California vs Washington State Syrah Showdown

California vs Washington State Syrah Showdown – Episode #461

May 8, 2008

Today in a head to head confrontation Gary Vaynerchuk pits 2 Syrahs against each other, one from Washington State and the other from California.

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Comments on this episode(164) Leave a comment ›

“You Made Some Good Points There. I Did a Search on the Topic and Found…” by Knipe
“Looking for a Washington Syrah on Google brought me to this episode.
…” by mrzitro
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2005 Rhapsody3 Syrah
2005 Gramercy Cellars Walla Walla Valley Syrah

164 Responses

May 8, 2008

BPlague
Gary just saw The Thunder Show is now on Hulu.com. Way to get the word out there some more.

QOTD: I’ll let you know when I have one.
May 8, 2008

Matti
Some stupendously boring champagne from Mumm.
May 8, 2008

David Dickinson
#3. Love Syrahs!
May 8, 2008

RichG
Gary, nice job. You need to try the Arthur Earl Los Olivos Syrah. Good stuff.
May 8, 2008

eagleputt
Top 10 – 1st ever…
May 8, 2008

Susan
Gary- Early today!!!! Great job!!! Love this ep!!!
May 8, 2008

JeffC
Gary, love the head-to-head competitions. How about doing the classic, Bordeaux vs Cal Cab vs Cal Mertage?? QOTD, cant recall specific disappointments for that price range, Im sure there have been many for less and hopefully fewer for that price point.
May 8, 2008

Derek F.
Big ups to my hommy G !!!! Good show!!!!

QOTD: Dont have one at this point.
May 8, 2008

Christophe - Titus Vineyards
No Rhone or Aussies in the mix?

WA vs CA still very interesting.

Cheers Gary V. Keep up the good work.

Have any bookstores in Calistoga or Napa yet?
May 8, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
I’ve been lucky on the few $30+ wines I’ve had. Now, my most disappointing $20 wine. . . !

“T”
May 8, 2008

Susan
Gary- LOVE a good showdown………………….YYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
May 8, 2008

Sean
Not a single link it up today????
May 8, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: I had a Sancerre recently that did not impress me. It was at a restaurant and I didn’t make note of it since I wasn’t impressed (it was also $47, so probably not quite $30 in a store).
May 8, 2008

Neil
QOTD: It was a Barolo (forgot the name) on sale a sale at a local wine shop.
May 8, 2008

JoeShmo
neat format, i liked it, different, keep things mixed up
QOTD: $30 DOLLARS, GOOD LORD. im in college lol its 15 or below for me.
May 8, 2008

Christian
Good show. I’ve been pretty fortunate with my $30 wine purchases to date, probably because I’m usually staying between 10 & 20 bones!
May 8, 2008

McAdamSandwich
Head to head battles are always fun.

QOTD – Haven’t had one yet, so I’ll post back when I do.
May 8, 2008

Karl Laczko
Nice head-to-head show. Playing catch up on the episodes at the moment, on to Wednesday’s!

QOTD – I haven’t had any disappointments in that price range. Maybe a few that weren’t bargains, but all eminently drinkable.
May 8, 2008

cameron w
Love the Head to Heads.

Can’t recall a specific example of $30 disappoinment, but do know that there’s been a few.
May 8, 2008

Zinny
QOTD – Landmark Chardonnay. I consider this and wines like it to be the inspiration for the Anything But Chardonnay club (which I am not a member of).
May 8, 2008

I-lurk
The head2heads are great. Gary, how about doing a paper-bag blind head2head? Have your staff pick out three (or more) wines in the same family with drastically different price points. Would looooove to see how that goes. Oh….. and no peaking.

QOD. 30 bones is too rich for my blood, I’ve have found plenty of
May 8, 2008

Phil G
Lame – this was more like a pillow fight than a steel cage match…

QOTD – I don’t remember… I just had an older California Sav Blanc that cost around that, and was WAY too oaky. It was kind of gross, actually.
May 8, 2008

leif erik sundstrom
QOTD: Absolutely the 1997 jaboulet Hermitage – Blech. although, this was actually $35…. So at $30 It would have to be Oregon’s Penner-Ash Syrah. Her wines are like some carved out the heart with a scalpel while wearing a white lab coat. I’d hate to have to use her bathroom.

funny, both of these were syrahs, perhaps i’m uber picky about my syrah.
May 8, 2008

leif erik sundstrom
QOTD: Absolutely the 1997 jaboulet Hermitage – Blech. although, this was actually $35…. So at $30 It would have to be Oregon’s Penner-Ash Syrah. Her wines are like someone carved out the heart with a scalpel while wearing a white lab coat. I’d hate to have to use her bathroom.

funny, both of these were syrahs, perhaps i’m uber picky about my syrah.
May 8, 2008

Mark S
QOTD: 2003 Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape
May 8, 2008

Elias
Gary, I am not surprised that the Washington wine scored higher. I have had an overall better experience when I drink a Washington wine. THey are usually very silky and smooth for my palate. I have a suggestion….can you please use a different glass for each wine you taste? Whenever, I use the same glass there seems to be a residue left over that affects my take on wine tasting unless I rinse it better. I think it will definitely affect the smell since some of the previous wine stays on the wall of the glass. Keep up the good job.
May 8, 2008

Mojave Joe
Lagniappe is pronounced ‘lan-yap’ not ‘lang-a-pay.’
May 8, 2008

jimkay
Yeah – more Washington State.

