
March 5, 2008

SaraMHCRU
great show – loved it. i have the 4 pack sitting here but I think we’re going to go bottle by bottle and watch the individual segments over several days… now I’m even more excited about it! Can’t wait to try the furmint, especially.
March 5, 2008

Tom
Gary,
Great show (for the 421st time……) — love the pink. Bonny Doon Vineyard’s Vin Gris is outstanding at around 10 bills or less, perhaps the first great american pink wine. Also like Whispering Angel — and Unti does a pretty nice pink wine as well.

As a sport’s maniac, I ask that you please recognize and comment on Favre’s retirement…..it was a historic day.
March 5, 2008

Donna Marie
QOTD I: Never had the Furmint grape that I know of, especially in a dry Hungarian white.

II: Loved the show..Tremendous amount of fun and interest on all wines. Will do the taste-along on the weekend. Might even purchase the Canadian Mike Weir wine.
March 5, 2008

laurie in VT
QOTD1: No, never even heard of Hungarian furmint. I will be looking for it.
QOTD2: Yes, very much. I really enjoyed the follow-up on the Michael Weir- another one to look for. Even though I didn’t get this taste-along pack (town meeting and voting somehow call more for an after dinner shot than a tasting…), I was pleased to find that I had bought the Menguante in the free shipping sale, and will be springing a tasting on some unsuspecting friends, hopefully this weekend using the segment from this episode.
I will send a wristband picture as soon as I can get a Mott T-shirt to wear in the picture. So there!
March 5, 2008

Sayle
GV- LOVED THE SHOW TODAY mainly because I was out of town for 2 days on a shoot and was going through Vayniac withdrawals…THEN, as I came back last night to NYC on the NJ Turnpike, lo and behold, I look up and there, on an ENORMOUS billboard is YOU…awesome. Nothing like changing the wine world while people are driving.
I did have a great wine this weekend…2003 Joel Gott Cabernet.
And the Thunder Rolls….
March 5, 2008

Glen... winecrazy.com
Thanks for Pandora….. Been listening all day.

Can’t beat it..!!!
March 5, 2008

winegrower
Great show Gary, lots of good educational tidbits, which is what I like about your show. I have never heard of Furmint, but now I will have to seek it out. You have piqued my interest with your tasting descriptions. I have had several Tokaji dessert wines, but most of them I havenâ€™t enjoyed. Sweet wines are generally not my thing, but I do like ruby ports on cold evenings. Orange and Blanc Muscat wines can be fun as well during the summer or with spicy foods like Thai. I always thought all Tokaji wines were Pinot Gris based wines, but then maybe I am confusing this with the Tokay that comes from Alsace which is Pinot Gris.

Sorry I missed out on the Secret 4 pack that you offered before this show, but I donâ€™t have opportunity to watch as often as I would like. Maybe next time you do this I will catch it and take advantage of the offering. I did recently receive a case of all Tannat based wines from Madiran, Bosque, Uruguay and California that I ordered from you at the beginning of Feb. I am currently enjoying these wines that I am new to and may save some bottles for a wine tasting party with friends in the next month or so. I have hosted tasting parties like this in the past with a big emphasis on education, comparing the same grape wines coming from different terroirs. Some of these wines that I ordered you ran out of or didnâ€™t have enough bottles of. In the meantime you received another Madiran wine (Chateau Bouscasse by Alain Brumont ), which I really wanted to try so I was glad for the delay. Also, the timing worked out great for avoiding freezing weather with ground shipping (only took 2 Â½ days of actually travel time from the FedEx shipping center in Jersey to my place of business) so all of these wines arrived in perfect condition. You have a great shipping department with excellent communication via email on the status of the order and updates on sourcing out of stock wines. Thanks for the great buying experience. I look forward to buying from Wine Library again in the future for those items that I cannot find locally or for the great prices that you sell wines at. It is nice to see that you can often obtain out of stock or hard to find wines in a relatively short period of time.

Keep up the great service at Wine Library and the great shows you are producing. You are making a difference in the wine world and I keep telling my friends and other wine lovers I meet about your show. You are doing a fantastic job and it is not going unappreciated by true wine aficionados.
March 5, 2008

Richard
Great show, Gary. So, I got it: shellfish with the Tokaji. How about suggestions for snacks or means to complement the others?
March 5, 2008

MtnCharlie
QOTD1: Never had a furmint.
QOTD2: Loved today’s show. Dry Tokaji. Must seek it out. Great old world/new world explaination. Even though I didn’t have the secret pack, I was down with the demo.

Thanks for the qualification on scores and tasting. I was a bit down on you for the review of the Lynmar yesterday.
March 5, 2008

Obama_Man
Great Episode, GV! I’ll be seeking out Hungarian wines galore!
March 5, 2008

laurie in VT
Another thing. I saw a bunch of comments asking for monthly secret packs, and another asking for half bottles. What about a two bottle ‘head-to-head’ tasting pack? Don’t know how pack size and shipping enters into the mix, but just a thought…
March 5, 2008

purplejuicebruce
QOTD….no and yes I enjoyed it very much
March 5, 2008

JerseyGirl turned CNY vayniac
Good call Gary – My boyfriend has fallen in love with rose and gets upset when we go out to dinner and there arent any roses on the menu… he’s totally into the pink!

