Napa Valley Cabernet Battle Royal And The BOOK Is Now OUT!

Napa Valley Cabernet Battle Royal And The BOOK Is Now OUT! – Episode #464

May 13, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk goes BLIND on this HUGE day for him and his Family and the Vayniacs. Napa Valley Cabernet is the epic and most sought after wines of America and this tasting will be a battle Royal!

Note: the wine listing is in tasting order.

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Comments on this episode(380) Leave a comment ›

“Hi, first time lurker here, QOTD: The first napa cab I fell in love wi…” by Sam
“Absolutly love your show and the way in which you describe wine. Your…” by Susan
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2005 Neyers Ame Propreitary RedNapa Cabernet
2005 Tor Kenward Cimarossa Cabernet SauvignonNapa Cabernet
2005 Paul Hobbs Napa Cabernet SauvignonNapa Cabernet
2004 Rocca Cabernet SauvignonNapa Cabernet
2004 Bennett Lane Cabernet SauvignonNapa Cabernet
2004 Altamura Cabernet SauvignonNapa Cabernet

Links mentioned in todays episode.

380 Responses

May 13, 2008

Withnail
This looks great! Congrats on book release day!
May 13, 2008

RichG
Good one Gary….Maybe more of this in the future!!
May 13, 2008

Tyler
Top ten! I am looking forward to watching this one. Other comments later.
May 13, 2008

Susan
Gary- Great stuff!!! LOVE the blind tastings!!!! ‘Conan’ was SUPERB !!! RADOOL!!!! Looking forward to seeing the book LIVE and in person SOON!!!
May 13, 2008

BargePlus
Whoopeeeeeeeeeeeeee Top 10
May 13, 2008

UES Chris
Blind is best.
May 13, 2008

Xavier
congrats on the book Gary.. top 10 ^^
May 13, 2008

AlexC
Nice to see a blind tasting for a change! Congrats on the book! I’m kind of bummed though that I can’t get it signed by you at Costco in Edison (It was the only signing that I actually had time to attend )
May 13, 2008

Patrick
Ridge MonteBello
May 13, 2008

FTBoomer
Damn that’s a lot of wine
May 13, 2008

manonthemoon
top 10
May 13, 2008

JSH
Do another one!
May 13, 2008

Rich
Gary-
Congrads on the book. You’re “Big Pimpin” now!!!
May 13, 2008

Panosh
Fun show
QOTD: Neal
May 13, 2008

The Lukas
haha, 2 for 2 with the basket, and the thing is, i actually was wondering

QOTD:
Gary, i’m poor, the only Napa Cab i’ve ever owned is sat in my house waiting for a good reason to be opened.
I’m currently drinking an italian wine, smells just like bacon fat, incredible.

Loved the show.
Was interesting, maybe you should do more blind tasting shows.
May 13, 2008

Patrick SF
The new camera angle keeps the show looking fresh and provides more interesting backdrop. Maybe the wines could be in decanters with numbers underneath to identify later.

QOTD Regusci 1997 Cabernet which I bought at the ghost winery on my birthday. At 50 bones it was the most expensive bottle I had ever purchased. It was my most memorable wine experience when I opened it with my dad four years later.
May 13, 2008

Derek F
Just loved this show Gary, I am going to go watch Conan now to see what I missed last night…thanx so much for all you have done Gary, I am really thankful !!!!!

QOTD: I really love the 1994 Heitz from St. Helena
May 13, 2008

Corrado
Hey, Gary, thanks for hangin’ with us peeps over @ wine.woot today. Still some great questions from the woot-fans about the book and its author!
May 13, 2008

Johnny C. a.k.a SmokinActuary
Great show – i’ve gotta try that cab!
May 13, 2008

Kev and Ams
QOTD: So far it is Little Vineyards.
May 13, 2008

UES Chris
No 2004 Egelhoff?

Give Bob a chance!
May 13, 2008

laurie in VT
Great eps today and yesterday. Thanks!

BTW, no such thing as a ‘black herbal tea’, it’d have to be one or the other- tea can be black, but herbal preparations are actually tisanes even though we call them teas…

QOTD: Haven’t had enough Napa Valley producers to have a favorite. yet.

(I am so enjoying your book).
May 13, 2008

Dan B
Congrats again Gary on a huge day/week. New book (Bought two already) and Conan last night. Great show today and keep us Vaniacs pumped. Best Dan B. (Mo-Town)
May 13, 2008

Tom
QOTD: I do not drink much Napa Cabs as they are really out of my price range.

I enjoyed the blind tasting and I am looking forward to getting my copies of your book.
May 13, 2008

Karl Laczko
Maybe I’ll have to buy the book now….

I like Blind Tasting eps, good to see a master at work

QOTD – Don’t know, I’ve not had any real Napa Cab, only some of the mass produced, generic California, stuff that may try to fool you into thinking it’s from Napa.
May 13, 2008

Rich
Gary- Awesome show on the blind tasting
May 13, 2008

Kevin
Great show Gary. Love the blind format!

QOTD: Harlan Estate by far my favorite Napa Cab.
May 13, 2008

Sta[p]es
Lurker steppin out of the shadows! Reppin the “Canadian Contingent”. Big Wines for a special day for you and yours, no doubt. Nice one!

QOTD: Haven’t had too many but Shafer Cab Sauv 2003 by a longshot. Me and my girl LOVED it on my bday last year. Incredible!
May 13, 2008

Greg B
Big G, Just Awesome. I would love to try all of the Wines you had on today, but at an average price tag of 60 bones, it might take some time.

QOTD: I guess I’d have to be a little cliche and say Shafer Hillside or Caymus Special Select…. ok, Revana is not bad either. : )
May 13, 2008

UTshock
Great episode. Good to see the book finally coming out. I broke down and bought two off Wine Woot last night.

QOTD: I rarely buy Napa cabs because they don’t seem like a great value, especially for a grad student like me. However, I do have an uncle that loves big Napa Cabs and always insists on ordering Abacus. I think the Fourth Bottling is my favorite simply because it’s the first one I had.
May 13, 2008

DannInNH
Another exciting show; now to place my Napa order.
QOTD: An ‘02 Shafer Hillside Select…well worth the price.
May 13, 2008

ninefingers
Louis martini CS, I purchased two case (24 bottles – ten’ths) for less than 60 bucks in the late sixties.

Now, in PA I can hardly find any assortment of Louis Martini wines.

Hate the PA liquor Control Board (a Communistic System)
May 13, 2008

Cliff and Darcey
GREAT show today! I’ve been asking for a blind tasting and boy was I excited. It was so fun! I really hope you do this format more often, as you mentioned. It was fun for you too, and you’ve got to try to keep it exciting for yourself most of all. THANKS!

QOTD: The best Napa Cab I’ve had is from the Neal family!
May 13, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
QOTD- gotta give this close one to Dominus Estate. old school and just damn good. ps. i like the blind format. so much anticipation
May 13, 2008

David Dadekian
Congratulations, Gary! I’ve been watching all the TV too, looking good. Thank you as always.

QOTD: I’m not sure I have a single favorite. I had a Franciscan I really loved recently.
May 13, 2008

Cuse Wino
Great Episode- LUV the Blind Tasting, keeps you off guard.
May 13, 2008

Indigo
LOVE THE BLIND FORMAT!!!!!!! (notice the CAPS and extra ‘!’… that indicates that I really mean it) you must do it again. I’d love to see it with some $20 wines.

QOTD: Chateau Montelena
May 13, 2008

waibeans
YO GV!!!

Great seeing you last night after Conan! You’ve probably already heard this, but you seriously killed! The whole show really was a great experience and true to form WLTV brought some more people together last night. Here’s to NYPete, SmokenMirrors, Dank, and the venerable SS. Cheers Folks!

You just gotta love this place!
May 13, 2008

LuvsChandon
wonderful episode, good times on Conan last night too.

QOTD: Still can’t get over Sequoia Grove Reserve Cabernet I bought at the winery last Fall.

Hope my book is on my doorstep when I get home from work tomorrow!!!
May 13, 2008

Anthony L.
Absolutely love the blind tasting format and the order ranking. My friends and I have been doing it this way since 2000. Can say I have a favorite California Cab.
May 13, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Congrats on the book Gary, I ordered two copies earlier today and can’t wait to get them. Also, great job on Conan, a lot of fun to watch.

Q-Don’t drink a ton of napa cab, but recently had a bottle of Chimney Rock(forget the year)that was really good.
May 13, 2008

ray-ray
Great Show GV and Congrats on the Book, I’m eagerly awaiting its arrival as I type….

QOTD: Haven’t sampled a whole lot of Napa Cabs as the Trip over the 49th makes them a weee bit pricey and more than a little prohibitive at times; QPR challenged as a result… Although I’ve had a wonderful Raymond reserve Cab @ dinner with friends, sadly cannot remember the vintage; though, I may be a little biased based upon the name alone…
May 13, 2008

Deano
Gary awesome episode and congrats on the book. I hope you do some more blind taste episodes. I hope amazon ships mine quickly so i can start reading it

QOTD:
-Just recently had a Rubicon estate (copala) reserve cab that was good.
May 13, 2008

Omallley
Congrats on the release of the book, Gary (I just ordered a copy through Chapters, looking forward to giving it a read!) and Conan was great. Caught the show this morning.

And a great show – love the blind tasting!

QOTD: I haven’t tried a single one. None. Zero. Zilch. I’m thinking I might need to remedy that…
May 13, 2008

CindyW
It’s always fun to watch a blind-tasting episode.

QOTD: So far, my favorite Napa cabernet has been the 2004 Beau Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. It’s the only one I’ve had that made me go right out the next day to pick up a couple of bottles.
May 13, 2008

GrapeStuff
GREAT ep, GV – love the Blind tasting format, keep them coming!!! Esp like it when Napa cabs go head-to-head, especially given the current exchange rate, I am finding marginally better value from Cali than Europe (except for some sub-30-40 values from the ‘05 French vintage).

QOTD: Honestly, I have not bought/tasted very much Napa Cab, as the really good ones typically are outside the budget. Fortunately, I will be able to add some stars to the cellar this year though! So far, it was a recco I got from the forums and I believe yourself…the 2004 Turnbull Cab Sauv – a pretty killer wine IMO, and at 40 bones, a killer value for Napa.
May 13, 2008

R M Kriete
Gotta go with Pride!
May 13, 2008

dcseven
Congratulations on the book! Next time, you should wear the blindfold.
May 13, 2008

Flavio
Nice show. I agree with you that blind tastings are more interesting to watch and hope you have them more often… especially when you have wines of the same region/varietal or when comparing varietals from different regions.

QOTD: I confess that haven’t had my favorite Napa Cab yet. As an old-world person, I’ve always looked down on American wines. Because of this show I’ve come to accept and enjoy several Oregon pinots and some Washington state (bordeaux varietals) reds… but Napa is still a region where I haven’t had much luck (not for the lack of trying). The middle of the range wines I’ve tried are way too mediocre and the expensive wines don’t seem to be good enough to deserve their price tag. For the most part, the oak still spooks me, the concentrated fruit is still a bit too dominating. Where’s the elegance? round and soft tannins? leather? cigar box? earth?

As a matter of fact – you should do a show to convince all us old world fans that we are wrong when it comes to Napa and other regions in the US (i.e. it’s not only about oak and extracted/concentrated fruit).