QOTD: Tablas Creek
May 8, 2008

UTshock
I really enjoy the head to heads. However, I wouldn’t mind seeing a NFL-like introduction with the 2 bottles slamming into each, sparks flying everywhere, and an over-the-top announcer saying, “Gramercy Cellars! Rhapsody3! Only on WLTV!” I think I would enjoy that.

QOTD: I try and forget most $30 bottles I’ve had and didn’t like. I do remember having a 2003(?) Sunstone Estate Syrah that was incredibly boring.
May 8, 2008

John Blue Label
GV,
Really like the format. For us time challenged people, the 10 minute, 2 wine death match is a great format. I agree with EK, need 2 glasses.
JWB
May 8, 2008

Jay
Gotta love the head to head match ups. You need to kick that off with the old school Monday Night Football helmet explosion. Do you know what I’m talking about?

QOTD: If I’m opening a $30 bottle, I’m going to enjoy it because it’s going to be for a fairly special occasion. No complaints on nights like those.
May 8, 2008

bfrankphoto
QOTD – Never bought a $30 wine.
May 8, 2008

GenericGuy
QOTD: Pierrier Jouet Champagne… the oak ruined it, definitely not my thing.
May 8, 2008

JudeMurphy
Thanks again Gary!
I’ve just spent the last hour or so watching your trip to Bordeaux this time last year, so now I’m thirsty for some Bordeaux and I’ve got none on me! Oh the pain! : ( haha
Got nothin’ for the QOTD… sorry!
A demain… ; )
May 8, 2008

Xavier
most 30$ (or more) wines I recently ordered are still in the cellar waiting for the right time.. as for now most of the time im stil trying new areas and new things at a lesser pricepoint.. but if there was one big dissapointment .. it was this one (and only) Brunello I had so far.. was a bottle my dad bought at a supermarket at a way too low price to be a good brunello.. didnt bring any thunder for sure.
May 8, 2008

Xavier
just saw Mark mentioning a Guigal CDP also.. Ive also had one of these.. a 2001 though i think.. and got 93 rating..I do love CDP but i think for less money i enjoyed the clos de loratoire des papes a lot more.
May 8, 2008

KyBoy
QOTD: Tyrus Evans Syrah from Wa State. I can’t remember what year it was…I’m thinking 2004. The tannins seemed overpowering, however, it may have needed a few hours to decant (which it didn’t get).

Gary, huge shout out to you for your appearence on the Big Idea last night. It got me all sorts of FIRED UP. My entrepreneur(ial) spirit has been on overdrive trying to drum up ideas for my own business combining passion and knowledge. Again, well done!
May 8, 2008

manonthemoon
Nice head to head too bad they were overhyped.

QOTD: Most of my $30 and above wines are hits because they are my weekend wines. The 2004 Worthy cab is the one that comes to mind, very disappointing for right under the 30 dollar mark.
May 8, 2008

purplejuicebruce
QOTD …I don’t remember what it was but I had saved it for a couple years and it was CORKED.
May 8, 2008

BargePlus
As an AArper on a CDC budget, $30 is usually too rich for my blood.

Something to consider: Unless it really doesn’t make sense (say a Romanee-Conti tasting), always have an $8, $10, $12 or $15 wine as one of the group so you can honestly say: Would I recommend one of these or 2 or 3 of these?
May 8, 2008

chenrys
Interesting to watch…not wines we would try.

QOTD: $30 wine…ha, ha, ha.
May 8, 2008

Andy & Edie
Another great battle Gary! It would have been interesting to have a 3 way battle and include France. French Syrah’s are usually our favorites – especially value Cotes Du Rhones.
May 8, 2008

David Masi
Hvae had the Gramercey and would agree on your assesment. QOTD-Guiliams Cab Sav. one dimensionally flat!
May 8, 2008

JimL
Mott’s right, definetly go with 2 big ass glasses next time.

