The Election Day Secret Pack

The Election Day Secret Pack – Episode 570

November 4, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk unveils the latest secret pack as we await election results from around the nation.

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Comments on this episode(154) Leave a comment ›

“Just now tried the Thunder Cuvee while watching this episode. A friend…” by Tyler Reed
“Tried the Thunder Red. Has all the characteristics of a $20 red. Love…” by Chris and Liz
View all 154 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

2007 Hortus La Bergerie BlancOther French White Wine
2004 Thunder Napa RedNapa Red Meritage
2006 AnwilkaSouth African Red Meritage

154 Responses

November 4, 2008

waibeans
FIRST!!! VOTE!
November 4, 2008

dan p
wow… never been this early
November 4, 2008

dan p
gary… had first kid last week… 10-27-08. give her some love on an epsidoes for me Kathryn Margaret Paul
November 4, 2008

Timinspokane
Yowza! I am number 4!

Coolio show…. let’s all pray for our country as this election draws to a close.
November 4, 2008

Tom G
Ugh, I should have gotten in. I wanted to try that Anwilka something fierce and the price was perfect. Oh well!

Great show as always!
November 4, 2008

Withnail
Cool! Hope whoever wins does a good job and America prospers.
November 4, 2008

Jay
Yeah what’s up with no wristband???
November 4, 2008

John Farrin
top 10
November 4, 2008

EricB
And the winner is…
November 4, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
Sorry, I thought the Anwilka tasted like a v. boring overly tannic $8 wine. Tried it over 5 hours and then over the last two days and it just never opened up. I do look forward to trying the Thunder wine

QOTD I Chester Arthur! (ok, really the two rosevelts, but I do admire Arthur)
QOTD II have a bottle of Gruet to open if warrented
November 4, 2008

Griz4life
Ug, this is a part of the reason I hate the state of Tennessee…can’t directly ship!!!! I would have loved to have tried these wines.
November 4, 2008

Cameron W
Cool show, regardless of any impending illness.

QOTD: Don’t really have a favorite, sorry.
QOTD II: 2005 Eos Reserve Petit Sirah.
November 4, 2008

Joel M
Great show GV. I am sorry I missed the secret pack. I have the Anwilka in my shoping cart. I pick Lincoln. He was able to make some life changing decisions for this country. Not many other presidents can say they were faced with something like the Civil War. Maybe Washington in the Revolution or FDR in the mist of WWII.
November 4, 2008

Sharon
I’m sorry you’re sick! Take care of yourself. Rest up. Dunno, KENNEDY. Even though I was extremely young.
November 4, 2008

Ozzy
Great show, as always, Gary.

I always like the secret pack episodes…
November 4, 2008

urbwes
Good stuff. I hope you get well soon.

QOTD: if I had to pick a favorite it would probably be John Quincy Adams (I had a history teacher who was nuts for J.Q.A.). I’m drinking a low cost, likely forgettable Torrontes, but it is my first shot at the varietal so I’m embracing change.
November 4, 2008

Kevin K
QOTD: Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He was president for 12 years!
November 4, 2008

Brent
QOTD: Lincoln and a beer tonight. Feel better.
November 4, 2008

purplejuicebruce
QOTD…Honest Abe, Lava Cap Petite Sarah
November 4, 2008

Kirk (slave2thevine)
QOTD: Easily has to be Clinton as he is the one that had the most positive impact on my life. As for what I’m drinking tonight…water. It’s time for an early nights rest…I’ll get the info tomorrow AM on the drive to jog with my father.
November 4, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: The first one set the highest standard….Washington FTW…..

GV drinking election secret pac tonight….The white wine is the winner for me so far…shich is weird….I think that the tannic action is something my palate still can’t always like but I liked the Thunder Cuvee enough to want another bottle and we will see what the Anwilka does over time….
November 4, 2008

Adam B
Well, this was my first secret pack tasting – and my second time commenting. Also the first time I’ve bothered using a bucket at home – I feel a little guilty letting that wine go to waste! I’m fighting the Anwilka a bit. It’s clearly got the most interesting nose to me, and it’s got the most going on on the palate, but those tannins are a bit too tough for me right now. Will definitely be using the pump to see how it develops over the next few days. The Thunder Cuvee is growing on me. It’s not the kind of wine I jump to (tend to prefer new world/fruit forward wines), but I’ve been sipping away at the glass after the episode and I’m appreciating the balance and accessibility more and more. The L’Hortus I liked immediately – though I agree that the mid palate is a bit soft.

Favorite president? Hopefully Obama. Favorite past president? I never really put much thought into that. I suppose it’d be between Lincoln and Kennedy for me.

Thanks for pushing through the cold and giving us another great episode, Gary.
November 4, 2008

BobbyTiger
Was not a part of the 3 pack, but enjoyed the show non the less.
Your being a bit sick did not, however, alter your passion for the fruit, however……..when you are under the weather, don’t share your glass with Mott.
Repeat……do not share glass.
QOTD……………Jefferson Davis, CSA
November 4, 2008

Laurie in VT
QOTD: Hmm… Jefferson, at least in part because of his horticultural exploits.

QOTD 2: Tonight will be the Thunder Cuvee, as soon as the husband gets home from voting on his way home from the job site.
Lately have been pleasantly surprised by a local vineyards’ rose’, and by a Mondavi Woodbridge cab sauv we were given (good spaghetti wine).
November 4, 2008

Slushpuppy
TR the “trust buster” ofcourse: Walk softly and carry a great bottle of wine.
Smell it first!
November 4, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
I have two of the wines from the election pack but since I’m not home can’t drink them tonight. Will have both of them the Thunder and the Anwilka when I get back. Favorites Prezes are FDR because he brought the country through WWII and the depression successfully and Lincoln because he preserved the union and did it with class.
November 4, 2008

sam
Get well soon Gary!
No election pack up here in Québec. No elections either. May the best man win. May the new president bring stability and prosperity to the majority.

