Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon, Any Opportunities?

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon, Any Opportunities? – Episode #466

May 15, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk explores the Cabernet Sauvignon from CHILE and chats some with the Vayniacs at the end of the taping!

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“QOTD: I saw Mondovino, and although it does seem to have a bit of an u…” by richardvinifera
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Wines tasted in this episode:

Walnut Crest Cabernet SauvignoChilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Santa Rita 120 Cab SauvChilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Casa Lapostolle Cabernet SauvignonChilean Cabernet Sauvignon
2005 Montes Alpha Cabernet SauvignonChilean Cabernet Sauvignon

Links mentioned in todays episode.

201 Responses

May 15, 2008

Palmer
first? chile kick?
May 15, 2008

dcseven
Hoping Chile can bring some new thunder.
May 15, 2008

BF
I actually have some Chilean cabernet sitting out right now — “ghetto decanting” in the open bottle.
May 15, 2008

KyBoy
Top 10…that’s what I’m talking about boyeeeeezzzz
May 15, 2008

GrapeStuff
Top 10 – South America Bringin’ the Thunder!
May 15, 2008

CuriousInStLouis
Just got back from the wine store…a Gruner Veltliner, Gewurtztraminer, and a St. Estephe Bordeaux.
May 15, 2008

EricB
Nice theme. Whites next?
May 15, 2008

Tim Vining
wow, top 10!!!
May 15, 2008

Omallley
I’m enjoying the Chilean theme the past couple days…from a QPR standpoint, it can be a fantastic place to start looking (especially for Cab Sauvs).

Looking forward to seeing the episode…
May 15, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
Let’s see, QOTD — last month? Recent CaliCab release prices!
May 15, 2008

Withnail
This looks good – wow – at least 3/4 are readily available in this market.
I may taste along later tonight!
May 15, 2008

Chris Serino
Fun show, Gary. Have fun on your vacation. I am!

QOTD: It’s all a surprise to me. I’m such a noob to the wine world.
May 15, 2008

NJ-Vettester
QOTD: The high price, especially of new releases.
May 15, 2008

RC
Chile two days in a row…will we see a day three on Chile possible?
May 15, 2008

ninefingers
sorry, can’t watch.
The RSS feed using quicktime stops at 2-3 minutes(i get the intro and then d/l stops) and the .MOV will not download
May 15, 2008

M
I wasn’t planning on buying wine at Costco today but it “jumped into my cart”. I was thinking Carmenere but I bought Montes Alpha Syrah and Concha Y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon. I also bought 2 non-Chilean wines.
May 15, 2008

boegemann
QOTD: The expansion of the Champagne AOC in France.
May 15, 2008

GrapeStuff
Good ep, GV – I do like the new laid-back-drinky-talky format to the show.

Have a great vacay with Lizzie – enjoy yourselves!

QOTD: I have been doing a lot of reading lately about wine regions – and the biggest thing that has surprised me is the “confusion-factor” with French wines. Granted, the regions of Bordeaux can be confusing, especially for a wine newb (which I still consider myself), but a little time spent educating yourself definitely helps clarify varietal-Bordeaux regional relationships, etc. I think that is why a lot of newbies drink Aussie, Calli, or South American wines – a bit more consumer friendly. Not sure if this is SO much of a surprise, but just thought I’d share.
May 15, 2008

yowens
QOTD: I had a Greco di Tufo last week which was killer! I whole new grape (for me) that I have discovered and enjoyed so far.
May 15, 2008

Palmer
QOTD: it shocks me every day that people buy crappy overpriced wine at grocery stores when they could go to a wine shop around the corner, spend less, and drink much better wine. HELP THEM GARY!
May 15, 2008

Stan Vasily
I am surprised on How many people drink wine so young and Don`t have a clue how to store it. Of all my close friends I am the only one that has a cellar. They think I am some kind of freak to have about 40 cases in storage, but they are the first to Drule when I pull one out. Ps I get invited to dinner at everyones house………..What gives. Ps. Have Lots of 04 & 05 French and I feel like I am sitting on the Golden ege!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 15, 2008

purplejuicebruce
Good show enjoy the Cabs lately my favorite Cali Cab in the 10 to 12 bone range has to be J. Lohr and from Chile in the 11 bone range is Root1
You and Lizzy have a great time lose your laptop for a week and rediscover why you love her.
May 15, 2008

Frank B
HAVE A GREAT VACATION. l love some of the Argentinian Malbecsand the prices are good.
May 15, 2008

Jerry Bob
Whats shocking to me is the response weather positive or not to decanting. Is there a guideline to vintages or varietals, or both factors?
May 15, 2008

DaveyDonut
I’ve had the 2005 Montes Syrah Alpha and it was the biggest oak monster I’ve ever had, so I was just waiting for you to find the oak in this one! Definitely not my cup of tea…

QOTD: Wine prices! Yeah yeah, everyone’s talking about the Dollar decline against the Euro, so yes, European wine prices are going up. But so are domestic prices! It’s ridiculous. You can’t get a decent Oregon Pinot Noir for under $40 these days. Just a few years ago they were $20. You can’t get a good Washington Cabernet for under $30. That’s just where those wines are playing now… I guess it’s just the cost to produce wine in this country is much greater than it is in other countries, but it’s totally annoying… despite the dollar decline, I still think most of the value wines (for my pallate) are coming from Europe. As an aside, though, you know those French oak barrels are quite expensive, and all of the top Oregon Pinot Noir producers use barrels from Burgundy. I was at BergstrÃ¶m recently and was told that the cost of the barrels, due to the dollar decline, is definitely effecting their prices, and they’re going to have to raise prices of the wine as a result. So the dollar sucking STILL hurts our domestic wine prices… something I had not originally thought of.

David
May 15, 2008

Cliff and Darcey
Thanks yet again GVee! Just a quick comment: Even a show where you are 0-4 on thunder brought does NOT mean it was not a good show. It’s just as important for us to know what to stay away from as what to seek out. You can’t lose!

QOTD: I am still surprised that one can get decent deals on wines from Spain and Portugal, given the dollar debacle!

THANKS for all you do, and keep it up!
May 15, 2008

Jay
I love the value driven shows. Most nights are weeknights…

QOTD: In the last month, I’ve been surprised that my pal is leading me back to some of the beers that I’ve put away for a while. Last night I cracked an ‘06 DFH Olde School barley wine that was unreal…

*Side note – My Mariners are STRUGGLING!
May 15, 2008

hugh
gary, loved you on Mad Money with Cramer…..with all of the shout-outs you’re turning into Kasey Kasem!!
May 15, 2008

Panosh
QOTD:
In Hawaii, the price of wine seems to be going up as much as gas prices. The most suprising thing is how much this show has opened my eyes to the many varieties and countries that I have not even tried yet.
May 15, 2008

Matthew Hale
QOTD: I knew wine was overpriced in restaurants but I was surprised how overpriced they really are after buying a couple in the last few months and looking them up later. If we want to change the wine world maybe we could consider doing something about THAT! Don’t have any ideas myself though, besides a restaurant wine boycott which seems way to hard to organize.
May 15, 2008

Len
Good episode GV….QOTD: No question about it, it has to be wine-prices. Ratings that don’t match up would be second although I know what you always say…Try it, everyones palate is different but when it’s consistent across the board RP…WS…IWC…BH…put the two together and you go for it….and it’s OK to pour in the sink but you drink it because of the cost!
May 15, 2008

adam
Just discovered your website today and I think I’m hooked. Father used to be in the liquor store business, has a very extensive collection of wine. I’ve been trying to learn more and more about it. Mostly enjoy Italian from the Veneto, some Southern Italian as well, South American… Malbecs mostly. Definitely going to have to watch more of the older episodes! Keep it up!
May 15, 2008

John
QOTD – Biggest thing that’s surprised me was finding this show! I had been wanting to get into wine for a while (I’m typically an amber rum drinker), and didn’t really know where to start, until I found the show (thanks to Internet Superstar). It’s really motivated me to just say heck with it, go out, and pick up anything that looks interesting and just try it.