Oh, and by the way, you wouldn’t happen to have a video of that “The big idea” show for us unlucky few that doesn’t live in the US and can’t watch it on cnbc.com (apparently blocking all non US IP addresses or some crap like that) ?
May 8, 2008

Sharon
Hmmm at a Pinot Noir tasting, did not like em all, and some were up there at $60-$80. The thing is, I don’t like Pinot Noir all that much. I like f-ing Merlot (seriously).
May 8, 2008

John Farrin
QOTD: I probably just had it although it was a penny away from $40.00 rather than $30.00. It was a hughly hyped 1993 Beaulieu, George de Latour. I really looked forward to drinking this wine because the best wine that I have had was also a 15 yr old California cabernet. Very ordinary. Drinkable, but absolutely no thunder.

Check your email.
May 8, 2008

BobbyTiger
Too many good $10 to $20 wines out there for me to even consider tossing 30 bones. Sorry…………………I just can’t do it.
May 8, 2008

LuvsChandon
Great job on the Big Idea, caught it this morning after recording it. Very inspiring words ! But who cares what’s hot in Hollywood???

30$ ??? I’ve bought a couple special bottles from Napa for more than that and they were worth every penny. Otherwise $20 is my regular limit.
May 8, 2008

amgryger
QOTD: I had an ‘00 Cornas (don’t remember the producer), that I picked up off the clearance rack at a PA Wine and Spirits for around $30. It was just really thin and boring, but it hasn’t made me give up on Cornas either.
May 8, 2008

Robert Howells
Laughing Magpie which is 30 bones in Canada. I have had wines half that price that brought the thunder.
May 8, 2008

ev
QOD-had to have been a 90 pt Wine Spectator scored California wine.
May 8, 2008

bh
hey gary, good show. made me think – how would these wines perform in different contexts? i mean you’re putting them head to head, which is interesting in and of itself, because maybe one’s fruitier and one’s more old world. but what if you were eating hamburgers on the porch…. which would be better then? or if you were eating a big steak with mushrooms?

the answer to that isn’t really important. i guess what i’m getting at is that i’d like to see you discuss the importance of context and how that affects the impression a wine makes. all of this on my mind, as i thought asimov had a decent article on the subject in the nyt this week.

anyways thanks again for the show. biggest $30 let down? probably the mr. riggs shiraz viognier. welcome to one-dimension city.
May 8, 2008

Craig Owen
It was the 2002 Andrew Murray Syrah Roasted Slope Vineyard. Like prune-infused lighter fluid. Although the fact that they delivered it via UPS in August, making 3 midday weekday visits to my residence before sticking it in the hot UPS warehouse probably didn’t help the condition of the wine.

I popped the ‘01 version of the same wine just last fall and it was outstanding.
May 8, 2008

LuvsChandon
Quote of the day

â€People are always talking about what youâ€™re doing nowâ€¦ To me, itâ€™s not what youâ€™re doing now, itâ€™s about where youâ€™re going.â€
- Gary Vaynerchuk
May 8, 2008

Taylor
Decent Show, on the the up note loved you on the Big Idea last night, made some great points!
QOTD I havent too disappointed with any of my 30 dollar wine dont know if it was because i wanted them to taste good cause i spent that much money on them or if they were actually that good.
May 8, 2008

aronowm2
QOTD: 2005 Susana Balbo Malbec based on your recco.
May 8, 2008

glenn
dude – Lag-ni-pay??? that word, Lagniappe, is Cajun and means “a little something extra, something for free” and is pronounced LAN-YAP.

love you anyway but basically dislike Vic Bourassa’s wines. they are all kind of meh for me.

you did a solid job on The Big Idea. nice work there.
May 8, 2008

Palmer
QOTD: 2005 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Land’s Edge Vineyards. it was on WE’s top 100 of the year list and I thought it was a total dud.
May 8, 2008

jason
i like these shows more. no bull shit, down and dirty…. syrah, 05, same price, 2 different places…. whatchya got. syrah, like pinot can be a good unit of measure. it is all over the world, what are you making?

QOTD: that is a rough one. it might be from last year for new years. it was a 04, bruno claire, vosnee… 40 euros. it did not happen. 04 was tough for reds, but he is making good wine. it just fell short, too lean for me…. like really lean. sharp red crunchy fruit. oh well. will give his wines another chance
May 8, 2008

thisIslandEarth
Gary,

Good show but I really want to mention how you “killed it” on the Big Idea.
Nice job. Might I recommend that for your next book you write not just about wines but about how a Russian kid made the “American Dream”, your ideas about success, family and friends. THAT is the real story.
God bless.
May 8, 2008

SoCal
QOTD: Soooo many from Cali it is hard to pick just one……
May 8, 2008

Rick D
Love the head to heads. Why do you only use a single glass when doing your tastings?

QOTD: I agree with Palmer the 2005 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Landâ€™s Edge Vineyards. Highly scored by both WS and WE, left me wanting more. A 30 bone wine needs to bring something special, like the thunder.
May 8, 2008

TonyStro
pardon SS Chris, puhleez!

