Canadian Wines From Pelee Island In The Middle Of Lake Erie

Canadian Wines From Pelee Island In The Middle Of Lake Erie – Episode #429

March 24, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk still thinks that Canada is one of the hot up and coming areas in the world and puts a few wines to the test from a pretty cool area!

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Comments on this episode(264) Leave a comment ›

“Pelee makes some incredible wines – their Merlot and Pinot Noir are bo…” by Robert
“Funny enough, my wife just started a wine blog about Canadian Wines an…” by Ray Slakinski
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2006 Pelee Island Gewurztraminer Reserve
2005 Pelee Island Shiraz
2006 Pelee Island Cabernet Franc

Links mentioned in todays episode.

264 Responses

March 24, 2008

Dave
$8.3 mil?
March 24, 2008

Sam Paes
I challenge you !!!

Let me choose a wine and you blind taste it on and laid-back-friday.

I can pick any wine at WL between 10 and 25-30 dollars.

afterwards you can see it.

deal?

Sam
March 24, 2008

Jeffrey
If the Lake Erie reds are anything like the Finger Lake reds, pass. Too cold up there! Riesling, maybe. Reds, no thanks. I am thinking maybe Gary is going to be off on this prediction
March 24, 2008

Martin
Always surprising, WLTV rocks!
March 24, 2008

Phil G
Oh Canada…
March 24, 2008

BK
Top 10. I need to get a life.
March 24, 2008

MattUD
Way to not like the wine. I liked your spin on things at the end.
QOTD: I have to say that this has not happened to me recently.
March 24, 2008

Kristen
early day today?
March 24, 2008

waibeans
whats up GV.. lookin forward to this weekend!
March 24, 2008

Christopher J
Great show Gary. Can’t remember the name of it, but I had a Malbec from Chile that was really good. Up until that one I have struck out with Malbecs from there.
March 24, 2008

Hotshot162
QOTD: This hasn’t happened to me yet, unfortunately.
March 24, 2008

dank
word homie, love Canadia land
March 24, 2008

bonvec
The Shiraz in not a good grape for Canada needs to much sun, this area is more for white grape Gew, Riesling, and such
March 24, 2008

DavidB
qotd: the hungarian wine in the last secret pack:)
March 24, 2008

ogobogo
YEAH, bring the party up into Canada…Pelee Island
March 24, 2008

bonvec
The vegetal taste is due to grape that haven’t ripened enough. Many of the Lake Erie vinifera grapes just don’t have a long enough season therefore hybrids are better for most areas
March 24, 2008

brent
QOTD: Petalos 2006 from Palacios in Bierzo… not sure if the producer is the star (biodynamic producer) or if it’s the region, but it certainly impressed me enough to be on the lookout for more wines made with Mencia. Great floral red with tons of rose and lilac, and black olives on the palate for days!
March 24, 2008

David Kaye
Oh my god! I can’t believe you have an entire episode dedicated to a winery just a few miles from where I grew up. A place completely unknown for wine.
March 24, 2008

MagnumGourmet
Top 20…Woo Hoo!
March 24, 2008

Zinny
Wow – dumping the bottles – is that a WLTV first? Good show as always.

QOTD – 2005 Albert Mann Riesling Furstentum
I bought this wine at random and it totally turned my thinking around on Riesling – a variety that I hadn’t tried all that much before . .but since trying the Albert Mann have tried over a dozen more from Alsace and Germany.
March 24, 2008

Sassodoro
Top 20!
March 24, 2008

Loweeel
Top 20!
March 24, 2008

BiggRigg
top 21!
March 24, 2008

David Kaye
QOTD: That’s easy. I had a Merlot from Sprucewood Estates in Lake Erie North Shore, very close to Pelee Island. It was so light, sleek, and vibrant, that I would have no clue that it was a Merlot. Completely different than the over oaked fruit bombs that California produces. It was way more satisfying.
March 24, 2008

MagnumGourmet
QOTD – 2005 a’Maurice Cellars Chardonnay. Have to say that I am just not a Washington Chardonnay fan. They tend to be the bad ends of both the Cali Butter Bomb and the French rock. This wine really opened my mind up to the fact that Washington Chardonnay can be made into a not just a good wine, but monumental. Really didn’t want to finish the bottle it was so good.
March 24, 2008

ianchudson
QOTD: I thought most Missouri wine wasn’t very good, but this weekend I had an ‘05 Claret that was pretty good. Much better than I expected!
March 24, 2008

GrapeStuff
QOTD: Recently had a 2001 Domaine de Beaurenard (Paul Coulon et Fils) ChÃ¢teauneuf-du-Pape Boisrenard and the same wine from one year earlier, a 2000 Domaine de Beaurenard (Paul Coulon et Fils) ChÃ¢teauneuf-du-Pape Boisrenard. I have always enjoyed CdP wines and southern France wines, but these (esp the 2001) brought SERIOUS thunder. I definitely want to see this producer out!!!!!!!
March 24, 2008

Sassodoro
QOTD. That’s a very interesting question, and not an easy one to answer. I’ll have to think about that.
March 24, 2008

lawschooldrunk
26th?

Hey gary, how were sales in your store on kosher wine this past week?
March 24, 2008

Adam J
QOTD: I have had the general attitude for a while that chardonnay just isnt my thing, except for Burgundy which I usually enjoy a lot. But the other day I had the Hamacher 2004 Willamette valley Chard., and it made me realize that I had dismissed chardonnay way too early.I really enjoyed the wine, maybe not REALLY enjoyed it, but enough to rethink my stance on U.S chard. Thank you for driving that point home with me today Gary, never dismiss a wine/catagory because of a bad experience.
March 24, 2008

Adam Bekhor
Gary…you are just touching the tip of the iceberg on Canadian wines (especially the ones from Ontario)…but thanks for giving us some air time!I know that the ones you tasted from Pele Island might not “steal the show”…so to speak, but you’re right about one thing. Canada is getting really hot as a wine producing region.

Over the past 10 to 15 years there has been a complete turnaround in the attitudes towards Ontario wines. Where once you were made fun of for even thinking of serving an Ontario wine at your table, now there are several new labels that are totally “bringing the thunder”!! I would point you to labels like Thirty Bench, Hidden Bench, Cave Springs, and Stratus. These wines are all breaking new ground in wine making techniques and quality in Ontario. Plus…I really love’m.

Gary…sorry for being a lurker for so long. You do good things my man! Keep on bringing it.

Adam
Toronto, Ontario
March 24, 2008

gregtrop
QOTD: Mark Ryan 2006 Connor Lee Vineyard Viognier. It’s concrete fermented and had amazing fruit and complexity for me, in a white wine. It made me want summer to get here so I could sit on the porch drinking a glass.
March 24, 2008

thecobalt9
good episode, if anything canada needs more good domestic wines so they can stop being so ripped-off at the LCBO (at least in toronto – the only place in canada i’ve spent any real time). it would be nice for us americans to experience some solid wines from our neighbors to the north, but more than anything i want them to have some quality stuff so you can get solid bottles at nicer restaurants for less than $75-$100.
March 24, 2008

DirtWineKen
Pretty strange show. Most wines I’ve tasted from Canada suck, big time!
Exceptions are found in western canada (mostly dessert wines) and one really big surprise on Isle d’Orleans, an island in the river just NW of Quebec city. It’s called Isle de Bacchus. I’ve stayed at the winery (it’s also a B&B) and tried most all of their wines and spoken at length with Donald Bouchard, the owner. Interesting stuff here, you might want to sample it. Sharpen up your french before you go.
QOTD: Calatayud, a region in Spain out in the middle of nowhere, south of Rioja and west of Cava. Nice complexity from the Garnachas here which was a real surprise. Example: Las Rocas.
March 24, 2008

PattyO
QOD-The more I drink, the more I find that wine styles, areas, grapes etc. that I once thought I didn’t like were really my closed-minded generalizations based on a way-too limited experience base OR my immature palate.
March 24, 2008

Stevo Vino
QOTD: Normally talk down any NZ Sauvignon Blanc that’s not from Marlborough, however had a couple of Hawkes Bay Savy’s recently that brought some serious thunder!

GV you hit the nail on the head – all experiences are an opportunity, good and bad. We stereotype so quickly in the wine world and forget that it is always changing and always evolving. Objectivity and an open mind are soooooo sooooo important.

Thanks again for another great show!!!
March 24, 2008

Shawn Dougherty
I cant get down with CANADA – must be a mental block – LOL – Jets ??? – LETS GO BUFFALO!!!!!!!!! – Ill give you one thing we have the toughest division in football – keep up the GREAT JOB !!
March 24, 2008

Derek
Hay big dog, sorry about todays wines, it can be a hit or a miss.

Hope you had a great Easter!!!
March 24, 2008

Johnnyutah
I’m on it today…top 30!

QOTD: Had a Primitivo from Southern Italy recently that made me wake up and smell whats cooking south of Tuscany.

BTW: This year is going to be Jeff Garcia’s year…Mark my words! Go Bucs!
March 24, 2008

Dom
Mischief and mayhem pinot 05. I did’t think I would enjoy wines towards the medium body, especially from Burgundy. But, i though it was and excellent drink!
March 24, 2008

crank
QOTD: I had a Pinot Nero from Italy that was really good. I didn’t think Italy could grow a good Pinot Noir grape.
March 24, 2008

jaredlevy
cool show gary…went to canada last year, went to inniskillin and chateau des charmes, great late harvest rieslings and sauv blancs!

QOTD: Cakebread Chardonnay 2005….I was really taken aback by the balance and zing of this wine as I have been an avid ABC (anything but chardonnay) person.
March 24, 2008

Freddy Fred
All I can say is “It’s about time”… I’ve been waiting for a Canadian wine episode forever (Ice Wine doesn’t count). I live in London, Ontario, not far from Pelee Island (pronounced PEE-LEE here). I’ve had many of their wines, the Gewurzt a few times and all of the wine that I’ve tasted are pretty bad, awkward and hollow. Most Ontario wine I’ve had (which has to be over 50 different wines) are pretty hollow and boring like the Gewurzt Garry tried. However, I’ve had just as many lame wines from California and France.

The main problem with wine here is the LCBO (Liquor License Board of Ontario) and their insane prices for domestic wine. I can get a BETTER quality wine from France CHEAPER than I can get local wine. There has been some local wine privatization but all imported wine is still sold though ONE RETAILER, LCBO and it’s damn frustrating. The most annoying thing is that the same Ontario wine can be bought cheaper in the states. I can get a $60 bottle of Ice Wine in Michigan that costs $100 here and yet I live 140 miles from the winery…. WHAT GIVES? I go to The States to buy wine because it saves me 20% off the LCBO price even after the insane duty fees. I wish we could get privatized liquor stores here so our wine and spirits industry can grow.

That said… there’s one good producer of wine in Ontario that I could recomment and that’s Inniskillin. Good… not great… just good, as far as the world stage goes anyway.
March 24, 2008

Rachel
QOTD: Marquis Phillips Shiraz (I do not remember the vintage.)
I had just come off a rather bad experience/tasting of wines, the last one being a Shiraz, and this wine totally changed my outlook on red wines, especially Shiraz. It makes me much more open and ready to try Shiraz again.
March 24, 2008

David McWherter
I recently went to Toronto, and picked up about 4 assorted (red) VQA wines there — The weird thing that even though they were all different grapes and manufacturers (Cab Franc, Black Cab, etc), they all had this distinctive “sour” note to them. I’ve never tasted it in wines from other locations, and I wonder if it dominates the Canadian wine world or not…but the fact that each of my bottles had it freaked me out.