QOTD: Yeah, today’s show was great, as always!
March 5, 2008

DenverDarlin'
Loved the show. I learn something every time!
March 5, 2008

Jeff
great show; I have the pack and will do this with friends later!

2 suggestions
1. do this again
2. do it with wines you know and love well—in categories you feel strong about; i.e. rose wines, aromatic whites, interesting red, etc.
March 5, 2008

Zk
No I’ve never had a Tokaji, but have found some already that I am planning on trying. The show was great, I especially enjoyed the brief comment on Canada along with the rant on wine scores. As a loyal Canadian viewer I think that it would be great to see more Canadian wines in the program.

Keep up the good work.
March 5, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo Gee !!
QOTD: A REEEEEEDOOOOONKUUULOUSLY GOOD SHOW !!!!!!! Me mouth was
waterin’ big time…… Thank You, Gee !!!
March 5, 2008

kitty and meow meow
loved the show! thanks.
btw the cowboys have all gone into space. although some did return for the Texas primaries.
March 5, 2008

Robert
QUTD 1: Never had it before

QOTD 2: Stupendous

I’m an going to taste this with my family this weekend. I’m going to subtitle the show in spanish (with your permission) for my brother in law who doesn’t speak English.
March 5, 2008

920albert
Great show! My question of the day is; Do we only get a wrist band, and/or free shipping if we order wine. I live in Wisconsin, therefore I can’t have wine shipped to me from you. So, I ordered a decanter, but I didn’t get a wrist band. Not complaining, just curious.
March 5, 2008

Aaron
Thanks Gary,

Haven’t tried the wines yet, but really looking forward to it.

QOTD: Loved the show today, great job!
March 5, 2008

JeffC
QOTD: Yes indeed, really enjoyed the show. And, no have not tried Tokaji at all but will seek one out and give it a whirl.

Hey on the wristband deal. Way back, you were offering free wristbands you could keep up with the demand, so my wife and I did not get ours. You have any laying around you can send?
March 5, 2008

Nigel
Great episode. Variety, energy and excitement. Loved the new World old world comparison. Great news about the Mike Weir wine.
March 5, 2008

Robin C
QOTDs: Never tried furmint. Hope to. Fun show – Mike Weir wine tasting was interesting. Do you ever try day old wine directly from the bottle?
March 5, 2008

chippewamike
QOTD: Loved the show. Very informative. I am on my way to look for the Tokaji!
March 5, 2008

JayZee
QOTD1: No, I have never tried a Furmint. Never even heard of it. Since I didn’t get the 4 pack, it is now on my “Need to Try It” list.

QOTD2: Despite the fact that I didn’t get the wines, I very much enjoyed the show. I actually have four bottles of the Menguante that I ordered when you had the WLTV Anniversary sale. So at least I will get to try that one.

Aside: While the Jets had some good signings, my Cleveland Browns had a better off-season (but no draft picks until the second day, now).

Finale’: A big shout-out to Brett Favre who announced his retirement. A truly great quarterback and future Hall of Famer as well as a great guy. And he went out with a great season. Kudos!
March 5, 2008

Shawn
You are a beautiful person, Gary. And I couldn’t agree with you more. Who hasn’t tried a wine with friends. Loved it. Bought it again. And was disappointed the second time.
March 5, 2008

Samuel Paes
ha ha!!! you eventually agreed to me: no more scoring! or, not to be unfair and let people down, create a new scoring scale: the vayni scale!!!

and please, get to the top with the score… not fair with the producers, wine makers, etc etc.

cheers!!!
March 5, 2008

Chuck
QOTD – Yes, excellent episode today…
March 5, 2008

Eric
Great episode. I watched it with my wife (who almost never watches – she doesn’t like the spitting part). Thanks for the secret pack. I wasn’t able to open any yesterday (still on hiatus following the DC offline), but I will return to the episode when we do.
March 5, 2008

Central Coast Carl
A PERFECT SHOW

One for the “Favorite Episodes”

“Real Men Drink Rose” …all year long!!!
March 5, 2008

Cheri P
Great show! I think you have picked up some new viewers and fans.
March 5, 2008

DerekH
One of the best. I’ve always wondered why the wine tasted better on holiday!
March 5, 2008

Rob P
Never had a dry furmint. Never even heard of it. I’ll have to seek it out.
March 5, 2008

Cookiedds
QOTD: Yep, nice show. Tonight the Well Squozen Grape wine club tasting theme is BYOFB, that’s “bring your own favorite bottle”. If you look at my blog you’ll see this is different from our normal format, should be enjoyable and without too many stinkers. It will be interesting to see if there is a varietal or region that dominates the favorites list of our members, I’ll post the results on the blog.
http://thewellsquozengrape.blogspot.com/
March 5, 2008

PTex
Great show. I’ve got to get my hands on some Tokaji.
March 5, 2008

Joe W
QOTD1: Never heard of it.
QOTD2: Good show, Gary. More secret pack tasting shows, please?!
March 5, 2008

Jaybird
Hey great show, alot of fun…my mom joined in the tasting and absolutely loved you. I had 6 first time viewers and all of them enjoyed the show except for my brother who was too damb immature to sit still for 25 minutes. Can’t please everyone as for the ones you can’t maybe a dose of Ritalin can fix ‘em.
March 5, 2008

