German Pinot Noirs – Episode #566

October 28, 2008

Who talks about Pinot Noir from Germany? Gary V does!

Having trouble viewing this video? Try the Quicktime version.

Comments on this episode(223) Leave a comment ›

“Gary – I have always found wines to change as they develop in the glas…” by Steve
“My mother is from the Baden region! Everything tastes good there….” by Tobias
View all 223 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

2005 Oberrotweil Pinot Noir Estate
2005 Oberbergen Pinot Noir Select
2005 Karl H. Johner Pinot Noir

Links mentioned in todays episode.

223 Responses

October 28, 2008

Michael West
Great show today! Stick with the opening, it makes me smile everyday. If people haven’t checked out the clips of Gary’s tv appearances you really should!
October 28, 2008

Palmer
I’m here Gary.
October 28, 2008

AbsolutLahmi
Great, great episode Gary! I actually have been ‘eyeing’ a few German red bottles, but haven’t been sure what to grab. Oberrotweil is on my list.

No QOTD?
October 28, 2008

Paul Stonier
I’ve had about 5 or 6 pinot noirs, but I believe they’ve all been American…some New Yorks, a few California and a Washington state I think. More ones that I liked than didn’t.
October 28, 2008

DaveyDonut
Cool episode… I’ll certainly check out a German Pinot Noir if I get the chance. Though… you said twice that this region is 5.8 hectares, which is nearly the same size as the Côte d’Or… 5.8 hectares is barely 14 acres! The Côte d’Or is nearly 10,000 hectares… Oh, maybe you were reading some german website, and they said “5.800 hectares”, but the silly Euros reverse commas and periods, and you truncated the insignificant zeros? Who knows.. but 5.8 hectares is pretty small. The average vineyard in the Côte d’Or is bigger than that, and they are always referred to as small!

QOTD: Hmmm… Can I give a trick answer? You didn’t say still wine, so the best Pinot Noir outside of Burgundy or Oregon I’ve had has been a Champagne! But if we’re talking still red, it’d probably be that 2005 Attilio Ghisolfi Langhe Pinay from Piedmont that you reviewed on wltv. It’s tasty stuff.

David
October 28, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
It’s been some 11 years since I’ve had a real German Pinot Noir (and it wasn’t that great) (well, there was the el cheapo non-vintage German Pinot in the decorator bottle we got for Christmas 3 years ago, but we won’t judge a region on that)

QOTD Have to say I haven’t had a really good non-US non-French PN
October 28, 2008

Kevin K
“Let off some steam, Bennett!”
October 28, 2008

Mark
My favourite non-US or French Pinot Noir is from New Zealand, but nor from Central Otago. It’s the 2002 Black Estate from Waipara.

I haven’t been able to find any more recent vintages in the USA…
October 28, 2008

Hinrgman
Cool german Pinot Noir

How about some Italian Pinot Noir
October 28, 2008

Withnail
QOTD: some British Columbia Pinot Noirs have been good last 1-2 vintages:
Church Mouse (last year was great), Golden Mile (now Road 13).
Definitely on the Central Otago, I was at a NZ tasting in the spring, had a bunch of them, very nice overall.
October 28, 2008

Tom Langan
Looks like I may be in the top ten tonight. So what.

Was anybody else a little pissed at the election night secret pack? For some reason, I paid more than WL retail for these three bottles of wine, only one of which had any real value or appeal. I’m not sure if it was a hidden shipping cost or an added charge for the worthless little trinket that was included with the secret pack, but it was definitely a surprise cost for the package received.

Need to reevaluate WLTV.
October 28, 2008

Rossodio
Outside of US/France? From Italy, in Alto Adige… I actually had this wine about a week or two after it came off the boat here to the US. 2006 Schreckbichl Colterenzio Pinot Nero (Nero = Noir in Italy, but of course you know that) was an interesting Pinot, though nothing to write home about. I wish I’d had more non US/France Pinots in the past, then I might have a more exciting one to talk about (I’ve only had 3 different ones…).
October 28, 2008

Phil G
Haven’t had a German Pinot… yet!
October 28, 2008

Daniel Kemp 4 Earth Emperor
Alyssa Milano is a very hot lady.
October 28, 2008

Bill
Gesundheit

qotd: no favorite, bc they all have been pretty poor.
October 28, 2008

Griz4life
QOTD: I don’t think I’ve had a Pinot Noir outside of the US or France…must change that…
October 28, 2008

catherine
gary, i’m a first time commenter! i’ve been lurking for a couple weeks, i’ll admit it. i don’t really know anything about wine, and i just started watching your show, but you get me excited to learn about wine! i love your enthusiasm, keep up the good work.
October 28, 2008

MattUD
Thanks for the info on the servers, I was wondering what was going on. I think I have only had Pinots from the US at this point.
October 28, 2008

jason
great show, i have been slacking on comments. sorry.
1st – your new server is SLOWWWWWW
2nd – i was in berlin a few months ago and ordered everything i have never heard of. i had lots of surprises … good ones in fact
QOTD. it would be from germany. i had some weird ass shit. i have never come across a nose like that. the palate too. you were right on the 1st wine – very german. i want more
October 28, 2008

cma82
Stop telling people about my secret value wine regions. Jeez..I love a lot of German PN’s, and they’re also better value than US/Burg.

QOTD: Easy. 2006 Pyramid Valley “Earth Smoke” Pinot Noir from Canterbury, New Zealand. Blew away a Clos Vougeot; and for only 65 bones.
October 28, 2008

John Farrin
Wow, what a coincidence. I had my first German Pinot Noir last weekend. It was a 2007 Undone Pinot Noir. Screwcap, unoaked and $10.99. Because of my continuing smell & taste difficulties I can’t give you any qualitative assessment but it was tasty to the point that I would buy more.

QOTD: The Undone and an Innocent Bystander from Australia are the only non-French/American pinots I’ve had. I definitely preferred the Undone.
October 28, 2008

Palmer
QOTD: just got back from Central Otago New Zealand and had DOZENS of great pinot noirs! My favorite producers were Akarua and Felton Road.
October 28, 2008

Susan
Gary – Cool bag!!!!!!!!!!!! I want a WL bag!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 28, 2008

Omallley
QOTD: Quails’ Gate Family Reserve Pinot Noir, from the Okanagan Valley in BC…
October 28, 2008

jasmine
hey im one of those lurkers that never leave a comment. i love your shows and have watched since half way through this year. Im a 19 year old new Zealander.