-david
March 24, 2008

Freddy Fred
Oopsie… Typo… LCBO stands for Liquor Control Board of Ontario
March 24, 2008

Jacob S
QOTD: Chateau Roquetaillade le Bernet 06 Graves. 5euro white Bordeaux that I loved.

Gary, you should seek out wines from the Okanagan Valley as I think they are superior to the Canadian wines from Ontario….albeit more difficult to get a hold of. Some of my favorite producers are Joie, Fairview Cellars, Sandhill, and Laughing Stock. I think you’ll appreciate these a lot more.
March 24, 2008

Neil
QOTD: Albarino
March 24, 2008

Jaybird
QOTD: The first that came to mind was a CDF and then felt that was not fair because blends can consist of 13 different grapes. I would say for me then has to be my first Grenache from Australia which was by De Lisio. Just being so content on drinking just Shiraz or Shiraz/Cabernet that it was a wine that really broke the ice for me. Although I am a hugh fan of Shiraz, Australia can produce other grape varieties that can sit at the same table as top Shiraz producers.
March 24, 2008

Anthony L.
Wow,that’s gotta be a first. 3 full bottles poured out!!
March 24, 2008

Kev and Ams
QOTD: I really liked the Bordeaux Rose from the last secret pack.
March 24, 2008

JC
QOTD: The last dozen or so Pinot Noirs from California and Washington I tried I didn’t like.
March 24, 2008

DrT in NC
None for the area. However, wines change and palates do even more so. 7-10 years, I tried a number of Rieslings and didn’t like them. These days, I find that I really enjoy most of the ones I’ve tried recently. Even if you only drink a few wines a months, you should keep trying new ones.
March 24, 2008

Taylor
Great to have a new episode, too bad it wasnt a knock out…
QOTD Vi De Nulles Blanc 2006, I loved this wine and to see that it was 8 bones changed my mind because i thought to have a good wine from that region i would have to spend a fortune.
March 24, 2008

Eastportorican
GV, Add some grain alcohol and Hawiian punch to the bucket and have the CKC’s over for a party ! QOTD: Albarino
March 24, 2008

jseeds
QOTD: Clos Pepe Chardonnay 2006: The Antithesis of the fat, buttery California chardonnay. Lean-mean-razorblade-tongued beastie. Still very Chardonnay, but no make-up. Awesome.
March 24, 2008

BILL R
these wines are SHIT!

I have spent summers here! i am from here!

this is why i buy wines from winelibrary!

you can’t put lip stick on a pig!
March 24, 2008

JonE
Just rate some poutin’s and you’ll have alot better results, much more tasty. And hell what about Canadian beers?!!! It’s time G-Man!

QOTD: This weekend I had a 2004 Elena Walch Chardonnay. Not only did it hold up well, but it had all kinds of nuances and second and third tier flavors. I have always had respect for good Alto Aldige producers, but never really saw Chard as a force in that area. It was great wine and it really changed my mind.
March 24, 2008

L
QOTD: I just drank another cote rotie alongside an australian shiraz-viognier. This is my second cote rotie in a year and they are really letting me down. As far as i remember, 2001 was supposed to be an excellent vintage for cote rotie and yet, i found it somewhat watery and thin. I’m begining to think that most of them are overpriced and over rated.

Anyway, Gary, don’t you think the theatrical dumping of their wine was a little silly? Being objective and fair is one thing, but there is no reason to be a dick about it.
March 24, 2008

IPv6Freely
Ah what a bummer to see three Canadian wines be not so good… I’ve had some pretty awesome Canadian wines, I’ll have to send you a couple!

For those of you who may be swayed by seeing Gary pour out all three Canadian wines, please keep in mind all three were from the same producer.

Gary, you need to come to Canada. There is no better place in the world to be!
March 24, 2008

IPv6Freely
Good call JonE, poutine is amazing, and Canadian beer is the best in the world!
March 24, 2008

John Farrin
QOTD: 2004 Lynmar Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Quail Hill Vineyard. A beautiful Jekyl & Hyde wine that when sipped at first opening tasted thin and somewhat sour but, after six hours of air, blossomed into the best California pinot I have ever had. Full and round with outrageous mouthfeel and pure fruit, if it gets any better than this, I WANT it! Had this about two weeks ago.
March 24, 2008

Andy & Edie
Hey Gary… remember the part when you dumped all the wines in the bucket. That was freakin’ AWESOME! Anyway, great episode even though the wines weren’t so great this time. I should be trying more Canadian wines since they are our neighbor here in Montana. QOTD: I recently had a $3 Chardonay from Spain that changed how I felt about Chardonay, Spain, and $3 wines. It was really pretty good, but I can’t remember the name of it. I totally agree that wine varietals or regions shouldn’t be judged by just a few samples. I used to judge wines too before I actually drank more than 2 or 3 of them.
March 24, 2008

Paul McGarry
QOTD: Quail’s Gate Vineyard Chardonnay (unoaked). Big ups to the Okanagan Valley in BC. Vineyard know for its Burgundian style Pinot and Chard.
March 24, 2008

KyleLikesTies
Wow, 3 bottles into the Jets bucket … Pelee was kicked pretty hard in the arse!

QoTD: The Dr Frank’s GewÃ¼rtz … I had never even considered NY state wine before … and I lived there for 4 years!
March 24, 2008

Bryan
Gary while you’re there give us a pinot noir report in Ontario if you can.
March 24, 2008

manonthemoon
QOTD: Two part answer. Sineann Champoux Merlot and Sugarloaf Mountain Merlot, both brought the thunder for this new world lover and did not have the wierd funk and oak that a lot of merlots these days usually contain on the tail end.
Also I tried a sauvignon blanc from Patricia Green called Panama Hill and this tasted more like a chenin blanc than anything. It came in at a whopping 16.3 and it changed my idea of what sauvignon can be. To be truthful I don’t think they were going for this type of wine, but once it came around they could not blend it with their traditional sauvignon blanc for obvious reasons.
March 24, 2008

purplejuicebruce
QOTD… Thats a tough one G.V. and I have to answer with there are many areas in CA. that produce excelent wines besides Napa, Sonoma and Mendacino and I am trying all of them
March 24, 2008

Don R
Loved the show but my favorite thing about it was the reality that not every wine is going knock your socks off and the honesty you have in relaying it to your audience. After seeing a bunch of episodes I can say that you have a thought process that I have only encounterd once or twice in my life. I hope that you are cognizant of the gift you have. Props to you!!!!
March 24, 2008

Dale Cruse
This episode might have collectively the lowest rated scores in WLTV history.

And after having met Sasha, I understand where Gary gets his flirtiness from.

QOTD: An Aussie Viognier called “The Innocent” just KILLED!
March 24, 2008

Little Jonny H
Nice GV, I’m glad to see you finally branched in to Canada on the show! My first true wine experience occurred in Canada about 4 years ago. I can distinctly remember that (even with a newborn palate) the majority of reds were green tasting. It’s almost like they’re macerated with the stems, or they never achieve full ripeness. I’ve discovered Ohio reds made of classic varietals to follow this same pattern. In a nut shell, I would buy 10 whites to every 1 red from the lower Great Lakes region.

QOTD: Fantinel Pinot Grigio… nothing like the west coast pinot gris or even other Italian PG’s I’ve had. Fantastic body with classic acidity… I think I’ve officially erased any thoughts of disliking a particular varietal. They’re all good in their own way
March 24, 2008

zak
Gary — Fine assault on Canada, reminds me of one of John Candy’s finest films http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109370/
March 24, 2008

*/^_^\*
qotd: just had my first beaujolais nouveau….wasn’t that bad actually (heard a lot of negativity)
March 24, 2008

Dominus
Down the spitbucket! Can I make a suggestion on what to do with that wine? Buy yourself a ceramic water jug, some Mother Vinegar and start making your own red wine vinegar. That’s my new project since I pour out some reds I won’t finish so now I’ll put the wine to good use.

QOTD: Actually, I had a Steele Chard (I believe you reviewed a week or so ago) on Saturday at the Williamsburg Inn that really impressed me. Of course, I had a Pinot with dinner but their wines by the glass were limited so I tried the Steele. Not too much oak, buttery, a nice CA Chard. Surprise, surprise.

Have fun on Saturday.
March 24, 2008

Chris Barnes
I love the show… but..

I find it kind of odd how you preach about the passion, time, sweat blood and tears of the wine makers, and then show so much disrespect towards their wine that you’d just pour it in to the spit bucket. My retirement goal is to become a wine maker, and I can’t imagine what it would feel like to have someone do that to the product of a year and a half of my work…

Chris
March 24, 2008

Greg
Thanks for some air time for Cdn wines – even if it shows that this one has some room to improve. Love to have you come to Canada for tour and tasting.

ps – pronounced PEAL-le ( not PEL-lee ) … but that is local knowledge –I would get screwed on may New Jersy names

How can we have the sun for a Shiraz ?????? Riesling in a better blend, or Pinot Noir.

Love the show
Greg (lives behind the winery – it is on the mainland – the grapes are from the island)
March 24, 2008

Sharon
QOTD: Oh, funny you should ask, just went to a tasting of southern Rhone wines and one wine just completely slew me, it really kicked ass, was vastly superior to the other CdRs, awesome, delicious, etc etc: 2005 Domaine de Deurre Vinsobres (Cote du Rhone)… a little producer, grapes are hand-sorted and de-stemmed, and the extra care shows big time!
March 24, 2008

jj
Gary, I hope most of your viewers watch this episode to the end. You are totally right – they cannot judge all Canadian wines from these three. I hope you will do another episode soon with some better wines. Look for VQA wines from the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario and the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.

I think you are bang on about Portugal being up-and-coming, there is great value especially in the Douro red table wines. Argentina is just exploding in Canada (at least in Alberta where I live). As much as I love Canadian wine and support the industry every chance I get, Canada will never make a huge impact on the world wine industry because 1) we just don’t make enough to export the really good stuff; and 2) the small volume and high cost of production will keep fine Canadian wines out of the mainstream.
March 24, 2008

Dominus
QOTD: Oh, oh! Another one. I’m having a NY Finger Lakes Gewurtz (’06 Lamoreaux Landing) at the moment that has enlightened me to try more NY wines.
March 24, 2008

Syrahhhhhhhhh
ouch. the Canuks are reeling. Go to the BC wines and I’m sure you’ll see those scores bounce.

Believe it or not, it was some recent Oregon wines that have me finally on board with this state. I must have had the worst luck in the past. Every red I tasted was like cat pee aroma. I gave up. Then I found Domaine Drouhin and Natalie’s Estate and wow! Ok, now I’m getting it.
March 24, 2008

The Original Marc
QOTD: For the exact reasons you’ve said, I could never let 1 wine change the way I generalize an entire area, producer, varietal, or anything of that sort.
March 24, 2008

Scott S.
Gary, QOTD: I had lost my faith in California Pinot Noir until I visted ROCHIOLI Vineyards in the Russian River Valley. Simply put, stopped dead in my tracks. Tom Rochioli and his father are cult status and rightfully so. I suspect you have tried these wines. You need a Brinks truck to buy the single vineyard blocks, that is after the 12 year waiting list. Left me speechless.
March 24, 2008

normanzo
QTD: no big surprises lately, but your review of some of Umbria’s Sagrantino wines prompted me to try them –and I was impressed with the intensity of this grape, which as you noted, offers competition for Barolo and Barbaresco in it’s bigness and power.