Folsom Mike
Gary, I gotta be honest, I loved that show. Good info and learned a lot about some new wines. I can see a Food Network show in your future. Right after Emeril with some amature wine tasters going through different bottles…..
March 5, 2008

Scottie P
QOTD: Great show today, wish I could had bought the wine pack to taste along… Damn you PA!!!!!!!!!
March 5, 2008

Boog
Gary,
The show was great.
I bought 6 bottles of the Mike Wier. Can’t wait to decant and try it out.
March 5, 2008

Cliff and Darcey
Yes, we liked the show today! Wish we bought the pack to taste along with you, but then we’d have four open bottles, so …

Just keep doing what you do … change it up every so often to keep things spicy, have guests on, and offer more free shipping!!! Offer free-shipping on the bottles you taste on the show; I guarantee I would try many if that were the case. Just a thought.
March 5, 2008

WineFellow
QOTD: Dope.

Pink wine is the shiznit.
March 5, 2008

Dave from VA
QOTD: totally, I missed out on ordering for this gift pack, but I cannot wait to do it next time!
March 5, 2008

Mandy
Awesome show. So far, because I’m not an alcoholic I’ve only had two of the wines.
The rose reminded me a lot of Sancerre, with its good minerality and acidity. Cranberries + seashells, yum! The b/f actaully thought it was too tart, but it was perfect for me.
The Menguante grenache was a little bit too juciy and sweet to me, and the nose wasn’t so interesting. It’s a nice quaffer that’s enjoyable, but kind of forgetable. Well balanced, fresh, all good things, just boring. In my humble opinion!
Looking foward to the next two.
March 5, 2008

Matthew L
QOTD (Part 1) – Shrug. I dunno.

QOTD (Part 2) – You betchya!
March 5, 2008

Dr. G
Hey Gary – haven’t been able to watch for about a week, but QOTD: yes, I really enjoyed this episode – great one to come back to.
I particularly loved your rant at the end and I had a thought: Why not make what you did today a regular part of the Thunder Show – after you’ve tasted a group in an episode, decant your least favorite and then taste it again the next day at the beginning of that episode – doing that would allow you to continue highlighting (and explore in more depth and detail) how it is that wines open up (or don’t) over time and with decanting.
Thanks!!
Dr. G
March 5, 2008

Dan A
Very cool show! Thanks!
March 5, 2008

Keith L
cool show gary, never tried furmint
March 5, 2008

C.W. Miller IV
AotD: Yeah! I enjoyed the show. I didn’t get a chance to “taste along”, but I can’t wait to compare my future experiences with these wines against yours.

I really like the idea of “surprise packs” too, as long as they’re hand-selected and not just a way to clean out the warehouse. It forces me to concede and try things that I might not otherwise pick up.

I suppose it shows how much trust I have in you and this effort as a whole.
March 5, 2008

Andre
QOTD2: Loved it, and I didn’t even have the 4-pack to taste along with you!
March 5, 2008

eyezonwine
I liked the show and look forward to tasting along with the sample pack the next time it is offered. Expanding my palate every day, and enjoying every minute of it. Old vine Granache kicks serious butt, whether it be from the Rhone, Spain, or Kangarooland.
March 5, 2008

thisIslandEarth
Gary,

After listening to your rant my wife said to me: “now I know why you luv this guy.”
March 5, 2008

Steven Roy
loved the show today
March 5, 2008

Dominus
Waiting . . . though I am having a glass of this fabulous Phillips Hill Pinot so I’m pacified for the moment. Great stuff!
March 5, 2008

Kirk (AKA: Slave2thevine)
QOTD: I did like todays show…and I am even more excited for tomorrow morning. This has been a great trip here in the city…and I’m looking forward to coming into the store tomorrow and sharing some “special” wines with you….
March 5, 2008

ChrisR
QOTD: Great episode. Wish the wife had let me buy the 4-pack, so I could taste-along.
March 5, 2008

Katherine
QOTD: Loved the show. Didn’t get to taste along (I’m a university insructor on a CKC budget), but I’m always inspired to try new things when I watch you, GV.

I think you should do away with scores. Wine is an art, and as such is subjective. How can you score art? Which is better? “Star Wars” versus “It’s A Wonderful Life?” “American Buffalo” versus “Hamlet?” Van Gogh versus Jackson Pollock? Chopin versus Ray Charles? Twyla Tharp versus Fred Astaire? Giving one a higher score than the other is ludicrous… it’s a matter of personal preference in the moment. I get much more out of your descriptions of the wine than out of some numerical marking anyway. This ain’t algebra, it’s art.
March 5, 2008

Brandon B
Great show. Loved following along with the wines at home. Also I thought the decanting of the Mike Weir was a great addition. Keep up the great work.
March 5, 2008

Simon D
Great show! The secret packs are way too fun. Absolutely loved the Tokaji and the Garncha (which was my first ever tasting of both those varietals) The other wines were very interesting too. I’ll definitely be drinking the rose this summer.
March 5, 2008

canadapete
QOTD – great show. Lots of variety. Good spiels. And thanks for the extra work on the Weir bottle.
March 5, 2008

malliemcg
QOTD 1: Nope never had it before, have heard of it as Mosler, but not seen or tried it.