QOTD. i have not tried US Pino but my fave would have to be shaky bridge central Otago from NZ seeing as i have only tried 1 Pino from outside of NZ i would have to say i was a little bised
October 28, 2008

Rowland
yo PROPS
October 28, 2008

Rowland
yo PROPS for the SNL reference; I am Tim Calhoon lol.
October 28, 2008

MRPysnik
HAHA, the guy with the hand is McCain.

Also, I *DO* have a green wristband already! Many thanks for an early edition!
LINK IT UP(http://flickr.com/photos/23988400@N05/2968140446/sizes/m/)
October 28, 2008

MRPysnik
OOPS, sorry, Rowland was right, it was Tim Calhoon!
October 28, 2008

Slushpuppy
Pinot is OK as long as it has some body and isn’t too transparent; I like my reds to show some legs don’t ya know.
Smell it first!
October 28, 2008

Matt182
Really great show!!!

QOTD: A wine you tasted on WL TV, Amisfield Pinot Noir Central Otago 2005! A beauty, bought a case.
October 28, 2008

Dr. Dan
Thanks for acknowledging the server problem; I was going to comment on that. It’s not only been hard to connect to WLTV for viewing, but also for leaving a comment.

QOTD: I guess the best PN outside France and US would have to be New Zealand (big surprise, huh?), but I’ve had a Chilean PN that wasn’t too bad, and one from Canada. I’ve had one from Idaho, too; is that part of the US?
October 28, 2008

Saftig
Fun show, always learn something new, thanks. QOTD: pretty sure it was German, maybe from a town called Assmannshausen.
October 28, 2008

Sammy S
Greetings from Australia…….

Great show G….

QOTD….Best Pinot Noir I’ve had is a 2005 Labyrinth Pinot out of the Yarra Valley here down under. Australia has some quality Pinot’s happening. Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia are all producing high quality Pinots……
October 28, 2008

YvetteW
Great show! Pinot from Germany – wow! Gotta try it.

Hey, I found out a little news about new GaryV!

http://www.nypost.com/seven/10282008/news/regionalnews/jets_high_flier_135650.htm
October 28, 2008

Z
gary, the line from commando is “let off some steam, bennett.” classic movie.
October 28, 2008

paryb
Great show, I sent it to my buddy who is a winemaker, and married to a German lady. He’ll really get a kick out of it.

QOTD: I’ve been let down by Pinot lately, but I had some from New Zealand, Crawford I think that was pretty good juice.
October 28, 2008

laposte
QOTD: Don’t think I have had one. Actually very few from America. When it comes right down to it the frogs have the Pinot thing down pat…
October 28, 2008

gotsha
GV…Nice hand gestures today. For the king of hand gestures, check out David Byrne of Talking Heads. “Once in a Lifetime” is a classic music video that displays his absurd talents circa 1984 (youtube). Arm chopping motion back at ya Gary.
October 28, 2008

ScottEJ
German Pinot Noir…who’da thunk it. I’ve have a few of the Blauken..whatever and the Zweitgelt that very much resemble PN, but never one directly labeled as such. Good find.

QOTD: I won’t even mention New Zealand as that’s too obvious. So, I’ll go Italian. I don’t remember it too well, but I do recall that I was not impressed.

Looking forward to Thurs. big guest.
October 28, 2008

Izek
QOTD: Lots of great NZ and Chilean Pinot, but I recently enjoyed Jermann’s 2006 Red Angel on the Moonlight IGT. This wine is from Friuli and was very good. However, I am pretty sure there is a small percentage of merlot blended in.
October 28, 2008

Mark Juleen
Awesome! Honestly, I will go out and try some German Pinot’s, but the fact that you said “up in the piece” made my day. Don’t know if that is a regular catch-phrase, but I’ve been saying that for years and rarely hear it. Keep up the great work!
October 28, 2008

Chris Bartow
Wow, weird to hear your name on WLTV. It’s like that weather guy that does shot outs to people that are 100’s of years old on tv.

THANKS! Need to hit up the store one of these Saturdays.
October 28, 2008

Jimmy T
QOTD: None.

Great show! Can’t wait for thursday’s show and I am hoping to get that secret pack…
October 28, 2008

Johnnyutah
Yo G!

QOTD: how bout a little Pinot Nero from Trentino Alto Aldige in N Italy
October 28, 2008

Lynda S
QOTD: I have not had a pinot noir from outside the mentioned places. Maybe New Zealand, but it was not anything special. I have seen the German pinots and now i will probably go out and buy one.

I am not sure what twitter is, but I just created an account. The act of persuasion.
October 28, 2008

pawncop
Good show.

QOTD – All my pinot’s have been California or France. More additions, damn the list is gettng long.
October 28, 2008

Lynda S
By the way, I tried the 2005 Red House Wine by Magnificent Wine Co. It is one of the wines produced by Charles Smith. It was pretty delicious for $12. The 2005 definitely needs to be decanted.
October 28, 2008

Kevin Causey
great episode, no lurking for me. Love the iTunes version because you are full screen!

Btw, safari doesn’t like your page and I couldn’t comment. Firefox is working fine….

QOTD: can’t remember ever drinking a non-CA Pinot, silly me.
October 28, 2008

Susan
Gary- Fabulous show but wow!!! That was an interesting fake sneeze!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!!!
October 28, 2008

Grapedigger
Cool show GV…The only Baden wine available here in Quebec is the Deinhard Pinot gris!! I’d have loved to try some PN from that region. As for the QOTD, you guessed it right, Central Otago Pinot noir for sure (Amesfield is a favorite). Cheers
October 28, 2008

ZJK
Good episode, I love hearing about pinots from different places. I watch WLTV everywhere, ipod, and on the home comp., you’re entertaining to say the least….
October 28, 2008

Susan
Gary – HOLD the phone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT?????????? YOU were DRINKING the wine??????????? ARE you feverish??????????? LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 28, 2008

Richard Ritter
Bless you! Hey is that Gary over there? Yeah, it’s Gary. Great show!

QOTD: All of my Pinot comes from the US and France.

Can’t wait for Thursday.
October 28, 2008

MattieJ
QOTD: You got me, I’ve never had a non American/French Pinot Noir. I guess that’s something I’ll have to try.

