Value Wines From All Over The World

Value Wines From All Over The World – Episode #481

June 9, 2008

Gary comes back from his trip to explore different wines that are priced right and value driven.

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Wines tasted in this episode:

2006 Fado RedOther Portuguese Red Wine
2003 Pellegrini East End MerlotNew York Merlot
2004 Dancing Coyote TangoOther California Red Meritage
2005 Bangin’ Napa Valley RedNapa Red Meritage

Links mentioned in todays episode.

290 Responses

June 9, 2008

Omallley
Sweet! New show!
June 9, 2008

jason
top 3
June 9, 2008

Michael Mohammadi
Here we go!
June 9, 2008

EricB
where’s the beef?
June 9, 2008

Paryb
Man, I’ve been waiting all weekend for this!

Woohoo!
June 9, 2008

portland guy
This better be good.
June 9, 2008

Withnail
Welcome back!
June 9, 2008

FTBoomer
I knew it…it was a conspiracy!!!
June 9, 2008

KenP
top 10!
June 9, 2008

I-lurk
top 10! WHAT DO I WIN?
June 9, 2008

dcseven
Nice lineup!
June 9, 2008

marc#2
11
June 9, 2008

Orion S.
So, is there any way to reveal the other wines from that cab episode?
June 9, 2008

Michael Mohammadi
You’ve revealed that your wine won the tasting, so why not let us see the rest of the show? It wouldn’t hurt anything at this point…

QOTD: Having lunch today with a good friend.
June 9, 2008

jason
no worries gary about the mix up. we are humans, we mess up, that is why we have each other.
QOTD: my son can’t say “thank you” or “merci” yet, so when he is truly thankful, he kisses me on the cheek. it still makes me smile like crazy. it is one of the most pure things in my life right now.
June 9, 2008

TeeKay
Gary, welcome back.
I understood about the ending last week. Anyway, nice to watch
the new episode with lots of energy. I also watched 10 episode
at eat.drink.or.die, you are very serious there, liked all of
them. Take care.
June 9, 2008

T-Bag
Pretty weak explanation to me. If you are forthcoming enough to let us know your wine won, why not reveal who else was in the mix?
June 9, 2008

James
Okay mate, fair enough. Seems innocent enough. You’ve enough good stuff in the bank to warrant the odd mess up. We still dig you in the UK fella.
June 9, 2008

Omallley
QOTD: My wife. Simple as that!
June 9, 2008

Deano
Gary i want some of that private label stuff

QOTD:
-Co worker and I joking around
June 9, 2008

Neil
Let me guess you slammed the Vayniac Cab right????

QOTD: When Hillary withdrew from the 2008 race.
June 9, 2008

portland guy
Unacceptable explanation. Too many other ways you could have worked around this. Just bad form. But, you own the show — so end of discussion.

didn’t bother watching rest of this show — better ways of wasting my time.
June 9, 2008

DaveyDonut
Yeah, I’m kind of confused why you’d tell us that your wine won the tasting if that’s what you were concerned about… seems like you’ve blown the whole reason for not airing the ending by saying that. I’m sure we can figure out which wine is your own label. I understand that you don’t want to cross the line with this kind of thing, but the episode was a really fun one and people were eager to see what the wines were. I showed a good friend of mine your show for the first time the day before that, and that was the first episode she watched on her own. She called me all upset wondering why you didn’t reveal the wines… bummer first impression!

David
June 9, 2008

Robert
I don’t really see the conflict. You sell all the wines you review, why not include your private label in your show?

Enjoyed today’s show. But would like to know the results of the blind tasting.
June 9, 2008

Tom T.
Welcome back! QOTD – besides that shout out I’d say the last thing to make me smile was thinking about my upcoming vacation at the Delaware beach.
June 9, 2008

JudeMurphy
The last thing that made me smile was you showing you understand that foie gras is not cool!
Thank you Gary!

I think you should’ve shown the ending to the blind cab. tasting anyway!
So what if your own label wins, you’re just being honest, and we all know you’re not saying anything bad about the other wines because as you always say, taste is completely subjective!

Anyway, good show.
; )
June 9, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: My four month old daughter’s smile and laughing now makes me smile.
June 9, 2008

Julius
Watching this episode
June 9, 2008

laurie in VT
Thanks for looking at value wines – that was fun.

You’re forgiven for the oops. Stuff happens. Forgetting abt the private label, I’d still be curious to know what the other wines were…

QOTD: The last things that made me smile were our 9-week-old kittens (brothers) and yakking with my best friend.
June 9, 2008

bfrankphoto
What about the rest of the wines? What were they?
June 9, 2008

Eli2Tyree
Gary, Even if you do not show your private Label I think all of us would like to see the rest of the wines – 10$ cab is a huge point of interest and you already told us that the PL won the whole thing, so at this point you might as well reveal the rest…. there were other good wines in that episode. Honestly while I think youâ€™re trying to do the right thing and remain “authentic and credible” the result appears to be disingenuous, as there is a better chance to find out what hat wine was then there is with the rest, especially those of us who shop in the store and can ask. The path to hell is paved with good intentions.

I am thinking I will boycot QOTDs or return to lurker status in protest.
June 9, 2008

Eli2Tyree
Gary, Even if you do not show your private Label I think all of us would like to see the rest of the wines – 10$ cab is a huge point of interest and you already told us that the PL won the whole thing, so at this point you might as well reveal the rest…. there were other good wines in that episode. Honestly while I think youâ€™re trying to do the right thing and remain “authentic and credible” the result appears to be disingenuous, as there is a better chance to find out what hat wine was then there is with the rest, especially those of us who shop in the store and can ask. The path to hell is paved with good intentions.

I am thinking I will boycot QOTDs or return to lurker status in protest.
June 9, 2008

Scott EJ
Welcome back, G.

QOTD: The chilled 2006 Muga rose in my glass yesterday.
June 9, 2008

PeterM
hmmm, comments are interesting reading. Perhaps we should not take all of this so seriously. Just a thought. I vote for revealing the 10 cabs for what that’s worth.

?OTD: Reading the comments. Before that, my dog and wife running around the house this morning.
June 9, 2008

jaredlevy
Gary,

I understand know the confusion about last week’s Cabernet tasting, but the whole concept of WLTV is you reviewing most of the wines you sell to begin with. I wouldn’t feel slighted if you had a more vested interest in your private label winning the tasting because lets face it, every time a wine you sell does well you benefit. I trust your honesty and wouldn’t have felt cheated!

If anything, it would teach more to trust the cheaper, private label wines which I think have unfairly gotten a bad rap! I will definately try out your WL Cab!
June 9, 2008

Bernie
Gary, makes sense and I respect your desire to keep things transparent. Can you re-taste the other five cabs in a new blind tasting and throw in one or two new ones to spice it up? Just a thought.
June 9, 2008

CJRice
QOTD: my second daughter is four months old and she made some little baby noise during this episode; when I looked over she was grinning super big at me…that made me smile.
June 9, 2008

Jonny Red
Lame…the whole thing was lame, from start to explaination.
June 9, 2008

BargePlus
I can understand you not airing the ending BEFORE you announced that the WL private label was the winner, but not afterwards. However, with all you bring to the table, you certainly deserve a mulligan, so pls re-do this show with a complete new set of cabs or just replace the private label. I’m sure I’m not alone in wanting to get a feel for some value-priced cabs.
June 9, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
Don’t see the problem, but it was your call. Thanks!
June 9, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – my girlfriends cat does funny stuff all the time, and she just made me laugh out loud…
June 9, 2008

jett
gv—— you just made me smile. congratulations!
June 9, 2008

Mike L
QOTD: The last time I looked at the clock and it said 5PM. Hells yeah!

Welcome home!!
June 9, 2008

sharon
Oh please! I don’t buy it for a second.
qotd: my sweet husband makes me laugh daily
June 9, 2008

steven
GV – Would like to know the wines. I’m in Chicago so don’t shop the store and i could easily call and ask for the PV Cab under $10. Please show us the rest. Kind of weak.
June 9, 2008

Ryne Nelson
Gary, I’ve been ‘lurking’ as you say for a few weeks now. But, finally, you give a question of the day that I couldn’t pass-up!

I spent a good half-hour this afternoon speaking to someone in the New York City area about housing in the Big Apple. I just graduated from the University of Illinois and will be moving East for work at SLAM magazine. I sent this guy a Facebook message and he offered to give me advice over the phone. We really hit it off, and I have some great information. I’ll probably give him another call when I’m all settled in New York next month!

Keep up the great work!
June 9, 2008

L
I would have just lied, said it was a two part episode in which the footage for the second part was lost. Today i would have made up scores for a few cheap cabs and provided the fake list. You know, just to placate the masses and all.

QOTD: Reading the agitated comments of some “fans” made me smile a little. They are usually so adoring!
June 9, 2008

rvensel
qotd: watching my two dogs act like idiots when I get home from work
June 9, 2008

McAdamSandwich
I completely understand about the blind cab. tasting fiasco. I applaud you for sticking to your guns and not getting into the “our stuff is better than yours” BS.

QOTD – The last thing that made me smile was finding out I’m going to be in Italy in two weeks!
June 9, 2008

Jay
Good show. Too bad none of them really killed it.

QOTD: I don’t quite know the very latest thing that made me smile, but a great moment came this past weekend. A gorgeous young lady took me out for a very belated birthday dinner. The meal started with foie gras with cocoa nibs, rhubarb chutney, and candied ginger, along with another appetizer of veal sweetbreads with morrels. I told the girl I was with that those were the best bites of food I’d had in the past 5 years, if not my life. The whole night made me smile. Perfect.
June 9, 2008

Craig
Was disappointed to not get the names of the value Cabs from last week’s blind tasting show. Understand your reason for not showing your private label wine, but what about the others? How ’bout just a summary @ the beginning of one of your next shows, stating the other wine’s names & your ranking of each?
June 9, 2008

BB
Rather confusing explanation. Why not just do the show again but substitute another wine for the house brand? Or at the very least, put the show out there with the unveiling of your wine deleted. Can’t be all that tough.
June 9, 2008

astropress
QOTD – just reading obama’s recent speech on economics…really!
June 9, 2008

FJDR
You made me smile when you insinuated that the new stadium was going to be named Winelibrarytv Field (or whatever it was exactly that you said).
June 9, 2008

Andy & Edie
This whole weekend made us smile because we got to be together and eat some really good food, drink some wine, and shop for cute little outfits for my hot wife!
June 9, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

We already miss ya down here in Houston Gary. Hope to have you back soon!