Tonight I am drinking something quite different. I am enjoying an Arerunguà 2002, a Tannat from Uruguay. Good stuff! Figs and dark fruit with a sour cherry, raspberry mouthfeel!

Cheers to all of you out there enjoying wine for whatever reason!
November 4, 2008

Hido53
Gary -

Hope you feel better soon! Also hope that the Mottster doesn’t get what you have after quaffing from the sniffy-sniff glass!!!!!
QOTD: Good question . . . tough one . . . can’t say I have a favorite President. Don’t generally trust politicians regardless of party affiliation. Each has had some redeeming qualities and have contributed to the general good in some manner either while in office or after leaving. Some recent examples, LBJ (civil rights), Nixon (Vietnam cease-fire, diplomatic relations with China), Carter (post presidency Human Rights), Reagan (big tax-cuts/supply side economics, dissolution of USSR), Bush Sr.(built strong international coalition leading to successful Desert Storm) . . . not much since
QOTD2: Good ol’ H2O. Feeling a bit under the weather, so I’m gonna try and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
November 4, 2008

Dominus
I am so “pumped” about this show. Man o man, 3 kickbutt wines. My take on the Thunder red was that it is better for me than the Anwilka. I got some “diaper action” on the Anwilka and it wa hugggge.

QOTD: I have two other people with me and the votes are: #1 FDR due to Depression, war, battling polio, person #2 chooses JFK since she relates to Caroline (same age) and my vote #3 goes to Thomas Jefferson who helped create our union, a lover of wine, world traveller and developed trade between US and Europe.

Cheers!
November 4, 2008

Scotty G
Favorite President – Ronald Reagan!
In our America, resist attaching your happiness to any outcome – do your part, give your best effort and move on – remember our opportunities are endless.
God bless this nation today and always.
My wife and I shared a bottle of 2006 Vin du Lac of Chelan Chardonnay Columbia Valley. It was awesome!!
We look forward to trying the election pack this weekend.
November 4, 2008

JHo
Gotta go with TJ, Jefferson brought us Bordeaux, wait, is that a good thing?
Gaston Chiquet 99 to celebrate!
November 4, 2008

Susan
Gary & Chris, SOME of us have already tasted and like the Hortus La Bergerie Blanc 2007!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When I was in the dirty jerse in September, Matt suggested La Campagna. He brought two wines to the offline. This was one of them. I LOVE this one!! AND I ordered this one from WL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So I will get to try it again soooon…………
November 4, 2008

Susan
QOTD: Ronald Reagan HANDS DOWN!!!!
November 4, 2008

Susan
Gary -Sorry to hear that you are not feeling well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I do hope and pray that you will feel much better soon!!!!!!!!!!!
November 4, 2008

Jay
I’m a little under the weather myslef so I don’t know if I’ll be cracking anything tonight.

QOTD: Based strictly on being a lady killer, Bill C.
November 4, 2008

Susan
Gary, BTW: This is the FIRST secret pack where I have already tried one of the wines B4 the episode!!!!!!!!!!! All of the other secret packs I have not been able to try along with…….
November 4, 2008

Mark
QOTD: Teddy Roosevelt – because he was the most badass president the US has ever had and probably ever will have. More people should study his life.
November 4, 2008

Dale Cruse
Fave president has to be Jefferson. Not only was he a statesman and a scholar, but he singlehandedly brought wine and the love of wine to America. We all owe him a debt of gratitude.

Tonight I’m drinking American bubbles. Specifically, Gruet Brut from New Mexico.
November 4, 2008

Susan
Gary, BTW # 2, YES, I do like the Hortus La Bergerie Blanc 2007 MORE than you do. I would rate it 91 points. Very much a good food wine for Italian foods and cheeses. Will try some day with other types of food…………………….
November 4, 2008

Susan
Gary, BTW # 3, NO I don’t usually make any comments…………LOL!!!!!!!
November 4, 2008

Brandon Snell
QOTD: Truman, because he was from Missouri. Represent.

Drinking the Thunder wine and LOVE IT!! Had my last sip about 4 minutes ago and I am still getting taste. Just got a weird taste of niblets corn which is awesome because that is my favorite.

Love the pump. I needed another one because I lost one of the tops from the last one I had.
November 4, 2008

T. Bone
Languedoc white was hands down the favorite, the most interesting and balanced of the three. Surprised, pleasantly, that all 3 wines had such strong aromatics – was that the theme? Would have liked a tad more acidity in the Hortus, but all the richness and creaminess in the mouth had me wondering if it sat on the lies? Like you said, very floral. Was surprised to see some oak and, presumably, some malo for the butter. Liked all the aromatics, a very interesting wine. Again, a touch more acidity would have made it classier, but still a tasty, layered wine.

The Thunder Cuvee was a solid wine, good fruit. Pretty nose with some baking spices for the season. Got mainly stewed fruits, maybe that’s the Sangio, gives it an aged nose/flavor. It actually tastes like some Zins I know. Very light for a Merlot dominated blend. As you said, for pizza and burgers it would be great. It’s more interesting than most reds I’d pop for that fare, actually. Guessing this is not going to last long, so I’d be inclined to pop and pour.

Anwilka grows on you. It has tons of black fruit and lots of sweet, smoky oak. It strikes me as a style you would not typically like being so oaked. It has that diesel, chemical thing (I think you called it NJ Turnpike) – really appealing to me, and the only thing that really makes it stand out, honestly. That component screams of South Africa to me. Oak is almost overwhelming with its smokiness, but there’s so much black fruit, it kind of fights back. A solid bottle, but at $40, I have to give it a major pazzz. Also, I can get the ‘05 locally for $20, FYI.