Also, on Canada: if you go out west Canada, check out a small producer called Laughing Stock Vineyards in BC. I had a bottle of their “Portfolio” red blend and thought it was lovely. It’s got a little Petite Verdot in it, so you might should try it.
March 24, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
I have trouble answering that as I have had thousands of wines from virtually every region over the last 40 years. I have places and wines I like more than others but that is like restaurants or anything else that involves taste. I guess for me tasting Idaho wines and being surprised that they weren’t made of potatoes in the first place was a revelation and that they were, in fact, quite good. I keep trying new wines and varieties to find what I like and don’t like. I have had wines from some countries that I just didn’t like. Don’t know about Ontario but BC is making some amazing wines.
March 24, 2008

EmZeeGee
I like Eastportorican’s idea!

GV, Add some grain alcohol and Hawiian punch to the bucket and have the CKCâ€™s over for a party !

I’m so new to wine, I can’t say I have developed any pre-conceptions that I needed to disabuse myself of. I used to think I didn’t like reds, but the more wine I drink, the more I like them! In fact, I like reds and whites equally now.

Thank you so much for the show; it has been so helpful to us. We’ll be here on the 1st with our taste-along wine!
March 24, 2008

David L
2005 Mugneret Nuits-Saint-Georges “Les Boudots”

This was the last wine served at my wine certification class the other day and the nose just blew me away! Haven’t been drinking Pinot Noir lately and it was refreshing to break that habit.
March 24, 2008

Stu
QOTD: Chateau Fontenil 1999. I have never liked Merlot or Merlot dominated wines. The only ones I have had were US and Chile. I loved the Fontenil. I guess old world Merlot is for me.
March 24, 2008

stewart l
I recently had a pinot from pelee which was actually quite good, although the qualities of the wine were more like a syrah with lots of pepper.
QOTD- I don’t remember the wine, but sev wines I’ve had recently from Vouvray have changed my outlook on Chenin Blanc, now I love the crispness of these wines
March 24, 2008

SoCal
QOTD: the 2002 ChÃ¢teau Belle-Vue a lot of people either like it or hate it I love it
March 24, 2008

J-Pipes
And no shout out? OH Gary…. ya better get your arse up here now and make it up to us Canadians—- and believe me, Mister, these guys will do up an offline in style!
QOTD: Eric Kent 2005 Chardonnay… before I liked Chardonnay!
March 24, 2008

portland guy
Hmmmm — better check your geography — Pelee is a bit more ‘north’ of Mendocino (apprx 41d v 39d), and it’s not in the ‘middle’ of Lake Erie, but the far western end. And to suggest that since it is on the same (or within 150kms) latitude as Mendocino,it should have equally similar growing conditions for quality grapes means you haven’t experienced the ’subtle’ differences in their climate. Canadian wines in top 3 emerging hot wines?? Come now, GV. This show gave a good example of sucky Canadian wines — which they virtually all are — aside from ice wines.

QOTD — A high end Sav Blanc from Patty Green (Panama White) — proved to me that for a price you can have a memorable ‘white’ experience.
March 24, 2008

Joe Giampapa
I recently had a wine and cheese party at my house and I opened a bottle of Lebonese Wine that everyone was surprised and impressed by including myself.
Pre-concieved I thought this wine would be a pass but the more I drank it the more I enjoyed it. 2002 Chateau Kefraya from Lebanon. A rich, spicy red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, MourvÃ¨dre, Carignan, Cinsault and Grenache. I will seek it out again.
March 24, 2008

Kristen
Ouch GV, this was a tough one. I have to say, I second Chris Barnes’ comments. If you do dump them, at least do so off camera….then invite the CKC’s to drink what’s left (with the grain alcohol and Hawaiian Punch, of course)!

QOTD: 2005 Alma Rosa Chardonnay. It’s a wonderful chard, one I’ve recommended to many friends and customers at the wine shop. This was the first CA chard I had that wasn’t over-oaked or one that was dominated by the Butter Bandit. It had lovely citrus on the sniffy-sniff and some great acidity.

And it’s so true, you can’t judge a wine region by having a handful of wines. You’ve inspired me to try and find new South African wines that I’ll like.
March 24, 2008

Ben F
They all can’t be winners….
March 24, 2008

Marshall
QOTD: I recently re-discovered sauvignon blanc after having a good Graves wine and Sancerre wines. I realized how amazing this grape truly is. Previously, I bad-mouthed the grape for being just a lite apertif and nothing more , but now after trying more I love it!
March 24, 2008

Jack2112
Have you heard enough gripes of the spit bucket bottle pour? Yes? Too bad, it was still wrong. at least let the staff drink and “learn” along with you.

QOTD: Just had a 1998 E Guigal N Rhone wine that was amazing. It’s not completely MY cup o tea, but it was the first wine that I’ve ever had that TRULY exemplified the “meat” flavor and smell in a wine. It’s truly, truly amazing to me that a beverage made of fermented grapes can taste EXACTLY like smoked sausage. What a wonderful world we live in…
March 24, 2008

Shawn
Hey I am from Toledo, Ohio, and The Lake Erie Islands are about 45mins from here!

Pelee Island is pronounced “PEE-le” by the locals (everyone I’ve ever heard says it that way…)

Also, there are some great wines made on neighboring Middle Bass Island – a few miles away!! The Islands are an awesome place!

Great Show, Gary!!
March 24, 2008

chenrys
We have also had those disappointing wine experiences…but appreciate that you shouldn’t judge an area by a few wines.

QOTD: We tried and purchased a Sauvignon blanc from Chile that was surprisingly delicious, unexpected and reasonably priced.
March 24, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
Last Wednesday I was at a wine tasting where we tasted several wines blind and were asked if we could guess where they were from. One was a pinot, one an acidic white, and another a light red wine. They were all quite good and seemed to come from a cool climate. We guessed eight different countries and were all wrong. We found out that they were from Brazil. Not only were they my first wines from Brazil, but they did not taste like anything from South America. Who would have guessed???
March 24, 2008

Bobby Wino
I recently had my first wine from NY state. Surprisingly delicious. I never associated New York with wine so they don’t tend to catch my eye on a shelf but I went for it and was not disappointed.
March 24, 2008

thefanjestic
Qotd: Michele Tete Beaujolais – I had never had a beaujolais before, but I always thought they were cheap wines. That wine has made me want to try more!
March 24, 2008

Ondra
QOTD: Gran Feudo dry RosÃ© from Chivite winery in Navarra, Spain. Really interesting category of wines to have with poultry on fine Provence herbs. It certainly changed my opinions about rosÃ© wines.
March 24, 2008

luvgrapesqueezings
QOTD: I’ve been enjoying Cotes de Castilion wines lately.
March 24, 2008

Antony
I’m trying to get more of an angle on German wine – so the answer to your question is going to be a recent Reisling. Am also pretty turned on by some Minervois I tried recently – seem to remember it was always a bit dodgy… or was I just buying the cheap stuff. I really agree that the South of France has upped its game of late. Just a shame that there is also a distinct trend to imitate the super fruity Australian style when really they can do much better. One love.
March 24, 2008

David M Roberts
An episode or two back you had a self-proclaimed Thunder Show, but THIS really comes closer to what the show’s all about. While the wines may not have been winners, the commentary was creative and well-put, and you brought something new to the table, along with sound observations.
March 24, 2008

Chris
Still looking, still expanding, I’m relatively new to wine and have not yet been shocked by anything. Looking forward to it though.
March 24, 2008

tuscanbob
Ouch babe…the canuck vinos flamed out, eh?

QOTD: I’ve recently had two different bottles of dry rose that have completely changed my mind about that category: 2006 Turkey Flat (blend of Grenache, Syrah , Cab Sauv and others from Aussie) and a 2005 Tenuta Guado al Tasso (Antinori) Bolgheri Scalabrone. As a result, I’ll be popping plenty of pink this spring/summer.
March 24, 2008

E
The ‘97 Lopez de Heredia rose I had over the weekend changed my whole perspective on what a rose could be, most of my perspective on what a Rioja could be, and probably a few other perspectives beyond that. Wild stuff.
March 24, 2008

Porter
QOTD: Rocky Gully Riesling, which I know you’ve tried on the show. And also the Hanenhof Viognier. It showed me that Australia can make restrained wines with good acidity/fruit and not be over the top.
March 24, 2008

amgryger
QOTD: Thinking of recent wines, I haven’t paid much attention to Nero D’Avola, but decided to give the Terre Del Nero D’Avola a try yesterday and I was quite pleasantly surprised. It finishes out with a sort of tomato and sweet basil component that I think would make it killer with pizza.
March 24, 2008

Sev
Interesting show, I have definitely never seen Gary trash wines like that. Glad you kept it honest but the dumping of the bottles was a bit too much for me. I mean, someone (probably more than one person actually) invested a lot of time and a lot of themselves into all that wine. Also, if they were so shocking to you, because of their awkwardness/absurdity or whatever, wouldn’t they be an excellent tasting opportunity for your staff? I’m just saying…

QOTD: Most of my Chardonnay experience has been California, but I recently had a Chardonnay from Handley Cellars of Anderson Valley, and a Meursault from Pierre Andre that made me really rethink my Chard attitudes.
March 24, 2008

aronowm2
QOTD: L’ardenza cottanera 2001. Never had a mondeuse wine before. especially from Sicily. 77 pts Wine Spectator. Blew my mind. up yours WS.
March 24, 2008

Rick from Alabama
recently tried a Tokaji (sp?) from Hungary… very pleasantly surprised. immediately bought more from WL.
March 24, 2008

Moselman
Couple or three Canucky points, Gary:

1) A Canadian Number Eleven is reserved for Mark Messier, and

2) Mothballs and rotten oranges? That’s just Ontario!

3) When it comes to critiquing Canadian wines, Ora-gone-onions make good “organ” players…

QOTD â€“ MANY moons ago, on tasting the first German wine on a holiday tour of the Moselle, a heavenly riesling, and realizing that this grape juice could be seriously good stuff. And addicting, in a good sort of way.
March 24, 2008

Stefan T
As a die hard Canuck (that’s Canadian for those who aren’t down with the lingo) the show was disappointing. As Gary said, there are much better wines from the Niagara region in Ontario. I’d be very interesting in knowing his opinion on some specific, higher quality wines.

QOTD: My house wine (not by choice) is Jackson Triggs Merlot. Since we drink it every day, I started to think I hated Merlot (it had little to do with Sideways). I tried the 2005 Christian Moueix Merlot, and realized that it might be the Triggs, not the varietal.
March 24, 2008

Alaska Sommelier
Wow sorry to hear about the Canada wines. I have to admit I have only had Ice wines from there and there are great. Any way.

