An Exciting Day: Contest Winners, UStream, and Wine

An Exciting Day: Contest Winners, UStream, and Wine – Episode #506

July 22, 2008

Gary announces who will accompany him in Napa this weekend and the winners of the trip to France!

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“QOTD: An over $100 bottle of wine, who do you think I am, Mott? I woul…” by richardvinifera
“Great Show. I am catching up on my episodes right now as you are chan…” by looper
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2005 SassicaiaTOSCANA IGT
2003 Penfolds GrangeAustralian Shiraz/Syrah

Links mentioned in todays episode.

259 Responses

July 22, 2008

Hinrgman
Contest winners??
July 22, 2008

Hinrgman
And some great wines
July 22, 2008

Withnail
Looks great – will catch later!
July 22, 2008

michael
cool
July 22, 2008

Michael Mohammadi
Great show- watched it live! Congrats to all the winners
July 22, 2008

Tooch
Nice show Gary – watched it live on ustream!
July 22, 2008

John Farrin
9
July 22, 2008

matt
lurker top 10 post
July 22, 2008

John Farrin
I put my glasses on and found out I was 7
July 22, 2008

Christophe
watching for a second time. saw it live. great show
July 22, 2008

jimka
so does the girl in Switzerland need to fly to new york to get her free trip to France? France itself is much closer to Switzerland than new york.
July 22, 2008

Nick Rose
I have never had a $100 bottle of wine, and can’t think of one that I want to try. Really, I would love to try ANY $100 dollar bottle of wine. I have found a new mission .
July 22, 2008

Fangorn81
NO ONE TOLD ME THERE WAS A ZUNE!!!!!!
July 22, 2008

E
Watch out, that ustream is habit forming.

Q: ‘73 Lopez de Heredia, whenever I get around to picking one up.
July 22, 2008

Mark Tolerico
Great episode!!!! I bought some ‘05 Sassacia and was curious how it was… didn’t want to open one of mine so early in life!

QOTD: If you are talking about Over 100… ‘01 HSS was pretty darn good. Also had the ‘05 La Tache recently (slightly over 100) and MAN was it good!
July 22, 2008

Adam
QOTD: The one I am most looking forward to try is my 2005 Janasse Vieilles Vignes.

Congrats to the winners
July 22, 2008

CABDRINKER
Top 20!

‘94 ‘97 an ‘01 Stags Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23 all rocked!
July 22, 2008

DaveyDonut
Darn! I totally thought I was going to win the trip to France! Not because my answer was good (it honestly sucked; I was in a rush and wanted to enter before I was away for a week), but just because I was feeling lucky and thought my name would be picked! I guess this is like how I think I’m going to win the lottery every time I buy a ticket, huh? I’m so irrational sometimes…

QOTD: Probably the 2000 Tommaso Bussola Amarone Vigneto Alto TB. And the most anticipated $100 bottle currently is the 2004 Conterno Fantino Barolo SorÃ¬ Ginestra, but that’s probably because I just bought them. The anticipation will have to hold for at least 6 years though, since it’ll be at least that long before I even try one. Doh! Though, I’m even anticipating the day the magnums arrive so I can just stare at them in the cellar…

David
July 22, 2008

3robins
GV is awesome!!!!!!! I have learned so much watching you…don’t always agree, but I learn.
July 22, 2008

Keith
No longer just a lurker!

QOTD: I’m looking forward to a 1977 Dow that I picked up 5 years ago for 55 bones! Maybe I’ll hold it and drink it when the QOTD is about a $200 bottle.
July 22, 2008

hugh
hmmmm…i’m guessing if jay miller reviewed the Grange he’d give it 96+….
July 22, 2008

Eliot
Long time lurker, first time responder.
Great Show!!!…Instant classic.
July 22, 2008

John Farrin
QOTD: Unfortunately today’s show is probably why 95% of us have never had a $100.00 bottle of wine. You have to be rolling so big to take a chance on plain unsuccessful wine (Penfold’s Grange & many others) or a flawed bottle like my 1989 Lynch Bages. That’s a helluva crapshoot for the non super wealthy.
July 22, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
Best for around a $100? 2002 Silver Oak, which was very very good, but not great

“T”
July 22, 2008

Lee W
QOTD:Drank a 1991 Robert Mondovi cab at Christmas, first time I could taste faded violets
July 22, 2008

JamesUK
Great show Gary!

Seen a few bad reviews of the Grange over here in the UK recently. Most saying it’s good wine, but just not worth the money. Penfold’s do a couple of other wines for about a third of the price (RWT Shiraz) which might be worth checking out.

QOTD: Best $100 (Â£50) Wine, Roberto Voerzio Barolo 2003. Stunning. It was about Â£100 and I wasn’t buying!
July 22, 2008

Pete G
Great show. Great contests. Congrats to all the winners! And thanks for givin us in the loser’s pile a little tasty taste.

OQTD: Haven’t made it to the $100 club yet but I may splurge this year w/ a couple of my close wine peeps. Got a line on a ‘96 La Grand Dame that I think I am gonna go for.
July 22, 2008

Beth
Congrats winners – I’m totally jealous.

QOTD – Hmmm…not really pulling the coin it would take to have that kind of a drinking habit. My boss is totally over the moon for Silver Oak – so I guess I’ll through this out there as a like-to-try to see what’s so great about it.
July 22, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – Can’t think of any that topped that price… would love to try some of the big-name Burgundy and Bordeaux, though.
July 22, 2008

rvensel
congrats to the folks, that won hope you all enjoy the trips or the zune(cool bonus in my mind). I was just hoping to hear my name read if it was as one of the losers at the end. Oh well

Qotd: Honestly the most I’ve ever spent on a bottle of wine is $40 and thats for an ice wine my buddy’s fiance likes. I’ve always wanted to try 79 vintage port becuase its the year I was born, but from what I’ve seen even those aren’t a hundred bones. So i don’t know may be an 05 bordeaux everyones raving about.
July 22, 2008

DannInNH
Great show, standing up for your pal.
QOTD: There’s a 2002 Hillside Select purchased a year and half ago just waiting for us; I am giving it more time to better itself.
July 22, 2008

Terrance
Congrats to the winners! But GV you gotta hook the Zune winner up with a little sometin’ sometin’ sometime in the future. That was a tough curveball to throw BTW, ladies rockin’ the winnings house, eh? !

Somehow I knew the Grange would disappoint. Please do that Aussie wines you love episode. Maybe even breaking format and bringing us some pre-checked, Vaynerfied thunder.

QOTD: Was happy to see the Tardieau Laurent Gigondas do so well because their $100-ish (drank in Japan so price is variable) Chaty-neuf rocked my world when I taste tested at local wine shop.

PS When do I get my Yellow Vayner-ranger Wristband?
July 22, 2008

Doug
Was in Ustream and it was incredibly fun.
July 22, 2008

JordanCLS
Congrats Winners, Another great show Gary. Not ballin enough to drink those 2 heavy hitters but will stick with the beautiful 05 bordeaux’s and the sleeper 04’s.
July 22, 2008

Aleib
LOL Great episode Gary. Glad I could watch on ustream. I wish you hadn’t of dumped out the wine at the start when they were mixed up though, that was like 10 bucks worth! LOL
July 22, 2008

Roberto
Hi Gary, sorry I missed the live ustream.tv , but I did watch it later… Good show, I really like some 2001 Grange I have, and last week tried the 2003 and guess what, WOULD DRINK MITOLO G.A.M. over this all day!!!!! (but not over the 2001… interesting how wines evolve… or maybe off year for Grange_?? please find out for us from Gago, the winemaker, I’m sure he would answer your email after today’s show… NOT !!!

QOTD: 1998 Amarone from Quintarelli, drank at Bottega del Vino in Verona where Karen and I lived… (now it is more like $600!!)
July 22, 2008

manonthemoon
Great show, you have been killin it here lately.

QOTD: Haven’t had a been lucky enough to have one yet, and the couple I have are way to young. The one I am looking forward to the most is the 2005 Charles Smith Old Bones Syrah at exactly 100 dollars and 99 RP(JM).
July 22, 2008

pawncop
First – congratulations to all the winners. You are so lucky!

Second – good episode, your comments regarding riding on the laurels is especially valid in so many areas. Good comments, still learning.

QOTD – have not tried a $100.00 and really don’t know enough to answer the question.
July 22, 2008

sean f
for just over a hundred dollars Quintessa 2004 a solid bottle of wine ,and from year to year always a solid effort. non-domestic GAJA barbaresco 2000 was unreal.
July 22, 2008

MossyMo
QOTD – 2005 Schrader T6 Cab. It rocked, BTW.
July 22, 2008

NJ-Vettester
QOTD: The one and only $100+ bottle I’ve ever had (it was a gift) – 1995 Opus One.
July 22, 2008

JimChem
QOTD: 1989 Chat. Latoure (If I remember correctly)

I love your show. I wish I were one of the lucky people going to France for the crush. It will be fun.
July 22, 2008

Gonzo
QOTD: Cayuse En Cerise 2003. It didn’t retail for $100, but a friend and I paid just over that for it at a restaurant. It was better than any of the other few $100+ bottles I’ve had.