QOTD – Penley’s Estate Reserve Cab (02 or 03 I think), coming from Australia I was shocked at how thin it was.
May 8, 2008

damien
all the 30 dollar bottles of wine i have been purchasing are from eric kent and they are in my wine fridge for later dates, hoping they won’t be disappointing!
May 8, 2008

sharon
Who can remember? I don’t take notes.
May 8, 2008

Kristen
QOTD: As a CKC, I don’t often have wine above the $20 mark. I think the biggest disappointment wine (near $30) was a $23 South African Shiraz that I had in a South African wine tasting. I had it right after a $10 bottle of Shiraz and there really were no discernible differences.
May 8, 2008

KenP
good ep, GV.
May 8, 2008

Jon-Paul Lenczuk
30 bucks is a tough pill to swallow if the wine is so-so..still plan to try the Washington State Reislings you showcased in early April!

On another note, you were looking for the term “Triple Threat Match”!

JPL
May 8, 2008

Tom P
QOTD – On a personal basis I have not bought a bottle for 30 bones that I was disappointed in. My limit right now is 25 and most I buy is below $15. Of course I put a couple bottles of Jordan and Caymus down that I would expect not to disappoint.

I have paid more that 30 for wine in a resaurant that disappoint because it did not bring the thunder, but then that is 3x or more off of retail…
May 8, 2008

James Marinello(bajayngo)
Love the head to head format for usre!! and just so everyone knows…..WASHINGTON STILL WON!!!!!

QOTD : not a ton which is really cool but one jumps out was the Mccrea soracco. But it might have been tainted so I don’t really count it!
May 8, 2008

laposte
QOTD:
Nearly every California cab or pinot noir I have purchased for $30. You can get the same profile for $10.
May 8, 2008

RANDI
Most disappointing $30/wine? Why are we harping on the negative.
I prefer to see the wine glass half-full!

Poor wines, but great show as always…
Thanks Gary!!!
May 8, 2008

Ben Janssen South Australia
About time the California Washington Syrah Showdown!
Good show, got a few work mates to watch it.

Keep up the good work!
May 8, 2008

Robin C
Hard to believe that a good syrah is so hard to find.
QOTD: Usually, I forget about the disappointing wines as soon as the bottle hits the recycling bag. We did have a couple of disappointing $80.00 and $70.00 wines recently: a Sterling and a Cosentino. The Sterling was fine, but it just tasted so conventional to me. Maybe the Wine Library is broadening my palate.
May 8, 2008

Antony
A reserve pinot from Patagonia – Canale… Umberto or something similar. The merlot is a steal. The pinot…
May 8, 2008

GrapeStuff
Great head-to-head, GV…I am a HUGE syrah fun, and this was a blast to watch. Too bad to see they didn’t really bring the thunder.

QOTDL Funny, it was a syrah. Think it was the ‘05 Olson Ogden Syrah.
May 8, 2008

Billyd
Really liked the head to head format tonight..
qotd: had awsome dinner at Trevanges, St Helena with a Whitehall Merlot. We bought a bottle at the winery the next day,30 ish, drank it at home very disappointing.
May 8, 2008

J Crazy
Simi Alexander Cab: big fruit, a lot of oak, creamy, short finish, hallow, boring and definitely not worth $30 bucks.
May 9, 2008

kEITH
I’ve never spent more than about $25 I think
May 9, 2008

BigTarheel
Biggest fizzle … just about every Corton-Charlemagne that I’ve had. And they were alot more expensive than $30!
May 9, 2008

Cookiedds
QOTD: Verve 2005 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, nothing good to say about this bottle especially for the price. At $30 I’ve usually been pleased by most wines, my dissapointment level is higher in the $17 to $25 price range. I’m usually expecting less at this price and get a little frustrated at all the stinkers out there.
May 9, 2008

E
Either ‘99 Kistler Vine Hill chardonnay (went downhill VERY quickly) or ‘04 Emilio Moro RdD (nice enough wine, actually, but it was just so … boring.)
May 9, 2008

brent
QOTD: Les Terrasses Alvaro Palacios Priorat 2004… after all the hype about the producer, I was expecting a lot more.
May 9, 2008

cheech
okay, so you are on the side of the college crowd and common man and you spit out the wine every chance that you can, so it helps you taste it “again” and you are at work, cool, but man you are mixing wines and pouring them out , us semi poor college students and blue collar workers are not appreciating that, please remember us or not who cares,
May 9, 2008

Andrew D
Hey Gary

QOTD: ‘G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne’ though with such a crappy US it’s probably worth a bit more than US$30. It was a total disapointment, lacked any sort of flavour, class or excitment and contributes to form an opinion that a lot of NV Champagne is rip-off. In Australia I could get a lot more love from local Tasmanian producers Clover Hill or Janz.