QOTD 2: Loved the show, wishing could play with the USAian’s with these packs oh well, I’ll have to find a store w/ a good selection, grab some good people and make up my own random pack

M
March 5, 2008

GaryP
You’re show is contagious, I don’t know what I enjoy more about it, the wine or the humor. Am I supposed to be laughing at a wine tasting show on the internet? I really enjoy your approach to the wine world, I think I’m a vayniac!
March 5, 2008

Scott
I’ve got to try Rose!

QOTD: Great show–and a fantastic rant. Probably the best soapbox rant I’ve seen you do.
March 5, 2008

nodoubt
Today’s show was indeed, quite diggable.
March 5, 2008

EllenKF
I invited 2 other couples over last night, and along with my husband, tasted along with Gary. We all kind of thought the wines blew. We also couldn’t believe that Gary couldn’t smell the distinct watermelon Jolly Rancher aroma for the Rose, and the dried apricots taste from the Tokay. The wines never rose past the level of interesting for all of us. Too bad. I was bummed.
March 5, 2008

Dana
Had a dry furmint a year or two ago. can’t recall the producer. It was ok. haven’t seen one in the PA state store system since.
March 5, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
QOTD: I always like the show. Thanks
March 5, 2008

Erik Klumpp
Great show Gary. You introduced us to new grapes, took us to new places, and displayed your awesome enthusiasm. I must say my favorite part of the show was your tasting of the Mike Weir wine. It was great to see the evolution of your tasting notes, and I would really like to see more of this, even if they are really poor wines. It is great to see the wine evolves. I, myself, conducted an experiment with a bottle of Cab Franc where I tasted it over a week, and the way it changed was amazing. I really enjoyed this episode, and I look forward to future ones.
March 5, 2008

Withnail
Where’s Wednesday’s ep? My cheese and wine is ready.
March 5, 2008

Fred
QOTD(2ND):Yeah, quite a lot.

Yeah, you are right. It is not fair to just judge wines by scores, while the tasting notes and scores altogether presents a much more holistic picture of our ideas and feelings.

I will try my Spanish Monastrell again today. That is my first try of this tricky spicy grape, hehe. Okay, let’s see what will happen tonight.:)
March 5, 2008

Andy
QOTD: YESAn
March 5, 2008

Andy
*Yes
March 5, 2008

David L
I haven’t watched the show yet because I bought the pack and am having friends over later. I just wanted to see how the Canadian wine did so I watched the end. I assume after the Christmas pack I will find this one as hilarious. Itâ€™s a great deal of fun to come up with the descriptions then listen to Gary to see how they compare.
March 5, 2008

Grape Expectations
Why am I not seeing the Weir episode (March 3rd?)? Options seem to go from the 29th to the 4th. Oh, well.

QOTD: Very good episode. I would have loved to be able to taste along but no shipping to WA. I’ve never even seen a furmint, much less tried one. But I’ll keep my eyes open. I particularly liked the next day, decanted vs. bottle part of the show. Very interesting.
March 5, 2008

familydoc
I liked the show. In fact the show probably conviced my wife to let me get the next secret pack!
March 5, 2008

Steve Webster
I introduced you to a customer today. So I hope she watched this episode. I think it was great! It would have been great to a newbie. Loved the energy and the trust your palate speech. I tried to order the 4 pack but what’s up with no shipping to Washington state? We’re progressive!
March 6, 2008

DirtWineKen
Interesting show! Didn’t like the Rose. Liked the Tokaji a bit. Absolutely fell in love with the two reds. I think I liked the Languedoc a bit better but they are both assertive wines which have their own personality (terroir?) and I like that kind of thing rather than trying to make all wines taste the same (if that’s what happens I’m switching to beer).

QOTD: Yes.
March 6, 2008

JoshL
Liked the show a lot. The diatribe about the method and how it can be wholly unfair is classic. Classic episode.
March 6, 2008

RyRy
Gary, I love watching your shows. I am from Miami Fl. and was intrested in a wine I had bought and google it. Your website came up and I tasted the wine with you at the same time. Since then I have wathched your show everyday . THANK YOU FOR THE PASSION AND LOVE!!!!!! Shout out to RyRy, GARY!!
March 6, 2008

Graziella
A rose that I really like, and sounds very similar to tonight’s rose:
“Red Bicyclette 2005 French Rose.” It went really well with my homemade smoked pork ribs…mmmm!

Of course I liked the show!
March 6, 2008

Eric Gardner
Loved the show. Great to encourage people to taste roses and toks. There can never be enough encouragement to decant… 2nd day reds always taste better than fresh, like chili the next day.
March 6, 2008

J Crazy
Rock n’ roll good show!!
Too bad us folks in different country codes can’t grasp the full power of the secret box madness but it’s the message that strikes true.

QOTD: You finally got me! Yes! I’ve not had a Furmint. MUST SEEK OUT FURMINT! J CRAZY CRUSH NEVER HAVING HAD FURMINT!!