Thanks for another great ep Gary.
July 22, 2008

Hido53
Congrats to all the winners!
QOTD: Though I didn’t buy it for $100, I had the 1985 Lynch Bages back in the late 80s (more like $30 back then – now, over $200!!!). It was just a baby, but WOW! that was a great bottle of vino.
Gary – I absolutely love the Thunder show, but I have to say, today’s show didn’t do it for me. Sorry! The back and forth between ustream and Mott’s camera (me, watching WLTV) just seemed to make the show feel “dis-jointed”. Didn’t flow right.
Also, the reaction to the Penfolds, was a bit curious. The first time you “sniffy-sniffed” the wine (before you realized the mix-up) your first impression was lots and lots of aromatic fruit. Then when it came time for the real “sniffy-sniff” after the Sassacaia, you immediately noticed the oak monster with the fruit being just a minor side note. Did “sniffy-sniffing” and tasting the Sassacaia right before in some way affect how the Penfolds performed?
July 22, 2008

Kevin K
QOTD: Maybe a 85 Caymus.
July 22, 2008

Jay
QOTD: I don’t know if it reached the century mark or not, but I had a Leonetti reserve cab that was pretty amazing.
July 22, 2008

MattUD
Good show, as you well know, there is nothing wrong with not liking the wine even if its expensive and rated highly. Congrats the all the winners.

QOTD: Havn’t had a $100 wine, and its not even close to anywhere on the radar, so I havn’t looked into one I would want to try.
July 22, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Actually, I have had both of these wines at one time bought for $100 but my favorite $100 bottle was 1989 Leoville Las Cases.
I am shocked that you were so shocked by the Grange. They have been heading this way for the last 5 or more years with bigger fruit and too much oak as Penfold is doing with all of its wines.
By the way, I don’t know how you do shout outs even though I’ve been here from the start but my B-day is July 30 and I will be 61.
July 22, 2008

Mark E.
Gary,
Wow, what a good episode.
If I was you, from now on, I would keep a lookout for crocodile-dundee-looking characters carrying big knives on their belts just for you. Seriously, to sit there and destroy a $260 bottle of wine… that takes some Big Ones my friend.
Thanks for your honesty.
July 22, 2008

VinoVixen
Laura G way to go…..congratulations….you know I am So jealous but happy for you!!
July 22, 2008

M
I didn’t win the trip to France. I’m sad. Congrats to the winners!!!!!!!!

QOTD: I’ve never had the $100 bottle. Although we received a 1990 Dom Perignon as a gift. That was probably a $100+ bottle. If I were going to buy myself a bottle for $100, it would either be a Gevrey-Chambertin or a Barolo. I generally spend $15-$20 per bottle.
July 22, 2008

Andy
Wow G … Laura Gellman is in my wine tasting group and she won the trip . Unbelievable.
QOTD—- 2003 Domaine Serene Jerusalem Hill Pinot Noir $95
(in the cellar) going to be good………
July 22, 2008

Arda Turan
A spectecular show Congratulations to all lucky winners…
July 22, 2008

TLR
How about doing the wristband giveaway for all the folks who comment! Making it the Grand giveaway episode !

QOTD – Looking forward to the 1995 Vega Sicilla that I bought for a special occasion in 20 years.

aloha,

TLR
Maui
July 22, 2008

RANDI
Ummm… Im NOT going to France? sniffy sniff
great ep Gary… This is EXACTLY why WLTV is so important in the endeavor of changing the wine world! You honestly & fearlessly gave your opinion of a pedigree wine!

QOTD: Comes to mind is a 2002 Caymus Cab. I drank it sitting on a roof in a rainstorm in Arizona! Was a great time, and a great wine!
July 22, 2008

Matt
Great show. I’m quite more in Italian wine than in Australian and I’ve always hesitated in getting into La Grange. But, it’s your pal and maybe I’ll like if I have the chance to drink it. QOTD: The best around 100$ bottle I had is last month for my 25th birthday when we popped out a 2001 Cerralto Casanova di Neri.
July 22, 2008

Glen E
Stupid oak
July 22, 2008

B-Melt
QOTD: I once took part in the last half a bottle of a 1978 Chateau Latour, easily the oldest and most expensive wine I’ve ever tried. This was a few years ago when I was beginning my wine journey, so unfortunately I can barely remember the taste.

Great show. Fun to see you get so excited about the winners.

-B
July 22, 2008

Matt
QOTD: Unfortunately, never tried anything over 30-40 BONES…still working on it…congrats to all the winners from today’s episode, have fun in France, San Fran, or with your new ZUNE!
July 22, 2008

Harley Stan
HUGE show today and congrats tot he winners.
QOTD- 1999 Far Niente Cab, it was New Years Eve and I think I can still taste it on my pal
July 22, 2008

Top 100 Again!
QOTD: 2001 and 2002 Joseph Phelps Insignia. Got them both at Costco for $99.99. The 2002 was WS’s Wine Of The Year so they had a 2 bottle limit. I made 10 trips to 10 different stores to pickup 20 bottles.

Before you all label me as a wine hoard, 8 of the 20 went out as gifts and 4 were resold to a friend who couldn’t make it in time.
July 22, 2008

LuvsChandon
Great show, fun catching it live on UStream.

I dont hang with any ballers, and therefore have had no wines over $50 for me.

congrats to the winners, especially the long time Vayniacs!
July 22, 2008

Dan Manu
What a surprise gary doesn’t like the grange!!
Who would have thought!
C’mon peeps!

QOTD 1997 John Riddich cab sav
July 22, 2008

rajiv
QOTD: ‘97 Bussia Barolo

NOSE: Slight barnyard, mushroom, hints of huitlacoche. Pretty good stuff. Funky.
PALATE: Sweeet. Silky tannins. good fruit on midpalate. A little overripe. pretty good. ASPECT: brick red. Overall it wasn’t the most exciting wine of the night (nebbiolo tasting), but it is the only $100 bottle I’ve ever tried.

If I ever spring for a $100 bottle, I’d probably go for Bdx, probably Margaux or St. Estephe.
July 22, 2008

amgryger
Great episode! Very cool that Karl and Susan won the contest!

I noticed that you said you had been decanting the wines for 6 hours. I almost always taste wines immediately after I open them, and have become slightly suspicious of extra long decanting because I often feel that after 3-4 hours many wines start losing some of the nuances they had when freshly opened, which is a little dissapointing to me even if the wines are less tannic and more approachable. In the future, when you do a long decant for the show, it might be interesting to pour half into a 375 ml bottle, cork it, and decant the other half so that you could do a comparison tastings. Just a thought.

QOTD: I just checked my cellar tracker and it looks like I haven’t had anything over $100, although the 199 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto I got to taste thanks to the generosity of CaliCab was up there. I am really looking forward to trying my 1998 Angelo Gaja Gromis Barolo, somewhere around $100, that I bought as a souvenir when I studied architecture in Rome. I will most likely open it in a couple of years when I become a licensed architect.
July 22, 2008

Blake W
QOTD: I’ve never had a 100 bone wine…i’ve had a 1999 Opus One, which I believe is considerably more expensive, and I’ve had a lot of 40-60 bone wines. But I’ve always wanted to try the Schrader T6.

Congrats winners…jealous here.
July 22, 2008

Scott EJ
Never had the Grange, but sure am glad John Duval left Penfolds to start own label. It seems as if he took alot if his skills with him at a fraction of the cost. If you get a chance, try his ‘05 Plexus…it’s pretty damn nice.

QOTD: Never had a 100 wine and may never will. I just don’t see the return no matter how good it is. Your take on the Grange today helps w/that theory.

Congrats to the winners!
July 22, 2008

Stan Vasily
Not Going to France, I can spit that one out!!! Hey, you did not pick an alternate? How about me since I asked??????? My bag is packed, ready to go!!!Come on Gary, how about it?????? Your question of the day- Hietz Martha`s vineyard 1975
July 22, 2008

Trey
QOTD: the only one I have had over 100 dollars was a 2002 silver oak (it was at a restaurant for a party). It had too much oak imo.
July 22, 2008

Zinfreak
My favorite wine I’ve had recently was a 2002 Katheryn Kennedy Cab.
It was a fruit bomb witch I loved! Gary would have hated it.
I had it Saturday night, sick of looking at it in my cellar so had had to open it. Luckily I have one more!

I had an Ardore Cab a few weeks ago which was also an amazing fruit bomb, and also amazing, and again, Gary would have hated it.

Gary, the live video thing is cool, but change the location of the camera or something. Its kind of bothersome for us watching when you keep looking to the side.

Don’t spread yourself too thin man!

Maybe I’ll see you in Napa this weekend?

Love ya.
July 22, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

Watched the live steam on Ustream and rewatched on your website.
Major Congrats to all the winners today.

QOTD: Best bottle of wine in that price point is probably the Nickel and Nickel Lightening Strikes @ $125. Its a Cab/Syrah blend that was made by accident and they only sell it at their winery. It ticks me off they dont put that blend into production…..they need to stray away from single vineyard/single varietal wines a bit.