Thanks Gary!
May 15, 2008

ChrisH
I like the new format Gary! You better be coming to Indianapolis

QOTD: I had a white Bordeaux that I got at a great price. It definitely brought the thunder for being around $10.
May 15, 2008

BobbyTiger
I used to drink quite a bit of Walnut Crest Merlot, basically because of the price range, but haven’t been back to it for a few years. Am now anxious to try the Cab. Most of the wines I currently consume are from California and Argentina, with price points in the $. I find Argentina Melbecs a tremendous value. And by the way…………………….what’s this about a vacation?
May 15, 2008

Patrick SF
Once again great show by starting off with tasting the wines. Good to see value wines I can find at the grocery store bringing on some thunder. I like the reference to Italians in Tuscany burning their garbage on the nose and will seek out that wine just for that experience. It’s surprising the sensory memories wine can evoke.

QOTD: I’ve started admiring the colors on roses wines as I try more of them. Was glad to hear yesterday Mario Batali (WNYC Leonard Lopate show) is a big fan of this varietal too. Any possibility he might appear on your show too?
May 15, 2008

Jordan
First time comment here for myself. Love the show Gary, would love to see a Vancouver appearance ( I know I speak for many more as well). Cheers,

Jordan
May 15, 2008

Dr. Dan
Great week of shows, Gary. The passion is alive and well.

QOTD: I’m continually surprised by how wine (especially red) is flavor transformed by the food one eats with it.
May 15, 2008

Purple Tooth
QOTD: I guess what surprises me is that so many people from all walks of life are drinking wine. I think the reason for that is that there lots of pretty good wines at reasonable prices that are readily available. Have fun on your trip. Maybe you will share some videos of your trip when you get back.
May 15, 2008

Gonzo
QOTD: I’m always shocked by how interesting the world of wine is, and how much there is to learn and explore.

Thanks for the ep gv.
May 15, 2008

Kev and Ams
QOTD: The differences between wines from the same area. Same grapes, same style, different tastes.
May 15, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: all of the varietals you have taked about and tasted….blew me away there are so many…

Got my copy of the book today….good weekend read!!
May 15, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

QOTD: The thing that surprised me the most over the past few months actually is the quality of wines that Sam’s Club is offering. I would never expect to go to a Sam’s and expect to see wines from Darioush or Dolce especially for prices far under that of the winery or even local wine shops.

–RH
May 15, 2008

T. Reasoner
QOTD – the price of a good pinot is like $30 bones… can you advise of some reasonably priced pinot noir or burgandy?
May 15, 2008

Tim
Love the new format Gary! Its a bit more coherent.
May 15, 2008

Rick D
Loved the show, as always. Goes to show there is still affordable wines that bring the thunder. Go try to find a Cali cab that rocks for under 10 bones, not happening. I have 2 Chilean cabs in the wine fridge, but haven’t tried any yet.

Still waiting for Amazon to ship my 2 copies of your book, just checked and they aren’t shipping until Monday. Sadness reigns, I guess I had better pull the cork on one of those bottles.

QOTD: Being a newbie to the wine world, I find it fascinating the amount of information available on the subject. I have several books that I am reading to learn as much as I can. Many of these “encylopedias” are heavy on France with little to no info on places like Chile.
May 15, 2008

asokks00
QOTD: The crazy grapes I’ve never heard of especially from Eastern Europe! e.g. Slovenia
May 15, 2008

UTshock
I think wine prices surprise me the most, especially the price of some domestic varietals like Napa Cabs or Pinots from anywhere. I was wine tasting in the Santa Rita Hills a couple weeks ago, and I couldn’t believe that a single vineyard Pinot was at least $40, probably closer to $50. Most of the values I find these days come from outside the US, which is shocking considering what the dollar is doing.
May 15, 2008

Badgerann
QOTD: How very much alike Australian Cab and Shiraz is starting to taste. Not a good trend.
May 15, 2008

Eric R
I am a lurker no more….

QOTD: I was able to go to my first French wine tasting last night, and I was surprised about so many things. I was most surprised at just how vast the difference is between old world and new world styles. I do not generally prefer Chardonnay and Merlot, but my favorite wines of the event were a 100% Chardonnay white Burgundy and a Merlot based Bordeaux from St. Emilion. Huge difference compared to California.
May 15, 2008

Lyndal
Giddee Yup. Good show.
May 15, 2008

Blake W
QOTD: The way different wines are made. Upon taking several winery tours, the way certain things are done vary greatly. I thought everything was made almost identically (NOT TRUE AT ALL).
May 15, 2008

Val
Great show…I had a Cali cab over the weekend from a well known Merlot estate that totally smelled like riesling, melons and all. It was exotic and weird. Had to resniffie shiff it several times.
May 15, 2008

B
I am surprised how one dimensional some wine drinkers are. Many, many are afraid to try something new. And how drinking Cali Cab is the only manly wine. What a shame!
May 15, 2008

NB_SPAZZ
QOTD: Given the dollar’s decline, in the last month I wasn’t surprised that Europen wine prices have gone up noticably, but I’ve been surprised at the number of US west coast wines that are doing the same. What’s up with that?

Hey Mott… does my monitor need adjusting or was this ep taped to appear brighter than most?
May 15, 2008

Saftig
Had fun reading the book and appreciated the spectrum of wines you offered up. QOTD: I’m pleasantly surprised at all the great bargains in foreign markets regardless of crap dollar and saddened that prices haven’t come down in the states.
May 15, 2008

CA Jake
QOTD: Gary the big surprise is the rising cost of some of the high end wines. I would very much compare this to the Internet bubble of 2000, only with wine. We’re talking wine maker stardom, $200 cabs, $80 pinots, burgundy going from $150 a bottle at release to $600 and then $800 a bottle! 1st growths at $500-700 on release! Will it end?

But we are talking wine! Instead of a collector, I feel more like an investor because now I can sell some of this stuff and buy a Porsche, which I think I might like more…In the last few months, I am starting to feel like I can’t afford to drink the wine that I’ve already bought. Doesn’t make sense. Family, retirements, college ed seems much more relevant.

And what is really completely absurd, upside down, and completely amazing is that there is still so many very good wines out there at very respectable prices. If you really like good wine my friend, I think the big surprise is that its still cheap if you know where to look…Thats a big surprise because it doesn’t really apply to anything else.
May 15, 2008

mrzitro
Give it up to Chile. Two shows in a row for Chile. Are there any other Chilean reds you can do for tomorrow’s show….malbec or petit verdot?
May 15, 2008

eastportorican
GV, If you throw a bunch of grapes in a bucket, crush them and wait, you get wine. What surprises me is how most people don’t realise that wine is proof that God loves us. It doesn’t really matter whose wine it is, but rather that we love it and acknowledge it’s source and pay our respects as we drink it. Kind of like Communion, Joy from the Godhead.
May 15, 2008

Kristen
Excellent Thunder Episode today! It’s a nice little break from writing my last paper ever for grad school!!!!