QTD: Just had my first Argentinian wine. Was a 2003 Malbec from Pedernal Valley. I was very surprised, it had the old world and the new world going on. I am a zin fan but this was nice I will need to try more.
March 24, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

QOTD: On Saturday night I was able to taste a bunch of wines from the Becca Valley (sp?) in Lebanon. I was most surprised by the Chateau Musar, because Ive had wines from around there before from Kefraya and have mildly enjoyed them but the Musar just blew me away. It was extremely old world, both on the nose and palate.

–RH
March 24, 2008

Moselman
Thanks, Stefan, that might lead to a similar epiphany for me. A while ago at a social function, I bought a pricey glass of J-T Merlot, and loved it â€“ complex and delicious. Not long after, bought home a bottle of J-T Proprietor’s Reserve Merlot, and was quite disappointed. It wasn’t ‘bad’, but certainly _meh_. So now I see there’s a Jâ€“T Grand Reserve at $10 more, so I’m guessing that was the wine I bought by the glass. I guess my next taste-off will feature the two ‘classes’.
March 24, 2008

espressokev
ha! Fun stuff! Next time just pour’em out on the table so they’ll REALLY have something to talk about.
March 24, 2008

Scott
Great show, even though the wines were weak!

QOTD: I recently had a Chilean Merlot that changed my idea of Merlot. Getting into wine post-Sideways, I had a negative idea of it but this bottle (my first Merlot) blew me away! Definitely going to be getting more into that category.
March 24, 2008

RnD
QOTD: Some recent South African wines have opened my eyes to this new up and coming region. Great Show!!
March 24, 2008

Tim
QOTD: Rhones, never tried them until I tried the Rhone Rebel – it wasn’t my favorite but opened my eyes to the potential for the region …

Yikes! You totally hated on the wines today, sorry the show didn’t pan out the way you hoped. Never tried a Canadian wine, but did have a wine from the Port Clinton (Ohio) region, Mon Ami has a 2004 Cab that really rocked my socks!
March 24, 2008

Peter
Gary,

Thanks for pushing winemakers here in Ontario to do better. Shiraz here is probably not going to work. For instance. They should know better. Sure it gets hot here, but not like the Okanagan, which is essentially a desert, just like Cali.

On the other hand, if you had tried some of the reserve level wines from Lake Erie north shore (vs the Pelee – yup, that’s Pee-lee Island wines you chose) especially the Cab-Francs (Colio CEV) you might have had a whole different story. We don’t have a lot of good $10-15 wines (yet?). We have quite a few really good wines one price bracket up.

QOTD? Sticking with the home team, Le Clos Jordannes from Niagara blew me away this past easter weekend. JV between Vincor/Jackson Triggs (now owned by Constellation) and Boiset.

PS trip to Pelee island is fun. The wines are what they are (the Gewurz HAS had some good years). Better yet, visit Niagara and Brock University http://www.brocku.ca/ and http://www.brocku.ca/ccovi/ (Lecture: Sparkling wine and Generation Y). Great area to visit.
March 24, 2008

Stefan T
Good idea Moselman.

Perhaps I could bring the grand reserve to the table next time and one up my old man. Maybe I could shame him into expanding his palate and going for something better.
March 24, 2008

Vinsant
A 2005 Cedarman Zin from Turley completely changed my mind about Cali Zins
March 24, 2008

Sergio
For me I had a eureka moment when I went wine tasting in Sonoma. I was a no white type of guy but I went to a small winery called Gundlach Bundschu and was “forced” by a good friend to try their 2002 GewÃ¼rztraminer. Reluctantly I tried it but it totally was a wine moment for me. The nose just blew me away and the taste was just a piece of heaven. I completely opened up to whites and now seek them out. Also, we had a cote du rhone in Hawaii on vacation. My girlfriend didnt “like” Rhone style wines until that moment. Now I cant buy anything else but Rhone style wines. Hey at least I have a free ticket to buy wines from the Rhone Valley.
March 24, 2008

brorjace
Sorry to see the wines do so poorly, although the only real canadian wine i’ve had is ice wine.

I totally hate the over fruit Napa Cab Sauv, so when I had the Girls in the Vineyard Cab Sauv from Lake County (not Napa obviously), I was pleased that it combined a nice level of fruit with a Bordeaux like greeness and tobacco.
March 25, 2008

Chris in Tulsa
QOTD: Caves Des Vignerons Reserve Des Vigerones Saumur 2005. This was the first French Cab Franc that really brought the thunder and showed me why you appreciate Cab Franc so much!
March 25, 2008

C-Lo
Hey GV happy Monday. QOTD: Oliver Winery 2006 Shiraz changed my mind about Indiana wines. I always poked fun at Indiana wines for being too much like sweet fruit juice, but this Shiraz didn’t do half bad! Keep it real.
March 25, 2008

Rhonda
QOTD: I had tried Riesling many years ago and remembered it as being sugarfied and syrupy. I tried it again recently and I really enjoyed it. It was complex and NOT too sweet.

I enjoyed all the video from this past weekend on qik.com!
March 25, 2008

Rob Csenar
QOTD: A 2006 St. Supery Moscato changed my thinking on dessert wines. I was never a fan, but that wine blew me away. Since last September, I’ve tried several Reisling’s, Muscats, and many other dessert type wines.
March 25, 2008

C-BusWineMofo
Great show, I agree Canada is getting more respect these days. Dan Akroid spent like 500,000 bucks to boost wines from our friends to the north. Pelee island was not the best place to start.

QOTD: I had a Waugh Cellars Zin and Chard and just when you thought all Cali Zins and Chards were the same. Both wines are great and true, no over oak and ML, these wines are great examples of what can be happen if you make honest wine in a very un-honest location.
March 25, 2008

Corrado
QOTD: 1998 Vin de Constance
http://www.kleinconstantia.com/vdc98.htm
March 25, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: Haven’t found that wine yet…….

GV I think you really did a good job expounding (like that) on the fact that you need to taste many wines to find the ones you like and when you do don’t stop trying things……it’s a journey not a destination……
March 25, 2008

David L
Definitely Alsace. I have had many Rieslings from that region and was never impressed. We did a Weinbach tasting and the Pinot Gris and gewÃ¼rztraminer were awesome. Do not drink these wines before they are at LEAST ten years old. The 1995 Saint Katherine Cuvee Pinot Gris was great. These wines can be expensive though.
March 25, 2008

Dan C.
Great show gary! Thanks bro!
March 25, 2008

J Crazy
OOOOO Yeah, good episode. I was recently in a similar situation of taking task to someone who made a ludicrocity statement like “‘Wine’ equals France and I hate California wines.” Similar response to the same question of how much Cali wine have you had. The guy said, “I’ve had Mondavi.” !!H!H!H!A What?!?!
So I rapped to him about how you can’t say stuff like that and he called me a wine snob?! WTF?

Anyways, had excellent Xeres/Sherry at Foodex a few weeks ago. ALVEAR Pedro Ximenez Anada, Pedro Ximenez Solera, Cosecha, and Reserva, Fino. You name it. Totally changed my image and mindset about sherries.
March 25, 2008

ChiChefBrandon
QOTD: L Mawby Blanc de Blanc Brut – Leelenaw Peninsula, MI
Guaranteed this will make you think of Champagne.. in Michigan! My home! Just take away the sexy of Champagne, add a little fun, some character and you got Mawby. This is also not far from the area in todays show… which brings a good point: What about Michigan wines Gary? Its basically Canada there anyway!
March 25, 2008

Achilleas in Cyprus
Good show for wine, bad show for Canada, but as Gary says, you can’t just judge all wines from somewhere by just tasting 1.

QOTD – The Rose from Tsangarides Winery in Lemona, Paphos changed the way I look at rose wines as I was a red wine only drinker.
March 25, 2008

Yoni Rabkin
QOTD: A recent Sauvignon Blanc revitalised my interest in white wine.
March 25, 2008

Surekat
i enjoyed that, even though you didn’t like any of the wines. it’s good to see you don’t pull any punches.

QOTD: Yatir Sauvignon Blanc. i always found sauvignon blanc to be rather boring, but this one was sharp and grassy and lemony, a pleasure to drink. plus, we had decided to explore the smaller israeli wineries, and had been disappointed by the first 3 or 4 we tried. we’re so happy we didn’t give it up!
March 25, 2008

Phil M'Glassup
I’m told that miffed at the missed opportunity to taste an dlearn, your staff dumped some Hawaiian Punch and grain alcohol into the bucket and invited the CKCs for a party/
March 25, 2008

RickD
We popped a rousseau after our Easter dinner – honey flavors with some spice and a finish that really kept going and going. I sometimes like dessert wines but often find them too sweet and simple – this one was complex with some subtle secondary flavors that I really enjoyed.
March 25, 2008

Mr.Ambassador
I’ve tried some Portugese Reds after your WLTV recommendations and I’ve been impressed (particularly with the price-points I’ve encountered). Thanks!
March 25, 2008

SS Chris
HOLY VAYNERPAZZZZZZ, BATMAN!!!!
March 25, 2008

medo
QOTD:

It was the 2007 Lungarotti Pinot Grigio Brezza Umbria IGT .. We liked it so much that we ordered this as one of the white wines for our wedding party!
March 25, 2008

Chris S
QOTD: It’s oo early in my wine livelihood to have my mindset changed. Right now I’m still just exploring.
March 25, 2008

BobbyTiger
Enjoy your trip to Canada, but don’t forget to buy some wines before you get to Pelee Island. Likewise, our friends to the north play some great Hockey, but alas, even Toronto can have a Pelee Island like season. QOTD…………Nope, not yet. Still drinking………and still waiting for that light to go off.
March 25, 2008

Swedish T
Hi G.V.

Long since I dropped a comment here…been busy…sorry…but I gotta work so I can go spend it all in USA.

QotD : IÂ´ve had a couple of red wines from Austria, made from BlaufrÃ¤nkish, Zweigelt and St:Laurent, and those wines made me look deeper into reds from Austria and other parts of Eastern Europe like Eger in Hungary etc.
Also a few wines grown in vineyards with very high content of volcanic soil, like Mallorca, Sicily and Taurasi in Campania has opened my eyes to that style of minerality.

Cheers
Swedish T
March 25, 2008

Withnail
Dude: British Columbia, BC, Okanagan = tons of good wineries.
March 25, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: 2004 Sella & Mosca Cannonau Riserva opened up a new chapter for me: Sardinian wines. Beautiful dark fruits, dried black cherries, tobacco, leather?, a little pencil shavings, tar, REALLY interesting stuff (for me) at 9.99 US BONES!!
March 25, 2008

JordanW
Thanks a million for tasting some Canadian wines… it is definately a challenge to find good Canadian wines under $15, and I live in Ontario.