–RH
July 22, 2008

aaronb
QOTD: Haven’t tasted a $100+ bottle yet, but there’s a 2003 Silver Oak in the cellar. Don’t know when I’ll drink it.
July 22, 2008

Jimmy T
QOTD: I have a Brunello that I am waiting on in a couple more years.

Thanks so much for your work. Can I get a shout out to my daughter Lily, 2 years on August 1st?!
July 22, 2008

Dominus
A great lineup with honest results. I’m wondering now if my Dead Arm Shiraz that won many accolades is worthy? I guess I’ll need to try soon.

QOTD: Best $100 wine I’ve had is probably an ‘85 Opus One followed closely by the ‘88 Dominus. What $100 wine do I want to try in the near future? I’ve always wanted to try the Paloma Merlot that won #1 WS of the Year award.= a few years ago.

Congrats to all the winners! Have fun!

Cheers!
July 22, 2008

laposte
QOTD:
I didn’t pay $100 when I purchased it but it sells for that how.
1975 Ch. Rieussec.
July 22, 2008

mark b
Great Show; QOTD – 1990 Ducru Beacaillou
July 22, 2008

stevo
2003 Rubicon – hands down (but I’ve only had a handful of $100 wine)
July 22, 2008

Bryan Garcia
Grates on the winners.
July 22, 2008

DougO
The most expensive wine that I’ve had is Cakebread Cabernet…
July 22, 2008

Leif erik Sundstrom
Great show, great to see you so excited to make people so happy!

QOTD:
best $100 bottle of wine was probably 1990 Anne Gros Echezeaux (not 100 anymore that’s for sure, I scored) — Runner up was the 1996 Dagueneau Silex CHANGE THAT –these were EQUAL — and both $100 at my time of purchase. Although I’ve had many great wines, some better that were probably more expensive (to someone) but these are the best of memory
July 22, 2008

Gongfather
Congrats to all the winners-Congrats to you and your crew Gary…you’re very generous.
I don’t understand wine scoring. Considering how much the Penfolds is, and how unimpressed with it you were, it seems to me that the score should’ve been around 50pts. It seems like most wines, unless they’re corked, receive at least 80pts, so that the real quality difference is a point or two or three. Meh is 88pts, amazing is 90pts?? Am I missing something??

QOTD: I’m a po’boy because I think I’m pimpin when I spend $30.00 on a bottle.
July 22, 2008

WineWoman
QOTD: I’ve had Krug Champagnes, Sassicaia and some other Italian Big Boys at tastings. I have a few bottles of Insignia and Opus I haven’t tried. I did have a 10-year old bottle of Rubicon which I enjoyed and am waiting on 2 more newer vintages of those. However, my single most wine I am waiting to try in the near 100 dollar range would be the Egelhoff Cab.
July 22, 2008

Laura Gellman
QOTD: 2003 Clos Erasmus

Now, on another note, THANK YOU SO MUCH GARY for having the Pesquie contest and being so generally awesome. I am over the moon that Fredrich chose me to come work the harvest in September, and simply cannot thank you enough. Not sure what else to say, I’m simply overwhelmed.
July 22, 2008

K8theGr8
I honestly can say I’ve never been as entertained with wine tasting as I am today (and I’m usually pretty entertained since I’m kind of a light weight and don’t spit)! LOVED this episode!!!

As far as the QOTD, never sprung for a bottle that pricey, and if I’ve partaken in one, I was horribly unaware. As for the wine I would like to sniffy-sniff and give-a-whirl, definitely say “Bouchard PÃ¨re et Fils GrÃ¨ves Vigne de L’Enfant Jesus.” Anything that has the grapes to tout itself “as smooth as the baby Jesus in velvet pants” is fully worth a go in my book.
July 22, 2008

Brian
First off, great show Gary, great show! To answer your question, I’d have to go with the 2004 Caymus Cabernet. Although not over 100 retail, was well over that limit at Seasons 52. A classic wine with a great dinner and great company. Keep up the great work!
July 22, 2008

Susan
Gary & Mott & Fredrich Pesquie, WOW!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I am still very much in shock!!!!! I am very surprised!!! I am currently getting all of my ducks in a row so that I can go!!!! Things are looking up!!!!!!
July 22, 2008

Anthony L.
Don’t think I ever had a bottle of wine worth 100 bones, If I did I can’t remember it’s name.

Anyway, very exciting show. Good job.
July 22, 2008

Marc
Congrats winners…I’m jealous!

GV, before you even sniffy sniffed I knew you were going Oak Monster on it! Try those Margaret River wines, I think you’ll make us all happier.

QOTD: Best 100 (actually, $120) was the 1990 Tignanello. Soooo smooth and delicious!
July 22, 2008

Snarf
QOTD: 2001 Konsgaard Syrah Hudson Vineyard $113 at Wine Library about 4 years ago. It was KICK ASS with layers and layers and a finish whiich lasted over 1 minute! And oh, by the way, it WAS NOT FROM FRANCE!!!
July 22, 2008

chrisiufer
I recently enjoyed an 03 Paraduxx with my father in law that was to die for. Not quite $100 but it stands out as the best of even the +$100 bottles ive had. Paraduxx is a sister winery to Duckhorn, but they are experimenting with cab/zin blends that are really something else.

gary, first time commenter, been a lurker for a few weeks. watching WLTV has become a habit!!! not just growing my palette, growing my wine vocab. awesome..
July 22, 2008

Smahlatz
QOTD: Haven’t had anything in that bracket. Closest thing is some 2005 Amon Ra waiting in the cellar.
July 22, 2008

Achilles Mike
QOTD Never had the bucks to have one, but I/d like to try a great Bordeaux
July 22, 2008

aaaredfrog
GV – Great show as always, thanks.

QOTD – A friend at a wine store allowed me to try the Bea Sagratino Di Montefalco (from your show a while ago) that was being poured for their staff Christmas Party later on that evening. A very generous move from them! It was amazing and I am saving all my quarters to get a case.

Have a good one.
July 22, 2008

Kevin
Personally, I like to see some of the big boys flop. We’ve had a few heavy hitters in our tasting group that have fallen far short – sometimes succumbing to wines a quarter or less of their price. It happens. Which is why shows like this rock, and you gotta taste loads to find wines that get you excited that aren’t hideously overpriced.

QOTD: Back to the 10 year old Bordeaux…1994 Lynch Bages Pauillac. Us Canadians pay too much for wine, so you likely get it far cheaper, sad to say.
July 22, 2008

Stapy1
Hah – I just love how you probably poured out $30 of grange to clean your glass out…. Good thing it wasn’t that great.

QOTD: I’ve never personally spent $100 on a bottle (I’m a law student!) but I have tasted wines in that price range (used to work at a upscale steakhouse). It’s been a while, so I don’t know if I could pick a favorite, but from what I remember some of my faves were silver oak, shafer, caymus special select, opus one, groth. All probably classic fruit bomb oak monsters, although personally I am not opposed to that flavor profile. Never tried Sassicaia or Ornelia (you should have tasted those two side by side instead of the grange!)

congrats to the winners. I shouldn’t have been so darn lazy and actually entered myself!
July 22, 2008

PaVo
Congratulations Winners!

QOTD: I’ve had over $100 wine before…I don’t know if the question is just around 100 or so…but I was at a Party during my HS graduation (in belgium where it was legal to drink) and a friend of mine came. She asked her parents if she could bring a bottle and her mother says (get something from the cellar but nothing older than an 85 (this was 98)). So what does she bring? an 85 Chateau Latour (yeah they were quite well off). Holy Carp it was awesome! Even being young and having a you palate it was a thing of beauty.
July 22, 2008

Tommy Vernieri
I haven’t had a $100 bottle yet. I had a taste of a recently-released 1970’s vintage champagne from de Venoge at a local wine shop, which was pretty cool. They said that it was not for sale.

I don’t really have a $100 on my list. None of the no-brainers I’ve been hearing about have really caught my eye =).
July 22, 2008

Brian Barrick
It was good to see you take Penfolds Grange down a few pegs, but I wish you would spend more time reviewing wines that are more readily available to the general public.

QOTD: The only wines that I am willing to spend $100+ on are Champagnes. The best one I’ve had was a 1985 Salon that I bought 10 years ago for around $125.
July 22, 2008

Vinsant
My two favorite bottles that were over $100 were the 96 Shafer HSS and the 04 Quilceda Creek Cab…both great bottles but just had a $35 (on release) bottle of Cayuse En Chamberlin Syrah that I enjoyed sooooo much more!
July 22, 2008

CBone
Great episode, could be the best one yet. Good for the two old time fans as well.

QOTD: Never had a $100 bottle, but I would love to try one of the first growths, or one of the cult California wines.
July 22, 2008

Owen JJ Stone
Thanks again for the votes and thanks gary for the contest and BIG up to those goin to France.. amazing spread thunda live life! awesome!
July 22, 2008

SteveW
QOTD: Best $100 wine 2002 Quilceda Creek!
July 22, 2008

WoodBAussie
How could Owen win the Bottle Shock contest? For Lord knows how long, TWO of the three links were set up to send folks to HIS video. If I’m MarkF, I’m pissed right about now…
July 22, 2008

tarheel17
Congratulations to Susan and KSLACKO!!!!!!!