QOTD: Last thing that made me smile was listening to WWDC live audio stream earlier. and before that it was finally landing back in Houston from Vegas after the longest delay ever…

–RH
June 9, 2008

Jimmy T
QOTD: Gary, my wife gave birth to our second little girl on June 2. Abigail Destin. That brought a great smile!
June 9, 2008

John Farrin
QOTD: I added a new member to my Winos wine group today who looks like she will be seriously into wine and pairing. ALWAYS looking for people to talk to about wine. God, I’m so boring
June 9, 2008

Kev and Ams
QOTD: A little dude riding a tricycle outside my house.
June 9, 2008

M
WLTV Stadium. Cool.

QOTD: My kids make me smile.
June 9, 2008

Grapehead
Gary,

I agree with Eli2Tyree. I can understand the house brand thing, but you already said it won. So why not tell us the names of the other wines? If you think about it, it’s a little bit cruel not to. Please realize that there’s lots of us looking for bargain wines, especially during this weak economy.

Moreover, anyone who has viewed Episode #477, and especially those in the future who will unknowingly view it, will waste 17 minutes of their life.

If there’s another reason why you don’t want to reveal the wines, then just do another show with under-$10-dollar wines (blind or not). If you really feel sorry for the mistake, it’s very easy to make up for it.

QOTD: The last thing that made me smile was when… (For various reasons I can’t let you know today. In the next episode, I’ll promise you an explaination.)
June 9, 2008

MikeM
I don’t buy this explanation. If it would have been so horrible to see that the private label won the tasting, then why tell us that this indeed was the case? Now that the cat’s out of the bag, why not just show the whole episode? Or perhaps that’s not what happened. GV also said that he would have chosen not to show the episode if the private label came in on the bottom. Now that WOULD be a reason not to show this. How would it look if GV slammed Wine Libraries’ own private label and gave it something like a 68-70, which I’m guessing is what the bottom wine was getting on this show. I gave this explanation a “sniffy sniff” and I think I detect that barnyard poo scent.
June 9, 2008

Lloyd
Yo Gary,

Too bad we didnt connect that night in CHi town, SEED was sweet and I have nothing but respect and love for what you do every day for this industry and for the masses who have much to gain from your passion. I have been flying under the radar lately as far as commenting but keep up the good (hard) work !

QOTD: Hearing my name on WLTV!

Lloyd Benedict
June 9, 2008

JeffWalnuts
Great show, excellent explanation, if people don’t like it, they’re far too serious… its wine for gods sake. Love the varieties today, keep up the enthusiasm!
June 9, 2008

Tom
QOTD: When I got home from work and got to see my wife. That always puts a smile on my face.

Gary – We enjoyed you in Houston very much and I am looking forward to hanging with you again when you come back.
June 9, 2008

Saftig
Good show, don’t apologize, save that for the really important stuff.
QOTD: I rescued four dogs, 3 Boxers and a Great Dane, and it’s a rare day that they don’t lift me and make me smile. Boxers are the Gods of Frolic.
June 9, 2008

Hugo
QOTD: this video.
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/246
June 9, 2008

JonE
Tell me you listened to “Houston” by Dean Martin while flying down there. One of Deanos best. And as for the blind tasting, don’t blow this thing up G-Man. Its all good.

QOTD: An offer I cannot refuse.
June 9, 2008

PaVo
QOTD: I’d have to say reading an article online about the best TV Sidekicks that often are better than the show’s ‘lead’ character. Great one, won’t throw links up here but it was great.

I know you’re not showing the rest of that show but I was dying to know the other 4 wines! Even if I can’t get the WL Cab the other four…man! Just killing me not knowing. But that’s because I’m a naturally nosey person!
June 9, 2008

Dominus
First, we missed you too! I wish I had half of your energy. Man o man.

Good show, I like the little characters on the label for the “fun” effect though usually they are not too good. I will say you were the topic of conversation at our dinner party on Saturday when I brought the Bucklin Zin, Paso Creek Merlot and the Alpha Omega Red for a “sniffy sniff”. Needless to say they were all well received but I must say I give props to the Alpha Properitary. Verry nice.

QOTD: Last thing that made me smile other than your intro which makes me ROFL. I smiled about an hour ago when I was checking out this young, gorgeous blonde on the Metro (DC) (jam packed, no A/C) and she was bubbly and nice and nothing bothered her in the world. I smiled.

Cheers!
June 9, 2008

Crystal Bradley
QOTD: I chuckled a few times today but the last time I REALLY laughed was during your presentation at SEED.
June 9, 2008

Steve
Gary, two points about today’s show: I thought you threw Mott and the other dude under the bus a little too eagerly for the value cabernet mess up; it’s your show, it was your fault. Even though it was a blind tasting and you did not pick the wines, it’s still your show. A true leader takes the blame (when there is blame to be had) and gives others the praise (when there is praise to be had). You apologized, true, but did not, in my opinion, take full responsibility. Even though the responsibility for cab mess up was not, in reality, 100% yours, your job as leader was to accepted 100% of the responsibility. Point 2: can’t you tell us what the #2 cab was? We understand #1 was your proprietary blend, and I understand why you didn’t want to “sell” us that. Props for taking a stand on that. But what about #2?

But I continue to love your show. Keep up the good work.
June 9, 2008

Little Jonny H
That’s hilarious, and yet, respectable! Because you happened to taste one of WL ‘house’ wines you couldn’t reveal the results (and I can’t figure out which wine you’re talking about)! I loved to value-driven show, GV! Keep em’ coming

QOTD: A little gift box I can peek into before planning that special day!
June 9, 2008

RichE
Joker,
?
?
?
Why not reveal the others……….BIG JOKE
HAR HAR HAR
June 9, 2008

Scott
What I don’t understand is, if you were so embarssed about the episode why would say your wine won. I would of rather seen the footage of the show. Two thumbs down Gary V.
June 9, 2008

Pastafari Pirate
QOTD: you mean, besides watching you spaz out on today’s episode? Probably listening to some upbeat postive vibes from Chicago (the band, not the town) on the way home from work this evening, feeling the DC heat & humidity, and knowing that there’s always love to be found just around the corner.
June 9, 2008

Tony
QOTD: Dessert…vanilla ice cream with blueberries, raspberries and whip cream…yeah…that’s how I roll.
June 9, 2008

VinoVixen
QOTD: the explanation…….we have been hanging for that??
June 9, 2008

Tommy Vernieri
Great to see you bringing the energy back after a long trip away. We had the 2005 Water Wheel Shiraz Bendigo tonight, it was really good–surprised me because I’ve never really gotten excited about Shiraz in the past.

I respect you not revealing the wines since one of them was your own, but why couldn’t you show the other ones? If yours was the last, couldn’t you just show everything up to that point? Regardless, how many private label Cabernets does WL carry I’m sure the forum will be all over that.

QOTD: I liked your second video from Eat, Drink, or Die. Hearing you curse made me smile.
June 9, 2008

Jeff Jackson
Gary: Understandable you did not want to run the episode. The biggest “card” the Gary V debunkers like to play is that you taste wines you sell — which means that your rating of the wine has to be fixed in your economic favor. Off course it’s not true. However, airing an episode where not just a wine you sell — but a wine you have a bigger stake in than all the other wines you sell — wins a blind challenge, would create a stronger appearance of a conflict of interest. It’s sad that many will cite the fact that you did not air the ending as proof of that you are on the take, but thats better for you than airing it and taking even more heat.
June 9, 2008

James
Gary, your honesty and integrity is something to smile about. My girlfriend made me smile earlier. Plus I made a kick ass stew in this ridiculous heat in Boston that made me smile.

Don’t slap me…. but cabernet’s aren’t my favorite varietal anyways (especially cheaper ones) so I’m not so sad we missed it! There are plenty of other good episodes on here. I don’t think people should wine about free entertainment so much.
June 9, 2008

TennLee
QOTD: My new daughter’s smile when I got home from work (5 weeks old) today.

I’m buying the explanation- you are right, I was invested. I had notes on scratch pad for each wine on my guess for what you’d score each.
June 9, 2008

agentorange
QOTD: Our cat.

And hey, how about a re-do on the blind tasting? Your peeps like those…
June 9, 2008

Matt
Bull shit — simply edit out all references to the one wine — if what you say was true.

I srongly suspect that you simply aren’t telling the truth.

why would anybody ever tune in to the munchkin’s happy hour again?

so much for inegrity.
June 9, 2008

Jeremy P
QOTD: Ob La Di Ob La Da by the Beatles playing on the radio.

And thanks for the B-day shout out @19:20
June 9, 2008

Aaron S.
QOTD: Page 196 in “101 Wines”… but you already knew that!
June 9, 2008

John D.
Great to have you back Gary. I was disappointed with all the conspiracy theory jibber jabber and I appreciate your explanation. I never questioned your integrity or honesty. Still, as the face and leader of WLTV, don’t include Mott or anybody else in any error explanations in the future. You’ll gain the respect of the Vayner nation. I refer you to the recent resignations of USAF military and civilian leadership after multiple errors at the local level, yet they made no mention of errors made by subordinates and accepted full responsibility. Obviously, the degrees are different, but the principle still applies, and they still have my respect. Keep up the great work and thanks for educating this Vayniac.

QOTD: I hung out with my Dad yesterday and took him to see the new Indiana Jones movie. He’s 61 and got a kick out of the new flick. Lots of laughs and good times. Cheers.
June 9, 2008

elMattador
its to bad the cab show couldnt be revealed. Good to see Portugal coming through again. Looks like no one in Mass sells the Fado.

QOTD. The last thing that made me smile was going to my friends house tonight and playing pretend baseball with their son who is 4 and hearing him name the starting lineup of the red sox ! Was so friggin cute.
June 9, 2008

Kurt M
Gary,

Since I know how much you like messages, and people who think for themselves:

Give us the end of the damn blind tasting !!! Air ALL of ep # 477 !

I appreciate your pointing out of your conflict of interests. Conflict noted.

As you said, I am invested in the episode. I want to know the ending. I care. And since you care about your fans, you should care too.