My scores: Hortis 88, Thunder Cuvee 85, Anwilka 87

For the price, I can only recommend the Hortis and Thunder Cuvee. Both drink great for what they are – the Hortis, a complex, aromatic white. The Cuvee, a fruity, drinkable red. But, as you say often, there are many wines like the Anwilka for half the price. Get into some ‘05 Haut-Medocs, for example – they are still out there.
November 4, 2008

John Farrin
QOTD: JFK. He was the original Barrock Obama.
November 4, 2008

manonthemoon
Nice show for an important night.

QOTD: Teddy Roosevelt because I love the outdoors and he was the man who put the Park system in place.
November 4, 2008

Butch
Sorry you are under the weather – get well soon!
I’m drinking a 2007 Oregon Cloudline Pinot Noir which is okay, but for me not wonderful.
Would have enjoyed the Thunder Pack, but living in Washington that’s not yet a possibility.
Favorite President – Regan, maybe an actor, but he delivered against the old Soviet empire – to bad we weren’t better at supporting and backing it up – at least we are able to enjoy people like your family coming our way.
Take care
November 4, 2008

Bill
QOTD: Abraham Lincoln, for obvious reasons.

Drinking: Fuchs, Sauvignon Blanc, from Austria, yes, Austria. Definitely a wine GV should taste on the thunder show.
November 4, 2008

Johnnyutah
QOTD: Grover Cleveland…our 22nd and 24th President…the only president to serve 2 non-consecutive terms…and he had a huge mustache.
November 4, 2008

DAD
QOTD Roosevelt. The outdoorsmen. A bottle of Bakers Lane, Pinot Noir out of Sonoma. Drinking well I might add, a true Pinot in taste, much unlike the selections tonight. Watch that flu bug , it’s a killer. As much as I respect the Jets I can’t go against my original hometown Rams back in the day when they were in Cali.
November 4, 2008

ScottEJ
Diggin the South African cabs as of late. Good call.

QOTD: Clinton & sparkling water. No vino during the week.
November 4, 2008

gotsha
QOTD…Teddy Roosevelt was the Best. Speak softly and carry a big bottle of wine; you will go far. Check out his museum on 20th St. NYC.
November 4, 2008

chriovorg
QOTD: Lincoln / Drinking My own barrel sample from this years blend of 85% Cab Sov 10% Carignan and 5% Alicant. I am in MA but the Grapes are from Farmers market in RI from CA.
Get well
November 4, 2008

mike z
WOW! the thunder cuvee hit the spot! i was a little nervous with the nose, but the palette DID bring the thunder. this is my kinda wine. smooth and tasty. nice job! the 2007 hortus was ok. not my fav, but ok. didnt try the Anwilka yet, but im excited to try it!

thanks Gary!
November 4, 2008

JudeMurphy
Sorry to hear you’re sick, Gary. Hope you get well quick!

Irish presidents are silly. They don’t do anything! I think they just sort of stand there and look important.
The Taoiseach’s where it’s all at on the “Emerald Isle” ; )

Those all sounded much better than the crap I’m drinking right now!
(Crozes-Hermitage syrah- never again!)
November 4, 2008

WineWoman
QOTD: JFK–would have liked to have seen what he could have done if he wasn’t assasinated. Also, I agree with Laurie in VT–Jefferson had a lot of ideas that were ahead of his time–not necessarily government.

Election Day Pack Wine #1–Very agreeable blend, big salt-water ocean-fresh flavor–ideal with most seafood–lots of lemon and rubber aroma. I liked it.

Wine #2 Thunder Wine-Lots of dark chocolate and cherries–definitely great with meats. A little young, didn’t love the blend. Food probably would help this.

Wine #3 Definitely the winner—I would have Manchego with this wine, but just about any cheese would work–Parm and Gruyere. A little poopy, Toys R Us bicycle Dept. I’m puckered up like Yoda. I will use the pump and see how this wine evolves over the course of a few days.
November 4, 2008

Robert Howells
Thomas Jefferson was the first wine connoisseur in the US and was a damn fine president.
November 4, 2008

Matt W
QOTD: John Adams who did everything he could to keep us out of war (with France) at the cost of another term in office. This is a lesson that today’s executive leader perhaps should have taken heed of.
November 4, 2008

Little Jonny H
Nice pack, too bad I missed out on the festivities this time around

QOTD: Leukadios ‘06
November 4, 2008

Little Jonny H
NRRR

QOTD: In my life span… Clinton
Of all time… Jefferson
November 4, 2008

Frank
QOTD
Lurker = 18 months
Post = 1st time
Fav Pres. = Reagan = 1st I can remember
All time Fav POTUS = Jefferson = 1st E-Know-File
Election Pack = 1st time = enjoyed Anwilka
Gary Not Well = don’t care
Goal = Challenge Vay-Ner-Chuck to wine swirling contest!
November 4, 2008

Chrisfs
Energy was fine actually, hope you feel better soon.