OK
July 22, 2008

Withnail
Correct WoodBAussie – I noticed that last night, too.
#3 video was by far the best effort, anyway.
July 22, 2008

tarheel17
QOTD: I own one bottle over $100. It’s Catena Zapata Estiba, and I think we bought it not knowing how much we were spending (those Pesky argentinian pesos add up, ya know…) and I dont’ know when I’m going to drink it, but it better be good!!
July 22, 2008

brorjace
Ch. Montelena, but it was at a tasting. Still pretty delicious for a Napa Cab (Not my normal style).

The looking to the side thing was a little distracting, but I suppose the ustreamers enjoyed it.

And its not like anyone can get Grange anyways, so its ok thats its not very good anymore.
July 22, 2008

drydrew
QOTD: Well I have never hade a 100 dollar bottle of wine! BUT my own wine is worth to me way more then that and it tests well too!
I think its time we do something about home wine makers
It defiantly opened my mind and my pallet to appreciate wine.
July 22, 2008

TWalk
I would love to try the delas hermitage bessards you had on the show….the profile description sounded delicious and i love the rhones baby!
July 22, 2008

Timothy
QOTD: Nicolas Feuillatte Cuvee Palme d’Or. My first super premium champagne.
July 22, 2008

cpd
qotd: 1986 Dominus
July 23, 2008

kaybee
QoTd
I haven’t spent that much on wine before, but maybe someday.
July 23, 2008

John Cabot
I had a bottle of 94 Caymus Special Selection Cabernet that abslutely blow my mind. I actually started crying, it was so fricking good, and I a not the biggest Cab fan. I think it was $144 at Larrapin, in Trinidad,Ca. Awesome restaurant with an ocean view. Dig it!! Humboldt County Babe!!
July 23, 2008

drift
Back when i was in to australian shiraz’s….. the best $100 bottle was the 2001 shirvington shiraz. If you can still get it and you love aussie….. You must seek this one out. In my opinion, its a 98 point wine. This was 2 years ago….i cant imagine what it must taste like now.
July 23, 2008

Anrew Zander
QOTD: I haven’t had a $100 bottle of wine yet, but I did get a glass of 1977 port and was quite impressed.

I would like to get a bottle of Silver Oak one day. All hype, or really good? That’s what I would like to find out for myself.
July 23, 2008

davidB
I have a 2000 Rubicon and at some point we will be doing a tasting of the bad boy. I did not pay $100 bones, but that is what they are selling for now……does that count?
July 23, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
QOTD= I saved for a pretty long time to buy a bottle of 1997 Masseto, and it was worth every penny. It was a little bit more that 100 bones, but pretty close. I wish everyday that I had bought another
July 23, 2008

Adam J
Awesome seeing Gary taste the Sassicaia (I have personal feelings about the wine). I also enjoy just having a few regular WLTV episodes (although the Bordeaux trip was great too).
QOTD: Wines that I have had at $100 have been marked up to that point in a restaurant so I’ll have to say the: 2001 Bric Del Fiasc Paolo Scavino Barolo that I purchased for $100 is the most anticipated to drink bottle I own. Thanks for the show!
July 23, 2008

Chief Tootles.
Congrats to all the winners!

QOTD: I’ve never had a $100 bottle, but if I did, it would be a Cab with no producer or year in mind.
July 23, 2008

Paul V
Congrats everyone.

QOTD: I’ve never had anything close to a $100 bottle of wine. And to be honest, I don’t have one on my list. I’m enjoying very much the $20 – $40 bottles and at this point I don’t have plans to go much above that. Still – if there is an exceptional bottle out there I may give it a try.

Great show as always.
July 23, 2008

Moselman
Not likely to be laying out $100 for a bottle of wine (my wallet and palate are about equally limited), but were I asked to pick out such a gift I’d see what they had amongst the Amarones or maybe a CdP. Would it be too ballsy to ask for two picks?
July 23, 2008

neutron212
QOTD: its the only one ive have is the Opus One that was amazing
July 23, 2008

Norm
QOTD- I was lucky enough to go to a vertical of Heitz Cellars Martha’s Vineyard. We tasted 1973-1984. The tasting was wonderful, but the 1974 was FREAKING SPEC-TAC-ULAR.
See my post at:http://eatrdie.blogspot.com/2007/11/heitz-cellars-marthas-vineyard-vertical.html
July 23, 2008

1kailuaboy
Big Ups to all the lucky dawgs, live the dream of WineLibraryTV!
QOTD: Funny, or sadly, $100 these days is not a lot BONES for special wines. However, my $100 special was the ‘01 Beringer Private Reserve Cab. by my admired winemaker Ed Sbragia. FYI, these are drinking wonderfully now.
July 23, 2008

victor
Congratulations to ALL winners. Would LOVE to have follow-up show
with stories and pictures from trip(s).

QOTD 1990 Dom Perignon which I bought for the millenium New Year but
ended up sharing with family/friends on my 40th Birthday in 2005.
July 23, 2008

johnmaki
I think it was a Krug rose Champagne from the 60’s tasted in the late 60’s.
July 23, 2008

Rowland
qotd: YO my own wine; im gonna blow stuff up with my wine (in the future). im making my first vintage this year! {([THUNDER NOISE/applause])}

yo are you really gonna make a girl from Switzerland come to new york to fly her back to France?
yo juicelibrary TV hilarious, that guy deserves to win!
yo … cut some hands off if the decanters keep moving (ps what the *HeCk` is with these crappy blown-glass decanters? Gary your ballin son, get some proper crystal, or at least Czech cut glass)
yo you made a ricola joke on the same episode as picking the swiss miss lol
yo next time i see someone buying a $175/$265 bottle of wine, ill rob him in the parking lot so i can try that stuffff … heh heh heh! (maybe im just kidding … maybe).

YO Sniffy SNIFFFFF!

yo ps those labels are LAME-O for such expensive wines … just kinda weak.
yo look how many times i typed yo!
July 23, 2008

Richard Ritter
Congratulations to all the winners, even though it wasn’t me…but I will strive to be a winner in the future!
July 23, 2008

LarryW
The first (mistaken) sniffy-sniff of the Grange was “tons of fruit.” The second was “Oak Monster.” It looks like labels influence noses. The Grange’s American oak isn’t fully integrated with the fruit yet. Try it again in 10 to 12 years.

QOTD: Less than $40 each when purchased, but well over $100 now, the 1990 Ducru-Beaucaillou and the 1991 Ridge Monte Bello. Tasted together a couple of years ago, these are remarkably similar wines: gorgeous purple color, violets nose, impeccable balance. The ‘91 MB is the finest Cal-cab I’ve had.
July 23, 2008

medo
Great EP & big congrats to the winners! I only tried a 1997 Grange once and it wasn’t that experience I expected…

QOTD: Maybe the 2005 Amon-Ra (a bit less the 100â‚¬) and the 2005 St. Urbans-Hof Riesling TBA (a bit up the 100â‚¬)
July 23, 2008

Yoni Rabkin
Great EP!

I won’t be buying a 100 USD wine any time in the foreseeable future.
July 23, 2008

Pat Sissons
gary, you are now officially friend’d up on twitter. i expect to be using it a lot more as time goes by.

qotd: i’m not quite ballin’ enough to be dropping 100 bones on a single bottle of wine, however i have been known to go big on scotch in the past. Mind you, the bottle of scotch lasts a lot longer so i justify it that way.
July 23, 2008

Andrew L.
Congrats to all the winners
I was hoping for over 700 winners but oh well.
July 23, 2008

jason carey
dont like the oak? buy the St Henri .. much cheaper and no oak!
July 23, 2008

RonC
Fun episode.

QOTD: In my dreams. I’d like to try the 2004 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Russian River Valley.
July 23, 2008

jason carey
Drink the Dead Arm for a better big, bold Shiraz at an “affordible” price
July 23, 2008

Neil
Gary,
Thanks for returning to the original microphone setup. It sounds much better.

QOTD: I have never had a $100 bottle. For me, a $20 wine better be good. A $30 wine, exceptional. A $40 wine, over the top, killing it, changing my life, etc. What wine would you recommend that would convince me that there is a higher level of enjoyment to be achieved at $100?
July 23, 2008

Susan
Gary & Mott, not sure who had the idea to go back to the original mic but YEAH!!! BIG, BIG difference!!! I can actually hear you!!!!
July 23, 2008

Paul M
QOTD: 2000 Pontet Canet … had this at a steak house with a big ass piece of meat and it was amazing!
July 23, 2008

VinoVixen
I got so excited for Laura G, I just finished watching the episode.
QOTD: I have to say, I had an amazing evening the other night with a group of great women & wine but the shining star was 2003 Clos Erasmus!
July 23, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Great ep, not surprised about the grange.