Show us the end of the blind tasting! Not showing the end is NOT a solution!

Air Episode #477 ! Air Episode #477 !

THE FANS DEMAND IT !

Until the ending airs, I am and will remain a very disappointed vayner-fan

QOTD : Tell you what I really think.
June 9, 2008

CrazyManAndy
Glad to have ya back Gary! Great energy on the show.

I think John D. made a good point, and it might not have been a good idea to mention the private label winning if you aren’t going to show anything.

I’m not hurt though, and I still love ya!

QOTD: My nephew.

CMA
June 9, 2008

Rich Luc
You cannot un-ring a bell.
You cannot un-light a match.
You cannot un-pub a blog.
We get it, it’s not supposed to be a winelib commercial. So what was the lineup- and I’d like to see the art on your label anyway.

I live in Tulsa and sometimes none of the wines you mention are available…e.g. the Zinfandels a couple of weeks past…
the Chilean Cabs were right with my embryonic (even though 61 year old)palate.
June 9, 2008

t1deman
I understand what Gary was saying. It was a screw up. I’ll admit I was a little annoyed over the weekend. After hearing Gary’s explanation, I’m fine with it all. I’m glad he waited to handle it himself.

—
t1deman
June 9, 2008

Platopoker
QOTD: My kids all the time, so I will pick out one quote from my 3.5 year old daughter which really made me smile yesterday. When we were in the car driving home she said, “cars don’t poop because they don’t have tooshies.”

I agree with some of the other comments about redoing the blind tasting minus the private label. It’s great to have you back!
June 9, 2008

Shadowbird
QOTD: 3. G. iPhone.
June 9, 2008

Joe Thomas
The last thing that made me smile was you.

JT
June 9, 2008

Keith Brown
Hmmm… Seems a lot of people are already beating you up over carelessly mentioning that your house brand was indeed the winner. I’ll just let that go then. Hope you enjoyed your time here in Houston. I wish I could have made it to at least one of the events you were at. I live just south of The Woodlands dang it! As to Spec’s, while I enjoy shopping there, they’re really the only game in town, and they usually don’t have a lot of the wines you review on WLTV, and if they do, the price here is usually such that it’s cheaper for me to order from your store and pay the shipping then buy it locally. Not always, but quite often. Ooops…don’t print that part. Heh.

QOTD: biting into the blackened chicken breast I just seared in duck fat… Awwww yeeaaah…
June 9, 2008

bronsont
Your shoutout to my son for his birthday……Thanks more than you know!
June 9, 2008

paoix
QOTD: hahahaha “a little fakey fake in the back end like kim kardashian!!” that quote has to be put on one of those montages.. instant classic!
June 9, 2008

conscious
Yeah, I get it, but I wonder if you could show the results and the notes (minus the house label) on Chris’ spreadsheet. You liked some under $10 cabs – I’d like to know what they were. I’d like to see the end of the show, but I have a feeling it might have gone off the rails when you saw the house label. I think your reaction to that would have been explanation enough, but I guess we’ll never know. I hope you’ll send Chris the scores, though.
June 9, 2008

Anna
QOTD: Watching my son’s little league baseball game!
June 9, 2008

Lucas Saugen
I say show us the results from the blind cab tasting! I mean it was blind and I think telling us it is a house label is all that is required for ‘full disclosure’.

PLEASE!
June 9, 2008

ArtandWine
Great to have you back Gary. I agree with the other comments. I would love to see the rest of your Cab episode and have you reveal the other wines. If your Private Label is excellent, you should be proud. I wouldn’t think your fixed the cab episode even if your private label won. Plus, you already revealed to us that it was the winner, so what’s the difference? I’m still interested to learn the 2nd & 3rd place wines. They also sounded good.
June 9, 2008

neutron212
the last thing that made me smile was my 80yr old gramma who is off the boat from Italy yelling at me to get a wife
June 9, 2008

Justin Viger
3G iPhone in Canada.
June 9, 2008

Dr. Horowitz
You know more now than I will ever know about wine, but you said indiguous and I believe it’s indigenous. I like it when people correct me…
June 9, 2008

Sergio
Gary this is crazy. Why tell us yours came in first. If you did that isnt it the same as showing it. So just unveil the rest. We are so confused why you chose this as your explanation. Why let the cat out of the bag then? We would love to at least see the footage of you unveiling the bag and seeing that it was one of your “house” selections. Since you know it won why cant you just show that. Witnessing this reaction would be great. You dont have to unveil the rest. Guess we are just frustrated.
June 9, 2008

Dr. Horowitz
A WL label? How do I search for it on your site? What does it look like? I’ll look for it at Bottle Barn and Costco.
June 9, 2008

glenn
i just want to know what the awful #5 Cab was!
June 9, 2008

laposte
QOTD:
Your blind tasting excuse…
Really, Over the weekend I saw some 5th grade students from this past year and they were glad to see me.
June 9, 2008

BobMac
QotD: Sad…I don’t think I’ve genuinely smiled all day.
June 9, 2008

purplejuicebruce
There is no place like home . Welcome back you still owe us a show on 10 bone Cabs!
QOTD…the reference to Kim K’s back end I actually spit out a little wine with that one.
June 9, 2008

WineWoman
Show the mystery episode results. Everyone is curious…
QOTD: Air-conditioning…and getting RickRolled..
June 9, 2008

mrzitro
QOTD: My 2 year old son running around after his bath tonight and announcing to everyone “Naked baby….Naked baby”
June 9, 2008

Keith
Gary, my suggestion is to: 1) post the rest of the video showing the results, then 2) giving $1 – $2 bucks or some % of the profits to charity for each private label bottle up to the 477th bottle or whatever that is purchased just as a good gesture. You didn’t make the wine, right? The winemaker and vineyard need to get their props.

I smiled at my Tivo’d taping of MTV movie awards…the Wayne’s World revisited was great, good to see Dana Carvey.
June 9, 2008

Jeff R.
Gary:
I hate to pile on here but I agree with the posters that the wines should have been revealed. I’m not a $10 cab drinker but the blind tasting format did get my interest.

I would have said on Monday that the W.L. Private label cab was inadvertently included in the tasting and it is W.L.’s policy not to include tasting comments about it. You could have said that “it did very well in the tasting”, then you could mention what the other wines were, in order of preference. This way the audience would have no idea if the W.L. cab was #1, #2 or #3. The audience would be happy. This whole scenario could have been worked out better, in my opinion.
June 9, 2008

Jes
Thank you so much for my birthday shout-out! Going to keep an eye out for the Fado next time I’m in Total Wine.

QOTD: I work as a group therapist and the activities director on an adult crisis stabilization unit at a mental health facility. I deal with patients suffering from a wide range of psychological disorders, most commonly clinical depression, on a daily basis. Seeing the patients positively change (for the majority) from when they first came in to when they’re discharged is such a rewarding experience. A true, unforced smile from a patient; it’s really all about the little things in life.
June 9, 2008

Rhonda
QOTD: I was looking at new pics of my friend’s son and he is ADORABLE and a total goof ball. Its great to have you back GV!
June 9, 2008

Mike V
I watched this episode over 4 times. I’m selling not buying. The whole explanation is BS Bogues CRAP! Sorry, that’s my opinion. No way Mott makes a “mistake” and airs the whole episode by accident right up to the part where the unveiling takes place. Sorry Gary, I love ya, love the book, love to learn more about wine but I am REALLY disappointed in YOU! Yep, you said it, you are MUCH smarter than that. Not buying the BS. Come clean with the ending as filmed or we will ALWAYS have that doubt in the back of our minds.
June 9, 2008

RANDI
Gary….you did a lot of explaining today…you must be exhausted!

QOTD: Last thing to make me smile….A phone call from someone I love
xo
June 9, 2008

Brian W.
QOTD: Knowing my mom is safely in Denver after her long drive up to there from Houston.

GV….awesome meeting you in Houston! Had a blast all 3 nights we met up. Thanks for the Corkscrew. Had a blast!
June 9, 2008

Mike V
Sorry but one more point. The tasting was suposedly BLIND. Who give a flying crap that one of you wines was included. And by the way, I haven’t been around forever but I believe you have a few time reviewed wines that were “projects” of yours. Does that not count as private label?

QOTD; thinking that I really REALLY trusted you at some point, that makes me smile (while I’m shaking my head).
June 9, 2008

BobM
Welcome back, Gary. Too bad about that episode. I was disappointed that you didn’t reveal the results, but I understand. I hope you’ll do it again without your house label.

Today I smiled as I watched a fledgling red tail hawk on a Tulsa nestcam pouncing on the rebellious sticks in the nest, in a ruthless display of talon-fu.
June 9, 2008

Gary Worrell
What a crappy ending. You should show all of the wines. So what if one was your label, would still like to buy it. What about the others? You revealed the one so why not the others?
June 9, 2008

T. Holland
GV, I understand what you are doing on this one, however, I would not have been upset if you had revealed results. I find my palate to not always agree with yours (I tend to be a little more into the fruit bombs), but I always enjoy seeing if I can pick out some of the more subtle flavors you discuss. I agree with some of the posters that it is hard to find good value cab.

For this episode, it was good to have you back.

QOTD: I smiled a lot recently when my wife & my 2 year daughter got home from Sesame Place. My daughter could not stop telling me about it. It was like a 5 minute run-on sentence where she told about hugging Elmo, going down the “Ernie Slide”, etc. Also when my dog graduated beginner puppy school was pretty awesome too.
June 9, 2008

David harris
It’s amazing how fickle some of you are. How many of you calling Gary out right now have sighed up for a free give away, asked for a shout out or took advantage of the numerous free shipping deals? The dude does nothing but give and you have the audacity to call him out.
June 10, 2008

Adam J
Great thunder, great to have you back! Thankyou for the explanation for last weeks show as well, much appreciated. Qotd: Telling my parents about 45 min. ago that my wife is pregnant, and then the glass of savenierres I poured my self afterwards (my first time expanding my pal to this wine).Thanks for the show!
P.S.- I checked out Eat, Drink, or Die and dig the whole site, Norbert the cheese dude is awesome-thanks!
June 10, 2008

MarkinTokyo
Gary, Like it or not the result is some extra publicity for your Private Label House Cab. I’m sure your sales of that will really take off now. I think the only thing that you can do is repeat the tasting excluding the House Can so at least you are giving people better closure. It’s honestly no big deal to me but I think it’s the best thing you can do in terms of credibility.
June 10, 2008

MarkinTokyo
sorry typo – House ‘Cab’ not ‘Can’
June 10, 2008

Neil Willsey
Thanks for the explanation about the $10 Cabs blind tasting. Maybe at some point you will be able to do this over without including your Wine Library house brands in the mix (make sure that the person selecting them knows to exclude them for sure!) and we will certainly enjoy that episode. We realize that the episode which caused all this uproar was not intentional. Be at peace over that, no matter the nasty comments that may continue to pour in.

