Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon Go Together Like Peas and Carrots

Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon Go Together Like Peas and Carrots – Episode #545

September 24, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk tastes 3 whites that feature this classic grape combination.

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Comments on this episode(150) Leave a comment ›

“QOTD: Im not too sure. Im sure I have at a tasting, but cant recall….” by Dessert Wine Nerd
“Really appreciated the explanation at the beginning as to why they pai…” by yowens
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Wines tasted in this episode:

Steenberg Sauvignon BlancSouth African Sauvignon Blanc
2007 Cadaretta Sauvignon Blanc/ SemillonColumbia Valley White Meritage
2006 Volker Eisele GeminiNapa White Meritage

150 Responses

September 24, 2008

Richard
QOTD: Don’t recall ever having one. But I had a wine (I think it was a chardonnay/sauvignon blanc mix) that gave me the exact same reaction that the third wine gave you.
September 24, 2008

passthecab
SB and Semillon… sauternes, mmmmmm
September 24, 2008

purplejuicebruce
As my dad used to say I want you to eat every carrot and pea in the bowl.
September 24, 2008

Mr.Ambassador
Residing here in Washington State there are many of the Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon blends available and I’ve had the opportunity to sample several. I’ll have to keep an eye open for the Cadaretta as I haven’t seen that on the wine shelves yet…
September 24, 2008

hinrgman
Nice selection of white wines

Gary you rock
September 24, 2008

NY Pete
where’s the wine 2.0 show?
September 24, 2008

Brian
Leaving us hanging on the wristbands huh? I have never had one but I will have to seek it out.
September 24, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
QOTD Other than white Bordeaux? nope, not that I know of!
September 24, 2008

Scott EJ
I believe I’d have both WA and Bordeaux Sem/Sauv. Blanc blends. I’m probably a bigger fan of them individually than blended.
September 24, 2008

TimInSpokane
Very cool to highlight semillon and the sauv blanc! I really like semillons and have had many. L’Ecole 41, a premier Walla Walla winery, makes 3 different semillons, all of which are fabulous.

QOTE – never had that combo that I can remember, but I have had many of each. I really like some of the Columbia Valley sauvignon blancs (Barrister Winery does a Red Mountain sauvignon blanc that absolutely kills it!). If you see it anywhere, try the Barnard Griffin Fume Blanc, a sauv blanc that retails for less than $10. It is great for the price!
September 24, 2008

Brad
QOTD: I have and they’re awesome. Thanks!
September 24, 2008

NickP
QOTD: Yes, Ch. Reignac Blanc (70% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Semillon, 5% Muscadelle) – here are my notes from cellar tracker when I had if first in April: Very good white. Citrus and flowers on the nose, with some petroleum like overtones. Good clean taste with the citrus more in line with a grapefruit taste, good mouth feel, and nice acidity. A nice change of pace for me. Guess where I bought it? Have another bottle which I’ll have to check out again soon.

Other than that I can’t say I’ve had another.

Was in the store yesterday to pick up some ‘05 bordeaux as they come in.
September 24, 2008

Ryan L
Ive never had this blend, but it sounds interestingly delicious. I can’t wait to get one of the new wristbands either. Great Show Gary and keepin it RADOOL!
September 24, 2008

Neil
Nope
September 24, 2008

crank
I’m in.
September 24, 2008

jason
i’m digging the short and sweet shows…. 11 min is right on. not get me wrong the 25 min loaded with content are good too

qotd: i have surely had a my fair share of bordeaux blanc, but i am not sure outside of that. like the 1st wine just says sav blanc but has some semilion in it——-BTW i had a 2001 chat louvier blanc over the summer and it was friggin good. it turned me into a believer in bord blanc. it had more notes of the sav blanc. the nose was wowowow.
great show
September 24, 2008

Gregavelli
As Mr. Ambassador said (what’s up, Schweitzer?) here in WA we have quite a few of the white Bordeaux-style blends, which I’ve been able to try. DeLille Chaleur Estate Blanc has always been a personal favorite. We also pour the Cadaretta SBS by the glass where I work. Suddenly oysters sound very good.
September 24, 2008

Marshall
QOTD: Yes, I love white bordeaux and I drink tons of it because it brings tons of value.
September 24, 2008

Double_Faces
Long time lurker, first time poster. Where in LA can I find that first wine? Any ideas?