Congrats on the book.
May 13, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
QOTD — a 2002 Silver Oak (way outside my usual prince range) and a 1986 Buehler I had in 1999
May 13, 2008

AJ
Enjoyed you on Conan. It’s just too bad that he has to act like such a douchebag and can’t take anything remotely serious. I know drinking wine should be a fun thing and maybe not so serious. However, I just don’t know why he has to act like such a condescending bitch.
May 13, 2008

Dave
One vote for blind tastings all the time. (Suggestion: Have the wine already poured into numbered glasses and keep the bottles hidden – just to eliminate any chance of recognizing the wine ahead of time. And have someone else pick out the wines – so you have no idea at all what you’re drinking.) It would be really interesting to see blind tastings of $10-$20 wines versus $40-$50 (or higher).

Thanks again for a great show.
May 13, 2008

portland guy
Enjoyable show. Wish I had the $ to experience a few of these. QOTD — nothing notable, yet.
May 13, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo G !!! You is on da ROLL……. Grrreaaat Book, Fantastic Episode,
all da TV appearances….YOOOOU Daaaaa MAAAAAAAAAAAAN !!!!!!!!!!!
Loooooove da Blind Tasting Format!! Gotta do MORE, PLEEEEEEEEEEEEZZZ !!!!

QOTD: Don’t think i gotta favorite from Napa…….Most of da Cabs i
swig are from Russian River Valley (Dehlinger), other Sonoma Co., and
even Washington State. But those Ya had there looked pretty enticin’ !!
May 13, 2008

Chris Turyk
I do enjoy Napa Cab more with food. I find the oak monster has his time and place, you gotta keep an eye on him though. As far as my favorite I would have to go with the 2003 Mondavi Reserve Cab.
May 13, 2008

J-Pipes
Loved this episode – it made my mouth water!!!
QOTD: Gosh… I recently loved the Caymus 2004! (Thanks DaveCanada!)
May 13, 2008

chrisbutts
Love the format…

QOTD – the cabs coming out of Peju are awesome.
May 13, 2008

DirtWineKen
What a great show!! More blind tasting, please.
QOTD: Heitz Martha’s Vinyard 1967
May 13, 2008

Johnny
Great episode, Gary! Got the word from B&N that a copy of your book has shipped. Can’t wait to read it!
May 13, 2008

leif erik sundstrom
QOTD
Honestly, don’t drink enough of this category — but coincidentally will be having a blind Walla Walla vs Napa 2005 cab showdown with 7 other peeps on Thurs night, maybe I’ll find some favorites there.
I did however have the pleasure of tasting a 1978 Charles Krug that was quite lovely though. Actually it was damned good, definitely my favorite so far.
May 13, 2008

Harley Stan
Great show today, the blind tastings are always fun!
QOTD- Stag’s Leap
May 13, 2008

Seattle Matt
Good show! I would really like to see this with Chili, Washington, pretty much everywhere. A price point one would be cool too…

QOTD: Not a high roller but the Thornwood Estates Rutherford Reserve from 05 is really good…
May 13, 2008

purplejuicebruce
WOW Great show!
QOTD…02 Kelham was excellent 02 Grgich Hills 02 Jordan also
Turnbull and Clos Du Val hard to have a favorite
May 13, 2008

Tim Halberg
Please Please Please do more blind tastings… they are way more exciting to watch and keep me on edge! (also… I just feel like it keeps any and all preconceived ideas out mostly… lol)

My favorite napa cab has to be Alpha Omega… now if only I could remember the Vintage… but I haven’t tasted a ton of Napa cabs… sad seeing as it’s one of my favorite varietals… I’m gonna have to work on this.
May 13, 2008

KyBoy
QOTD: Here’s my thing…I don’t buy that many Napa cabernets b/c they’re so freakin expensive. Unless you’re rollin with the big boys, it’s hard to find values in this sector. I’m always disappointed w/ Napa Cabernets from $15-$20. Never played in the big leagues.
May 13, 2008

Ryan
CAYMUS SPECIAL SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005
May 13, 2008

Tyler
QOTD: 1985 Caymus special selection cab
May 13, 2008

Bob Wallenberg
The best Napa Valley Cab. is Silver Oaks Cellars. Sells out every year. Limited production.
May 13, 2008

Sonnenuhr
Excellent show – love the blind tasting. You should do one a week.

QOTD: Spottswoode is usually at the top, but any given vintage things can change
May 13, 2008

chenrys
Blind tastings are fun. Enjoyed the show.

QOTD: Don’t know on that one.
May 13, 2008

tinman9
Gary, congratulations on the big day. I’m new to the show, but loving it over the last week. Looking forward to picking up a copy of the book. Loved today’s format. Varietal, Region, maybe Vintage and that’s all anyone needs to know. If not every show, then at least once a week. Of course this is my first post so I don’t know much, but this was a fitting time to come out of the shadows.

QTOD: I’m pretty new to Napa Cabs. Don’t really spend the bucks to get any good ones. I’ve had a few of the big names, but nothing memorable enough to consider a favorite. Once I find it, and I will soon…indeed I will. You shall know.
May 13, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

QOTD: I don’t like this question, cuz my favorite Napa wine changes so often. Right now I’m in love with the Darioush Cabernet, the Alpha Omega Cabernet, and the Nickel & Nickel Howell Mountain Cabernet.

–RH
May 13, 2008

Kristen
Awesome show today- loved the blind tasting format! You definitely brought the Thunder today! And congrats on the book, I got to peek at it today in the bookstore while my copies are sent from Amazon.

QOTD: Don’t generally drink wines in this category as I’m on a CKC budget. However, I did enjoy the 2004 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon, especially with chocolate. Mmm…
May 13, 2008

John Farrin
QOTD: This is not only my favorite California Cab but my favotire wine of all time. 1970 Charles Krug Vintage Selection Cabernet. I bought 6 bottles of it in 1977 (this will kill you, for $7.00/bottle) and drank the last one in 1985. I’ve been chasing that wine for over 20 years and have spent thousands of dollars trying to find something, anything that good. That was my transition wine that taught me what balance brought to the table. Thank you, Peter Mondavi.
May 13, 2008

bh
good show. have to wonder how much wine #3 affected your impression of wine #4 the first time around. in other words, maybe you went really high at first because you tasted it immediately after a disappointing wine. context context context….
May 13, 2008

RX8DOC
WOOT ok congrats on the Wootage of the books, went in for the big three banger.
It had better not be Motts or Ians signature in the book .

Getting away from California wines for a while.
Spain, Argentina, Malbec, Roja.

Great show!
May 13, 2008

KenP
Should have had a couple cheaper Napa Cabs, at least one. Blind tastings I attend employ multiple price points. Would have been nice had you done a more populist show for your book release day, value wines rather than wines many of us simply cannot afford. That said, good ep. Congrats on your book.
May 13, 2008

manonthemoon
Way to kill it lastnight on Conan, I was suprised there were no “sheep butt” thrown out there today.

QOTD: Unfortunately I haven’t really had many cali cabs because >$50 is a nice bottle, so I tend to buy things I know or have tried. The only one in my cellar is 2005 Parallel which is an up and comming producer.
May 13, 2008

KVolk
Love the blind tasting format keep it going!!!

QOTD: my favorite so far to drink all the time is wild horse and haven’t really tried enough others to have an all time favorite….

Mad money was awesome GV and Conan also….
May 13, 2008

angryphoton
QOTD: Lewelling Cabs.

AP
May 13, 2008

hugh
Maybe my favorite ep yet!!
When is book 2 coming out?
QOTD: Chateau Montelena
May 13, 2008

darryl
QOTD: Lewis makes great cabs, syrah chardonnay etc… also like spottswoode SLWC, older diamond creek and dunn. Larkmead makes a solid cab year after year for about $40.

definitely, more blind tasting shows!!!
May 13, 2008

Rick D
Great blind tasting show – do it more often, it adds a new excitement. Not a big fan of Napa cabs, not because they aren’t good, but the pricing is out of sight. I would rather try 3-4 more wines I have never tried before than a single bottle of Cab. I usually have these for a special occasion when 50 to 100 bones is acceptable.

QOTD: 2004 Turnbull is the last one I had and this wasn’t too cosly at $40. I had a 2001 Caymus Special Selection at a business dinner that was superb, extremely complex and elegant, although I think it was very expensive, over $200.
May 13, 2008

Andy & Edie
Awesome episode Gary, just watched it after watching you on Conan. How lucky were you to be on with Bill Shatner! You and Conan interacted perfectly together and you even got the Jets bucket, sniffy-sniff, and “bones” in, hilarious! The blind format was fun, and interesting to see the unexpected wine pull it off. I can’t wait to get your books in the mail here soon, I think I’ll give one to my parents. We are finally going to put our picture up on Flickr with our wristband – thank you so much for that. I can’t think of a favorite Napa cab, but we do love Chateau Montelena Cabernet. Thank you so much for everything you do and congratulations on the book and everything you’ve accomplished! Now, if anyone is reading this P L E A S E!!!, just write some sort of comment to Gary and Mott to thank them for all their hard work. If you don’t have even have time to write a simple, “Thanks” after watching a 20 minute show then you must be really busy – and that’s just sad.
May 13, 2008

Hido53
QOTD -

Haven’t had many California Cabs of late. In fact, it’s been a looooooong time since I’ve had one that’s made a big impression. Had a 1990 Dalla Valle vs. 1990 Opus tasting back in the day. The Dalla Valle blew the Opus out of the water. Since then, Dalla Valle has become a cult wine, unobtainable for me.
Favorite all-time Napa Cab though has to have been the late 70’s early 80’s BV Private Reserves. Those are my benchmarks to this day. “Rutherford dust”, dill, . . . great wines. They haven’t been the same since they went from 100% American oak to French oak. I think they also used to use California redwood tanks for fermentation.
May 13, 2008

Mike V
Great show today Gary! I love the blind tasting format.

QOTD: a few years back I was lucky enough to attend a Shafer vertical tasting. Although some of the more recent Hillside Select vintages (1997, 1994) were wonderful, towering, powerful Cabs, for me, the 1978 Shafer (the very first vintage from John Shafer) absolutely stole the show. Smooth as a babies behind. You haven’t tasted a Cab until you’ve had a PERFECTly aged fully mature one! WE (including myself) just drink them WAY way too young.

Nice job on Mad Money tonight as well. I can’t believe you weren’t able to CRACK a bottle. I was thinking you were going to whip out a corkscrew any moment a blow Cramer away! ;-}
May 13, 2008

Brian Kachel
I hate to say it.. scold me and throw bricks at me you will..

99 Napa Valley Silver Oak
May 13, 2008

John Blue Label
GV,
Great, Great show. Love the blind format. I like so many Napa cabs it’s hard to say. Never had your #1 or 2 picks, but Martin estate blew me away, Togni 04 was spectacular and the O4 Turnbull was luscious for the price. Have lots more in the cellar to try.
Congrats on the book. Looking forward to getting my copies.
JWB
May 13, 2008

Chippewamike
Great episode. Best of luck on the book release!