QOTD: This Austrian red that I’m drinking tonight! It’s the 2006 Zantho Zweigelt and it definitely brought the Thunder! And it has a glass cap!
May 15, 2008

Porter
QOTD: I am still surprised that I can get a still Macabeo shipped across the Atlantic, driven to Michigan, pay the winery, pay the importer, pay a distributor, pay the retailer, still have the bottle cost less than 8 bucks AND that the wine is super tasty.
May 15, 2008

Brian
Love the episode gary, thanks for making wine now for everyone. You have a great show and keep up the good work. I found your show on accident and i was impressed. Thanks for making wine less scary and thanks for signing 1000 books for wine.woot…I jumped in on one of those. I am new to the wine world, had alot of cheap parents wine that i didnt like, but like you said you have to try different things to know what you like and dont like. Thanks for helping bring wine to my attention, its good to get away from beer every now and then
May 15, 2008

Kirk (aka: slave2thevine)
I think perhaps the largest surprise for me recently was discovering a price increase in a wine during a year when they had a record tonage. The price increase was over 30% and the longer I look at it the more this bothers me. I understand that business’ need to survive and maintain a profit…but in a year when more wine is produced it struck me as a move that was a bit more aggressive that I was comfortable with. I’m seriously debating if I will continue to purchase wines from this producer even as much as I enjoy their wines.
May 15, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – my biggest wine shock in the past month has to do with something you’ve been saying for months: the exchange rate with Europe is going to be KILLER! I got a few bottles of the 2004 Domaine Du Pegau for about $60 each last year, and just saw the 2005 with a $100 price tag – I know that is also due to big scores and hype, but still, that was shocking!
May 15, 2008

Ozzy
LOVE the new format, Gary. Get right to the thunder, then take care of other stuff later…

QOTD: I gotta echo a couple of the answers already here, all related to price points. A lot of Napa Valley stuff you can’t even sniffy-sniff for under 20 bones, but then you have some “lesser known” regions producing wines that drink 2-3 times higher than their prices…

Really makes me appreciate all that you do, man. ANYONE that can help me not blow $20 on a dumper is greatly appreciated…
May 15, 2008

DirtWineKen
Wines for the masses! I’ve been a Casa Lapostolle fan for a number of years now — very dependable.
QOTD: Shocking how unaffordable all my favorite Napa Cabs have become.
May 15, 2008

TGSnyder
I like the new format, put all the petting and shout outs at the end.

As for cities to visit, as much as I would like for you to come through Salt Lake, I think I would be the only person to show up for the book signing;)
May 15, 2008

Wine Bloke
Always liked Chilean Wines, especially when rustic but with class.

The thing that has suprised me in the last month, and frustrated me, is that the Australian governemt is increasing tax (again) on alcoholic beverages, mainly to tackle binge drinking in Australia, targeting alcopops (or pre-mixed drinks). As a consumer and producer, it going to hurt.

I think they should be tackling the fundamental problem, which is not to allow alcopops on the market to start with. The need to watch an episode of the Thunder Show and maybe they’d promote wine more, benefits for health, culture, and society in general.

Sorry, on my Soap Box.
May 15, 2008

vivianovino
QOTD: How “new world” the “old world” wines are starting to taste like.
May 15, 2008

Brad -73-
QOTD- I may catch doodoo for saying it, but summerfield wines aka oak leaf vineyards
makes a respectable cab sauv for 4 bucks. At Wal-Mart it’s oak leaf and at a local graocery store
it was called Summerfield.
It’s coming out of Ripon, CA, and even though it may be mass produced-put in a tanker and shipped-ala sideways movie-it’s still a good wine.
For 3 bucks I was expecting a Charles Shaw POS but it’s a contender.
May 15, 2008

kaybee
QoTd
The high price of CA wines vs. other places. The price sometimes is deceptive, I think it equals high quality. I know I shouldn’t fall for the “snob factor” but it gets me sometimes.
May 15, 2008

elron
Surprise: Your quick reflexes! The Jets should sign you up with that catch of the glass! We all know, they need all the help they can get!
May 15, 2008

Diablito
This dude thinks EVERYTHING is overoaked! Try grape juice, almost no oak there.
May 15, 2008

Lenny
Good show. Hope I can find the 2 good ones down here in Houston.

Looking forward to meeting the 2008 Wine Wizard here next month.

QOTD: I discovered Riedel glasses this week. What is your take on them. I notice you do not use them. I am trying them out now.
May 15, 2008

Robert Howells
QOTD- I can’t believe how intimidated people are at the liquor store when they are looking to purchase wine. Since watching the Thunder show I have become confident in my choices and I love helping others pick a great bottle.
May 15, 2008

Chris in Tulsa
Have a great vacation!
QOTD: Surprised at how many great priced quality wines that come from Europe DESPITE the poor dollar value and the high cost of gas and just everything in general in Europe! So many great little gems in the lesser known regions there. WTF Californa!
May 15, 2008

joeshmo
GREAT SHOW ! i think these are 4 wines i would possibly really like, 4 wines i definetelly see myself trying anyway.
May 15, 2008

Susan
Gary-I am NO lurker but……………LOVE the new format. Really much better!!! Thanks!!!!
May 15, 2008

Susan
Gary- This is ANOTHER ONE of those eps!!! I had to watch this one OVER AND OVER!!! SHOCK!!!! GASP!!!!!! wink wink pinch me??? Are you REALLY coming??????? WOW !!!!!!!
May 15, 2008

Rossodio
QOTD: How much terroir really does contribute to a wine’s characteristics when you drink it. Graves, Alsace, Saint Emilion, Montalcino, Northern Rhone, and Southern Rhone… South Africa, Douro, Mendoza, all have such amazingly distinct characteristics. I never believed how much terroir drives the taste of a wine, but I am a believer now.
May 15, 2008

Rossodio
Oh, and thanks for the shout out congratulating me for finishing medical school. It’s been a long road, but I’ve loved it, and can’t wait to start residency.

I’m celebrating with friends with a very nice 2000 Tuscan (100% Sangiovese, the 2000 Tenuta Farneta Bongoverno), a 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc (Domaine Saint Benoit), and the Guigal 1995 Cotes du Rhone, which is an exception to the typical cotes du rhone in that it hasn’t really degraded at all since it was bottled and in fact has found more complexity over the years. If you can find the story on this wine, it’s fascinating how it was found in a blank barrel in the cellar, bottled, and continues to taste good 12+ years later. CdR’s usually just fizzle, with their acidity and lack of tannins leaving them unageable, but this one brings the thunder even 13 years out.
May 15, 2008

JeffH.
Gary, Great to hear you may be coming to NC. I’m surprised at how much I don’t miss paying big bones for CA wines and being perfectly happy with Spain, Chile/Arg.,Portugal, Aus/NZ.
May 15, 2008

TWalk
I’ve recognized that my palate changes with the change in seasons “Whether i like it or not”….kinda cool
May 15, 2008

manonthemoon
Great to hear you are making a MD stop on the tour.

QOTD: Like many of the other posters, I think many wines are becoming way overpriced and its not due to quality its due to name alone. I know too many people who swear by the big napa producers when to me there are equal quality and much more value elsewhere.
May 15, 2008

Robin C
Loved the Conan episode. You covered a lot of territory in a short time.
QOTD: I’m surprised that the shipping laws haven’t been reformed. I was reading the article in March 31 Wine Spectator about “Wine.com conducts stings on other retailers”. The whole thing is just causing bad feelings.
May 15, 2008

E
What surprised me? Going to a pretty good hotel bistro/bar in DC and finding out to my horror that they didn’t have a single Cab Franc … all their “light reds” were pinot! Did they really need fifteen different kinds of pinot? And these people weren’t slouches necessarily–they had GV by the glass, and great food, but then the wine list just kind of made you want to cry a bit.

