An Italian Wine Tasting Of The Dolcetto

An Italian Wine Tasting Of The Dolcetto – Episode #497

July 7, 2008

Gary still thinks the Dolcetto wines are some of the best values out there and these little wines from Piedmont bring serious thunder.

Having trouble viewing this video? Try the Quicktime version.

Comments on this episode(293) Leave a comment ›

“Advantage of the new mic is that we’re not distracted by Coldplay cons…” by richardvinifera
“How about some Dolcetto from Dogliani and Ovada?
Dogliani is more …” by diana baur
View all 293 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

2006 Grimaldi Dolcetto D’albaDolcetto d’Alba
2005 Pietro Rinaldi Dolcetto D’albaDolcetto d’Alba
2006 Azelia Dolcetto D’albaDolcetto d’Alba

Links mentioned in todays episode.

293 Responses

July 7, 2008

Matti
Thanks for the show!
July 7, 2008

Eli2Tyree
Top 10 Again!
July 7, 2008

Brian Kachel
WHOA!! The mic sounds like crap!! SERIOUS!! Its like your speaking into a tin can!!
July 7, 2008

Scott EJ
WooHoo….top 3.

Now, on to the show.
July 7, 2008

Christophe - Titus Vineyards
Woo Hoo ! Italy
July 7, 2008

Susan
Gary- Another taped ep!!! Thanks!!!!! Hope things are going well in Bordeaux!!!!
July 7, 2008

Susan
Gary-LOVE italian wines……….. WOW!!!
July 7, 2008

David M Roberts
rockin’ the TOP 10!
July 7, 2008

texjagman
The mic sounds like you have a head cold. I’m sure it’s convenient but sometimes old school is better
July 7, 2008

Rowland
YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Gary is back! Rock that microphone, own it.
July 7, 2008

texjagman
Also, if no-one got the three action figures the other day, on the next episode have Mott zoom in so we can get a better look at them. I couldn’t get a good shot of them before.
July 7, 2008

Chauncy
Dolcetto rules. Out here in Ori-Gone I love the Dolcetto from Stag Hollow. Rare though…small production, can be hard to find. QOTD: my honey just got her job, so we went to the good shelf to celebrate and went freakin’ bonkers (for us at least…) with a 98 Drouhin Puligny Montrachet, Ken Wright’s 05 Savoya Pinot Noir, and a NV Brut from Aubry. As Muhammad Ali said, “It ain’t braggin if it’s true.”
July 7, 2008

Paryb
good deal with the microphone guys, as has been said though, it does sound a little wonky…if you are running some sort of noise reduction or such, turn it off, Gary’s voice is much too mellifluous for anything like that.
July 7, 2008

Withnail
Welcome back! Looking forward to this ep later this afternoon.
July 7, 2008

Scott EJ
Yea…sad to see the Dolcetto creep up in price. This was always a great buy. Still is, but hard to find those complete steals for under 10 bones anymore.

QOTD: 1. Best – ‘06 Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Chardonay – IMO, one of the best >20 chards out there.

2. Worst – ‘06 Chateau Pesquie Rose – I know they’re your boys and all…but, this stuff was oui’k. Total waste of time.

The new wrist bands look sharp. The yellow rocks it!
July 7, 2008

mrzitro
loved the ‘05 Grimaldi Dolcetto Dâ€™alba
July 7, 2008

Jake
Excellent show V! Please go back to the old mic. The new mic is horrible!
July 7, 2008

matt
I think the sound was actually better before the mic
July 7, 2008

jimka
hi Gary, nice to learn something about Piedmont.
QOTD, worst wine of the weekend for me was Chateau Faure Beausejour Fonsac
which is a 2005 Bordeaux. I would not recommend this one, it was like
fruit flavor mineral water on the first day. it opened up a bit in left-overs
the second day though. Maybe i should’ve left it opened longer before diving in.

Greetings from Munich
-jim
July 7, 2008

RichG
Giddy-up Gary.
July 7, 2008

CindyW
QOTD: Jeff and I had a fun best-worst experience this past weekend. We decided to open only American wines for the 4th of July, and one was rather unique (for us, anyway). Several months back, a friend from Indiana gave us a bottle of Indiana wine — a chambourcin. He thought (rightly so) that we’d be interested to try something different. We did some reading about the grape, talked to some people on the WLTV forums, and decided it probably wasn’t going to be very good and that one day we’d try it out of curiosity.

Finally, this Friday, we popped the cork to see what we thought of the wine, fully expecting we’d have a few sips and not want much more. Instead, we actually quite enjoyed the wine! We expected it to be the worst wine we had, yet, while it wasn’t the best-tasting, it ended up being the best overall experience. It’s always fun to have your expectations go topsy-turvy.

Here’s an excerpt of our tasting note:

2006 Oliver Winery Chambourcin Creekbend. Some wines dance on your tongue, this one flops down like a down comforter. The nose was black currant and earth, the palate… well, I’m not quite sure what it is…Moderate tannins and acidity, lots of dark fruit, a real tart edge at the end, with a finish that sticks around for 30-45 seconds.
July 7, 2008

wine-ot
good show GV, hate the mic….best wine…Cayuse en cerise 2003 scored 92+…worst Freya syrah 1998.
July 7, 2008

TeeKay
Hi Gary,
With the microphone, you sounded a bit different, your voice was lower. Maybe better put it away from your throat ?
July 7, 2008

MFries
No mic. At least not that one. Too tiny, coldy, too “hot”, etc…

sorry! was a tv major and the sound is bugging the heck out of me, it sounds terrible…

Wristbands are SICK! So glad I got the book on fathers day! I’ll be waiting at my mail box!
July 7, 2008

robertfrancis
Great Show Gary – I have been raving about Dolcetto for a while now. Selection of them available locally not fantastic. Michele Chiarlo is one of the better ones available locally.

An interesting new world spin on it is the Heartland Dolcetto Lagrein from Oz.Combining two of Garys recent shows with some Aussie sunshine.

Question of the Day – No 4th July in Ireland but here is my answer anyway

Best Wine – Henschke Johanns Garden GMS 2004

Worst Wine – Domane Wachau Gruner Veltliner – Cork’d
July 7, 2008

Vericlese
Grrrr, mic no like. Sounds tiny and chalky and mushy. If an eight year old ran into a chalk board face first while eating Goobers, you’d get V’s vocals from this episode. Please get a mixer or better still, go back to your roots.
July 7, 2008

RichG
QOTD: Best: 1993 Rioja – Marques des Caceres
Worst: Hand bottled 1993 Cabernet Sauv (turned)from our family winery.
July 7, 2008

Dan NYC
QOTD: Best, Cogno Barbera D’alba, worst, some crappy red that my brother in law picked up in a bin on sale.
July 7, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: Sorry no wine on the 4th…it’s a beer holiday….so yummy Negra Modelo with a fish fry and tons of fireworks….

Like the audio with the mic but when you really raise the volume it spikes out pretty badly….love hearing the spit resonate though…
July 7, 2008

Lee W
Thanks for expanding wine for me as I would never of tried albrino or dolcetto.
QOTD: best was Elk Cove pinot gris, Oregon, and the Bragoto Tocai Friulano.
Worst was Cain Five cab
July 7, 2008

Moselman
Sounds like you’re talking thru a door â€“ muffled/filtered sort-of. Definitely agree it detracts from your mellifluous tones. Back to the camera mic, svp.
July 7, 2008

hugh
QOD: Best wine 1990 Ch Malescot St Exupery……worst? didnt have any stinkers, but the 1995 Beringer Reserve Cab was nothing special….

Gary, may i suggest moving the mic further away from your neck-wear a button-down and clip it on the shirt about 3 or 4 buttons from the top
July 7, 2008

Leif erik Sundstrom
QOTD:
BEST = 2002 Quinta das Maias Dao
& 1999 Les Chemins de Bassac “Cap de L’Homme” Cotes de Thongue
Both went killer with the 3-inch 40oz Ribeye I grilled up on the 4th. Hey it was freedom day right? I can grill what I want.

WORST = La Vielle Ferme Cotes du Ventoux Rose (which was still pretty good…just the least favorite of the weekend)
July 7, 2008

Alfredhayes
QOTD: I had 1 wine this weekend and it rocked. I have a Vino Vherde (sp?). It had some major frizzante action which I enjoyed.
July 7, 2008

Leif erik Sundstrom
WHOO HOO Top 30!!!
July 7, 2008

JRMoreau
QOTD: The best was a mid-coast 2005 syrah and the worst was this unremarkable X-Winery red blend that I bought at the duty free liquor store on the way up to the NH mountains. Holler!
July 7, 2008

Jay
The mic was a little weird at first, but didn’t even notice it after a couple minutes.

QOTD: I only had one wine this weekend, but it was palate expanding. I had a Ciro. It was great with all of the food at the bbq.
July 7, 2008

Jimmy S
QOD –

Best Wine This Weekend = 2004 d’Arenberg darry’s Original
Worst = 2005 Cambria Katherine’s Vineyard
July 7, 2008

JJ
I’m just glad there will be a show every day this week!
July 7, 2008

Brian
QOTD: Oddly enough, I had no wine this weekend either. Over the course of two days my 4th became a festival of brews and tequila. I had way to much of the later for my own good on Saturday night.

I am very curious to take the wine Rinaldi star challenge. I want to rock the face off of that star.

Viva Rafa!
July 7, 2008

docent
AAARGH!!! – you sounded as you had cold What happened?
July 7, 2008

Jason S.
I have to know Gary – how do you know what tar and asphalt taste like? I can see having maybe licked a dodgeball, but asphalt? Did you get beaten up in school a lot?

QOTD: Went to Wyandotte Winery in Columbus, OH…a tiny little place,
July 7, 2008

Bryan Garcia
i like the mic. you sound a bit more clear.
July 7, 2008

ecola
Sounds like I’m listening to you on AM radio with the new microphone.
July 7, 2008

JudeMurphy
Best- An 05 Bordeaux the name of which I have completely forgotten and I’m really pissed off about that!!!
Worst- Let’s not even go there!
July 7, 2008

Chris S
Best wine of the weekend was Robert Mondavi Moscato d’Oro, tasted like lychee!
July 7, 2008

The Aesthetic Elevator
I like the tea flavors but not a fan of the puckering
July 7, 2008

Withnail
Get rid of that mic – save it for the live/remote eps.
You no longer sound warm, personal, intimate.
It’s the difference between sounding like you are giving a seminar to 5,000 people in a hockey arena vs a 1-to-1 visit with the viewer in his/her home (which is how it sounded before).
July 7, 2008

emil
Honestly, it sounds worth with the mic.
July 7, 2008

emil
Sorry, i meant it sounds ‘worse’ with the mic.
July 7, 2008

theemptyglass
QOTD: I only had two wines this weekend, one was Rene Barbier Mediterranean Red that just tasted generic to me, very grapey. But was the best wine of the weekend (there was only two). The second wine I had was actually mead, honey wine. This was like wine with absolutely no fruit. It was really flavorless and bland, and not particularily sweet either. I don’t remember what it was called (it was from quebec). However, as Gary says, we can’t just write it off, if I am ever offered mead again, I will try to keep an open mind.

ps: like the others, I’m not digging the mike. Can you only use it when your on location?
July 7, 2008

Eli2Tyree
im hating on the mic sounded wierd and its totally sell out…

qotd – best Bixio Ripasso Valpolicella 2004 or HAvens Hudson Syrah 2001

Worst my sis had 2 buck chuck cab at her barbaque —yissssh!
July 7, 2008

David Harris
QOTD:

Didn’t have any good wines. I had three bad wines though. A ‘99 Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill, a ‘06 Hungarian Cabernet Franc (I forgot the producer) and a half bottle of ‘06 Rombauer Chardonnay.