Today’s episode was really good… THANKS Gary!

QOTD: I smiled when I saw some really cute pictures that somebody had sent to me in an email. They were cute animated gifs of some animals that had been “doctored” via some photo software to bring a big laugh. I love it when people send me stuff like that. SMILE!!!
June 10, 2008

Raybo
Weak! Lame! Sellout! What a major disappointment that the cliff hanger still hangs! Can’t you edit out the private label piece? Come on, figure it out and show us.
June 10, 2008

Nadine
QOTD: Hmmmm, let’s see…..laughing when I checked my hotmail before watching this episode, and then realizing that I have 1 down, 480 to go.
June 10, 2008

bh
i would imagine the best way to dispell any chatter over the integrity of this episode is to simply air everything but the portion with your house wine. once people see you’ve got nothing to hide, they’ll be happy.

otherwise i can understand why this situation raises some questions, and makes people a little uneasy. it’s a skeptical world out there… for better or for worse.
June 10, 2008

ev
Can’t really say I believe you or not about the Cab ending that you couldn’t show it because your label was in the bunch. WHY would you ever say your label won if you weren’t going to show it?? I feel you just marketed YOUR label and expertise but “covered” that up by not showing the show and made you out to look like you were such a credible guy. Definitely could have bought it all if you didn’t come out and say “your” wine won. Not really a big deal, just thought I would add to some of the views to help keep you in check to keep you straight. That’s how I came to be perfect.
June 10, 2008

Dr. Horowitz
Dude, you were on Digg’s most popular 24 hour news for Revision3!

Work it.
June 10, 2008

david h.
Congrats on joining up with Revision3!

Does this mean we are going to start seeing ads? I hope not.

QOTD: Your clips on eatdrinkordie.com
June 10, 2008

N
I’ve been enjoying your show quite a bit for the last year or so (and even bought some wine from WL) but I’m not sure I will continue to watch. I think you’re a good guy and all, but this excuse just doesn’t hold weight. If your house wine truly won you’d have no issue showing all of the other wines…
June 10, 2008

Raycerx
not buying it.

Your explanation gives you exactly the publicity that airing the show would have so why not just air the show. Otherwise, sorry…you’ve lost cred with me.
June 10, 2008

KenP
Folks, here is my suggestion: organize a tasting in your town and invite Gary. Chances are good he will attend, if not on one date than on another. The man truly walks the walk. Ep 477 is behind us. For those with questions, they can be best answered by meeting the guy. He is generous to a fault, knowledgeable, will speak at length with anyone. He’s just plain fun! So make the effort, gather friends together, invite him to your gathering.
June 10, 2008

Richard Ritter
Gary, great show…way to work it! You’re like Christo the artist, he creates art to make those who would never talk about it…talk about it. You are truly changing the wine world, and I for one like it. I know your backed up on e-amil, but please see if you can get back to me regarding my URGENT x 3.

QOTD: I’ve just spent 30 minutes reading the 6 pages of replies you received on today’s episode. Thanks to all of you for truly making me smile.
June 10, 2008

matt johnson
dude, i just saw the new ep of systm…….i am completely amazed and blown away. your joining rev3? that is AWESOME, i cant wait, that is going to be HUGE
June 10, 2008

Daniel Persson
Well, I do understand the explaination and I really want to beleave you. But the bit about that your own brand won the tasting was just dumb to say. Just tell us why and not the result next time

QOTD: This is a child friendly show so I will tell you the second to last thing, the new Indiana Jones movie.
June 10, 2008

KenP
Daniel, dumb but not dishonest! I think posters here should offer their own $10 bottle Napa Cab winners. What do ya’ll like at this price point?
June 10, 2008

Andy
So now all we know is that your private label cab was the best, but we don’t know what the other good ones were? Lame.

On another note, you order the bottle from your left to your right, which is backwards for us viewers.

Sorry Gary, but we know you guys could do better.
June 10, 2008

MrJCG1
Oooooooh, Gary, not good. I have been an avid watcher for about a year and regularly patronize the WL but I think you may have lost me based on that explanation. Just to give some perspective, I was the guy your office contacted about using a quote of mine (in one of your ads I believe) and I wholeheartedly gave my permission. But, not airing that episode gives me reason to question your integrity. I mean, why would you even mention that it was the highest scoring wine if you didn’t want to bring attention to it? The impression this gives is that it didn’t score all that well and, since you’re so heavily invested in it, you can’t air the results. There really is no other reason to justify what you did. And, unless the guy was a good friend, I would surmise the guy who put it the tasting to begin with is no longer an employee.

I will continue to watch the show for a couple of weeks but if that episode is not aired, I think you lost a customer. So sorry because I love what you do and I greatly appreciate how much I’ve learned from you but my integrity would not allow me to continue to patronize you or your store.

No blackmail intended (like the foi gras woman), it’s just me, and I wish you continued success in all your endeavors but I really feel you let us down.
June 10, 2008

Cabrilla
Hmmm, I’m with MikeM. I smell â€œa little fakey fake in the back end” and it’s not Kim Kardashian, it’s your explanation for the #477 Mystery.

Saying that you can’t show the results because the WL private label came in first – thus, in the process, telling us clearly that that bottle allegedly won – is an epistemological fallacy. As many have noted, WL sells most of the wines you taste on the show, so what’s the difference between lauding the WL private label and the Rocca cab sauv.? Both would expose you to (unfair) accusations of base shilling. But if you were to pan a bottling bearing the WL imprimatur… ah, well. That’s another kettle of fish sauce.

But now I think I know what was hiding in infamous Bottle #5….
June 10, 2008

John G
How do I get the house label cab?????
June 10, 2008

KenP
MrJCG1,
Reflect a moment. It was a simple mistake. The ep should never have been aired owing to an entirely innocent mistake by Gary’s right hand man, a man of complete integrity. Rest assured Gary will make it up to you. I have no idea how, but as a long time supporter of his I can assure you he’ll find a way. No need to post ultimatums! Cheers!
June 10, 2008

KenP
Cabrilla, I encourage you to watch WLTV from its inception. Go back to ep #1 and continue forward as many of us who know the man have done. I’m confident you’ll see how partial and incomplete are you observations. No criticism is meant. But you know how ugly the net can be. Quick judgements, opinions of no consequence, hit and run. GV is here to stay. Give him another 100 free episodes to make it right!
June 10, 2008

manonthemoon
man, this is turning out to be up there with the grassy knoll and the moon landing as far as conspiricy theories. I never thought this would be this huge of a deal and I don’t see people letting it go until something else is done. Don’t let them get you down though, people will always question things, but just don’t let it lead to you questioning yourself.

QOTD: Petty rocking my face off lastnight.
June 10, 2008

counterfeit
OK, first post. I’m sad that this is the way you brought me out from being one of the lurkers, but I feel strongly about this. I love the show, but I don’t buy your explanation.

Show us the complete ending or you will lose many of your adoring fans.

Come clean Gary, I want to be able to feel good about myself when I’m watching your show.

Show us #477!

(By the way, you pronounce “Colgin” wrong. The “G” is hard, like Colgate, Isn’t it fun to be corrected by total strangers?)
June 10, 2008

Tim the Lurker
You lost me with that explanation. If you can not be honest with your results in every way, then how do I know if the reviews of other wines are honest and not influenced by outside interests. Why bother doing a blind tasting if you can not reveal the results ? I don’t need to watch this every day you know !
June 10, 2008

Roberto
Welcom back GV…. get to your emails!!! I need to hear from you…

QOTD: Well, Andy my 9 yr. old is taping (not ready yet) a WLTV skit where he imitates you, very well I might add… , and does a juice show… it is obnoxiously hilarious…
Karen will be in Edison at Courtyard, Jul 6th to 11th with Robert he’s going to Nike sponsored golf Camp in Lawrenceville… is that close to Wine Lib???

best,

RR
June 10, 2008

Roberto
oh, and by the way, on the grassy knoll episode, the “Luke, I am your father” episode, the “I see dead people”… ok ok we get it… in any case… I understand what you wanted to do and could’t, but I also understand those who don’t know you feeling a bit treasoned by the episode and frankly GV, your explanation sucked… don’t be the Pope, let the thing air and live with the consequences… frankly, otherwise it seems like a big scam (and I do believe it was a “mistake” to air 95% of it, I mean, I do believe you would have rather avoided it), but since it didn’t happen… air it.
all the best,
June 10, 2008

KenP
counterfeit, Tim the Lurker, I’m just a fan. Have met Gary once. But I’ve been a member of the Forums for a year and a half. Know well his long-time supporters. Wonderful peeps! I must tell you I’m rather perplexed by the suspicion and negativity here. What about his explanation was ‘lost’ on you, Tim? Listen to it again. And counterfeit, why so sad? As a lurker you’ve been drawn back here again and again for a reason. Must have learned something! That is the point.
June 10, 2008

T. Reasoner
apology accepted… thanks… for explaining I had actually stopped watching waiting for the revealing episode.

I am back.

aloha,

TLR
June 10, 2008

CindyW
People sure are being hard on you, GaryV! I guess they just don’t like not knowing, but it seems a bit silly to get so upset over this. This is free entertainment, not something important like. . . oh, I dunno. . . a Jets game?

C’mon ya’ll — sit back, sip some wine, relax, enjoy.
June 10, 2008

batstongue
Gary

When all is said and done, show the whole episode, warts and all. I have watched you over the last year and your integrity and enthusiasm have shone through even though I know you’re selling what you are rating. Showing #477 will air out all the musty smells of conspiracy and re-establish your your slightly tarnished reputation.
June 10, 2008

Shawn
Not sure why people are so upset. I think you do a fantastic job, keep it up!