Waiting for mine to arrive from Amazon . . . . . . .
May 13, 2008

Joe
QOTD: Paul Hobbs 2003 Cab.
I never had the 05, but the 03 was pretty spectacular.
May 13, 2008

CB
Great show!!! Congrats again on the book and its great to see you on other media outlets. Maybe we can get more people to come to the thought that wine is not just for snobs but is there for everyone…The SSCs (The Sniffy Sniff Crowd) in Orlando are behind you and wish you and your family the best.

QOTD B V Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon It was my first wine that I had that wasn’t a fruit bomb from the Australia
May 13, 2008

Kyle B
Never commented before but this was the best episode I’ve seen, consider my lurking days over.

Going to Napa for the first time this summer, so I’ll have a favorite in a few months maybe.
May 13, 2008

canadapete
Congrats on the new book! Will have to order soon.

QOTD. I’ve had no Napa Cabs worth mentioning, slim pickings up here, and certainly one of the least value categories of wine, one can find.
May 13, 2008

Palmer
QOTD: 1997 Dominus is the best I’ve had I think.
May 13, 2008

caleb
loving pina as well as the reverie wines….
May 13, 2008

Dan. M.
1978 Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill. Just amazing and only 13% alcohol.

As for vintage after vintage, La Jota Howell Mountain from 1982 through 1991.
May 13, 2008

caleb
94 dominus was the best ive had from napa
May 13, 2008

Plminer
Great show GV, very cool man. A lot of high 80 and low 90 pt wines for buku dollores, pass on most of those.
QOTD: Best I’ve had probably the 94′ Opus One, current best I’ve had is the 2004 PiÃ±a and 2004 Pahlmeyer, some good juice.
May 13, 2008

Pete G
Kick ass job on the blind cabs. Next time put them in numbered decanters that way they will be really blind. BTW GREAT job last yesterday on Conan. The armpit thing was classic.

QOTD: Turnbull all they way. Very economical and have yet to have a bad one three years running.
May 13, 2008

MossyMo
Great episode, GV! I also caught the Mad Money episode. Nice work. You better do some blind 05 Bords when they all arrive!
May 13, 2008

Robin C
Thanks for the great show (Back to Cabs) and congratulations on the book.
QOTD: Freemark Abbey Bosche Estate 1997 – we have only a couple left.
May 13, 2008

James
Great Show GV! Loved you on Conan last night. Hopefully we’ll see you on when he switches to Leno’s time slot.

QOTD: Martin Ray 2003
May 13, 2008

DON D
MY FAVORITE NAPA CAB TO DATE IS THE 2001 CORNERSTONE CELLARS HOWELL MOUNTAIN CAB.
May 13, 2008

Exdamyankee
Great show and I definitely need to seek out the ‘04 Rocca.

QOTD: I hate to admit it, because I know a lot of folks hate it, but I’m a sucker for the Silver Oak Vineyards Napa Valley Cab. I’ve had the 2002 and 2003 vintages and they seriously rocked me. I’ve had the Alexander Valley version as well but it left me kinda cold. To me the Alexander is overpriced at $60-70 but the Napa at $99 wasn’t. Does that make any sense?
May 13, 2008

dafo
Good stuff. I’ve only recently got into this wine stuff (and lucky enough to stumble on the Vaynernation!) so I can’t comment on QOTD. I am heading to Napa end of the month for a short vacation so even though I may look like a deer in headlights, I hope that will help expand my palate and blow me away.
May 13, 2008

Aaron S.
Well, I don’t have a favorite Napa Cab due to my age (20), but can I say that my favorite Sonoma Cab is the one my Dad makes from the 60-ish vines in our backyard? Apparently he made some really good stuff a few years back…

Also, I know I said this yesterday and in an URGENT e-mail, but if you could give my Dad, Ed Sherman, a Happy Birthday shout-out on this Friday, May 16th, that would be SO awesome!

Congrats on the book!!!! And Conan! And Mad Money!!
May 13, 2008

kc
i’m no longer a lurker and i’m also not 21 yet =/ i turn 20 in a little more than a month, but i’ll still be watching. your show totally changed what i’m going to do for my 21st. not gonna be much spitting though =)

good job on conan and congrats on the book though! =D

i’ll be hitting up the qotd’s that i can answer in the future
May 13, 2008

Reid
Not sure off the top of my head what my favorite Napa cab is, but my least favorite is Opus. Never fails to disappoint. I’ve had about a half dozen different vintages (mostly at work dinners/events), each was worse than the prior…
May 13, 2008

Gotsha
2004 Turnbull Cab is my fav from Napa. Thanks for turning me on tho this wine GV.
May 13, 2008

ramona
great job ine

don’t drink many napa cabs little to ptricey for daily imbibing
what can I say… the rocca sure sound interesting but will probably be difficult to get in pa
May 13, 2008

Stu
QOTD: Never had one. Too much $
May 13, 2008

tarheel17
I don’t have a favorite Napa Valley Cabernet. I’ve only had a few in my short wine career, and none have blown my socks off.

GV, what is the difference between a 94 and a 95 point wine? Please enlighten us.
May 13, 2008

Justin Viger
Liked the blind tasting. Very interesting.
May 13, 2008

ErikVach
GREAT episode

QOTD: Bond Matriarch
May 13, 2008

SarahB
I love you GV, but booooo on slamming Boston sports teams. Go Pat’s, Go C’s and definitely go Bo Sox!!!! Who really cares about the Bruins though?

Great show.

QOTD: I can’t think of a Napa Cab that blew me away. I tasted an 04 Peter Paul Napa Cab today that brought some thunder…especially at 35 bones.
May 13, 2008

Dean D.
QOTD: 1998 Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valey has to be my favorite, but not easily affordable up here. I’ve had many other outstanding Napa cabs though, but Cakebread was the first to come to my mind.
May 13, 2008

DanM
I concur with many of the comments, love the blind format. The show was great.

Conan and Mad Money were killer too. Spectacular job on Mad Money, get Cramer over to the store to spend some of his money…
May 13, 2008

lawschooldrunk
great episode, gary! wow, I really liked this one. you were much more thoughtful in your analysis.

do this for every episode?
May 13, 2008

EllenKF
Easy! Number 1: Shafer Hillside Select Number 2: Silver Oak Napa Number 3: Dominus. All very pricey, but incredibly memorable.
May 13, 2008

Little Jonny H
I like this format, GV!

QOTD: This may sound a bit funny, but I haven’t had one I liked! My financial status doesn’t lend itself to Napa Cabs… but when I find one I like it will be a momentous occasion!!!
May 13, 2008

steven
QOD Hundred Acre Cabernet

How about a tasting where Gary is blindfolded and has to distinguish between several different varietals??
May 13, 2008

Craig Rost
QOTD: Robert Mondavi Napa Valley
May 13, 2008

STEVERINO
QOTD: Without a doubt gotta be the CAYMUS
May 13, 2008

Kyle
Hill Family 03 CAB
May 13, 2008

Kyle
Love the blind format for the big daddy cabs, I like that you tasted some smaller producers… right next to the big guys
May 13, 2008

asokks00
Gary V,
Excellent show, I really liked the blind tasting. Sadly being on the CKC I haven’t had many an opportunity to drink Napa Cab. Congrats on the book, I’m skeptical though! Is there gonna be stuff for the CKC in there?
May 13, 2008

Kirk
Another really great show…I will admit that I was a little bummed to see that you didn’t work in the bottle of Teachworth Cabernet that I left you a few months back to re-taste on the show….this would have been a great venue to taste it in against so many other Napa Cabernet’s.

QOTD: Well that’s just a little more than obvious that my favorite is the Teachworth Manzanita Hill Cabernet Sauvignon.
May 13, 2008

Jon-Paul Lenczuk
That is an awesome format for the show (blind tasting and ranking of varied wines of a particular region and/or grape)–must do more of them! Even more intriguing would be the same amount of wines, but at varied price points, ranging from the single digits up to nearly $100.
May 13, 2008

wine-ot
Great show GV LOVE LOVE LOVE the new angled set and you must do a brown bage episode every week…please! Congrats on the book, the tv appearances and all that jazz can’t wait to watch the recaps online…no tv for me.
May 13, 2008

ryan
Way Cool episode – QOTD Have a few – Caymus special selection, Plumpjack reserve screwcap, 2004 Rudd estate and Shafer HIllside Select!!

Also come to So Cal on the TOUR
May 13, 2008

Chase Mohr
QOTD: Faust 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon … I had this at a wine tasting after having tried over 40 different wines and it still stood out over everything else! A magnificent wine!
May 13, 2008

ZJK
You kicked ass all around today Gary! I was able to catch Mad Money, and I felt like sending this comment as soon as I saw it. Although, I managed to hold off until I watched this episode. If you don’t come to STL then I guess I’m heading to Des Moines… See ya I’m busy w finals
May 13, 2008

John M
That was fun! Would have been more enjoyable if I was tasting along with you. I like the blind tasting and West Coast Cabs have always been a favorite. My favorite recently is 2004 Turnbull followed closely by 2004 Signature Chappellet. I won’t spend much more than $50 for any bottle of wine.
May 13, 2008

jason carey
Heitz Martha’s vineyard 1978
May 13, 2008

E-Rock
QOTD = Araujo Altagracia.. Good Stuff
May 13, 2008

The Ben
I’ve never had a Napa Valley anything, but we’ll work on bringing some Napa Thunder in the near future. See, I didn’t have an exact answer, but I also didn’t lurk today.
May 13, 2008

Michael
My first episode after seeing Mad Money book plug…great stuff…always been a Silver Oak or Caymus fan but sounds like I need to find some ‘04 Rocca!
May 13, 2008

Saftig
Wow, you are hitting all the pistons lately, television personality, successful author, what’s next, Vegas?!
Shows have been very entertaining of late. Great energy too.
May 13, 2008

Rhonda
I am getting married in a couple of weeks and my new last name will be Yount, I am seriously going to have to go to Yountville and see if I can get a discount But seriously, we plan to take a trip out there soon to explore some Napa wines!
May 13, 2008

Harry
I can’t actually remember the last great Cali Cab I’ve had, since I tend to splurge on Burgundy for when i’m rolling big, so you inspired me to call up my wine buddies and have a tasting party next week. Thanks for pushing me to keep trying new things and inspiring the wine group.
May 13, 2008

Lindsay
Congratulations on the book, Gary! Great appearance on Conan, too â€“ you take all of his (obnoxious!?) comments in stride. Very entertaining.

QOTD: Napa Valley Cab? Um. Iâ€™d have to look it up â€“ I know my favorite cab is Chateau Margene in tiny Creston, California, outside of Paso Robles.

But I know I like Truchard Cab (we get a great discount on it at work) and St. Supery.

PS We did a blind tasting last week with our wine group here in Madison and I only got TWO wines correct in a guessing game with seven varietals. Yikes! I have some heavy palate-lifting to do!
May 13, 2008

Ron
Congratulations on book!!! Was great seeing you and your family in NY today. Already bought 2 copies from Amazon so hope to get them signed some other time….