The Diamond Creek completely boring and tasted like black cherry soda, the Hungarian red was an acid bomb and the chard tasted like sprite with a little cream added to it.
July 7, 2008

Jeff R
not liking the new mic setup it just doesn’t sound very good at all.

QOTD: i did not drink any wines this weekend, the captain and i were good friends though.
July 7, 2008

purplejuicebruce
Great show, love the Italian wines. Not diging the sound quality with the new mic. maybe there is some tone adjustment that could improve the sound.
QOTD…Went to two wine bars and had several flights and at home over the 3 days opened 5 or 6 bottles my favorite Michael David Petite Petit and there were no worst wines they were all gooooood.
July 7, 2008

Peter Wood
QOTD – Dogajolo 2006 from Carpineto – the best wine I had this weekend. I know that you say ‘expand your palate’, and boy… do I, but this is an old favorite to drink with Mince & Tatties (a Scottish dish that you really need Tuscan wine with!!!). The worst was a crappy Spanish Rose that tasted of burnt rubber.

Love the buttons, not so sure on the mic…..
July 7, 2008

emil
QOTD: Worst = toasted head chardonnay ($17); Best = $12 malbec (cn’t remember from where)
July 7, 2008

Derek F.
Awsome show Gary, do you guys still have my slip from when I bought 2 books?? I need that wrist band…BAD!! LOL!!!
July 7, 2008

Derek F.
OW YA I almost forgot….get a new mic!!!!
July 7, 2008

mike76
I’m not sure this new microphone situation is working so well. QOTD: best 04 Bizot vosne, worst 05 gainey sauv blanc
July 7, 2008

John Watson
No wine for me this weekend. Margaritas on the 4th and I was off the sauce for the weekend (I was tending bar and had way too many really good margaritas). I had even bought a bottle of Gruener V to drink, too, but I just couldn’t stomach any more alcohol.

Great to see you in PDX for the Weiden+Kennedy talk, Gary!
July 7, 2008

wine-ot
correction…it was the glen fiona 1998 syrah that sucked…not the freya, my bad.
July 7, 2008

Vivek
Liking the Haircut, you should rock a bit of 5 o clock shadow with it.

Best Wine: 2005 PepperBrige Merlot (had it with some rib eye)
Worst: Franciscan Cabernet. (not a bad wine persay, but just worse than what was on offer otherwise)

I think you can fix the mic issues, but will likely come in handy for more dynamic shows
July 7, 2008

John
QOTD: well I’m in Canada so we had July 1st, Canada Day, but I did have some wine this weekend. It was a 2006 JEANJEAN Syrah RosÃ©. It wasn’t really bad, but it was disappointing. It tasted like cherry Halls cough drops mixed with Perrier and vodka…it was interesting with the fettuccine alfredo I was eating, had a couple glasses of it…but it wasn’t overly tasty, and too simple.
July 7, 2008

Greg B.
Big G, Sorry to hear we can’t hook up while your in LA. I sure we’ll cross paths soon. Like the Wine choice today, Hate the new Mic. Only use that when you tape Outdoors or at least have Mott or somebody to do some Audio Mixing. Keep Rockin Bro!

QOTD: Wow, it really was a Beer and Mojito weekend. I’ll try harder this week!
July 7, 2008

Malphas
I like the idea of using a lavalier mic for an internet podcast, but not for these standard WLTV shows. I think it would be great to use when you’re on location at your favorite wine bars or when you do an upcoming live show (hint hint), but stick to the rig you have for the daily episodes you’re currently taping. The lavalier mic makes your voice sound too clinical and the change in sound quality pulls me out of the fun of the show.

OOH! I got it!

SIR GARY OF VAYNERCHUK should use the lavalier mic! You’ve been wanting to bring him back for a while now, and the clinically ultra-precise sound of that microphone would go very well with a wine nerd who can easily take the fun out of wine drinking. You may want to adjust your sound recording levels to kill some of that “popping” sound when you do your T and P sounds, though.

Try saying “screw-top” and you might get a better picture of what I’m talking about.

QotD: I had no wine for the 4th of July. I was keeping cool with some fresh water on hand.
July 7, 2008

Jesse
QOTD: Best, RedWood Merlot 2006 Reserve, it was very green and earthy, probably the first wine I’ve tried the had a little taste of olive and I liked it. Worst, Turning Leaf Merlot 2006 Reserve, It had a nice finish, but the oak monster came out and spooked me. Though it wasn’t bad it was the worst for this weekend.
July 7, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
I think you need a little work on the new sound. And speaking of contests, wasn’t there one on guessing Mott’s age?

QOTD since the 2007 Quinta de Cabriz DÃ£o Dourat (Portugal, Beiras, DÃ£o)was the only wine I had. . . . A good solid effort
July 7, 2008

vdv115
Loved today episode, Italian wines are my passion. Sound quality really sucked today, scrap the mic. Sound was very muted and not as clear as it usually is.

QOTD: Best wine we had this weekend was a 2006 Louis Jadot MÃ¢con-Villages.
July 7, 2008

Mark
You know, I only had one wine this weekend, but it was a good one: http://tinyurl.com/6zk4wz (Thats my cork’d review)
Also, I’m not real crazy about the new mic. I see how it should be used in a live scenario where you are in a huge room or outdoors setting, but I got used to the acoustics of your office and I prefer that sound more.
July 7, 2008

Susan
Gary & Mott- You KNOW I am not usually critical but…………Not sure which kind of mic you are now using. Please, PLEASE, PLEASE get rid of new mic and go back to old until you find a new wireless mic.
Hate to say this Gary. I used to work mixing sound and I really don’t like what I’m hearing. Yes, I listened in iTunes and on WLTV website -both sounded poor. Sorry, but as a person who knows a thing or two about sound can’t just be quiet on this one.
July 7, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: We only had two wines this weekend and we went inexpensive with screw tops since we were camping out. The better of the two was something Gary hated, a 2005 Beauzeaux. Not great, but it was red wine. The white was a 2006 d’Arenberg Stump Jump which was so eh.
July 7, 2008

California Cab lover
QOTD: Worst this 4th: Rosemount Shiraz YUCK!
Best this 4th: Wild Horse Cabernet Sauvignon
July 7, 2008

gotsha
This past weekend I had two wines: 2004 Barnard Griffin Reserve Cab (accompanied by rib eye steaks with mushrooms) and a bottle of 2007 Terra Valentine Rose to go with some cheese and dips at an open air concert last night. The cab was better because….I like cabs
July 7, 2008

Larry Phelps
Don’t like the mic. Sorry…
July 7, 2008

niklopez98
hey Gary, as a self proclaimed “audiophile” i gotta say that the mic wasn’t the greatest…it seems like it’d be great for “on location” shooting etc…how about a boom mic? Great show and i like that you’re trying new things with the show! Who cares if you’re going Big with it, it’s great to see where you came from to where you are today! anybody who doesn’t know what i’m saying should watch the first few episodes to get a better idea! ha ha..man they’re great!

QOTD: unfortunately, i didn’t get to drink any wines this holiday weekend…
July 7, 2008

Brent
Best on the 4th: CarinaE Malbec Reserva 2005 from Argentina. One of the best QPR Malbecs that I’ve had.
July 7, 2008

WineWoman
Wow so many new things! Love the wristband. Can’t wait to get mine.
QOTD: Haven’t had a bad wine in a long time, but going from favorite to least favorite—Gamla Cab from Israel–think it was an ‘04–excellent at about 15 bones—a close tie with a 36 bone Tofanelli Charbono from Napa. Also enjoyed a prosecco 11-12 dollar range Sori ?? something or other and at the bottom of the list was Bandol Pinot Gris from Oregon about 12 bones maybe a little more–couldn’t assess as well as I would have liked. Was serving it to guests that like their whites a lot colder than I prefer. All in all a good wine.
July 7, 2008

SpoiledinCalbyPinot
QOTD: Best wine this weekend 2004 Levenidi Napa Valley Wow

Will be at 500.
July 7, 2008

Brad
QOTD: Best of the weekend – 2006 La Posta Malbec scored big points with my girlfriend’s family (always a good thing). Worst of the weekend – 2006 Toad Hollow Eye of the Toad Dry Pinot Noir Rose, unnecessarily long name for a VERY mediocre effort.
July 7, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

I’m looking forward to gettin’ the 4th generation wristband.

Sidenote – not a fan of the mic for the standard shows. I understand the need for one on live shows, but for the standard wltv episode i’d prefer it left out. The sound is not as warm and personal as it was prior to the mic.

QOTD: Only had one wine this weekend and was extremely disappointed with it. I don’t remember the exact producer but it was a 2004 cotes du rhone. it just fell flat with no layers of flavor at all and the flavor it did have was kind of bland with no finish at all. Hopefully this week/weekend will have some good wines in the lineup.

–RH
July 7, 2008

Mike Nally
QOTD: Ashamed to admit it was a wine-free weekend. Explosives and alcohol don’t mix so well you see.
Good effort on the mic. Something that has been needed. Tweak your setup a little bit and the sound should rock. A bit muddy this time around but fully appreciate the effort to constantly improve! Wish I could make it out to San Fran for #500. Kill it!
July 7, 2008

Kevin K
QOTD: Best – La Linda Tempranillo
Worst – A not so good Prosecco.
July 7, 2008

Goncasurus-Rex
I agree with mmm everyone else loose the mic, it sounded better without it. also I would like an oakmonster tee but it says you dont have any!!! is this true. ohh and I need a job can I get one doing odd jobs for you on the internet.
July 7, 2008

John Farrin
QOTD: Oh yeah, I’ve been waiting for over a month for you to ask this question. Do you wanna know why? Huh. Huh. Do ya? Because you OWE me for not showing up at your book signing in SF. A real nice after effect of that flu that kept me away from the signing was the loss of smell & taste. After going thru the first round of antibiotics, nasal sprays and allergy pills (all to no avail) know I’m subjected to friends(?) saying things like, “Gee, the only other person I’ve known who lost their sense of taste and smell found out later that the cause was a brain tumor.