But then they did have Ridge by the glass too. Sometimes I really miss Ridge.
May 15, 2008

Raybo
Love the Chilean wines. Too bad about the Montes Alpha. I have a case of the 2003 and it has been FANTASTIC – specially at $9.99/bottle. I rate it 92. I will seek out the 2005 to see if we have a similar opinion on it. I will definitely try the Casa Lapostolle. Have a Great Vacation!!!

QOTD – Probably that the wine store is always packed.
May 15, 2008

laposte
QOTD:
I am surprised that there are still values from Europe with the free falling dollar.
May 15, 2008

Jeremy Q
Nice episode Gary.

You and Lizzie should enjoy your holiday and lay off the emails at least for a few days
May 15, 2008

Anna
Love the show! Love that you’re coming to Ohio! Thanks.

QOTD: I’m surprised and thrilled that you rank some of the less expensive wines almost as well as the more expensive. It’s good to know you’re looking out for us! I love great wine, but can’t always drop the big bucks!
May 15, 2008

Kristin
Hey! I’m one of your so-called “lurkers” This is my first time leaving a comment. I’ve been watching you for about a month and I’m captivated every day! I think I’m definitely gonna try a bottle of the Casa Lapostolle this weekend. I’m a poor grad student so that’s right in my price range.

I live in DC and my boyfriend just told me tonight that you’re coming to the Barnes and Noble in Rockville, MD. I’m SOOOOOOO excited. We’ll definitely be there!!! We wouldn’t miss it for the world!

Keep up the amazing work!
May 15, 2008

Scott C DeSander
Gary, I just started in the last 9 months drinking wine on a regular basis. Iâ€™m still a novice at all of the different regions and types of grapes. I didnâ€™t even know what a diaper was for wine until I was on a cruise ship. I did find a wine I do love Indicum Grand Reserve 2005 (Malbec) only sold at Vino100 price $25 for a case. The problem was the closest Vino 100 store from Sagianw, Michigan is Toledo, Ohio. Toledo is is where my brother in-law lives and this is how I got started into wine. I did find another wine that I like at Samâ€™s club. It is called Liberty School 2005 $11.50 a bottle. It is very good for the price. The other bottle of red wine that is pretty good is called Arnold Palmer. It is also sold at Sam’s club. Arnold Palmer has a blue umbrella on the bottle and costs $15. Liberty School is a better buy for the taste and price. The other wine that was good was Alexander 2004 cabernet. The price for this wine however costs around $49 a bottle. I didnâ€™t feel the price over Indicum was worth the extra money.

I love watching the web cast every night and saw you on Mad Money with Jim Cramer.

Where is a good place to buy large wine glasses without breaking the bank.

Also, what is the braclet thing about?

Thanks,

Scott
May 15, 2008

Rob Csenar
QOTD: In the last month…???!!! I do not keep up with the news like I should so I was shocked recently when I found out (as an Illinois resident) I cannot buy wine from out of state retailers and have it shipped starting June 1. I’m truly stunned.

On the brighter side, I’ve noticed in the last month that the wife and I are going with sparkling more and more during the week. A big shout out to GV for pointing us in that direction.

Later,

Rob Csenar
SaysNuts
May 15, 2008

Donna Mega
Glad you’re taking a vacation with the wife. Relax and have fun. Enjoy some wine(actually drink and swallow it) and report back which wines you had and what ones you liked the most.
QOTD: In the past month, I’ve noticed the little price surges on wine, but it’s certainly not increasing as much as everything else is. Also, not very much promotion on American wines as of late. I personally haven’t drank the same varietal in a row for a month.
May 16, 2008

farmer jim
surprised by how many great wines are out there for less than $10. I will leave no more comments until Mott has his own T-shirt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 16, 2008

DerekC
Slowly making my way out of the lurking shadows! Awesome show, Gary!

QOTD: I live in the Willamette Valley and went wine tasting with my mother and family for mother’s day, and I was shocked at how expensive local mid-size operation vineyards’ wines are! Tried quite a few chardonnays, rieslings, and pinot noirs that were just alright, nothing to write home about, and the prices were in the $20-35 range. The best of the bunch was a fabulous “reserve” pinot noir that was grown on old vines, but they were asking $45 for it and I didn’t feel it was quite worth that much.

I realise they have to make profit and all, I just feel bad that so many local, rather formidable wines are at a price proint a bit higher than I want to spend for them when I can buy the same quality from elsewhere for cheaper.
May 16, 2008

Roberto
Hi Gary, great show.

A bit surprised about the Montes Alpha, IÂ´ve tried it with diff. results… maybe a couple hours worth of decanting did the trick.
Thanks for the Costa Rica shout out, we are expecting you next Feb,March. If you thought your first vacation (or this weeks) to CR was good, you have no idea what youÂ´re in for in March… All expenses paid trip on a private small luxury cruise to all national parks on the Pacific… and Cocos Island too. (The Jurassic Park island)
May 16, 2008

evolvingmonkey
Gary, I can’t believe you are coming to Cleveland on July 31st. I’m leaving town to fly out to New York on the 28th. Gosh… GOSH!!! sigh… Where are all the Vayniacs in Cleveland? I’ve only met one of them. If there are enough Vayniacs to arrange a book signing, why hasn’t there been a Third Thirsty Thursday yet?!

QOTD:

How I have not seen anyone serve anything other than pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, riesling, malbec, shiraz, merlot at parties/dinners in the past year. Really… chateauneuf what?

Also, I moved to Cleveland a few months ago, and I am also pissed that BYOB is illegal in Ohio.
May 16, 2008

CBV
Yes, the current vintage of Montes Alpha Cab is over oaked. Two vintages ago it was better and the oak monster didn’t over power the wine.

QOTD: I am always amazed at all the wines that are available from all over the world. I love trying new wines and having a new experience, especially if it is not domestic.
May 16, 2008

amgryger
QOTD: Last night I bought a 2006 Saint-Joseph and while at the wine shop I was thinking, “What’s with all these really young red wines on the shelves?” I later realized that they weren’t actually that young, rather I had just gotten 2 years older in the blink of an eye. It was actually kind of scary.
May 16, 2008

JSi
QOTHD: Georgia voting to allow online wine sales. To celebrate, come to Atlanta on the book tour!
May 16, 2008

Withnail
QOTD: Biggest surprise in the past month was a New Zealand tasting I went to with about 40-50 wineries tables. Other than Sauvignon Blanc I had not enjoyed many NZ wines I had tasted in the past, but that afternoon showed a wider range of delicious wines and varietals. Friendly people, too!
May 16, 2008

Luke H.
I loved this episode immensely, Gary! Your book is supreme and I am proud to have received it a mere day after its release! Check Amazon: review #9 is going up…
May 16, 2008

The Lukas
QOTD:
Something that shocked me, people’s attitude towards wine.
I know some “wine” drinkers who just stick to the cheap watery crap that gets them drunk.
So one time, i brought along a wine i really liked to a party, and i offered everyone some of this wine, because i was interested in what people would think.
The people at this party who were already drinking wine DIDN’T WANT TO TRY IT!
Not even one taste, i pretty much had to beg people to just try this wine, which i was offering for free.
I was honestly under the impression everyone would at least try it, but no.
That shocked me.
May 16, 2008

jayjay
hay g man love the show “i am a dirty lurker”but watch the shows over and over lol i wish you shipped to england,great stuff dont ever stop.
May 16, 2008

Ali Amidi
Hey gary. What about denmark? You should come to the my city- Aarhus and shoot an episode, I will personaly bring a dansih red wine made of the Rondo grape for you to asses. Very interesting.

Thx for a great show.