QOTD: Sure haven’t but my budget would totally allow me to pick up that Steenberg. Any help in locating it?
September 24, 2008

Shawn_944
Awesome show Gary,

QOTD: Nope not yet… at least i think…

What about the new wrist bands! Your such a tease
September 24, 2008

Slushpuppy
I would love to do a strickly white wine tasting. I crave them more when the weather gets hot.
Smell it first!
September 24, 2008

Withnail
QOTD: Yes, many white Bordeaux and Sem-Sauv blends from elsewhere.
None really leap up in my memory to recommend.
Have you done a big show on white Rhone? That would be interesting, too.
September 24, 2008

Rowland
O MY GOD I HAVE TO HAVE THAT WRIST BAND!
September 24, 2008

Smahlatz
What happened at 8:21 ?? major edit
September 24, 2008

Rowland
diesel. I believe that scent you were getting on that third wine was diesel. 79 sounds like too good of a score, knock them down a peg or two; if it’s plonk, it’s plonk, right?
September 24, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Nice Show GV!

Q-Yes, good stuff!
September 24, 2008

Nancy Bentley
We just picked our Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon in OHIO! Almost two tons. It took Ron until 6 a.m. to press it. Then he was so tired, the next day he reversed his new pickup truck into my car’s driver side door. Sigh. This is a difficult grape for us to grow in Ohio, it is very susceptible to winter damage. In general it is blended into our Revelation label, although the Revelation Gary reviewed was predominantly Roussanne.
September 24, 2008

robertfrancis
Had quite a few of them – really like the blend

Favourite – Leeuwin Siblings – was the white wine at my wedding !

Cape Mentelle do a solid one as well

Good Show
September 24, 2008

Kevin K
QOTD: yes.
September 24, 2008

Jon Berry
QotD: Nope, but I will give one a try this weekend. Maybe steam some clams and give a SB/Sem blend a shot.
September 24, 2008

cgatesman
QOTD: Of course! White Bordeaux rocks the hizzy!
September 24, 2008

suikagirl1
I haven’t had one… but I certainly know which to AVOID!!!
September 24, 2008

Jay
QOTD: Don’t know if I’ve had any that are just those two, but maybe.
September 24, 2008

cma82
Way to smack that Napa blend. You should have thrown in a white bordeaux for comparison. Nice show though.

QOTD: Of course, I love drinking the blends with food. This reminds me, I have a Chateau LeGatte(although no Semillion) that I bought from you in the fridge–I’ll probably pop it tonight!
September 24, 2008

Dapinapa
Just FYI,
The wine Gary didn’t like pronounced Ize-lee
September 24, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: Just the white bourdeaux you sent out in the secret pac a while back….really good………
September 24, 2008

Bryan Garcia
QOTD: Nope. =/
September 24, 2008

Deano
Gary good episode…I hate when wines dont have much of a flavor profile. I would rather just drink some water.

QOTD:
-Not yet
September 24, 2008

Kelly Goff
I have had a few of this type of wine, and LOVE it! I have had some from CA and of course White Bordeaux. I will have to seek out the first one, as value is the name of the game at this point. Great show and love the new wristband!
September 24, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

QOTD: I’m a huge fan of Semillon/Sauv Blanc blends. Right after Viogner, it is probably my favorite style of white wine….especially the white bordeaux wines that are a bit heavier on the semillon in the blend.

–RH
September 24, 2008

Dr. Dan
I love Ch. Carbonnieux, a while Graves. The 2002 is drinking fabulously right now.
September 24, 2008

sam
Awesome (to use Gary’s word) show!

I’m actually having a Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle blend from André Lurton, Entre-Deux-Mers called Chateau Bonnet which is amazing. It’s very tropical: Passion fruit meets pineapple meets citrus with a pleasant minerality. I love your show. I watch it every night (even on the week-end, I watch past episodes).

Keep it up!

How do we get wristbands?
September 24, 2008

Rick D
QOTD: Nope, but I think I need to try a white Bordeaux blend.
September 24, 2008

Danny C
QOTD: Yes I have, recently had a white Bordeaux. I can dig it!

STAY FRESH VAYNERNATION!!!
September 24, 2008

Dominus
Verrry good show. It’s always fun to see a $7 SA wine kick some Napa butt!

