A Very Cool Winemaker Visits the Thunder Show

A Very Cool Winemaker Visits the Thunder Show – Episode #549

October 1, 2008

Charles Smith of K Vintners shares his wine philosophy and tastes 4 of his Washington state wines with Gary Vaynerchuk.

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Comments on this episode(220) Leave a comment ›

“[...] Gary V. had Charles Smith on WLTV last year and they tasted the …” by VINEgeek » Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2008
“awesome guest…. definitely some stuff i gotta try…” by nnothing
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2007 Kung Fu Girl Riesling
2007 Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon
2006 K-vintners OvideColumbia Valley Red Meritage
2006 K-vintners Morrison Lane SyrahWashington Syrah

Links mentioned in todays episode.

Join the K Vintners mailing list

220 Responses

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October 2, 2008

Mr.Ambassador
One of the best half-hours I’ve spent on the computer in ages! You should link this one up as one of the top WLTV “Guest Episodes.”

Everything that you and Charles discussed concerning the wines was both educational and entertaining and kept me eagerly waiting for the next insight or comment. Residing in Washington state I’ve seen and sampled most of the Charles Shaw and K-Vintner wines and they do impress. Also impressive are the vineyards which Charles is sourcing from as they have a great regional reputation. This was the first opportunity I’ve had to actually see and hear the winemaker. All that was missing from the show was a Dale Chihuly decanter!

I’m off to the store now to look for that Ovide! Hopefully I can take a Walla Walla tour before winter; if so we’ll be certain to call the winery to check on open hours or tasting room location!
October 2, 2008

Rich
LMFAO this guy at 10:30 in the morning just downed that glass of Riesling like it was OJ…gotta love it. Where do you find these guys Gary? lololoolol
October 2, 2008

HuskerJamie
Awesome show guys, I enjoyed every minute of it.
October 2, 2008

Jason S.
Great show! Picked up a some of the ovide – one for now and some for later

I’ve been wanting to get out to Walla Walla for awhile now. Hopefully, I’ll get out there this Spring before it gets too hot.
October 2, 2008

kristen
I had never heard of Charles smith. He’s so awesome thanks for bringing him to my attention ! Great show Gary. I am definitely going to seek these wines out.

Qotd: My guy and I are planning a trip up and down the coast next year, so I am trying to put in as many wine areas as possible. Walla walla here I come
October 2, 2008

BF
What a fun guy and great ep. Nice work.
October 2, 2008

Casey Lee
third time watching this. he is by far the best guest youve had, gary. fun episode. his personality is great ..the positive vibes from him radiate from my computer screen. cool guy. the both of you… thanks again guys.
QOTD – magic
October 2, 2008

Von P
Ridunculus Show!!! Chas rocked the house down!
QOTD1: We put on our tightest sweaters and jeans
QOTD2: If and when I ever go to Wala Wala there’s no way I won’t go see this man.
October 2, 2008

fishman
great show can’t wait to try one or a dozen of these Artie
October 2, 2008

Daniel Hoerr
I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Charles at the K winery a couple years back for Walla Walla’s Spring Release weekend.

Joined their wine club and bought a mixed case on the spot.

Here’s my favorite K wine ever…
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/2908192868_38225480a2_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/2907348955_f10d95ac6b_o.jpg

The Creator 2003 – with Charles’ likeness adorning the VERY COOL label.
October 2, 2008

kathyintex ( kathyd )
DOn’t know about the QOTD ~ But not too happy about the guy’s feet in my wine.. ick.
But LOVE a cab/shiraz blend – always a favorite of mine.

How about a show on Blends?
I love the GSM, a Southern Rhone, even a nice cab/merlot/syrah (The OTHER) comes to mind, or the Phantom, by Bogle, recently released. That’s a very nice wine for the price… CHeck it out yourself if you’ve not had Phantom.
October 2, 2008

VinoVixen
OMG…I love Charles Smith one of my very favorite wine makers…love his personality One of the very best wines I have ever had was Lucky #7 and I searched and called all over the country trying to find more…with no “luck”! I can’t wait visit WA and K Vintners is one of the biggest reasons why. I pre-ordered the Ovide in February and should be getting it this month!YEAH! And the Kung Fu Girl was one of my white wines this summer. It rocked. Cheers!!
October 2, 2008

M
QOTD: We fit in the camera because we’re not all watching at the same time.
October 2, 2008

wayno da wino
Mooooooochoooooooo Thaaaaanx, Guys!!! CLAAAAAAAAASSIIIIIIC Episode!!!

