Rully Wines. Wines You Should Know From Burgundy!

Rully Wines. Wines You Should Know From Burgundy! – Episode #460

May 7, 2008

The wines of Rully are very overlooked and today Gary Vaynerchuk takes a good hard look at them!

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Comments on this episode(270) Leave a comment ›

“QOTD: Best is Rieslings (Leitz Rudesheim Dry, and Schloss Johannisberg…” by richardvinifera
“i am in west des moines iowa
ummm qotd worst: elk cove vineyards…” by nnothing
View all 270 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

2005 Olivier Leflaive Rabource RullyRully/Mercurey/Givry Blanc
2005 Jaeger Defaix Rully Rabouce BlancRully/Mercurey/Givry Blanc
2005 Jaeger Defaix Rully Les Cloux BlancRully/Mercurey/Givry Blanc

Links mentioned in todays episode.

270 Responses

May 7, 2008

GrapeStuff
1
May 7, 2008

Johnny C. a.k.a SmokinActuary
2
May 7, 2008

jp
woohoo!!
May 7, 2008

manonthemoon
top 5
May 7, 2008

JOberle
booya
May 7, 2008

sobojosh
7
May 7, 2008

David Dickinson
Top 10
May 7, 2008

Withnail
This looks good – always enjoy Burgundy.
May 7, 2008

Eli2Tyree
top 10?
May 7, 2008

jack
top 10!
May 7, 2008

Toke-Dawg
E-freakin-leven!
May 7, 2008

GrapeStuff
QOTD: Best would be the SA Wolf Trap wine, really opened me up to trying a lot more South African offerings. As far as a worst, one doesn’t stick out, so you must be doing pretty well!!
May 7, 2008

Christian
Can’t think of anything that was horrible, just trying more and more different types of wines from different regions.
May 7, 2008

sobojosh
best wine from the show: 2004 Emilio Moro RdD
Worst wine from the show: Razon (og deer and cherries)
May 7, 2008

JudeMurphy
haha, look at all these guys leaving comments just to see if they can be in the top 10!
That’s funny. Good for them!
QOTD-I haven’t been watching long enough to have bought any wines on the shows influence, but I probably wont because I can’t buy wine anyway being 17. I know you can relate to me, Gary- you were my age when you got into wine! It sucks a fair bit! ha. Well at least it’s just 8 months till I’m 18. (It’s 18 in Ireland, not 21).
The worst wine I’ve ever tasted was a white Rioja.
Its taste was remarkably close to that of vomit.
The best… an obscure little Bordeaux called Chateau Du Gaby!
Can’t even find evidence of its existence on the net, but somehow the wine shop still had it!
Might be beaten soon though, I’ve a bottle of 04 chateuaneuf Du Pape with my name on it!
“Domaine Des Senechaux”.
Oh, and actually I’m quite partial to red Rioja! (funny considering how ultimately shite that white one was)
Sorry for going on a bit in this comment. I really appreciate having this blog to watch, Gary.
Thanks ; )
May 7, 2008

LuvsChandon
Wow, another wine I’m not familiar with, love learning new things about wine from you Gary!

QOTD: Well since I actually began watching a month ago I havent tried that much new, but I have ventured out bought a Brunello di Montalcino
, Vouvray, GruVee,some ‘05 Bordeuax, and GrecoDiTufo. Waiting now for the right occasions to open them with friends or family. But like you I love Sparklers and have the Spring RosÃ© Fever, so I’m trying some different types of them with your inspiration!!

On a bad note though I recently opened a Hugel Riesling from Alsace that tasted like SOLVENT, spat that out quick!

SacTown is ready for ya!!!
May 7, 2008

John Farrin
I was in before the leave a comment was even up.

QOTD: The best is easy so far. 2003 St Jean du Barroux L’Oligocene. I haven’t cracked the Walla Walla wines you’ve touted, Boudreaux, Pomum, Cougar Crest or the 2005 Bordeaux’s. Probably I’m least impressed with the Spanish Albarino (not one that you tasted) that I had because of the show. Thought that there were a lot of other choices in the under $15.00 range that I preferred (Domestic Gewurztraminers, Reislings, New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs).
May 7, 2008

FranÃ§ois
Tasted a Briccotondo that you review, and it was… Special! A powerful nose and a chalky sensation in mouth!

That’s all I can tell : It’s hard to find a lot of these wines here, in Canada (Thumbs up, Toronto!)
May 7, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
QOTD
Best because of the Thunder Show:
2005 Giacomo Montresor Valpolicella Il Veronese (89)

Worst (Only because I was expanding my palate, not because you recommended it or the area, or had it in a secret pack)
2006 Bloom Dornfelder Petals (83)
May 7, 2008

Rafi Schutzer
My favorite wine has to be the 2001 Chateau Valandraud (kosher).
Least favorite Tierra Salvaje Malbec 2003 (kosher), cheap crap.
We’re in San Diego trying to get GV to the downtown Borders.
May 7, 2008

McAdamSandwich
Another quality episode. Loved the “It’s burning!” Ralph voice..

QOTD:
Best wine: La Linda Tempranillo – 2006
Worst: None yet.
May 7, 2008

jason
too bad about the le flaive. he is making some of the best white burgs out there. not cheap either. need to find some rully for this summer

QOTD just stuff i have tried. aglianico, primitivo. i have gotten back into barbera again with a little nudge from you/ bought some german riesling.
speaking of good value burg… what about givry. love it!
May 7, 2008

Aaron S.
Yeah Thomas Keller! Good call for dinner on your wife’s birthday, GV, good call. Thanks for letting us know re: the wine, I’m looking forward to seeing you try it on the show!

By the way, regarding the BOOK TOUR I am totally in if you come to Sacramento/Davis, CA, plus 3-5 other people at the moment (that number could grow!).

WOW you taped this early!

QOTD: Well, I’m sitting here in my dorm room at UC Davis in California, and I’m very happy that John Maine pitched an incredible game into the 9th, and that Ryan Church went 3-4 (I’m leading my league in Fantasy, but this week so far I’m down 3-7…). I haven’t yet tried any wines due to WLTV (only what, 328 days left?), but the ‘07 Vayniac Cab seems like something I might be interested in trying on my 21st birthday.. we’ll see how things go. Hope you’re having a good train ride!
May 7, 2008

Purple Tooth
Would love for you to come to Austin. It’s about a 4 hr drive, but in Texas, a 4 hr drive is nothing.
May 7, 2008

Aaron S.
Ah I forgot something!

I was walking through the quad yesterday checking Facebook on my iPhone, and it came to me: Does WLTV/Cork’d have an iPhone-compatible website so that when people are in restaurants or whatever and are looking at a wine list, they can go on their iPhone/iPod Touch and look up some wines they’re interested in having and see what WLTV, members of Cork’d, etc. think of those wines? If not, feel free to take my idea and run with it! I think people would really enjoy using it/it being available.
May 7, 2008

Malphas
QotD: I’m sitting in my home office a short hike away from Yankee Stadium. Thanks to WLTV, I’ve sampled a Chardonnay and got to meet the Oak Monster face to face. It wasn’t a pretty sight.
May 7, 2008

Sassodoro
Number 25?
May 7, 2008

Wana
Gary, great show today.

QOTD – Best wine experience: Sipping a Sugarille Brunello at the lake a couple of summers ago.
Worst wine experience: Choking on Dandelion Wine from the Amana Colonies in Iowa.

Wana
May 7, 2008

J-Pipes
QOTD: I normally don’t seek out the wines you taste on the show, because a.) you’ve already tasted them for me b.) I don’t remember wine names unless I write them down (which I only seldom do), c.) I’m very independant. and d.) Now it doesn’t matter because in Canada I can barely find anything at the LCBO!
May 7, 2008

RX8DOC
Best wine: The Prisoner with my wife on the beach at sunset (ya think mood had something to do with this?)
Worst wine : Not really a wine …. Grape or apple Malt duck in the 70’s
May 7, 2008

T. Reasoner
good show!

QOTD – Worst wine was a 2005 Bordeaux by Christian Moiux it was so disjointed I threw it out after one glass! I bought it at costco for 9 bones because you said that NO ONE could make a bad 05 bordeaux!

Best wine as a result of the show the Tokaji that was in the secret pack very tasty and first time I tried a non sweet one. thanks!

p.s. come to Maui’s winery on Maui for a show!
May 7, 2008

chenrys
Not likely to try those wines…it’s just us. Maybe someday…but not soon.

QOTD: Best: Primitovo, several have been lovely. Worst: Wow…some tarantas, don’t remember which.
May 7, 2008

Glen... winecrazy.com
Per SE…….hummmm. NICE!!!Out till 12:30….. must have closed the place!

That sounds like it could have been a trip to South Beach for the weekend.

For the average Joe that is…..lol

We’ll have to call her Lucky Lizzie

PS….. I still need that bulk price on the books!!!!!!!
May 7, 2008

RayS
This is my first comment I am a loooooong time lurker.

QOTD:I went to the Wine Spectator grand tasting in LAS vegas this weekend
and tried many good wines. Then I saw a booth that had Tokaji, so I tried
it because Gary had tasted some. It was the worst crap I have ever had,nearly
spit all over the girl that poured it. That was one nasty mofo. But I did
expand my palate, thanks Gary.
May 7, 2008

sichuan peppercorn
If you come to seattle I will come.

Worst: red zin, tasted like cherry cola

Best: Basel cellars claret
May 7, 2008

Hugo
Lurker speaking:

I haven’t been watching the show long enough to have had any wine that you’ve mentioned. However, both the best and worst thing to have resulted from me watching the Thundershow is, that it has opened my eyes to the incidental crappiness of my parents’ wine choices.

Greetings from Hugo–allowed to buy wine for 10 months now.
May 7, 2008

CuriousInStLouis
The best would have to be Chateau Beausejour Duffau Lagarrose 2004. This bordeaux was one of the first wines I ordered from WL and it was excellent! I wish I could find more of it!

The worst was Domaine de Ferrand Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005. I didn’t get this from WL but found it at one of the local liquor stores in St. Louis. I had to try a cdp just to see what the fuss was all about. It was rated at 94 by Wine Spectator so I thought it would be was a safe bet. The nose was exactly like an opened blueberry pop tart that had been poured over a cinnamon roll. The wine (to me) was undrinkable. It was very unfocused and couldn’t present any recognizable flavor profile.
May 7, 2008

Glen... winecrazy.com
QOTD:

Best… Le Montrachet when I was about 20-21…maybe 23.

Worst…. recently I had a bad case…and I mean every bottle bad. There was mold, wet corks, corks sinking, popped corks…you name it… and just bad and non drinkable if you know what I’m sayin. It was Cougar Crest Syrah. WOW…BAD!!! Actually I opened 5 bottles…sent them all back. Bad storage I guess.

You were out of it so someone there…..shuuu!!!….gave me a name of a place that had it. What a mistake. I’d tell ya who, but I’m no rat.

In fact, if you don’t have what I want from now on at the Library, I’ll just have to do without. Because that’s how I roll. I learned my lesson. Wheeew!!!

I was looking forward to that Syrah after your review too….
May 7, 2008

Patrick SF
Great show to learn about a varietal I would pass by in the store. Now I might consider it as I like the razor sensation on the tongue.
QOTD Best wine is the Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc that was on special in the wine store on that section of Geary Blvd where every third person speaks Russian.
Worst: Blueberry wine from Maine very awkward wine tasted at the winery, but I did like their rhubarb wine so I got a T-shirt. Was surprised to see a winery in such an off the radar place.
May 7, 2008

MontanaSage
(de-lurking…)

Since Gary LOVES to present wines that get limited distribution, those of us out in the boonies don’t get as much chance to be “directly” influenced by WLTV as those in the cities. The influence, for me, has been more global and generic. Listening to hundreds of Gary’s tastings has broadened my views on wine, sharpened my palette, and induced an almost obsessive need to try out varietals and styles new to me. That’s the best part: lots of tastings that I would never have tried before, many of them wonderful.