Ali Amidi
May 16, 2008

Joe G.
QOTD: What has shocked me is how many people I know that would not even think of drinking wine have now started to embrace it
May 16, 2008

dAve
I am not a lurker (on this show anyways).
This was GREAT to see cheap quality wines! Chilean Cab’s – can’t wait for weekend shopping!
Good show!
May 16, 2008

Wendy
Caught the first half of the show then ran off to a Fair Trade Wine tasting! Talk about changing the wine world. Not an easy task. A better life for wine workers in South Africa, Chile etc. Picked up the second half of the show this morning with my cereal. Have a great vacation.
May 16, 2008

Brad
QOTD: I’m surprised that all of the big “fine wine” stores that I’ve tried in the Indy area carry California Cab, French reds, Champagne, and Riesling and that’s IT! I can’t find decent Spanish, Portuguese, Italian whites, French whites. I stumbled across a Greco di Tufi and jumped all over it. So I’ve been ordering from WL, which is awesome, but it’s nice to have a bottle in your hand and feel that energy when making a purchase, too. Thanks, Gary, have fun on vacation!
May 16, 2008

Susan
Gary- I hope you have a SUPER vacation!!!!!!
May 16, 2008

Adam J
Qotd: The more I learn about wine and the wine world, I am always surprised at the connection between producers/wineries in the wine making world. What I am talking about is the big guys that have projects in Bordeaux, Spain, S.America, Italy,etc…and the companies like L.V.M.H. It seems like everything is connected in some way. Have a great vacation GV! Thanks for the show! ps- apologies to Nick G for my defensive comment the other day…I love the vaynernation way too much to be like that.
May 16, 2008

Karen
Hey Gary! I got the book in the mail the other day. Great so far. Your voice is really present. I was afraid there would be a tone that was someone else and not you. The reference in the first few pages to ‘goat breath’ was good, too! I’m thinking that summer ‘08 will be filled with many Gary V. picks. Have a great weekend.
May 16, 2008

jseeds
QOTD: I’m surprised how poor most restaurants wine lists are – especially the way they are organized (usually by varietal).

I mean seriously – so I really need a choice of 6 different Cabernets when you don’t have a single (and probably cheaper) Grenache, Riesling, Barbera, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Chenin Blanc, Cab Franc, Gamay, Douro blend, Rhone blend, bubbles, etc…?
May 16, 2008

Taylor
Got the book, its bringing the thunder so far!
QOTD the QPR on Torrontes & Albarino’s I have had some great ones and it all started with the Black Pig which was amazing!
May 16, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
The price of European wines and how fast they have gone up compared to the lousy dollar. As to this tasting today, I have had trouble with Chilean wines of all stripes. Often I find really unbalanced wines with odd tastes and noses of odd smells such as burning garbage and vinyl. None of those things turn me on at all so they are not for my taste. I continue to try them at big public tastings but have been reluctant to invest in them. I like the formats you have been doing lately so keep trying new things. They are fun to watch.
May 16, 2008

bkrygowski
Shoot, I just bought a bottle of Montes Alpha that he poo poo’d. oh well
May 16, 2008

Jaybird
QOTD: Watching wine tasting on late night television with Conan. The number of wine drinkers in the US and how fast it has increased. You truly are leading the movement, “Changing the wine world”.
May 16, 2008

Rob
Hey Gary, It’s Rob(The guy who posted WLTV ad’s in the Grand Central bathroom and under every door in the Marriott Marquis((Floors 31-39))until I was told to stop by security). Anyway, I have to admit I have been lurking a little bit lately but I have a funny story for you…
I was in Barnes&Noble the other day buying your book and I had a clerk help me find it. When he got the book he gave it a once over and asked, “Who’s Gary Vaynerchuk?” I said, “Have you ever heard of Bill Gates? Larry Page and Sergey Brin?” He said, “Of Course I have heard of those guys, they changed the world!” I said, “I’m surprised that you haven’t heard of Gary V. yet because he is on the verge of changing the wine world!” “Have a good day,” I said, and headed over to pay for the book. I was on line for a few minutes and when I walked past him on my way out I saw that two other Barnes and Noble clerks had joined him and all three were looking at your book. “That guy over there said it,” I heard as I walked out the door. As I stepped off the sidewalk I pumped my fist in the air and said aloud…”Three more Vanyiacs!!!” I try to spread the thunder as much as possible.
-Member Since Episode 36 (MSE36)
Rob
May 16, 2008

Diego
Congrats on the GR8 show! Saw your vid on the google lecture series and Im hooked!! Just one thing though, now you otta shout hello to all the peps in Sao Paulo, Brazil cuz you got mad fans here!!

Best,
Diego
PS:I’m also russian!!!
May 16, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Interesting show gv! Not feeling the shout-outs…at all…sorry.

Q-I was surprised to learn that imports of Brunello to the US could be stopped if the producers can’t prove the wines are 100% Sangiovese. That’s a little crazy, but sounds highly unlikely.
May 16, 2008

Robert F.
Question: Chilean cabernet…The Wine Spectator ranked the 2004 ViÃ±a Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley Medalla Real Special Reserve 49 out of the Top 100 of 2007, and a 91 rating. Just wondering if you’ve tasted it and can comment. I tried the 2004 and it was very over-oaked. Leaving it in the decanter overnight clearly improved the taste. Great show, Gary. Props!
May 16, 2008

Chris
have fun on vacation, looking forward to meeting you at the book signing in Cleveland. QOTD: I am surprised to see the amount of wine bars that have started popping up all over the area
May 16, 2008

wayno da wino
AAAAAWESOME THUNDER in da Hizzy!!! Great QPR Vinos!!! Da CKCs gotta
be goin’ bananas……………. Have a Fantastic Vacation!!!!

QOTD: The main thing that shocks me, is how Greedy the restaurants are in
charging 3 to 4 times more for a bottle of wine than what you can buy it in
a store.
May 16, 2008

SeaSybarite
QOTD: I’m shocked and disappointed at how quickly prices have risen, and how expensive Classified Bordeaux has become. And it’s not just the dollar to blame. I also understand that 2000’s quality and collectibility set off a non-stop price surge, but 2005 and 2006 are off the scales. It’s sad, as most wine enthusiasts will now be unable to afford even a great Second, Third, Fourth, or Fifth Growth, let alone super-second or First Growth.

Conversely, I’m also shocked and delighted by the volume of inexpensive, well-made wines hitting the market now. Almost every week, I’m finding a new, great wine that pairs well with food and I don’t need a loan to purchase. This week: $8.99 for a LITRE of tasty Austrian gruner veltliner? Yep.
May 16, 2008

eyezonwine
My biggest surprise right now is how annoying and overpriced California especially Napa and Sonoma wines have become. I barely drink them anymore because I’m bored big time. It was fun seeing the reveiw of Chilean Cabs drank through many a case of Concha y Toro Diablo and have always fund great value.
May 16, 2008

LauraG
Great show Gary – hope you have an AWESOME Vay-kay!!!

QOTD: The sheer scope of what it out there once you take off your blinders continues to amaze me the most.
May 16, 2008

Roro
Gary, I got your book yesterday in San Francisco where you will be next week. Looking forward to you signing it! I haven’t seen the show yet, but I am loving all of these Chilean wine episodes! Hands down the most underated region in the world and there is no euro to dollar crap to worry about! Keep it up, I don’t think anyone appreciates paying top bill for an iffy 90pt wines.
May 16, 2008

hasbeen
I am surprised that there is no noticeable effort to change the interstate wine shipping laws.
May 16, 2008

John Congdon
The show is great. I like the way you change the show up and do things a little differently. You don’t have to have a “Formula” for a show.

The heads to heads are fun and very high energy.