QOTD: German Riesling rocks it. I never even considered it before, and now I love it.
March 25, 2008

Allan
QOTD: the wine was the Arrocal 2004 – previously I found Spanish wines to brash, rustic, probably from my prior experiences with the ‘black bull”. Then at a recent wine tasting it was suggested to try the Arocal and now I look for Spanish wines with similar profiles. BTW, I am not a big fan of Canadian wines even though I am Caandian for the same reasons as you just highlighted – the reds are so green and the better ones are priced out of their PQR.
March 25, 2008

Allan
QOTD: the wine was the Arrocal 2004 – previously I found Spanish wines to brash, rustic, probably from my prior experiences with the ‘black bull”. Then at a recent wine tasting it was suggested to try the Arocal and now I look for Spanish wines with similar profiles. BTW, I am not a big fan of Canadian wines even though I am Candian for the same reasons as you just highlighted – the reds are so green and the better ones are priced out of their PQR.
March 25, 2008

SaraMHCRU
I am still learning, and trying as much as possible. And having started to develop my palate as I started to watch WLTV, I feel less quick to write off a type of wine altogether because of one single representation.

great show today. even though the wines were disappointing you still kept the energy up and made it into a positive lesson!
March 25, 2008

Wednesday
Central CA coast wine from Cass Winery. I thought that it was just too hot there to make anything but a fruit bomb. Plenty of structure too.
March 25, 2008

torquey
QOTD: 2006 Terlato & Chapautier Shiraz/Viognier. I never expected to find an Australian wine that I liked.
March 25, 2008

spaetm
I’m trying not to have any preconceived notions about regions or vintages or kinds of wine, therefore I haven’t had any wines that really disagreed with them.
March 25, 2008

JerseyGirl turned CNY vayniac
QOTD: I recently had a white Zin that knocked my socks off. I know in the wine world there’s lots of opinions about white zin being the layman’s wine that everyone buys cause they dont know any better, but it really can be a lovely, sophisticated grape.

great show gary!
March 25, 2008

Rice
QoTD: Peacock Ridge Merlot from South Africa…. SA?!?!? didn’t even know they fermented grapes there… now my eyes are open. Thanks to you!
March 25, 2008

Fatboy
One of the wines that changed my opinion on the region of Hungary for red wine is Gere Kopar 2003 Cuvee. It is a very good Bordeaux Blend, I bought it when I was in Budapest. I tasted it blind with a group of very serious tasters they were all thinking super tuscan or left bank bordeaux. Here is the link if anyone is interested. I think it is expensive for a red Hungarian wine, BUT I think the quality is great. Gary, if you can get a bottle on the show let me know. I ended up buying a case from the US importer who is very tiny.

http://www.greathungarianwine.com/Hungarian_Wine___List_of_Wi.html
March 25, 2008

LarryTheWineGuy
I always was down on Greek Wines…thinking they were nothing more than Dry Uninteresting Retsinas…but after dining at a 5 star All Greek Restaurant in Atlanta with a 100% all Greek Wine List..I was extremly impressed with the quality to price Ratio especially Boutari’s Nemea Agiortikiko which is a Greek Version Of Pinot Noir
March 25, 2008

Robin C
Canadian ice wines are good.
QOTD: I think that Csrignane is my most recent experience to shake up my ideas about wine. We had a Potter Creek Carignane with pizza and just didn’t know what to make of it. I’m going to have to try some other carignanes to compare. This carignane was like a huge bar of high quality bittersweet chocolate with a tinge of berries in the background. A small amount of it went a long, long way. I suddenly felt like I should be in Spain at a flamenco bar drinking it in tumblers and pounding the table with the filled glass in lieu of applause. I looked up carignane and it did originate in Spain. Odd. Anyway, it was the first wine in a long time that I didn’t think that I would confuse with another wine. I’m going to look for it when I see that it is blended with something else and see if I can identify it’s contribution. So, we went home and the next day opend a bottle of Licia Albarino and couldn’t stop drinking it. We didn’t have to think about it; we were positive that we liked it, and that’s a good experience too.
March 25, 2008

Alfredhayes
The last opinion-changing wine that I quaffed would have to be the 2004 Groth Cabernet Sauvignon. I’d had a few reds from California and wasn’t impressed by the finishes, but a tasting of Groth opened my eyes to the fact that California reds can have some great finish. Of course finding a reasonably priced bottle of wine from the Oakville area of Napa is next to impossible I’ve found (esp. in Ontario).

Sorry to hear about the Pelee Island tasting. If possible we need to get you some wines from the North Shore of Lake Ontario (Prince Edward County). Very small vineyards the new ‘it’ area of wine making in Ontario. British Columbia (Okanagan Valley), and Nova Scotia (Lunenburg) are also great areas in Canada. One Lunenberg winery makes 26 different wines, none from grapes. Name a berry, and they have a wine made from it.
March 25, 2008

FifthgenTexan
QOTD = Cabernet Rose by Bell Mountain Vineyards in TX. Woulda never guessed that a Rose, let alone a TX wine, would be a ringer…but it is. Just goes to show, you never know.
March 25, 2008

Kdawg
QOTD: the 2003 Nevis Bluff Pinot Noir from Central Otago. I’ve had a fair amount of NZ Pinot from both Central Otago and Marlborough and they had mostly been done in a new world style, well, the Nevis Bluff could’ve been a dead ringer for a Burgundy. It wasn’t just that it was done in that style, but it was also tremendous too and it is a shade under 25
March 25, 2008

Christine
QOTD: Ballet of Angels from Sharpe Hill Vineyard, in Eastern CT. Rather complex and lovely with Indian or Thai curries. Just never expected such good wine from CT.
March 25, 2008

Robin C
I just realized that the wine that changed my views on wine was the Chinon L’Esthete Cabernet Frank not the Carignane. So, I don’t really know what French wine is like.
March 25, 2008

mateo21
After East Coast wines (mostly Maryland and New York Finger Lakes wines) gave me my wine palate, I promtly moved to the West coast! In the last 8 months, I’ve tried more wines here, from more places, than every before; having brought a few of my old favorite wines with me, I decided to pop them and give them a shot with my new and improved (is that even possible?) palate. Lo-and-hehold, they were nasty! Little flavor, horrible QPR, and overall lacking. Until, I popped a bottle of ‘02 Optimus from Swedish Hill (a Bordeaux blend from NY, weird huh?) which I adored in New York — and it was still very good. That wine kept my ego in check.
March 25, 2008

M
QOTD: Colonia Las Liebres, Bonarda, Mendoza, Argentina. As I keep spending more per bottle, this wine reminded me that it’s possible to have good inexpensive wine. Very enjoyable…QPR….
March 25, 2008

DavidJaeger
It was a 2004 Riesling Kaefferkopf (I believe the most recent new Alsace Grand Cru)that totally changed my mind about Riesling. Rieslings now are among my favorite white wines.
March 25, 2008

Colin
GV – What to Drink with What you Eat is an awesome book – I look at it constantly! Thanks for bringing it out. QOTD – Just had a wine from RÃ©gniÃ© – and I totally dug it. Now I’m thinking Beaujolais Crus might be more often for me – and what value!
March 25, 2008

JayZee
Interesting show. I am not disappointed because I have been out to Pelee Island and their wines are pretty mediocre. It is a tough area to make good wine, much like a lot of Ohio where I live. I could send you some Ohio wines that are, in my opinion, respectable and see if you want to do a show on those. Anyway, I think Canada does indeed make some serious wine. I have had several wines from Niagara-on-the-lake that were very good. The cab franc from that area is pretty darn good – it is about the same latitude as the Loire Valley in France.
March 25, 2008

wayno da wino
Gee, Coooool/Interestin’ Episode !!
Had a Canadian Wine last summer. The Magnotta Cabernet Franc Ice Wine.
The bottle itself weighed about 20 pounds (375 ml, $20). Was soooo
pumped about tryin’ it……but it was reeeeally MEEEEEEEEEEEH !!!!!
Nice “packaging”, but BOOOORING wine………tasted like sugar-water…

QOTD: ???, nothings changed da Mind recently………
March 25, 2008

Simon D
Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you pour all the bottles from the show into the bucket!
March 25, 2008

Nick
seems like one should only drink ice wines from canada! stay away from the still wines
March 25, 2008

MarioD
Thank you Gary for dedicating show to Canadian wines!
Most people know of Canada by either Icewine and Hockey (that’s right Vayniacs, we’re still the world champ!)

But there are many up and coming great wines produced by Canada. Do look out for Stratus, and Le Clos de Jordanne. Look for a Bordeaux style in the former and a Burgundian touch in the latter.

Gary Vee is right, don’t write us off because of 3 wines he tried on this episode. And expand your palate by trying more than just Icewine from here. I have a good list of them for you to try, and a list that I (personally) would say “meh”. I’d be more than happy to share w/ you.

Cheers!
mario
March 25, 2008

Zev
I a Yarden Noble Semmilon (Kosher from Israel), and I am really getting into desert wines.
March 25, 2008

Billy Mac
Gary: Too bad about the strikeout regarding the Canadian wines you tasted. I’ve had some very good Canadian wines in the past. I’m not too keen about Pelee Island wines. Next time, take the boat west into Michigan. There are some good wines in the southwest part of the state and some excellent whites on the northwest side (Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula). If you want to try some let me know and I’ll hook you up.
March 25, 2008

LauraG
QOTD: A Marlborough SB. I had never been a fan of the varietal standing on its own, but loved the Marlborough version. So I got a case to add to my cellar.
March 25, 2008

salvatore
I’d say you have influenced my buying habits just a little. In the past I bought wines from California or Italy………Exclusively!

Now I’m buying a lot of Portugues wines,some French and a tiny bit from Oregon. However my primary purchase is still from Italy; I have an inbred need of loyalty to my heritage I guess.

Drinking a Domaine Andre Brunel Cotes Du Rhone which i’m enjoying. Lots of Strawberry a little green pepper…..long finish…

Thanks Gary
March 25, 2008

MTMike
QOTD: 2006 Chateau Ste. Michelle Gewurztraminer – I normally shy away from the big time producers, espically from Columbia Valley, but I saw this for only $6 so I thought I’d try it. I wouldn’t say it was a super-great wine, but it certinly did change my opinion on that producers, and now I’m more willing try try some other big producers.
March 25, 2008

Miles5000
first off, i want a wristband sooooo bad i can taste it.

second off…. i think whenever i first started drinking wine i was trying to be a purist and make myself think that all blends suck. Well, Andrew Harris’ Vision changed my mind. I think it’s a cab shiraz mostly. But that was back when i was like 19 or 20. These days some of my favorite wines are blends.
March 25, 2008

Miles5000
unfortunately, i’m not really getting any wristband on the nose of my first mystery pack.
March 25, 2008

Daniel O
QOTD: The last time that happened was when I had Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc for the first time. It opened my eyes to New Zealand wines, and I haven’t looked back since!
March 25, 2008

Daniel O
I’m a bit disappointed in the results of your Canadian wine tasting… although I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting much. Pelee Island Winery isn’t exactly known for its “must have” wines. There are A LOT of much better Canadian wineries in the Niagara and Okanagan regions. Personally I like Fielding Estate, Malivoire, Chateau des Charmes, Thirty Bench, Stratus, and Tawse, just to name a few of the better ones. Hopefully you’ll have a chance to taste something better from Canada very soon!
March 25, 2008

CORSkier
Damn Gary ripped those wines a new one, lol. I love Okanagan wines from BC, my wife and I had some great wines from there while we were honeymooning in Whistler. QOTD: probably the Peju Provence, which opened my eyes back up to Rose. I plan to search out tons of Rose and Rostato to drink with the BBQ fired up this spring/summer.
March 25, 2008

BF
Not even going to watch since it’s obvious these will stink, and the comments seem to suggest that.
March 25, 2008

Fangorn81
I think I just made a new Vayniac!
March 25, 2008

Orion Slayer
Wow, Canadian wines. I’m going to have to work at keeping an open mind.