Q-Probably a Brunello.
July 23, 2008

Ed Salonia
You should try to get the Penfolds RWT Shiraz… I’ve had the 02 (and still have a couple bottles left) and it was substantially cheaper than the Grange you just tried (about 70$) and is 93 WS. I loved this wine.
July 23, 2008

clemens
QOTD:This is not such an easy question. there are so many… but there are two that really blew my mind: nr. 1: istvan szepsy – Tokaji AszÃº 6 puttonyos 2000. and before we tasted great wines frome austria: gesellmann – g 2000 (a great blaufraenkisch – st. laurent cuvee), ernst triebaumer – blaufraenkisch marienthal 2002 and then chateau margaux 2000. but the tokaji topped everything. great, great sweetness paired with loads of acidity, fruit, terroir…. wow!!!

the second great wine was emmerich knoll – riesling spaetlese ried schuett 1983! unbelievebly great riesling from austri. exotic fruit, no petrol smell, huge body! can compete with every great riesling of this world! an outstanding 25 year old wine!!!!

by the way: iÂ´m really looking forward to seeing a program with austrian red wines! this is great stuff! blaufraenkisch especially! check out wines from weninger, triebaumer (both biodynamical), gesellmann, bauer-poeltl or umathum!

greetings from austria,

clemens
July 23, 2008

clemens
by the way: here you can see pics of the most amazing wines iÂ´ve ever drank! you can guess: burgundy! in this case vosne-romanee! ceck it out: http://gallery.mac.com/clemens.fruehstueck#100154
great, great, great, once in a lifetime wines!!!!

clemens
July 23, 2008

bwizzle
I must say there are so many wines I like depending upon my mood, the company I am with and the food I am eating.

I had a 96 0r 98 Dominus that was awesome, a 2004 Kosta Browne which was phenomenal and Two Hands Ares that was amazing. Also the 2002 Phelps Insignia, that I picked up was great with a juicy rib eye.

sorry, just cant say I have one favorite.
July 23, 2008

clarose
QOTD: If it has to be exactly (or close to) 100$, then I would have to say the “Ã‰chezeaux Grand Cru 2005″ from Domaine Nudant (that is 100$ CAD). If it can be a bit higher than that, I would say:

For red: Clos des Lambrays 2005, Domaine des Lambrays

For white: Criots-BÃ¢tard-Montrachet 2005, Domaine Roger Belland

Great show once again!
July 23, 2008

W Miree
Gary, thank you for being so “tell it like it is”…especially when the wines are expensive, big-name wines. I really appreciate your honest, ethical assessments.

QOTD: One of the best $100 wines I have ever had would have to be the 1991 Domaine Comte Georges de Vogue Musigny, Cuvee Vieilles Vigne. I bought two bottles of it in 1995 and paid a little over $100 each. Steve Tanzer rated it 96 points, and having drunk my first one just a couple of months ago, I totally agree with this rating. I plan to share the second bottle with friends this weekend in McMinnville, Oregon at the International Pinot Noir Celebration.
July 23, 2008

Kristen
Congrats to Susan and Karl!! Congrats to all of the winners!

QOTD: I’ve never had a bottle over 100 bones, but if I did, I’d love to try a vintage Champagne and a vintage Bordeaux.
July 23, 2008

JRMoreau
I’ve never had a $100 bottle of wine, but I’m dying to try some of this high end 2005 Bordeaux you’ve been raving about!
July 23, 2008

da Korkmiester
Grange – done in the ‘Grange’ style,
moreover done in a style to age, done with a “balance” to support aging.
Building a wine to merit depth of fruit and complexity at age 10, 15, 18, 20? requires planning. Planning in the vineyard re canopy mgmt, pick date and the resultant acid profile is key. Planning in the fermentation methods and pressing. “And” planning in the oak barrels selected and length of barrel aging. Tannins support aging. If you open a 10 year old Grange and it is an oak monster, ok, then toss the bottle in the bucket. But there is a chance that the oak will integrate with the fruit as it ages and the wine will be nicely balanced when the winemaker’s clock strikes midnight and the cork takes a well deserved vacation
July 23, 2008

Tyler RM
Gongrats to the winners; I wish it could be me
July 23, 2008

Erick Grau
QOTD: Carruades de Lafite 2005, not sure if it was exactly $100 as I had this in London back in 2007 but I think it was around that price.

Nice tannins, mulberries come out quite nice in this wine with a hint of raw veggies in the back end.. I remember it being – silky.

Good episode and congratulations to all the winners – It truly is an honor to be selected to be at Pesquie AND flying out with GV himself for San Francisco. I believe all Vayniacs are not jealous, but envious of the opportunity. Do US proud and REPRESENT!!!

Erick
July 23, 2008

Derkec
Gary,

It’s great that you’re doing the ustream thing, but bouncing back and forth like that was annoying. Stick your streaming camera over by the main camera or something.
July 23, 2008

Daniel
congrats to those who won. wish i could go, oh well! maybe next time.
July 23, 2008

George
I’m calling you out on your Penfolds tasting. Your first sniffing was nothing but fruit, no oak, then you caught the mix-up. Your second sniffing was all oak, no fruit and youdid not like it. Two very different descriptions of the same wine.
July 23, 2008

jtmac
QOTD: Never had a 100 dollar bottle and, honestly, I don’t plan on purchasing one anytime soon.

Gary the UStream stuff is great. Keep it up!
July 23, 2008

Paryb
Great show GeeVee!

Actually, the best >100$ wine I’ve ever had was the stars of good ol’ episode one!

2001 Verite La Muse 2001 Verite La Joie a couple years ago. They were freakin fantastic.

Knocked my socks off so hard I still haven’t found them.
July 23, 2008

ColinLukens
GV – Congrats to all the winners and thanks for having contests – so much fun they are. QOTD – I’ve liked Ch. Laforge and Shafer 1.5 (albeit it’s $80). I’d like some 2001-2004 Ch. Leoville Barton (if any were originally at 100 bones)…
July 23, 2008

Chris
At 15:30 gary said he has big wood in his mouth…whats up with that? Also I have to call you out on the mix up. You said you smelled tons of fruit,explosive fruit then you realized…opps wrong wine. Then you smelled alittle fruit with tons of oak. Was that a pre conceived notion type of thing?
July 23, 2008

RMG
Hey, HEY, HEY – care there Gary. Don’t be bustin on my man John Lynch. Still one of the best hitters in the NFL. He gets there every year because he shows up to play some real ball every Sunday, week in and week out. Good episode otherwise. I agree entirely with your assessment of Grange. QOTD – 2001 Barolo my wife bought me on my birthday a couple of years ago. I still recall the taste even now!
July 23, 2008

bangkokbabay
Fun Show !!!!!
July 23, 2008

wayno da wino
QOTD: The highest i’ve paid (to date) for a bottle of Vino (Ch. Gazin 05)
is 78 bones. Not da biggest “baller” in town. Would looooooove to
swig some Chateau Petrus or some Domaine de la Romanee-Conti one of these
days…………….
July 23, 2008

Dan NYC
GV, U got caught! Preconceived notions, right, when you were trying what you thought was the 1st wine. How did U not pick up the oak if it was so “in your face”?
QOTD: Paolo Bea Sagrentino de Montefalco
July 23, 2008

SKN
I’ve been a slacker of a Vayniac and hav been away from WLTV for almost 3 weeks – - and I’m thrilled as ever for this episode to be my first one back.
July 23, 2008

Colin Komar
First off, Congrats to all the winners. This uStream idea is a great way for you to interact with us (although I missed you yesterday while you were taping because I had work!).

As for the QOTD, I would have to admit that I have never had a $100 bottle of wine. I will have to be clichÃ© as usual when it comes to answering these questions since I am still a novice to the wine game, but I would want to try Dom P. I know that this is the bottle of champagne that everyone points to as the best, but I have never had it which is why I want to try it. It apparently is highly regarded since it is the first choice for lots of things (yes Gary even your show, because all the Giants fans drank it on your show after their super bowl win). My parents say that it is not all that impressive, but it is their experience that I just cannot relate with. All these reasons factor into me wanting to experience it for myself so I can know what all the buzz is about.
July 23, 2008

Daniel O
QOTD: I had a bottle of 1996 Salon Champagne to celebrate graduating from school in June. I have a bottle of 2002 Verite La Joie in my cellar waiting for another special occassion.
July 23, 2008

Slushpuppy
Congrats. to all the winners! Oh well I needed some new threads anyway.

Smell it first!
July 23, 2008

Mike
QOTD =’02 Penfolds RWT Shiraz
July 23, 2008

dafo
Congrats to the winners…

QOTD: I just got out of college… maybe someday…
July 23, 2008

Canuck6621
Great episode to create some controversy.