So, to finally answer your question, J W Morris Merlot, $2.99 at Trader Joe’s, is both. What I won’t do for you
July 7, 2008

Danny C
QOTD: Unfortunately, not wine, but I did drink a lot of IPA (Harpoon, Long Trail, Smuttynose, etc.)!!!!
July 7, 2008

Piper
QOTD: Best wine this weekend was 2001 Gran Feudo Reserva (I think that was the correct vintage; I found it at my LCBO the next day, and was horrified that the restaurant the night before had marked up the price nearly 250% ! Still… it was a good wine.) Worst was Masi Valpolicella… it was just BLah.
July 7, 2008

manonthemoon
Didn’t really dig the mic, but maybe it is too new for my tastes, but it seems others feel the same.

QOTD: Best 2004 Rockblock Del Rio Vineyard Syrah, it was almost as good as I remeber it tasting at the winery, which is always a plus considering the mood when you are on Vaca. Is by far the best oregon syrah I have tasted, and for the price it is pushing it for me. I just wish it was a little more full bodied and it would of been a homerun.

Worst was the 2005 Belle Vallee Pinot Noir Williamette Valley, this by far was one of the weakest pinots I have found from Oregon and continues to show me just how much I differ from the Wine Spectators NW writer, who gave this a 91 and for me it was average at best. Hence another reason to check on CT before purchasing blind.
July 7, 2008

cameron w
I have to agree on the mic. for in the office episodes – the sound quality is really bad. It may work in other settings, but not in the office.

Looking forward to the 500th in SF, we’ll be there.

Only had one wine the whole weekend:( Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot, can’t remember the vintage but it was the current release. Accordingly, it was both the best and worst wine for me this weekend. It was actually quite enjoyable, especially for the price.
July 7, 2008

KenW
QOTD: Best: 2005 “the scrapper” -a cab franc from vinum cellars. Enjoyed this at lulu restaurant in mammoth lakes CA. After a day of hiking to Duck lake it was just what we needed. Dayam smooth. Dayam good.
Worst: Margues de la Concordia Crianza. 2004. This was good when I opened it last week. Should have finished the last glass then instead of last night. yech.
July 7, 2008

Russ J
Sheesh. Not sure about that new intro… definitely do not like the sound of that mike. Nothing wrong with the content, however. Good show!

QOTD: Best: D’Arenberg D’Arry’s Shiraz/Grenache 2004
Worst: Terre Nero D’Avola 2005 (good wine but luckily for me, the worst I had this weekend)
July 7, 2008

Mark Tolerico
Great episode Gary, Dolcetto always rocks the house!
July 7, 2008

J.W. Stewart
Sorry no wine this weekend. I’ll have to try harder. I really would like to fine a wine tasting event where I could go for one fee and really explore the different styles of wines. I’m new to wine and really your show is my inspiration and reason for wanting to explore the wine world. Keep bringing the thunder.
July 7, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
The miking is terrible. Sounds like you are in a barrel. I liked what you were doing before. I had no bad wines this weekend. We went through 12 Portuguese and Spanish reds and whites many bought from episodes of the show. Not a dog in the bunch and several outstanding Duro’s. Wines that were bought back from as early as episode 77.
July 7, 2008

Deano
Gary great episode I really like the wrist band. I hope i get one because when i initially emailed my book receipt i didn’t get a response. But i did buy a couple books an email the receipt to book@winelibrary.com I am loving the yellow thats for sure.

QOTD:
-Went wine tasting up in Napa and the best wine was the Reserve Alpha Omega and i believe it was an 2005 Cab estate grown and it was silky and very good. The worst was when we rode the Gondola ride at Sterling and once we got to the top after waiting 45 MIN in line FTL The wines were pretty weak. I would say the worst was the 2005 Cab that we had it pretty much sucked. Also the Pinot Noir sucked too. I was unhappy with Sterling in General.
July 7, 2008

GrapeStuff
QOTD: Didnt have wine this weekend , had beer.
July 7, 2008

RonC
Nice upgrade to the show.

QOTD: Had 2 wines over the weekend and both were excellent (2005 Argyle Pinot Noir and 2006 Staete Landt Pinot Noir Marlborough).
July 7, 2008

Palmer
best: ‘06 Magito Rivertrace Blend North Coast (Sauvignon Blanc 82%, with 8% Viognier and 10% Verdelho thrown in).

worst: none. didn’t drink anything bad.
July 7, 2008

Lysandus
I’m going to have to try this “tar” wine.
July 7, 2008

Adam J
QOTD: The wine one wine I had this weekend was the worst one ever. David Kinor Merlot. It smelled interesting, like tomato stew at first, then like old twizzlers, but it just tasted awful.

Wasn’t really a fan of the mic either. The sound wasn’t quite right.
But on a positive note: great show, I dig the new wristband.
July 7, 2008

Gonzo
QOTD:
Best wine this weekend – Buty Columbia Rediviva 2002. It was probably the fact I was drinking it with my fiance who I hadn’t seen in a month or maybe the amazing Fillet Mignon we had it with (FYI Marx Brothers in Anchorage, AK is awesome), but man that was a tastee bottle of the vino.

Worst wine this weekend – Lone Canary Sauv Blanc 2006. Flabby, although it had a nice melon component.
July 7, 2008

M
QOTD: Had a lot of favorites! It was along weekend. Had reds and whites from Languedoc. Had a red from the Rhone area. Maybe the worst was a taste of tempranillo from somewhere in Spain, not rioja. Liked the spanish rueda/verdejo.
July 7, 2008

Neil
QOTD: The best wine: Chateau Sansonnet 2003. The worst wine: Chimney Rock 2000 Elevage. I guess it didn’t hold up to time.

The microphone has limitations: 1.) It’s a condenser mic which makes your voice sound sqished; 2.) When you say “Hello everybody…”, and “Mott, Link it Up..” it distorts your voice instead of sounding louder; 3.) It really does a great job of picking up on the spit bucket sounds whicj may or may not be a good thing. How about putting it farther away from your squawk box on a lapel or something. Scratch that, how bout going back to the overhead mic? Huh???????????????
July 7, 2008

Smith MBA
Dolcetto is a solid grape. Always into the piemonte.

No wine this weekend. I crushed my finger under a television helping my buddy move so it was tough to open up a bottle. I’m ok only a little gash.
July 7, 2008

Lb in KS
Hey G… don’t read too much into this, but, now…when you spit… I have the urge to go pee? what’s up with that?
qotd…I only drank one bottle of wine over the weekend. A Riesling I made myself other than that it was beer… hey it was the 4th.
July 7, 2008

Wendy
The best: 2004 Kanu Limited Release, KIA-ORA, Noble Late Harvest. A Stellenbosch white dessert wine from South Africa with a BIG sweet flavour.
Mouth coating and perfect in small amounts that can be tasted on and on and on.

The worst: none this time.

Wendy and Bill
July 7, 2008

Joe
Can’t wait to see you in SF! I’ll be there, don’t know what I’m gonna bring yet though.
July 7, 2008

Andy
Thanks for the Dolecetto G always a interesting wine…
QOTD— We had a Italian white wine tasting and all of them were pretty good …. The best was 2006 San Gimignano and the least favorite was a basic Orvieto …. but still acceptable
July 7, 2008

Pete G
I’m diggin the new format. Love the upgraded intro – very “Get Shorty esque”
Gonna hafta get used to that “swish/swirl” mic though.

QOTD: No bad wines this weekend. Best? Riondo prosecco.
July 7, 2008

Rick D
QOTD: 2005 Bodegas Castano “Solanera Vinas Viejas” Yecla, Spain. This was my first wine from this region and I will now seek out other examples. No worst, only had this one bottle unfortunately.

Don’t care for the new mike. I agree with “Withnail” You no longer sound warm, personal, intimate as you usually do. Also, magnifies the swishing sound as you are tasting.
July 7, 2008

Rick D
Forgot to say I bought a bottle of the 2005 Pietro Rinaldi Dolcetto Dâ€™alba the last time I ordered from WL. Now I can’t wait to try it.
July 7, 2008

TLR
QOTD

Best wine Crossings Sav. Blanc from New Zealand very crisp very refreshing

Worst – 1981 Charles Krug Cabernet just too old
July 7, 2008

Chris
Can you please throw the mic away? I spent about 5 minutes trying to figure out what the hell is wrong with the sound…. I was very distressed during the whole show. It’s just not right.
July 7, 2008

pawncop
Great episode, cannot wait for 499 nor 500.

QOTD – had to work the weekend so no wine for me but earlier did have a bottle of Franciscan 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon that I really enjoyed.

Did not have worst bottle but did have a 2005 Justin Cab that was good but not as good as the Franciscan.
July 7, 2008

Jay
Wow! Sorry to say it, but thumbs down on the new mike. You sounded like you had the head cold of a century!
July 7, 2008

Antony
On the wine front, I had a bottle of Chevalier de Lascombes 2004. It was good but not brilliant.

On the geek front, that mic’ really is not working for you. May be that it’s cheap (in which case try a Countryman B6 from B&H). More likely, it’s too sensitive which would mean checking out if there is a ‘trim’ option in the audio menu on the camera. If not, you can buy pads to reduce the dbs. Other things to try are setting the audio levels manually and putting the clp mic’ through one channel and the on camera mic’ through the other – just to give a bit of ambience. Finally, if you’re out and about, make sure you’ve got a fluffy wind shield.
July 7, 2008

The Original Marc
QOTD: Worst – whatever was in the keg at my girlfriend’s friend’s fourth of July party. Best – Olde Main Pale Ale.

Both are beers, but I didn’t have any wine over the weekend so I figured I’d go this route.
July 7, 2008

Dave H
Love the Mascarello t-shirt, and psyched to see you’ve popped into Terroir. (I need to stop in more often so I can run into you there.)

Don’t love the clip-on mike…

QOTD: last week was an interesting wine week for me as I was on a family vacation to Michigan and had the opportunity to taste some local wines from the Lake Michigan Shore AVA and on the whole I was darn impressed. My favorite maybe was the 06 dry Riesling from Tabor Hill, perfectly bone-dry, classic petrol and latex thing going on, nice minerality, and even a decent deal at tasting room prices. (I came fairly close to buying one to send into WLTV.) Their Cab Franc was totally overpriced (like 30 bones or so), but again I was super impressed to see solid wine-making, very good fruit, and utterly classic varietal character. Even the Reserve Chard was completely restrained with a very nice, Burgundian nose (slightly odd flavor on the palate, but still perfectly decent wine).

Overall I’d say Tabor Hill showed better (to my palate, which is very much not in the California direction) than probably 80% of the places I visited in CA, and that’s disregarding the fact that they gave us 8+ pours for free, with their entire selection available.