QOTD: CA Cabs are not my go-to wines being so overpriced…. But from what I tried in some tastings – Caymus 2004 was by far the best. A more afordable one (~$30) I tried recently was from “Hall” – very impressive effort.

p.s. – Good job on Conan. Too bad he did not let you speak about the food pairing…
May 13, 2008

Malphas
Congrats on the book. I wish you success in your present and future literary endeavors.
May 13, 2008

Not A Lurker N E More
Recently discovered a modestly priced Cab which I really enjoy. 2004 Mockingbird Hill – try it – you might like it !
May 13, 2008

johnmaki
Ehlers Estate 1886,
Darioush,
Cosentino MCoz
have been a few of my favorites!
May 13, 2008

austin
QOTD-

I love Napa Cab, thanks for this show! I rarely spend more than 60 on a bottle, when it is only one comes to mind. Van Der Heyden – 1997 Late Harvest Cab. This is so good, describing it wouldn’t do it justice. I would gladly share a bottle with you on the book tour.
May 13, 2008

farmer jim
congrats on the book…. loved the show today…. drinking a 2002 whitman cellars cab…. awesome wine. farmer jim
May 13, 2008

Robert Howells
2001 Napa Valley Beaulieu Vineyards
May 13, 2008

Wes
Gary-
I just heard you on Jim Cramer so I’m a Virgin…Love your show (This is the only one I have seen) & can’t wait to see more…I don’t know if you do this, but I would love to have a party with the blind taste thing concurrent with your show (preferrably $10 wines) and be able to have all my guests taste along with you!!!!!

Wes
Lebanon, CT
May 13, 2008

Danny C
Congrats buddy…good to see you in NYC!
May 13, 2008

F
Great show.

Why are the tags active if it is a blind tasting?
May 13, 2008

billyg
Lewelling 2003 Wight Vineyard is my favorite of the last year.
May 13, 2008

Rob Csenar
QOTD: Technically in Alexander Valley, but close enough…Jordan is my favorite cab. A lot has to do with the company I drank with.

Congrats on all the goings on.

Rob Csenar
“SaysNuts”
May 13, 2008

espressokev
i think you need to get conan on YOUR show. It’s fun seeing ya on TV, but seriously, that’s WAAAY to rushed to bring the thunder. =)
May 13, 2008

thefanjstic
Qotd: Caymus – boring but always reliable.
May 13, 2008

Wes M
QOTD: I haven’t had many, but I really liked the Louis Martini Napa Cab 2005 (I think that’s the vintage I had).
May 13, 2008

laposte
QOTD:
Harder than you think GV. I must have 1000-1200 bottles in my cellar but probably only 20-25 from US. I have some 1995 Clos du Val that are drinking nicely and the 1997 Lewis Cab, but Dominus may be my favorite.
May 13, 2008

John D.
Great show Gary. Love the blind tastings. How about a Bordeaux blind tasting?

Congrats again on your new book and your tv appearances! Stayed up late to watch Conan.

Oh yeah, I just bought my first Viognier thanks to your show, 2006 Triennes, Sainte Fleur. Looking forward to trying it out this weekend with a nice dinner! Thanks for bringing the Thunder!
May 13, 2008

Cory
Just seen you on mad money and decided to check out the show. Great job, I don’t know jack about wine but you got another viewer!
May 13, 2008

Chris in Tulsa
QOTD: I love the Meadowlark Cab you had on WLTV!
May 13, 2008

amgryger
QOTD: I’ve had very few Napa Cabs, actually, and none of them have impressed me all that much so far. In theory I’m not one to give up on a region very quickly, but Napa is a game I’m largely priced out of at this point in life so I tend not to think about it too much. It is what it is.
May 13, 2008

Jason Clements
Gary,

I will probably start drinking and enjoying wine because of you.

Brother, you rock. I called my wife in to watch and she said, “He’s a regular guy that would probably eat a hot dog with you any day.” (We happened to catch you on Conan last night – GREAT JOB by the way!)

Web 2.0 works – you are right! I am a guy that doesn’t drink wine, doesn’t know wine, and doesn’t care wine. I am in recycling – what’s that got to do with wine. NOTHING! And yet . . . and yet, you with your Web 2.0 stuff, have now raised my interest in wine.

All I can say is “thank you.”

Jason
May 13, 2008

David Scott
QOTD: Lewis is my personal best so far…keep in mind I don’t have the opportunity to run through 4 or 5 $60 bottles in a row, so my exposure is a little more limited…but Lewis rocked my socks off.
May 14, 2008

J Crazy
Excellent!
QOTD: Turnbull 2002

YES, get Conan on the show!!

Absolutely loving my family
May 14, 2008

Jeremy Q
Gary, love the episode. What coincidence that I mentioned to you at the booking signing this evening that one area I am focusing on learning and trying wines from is Californian and Napa … and hey presto .. an episode dedicated to Napa Cabs. Thanks man .. will be reading the book on the train tomorrow

QOTD: dont have one as I am only beginnig my Napa Cabernet experience. Got to try the Rocca now
May 14, 2008

Tim R
92 Far Niente. Had it with a porterhouse and nearly fell off my chair. Soo BomB!

Conan was cool, but I was amazed at how well the Jim Cramer thing went.

Congrats, you deserve it all..
May 14, 2008

Tilly
Jones Family Cab but I also had a great Miner Family Cab at tasting there a few years ago
May 14, 2008

BobMac
QotD: My wife says the Ceja. I say the McKenzie-Mueller.
May 14, 2008

Jaybird
Mad Money was great, Jim really focused on your plug!

QOTD: THE BEST WAS A 2002 Shafer Hillside Select… here is a picture

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=81690846&blogID=386804280&Mytoken=F3EF481D-FC46-4547-A651E9E1242F153874709879
May 14, 2008

Mondavi4Life
QOTD: For me this is easy, the best Napa Cab is the Robert Mondavi Napa Cabernet due to its extremely good value. I’ve tried Harlan, Bryant, Sloan, & Foley cabs and for $20, I’d rather take a case of The Mondavi Napa cab from the 2001-2005 vintages than 1 bottle of the so-called cult Cali cabs listed above.

I also love the Mondavi Oakville & Reserve Cabernets which offer great value & I’m a big fan of the Mondavi Napa Chardonnay when the weather is hot outside.

The Mondavi pinot is also a very nice wine for the price. Definately a case buy for sure!
May 14, 2008

mtlhabsfan
Congrats on the book GV, I shall be getting one or two copies! Great show on Conan last night, it was quite funny!
May 14, 2008

Meg Collins
Gare — Love the blind taste test. Please do it more.

Very exciting day for me — just got a PC hooked up to the bigscreen so I can watch your show like a normal person (that makes me sound less like a lurker and more like a stalker, but no).

QOTD: ZD
May 14, 2008

Roberto
well I’ll be darned… my favorite is the 2004 Rocca Cab… UNREAL. and more unreal is I had it recently (Feb) for the first time in Vegas at a tasting. (this is so weird I’m not even gonna comment on it anymore)… plus I said I liked Kravner the other day… which it turns out you loved…

Great to see you and Lizzie last night at Bounce, that was FUN !!!
May 14, 2008

elMattador
Great episode. Cant wait for the book to arrive. Should be anyday now

QOTD. Favorite Napa Valley Cab is definatly now the 2004 Anderson’s Conn Valley Reserve. You had it on the show a while back and we happened to sell it at our store. So i grabbed a bottle, tried it then grabbed the rest! No sharing with customers..haha.
May 14, 2008

Cookiedds
Regardless of vintage, my favorite Napa Cabernet has been the Jessup Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The do a great job on all of their wines including an skillfully crafted Bordeaux blend “Table for Four”, luxurious Merlots and Zinfandels that age gracefully.
I also love the three Cabernet offerings from Ladera; Howell Mountain, Lone Canyon and the Napa Valley Cabernet.
Finally, Pine Ridge is coming back with some fine Cabernets and exceptional bottlings of “Fortis” and “Andrus Reserve”.
May 14, 2008

Mondavi4Life
The 2004 Rocca Cab would not have the finish nor complexity to a Mondavi Napa cab…for sure. it would be like comparing an Yugo to a BMW.

Top 5 Napa cabs:

Mondavi Napa Cab
Mondavi Oakville Cab
Mondavi Reserve Cab
Screaming Eagle
Harlan Estate

Shafer Hillside Select & Bryant Family cabs almost make the top 5 for me but are not as good as the above 5 Napa Classics.
May 14, 2008

Keith
Really like the blind tasting format…may have been fun to throw in a couple $20 bottles. QOTD: I need to try more Napa cabs
May 14, 2008

Billyd
really liked the blind tasting and sniffing.
qotd: 1997 silver oak Christmas last year, really smooth nice buttery nose knocked everyones socks off, nice sharing a bottle like that with family
May 14, 2008

Troy
Silver Oak = Sliver Oak.

why pay $100 a bottle when I can ask a friend to hit you over the head with a 2X4 at no cost.
May 14, 2008

Moselman
Fun ep; a nice change-up.

Cramer is so right: “You’re the Best!”

QOTD: Unfortunately, my budget makes ANY over $50 wine a PA$$$$$.
And with no Wine Library clones North of the 48th, no $50 buck wines selling for $30…
May 14, 2008

teckdeck2008
QOTD: I really don’t have a favorite napa valley wine. I tend to drink australian and argentinan wines more. although lately I have tried drinking more chardonnays and white wines, i’m with you in that I try to avoid napa valley because of the heavy oak flavors. Its something that I really need to fix, i know, maybe i can tackle that over the summer.
May 14, 2008

CRZYWinemaker
Fantastic blind tasting format. Do more of these for sure ! I’d be curious to see how Washington Cabs do against each other ? There are a ton of blind combinations that could be great fun.

Qotd: Tough question. Current favorite 2004 Pine Ridge Howell Mtn.cab (needs more time for sure)

Congrats on the book, looking forward to getting my copies !! Cheers ~
May 14, 2008

Eric Gardner
I watched Gary on Conan and I thought about Dizzy Dean’s famous line: “It ain’t bragging if you can back it up.” Gary is brash and opinionated, but he has mad skills.

Note to Gary: keep it up, don’t forget to embrace your own palate, that’s main thing that got you here. The more you are involved in the mass media, the more you will be encouraged to dumb down your palate. Never give in. You have too much talent, and yo have a great day job, so you don’t need the money. Continue to make the show that you want to make, and would want to watch.
May 14, 2008

EliteWino
QOTD: My sophisticated palate enjoys most Napa cabs over $150. but for me, sipping a 2002 Sloan cab while driving with my top down on my M6 Convertible on a beautiful sunny day…ahh life just doesnt get better than this!
May 14, 2008

BigTarheel
Calling for more blind showdowns … Pinot Noir, Syrah, even Chard. The ‘04 Altamura killed at the last Cab showdown I was at (Top wine over Caymus SS, Pahlmeyer, Rudd, Miner Oracle, Paradigm, Frog’s Leap, and Silver Oak).

Two of my all-time Cali favorites are Volker Eisele Terzetto and Robert Young Scion (not technically Cabs but ridiculously strong!)
May 14, 2008

Butterfingers
QOTD: I love to drink Shafer Hillside Select & Harlan Cabs but for me Screaming Eagle has a special place in my heart ( even though I have yet to drink one of my bottles). When you walk into my custom wine cellar, I have 1996-2002 vintages of Screaming Eagle displayed first even before my 1st Growths. I get alot of compliments from my guests.
May 14, 2008

TonyTwoTimer
Pride cabs are usually my favorite Napa Valley cabs. Not sure if this is fair to my guests but i’ve filled an expensive bottle of wine with a Yellow Tail Shiraz. I enjoy watching with amazement as my dinner guests oh and ah about how great the wine is. I usually cover a bottle of a napa valley cab and drink it by myself while being entertained.
May 14, 2008

Kdawg
QOTD: as a bordeaux-phile I don’t like napa cabs at all, lol, J/K. That being said, I love Montelena and Togni because of their backwards style. And Dornback introduced me to Cavus which just really rocked me when I had a chance to have it
May 14, 2008

nberg
Just hit Napa for the first time. It is a good way to taste lots of Cabs without spending hundreds.