QOTD: I’m ooooon me way……!!
October 2, 2008

Lb in KS
add this one to the WLTV classics. That was a fun ep. Who knew Sammy Haggar was a wine guy Seriously….Charles held his own and then some up next to you G…made for a good time
qotd..small pills
October 2, 2008

Marshall
Mott where’s my free WLTV schwag, that I was supposed to get?
Also, I’m gonna leave comment of protest every day until there’s a Kentucky Bourbon, or until Gary answers why he’s ignored a great American terroir product.
October 2, 2008

Derek
ROCK ON! Awesome show.

My wife and I are considering wine tasting in Washington next summer as a matter of fact! We’ll have to add Walla Walla as part of our trip.
October 2, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: I would love to get to Walla Walla sometime. I have had a couple of Charles’s wines before, a couple of different K syrah’s. I don’t recall which because I don’t have my notes nearby right now, but I do remember very much enjoying them both and my wife LOVED one of them.

Great, great show, thank you both!
October 2, 2008

Clayton Havens
QOTD: October 2009… WestCoast Wine Cruise we will so be stopping by.
October 2, 2008

lumpyatst
Loved this episode and the passion for wine that the vintner and Gary have. It shows through. The synergy was good and I loved the little bit of tidbits and wine education thrown in, cellarable wines vs. drinking wines, etc.
October 2, 2008

Scottie P
Smelling the boot, that was funny!
GREAT show. It’s awesome to hear the passion behind the wine making and all the thoughts and dreams they pour (pun intended) into their wine!
Good times!

P.S. What up with the Green Wristband?
P.S.S. My Vikings are in serious trouble! HELP!
October 2, 2008

TimInSpokane
Charles Smith ROCKS!!! Very cool to see a Walla Walla winemaker on the show. We have so many “real” people/winemakers up here in Washington State, without the Napa attitude, that it is easy to have a great time visiting the wineries and checking out all that they have to offer. Charles is a rebel to be sure, but the proof is in the bottle. The Chateau Smith cab is a very nice wine, and to mention a previous writers comment, it is NOTHING like the $5 cabs you are going to get at the grocery store! I would put that bottle up against most $30 to $40 Napa cabs any day of the week. It is very easy to drink, but it also has nice layers of flavors, a great finish, and very nice acidity (helping to make it an excellent food wine). Your cheap grocery store plonk doesn’t have those layers, the sweet tannins, and a finish that will go for 30 seconds plus. Also, these wines come from low yielding sites, not the bulk wine vineyards that are pulling 4 or 5 tons per acre. All that said, it is a very pleasing wine that does have that little “something extra”, particularly when decanted for an hour or so, that raises it high above your typical grocery store brand. If you see it, pick up a bottle and see for yourself! You will be glad you did.

QOTD – We were in Walla Walla in early May for the Spring Release Weekend – had a killer time! If anyone gets the chance, visit the area. It is what Napa wishes it still was…..
October 2, 2008

Laurie in VT
That was so much fun! Well worth the time spent watching. Sure beats most of what passes for TV programming these days. Thanks!

When I’m finished here, I’m getting on that mailing list…

QOTD: Clicking the heels of our red shoes…
October 2, 2008

Herb
Gary, let me know when you get one of those “Charles Smith Switchblade” action figures.
October 2, 2008

hugh
For me maybe my fav show of all time!!….i got on the mailing list after i first tasted Charles’ wines 2 years ago…..now i know why he favors the wax capsules-he has a valid reason to carry around the knife!!! I just love the syrahs and my futures are ordered!!!

as for the QOD…..it’s Wonkavision!!