Cheers
Andrew
May 9, 2008

Chrisfs
I’m frugal. I have never spent $30 on a bottle of wine.
May 9, 2008

thunderball
Various Bordeaux wines that I have never heard of but looked enticing….I get about 3 disappointments for every 1 revelation.
May 9, 2008

T. Reasoner
Syrah is now being grown on Maui!

QOTD – Ponzi Pinot Noir reserve was like $60 and it was not worth it at all
May 9, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: I’ve had too many CA Syrahs from Santa Ynez, San Luis Opisbo, and other CA appellations recently that are SO BLUEBERRY AND VANILLA PIE, laced with new American oak SPLINTERS and they make me sick. It’s nice to find solid, REAL Syrah from the south of France, South Africa, etc.
May 9, 2008

ChrisH
I have a lot of $30+ wine in my collection but I can’t remember the last time I actually drank a bottle of it. I had a malbec at a restaurant in Phoenix that I believe was about $8 a glass that pretty much stunk (WAY too hot and absolutely no finish speak of besides the alcohol). I guess if you average out the cost per class that is about $30 for the bottle…even if it was restaurant pricing
May 9, 2008

alfredhayes
QOTD: Haven’t had too many over the big $30. The biggest let down for me would have to be Yalumba Shiraz circa 2003.
May 9, 2008

Harry
In the kosher world, there are a lot of $30 let downs. Maybe the Herzog Sp. Res. Zinfandel and Napa Valley Cab stand out, although i’ve had a quite a few. Good show once again Gary – I like the comparisons of regions, but maybe you could give a little more terroir notes?
May 9, 2008

Omallley
Love the head to heads. Good show, Gary.

QOTD: Tomassi Amarone that I had three years ago. Although, I would love to retaste it, because I certainly did not have the palate to appreciate it at the time (as I was just starting to drink wine).
May 9, 2008

torquey
QOTD: Most every restaurant wine I’ve had at that price point has been a disappointment.
May 9, 2008

laurie in VT
QOTD: There have so far only been a couple, but they weren’t bad enough to motivate me to get up now and find the names in my notebook. I tend to search for value under $30…

I picked up my pre-ordered copy of your book yesterday afternoon on my way to work (yay for locally owned bookstores!), and started it this morning. Way cool, nicely done, sweet, etc.! Definitely going to be giving copies as presents. Thanks!
May 9, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Almost any Syrah or Shiraz in the $30 plus range especially from Australia. Always too overblown for me. I have had some $30 cabs that were wonderful. Still trying to like Lebanese Musar at its price point.
May 9, 2008

Tommy BoBo of WI
Love theSyrah!! tks
QOTD:,, I’ve been on a good run of late,,, can’t remember my last “bad” bottle… Good luck on all your upcoming TV appearances!
May 9, 2008

fatdoi
qotd….. john duval entity…
May 9, 2008

MtnCharlie
Like the back and forth on the head-to-head.

QOTD: 2001 Castello di Gabbiano Bellezza $32 at BevMo. Fortunately it was on their 5 cent sale. First one I had about a year ago was decent. Opened the other recently and it was flat, dry, short finish. Also, 2005 Testarossa Syrah Subasio Central Coast $29. Not bad, but also not exceptional. Fruity, a little spice, but a bit one dimensional.
May 9, 2008

thefanjestic
Qotd – too many to count. Nice Citizen Kane refrence – what’s up with that?
May 9, 2008

Garry
With all of the FANTASTIC wine you can get for less
than 25 BONES. I’ve never had a $30 bottle of wine.
But then I’ve only been drinking wine for about 8 months.
May 9, 2008

wayno da wino
Qotd: Two Losers in da 40-50 bone dud category stand-out. About 15 years
ago i bought a Ramonet Premier Cru White Burgundy and a Chapoutier Chante
Alouette White Hermitage both rated in da mid 90s by da wine critics……
Was really expectin’ somethin’ Yummy, but they were RAAAAAAAAUNCHEEEEEEEEE
YUUUUUUKE…….
May 9, 2008

Donna Marie
QOTD: Simi Landslide Cab-don’t remember the vintage. Though I have enjoyed other wines from them.
May 9, 2008

lurkdawg
QOTD: I had one of the recent releases (forget which vintage) of Marchesi di Barolo’s Barolo last year and thought it was a huge letdown. I’m sure there have been many others, but that one stands out. I do love Barolo and Barbaresco, but I’ve only once had one under $40 that I really liked.
May 9, 2008

Paul DeRose
How about the majority of $30 red Burgundies, although I recently had an ‘05 Fixin by Rene Bouvier ($40) that was particularly disappointing. I had tried and liked his Marsannay in the past, but this wine had so much new oak. It tasted like buttered popcorn, but bitter. Yuck.
May 9, 2008

Danny C
QOTD:

I can’t remember a $30, but how about a $55 Cab from Wash State…the 2005 Pepper Bridge Cab, typically I like their wines, but not this one, especially for the cash money!
May 9, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
The TASTE-OFF no-pay-per-view!! I love this format. QOTD-2005 Ridge Geyserville disappionting even more because of my past love for this wine. Then I remembered that grapes are affected by weather and are not some uniform stamped-out-of-sheet-metal product that too many of us seem to think. I will be buying the 2006 for sure
May 9, 2008

Kevin C
Just heard GV on Collin Cowherd! Another awesome showing by GV! Wine a t a tailgate…we’re changing the wine world!
May 9, 2008

KW
Gary – great format, but suggest two glasses.
QOTD: 02 Valrose, not quite $30 but dissappointed.
May 9, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: DuckHorn. It was a lot more than $30 though.. But it really sucked. Maybe if it was decanted the day before it would have been better.
May 9, 2008

LauraG
QOTD: Honestly can’t recall one at that pricepoint. Seems to be kind of a sweet spot for me.

On another note, how about a show on wines of Galicia? Albarino is obvious and has been done, but how about a red from Bierzo, and perhaps a Godello (Galicia’s “other” white grape) from Valdeorras? Those are really up and coming wines with a lot of potential, especially the Godello, which will appeal to Chard drinkers. Just food for thought.
May 9, 2008

Rodrigo
2004 Groth Cabernet Sauvignon, paid around $40 something, it was crappy. I felt ripped off. Since then at that price point, I go Chilean all the way, Napa can’t touch it at that price. Plus they don’t make fruit bombs in Chile(generally).
May 9, 2008

ChezJim
GV – I, too, heard you on “The Herd”. That was outstanding. Wine and Sports, what a great combination.

Good show. I always love it when you tell it like it is.

QOTD – I had an E. Guigal 2001 Chateauneuf Du Pape that couldn’t compete with E. Guigal’s $10 2003 Cotes du Rhone. Disappointing.
May 9, 2008

M
QOTD: I haven’t had very many $30+ wines. Luckily the ones I’ve had were good, burgundy, brunello di montalcino. I’m most comfortable at $12-$24. I’ve been disappointed in that range probably because I’ve had so many. If I had more $30+ wines, I’m sure I’d find some that were disappointing. Statistics……
May 9, 2008

Brian V
Love the head to head format!
QOTD: I have never bought a $30 wine. My wife would kill me.
May 9, 2008

Johnny C. a.k.a SmokinActuary
The most disappointing that I can remember was some Amarone. I forgot the name though.
May 9, 2008

Xavier
third person already now that comes out to be let down by this E. Guigal chateauneuf du pape..01 and 03, must be something to it…
May 9, 2008

Vbellore
Ridge’s Lytton SPring’s 2003. Maybe it was too young, or didn’t wait long enough, bu felt really gipped considering the hype and the price.

Like the Head to head, especially when you go back and forth. Keep on keeping on.
May 9, 2008

Mike Palmason
QOTD: Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Eroica was very disappointing. I had heard great thins about it, but found it rather boring.
May 9, 2008

Paul C
Go into Nicolas and buy any red burgundy for 20 euros, it’s guaranteed to be rubbish. In fact, I had a Clos Vuegeot from Domaine Faiveley for 60 euro, it was also rubbish. I was very surprised.

Nice show, I think that show was good as you were honest and the snappy 10/15 mins max format works much better than the 20 minutes.

Any chance of a Langue d’Oc tasting ? (top producers)

Paul C
May 9, 2008

Harley Stan
Cool little head to head today.
QOTD- I was disapointed with the Martha Stewart label I had at a party but I don’t know the price that the host paid.
May 9, 2008

italianwinelover
What a shame two losers in one show.

GV-What has happened to Sir Vaynerchuk? Did he crawl under some old gnarley vines and not come back? He hasn’t been seen in a while?

QOTD: Had some good picks lately. Can’t remember a bad one.
May 9, 2008

Len
Good show even if the wines were disappointing…QOTD: Not any that I can think of…you pretty much kept me clear of them but if you want to know about wines that were not bad…just a big disappointment and were $70+ …I can tell you few and then some….
May 9, 2008

Arnaud H
QOTD: 2004 Iron Horse Wedding Cuvee. That wine tasted like… well, iron to me. Bitter almonds, dead leaves, and not in a good way. Almost no fruit for me. The gf liked it OK, but I couldn’t enjoy that wine – just goes to show how personal palates can be.
May 9, 2008

kaybee
Nice head to head GV!

QoTd
I disremember what it was. We bought a nice champagne (we thought) for our anniversary. It was lousy. I can buy lousy for less, so I quit buying $30 wines. But usually I buy winners for less than 30.
May 9, 2008

Bernard
QOTD Okanaga the napa of 2020
May 9, 2008

terroirist
I was unhappy with the E. Guigal Chateauneuf-du-pape 03′..