On the other hand when you go through the tastings at a number of small wineries in a not-very-wine-savvy location, you get plenty of clunkers. Everywhere seemed to be pushing their “semi-dry” wines as crowd pleasers, every one of which I tasted was completely lacking in the acidity necessary for an off-dry wine, although again the source fruit was not bad. Out of curiosity I took a taste of the sweet peach wine at Round Barn, which was fairly god-awful (canned peach juice, basically), but out of respect for the LMS I’ll peg the worst wine of the week the Hugo Shiraz my parents brought up with them, which somehow managed to be simultaneously undrinkable and deathly boring.
July 7, 2008

JonE
Two weeks after the original Dolcetto episode-I had a Brovia Dolcetto @Otto in NYC. It was perfect pizza bliss. Thanks G-Man

QOTD:
Worst-Treana 04′ White (really not bad, but not as good in comparison)
Best-Elizabeth Spencer 04′ Pinot Noir-good not great, close to fair

I think I was 0 for 2.
July 7, 2008

DaveK
Gustatory \GUS-tuh-tor-ee\, adjective:
Of or pertaining to the sense of taste.
Dictionary.com Word of the day: Word of the Day for Monday, July 7, 2008
Sorry I missed you in Oregon! No longer a lurker.
July 7, 2008

Ryan W
I didn’t have a bottle of wine….:(
July 7, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
QOTD=Best was Pierre Morlet Brut NV Rocking big time bubbly 30 bones!!!! Worst PJ Grand Brut NV. Maybe because we had the Morlet first, the PJ just made us wish for more of the Morlet. ps, not sure what PJ is? turn the computer off and bang your head rapidly into the nearest wall
July 7, 2008

NY Pete
Thanks for the shout out Dude Dolcetto’s rock. PS- you should do a sound check next time.
July 7, 2008

Dominus
Ahhhh, he’s back and stronger than ever. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the last time or if I’ve ever had a Dolcetto. That’s embarrassing so I need to change that soon and add it to my Centurion Club list.

QOTD: I had so many wines this long weekend it was hard to keep track. I will say the best wine was a non-descript NZ SB called Oyster Bay. So good in fact, I just ordered a case. The worst? I hate to admit it but the Treana white you reviewed a week or so ago was not up to expectation. Just not my style.

It was a pleasure meeting you in Rockville but I forgot my wristband! Can you have Brandon or someone throw one in my case before it leaves the shop?

Cheers!
Dom

P.S. I can email the receipt from the booksigning if need be to follow the rules!
July 7, 2008

Fred
Hey Chuck…great show…no wine this past weekend as I had to work…bummer…love the new wristband, will try to get one…Thanks for coming to Portland…enjoyed the talk and it was great to me you…even better chatting with Lizzie…you married WAY above your means dude….tried to talk her into coming on the show…no go…anyway…congrats on 500 shows…you are the MAN! Fred in Oregon….you gotta show the ORYGUN sticker…
July 7, 2008

Jeff
Mic is not a good idea, Gary. Sound is far worse quality than with the boom. If it’s not a Sennheiser, try one of those. If it is, I’d stick with the boom.
July 7, 2008

Kirk (aka: slave2thevine)
QOTD:The worst bottle was a Pacific Rim Riesling..far too much like sugar water. I had a Chenin Blanc that wasn’t too bad though.
July 7, 2008

Kirk (aka: slave2thevine)
Whoops…I almost forgot. The BEST wine of the 4th was a 1999 Ken Wright SV Pinot Noir I got as a gift for my Birthday. Absolutely breath-taking.
July 7, 2008

Yvette W
No wine this weekend. Mike sounds okay, the voice is a bit faded. I like the other way better – but great show nonetheless!! Looking forward to the new wristband! YAY
July 7, 2008

christophr
THE BEST wine I had this weekend was a Vaona 2005 Classico Superiore Valpolicella. Had it at a local restaurant and it was amazing, so I went searching the local stores and found a bottle to bring home.

Exquisite!
July 7, 2008

Paulie D
Best wine = 2001 Whispering Dove Cab; decanted for 3 hrs
worst wine = the 2005 Chateau St Michelle Riesling; what do you want for $5
all shared with 15 friends – smiles abound
July 7, 2008

BobbyTiger
Never heard of this Italian grape, but then again, most Italians have never heard of me. Makes us even-stephen. The fourth was pretty dry, except for beer, and that of course does not count. When I drove home, (a long, long, long drive), I ran to the kitchen and popped my bottle of Gnarley Head Zin. And because I was pretty tired, chased that with some Cooke Brute. (God it was good to get home).
July 7, 2008

sam
Great to see your show again. I missed you guys! I can see a lot of work is being put into the show with all the new stuff such as the mic (you can really hear the whirl!)Keep it up! Looking forward to show 499!

QOTD: The best wine I’ve had this week-end was a Vignier, Domaine Cazal-Viel 2006 from the Pays D’Oc. Good apricot and limestone aromas.
July 7, 2008

E
You don’t need the mic. But then you knew that already.

I’m intrigued. I haven’t even cracked any of the Dolcetti I got after the last episode (well, the Pecchenino San Luigi, but then I really should have waited for some pasta).

Good wines: ‘00 Rioja Alta Vina Alberdi–probably a little more acidic than it needed to be, but still old-school goodness. ‘02 ESJ Shadow–aromatically pleasing, but never really did uncoil like I was hoping it would, even after six hours of air.

Bad wines: ‘06 A Mano Primitivo (everyone else seemed to like it OK, but it did nothing for me), Tarini syrah from Argentina (their torrontes rocks, but this was just awful).
July 7, 2008

Tyler RM
QOTD – Best would have to be Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc. It was absolutely stellar. Worst is Marquis Philips Sarah’s Blend. It really wasn’t all that bad, but was a bit too over-the-top and vanilla/oaky for me.
July 7, 2008

EternalChild
Awesome possum!
July 7, 2008

amgryger
QOTD: I only had 3 wines this weekend and none of them were spectacular. The best was the Gruet Blanc de Noirs, which I thought was a good value, and the worst was a syrah/cinsault rose from France which didn’t work for me at all.
July 7, 2008

amgryger
Actually, my last comment wasn’t really true. I just remembered a 4th wine, a cheap Montepulciano D’abruzzo that came in a 1.5L bottle and was disgustingly bretty.
July 7, 2008

Tyler
Best: 05 Turley Pesenti Vineyard Zin

Worst: 03 Dehille Harrison Hill Yakima Valley Cab
July 7, 2008

tinman9
Best bottle was the ‘06 Edmeades Zin although it wasn’t that great, but I guess it was the best and the worst bottle was also the worst bottle I have ever had. It was a ‘99 Chateau Le Prieure, the only thing good about it was the label, it looked like it had potential. One of my friends got it as a gift, we had never heard of it, so it was hit or miss. A big miss.

The nose smelled of funky dirt, and not in a good way and the wine had absolutely no structure. It didn’t linger on the finish for even half a second. It drank like funky vitamin water, real light like that. Dumped it. Straight down the drain son.
July 7, 2008

Chris
Lurker post for you: mic sounds a little muddy. I think that audio was better using your old method.
July 7, 2008

thefanjestic
Good Episode – the Thunder show has brought back the Thunder or maybe it’s just me. Work on the Microphone, but I’m sure we appreciate all of the effort! Sweet Wristband – hope you pick episode 1 through 104 then I’m all set. Still have more to watch! Baby slows you down!!
July 7, 2008

Tgatesman
QOTD: worst – Franzia boxed Chardonney (not sure what vintage or how long it had been in the frig); best – CARM Douro Grande Reserva 2004 (Excellent!)
July 7, 2008

Robin C
Loved hearing about the dolcettos.
The mike didn’t bother me.
QOTD: We had a group over, so we had a fair amount of wine. Hands down favorite was Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon Bosche Estate 1997 – a perfect wine, a close second was Beaulieu Vineyards Tapestry Meritage 2004, we also liked Commissioner’s Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, a PGA Tour label. Least liked was a 1.5 L. bottle of Normal No Nonsense Red – a bitter finish.
We also got in a boatload of whites, just in the nick of time, it’s getting kind of muggy here in New Mexico. The monsoons are coming.
July 7, 2008

Jared Pondelik
Great episode Gary. I can’t wait for 499 and 500. Please keep the thunder going.
July 7, 2008

Jaybird
I’LL WATCH SHOW either way, put maybe micwas to close to neck pretty good for your first attempt though.

QOTD: 2002 CHATEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD AND 2005 KJ MERRITAGE
July 7, 2008

RonD
QOTD: Best wine was a Navaro Chard La Methode Anciente with fresh caught Dungeness crab from Puget Sound. Worst wine was a Petite Syrah (forget the name) from Mexico – it was too over-ripe when picked and was borderline raiseny.
July 7, 2008

SpecialAgentUtah
Hey Gary,

Glad to have ya back! Dolcetto’s bring it for sure.

QOTD:
So, this past 4th of July weekend i ordered a wine by the glass that completely blew me away. It was made from the obscure Lacrima di Morro d’Alba red grape (never had heard of it, thought it was related to Barbera or something) and it was specifically the Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, Marotti Campi, “Orgiolo”, Marche, 2005.

OK, the nose and the taste of this wine are like nothing I’ve ever even come close to smelling before…in a wine. However, my father and I were so close to pinpointing the aroma, but still haven’t and it’s killing me. Very exotic, herbal, like the leaves of some fruit tree. Like, I swear I’ve eaten a weird Chinese candy or something that smelled and tasted exactly like this. It’s as if it’s not even made from a grape. Crazy, but awesome. I could’ve sniffy-sniffed this wine forever.

Would LOVE to see you taste this wine on your show just to see your reaction. Let Mott sniffy-sniff it, too!

Would love to here any feedback from you about this grape. Have you ever tried it?

Thanks and keep on rockin’ it!
July 7, 2008

Grapedigger
Great show GV. I am enjoying Dolcetto after you had introduced it on WLTV last year. Cheers
July 7, 2008

LuvsChandon
I enjoyed my first Dolcetto a few weeks ago at a Camp-out Spaghetti dinner, it was perfect!

I had so much wine over the weekend…easily tried over 30 types of wine, and I enjoyed all, except maybe a dry pinot rose but that was tasted after a meritage so I wont comment on the maker since I need to give it another chance.

Just finished one of the bottles I opened on the 3rd, Fox Run Riesling from NY, perfect on this hot summer eve.
July 7, 2008

Anthony L.
Best wine was a Gavi, 2006…worst was Cotes Du Rhone, Rebel 2005

Gotta say Gary, the sound stinks with the mic. Lose it.
July 7, 2008

Kristen
I appreciate you updating the show (love the new intro and the new layout of WLTV.com) but not loving the mic. Believe me, you were definitely loud enough before! I’m saying this in a nice way of course! I hope Bordeaux is treating you well!

QOTD: 2006 St Cosme CÃ´tes du RhÃ´ne blanc that I picked up from the local liquor store (wanted to get a red wine drinking friend to try out new whites) and then I saw you favorably reviewed it this year! Needless to say, that was my favorite wine of the weekend.

http://tv.winelibrary.com/2008/01/15/wild-white-wines-episode-386/

Least favorite was a bottle of sparkling in the cellar- it was past its prime.
July 7, 2008

Dan Manu
Best: 2006 Nuevo Rosso by Chain of Ponds, Sangiovese-Grenache Rosato. Love this wine, even non rose drinkers would have to love this!