I’ll tell you what though, I was going to wait until election day to break in my new “big ass glass”. But if Thursday’s guest is as big as you say I may have to move up my plans I actually show off my new big ass glass on my video blog @ mattiej.com Cannot believe how big it really is..
October 28, 2008

Susan
Gary – Yes, GLAD you called out ALL of the lurkers…………I see you!!!!!!!!!! Lukers: MAKE comments!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 28, 2008

rick redekop
Mt. Difficulty pinot noir from New Zealand
October 28, 2008

Susan
Gary -UUmmmmmmmmmmmmm…………………….You’re talking to invisible people…………….
October 28, 2008

Chris in Tulsa
QOTD: Haven’t had a PN from any other countries. Don’t drink alot of Pinot really. Do remember a local wine store had a German PN, now I plan on checking it out.
October 28, 2008

mauijet
Mr. Lurker here, peering out from the digimist. Here on Maui we actually have a little wine bar that serves a German Pinot. Very pretty flavor, can’t remember the name. QOTD: another tasty German Pinot that I can’t remember the name…guess that’s what happens with too much Pinot and Maui’s finest.
October 28, 2008

Susan
Gary & Chris – Fabulous, high energy episode!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 28, 2008

Susan
Gary -QOTD: Haven’t had many PN’s sssssssssssssssssoooooooooo never had one that is outside CA or France…………………………
October 28, 2008

Paul Wehrle
Gary, you shamed me into commenting. The last four shows have been fantastic! I’m sorry you didn’t get the Jets seats. You have a huge following out here in Seattle. Ever think of franchising the Wine Library? Love your positive attitude. Love the family values. Continued health and prosperity to you and yours.
October 28, 2008

rick redekop
hey, whitenail kudos on the british columbia wine mention. Golden Mile {now Road 13) is a great little winery with some value wines including the Pinots. And I agree that the wines from BC are getting better.with some of them being great.
October 28, 2008

jahlove
QOTD: Yeah you’re right i was gonna say Otago, but not central. Just had one of the Valli Pinots which I believe came from North Otago. Anyway, thought it was awesome. Super Burgundian. But outside of NZ, France and US, I like Pinot Nero (as it’s referred to) in Alto Aidge. Have not had a South American Pinot that’s convinced me that the grape has a future there. Great show. I like these kinds of shows.
October 28, 2008

EtotheC
Gesundheit Gary! Since we’re talking Germany, the only German Pinot Noir I’ve ever had was by a producer called Becker from the Pfalz. It was delightful actually… nothing remarkably complex, but very nice cherry, raspberry fruit, and yet still with some earthy notes & nice tart finish. Probably the BEST non-american, non-french PN I’ve ever had is Kooyong Estate Pinot Noir from Mornington Peninsula (Victoria) Australia. Their chardonnay kicks arse too, but that’s for another show….
October 28, 2008

kaybee
QoTd
Haven’t found a Pinot Noir I like yet from any continent. Still, I’ll try some more.
October 28, 2008

Bobby Bo
QOTD: I cant make the call on the NZ Pinot, since I cant remember any labels, but I have had German Pinot several times (guess I am in the 2% minority). Mostly it has been very light stuff, not much going on. I never felt Germany took Pinot seriously. Now I will have to keep tasting.
October 28, 2008

Dominus
Ahhh wine from the home country. My ancestors came to the US via baden-Baden and since my brother’s name is “Karl” I will need to procur a few bottles of his namesake.

QOTD: Coldstream Hills from Yarra Valley. Smmoth as silk, very nice bottle of pinot though different than my usual Oregon stash.

Good show.

Colts sux more
October 28, 2008

joegz
OK I am leaving a darn comment….

Seriously would love to see an episode dedicated to ports and the differences between tawny, ruby and LBV ports. Winter is coming so time to cozy up with a glass by the fire.
October 28, 2008

Dominus
Cxns to previous post: “B”aden-Baden and “smooth”

Man oh man.
October 28, 2008

Sean McCann
QOTD: Never had one outside of California.
October 28, 2008

Dominus
Oh yes. Forgot to comment about Thursday’s guest. Bigger than Randall? Could it be Sir RP? Michael Mondavi? Hmmm, maybe Obama? Nahhhhhhh
October 28, 2008

Ponuppy
qotd: JOHANNESHOF REINISCH ST LAURENT. Not quite Pinot… but it’s related. Also, stop hoarding all the new wristbands… share the wealth.
October 28, 2008

Zach
Weird mood today Gary. We enjoyed it.

QOTD: Went to 20+ wineries in New Zealand in March and enjoyed a bunch of fine Pinots. Top honors… Fromm (Marlborough), Bannock Brae (C. Otago), Mahi (Marlborough), Wooing Tree (C. Otago), Amisfield (C. Otago)… so good.
October 29, 2008

Dylan
Thanks for the episode on Baden Pinot Noir, much appreciated!
October 29, 2008

Laurie in VT
QOTD: Not that I can remember. Something to keep an eye out for.

The site has been slow recently. Not tonight, but I thought that was because I’m online fairly late- presuming the bulk of your viewers are North American, that is…
October 29, 2008

neutron212
QOTD: Cant say ive had any pino from out side of the US or France, but i will try to give them ago.
PS: Read the a story on NY Post on line how you you were out bid on 50yd line seats at the new Jets Stadium come on you could not beat 400K cheap-o
October 29, 2008

Russell
Central Otago Pinot Noirs – from Valli, Mt Difficulty, Mt Edward, Felton Road, Rippon, Blackridge, Pisa Moorings, Gibbston Valley, Amisfield, Bald Hills, Carrick, Rockburn, Prophets Rock, Red Tractor, Brennan, Chard Farm to name a few!.
October 29, 2008

James H.
QOTD: I’ve never had one. I’m planing a trip to Germany this coming spring, so I’ll be giving some German Pinot Noir for sure.
October 29, 2008

Mighty Oregon
QOTD: Jermann “Red Angel on the Moonlight” from Italy. Not the greatest Pinot, but coming from Oregon I’ve been spoiled by our riches.
October 29, 2008

Drew Hillard
QOTD: Now that I think of it I don’t think I’ve ever had a non-American or French Pinot Noir. Looks like I’ll have to seek one out.
October 29, 2008

ecola
Too bad you lost out on the bidding for the best seats in the house. Maybe instead of saying “if you roll deep like P. Diddy” you can say “if you roll deep like GV”
October 29, 2008

RED WINE GUY
Good show as always.Have had nothing from outside the states,but the Highliner Pinot Noir from the Hitching Post in California is awesome.
October 29, 2008

HuskerJamie
GV, just got home from a Stone Temple Pilots concert in Lincoln and it was AWESOME. No wine before hand tonight, but I missed the election pack delivery today at home. HUGE Jets 56 pack tasting on Halloween night. It could get wild. Skol Vikings, what’s GV going to be for Halloween?
October 29, 2008

Ray-Ray
Qotd: Best non American/French Pinot = Tantalus Vineyards from the Okanagan Valley, BC Canada
October 29, 2008

Marc
Great show Gary….I will definatey have to look out for some German Pinot and compare it with some old favourites.
My favourite Pinot at the moment is Spy Vally 07 from Marlborough, NZ.
October 29, 2008