The worst part is that I’m getting far less tolerant of the swill.

I’ve really enjoyed the recent forays into weird and obscure varietals and offbeat producers, and am hoping for more of the same.

And since Gary is reading this on the train, and giving every post careful consideration, here’s a suggestion:

How about “Sure Bet Thursdays?” I know you prefer to only taste wines that are new to you on WLTV, but every once in a while, you pull out a few “Sure Bets” that you tasted in the past. Those are great episodes, because it gives all of us some stuff we know we can count on. It also tends to expose us to wines with more “mainstream” distribution, which helps the average shopper.

(re-lurking…)
May 7, 2008

marhar
Wow! De-lurked and joined the forum to put in my vote to getcha to T.o. Anyway, thanks for another great episode… what happened to the new theme music? Can’t really answer the question of the day (other than to say that I’m in Toronto) cuz the damn LCBO doesn’t often stock stuff that you feature on the show. Though, come to think of it, I did enjoy a Bandol Le Galantin 2004 that you recommended either on the show or in online reviews. Cheers!
May 7, 2008

manonthemoon
First off what are you doing in the District?
Second nice to see you and the book referenced in the May issue of Men’s Health Pg 44.

QOTD: Bad, none that I have tried because of this show.
Good, hopefully a Cayuse Syrah that I am looking into buying.
May 7, 2008

J.R. Young
QOTD: The worst, not only my worst WLTV wine but worst wine ever was 2005 Bordeaux d’Estrounel. I don’t think Gary did it on a show, but it was bought on the hype of 2005 and that “no one” made bad wine. I figured 2005 and a product of Cos d’Estournel I couldn’t go wrong. Here are some tasting notes:
“This is honestly the most vile stuff I have ever tried, it was so horrible that I assumed it was a bad bottle. I tried it again 3 weeks or so later (a friend bought a case and provided both bottles) and frankly I am shocked that Cos put their name on it. I am not exaggerating when I say that I would rather drink Mad Dog 20/20 or Boones Farm any day before choking this swill down again. I got notes of vomit and rotten spinach vinified in the stomache of a pig with a severe case of acid reflux. (0 pts., the sink drank both bottles)”

And now for the best wine experience 2003 Langwerth Von Simmern Erbacher Marcobrunn Riesling SpÃ¤tlese. I would have never gone out of my way to Wine Library in NJ on my trip to NY (I live in San Jose, CA) if it weren’t for WLTV. It was one of the highlights of my trip and I ended up ordering a couple a cases. This wine however was fantastic for the sale price of $17.99. Right in my wheelhouse for a riesling, balanced acidity, floral and a hint of petrol hiding. I have 10 left and look forward to drinking this in the summer and over the next 15 years.
May 7, 2008

Achilles Mike
QOTD–Best wine I’ve tasted because of the Thunder show was the 2004 Vina Chocalan Gran Reserva and one I tried that you had on free shipping was 2004 Bodegas AlmanseÃ±as La Huella de Adaras (Almansa). And the 2005 is even better!

Some really great QPRs are coming out of some little known areas of Spain- such as Almansa, Bullas, CariÃ±ena, Cigales, Montsant, Pla de Bages, Ribera del Jucar, Somontano, Valdeorras, Valdepenas, Valencia, and Yecla. Many of these wines are often made from indigenous grapes- and were virtually unknown until 5 years ago. Most are under 15 bones!! And wow, how very tasty they are.

Worst wine I had was the 2005 Boarding Pass Shiraz by R wines. It was highly touted= but after one sip- I knew I was in trouble. Ugh!!

Great show today, Gary. How about a show on Garnacha?
May 7, 2008

CindyW
QOTD: WLTV has introduced me to a ton of new wines, but the ones that stand out most to me are the whites. A year ago, I would have told people that I mainly drink reds. Now, I drink about 1/3 to 1/2 white wine. I’ve become a lover of vouvray, torrontes, and (most recently) albarino, among others.

I don’t know if there was a wine where you really steered me wrong. You’re pretty good at describing the traits in a wine, and I’m getting good at knowing which of those I’ll like and which I won’t. Even if I do try something that isn’t quite what I like, it’s not a disaster (it’s just a new experience).

I hope you do get out to Seattle again for the book signing. We love having you here (and you already know we can round up a hundred people or more). The problem with the date that was listed is that it was Memorial Day weekend, and out here in the west everyone heads off on camping trips or day-long family jaunts. We were having a tough time finding people who would still be in town.
May 7, 2008

Little Jonny H
I like how GV grabs a few wines and one of them doesn’t fit the bill. This is exactly what we buyers go through when trying new stuff (actually it’s usually 50/50)!

QOTD: The workd wine I’ve had was an extremely poor rendition of Egri Bikaver, but I can’t racall the producer. The Best I’ve had is a toss up. I haven’t had anything that has blown my mind. Top honors go to Chateau Beulieau 2001, The Ravenswood Zin sourced from Lodi 2005. However, I each region/varietal has its own champion…
May 7, 2008

BobbyTiger
Unfortunately, of the wines that I contemplate buying, (based on your reviews), none of the stores, (and there are many in the DC area), carry but a few of them. However, of the few successful finds, I really haven’t had a bad bottle…….yet. A couple of good ones though. Naturally, I can’t remember most of the names, so I repurchase by label. Works for me. The Alamos Melbec comes to mind, as does the some Susana Balboa Crios. [By hook or crook, I will find the La Linda].
May 7, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

QOTD: Best wine would have to be the 2006 Munzberg Weissburgunder Kabinett trocken. I absolutely loved this wine. Worst wine I’ve had from the thunder show….I havent been too disappointed with alot of wines Ive tried as I tend to stay away from wines you’ve panned on the show

–RH
May 7, 2008

MattUD
QOTD:
Best – Heartland Stickleback White

Worst – Porca De Murca, Douro from Portgual, Tinto 2005
Bought at the WL on the big party on March 19th to try a Douro and it just dissapointed. Very weak and kind of watery. I hope that it was this specific wine and not the varietal!
May 7, 2008

Saftig
I enjoy the fact that even though you review what are, ostensibly, not so great wines, I still come away having learned something and always to trust my own palate regardless. Thanx and have a great show on CNBC!
QOTD: Love Albarino, not too jazzed about Torrontes. Go figure!
Trying to find some interest to bring you to Tucson-with all the rain you’ve been having it would be a nice change of pace. Don’t worry, it’s a dry heat.
May 7, 2008

Rob Boudon
-FIRST TIME COMMENTER-

Aiight, I’ve been watching the show for awhile and you convinced me to leave a comment.

I have a question…

I want to hit up a good wine & cheese bar or a place that specializes in wine tasting here in NYC for my B-day (May 8th). Any suggestions?

Thanx!
May 7, 2008

ckcBlackBrian
QOTD- Best: (Domaine de la Chanteleuserie 2005 Bourgueil) Tried it cause it was a Cab Franc which I had heard Gary talk about.

Worst: (Boarding Pass 2005 Shiraz) Tried it because I wanted to see what an “over extracted australian” tastes like.

Oh, and Gary, read my e-mail by the 12th (its a b-day shout out), and come to Denver for a book signing. Please.

-Brian
May 7, 2008

Palmer
QOTD: there are a lot of bests, including Washington, SW France and just trying new things like GruV and Albarino. worst would probably be Italian white varietals – I’m trying new things here Gary but they’ve all been misses so far…
May 7, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
QOTD- best wine by a pretty good margin was the Masperla 2005 Priorat. Totally blown away!! Worst- I tired some odd GREEK RED from my local wineshop (expanding my pal) it was undrinkable. poured that crap out
May 7, 2008

Exdamyankee
QOTD: I was pretty much a California wine chauvinist for a lot of years (Team America, %$#& yeah)! My position was that the US could produce wines on a par with anyone in the world.

Truth is, I still think we do, but the prices of top Cali cabs, chards, pinots, & Zins were (and still are)getting a bit scary.

“Hey, I got five kids to feed,”(
May 7, 2008

Exdamyankee
WOW, I got truncated–bizarre! As I was saying:

“Hey, I got five kids to feed,”(bonus for picking up the movie reference), so for everyday quaffing I was unfortunately drinking a fair amount of swill. WLTV really opened my mind to seeking out some of the awesome QPRs available from around the world, and to trying wines I had never entertained before. So, thanks to Gary & WLTV, I’m now 100% swill free!

BEST wine- Achaval Ferrer Quimera. Awesome!
WORST wine- (Not bought on your rec., but in my cellar at the time I saw your review) Pure EVIL Chardonnay.

Interestingly enough, I’m drinking another one of your recs tonight, a 2UP Shiraz, and I am loving it.
May 7, 2008

Tullia
QOTD: Best (Adejas d’Altamira Albarino “Brandal” 2005)

Dark show today, Gary. Take care of yourelf!

I’m excited you didn’t bump SF from the book tour.
May 7, 2008

Harley Stan
Great show today!!!
QOTD- Tough question because I really like Priorat but then again I also really like Albarino now too. The worst would be Pike Peak Vineyards Zebs Red, I tried it in the interest of expanding my palett because trying new things is what we do.
May 7, 2008

E
Best: either the ‘99 Lopez de Heredia Bosconia or the ‘03 Noblaie Chinon or the ‘02 Chateau Bellevue. Satisfying to brain and gut, all three.

Worst: cheap Portuguese reds, one winner against half a dozen PAZZZZZZZZZZZZes.

You know you want to come to Des Moines.
May 7, 2008

Michelle
I loooooove floral whites! Especially ones with hints of rose. Thanks! Pinotage stinks.
May 7, 2008

Jim+Emily
Best: Gruner Veltlinger; yummy every time.
Worst: Albarino…we have tried several and so far didn’t like any.
May 7, 2008

Kristen
Interesting episode today GV! Hope the taping went well! And I can’t wait to see you in Boston!!!!

QOTD: Best= Albarino! I love that grape! Worst= Pinotage. Ugh. I just can’t deal with the nastiness. But hey, that’s just my palate.
May 7, 2008

Tony
…Hanging at home in Central, NJ…I havn’t bought a specific wine that you had on the show (although, I’ve been making a list). But I’ve been trying new things. Different varieties and regions. I would say the best wine was a Malbec from Argentina (I don’t recall the producer). It was on the wine by the glass list at a Brazilian Rodizio in NYC. The worst – well…I’m a little cheap. I tend to buy wines that are $15 or less so I end up with a lot of so-so wine. The worst I would say was the Mirassou Cabernet Sauvignon. Not that it was bad…just not that great…might have been better with food.
May 7, 2008

italianwinelover
Not a lurker here but always happy to give you my dime!!

QOTD: Best wine I searched out because of WLTV is a combination and the list can go on Tocai Friulano; Sauternes; Sagranatino (sp) Nebbiola. The education never stops and I don’t ever want it to. Your passion is contagious and I am proud to say that I am part of the vanyer nation! Haven’t really found a bad one!