QOTD – I have had a few that when you factor the price in they become a bit of a pass for me. I had the opportunity to drink an 82 and an 86 Cos d’Estournel that blew my mind.
July 23, 2008

Robin C
Congratulations to all the winners. Take pictures and share them.
QOTD: Ridge Montebello
We have a 2001 Sassaicaia and 1998 Penfolds Grange (Parker: 99) that we’re holding on to for the absolute optimal moment to drink them. We also recently acquired a 2004 Penfolds RWT ($80.00 – French oak rather than Grange’s American oak) and are anxious to see how it compared with the Grange.
July 23, 2008

Plminer
Crap, I wanted to win that contest
QOTD: 1995 Grand Puy Lacoste by far.
July 23, 2008

KW
Congrats to the winners.
QOTD: Had a very expensive Shiraz in Sydney, Australia a few years ago $400 AUS around $300 US then in a restaurant, but honestly it wasn’t worth the price. I would like to try a bottle of Screaming Eagle since I have heard so much about it.
July 23, 2008

SpoiledinCalbyPinot
QOTD: Never 100 bones for a wine. Looking forward to trying
a well aged Chateau Latour.
July 23, 2008

robertfrancis
Unusual episode !

But totally agree with you on Margaret River – Mosswood, Leuwin, Cape Mentelle !

All fantastic wines, and often times better value !

Margaret River the Gigondas of OZ ?
July 23, 2008

purplejuicebruce
Ha Ha Ha $100 Bones for a bottle of wine Ha HA Ha Ha Dude thats my budget for two weeks worth of wine.
July 23, 2008

AMM3RD
Best bottle of $100+ wine was Insignia 2000, Best close to $100 was 1994 Mission Haut Brion, Best bottle ever 1995 Beringer PR Cab.

Interesting…little self study.

**I don’t like the looking over at ustream.com. I’m all for ustream if that’s what you like, but then the camera should be in the same place. Meant in the best possible tone, but a little disrespectful…AMM**
July 23, 2008

boegemann
QOTD: 1978 Beringer Private Reserve Cab Sauv.
July 23, 2008

mike76
Great episode, congrats to all the winners! QOTD: 1995 Ridge Monte Bello
July 23, 2008

Collin
QotD – Slightly under $100 = Viader, any vintage
Slightly over $100 = Pride Mountain “Reserve” Claret…
getting thirty just thinking about them.
July 23, 2008

BF
QOTD: Recently had a 2003 Il Poggione brunello that was awesome — so good we decided to share with the table next to us.
July 23, 2008

Peter Wood
Really glad that Juice dude won… enjoy the movie!
I agree with you Gary on the Grange. I tried 1997 Grange alongside ‘97 Hermitage La Sizeranne from Chapoutier which was a third of the price and it kicked the Australian’s ass!

QOTD – The best $100 bottle of wine I’ve had (or Â£50 for me) was a 1993 Crown Estates Tokaji Aszu Essencia. I had it at a tasting and it was unbalanced, dirty and not very good. Three years later I had a bottle and it was perfect – elegant soft rhubarb flavours with a little warm honey and STUNNING acidity.

mmmmmm Tokaji
July 23, 2008

Karl Laczko
Oh my sweet God – I WON!! Gary, your pronunciation of my surname was as bad as some of those wines you review, but I’ll let you off since you picked me out! ….and Susan as well!! Sorry for not being on UStream, was travelling and didn’t have Internet access.

I’ll contact Matt, but maybe getting to New York isn’t such a good idea for me or that Swiss winner!

Had to watch the rest of the show twice to register it, nice wines, I’ve always wanted to try those two, interesting take on the Grange, I’d still like to try it though (maybe just not pay for it).

QOTD – Never paid $100 for a bottle – if I had to then I’ll keep it general, maybe some Ribera del Duero, like Bodegas Alion, maybe a half-decent Burgundy.
July 23, 2008

DFC
QOTD: I have only ever taskt one (1) $100 bottle of wine and I tasted it during a visit to Frank Family Vineyards in Napa 2 years ago. The wine is the Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon, Winston Hill… and me and my wife loved it….
July 23, 2008

JudeMurphy
QOTD- Never had one, but it probably won’t be long, and it will be some sort of claret no doubt!
(Yes- I said “claret”, not “Bordeaux” haha, I love that word!)

Not sure about you looking over at that other camera, Gary!
That’s annoying!
July 23, 2008

Chris Hansen
QOTD: The 2005 Chateau Margaux they pullout when wine royalty show up would be nice.

As a newbie I didn’t know about the contests, but next time I’ll be bringing my own thunder to the next writing contest.

Old QOTD: What was the first wine you ever consumed? Got to be Mogan David circa 1977. I was an alter boy.

Excellent show. Ups to Mott for keeping you under control.
July 23, 2008

OzJeff
Hey Gary, as an Aussie I have to agree that a lot of our wines are over oaked and over concentrated. But there are some seriously yummy ones too.

QOTD. a 2000 Tagonius Gran Vino Seleccion, a CuvÃ©e of CabSav, Tempranillo and Syrah. Deep ruby red. Cedar, very ripe fruit. Fine elegant tannins. Ripe toasted dark berries. Fantastic balance, with good aging potential. I went to a tasting by the great GuÃa PenÃn himself, where this bottle was snuck out after the crowd had wandered off Rated a 92.
July 23, 2008

Lau
QOTD: Have had a $100+ wine, but wasn’t the best wine I’ve ever had. The best wine up there is a 2000 Cesari Amarone Bosan.

Nice to see a lot of others also loving Amarones.
July 23, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: I don’t believe I’ve ever had a true $100 bottle. I can’t count wine at a restaurant for that price because really it’s retailing so much cheaper.
July 23, 2008

Neil
QOTD: best $100.00 bottle I can remember is a Hartwell 2002 Estate SLD Cabernet Sauvignon. Their Merlot isn’t too shabby either.
July 23, 2008

Paul C
Well done, the truth will out. If the emperor is wearing no clothes, then the emperor is wearing no clothes.

When will the aussies figure it out? it’s about terroir.

Well done.

Paul C.
July 23, 2008

Seattle Zin Guy
QOTD: Best $100+ bottle of wine I’ve had is probably a 1989 Leonetti Cab my dad and I opened about a month ago (not $100 when purchased, but would easily cost over that now). A close second would be a 1994 Delille Chaleur Estate we opened about a month before that, again not over $100 when purchased but I’m guessing it would be now. In the 2 months prior to that, we opened up bottles of 1988 Chateau Margaux and 1988 Chateau Mouton Rothschild and honestly, despite the Bordeaux bottles being quite a bit more expensive, we both thought that the Washington cabs spanked the ones from Bordeaux…so more expensive does not = better…
July 23, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: Had the Cain 5. It was really good. Also had a Chateau Margaux. Also spectacular.
July 23, 2008

Justin
QOTD: Never had a $100 bottle of wine, but if I ever do, it will probably be a good Bordeaux.

Also, thanks for speaking up on the overoaking of wines. It’s a shame that Penfolds is charging people that much money for a wine that, as you described it, I would find undrinkable. Instead of allowing the fruit to shine, they cover it up with oak, such a shame.
July 23, 2008

Omallley
Never had a $100 bottle…

But the $100+ bottle of the wine that I am most looking forward to?

Classed Bordeaux Growths. Probably a 2000 or 2005 Cheval Blanc. If I can ever afford/get my hands on one…
July 23, 2008

Chip
Oh well…no french trip for me…

QOTD: My favorite, so far, was a 1997 Greenock Creek Cabernet
July 23, 2008

BruceP
QOTD: Probably a 1995 Vincent Girardin Gevrey Chambertin. Had it with salmon last year. The nose alone was so good I didn’t want to drink it.
July 23, 2008

Susan
Gary & Mott, You know me!!! Not sure I would spend a $100 for one bottle of wine even if I did have that kind of spare change!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 23, 2008

Sir Lurks-A-Lot
The constant turning sideways to face the webcam was beyond annoying.

Put the webcam (or the whole computer & webcam) on the table directly under the camera next time.
July 23, 2008

DAve A
Good show. Worth everything I paid to see it. :*)
All those names and you picked females? whazzupwitdat? hahaha. Oh, Karl is a guy? hahaha.
Wrong decanter – funny! loved it.

Nice proof that a $265 wine doesn’t mean it’s the best. Very good. Can’t wait to see tomorrow when you decanter longer.

$100 bottle? I just bought my first $29 bottle! One you suggested, I hope it is good. smile. Otherwise, I’m back to $8 to $14 a bottle – I can drink BOAT LOADS of types of wines all month long and never go over $14.

What the heck were you looking at to the right? am I missing something live online? what?
July 23, 2008

BW
Very interesting episode

QOTD: I am all about QPR, so I don’t have any $100+ bottles in the cellar, however, I have had some expensive bottles eating out. Not sure what they would retail for – may still be under $100. A had bottle of Silver Oak back in the late 90’s , which I think was an early 90’s vintage, which probably was over $100, that blew me away.
July 23, 2008

Jaybird
Right at a $100 my favorite was a 96 Grange
July 23, 2008

ryan
d’yquem (375ml)don’t remember the year, 97 Caymus special selection think is was $125 way back when.
July 24, 2008

rimarfish
QOTD: Domaine des Relagnes Chateaneuf du pape Les Petits Pieds de Arnand 2004
July 24, 2008

Oregon Jim
Best 100 bone wine was probably a 1984 Heitz Martha’s Vineyard. Haven’t tasted that many!