QOTD: I love the oak monster comment you made…pretty funny stuff. I’m very easily entertained.
June 10, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: Watching my room mate completely focused and engrossed in playing his Wii “Godfather” game. Priceless!
June 10, 2008

Robin C
You should save the cab show. It might be fun to air at some point in the future – anniversary show or the like.

QOTD: My hollyhocks. Different shades of pink. Six feet tall. They look great this year.
June 10, 2008

Justin L Ove
Gary, it’s a good thing you’re thick skinned cuz you are getting hammered by these people!
I thought your explanation was great. It made a lot of sense, so thank you. I believe you. I can tell by watching you and listening to the things you’ve said on your show that you are an honest guy. No doubt about it.

I’m really disappointed by some of the vayner-nation’s comments. They need to just let it go and enjoy more free episodes. I know I will.

It’s sad…You spend almost 500 episodes worth of your time working up a fan base, and with one mistake, lose a bunch of people. Perhaps you’re getting a taste of what being a celebrity is all about.

QOTD: my cat Ruby chasing a moth.
June 10, 2008

T. Bone
Your wine won? Hilarious, and congrats. (It would have been equally funny if you scored it last too.) So, this begs the question: what is your label? I need to give it a try. How about a little dealio on a case purchase, say, free shipping? Let the kiddies argue about the show, I’d rather just drink some good vino. Best in a blind speaks volumes – seriously, could you mail me the label?
June 10, 2008

Jsco
The last thing that made me smile was La Boca’s 2007 Malbec from Argentina. Out here in Cali its only $2.99 at Trader Joes’s and will put post wines under $14 bucks to shame!!!
June 10, 2008

Joe G.
QOTD: The last thing to make me smile was my 3 year old daughter Giana Nicole who’s 4th birthday is this Saturday June 14th. So hopefully you will give Giana Nicole Giampapa a big birthday shout out either Friday or Monday on the Thunder Show.
June 10, 2008

Brian
So being one that completely understands how miscommunication work, well it happen. GV dont let these lurkers get you down, I personally understand that you do get diconnected from the business due to the fact that you are away a lot. I respect everything you have done and everything you do and I totally accept your appology…It happens, with computers business and everything, stuff happens.

Now what makes me sad, is the lurkers are coming out and totally bashing you, they didnt have a thing to say until they got that 1st chance to bash you. It’s sad…its VERY VERY SAD..Lurkers need to go back to being lurkers and shut up because they only wanna prety on the negative.

Qtod: 1thing that has made me smile is seeing my mom when she is in town and well a few of my friends have been getting married, good to see them happy.

Just remember gary, your true fans will support you, the lurkers are the ones looking for a reason to bash you…I still thank you for helping bring wine to my attention. I respect you as a business man and a wine expert.
June 10, 2008

Wine Bloke
If the whole Episode #477 fiasco has done one thing, it shows us all what passion and “feeling” everybody has toward not only wine in general, but toward the show and Gary V.

Gary has admitted it was a big stuff up and has apologised for it. People, “Shit Happens”.

I just love how much passion is out there. I’m here for the long haul.
June 10, 2008

SoCal
Wow from the wood work comes…..angry looser in their parents basement guy…..relax people so what if you don’t see the end of the episode….it is his show and if he thinks it is a conflict on interest to show a WL private label winning a blind tasting on WLTV then that is his call…..this notion that GV credibility is in question is laughable….and I love all the…….”you just lost a viewer” crap….if you really care that much about a $10 cab tasting then crawl back into you hole and continue playing GTA 4 and smoking too much….maybe some day you will get a life…..
June 10, 2008

Karl Laczko
Sorry Gary, you know I’m a fan, and the explanation was at least that – an explanation, but it still does not justify not showing the ending – now that you’ve given us the story as you wanted to, when you’re back in the office and not on the road, then show the ending and let us see it in the correct context is now essential.

I’m not going to stop watching, that would be STUPID, and even threatening so is immature and unreasonable, it’s not where I’m at – but I NEED you to show that ending, not doing so now would really cast doubt on your motives, and I don’t want even the hint of a conspiracy that others seem so desparate to find.

I have to say it as I see it…..The rest of today’s show got lost in the mix…..
June 10, 2008

Mark
The last thing that made me smile was the smell of the slow cooked pot roast along with a refreshing and relaxing glass of Zinfandel after a long day of work.
June 10, 2008

The Aesthetic Elevator
Um, OK, still waiting for the results from the last blind tasting . . .
June 10, 2008

Kurt M
SoCal :

What you call the “angry looser in their parents basement guy” is what someone else might call a “lurker”. Gary always wants to get the lurkers out – I guess he got his wish.

Nice attempt with the ad hominem attacks though. “Maybe some day you will get a life” ? Does having a life consist of making ad hominem attacks on an internet blog?

Air Episode # 477 !
June 10, 2008

The Aesthetic Elevator
Whoa, didn’t see everyone else was making such a fuss until after I posted. Simply don’t have time to read SO many comments Anyway, still want to see those results . . .
June 10, 2008

Kurt M
Brian said:

“Itâ€™s sadâ€¦its VERY VERY SAD..Lurkers need to go back to being lurkers and shut up because they only wanna prety on the negative … Just remember gary, your true fans will support you, the lurkers are the ones looking for a reason to bash you.”

–

Brian,

Gary is the one who keeps saying the lurkers should come out ! Is it your view that the lurkers should only come out when they agree with Gary 100% ?

Also, you have a no true Scotsman logical fallacy in your argument. “[Y]our true fans will support you” – so no TRUE fan could disagree with Gary? I will make a note of that the next time Gary tells me to trust my own palate. I assumed that meant I should also trust my own brain and own opinions as well.

Calling people “lurkers” and “not true fans” does not make your points any stronger.

Air episode # 477 !
June 10, 2008

Len
Good episode …glad you’re back. Not-sure why people are so upset — disappointed is one thing, that you didn’t reveal the results but I understand. No excuses necessary…things happen– for whatever reason. No one else knows how much time this takes and when you’re trying to do all that you do…mistakes happen. You do a great job, continue what you do best and leave at that.

QOTD: The last thing that me smile — my daughter.

Lurker-Len
June 10, 2008

SoCal
…..Nice attempt with the ad hominem attacks though. â€œMaybe some day you will get a lifeâ€ ? Does having a life consist of making ad hominem attacks on an internet blog?….

No but apparently it does include throwing around “ad hominem” twice to make ones point….

My point is…… you are stirring up a hole bunch of BS over a $10 tasting….for what?…..

BTW your the one making the connection between my comment of angry people in their parents basement and lurkers….
June 10, 2008

SaraMHCRU
I suppose it’s a reasonable explanation, even though I’m disappointed to not know what the other good cheap cabs were. Maybe you could do another blind cheap cab tasting soon?

qotd: my dog lying on her back in the direct path of the AC. she just looked so goofy.
June 10, 2008

italianwinelover
Wow I’m exhausted reading all of these bashing statements! People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones….give the guy a break. Gary stayed true to what he wants WLTV to be and the least we can do is respect him enough to forgive the oops that happens in life. Jzzz I don’t think you people understand life too much if you can’t even forgive a simple boo-boo!!

Nice show Gary – loyal to the end! Who cares about the lurkers they only seem to come out when there is something bad to say and that is so easy in life why not try a little challenge and find nice things to say. What you put out in the world is what you get back and obviously these lurkers put negativity out instead of good! A shame that the “Bangin” didn’t work out the blend peaked my interest as well as the name -love the PV!!!!

QOTD: Yesterday when my son and I were painting our bathroom. I always laugh with him!

Good show GV-keep up the good work-you ARE changing the wine world for sure!!!
June 10, 2008

Arjen Blom
I agree with the many who are disappointed, you do these show very professional and on such a regular basis, that you have created a responsibility for the program!
I understand that the program should remain a neutral feel but it is still related to the Wine Library and thus a commercial outing. Please be a bit more careful next time as the Vayniacs do like to be taken serious.

Would it be a suggestion to expose all the cabs and there ratings without showing the â€˜house labelâ€™, as you have 4 of them, it would be difficult to guess?

By the way, where can I get the T-Shirt!!
Arjen – Singapore!
June 10, 2008

Oakmon's BF
Very nice Gary, Iâ€™m completely satisfied with your explanation and I apologize for suggesting you were just pulling our strings to inspire passionate comments. Perhaps you can display the other cabs (unopened), briefly repeat the comments you made and the scores you gave them.

I always have a big smile when I walk out of the Doctorâ€™s office on my way to my first good meal in over a month. Iâ€™ll see you this Thursday. I wonâ€™t be participating in the wine/food pairing because Iâ€™ll still be on a diet until next Thursday when Iâ€™ll walk out of the doctorâ€™s office with a big smile.
June 10, 2008

Wednesday
Good show, Gary.

My better half is probably the last thing that made me smile.
June 10, 2008

Ben
Gary,

Here is the deal, you made a judgement call. Lets say for sake of discussion, you aired the episode. Can you imagine all the douche bags ( probably the same people bashing in here ) who would have come out and said , blah blah blah, he just wants to sell his own wine, blah, blah , blah.

In this case, you were screwed if you did and screwed if you didnt.

Either way, people who are bashing you are going to bash you regardless, they just want to find something to get their granny panties in a bunch over.

Keep up the FREE informative, passionate, educating and entertaining show and forget this crap, because it’s seriously a waste of energy.
June 10, 2008

Pardus
While I am a little disappointed that we didn’t get to see the lineup I completely understand why.
June 10, 2008

Harry
Ok, I do think the way you explained the issue was sketch – and you’re too good a marketer to assume your plug for your house wine as the winner was inadvertent. But let’s move on – its really not such a big deal, and it should serve as a lesson that we need to trust ourselves more and care far less about what you think. That’s the point, no?

Last thing that made me smile was a cold beer in a bar last night and striking up a conversation with a beautiful Israeli girl (I lived in Israel for a few years). There’s an upside to everything, even this heat wave…
June 10, 2008

Kristen
Wow, I had no idea that this would cause the hullabaloo that it did. I really don’t see why people are saying GV has no integrity. I would think that if he aired the entire episode! He had enough common sense to not show the final results precisely because he wanted to maintain it.