I paid 30 clams.. It did not represent like the 01′…

In sooth,

aka Mike In Nebraska
May 9, 2008

agentorange
QOTD: We don’t buy wines at or over 30 bones retail.
May 9, 2008

dAve
I don’t buy wines over $20. I’d rather have caviar with cheaper wine. smile. haha. I like Syrah’s!
May 9, 2008

chezjosh
Got nothing to say for this QOTD.

Come to Chicago!
May 9, 2008

keith
Good show, we have had better wine
May 10, 2008

Cuse Wino
QOTD- Chateau Cantelys Wasn’t ready for
all the poop taste
May 10, 2008

Mason
QOTD: Chateau Villefranche Sauternes, half bottle. What a load of crap! It could be that it was corked, judging from the slight mold on the cork….
May 10, 2008

T. Bone
A lot more than $30, but the last 3 Sea Smokes have been atrocious. Not sure if it’s bottle shock or what, but they are sucking. No fruit, something off – not corked, just a strange funk that kills the bottle. Would love to have that $$$ back.

Head to head is better with the back and forth, I second the second glass idea. Go Mott.
May 10, 2008

Vinacull
Nice EP Gary. Too bad these were both Vaynerpazzz’s. QOTD: Not all of these were recent, but here are some that readly jump to memory. Some of these are more than 30 bones, some less.
Duckhorn Vineyard Paraduxx Cab. I think it was ‘02. Smooth and fruity but unidimensional and definitely not worth the $$ (I think it’s around $42)
2004 Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta (WL EP 298). I can’t believe WS gave this a score of 93. Again great mouthfeel but this was definitely not memorable in the right way. Gary you were kind with an 89.
2005 Turley Old Vines Zinfandel. Very good zin, but not multidimensional or interesting enough to warrant the $30 price tag. People are quick to jump on the bandwagon and say Turley is overhyped, but I am not in that camp. I have had some that are sublime – especially when they taste like Rhones.
2005 MollyDooker Boxer. Not $30, but in the $20 range this was a MASSIVE disappointment, and shocking when looking at the 95 point WS score. Drank this three weeks ago and I still can’t get over what a gloppy alcoholic mess it was. Also drank the ‘05 Maitre D Cab which was almost as bad. The ‘05 Two Left Feet was somewhat better than both, but still not in the excellent to outstanding range.
2003 Guigal CDP. Have to agree with other commenters here, which hurts because I am an avid Guigal follower. Drink em’ if you got em.
2002 Pegau CDP. We are HUGE fans of Pegau CDP (the ‘89 Reservee is one of the best old school CDP’s I’ve ever had). This one is just so thin, it unfortunately is not worth the price tag, which is about $45.
2004 Delisio Catalyst. This one gets a borderline vote. Huge and like a velvet glove, but definitely not the 96 that RP gave it and questionable regarding 34 price point, IMO.
‘Nuff said. There are so many examples.
May 10, 2008

bob c
Actually, havent bought a 30 dollar wine yet…..
May 10, 2008

Justin Viger
Yay, a head to head. Oh not that exiting of wines.
May 10, 2008

tom
Plumpjack Syrah 2005 — too over the top, too much fruit, sugar, alcohol — too new world…..
May 10, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
QOTD – I have had quite a few mediocre wines over $30. Many wines are over priced these days. Someone recently shared a glass of a $100 Napa Cabernet with me and it was nothing special.
May 11, 2008

Rossodio
QOTD – easy. It’s the N.V. Paul Goerg Champagne Brut Tradition. Despite the fact that so many actual champagne wines are overpriced, this one stands out on its own for being very poor quality, especially for the price point of 30 bones.
May 11, 2008

JayZee
QOTD: Too numerous to mention. I often drink $30 wines and it is not unusual to be disappointed. And it depends on the type of wine. I mean, if it’s an Amarone, or Nuits-St. George, or a Chateauneuf-du-Pape, it is pretty much a $30 or more wine and certainly some of them disappoint me.
May 12, 2008

Jon Martinez
As of late it was the Gramercy Syrah. I bought it a few weeks ago at there shared tasting room. It wasn’t available to taste, but I thought I would check out one of our small producers. I was expecting a lot more. I had very similar tasting notes. Nicely made, but not very exciting. A lot of money for something that could be had all day for half the price. Even then I wouldn’t buy it. I scored it at 87+ pts.
May 12, 2008

SaraMHCRU
Don’t think I’ve ever spent more than $25 on a bottle of wine, retail.
May 12, 2008

Colin
GV – Thanks for the show. QOTD – Early on in my wine drinking days, I got a bottle of Clicquot and thought I was the shizzle. Until I opened it – I was like “What are people raving about”. Luckily I had a bottle of Duval-Leroy and my brain waves about Champ. were spared…
May 12, 2008

Stephanie from So CA
QOTD: Soter in Pacific Northwest. Very disappointed lately with Sparkling and Rose. Funky….
May 13, 2008

pawncop
Thanks for a good episode.