It’s ironic reading the post above mine, but Jimmy Carter was an awesome man ahead of his time. Talking about conserving energy, subsidizing solar energy, IN THE 70S and Creating the Department of Energy (wasn’t a cabinet level post until he made it one). Carter saw what was coming a lot sooner than any of the presidents after him (Regan, Bushes, even Clinton).
November 4, 2008

jeffe
Drinking alone tonight, so I’ve only popped the Thunder Cuvée, and I gotta say — it’s a lot of fun. Also very excited to acquire the rose petal scent for my schnoz palate. Didn’t have time to decant prior to first pour, but I’ve been able to hold off long enough to really see this come into its own (after about two hours in the decanter). Super-friendly wine, definitely up my flavor alley (T. Bone said it reminded him of some Zins — and that’s all good, ’cause that flavor profile is what makes it my favorite varietal).
November 4, 2008

Fang
Jefferson is my favorite. I’m drinking 2003 Alsace Hugel Gewurztraminer.
Hope you get better soon! Love the show.
November 4, 2008

Fred
QOTD?John F Kennedy maybe. I’m not an American resident, so actually I do not have the experience. For his words “Don’t ask what the country can do for you, ask what together we can do…”, I like it. I listened to his speech when I first study English. And, I also think Clinton is not bad, according to those news. But, never trust media…hehe:)

btw, the pump. I think it goes along well with some “heavy” stuff, but when it comes to some leaner one, it will sup up the wine’s vigor and fruitiness. So, sometime I’m a little hesitated to use the pump…

Okay, get well soon, man. Nice show.:)
November 4, 2008

Rowland
feel better
guess it was good i didnt buy the secret pack, nobody showed up
qotd: BARACK OBAMA!
November 4, 2008

kaybee
QoTd
Lincoln is my favorite and during my lifetime Reagan is the best President, Bill was sleezy and Carter has lost his marbles.
November 4, 2008

Knisely
First…. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, put your phone on DND. It’s distracting and solved by pressing one button.

Didn’t get in on the election pack, but enjoyed the show.

Recently I had an opportunity to attend an event where two Ohio wineries, Cypress Cellars and Firelands, were showcasing their goods. Often at these events I’ve been social, not enjoyed the wines, and though the people were uppity snobs. After being a rather dedicated lurker for a few months, I went into this even with an open mind. I sampled each of the offerings… of them all; I really enjoyed the 2006 Riesling. It had some good apple flavor and a touch of banana… though it funny when you mentioned banana in the Chablis episode I watched today. I came away from that experience not loving wine but enjoying the overall experience… though most of the “wine guys” still came off as uppity snobs, but it didn’t impact my enjoyment of the wine.

QOTD: Reagan. His quiet strength amazed me as a youth. His “tear down this wall” speech mesmerized me, and when the wall fell I was hooked.
November 4, 2008

William
QOTD: Reagan was a great American!
November 4, 2008

Brad G
Lincoln, other than the other amazing things he did, he was a great man. Teddy Roosevelt was another great President along with Reagan. But one that nobody talks about for obvious reasons was Nixon. He was great on foreign policy and the economy he just was a little paranoid and it drove him to his big mistake. But Lincoln is by far my best and maybe the best President we have ever had.
November 4, 2008

Grapedigger
Cool show! Well I like Clinton because he was all “head” while in the white house Cheers
November 4, 2008

Lenny
Good show. I received one of those vacuum pumps for a present, and when I tried it the wine tasted horrible the next day. I have never used it again. Maybe I need to give it another try.

QOTD: Regan is probably my favorite. We need another like him.
November 4, 2008

vinoBlue
QOTD1: My favorite president was Thomas Jefferson – namely because the Declaration of Independence was the best written, most eloquent and most influential political document composed in modern history – among other things.

QOTD2: Tonight I was drinking Kung Fu Girl Riesling … love the initial attack and the sour apple finish, and I think GV underrated it!

Way to work on expanding palates GV! I’ve got a South African Pinotage that I’m looking forward to drinking. The great wine experiment: I vowed not to drink the same type twice for 6 months…
November 4, 2008

Matt T
Not my favorite President, but a guy who needs some love is Andrew Jackson. Did a ton for this country and he often gets overlooked.

I drank a bottle of cheap Italian Merlot. It was easy drinking and all I wanted tonight.
November 5, 2008

pawncop
Hope you get to feeling better soon.

Had a blend, White Truck, 2005, California white wine. OK but nothing outstanding was a agift.

QOTD – My lifetime, Ronald Reagan, all time – toss up Lincoln or Teddy Roosevelt.
November 5, 2008

Karen
drinking Pedroncelli Zin “mother clone” 2006. Favorite president..Reagan
November 5, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – Lincoln

No wine tonight…
November 5, 2008

apj_bobswineguy
QOTD: Josiah Bartlett! By far the best President in The West Wing.

Buehler Estate Napa CAB 05 – WS got it right. Great QPR.

Not really getting the South African hype. Tasted some decent wines but no WOW wines. I’ll try to hunt down the Anwilka. I feel WS tacks on a few pts to get people to try SA wines.

I recommend the mini-series “John Adams” to all. Use the “Facts are a Stubborn Thing” button to pick up some interesting sidebar facts on American History
November 5, 2008

Jordan Randall
Drinking Shiloh Road 2006 Paso Robles Syrah. As far as presidents go, I will choose our founding father. George Washington. This is my first time posting a comment to the Thunder show. Looking forward to tomorrow’s California Chard. episode. I am tired of the oak monster and want a California classic.
November 5, 2008

Eliot (in the Lou)
Touriga Nacional tonight baby. Good structure, good cherries, great price ($12)

QOTD – I’ve only lived through a few (Carter, Reagan, GHW Bush, Clinton, GW Bush). From those, Reagan. All time? Jefferson. By most reports, the consummate Renaissance Man.
November 5, 2008

C-Fiddy
GV, Straight up,
My wife thinks you’re a spazzz, (with three zs), but I love you. We jumped into our first secret pack, and invited some friends over… I think you, (with a little bit of me) made a new vaniac tonight. The women are still “undecided voters.” It was fun and the palettes were all over the place. The white was okay. A beautiful nose, but I thought it was water on the initial taste, and then the flavors build into a nice round tasty wine. Suprising, and we all said it was “nice”. I liked the Thunder very much. an interesting, old world nose with lots of red fruit and earthiness. I kept going back to it and liking it more and more. The Anwilka is Darth-Vader-Dark! My wife got licorice. I wanted a buttery filet to go with it. Thanks for all you do, and God Bless America!
November 5, 2008

Can Misirlioglu
Nothing to worry about, the energy was all there!