And as for why GV said the WL private label won, people would have gone berserk if they didn’t know what happened and why we can’t see it. Can you imagine the theories that’d be on this forum if he didn’t explain himself? And who among us have traveled that much in 12 days whilst taping a daily wine show, doing books signings, and attending various conferences around this large country of ours? Not many, I feel. So please, was it really that big of a deal?

QOTD: Other than seeing a new episode of WLTV, my signed copy of David Sedaris’ “When You Are Engulfed in Flames.” Can’t wait to put that alongside my to-be-signed copy of 101 Wines.
June 10, 2008

Barry
Let me see if I am getting this right. You pulled the episode because you thought there might be a conflict of interest if it was revealed your house wine was the top scoring wine. You then proceed to tell everyone your house wine was the top scoring wine. What am I missing?
June 10, 2008

Jake B
Gary,
Solid lurker here who’s only been into the show for a couple of weeks. Like everyone else here, I was thoroughly captivated by the blind tasting affair.
Here’s how I see it: it’s been one of those unfortunate things where a couple of innocent but unfortunate mistakes start the ball rolling, then you get a cascade of totally unlucky miscommunications and coincidences that result in the whole shebang. Conclusion: it happens, get over it people! I have no doubt that Gary and the boys learnt a lesson or two from it (ie, make sure SOMEONE knows what’s in the paper bags…..after all, don’t want Gary giving a SNIFFY SNIFF to turps with purple food dye). You’re treading a thin line between offering impartial reviews of vino then selling the stuff round the corner, which isn’t always going to be easy and will occasionally result in these conspiracy theories, but don’t sweat it; you’ve obviously got principles backing what it is you do.
QOTD: the beautifully marbled and spot-on rare scotch fillet steak and Heathcote shiraz i whipped up for dinner to celebrate killing a massive assignment today.
June 10, 2008

Zune76
Last thing that made me smile, was you protecting yourself from the oakmonster with a WLTV wristband haha.. that was a good one

/all.. Well…. trust your own palate, then itÂ´s no problemo even if it was a marketing episode going on.. ! Btw, you did not get any scores on the wines, so even if the WL wine won, it could have got just 71 points
June 10, 2008

GeneV
Honestly, I don’t even see the problem with the episode. Whether it is Gary’s house brand or not, he is tasting something he sells. Either he is doing an honest tasting or he isn’t. I am fine with a blind tasting that the house brand won.
June 10, 2008

Smahlatz
Damn right it’s not fair to pick on Australia!! Not fair on you that is – you will pay if you keep it up

QOTD : Some code I saw at work today. It was so poor, I just had to smile. That and the thought of how much better I was going to make it
June 10, 2008

Nico
GV,

Always tough to balance our passion and our businesses. Time will tell if you have crossed the line.

BUT does anybody cares that Robert parker is part owner of Beaux Freres in OR? Does that stop him from reviewing the wines? There are plenty of precedents like Armin Diel in Germany (the most important wine writer in Germany and also owner of Weingut Diel).
BUT Mr Parker and Mr Diel have invested in land and winery and they are walking the talk on quality and commitment. I can’t say the same about a private label – I think that might go agaisnt some of your principles.

I have no problem with your gig and will keep enjoying the show. I just wanted to toss my two cents.

Take care,

Nico
June 10, 2008

Joe
Gary, this was BULLSHIT! If you did not air the episode because you did not want to reveal your PL won, why did you ANNOUNCE that it won in this episode. If it was a lip of the tongue, shy did you not edit out that your PL won? It is not possible you can be this stupid.
June 10, 2008

SGoodwin
Gary,

First of all, I believe in your integrity. Not blindly and without questioning. My belief is based on everything I know, have observered and have learned about you. If I didn’t have that belief, I would simply stop watching the show and wouldn’t bother to post a comment. A mistake or several misstakes were made and that’s caused some people to question your integrity. But I still believe that the VAST preponderance of the “evidence” (everything we’ve come to know about you as a person) supports belief in your integrity. At the end of the day, almost all the wines you taste and rate on WLTV are sold at WL. So if there is, in fact, any conflict of interest, that conflict exists for every wine you review. You were simply trying to remove the APPEARANCE of a conflict of interest for a wine that WL not only sells but that also carries the WL name on the label. An understandable (and credible) desire. Whether you decide to run the ending of the episode (or some form thereof) is basically irrelevant to me at this point. I’m ready to accept your explanation, accept your apology and, most importantly, move on.

Scott
June 10, 2008

Christophe - Titus Vineyards
The movie Smiley Face I watched last night.
June 10, 2008

Cuse Wino
QOTD- You spilling wine on yourself was the biggest smile.

As for the controversy- the miscommunication on the wine choice and then what should have been shown was a mistake, end of story. Letting it slip that your wine had won was not cool but don’t think it was intentional.

I have a friend who is religiously posting on Squires and other wine boards and people are SO OVERLY PASSIONATE which is why I don;t get more involved than leaving comments on the episodes. I am not going anywhere Gary, we love you.
June 10, 2008

DFC
GV,

I accept your explanation about the blind Cabernet tasting. Now, let’s just forget about it and move on… Love your show….
June 10, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
QOTD- my sweet puppy chasing her new toy(tail) in a circle while I watch the thunder show. I smiled the whole time. ps. thanks for keeping it real and not showing that episode. Your honesty is a lot of the reason we keep tuning in
June 10, 2008

Scott Anderson
Gary, I have no reason whatsoever to kiss your ass, but I think your decision was sound and your explanation totally rational. As a businessman, I know that I make mistakes, errors, omissions, etc. and if he is honest, which you have always been, all a guy can do is throw himself on his sword and do a big mea culpa.

I know it was embarrassing, but if one person thinks less of you as a result of you not revealing your winner (that would have been REALLY touchy), you really don;t need them around, ya know?
June 10, 2008

Colin
GV – Good show, perfectly understandable position – thanks for letting us know! QOTD – My soon-to-be wife Julie!
June 10, 2008

Jeremy
People that got worked up (in a way that is not so desirable to Gary Vee):
The ones whoâ€™ve been watching for quite awhile (and probably so, because you proably wouldnâ€™t have gotten this worked up if you hadnâ€™t been watching for awhile) – youâ€™ve probably gotten either
1. Great wine to choose from based on the past episodes
2. Entertainment
3. BOTH

â€¦and thatâ€™s why you continued watching the show.

Gary let you know of wines that you liked, or entertained, or inspired you – and from what I can see, he continues to do just that in this episode AFTER that particular event; and I believe he will continue to do so in the future episodes – how far, I donâ€™t know, but heâ€™s doing it now.

Heâ€™s still here for the reasons you came here for.

I donâ€™t drink wine, but Gary has that passion in life and I love to see passionate people and be around them; which is why I watch the show now and then.

If you want to know about more wines in the Gary Vee way, itâ€™s still here.

If you want to be entertained, itâ€™s still here. (Just Gary!)

There, andâ€¦ maybe this is a chance for me to askâ€¦

Gary, will you read my e-mail to you?

I sent it awhile ago – using the e-mail address I used to submit this comment!
June 10, 2008

LauraG
First of all: Dear Nico, Parker does not review Beaux Freres.

Gary – Totally understand wanting to avoid the perception of a conflict on the Cab tasting, but probably would have been even better if you had not slipped up and noted that it won!! That was funny!

QOTD: This morning when I asked my boss how his vacation went, he told me it was great until he put a bag of his clothes in the roll out bin and brought a bag of garbage home in his car. I was howling! You would have to know how perfectionistic (verging on anal) he is to understand just how funny that was – but props to him for being able to tell the story and laugh at himself! It made my day – guess I am easily amused.
June 10, 2008

Susan
Gary- Not sure why people are so upset…….High gas prices get my upset……….Insane people who should not be behind the wheel….. but not this. ?????
June 10, 2008

Terry N
First Spygate… now VAYNERGATE!!! What was really on the tapes??? Destroy the tapes, Gary, for the love of God DESTROY THE TAPES before the Congressional investigation.
June 10, 2008

Mike Z in SD
Quote of the show – “Fruits… they’re good.”
Last thing that made me smile: My dog, Simon, running to me from across the dog park. He’s a happy dog.
June 10, 2008

Susan
Gary- I like all of your episodes. Sometimes we all end up with interesting results, I always say, make changes and move on!!!
June 10, 2008

Gene
Re: the blind tasting caper – much ado about nothing really. But…a lot of us were invested in the show and would like to know which wine was which. We already know where the house wine finished. What’s the harm in revealing the other wines?
June 10, 2008

wayno da wino
Yoooo GeeVee, Great ta see Ya back in da Hizzy!!!! Coool/interestin’
Batch of Vinos!!! It was fun readin’ some of da comments about da Great
10 Bone Cab Conspiracy!!!

QOTD: Watchin’ Today’s Show…..YEEEEEEEAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!
June 10, 2008

Eli2Tyree
Ok, Gotta chime in here again â€“

Adoring Fans- Relax just because someone disagrees with Gary does not mean they are wrong or it should be taken personally. Isnâ€™t individual opinion the point of the show?

Haters – Chill out! We watch this program for the educational and entertainment value of it all, If you donâ€™t realize Gary is a business man by now after a book publicity run that rivaled Howard Sternâ€™s private parts, you need to open your eyes.

I think most people want to know the other wines in the tasting for a couple of reasons… one as Gary said we are all invested… 25 minutes a day is allot to invest in todayâ€™s world… second we want to know the results not only to have some reasonable wines to buy at that price point but to avoid wasting our money on some of the dogs. Personally I donâ€™t listen to the ratings as much as the tasting notes cause Gary and I have different Pallets, so the winner means nothing to me. I spend God awful amounts at the wine lib every month when I take the 1 1/2 hour drive up from Bucks county PA, but I do so because of great selection, price, and service… Not cause they tell me what to like. And I will remain loyal to the win lib for that reason. That being said, Like most others, I would love to see the entire episode…And regardless of motives or business interests I want to hear Garyâ€™s opinion cause I am interested, not cause I buy everything he likes.
June 10, 2008

CindyW
TerryN, you gave me a good laugh this morning!
June 10, 2008

Von P
qotd: Hearing you do a shout out to my wife Darla on this episode!!!!
June 10, 2008

James
Sharing a 2003 La Sirena Cab, and a 2003 LC Problem Child with a friend, and my oldest son.
June 10, 2008

Sean
Very tough to buy your excuse. You sell stuff on the show all the time! How many plugs for the book have we listened to over the last few months? (I have two copies – thanks for the free shipping.)