I would gladly welcome you to the little town on Morris, IL and can guarantee 100 followers!! Hope you come closer to my state than Iowa!! We really love you here!!!
May 7, 2008

willrun4wine
Hey Gar!! Long time no see. I’m a part-time lurker. QOTD: the worst wine for me was one that I bought from a gift shop in France, solely for the fact that it had the fleur de lys symbol on the bottle. The best wine for me was an extraordinary Austrian wine-Muscatel-that I experienced at a wine tasting party. Thanks for the excellent show. I’m still waiting for my birthday shout out. Ask Matt, Kristen Murphy emailed him the other day regarding this important matter.
May 7, 2008

aaronb
QOTD: After watching the episode on Brunello di Montalcino, I splurged on a 2001 Castello Banfi. Very nice!
May 7, 2008

Withnail
QOTD: Best: 2005 Pillar Box Red, Worst: n/a
I really find I get more ideas and inspiration from the show than specific wines. If I lived in the NYC/NJ market, I would probably have a much higher correlation of “wines watched reviewed-to-bought”. That said, there are a good number of wines on the show I recognize as available in this market (Vancouver).
May 7, 2008

John Blue Label
Nice episode GV. Looking forward to the Arneis episode. I adore Arneis, and it’s a perfect summer wine.
QOTD: had a Cayuse Callaix which was corked, so that kind of sucked. That would be the worst. The best, hard to say. You have made so many good recommendations. Maybe the Tomasso Reciotto de Valpolicella. WOW, what a wine.
May 7, 2008

thefanjestic
Qotd: Best wine, hands down McMyers Price Grenache 2005 or 2004 Domaine Chevalier – both awesome for totally different reasons.

Worst wine – honestly I can’t remember the name of it, but it wasn’t one GV recommended – I just picked it off the site. However – it was a rotten wine that wasn’t corked – I guess the Felline Primitivo was way oer hyped in my humble opinion – but still an 87 point wine. Wish I could remember the name of the other one to warn others. WL has only had one huge miss and that was it.
May 7, 2008

Vbellore
Loving the amount of wines you are highlighting from Burgundy, and the big shoutout to the Burghound. Looking forward to you doing shows on name droppin’ regions of Vos Rom, or Pommard.

QOTD: Can’t really speak to worst, but the best wine that WLTV has helped me find is the Nicolas Cole. I
May 7, 2008

George Delgado
Hey Gary,

(Former) Lurkers George and Elaine here. By far and away the worst wine we have ever had (on your recommendation or anyone else’s) was the Phillips Hill Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.

You gave it a rave review, so we got right on it and got a few bottles of the 2006. It is basically raw rubbing alcohol, with a trace of Jet Fuel on the nose. Absolute crap. We are hesitant to even use it for cooking. We thought maybe it needed to decant a little longer but after 24 hours it was still horrible.

Your best recommendations may have been Hecula and some of the earthy Provencal red and rose wines, which we love.

We both have a broad palate and choose wines from diverse terroir and varietals. Absolutely agree with your take on trying new wines whenever possible.

Regards,
George and Elaine
May 7, 2008

Evan
The best was a newfound love for cab franc and petite verdot. Also a great call was poopooing the mollydooker 2006’s as not even wine. That was a lesson i learned cheap that many friends learned the expensive hard way. I don’t know if there is a worst experience because i think we have similar palates but I will say that I have yet to find a white Italian that I truly love although I’m the first to admit I have no idea what I’m doing there. To be honest I love the boxing and football analogies!!! Keep it up…boxing analogies I find to be some of the best ways to describe wine.
May 7, 2008

ryan
Glad to hear you liked PERSE Gary – coming from CALI in two weeks and scored a lunch ressy – hope it is as good as your dinner!!
May 7, 2008

ryan
The best – Frank Family 2005 Cab Franc
Worst – Barbera d alba
May 7, 2008

joeyb
worst wine tasted: 1967 Giacomo Conterno Barolo. was not stored properly at one point. cork was dry…and fell INTO the bottle while getting ready to open the bottle, but drank it anyway…naaaaaaaaaaaaaSTY!

best wine tasted: 1985 Chateau Petrus.
May 7, 2008

Zinny
Thanks again for another great show!

QOTD – Best experience 2005 Bordeaux (I think #411). I had just found your show while randomly searching and your episode on 2005 Bordeaux inspired my girlfriend and I to go find and try some. The ones we chose were so awesome that it completely blew our minds. Niether of us had ever had a wine from France before and had mainly been occasional drinkers of California wines.

Because of that one experience we bought some more 05’s and then tried some Burgs and then some wines from Beaujolais, Loire, Italy, Argentina, Spain, Alsace, Germany, etc, etc. We went from drinking about 6 bottles of California wine of random or someone elses choosing per year to having an almost 100 bottle collection featuring wines (mostly moderately priced) from all over the world. In 3 months. I think I found your show while looking for a “go to wine” to bring to a party we were going to. Ha!

Worst experience – easy. New York State Rieslings. We bought 6, tried 4 and I don’t think I can bring myself to try the other 2. I love Alsace and German rieslings – the ones I tried from the finger lakes all had an apple skin flavor component (some more than others) that I found off-putting. Even so – it was a fun experience because I lived in that area for 20 years and had never tried the wines before.
May 7, 2008

Kris B.
Salut Gary,

Un message en franÃ§ais pour te faire pratiquer la langue de mes vins prÃ©fÃ©rÃ©s: Les vins de La France.

La diversitÃ© et le savoir faire des producteurs franÃ§ais est indÃ©niable.

Bravo pour ton Ã©mission sur internet! Tu es trÃ¨s douÃ© et tu connais trÃ¨s bien tes vins pour ainsi Ãªtre capable de les prÃ©senter Ã ta faÃ§on unique, vrai et sans prÃ©tention tout en Ã©tant capable de livrer les informations et tes sensations gustatives.

Si tu visites un jour tes voisins du Nord, la ville de MontrÃ©al, ville de ma demeure, tu seras bien servi de culture, gastronomie et naturellement de bons vins. C’est aussi la ville des Alouettes de MontrÃ©al….qui recevrons cette annÃ©e en 2008 le match de la final de la Coupe Grey.

Au plaisir,

Kris
May 7, 2008

Dom Nicoletta
Best wine _ there have been so many 2003 Casa Emma Chianti Classico reserva, Acheval ferrer Malbec, vigna vecchia chianti classico 2004, dolcetto in general

The worst 2004 Pasodoble – just didn’t like it and I bought a case! My friends loved it thought so they got alot of gifts..ha —what can you do!
May 7, 2008

Eric
Gary – wife and kid don’t give me enough time to think and respond – so I’ll just say ‘great show’. I haven’t posted in a while, but you shamed me out by calling out the lurkers (which I am most definitely not … usually)
May 7, 2008

Sharon
I can’t buy from WL directly, so it’s more your (GV) influence and opinions and reviews and education of course that affect my tasting/buying.
I haven’t had anything totally horrendous since watching your show, but found the Hugel Gentil to be totally meh, also the Santa Margarita Pinot Grigio meh-zor, a Muscadet that tasted of nothing, off the top of my head.
Sooo many nice wines I’ve tried at tastings & purchased, most of which I haven’t opened yet. Just for instance a wonderful Domaine du Duerre Cotes du Rhone Villages Vinsobres I tasted at a class. I wouldn’t have gone to this class but for your, you know, tuition.
May 7, 2008

abqdeb
Great show again Gary! I’m thrilled that you mentioned Albuquerque on your book tour. I want to let all the New Mexicans that post here (and I know there are a bunch of you) to look on the book link for our thread and sign up! Come on you guys. Let’s show Gary some NM love.

QOTD- I loved the Sainte Leocadie Minervois and it was certainly something I never would have tried had it not been for you. I haven’t had anything I haven’t liked so far, but then I haven’t opened all of them yet. I’ll keep you posted.
May 7, 2008

LB in KS
…do I watch “the big idea”? do I watch WLTV? Big idea it was… nice…GV sporting the wristband
May 7, 2008

Susan
Gary-Where am I??????? In the most beautiful city in the USA!!!! Charlotte, North Carolina. We are the Queen City and we are rule !!!!!!! Where are you????????????
May 7, 2008

TWalk
i remember one of the best recommendations was the zardini valpolicella….cant think of much that has been BAD
May 7, 2008

Don R
QOTD: I haven’t had much success here where I live in finding the specific wines that you have tasted that have intriqued me but in general, Viognier is definitely the worst, Reisling (Trockenbeerenauslese) probably the best. I also have a bottle of Amon Ra(episode #18 I think)that our local store special ordered for me that I am excited to try but will probably wait a few years before I do so. I am actually a red wine person but the two I mentioned are both whites…go figure. As always I enjoyed the show.
May 7, 2008

Jeff
GARY,

IF YOU’RE ON THE ACELA TO WASHINGTON AND READ THIS–E-MAIL ME AT JS609163@WCUPA.EDU. I WORK AT CNN ON FIRST STREET, A BLOCK DOWN FROM WHERE THE ACELA ARRIVES AT UNION STATION. WE SHOULD GET LUNCH OR DINNER OR SOMETHING.

HIT ME UP.

JEFF
May 7, 2008

Chris in Tulsa
QOTD: Man I can’t tell you a best wine experience WLTV has given me, there are so many because I am a huge fan and order wine from you every month or more. To name a few I loved the Tokaji in the secret pack, the Matassa stink bomb, Meadowlark Cab, Gewurztraminer laundry detergent, and really love Cab Francs now thanks to WLTV!
Worst: Not from WLTV, but try the Bulls Blood wine, I think from Hungary, that was total crap!
May 7, 2008

pete c
QOTD- not necessarily related to WLTV, but recent favorite was a Barolo, and least liked was a beaujolais noveau at Thanksgiving.
May 7, 2008

Timmy
Best- Tempranillo
Worst- Still need to try more to EXPAND my palate
May 7, 2008

David Dickinson
QOTD:
The best wine I’ve had (because you had it on WLTV) was the 2005 Giuseppe Campagnola Valpolicella Classico Superiore Caterina Zardini. I still have 2 more bottles in my cellar. Waiting for a special friend or occasion for these two bottles.

The worst wine I’ve had is the 2005 Falesco Merlot Umbria IGT. Gary scored this 88 points and Robert Parker scored it 90. NO WAY!

I guess it’s true that you have to trust your own palate.
May 7, 2008

Adam J
Gary, Big up to Per Se!! My wife and I went on March 31 and yes, it is magical for sure. We had the 2003 Monprivato Barolo which we both loved (especially with the braised pork belly course). The next day we came home very excited for the April Fools day secret pack tasting..which brings me to the question of the day: I couldn’t really think of a situation where I expanded my pallate to something I didnt enjoy because of WLTV, but I really didnt like the white bordeaux that was on the April 1 show as much as I thought I would… i usually love white bordeaux (generalizing..I know). The best new thing I have discovered because of wltv has been Cahors. I find them to have a lot more of the flavors that I enjoy VS. an Argentinian Malbec. Anyway, thanks for the show Gary and take care!
May 7, 2008

Kwan
Gary! Why is there no Kindle version of the book?? Can you make this happen? (Consider the total number sold +1 if you do!)
May 7, 2008

Jonathan Yockim
QOTD: Best has got to be Fleur De Pins, never had such a great dessert wine, really was fabulous, and only like 7 dollars?!@#!@?#! worst has to be that Voga Pino Nior i think, i dont even think it was vintage, it was pretty bad, too liquidy, watered down, but yeah! still tryin to expand my pallet.
May 7, 2008

jpwardaia
No lurkers here…did I hear right? Train ride to DC??? Do tell!!! I’ll have to lurk around Union Station to get a peek of the Thunder. BTW…Great show!!
May 7, 2008

PJ
Best: Paolo Bea – Montefalco Sagrantino Secco 2003 – Very dry. Completely new to me. Great discovery.
Worst: Is there really such a thing?
May 7, 2008

Jimmy
Alright, well I have yet to try any wines that you have tasted on the show. But I have taken your advice of trying something new instead of getting stuck in a rut and have encouraged my fellow vino drinkers. I recently picked up a Mencia out of Spain and really enjoyed it. For the first time I tasted slate rock in a red. It was pretty sweet! Thanks for the show.
May 7, 2008

amgryger
QOTD: Maybe not ultimate best and worst, but two that come to mind are the Marc Ollivier Clos Des Briords for best (via a forum rec) and Pillar Box Red for worst.
May 7, 2008

RnD
QOTD: The best? I don’t think I could name a “best”. The Stag’s Leap cab or the Kunde cab were tremendous. Worst? A Michigan wine called Tabor Hill.
May 7, 2008

Darren
Great question of the day, and great episode. The wost is easy. You did not have it on the show, but I was expanding my pal and tried the 2005 Garretson ‘The Chumhra’ from Paso Robles, on a clerks recomendation to go with a spicy curry. It had a very interesting nose that drove me nuts cause I could’nt put my finger on what I was recognizing, but it finally came to me as sugarcane buned and put out with a tire and lemons. As far as the taste goes, if you like rye whiskey, you might like it, cause it was so full of oak. I remembered what you said about working wines you did not like, and man cold did’nt help, 2 days of sitting did’nt help, but still a good experience even though it was 35 moose bones (Oh Canada!). Best is either the 2004 Mazzei Zisola Nero D’avola, 2005 Schloss Wallhausen Riesling Kabinett which made me appreciate high quality Riesling, or the 2006 Mike Wier Cab/Merlot cause I wanted to try a Canadian Red and I found I totally was down with the greeness which suprised this Barossa Valley lover.