I thought the Groth Cab really nailed it, as did Silver Oak of course.
May 14, 2008

Victor Blancet
alright so i am 17 and i work at Cafe Cenizo (A.K.A. The Gage) under Chef Paul Peterson. I have been really trying to expand my wine knowledge but it is hard since i am underage. I have been watching your show for awhile now just because any little bit helps. I think it would really help me, and everyone else, out if you did a wine fact of the day maybe. A book about wine for me is just too unimaginative and droned out. Thank you if you consider this, and you are welcome anyday to come eat at The Gage. Loved the new format today by the way.
May 14, 2008

David Cole
Go big or go home! Today you went BIG! Got the big dawgs out and gave a little sniffy-sniff and a whirl and I am sure I was not the only one surprised!! Except for one which was the Paul Hobbs. The Hobbs has been over rated and over oaked for the last three vintages!

QOTD: My favorite California Cab that I have been drinking the last year has been the 2004 Bravante Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon! It’s not cheap at $47.00 either, but it is fantastic!! It has a little cab franc in it as well. Wine Spectator only gave it 90 points, but I liked it more than that! They only made 550 cases.
May 14, 2008

Chateau_Plonk
Can Dominus count? If not, the 86′ Beringer Private Reserve Cab was freaking awesome a few months ago.
May 14, 2008

Craig Rabe
Book, Conan, Mad Money….you’re like a celebrity! Just don’t go Hollywood nutty on us, ok?

Great show. I like the format with the bag covered wines, but 6 is just too many. You had a tough time keeping track of them. Imagine how hard it is for us if we can’t taste them.
May 14, 2008

T. Reasoner
GREAT SHOW!

Calling for more blind shows and you should always throw a wild card in there as in an under $20 one just to make it interesting.

QOTD : 04 Dariush Cabernet was the last really good one I have had.
May 14, 2008

TonyStro
I have yet to hit my Cali Cab phase, but I like Togni and La Jota. You get the Napa Cab experience without dropping trips.

trying to find the Conan show on the ‘net. CNBC online won’t let it play here in Japan!
May 14, 2008

Ben Janssen South Australia
Vaynerchuk! T-shirt action today. Showing off the guns.
Do I see come definition in those arms!
May 14, 2008

Withnail
Extremely enjoyable episode. Maybe wine #4 will be featured in the sequel to “101 Wines”?
May 14, 2008

rimarfish
First, congrats on your appereance on Conan and Mad Money. loved it.
Second, i really like this format on your show. You should definitely do more blind tasting episodes. Is just so much fun, and we learn a lot.
QOTD: Caymus regular bottling is just great. Turnbull is another great wine.
May 14, 2008

Shawn
Loving the show, bought the book on WOOT and added your widget to my site. Im not big into wine but have watched the show since day 1.
May 14, 2008

David
1999 Joseph Phelps Insignia
May 14, 2008

Justin L Ove
YES! Thank you for doing the blind tasting. SO Entertaining!!

QOTD: ‘97 Caymus…and the ‘02 Insignia. Yes! I have two favorites!
May 14, 2008

joel delon
hi gary thank you again for taking risks… very interesting blind testing from a french point of view have a good work
May 14, 2008

I-lurk
Sweet! Ask and thou shalt receive (and soooo quickly I might add)! When I saw the paper bags it put a big smile on my face. Nice1
May 14, 2008

Obama_Man
Congrats on all your recent (and future) successes with the book et all Gary!

QOTD: I’ve had the Altamura and LOVED IT!
May 14, 2008

Grape + Bean Guy
Cool show Gary. I am a mega lurker. You broke me today and I felt I had to comment after a year and a half of closet time (i.e. no comments)

The one time I had Harlan, the fruit blew my face off!(in a good way)
May 14, 2008

SaraMHCRU
Congrats on everything. Great episode. I haven’t found a napa cabernet yet that I’ve LOVED. I’ve had a few that were acceptable, but I think my budget holds me back on that one.
May 14, 2008

stephen
Wow, shows you people still buy on names and reputation rather than quality of wine.
one of my favourite CA Cabs is the St Clement Napa Valley, reasonable price point at todays prices and good value!
good show, more blind tastings on the show would really blow up some reputations.
May 14, 2008

Johnnyutah
Congrats GV! Now you are a gentleman AND a scholar…

QOTD: Flora Springs Trilogy 2003 (Rutherford) – Based on the sediment surrounding the neck, i knew i was in for something special. In a blind tasting i would have guessed St Emillion. This wine has beautiful cigar box and earthy notes with a lovely soft mouth feel, strong mid-palate and a long finish.
May 14, 2008

Adam J
Great show GV, I loved the blind format! Qotd: I really have not drunk many at all actually…Opus One has a special place in my heart -(I was lucky enough to have lunch with the winemaker while drinking the ‘97), but no paricular 100% cab’s stand out though. Thanks Gary, have a great day!
May 14, 2008

life's too short
QOTD: Waypoint To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon (thanks, G).

To EliteWino: Oh, I feel you, brother. My basic palate enjoys anything over $1.50, and if it’s an unnatural color, even better! But for me? Man, nothin’s better than weaving around town on my old beater bike whilst taking big quaffs offa my brown bagged 40 oh zee! Oh yeaaaah, life just doesn’t get better than this. Well, there was that time I accidentally ran into this pompous jerk getting out of his M6 convertible when I was pulling a seriously big gulp off my 40, but I digress.
May 14, 2008

Steve B
QOTD: Cain.

More blind tastings, GV!

Today’s show gave good reasons why, overall, California cabernets have become ridiculous. They’re over-priced and out of balance — they all strive to score big with Parker. And that’s the whole damn problem.
May 14, 2008

RickM
No cabernet faves – I try different ones all the time. Some should not be called wine, but rather juice. Not many wine stores around me give ratings from anywhere (Costco seems to do the best job, but the wines are too expensive for anything but occasions) so I do not have much to go on other than vague memories.

I had some Lewis Cellars cab recently that was better than decent, but WAY too pricey for my budget.
May 14, 2008

Susan
Gary- REALLY LOVED this ep!!!! LOVE the blind tastings ALWAYS!!!
May 14, 2008

Susan
Gary- QOTD: Since I have little $$$ have not had any Napa Valley Cabs yet…………………………………………………………………………………………………
May 14, 2008

Donna Marie
Loved the blind tasting–well mostly blind tasting.

QOTD: Haven’t been drinking too many NV Cabs lately, but Jarvis is a Fav, along with Kent Rasmussen. I have several that I haven’t tried yet–looking forward to the Egelhoff—(think that’s Napa)…
May 14, 2008

Rick
Congrats,

Both shows were great and looking forward to my copy being sent.
May 14, 2008

Ernie Bello
Great format to this episode, I loved the anticipation that you showed and it brings your viewers along with you.

By the way, I bought the book @wine.woot.com. Can’t wait to get it!
May 14, 2008

jett
2004 etude napa, my brother. this one rocks with well balanced fruit, intergrated tannins, great mouthfeel, soft, yet huge and powerfull, with a finish that works for over a minute. i’m hanging with you g.v. with respect to oak and cali cabs. way too much, most of the time. the etude is clean and polished even @ this young age, and the oak is really under controll on this one. a great effort and a wonderful addition to anyone’s cellar. jett
May 14, 2008

Rossodio
You know, out of the 600 or so wines I’ve tried, I’ve only had four (count ‘em, FOUR) Napa Valley Cabs. My tastes are not so much aligned with over-the-top, overoaked, or overly fruity stuff like many new world offerings, so I’ve leaned away from them to some extent.

That being said, my favorite of the NV cabs I have tried is the 2001 R&B Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. I gave it 90 points, which is the same as wine spectator, but that being said, it still wasn’t doing it for me. The tannins are rougher than those in ageable Italian, Spanish, and (most of the time softer) French wines, and the oak was a bit too much.

I’m sure I’ll have more Napa cabs in the future, though.
May 14, 2008

Ian Watt
Congratulations Gary you have reached a new pinnacle in your media career with an article in the Vancouver Sun this morning “Amateur videographers turn blogs into bucks.” Ian

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/business/story.html?id=1a4d7217-c96e-4f3a-a87b-287ada5e3a4f

or

http://www.ianwatt.ca/ViewBlog/1197/
May 14, 2008

phil brazeau
Im trying to get more of a handle on this old world/new world thing. I’m from Washington State and a big fan of Walla Walla wines. I enjoyed the show you did about their wines, but maybe a show with a match up between old world vrs new world? East coast folks seem to frequently refer new world wines to be over-oaked fruit bombs.(Grrrr!) My experience with many old world red wines has left me perplexed. I purchased some Cote du Beaune grand cru and was advised to cellar it for ten years which I dutifully did. On trying it 10 years later I found it to be still overly acidic and overly tannic for my palette.

Love your show
May 14, 2008

Ricky B.
QOTD- The older Groth Reserves 85,86,91,92.
May 14, 2008

Daniel O
Great episode Gary! And congratulations again on the book! I’m sure it will be a hit.

QOTD: I don’t drink much Napa Cabs, so I can’t say I have a favourite, and none have ever knocked my socks off.
May 14, 2008

fatdoi
qotd…… never had nappa cabs…. hard to get hold in Oz…
May 14, 2008

Tim Hayes
I really enjoy Neal Family Cabernets. They are well made & have good value! I enjoyed the show today. Where can you buy some of those Big Ass Glasses you use?
May 14, 2008

KWC
Gary, great to see one of my own favorites on your show. The Rocca is incredible. Although I think my current favorite Napa is Harlan (boring I know) the Rocca is actually a good value at $60 and an awesome wine. If you have not YOU MUST TASTE THE ROCCA SYRAH! it is an amazing wine, I think cheaper and better than the cab! Both are these extremely well balanced fruit bombs, fruit but under controll. Love the show.
May 14, 2008

John Watson
Just want to say that I loved the blind format. Don’t have an answer for the QOTD, since I’ve really had very few Napa Cabs in my wine drinking career.
May 14, 2008

W Miree
Great show! I have had the Rocca once in another vintage and liked it a lot, so I was glad to see it win the blind tasting. By the way, I like the blind tasting format.