We all know you have a vested interest in selling these wines. It is pretty obvious when you list your store’s prices next to each one. We understand and accept it as part of the package. To say that you don’t want to have a conflict of interest doesn’t pass the sniffy-sniff test.
June 10, 2008

Ben F
Great Show, and I will be waiting for the replacement show… that was a fun format and great premise…

QOTD.. the show always is good for a smile or two..
June 10, 2008

Oakmon's BF
Too much has already been said, so Iâ€™m reluctant to add more. But since there are many questions as to why Gary revealed that the storeâ€™s wine won, I will explain the obvious. If Gary didnâ€™t say this then the suspicion would be that the show was not fully shown because his wine did poorly. The comments and suspicions would be even nastier than they are. I am a loyal fan. Gary has the right to handle this anyway he wants. But if heâ€™s looking for suggestions, since the cover has been blown, I suggest restoring archive epsode #477 to its complete form with an introductory prefix explaining that it is against your policy to do propriety wines, it was done and uploaded by mistake. There was too much hoopla to then pull it. This prefix would be for future archive explorers.
June 10, 2008

Shadowbird
The uproar is just ridiculous. What are we, Arlen Spector?
June 10, 2008

Erica37
Thanks for the shout out, Gary V! We at AmericanWinery.com love you too!
June 10, 2008

bangkokbabay
It was a fun episode with a funnier ending………..
I look forward to the next blind tasting.
June 10, 2008

paul
Good God, quit whining! In 480+ eps, we saw an OOPS. And for those of you criticizing the guy for trying to explain – good, bad or indifferent – GFY.
June 10, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Good show GV, glad you are back. I appreciate the explanation of the blind cab tasting, not a big deal.

Q – My beautiful wife!
June 10, 2008

Vinophile
Hmmmm…
You still have a lot of ’splainin’ to do, Lucy!
I’m with the Vayniak consensus—I don’t get it and I’m going to go sniffy sniff in my corner until the episode is aired (which by now, Gary, you probably know you must). But I have no intention of abandoning ship due to the booboo. How could I (?), because YOU are the last thing that made me smile…laugh…guffaw…you get the picture!
Carry on!
(But please DO air #477—your cat is already out of the bag).
June 10, 2008

Zanne
QOTD: I have to say that the 2001 Chassagne Montrachet I had at lunch today was pretty good for a few smiles!
June 10, 2008

tinman9
Damn GV, you are gettin straight hated on. I wish you all the best man and I appreciate what you are doing for wine lovers and people with an internet connection. But now you gotta bring the real thunder. You told everyone the PL won. Now it looks like you have to prove it. I saw Gordon Ramsay, on his show The F Word, blind taste this dude on a really cheap bottle of wine against his own label and he chose the cheap bottle. You always talk about how you’ve seen the best “pals” go 0-9 in blind tastings. Just tell everyone you had a cold…haha. Anyway, I was already looking forward to the next episode until I read all of these negative comments. Keep on keepin on brother.

QOTD: I went in to work today at 7am and realized I wasn’t scheduled until 10am. I then started smiling while thinking about what an idiot I am. Even I make mistakes every now and then…haha.
June 10, 2008

CJRice
Gary,

Revision3! Wow!
Don’t let them change you, and I wish you the best.
June 10, 2008

TimInSpokane
OK, OK……

So someone goofed and slid your own blend into the show. No freakin’ big deal. BUT…. for those of us who would like some input into decent daily drinkers, and ones to avoid, why not just give us the other 5 results??? A few of those wines apparently really sucked! And a few you seemed to like. I don’t buy many cheap plonkazoidal cabs, but if there was a decent one for under $10, I would like to know! Sooooo…. whaddya say, Gary?!
June 10, 2008

Cabrilla
@Ken: I’ve watched about 120-odd episodes now, so I know Gary’s deal, including his willingness to call a weak wine out in a public and unequivocal manner (and yes, often very entertainingly so). That, plus his enthusiasm, is why we watch. And we all know his company sells most of the wines he reviews. (I think he has been honest with his reviews, so this doesn’t actually bother me.) However, that track record and context are also the reasons I call “shenanigans” on The Explanation. In light of the show’s historical context, it is egregious and inconsistent.

Of course, after watching 22-odd hours of his show, I also know he’s a showman and really interested in experimenting with social applications of media and technology. #477 could just as easily be his Feejee Mermaid. (I would be disappointed, however, if it turned out to be his version of “This Way to the Egress” instead.)
June 10, 2008

J-Pipes
QOTD: I found out that the Smurfs are making a big-screen comeback. YAY! I smiled.
June 10, 2008

KenP
Cabrilla, very clever last paragraph! Use to visit a Freak Show each summer’s Fair when I was a kid. I remember both graphics!
June 10, 2008

TxBigD
It was great seeing you in Houston last week. I also appreciate the explanation of the blind cab tasting. You took the “top shelf” approach in handling it and as a long time Vayniac, that’s what I would expect. Let’s move on and “Bring Some More Thunder!”

QOTD – Meeting You and getting my book signed at Vino 100 on Saturday.
June 10, 2008

CBone
QOTD: My trip to Sri Lanka was great, and many smiles were had, but after a 30 hour series of flights and layovers, my shower and my indescribably comfortable bed made me smile.
June 10, 2008

AMM3RD
I would guess…Green Groves Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2005. I’ve heard this is decent from my brother-in-law. I’m not sure it’s a house brand, but that’s what I think. What do you all think? AMM
June 10, 2008

Travis O
This made me smile today: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqkN8XsYtJI
June 10, 2008

Adam A
Gary V,

I love the show and have a huge amount of respect for what you do. I also think many of the responses to your explanation are extremely out of line and disrespectful, especially since you do this show for free.
That being said,I find your choice not to show the wines and your explanation to be a big time let down because it is so inconsistent to what I think makes this show so great: unapologetic, enthusiastic and most importantly honest wine appreciation.
June 10, 2008

luvgrapesqueezings
QOTD: A cute dirty joke.
June 10, 2008

Melissa J UCD
QOTD: Corn nuts!
June 10, 2008

chalz
After looking at both sides of whether WL’s Cab won my take is; since you said it won you have an obligation, to keep your presitne reputation, to air the entire show. We’ll see it won and your integrity is upheld. Don’t show it and WL’s Cab lost and your not proud of that. You could edit out certain parts but that choice speaks for it-self.
June 10, 2008

kmack
Love the show, just caught up with them so I wanted to leave a comment so I would no longer be a lurker. I am a geek for JJ Abrams Tv shows, so the last thing that made me smile is probably the lost season 4 finale because it was awesome.
June 10, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: My son

GV should have come back with a new blind tasting….I’m just saying. Thanks for the middle america awarness as well from a card carrying member of a fly over state…
June 10, 2008

Pete G
BOOO!!! That’s a lame assed explanation! You can stand in judgement of everyone elses wine but not the Wine Library wine? C’mon. It was a blind tasting. Let the chips fall where they may. If your wine sucks it sucks if it kicks ass all the better. As for those naysayers who would have said it was a set up – F them! They don’t like you anyway. Myself and the other Vaniacs know you ride straight and speak the truth. If you blindly pick your wine as the best than it is what it is whether they like it or not!
June 10, 2008

dAve
The explanation was over my head. Don’t get it. Actually, don’t care. YOU really should do the other wines again soon, so we can see what sucks. I really like cab’s and like cheaper prices, so please do a make up on cheap cabs. please. IMHO, you were being too politically correct when no one cares. but it’s ok.

Love the action figures. Thundercats and Wrestlers! what a mix. Please don’t do MY Little Pony or others, keep it macho. ugh? hahahaha.

When is the next secret pack? or did you stop doing them?

QOTD: a Jeff Dunham act
June 10, 2008

playasanchas
totally agree with Pete G. You should still air the show, who cares if you picked your own wine. It would make sense actually.

Keep up the good work Gary!
June 10, 2008

Nico
LauraG,

My mistake if Mr Parker does not reviews Beaux Freres. Thank you for the correction.

I have been thinking about this all thing a lot, not because I am a freak, but more because there is something fascinating (and deadly important) about journalistic honesty. I know, Gary is not a journalist, but he is a serious influencer (but this might be different). So GV, what do you say, are you a retailer with a blog or a journalist?

I have been thinking for a long time about reviewing wines on my blog but I elected against it because I thought that was just not right – I make wine, so I cannot review wine – I find it interesting to chat about the same dilemna with GV.

Long live democratie

Nico
June 10, 2008

Tom Cihil
Just air the rest of the value Cab show. We’ll understand whatever the reason.
June 10, 2008

NickyB85
QOTD: The last time I had a huge stinking smile on my face was after I dropped GV off at his hotel down in Houston, what a great night!
June 11, 2008

Rolf Lydecker
QOTD: My girl.
June 11, 2008

Ron
What is wrong with you people ??!! GV is (and has been for a while now) putting his heart and sole into this show – for FREE. Trust your insticts (and have some loyalty while you are at it) — Either you beleive the GV is for real or you don’t, in which case you should have stopped watching by now anyway.

GV: keep it up! this stuff happens. I would just show the episode to put an end to this fiasco – and so that we can see the other value wines…
June 11, 2008

RickD
QOTD: tough day at work – but nice dinner at home, wine on the deck watching the sunset, then watched Knocked Up – which was good for a few laughs.
June 11, 2008

BobbyTiger
The disclaimer is done with. Now it’s time to re-run the show. Quite frankly I don’t give a big squat whether it was your label or not, as I completely trust what your show is all about. QOTD- Yesterday, before the storms rolled in, we were pushing 100…………..again. Could not wait to pour a glass of cool Chard when I got home. Big smile. Actually, I smiled 3 times, once for each glass full.
June 11, 2008

Nik
Very weird explanation Gary – seemed so unlike you! Why bother to tell us such a long-winded reason about not showing, but then tell us your own brand won the tasting?
June 11, 2008

EricB
Gary I appreciate your transparency and integrity. Don’t worry about the naysayers
June 11, 2008

Norm from Edmonton Canada
I absolutely support your decision not to show the ending. There is an old quote about Ceasars wife not simply being above reproach, but being seen to be demonstably above reproach. I do not understand why people would give you flak for having too much integrity, that is an oxymoron.