I will end this novel with a very sincere thank you for all you do.
May 7, 2008

laurie in VT
QOTD: The ones I’ve liked best so far that come to mind are the 2005 Chateau Moulin De Lavaud Pomerol from the Christmas secret pack; and a Raats Family Stellenbosch 2005 Cab Franc that we had at our most recent Third Thirsty Thursday (that we have on Friday) tasting- which was due to WLTV’s influence even if that specific wine wasn’t.
The worst wasn’t actually a worst, it was mostly ‘meh’- a Casa Lapostole Cuvee Alexandre 2004 Merlot (and I generally enjoy Merlot) from the above tasting that I found to be one-dimensional.
May 7, 2008

Lynne
QOD:
Boy, that’s a tough one. I must say, I was at the 2007 Chicago Vayniac “Two of Clubs” party….the ‘04 Philip Togni Spring Mtn Cab we had was incredible!! (Actually, I truly enjoyed all the reds GV brought!) The most delicious wine I had ever had to that point that lent itself to SO many descriptions! Yum! Thanks again, Gary! BTW, when is the next “annual” Chi Town wine tasting?
May 7, 2008

Rossodio
Hey Gary,

Have a suggestion for you… I don’t know if you’ve done a show on it before, but you should do a show on Alsatian Gewurztraminer or, if not Alsatian (where the most floral and “perfumatic” Gewurzes come from, in my opinion), just a show on Gewurztraminers in general, including one Alsatian. Perhaps a show just on Alsatian wines, maybe one Gewurz, one Riesling, one Pinot Gris, would be cool. It’s great to have a nice drier riesling, floral Gewurz, or crisp and refreshing without being over-the-top acidic Pinot Gris, and it would be good to see what you have to say about some of them.

QOTD: Best wine I’ve had because of the influence of WLTV? Honestly, it was probably the Pallagrello Bianco I had tonight… The 2003 Vestini Campagnano Terre de Vulturno. If you can get ahold of some (perhaps from a more recent vintage if you drink it more than a year from now), it’s fantastic stuff. If not that, then the best I’ve had as a result of watching is a CdP blanc I found, the 2005 Domaine St. Benoit Chatauneuf-du-Pape Elegance. Incredibly well-balanced and complex with a beautiful and silky finish, without being over the top.

As far as the worst wine I’ve had because of the influence of WLTV? That’s a tough one… it would probably be either the ‘05 J. Vidal Fleury Cotes du Ventoux, which wasn’t terrible but was not appealing at all, or the 2005 Doniene Gorrodona Getariako Txakolina Gorrondona Tinto… again, not terrible, but this one was really not my style at all. Bacon and ham on the nose, bacon on the palate while still being very light-bodied, and an awkward finish, overall flabby and… just strange.

- Ross
May 7, 2008

Dan NYC
QOTD: Best by far for me: St Jean du barroux. Great deal! Worst Phillips Hill pinot noir. Just wasn’t digging it.
May 7, 2008

Scott EJ
QOTD 1: Estancia Pinot. Sorry GV, I’ve had them all, and could just not go beyond 86+.

QOTD: 2. ? Haven’t dipped into enough to give an a fair assessment. The Chante Pedrix CdP was/is nice though.
May 7, 2008

Ryan W
QOTD – I would have to say the worst was a Bridgeview Gewvurtraminer 2005 and it wasn’t really that bad, but I have only tried a few wines so far that I was inspired to try from WLTV. The best is the so far was the Chateau Sansonet 2004, and it was ridiculous good.

Gary,

I have came up with idea on how I want to structure my wine tasting so I can better remember the wines I taste. I am starting a wine log where I will right down all the wines I taste and write down my own tasting notes. This is a cool thing because I will be able to track how my pallet evolves and if I ever go back and taste the same wines I will be able to go back and check how my pallet has changed. I can also trend which wine regions and varietals I taste most. You are thinking “Wow Ryan, that is a wonderful idea. You are so smart”.

Thanks Gary, I try my best.

Ryan White
May 7, 2008

KW
QOTD: Best 2004 Victoria Dominio De Longaz and 2000 Chat La Vieille Cure Fronsac – worst: 2001 Sky Zinfandel Mount Veeder – too hot and 2004 Urban Ribera – totally unbalanced
May 7, 2008

David Scott
QOTD: I would have to say the best wine I’ve had thanks to WLTV was the Chateau Sansonnet 2004. Gary loves this house and I admit I had overlooked it vintage after vintage. Outstanding wine!

My worst experience (although I actually didn’t buy the wine from WL, it was featured) had to be the Mt. Vedeer Cab. I don’t quite remember the vintage, but my wallet does. It was $50 or so and it royally sucked. Should have listened.
May 7, 2008

SacramentoCharlie
QOTD: Good experiences with a couple Portuguese Duoro wines and a Hungarian thanks to WLTV. Bad ? still thinking on this….
May 7, 2008

RonC
Good Show.

QOTD: Best was the 2004 Coviv Aglianico Del Vulture
Worst was the 2005 Pasodoble Red
May 7, 2008

Matt
QOTD:

Best: 05 Luchey Halde. Probably one of the best whites I’ve ever had. You KILLED this one.

Worst: Easily the 06 Pillar Box Red (I think you did the 05). My pal is not down with the cherry medicine mixed with movie theatre popcorn butter. Next time you feel like doing something crazy on the Thunder Show, instead of tasting dirt, pop a bottle of this.
May 7, 2008

Sergio D.
Best wine….tons of great recommendations but your recent recommendation for Torrontes and Cornas has put a smile on our face. Worst experience….the first taste pack was disappointing but yet though still educational. We love you!
May 7, 2008

sharon
qotd:worst-2 buck chuck, best-Susanna Balbo (I think that’s how you spell it) Malbec 2005?
May 7, 2008

David Harris
WORST: Etxegaraya Irouleguy Rouge 2005. Flabby and absolutely no structure. Hey, I thought Tannat was supposed to be vicious?

BEST: Jean Foillard Morgon Cote Du Puy 2006. The flavor intensity (red Nyquil meets Campari meets sour cherry juice) was amazing!
May 7, 2008

Orion S.
QotD: I just tried a Cab Franc from Pelee Island in Canada. Not good. Tastes like an unripe banana. Must be too cold there for the grapes to get ripe. I blame the thunder show. Best wine: can’t think of specifics, but I tried and love cotes du rhones because of gary v. Currently warming my pocket book up for the chat du papes.
May 7, 2008

Wes M
QOTD: The best I have had is the Alamos Malbec (very nice and inexpensive wine) and the worst was a 2005 Mouton Cadet from Bordeaux (becuase you said you and I could have made a good Bordeaux in 2005 doesn’t mean Mouton Cadet can’t f— it up).
May 7, 2008

bundydb
QOTD: I definitely tell you the worse…. It was a Pinot Grigio from my local wine shop. I thought “I’ve only had one and it was pretty good so lets try one from another vineyard” First off, it smelled like a soft ball covered in grass and onions. Which it was kind of interest that you could get that smell out of any liquid but… then I drank it. It was hard to drink it and get over the smell then I had to taste it. It tasted horrible… Tasted like a strip of rubber wrapped in apple peel and some other flavors I couldn’t even begin to figure out, lol. It didn’t turn me off of them by any means! I can’t even remember for the life of me what it was called. I think I blocked it out ; )

I do remember it was rated 91 which taught me very quickly that ratings stand for crap! It’s all about what YOU like and no one else. I have been drinking a lot of Malbec here lately since my girlfriend loves them. At least she doesn’t go for the White Zinfandel etc! lol Gratefully, she is like me and loves to try a different glass of wine each time we go out to eat. Most of the time we don’t even look at what it is exactly… We just point and say “I’ll take… That one” Sometimes we like them sometimes we don’t, but we have fun either way : )
May 7, 2008

Pete G
QOTD: Fairly new Vaniac so you’ve yet to do me wrong. Had a Napa cab tasting last month and went with 2004s Turbull and Sequoia Grove. They were both money – just as you said they were.
May 8, 2008

garth bernstein
I’m in Portland, make sure you get here!

Best: a chat. de paup for the first time in years at a local french wine shop’s Friday night tasting. Really different, really good.

don’t have a worst yet…
May 8, 2008

Denis
Best – I tried and loved a Four Vines red – very good indeed.
Worst….. I’ve had worse wine than you’ve ever tried.
I’d have to agree with Pete C above though, Beaujolais n. can put a hurt on a body……

Drinking as I type – very nice – High Altitude, Viognier Chardonnay, 2006, Agrelo, Argentina.

I’m in Alexandria, Va. If you want to have dinner tomorrow night Thursday, May 8th. with my family, mail me and we’ll organize it.

DEN>
May 8, 2008

farmer jim
one of the great little wines tasted because your plea to expand the palate is picpoul blanc…. can’t think of any bad recommendations… keep up the good work… farmer jim
May 8, 2008

Ted Dibiasi ("The Million Dollar Man")
Best from the show: Carina Cellars Syrah Seven Percent. This was a real find at a great bargain from a relatively obscure producer. Love the co-ferment with the viognier.

Worst from the show: Mas Perla. This wine wasn’t bad (actually decent 90 point effort), just *WAY* overrated. You rated this a 96 and must have had too many scoops of apple jacks that morning. No way this wine rolls in at a 96 especially for all the other value out there in the same price point.

You should compare it with the Can Blau (you did the 04 on show 26, 05 and 06 are much better) which rolls in at 13 bones and offers just as much complexity and balance; the Mas Doix Salanques (you did the 04 on show 188); or the Numanthia (you did the 04 on show 181). If you try the pepsi challenge with these wines, I’ll wager you that the Mas Perla does not come out on top.
May 8, 2008

Dr. Horowitz
Nice Ralph Wiggum quote. “It tastes like burining!” I also like “My cat’s breath smells like catfood.”
May 8, 2008

ZJK
Gary I didn’t watch the WL show today but I just saw the BIG IDEA link so i decided to watch that. you kicked ass i and agree with everything you have to offer. you are the revolution in the social marketing campaign. kudos again gary and i swear on my life i will get you to ST. LOUIS…. thats all for now im busy… peace bro
May 8, 2008

KenP
QOTD: I won’t mention the worst owing to a solidarity with winemakers world-wide (there have been only two; both of which were, nevertheless, interesting in small ways). The best is actually a wine I recently bought on futures from WLTV: the 2003 Pignotto Riserva, Antonio & Elio Monti, Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Colline Teramane. Truly a wonderful wine. GV, you were spot on with this one! In fact, I’ve tried to buy more through your good offices but, alas, it is all gone. Will you get any more?
Cheers!
May 8, 2008

Erik Klumpp
The best wine the thunder show made me try was a cabernet franc by beaucanon estates. The worst wine would have to be hands down a pinotage done by silver estates (not sure on the brand), but it was heavily oaked and masked with atrocious amounts of vanilla. Not a fun experience but I did drink and enjoy it nonetheless.
May 8, 2008

alaskagirl
Where am I? 100 miles east of Russia (the other end of Russia) and 80 south of the Arctic Circle.
–An X-lurker
May 8, 2008

RWH
Ok ok I am a lurker, I think because in my life I have to be way out in front some time’s I just like to kick back and watch someone else lay it out. great show. come to Dallas. If you go to Austin I will try to go.
May 8, 2008

Kdawg
QOTD: honestly, the best experience of the show has been how the show has piqued my curiosity overall and wanting to try everything under the sun as opposed to staying rooted in what I liked to drink before.