Courtney
qotd: you called it, central otago pinots. I was recently living in NZ and got into the habit of Rabbit Ranch pinot noir, which can’t be the best of the bunch, but good for the price. Also, well-priced and easy to get a hold of – Wild Rock pinot noir. The exchange rate in NZ just plummeted. If I was in the wine biz, I’d be buying it up right now…. wish I had a few on hand. another poster mentioned Amisfield; I haven’t tried it myself, but used to serve it at my nz workplace, heard good things.
October 29, 2008

TenaciousE
The Hammond PN from New Zealand. Hard to find a good German pinot out here in the stix, and I gave away my Amisfield as a gift before I had a chance to crack it.
October 29, 2008

bangkokchas
Treadmill lurker here:

I just noticed on my itunes that show #566 and show #565 (back-to-back) were exactly 16 minutes and 16 seconds long. In honor of that number (16:16) maybe there should be some fantastic $30 bottle of “whatever” offered for $16.16—oh ya—and free shipping too!! What do you think? Who cares if the same show was posted twice?
October 29, 2008

Nic
Bon, pour une fois, je laisse un petit commentaire (en français, sorry). Juste pour dire, depuis ma petite ville au nord du Québec, que le show (aujourd’hui et en général) est génial, qu’il a changé mon rapport au vin, qu’il me donne envie d’essayer plein de nouveaux vins (que je ne trouve pas ici, évidemment) – et que le meilleur Pinot noir hors US et Bourgogne que j’ai essayé doit être le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Niagara 2005 ! Voilà.
October 29, 2008

ChrisV
QOTD: Paringa Estate Reserve Pinot Noir from Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia. Not sure which vintage, maybe 2004. By coincidence, toured Mornington today, including Paringa (they don’t taste the Reserve though).
October 29, 2008

sam
As always Gary, you crack me up. I find myself laughing out loud almost every show. Keep smiling and bringing the thunder.

A quick Deutsch 101:
First, the “w” in German is called “vay” and is pronounced like a “v” in English.

ex: Oberrotweil=Oberrot-VEEL

Second, the “j” is called “yot” in German and it sounds like a “y”.

ex:Johner=Yoner.

Just trying to make you sound smart, or I should say, SMARTER.

Cheers! or prost! in Deutsch.

Tschüss!
October 29, 2008

Brad G
Once again, another great show. WLTV always brightens up my day, and my night too, Gary you’re awesome. I ordered the secret pack when you first announced it. When are the new wristbands coming?
October 29, 2008

RonC
Very good episode.

QOTD:
2005 Staete Landt Pinot Noir Marlborough
October 29, 2008

ev
Sorry, so sick of the imbeciles’ “pinottrain”, I got off on the first stop.
October 29, 2008

T. Bone
Not sure I’ve ever had a Pinot from Baden. Had a few from the Nahe and was not impressed. Same experience with New Zealand and Tasmania pinots. Just too tart and unexpressive, or maybe just underripe? Looking forward to giving these guys a try, thanks for the tip.
October 29, 2008

Shaun
Gary ~ Indeed, I am a lurker – you caught me in the midst of a yoga workout(when I generally watch your latest episode – listening to you talk about is about as meditative a state I want to be in). My partner loves rieslings, and I’m partial to muller-thurgau; thank you for opening our eyes to today’s offerings, particularly the Oberottweil pinot noir. I try not to wave the national flag too often, but the best non-American and non-French pinot noir I’ve tasted is recently is the 2006 Carrick Pinot Noir from Central Otago (cherry and licorice presence with savoury notes).
October 29, 2008

Christian Jessen
Hi Gary,

wow again … great and funny(!) Episode …. Just for your info : The Producers you should be looking out for at mom are ( mostly in the VDP – please see the homepage http://www.vdp.de ) and according to region….:

AHR Region …

Adeneuer
Deutzerhof
Meyer-Näkel ( off course – after his great international success )
Stodden

BADEN Region …

Bercher
Dujn
Heger
Huber
Salwey

not to forget that part of the PFALZ (palatinate) which lies directly
north of the BADEN region … aka The “Süd-Pfalz” ( southern palatinate )

The originaly called “Five Friends” ..:

Becker ( he is at mom the most talked about in Germany )
Münzberg
Rebholz
Siegrist
Wehrheim

… next to quite a lot of others who are now trying to attack the strong
fortress of Burgundy … and are getting better from year to year …

Keep it coming …. And thanks !!!

Cheers

Christian Jessen
October 29, 2008

Chris
QOTD: Michigan Pinot Noirs are the only other pinots that I’ve tried.

Is the special guest a WWF wrestler?
October 29, 2008

Charles R. Ortiz
Great show, always nice to expose regions for the opposite of they’re stereotypes. People usually always talk about the whites from Germany, never the reds just like people talk about the tomatoes in Jersey but never the blueberries. . . hmmm.

QOTD: Ninth Island Aussie Pinot Noir ‘05, had at an Italian restaurant in SoHo with penne & vodka with pancetta and caviar. Very very sexy
October 29, 2008

Medo
Great show Gary! Thanks for bringing some German wines to the table!

Had alot of German Pinots, esp some “Große Gewächse”, but never had any of the wines you had on the show today.

My favorite was German PN was: 2006 Kühling-Gillot “Kreuz” Spätburgunder Großes Gewächs from the Rheinhessen region.
October 29, 2008

Boris
I like the Swiss Pinot Noir. For the german/french/italian pronunciation someone should start an archive with mp3’s for all wines.

Greets from Switzerland
October 29, 2008

Kyle Suehiro
QOTD: I recently tried a Dr. Beeker (I think that’s right) German pinot and it totally caught me off guard. It tasted well made, but the flavors were of fresh strawberrys. It was super fun and totally unexpected. I guess that would be the best non French or US pinot I’ve had. Thanks for another great show!
October 29, 2008

Ben Janssen South Australia
Best Pinot not American or French. Eeeeeeeeasy!
Tasmania Pinot Noir. An island off the south east coast of Australia, cool climate Pinot.
October 29, 2008

Shawn_944
Great Show Gary, I enjoyed it, you seemed to be a little more random in this episode like it…

QOTD: Um yeah I got nothing
October 29, 2008

M
QOTD: Amisfield, Central Otago, New Zealand and a very affordable Lauca Reserva from Maule Valley, Chile.
October 29, 2008

torquey
QOTD: A Spatburgunder. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the specifics.
October 29, 2008

Dale Cruse
The last time I was at WL, Ian hooked me up with some Feral Fox from d’Arenberg in the Adelaide Hills.
October 29, 2008

Pebbles
I have had a really good German Pinot, but I don’t recall the name…
October 29, 2008