And I loved the show!
March 6, 2008

Joe
I agree with the comment made by EllenKF about the wine. Yes, it did expand my “pal” but this CKC member is probably going to have to sit the next secret-pack out. Unfortunately, expanding your pallet comes at a price and when money is tight, one MUST seek out low price/high rated wine (as a type of insurance) and when you are older with your own money…. then you can expand your pallet.
March 6, 2008

JÃ¸rn Idar
QOTD; Yes, liked it indeed, and how you sometimes criticize the winereviewers (and yourself). As you said, how fair is it for the farmers?
March 6, 2008

John
Really enjoying the broad range of original descriptors you’re using for almost every wine
March 6, 2008

AVP
I think I’ve had furmint once. And I did enjoy your show even though I only had sandwiches and no vino.
March 6, 2008

J.ÄŒ.
Hi Gary, just a small correction
Furmint is not planted here, in Czech Republic, at all ) It’s planted in Slovakia, at the Tokaji part of that country.
Great show, though
March 6, 2008

TxBigD
QOTD: Yes, it should be on a highlight reel!

Thanks, GV
March 6, 2008

Daniel O
Great show G!

The only wine I could taste along with you is the Mike Weir wine. Unfortunately you can’t ship wines across the border to Canada, so we (your neighbours to the north) will just have to sit back and enjoy your commentary and wait for the next show.

Glad to see you’re giving some thumbs up to Mike’s wine! I had a chance to go to Creekside, which is where his wines are being produced (until his own winery is completed). He makes some pretty good wines, and I’m waiting to see what else he’s got up his sleeve. But Mike Weir isn’t the only celebrity making wine in Niagara: Wayne Gretzky bought a winery recently and released his first wines to the mass market last year (Chardonnay, Merlot, Icewine, and Meritage). The first vintage wasn’t that well received, but hopefully Wayne will be able to bring in the right people and correct that so he can give Mike Weir a run for his money.
March 6, 2008

Tom
Who put basil in my turkey stuffing??!!
March 6, 2008

salvatore
Great show !
March 6, 2008

MarioD
WE WANT GARY! WE WANT GARY! Hope everything is ok on your side, Gary. Seldom do you skip a show without heads-up. You know we all care.

And for the Canadians who use Facebook! I’ve created a Facebook group called “I am a Vayniac and I AM CANADIAN”, look it up and add yourself. We can get together for the weekly tasting too!

Cheers!
Mario
March 6, 2008

Niklas
Come back Gary! I have already reserved a bottle of burgundian for the incoming show!
March 6, 2008

jason carey
The Oremus dry Furmint is also rocking.. mm
March 6, 2008

Carly
QOTD1: Can’t wait to try a furmint! From your tasting notes, it sounds right up my alley.
QOTD2: Absolutely loved today’s show and your short interjection about how unfair the rating/tasting game is to the wines and wine workers. It’s so true that wine evolves, even after a few hours of being open and decanted (so hard to get the proper aeration when you leave it in the bottle!).

Any chance that you could, some time in the future, explain why decanting softens up tannins or “makes them disappear”? For example, would decanting also get rid of the bitter tannins oversteeped tea or is this a phenomenon that’s unique to wine?

Also…where’s yesterday’s show???? (Wednesday)
March 6, 2008

Jen
QOTD – Thought the show was great. Rose wines have definitely changed for the better in my opinion. Great break down on Weir’s wine (one of my fav golfers). Thanks for giving the Canadian wines some love!! Haven’t tried Furmint yet, definitely sparked my curiosity!
March 6, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo Gee !!
No Thunder Show today ?? i’m gettin’ da “shakes” (withdrawal
symptoms)………..
March 6, 2008

Achilleas in Cyprus
Great show!

Love the enthusiasm.
March 6, 2008

pawncop
QOTD A great episode and another reaso I love to watch. Learning, learning, and more learning.
March 6, 2008

Plonker
Gary I missed it, what was the score on the Mike Weir then??
March 6, 2008

Karl
Unfortunately I can’t receive the four-pack…I’m from Montreal (Canada), but…I liked the show and you I just gought a bottle of Furmint Disznoko Tokaji Dry 2005 that I will try tonight.

Sometimes your can do a “sports” wine show with the wines of Mike Weir, Wayne Gretzky, Ernie Els, Greg Normand even Jarno Trulli (F1) and some others.
March 6, 2008

Deano
Gary great episode these wines sound awesome. I got my wristbands so i will take some pics and email them. I am one of the Vayniacs that has all three baby. I have the throwbacks

QOTD:
-Of course!!!!!
March 6, 2008

ValerieM
QOTD: Yes, I liked the show today. I really like the idea of trying an old world and a new world wine together.
March 6, 2008

John Funk
QOTD: Great show as always!

Gary: PLEASE SEND ME A WRIST BAND! I’ve got my camera and I’d really like to send ya a photo… but so far I don’t think anything has made it up here to the great white north. I only wish we could get those packs up here. Sadly, wine distribution is pretty limited in my neck of the woods.

Peace, from Winnipeg Manitoba.

-John
March 6, 2008

Anthony L.
I can’t believe I survived March 5th without a new episode. Hope I can survive the 6th as well…
March 6, 2008

GermanDuffy
I loved the show! I couldnt’ get the suprise pack because i’m in Germany, but I’m constantly seeking out for wines that you talk about in your show!

QOTD:Only had sweet Tojay so far!