If we’re talking about best experience with wines, then checking out more albarinos and torrontes

As far as my worst experience, I haven’t had what I would say as a worst experience, but, I just haven’t been able to get into cab franc by itself. I’ll continue to try, but for me, it needs to be blended with merlot to make it shine
May 8, 2008

aronowm2
QOTD: Best is definitely the 2005 Carm Douro. Worst is any Bordeaux I have bought that you have loved….I keep trying to give Bordeaux another chance and it keeps on failing me.
May 8, 2008

J Crazy
Best-Discovered Verdecchio
Worst-I ordered a case of wines from the Lib for my wedding party and went on the recommendations and scores of GV. There was a Zin from Cali and a red blend from Spain in there that were not crowd pleasers at all.

Bottom line though is that WLTV has convinced me that you can’t judge any region, country, style, variety/tal, of wine just on a singular experience. To be honest, maybe it was because we had already had 10 bottles before we got to the last two or that it was about 100F outside so big reds were not very appealing. It is this thought process that I have gained from watching this and now apply to my personal and professional life.
May 8, 2008

Zach
Great QOTD Gary.

Best: So many it’s hard to remember them all. Thanks for turning us onto New Zealand Pinot Noirs, Aglianico and Albarino, among others. Now they’re some of our favorites!

Worst: Much harder question. We didn’t like the Dolcetto d’Alba we tried after you did an episode on them.

Good luck with all the TV gigs! We’ll be watching Conan fo sho.
May 8, 2008

brent
QOTD: Thanks for telling me about Chinon & Bourgueil!
May 8, 2008

Roberto
Hi Gary, good showing on Donny, just watched that down here (big sat dish), actually Msnbc on cable too… , frankly, you sounded much more convincing than the other two guests…

QOTD1: where are you? San Jose, Costa Rica (couch in front of tv in my bedroom, to be more specific)

QOTD2: Best, definitely Mitolo GAM , WOW, bought a truck load
Worst: nothing yet, but I have a few wine I’ve bought that I haven’t tasted (bought because of the show)
May 8, 2008

C-Fiddy
QOTD: Best, I tried Viognier first at a fancy restaurant. I thought it was Pinot Gris with a bunch of crappy lemon grass, I hated it. I never thought I’d try it again, but ONLY because of you I have gone back and had a few that I like. Worst, I had Cab Sauv from Australia and decided I really don’t like cat pee all up in my face.
Thanks for expanding this pal, pal.
May 8, 2008

Lurlene Kerblatsingtonton
you say “cornas” like its a spanish wine
May 8, 2008

naysen
QOTD: I realized I hadn’t tried many of the wines I’ve purchased on GV/WLTV recommendation – maybe the 2004 ChÃ¢teau d’Aiguilhe Querre which was nice and a few others — oh yes, there was the ‘07 Mahi SB that killed me. Ok, well maybe a few. But I wanted to try something touted really stellar before leaving a comment, so I popped one of four 2003 Cougar Crest Syrah Reserve bottles I’ve long been excited to try. And can I say I was not disappointed. I definitely wasted this bottle on myself tonight; it deserves more company. I’d like to say it’s the best wine I’ve had, but that might be stretching it, given the circumstances. It certainly is the best I have had in memory – that’s memory, not recent memory. I owe this pleasure to the WLTV show, as I’m certain I’d have never found this wine otherwise.

As for worst wine I’ve had associated with the WL – that would have to be the ‘06 Mahi Pinot Noir that was shipped to me by mistake in place of the actual order of ‘07 Mahi Sauvignon Blanc I made. Luckily, WL is a classy business, and I’m set to get the mistake resolved when the right wine is available …and they threw in some free shipping on another case. Win win wine, right?

Thanks for all the great advice and putting out the show. I’ve got to get more of this Cougar Crest…
May 8, 2008

ZJK
This is my second comment… this time it doesnt pertain to Donny…

QOTD1 Im in st. louis missouri podering ways to get your ass to come here.

QOTD2 Im only 19, but I have been tasting several wines since i first started watching WL. Best: 2004 NORTON from Herman, MO (Hermanhoff Wineries??)
May 8, 2008

Mosse
Where am I? A small village about an hours drive into the forest from the nations capital, the nation being Finland.

I’m new to the “Thunder”, but I guess one has to comment when being asked so nicely. I’ve been subscribing via Miro for about a dozen or so shows.
I was so taken in by the show I wrote about it on my blog…
http://www.imosse.net/index.php?s=ent_705

I’m still looking for both the best AND the worst wine, though, so I’ll get back to you on that!
May 8, 2008

Monika
An official lurker no more!

QOTD1: I’m wathing in Sicily!

Love your show and I’m trying to learn/discover so much more about wine. This show is an inspiration to try so many new types. I’m not going to buy another nero d’avola for a long time. It’s been pretty much my only wine experience so far (3 years worth) and not a great one at that. I picked up 4 different types of Italian whites yesterday after watching past episode #220. I can’t wait to try them.

QOTD2: Unfortunately I don’t have access to most of the wines I’ve seen on the show. So far the only one I’ve found is Morgante’s nero d’avola (of course). My palette is not nearly experienced enough to give it a decent review beyond – unimpressive.
I’m just now stepping outside my nero d’avola box and had a Tommasi Crearo della conca d’oro veronese last weekend and truly enjoyed it.

I loved Ryan W’s idea in his post. Great idea for a beginner!
I’ll keep trying and watching. Thanks!
May 8, 2008

Joe G.
QOTD: My best and worst wine experiences since watching the Thunder Show are 2 wines I ordered from Wine Library. The one I have enjoyed the most so far is the Chateau Haut Brisson 2004 and the wine I least enjoyed was the Black Pig Ribera Del Duero 2006. I have many others that I have not yet tried so this may change.
May 8, 2008

Donna Marie
QOTD: Haven’t had a worst or disappointing wine yet, stemming from the Thunder Show. I was slightly reluctant on buying French and Italian wines for a while, but because of your show I started purchasing more of them again. Some wines that stood out over the past year for me were the Ic/le Bas Pinot from Anderson Valley(your NYC Shows)and the Lily Pinot from Sonoma. Also the Mahi Sav Blanc and the Chateau de Cauillac from the secret packs. I also have purchased but haven’t yet tried MANY of the wines you have enjoyed and recommended. I will definitely comment as I continue to drink them.
May 8, 2008

stephen
The best I can certainly say was the Chasing Venus Sauv Blanc from New Zealand, the whole evening and the context in which that wine was enjoyed made that wine the best. A good wine can in the wrong company be dissapointing and this wine was good in great company, will never forget that day as long as I live.
Lets concentrate on the positives and not harp on the negatives.

Where am I. I am from Cape Town South Africa, living and making wine in Keswick Virginia. Gary come say hi, you are already on a train coming down this way
May 8, 2008

jacob sanchez
first comment, love the show, didn’t want to be a lurker. Just went to costco to look for some wines you mentioned. Had never heard of Sauternes before so I decided to try one out. Thanks.
May 8, 2008

torquey
QOTD: The best wine I’ve had, inspired by the TS, was a Casa Zuliani Cabernet Franc. Although not specifically recommended, Gary pushed Cabernet Franc enough times for me to hunt one down. I wasn’t disappointed, and plan to drink many more in the future.

The “worst” wines inspired by the TS have been the ones I haven’t been able to track down, such as the ever elusive affordable Cornas, a veritable unicorn among wines.
May 8, 2008

Cheryl A.
QOTD: Best I’ve tried because of the show was the 2006 St. Cosme Cotes du Rhone Blanc. Also really enjoyed the Breggo Pinot Noir.
Don’t have a worst.
May 8, 2008

Bill T.
QOTD –
The best would have to be 2001 Jacob Franklin Cab Sav Hoffman Lane and 2004 El Nido Clio …amazing juice!

The Worst has to be 2004 Domaine de la Noblaie Chinon Les Chiens-Chiens …I’m sorry Gary but it was horrible!
May 8, 2008

Andrew
Some tasty wines I’ve tried because of WLTV:
2002 Vila Regia Douro Reserva
Tempranillo from Spain

Waiting the the rack at home are:
a Gruner Veltliner
a French Colombard (Domain de Mirail 2006), just because I’ve never heard of Colombard before)

Don’t know about a worst. Certainly nothing that’s been undrinkable.
May 8, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
I haven’t had a bad wine so far on recommendation from GV. Enjoyed several new Pinot Noirs that I had never had and a new Tuscan. Since the Lefaive Rully is what I usually can get here I have not been a fan of Rully. I have tried 4 vintages and didn’t like any of them. New wines the Greco to Tuffo wines were new to me and I enjoyed them.
May 8, 2008

JudeMurphy
Oh yeah, and I meant to say, about when you describe a taste as being like “burnt wood” or something like that- have you ever thought that might just be a sign of a high level of sulphites? That’s not a good thing!
Of course I’m sure you’d know better than I would but I just wanted to throw it in there!
May 8, 2008

M
QOTD: I don’t have a best and worst. I live in PA. They don’t sell wine here. Fortunately DE and NJ are not extremely far. In DE I’ve found new varietals to try based on your show. I’ll try the Gru-Vee this weekend. I love discovering new wines. I love introducing wine to family and friends who claim they only like one varietal.
May 8, 2008

hugh
Per Se!!! Holy crap…..Now we know who’s really rolling in the bones!!
Happy b’day Lizzie indeed!!
May 8, 2008

salvatore
Worst recommended by you……..2004 Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap.

Best recommendations……. Most recommendations you make; I can not find here in Massachusetts.

Bottom line….. you have certainly made me move out of the box.Even if we can’t find a lot of wines tasted here.

I always watch you the next morning right after I check my ebay site.
May 8, 2008

marie
QOTD: best wines,
BAUBIAC VIOGNIER Languedoc-Roussillon

CHOCALAN GRAN RESERVA Chile Carmenere

POLIZIANO MONTEPULCIANO ASINONE Nobile di Montepulciano

worst wine I ever had that completely turn me off of BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAUs is DUBOEUF BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU

shout out for my husband the big E! its his birthday today, may 8th
May 8, 2008

Brad
QOTD: The one and only I’ve had so far was the RH Phillips Viognier and I definitely enjoyed it. Thanks!
May 8, 2008

lurkdawg
I haven’t tried any specific wines because of the show. I do always agree with your opinions of wines that I have already had that you review. What I do enjoy is that you remind me of wines that I haven’t had in a while (regions, varietals) and that encourages me to drink them. I have enjoyed a couple of Michel Briday’s (sp?) single vinyard Rullys in the past; I may have to find some of the ’05s. As always, I enjoyed this show very much. Thank you, Gary.
May 8, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – The worst wine I’ve had because of WLTV was one that someone brought to the Vaniac party at Basilico – some super-oaky and stalky Virginia wine… The best wine would probably be the Coutier Brut Rose – I have slowly been becoming a fan of the pink stuff, and this sparkler was really good!