Anton
5.8 hectares of pinot in baden? sounds comically incorrect. wiki states 5877-i presume your source, but misqouted by a factor of a thousand.

gritted my teeth through the first few minutes, as i believe you often predict, but now thoroughly enjoy your entertaining take on things and shared passion for interesting, if less celebrated, regions and varietals.

keep it up chucky
October 29, 2008

Clem
Hey Gary, Bouchard Finlayson Tête de Cuvée Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2006 is a real outstanding example from South Africa. Great show!
October 29, 2008

WineWoman
QOTD: Yes, the Central Otago pinots are probably at the top of my list. I’ve had a few German pinots–can’t recall the producers, I was 50-50 on those and haven’t bought any since. Did enjoy some Dornfelders though(first tasted at a wine flight at Epcot Center). Also enjoyed an Austrian pinot or two, and an Italian Pinot Nero (not sure if that is the Italian version of the pinot noir grape). It was a ‘98 Sportoletti, which I had about 6 months ago which had none of the classic pinot characteristics, probably because it wasn’t a pinot noir????
October 29, 2008

italianwinelover
QOTD: I can’t seem to remember ever having a Pinot from other than US and France. Very interesting discovery. I will have to find one and the 2 seem worth searching for.

Had no problems with the site…funny intro….way to keep us on our toes!! Sorry you lost your seats to that mortgage guy. You deserved them more!
October 29, 2008

valentin
Great show, but no pinot lately.
October 29, 2008

Andy
QOTD—— I think I had a Chilean Pinot but always wanted to try a German Pinot. G where do you find them?
October 29, 2008

LennyR
Good show! Sneezingly educational!
QOTD: hmmm….hmmm….pinot noir is really not my game and some of them from “non-traditional” places were kinda meh…
October 29, 2008

Robin C
German 102: When two vowels are together in German, such as ei, I believe you pronounce the 2nd vowel, in this case like the y in by. I’ll check with my German cousin-in-law when he’s back in town.

QOTD: Rippon Pinot Noir 2003 – Lake Wanaka Central Otago.
October 29, 2008

Konstantin Schoenberg
Hello Gary

the best Pinot Noir from Germany I ever had was from the Ahr region by winery Meyer-Naekel, his “Dernauer Pfarrwingert” – later on I learned that this wine won the first prize of Decanter’s World Wine Awards this year.

I am a big fan of your show living in Cologne, Germany and usually don’t find the time to leave a comment unfortunately… One question about today’s show: I would be interested to find the first wine (from Oberrotweil) here in Germany, but I could not indicate the producer – there are four or five producers in this little town.

And in case you plan another show about German Pinot Noir, maybe the Ahr region could be interesting to you? It is a fairly small and the most northern wine region in Germany (not far from Cologne) and almost completely dedicated to Pinot Noir.

Yours Konstantin
October 29, 2008

E dog
QOTD: never had a non french or non american Pinot noir
October 29, 2008

Matus
Best non french Pinot? Not that I’ve tasted hundreds of them, but so far the Pinots from Slovakia – Janousek 2003 and 2007 and Mrva&Stanko 2006 (gold medal from the Mondial du Pinot Noir 2008).
October 29, 2008

aida coskun
wltv, a daily highlight.especially now, when its dark and cold up here in norway!!!great work:):):)
October 29, 2008

RJurman
Great show as always. Had a difficult time getting on last night but all seems fine today!
October 29, 2008

Logan
Funny episode Gary! Very educational as well.

QOTD: I’ve had a few really cool Chilean Pinot Noirs, and there’s one in particular I adored- I was sure I had written it down, but now can’t find it! (>_<);;

BTW the video loading has been a bit slow recently… I had to let this episode sit for five or ten minutes, while usually it’s lightning fast
October 29, 2008

James McDonald
Been a fan for ages and I thought i’d comment as soon as you said “lurker” lol. Cause I’ve watched over 100 shows and not commented! So here it nice, great show Gaz!
October 29, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: Sorry to be predictable but I would have to go with New Zealand.
October 29, 2008

wayno da wino
YA DRINK NO NOIR……YA PINOT NOIR…..

QOTD: Had some cheap New Zealand Pinot, but it was nottin’ ta brag
about…..
October 29, 2008

johnk
The Rock?
October 29, 2008

DAve A
I agree with Zach – weird mood today, Gary. Fun one!

I can’t wait to seek out German Pinot Noir. I heard the Germans have engineered a new wine for older folks that can’t get through the night without getting up to the bathroom…. They are calling it…. …

Pinot Mor

hahahaha.
Qotd:
October 29, 2008

Jeff
hey gary; thanks for the episode.
and really THANKS for the present and wristband with the secret pack; can’t wait to taste it!!
because of you I signed up for both K vinters and bonnydoon to try more of their wine! can’t wait!

QOD: Davis Family/Siduri/Holdredge Pinots
October 29, 2008

Len
Videos are either not loading or loading at a laboriously slow rate. What’s up?
October 29, 2008

Waynestreet
I would have to say Massale from Australia, very complex and a decent price. Loved the show on Spatbagunder, I have had a few and your right they are tend to have great charisma.
October 29, 2008

pierazzo
it may seem blasphemy but the best pinot noir i ever had was from trentino alto adige, italy. sorry don’t remember the producer.
thanks for all, gary
October 29, 2008

zuckermann
nice one! admittedly i’m not a big pinot fan, i find most of those guys straightout… boring (thank god the wine world is supposed to be a peaceful one) – but THIS one is a killa!

Theo Minges, 2003 Spätburgunder Zinkelerde, Auslese trocken. 22 (Euros that is).

oh, shouldn’t i have said: “was”, it’s no longer available. But more recent years of that wine are. it comes from beautiful palatinate – imho and seen from my german pov (no, i’m not even living near that region): a much better wine region than baden (too big, too mass production, to conservative).
plus, this minges guy got some other exeptional stuff going btw (try his sparkling wines).
cheers
October 29, 2008

crimedog
QOTD: Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir 2005

Fun show, wish the German’s were more available.
October 29, 2008

TennSom
great show, the added educational content has been great lately especiacally covering regions that no one would really consider exploring with professionals to guide them, German Pinot Noir is going to be a huge hit one of these days….