QOTD: Yes, though its Aussie. I adore the Cape Mentelle SB/Semillon blend. One of my most memorable wines the first time I tried it which was in Shockhoe Slip in Richmond, VA. I remember the dinner, place and wine.

Cheers!

P.S. I want the wristband.
September 24, 2008

Glen.... winecrazy.com
Very interesting…… I guess I won’t be getting any of that last bottle..lol

So, did you want to tell me how come you never showed up in Asbury Park?

QOTD. But of course!!!
September 24, 2008

brorjace
A little White Bordeaux, maybe something from Cali, I can’t remember any that stands out though. That South African one sounds pretty good.
September 24, 2008

Scott S.
Gary, You are total correct. These 2 varietals are a beautiful pair together. I am big fan of this blend.

QoTD: Had a White Bordeaux by Rothchild, a low end 10 dollar wine that was just ripping with lemony oil mineral weighty palate. In fact I was working the international wine show in Cleveland some months ago as a Alum of the Cleveland Wine School and this wine was on my table, stole the show. Excellent show tonight and thanks for featuring this classic blend!
September 24, 2008

Adam Teece
It makes me happy to see $7 wines beating out the $20+ wines. Also thought I caught and edit in the middle there, maybe it was just a hiccup or something?

QOTD: Nope, not yet.
September 24, 2008

M
Earlier this year, I enjoyed a Sauvignon Blanc & Macabeo blend from Rueda, Spain. Castell del Remei Blanc Planell Costers del Segre.
September 24, 2008

Pete G
Affirm. It is a good combo. I seem to like the Bordeauxs alittle more than the Australians. Although I’ll agree w/ Robertfrancis Cape Mentelle does make a good sav/sem blend.
September 24, 2008

Matt182
QOTD: Have tasted a Numéro 1 White from Bordeaux and this is a good buy year after year for this kind of blend. I have a Domaine du Chevalier 2005 White that is 70% sauvignon blanc and 30% sémillon in the cellar that needs time before tasting it.

Nice new wrist band btw!
September 24, 2008

Ryne Nelson
Gary, as you scored the last wine, I really started thinking back to my sports card-collecting days (I’m still not sure if they’re completely over, but that’s beside the point). A lot of my favorite cards came out of affordable – or even cheap packs and boxes – while the expensive packs always had a better ‘base card’ but didn’t always rocked your socks off. I’m sure you can relate to this.

So I see where you’re going. $7 wines aren’t going to impress that often, but when they do, the surprise is always 10 times as sweet!
September 24, 2008

M
QOTD: I’ve definitely had white Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blend.

I’ve commented on other episodes that this spring and summer I tried many whites. I used to drink mostly red. But I’m expanding my palate. I really like Verdejo, Rueda and Gruner Veltliner and Vernaccia and Greco di Tufo and especially Muscadet (Loire). Excuse my spelling.
September 24, 2008

DAve A
I love Saug Blanc during the summer! Semillon is too much for me. Maybe I should try it again. . .

QOTD: oh, yes. I sure have!!

HEY, you’ve gone stealth on your secret pack. I got it, when is it?
September 24, 2008

Hido53
Interesting show Gary!

Apologies if you have already addressed this question in some manner already, but, where’s Mott? Haven’t “seen” him is around a week. Vacation?
Anyway, QOTD: Yes I have had a few. Not as much as some of the other typical white wine blends that are based more on Rhone varietals.
September 24, 2008

RANDI
GARY!!
QOTD: Theres a vineyard on the North Fork of Long Island you may know of…called Shinn Estate. Their First Fruit, SauvBlan/Semillon is pretty good. I mostly drink Reds, but enjoy this wine..usually during the summer…
September 24, 2008

dakotapaul
Gary, you know who has done this blend for a long time, and one of the first I’ve had is Rosemount of Australia. It was always one of their cheapest wines, but always had a good taste. I believe the se-million brings a little sweetness to the wine and ones down the sauvignon blanc. Probably one of the “secret” ingredients to the Kendall wines – along with Viognier.
September 24, 2008

nickel
I’ll keep by eye out for this blend!
September 24, 2008

Andrew D
Thanks, gary

QOTD: yes …
September 24, 2008

Bill
Great show, as always. Nice rib kick to the Volker Eisele. Schadenfreude, all the way. Yes!