I agree you gotta do something about the live feed camera so it is right next to or in front of Mott’s.

Great show though. Gary always comes through with something that keeps it fresh and surprising!
July 24, 2008

Bruce Jones
I am so with you on the Grange. I was convinced that Penfolds is resting on its laurels after I visited the winery. Grange is made almost exactly the same way as the rest of their wines – all the same industrial processes of pressing, pumping, fermenting, etc. It is not the hand-crafted carefully made high-end product that we are led to believe it is. During the tour I couldn’t stop comparing in my head the Grange winemaking process to Opus One – worlds apart in the amount of manpower effort and care. As far as I could tell, the only difference between Grange and Penfold’s other reds was the source and varieties of grapes (ok, that’s important) and the use of 100% new French oak. It was obvious to me that Grange has become a marketing program, and not an effort to craft the best possible wine. I suspect a lot of this has to do with selling out to Fosters. It was very obvious that Fosters is pumping a ton of money into Wolf Blass and starving or selling off the other brands in its Barossa portfolio.
July 24, 2008

Phil M'Glassup
I’ve left remarks about my favrortie hundred buckaroos in comments on previous shows but they bear repeating.
My favorite was the 03 La Sirena Cab, just delicacy and finesse and poetry in a glass. Drinking it brought tears to my eyes and I was actually sad when it was empty, like when a lovely friend departs. Alas, the 04 spiked in price, rolling in at near $150 elsewhere. Ian and I had a conversation about it and he won’t order it, which I completely understand.
The other was the. . . .04 Sassacaia which I also found delicate and perfumy and exquisitely made. I bought a bottle of that from you and it’s waiting for the right moment some years down the road to be enjoyed. I was a little surprised by your notes for the 05 because what I tasted in the 04 was so different. What a difference a year makes?
Finally congratulations to all the winner.
July 24, 2008

Louisiana George
Best $100 bottle i have had was a 1990 Opus One during a local Opus event where everyone else got the new release 1995 that was way too young. Asked the host restaraunt if I could pay a little more for the 90 which had some age to it and loved it.

Best $100 bottle I am anticipating is a 1990 Caymus SS that I have held for about 10 years
July 24, 2008

Oakmon's BF
I donâ€™t have any desire to try a $100 wine. My goal is to continue to find wines
July 24, 2008

Alfredhayes
QOTD: I’ve tried only one bottle greater than $100 Opus ONe 2004 on-site at teh winery.
Quite good.
July 24, 2008

chippewamike
Never had a $100 bottle. Was waiting to have a Grange,. . . but now we will have to think a little about that purchase!
July 24, 2008

ex-lurkdawg
Gary, I thought it was a little weird how you kept shifting your focus from the camera to the computer. It was interesting to see you taste some famous high-end wines.

QOTD: assuming you mean $100+, 1995 Krug Champagne.
July 24, 2008

Oakmon's BF
I’m not sure why my message was cut off. I think it must have had to do with the (less than) sign.

I donâ€™t have any desire to try a $100 wine. My goal is to continue to find wines [less than] $15 (or at least [less than] $20) that I especially like.
July 24, 2008

TimInSpokane
QOTD – 2003 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon. That is a wine that brings serious thunder for 100 bones.

Interesting show! I have never had Grange since I am not too in to the over-the-top Aussie fruit bombs, and I sure as heck wouldn’t spend $265 on one.For that kind of money, I can buy a half case of some serious Walla Walla or Columbia Valley cabs or merlots or a half case of my favorite Dry Creek Valley zinfandels, tax and shipping included!
July 24, 2008

ChinonRouge
Easy, 2004 Caymus Special Select remains the benchmark for me in wines over $100. I’ll take a 2001 Chateau Leoville Barton too though. Incidentally, I have both Sassicaia and Grange in my little cellar, but I have yet to open any.
July 24, 2008

chris demeyere
I was blown away by a Pauillac from 2004, but i bought it in a restaurant and thus have no clue how much it would be in the stores. (it was more than 100 usd, but i don’t remember how much) And sadly forgot to write down what kind it was.

Always been a fan of most Saint Julien and Saint Estephe wines too.
July 24, 2008

Randy Smith
I’ve never had a $100 wine. But I am wanting to try the 2005 Morey Saint Denis Millandes. I guess everyone has to have something to look forward to.
July 24, 2008

Evan R.
Congrats to the winners of the contests. I didn’t enter, but I’m a bit bummed that I could have won a Zune. lol. Too bad about the Penfolds Grange.
July 24, 2008

RobRx
1990 Ch. Latour- Amazing, simply amazing!
July 24, 2008

jaredlevy
Amazing show, and it was amazing to see you bash the Grange which has simply relied on its name for a while. The prize couldn’t have gone to any 4 better people! and big congrats to Owen for JLTV winning the bottleshock contest.

QOTD: Of my limited experience with $100+ wine, my favorite is the Cakebread Cellars 2004 Cabernet Benchland Select…which I happen to be drinking, right now. Retails just around $100, but goes for about $220-250 in restaurants because of Cakebread’s big name.
July 25, 2008

master1228
Congratulations to all of the contest winners from this episode! Great show Gary, I love seeing you pull out the decanters.

QOTD: I’ve never had a $100 wine and I would want to try a $100 wine that I hadn’t paid for.

http://raad.wordpress.com
July 25, 2008

terroirist
Congrats. to the winners. Have fun. QOTD- I’m nor sure if this counts because it was a 1.5 liter bottle, however it was a Chateauneuf-du-Pape 03′ “Vieilles Vigne” Domaine Charbonniere. It was just over over a $100 bucks. It was a very nice bottle. The occasion was great. I’d have to look back at my notes, but I do remember it was very nice “classic” style.. Leathery, Earthy.. yum. I wish I had another.
July 25, 2008

winenot
QOTD: 96 Maya by Dalle Valle was phenomenal retailed for about $650. My friend bought it, but everything test better free.
July 25, 2008

Fatdoi
QOTD….. 2002 Moss Wood Cab Sav, not the best vintage but was really good!!
July 25, 2008

SoCal
QOTD: the 2000 Mouton I had pretty much rocked…..
July 25, 2008

Mia
Congrats to all the winners!

QOTD: Best $100 bottle so far for me has been 2003 Chateau Montelena Estate Cab….yum, yum…
July 25, 2008

Cuse Wino
QOTD- Never drunk 100 bone bottle, but I have three 2001 Ciacci Piccolomini Brunello di Montalcino Reserve bottles in the cellar that I look forward to drinking someday not very soon.
July 25, 2008

Cuse Wino
Also, please move UStream camera in front of you and Mott, very distracting.
July 25, 2008

Keith Brown
QOTD: The only $100+ wine I’ve ever had was a 2005 (I think) Dom Perignon, to celebrate being debt free (heh). It tasted especially good, and at the time, I wasn’t that much into wine so it wasn’t about the Champagne so much, but it was good. Recently though, I’ve wanted to taste some of the grower’s Champagne that Gary raves about, but still haven’t gotten around to it. I do like the bubbly, just not on an expense account here.
July 25, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
Congratulations to all of the winners. We all wish we were one of them. QOTD – I have had a number of expensive wines over the years and most of them disapoint. I had a taste of the Grange in about 1995 and it was the first fruit bomb I had tasted, so it seemed very good and different. Many of the expensive Napa Cabs are good, but seem to be over priced now. I think I would like to try a great vintage Port. I tasted a couple of vintage ports in Porto and they were special. And the value seems to be more reasonable compared to many other wines.
July 25, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: The 2002 Opus One during the 2007 Super Bowl….
July 26, 2008

Scott the ex wine dude
Egelhoff 2001 cab

I have a bottle of Grange 1982, interested?
July 26, 2008

Dan-o
I had the Grange at a premium Aussie tasting and it was awesome. We were drinking 1993 and 1994. We also had Clarendon Astralis – wow, along with BVE E&E Black Pepper Shiraz.

QOTD – I have always wanted to drink a left bank 1st growth and have not done so yet. I have a 1998 Mouton in my cellar that I received as a gift along with several different vinatages of Leoville Las Cases (2nd growth). One day I want to have the Latour!
July 27, 2008

kenny
Mondavi that becomes +$100. GV why pick zune winner before #4?
July 27, 2008

Achilleas in Cyprus
Congratulations to the winners – ENJOY !!!

A Zune from a Mac and iPhone user – sacrilege!!!

QOTD: Hoping to try a whole bottle of Chateau Margaux Grand Cru Class 1996, though at about $1700 a bottle will be a long wait. The 1995 Pavillon Rouge De Chateau Margaux at about $185 is gorgeous!!
July 27, 2008

Oscar FL
The best 100 USD wine I had is ( well it was $98 back in 2003 it’s now more like $76 USD ) Chateu La Croix Chantecaille Saint-Emilion. Awesome, we had a bottle three weeks ago (my girlfriend and I) and made a note, see here for the 2003 vintage ( in spanish ):
Aromas-tierras humedas , chocolate amargo, naranjas pasadas,casablancas, zapato nuevo, interior de auto nuevo.
sabores al paladar- frutitas secas silvestres, chocolate, vitaminas de niÃ±o,clavos oxidados, libros.
cuerpo medio con el principio muy presente en taninos. Alcohol 13 grados

Now in english:
Aromas-damp earth, dark chocolate, matured oranges, casablancas(flower scent) new shoes, new car smell.
flavor at palate- dried wild berries, chocolate, children’s vitamins, rusty nails, leather bound books. ( i know, weird )
Mid body with very present tannins. Alcohol 13%

So There.

