Screaming Eagle (Well, Almost)

Screaming Eagle (Well, Almost) – Episode #572

November 6, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk is humbled to taste some SERIOUS wines that are made for an amazing cause.

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“QOTD: Shafer hillside select…” by ulu ulu ulu ulu
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Wines tasted in this episode:

Lookout Ridge 2005 Cathy Corison Cabernet Sauvignon
Lookout Ridge 2005 Marco DiGiulio Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Lookout Ridge 2005 Andy Erickson Red

Links mentioned in today’s episode.

158 Responses

November 6, 2008

manonthemoon
little late today
November 6, 2008

kaybee
QoTd
Don’t know my favorite CA wine, my favorites are usually Oregon or Washington. Probably a Sofia sparkler by Coppola.
November 6, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
Wow, amazing stuff. Too bad they are that limited! QOTD — 2002 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, a 92 from me
November 6, 2008

Dr. Mike
QOTD: 02 Bond Melbury. Super light in weight, yet tick and viscous. Like having thick fruit laced clouds in your mouth.
November 6, 2008

Hinrgman
great episode Gary,
Thanks
November 6, 2008

cgatesman
What a great cause! Thanks for sharing, Gary!
November 6, 2008

Adam B
Favorite Cali wine I’ve had this year is probably the ‘05 Hartford Fog Dance Pinot (Russian River). Big fruit, big structure, big finish – good stuff!
November 6, 2008

ScottEJ
Great show, great producers, great cause. It’s really cool that they reached out to you for the plug. They certainly knew where to go. Great job!! And the wines obviously showed well.

QOTD: Tough one. 2002 J Wilkes Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vinyards, CA. Otherworldly stuff.
November 6, 2008

jjmabaseb
Amazing show. Love the sound of that last one. Too bad I’d have to buy a whole case to get it (I don’t have a spare 1200 U.S. dollars sitting around).

QOTD: hmm…can’t remember back the whole year…maybe the 2002 Renwood Zinfandel Grandmere.
November 6, 2008

Snarf
QOTD: great show, wish I could afford to roll that way. My best CA wine this year would be a tie; 2004 & 2006 Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Pinot Noir.
November 6, 2008

Eric
great cause. too i’ve already blown my wine budget for the year.

QOTD: 2005 Larkmead Firebelle
November 6, 2008

manonthemoon
Great show, great cause.

QOTD: Cali’s tend to be too high priced for me, but I did ejoy the 2005 Prisoner by Orin Swift that I had.
November 6, 2008

Saftig
I’m a Mom, so I’m a multi-tasker. Listen to news on Ipod waiting in lines, type and talk and fax and text, put on makeup and drive and now buy wines with a purpose. I like that. I’m sure it will taste even better because of it.
November 6, 2008

Andrew D
Cheers Gary

Looks like a great cause.
QOTD: none! I don’t drink much US wine at all. In HK there never seems to be much avaliable and what is seems over priced and bad value. Really looking to find a few interesting bottles at some stage soon.

Andrew
November 6, 2008

Greg B
Big G, Great one if I wasn’t way over my Wine budget I’d be dropping coin on that last one.

QOTD: Shafer Hillside select 04. Killed it.
November 6, 2008

JeffH
Gary,

Great show today. Very interesting wines.

QOTD: So far this year, a 2004 Turley Zinfandel.
November 6, 2008

Ben
Love he show. good to at least get the story of these wine out…great cause.

QOTD:
2005 Thirty Nine Degrees Petite Sirah
2005 Thirty Nine Degrees Petite Sirah
2005 Thirty Nine Degrees Petite Sirah
2005 Thirty Nine Degrees Petite Sirah
2005 Thirty Nine Degrees Petite Sirah

I have said it before I’ll say it again

2005 Thirty Nine Degrees Petite Sirah
November 6, 2008

RonD
QOTD: Loring Wine Company (LWC) Rancho Onivertas (sp) Vineyard Pinot Noir
November 6, 2008

Bjorn Solstad
The third one seemed really interesting. I wonder if wines like these ever reaches Europe? Being in Poland I would like to try the third one..
November 6, 2008

gotsha
QOTD…2006 PapaPietroPerry Leras Vineyard Pinot Noir
November 6, 2008

MattieJ
Wow, great cause… Too bad I can’t get the Cathy C Cab in a single bottle. I’d definitely grab one for my video blog “I heart Napa Cabs” at http://mattiej.com . Anybody wanna split a case
November 6, 2008

Mark
QOTD: I LOVE the Frias Family Red blend, 2005. Best Cali wine I’ve had this year. Only 420 cases made, $30 wine that tastes as good or better than some $100+ napa cabs I’ve had, and the guys who make it are just awesome. I got to sit down and chill out with Manny Frias at his little 5 acre Cabernet vineyard and tasting location in the woods in Napa, and was so impressed with him. Gary (and others) if you have not had a Frias Family wine, you need – NEED – to seek out their Red blend. At $30, its a steal. their website is on my name-link for today.
November 6, 2008

Johnnyutah
QOTD: Flora Springs Trilogy 2004 Rutherford, Napa…threw sediment, surprising earth and tertiary aromas…In a blind tasting I would have guessed it was a high end Brunello or right bank Bordeaux. Just fantastic!