QOTD: Popped open a 2004 Edmunds St. John Rocks and Gravel for the election.. Clinton is probably my favorite.
November 5, 2008

disappointed in hawaii
QOTD: Pasqual del Toro Argentina Malbec…Theodore Roosevelt, took a bullet to the chest but still kept working
November 5, 2008

disappointed in hawaii
Frank bringing out POTUS, nice touch.
POTUS of my lifetime….Ronald Reagan
November 5, 2008

Ben
QOTD: no favorite pres, just proud to be an American. Friends and I are drinking the Election pack….

Mr. V thank you so much for toughing it out and bringing the thunder while your a little sick. This was my first secret pack and it did not disappoint. I took it to a friends house and I introduced them to you and WLTV. As the votes where being tallied we tried tasted along with you. We definitely had never tried anything like the white you gave us, the group liked it for the most part nobody hated it. I liked it but it was a hot on the back end. We loved the Thunder Napa. It was nice and smooth and the price made it taste good to. Knowing that we could drink this wine again made it taste a little better I think. 15 bones is a steal. Last but not least the Anwilka was a hit. We liked it everyone picked up the coal type smell in the sniffy sniff, and I have such good friends they saved me a glass or so worth so I can try it tomorrow. I sealed it with the pump so I know it will be good.

Love the Show, Your the Best Gary
November 5, 2008

Moselman
First off, Mrs C-Fiddy has it right, Gary – you’re a spazzz! Anyone approaching 33 and doesn’t know better than to share his bad case of sniffles with a friend and colleague is a spazzzz. Man, was I feeling bad for the Mottster.

QsOTD

1) Non-American POV, Jimmy Carter, as shouted out earlier for his forward looking intuitions and his work in retirement. And all the unmitigated crap he took from the Ray-gun-ites. And Bushies!

2) The Aglianico from last night is now blossoming nicely (don’t need no pump).

THANKS FOR VOTING SO OVERWHELMINGLY. Would be nice (great, in fact) if Canadians could have a similar experience in the not-too-distant future. Unfortunately, not very likely 8>(
November 5, 2008

ev
QoD: Teddy Roosevelt was the real rock star and helped form our landscape by encouraging the park system. TJ was brilliant. FDR helped push us through the Depression and had strength through WW2. Recently, I liked Reagan and daddy Bush’s firmness and honesty through the early Iraq times. You seemed to know exactly where he stood.
November 5, 2008

Ray Barnes
First of all Gary I applaud you for trying to get through another episode in spite of being under the weather. Must say your palette working on less than all 8 (or 12) cylinders is more than good enough. Having read the 80 prior reviews, I share the concerns others have raised about you sharing your glass while having a virus.

I also want to ask (not raised yet elsewhere) which vineyard(s) in Napa sourced the fruit, who grew the grapes, the aging history, and the alcoholic content. I am assuming you and your colleagues were responsible just for the selection of the final blend – something like the consulting work of Michel Rolland, in and of itself a major job.

Your evaluative comments on this wine were done with excellent discretion.

QOTD – being Canadian I am reluctant to answer, but I always respected the great intellect of Jimmy Carter. It is unfortunate his legacy will be the Iran hostage crisis.

I had another glass late tonight of the 2004 Schloss Lieser Niederberg Helden Riesling Spatlese (AP #5 I believe, there were two 2004 Spatlesen bottled there). The bouquet had opened considerably since being uncorked Monday afternoon. A very fine wine.
November 5, 2008

YoungDave
YES! We got some BLUE paint spilled on the US map tonight! Obama plus the turnout in the House and Senate- I’m a happy, happy man. History.

QOTD: “Yes We Can Cola” was the highlight of the night, accompanied by Chandon California Brut and Alma Rosa Pinot to celebrate my (current) state’s expected vote for Barack. Nothing special (only because I didn’t have anything special on hand, but it worked out that both were CA wines). Cheers.
November 5, 2008

E dog
good show gary, get well soon !
November 5, 2008

theemptyglass
qotd: lets just say im partial to all presidents from illinois. I also like FDR. As for what im drinking, coffee…. at some point I will toast to the new president elect.
November 5, 2008

Susan B
I drank Fox Run Vineyards Reserve Riesling for Election night–will taste the Secret Pack wines another night. I enjoyed the Election Day Secret Pack show.
November 5, 2008

karlkons
Congratulations to your new president, maybe he is going to be the best??? We had a nice Spanish Cabernet blend watching some of the election.

Greetings from Cologne and get well soon!
November 5, 2008

mark
2 suggestions: 1) next secret pack do it live and arrange ahead of time to link into a webstream w/ a group following along at home – that’d be cool, more interactive. secret pack shows should be a bit different than regular shows; 2) since w/ secret packs you are asking people to buy wines from you, i would think they’d be wines you recommend (when ever do you ask people to buy wine from you that you wouldn’t recommend?). but, you had never tasted the ‘2007 Hortus La Bergerie Blanc’ prior to the show, which seems not quite right for the secret pack shows. just my 2cts.
November 5, 2008

Clinton
Will definitely order the 2004 Thunder next time I am in the U.S. I’m all over everyday drinkers for $15.

QOTD: Reagan, who communicated hope in a less hopeful time. Obama will be a shot of optimism Americans (expecially we ex-pats) desire.
November 5, 2008

Carolyn
33? pulease – ur just a kid!!

Hope you are feeling better!
November 5, 2008

Classico
That must be president Palmer from the 24 series
What a guy.
Drank some languedoc Grenache Syrah blend very nice. A bit hot but then again the weather asked for it.
Good luck with your new president.