I would like to try that Sassicaia right about now.
July 27, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: ‘01 Ornellaia
July 27, 2008

Jason Schermerhorn
I own bottles of the 2001 and 2002 vintage. I know that the Grange is the flagship of Penfold’s line. One thing that they always say, and I do not think just to put off realizing that the wine is average – is that it IS NOT A WINE TO DRINK RIGHT AWAY- it will be “green” and all of the “Oak monster” characteristics that you rightfully caught. They say at least cellar for 10 years – I wonder if you got your hands on an older vintage what your comments might be – after all they only JUST RELEASED the 2003 vintage – it still is so new. You have to cellar this beast to let it mellow down. I challenge you to try a Grange vintage at least 15 years old. A number of other fans on here offered you an earlier vintage – although I imagine they would be pretty expensive!

I love your show man, but I think you have to do right by the Grange. This is a wine to put away for a long time and bring out in 15-20 years. Question of the day: What do you think this wine will be in 15 years?!?!

Jason
July 28, 2008

Tom P
Excellent show, great passion and really love that folks are getting to win along with you.

Dunno if I will be able to roll with the wines you brought out today.

QOTD – I have had Caymus at a couple of business dinners, 2001 & 2002, so they were over $100 in a restaurant. I also like Jordan Alexander Cab, which is less expensive but still about $100 at dinner. I have not bought any wines at $100 retail.
July 28, 2008

Downtnmark
QOTD:

My favorite $100 wine was the 2002 Rubicon Estate. I cheated though and had a half-bottle for $50. I bought some 2002 Hewitt (back then) for $60 ea., but they now sell at the winery for more than $100, and this is still my favorite wine of all.
July 29, 2008

Susan
Gary & Mott, I HAVE to AGREE with Achilleas in Cyprus!!! WHY would a BIG APPLE company like yours give away a Zune????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
July 29, 2008

JayZee
Great show – VERY high end wines. Frankly, I’d say that a 93 point wine should still be under 100 bones (or at least not that much over) so I find both reviews disappointing for that matter.

QOTD: I’ve had a few $100 bottles of wine and the best was a 1982 Leoville Poyferre. The most disappointing $100 bottle I’ve had is a Dom Perignon. I don’t get it. It just isn’t worth $100 to my palate (and I’ve had several vintages).
July 29, 2008

AM Runner
Fun show I enjoyed seeing these wines and knowing a bit about it if get on one of those “baller” business dinners hey maybe I can suggest or swing it. Hmmm $100 wine I have had some that were at dinners over $100 – for that My favorie right now (actually at any price) is the Domaine Serene Yamhill Cuvee Pinot Noir ‘04 – next big one I would love to try are the latest ones out there from them (they are more like $75 retail) but if perssed I would love to try a Grande Dame or a Dom Perignon at least to say I tried it
July 30, 2008

J Crazy
Wow, congrats to all the winners. Awesome episode. Who else can hit above par over 500 times in a row? Gary V!!

2002 Opus One really rocked me. Had it with tomato mushroom cream gnocchi with parsely and home made bread. It was truly the perfect complement to a night of good friends and family.
July 31, 2008

*/^_^\*
*cries bc of business conference the week of the france trip and was unable to enter as a result…..

qotd: caymus 2003 cab. got me turned on to napa cab.
August 1, 2008

david h.
QOTD: Never had a $100 bottle and not planning on it for many years.

Good episode. I like the idea of ustream but I think it would be better if you put the camera in a similar place so you aren’t constantly looking to the side.
August 1, 2008

Mr.Ambassador
Congrats to all the lucky winners!

QOTD – I’ve been so pleased with past bottles of Walla Walla’s Leonetti (Cabernets and Merlots) that I’m always interested in keeping a few on hand for special occasions. If you like a wine with a gorgeous nose than these are really tough to beat; you can linger for minutes simply enjoying aromatics between sips!
August 6, 2008

Derek F.
Congrats to all contest winners…Have Fun!!!

QOTD: I want to try the 1994 Heitz Cellar cab.
August 8, 2008

Susan
Gary & Mott, Can not wait to go to France!!! Sorry I won’t get to see either of you on September 12th or the 13th !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 10, 2008

Mason
Congrats, winners!!! Enjoy the trips (and the Zune)!

QOTD: Never had a $100 bottle of wine that I paid for, but did have a tasting of Mondavi Cab Reserve 1998 in Napa Valley one time that was pretty good. I just can’t get over the bottle of wine that my wife and I had for our 9th wedding anniversary this past weekend: Andrew Will Sheridan Vineyard 2004…What an amazingly elegant wine!!! Only $40 bones!
August 11, 2008

Andrew D
Hey Gary

Interesting to hear your comments on Grange. A few things that maybe worth noting
1. 2003 was a pretty average year in Australia and the 2003 Grange has never been seen as anything, but a good attempt from a bad vintage – from what I hear 2004 and 2005 are much better.
2. How much does it retail for in the US? $264? In Australia it’s realise price is A$550, which is more than US$500 .. now that’s a ripoff and a disgrace.
3. Grange is a certain style and many Australian drinkers prefer the Penfolds St Henri less of a fruit bomb. Grange is something that’d I’d never buy and think there are so many more Australian wines out there that would suit your palate. Heathcote and Margraet River; why aren’t you drinking Gippsland, Tasmania and Beechworth??????

Cheeers
Andrew
August 13, 2008

yowens
Congrats to all the winners! Great show Gary, I’ve always been somewhat obsessed with Grange despite the fact that I’ve never had it. QOTD: Never had one, would love to try one of the big names in Bordeaux or Burgundy
September 30, 2008

Benj
Great show, and congrats to the winners.

QOTD: I think I’ve only ever had 1 or 2 $100 bottles and they were many years ago with my parents, and I don’t remember what they were, so I’m a blank slate for now!

As far as wines to lust after… some Clos Ste Hune would be high up my list, as well as L’Extravagant de Doisy-Daëne, but I don’t think I’ll ever buy it!
January 11, 2009

kathyintex ( kathyd )
Great show… Never had the Grange before, but we sell it – hefty price tag. Sorry to hear it doesn’t live up to the legend. (

QOTD ~ Best wine over $100 – hands down, a 1994 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, $125 at the time, now about $170. We had a private tasting on the patio, overlooking the vineyards, surrounded by the vineyards where the grapes were big and full on the vines (late August), flowers around the patio looked incredible. Our table… white linen, 10 -12 beautiful ‘big ass glasses’ awaiting the pouring of fantastic wines, beautiful cheese and meat platters. And, finally, the wines – awesome – that cab was so gorgeous, so big and smooth. Ahhh, definitely a day that almost tops my “Best Day” list (aside from the birth of my beautiful daughter). I have the picture of that tasting patio as my screensaver – fantastic wine, fantastic experience.
January 16, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Ouch on the Penfolds. I roll pretty hardcore. Ive spent a LOT of money in the last year on wines. Part of it is my NEED in my DNA to have some big time wines ( like the 05 Estrounel or the 2000 Essencia ). Only time well tell if my palate likes them. Hopefully everything will work out. Life is a roll of the dice anyway, so I cant get too upset at myself if I dont like them. I could spend $200 on 9 cheaper wines and hate everyone of them. Or I could spend the same $200 on clothes and not like the way they look on me a month later. Crapshoot… thats all it is. QOTD: Well obviously the two wines I just mentioned, but I dont think ive yet to taste a wine over $100. Maybe a dessert wine I drank a glass of in a restaurant. cant say for sure. Im really excited to drink my 1994 vintage port in the future though.
January 16, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Oh! Congrats to all the contest winners! Hope the France trip was a life-changing event.
June 10, 2009

looper
Great Show. I am catching up on my episodes right now as you are changing diapers! Can’t wait to watch the next one when you re-taste after 24 hours.

QOTD: I had a Castello di Romitorio 2004 Brunello di Montalcino about a week ago. It is still early for drinking as well, just like the 03 Grange. (not nearly as expensive) I think that the release price on the 04 Romitorio was about 75-80. Anyways, it ROCKED. Incredible, it had the scent of Meatloaf with ketchup smeared all over it on the sniffy sniff, followed by great bright cherries, silky tannins and a long finish on the palate.
Got to try this wine!
November 11, 2009

richardvinifera
QOTD: An over $100 bottle of wine, who do you think I am, Mott? I would say aged Barolo, as it seems release price, and retail price when drinkable, are both high for a wine in general!

at 13:30, “Chateauhautbrion [steak]“, i’m certain that’s not the first time i’ve heard that slip, but we love it!