QOTD: Being such a wine newbie, I recently had a Kim Crawford New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. This wine changed my mind about what a Sauvignon Blanc can be.
March 25, 2008

GermanDuffy
QOTD: Gruener Veltliner from Austria, 2005 Gruener Veltliner Smaragd, Duernsteiner Kellerberg from F.X.Pichler in the Wachau Region! Love it!

Went to ProWein (biggest winefare in Germany) and wanted to spread some thunder with my wristband, but you have forgotten to send me one!Please remember me over here!

Havn’t have any wine from Canada except for a Riesling Icewine.
Looking forward to tomorrows show!
March 25, 2008

Chris
QOTD:

2003 Taja Reserva. Will definitely be picking up a few more vintages from Spain.
March 25, 2008

GottaGoDrink
Gary- Thanks for tasting so we don’t have to!

QOTD- I had a Lagrein (red wine grape) from the Alto Adige in Italy, which I had always thought of as a white wine region, and the Lagrein was very interesting and complex and different from any other red wine that my palate can remember ever having. Good stuff.
March 25, 2008

Deeve
Good show Gary.

I live in the Niagara Region. I personally wish VQA would go away forever. If they won’t, then at least, for the love of all that is holy, STOP TRYING TO MAKE RED WINE! I have had ONE single good red from Niagara, Henry of Pelham Meritage 2002. All the rest have been very poor. We are forced to buy canadian wine or overpay for imported. Damn the LCBO.

I’d like to take the owners of the vineyards and shake them while yelling in their faces “Red won’t ripen here”.

That said, the Icewine’s and late harvest wines are awesome. Many of the whites are very good too. Rieslings, Gewurztraminers and chardonnay’s are quite good from Niagara. Shiraz should not even have entered the growers minds.

QOTD – Bottega Prosecco. Had a bottle of this a couple of weeks ago and it changed everything I thought I knew about sparkling wines. Definitely going to be drinking more sparklers.
March 25, 2008

Barrelmonkey
WOHOOOOO I TOTALLY recommended that book to the P-town wine club a month ago! Scooped you, GV!

haha awesome recc. Now I’m going to finish the show.
March 25, 2008

Holger A
Good show. If the vino is not o.k., it’s not ok. Point.

My main problem (being in Germany) is getting the wines you’re tasting. I would really like tasting Canadian wine, but it’s more or less impossible to purchase them here. Probably not your problem, but it sucks big time!

Oh, and while were on the subject of finding the wines you’re tasting, please, be a little more precise about the information you give about each wine (e.g. in the links to each wine below each episode.) Sometimes a missing “la” (on some French wines) means a lot of research (on the internets) to find someone who sells the wines. And, please, check your spelling!

Besides that, I truly love your show! Bring the thunder!!
March 25, 2008

Oregon Jim
I love how Gary goes out on a limb with new wines from new areas! Hey, sometimes Tiger gets a double bogey, but he still is shaping and experimenting on the next hole.

Gary just FYI the southern most point on Peelee Island is 41.42.57 degress N Lattitude. That puts it somewhere between Mt Shasta and the California/Oregon(e) border, which is significantly north of the northern border of Mendocino County.

However, I don’t think that latitude is their problem. The problem is cold and humidity. It is very difficult to make transcendent wine from standard fine wine grape varietals with the winter cold and summer humidity of most of the US, never mind the right soil.

You are a rockin’ wine dude!
March 25, 2008

Stefan T
Holger,

Slight addendum to your phrase:

If a vino is not okay, then it’s not okay; for you.
March 25, 2008

Pat Mc
Last wine that changed my mind about a region was Tablas Creek in Paso Robles. They were pouring old school rhone blends – very French in nature and not over the top at all. I bought a white which I rarely do. They had one that smelled of violets.
March 25, 2008

Kirk (AKA: slave2thevine)
Wow! Am I glad that I waited one day to answer this question….I was at a trade show yesterday in Portland and had some S. African wines that racked my socks off for the affordable price point. I had the Amira Cab Franc imported from S. Africa by Rich Weiss and “The Wild Grape”. On the nose it was all vegital, asperigus, and a hint of carrot greens, a funktified nose with nice plum accents…and this bottle should roll in around $10. Certainly a wine I will be searching out for those nights when I need something with a little of a rustic drawl…
March 25, 2008

Dave Canada
Damn……..that was harsh!!! But totally justified….Really, Pelee Island is not one of the top 40 or even 50 producers in Ontario….they make very aveage wine….they are the Kendal Jackson of ontario……..no lie…
I am going to bring down some wine this weekend for you to do a show on from ssome of the better producers IMO.
When are you getting up here???? Let’s get something set up!!!!
QOTD – Tough question……got to be the 1996 Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru I had a few weeks ago…I really did not know white wine could be that complex, powerful, layered and so damn tasty!!!1
March 25, 2008

agentorange
Gary,

“I pretty much clowned his face off”?! Ouch. How much does that hurt?

QOTD: Cusumano Insolia. Aromatic white from Sicily. QPR. Dee-licious.
March 25, 2008

Glenn
Thanks for the show, have never had a Canadian wine though I have been saying I want to try one of their ice wines, just haven’t yet.
QOTD: Found a Chateauneuf du Pape that blew my socks off and is trying to get me to convert from Burgandy to Rhone. It was the 2005 Domaine du Grand Tinel Aleacis Establet. Way to young and needed 24 hours decanting but then it was WOW!
March 25, 2008

Eric
QOTD: A Marlborough Pinot Noir. Can’t remember the vineyard but it was an eye-opener on the quality of winemaking there.

Thanks for the show.
March 25, 2008

Barrelmonkey
QOTD: All I can tell you is that it’s a cab franc. I’ve had CF wines twice before, and I didn’t appreciate the greenness. This was another league…. but you’re gonna have to wait for Wednesday to hear about it!
March 25, 2008

carbon60
QOTD: One of my neighbors received a couple bottles of wine for this past Christmas, but she doesn’t drink. She gave them to me, yay! One was a (seemingly) inexpensive wine from Argentina and I loved it. I couldn’t find it in the liquor store at the time and now I forgotten the name of it. It may even have been Chilean now that I think about it. Too bad. It was a good surprise.
March 25, 2008

xtrmtrk
Gotta say, I’ve had a hard time with Canadian wines. I spent a couple days tasting around the Niagara region last summer and the only winery which I thought had some pretty good (non-dessert) wines was Jackson-Triggs. A lot of what I tasted bordered on down-right nasty. I’m anxious to track down some Ontario wines GV likes. I want to like Canadian wine and I’ll keep on trying.

Also…. What’s with Pelee Island calling it SHIRAZ? Isn’t that supposed to be just an Aussie name? Hmmm.

QOTD: Two Hands Aerope Granache. I didn’t think I liked Granache all that much before trying this, i thought of it as two candy-ish. Maybe it was the pairing with the unbelievably good house make cotto, but this bottle showed me Granache can have character and depth. Since then I tried a Ridge Granache that was pretty nice too. I still think good ones are hard to find, but I’m open about trying more of this varietal now.
March 25, 2008

4fthawaiian
Can’t say I’ve ever sampled any CA wines, but anywhere that still produces a drinkable Gewurtz is automatically OK with me.. Very few aussie wineries still produce them, thus they’re almost unknown to the public at large (in aus, anyway). A lovely wine, that needs more press. Onya Gary
March 25, 2008

Grapedigger
Man, next time you wanna put Canada on the wine map get something more than 15$ that is a bit more polished. I have not had much Canadian wines myself (because they’re even difficult to find in Quebec) but Inniskillin (Ontario) came as one of the best. I heard that Dirty Laundary (BC) make some rad wines.
QOTD: I always thought that Box wines were crap, but last time my wife got a 4 x 187.5ml pack (~ 8$) of Bistro Mundo non-vintage Spanish varietal wine that she was intending to use for cooking. I went ahead and tried it with a pizza and to my surprise it was pleasant coming across as 87 pts wine.
March 25, 2008

Fred
QOTD:2006, Penfolds, Private Release, Shiraz Cabernet. That was a hazard to me. We ordered this in a restaurant by chance…The awkward SO2 turned me off totally…Although it is the cheapest wine by the BIG name, it hurts its image in my heart. There is a careless attitude on wine making. I don’t accept it.
March 25, 2008

RJ
QOTD: I had VERGE D’OR from Intermiel in Quebec which is a mead. Knowing it was the drink of Vikings I figured… well i don’t actually know what I figured but I was imaging it as something you would drink out of the skulls of your enemies. Turns out it is really quite delicate (not that you can’t drink it out of the sculls of your enemies if you want).
March 25, 2008

Erik Klumpp
This is a big request, and I don’t expect you to fill it. But you really need to do a sake show. Sake is great. And so many people drink poor sake. If your into expanding your pallet sake is the way to go. Come on now. Do a sake episode.
March 25, 2008

DaveA
QOTD – Riesling, I was in Germany recently. Realized Kabinett and QmP means greatness. Don’t do Q it needs QmP quality. Kabinett means least sweet of the Rieslings. wow.
OK, this was a great show – proved you are not just hyping any old wine. I will try Canada wines! thanks. I got your secret packs 1 and 2 and have 4 friends coming over to try on April 1st. Don’t you fool me!

DAve
March 25, 2008

pawncop
There has not been a new wine that really changed what I thought about a region as I am so new that I have no preconceived notions. I guess the only wine recently that I was very very disapponinted with was a “Frog’s Leap” Sauvingnon Blanc. After talking with a individual I respect, after hearing where the grape was grown (Paso Robles, Calif) said “Way too warm.” I am learning every day, thank you for your passion for teaching.
March 25, 2008

Isaac
Awesome……..As for the QOTD, i have no clue…
March 26, 2008

t_moderne
First you had me chasing Walla Walla wines. Now Canadian wines. What up? Send me someplace good.
QOTD: Montes 2006 Chilean cab. Before opening it, I thought big name Chilean producers could put out a quality cab at a good price where the wine rivals Bordeaux and Napa. After drinking this, my mind has changed. Napa and Bordeaux still rule. Chilean cabs do not. I have had more than 20…perhaps as many as 30. Before I was optimistic; now, not so much.
March 26, 2008

KennyMac
Good reds can be found in Canada, but most come from the Okanagan Valley in BC. Being from BC I admit to perhaps some bias, but our wineries do consistently win the top awards in Canada, and outside as well. Not that competitions are everything, but a 2005 Merlot from La Frenz Winery on the valley’s Naramata Bench won the award for top red wine at the 2007 Northwest Wine Summit, the biggest competition for BC, Washington, Idaho and Oregon wines.

As for Erik Klumpp’s request for a sake show, Gary did an episode on sake back in November 2007 (episode 355). Look it up at http://tv.winelibrary.com/2007/11/21/sake-tasting-on-wine-library-tv-episode-355.
March 26, 2008

Clinton
Dude… Canada is a large country. Concentrate on a speicific viticultural area. If you want to start with the best (biased), do the Okanagan (you did one wine a few weeks back). http://www.okanaganwines.ca/wineries/

QOTD: My wife went tasting and brought home three or four Okanagan Rose from different varietals. In the past, I had panned dry and off/dry Rose, but these have yet to disappoint. 2007 Joie Rose, 2006 Greata Ranch Rose and 2006 Pink Freud Rose… best of all, we’ve learned to cook a few new dishes to pair with the Rose.
March 26, 2008

Flavio
Probably the Lachini Willamette Pinot, from Oregon.