Groetjes,

Classico
November 5, 2008

Derek
QOTD: In my lifetime: Reagan. All-time: George Washington (basically defined several of the key virtues of the office that still exist today, albeit with a more modern flavor).

Last night for the election we were drinking a Cliff Lede Cabernet.
November 5, 2008

M
You did not just hand Mott your germ-infected glass. That’s just wrong. Alcohol does not kill the germs.

QOTD: George Washington, Abe Lincoln, Bill Clinton

My birthday is the day after yours. I’m a little older.
November 5, 2008

Rob
I actually am working my way through the Michelob sampler pack and had the Porter last night. Good stuff. I had a bottle of Thunder the other night, my wife and I loved it, great stuff GV.

Fav Prez has to be George Washington. Stepping up to the plate as the first Commander in Chief had to have been one of the most daunting tasks we’ve ever asked of a public official. He set a great precedent for those to follow him.
November 5, 2008

Garry M.
QOTD: James K. Polk

Because we all need a little polk every now and then.
November 5, 2008

bmartinb
I have only gotten to the Thunder Cuvee so far, but I was pleasantly surprised. I picked up on a nice anise note on the nose that I just could not get enough of. There was fairly long finish too. I agree it “brings the thunder,” especially at this price. Seriously considering picking up a case of this if I can swing the cash. Thanks Gary.
November 5, 2008

CHICAGO MARK
Had a bottle of Bommarito cab last night..very tasty.

Reagan because he usually stood behind what he said and and actually carried it out. (huh) ?
November 5, 2008

Logan
Good show Gary, always persevering- get better quick!

QOTD: Abraham Lincoln, ‘coz he was brave, revolutionary, independent and not afraid to implement drastic change for the better.
I’m a conservative when it comes to gov’t and fiscal policy and I’m a bit leery of a Dem president with the house, senate and congress the way they are now- would like to think we’re not on our way to nationalized medicine and the likes, but Obama is an attractive breath of fresh air and I think he’s worked hard and is a great face for us right now, so I’m rooting for him.
November 5, 2008

Deano
Gary great episode…I wish i would have bought the pack

QOTD:
-I am going with Reagan
November 5, 2008

sharon
qotd: Abe Lincoln, FDR (except for the internment camps. Both were exceptionally intelligent human beings. And now we have Obama! Fantastic! What a gift!
Hope you recover soon and am very sorry I missed the election pack. The Thunder Red sounded intriguing.
November 5, 2008

ChrisV
Gary,

Nice work on keeping the thunder coming while sick.

QOTD: George Washington. No explanation necessary.
November 5, 2008

Neil
QOTD: The Gipper
November 5, 2008

Goncasurus-Rex
good show Gary! you really give the prespective non-voters need. just remember what Ben Franklin said “democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner, liberty is a well armed sheep contesting the vote.”

QOTD- teddy Roosevelt by far. He disliked both parties and really was a revolutionist in that respect.
November 5, 2008

henry trout
love the show. have recently been drinking priorat wines and gsm’s. I find the fall is the perfect time for these full flavored wines. I particularly like the pico madama from spain. I also recently had a blend from calif called the lineup an inexpensive but interesting gsm. keep up the great work, as a captain at xaviars in piermont it is great to have a resource to answer the obscure questions that i get asked all the time.
November 5, 2008

Carlitos
QOTD. In the mood for some Cab Franc I opened a 2006 Monteforche Carantina from the Veneto that I got from WL. Nothing super complex but it was pretty good.
November 5, 2008

Susan
“So this is how liberty dies, with thunderous applause”!!!???!!!
November 5, 2008

Smahlatz
QOTD: Was never into them – they did that millions of peaches song didn’t they?

At the moment drinking a Crozes Hermitage
November 5, 2008

Withnail
QOTD: James K. Polk, cause he had the coolest song written about him
November 5, 2008

Clayton Havens
QOTD 1: Jefferson – the man knew what the country needed and wasn’t afraid to tell it like it was.
QOTD 2: Boarding Pass Shiraz – Day 2
November 5, 2008

jeffe
Here’s my QOTD: why do people freak out so much when you go off-topic, or even when the phone rings (or, heaven forbid, you try to power through and deliver for your fans when you have a cold)? These things are all clearly symptoms of a condition called Keeping It Real. Unedited Gary is, last time I checked, one of the leading reasons we all love and value your take on wine, and therefore why we tune in day in and day out.

Don’t hate the player. Hate the haters.
Keep tangentisizing, Gary. And don’t put the phone on mute.
November 5, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: I’m still partial to William Clinton, though of course what Kennedy and FDR did was incredibly important. Last night I drank a Lungarotti Rubesco, nothing outstanding but it was nice.
November 5, 2008

Bobbi
We had a great time tasting along with you (even though it should have been live).
QOTD: Kennedy – I had the same feeling of excitation when he was elected.
QOTD2: We have been drinking a lot of Norton Malbecs- excellent.

And Gary, you have the same birthday as ME!!!
What a great day for the world that was.
November 5, 2008

Eric
Great run of shows recently, Gary.

QOTD 2: For election night, I pulled out the only good bottle of champagne I own: a ‘93 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame that I bought on sale in 2003 for something like $60. I never was sure when I would have the occasion to open this — maybe when I get engaged, or something similar. Last night seemed as good a night as any, and it was still delicious: almond-paste croissant on the nose, honey on the tongue. I had stored it in dark closets over the years that I tried to keep at room temperature or below — was good to find out that the bottle survived that.
November 5, 2008

Leigha
Not a hater…I have watched ALL the episodes and bought $1,000’s of dollars of wine from you until you stop shipping to WA. Okay but heres the thing….you seem to be getting a bit “full of S***” 3rd wine…first you say you have only had a barrel sample and a quick taste at the super tasting…but then further along in the segment you say you had a bottle that you let evolve over 5 days ……so which is it….by the way this is not the only one of these little …..inconsistencies.
November 5, 2008

Richard Ritter
I’m rockin’ cause I’m learnin’.