Thanks!
May 8, 2008

Mango
QOTD
Worst Arneis, Fontanafredda, 2006?
Best Carmenere, Talhuen Vineyard, Vina Leyda, 2005.
May 8, 2008

Nick
back after awhile yay! great show. have to get into more burgundian wines. i just tasted some of osprey’s dominion from long island. they sucked. the reds were like water and the whites were soo light that it felt like i was drinking casper the not so friendly ghost
May 8, 2008

NC Carl
In Raleigh, thinking about driving to Charlotte for a book signing….hmmm

Best: Chateau Jonc Blanc Montravel

Worst: Pillar Box Red
May 8, 2008

Ken F
Best – a 1985 Lynch Bages
Worst (is that a word) 2004 Marasso Pinot. Terrible!!
May 8, 2008

Andy Cross
The best, Robert Sinsky’s Aries Merlot!!!! Finally a comment from the biggest lurk.!!!!
May 8, 2008

Garry
I tried the Little Penguin Shiraz and got no more than half
way thru it before I had to dump it out… the only wine I
ever did that to.
Though I don’t have a best choice, when you tried and loved
the Concannon petite syrah you mentioned that you graded it
in relation to the Bogle petite syrah which you regarded as the best
at that price point. I definitely agree with that. I always keep
the Bogle in the cellar.
I’m a big fan of the high QPR.
May 8, 2008

GenericGuy
I am close to Dallas, TX. Hopefully you’ll bring a book signing to this area.

QOTD: Best wine I’ve tried because of WLTV is Riondo Prosecco. Should have 20 bottles of it and a few other experiments arriving later today thanks to that free shipping coupon for buy the books

Worse wines I tried were some kosher wines. Maybe I just chose the wrong bottles, but I was not impressed.
May 8, 2008

C. Jurczak
QOTD: Best wine was a Verdejo you had on the show a while back! Worst was a Dolcetto Dalba…You raved about it on the show but it just didn’t suit me…I can almost still taste it…YUCK!…
May 8, 2008

HeadWino
QOTD — Best… many good ones but…Leocadie Fernand Averoux, Scored a 92 in a blind tasting at the house. Shocked my guests at $15.
Worst… Nec-otium Pinot Grigio…. quite a disappointment.

Too short of segment on Big Idea last night. Looking for a big time WWE Smackdown type show next week with you and Cramer.

Cheers!

B
May 8, 2008

stewart l
QOD- I have become a big fan of the NZ pinots -good values, I loved the 2005 Amisfield pinot and most recently bought a case of the 2005 Clos Henri Pinot from Marlborough. Sev. suggestions of rhone varietals that you recommended I found without much fruit.
I enjoy your programs on regions that are not well known, although I wish you would expand elsewhere, such as alsace, sicily,germany,and austria
May 8, 2008

Tim
Hey Gary! Living in Akron, with no peeps responding to my thread in the forum, looks like the Cleveland thread is going to bury Akron, as long as you make it out here – GREAT! I will be there.

One of the best experiences I have had was with a couple of different Nero’s and the worst – although it wasn’t really ‘recommended’ was a Barossa. Just had to try it to see what it was like. It wasn’t for me. Enjoying Rhone’s now as well.

Thanks Gary for encouraging me to expand my PAL.

Tim
May 8, 2008

JeffC
QOTD: Best: Greco Del Tufo, I tasted this past weekend. Picked one up after your show on them. Worst, geez could be many. The standouts, Charles Shaws 3 buck up-chucks, and way back tasted a Bully Hill wine, from NY Finger Lakes. Tasted like aspirins.

Hey, funny you mentioned Arneis. Just picked one up this past weekend to try. Read about them in La Cucina Italiano Mag. Havent tried yet, but will this weekend. Would be cool if you did a show on them also.

Thanks for the expanding your palette motivations.
ps. please come to NC.
May 8, 2008

Jeff Wiener
DC (No longer a lurker) — You said you were getting on a train to DC. What are you doing in town? Making any appearances? Grab a drink?

Been watching for about 3 weeks. Have not yet bought any wines, as I haven’t been to the wine shop lately. Did try a nebbiolo and a mourvedre (sp?) for first times at restaurants recently and loved them.

Best
Jeff
May 8, 2008

Bonzo
Gary, come to Austin, and I’ll take you rock climbing! I’ll even wear my Vayniac tee shirt and treat you to my favorite wine from Winelibrary TV, a nice, cold 2006 Mahi Sauvignon Blanc afterwards (nothing better on a hot day after climbing).

The most disappointing wine was the 2004 Noblaie Chinon Las Chiens-Chiens. Way too much oak for me.
May 8, 2008

M
I agree with NC Carl, Pillar Box Red was pretty bad. It was like Hubba Bubba gum in a super jammy fruit flavor.
May 8, 2008

Yoni Rabkin
QOTD:

Best – Some Bordeaux I can’t remember (doesn’t make sense, I know).

Worst – I think it’s called “Grand Circle” Shiraz, it tasted like sweet garbage juice.
May 8, 2008

wayno da wino
Yoo Gee , Coool / Interesting Episode on Rully Vinos !!! Watched Ya on da
Donny Deutsch Show last night. How come Ya didn’t crack-out any Vinos for
Donny ??? Ol’ Donny looks like he could use a Vino or two………

QOTD: Not sure, i still got a bunch of Vinos (Mas de la Barben-Coteaux du
Languedoc, Chateau Luchey-Halde Bordeaux Blanc, Alvarinho-Dorado Blanc,
Domaine Sainte Leocadie Minervois) that i bought from Ya that i ain’t tried
yet……. Gotta swig those down, that i’ll tell Ya………
May 8, 2008

countrygirl60
From a former lurker,and someone fairly new to the show i still have alot of tasting to do,and i agree with others that the first thing you notice is what you were drinking,no longer makes the cut after tasting what i’ve found with winelibrarytv,on that note:

QOTD:Best so far for me is the Prado Ayala Rioja in red,and the Arona Sauvignon Blanc in white,never had any really bad ones,but didn’t care for the Nec-otium Pinot Grigio as much as gary,and i am a big white wine fan.
May 8, 2008

wayno da wino
i meant “then i’ll tell Ya…..”
May 8, 2008

Ron
Good show. Def. something to try this summer…

and nice job on the D-Deutsch show last night!

QOTD-
Best: Segrantino Di Motefalco, and on QPR – Carm Douro
Worst: that’s a tough one – but I have to say.. Leocadie Fernard Averoux – not terrible, but just not my taste (overly sugar-cherry infused taste and had a slightly awkward finish).

Please do another Barbaresco show (comparing vintages…?)
May 8, 2008

Howard
Question: On the Rully, is it Du-fo as you pronounced it or De-fay as I would think it’s pronounced?
May 8, 2008

LauraG
The best AND worst was a Chinon. Worst b/c I didn’t like it at all -simply not up my alley (although there was nothing objectively wrong with it). Best b/c I would never have tried it w/o the thunder show and it was the first (of many) TS inspired wines I tried.
May 8, 2008

jason kersley
QoTD: best = 2004 Domaine Bertrand-berge Ancestral (from the April Fools secret pack)
worst= 2005 sangiovese for 8$
May 8, 2008

Robin C
QOTD: There were several that I really liked: AP Vin Gary’s Pinot Noir, Posta del Vinatero Cocina, Black Pig Albarino. I don’t think that there was anything that I hated – I wasn’t crazy about L’esthete Chinon or Chateau Luchey Halde Blanc, but they were interesting. I still have some wines that I haven’t tried but am anxiously awaiting (drinking no wine before it’s time) such as Meadowlark Red, Godolphin Shiraz Cab, Chateau Les Secrets De Cardinale.

Did I hear that you were coming to Albuquerque, NM? That would be great! I’m going to the Corrales (small village near Alb.) Quilt and Wine Festival on Saturday and I’ll pick out some wines for you to try.

Per Se sounds great. And it’s near Lincoln Center. But if I go high end I might start with Aquavit – it’s a bit more reasonable than Per Se.
May 8, 2008

Charles Parker
You should come to Philly. Hit up wine and cheese bar Tria on Walnut Str. You could also enjoy fantastic spanish wines at Amada or Tinto two very exciting Tapas restaurants. The city has an up and coming wine bar community. I would be there in a heart beat if u came down.

Charles
May 8, 2008

SeaSybarite
QOTD: Hmmm Best & Worst of your recs?
BEST: I’d have to say it’s a tie between 2004 Chateau Lascombes and Gaston Chicquet Champagne. Your Grower champagne episode was illuminating, as were the Cornas, Gruner, and Quincy shows (BTW, I’ve had one or two before seeing your show, to answer THAT QOTD).

Many of your recs are not available in Seattle, and/or are not nearly as cheap as in NJ, so maybe THAT is your worst rec.
May 8, 2008

Colin
GV – Good stuff. QOTD – You introduced me to Cahors, but I haven’t found one I like yet (I keep trying!). But you’ve also pushed me into Loire and Mourvedre!
May 8, 2008

Johnnyutah
QOTD: Your focus on southern France for good QPR has definitely made me take notice as the Euro continues to hold strong…and the Mischief and Mayhem Pinot Noir from Burgundy that you reviewed and recommended definitely brought the thunder for 20 U S B O N E S.

BTW: Rully is south of the Cote d’Or or just south of the Cote de Beaune as I’m sure you are aware of although you stated “north of the Cote d’Or”.
May 8, 2008

David Williams
QOTD: The absolute worse was NEC-OTIUM Pinot Grigio. Thin, horrible tasting swill. I don’t like Pinot Grigio and I thought this would convince me that good ones were out there–not yet.

2005 BerÃ§o do Infante Vinho Regional Estremadura Reserva–best cheap wine ever. Good flavor, nice balance 85 points–$4.95!

BTW, you might get more responses if your home page restated the QOTD. I sometimes, if I miss the show, have to try to figure it out from the responses.

Keep up the good work.
May 8, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: Hmm, that’s a tough one. Honestly, there have been few things that I never had before WLTV and the ones I have tried I wouldn’t put in a best or worst category. I tried a Greco di Tufo a couple of weeks ago and while it was good, I wouldn’t say best, but I’ll put that down as my best answer. As for worst, again, nothing horrible. I remember buying a couple of bottles of NZ Sauvignon that you raved about and while I tend to love NZ Sauvignon, both my wife and myself were disappointed in your rave. Nothing terrible, but as you say, different palates.
May 8, 2008

Rolf Rupprecht
QOTD – Best one last week at my borther in laws house in Germany a Roco Chiara 2004 Riserva Merlo from the Padua region..It was “slap your moma good”..don’t know the price it was a gift to him. Worst one Little Penguin Shiraz..not good at all
May 8, 2008

Nathan L
QOTD: The best is the Sunday Morning Sauvignon Blanc. That was BY FAR the most interesting under 10 dollar wine I have ever had…BBBBYYYY FFFAAAARRRR
May 8, 2008

Nathan L
QOTD: The best is the Sunday Morning Sauvignon Blanc. That was BY FAR the most interesting under 10 dollar wine I have ever had…BBBBYYYY FFFAAAARRRR.
The worst is probably that Sagrantino you recommended and scored through the roof. I thought it was “good” but tasted like a 20 dollar fruit bomb. It was the first Sagrantino I’ve had and after hearing you rave about the tannins and structure of the wine I was really disappointed because I found it slightly flabby. Again good, but closer to a 89 than a 98 pointer
May 8, 2008

NJ Chianti Dan
Gary you need to do a show on rose wines.