Being a stubborn old world guy, with a relatively large cellar that is 80+% Bordeaux (heavy on St. Julien and Pauillac) and Southern Rhone (mainly Chateauneuf-du-Pape but a lot of Gigondas and CDRs), I never really cared for spending too much money (or time) on new world stuff, especially from the US.

My beef was (and maybe still is) with California – I’ve tried dozens and dozens, from Napa Cabernets and Bordeaux blends to Syrah and Rhone Rangers… and never figured out why I should spend $25, $50 or $100 for the over-oaked high-alcohol fruity version if I could buy the original (i.e. French) or other elegant old world alternatives (Piedmont, Tuscany, Sardinia, Sicily, Portugal, Riojas, Riberas…) for the same amount or less. Fortunately, this show convinced me to keep trying and, luckily, in a trip to WL I picked up a few half bottles of Lachini. That first positive experience made me realize that the Northwest had a lot to offer… I think that the fact that I have never been into pinot/Burgundy helped a little, as I didn’t sit there and compared it with its old world cousins (as I did so many times with Calofirnia Cabs and Rhone Rangers). As a result, I’ve now started to look into Washington state and fully agree with Gary that WA and OR will overcome CA as this country’s high-quality regions.

In all honesty, the Pacific NW still hasn’t really moved up my priority list when it comes to buying in volume (i.e. my disposable income still seems to find its way into an expensive 2nd growth, an interesting Sardinian Cannonau or a bargain from the Languedoc) but I have come to respect and appreciate the wines that are being produced and the people who are leading the efforts in those places.
March 26, 2008

Shane B.
I had a 2001 Aussie shiraz (spaced the maker) last week that makes me think the fruit bombs can settle down to acceptable levels (for my palate at least) after 6~7 years AND decanting.
March 26, 2008

Parker R.
Gary, you promote a 2 year-old book because you “stumbled” upon it? C’mon now, admit that you’re now mentioning them only because, as you said, they wrote an article on WLTV in the Washington Post. Had the book been that spectacular, you would have promoted them back in 2006, when the book came out, or in 2007. Don’t turn into one of “those” people. Please!! I absolutely love the show when you’re not doing crap like this!!

And, I agree with a previous commenter. A sake show is in order!
March 26, 2008

terroirist
I was really surprised by the Robert Hall – Rhone de Robles.. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsaut, and Conoise…

very good for a Rhone style Cali. wine.

Mushrooms, Moss, and mineral.

Goode stuff,

Terroirist

aka mike in Nebraska
March 26, 2008

Black Rolf
Gary!!…forget Pelee Island and get you and a glass tasting what’s great coming out of B.C.
I love drinking globally but have also started drinking locally(I’m in Vancouver which is about a 4 hour drive from our major wine region in the Okanagan). Great things happening. I recently had my socks blown by a wild fermented Pinot Noir by Quail’s Gate and was impressed with a Bordeaux style blend by Mission Hill called Oculus(Mission Hill won Canada’s Winery of the Year in the Canadian wine awards this year and Michel Rolland consulted on this particular wine).
March 26, 2008

stephen
Strike three on those wines I’m afraid. Seems like the problem is getting the fruit ripe to make the wines, so maybe the problem lies more in how the grapes are grown instead of the winemaking. To be honest have not tried to many Canadian wines, other than an ise wine here and there.
Must say that I was pleasantly surprised by South African Pinotage from a producer called Kanonkop.
Most of the wines that I have tried tasted like paint with hints of banana, this was fleshy and ripe, with earthy tones and I enjoyed it [surprise]

Gary – well done for advertising some different wines from deifferent regions.
March 26, 2008

John Sawyer
Nice one – now I have absolute proof for my girlfriend that you don’t have a vested (commercial) interest in your WLTV blog. Can’t wait for her to see you pouring the wine away on camera!

QOTD: Magnum of Ch du Trignon, Gigondas 1997. I’ve had this since 1999 and opened it at the weekend as part of a tasting to get my friends away from the obvious New World and aware of the treats of Cotes du Rhone – what an etherial treat! I had no idea Gigondas could get so ‘blue-cheesy’ and well developed. Completely changed my previously indifferent view of Trignon, and also the style and potential of Gigondas.
March 26, 2008

agnes
Gary, so what are the good Canadian wines you have tasted?
I’ve lived in Toronto for 2 years, and from what I’ve tasted the quality is not so great and QPR just sucks!
March 26, 2008

M
13 hours ago….agentorange…I agree the Cusumano Insolia from Sicily is very good
March 26, 2008

James H
Hey Gary! I grew up just down the road from Pelee Island wineries (btw, it’s “PEAL-E”). Their set up is kind of neat. They grow the grapes on an island in the middle of Lake Erie, ship them to the coastal town of Kingsville (where I was born), and then produce the wine.

Honestly, when I saw you were reviewing these wines my reaction was “oh, boy”. They’re not really that good, and we all know it. The surrounding area has some really good vineyards though. My favourite are these guys http://www.muscederevineyards.com/ (disclaimer: I don’t know them, I was just really blown away by their wine recently). Check ‘em out if you get the chance.
March 26, 2008

Jane Paulus
This information really helps me. So many of my clients are into wines and I like to give wine as a gift to them. I have noticed wine racks are out in houses that was a thing of the 80’s. The hot button is the wine refrig. My clients like the built-ins or the portables. It encourage them to make an offer on the proeprty.
March 26, 2008

Manuel
I’m a fan of argentinian wine, seems that you can find a lot of good wines at a good QPR, and I’m jet to find many chilenian wines that really bring the thunder for me… Have not tried 40..
QOTD: Monte Andino Carmenere, chilenian… made me give Chile a shot again…
March 26, 2008

Robert
The problems with Canadian wines and Ontario in particular are numerous. Yet I agree that they are very under-appreciated and searching out the best can be very rewarding.

In Ontario the government controls the sale of wine on the large scale through the LCBO. They are the largest buyers of liquor in North America by far and the primary customer for the Ontario wineries. Which means that to sell to them you need to produce a lot of wine. The exception to this is their limited release section known as Vintages. The growing area is quite small in the Niagara region and the larger commercial wineries use up a lot of those grapes for the plonk they sell through the LCBO. The wine you drank today could consist of as much as 95% foreign grapes with the exception of the ones marked VQA. Pelee island is a small windy island that grows potatoes primarily, it is also know for pheasant hunting and serves as a junction for a Canada/US ferry. It is not ideal for grapes. For better wines you will need to go to the Niagara region.

Even the wine you can get from the liquor store in Ontario is often not the most representative of the best wine available from a specific winery. Their best tends to be from very small batches only available by going to the winery or buying from it directly. Take Lailey Winery its very small, the grapes are hand picked and sorted, producing wines in lots numbering in the hundreds of cases at best. Yet in my opinion some of the best wines available in the Niagara region. Same goes for Tawse Winery. The scale of economics prevents them from selling through the liquor store nor do they need to. Even Vinland Winery or Cave Springs which is widely sold retail reserves their best for winery only sales.

This is a two fold problem, one the number of old vines with proven quality is very limited due to youth of the industry here, they have really only been trying to make top quality fine wines on a larger scale for 10 to 15 years. With small batches you need not worry about selling to retail outlets if you have enough demand at home. Two, the LCBO takes the lions share of the profits. The wineries need the LCBO to get the people to start drinking their wine but the sales from the boutique are crucial to their survival economically.

Lastly, many of the wineries do not cellar their wines until they would be better suited for drinking but rather sell them off young. This is not true of all the wineries but is of the wine sold retail at the LCBO in the regular section.

I hope you do come up this way for a wine safari some time. Email me and I will send you a list of wineries that I feel are worthwhile visiting. BTW I donâ€™t work in the industry I just like drinking their wine.
March 26, 2008

candapete
Too bad about those wines today. But like you said there are lots of others that are more representative of what Canada has going on.

QOTD. Had a crianza that shocked me, it was very light and elegant and delicious. I was expecting something very different, but loved what I found. Bottom line – there are lots of outlayers in every category to keep things interesting.
March 26, 2008

SG
QOTD: A canadian wine: 2003 Baco Noir by Jost in Nova Scotia. Changed my mind about nova scotian wines… an excellent wine. I was so excited I ran out to buy another of their wines, a Marchial Foch… which was hands down one of the worst wines I’ve ever had…
Another Canadian producer I have often enjoyed is Mission Hill winery in BC
March 26, 2008

Jake M
Gary Vee! I’m so sorry that you had to try Pelee Island wines, I’m from right near James H and Pelee Island Wines are a local joke. They’re the ones that you get in gift baskets and groan just a little. There are a few smaller Essex County producers that are doing good things, but for slightly easier to find decent/good wines, try Inniskillin or Jackson-Triggs. They’re both way more drinkable than the stuff you had to suffer through today.

QOTD: Red Guitar Navarra 2005. Such a heavy cinnamon component that it completely blew me away. I wouldn’t want that in every wine, but it made me really sit up and take notice of spanish wines as something that can be surprising.
March 26, 2008

Jake M
Actually GaryVee, the more I think about it, the more I think that Inniskillin’s International Series Sauvignon Blanc might be right up your alley.

I shared a bottle with a friend a couple months back and it had a really fun nose, and it RIPPED through your palate. Take a switchblade and *nnngnnn* (cutting motion while holding tongue with other hand). If you end up dropping by the great white north it’s one that you might consider seeking out (and I think it’s got great QPR).
March 26, 2008

1kailuaboy
Gary I think you’re starting something again. I’m hearing some rumbling of distant thunder. What I’m hearing on Canadian wines is if you like ice wines, whites, and or red try the Okanagan region in BC. That’s IF you can get them as they are low producers and rarely make it very far.
March 26, 2008

Neil
This EP was like Peleeing in the wind!
March 26, 2008

jsuarez6
QOTD – I hate Chardonnay; at least I thought until I tried a 2005 Chablis. The wine was so good I could not believe it was made from chardonnay. The past few chardonnays I had tried were from California and all were over oaked, heavy, and even nausiating, I couldn’t even finish one glass.