QOTD: Umm, yes.
September 24, 2008

robnmo
nice show. QOTD: white bourdeaux are some of our favorite white wines. would like to try some american sauvignon blancs/semillon blends to see how they stack up.
September 24, 2008

Darcey and Cliff
Yup, had one of these blends and have always liked ‘em when I’ve had ‘em. Thanks to YOU, Gary Vee, Darcey and I now enjoy white wines as much and ALMOST as often as reds.
September 24, 2008

Orville B
Shows to go ya

great show thanks

jb
September 24, 2008

mark b
QOTD: don’t believe i have. ill go find one.
September 24, 2008

Ed Salonia
Continuing to crank out these shows GV. THANKS!!

Good stuff as usual.

Also, I think you need to call out the lurkers, its been too long.
September 24, 2008

WineWoman
QOTD: I’ve had the Semillon/Sauv. Blanc blend and enjoyed the Aussie version the best, Cali 2nd and white Bordeaux the least, but I have 2 or 3 Bordeaux in the cellar to try and just might like them as much or better than the Australian blend. Also have enjoyed a few Semillon/Viognier blends.
September 24, 2008

tiffanygladson
QOTD: No, I have not tried this blend, but I added it to my list, which means I will get to it. Can’t wait!
September 24, 2008

amgryger
QOTD: I’ve had a handful of white bordeaux.
September 24, 2008

Exdamyankee
QOTD- Yeah, I’ve had tons of White Bords and do enjoy the Sauv. Blanc/Semillon blend. Must admit never having tried them any from anywhere else, though. Must remember to do that!

Howzabout loading some up on free.winelibrary.com?
September 24, 2008

Anthony L.
Never had one, but would like to know that you’ve peaked my interest.
September 24, 2008

John Farrin
QOTD: Cantely’s Blanc
September 24, 2008

Nicholas Lazarus
QOTD: Nope. I’ll add it to the list.
September 24, 2008

Roberto
Have had quite a few SB/Sem blends, all quite wonderful (all from Bordeaux)
September 24, 2008

Chris in Tulsa
QOTD: Have tried a few, Semillon has a very interesting nose and favor profile. Some of the wines very interesting and some just plain nasty! Think they were really made for the noble rot, then they become beautiful!
September 24, 2008

Littlejonnyh
I’m guessing that if you asked the casual wine consumer (super market shopper), they would think there’s something way “off” with the steenberg while the others they would enjoy. Maybe that’s a bit of the reason it’s $7?

QOTD: Yep, buy very few and all from France
September 25, 2008

neutron212
QOTD: cant say ive had the white blend but im jacked about the new wrist band
September 25, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – Have had some white Bordeaux…

Too bad about the last wine, that was disappointing!
September 25, 2008

aaronb
QOTD: Had a white Bordeaux a few years ago that I remember liking a lot, but nothing since then.
September 25, 2008

Micha
Hi Gary,
thanks for #545! Semillion + Sauvignon blanc is up my alley. Was fun to see the Steenberg label for the us market. This winery uses a lot different labels and styles. But thats ok (different markets…different needs).
QOTD: The last i had from this combo was Chateau Grinou 2007 from the Bergerac region. Good one, very food-friendly.
September 25, 2008

Robert Howells
Thirsty Lizard and it comes in a tetra pak.
September 25, 2008

Paul V
QOTD: I have had each of these individually but not as a blend.
However, you didn’t tell us how to get the gen V (?) wristband.

Great show as always.
September 25, 2008

Cellar Rat
Great episode…. I love sauvignon blancs and I would like to get into this blend. I have had it many times, but never from the new world.

QOTD- Lots in bordeaux, but nothing outside of france.
September 25, 2008

vibemore
qotd: have never tried this blend before.
September 25, 2008

Squidbeak
Junkyard dog? Has someone seen Jackie Brown recently by chance?
September 25, 2008

PhilB
QOTD: Yup! From Bordeaux, both dry and SWEEEET and OZ for me….
Best ever : Haut Brion Blanc 2004, probably one of the top 3 best whites I have ever had….
September 25, 2008

hugh
Yes, i think white bordeaux is awesome…..though my fav white blend now is the D’Arenberg Marsanne/Viogmier Hermit Crab 2005-GV u need to try this-if u dont have access, i will send u a bottle!!
September 25, 2008

Long Island.
Lemon Now & Later?? HAHAHA How astute. Love the analysis.
September 25, 2008

hugh
oops, misspelled ViogNier!!!
September 25, 2008

Chris Hansen
Qotd: The Sauv blanc/sem blend is riDONKulous with seafood. I will be looking for the “oily” flavor you spoke about though.