I’m no girly man but after the secret pack that had the rose wine, i am digging it…you said 20 bones was too much for the secret pack rose so what can you recommned for the same quality as the Le Tendance 2006 bordeaux rose for under 20 bones? i will be making a field trip to Wine Library next week to pick some Rose you recommend (and Encontro Bairrada 2004 that Ian recommened @ the Wine Library event last month—- tremendous daily wine)

ciao for now
May 8, 2008

Nick Leung
Thanks Gary for the advice you shared on the Big Idea last night. I’m a web developer in CA, and you inspired me to quit my job to go out on my own.
May 8, 2008

jseeds
QOTD: Best, the Matassa white earlier this year
Worst: Hasn’t happened yet…
May 8, 2008

DerekH
QOTD: Best thing I’ve had inspired by the show is a Cab Franc St Nicolas de Bourgueil Les Rouilleres 2005. Not had a bad one.
May 8, 2008

pawncop
Good show as always, in my little town there is not enough interest so will try to find a place close to me if possble, would love to meet you.

QOTD – The best is the Cab Franc, I tried a Chinon, and it was really wonderful expansion of my limited understanding.

The worst – I cannot think of a worst, although I was not so impressed with the Beaujolais Nouveau by G. Duboeuf 2007. You gave it a PAZZZ but I tried it anyway for the knowledge and found it to be very blagh. Not bad just blagh.
May 8, 2008

Dr. Dan
Great questions. There’s a whole lot of varietals and regionals that I really like because of WLTV, e.g., Sancerre, Brunello, Languedoc-Rousillon… I’ve also rediscovered Riesling and its food-friendly nature. There are many other wines that I’ve bought, but haven’t tried yet (Barolo, Riber del Duero, etc.)–I’m patient and am waiting until they hit their plateau. And, of course, the ton (literally, this is pretty accurate) of 2005 Bordeaux that I bought and will enjoy for many, many years. On the downside, I can’t think of what I’ve tried that I didn’t like, other than the occasional bottle.

Odd, I just ordered some of the Jaeger Defaix Rully last weekend (and received it the other day), but haven’t tried it yet.
May 8, 2008

Paul C
Dear Gary,

You dared to give Olivier Laflaive a good kicking !!!!

How dare you !!!!

respect.

In fact that show was real added value. I’ve never tried it (the Rully) but I would have thought the Leflaive would be the best of the three. Instead it was awful.

I tried his Mersault village wine and his Puligny village wine, both of which were excellent so I was very surprised to see you trash the Rully.

I’ll see if I can get hold of the Jaeger here in France.

I’d love to see a show on high end Provence or Langue d’Oc reds.

Rgds,

Paul C
May 8, 2008

DirtWineKen
QOTD#1: Princeton, New Jersey
QOTD#2: Best: 2003 Saint Jean Du Barroux L’Oligocene Worst: EVIL cab (yuck).
Great show. Most Rully I’ve had has been a little oak-monster-y, but nice. So I was surprised that Oakey wasn’t in the house today with these wines.
May 8, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: Newton Unfiltered or Catena melbac!! the best
worst.. none yet.
May 8, 2008

W Miree
Good Show! I have been drinking Rully for 15-20 years. I am amazed at how well they age….usually as well as Premier Cru white Burgundy, developing superb complexities and bottle bouquet. I have had them many times in blind tastings where they were guessed to be top white Burgundy by nearly everyone in attendance.
May 8, 2008

Kevin C
QOTD: I haven’t had a bad wine yet, so I’ll share two good ones. In response to your Cab Franc Loire episode, I had a Domaine Filliatreau Vielle Vigne 2005 that was outstanding. Its the only red wine I’ve ever had that tasted of Pineapple. It came through right in the midpalate, fantastic in combination with the black and blue berries and fine tannins. â‚¬9. I would give this a 91, but what do I know.

The other wine was after your 2005 Bordeaux rant, which wasn’t the first time I’d heard it, but it got me off my butt to try a good one. The Chateau Goubau 2005 Cotes de Castillon (â‚¬17.80)was a gigantic, round fruit bomb with cherry, cedar and some toasty oak throughout. I would give it an 89.
May 8, 2008

Susan
Gary-QOTD: 2006 La Bastide Blanche Bandol is the BEST wine I have ever had. Remember you challenged us to try a GOOD rose in the summer of 2007???? This one is old world and very near perfect!!!!!!!!!
May 8, 2008

BargePlus
QOTD – Best:
1. Chateau Dereszla Tokaji 2006 (from March’s Secret 4-pack) a knock-out white for a primarily red wine drinker
2. Zolo Torrontes 2007 from Argentina that I tried at the Verde Valley Wine Co in Cottonwood, AZ after one of your episodes touting this grape

QOTD – Worst:
Not really a worst, just a “not as good as I expected” the Domaine Sainte Leocadie 2005 Les Clauses from the Minervois. Next trip to Languedoc, I definitely plan to look up these & other wines in Aigne.
May 8, 2008

eagleputt
QOTD. My best experience by far with a WLTV rated wine was the Paolo Bea Sagrantino Di Montefalco Pagliaro Secco 2003. It is the wine you rated I believe 97.5 points (smelled like a cute college girl’s dorm room…), and it is outstanding. I ordered a case followed by another case after having one of the bottles. (BTW, I emailed you on how long you think I can cellar this wine but never heard back…) No worst experience so far. I have probably picked up a dozen wines I saw reviewed on WLTV and have enjoyed them all. My biggest frustration is finding the wines you review on your show in Washington. We can’t order from WLTV out here so I have to try to find it locally and my hit rate is probably less than 50%. Any chance you can name the importer / distributer for the wines you review?
May 8, 2008

Lee W
You were sharp and on point on the The Big Idea. Keep spreading the passion.

QOTD. Best was Boudreaux Cellars Cab and Pomum Cellars Cab blend from Washington. Plus the discovery of Albarino from Spain.

Have not had a bad wine that you gave a positive review and I have ordered a lot.
May 8, 2008

Karl Laczko
Nice show, even though White Burgundy is lacking in my repertoire.

QOTD – Not sure I’ve hit any bad wines from watching WLTV. Good ones? Had a nice Aglianico I would otherwise have missed, and I’m hitting a range of Italian whites which is proving interesting – generalisations rather than specifics.
May 8, 2008

Cesare
QOTD: The best wine you led me to was a Torrontes from Argentina. Awesome white wine. Worst: Haven’t had a really bad one yet.
May 8, 2008

DaveyDonut
QOTD: I like this one… probably the best wine I’ve tried strictly due to the shower is after your big push towards growers Champagne’s, I had myself a N.V. AndrÃ© Clouet Champagne Brut RosÃ© and it KILLED it. Yummy stuff (now I have 5 bottles). The worst isn’t something you recommended, but in the area of “trying something new, that you’ve never heard of,” I had a Zweigelt from Austria, and it was pretty darn bad… 74 points to me, and this was a $25 bottle! I’ll try another Zweigelt at some point, but not the Umathum!

David
May 8, 2008

SoCal
QOTD: I am going to open the question up a bit. The best wine I have bought that you recommend was the Chateau Belle-Vue 2002, the worst was the Pasodoble 2005. BTW are you going to get any of the 2005 Belle-Vue?
May 8, 2008

Tim
QOTD: I don’t drink too many of the specific wines you feature on the show because my local store carries very few of them but you have introduced me to different varietals. One of the best, a 2005 Bodega La Rural Cruz Alta Reserve Malbec. The worst – and it really wasn’t that bad – the 2007 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc.
May 8, 2008

yowens
Love shows about wines I’ve never heard of, thanks. QOTD: worst- some red that you scored highly but described as “sardines-” definitely tasted like sardines and I hated it. Best- hard to say, I’m having an Aminea Greco di Tufo right now that you recommended and it is awesome! I had never heard of Greco di Tufo until the thunder show.
May 8, 2008

Newman
QOTD: I’ve only had the opportunity to try two of the wines from the Thunder Show (a lot of them are hard to get a hold of North of the border/prices are quite a decent amount higher). I had the Taja from a couple weeks back and the Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Both were really good, but I think the Spy Valley was my favourite. Now that I’m working for the summer instead of going to college, I should be able to splurge on some of the pricier wines from the show.
May 8, 2008

the unknown chef
Gary:

Have you smelled eucalyptus? Are you sure you’re not talking about mint/menhol equating with Ricola? Eucalyptus smells like cat piss or am I crazy?
May 8, 2008

dAve
North Carolina! Come to Cary – hot wine drinkers! That’s near Raleigh/Durham – which is also good! Book signing, do you want a local wine shop lined up? or where do you do this?
QOTD: love the secret pack shows – just bought the little doggie label wine from this week’s show. A case and I can sell to my neighbors! smile.
The answer is: the best was trying and appreciating new wine types. The worse: well, none yet. smile.
Hey – do some Cab’s and Merlots and also do another few shows on cheap wines! I like expanding my palate, but my friends don’t. So need some ideas in the normal wines. smile.
May 8, 2008

ian
QOTD…best wine was a cab franc from the loire valley. bought a couple bottles to try and ended up with another case. my kind of wine.
May 8, 2008

damien
qotd: loire valley reds are by far the best wines i have experienced with the help of your show, i’m still searching for the worst! i’ll find one eventually.
May 8, 2008

Derek
QOTD: Worst was a Crane Lake 2005 Petite Syrah. One of the better ones was Archetype Barossa 2006 Shiraz
May 8, 2008

Ohio Bruce
Best: A Tokaij from Hungary, never would have tried it without being under the influence of Thunder.

Worst: An earthy vegetal Cab which only proved I’m a New World fan.
May 8, 2008

RANDI
QOTD: Ive had some truly amazing wines….and some wines that I thought were just plane awful…but in keeping with the question of the best and worst from WineLibraryTv…I’d have to say, I was waaaay impressed with Stewart Cab. – brought it with me to a holiday party and this wine just made me smile!! And very unimpressed with Chasing Venus Sav. Blanc.
But I thank you again Gary, for helping me try new things and expand my palate!
YOU are the best!
xox
RANDI
May 8, 2008

Billyd
Hi GV,
The best wine I’ve had because of WLTV is 2004 Chateau Haut Brisson, wow.

The worst was last night a white bordeux 2006 Mouton Cadet, but the up side at 7 bones it was a good palate lesson.
Because of wltv I am on a mission to taste as many different grapes as I can.
Great Show
May 8, 2008

ScottG
QOTD: I haven’t had a bad wine due to THE THUNDER. I’ve had many good ones as my palate got larger. The most surprising to me was a Torrantes.
May 9, 2008

Jaybird
QOTD: Best 83 Margaux
worst was Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon
May 9, 2008

kEITH
Best: Tempranillo
Worst: Cote du Rhone
May 9, 2008

Barry
My best experience lately was a surprise. A 96 Nino Negri Inferno.I worried that I had sat on it for too long. In the past I had only drank this Nebbiolo young thinking it would not be long lived like the Piedmont Nebbs. It was brilliant. Still had great structure. I could have sat on it for a few more years. My latest bad experience was a 96 Carlo Giacosa Barbaresco . I thought for sure it would hold up well . 96 was such a good vintage. It fell way short. It was too flabby to even be drinkable.
May 9, 2008

thunderball
The best was probably the 2004 Kanonkop Pinotage (though it was more of a ‘confirmation’ than anything else as I had already tried it just prior to seeing it on the show). That stuff kicks ass!

The worst was Cahors (I’ve tried 2 now…both terrible….)
May 9, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: Worst: 2006 Lo Tengo Torrontes, Argentina– I’m sure Torrontes is a great grape that can show “razor sharp acidity,” but this one had such a soapy finish that I couldn’t finish the bottle.
Best: 2003 Chat. Montus Madiran– 80% Tannat, 20% Cab. Fantasticly rich, smooth tannin, and powerful finesse and acidity. As always, thank you- for the best and worst that my palate expanding has brought me.
May 9, 2008

Irina
QOTD: 1 – I’m in Sofia, Bulgaria.
2 – In april we were in Madrid and I tried two Albarinos, because of ep. #241 and # 363. They were total disappointment, maybe because I expected something realy special or I just had no luck.
And the best wine … – I hope, I try it soon.
May 9, 2008

tom
gary, we should have grabbed a quick lunch in dc…..
May 9, 2008

Tommy BoBo of WI
This is another show that PISS’s me off so much,,,, We have got to get shipping back to WISCONSIN!!!!!
Plzzzz come to Minnesota,, I’ll make the trip.
May 9, 2008

tom
My fave my have been being introduced to St.Jean Du Barroux — and I liked the Ash Hollow Gewurtz too.
May 9, 2008

Danny C
QOTD:

I am currently in Wilmot, NH…will be in Portsmouth, NH tonight!