QOTD: Teddy Roosevelt. Long Island boy and a great mustache!
November 5, 2008

Rex
QOTD Drinking a very good Guffens Heynen Mâcon-Pierreclos 1er Jus de Chavigne 2006. Already loved what this guy does with the Verget negociant house in burgundy, this is my first encounter with his own domain bottling. Serious stuff from the underrated Mâçonnais region (i.e. Pouilly-Fuissé, St-Véran, Maçon, …).
November 5, 2008

Jim Stephens-Wine Dude
QOTD: I have to say Clinton, but I am not really sure if it is just the fact that every one else has been such a gang of screwups =0)Tonight, I am drinking a Dessilani 2000 Gattinara Reserva (Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Italy), and it is outstanding! It could honestly use a few more years of rest, but if you leave it out for an hour or two, it settles down quite nicely. So many people forget about Gattinara (and Carema)because of the overwhelming popularity of their Nebbiolo neighbors, Barolo and Barbaresco. In fact, many Gattinara are considered to be the BEST agers of the group, and this bottle should prove to be an lively old man in the future. Another great producer is Travaglini, from Palm Bay Imports, which is more feminine and relaxed, but quite seductive, nonetheless. Salud!
November 5, 2008

my2cents
I am a new viewer. I decided to stop lurking! I ordered some wine from Gary’s picks to compare tastes. I decided to try the election pack too. I got my election pack today.( a day late but hey I ordered late). Opened the Thunder and hated it. All I could smell was alcohol, all I could taste was alcohol. After a couple hours it’s just gross and near undrinkable for me and for a while it smelled like a wool carpet soaked rubbing alcohol. Harsh and dry “pucker” is an understatement. A mouth full of barrel splinters. Of course these are just MY opinions. I was thinking that for the price of the “pack” we’d be tasting something more like 20 dollar bottles. By the sound of the Anwilka, the more costly of the bunch, I am going to have to wait ten years to even get close to that investment. Bummer.I am trying the pump on it so we’ll see I look forward to the white in the near future as it will at least not be a tannin “monster”. I hope my 12 other choices from Gary’s picks fare much better. I do like the show for some strange unknown reason, perhaps because it’s real. I am entertained while learning and that is always time well spent. Thanks WLTV
November 6, 2008

Bobby Bo
Had an awesome night drinking the Election pack with the Thunder Show, and living in this historical moment. When people ask me what I was doing on election day 08, it was drinking wine and watching Gary V. Wish you told us about the South African wine earlier, we killed it before we could save it. I have to say, the Thunder Red was very interesting, and a great value. Good job blending.
QOTD: Hands down TR.
November 6, 2008

Iggy Davidson
Iggy
Hey Gary why didn’t you swirl and spit your post nasal drip and add some tasting notes ? [Heavy on the oyster] LOL .. Big shout out to Mott what a company man for taking your glass.. awesome!!! But seriously you rock bigger than Mt Rushmore,GV for president. Being an Aussie i don’t have a fav president just a fav American, you! Keep up the good work mate … Oh and right now I’m drinking a Mitolo Jester 06 shiraz definitely bringing the thunder for me.
November 6, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo Mott, Ya supposed to show some RESPECT for da Thunder Cuvee…..
What do Ya mean “Tooo Bitter….”??? Smack Him Upside da Head, G!!!!

qotd: Favorite President?? George & Abe mustta been pretty cool dudes…
What is i drinkin’ tonight?? Might satisfy da Sweet Tooth & crack open
a Chateau Guiraud Sauternes 2001….
November 6, 2008

DrT in NC
Ok, as I posted Tuesday, I did NOT like the Anwilka. I tried the Thunder cuvee yesterday, however, and really liked it. Didn’t get rose or chocolate, though. From CellarTracker:

Nice blueberry over red current nose. Nice red raspberry, current, blueberry upfront, light to medium tannins, medium acidity. A little heat on the end, but over-powering the plum and blueberry finish. Moderate length.

Even after an hour, the profile is holding steady. 88
November 6, 2008

Andy
QOTD—– Andrew Jackson ……. a great American hero …he loved good wine too.
…. Drinking a little Oregon Pinot
November 6, 2008

Jerry Bob
Sorry to here you ill, but could I have a secret pack for the one I just spilled?
Clinton by far. A real dude that I got to meet, shake hands with and he even autographed my bar napkin.
November 6, 2008

J Dubb
I just finished watching the election pack show. Can anyone help out someone living in Minnesota (who can’t get WL wines because of state laws) with a bottle or two of the Thunder Cuvee?

QOTD: Jefferson because of is love of wine.
November 6, 2008

BF
QOTD: Ronald Reagan. Although you have to give Nixon props for keeping a secret bottle of Margaux for himself when the guests were forced to drink Napa wine.
November 6, 2008

Dan-o
Decent show! I can’t taste along because I live in MA.
QOTD – Abraham Linclon.
November 7, 2008

Mark Neustadt
Dude… I know you’re sick and all, but your sniffling was killing me!

QOTD – Favorite president? I guess I’d have to go with our *current* president, George W. Bush. The reason? When you look at “hollywood” presidents, they’re all strong and convinced in what they do. They do what they think is right, polls be damned. Well, despite having a 28% approval rating, GW continues to do what he thinks is best for the country, not what will make him popular. That kind of backbone is rare among men, let alone politicians.

QOTD2 – I’m drinking a Bells White Winter Ale. I just saw that “the plains” got 4 feet of snow! Yikes!
November 7, 2008

Herb
I agree…George W. Bush. Just cause everyone hates his guts. We’ll see what they think in 50 years.