QOTD – Quite honestly, I have yet to spend $30.00 for wine just yet. I can see it happening, but not at this point in time.
May 13, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Love the showdowns.

Q-??
May 13, 2008

jeffw
QOTD: 1996 Kalin Cellars pinot noir. I picked this up at The Wine Merchant in St. Louis…$49 bones down the toilet. Terry Leighton totally missed with this one. Umami my ass.
May 13, 2008

boegemann
QOTD: N.V. MoÃ«t & Chandon Champagne White Star; I used to love the sweet/tart aspect of this stuff, but it’s just not doing it anymore.
May 13, 2008

ScottyWed
Nice Head to Head battle. Thought you were going to taste them blended. HA.

QOTD: Any red from Wilson Creek or Ponte (Temecula Valley). I used to love the stuff, now I can’t think of paying that price.
May 13, 2008

GR8wine
Thanks for the episode but it was a bit dissapointing (not the episode, the outcome of 2 $30 US syrahs from premium US winegrowing regions). This in itself is educational. Can’t say I can recall the most disappointing $30 bottle. I will say I’ve been disappointed by many bottles in that range at restaurants but I don’t count those since restaurants gat away with highway robbery in their wine markups. (maybe you should do a show about that!). So what are the 17-18 bones Syrahs from France that would compare favorably?
May 14, 2008

Mondavi4Life
Washington Syrahs? They cant even compare to Napa Valleys Syrahs. Its like comparing a Smart Car to a Bentley Continental.

My top 5 Syrahs/Shiraz of all-time:

Guigal La Mouline
Penfolds Grange
SQN Just For The Love Of It
Jaboulet La Chapelle
Robert Mondavi Private Select Syrah-unreal value cmpared to the other 4!
May 14, 2008

Charlie Berg
I really like the new format, Gary, back and forth is like a real fight.
QOTD: The name isn’t coming to me, but it was a St. Emilion from a non-Premier cru producer from 2003. It just didn’t have anything on the nose, and I mean anything! Just a hint of dusty raspberry, both when I just opened it and after it had been decanted for a couple of hours. kinda surprising.
May 15, 2008

Luis Felipe
QOTD – I got nothing.
May 15, 2008

damon aka unknownwine
don’t remember names, but red burgundy for $30 I’ve have very bad luck with. Seems like a risky category to me.
May 18, 2008

Sassodoro
QOTD. I have had too many $30-disappointments and $3-closeout-miracles to remember specifics. In general, though, I don’t recall a recent $30 Pinot Noir that brought much thunder, whether Burgundy or Oregon or New Zealand. Oregon Pinot Noir at about $40 starts getting good.
May 24, 2008

Dan-o
GV – you have me stumped on the QOTD. I am certain that I have been underwhelmed by some wines at 30 bones, but I tend to remember the great bargains. I just scord some 1999 Balnaves The Blend (Connawarra Aussie Bordeaux style blend) from my old merchant in NC at ~$6 per bottle – a steal!
May 28, 2008

Ben F
Great show GV i like the quick in out format sometimes…
May 30, 2008

James
Dude, UFC over Boxing any day

I like Syrah so much… I find I have really good luck in picking them between 20 and 30 bucks
June 13, 2008

Tommy Vernieri
QOTD: The most dissapointing $30 of wine I’ve had was the 2003 Elderton Shiraz. We had it at our Third Thirsty Thursday Tasting blind and it was in the lower half of the six we tasted from just about everyone’s scores (check out wine dot scribblewiki dot com, we did Shiraz in April).
August 8, 2008

DeathValleyHiker
8/08/08 Just paid $9.99 for a bottle of Bourassa Rhapsode3 Syrah 2005 at Grocery Outlet in Hemet Ca.
January 12, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Im happy with the result. Its another mark in the win colum for Washington state, baby! A win is a win! QOTD: Probably a 1998 Pierre d’ Arche Sauternes. I cant actually remember if it WAS $30 ( I doubt it ). But its the only wine that Ive drank lately that was over $20 that was meh. Heck, it was beyond meh. I dont think it was corked, but it literally had one flavor, and that flavor was air with sugar. Horrible effort. Hopefully it was just the bottle and not the overall wine.
April 9, 2009

mrzitro
Looking for a Washington Syrah on Google brought me to this episode.

QOTD: the Pomum Shya
July 31, 2009

Knipe
You Made Some Good Points There. I Did a Search on the Topic and Found Most People Will Agree with Your Words. Thank You!

P.S: Please Take a Minute to Visit My Website as Well: http://snurl.com/stockassault