QOTD: My favorite all-time California Cabernets are the older Beaulieu Vineyard Private Reserves from vintages 1985 and older. I started drinking them in the 1968 vintage. For vintages in the last couple of decades, Joseph Phelps Insignia and Stag’s Leap Cask 23 have been my benchmark Cabernets wine from California.
May 14, 2008

VinoVixen
Love the blind tasting! Thanks!
QOTD: Do not have a favorite Napa Cab…..
May 14, 2008

cs
QOTD – My favorite Napa Cab is a Mt Veeder wine – Wing Canyon. Seek it out.
May 14, 2008

Kevin Vandever
Favorite Napa Valley Cab: Hmm. Probably Waterstone Cabernet as well as the ‘97 Caymus, but I have moved away from Napa Valley Cabs for many years because the price points are too high and there is are as many or more kick-ass reds in Sonoma Valley, particulary in Dry Creek, Russian River, and Alexander Valley…and down closer to my Orange County California home are the red wines of Paso Robles, which are AWESOME! Thanks for the great web site. I am new to the experience.
May 14, 2008

The Adam Bomb
Not big into California Cabs, more of a Frenchman myself, but I did really enjoy the 04 Mt. Veeder.
May 14, 2008

Callan
Long time lurker, first time comment. Great show and congrats on officially becoming an author, Gary! qotd – I’m an Australian living in Singapore and until I moved up here, finding anything from Napa Valley was all but impossible. Have tried numerous Napa Pinot Noirs (Curse you, Sideways) and some other varietals but no Cab Savs yet. They’re now on the shopping list! You made the Rocca sound phenomenal on first taste. Thanks for the great daily shows.
May 14, 2008

Eric
Great show. This is the first blind tasting show I’ve seen and I found it a nice way to mix up the usual presentation.

QOTD: Haven’t tasted many Napa cabernets – a bit outside my price range. I did have one at a recent thirsty thursday meeting, but I don’t remember the name now.
May 14, 2008

Mike QZ
Great episode. The Rocca Cab is by far my favorite wine at the moment. Celia Masyczek is the winemaker who also makes DR Stevens, Scarecrow, Keever, and Hollywood and Vine. All wines to seek out. Thanks for doing what you do!
May 14, 2008

ChezJim
I, too, love the blind format of this show. As we all know, we eat with our eyes and I believe with taste with our eyes, also. The paper bags keep it fair. Great show.

QOTD – Not a huge CA Cab fan because of the quality price point.
May 14, 2008

joe trdinich
QOTD–used to be Silverado but recently Cakebread and Chimney Rock have surpassed it.
May 14, 2008

Charlie Berg
Massive congrats on the book, Gary!!
and yes, you should definitely do blind tastings more often, that was pretty riveting. QOTD: 2002 Silver Oak, Napa a super well made, powerful elegant cab with solid dark fruit, sweet spice complexity, present but not out of wack oak; like a dark, thorough-bred stallion.
May 14, 2008

Jerry Bob
Joseph Phelps, Yet there are so many and my taste seems to change with mood and so does my choice of wine.
May 14, 2008

JeffC
QOTD: Had a 94 Shafer Hillside Select quite a while ago, that was superb. Does that count? Have had Cabs from Caymus, Groth too. In general though, outside my swilling budget. I can pick up decent cabs, that are enjoyable for about a 3rd the cost of wines you tasted. Hey remember Cab from Argentia, by Hobbs, Crocadillo (excuse the spelling). Was very good, for under $15.

Question for you. A few weeks back you tasted the 2004 Turnbull Cab and gave it a 95. I seem to recall WL pricing was less than $40. So we should seek Turbull out instead of these you tasted today. Another question, I am seeing some local marketing and praise for a high priced cab getting rave reviews
Hartwell “Divine” Cabernet, going for about $150. Have you tried? Would be interested in your thoughts.

Hey going with the head to head theme, how about a Zin taste off. Match Turley up against, Ridge, etc. You fill in the rest.
Thanks, another great show.
May 14, 2008

Will
I only drink kosher wine, but the 2003 Covenant was superb.
May 14, 2008

Achilleas in Cyprus
Nice show.

QOTD: To be honest, I have had so few Napa Cabs, and have yet to find one that I really like.
May 14, 2008

Achilleas in Cyprus
Can’t see Mad Money or Conan as not in the USA and won’t display
May 14, 2008

Winehacker1
Terrific show #464

In Winter Park, FL do a blind tasting once a week with a theme/no theme every other, lotsa fun (sometimes on Friday afternoon for lunch as well!)

QOTD: BV Georges De LaTour 2003 Cab Sauv Res

Recently had a Tintara Shiraz 2006, WOW, you guys gotta try that
May 14, 2008

Nick G
Congratulations on the book Release.

WOW!
I am amazed at how many Vayniacs are saying the big stereotyped cabs.
â€¢Silver Oak
â€¢Caymus
â€¢Cake Bread

What I really don’t get is how many people are mentioning Insignia and Opus one. These are cab based, but are not considered cabs. It seems like any time expensive wines are mentioned people have to bring up Insignia and Opus one, even if they have nothing to do with the topic. It feels like a “shoe size” competition.
May 14, 2008

Mark Neustadt
MOST excellent episode! Blind tastings are the most fun of all!
May 14, 2008

alfredhayes
QOTD: Groth (only had the 04).

Big ups the blind tasting.
May 14, 2008

sobojosh
hmm that’s a tough one. QOTD: I guess I drink a lot more blends when I go cab. The last big name pure cab I’ve had was grgich hills.
May 14, 2008

KWC
Nick G made the point of some of the big names not really being cabs, so I guess we should call them cabernet based blends, but most of the wines on this show were probably blends, I know Rocca has some merlot and petit verdot. Cali just calls some cabernet and some “prop blend” they are still generally cabs aren’t they.

I will take back my original answer and say ZD Abacus since (I think) it’s all cabernet.
May 14, 2008

Richard T
qotd: my current fav right now is the 2003 Corrison Kronos cab
May 14, 2008

thkorent
QOTD: Tough one…I havenÂ´t had the money to compare all these producers in the same vintage, but here are my cross vintage favorites in order of preference:
1. D.R. Stephens Moose Valley Cab 2000 (canÂ´t even dream of what a “better” vintage could taste like)
2. Caymus 1992 Special selection
3. Mondavi Reserve, 2003 (I think Gary did it on an early show, have to check)
4. Flora Springs 1995 Cab (canÂ´t remember vineyard)
May 14, 2008

Tyler
Although it may have some petit verdot, malbec, cab franc, merlot, it is still a cabernet sauvignon. The 04 rocca has 91% cab sav.

Also in regards to the person below that says he cant believe how many are saying silver oak, caymus, cake breead. I agree, the only reason I said caymus ss was because it was an 85, i would never drink their new releases for that price!!
May 14, 2008

Adrienne
QOTD: I guess I’m a ‘lurker.’ I thought I’d respond for once…Groth is one of my faves and the only one to come to mind right now. Everyday great choice: Arnold Palmer Cab (believe it or not…made by Luna, I think.

I was sad to see Hobbs fair poorly. I remember loving it. Pretty sure I like wood more than GV.
May 14, 2008

Adam J
Nick G:
I really hate to use the comment space to respond to another Vayniac, but I take issue with your comment. My fondness of Opus One has nothing to do with it’s pedigree or price, and I did mention that it is not 100% Cabernet. I happened to earn the opportunity to drink the wine and dine with the winemaker while working my a** off in culinary school, not at some expensive restaurant in Napa. I am not trying to show my “shoe size”. Isnt WLTV all about the love??
May 14, 2008

Jeff
my favorite is the 1997 or 99 DAVIS FAMILY VINEYARDS.
great wine; great people; small production.
of course the 1997 Ridge Montebello was good also!!!
enjoy Gary!
May 14, 2008

Duffy
Very cool! Loved the blind tastig thing!
May 14, 2008

jseeds
Great blind tasting….it woul’ve been cool to have a Bordeaux ringer and a ~$20 cab in the mix.

QOTD: Haven’t tried too many…maybe Ladera Lone Canyon 2001…
May 14, 2008

Jim Moynahan
I have to be the king of the Lurkers having watched every episode, and having never left a comment, so here it goes. Since this episode was on my fvorite wine…NAPA Cabs. My favorite for everyday drinking would have to be Heitz Cellars. My favorite all time NAPA Cab is Heitz Cellars Martha’s Vineyard.
May 14, 2008

Shawn
QUOTD: I do really enjoy (just about everything from) Robert Mondavi. Beringer is also very good. I do however, not have a lot to compare with, as we don’t get too many Californian wines in Denmark.
May 14, 2008

Mike James
QOTD: Its a tie, Cafaro and Dunn. THATS IT, THATS ALL.
May 14, 2008

Dan S.
Sadly, I have not had many napa cabs, but I got a few waiting on the rack for me to try in the next few years!
May 14, 2008

Ed Salonia
GREAT episode today Gary!
Congrats on the Book, Conan, and Mad Money
May 14, 2008

RichE
Great Show, right up my alley.
Way to go Author Vanerchuk
A Blind Tasting always creates excitement.

QOTD:
Love them Lewis Cabs
May 14, 2008

Cesare
Interesting epidose. Great to see you at the book signing yesterday.
QOTD: 2001 Corison
May 14, 2008

The Wine Maven
QOTD: Phelps Insignia
May 14, 2008

Zach M.
QOTD: Have never been big on the napa valley region, most tend to just be over my price range for being just a college kid .
May 14, 2008

Rick W.
Phelps Insignia 1997 & 2001
May 14, 2008

Michael Mohammadi
1997 Shafer Hillside Select
May 14, 2008

Christine
Best show I have watched so far (only heard about you a week ago)…love the suspense of the blind tasting…took notes like I was in class.

I belong to a group called The Grape Nuts and go to Napa at least twice a year.

Franks Family Vineyards is #1 in my book for overall wine selection period!…every wine is great!…and you have got to love Dennis!

Bremer Family Wine is right there as a close second.
May 14, 2008

Colin
GV – Fun show! QOTD – Shafer 1.5
May 14, 2008

Robert F.
QOTD: 1998 Freemark Abbey Sycamore Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Wow.
May 14, 2008

Bernard
qotd. Sullivan Vineyards Coer
May 14, 2008

cpd
QOTD: You can’t go wrong with Neal Family Vineyards. For special occasions, Dominus.
May 14, 2008

Neil
QOTYesterday: It would be the Reverie Reserve on Diamond Mountain. Runner up would be Hartwell Estate Cabernet. Both are small producers and are kind of pricey. Best bargains (if you could call it that) would be St Clement Orrppas and Flora Springs Trilogy. That said my wife and I enjoyed the 2003 Corison last night with dinner and for a tricky vintage was really, really good. It would be fun to do a blind tasting of all of these, but I don’t roll as deep as GaryV. Good luck with the book!
May 14, 2008

Doug
No question that I prefer Washington cabs over Calif. cabs. However, there are many Napa cabs I seek out…my favorite is Caymus Special Select with Etude a close 2nd. I don’t know if my palate has changed over the years, but I started out liking Silver Oak in the 80’s and Opus One in the 90’s. Those wines don’t appeal to me as much…I think their quality has diminished.
May 14, 2008

Chris C
Del Dotto and Plumpjack. Delicious!
May 14, 2008

Askold Shegedyn
Congrats!
St. Francis is my favorite Cal. Cab.
May 14, 2008

Tom
2001 Lewis Reserve
May 14, 2008

brorjace
I’m not a napa Cab guy, but at a recent tasting the Chappellet Pritchard Hill 05 blew me away. Had so much refinement for a baby, and was not over oaked or crazy fruited.
May 14, 2008

Mike in MI
Gary,

The book arrived today here and for the person I bought a copy for. Leafing through now that I’ve finished watching this episode, and it looks great.