I enjoyed this show, it expanded my mental palate for wine. And no, that doesn’t make any real sense.
September 25, 2008

Chippewamike
QOTD: Why yes I have. Loved it. Nice show.
September 25, 2008

JonE
Too bad about the Volker Eisele, but what about their Cab?????

QOTD: Ofcourse, many a white Bordeaux have passed these lips.
September 25, 2008

Taylor
QOTD Yes, I have and they tend to be my go to on whites. Have a few white bordeaux hanging out too.
September 25, 2008

Rick O'Shea
Love the wristband. Green is my color.
September 25, 2008

drift
What about the wrist bands…how do we get one? I love shows on white. It can show people that a white wine can be very good. I have a passion for pungent minerality. WHITE BURGUNDY! As far a sauvignon blanc I prefer loire.
September 25, 2008

Eliot (in the Lou)
QOTD – Haut Rian White Bordeaux. I esp love it for the “fakeout” name. Nice and crisp, with just enough flower and oil on the nose to cut through the Charbroiled Oysters at Drago’s in New Orleans.
September 25, 2008

Scottie P
Good show. It got me in the mood for whites again.
QOTD: Never had Semillon that I know of.
September 25, 2008

Laurie in VT
QOTD: Yes, but only from Bordeaux. Looking forward to trying a South African blend.

Glad to be back with the Vayner Nation for the last week or so- we’ll see if I can get a comment through on Safari, as Firefox was useless the couple of times I tried…
September 25, 2008

Jon-Paul Lenczuk
Haven’t had this blend before, but the flavor profiles you’ve described in the Steenberg reminds me of the 2007 Kim Crawford from New Zealand, less the grass–hmm..may have to break out the one I have at home!
September 25, 2008

wayno da wino
LOOOOOVE Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc Blends !! Drank a Gazillion of ‘em…..
Yeah…Yeah…Oh Yeaaah !!
September 25, 2008

Cesare
Just had a white Bordeaux that Matt Recommended: Reignac Blanc. Sold out now but great stuff.
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=33157
September 25, 2008

Murso
QOTD- Yes. Though French by invention (Entre-Deux-Mers,i.e.Bordeaux), great examples (Peter Lehman, Ch. Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven) abound, spanning the globe and price ranges. Cheap CAN be good – they’re employing the Blender’s Art to exploit the strengths of each grape, but don’t cellar.
Gary – Volker Eisele (EYE-zlee), a Ph. D. in sociology, has been an important source of (organic) grapes for names such as Ridge, Joseph Phelps, and Araujo, since the early seventies. Any number of problems may explain this bottle. First, organic wines have no sulfite added, though a tiny amount is present naturally. That makes them more fragile than the norm, and it is widely known how porly many organic wines’ shelf life, or aging potential is. Drink upon release, or DYA!!! This bottle, an ‘06, in clear glass, no less, may have been mishandled at any point since leaving the winery. That includes shipping, distrbution network, even in the retail store,if exposed to exessive heat, cold, or light. Semillon can be rather flabby – oily fruit, low acid, no tannic structure (as most all white). A high (72%) percentage of Sem in the composition, with 4 months barrel ageing (further muting (ML) acidity), with relative low alcohol, is a ‘perfect storm’ for quick bottle evolution. As a professional, and avatar to the Vayniac nation, many of whom are learning from you, please try another bottle/vintage (esp. Cabs) from The Eisele Vineyard to properly familiarize yourself with this legendary grower.
September 25, 2008

Murso
P.s. – TONS can be learned about Eisele, and many other historical (literally!) movers and shakers in the Napa Valley in the excellent bok, Napa – The Story of an American Eden, by James Conaway. 1990, Houghton Mifflin.
September 25, 2008

brainpain
GV: New wristband! SWEET! Hook a brotha up!
QOTD: I have several in stock but yet to pop one. Looks like tonight will be as good of a night as any!
September 25, 2008

Gary Safir
Hey Gary. I spent an extended amount of time in France this summer, in Tours. I had a chance to travel down to Bordeaux, though, and I tried a semillon/sauvignon blend. It was an excellent wine, I completely agree with you, but I think i prefer the sauvignon, on its own, from the Loire valley. I’m not sure, why. Very informative video.
September 25, 2008