QOTD: had a few German Pinots but nothing to write home or here about, however would you say Pinotage counts (at least for half? Haha)
October 29, 2008

DKBlurker
Cool show, will have to look for a German Pinot.
QOTD: Yea, New Zealand. 2006 Allan Scott Pinot Noir.
October 29, 2008

Kirk (aka: slave2thevine)
QOTD: I’ve had a handful of German Pinot’s that were good…yet I think one that is highly under the radar is Bindi in Australia.
October 29, 2008

dz
Gary, the 05 Ghisolfi Pinay from Italy was consistently great every time I’ve had it, unfortunately I’m down to my last bottle, other than that I’m interested in trying different Burgundies on an infrequent basis. Before a recent Dodger game a couple of friends and I were at a trendy LA eatery and drank two bottles of 98 and one 95 red Burgundy,all in the $75-90 range. The 98’s were fantastically sublime but the 95 was bigger but one dimensional and monolithic, that’s my two cents.
October 29, 2008

Scottie P
QOTD: Never had a non-american Pinot Nior, but I’m very interested…
Fun show with a pretty strong showing! I’m getting pumped for the Thursday guest and the election pack show! Keep it coming GV.

Go Vikings… oh wait, they’re as bad as the JETS right now
October 29, 2008

Chippewamike
QOTD: Innocent Bystander 2005

Love the show. Would have NEVER thought about looking for let alone buying or drinking a German Pinot. . . now I will if I can find them.
October 29, 2008

Jess
Talk about expanding your palate! Until you mentioned it, I didn’t realize that the only Pinot I’ve had is from the U.S. or France. Thanks for a great episode, I will now seek out some German Pinot.
October 29, 2008

Lb in KS
I hate to be the one to say this… I’ve had maybe 10 different Pinots and have YET to have one that I liked! I guess the search continues…..
October 29, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: None.
October 29, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
QOYD= yeah fine Mt. Difficulty 2005 Central Otago NZ. Whatever, it F##king rocks. I cant believe you found two good spatburgunders!! odds of that happening again??? million to one.
October 29, 2008

jseeds
I love the German Messmer Spatburgunders – and they come in 1-liter bottles!

The old Amisfield 2003 / Central Otago is great as well.
October 29, 2008

J3rome
Last episode you poke yourself in the eye, this episode you sneeze all over the office, I can’t wait to see what happens the next episode. I also hope the guest on Thursday as is awesome as you are saying they are going to be.
October 29, 2008

Weston
QOTD: that would be Blue Mountain Pinot Noir, from the Okanagan Valley in Beautiful British Columbia [Canada]. There reserve is also sold out in months and the step down is usually sold out before the next vintage comes out

Now I need to find these wines in Vancouver, Canada the ones you taste. Also can’t buy election package for here in canada eh?

Weston
Vancouver, Canada
October 29, 2008

CaseyLee
cant wait to see who the guest is
October 29, 2008

CBG
“Sully, remmember when I told you i’d kill you last…I lied”….man I loved that movie, but every time I watch it now it seems to get worse. Maybe its the cable that can be seen holding Sully upside down or Arnold taking cover being a rose bush and never getting hit, I don’t know but I find myself watching it any time its on.
October 29, 2008

Pete
Really enjoy Italian Pinot Noirs. Can’t recall the vineyards off hand but have had a number that I really liked. Some of the NZ Pinots will rock it but so many just feel too fruity for my palette.
October 29, 2008

Peter Schelde
I’ve had a lot of german red wines. Saturday I had a Temprenillo from Pfalz (german region)…

Top pinot producers i Germany are: Bernhard Huber, Ziereisen, Johner, Knipser, Salwey, Bercher, duijn and others.

My favorite is Huber – beat most burgundy, american and new zealand Pinot’s- try it.

Peter from Denmark
October 29, 2008

Brandon Snell
QOTD: Only ever had California Pinot Noir
October 29, 2008

Classico
Hi there.
Indeed a non familiar kind of Pinot.
Will try some soon since we’re neihgbours i feel obliged
Answer to the question:
A very interesting Pinot is coming from the Mooi Bly vineyards in South Africa.

Cheerio….

Classico
October 29, 2008

Derek F.
German Pinot…very interesting, not even sure I can find that stuff???

QOTD: not sure if I have had any??
October 29, 2008

IPBrian
Leaving a comment, but I have nothing for the QOTD…I have started using Evernote for tasting notes so I should actually be able to answer some of Gary’s questions some day soon.
October 29, 2008

manonthemoon
Nice show.

QOTD: The best would be either the Sineann 2007 McGinlay’s Vineyard Marlborough, NZ Pinot Noir or the a Leo Hillenger Austrian Pinot Noir bottle at a tasting.

Must have green wristband…..
October 29, 2008

Franish
QOTD: Wines from Chile Cono Sur, Reserva, Pinot Noir 2005.
October 29, 2008

irvus
GV:
Howya sposed to friend-up with you via Linked-In when we have no prior business dealings and it requires your email to Link In as a friend? Oh, and the show was, of course, gouda.
thanks,
irv
October 29, 2008

Jens
QOTD: Brigante in Fuga 1998, Pinot nero, Cascina Barrichi, Piemonte.

Jens from Copenhagen
October 29, 2008

OzJeff
I have to leave a comment today, coming to you from Baden, Germany

Just in the last few months I have cast off my prejudice and been trying a few Spätburgunder. One that was OK was a “2006 Philipp Kuhn • Tradition Spätburgunder”. I wouldn’t call it earth shattering though.

OzJeff
October 29, 2008

HuskerJamie
Great show Gary. Got the Election Pack today, us in Red State Nebraska are going to be celebrating an Obama victory with some good wine. Please more Arnold impressions.
October 29, 2008

Rex
Tried Baden pinot noir for the first time two years ago at a Weingut Heitlinger tasting. I tought I was getting into a sugar incremental kabinett trocken to beerenauslese riesling comparative tasting…that turned out to be 5 reds and two whites. The reds where actually good, on the simple side but well made.

QOTD Best non french or USA pinot noir so far where two Niagara (Ontario, Canada) 2007 barrel samples from “Foreign Affair Winery” and “Organized Crime Winery”. Both are made by the same consulting winemaker and are just textbook pinots from a great vintage.

Olivier from Montreal
October 29, 2008

Neil
QOTD: I haven’t tried pinot outside of USA and France. Quite frankly ever since Sideways came out I haven’t sought out pinot noir as much in general.
October 29, 2008

cgatesman
QOTD: 2006 Peregrine Pinot Noir Wentworth Single Vineyard from Central Otago

Gary, get more Central Otagos at Wine Library!
October 29, 2008

wineknow
QOTD: Hamilton Russell.
October 29, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: None…..
October 29, 2008

Sarah
Great show. I may be repeating something you already said, but Germany produces 1/3rd of the worlds Pinot Noir.

QOTD: I’ve had several German spatburgunders. My favorite was probably from Weingut Huber. I can’t remember the vintage though.