I have explored more white burgundy wines and have found out that chardonnay can be made into a very good wine, at least good for my taste.
March 26, 2008

Martin
We just had a really nice pink wine from Australia. Before that, my only experience was Grandma’s Beringer white zin.
March 26, 2008

latraviata
Thanks for plugging Canadian wines, despite your experience with the wines in this one episode.
QOTD: I did not like my first couple of Sauvignon Blanc wines but recently had one from Ontario (!) and it was fabulous!
March 26, 2008

Peter Wood
Hi Gary – been away for a ten days and playing major catchup on my WLTV viewing. The last wine that made me change my mind about a category was Wakefield Shiraz 2006. A brilliant wine that made me want to try Australian Shiraz again, after years of just not giving them much thought.
March 26, 2008

yowens
Dude- brutal episode. Nonetheless, I’ll totally search out Canadian wines. QOTD: well, I’m drinking a Fess Parker reisling right now that I assumed would suck but I really like it- go Santa Maria
March 26, 2008

Harley Stan
Wow, straight to the spit bucket with all three. ouch!!!
QOTD- 2001 Arrowood Merlot, it did not act like a merlot and was a total surprise, I thought I was drinking a cab at first and had to double check.
March 27, 2008

Boris Jazbec
WOW…To see Pelee Island crash and burn HARD really isn’t a surprise for me. If these wines were from the 1999,2000,2001 vintages I think they would have fared alot better. Back then the winemaker was putting out some great stuff. Since then a new winemaker is coming up with what was sampled here. Another point to keep in mind is that the Pelee Island area does have a unique terroir yet they are the only winery there. If you want to taste the wines from Canada that make us proud you have to explore the Niagara region, Beamsville Bench, Vineland, St. David’s Bench, Niagara on the Lake. There is about 100 wineries in this vast neighbourhood. The founding fathers of the modern day wine industry are enjoying over 30 years of making some of the finest wines from Ontario. Chateau des Charmes, Inniskillin, Reif, Konzelmann, Henry of Pelham, these are the pioneers. From there the sky is truly the limit. Angel’s Gate, Featherstone, Fieldings, Marynissen, Flat Rock, Coyote’s Run, Mike Weir, Cave Springs, I certainly can go on. The two other areas to check out is the Prince Edward County region, near Kingston, east of Toronto. They are making some kickass Pinot’s there and British Columbia, the Okanagan, Kelowna regions are world class producers like their brothers in Ontario. Tinhorn, Mission Hill, Burrowing Owl, Grey Monk just some of again about 100 wineries in BC to explore.

Thanks Gary for supporting our efforts. I look forward to more reviews. It’s great to get an honest opinion.
March 28, 2008

Josh in Burgundy
Bummer that canada struck out. I have two bottles of Canadian wine in my cellar that I am hoping are better then what you tasted.

QOTD: Domaine de Laporte 2001 Pouilly Fume La vigne de Beaussoppet, Incredible Sauv Blanc that was in Oak a little. Just beautiful all around. Wasn’t a huge Sauv Blanc person because I had not had a lot of Loire Valley Sauv Blancs and now I am almost a fiend
March 28, 2008

Carlitos
Dude! Quince paste and cheese! The dessert of Spain!!! Welcome to that taste profile!

QOTD. Really good question. Kudos! I guess a quick answer would be formerly unknown or unheralded Spanish regions that now are producing decent wines when 10 years ago when I was still there it was only drinkable mixed with 7up. That includes Jumilla, Yecla, Utiel-Requena, CariÃ±ena and Calatayud… Also having the opportunity lately to taste more aged California wines from great producers also changed my perception that I had on them being just fruit and American oak.

And what are you thinking? Canada? Maybe for ice wine! I spent a week in the Niagara peninsula and only had a very few whites that we just ok. The rest was like what you had today. Good luck!
March 28, 2008

Carlitos
As a follow up. Pretty much anywhere in Canada is just WAY too cold to barely ripen the grapes! Ok, it’s the same latitude as Mendocino and also as Spain or Italy! But it’s a completelly different climate with Arctic winds pounding you daily. The European equivalent would be wines from Denmark or Sweden. I’m not running to try and get them. Let’s admit it, you can’t grow vines everywhere and we’ll all be happier. And you know I’m not a fan of overripe wines, more like the opposite.
March 28, 2008

Steen Larsen
Comment on Question of the day, Pinot Noir: I have been told that thissis a wine to be loved. I did not see it. Last night I finally found a Pinot noir I can enjoy. (Lulu B.) Also remember the ABC wine drinkers (anything but CHARDONAY). Look elsewhere. Australia, Is doing an incredible job.
March 29, 2008

Karl Laczko
Those wines sucked big-time, but you’re right, you can’t generalise.

QOTD – I can’t really say, I tend not to have hard preconceptions to change. Maybe it was the Grant Burge “The Holy Trinity” 2002 GSM, which remionds me there are some nice red wines from Australia in the under $30 category!
March 29, 2008

Dan A
Cool show, although dissapointing… I’m from Ontario, Canada, and I try Ontario wines often. I can’t stand Pelee Island wines personally (ok-I had one Pinot Noir that was nice). There are few and far between, but there are some really great wines. If you can find Daniel Lenko wines (they sell as they hit the shelf up here), they are great… The higher end wines is where you gotta go though… Peller Estates (Niagara) have serious stuff – NOT the lower-end, but the Signatures Series (CDN$45). The sad thing is: for that $45 bottle of very good Ontario wine, you can find a wine of equal quality elsewhere in the world for half the price… Crappy climate, what can I say! Cheers!
March 29, 2008

Memphis Mike
I’m sure this is in the comments somewhere already but it’s pronounced PEE-LEE. I’m from Northern Ohio, Catawba Island. I’ve never had a good wine produced in the southern Ontario/Northern Ohio region. The limestone content in the soil is great for growing apples but no so much for grapes. I think you’re right on with what you’ve said in the past about wines tasting better on vacation because of the atmosphere and the lack of stress. That area is a huge vacation spot; Cedar Point is just a few minutes away. There are a ton of wineries in the area and I’m always surprised by how many people I meet that have vacationed there and talk about how good the wine is. It’s pretty much a local joke, but to each his own.
March 29, 2008

Dan-o
I had a Glaeser Cabernet Franc from California recently, which was so cool because it was like drinking a glass of celery and other vegetables.
March 30, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Interesting!

Q-I had my first Gruner V from Austria not long ago and loved it!!
March 30, 2008

charlie berg
Interesting show, Gary. You know, I got that same melted plastic weird kinda palate on a Charlottesville, VA. Norton wine by White House Vineyards. Hm. Also, I’ve never seen you actually dump bottles into the Jets bucket. dang.
QOTD: I tasted the Gemtree ‘Tatty Road’ Cab Franc, Merlot, P.Verdot blend 2003 from McClaren Vale Aus.
I never would have guessed that it was an Australian wine. It wasn’t that full bodied, no Jam, cinnamon or leather. It was all veggies and licorice, and even some ferrous minerals. I think my palate was expecting a typical Australian Shiraz and I was super-surprised by the almost old world quality of this interesting wine.
March 31, 2008

MtnCharlie
I have only seen you dump a wine on one other episode, but all three, ouch! That was a great show for exactly what you are saying about preconceived notions.

QOTD: The 1992 Russian River Valley White Table Wine (Muscat) I recently had. Opened it as a lark with friends and found it enjoyable a week later. I thought this was going to be a vintage “cheap” wine and be undrinkable because of its age. Surprise.
April 1, 2008

Ivan C.
I’m not generally impressed with Ontario wines, and I live in Ontario. As far as Canadian wines, I’m all about the Okanagan Valley in BC.
April 16, 2008

ValerieM
QOTD: I had a white wine from France, and I always thought of France as best at reds, but the white was excellent!!!!
April 24, 2008

Quinn
As some have said, Ontario isn’t the place for good Canadian wine. They have a very short and very hot summer typically, and produce a lot of commodity grapes instead of the good stuff. BC, on the other hand, has a longer growing season, plenty of wonderful (cooler) micro-climates, and the hot (desert) Okanagan Valley. I’m saying this as a Canadian, who lives in Ontario, but misses his BC wines.
May 13, 2008

WiredRacing
While I continue to hear good things about Pelee Island wines, every single one of them I’ve had has been mediocre to poor. The Niagara region can produce some great whites and is well known for it’s Ice Wines. But that’s the issue you have to like sweet wines. Inniskillin is sort of looked down on around here, probably for it’s success, but every Riesling I’ve had from them has been quite tasty at a fair $12-14 price. However the favorite of mine and our friends is Riverview Cellars. They don’t sell to LCBO, but they will ship in the region for free after a case.

They make a couple good reds, one is the Fontana Dolce, but this is a semi-sweet red. The Baco Noir is actually a good dry red which is, in my experience, impossible to find in the Niagara region. Reds are often very weak here. But if you like fruity whites, most places in the region make good to great Rieslings, Vidal’s and Ice Wines. Pelee can’t even make a decent Rose.
July 6, 2008

Earl Dunbar
I have not tried a lot of Pelee Island wines, so won’t comment other than to say that what I’ve had from them was OK, but nothing spectacular. I’ll admit I haven’t sampled their higher-priced offerings.

As for Quinn who said “Ontario isnâ€™t the place for good Canadian wine.” … balderdash! I will not put down BC wine because I haven’t tried enough to form an opinion. But man, that comment is just so wrong. Angel’s Gate, Malivoire, Hillebrand, Flat Rock, Stratus … the list goes on. The ‘97 Hillebrand Showcase Cab Franc was one of the best reds I have ever had … 98 and 99 were good years all around for most wineries in Ontario.

The growing season may be shorter than the Okanagan, but the Niagara escarpment and the stored heat from Lake Ontario give the region a better growing season than most people think. Rieslings are what are best known in Ontario, but I find cab franc to be consistently good and often outstanding. In Prince Edward County I had a Seyval Blanc from Waupoos that was so outstanding I was tempted to buy a fortune’s worth of oysters just to pair them up. And down the road from Waupoos was an unoaked chardonnay that made my mouth very happy … the most interesting finish I’ve ever had in a chardonnay.
January 8, 2009

Caroline
I’m from Quebec Canada and discovered Ontario wines over conducting studies in the Niagara wine region, at Brock University. What you tasted is pretty bad but on visiting the Niagara region wineries I had the chance to enjoyed out of the ordinary wine experiences. Malivoire makes a Gamay like nobody else and others like Cave Spring with 13 Street and Thirty Bench have made Riesling one of my fav grape. If you think Icewine is too sweet try something from Lailey and you might change you mind getting hit by a good dose of acidity. And after all the hype around Pinot Noir I had to fall over a Le Clos Jordanne wine to finally get what it’s all about (I was zipping roses!!?).

In Ontario most people are not even aware of the little jewels hidden in their backyard. But not every winery deserve too much attention. Many are doing everything and anything including too many weddings.

Before you toss Ontario wines aside, people from Ontario should give them a fair chance. Caroline from Quebec
January 9, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Ouch….. Another o’ fer? Tough draw, sir. Its ok though, I dont knock on Canada. I know they are a quality producer and have several bottles cellared. QOTD: Just a simple American Pino Gris. It was a cheap-o $6 or so bottle and of course I was like “meh” before I tried it but it was quite drinkable. Nothing special but once again putting me in my place for poo-pooing a cheap wine.
April 14, 2009

Ray Slakinski
Funny enough, my wife just started a wine blog about Canadian Wines and just recently panned a bottle of 2008 Eco Trail Cabernet Franc from Pelee Island Winery. I think they will get it soon, a lot of vineyards in Canada are still experimenting with grapes and such and figuring out what works best, its always fun to watch and drink
October 2, 2009

Robert
Pelee makes some incredible wines – their Merlot and Pinot Noir are both worth seeking out. Too bad about those three. It is worth visiting North Shore Lake Erie. There are only eleven main wineries to check out. Mastronardi is excellent and Colio Estate. Pelee does make an incredible Meritage and a Cabernet/Petit Verdot blend that will appeal to many Napa Valley fans. Colio’s wines are excellent in the CEV line. Cabernet Franc is one of the best offerings in Canada.

Those wines were burned but they don’t represent Canada. Not at all. I live in the Niagara Region and we have amazing Pinot Noir and Riesling. There is a Colio store in Niagara on the Lake, just across the border from Lewiston.

QOTD: La Crema Chardonnay helped me fall in love with Chardonnay all over again.