Best experience: Chinon!

Worst experience: No experience is a bad one, we always learn something!
May 9, 2008

Courtney M
QOTD: I can’t say I have had a worst experience, but I have a tie for the best.
One being the Monica from the Thanksgiving pack, very delicious.
The other would be the Carm, a very interesting wine.
May 9, 2008

Collin
QOTD – Best was definitely the Tempier Bandol. Something I probably would have overlooked on the wine list but am certainly glad I didn’t.

Worst, some so-so Cabernet Franc. There is still so much out there that tastes like pickled pepper juice.
May 9, 2008

BruceP
QOTD: Best was a wine from Languedoc (can’t quite remember the whole name). Something with “oligocene”in the name. Delicious Chateauneuf style wine. Worst was the Tensley Syrah. Actually not a bad wine, but just not my style.
May 9, 2008

Brian V
QOTD: I don’t drink that much wine… but the love the hell out of this show!!!
May 9, 2008

Ondra
QOTD: Thanks for revealing Barbera and Dolcetto grapes and Languedoc region. Thes wines really bring the qpr thunder. Other than that – our little countryÂ´s market situation is a bit different from yours; we donÂ´t get the exact wines from the exact producers you talk about.
May 9, 2008

Matti
First of all: I was a lurker for about 200 or 300 episodes. I do not know why I decided to answer this question of the day but here it is:

My best and worst experience are actually with the same wine: Elio Altare Dolchetto d’Alba. After Gary have it a very good score I decided to thry it and I loved it (I would have scored it 91-92). So I bought 6 more bottles of it. I drank 4 of them so far and they were no way near the experience I had with the first bottle. They were nor flawed but I scored them between 86 and 88. I never had a wine with such bottle variation.

Where am I? Antwerpen – Belgium

BTW love your show Gary
May 9, 2008

Christine
QOTD: Best–Tokaji goes really well with roasted chicken and with the hazelnut chocolates we enjoyed after dinner

Worst–don’t think I have one yet. Aside from WLTV, my pal doesn’t really take to Chardonnays. I keep trying them hoping to cultivate a like of them and it hasn’t worked yet.
May 9, 2008

agentorange
Tough question today.

Best: A Sicilian white: Cusumano Insolia. Never would have gone there without your encouragement, and it even had a glass “cork”!

Worst: We tried a Uruguayian Tannat / Cab Franc. Monster sulfur dioxide.
May 9, 2008

chezjosh
The dry Tokaji of secret packs past was a pretty fun experience.

I can’t say I’ve had any bad experiences as a result of the thundershow, though I’ve certainly has a number of lousy wines. Tonight I had a pinotage that tasted thoroughly awful. Fifty points for being alcohol made from grapes. Ten points for some actually complex fruit flavors. Minus five points for being really bitter. That’s 55, folks.
May 10, 2008

Psaul Steck
Long time fan, recent viewer. Long time customer with Shoppers Discount Liquors. Thanks for the wine that you recently donated to the NJ Photoconferance held at the Visual Art Center of NJ in Summit.The receptions in which your wines were served were so popular that I had to BUY an additional case.
May 10, 2008

euglena
qotd: I am in Berlin
May 10, 2008

Brian
I’m a lurker. Your show is quite entertaining. I would visit book tour in Albuquerque.
May 10, 2008

Ryan Brignole
not that i’m an expert, but i’m glad to hear you say that it was too hot. I’m finding about 2/3 of the 05 whites to be “hot” from alcohol mostly. the 04’s and even more so the 06’s are just slaying it!
May 10, 2008

KellyDuff
QOTD

Worst: Had a 24 hour lay-over in Tunisia and purchased a bottle of both red and white to try when i returned home… Tasted like petrol mixed with grapes that were crushed by the fungi foot of a wooley mammoth.

Best: My girlfriend bought home a 1/4 bottle of Chateau Yquem 1985 that was served at a party in Monaco.. That was structurally the best wine i have ever had.
May 10, 2008

Stu
QOTD: Best: Alain Brumont Torus 2003 tanat, cab sav, cab frc

Worst:Cote D’OR GSM from Rousillon
May 10, 2008

BobMac
QotD: The best: 2003 Saint Jean Du Barroux L’oligocene
The Worst: Haven’t picked one I didn’t like
May 10, 2008

squizzy
QOTD-

Best: Started getting into some really excellent Italian varietals that I’d never tried before (especially Nebbiolo). Also, the 2005 Sea Smoke Southing.

Worst: had a couple shiraz-viognier that I wasn’t crazy about.
May 11, 2008

JayZee
QOTD: The best was the Pasodoble Red that you went wild on so I bought a case and it is outstanding. The worst? THe Quinta Carolina that you recommended. I bought four bottles and the first two were awful. The third one was actually pretty good so I think the first two were a bit corked or something – they just were bad.
May 11, 2008

Achilleas in Cyprus
Hi from Cyprus …

Have tried more Chateau Neuf du Pape and more white wines. Still deciding what I like and don’t
May 11, 2008

Mr.Ambassador
Wow, pretty deep question that will require some extra thought… I’ve tried many different varietals and regions after reviewing WLTV episodes. Some of the big winners have been the Portugese Reds and Greco di Tufo wines. Torrontes were a good value but certainly have varied in quality!
May 11, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: so far I know the best was the white burgundy from the secret pac in March? really liked it and totally new to me. The worst was the last secret pac the petit whatever was just terrrible to me….tasted like moonshine.
May 12, 2008

T. Bone
Worst was the previous secret pack, the red with the smiley face on it. Cute marketing, but off-balance wine with some funk in there that seemed like bad winemaking.

Looking forward to trying Cornas. I have not yet taken the plunge, but it’s on the list for the next wineshop visit.
May 12, 2008

JimChem
QOTD: Worst- a house wine in a restoraunte in Tuscany and the best a Burnello in Montalcino. I have been in Tuscany for the past 10 days.
May 12, 2008

marco
Watched some shows when you first started, but got overwhelmed by the pace; started watching recently with the significant other and we’re hooked. Tried a Greco di Tufo that went down very nicely, but haven’t been lurking long enough to try a bad one yet.

Saw your question about whether you should drop to fewer shows per week and, much as I love the Thunder Show, it’s tough keeping up with five shows a week. They’re so informative that you don’t want to skip, but five is a lot; three would be easier on the conscience

As for the book tour? You’re only doing the continental US, so we’ll have to pass…
May 12, 2008

Shawn
My best and worst experiences are regarding the same things. My palette has been expanded, but I now have a tendency to just blurt things out about the wine, beer, whisky…. that I am tasting. My girlfriend finds it to be very annoying. I however think that it is fantastic. I bought a jar of cassis jam recently, and now I know. But to answer your question: my expanded palette.
May 13, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Q-Some favorites are Brunello, Amarone, Chateauneuf. Worst, Spanish wines stand out in my mind.
May 13, 2008

ScottyWed
Good show again Gary V. Thanks for continuing to expand my pal.

QOTD: Best – Loved the 2006 Chateau Dereszla Tokaji and the 2006 Bertrand-Berge Fitou.

Worst – Not a fan of the 2005 Le Muscle Cotes De Roussillion.
May 14, 2008

JÃ¸rn Idar Kvig
“Brian V
QOTD: I donâ€™t drink that much wineâ€¦ but the love the hell out of this show!!!”
Now that’s cool!

QOTD; I don’t really think of it as bad wine, just different wine. Had something called Amigo (Spanish mix), not a great wine, but very cheap so I would say it was an okey wine. Just because of the price
May 15, 2008

Luis Felipe
QOTD – The only wine that I have had as a recommendation from the Thundershow is the Washington State CMS (Cab, Merlot, Syrah), which I conveniently found in Penn Station’s Wine shop on my way back home to Long Island (which answers the question of where I’m from). I liked the CMS a lot. I’ve ordered 2 bottles of the Kosher wine from Oregon, which Gary reviewed in the Recomendations show: the Pomum 2005 Shya Red. I can’t wait to try it out.
May 15, 2008

akellner
Best: QPR: Leocadie; overall: Boudreaux Cabernet
Worst: Premiado Torrontes
May 15, 2008

damon aka unknownwine
that’s a tough question.
I’ve hit Chablis pretty hard as a result of some of the shows.
Languedoc and such have been good.
can’t think of a reccomendation that has been disappointing. If I think of one I’ll post it later.
May 15, 2008

Blake W
QOTD: Any Cote de Rhone rocks…I have yet to try any of the Washington State wines that you have had on the show, but of the Wash. wines that i’ve tried, none have impressed me.
May 23, 2008

Ben F
Becasue of the Thunder show i have really tried ever French wine i can get my hands on… i have not had major clunkers… but there have been some that don’t stand out..
May 24, 2008

Dan-o
I was surprised that the Olivier LeFlaive was so poor.
I went to a lunch and tasting at their cellar in Puligny Montrachet and the wines were quite good, although not exceptional.

Best wine experience from WLTV – Four Vines Naked Chardonnay
Worst wine experience from WLTV – not being able to be shipped to in MA
June 1, 2008

Julie
Hey Gary – Best recommendation from you – Albarino. Great white. Brought a few bottles to a party yesterday and to our demise, it was a hit! Thanks for that direction.
June 13, 2008

Tommy Vernieri
Catching up on WLTV while driving (riding actually) to see my family and celebrate my sister’s graduation.

I picked up a Chardonnay in a box (a Tetra Prisma pack) and it was pretty horrible. I don’t think I would have bought box wine if I didn’t watch WLTV; I’m still open to box wine, just not that one. It was from Green Groves.

I got the 2005 Bzikot white Burgundy from WL and it was awesome, introduced me to some great seashell flavors that I hadn’t experienced before. Before watching WLTV, France wasn’t really on my radar–the appellation system kept me away.
October 10, 2008

Chris
I like it when you bring the small and almost unheard of areas like Rully into the picture. It really teaches me what is hard to get straight answers on usually from other sources.

word.
January 12, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
QOTD: Best: Ive brought up this wine several times, but its brought the thunder…. A Royal Tokaji 5 puttonyos after you mentioned azsu wines in like episode 73 or something. Worst? hmmmmmm Cant say Ive had a worst because I havent tasted an exact wine from the show yet ( more like buying a type of wine than the actual mainly cause I cant find it ), but I have hated a pinot gris then loved another one.
May 26, 2009

nnothing
i am in west des moines iowa

ummm qotd worst: elk cove vineyards 2007 willamette valley pinot noir rose. I decided to try roses again because of the thunder show and the trying new things thing, but this was too acidic and way over oaked.

qotd best: that’s a lot harder. I’ve tried a lot of stuff in the vein of always buy something new every time you buy something old and most of the time i’m very happy I did. It’s pretty had to get wines that were on the show locally for me, but I’ve had a couple carmenere’s lately that i’ve really liked thanks to the try new things attitude.
November 1, 2009

richardvinifera
QOTD: Best is Rieslings (Leitz Rudesheim Dry, and Schloss Johannisberg Rheingau Kabinett- Off Dry) both massive QPRs. Worst is maybe a Condrieu 4-producer collaboration, good typical off dry viognier, then a bitter finish which ruined it!