Great episode.
November 6, 2008

pawncop
Good episode and good cause.

QOTD – the L’Hiver Syrah you sent in the secret pack.
November 6, 2008

SurfCityJay
Great episode… great cause…

QOTD: Just this last Friday… Halloween… opened an ‘86 Dominus I got at an auction… I thought Halloween would be perfect as it could’ve been SCARY bad… to all of our surprise… it was SCARY good… Nice cedar nose with a smooth, silky finish… well worth the Benjamin paid at the auction…
November 6, 2008

Susan
Gary & Chris, Super episode and for a super cause!!! Had no idea any one was out there raising $ for charities with wine…….GREAT idea!!! Thanks for sharing this info!!!
November 6, 2008

John Farrin
QOTD: 2004 Lynmar Quail Hill Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
November 6, 2008

Robert Howells
2001 Archipel
November 6, 2008

E dog
It s wonderfull to see people making such an effort for others. What a great idea !
QOTD: I can’t remember having a california wine this year. I should go out and find one…
November 6, 2008

John Farrin
Just an observation about that Lynmar pinot that shows why it’s always better to share wine with others. It was the type of extraordinary wine that after your first sip you look at the other(s) in the room hoping to see the same look of, “OMG, tell me that was as good as I know it was.” I LOVE those moments
November 6, 2008

WineWoman
QOTD: Waypoint Cab, Dr. Crane’s Vineyard
November 6, 2008

JonE
Definitely envious, really want to try those. Good on yah for supporting the cause.

QOTD: Veraision Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet 04′, truly a blockbuster.
November 6, 2008

carilius maximus
great sound effects today!!! What the hell was that???
…favorite Cali wine this year would have to be the 2005 “Les Galets” syrah from McPrice Myers. It was not ready on the first day, but on the second night…WOW!!
November 6, 2008

Todd Fitter
Great show gary and I’m glad you’re feeling better!

What a remarkable project! I wish I could get Cathy Corison’s wine.

QOTD- Banknote Wine Company’s “The Vault”, 2006 Napa Valley Red Blend.

Its a zin blend (62% zin, 25% syrah, 13% cab) similar to “The Prisoner” which I also like. The Banknote though had an intense nose of sweet oak and espresso and TONS of fruit on the palate. I was blown away.

Todd from Napa
November 6, 2008

Lee Floyd
Burning mint does smell like marijuana apparently.
I played tricks on my stoner friends in high school with dried mint from my mother’s spice rack. If you have a reputation for saying no, a little mint gets a big reaction!
November 6, 2008

jaredlevy
QOTD: Easy. 2004 Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Benchland Select
November 7, 2008

tjd9870
2005 Realm Beckstoffer Tokalon….a home run!!
November 7, 2008

jahlove
QOTD: 2004 Neyers Syrah Cuvée d’Honneur
November 7, 2008

Roberto
Hi GV,

Looks like you are feeling better, that is great.

Good show, great cause, where can we find them????

QOTD: 2004 Stag’s Leap Petite Syrah…
November 7, 2008

Brock Picken
Best California Wine I’ve EVER had:

Diamond Ridge Merlot 2002

Never been able to find it since….
November 7, 2008

ryan
qotd – 2004 rocca cabernet
November 7, 2008

Withnail
QOTD: Had some great California wines at tastings this year, but for sit down dinner with friends, family, etc, nothing too fancy…La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir at one of my birthday dinners was nice. There was another dinner this spring with a 2005 Sonoma Pinot that was delicious, too, winery name momentarily escapes me.
November 7, 2008

il Cesare
1996,1997,1998 Corison cab vertical at the winery in July. I can’t pick one! (ok the 97)
November 7, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

QOTD: 2005 Ghost Block

–RH
November 7, 2008

apj_bobswineguy
QOTD: 05 Caymus Special Selection!
A nod to Scarecrow 05. Stags’ Leap WINERY Ne Cede Malis 04.
I only got 1 sip of the Scarecrow. Had lots of several vintages of that Caymus.
People that want to expand their palate should also try the Ne Cede Malis. Petite Syrah-based field blend from the oldest block of vines in the Stags Leap District. Lots of history there too.
Great show. Going to the links now.
November 7, 2008

Brian from Calgary
Boorman Vineyards Metaphor. An exciting Bordeaux-style blend, from on the ridge overlooking Temecula. Serious wine from an unexpected place.
November 7, 2008