Kudos to Gary for including the Thunder Napa Red. Laying his rep on the line like he always does.

Quote Of The Day: “You stick it in and you pump away.” – GV
November 8, 2008

T. Bone
Truth be told, I did not believe your claim that the Anwilka would last 3-4 days with the pump. My SO made me leave some in the bottle on Tuesday because you said so. How do I argue that?

Tried it tonight. I am impressed. I dare say, it is better than it was for election day. Tasting it at room temp, you get hit with alcohol, so you have to look past that. But the nose is still incredibly dense with dark fruit, brambly and such. There’s a port-like quality with a rich, sweet fruit and alcohol thing. It is alive and loaded with fruit. The oak has toned itself down to some subtle dark caramel, thankfully, and the fruit re-asserted itself. Probably at a reasonable temperature, the thing would kill. But I’m loving it at about 78 degrees.

Can’t say I’ll never doubt you again, but you get huge cred for calling this one. Really didn’t think it would go the distance.
November 8, 2008

aaaredfrog
GV – Great show.

The Thunder Cuvee, which was a very cool surprise, lost a bit of strawberry’s after few days but they were obvious and cool on tuesday. It still had a ton of tannins and was fun to drink on friday night. Hats off, well done.

The Anwilka, I thought was great, well balanced. It had that earthy quality that is cool in most SA wines. The character of the wine changed after a few days and the “darker” qualities started to come out a bit more. The nice-fruitiness calmed down and you got the wine’s true personality.

I enjoyed all three wines very much. Looking forward to the next secret back.

QOTD: ????? Need some more time on that one
November 9, 2008

Shawn_944
Awesome Show, loved how you put in the the Thunder Cuvee Wine
November 9, 2008

r0yb0t1ks
what am i drinking right now?

i’m having a nice & crisp CasalGarcia Vinho Verde, of which i’m getting lots of green apple & lemon zest notes with light minerality.
November 9, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
QOTD – Favorite president – Abe Lincoln because he had great courage and did what was right for the country.
November 9, 2008

Panchismo
GWBush is the biggest idiot ever, obama green energy promises could improve wines enviromental energies long term. If he delivers of course. Remeber USA contaminates more than all the rest of American countries.

Im drinking Chilean wines, they got in general a lot more vitalle, energy, nerve, try De Martino 347 Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Maipo and Casablanca vivarietalle, impresive energy elegance and depth, citric, sub-troppical fruit, well balanced nose mouth acidity. A fresh oyster and a chilled glass blow my socks this weekend. A must drink wine for 10 dollars.
November 9, 2008

DAve A
good secret pack. Since we have neighbors over, the 6 of us like our whites chilled. smile.
QOTD: Partial to Reagan. Who else could handle working with a chimp and then work with all the DC chumps so easily? wine: Menage a Trois – three blends or red that is ripping the thunder for me this week. 2nd bottle!
November 10, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: GHWB1. Smokin hot wife..
November 10, 2008

Ilse
I like the idea of your packs…I something go to my local wine shop and ask the owner (who is oenologue, is it like this in english?) who knows the wines I like, to suggest some new wines. I like trying less known grapes or rare blends, but sometimes a “vino de autor” (the winemaker’s oenologue makes his/her own blend) is a nice surprise too (often it is just more expensive, with no added value…but fortunately, the shop owner has tried all of the wines, so she already tells me).
The pump we use since 5 years now (we even have spare tops which allows us to change , within a few days, according to the food we have)…definitely one of the better buys!
November 15, 2008

CraigG
Nice Thunder Juice. I hope you guys still have the Anwilka.

Favorite President = Reagan.

Favorite Reagan quote = “Government = If it moves, tax it, if it keeps moving, regulate it, if it stops moving, subsidize it.”
November 18, 2008

MattUD
Pigeon.. Octopus Salad..where do you eat this stuff? QOTD: James Polk..why? Why not? I don’t remember what I was drinking two weeks ago, unfortunatly it was not the secret pack though.
November 19, 2008

JayZee
Interesting Secret Pack selections. They all sounded good.

QOTD: Reagan. I still believe that he was the greatest President in my lifetime. I sure hope Obama turns out good.
November 25, 2008

the2urbs
What I drank election night…

2005 Zinchichi Petit Syrah about $45.. I barrel tasted it a couple of years back, he makes a Zin too…

Gary, really, this guy was the team Doc for the Saints till Katrina hit.

Check him out… his office is like a Saints museum..
November 25, 2008

the2urbs
oh fav prez… Jeb Bartlett.
December 1, 2008

CBone
QOTD: FDR!
December 16, 2008

yowens
QOTD: FDR- He was bad ass w Polio and a sweet wooden wheelchair! QOTD2: Lillet w lemon
December 27, 2008

thisIslandEarth
Late comment I know but I just now opened the Thunder Napa Red. Quite lovely. I really enjoyed it. Very interesting blend – definitely rose petals. I feel like I want a piece of pizza with this wine. Nice effort.
January 25, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Nice secret pack. Too bad I couldnt drink along with you, Gary. QOTD: Its a tough choice, but Id have to maybe go with Lincoln.
March 13, 2009

JC
Disappointed with the election results, but the show kicked. QOTD: Washington. He could have been king but he declined. Humility, character, …
July 9, 2009

Chris and Liz
Tried the Thunder Red. Has all the characteristics of a $20 red. Loved the earthy taste with the peppery kick. Nice dark cherry/chocolate essence, still dry – good balance. Again, great tasting along with you.
August 25, 2009

Tyler Reed
Just now tried the Thunder Cuvee while watching this episode. A friend gave me the bottle for my birthday a month ago. Definitely Thunder-licious! Glad you called out the cherry flavor at the end. For $15? Sold.