Casey Lee
nice vid GO JETS
September 25, 2008

Rafi Schutzer
I recently tasted two white Bordeau wines, Chateau Guiraud Sauternes Premiere Cru 1999 and Chateau Piada Sauternes 2001. They were also from the limited kosher cuvees that were produced by these chateaux. If you like honey . . .
These are sweet wines.
September 25, 2008

Andy
QOTD—– One of my favorite blends of wine and I have had plenty of them. Need to try more South African wine … Every one I have had has been good.
September 25, 2008

M
Eat Drink or Die is great. Everyone, go there. Now.
September 25, 2008

Robin C
QOTD: I have and I’ve heard that the semillon given the sauvignon blanc the lemony taste which I like a lot.
I hope the Volker Eisele Cab is better. We gave one to my cousin by marriage, Volker, and haven’t yet heard the results.
September 25, 2008

italianwinelover
Love the color of the new wristbands!!! Go Green!

QOTD: Yes and loved them – was on a mission this year to find a SavBlanc that I liked this was one of them!
September 25, 2008

Brandon Snell
Very interesting group.

QOTD: Never, but I am a fan of both so I’m sure I’ll like it.
September 25, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: Not sure about the blend. I know I’ve had South African whites that were a blend, but I can’t recall what.
September 25, 2008

manonthemoon
Great show, love the green bands. So how do we get one again?

QOTD: Had a few, nothing that really did it for me though. I really prefer the Northern rhone whites myself.
September 25, 2008

Derek F.
Great show, as always, need that wrist band!!!!!!!!

QOTD: I have, don’t remember what kind it was, it was a white Bordeaux.
September 25, 2008

D.A.
Surprised that when discussing these two varietals Kalin Cellars Semillon or S.B. were not represented. For a further reference read a Tanzer review on Kalin.
September 25, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Many many white Bordeaux for me and I really like the taste. None of these you described here would match even a low end white Bordeaux.
September 25, 2008

Kevin
QOTD: Not that I can recall, and I appreciate you opening me up, yet again, to something new. I’m a huge Sauv Blanc fan, so look forward to giving a few of these a go. Wish we could get the Steenberg in our province…
September 25, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
QOTD – Yes, have had white bordeaux and enjoyed them.
September 25, 2008

Grace
Hi Gary–Is it just me or have you noticed all the green pepper coming out of the southern hemisphere (Australia, New Zealand)? I know it’s a different, acquired taste and they’re promoting the heck out of it but I have to say I don’t care for it much. Anything super vegetable-like i.e, green pepper, leads me to believe they made the best of a bad weather season–underripe grapes or picked too early… It’s an acquired taste and though I would never diss a wine in that respect, I say, “Bring back the gooseberry and grapefruit.”
September 26, 2008

Tyler Walker
now that you mention it….i picked up a white bordeaux from ABC on the way to the beach…and it wasnt shabby at all..quite tasty
September 26, 2008

mike l
ALL SOUTH AFRICAN EPISODE AGAIN PLEASE!
September 26, 2008

pawncop
Great show and will try the Steenberg ASAP.

I know that I have had a SB/Sem blend in the past and noted the difference but cannot recall the producer.
September 26, 2008

Kenny Dion
Not a big white wine fan, but I am opening up. Sauv. Blanc is my favorites of the whites. I’ll try this blend.
September 26, 2008

Jayhitek
Did we not get a question??
Good show. Love the quick 10 minutes ones.
September 26, 2008

Jerry Bob
Great show love them both seperate or together. no particular producer stands out.
September 26, 2008

Derek
QOTD: Never tried one, but will move that to the top my list! Thanks Gary!
September 27, 2008

Sassodoro
QOTD. Yeah, I’ve had a few, including some white Bordeaux. I was thinking at the beginning of the episode, when you said that for many years Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blends were mainly from Australia, but what about white Bordeaux? I love the aromatics and the oiliness that Semillon contributes.
September 27, 2008

hasbeen
One of the best whites I have had this year was a 2006 Chateau Guiraud “G”. It is apparently impossible to find in the Midwest though.
September 27, 2008

Dan-o
GV – I was a little surprised that you did not explain more thoroughly that Bordeaux is the ancestral home of this blend – or at least the “Capitol” of Sauv Blanc/Sem.
QOTD – I only recently became a fan of this blend and it was a wine from the Bordeaux region, but not a name brand. I like the style.
September 27, 2008

JudeMurphy
I’m not big on the new wrist band, Gary!
The statue of liberty thing suggests that the “vayner nation” is something which can only exist in the USA.
: (

Never had anything like that but at the moment I’m drinking a Pouilly-Fumé and I was thinking you should definitely do a show on them! Whip out some Baron De L, it’s amazing!!