Worst: 2007 Cathcart Ridge Estate Reserve Riesling, interesting floral nose, not much else going for it…
July 7, 2008

SteveW
Please go back to the old microphone.
QOTD: Best – Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Worst – None, I only had the 1 bottle of wine, as I was drinking
mostly beer on the 4th.
July 7, 2008

Vinay
sell the wristband..it would be a bigger hit than the shirts
July 7, 2008

JC
This is the last episode for me until I get back from my trip to Ireland in 2 weeks. Beat. QOTD: 2003 Cafaro Syrah
July 7, 2008

RnD
QOTD: Let’s see, the best was the Chateau St Michelle 2002 Horse Heaven Sauv Blanc. The worst? Hmm, can’t really say I had a worst… all were good.
July 7, 2008

Moselman
Had 3 wines this weekend â€“ all white. One big disappointment, 2 runners-up for worst.

Disappointing was the Feudo d’Elimi Grillo that I’d been so exited about finding a couple of months ago. This time it was harsh (tempted to say hot, but only 13% alc.) and lacking the nose and palate treats of the first. Last glass tonight, 48 hours later with a mushroom and 3-cheese calzone, it was bland and boring.

Runners-up were a Hardy’s Stamp Chard & Semillon blend that hadn’t a chance, featuring my two least favourite wines, and sneaking up the middle was a French viognier that was OK.

My modest kingdom for a nice riesling!
July 7, 2008

Peter
Gary,

I’m not yet 21, and I’m not too sure if i even like the taste of wine in general, but this show is so exciting and fun to watch that I keep on coming back for more.

Sniffy Sniff it UP!

Peter
July 7, 2008

T. Holland
Fun episode. Have never tried a Dolcetto (except maybe one crappy one at my in-laws). Actually, I think that was another obscure Italian wine.

QOTD: Did not drink any wine this weekend b/c I am supporting my wife through her pregnancy. Did have a bottle of Kilikanoon Killerman’s Run 2005 last week, while she was staying at her parents. Decent, very new world fruit bomb, but did not “change my life.”
July 7, 2008

twalk
the best wine i had this week was the bohan-dillon pinot noir, hirsch vineyards sonoma coast 2005
the worst was definitely michael and david petit petite…too much…grody to the max
July 8, 2008

otis
Big time lurker…normally watch week old downloads at the the gym…best wine this weekend was an 06 molino di sant’antimo – not even sure if that is a varietal or a region but it went well with a basic penne w/ sausage Puttanesca. For the 4th I have to admit to watching the fireworks in DC and drinking keg beer. GV can’t say I like the mic – or the intro graphics – I like the old school show better…just a lurker’s comments. Thanks for the last 3+ years.
July 8, 2008

Roadwarrior
Drank Dolcetto’s in Rome last summer and really enjoyed, haven’t gone back to them since. Thanks for the reminder
July 8, 2008

Paul V
Hi Gary,

I went up to Temecula to taste wines all weekend.
In order to assist with my future plans of pairing *good* wine with *good* food I have started taking tasting notes. So: I can answer exactly what the best and worst wines that I tasted this weekend.

The Best: Mount Palomar 2005 Viognier – Beautiful and HUGE, excellent balance. Incredible.
The Worst: 2006 Razor’s Edge Shiraz-Grenache: It’s a $6.99 from Australia. It’s a bit off balance, hollow mid palate, with muted flavors. Not terrible but not my cup of wine.
July 8, 2008

J Crazy
Best and worst were the same as I only had one wine this weekend: Chateau Julien 2002 Merlot, Monterey County. It was nice and fruit driven with standard structure, balance, etc. It was perfect for just sitting back with the wife while watching Borat and it went surprisingly well with a cheese (can’t remember the name but was very similar to emmental).
July 8, 2008

Ben Janssen South Australia
About time Dolcetto got another go.
July 8, 2008

T. Holland
Btw, if anyone is looking for a good hoppy IPA Beer. Try the Smuttynose IPA. Enjoyed that over the weekend.
July 8, 2008

DAve A
new mic isn’t good quality. nope.
QOTD: Walnut Crest, Chile Cab Sauv. From your earlier show. yumm.

The more I listen, the more I think you should sell your new mic on ebay.

Band for each poster? wow. cool.
July 8, 2008

Sam Lydecker
Hardcore Holly too new school?

Have you forgotten his origin as Sparky Plugg the Nascar driver turned wrestler back in the early 90’s?
July 8, 2008

Wes M
For the record, I love the new mini-intro. Don’t get rid of it.

QOTD: the best was a 2007 Altos las Hormigas Malbec and the worst was Labore-Roi 2006 pinot noir reserve “les sangliers” (a ten dollar vin de pays which tasted like a whole mess of very underripe cherries with Splenda).
July 8, 2008

Mary Brown
Greg Norman Estates Australia Sparkling, OK perhaps not the worst, but not what I wanted from a sparkling wine. Very oakey, chardonnayesque, not the bright pinot grape flavor I was looking for. One the other hand, The Domaine Chandon Pinot Noir sparkling wine was fab! Love, love, loved it.
(You have to have sparklers for the 4th!)
July 8, 2008

Exdamyankee
QOTD- Well the 4th at our place was interesting, as it was the day my stepson chose to get married. After a small ceremony we had a reception at our house with 40 family and friends, and we went through about a dozen bottles of wine. IIRC, they were:

Beringer Pinot Grigio 2007
Johann Falkenburg Gewurztraminer 2006
Chateau St Jean Chardonnay 2006 Sonoma
Greg Norman Cabernet Merlot 2005
Riunite Lambrusco NV
Twin Fin Cabernet 2004
A $14 Prosecco I can’t remember
Alice White Lexia 2007

In the Florida summer heat with a *lot* of non-wine drinkers I mainly opened up lighter, sweeter quaffers, as you can see. With the crowd I had there was no call for opening up anything remotely “serious” (BTW the Riunite was brought by one of the grandmas, and it was as grim as I remember it).

The Norman Cab-Merlot and CStJ Chard are reliable staples in my cellar, inexpensive and satisfying.

A surprise was actually the Twin Fin, which for a cheap Cab was quite enjoyable, I think because it didn’t taste like a cheap Cab at all–with too much residual sugar, big fruit, and toned-down tannins it really tasted more Shiraz-y that Cab-ish. Yellow Tail folks will adore this stuff: It scores much higher on the deliciousness scale, and was quite a hit. Silver Oak it “ain’t,” but there’s a time and place for most all, I guess!
July 8, 2008

Adam J
Awesome thunder on this episode, I’m super stoked for thursday. Hope everybody at wine library had a great weekend.
QOTD: Worst wine was a demi-sec vouvray, I’m sorry but I dont remember the producer, I do remeber it was a 2005.
Best wine was a Lieb Long Island Pinot Blanc. I will be patiently waiting the episode when wristbands will be given to all who leave a comment. Thanks for the show!
July 8, 2008

TimCub
QOTD in haiku: Question of the day: Best – Brancott Sauvignon Blanc. Not so good – Wild Bunch.
July 8, 2008

Mike Nelson
Gary,

The worst wine: Heat damaged red from down under. It has a penguin on the label. Shiraz I believe.

The Best Wine: Rodney Strong: 2005 “A Gentlemen’s Port” Sonoma County.

I know, not so hot, but the best I could do. I have to admit, I’m more of a 15 year Tawny Port guy than the heavy stuff out of that bottle. However it was gift, so I will keep on drinking it.

Mike Nelson
July 8, 2008

Tooch
hey gary -

This weekend’s wine recap (ranked in order of enjoyment):

1. Turkey Flats 2006 Rose
2. Rombauer 2006 Carneros Chardonnay
3. Chelehem 2006 Pinot Gris
4. Alamos 2006 Torrontes
5. Pazo Senorans 2006 Albarino
6. Grigch Hills 2006 Chardonnay
7. Black Pig 2006 Ribera Del Duero

Good show as usual – hope all is well!
July 8, 2008

david h.
No wine for me this weekend but I did finally pick up a Chateauneuf Du Pape that I’m excited to try this coming weekend.
July 8, 2008

Mason
The new wristband is great, GV! I am a fan of Dolcetto and have been one for a while. Like you said, it is sad to see the price going up on it, but you can still get some great juice for under $20.

QOTD: I didn’t get to have any wine this past weekend because I was on call for work, and just didn’t want to be called in while in the midst of enjoying some great wine. Hopefully this weekend will be different.
July 8, 2008

Yoni Rabkin
Great EP!

I would just like to retell my GV email story here:

I sent GV an email with a photo of my wife and I and the book. I got a link to GV’s “why you won’t hear from me in less than two weeks” video. I got a email back the next day!

Go GV!
July 8, 2008

ev
New mic, not good. You sound like you’ve got a very bad cold and somebody shoved you into a box……..oh, and closed and ducttaped it and put you in the back of a ‘69 Ford Econoline van.
July 8, 2008

David
The worst: A hot 2006 Fleur Pinot Noir (Carneros) poured at a 4th of July festival served in a plastic cup. The best: 2004 Palm Cellars Syrah Judy’s (Paso Robles). Used to not prefer this area, but some stuff I’ve tasted lately have been delicious.
July 8, 2008

MarioV
Hi Gary,

My 10 y.o. son is starting to sniffy sniff and taste a bit (we’re Italian!). It’s neat how he uses references that he knows and that you have used as well eg. Skittles and Nerds.

QOTD : Best wine this W/E was a ‘00 Cesari Amarone – went great with some nice Reggiano and bruschetta.

Have a great 500th. And come to Canada for some Niagara and BC wines.
July 8, 2008

rimarfish
Nice Show…i didn’t like the new audio though…
QOTD: worst: Alamos seleccion malbec 2006. I’m argentinian and big fan of malbecs, but this one was too oaky and unbalanced for me.
The best was a brand new 2006 vacqueyras from Domaine Bouletin. On my way back home, i found out that the cork was broken and some wine spilling out. I didn’t want to return the bottle (the aromas were beautiful), so i decided to open it that day. It was delicious. Gorgeous red fruit with a huge minerality backing up.
July 8, 2008

Jeff
Hey can someone tell me what the 3 of the episodes where gary travels to France.
thanks!!
July 8, 2008

Neil
QOTD: Gary, I am all about trying new wines, however this weekend I was in the mood to go with the “tried and true”. Therefore, there was no “worst” wine. I had the 2004 Terrazas de los Andes Cab Sav. I rate this wine 92+ at $10. It is unfiltered. Heavy tomato and plum components with chocolate and mocha on the finish. The other wine was the 2006 J. Lohr White Riesling. A fantastic wine from a winery that I love. A little more “Chard-like” than the 05, but really excellent. The customary great acidity of J. Lohr Riesling. This wine has more nuttiness and cheesiness than the 05, which was more tropical. Great complexity, great fruit, everlasting gobstopper finish, great wine for $10!
July 8, 2008

Phil M'Glassup
Nothing but good wines which was fortunate as it was my birthday on Saturday July 5.
After a tasty pate starter, the delightful BabsHoney prepared a couple of delicous porterhouse steaks with a suteed tomato topping, the recipe for which was actually on Gourmet this month. We washed it down with that 2004 Turnbull Cab. I was impressed by this wine’s liveliness and drinkablility, not ponderous or heavy going at all. Defnitely great with food and perfect with the steak. Even more delightful was the sight of the ever-dainty BabsHoney mounting an attack on her Flintsonian-sized steak. She’ so sweet.
BabsHoney had baked a gorgeous golden buttercream birthday cake which she painstakingly garlanded with sprays of frosting flowers and cresting curlicues. We drank that prosecco you see in better wine shops with the green label. Everybody knows it, don’t remember the name. The citrus, pineapple flavours mated deliciosly with the creamy birthday cake.
And on Sunday, with our farewell-birthday-weekend, tomato and shrimp dinner, we opened the Havens Alabrino which you loved but has caused some controversy on the forum boards. It took a while for me to get into it but once it opened up, I totally dug the faintly tropical notes atop a mix of grapefruit, herb and mint. Definitely arty but wonderful summer drinking.
The new mic set up makes your aerating sound like a trpical storm. Talk about bringing the thunder. Yes, the other viewers are right. Retire that lavalier.
July 8, 2008

Oregon Jim
great episode, get a better mic because the concept is good, you sound much richer but the thing you are using has very little dynamic range. You need to spend a few hundred bones to get quality, and your voice does the whole spectrum over the time of a show.