Another great non-Cali or French Pinot producer is J. Hofstatter in the Alto Adige region of Italy.
October 29, 2008

Murso
If any of you have the Parker Guide to Wine Buying, look up what he says about German Spatburgunder. I no longer have a copy, but I remember laughing my ass off. He slammed it HARD, calling it a wretched abomination, and on and on. Of course, I (nor should you) live by HIS word alone, my requirement was to produce some good German P.N. for a customer’s request (demand). I only came up with the Affenthaler monkey bottle, which was way light in color, and body, and too fruity for classic PN characteristics. I found it somewhat insipid, but the woman loved it. My girlfriend loves monkeys, so I got her a bottle for the hell of it- it was under $15. She’s no chief wino like me, and she loved it! I wrote it all off as ‘like really (over)jammy beaujolais’ and let it go at that.
October 29, 2008

Murso
As noted by another, Italian Pinot Nero is difficult too, and best applied to methode champenoise in Franciacorta. The Tuscan Pomino had virtually no ageability and went to highly astringent sourness w/ no fruit in a couple of years.
New Zealand’s Seifert and Felton Road make some good stuff, worthy of their low/mid prices.
October 29, 2008

JudeMurphy
Tarras Pinot Noir from New Zealand, it’s amazing! Seems a bit “fruit-bomby” to me but I just can’t help loving it! That’s the only pinot outside france I’ve had, apart from one pinot nero which I didn’t really like. I never like Italian wines though.
October 29, 2008

Eugene
Peter Brum Vino Noire. German. Excellent pinot noir. nice and light can even drink it chilled. Great conversion wine from white to red. Great beginners red.
October 29, 2008

Doug
Good show Gary…I’m pumped for Thursday! QOTD: None…
October 29, 2008

BW
QOTD : I am actually drinking some Omrah Pinot form Western Australia tonite. I would give it 90 pt – very good, somewhere between a new world fruity Pinot & an world Burgundian Pinot – has a little of both elements. A solid every-nite drinker
October 29, 2008

flavasauce
QOTD: I recently had my first german pinot-undone It was really nice. Liked the minerality.

GOBAMA!!!!
October 30, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: I’ll go with a general region (other than New Zealand): not only Casablanca Valley, Chile and San Antonio, Chile, but I had a Pinot Noir From “Hopler” from Austria recently… firm, pungent, no-nonsense wine, but real.
October 30, 2008

vinoBlue
qotd: I’m disappointing myself in terms of diversity, but I haven’t have any non-Cali, non-Burgundian Pinot. I’ll have to pick one up.

Since you’re on a tare of doing different and unusual shows, how about a show on Mead – yeah, Honeywine. Just thought you might want to bring some more learning up in this piece…
October 30, 2008

Gert Maas
Hi there!

For me it must be the Weingut Nelles Spätburgunder B-52 Goldkapsel i tasted in 2006. Great wine with mineral notes, quite heavy (14.5%).

Even over here in The Netherlands (neighbour of Germany) German Pinot Noir is a rarity. Trying my best to change the general opinion by importing some myself..

Gert.
October 30, 2008

Nathan
Mt Difficulty Central Otago fort sure.
October 30, 2008

J Crazy
QOTD: If we can forget the price tag, the Grosset 06 Pinot is pretty damn good stuff, but for around 80 bones I won’t be buying the same vintage again…for a long time.
October 30, 2008

JLed
Gary,

I have never had a Pinot that I have enjoyed. I have had 7 or 8 and they were all full of oak chips and just not enjoyable. I have had one Washington and the rest California! I just avoid them at this point. Tired of wasting my money
October 30, 2008

Vericlese
LOL, treadmill viewers! Great show, good man, amazing wine insight. Thank you for making my evenings the best part of my day.
October 30, 2008

Bimi
Loved to see some german wines on the show. Although I’m from germany I rarely had a german Pinot. Will go and taste some by next chance.
October 30, 2008

canadapete
Never knew of pinot from germany! Expanding palates everywhere.
October 30, 2008

Jason S.
QOTD: don’t think i’ve ever had a pinot from outside the US or FR. But that just means I need to go find one and expand my palate.

Want the green wristband! For sure!
October 30, 2008

Steven Groves
Great episode. I am a newby to WineLibrary.TV but enjoy wines regularly. My quest in the wine world is to find good bottles of everyday wine under $10, great bottles under $20 and amazing bottles under $30. Looks like I found a guy who can help in the journey – see you in Phoenix on Nov 19 for the 3rd Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference!
October 31, 2008

Andrew D
Cheers Gary

Interesting show, I’m impressed with the screwtop, those nutty Germans aren’t afraid of voting science of sentamentality.

QOTD: Tough question when there’s so much good stuff out there. Had a few German and Alsace Pinots, as well as plenty of NZ and Chilean ones, but I’ll have to go Australian. Contenders include
- Paringa Estate Reserve (Mornington Peninsula)
- De Bortoli Reserve (Yarra Valley)
- Hillcrest (Yarra Valley)
- Bay of Fires (Tasmania)
- Stoniers Reserve (Mornington Peninsula)
- Mooruduc Estate (Mornington Peninsula)
- Henty Estate (Henty – western victoria)
- Hoodles Creek (Yarra Valley – one of the great value wines in Australia)
- Dalwhinne (Pyrenees – actually a warmish climate, interesting wine)

Andrew
October 31, 2008

Ray Barnes
I would very much like to know why the last wine achieved a 90 point rating when it literally smelled like garbage.
October 31, 2008

Nik
QOTD: I find the Martinborough area in NZ to have some of the best pinots – would have to choose the 2005 Voss Estate as the best I’ve had.
October 31, 2008

theduffy
Great show!

QOTD: Love the Johner Pinot Noir, Love Fürst Löwenstein, Love Meyer-Naekel’s Spätburgunder from the tiny little Ahr Region in Germany! There’s a lot of greaaaattt Spätburgunder in the country!

See you one day
Marlene theduffy
October 31, 2008

Ilse
Congratulations with this choice of wine for this episode…it takes some guts, I would say.
QOTD : I appreciate pinot noir, but most of the ones I had are from Alsace (although I passed through Luxemburg recently and I bought some…haven’t tried them yet, as I was flying back to Spain afterwards with only hand luggage…I will try after Xmas, when returning by car). Travelling through Chile and New Zealand, I tried the local ones and I was really impressed by the ones from NZ…
October 31, 2008

Valentin
QOD: From South Africa. I don’t remember the producer. It was from a bay area. Walker’s Bay, maybe?
October 31, 2008

Carlitos
QOTD. 1998 Torti Pinot Noir Barrel Aged from the Oltrepò Pavese in Lombardia, Italy. As complex as the best Burgundy I’ve had. Purchased their 2003 Bonarda from WL hoping to repeat the experience and it was terrible.
November 1, 2008

Dan-o
Cool show – I have had a Spaetburgunder (pronounced shpet-burgunder) in the past, but not nearly as good as what you seem to have experenced. I liked learning about Baden, a region I do not know well.