I also was just thinking you should do a show discussing additives in wine. Something I’ve been concerned about lately. They’re not listed on the labels so no one ever knows when they’re there!
They put a lot of chemicals in wine and people aren’t aware.
September 27, 2008

Patt
Very interesting.
QOTD: Stilton, maybe Roquefort, but I have only had that once. Port, Sherry (Dry Sack Medium, right now) , Riesling, or Gewurtz to pair.
September 27, 2008

Patt
delete that, wrong episode. I just watched the cheese one, sorry
September 28, 2008

M Lee
QOTD: Yes, I’ve had a few white bordeaux, most recently the Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2005. What a wonderful, complex, layered, and full white. It got better as it warmed up (not surprising) with notes of honey, a little caramel, creme brulee, lemon zest — even the empty glass smelled ethereal after I drank it. I bought a case, despite the ridiculous price point, as well as a case of Blanc de Lynch Bages 2005. I am looking forward to aging these and trying them throughout the years to come. (It’s hard not to drink them all now, though)
September 28, 2008

BettyLou
NZ. Pegasus Bay (canterbury). Sauv, Sem (70/30). Got to do a tasting at the winery once, got to see the end of ferments for the current vintage, then try the three previous years in bottle. Not normally a Sem fan, but it worked really well in this wine, especially with some age. Awesome (awesome winery in general).
September 28, 2008

Dan Manu
I have this blend very often and is one of my faves… generally i like the Semillon dominated ones better! mmm
September 28, 2008

Nathan Wiggins
Maybe the Gemini was just a bad bottle. I wouldn’t think that would be a typical tasting component.
September 29, 2008

Matthew
QOTD: No. but I think Ill go find some of that first wine. Yeehaw!!
September 29, 2008

JayZee
QOTD: Yeah, I have had a couple of White Bordeaux but I’ve never had a Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc blend form anywhere else that I can recall. Then again, I may have had one from the Hunter Valley in Australia when I was there back in 2000.
September 29, 2008

Jason S.
QOTD: not sure?
September 29, 2008

Lois and Greg
QOTD: Yes. Have had the Steenberg and agree with the taste notes. Great bang for the buck. Time to stock up.
September 29, 2008

ChiroGuyDC
Another great episode, though can’t say I’ve ever tried a SB/S blend…yet!!!
September 30, 2008

Jimmy T
QOTD: Nope.
October 2, 2008

Flavio
QOTD: I’ve had plenty of white Bordeaux – don’t think I’ve ever had any sauvignon blanc / semillon made elsewhere.

What really sparked my interest (in buying/ordering white Bordeaux) was the Callac in the Christmas pack. After that, I had a life altering experience in February at a Haut Brion dinner in London where I had both Haut Brion Blanc and Laville Haut Brion for the first time. Here are the notes:

http://tv.winelibrary.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14366&highlight=
October 4, 2008

Achilleas in Cyprus
Nice show.

QOTD; Nope, never.
October 5, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: Yes- many, but only from Bordeaux- mostly Graves. I have had Semillon from other wine growing regions, but not blended.
October 18, 2008

Kristen
QOTD: Hell yeah! I’m livng in the heart of Pessac Leognan!!!!
October 19, 2008

Sharon
Wow, great QPR on 1st wine! Holy good deal, Batman. I don’t like Semillon by itself too much as too waxy/viscous and don’t love the flavor. I think they use Semillon in Sauternes though which of course is great.
QOTD: I’m sure I have. In fact the Le Frappe S.A.S. Philippe Raoux Brut I purchased at the Wine Lib on my 1 visit there. I liked it.
October 30, 2008

yowens
Really appreciated the explanation at the beginning as to why they pair well together- cheers! QOTD: Of course. A killer one is the St. Supery Virtu
January 22, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
QOTD: Im not too sure. Im sure I have at a tasting, but cant recall. Have had some straight up semillions that ive enjoyed. Def. a style of wine ill have to check out!