QOTD The best I had was a 2003 Col Solare Washington Cab. Wow it brings the thunder! The worst was a ‘96 Tempranillo Grand Riserva that had unfortunately turned the corner. Otherwise it would have been a contender.
July 8, 2008

Ben Janssen South Australia
Mate the mic is terrible.
You sound like you have a cold and are talking into a large cardboard box.
The previous voice recording was much better.
July 8, 2008

thunderball
I think it was waaaay better without the mic. Now it sounds like a bad CNN feed from Kabul or something. Totally different feeling actually when you watch it…
July 8, 2008

Neil
Gary, was reading the comments and have got to agree with otis, the microphone SUCKS! Old School rules!
July 8, 2008

Augustus
The new mic sounds pretty awful.

The BEST wine I had on the fourth was a gorgeous Cinsault basted Rose – oh, how nicely the fruit and acidity came together.

The WORST wine? Well, one of the guests actually brought a bottle of Robert Mondavi Private Select Merlot to the BBQ – not knowing that many a wine snob would be present. My friends and I snickered at the sight of it, but towards the end of the evening I demanded that we give it a fair shake. So we opened and tasted it. IT WAS BLOODY AWFUL. It wasn’t just awful in the “wine snob” sense. It just tasted like crap. Further, it had nothing to do with being cooked, nor corked. It just tasted like crap. It was awful from front to back. I feel so bad for folks who drink that swill. It just keep them from wine for the rest of their lives.
July 8, 2008

Brian Whitaker
What a great question for me. I’m on a temporary work assignment in Melbourne Australia and took a wine tour of the Yarra Valley this last weekend (no 4th of July action here). Best find, the Tokar Estate Tempranillo (unusual grape for this region).
July 8, 2008

Hugo
The microphone sound can be made much better. Several commenters have already given some tips.

The sensitivity setting or “level” of the microphone itself is too high. This causes the sound to be distorted because your voice often hits the limit. If you have the possibility to turn the sensitivity down on the piece of equipment that the microphone is connected to then that may fix the problem.
Alternatively, move the mic further away from your mouth.

Once that is fixed we should be able to hear if the microphone you are currently using still makes it sound “muddy”.

Perhaps you can post the list of equipment and description of your setup on your site somewhere. I’m sure there are some vayniacs who can give some tips to improve it.
July 8, 2008

Richard Ritter
I’m gonna KoKo-B-Ware of that Pietro Rinaldi, but I will try it. Getting my spoof video ready…look out…it will rock!!!

QOTD:
Best weekend wine – Wolffer 2004 Reserve Chardonnay (RAZOR SHARP…Split my tongue in 2)

Worst weekend wine: Toasted Head 2006 Chardonnay (Tasted like a grapefruit soaked in rubbing alcohol)
July 8, 2008

Steve B
QOTD: Best and worst were the same, because I drank just one wine during the weekend (at a birthday party) — Woodbridge cabernet.
July 8, 2008

Ryan D
QotD: Best was a 2003 Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from our honeymoon we opened to celebrate the purchase of our 1st home. Worst was a 2004 Mouton Cadet… not that bad really, it just fell apart over the course of 24 hours.
July 8, 2008

CBone
Good show, Gary!

QOTD: Best wine all weekend…2006 Benton Lane Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, worst…some Argentinian Cabernet at Fogo de Chao, AKA “The Meat Faucet” here in DC. It is the worst because the 3 others I had were all great, and it was…good enough. Not bad, just the worst of the bunch.
July 8, 2008

torquey
Yipes, the show sounded awful with the clip-on mic; not an improvement at all.

QOTD: Worst wine was a taste of Fiano Mandra Rossa at a chain restaurant establishment. Best wine was a 2001 San Biagio Barolo.
July 8, 2008

Scott the ex wine dude
Talk about middle of the road – that new mike sounds like someone took both ends of the eq out.
July 8, 2008

MannyPants
Enjoyed the show GV. I like the new look for the website. Not the biggest fan of the mic though. I honestly can only remember the name of one of the bottles we had this weekend. It was the Pillar Box rea, and after hearing a lot of hype, I wasn’t that impressed. Can’t wait to get the new wristband. I’m definitely a fan of the yellow.
July 8, 2008

Harry
Gary and crew, the mike sounds lousy. I feel bad, since I was one of the people urging you to go with a clip-on, but maybe there is a better mike out there or a way to adjust this one so you don’t sound so stuffed up.
This weekend, I had a few good wines – the Tablas Creek Cotes du Rhone was great with the BBQ, and I also really liked the ripe lush fruits of the Ercavio Roble. I was less impressed by the RH Philips EXP Viognier, which lacked the vibrancy I love in Viognier.
July 8, 2008

SoCal
The best was the 2001 Argiano Solengo Toscana IGT…..modern style….yes….but fun to drink….the worst was……2006 Valdicava Rosso di Montalcino….way too young
July 8, 2008

Tim Robinson
I know that “Link it up Mott” and mentioning all the buttons on your winelibrarytv.com website is a part of the “show”, you’ve now got a lot of iTunes viewers (including me!) who view your show through either their iTunes or on their iPods and therefore have no idea about the links or website nav buttons.

Just a thought …

QOTD: Best wine: Yarraloch Pinot Noir 2005 (Yarra Valley, VIC, Australia). Went so amazingly with crispy blue eye.
Worst wine: Kangarilla Road Primitvo (McLaren Vale, SA, Australia). They’ve changed it from calling it Zinfandel to the old world, Primitivo and unfortunately the new vintage doesn’t stack up to previous efforts. Far too lacking in fruit weight.
July 8, 2008

tom
Best wine from the holiday weekend….
Cuvelier Los Andes 2005
http://personalwinebuyer.wordpress.com/2008/07/05/cuvelier-los-andes-2005/
July 8, 2008

rep56
Lost the mic!
July 8, 2008

SaraMHCRU
We only had 1 bottle this weekend and it was great: Domaine De l’hortus Grand cuvee.

I have to agree with the comments on the audio. It sounds like you’re a bank teller talking to us through bulletproof glass.
July 8, 2008

Phil G
I brought some GV picks to try with some friends, and there weren’t any bad ones…

Best: Gunn Estate Unoaked Chardonnay
Worst (but still pretty good): Altos Las Hormigas Bonarda Mendoza Colonia Las Liebres
July 8, 2008

Karen
Hey G.V.–I’m digging the new changes (especially the intro.), but the mic makes you sound like you are reporting from a cave or that you have come down with a stuffy head cold! Good luck working out the kinks. You and Mott will keep bringing the thunder as always!
July 8, 2008

Chris Saracino
Gary is about as passionate a business person as I’ve ever seen. These are fantastic videos.
July 8, 2008

Thomas
Hey Gary,

I am pretty new to the wine world so I haven’t had a chance to go out and try things out on my own. But this past weekend, the best wine I had was a Fetzer Riesling that is very popular and tastes well because of the acidic taste you were talking about. The worst was a Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay. Not that it was bad, but it was just the worst that I had that weekend. I am hoping in the next couple of weeks to start branching off and starting trying one wine a week until more funds come in

Your show rocks!
July 8, 2008

Wine Maven
QOTD: Best wine of the weekend was a 1996 Dehlinger Cabernet Sauvignon from Russian River Valley – aromas and flavors fo raspberry, black cherry, cassis, chocolate, and a little bit of oak. It matched up great with a grilled rib eye steak. Worst wine of the weekend was a 2005 Chaz Point Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley. It may have been just me, since everyone else seemed to like it, but I found it too one-dimensional with nothing beyond its fruityness.
July 8, 2008

Jimmy T
The shotgun mic you have been using is far superior. This we suffice for ourdoor type things, maybe. Nonetheless, great show!

QOTD:
Worst-Gabbiano Chiati, couldn’t finish the night-time medicine flavor
Best- Lakeridge Reserve Cuvee Noir, florida wine from muscadine. Very surprising!
July 8, 2008

Colin
GV – The new mike! Awesome in its realness! Fun show to boot. QOTD – My 2003 Ch. Clairfont was disappointing! But I opened a St. Cosme Gigondas with some friends that went over in spades. Viva La Rhone!
July 8, 2008

gracem
Another wine to put on my list! I’m really obsessing about Italian wines, ever since going to Italy last year. Italian food, pastry, wine….the Italians know how to dine and do it well. While having a lot of wine there, I mainly drank “house red” in restaurants. However, I did rightly have the Barbara in Piedmonte.

QOTD: no wine this weekend. gasp!!

Look forward to rocking it with you in SF! Bringing friends.
July 8, 2008

hasbeen
QOTD: Best – Super Talbot from Little Ashby Vineyards.
Worst – a 1973 Bordeaux from St. Julien that had gone way over the hill, and maybe was a little heat damaged. We also had a 1985 from the same Chateau that was showing a little too much age, but was very interesting. It had some amazing complexity.
July 8, 2008

Roberto
Hi Gary,

hope your bordeaux trip is going well, how is the weather?

Like the new format, definitely like the new microphone. I just got my Mott link it up t shirt, it is great.

QOTD: best MITOLO GAM 06 , worst, Penfolds, Thomas Hyland Shiraz 05
July 8, 2008

eyezonwine
It was more of a beer weekend, but one of the girls was drinking Sutter Home chard in the mini187’s of course I had to ask for a sip. I guess 10 beers didn’t have me thinking clearly, but even after the beers I could tell how yuckville it was. Sunday popped an ‘05 Adler Fels Santa Barbara Pinot Noir my friends liked it but I was on the fence.
July 8, 2008

Kathy
This was the first episode I watched of yours and it was great. I drank three bottles of wine over the weekend with Three Alarm Cellars California Red being the worst of the three, but still drinkable.
July 8, 2008

Vinophile
QOTD: Best wine this weekend was the dry sample tray from Debonne Vineyards, Madison, OH. Why? What could be better than sharing the grape on a perfect summer 4th of July day with family, just celebrating US?! Worst wine this weekend—I dunno—they all tasted good to me. It was just all about family…
July 8, 2008

Zanne
QOTD: best wine of the weekend was a dry Madeira. First time I’ve had that wine so very interesting, complex, and totally different than most other wines out there. Was great with olives and cheese during an aperitif. Worst wine – Yellow Tail Merlot. Just dull, dull, dull.
July 8, 2008

Pat Sissons
Since i live up here in canada, we don’t celebrate july 4th, but rather july 1st. I did however have a nice tasting wine over the holidays.