Looking forward to the “Link it up” t-shirt.
May 16, 2008

JeffC
QOTD: My biggest suprise has been the continued challenge of finding reasonable priced (affordable) wine that is enjoyable for regular drinking. Prices continue to increase even in the less than popular geographies where decent bargains could be found. They’re still out there just harder to find.
Thanks Gary, Enjoy your vacation.
May 16, 2008

Wednesday
I was struck by the intensity of chocolate flavors in an entry priced amarone.
May 16, 2008

Juicy Jesse
QOTD: Shocked (but not too surprised) by escalating prices, of course…but improvement in “lower-end” quality as well, as demonstrated in today’s viewing! Have a great vacation, Gary, and hey, if Conan (or anyone else) questions your use of the phrase “sniffy-sniff”, just ask them if they would prefer “smelly-smell”?? That should give them pausy-pause!
May 16, 2008

Eric
QOTD: I’m still surpised at the inability to take white wines seriously.
May 16, 2008

Steve B
QOTD: That winedrinkers in the U.S. continue to let the wine critics in Parker and the Spectator do their judging and scoring for them — and that too many American wine retailers continue to use scores to do their marketing for them. “90 points for ten bones!: Feh.
May 16, 2008

alfredhayes
QOTD: I was/am struck by how bland and boring hte LCBO has gotten. How many Chardonnay’s does one store need? Zero Chennin Blanc for the masses, took me 45 minutes to find a Xarel-Lo blend. I wish there was some competition up in these hiziziles!

Thanks for the Chilean feature this week. Enjoy the vacation, you’ve BOTH earned it.
May 16, 2008

laurie in VT
QOTD: That there still isn’t a Mott Link it Up! T-shirt…

Happy vaca to you and Lizzy! Ditch the wireless connectivity until you’re home!
May 16, 2008

Glen.. WINECRAZY.COM
Yo Brother!!!

I’m back from bike week. What a blast!!! It is sick down there. We landed up doing a photo shoot. I’ll be in Easyrider magazine riding the Harley smoking a cigar…lol

Catching up on the shows because I had no laptop. I liked the blind tasting. Very cool. But after wacthing Conan I thought he dissed you a little there making too much fun at everything. I would boycott his ass from now on until he takes you more seriously. As far as the other two shows I think you got the respect you deserve from both Jimmy the mad money Crameraimer and the big idea himself Deutschmaster Donny.

They both showed you respect and as someone you are. A class act!!!!!!!! But Conehead O’Brian on the other hand made a joke out of every thing you did. I would have dumped that big ass glass he poured for himself mixing all those wines together all over his orange head because that’s how I roll.

What the hell was that all about? He found that funny? I didn’t. And what was the next to the last wine????

Anyway besides that I think the shows were great. You looked great!!! Congradulations!!!!!!

QOTD: I hate spending a lot of money on a bottle only to find out the ratings were mearly to sell the thing and have nothing to do with the truth as the rating to price ratio comparison. And then spending $20 on a bottle you want to go buy 3 cases of because it’s the home run of the year and tastes like a $50 bottle.

How do you equate the rating to the true value of the wine? It seems fabricated on 80% of the wines when you read these ratings out of WS, or RP.

You should come up with a Vaynerating. A system which people can use to equate the rating of the wine to the price value.

Hummmmm….. I better get a royalty from that new book. “The Vayner Guide”
Or how about that monthly newsletter. The Vayner Ratings.
May 16, 2008

Wayne Cheung
Gary! Good job!
Wayne
May 16, 2008

Winehacker1
QOTD: I’m still dismayed by the corkage fees charged in most restaurants. I was pleasantly surprised the other day in Baldwin Park (Orlando) when the owner of the Grouper said why should I charge you a corkage when you are coming to my place to eat my food? If you want to bring a vintage wine in that I don’t stock, where’s the problem? Wish that attitude would spread.

Speaking of Chile, have you tried Santa Ema Reserve Merlot 2004? High oak but really terrific (I like the vanilla bombs myself). Shared 15 cases of the stuff with friends in the last year as an every day drinker. Current vintage 2005 not quite as good.
May 16, 2008

Harry
QOTD: I’m surprised that more wine geeks haven’t followed your lead and put their reviews online. It ain’t easy following the Thunder show’s giant footsteps, but we should be forming a network of wine loves online – a perfect format to take over the world.
May 16, 2008

Shawn Dougherty
SHOCK – the jets stink – no serious the 2005 bordeaux’s have blown me away !!!
May 16, 2008

Timberooni
First episode I’ve ever seen before… and I’m not much of a beer drinker, but I have to say this is pretty awesome! I’m gonna try one of these bottles tonight before I go out instead of drinking the normal Goose Island microbrews.

thanks Vay ner chuk!
May 16, 2008

Chippewamike
Great show. Have a great vacation!

QOTD: I have been “shaken” (not surprised) by the rising price of wine but at the same time am also pleasantly surprised at how wine merchants are bring out the less expensive wines from South America, South Africa and Australia.
May 16, 2008

BubbsBaria
QOTD: 1.)How vital water is! Janis had a page about how many bottles of water it takes to produce a bottle of wine…otta start my hording bottles now! SCARY SHIZ I TELL YA
2.) Also, realized that wines are degased before bottling, I’ve had a few spanish wines that are not degased and left with a palate cleansing lift like great German Rieslings…it made me think that’s all.
3.)How few people know their palate. It really makes me think we are a confederacy of non-tasters, or play-off-ers shaking their head. In one ear and out the other! Quite a shame.
And as always Thanks for Spreadin the ThuNdEr!!!!
May 16, 2008

Rajiv A
QOTD:

1. How much bad wine there is out there – unbalanced, or otherwise.

2. I had a wine that was structurally just fine, and that is a really popular rhone at the local wine store (Remizieres Crozes-hermitage 06, I think), and I hated it because the quality of the fruit just didn’t smell good to me. I couldn’t describe it, though.

3. How many wines have detectable amounts of methoxypyrazines, once you know what to look for.

4. How difficult it is to spit cleanly from a reasonable distance.

5. (this was really a shocker): How few people on eBob have heard of Alder Yarrow or Vinography, and how quick they were to slam him for his article on Screaming Eagle’s early departure from a trade tasting.
May 16, 2008

Neil
QOTYesterDay: I’m shocked at how many good 2005 Bordeaux values are available right now (not the top classified growths, but PremiÃ¨res CÃ´tes de Bordeaux and cru bourgeois). You don’t have to spend a fortune to get very drinkable wine.
May 16, 2008

M
QOTD: I’ve been drinking wine and expanding my palate for 10-15 years yet I keep discovering how little I know. I’m enjoying the learning process.
May 16, 2008

tinman9
QTOD: I’m surprised by how many people are becoming wine savvy these days. I’m fairly new to good wine, definitely new to great wine but know a bit, and I’m surprised at how many people seem to know more than me.

When you do find that diamond in the rough, like an ‘01 Cosentino The Zin, that they had on sale at your local wine shop and you go back a week later thinking this is some great stuff that has been overlooked and you find a claim for the entire last case. Well that my friends is just a damn shame. You gotta be quick.
May 16, 2008

Newman
QOTD:
Just this past week I tried the same wine, with two different meals a couple days apart (Chicken Alfredo one night, and then an Orange Pepper and Cheddar Omelette earlier this afternoon) and witnessed firsthand how different the same wine can taste depending on the circumstances. I know it’s something that you always mention, and that I have experienced before but never to this degree. It blew me away and excited me even more about the vino.
May 16, 2008

DARREL LAS VEGAS
QOTD: People in this country don’t decant wine ,they just pop and poor and then complain that the wine didn’t taste good until the last drop !
MY MINI RANT. Cheers !
May 16, 2008

damien
like the format a lot, go straight to the tasting and then chill out at the end.
May 16, 2008

Tyler
QOTD:

upstart cali cabs rollin 250 per bottle
May 16, 2008

Grapedigger
Great show G. I recently went to a California wine tasting event featuring wines from more than 80 Cali producers. What shocked me is that all the cab sauv. and even Merlots tasted very similar independent of the price range (up to Beringer and mondavi reserves), mainly because oak and vanilla were dominating the flavors!! I think that Over-oaking has gone far in Cali!! Cheers..
May 16, 2008

John D.
Thanks for the great show Gary!