When i asked about shipping the surprise pack to germany WL told me they couldn’t ship wine but they’ll send a Wristband! Havn’t received it yet, but as soon as it’s here i’ll send a pic!
March 6, 2008

Dennis
QOTD: Outstanding show. My wine fridge is filled with wines from around the world. I have my preferences but, I’m open to try any wine from any place. Keep up the good work, Gary!
March 6, 2008

greg owens
Hey GV- I loved the show. One of your best. I really wish I bought the pack now.
March 6, 2008

Andy & Edie
From the hip and the heart Gary, excellent episode! I have always thought the wine I drink tastes better the next day, and I can’t recall it ever tasting worse. Day 4 however has sometimes been a different story. I’ve never had a Tokaji or a Canadian wine and now I’m excited to do so. I had 2 nights of Wine classes here in Billings that were 3 hours long each and phenomenol. We had 10 different whites one night and 15 reds the next next with super good food pairings. Our instuctor owns Bridge Creek Backcountry Kitchen and Wine Bar in Red Lodge, MT. During one of the breaks I asked him if he had heard of Wine Library TV and he said, “Oh, is that Stephen Tanzer?” (Ha Ha!) I said, “No, Gary Vaynerchuk” and he said he had heard of you but hadn’t seen your show yet so I sent him a link to your episode on getting your palate trained which is probably one of my favorites. Got to keep spreading the thunder even though the contest is over. I am also trying to comment on every episode to get your comment counts up and I hope everyone else can try to do the same. Thanks for all your hard work Gary!
March 6, 2008

Colin
GV – Of course I did! Thanks GV.
March 6, 2008

IPv6Freely
Canada FTW!!!

QOTD: Hell yes!
March 6, 2008

Cuse Wino
QOTD_ LOVE ALL THE EPISODES!
Great soapbox rant-so true.
When I buy I keep an eye on the scores but try not to be driven by them. Very helpful when you are starting out.
March 6, 2008

Winelynn
HI Gv,
Great show….and I was so happy to check the link and see that you got my wristband pix….
March 6, 2008

JC
Very cool show, even though I could not participate due too health reasons. May next time.
March 6, 2008

Canadian Chris
YA BABY! More Canadian love. You know you wanna come up and see us and get some hot igloo sled dog lovin. erm. ok at least drink some good wine and have some good food. Don’t come up all business in the hizzy bring your gal, book a bed and breakfast for the weekend, tour some wineries on the DL, taste some good wine, have some good food. JoeG, the Kdub crew and myself would be more than happy to show you a good time!
March 6, 2008

Porter
Pull up on them 24’s, while I leanin on the doors
and I’m letting sucka’s know, that I get it for da low

QOTD: I’ve had the Pannon Tokaji Dry Furmint 2004 a few times. It’s killer and only 12.50. It can seriously hang with Eastern European whites at twice the price.
March 6, 2008

Rhonda
Loved the show. I watched with my fiance who is NOT a wine person and he really liked the Tokaji. I was so excited to see this in the pack because I had just read some books where the characters were drinking this kind of wine and I really wanted to try it. Thanks again for the great pack and this fun experience!
March 6, 2008

Boris Jazbec
Gary,

What a great show. A diverse selection to enjoy with the lucky vayniacs who got the secret pack.

QOTD – One of your best shows. Why? Because you not only give a honest look at the wines you are sharing with us all, you also enjoy sharing the passion you have for wine in general. A passion we vayniacs truly enjoy and the reason I and most of us watch your shows.

I hope to find the Tokaj here in Canada. Do ship wine to a U.S. P.O Box. Man I’m tempted to set up such a thing so that I can get my hands on the unique selections you offer. The rose also was very interesting. As a matter of fact all four wines were quite interesting.

I also found your second chance with the Mike Weir Cab/Merlot entertaining. You are on the mark regarding wines from Canada. The culture is evolving in leaps and bounds and there is so much for everyone to explore and enjoy. the area where the Mike Weir wines are created is one of the finest in the Niagara region.

Great great show!!!!!!!!!

Cheers
March 7, 2008

Andy
Did enjoy the show, might have to order the dry furmint, sounds rawkin. I must say though that when you swirl decanters, especially ones that have had wine in them for a long time, it always makes me nervous that you’re going to kill a wine through over-aeration.
March 7, 2008

JeffK
QOTD: I’ve only had a Tokaji once, and it was dinner at Michael Mina in San Francisco that they had paired with Foie Gras. Absolutely amazing! I just want to say that I loved this episode Gary! I haven’t been watching long enough to have participated in the secret 4 pack tasting with you, but I definitely want in next time! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I could not have agreed with you more. In the end, what is a score anyways? Here’s to each and everyone one of us exploring wines that we’ve never had before, expanding our palates, and finding wines that we love along the way!
March 7, 2008

Hungarian_wine_friend
Hi!

A little correction:

Dereszla Dry Tokaji 2006 – this wine is not only made of furmint. It was made of “furmint”, “hÃ¡rslevelÅ±”, and “sÃ¡rgamuskotÃ¡ly”. Both of them old Hungarian kind of grapes.