2005 Renwood Zinfandel, Sierra Foothills
Scored 90 points by Tidings Mag September 2007 (never heard of them…)
about $20 CAD

decanted for about 5 hours
nose was great, I was getting something like a moist wooden cabin smell, fresh from the morning dew.
taste was pretty fruit-bombish, lots of flavor. I would go into more detail, but this happened about a week ago and I have forgotten the details of the wine’s taste.

overall, i think the wine is good, 90 points might be a stretch, i would go 87 points (i think it was a little hot on the back end, definitely not the 13.5 it is rated at) and a little pricy for what it brings to the table.

no worst wine, as i only had time for one bottle over the weekend (hard to drink wine while outside camping in the wilderness).
July 8, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: Parents have a bunch of bottles in there basement from 1993 to 1995 from when they bought their house down the Cape (homewarming gifts from all their friends). So I grabbed one and said that it’s no good sitting in the basement.. Let’s drink it.

20 minutes after opening it and putting it into the fridge to cool it down a little.. It was one of the worst wines I had ever had.
And an hour later it opened up and softened up 10 times better.

It was a 93 Cabernet. Can’t remember the name.. Winnetuck Vineyards? something maybe.
But that being said.. Just because it’s old doesn’t mean it’s good.
July 8, 2008

BruceP
QOTD: Best wine was the 2004 Arista Mononi Vineyard Pinot Noir. Worst wine was a Kilikanoon Covenant Vineyard Shiraz from Australia. Not actually all that bad if you like the syrupy wines, but pretty flabby after the initial fruit splash.
July 8, 2008

Pam
Hi Gary, you’re coming across a little muffled but still a terrific show. The best wine of the weekend was Pacific Rim sweet riesling. Loved it. Perfect pool wine. Worst wine, The Other shiraz. A little oakey for me. Maybe it was the heat. Love your show!!
July 8, 2008

macgyver4ever
We’ll get used to the new Mic. No worries.

Over the 4th of July, I had a bunch of wine. I visited Iowa (Go HAWKS!) and went to a new winery called FIRESIDE. Most of the wines were very sweet and pleasant (not my style) but one called “Hearthstone” really grabbed my attention. It was still a little on the light side, but had so many beef jerky undertones that really grabbed me. I’m hoping with a little time, this local winery will be really producing.

The worst wine I had was a Fetzer Pinot Grigio. OAK MONSTER! I’m still pulling splinters from my tongue.
July 8, 2008

brorjace
Didn’t really have any good wine this weekend, just cheap reds from my family.
July 8, 2008

Daniel O
QOTD: This past weekend I only had “Patio Pounders”, as the 3 Wine Guys would say. Voga Pinot Grigio, Cesari Unoaked Chardonnay, and Jackson Triggs Chardonnay. Cesari was my favourite of the bunch.
July 8, 2008

drydrew
QOTD: Best Odem Mountain Winery Volcanic Chardonnay 2007 (If you like crushed Pineapple from the can go for it grate hot summer day wine)
July 8, 2008

Ben C
Nice Bartolo Mascarello tshirt. You are sooooo underground (ish) Gary

QOTD Worst wine of the weekend- Kumala (south african) merlot – Yucketty yuck, the vintage doesn’t even matter.
Best wine of the weekend- Silvio Grasso 1998 Barolo- Holla atcha boy!!!!!
(buddy’s bday) Prosciuto, parmigiano chesse and filet mignon. Oh snap.
July 8, 2008

espressokev
just piping in for my chance to get a wristband… =)
July 8, 2008

Sharon
Gary please stop running yourself ragged, you look skinny! PLEASE take care of yourself. I just say because I care. Love, Mom I wish I could go to ep 500 in SF, but can’t make it… kick bottom and I know it will be great fun for all involved!
July 8, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
I need to try more Dolcettos!

Q-Best was a Morellino di Scansano that I always like and worst was some pinot grigio that I came accross somewhere.
July 8, 2008

johnmaki
Bottled wine on the 4th of july for my brother in law. 12 cases of Zin & 12 of sonoma Cab. I have a 3-4 minute video on (photodex.com) – “sharing” – “browse member” – “johnmaki”. You do have to download the veiwer which is easy & free, though.

Had a BBQ with Tudal ‘84 cab, Duckhorn Cab Napa ‘95, Talley Pinot Noir Arroyo Grande ‘97, Ait Sovala 2004 from Morrocco – very good, Raffanelli Zin ‘98 Dry Creek, Richioli Sauv Blanc and a few others – all very good.

Another dinner on Sunday: Black Pig Albarino ‘06, Acacia Carneros Chard ‘04, Kim Cwaford SB ‘07, Black Kite Kites Rest ‘06 (the BEST), nORMAN zIN 2000 Monster, Caymus Cab ‘82, La Velona Brunello 2002, Waterstone Cab Napa 2001, Ch d’Arche 2001, Heitz Port Ink Grade NV.

OK, so I did it just for a chance at the wrist band…..
& you probably don’t care as long as the #’s go up…. john
July 8, 2008

E-Rock
QOTD = Deutschke St. Jakobi Shiraz 2005 was the best. Theworst was probably the 2005 Sierra Carche. Not that it was bad but i was expecting more.
July 8, 2008

Eli
The new microphone makes you sound really nasal. Get rid of it.

Eli
July 8, 2008

Scott Breffle
QOTD: Linne Calodo Rising Tides ‘05. The worst (it wasn’t bad at all, but something had to rank on the bottom) was a glass of Domaine Carneros Brut Rose I had at the winery in Carneros Friday while escaping the San Fran fog. It was pleasant but not that memorable.
July 8, 2008

Andrew D
Hi Gary
QOTD: Well no 4th July in Hong Kong, but best wines over the weekend was a tidy little Sauvignon from Fruili (I think it was a Marks and Spencers own brand) and a Mont Tauche Rose from Corbieres – and the worst … didn’t have a bad one.

Andrew
July 8, 2008

C-Lo
Hey GV, I just got a chance to watch this episode – LOVE the new wristband! I’m crossing my fingers I get blessed with one. It’s going to take some getting used to with the new sound of you having a microphone; kind of makes you sound like you have cold.

QOTD: I’m glad you asked because I was going to email you about this very topic. I had an awesome Stratton Lummis 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon this weekend with my family. We had it with prosciutto-wrapped chicken and asparagus – it was delightful. I can’t remember the name of the worst wine of the weekend, but I believe it was a chardonnay. Thanks for the show, keep it real.
July 8, 2008

Steven E
QOTD: Both at a wine-tasting. Two reds I really liked- the ‘06 winemaker’s red from Maryhill, WA (A blend of cab sauv, merlot, syrah, & cab franc) and an ‘05 zinfandel that was enormous. I twice tried an ‘06 winemaker’s white that didn’t have much nose or taste.

ps- maryhill is a lovely winery in Goldendale, WA (Columbia Valley).
July 8, 2008

248-N8
QOTD: No drinking wine for me either this weekend due to my training, but I did pick up some Sauv. Blancs based on some suggestions from my local wine guy and past episodes. And I am really really excited to try them out while watching the episodes on them.

Also I have to go with everyone else and say no on the mic… Especially when tasting. It just doesn’t seem to have the same energy because of how much you sound like you are in a padded room with a cold. However, I’m thinking it will be a must for some of the on location episodes.
July 9, 2008

Matlatzinca
Best only, didn’t have a worst this weekend. Alexandria Nicole 2007 Shepherd’s Mark. I know you want us to work on expanding our palate, but this and the Grenache from the same winery have us signing up for their wine club.
July 9, 2008

Kenny Dion
No wine this weekend, just beer.
July 9, 2008

kjdion
Awesome show, keep it up Gary.
July 9, 2008

Rich
QOTD:
Best of the weekend – Moonstone Crossing 2004 Elysian Fields (blend of 86% Aglianico and 14% Sangiovese; http://www.moonstonecrossing.com), with Two Brothers Big Tattoo Red not far behind. Worst: Twin Vines 2006 Vinho Verde… arrgh – metallic, stone, tight nose, no mid-palate.
July 9, 2008

tarheel17
QOTD: I just had beer. Wish they had wine!
By the way, I look TERRIBLE in yellow.
July 9, 2008

YoungDave
CAN’T WAIT FOR THE 4TH GENERATION WRIST BAND!!!

QOTD: WORST: a soapy, bitter, overly alcoholic Traminer from Alto Adige
BEST: 1997 Joseph Phelps Insignia (SO surprised how fresh and young it tasted!)
July 9, 2008

RenatoFonseca
Gary,

Great shows. Dolcetto is a superb wine! Can’t wait for the 499 and 500 episodes. Keep up with the good spirits and loyalty to us!!!!!

Renato
July 9, 2008

RenatoFonseca
Forgot to answer the QOD: Best – Dolcetto D’Alba – Giacomo Fenocchio – 2006; Worst – Rosso di Montalcino – 2005 – Palagetto.

Renato
July 9, 2008

Ken
QOTD best–2000 Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. worst–1998 Dominus Estate
July 9, 2008

Sassodoro
QOTD. Best: 2004 Val delle Rose Morellino di Scansano Riserva. Worst: 2006 Principessa Gavi. It wasn’t a bad wine. It just wasn’t very distinctive, and it didn’t go very well with the meal.
July 9, 2008

Ezra Butler
QOTD: The worst was a bottle of 2005 Chardonnay, that went bad (was corked or something). I don’t even want to mention the brand, because it was not their fault. In Israel, and loving on the new Carmel Brut. Inexpensive, light and aromatic. Had 2 bottles of that this past weekend.
July 9, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo G, sounded like Ya was talkin’ from da Bottom of a Well (with da
“new microphone technology”)………..

QOTD: Best – Domaine Weinbach Cuvee Theo Gewurztraminer 2003 Yaaaaaaaaa-
uuuuuuuummmyyyyy!!!!!!!!!
Worst – Williams Selyem Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2002 Harsh & Austere
July 9, 2008

Jon-Paul Lenczuk
Have not had Dolcetto yet, and thank you for the idea!