QOTD: Perhaps it’s just where I live (on FL’s panhandle), but I’ve noticed that very few people are into trying different things. They almost always ask for a Cali chardonnay or pinot grigio, and to a lesser extent, a Cali merlot or cab. That’s it. For heaven’s sake, try the Spanish, French, Chilean, Aussie, Italian, S. Africa wines!! There are plenty that are 1/2 (or less) the price of that Cali wine, bring their own unique thunder, and are as good if not better!!
May 17, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: Biggest surprise: how this is all of a sudden “rose season” and that people (many of my customers) think that because of the time of the year, this wine should be consumed more, and that many wine drinkers don’t know as much as they could about the variety of this style of wine, as well as the various parts of the world where they are made, and how fantastic a food wine they can be when paired with certain dishes ALL YEAR ROUND!!
May 17, 2008

Tommy Williams Jr
I’m Lurking….MwaMwaMwaaaa

But seriously…QOTD…The biggest wine shock of this month was the news about how the “new world” wine regions want to break away from Vinexpo and do thier own exop.
May 17, 2008

KyBoy
QOTD: I’m always disappointed with the selection of wines I’m offered where I live (Louisville, Ky). I can’t ever find wines reviewed on WLTV (except all of these today). I know it’s a product of my locaction, but it’s extremely disappointing since I moved from Wa State where the choices were plentiful. I have to throw in Cali’s prices….they’re ridonkulous considering the mediocre quality of what I can afford.
May 17, 2008

Justin
QOTD: Biggest surprise is not necessarily for just this month, but in general how many overoaked wines there are in the market, especially overoaked expensive wines. I don’t understand why people pay $50-$100 for a wine that tastes like a pile of oak sawdust.

This episode got me, a lurker, to post for the first time, because I wanted to comment about a wine tasting I went to recently. Out of the 20 or so bottles of red wine, I was surprised to find that the best one by more than small margin was a Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa. They also had a Chenin Blanc from South Africa that was better than the Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs, and Pinot Grigios there. Maybe a show on South Africa would be a good idea?
May 17, 2008

Pete G
Very Good show. Nice value Chilean Cabs (Root 1 is also a good value cab).

QOTD: The insanely high prices in the futures market for bordeaux/burgundy.
May 17, 2008

teckdeck2008
QOTD: My biggest surprise in the last month is how hard it is to find large varieties of wine in smaller southern towns. I live in College Station, TX and in case some of you don’t know where it is, that is where Texas A&M University is located. But as far as wine is concerned, the population here must have a complete aversion to different or unique wines. Recently a new and better place has opened up, but before that it was this tiny little place which sold over priced wine which you could in almost any other city in TX for cheaper in my opinion. I enjoy going to their weekly tastings but that was about it. I’ll be leaving in a year though (at least I hope so), so the situation should improve after that.
May 17, 2008

Vivek
Great Questions.

I think there are two trends really shaping the wine world.
1) THe pricing structure seems to be all over the place. You’ld think WA Scores were oil contract futures that were being traded. Bordeaux is all speculation, and Burgundy has gotten worse as well, and now California is following suit. However, Spain and Australia seem to be polarizing in pricing, some really high, and some trying to stay in the middle. There seems to be no predictability, and no rules.

2) I think the wine market is becoming increasingly fragmented. While I think the diversity of opinions is a good thing, I also think that consumers are being disconnected from some vital parts of wine. I think its getting harder to learn about wine, because of the different ways it is sold, described, promoted etc. I get the feeling that (present company aside) many in the wine world are trying to replicate what happened in the food world throughout the 60’s-80’s, in which we stopped understanding what we were eating and merely accepted whatever was coming at us off the shelves and becoming victims to clever marketing.

Just some thoughts, but would be glad to discuss these further and explain some of these ideas.
May 17, 2008

Stu
Bought the Lapostolle baes om this show and tasted it along with you this time. Great recommendation, thanks.
QOTD: The fact that I am not buying any American wines. I find better value in France, Spain, Portugal, and Chile.
May 17, 2008

Paul Horan
QOTD: What’s shocked me the most lately? I’ve rediscovered a love for exotic white wines! Gewurtztraminer, Xarel-lo, Chenin Blanc (not that that’s particularly exotic, but it’s not Cali Chardonnay), and white Bordeaux. I’d given up on white wine because of the over-oaked Cali Chardonnays of the late 90s to mid 00’s. I’m back.
May 17, 2008

sarai darbandi
this show is tight
May 18, 2008

Giania
Tried dried strawberries tonight. Totally different flavor from fresh or fruit rollups or anything like that.

Also slurped some Walnut Crest Cabernet Sauvingnon, and detected a little of that same flavor. It is very delightful for a cheap wine. Very pleased, very glad for the recommendation, because even with cheap wines I’m anxious when shelling out on wines I know nothing about.

Two words to describe Walnut Creek’s Cabernet? Bucka wow.
May 18, 2008

Karl Laczko
Great show, nice theme and, from my experience, a nice wine style.

QOTD – Although you said you wanted the mindset from “this country”(i.e. the US?) I’m afraid you’ll also get views from other countries, since we watch the show as well. Except today, as I can’t think of anything too shocking about wine I’ve noticed recently.
May 18, 2008

Little Jonny H
I am SOOOO pumped about you coming to Cleveland!! I can’t wait

QOTD: ??? Maybe how chain grocers mark prices up when they find an inexpensive wine that was rated strongly by the press. I find it so fickle!
May 19, 2008

Jarvis H
Great epsd GV.
QOTD: The amount of fakers that pretend to know what they are talking about. The overuse of wine terms. Much of what I see in from a servers perspective, since I work in a restaurant.
May 19, 2008

Christopher Sean
I watch your show at least every week. I watch you on CNBC and everything and appreciate your opinions on things. I do not drink, because I am not 21, but I can not wait until that time comes.

I however do take your advice and eat whatever I can (in moderation) to advance my palette, and it has helped me with my cigar tasting to pull out the flavors in the cigar.

Do you smoke cigars as well, it would be interesting to see the response of the cigar version of this show.
May 19, 2008

lurkdawg
The biggest recent shocker for me has been the Brunello scandal. I haven’t seen any proof of anything, but I have my own suspicions based on what I have seen. Thanks for another great show. To be honest, when you did the shout-outs, etc. in the beginning I watched, whereas I skipped to the QOTD in this episode.
May 19, 2008

Colin
GV – Thanks for the show. QOTD – Lots of bad stuff out there – seemingly more so than just a few years ago. Also – how good Second Wines from Bordeaux are! I seek these out over their parents as much as I can!
May 19, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: I don’t want to sound like a complainer, but I think the biggest thing that’s surprising me is the price of wine lately. It may not have registered with me but I’m watching money flow in general lately, for the obvious reasons, and it seems like I spend more for less lately. Of course, then Gary points out some great Chilean bargains, so that’s a nice resolution to this surprise.
May 19, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: Fuel surcharge causing the cost to rise?? Bull Shit I say!
May 19, 2008

Social Project Brian
GV, good show. Sucks for me that I already have the 2005 Montes Alpha but not the others (oh well, only was 15 or 16 at Costco – and depending on my palate, maybe I’ll like it).