By the way FADO is pronounced with a soft A, it is the national performing art of portugal. It is a unique style of singing about all the men who have died at sea, lost loves or any great tragedy. Sort of like their version of a country and western “hurtin song”. You know the kind, “I lost my job, I lost my wife, I lost a leg in an accident and even my dog died”.
June 11, 2008

Ken F
Gary – BS on the explanation. If that is the case then pull your private label out of the runnning and rate/identify the rest of the wines. We are all interested!!!! KTF
June 11, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Thanks for clearing up the mystery tasting. Now it makes perfect sense. The last thing to make me smile was when my oldest son told us we would be first time grandparents at Thanksgiving.
June 11, 2008

Brian Vanaski
QOTD: The most recent was you, but before that my wife.
June 11, 2008

Jon-Paul Lenczuk
Thanks for clearing up the issue with last week’s cut off ending–everything happens for a reason, I suppose..

At the risk of being corny, I have a lot to smile about lately, so I can’t pick out ont thing.
June 11, 2008

AM Runner
QOTD – I have been coaching a youth track team and we had some great performances over the weekend in the NJ finals for the Junior Olympic Regionals! That gave me a big smile!

With regards to the episode – we know you were honestly eval-ing the wines Gary and I think everyone would love to see what the others were as well – any chance you could just show it or cut off the last review at this point?

BTW – I have been one of the dreaded lurkers – mostly becuase I subscribe to the podcasts and dont get online to the linkups but I will try to be more present here…
June 11, 2008

niklopez98
QOTD: your explanantion of the arm band and the oak monster! ha ha…good stuff! Big supporter, no worries over the show situation! always watching you no matter what over here at True Fabrications! just walked past my coworkers desk and he was watching too! ha ha….guess maybe we have too much time over here at lunch!
June 11, 2008

Bookman
QOTD: The 3G iPhone, bro.
June 11, 2008

Mike1115
I thought you had a great explanation and I would have done the same thing. I really don’t see how you threw anyone under the bus as some comments are saying. There was a business ethical decision to be made and you made the right choice. What you should do is redo the blind tasting without your private label.
June 11, 2008

Stephen
So….what’s the private label
June 11, 2008

Newman
QOTD: Anything and everything! What’s not to smile about?

Without being cheesy though, I did just get your book in the mail today, and that definitely made me smile.
June 11, 2008

Sharon
I just watched a Best of SNL special with Will Ferrell. There was a skit where he plays Robert Goulet in a tacky Broadway show called Red Ships of Spain that had me laughing my head off.
June 11, 2008

Daniel O
QOTD: The last thing to make me smile (before watching Winelibrary TV) was listening to a remix of “Walking In Memphis”.
June 11, 2008

AT
I agree – you should redo the show without the private label… Mostly because I really like cabernet and would like to know which widely available under 10 dollar cabernet won…
June 12, 2008

Logan
Great Show Gary! Welcome back.
Really wanna try that Fado- you’ve whetted my appetite for trying some Portuguese reds, but unfortunately the local wine store here in Tokyo (which actually has a pretty massive, if somewhat “traditional,” selection) only stocks Portuguese desert wines. I’ll have to do some shopping around.

QOTD: Putting about ten drops of Louisiana Habanero hot sauce on my kimchi-tofu-egg-veggie stir fry for dinner tonight- and the fact that it only costs 100 yen here.
Another big smile over the weekend- drinking all kinds of awesome red wines from all over the world (probably well-rated and expensive because of the setting) and eating gourmet food I’d never otherwise be able to experience at the 52nd floor of the Mori Hills Tower in Tokyo at a private party I was lucky-enough to be invited to. I enjoyed the Escudo Rojo 2006 from Chile immensely. Awesome wine IMO!

Keep up the energetic, cheerful good work Gary.
Representin’ from half way across the world.
June 12, 2008

pawncop
Welcome back. Appreciate the explaination, your credibility is completely intact as far as I am concerned. Do not let the creatans get you down.

QOTD – So many things make me smile but the last was a child I was taking care of in the ER. Blowing bubbles and babbling, really cute scene.
June 12, 2008

Indigo
Gary -

Sorry dude, but for the first time I’ve got to question your motives on this one. You said that “you’re wine won” but then you don’t show the results of the others. I know it’s Mott’s fault, but why not show the episode… I’d love to see your reaction when you realize that it’s your wine that won. Now that would be transparent!

My suggestion is to slow down for 5 minutes (no more, no less) put yourself in the shoes of a vaniak who’s been watching every day for a year and who’s purchased some of the wines you suggest. Then determine how you should ‘end the show’.
June 12, 2008

Katherine
Great show, GV!

QOTD: Vivian is now really into giving kisses, so the last thing that made me crack an ear-to-ear heartfelt smile was one of Vivian’s kisses. I need to do a video for you of her latest palate developments. She really digs pickles.
June 12, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
No need to feel bad about last week’s show. I think your explanation was fine. And it was good to give us something to wait for. QOTD – I smiled when listening and watching your show. Good to have you back!!
June 13, 2008

Yokohama Todd
Here’s my first venture outside of lurkerdom…

It’s too bad with the previous show’s mess-up, but I sure wouldn’t mind seeing the end of the show. What labels are the store brands? In any case, sort of hard to ship anything this far…

As for this show, after hearing other comments you’ve made before, I will now have to hunt for some Portuguese wines! They’re not so common at the stores here in Yokohama, but I will have to check online and see if anything good and inexpensive has made it over here.

QOTD: The two drunk Japanese guys sitting next to me in the izakaya(small Japanese bar/restaurant) here in Yokohama. When they were leaving, they ran around to the owner, his wife, and then me and shook our hands (very heartily I might add). That’s really not a very Japanese thing to do…usually a little bowing, but NOT shaking hands…that’s what Shochu (distilled Japanese alcohol, sortof like Vodka) will do to you…
…Also, another smile comes from the fact that that izakaya exists, since it’s so homey and inexpensive. Where in the U.S. can you get a decent glass of house wine for about $3? Plus, a really tasty wilted cabbage and smoked duck salad for about $8. It just goes to show that Japan’s not necessarily as expensive as people think!
June 13, 2008

kaybee
GV
Thanks for the explanation about why the show ending got dropped. I think it’s kind of funny. But why not just show the results and “disqualify” the WL brand because you didn’t realize it was in the mix?
QoTd
Funny emails from family make me laugh almost everyday.
June 15, 2008

JacobS
qotd: also in between tough days, I just thought about hanging with my friends, I was going to see them, and forgot about the tough days. Just a little smile in the car.
June 16, 2008

wyldshaman
My Wife!
June 17, 2008

JIKvig
QOTD; Life!
June 19, 2008

GR8wine
Gary,
Thanks SOOO much for giving Neil a shout out for his 60th B-day and for putting it in writing the day of his Birthday. His wife gave him a surprise party that day and we started the party off by showing him your shout out. He thought I doctored my own winelibrary video at first.
QOTD: you were the last thing that made me smile. you always make me smile. Good to have you back and I applaud your decision to not show the episode. Too bad you sucked us in so far because now we’re all dying to know what the other wines are.
June 19, 2008

Steff
Mid-time lurker coming out to answer the question of the day (belatedly):

My girlfriend. Looking forward to going out to Wuerzburg to see her this Saturday, as it’s been 2 months since I last saw her. It’s been a difficult year, with her abroad for Uni and me being in my final year, however she e-mailed me just after I watched this episode to say “Just two more nights until I see you! Yay!”… so I figured it would be a good time to leave a comment.

Cheers Gary for WLTV — I’m currently working my way through 9 episodes in a marathon watching session as I’ve been insanely busy with Uni to even catch a break recently. As a side note… looking forward to going to the vineyard in Wuerzburg; should be fun!
June 19, 2008

yowens
dude- great show, we’re in for the portuguese wine. QOTD: my ya
June 21, 2008

Kelly Goff
I am giving in to my overwhleming lurker guilt…QOTD watching my baby girl at her dance recital today, tapping and loving every minute of it.
June 21, 2008

Kelly Goff
I am giving in to my overwhelming lurker guilt. QOTD: watching my baby girl tap her heart out at her dance recital today.
June 22, 2008

melissa
qotd: eating edy’s orange dream sherbert. def a new obsession.
June 23, 2008

BlakeW
QOTD: I watched caddyshack last night…always puts a smile on my face
June 25, 2008

Luis Felipe
We Missed you Gary, and we understand what happened. Don’t worry though, people make mistakes.

QOTD: My family, they always make me smile with their corky personalities.
June 26, 2008

Colin Komar
Gary,
Sorry I have been busy myself so I have missed quite a bit of episodes in the last month. Really have a ton to get caught up on.

QOTD: My girlfriend (yes I know that it is a bit clichÃ©, but oh well).
June 28, 2008

Dan-o
GV – good show, back to reasonably priced wines.
QOTD – I returned home from a week on the road yesterday – after having NOT traveled in ~8 weeks. Seeing my wife and kids and being greeted with a hug is what makes me smile!
July 10, 2008

kjdion
my daughter
July 10, 2008

ChiroGuyDC
QOTD: My wife and a good ol’ comedy movie!
July 21, 2008

MattUD
Playing softball and then relaxing, straight up relaxing.
July 25, 2008

Daniel
i just tried the fado last night, and nothing like what you are describing. little bubly/fizzy. sweet, thin, fruit punch esk. it was better when i added it to my vodka spiked lemonade and made for a drinkable sangia esk thing. it could just be me or the bottle i had, but even for 7 “bones” there is better stuff out there…
November 23, 2008

Ray Barnes
It seems like with the very inexpensive wines it is almost like a roll of the dice – and I was very surprised that the Banging Red, with at least 5 varietals, showed little depth or complexity of any kind.

QOTD – Seeing my favourite aunt this afternoon.
January 14, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Thanks for another value show. Too bad they couldnt all rock. Hey you win some, you lose some. QOTD: Chatting with my buddy about this idea we have for a tv show. We both know it will never get any further than the two of us talking about it, but we throw ideas back and forth and just keep each other in stiches.
April 29, 2009

knarfster
Why not tell us the Other five wines? I was interested in wines that took 2nd 3rd and 4th. Now I will never know!
August 4, 2009

nnothing
my dog