If anyone would like a dry furmint, I can offer you Oremus “MandolÃ¡s” Furmint 2005. It’s a very nice type of dry furmint.
March 7, 2008

Tim
fyi

Paul Hobbs imports fine furmint from Hungary:
http://www.paulhobbsimports.com/furmint/

and his hungarian partner also publishes his “diary” in english from and about Tokaj:
http://www.arvaybor.hu/blog/index.php?currlang=EN
March 7, 2008

Charlie Berg
Answer to QOTD: I’ve never sniffy-sniffed Tokaji, but my wife, who is russian, says that Tokaji Eszencia is the most amazing stuff she’s ever tasted.
March 7, 2008

DARREL LAS VEGAS
Great RANT!
Thanks for trying to get everyone to slow down.
NEW T-SHIRT “NO MORE POP AND POOR!”
March 7, 2008

mrzitro
QOTD: yes, the show was great. Loved the 24hr re-taste of the Mike Weir.
March 7, 2008

James
QOTD – You bet I did
March 7, 2008

Tim
QOTD – Great show, even better rant.

I haven’t opened any of my 4 pack yet. I wanted to get the low down and see if there was one I should save for a couple of years, which I will do with the Menguante. I’ve never had a Takaji so I am really looking forward to the Chateau Dereszla.

One complaint re: wristbands; sometimes I don’t watch an episode until a week or so after it first comes out. A little while ago you had an episode with a special alert for anyone who wanted to receive a wristband. Of course I viewed that episode days later, after the offer expired.

Come on, Gary, I leave comments (every once in a while), I bought the Christmas pack (Christmas present for my boss, he really liked the wines), I bought this Secret 4 pack (for ME!, the boss can go pack sand). Can you throw a dog a bone here? Send me a wristband (Please)!!
March 7, 2008

Harley Stan
Great show even though I did not buy the secret pack.
March 7, 2008

Karen
Hey Gary! I just tried the secret pack tonight (Friday). This was my first time drinking along with the show. Loved the Tokaji–especially the new freedom that you’ve given to Riesling drinkers to branch out It was worth the wait! Thanks for keeping it real.
March 7, 2008

Larry D
Best show I’ve seen so far. Mostly because you left your prejudices on your sleave. Tokaj sales have spiked, I am sure.
March 8, 2008

Bill
Hey Gary, great show as ever. Now that you are on the kick about some wines being more approachable a day later (I think in some cases 2-3 days even!), can we please do a show comparing a wine that has been sitting for at least a month (3 better) with the same wine that has – hypothetically – just arrived from being on a shipping truck for a week. I think this makes a MASSIVE difference in many cases, and people who drink wines just after they receive them from, say, Wine Library!!, are totally wasting the investment!!
Bill
March 8, 2008

Sutyi
Hungarian wines: http://www.borudvar.hu
March 8, 2008

Albert
Gary… TOTALLY go do a show up in the Niagra region wines! I did a short tour of many of the winery during late last year and there were quite a few wineries that really put out some great product.

With the utter crappiness of the US dollar hurting us up there, it’s not quite as nice as it used to be but there were a lot of value driven wines at around $15 Canadian that really rocked. I really loved this Pennisula Ridge Cab Franc, and it was almost exactly like having a fresh olive tapenade with Spanish olive oil… Angel’s Gate had an awesome reserve red and my gf was totally into Fielding’s reds as well. There was also a few really nice Rieslings out there too.

And of course, the ICE WINES! You know we have the Jackson Triggs and such down here but they’re NOT what’s up in that region. Again, Fieldings comes through with some great stuff for value. Two producers really impressed me with their work. Royal de Maria, undoubtably, head and shoulders above anyone else… sure, they’re really “boutiquey” and very very expensive, but what they are doing with ice wines AMAZING. Get those folks down here Gary!! Small producer but their stuff, obnoxiously awarded but deservedly so. Also, Crown Bench, amazing amazing ice wine infusions… maybe a bit to “strange” and non-traditional but chocolate or Jalapeno infused ice wines. Just an experience!

Oh and surprisingly enough, the Great One knows wine! His stuff was surprisingly good, the Merlot was nice! Heck, I bought the stuff before I know it was his winery!
March 8, 2008

Mr.Ambassador
I always enjoy the “mystery pack” shows which afford all of the viewers (well, not those of us in Washington yet) to taste along while you’re sampling wines. I love the idea and the “pause button” certainly comes in handy as I’m not as quick on the draw as GV.

Haven’t ever tried a “Furmint”.
March 9, 2008

lynelle
Liked the show a lot, tons of passion.
March 9, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Q-part 1. No. Part 2. Of course, GREAT SHOW GV!!!!!!
March 9, 2008

Glasses?
Anyone else notice that Gary tasted the Canadian wine in this show using the “Big Aas Glass” – he used a much smaller glass on its initial tasting… I can’t help but wonder how much the Big Ass Glass changed the flavor profile…
March 9, 2008

Mike
QOTD: Great show. Love the idea of a dry Tokaji. Very exciting. Getting a little antsy myself for spring and summer, rose and white action.
March 10, 2008

Bal Hoeffner
What a fun tasting we had. I sent a pack to Colorado and had one for me in NY.
Yesterday they opened with friends and with appetizers as I did. We tasted, watched the video, tasted, ate, stopped, discussed called from state to state and continued until all 4 were tried. The RosÃ© was not a favorite. Probably the Furmint was number one. Can’t wait until the next is announced.
March 10, 2008

Tom in Austin
Wow! Watched the show, tonite, the 10th. Great show! This show was lots of fun, and I’m going to go to my LWM to look for the Tokaaji tomorrow! Gary-you were definitely in the groove!
March 12, 2008

Josh in Burgundy
GV, I’m jealous I wasn’t in the US to get the pack and taste along. Very interesting with the canadian wine. I had a Chassagne-Montrachet a few months back that was horrible initially and then the next day was a completely different wine.