QOTD: This past weekend I broke out a wine I was given in 2002-it was a 1999 Vigneto Gallina Barbaresco (La Spinetta). It was terrific, and was the best of the ones I had this weekend, and for a long time for that matter–the worst I had was a 2005 Pinot Grigio (Vista Del Mar)-I normally am very open with whites, but this wasn’t a favorite of mine.
July 9, 2008

Terrance Young
QOTD: Best wine is so hard to answer because I’m so eclectic and moody about what I like. In general I prefer old world to new world, funky funk to fruity fruit but who knows really. The first time I had a 1989 Chateauneuf it blew my mind. Worst? Why remember?
July 9, 2008

JeffC
QOTD: Best wine: 2005 Aglianico del Taburno (La Rivolta)
Fattoria La Rivolta, Aglianico del Taburno, Campania, Italy 2005

Worst, didnt have a worst. Other selections were great. 2nd runner up was:
2007 Falanghina (Fontanavecchia), Fontanavecchia, Falanghina, Taburno, Campania, Italy, 2007

Both from Wine Authorities in Durham, NC. Great place, great selections.
July 9, 2008

sunny k
BEST 1990 POMMARD clos des epeneaux

WORST home made from a friend

keep up the great episode’s
July 9, 2008

Pete W.
QOTD: I actually didn’t have any wine last weekend. I know! I’ve got some ground to make up.
July 9, 2008

Bruce
On a full blown american holiday I had a lovely Klinker Brick Zin. It brought thunder if not fireworks.
July 9, 2008

bcsmith
QOTD – Best wine was the Peachy Canyon Zinfandel. Didn’t have a worst wine because that was the only wine that I had this weekend…Lot’s of beer though.
July 9, 2008

JR
Best wine was a 2004 Reserve Rex Hill Pinot Noir from Oregon while I sat outside in Hamilton NJ watching the excellent fireworks show in Veteran’s Park. The worst was a 1994 Jadot Beaujolais that was just too old.

Thanks for the Link it Up Mott T-shirt link; the kids were looking for this for Father’s day but couldn’t find it; but my BD is coming up!
July 9, 2008

ChiroGuyDC
Best wine of the weekend was Pretty Sally Cabernet…WONDERFUL!!!
July 10, 2008

dkp
gary,

lose the mic, it doesnt add anything to the show exept for gross noise when you taste ….
July 10, 2008

Chris D
Drop the mic – sound is flat or something .. odd … like black socks in scandals
July 10, 2008

Ben Morris
There’s something very wrong with the mic. Too much gain? Maybe needs to be a little lower on the shirt? Sounds like Gary is speaking through an empty cardboard TP roll. Other than that, keep up the ree-donk-u-lous work.
July 10, 2008

Dr. Lance Aoyagi
Hi guys! I agree with Ben and Chris about the mic. I was a DJ and sound engineer before becoming a psychologist, and I can’t stand the new mic. It sounds overloaded like the gain is too high or the mic is just too sensitive for Gary’s big voice and commanding projection. It actually sounded much better before. You’re breaking up, and I can’t stand distorted audio!
July 10, 2008

Sam Deeks
Yep great show, nasty mic
July 10, 2008

LauraG
QOTD: Best = El “8″ Vinya del Vuit, Priorato – transcendent. Worst = Heidi Schrock Burgenland – just awful.

Great new look for the site – but I miss being able to see your tweets w/o going to Twitter.

The new wristband is beyond awesome – hope I get one!!! I bought the book early and almost always comment on every episode, so my fingers are crossed.

Good luck w/#500 tonight!!
July 10, 2008

Chris
The new wristband is saweet! I wish one of my kids would have purchased the book on Fathers day.
July 10, 2008

Carlitos
QOTD. The best was the 2005 Saumur, Domaine Guiberteau. A Loire Cab Franc that we had at a restaurant in Montreal. Spectacular! The worst, as expected, was some wine we had at a winery just north of Montreal. It’s just too cold up there!
July 10, 2008

terroirist
Nice I am looking forward to trying a Dolcetto. Worst wine I has over the 4th of July happenings was a pinot Grigio Yellowtail.. Ugh! I had about a half a glass and that was that . On the other hand I tried a Cahors Clos La Coutale 03′. 80%malbec and 20 % Merlot. Very tasty with fancy burgers. I dig the sniffy sniff wrist band. This probably not the place to address this, but what the heck. I have sent my copy of my receipt of the book 3 times nice from early March to the specific book e-mail and have never received my shipping code? I can always send it again..

Anyhow, good show. I could also probably use a little exrtra time for the shipping code anyway because I plan on getting aprox. 3 cases..
July 10, 2008

Mark S
QOTD: Best – 2004 Bennett Lane Cabernet Sauvignon Worst – Sacred Stone (California Blend). Also had The Other based on recommendation from “The Book” and really liked it (especially at $11/bottle).
July 11, 2008

Melissa J UCD
I did not have wine this weekend! I had margaritas instead, sometimes a fresh fruit margarita really hits the spot!!
July 11, 2008

Logan
QOTD: Worst was a Los Vascos Cabernet 2006, not bad per se, but didn’t do much for me. Best, presently drinking a Santa Ana Malbec, which I picked up because I hadn’t ever had a 100% Malbec, and I wasn’t expecting much because it’s a cheap supermarket brand, but right from the nose I was pleasantly surprised, and I am finding it to be delicious, especially at the price point! Thanks for always recommending nice new varietals for us newbies to try, Gary.
July 11, 2008

Oscar FL
Well the best wine, that’s easy: a Vega Sicilia “unico”…
the worst wine, sad to say this but, an Orvieto that was flat and too high in alcohol for an Italian white for my taste, we had replace it with a sweet chenin blanc by Monte Xanic, quite good.
July 12, 2008

keagan
why is the sound so bad?

QOTD; worst? 05 yellow tail
July 13, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
QOTD – Best was a pinot from Paso Robles. Worst was an white blend from Spain (I think it was Garnacha blanco and sauvignon blanc).
July 13, 2008

dougdell
Good episode. I like Dolcetto because it’s good stuff that’s NOT a California/Aussie fruit bomb, at a great price.

QOTD – I’m going to go off course a little. Do you hate the cheapo champagne that a lot of places serve for special events? What does that have to do with the 4th of July? Well, I had a wedding reception on the 5th of July, and rather than spring for $100 champagne just so we could get good stuff, we had Prosecco and Moscatto d’Asti, both from Wine Library. One dry, one sweet, both fruity, perfect for summer, and loved by all in attendance. I will confess that I took a few seconds before toasting my bride to give everyone a short class on wine and explain why we didn’t have champagne. Thank you Wine Library!
July 13, 2008

Tommy Vernieri
Thanks for the wristband Gary, just got it in the mail.

QOTD: We drank beer at our 4th of July party. We supplied the food and our guests supplied the drinks… when I’m manning the grill I think I’d rather have a beer in my hand than a glass of wine anyway.

We had the Domaine Faurmarie 2004 L’Ã©crit Vin later that weekend, it was solid.
July 13, 2008

Randy C
QOTD: Best wine was the mission hill reserve merlot 2000.
July 14, 2008

Jeff Lonigro
As far as the mic goes. I am an audio engineer and editor. You most likely need to pad the mic down because Gary has such a strong voice. Also I would blend in part of the original room mic with the lav mic. Mic placement is key. Move the lav down a bit further to make it a little less boxy sounding. Be careful now not to overload the lav mic amp as well as the camera input.
If you guys need help post mixing I would be more than happy. I have my own studio and do mixes remotely all the time.
July 16, 2008

36
no comment
July 16, 2008

melissa
qotd: the only wine i drank over fourth of july weekend was a boxed pinot grigio, i don’t remember the producer. it was alright, nothing exceptional
July 17, 2008

yowens
Awesome show dude, love shows about wines I known basically nothing about. I feel like I now, without ever having tasted a Dolchetto, have a good sense of what the wine is about. QOTD: tough Q. Best: Bedell Cellars Taste White Worst: Palmer Wines
July 17, 2008

GR8wine
Nice show Gary,
My impressions of Dolcetto are not all that good but are based on limited sampling. I love Italian wines but the last Dolcetto I had just didn’t impress me. As far as the QOTD, amazingly enough I only had one wine this weekend. This was essentially an all-beer weekend. Buddy of mine retired and a compatriot gave him a keg of home brew as a retirement gift — that was some awesome stuff. Went great with the Cuban style pig they roasted in the back yard and all the different summer salads the wives brought. The one wine I had (which I guess would have to qualify as both the best and worst) was a Prosecco from Italy. Can’t recall the exact label but it went great with all the BBQ leftovers, especially the different salads.
July 19, 2008

Dan-o
Good episode! I am a fan of Dolcetto, but I don’t drink it often.
QOTD – Great one.
The Best – 2000 Chateau Fombrauge from St. Emilion (brilliant)
The Worst – 2006 St Francis Chardonnay (my sister brought it over – ugh!)
July 20, 2008

JayZee
QOTD: Okay, you’ve forced me to try to remember what the heck I even DID on 4th of July weekend since I am watching this episode two weeks late. Oh, yeah. Well, the best wine was the 2005 Yves Gangloff La Barbarine Cote Rotie. Awesome! The worst was a 2003 Cline Zinfandel – Ugh!
July 21, 2008

MattUD
Interesting show. It seems all the posted may pay off, but I would leave a post regardless!
July 21, 2008

Cellar Muse
That new wristband is sweet… Are you still looking for pics?

QOTD: Worst: 2005 Placido Chianti – Picked it up on a whim to try and have regretted it ever since… A pretty lousy attempt at Chianti.

Best: 2004 German Riesling (Sorry I don’t have the name right off hand.)
July 23, 2008

PSPatrick
Hi Gary

As far as I am concerned, I am not happy with the new microphone. The show sounds like a radio feature, not bringing the usual thunder!
October 13, 2008

aida coskun
hi!!really enjoying wine library tv, from norway.learnig and having fun…great combination:)just exellent!!!keep up the good work:)
January 16, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
QOTD: Well its not the 4th but the best wine I just had was the Yambula Muscat. Very nice toffee and burnt sugar flavors. Its the only wine Ive had the past few days so no worst wine, thankfully.
March 13, 2009

diana baur
How about some Dolcetto from Dogliani and Ovada?

Dogliani is more or less the washbasin of the Barolo valley (with all of the soil minerals ending up there) and the Dolcetto grown there is far, far, far superior to Alba. Ovada has a completely different character. Dolcetto from Acqui Terme is lighter, but there are several producers which are absolutely upping the class. (Dogliani, Ovada, Acqui, Alba and Asti are the five DOC dolcetto growing regions — with Dogliani and Ovada moving up to DOCG).

To do an appropriately representive flight of Dolcetto, you need one from Ovada and you desperately need one from Dogliani (maybe Chionetti Bricolero 06).

You might also consider St. Ubaldo Dolcetto d’Acqui Superiore (30% oak aged)

I don’t want to be a wise ass but the pronunciation is “dolcetto dalba”, (not dolcetto di-alba), same with d’asti and d’acqui.

I agree mostly with your summation of the wine. It remains undervalued and of course, undermarketed.
November 7, 2009

richardvinifera
Advantage of the new mic is that we’re not distracted by Coldplay constantly playing in the background (I seem to listen on headphones these days), but now we’re distracted by the distortion!