Show format gets big props; I love the blind tasting, and would recommend it from this point forward. Hell, you’re big on decanting; have the wines decanted and drink them from the decanters.

QOTD: Of late my personal favorite was the ‘04 TURNBULL, which went down like honey sliding down soft butter. The balance was stunning, with a nice kid glove leather and scrumptous fruit. Can’t recommend it highly enough. Another great one of late was the 2002 PRIDE Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley; surely in the top 10 wines I’ve had.

Rob Csenar,

I’m also a fan of Jordan Cabs; I go back to the late ’70s with them, and have a few verticals in the cellar. The best was the ‘81. Stunning.
May 14, 2008

David M Roberts
QOTD: Sebastiani’s Cherryblock.
May 14, 2008

sam
Great show. I’m not a big cab fan but still…I love Cahors and Madiran.
Maybe another show on either or both could be fun.
May 14, 2008

dAve
$40-$70 cabs? you are quickly outpacing my budget. Maybe I can find a Gary Va-ner-cheap – wine blog somewhere? Napa/Sonoma Cabs are best at $12-$16 – after that you are just liking to pay money. Robert Mondavi Cab Private Reserve is a great Cab at a price that is wow. That’s the QOTD answer.

Nice blind tasting concept – made me focus on your words rather than writing down the label. smile. I almost wanted to put a bag over my head and be the unknown lurker! haha.
May 14, 2008

GR8wine
GV,
First, I agree blind tasting can be humbling, revealing, and ultimately the most fun. I don’t feel I’ve tasted enough NV cabs to nail down my favorite. Unfortunately many of them are above my preferred price range!
May 14, 2008

ChrisR
QOTD: Can’t say I have a fav, since none have blown me away yet, but the 2002 Rutherford Hills was pretty good.
May 14, 2008

LarryWineGuy
QOTD 2004 Bell Wine Cellars Napa Cabernet… love the complexity that the 10% P.V. in the Wine Adds. Very Well Extracted, with alot of Fruit, Floral and Spice…Very Bordeaux Like in it’s approach. Anthony Bell The Winemaker was the former Winemaker at B.V. Vineyards for 15 vintages!!
May 14, 2008

agentorange
QOTD: 2000 Fife Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wow.

Nice job on the book. We got our copies today.
May 14, 2008

JimChem
QOTD: I seldom drink CA Cabs. I don’t have a favorite.

Jim
May 14, 2008

Sep
Sequoia Grove
May 14, 2008

Kahuna
Blind tasting makes it a much more valuable show to me. Maybe cut down on the number of wines so it doesn’t take more than 20 minutes or so. This way we know you are trusting YOUR PAL and not being influenced subconciously by the label.
May 14, 2008

MrsCyberTLH
Hubby has chided me into delurking. . .

QOTD: Hartwell 2002 Cab Sauv — bought a couple last year and just had one. Beautiful. Solid fruit, some tobacco and the tannins and oak are mellowing from when we bought it last year. Looking forward to trying the 1999 we bought to have next year for our anniversary!

BTW, the Rocca 2004 CS was one of our “wines of the day” on our last trip to Calif in March!
May 14, 2008

RickM
Just bout two bottles of Pretty Sally at WIne Library – one down one to go – I now have a fave cab – cab/shiraz actually – 2004 Pretty Sally Cabernet/Shiraz.

Gary you have to review this wine – just so i can track how our tastes are compared to one another – I have your book, but it will take forever to taste all those wines in order to find out – many are out of my price range.
May 14, 2008

sev
Turnbull Cabernet Sauv 2005
May 15, 2008

Randy S.
Gary, Loved the blind tasting. Please do more!
May 15, 2008

BillyBatts
QOTD: 2001 Frescobaldi Catelgiocondo & the 2001 Il Poggione BDM.

Not quite cabs but cab like.

Keep up the good work Gary.
May 15, 2008

Brian
Please do more blind tastings! They are a great deal of fun. No favorite Napa Cab. I’m a little afraid of Napa Cabs because I so frequently encounter the oak monster.
May 15, 2008

Andrew D
Thanks Gary – great show

QOTD: I’m an Australian living in HK; I have never had a good one and I’ve tried a few!

Cheers
Andrew
May 15, 2008

Mason
Awesome show!!! I absolutely adore the blind format! I am thinking about doing a blind tasting here at my home soon, so this was right up my alley.

QOTD: Robert Sinskey Vineyards Vandal Vineyard 2004.
May 15, 2008

Big D
Loved the blind tasting! I was sorry to see the Hobbs do so poorly since I have some. Hopefully I am a little less sensitive to the “Oak Monster” than Gary.I also wish that the prices for NV cabs were lower but unfortunately price inflation is a fact of life and we always have Gary to help us find bargains. I just wish I could drive to Wine Library to pick up my wine instead of having everything shipped.

QOTD: I have only started drinking wine seriously for about 5 years (everything before that was just grabbing a bottle on the fly) so most of the cabs I own are sitting in my wine cabinet or in my storage locker waiting for maturity. I have enjoyed Sol Rouge who got a hold of some Dr. Crane and To Kalon grapes and turned out a very nice cab. I also have enjoyed some of the Beringer Private Reserves and just tonight enjoyed a delicious cab from Meander.
May 15, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: I haven’t had too many, but I think I’ll mention the 2001 O’Shaughnessy Cab. (Howell Mt.), the 2003 Schweiger (Spring Mt.), and the 2002 Richard Perry.
May 15, 2008

Tobacco Road Cellars
Well this is a toss up between the 2005 Tobacco Road Cabernet Vitality Napa Valley and 2005 Tobacco Road Cabernet Private Reserve Napa Valley…but i guess we’re biased?!? Hahaha…Great show & you’re dead on w/ Roca…great producer!
May 15, 2008

Taylor
Great Show wish i had the chance do large blind tasting like that.
QOTD Either Cobblestone or Sequoia Grove both are great
May 15, 2008

ted vaughn
QOTD – It would be a tie between the 2001 Arns Estate Cab & the 1997 Spottswoode.

One thought – if you want to change the wine world, it might be more radical and effective to move away from the 100pt scoring scale. Think outside the existing box of wine scoring, a practice that causes so much conflict within the industry you’re trying to change. You’re a creative guy – bring some creative thunder to how you rate and/or measure good wine.
May 15, 2008

italianwinelover
QOTD: So many to choose from, but I do like Turnbull and Klinkerbush Zin!

Nice show would like to see more of these if time permits!
May 15, 2008

pawncop
What a wonderful experience.

QOTD – In my limited experience, I don’t have too many to choose from. The best so far is a 2004 Franciscan. I tend to like Australian Cabs a little better so far. Still learning, so many wines, so little time.
May 15, 2008

Pete
No favorite Cali Cab Savs. I prefer the french.

Loved the format of this episode. It was more about the wine – producer is secondary.
May 15, 2008

JayZee
Great show! I really enjoyed the blind tasting and your comments and scores. I don’t know if you should do ALL of your tastings blind, but it IS interesting. I think many of your other “themes” are quite excellent and you should continue to mix it up and bring the THUNDER in many ways.

QOTD: My favorite is probably St. Clement Orropas, but that is technically more of a meritage than a cab, per se. So if I had to pick something labeled as cab, I would go with Shafer Hillside or Pine Ridge Howell Mountain.
May 15, 2008

Carlitos
Clearly the blind format is the best for the show. Although I’d have preferred a mix of different wines from different places and varietals. Like you once did.

QOTD. Probably a 1990 Montelena, but not a huge fan of Napa/Cali Cab.
May 15, 2008

Jimmyrice14
My favorite Napa Valley vineyard for the 03 and 04 vintages of cabs is Neal Family Vineyards.

TC
May 15, 2008

MannyPants
Loved this format GV. You have to do the blind tasting more often. Congrats on all of your recent success.
May 15, 2008

Motombo
G-man – my fave all-time cab. was a ‘97 Altamura, but my day-to-day favorite is Neal Family Vineyards.
May 15, 2008

Troy
Great show G! love the format.

QOTD: 2001 Peju Province Reserve… ROCKZOR!!
May 15, 2008

*/^_^\*
qotd: caymus. original, i know…..
May 15, 2008

yowens
Sweet show GV. QOTD: I dont rool deep so I havent tried alot fo the upper end Napa cabs, but Chat Montelena and Peju come to mind
May 15, 2008

Stan Vasily
O yes My Fav is Mayacamas Cab
May 15, 2008

Cody
My favorite napa cab is the 2003 Keenan Reserve. I would say the 2000 Quentessa, but I don’t think that’s 100% cab.

I agree on the Rocca vs Altamura match. I sell both in my restaurant and would recommend the $110 Rocca over the $150 Altamura. You should try the Rocca Syrah and Bad Boy Red. They’re both incredible for the price
May 15, 2008

CA Jake
Ridge Montebello is my favorite but from Santa Cruz Mtns, not Napa. I guess I would have to go with some older Heitz Martha’s or Joseph Phelps Insignia that I have had.
May 15, 2008

DARREL LAS VEGAS
QOTD: At the moment a toss up Meyer 2004 or Watermark 2004

I must like this show , watching you guys zoom in and out on bottles in bags with numbers on 6 times!
May 15, 2008

TennLee
2000 Dominus, but I haven’t had that many…
May 15, 2008

RobRx
QPTD- 1994 Joseph Phelps Insignia. Changed my wine world.
May 15, 2008

The Doc
Ristow without a doubt. You used to sell it, but stopped. PLEASE BRING IT BACK. Had to order direct from them.
May 15, 2008

damon aka unknownwine
2003 Neal
Haven’t had it for a while, but will soon. have a magnum to drink for bday in nov.
May 15, 2008

Ohio Bruce
QOTD: Beringer & Sbragia Howell Mountain cabs
May 15, 2008

JeffH.
Gary, really like the brown bag format for a change. QOTD: Winesmith Crucible Napa Valley 2004 Cab.
May 15, 2008

William
QOTD: 2002 Duckhorn Estate Cab… It helps when I picked up this wine at a discount of $50.
May 16, 2008

Glen.. WINECRAZY.COM
Rudd Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Jerico Canyon.

And the Silver Stag Cabernet.

Hey, it’s a toss up.
May 16, 2008

KW
Great Show – but those wines are out of my price range!
May 16, 2008

Steveo
Great show Gary – Love the format. Larkmead 2002. You were crazy at the NFL draft by the way!
May 16, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Loved the format. My favorite Napa Cab is Mount Veeder, With Nickel and Nickel Sulinger close. Got my copy Wednesday from Barnes and Noble and bought two more copies at the store for my brother and one son.
May 16, 2008

Vbellore
QOTD – Shafer Hillside. Not sure if i can ever afford to buy this again, but would love to at some point.

Blind tasting is good. I think sometimes is easy to influence the score relative to price.
May 16, 2008

DFC
QOTD: 2002/2004 Kuleto Estate Cabernet
May 16, 2008

Richard Treadway
Excellent show. I liked the blind tasting format. My favorite Napa Cabernet is the 2002 Silver Rose Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon.
May 16, 2008

Ian Smith
Good idea. But here’s a better one:

GET A GUEST & DO THE SAME THING WITH THEM AND COMPARE WHAT YOU RATE THEM.