QOTD: Nope but will be trying them soon enough
March 14, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Didn’t get a chance to drink along but really appreciate what you did with the Mike Weir wine going back and trying it again. How often do you get to do that. I have put wines back and decanted them for a day or two to try again if I think they are just too big to have opened at the time. You didn’t re-rate the wine after the second try. Why not?
March 14, 2008

Dan-o
I couldn’t join the tasting, but I would like to try a Tokay wine. I have never had one and it is something that I must do.
March 16, 2008

Stefan T
QOTD: Love the respect payed to Canadian talent. Wish there was more of it on the show too. Very interesting to see comparison of the Mike Weir cab-merlot after a days wait. Good to hear someone acknowledge the eccentricities that we have when tasting wine from day to day. A good buddy can make a bad wine great, and a snob can make a great wine crap.

Keep up the great work Gary.
March 17, 2008

Plonkdumper
A bit late but I have to…Your rant brought the pain, GV. THANK YOU. As a wine buyer myself, albeit for a shop that could probably fit in the Wine Library’s bathroom, I never really feel that the 30 second ‘taste’ we give to a bottle of wine actually qualifies as having ‘had’ it. ‘00 Cheval Blanc, 1/2 oz in a crowd of people all clamoring for their 1/2 oz, amidst a nauseating sea of great wine? Yeah I ‘tasted’ it, but if someone were to ask me if I’d ‘had’ it I would have to say no. On Scores: Am I the only one who smiles inside when you talk about ditching them? I have to admit though, over time having gotten a feel for what your scale is all about makes me hesitate… hearing you acknowledge that they’re evil is enough. QOTD1, yes I’ve had a dry Furmint once, and the experience speaks perfectly to your points about CONTEXT. The wine was too warm, too old, and maybe even a bit corked, but the company, a jolly Hungarian Christening party, made it one of THE most enjoyable wines I can remember!!! Thanks for reminding us what its ALL ABOUT!

(SORRY FOR THE CAPS!)
March 23, 2008

NeutralAngel & SKN
QOTD: Did we like the show or not?! OF COURSE WE DID! We’ve been waiting almost a month now to get the chance to taste along with you (the double student lifestyle has made it tough to find the time to do so). But, of course we loved today’s show. I’m just disappointed I forgot to bring my wrist band to take a photo … I promise that we will before too long.

So, here’s what we thought about the wines: We learned a lot about all of the wines and are continuing to expand our pallets. SKN’s favorite wine was the Tokaji – - cream soda all the way down! NeutralAngel, who is NOT a huge fan of the whites, felt the Tokaji was very enjoyable and slightly complex. Overall, of the two reds, the nose and the front end of the Mas De la Barben was closest to his speed, but he liked the Menguante the most overall

Oh, and our favorite bottle art was the Mas De La Barben.

P.S. we’re still waiting for the Mott t-shirt!
March 27, 2008

Paul M
QOTD: I am way behind on my episodes but I did like the show and what really sucks is that wines like the Tokaji that I would have jumped on have sold out … hopefully it will come back in. Thanks!
April 2, 2008

Scott Breffle
G,

I finally had time to start working through the secret pack wines while watching this episode. On the Menguante, I sniffed before I listened to your description. I couldn’t get my mind around the cool, vaporous, chemical smell I was picking up. Your description of a new pair of Nikes was perfect. That really gave me a mental tag for that smell. Perfect!
April 3, 2008

Eric
Just opened the Tokaji tonight. Wonderful. Thanks for a new experience.
April 15, 2008

Jason S.
QOTD: Loved the show – I generally decant whatever I’m drinking that evening in the morning (nice to get a little sip in before heading to the office). I might think about doing it the night before now after this show.
April 22, 2008

BargePlus
FINALLY tasted the secret 4-pack with my friends in the Central Valley. The 6 of us had a great time sitting around the table and watching/listening to your video. Great stuff. Interestingly enough, while the Ferment (sp?) from Hungary was the overwhelming favorite, we were evenly split between the Spanish and the French grenache – probably an old vs new world thing.

I’m holding on to one other 4-pack and will re-visit this episode with another set of friends soon. That was my plan if the wines were good, and that’s still my plan now!
May 24, 2008

Jacksonville
Keep on going and the chances are you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it. I have never heard of anyone stumbling on something sitting down.
July 9, 2008

Dan Manu
QOTD: loved the last bit… retasting 24 hour old decanted wine
January 8, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
QOTD1: Nope QOTD2: I did enjoy it. Its too bad you cant ship wines here because one day Id love to do a secret pack tasting with you.
February 23, 2009

Sean Dawes
yet another wine my local wine and spirits does not carry Chateau Dereszla Tokaji….

i need to more to jerz so I can order from WL

-Sean
October 21, 2009

richardvinifera
QOTD: Haven’t tried dry or sweet Tokaji, Episode was excellent even without doing a taste along!