Happy wedding, Bryan and Dan. (No, I’m not that Bryan. I just think Gary’s face was funny when he read that off the prompter or whatever.)
May 19, 2008

*/^_^\*
qotd: the fact that i can’t go to a wine bar or steakhouse and get a decent wine from across the atlantic since the lists are full of california wines….
May 19, 2008

pawncop
Also enjoy the new format, chill at the end very nice.

QOTD – what shocks me – there does seem to be a spike in pricing but not a shock as opposed to an understanding of the monetary dynamics.
May 19, 2008

Clemclone
I had a bottle of the 2005 Montes Alpha last night and while it was oakie, the monster must have taken the night off.

Great show.
May 20, 2008

Chateau_Plonk
QOTD: I’m shocked by how many restaurants take the time to put together a thoughtful wine list and then don’t bother to serve their wines in a decent glass. Get a clue! Us wine nerds care about that stuff. On a positive note, I’m shocked by how European wines still give (in my opinion) the best bang for the buck even with the euro thoroughly trouncing the dollar. Wake up California!
May 20, 2008

Wade
what shocks me about the wine world is how many wine shops are owned and operated by people who know even less about wine than I do and who seem like they don’t even drink it. They might as well own a 99 Cent store, which is not to say that there aren’t any 99 Cent store owners out there who have a passion for selling bargain socks/underwear/trinkets/food stuffs and toxic cleaning products.

Although, I’m also happy to see all the small shops that have opened in the last decade in New York that reflect the owners’ personal commitment to and passion for wine.
May 21, 2008

Tommy Vernieri
Ice cream Snickers are so good, so much better than regular Snickers.

I thought I was going to be a big fan of the shoutouts at the end format, but I wasn’t. Really I think you just can’t do that many shoutouts, it doesn’t come off as sincere, you’re just reading off a list. I’m sure you are sincere, but it didn’t seem to work. I think I like the shoutouts in the middle format the best.

I hope you end up coming to NC this year, that should be fun.

QOTD: The biggest thing that’s surprised me with wine lately is how much I’ve enjoyed some of the Chardonnays I’ve had. I was never anti-Chardonnay, but I could take it or leave it. Lately I’ve had a few Chardonnays that I’ve really enjoyed. Mostly from Burgundy, which is great because last year I really didn’t explore French wine that much.
May 22, 2008

ScottG
Good show GV. I watched it yesterday on the ipod, and happened to see the Casa Lapostolle at the store. Your TN were right on, but I liked the oak. Nice bottle of wine for the price (I paid $13). That’s the 1st time I’ve bought a wine you’ve tasted just after I watched the show. Please keep doing more “widely available” selections.
May 23, 2008

John
QOTD: I am really surprised by the difference in available or advertised wines from the local store, web, and then in the Restaurants. I am expanding my palate but it would be nice to be able to find something familiar in the Restaurants beyond the popular namesakes.
May 23, 2008

Christy
First time to watch the show. I’m a wine lover and in the businesss. Love your enthusiasm and incredible descriptions!
May 25, 2008

Oregon Jim
I never cease to be amazed by how much extremely bad wine is consumed in this country. People must have no taste requirements whatsoever to be quaffing the gallo and carlo rossi and franzia wines that are sold by the train car load. There has to be a point when folks realize the quality they can get if they just spend a little more.

My folks, God love ‘em put an ice cube in their carlo rossi red and think they are living the life. I finally got them to try a $12 bottle of washington merlot – and this was a big step – no ice! and they were shocked to find how much they liked it.

That is the wine world that needs the most changing!
May 25, 2008

Dan-o
I am a fan of Casa Lapostelle wines – particularly the Clos Apalta.
QOTD – This may not be new in the last month, but I remain astonished at how close-minded the shipping laws are in the US. As a consumer in this new economy, I should be able to purchase any wine from any state and have it delivered to the comforts of my home.
May 26, 2008

mfalkenham
love that you are doing more widely available and budget wines. it’s a lot more fun when i actually can try the things you review!
May 26, 2008

Paul
Diggin the format Mr. Vaynerchuck
May 26, 2008

J Crazy
After traveling to Korea, looking at China and Taiwan, living in Japan and regularly visiting the US it’s really interesting to see how one bottle of wine can have such staggeringly different prices in different countries.
May 28, 2008

Big Sig
I am a little late geting to this episode (catching up today). Casa LaPostelle – The same family that does Gran Marinier. I have not tried this yet but look forward to. Like the new format.
May 30, 2008

NADINE
Chili is very popular at the moment and I am quite a fan so thanks for this show, keep it up,

NADINE -
June 4, 2008

SoCal
QOTD: The biggest thing that has shocked me is the increase of older vintages of Bordeaux…something about pricing inventory based on replacement cost….was the excuse I got…..I think it is more of a $$$ grab……
June 23, 2008

Michael H.
QOTD — How little time some nice restaurants dedicate to a decent wine list. I am tired of seeing the same old crap on wine lists. Give me something different, boutique, smaller…
July 9, 2008

Pat Sissons
Finally got around to trying the Casa Lapostolle (which by the way, is the only wine that i have been able to track down in my city, that is, of the wines that i have noted from your last 50 shows that i think i should try. there are about 30 of them). Also, by the way, this wine is $21 CAD up here, which goes to show that we really are paying a (very unecessary) premium for wine here in Canada.

Decanted for 2 hours.

Nose: the plum comes out right away, very strong. a can smell a hint of vick’s inhaler, not too strong, just like the freshness that the inhaler brings to the nose. Finally, after some rigorous spinning, some strawberries came to play, but not in full uniform, just like as a backup player.

Taste: definitely dirty and a little dry, not just wood chips, but kind of a mulchy flavor like those brown wood chips that come with other stuff like bark and what not. I can also taste some sort of berry on the back end, hard to put my finger on it, i have tasted blackberries recently and i don’t see them in here. the berry is tart, but not quite as much as blackberries. or maybe i just don’t remember my berries, maybe its time to get some berries from the market.

All in all, i would rate this an 89. it has good flavors, a little more old world than i think some people would enjoy, but on the other side, maybe a good introduction to the old world. definitely a good balance, the alcohol is not out of control, and the flavors each pull their weight evenly.
July 20, 2008

MattUD
QOTD: the thing that has surprised me the most in the last month has to be that I am really starting to enjoy drinking it more and that I am picking up some of these flavors.
January 12, 2009

Winegirl33
Thanks for reviewing these wines… I picked up the Montes Alpha Cab at Costco quite a while back, and I am glad I waited to pop – I don’t like oak monsters either. Maybe he will run away.

This is my third watch, but the enthusiasm and approchability got me. Addicted to podcasts now! Great show.

Go Jets.
January 13, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
QOTD: The pricing difference between Costco and stores/wine shops. I mean I know Costco buys in bulk but still some of the wines they sell are $100 less than in a wine shop. Crazy good deals ( of course its only a deal if you dont mind spending $200 on a bottle of wine).
May 18, 2009

Ryan
I guess I am one of those lurkers. I enjoy your show and watch often. I think it would be cool if you did an episode on Chilean Carmenere. Thanks!
May 20, 2009

Juan Valenzuela
Hola Gary, seria genial que en tu videoblog fueran con subtitulos en español, ojala algun dia visites Chile
September 25, 2009

ulu ulu ulu ulu
QOTD: I’m surprised by how many $25+ wines are just bad and gross. I equate it to companies that make ugly cars. They must know they’re ugly while they’re designing them, yet they end up on the road.
November 2, 2009

richardvinifera
QOTD: I saw Mondovino, and although it does seem to have a bit of an unfocused agenda, the parts about global wine styles caught my attention.