Would be a good way to show off pallet differences that you are so much about. Maybe you should do it with Chris Mott!
May 16, 2008

salvatore
Simply Terrific Show- Best Ever!!!

Believe ut or not I like Belvedere Cab Healdsburg Ranch…….

Inky black with very exceptional flavor and finish.

Wonderfull show………. my favorite yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 16, 2008

ratmice
I am so glad I found this site. Your shows are just amazing. Thank you.

Love the blind tasting format.

One of my favorite Napa Vineyards is Acacia, I don’t think I’ve had a wine from there that I don’t like.

Keep up the good work.

Now I’m off to get the book!
May 16, 2008

Rick Hudak
Dominus and not the Napanook variety. Had it before and it was a revelation. Never had anything like it. Congrats on the book! I ordered my copies already!
May 17, 2008

Sonoma County Doc
Congrats on the book!!

QOTD: I like a little dirt in my wine so I a fine of Howell Mountain. The most exciting HM Cab right now —— Spence. Give it a go. It’s fantastic.
May 17, 2008

Karl B
Hi Gary,

favorite Napa Cab: Shafer – love the line-up, but the 1.5 steals the QPR contest.

Karl B.
May 17, 2008

California Cab lover
1. Cakebread Dancing Bear
2. Frank Family Reserve
3. Frog’s Leap
May 17, 2008

hastings115
Favorite napa cab is the caymus special selection. Very consistent year in and out. However my favorite Napa red is the 1997 Cardinale.
May 17, 2008

Rui
Lots of fun. Philip Togni Napa Cabernet.
May 17, 2008

jeff devor
best napa cab i have ever tasted 1969 heitz marthers last tasted june 98 first time tasted jan 75 still have some
May 17, 2008

Paul Horan
QOTD: Tossup. I’m loving, loving, loving the Elizabeth Spencer Napa Valley cab (40 bones), but Del Dotto (75 bones) is giving Liz a run for her money.

Cakebread, Caymus, Heitz – they’re all fantastic, but they’re definitely not flying “under the radar”

-Paul in DC-
noazdad
May 18, 2008

Cabrilla
Don’t drink Napa cab.*

Too much oak (usually), too much money (mostly), and too much alcohol (invariably). (And people drink them far too young.) Sure, I could branch out and experiment, but @ an average $50/bottle for current releases, I could try almost twice as much southwestern French wine that would probably be more interesting and better balanced. The Napa cabs that I’ve had in the past year were mostly in the $30-60 range, but I rarely have an emotional response to them. That, I think, is really why I don’t try more. For that amount of cash I could be trying well-seasoned madiran, to which I do have a strong emotional response, or chinon, or bourgeuil, or cnp, or cdr, or irouleguy… heck, even bordeaux is a better bet.

* unless at someone else’s home, dinner invitation, or if I’m at a Napa winery and they have nothing more interesting on offer (say, petit verdot or cabernet franc, for instance – YEAH)
May 18, 2008

Tom P
Almost done reading the book. Busy so it is not going too fast, but its a good read.

Nice show on the Napa’s. QOTD I dont have a bunch of Napa’s that I keep, they tend to be $$$$. I have some Clou du Val and Caymus. Of course Caymus is much more of a business dinner wine.
May 18, 2008

Nick R
Great episode as always!!!
May 19, 2008

Oregon Jim
Heitz Martha’s ‘83 was the wine that started me down this road. Just kept opening and changing and getting more profound. Drank it in 2000. Ready to try a Colgin, Bond or Harlan when I get rich and connected! I bought an ‘05 Showkett a while back that was the height of my resource capability. I will let you know in a few years how that measures up.
May 19, 2008

Iron Man
GV, what are you doing? what are you doing bro????

I said, review the cabs everyone knows!! What’s this telling America all about Rocca!!! What’s next? are you going to tell everyone about the next stock secret GV??? Are you going to make everyone millionaires??? That’s it GV, I can’t take it anymore!!!
May 19, 2008

Dan P
04 mondavi oakville or 03 plumpjack
May 19, 2008

LogansRunRx
QOTD: (1) 2003 Reynolds Faimly Stags Leap Reserve -OR- (2) 2004 Revana
May 19, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: Neal
May 19, 2008

NV Wino
I live up here in the Napa Valley and am married to an amazing winemaker and have a small winery of our own..that being said, we drink alot of great wine (and even more not so great wine)..most of our friends are winemakers with pretty good reps, and I can tell you that Rutherford Cabs are in a class all their own.There is something about that Rutherford Dust that calls out to you. It is the absolute definition of Terroir!

Must Try these:

Martin Estate Reserve or Estate Cab..Fruit forward, extremely well balanced, jammy with a hint of good tobacco..My favorite nectar of the Gods. Hard to find but well worth the effort.( BTW- they are Caymus’ neighbor )$75-$125

Rubicon Captains Reserve..this is the good Rubicon stuff, not the tasting room crap. Big, jammy, plummy.Yum! $75

BV Georges de Latour :-GDL is Rutherford and is consistantly good.

Caymus- Anything prior to 2003 is outstanding(I know many will say anything Caymus does is outstanding, but they have been over oaking for sometime now). Caymus put Rutherford on the map!
May 19, 2008

Luis Felipe
Wow, these wines are definitely not inexpensive
May 20, 2008

JonE
Sorry G-Man, very late on this one. Killer line-up wish I was there.

QOTD: 1974 Sterling Cabernet, and 2000 Delectus Beckstoffer Georges de Latour III. Both changed my thinking on the grape.
May 20, 2008

Mike Gigante
Yeah, I’m late on this too.

I’m not a fan of most Napa wines – too much oak, extraction and alcohol. However there are a few good ones. I like Charles Krug’s Cabernets – ‘04 Vintage Selection was good value for money and I really enjoyed the ‘04 X (ten) clones’ but that was more pricey.

I really the Ridge Cabs from Santa Cruz but that isn’t Napa.

Where I come from, I don’t drink a lot of any California wines (except when I am on business travel). I do drink lots of Aussie Cabs mostly from Yarra Valley, Coonawarra and to a lesser degree Margaret River.

cheers, Mike
May 21, 2008

T6
Gary,
Sorry for the late reply but have been away from the CPU and I’m catching up on shows…
QOTD for this show…favorite Napa Valley Cab- 1987 Joseph Phelps Reserve or 1982 Heitz Martha’s Vineyard…unbelievable both. Congrats on the book, I’ve two on order.
May 21, 2008

Phil M'Glassup
Your Ian Dorin is going to kill me for saying this but my favorite has been by far and away the 2003 La Sirena cab. Subtle, floral, whisper-soft, far from the power house so typical of the Napa cab. So lyrical were its flavours that I almost wept with delight as I drank it (I’m not kidding). This is the Art of Winemaking. Unfortunately, art appreciation like this comes at quite a high price. I ordered it from Calif for about $120 all told. Fortunately, I was able to replace it from you for about a $100. The winery sells the latest vintage for $150. I asked Ian if he’d consider ordering it and he said no way. He claimed the eine sold poorly. Still when I went to order an extra bottle of the 03 from you it was sold out. Glad others got to enjoy it.
May 22, 2008

chito
Gary, my favorite Napa Cab. continues to change. For years I loved Silverado, then Franciscan,then Turnbull, yada yada yada. I continue to taste wines that excite me and I think that is what wine is all about. I will certainly look for the Rocca Cab. and will start with WineLibrary. Keep up the GREAT work!!
Al
May 23, 2008

wayno da wino
This was such a Grrrrrreaaaaaat Episode i had to watch it AGAIN!!!!
Moooore Blind Tastings, PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZZZZZZ !!!
May 23, 2008

Louis
Excellent episode, I would like to see more blind taste tests.

My favorite Napa Cab is Clos du Val.
May 25, 2008

Dan-o
GV – I like th blind format. Although you shouldn’t have the “Tags” because some people, like me, couldn’t resist a peek.
QOTD – I can remember a few favorites – Lakoya, Corison, and Staglin Family. Last night I uncorked a 2003 Ladera that was pretty good as well.
May 26, 2008

John from Allentown
Gary, my favorite Napa Cab has been for years Chateau Montelena, but they have gotten a little expensive the last few years (still have a few 2001s); the cab that has just blown me away the past 2 years is Darioush, I love this wine.
May 27, 2008

singlespeedr
QOTD: 2003 Pine Ridge Rutherford Cab
May 28, 2008

Collin
QOTD – Favorite Napa Cab, Pride Mountain and Miner Family, tie
May 29, 2008

Brian V
Great episode, I love the head-to-head format. Keep them coming!
May 30, 2008

JTS_Brown
Pride, Phelps or Flora Springs Trilogy (ok that’s a meritage but it’s still a fave). For value, we like Sequoia Grove and Turnbull.

Great and fun show. Please do more blind tastings in the future.
June 1, 2008

Ben F
I love the format of the blind tasting GV…
June 11, 2008

Rob L
Yes I too fell in love with the Rocca Cabernet when I first tasted it in my local San Diego Wine Bar and loaded up on every bottle I could locate. I’ve still got 14 left out of the 15 that I located. Glad to know that you think it will cellar for a long time as this is definitely a special occasion wine.
June 16, 2008

Sleak
Great show. I’m a bit behind in my viewing.
Favorite Napa cab is probably Miner. Frankly they are my favorite CA producer period. They don’t make a bad wine and are consistently good year after year.
The best Napa cab I’ve ever had was the ‘97 Heitz martha’s vineyard, ‘96 Bryant Family a very close second.
June 22, 2008

Michael H.
Love the format. Great show!!

QOTD: Off the top of my head, probably a Caymus SS or Phelps Backus Vineyard…
June 28, 2008

WIne on Mac
QOTD: Silver Oak Cabernet
July 18, 2008

JudeMurphy
QOTD- I’ve never had a Napa wine! hehe
Any Californian wine I’ve had has been awful.
You should do a show on what us old world junkies should do about all this American and Australian shite! I’m sure there must be some great new world wines out there!
August 3, 2008

Brian
Another great show! QOTD, probably Caymus Cabernet. Value, definitely Sequoia Grove. Any vintage for both.
August 20, 2008

TK
BV Georges De Latour 1997 Cab 100 year anniv. bottle!!
October 2, 2008

Chris
I think you need to do a blind taste-off on WLTV against that fancy lad Brian Freedman from Classic Wines!!! Take him down to China-town Gary and show him what’s what!
January 13, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Love these blind tastings. Fun to see you get shocked by the results and its of course always going to put a person in a different mind set going in. More please! QOTD: You know ( at least I hope ) that im still trying to get into red wines. Ive never had anything memorable yet from that region.
January 20, 2009

Christian Montague
Just leaving it for fun even though its been awhile. My favorite Cabernet is from Turnbull. It is overall a rich wine.
June 2, 2009

nnothing
yep the mad money appearance got me hooked….

qotd: The best I’ve had was a 2001 Cakebread… but I haven’t had many.
October 4, 2009

Susan
Absolutly love your show and the way in which you describe wine. Your descriptions of flavors resonate with me and have really help me in my wine selections when i am buying previously untasted ( by me) wines. This side by side episode is super. Thank you!
November 15, 2009

Sam
Hi, first time lurker here, QOTD: The first napa cab I fell in love with was 05 Duckhorn Napa Estate Cab, delicious!