QOTD – I had an Australian pinot noir that came from Sparky and Sarah (i think). It was in a bottle with a ghoulish label that I can’t seem to remember the name of. I think it was $70, not worth the price point, but a good pinot out of a different geo.
November 1, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
I have had quite a few German Pinots when in Germany. I was lucky to be in southern Germany on business many times and enjoyed the spaetburgunder. I have one that I brought back from the Rhein in May. The people at the winery said more Germans like red wine now and they are planting more red grape vines. Thanks for doing this episode.
November 1, 2008

Patrick Haaren
Hi Gary,
it has to be Felton Road Block 5 Pinot Noir from Central Otago New Zealand.
Superbe bottle.
November 1, 2008

Martin Linder
The answer to your question “What is the best non US, non Burgundy Pinot Noir is without a doubt the Felton Road, block 5 2002. Tasted together with a flight of DRC this wine was the show of the night.
November 1, 2008

Erik Wait
German red wine is like German opera, it is only enjoyable when you are pissed off and feel like invading another country!

Erik Wait

“Adventures in Wine Tasting”

P.S. You forgot to say, “…whether they like it or not!”
November 2, 2008

Tom Kersten
Sticking with Germany. Weingut Rudolf Furst 2005 Spatburgunder Klingenberger also anything by Jean Stodden in the Rech/Ahr area.
November 2, 2008

Greg
QOTD: Meinklang Blaugurgunder 2006 from Burgenland, Austria. At $16 a great value.
November 2, 2008

Stevo
New Zealand Pinot.

I love the Tim Calhoun SNL reference.
November 3, 2008

pete c
QOTD: Mt. Difficulty Roaring Meg Pinot Noir from New Zealand. Would like to try the Germans, though.
November 3, 2008

ChiroGuyDC
I want the GREEN!!!…wristband that is

QoTD: Never had a Pinot from Germany! I WILL NOW!
November 4, 2008

Eric S.
Had to laugh with the lurker comment, that is definitely me. I’ll try to leave more. Love Pinot’s, outside of the regions you mentioned, I would have to say I am a fan of New Zealand Pinot’s.
November 4, 2008

Bernhard K.
QOTD: Pinot noir 2006 Achs Paul Austria
November 4, 2008

Karl Laczko
Oh-burr-rot-vile……Oh-burr-burr-g’n…..Yo-nerr…. (you got that one right! )

Good show, interesting, informative, unusual.

QOTD – Concha y Toro Explorer 2005 Pinot Noir, Casablanca Valley, Chile.
November 4, 2008

Sharon
I’ll leave a comment, as it is the Vayniac way. Oh heck I nearly always leave a comment.
QOTD: I had a German Pinot Noir earlier this year which I enjoyed, the (OMG so many letters) Spatburgunder Rheingau Assmanns Hauser Hollenburg August Kesseler 2001.
November 4, 2008

vinosseur
Gary

You are very knowledgeable, but when you describe the first wine as tootsie roll meets tobacco and cherry cola, etc, I feel that you are over complicating things.. In my opinion, those are just the many ways to describe “too much oak”….

QOTD: The best NON North-American nor French Pinot Noir I think I have had was indeed German and from the Pfalz produced by probably one of the best Pinot Noir producers in Germany – Weingut Knipser..
November 5, 2008

Lord Nouda
Okay, okay, here is a comment. You’re totally right. For watching an episode, writing a comment in not too much to ask. The job is just a lot of fun and work recently, so I couldn’t get around to watch all of your episodes, lately. Sorry

QOTD: Uh, I can’t remember. But I’m from Germany (living in London now) and had lot’s of german wines. I bet including a few pinots.
November 6, 2008

MBannon
Cool show. I’ve had one German Pinot Noir. It was…interesting.

QOD – Best PN I’ve had outside of France and the US was from Italy. Tasty stuff! And very Italian.
November 6, 2008

Angus
German pinots can provide some really good values for a wine that can be very costly (and not very good). I work at a 2 star restaurant in NYC and we have had a german pinot (actually the regular Oberbergen) by the glass for at least 6 months. I try to change it, and people go nuts. Very drinkable, slightly earthy with crushed/masserated strawberry.
November 8, 2008

Kristen
I simply can’t believe you were at a loss for words at the start of the show! So weird….

QOTD: 2006 Montes Pinot Noir from Chile. It was great with the duck we ate. Yummy.
November 9, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Q – Not a huge pinot fan, but had some nice ones from NZ.
November 10, 2008

Michael Schoonmaker
My goal is to be able to answer your QOTD some day…
November 11, 2008

Keith
Cavit, Italy, fairly lean but I actually enjoyed it.
November 11, 2008

Norwegian Jon
Talking about new experience – from unknown areas. Try out some of the Germay Dornfelder from Badem Wurtemberg, or Zweigeldt from Burgenland Austria. Or even more excotic some Plavac from Croatia, and now I’am looking forward to the 18.th. of Nov. trying out the Vranacs of Montenegro, the real father of the Napa Zinfandeler. Its a great wineworld out there.
November 12, 2008

ChdPhound
Not the best I’ve had, but very good. Meerlust Pinot Noir (Stellenbosch) late 90’s I think. Was also pretty cheap (at least at the time).
November 12, 2008

JayZee
Just back from a LONG vacation in the Caribbean and trying to catch up – very nice show. When I was in Bonn on business a couple of years ago, our hosts took us to a wine tasting of German wines that included several Pinot Noirs and many of them were quite good. Alas, I did not take any notes so I cannot tell you what they were.

QOTD: I’m afraid you predicted this one – Amisfield Pinot Noir from New Zealand (Central Otego).
December 16, 2008

yowens
Awesome show- I’m in for any German Pinot I see next time out! QOTD: Seresin in NZ- that place kills. GV- GET shipping to RI again!!!! (please…)
January 19, 2009

Franky
I recently had a great Spätburgunder “Blauer Spätburgunder QbA trocken” from Knipser in the Pfalz, Germany. The German Pinot Noir’s are coming.
January 24, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Nice to see my German blood make a good wine other than a reisling! QOTD: Never had one outside the US or France.
January 29, 2009

Tobias
My mother is from the Baden region! Everything tastes good there.
February 28, 2009

Steve
Gary – I have always found wines to change as they develop in the glass. You open them and bottle air but they don’t get a second chance, just 5 seconds of swirling, maybe a second swish and its done. Do you feel that opening up in the glass is more than it is racked up to be?