BruceErik
QOTD: My fav thus far has actually been the very affordable Louis M. Martini Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2005. Delicious! And only about $15. I’ve tried LOTS of other, more expensive Cabs, and this is by far the best value for my palate.
November 7, 2008

Augustus
PLEASE READ THIS!!!! STOP USING THE WORD “ATYPICAL” INCORRECTLY!!!! “Atypical” means NOT TYPICAL. In other words, a proper use of the word would be as follows: It is atypical of Gary V. to use the word “atypical” correctly. Why? Because you never use it correctly! Therefore, it is NOT typical (i.e. atypical) of you to use the word in its proper context. Got it? You are a bright guy, and I’m sure you would rather use language correctly. I hope this was helpful. Great show, as always. Here is another example: It is atypical of Gary V. to put on a lackluster, uninformative show – his shows are generally both engaging and educational.
November 7, 2008

Ray Barnes
First of all I was very happy to see both Gary and Chris live today, and am glad that Gary is clearly starting to feel like his normal uniquely engaging self, as evidenced by his characterization of Patriots fans. To which I say, hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.

Secondly I literally applaud you for promoting and supporting a most worthwhile effort, especially when it enhances the lives of disadvantaged children. (Sorry, I find the term “disabled” very unpalatable). God bless you.

All three wines looked very interesting and it appears the Andy Erickson creation may be an excellent bargain at the elite quality level. I hope someday to try it out – or all of them. As usual, the evaluations were very informative, and equally interesting for their lack of dramatic embellishment, while remaining enthusiastic. To make a figure skating analogy, I find Gary’s comments always score very high marks for technical merit; on this occasion I would also give them very high marks for artistic impression.

QOTD – The only CA estate I have tried this year is Thomas Kruse (Gilroy). Being a hardcore Riesling lover, I was very pleasantly surprised by their 2006 Chardonnay. It is made without malolactic fermentation, and has very good acidity.
November 7, 2008

Bored Doe
Amazing show. Amazing cause. Very, very nice.

QOTD- 2004 Titus Cabernet Sauvignon.
November 7, 2008

Classico
Hello there.

Great cause, loved your gremlin fruit stuffing comparison.
QOTD:
Must buy one soon or try one at a tasting

Groetjes,

Classico
November 7, 2008

BobbyTiger
Susan Balboa Crios Torrontes. (Which I bought in California).
November 7, 2008

torquey
QOTD: 2005 Barnett Vineyards Pinot Noir
November 7, 2008

Mr C
A must try

Mauritson Rockpikle Westphall Zin $37 (Dry Creek Valley)

Also look at Shypoke Vinyards WOW!

Great winerys Great People
November 7, 2008

Susan B
I liked a couple of Zinfandels a lot–Folie a Deux Zinfandel and Sobon Amado County Zinfandel.
November 7, 2008

Kyle Suehiro
wow, great cause and such creative fund raising!

QOTD: Tandem Auction Block Pinot Noir, 2006. Big mouthfeel, layers of really pure fruit. Huge tannins… gonna try and save my one bottle for a decade.
November 7, 2008

Brad
Freakin’ love the “I’ve never smoked anything in my life…” line AND the fruit bomb action. Great way to start my Friday. Thanks, Gary!
November 7, 2008

Tim (@Twalk) Walker
Great episode, Gary — I laughed out loud when you uncorked “you were appeased, but then a gremlin came . . .”

BTW, loved-loved-LOVED the video of your sidewalk tweetup speech at the CN/Mashable event.
November 7, 2008

Danny C
QOTD – Beauleiu Vineyards Georges Latour Cab Reserve 2003!
November 7, 2008

Andy
QOTD— 2006 Hanna Sauvignon Blanc …… Good stuff
November 7, 2008

Glen... (winecrazy.com)
Nice….You should raffle that wheel chair off to someone who needs it.

QOTD: Bond Matriarch 2001…. Leather city!!!
November 7, 2008

Nolan
Good show Gary, good to see you look like you’re feeling better as well! Any news if these wines are available to Canada at all?

QOTD: Still a newbie wine drinker here, and the only California wine I’ve had so far is the one I’m currently drinking, which is a cheap Barefoot Shiraz. Trying to keep the budget down so I can develop my palate a bit better before getting into more serious stuff, but for the price the Barefoot wasn’t that bad actually. Thankfully our local LCBO has a decent California section so I can branch out further.
November 7, 2008

purplejuicebruce
QOTD…Runquist 04 Petite Sarah #1 Kelham Vineyards 02 Cabernet Sauvignon#2
November 7, 2008

JudeMurphy
GV- your little Karaoke session yesterday was hilarious! : D

I’ve hardly had any Californian wines, you don’t see many of them in Dublin.
November 7, 2008

Jared Pondelik
Thanks for the great shows Gary!

Go Jets – Wine Tailgate party?
November 7, 2008

ex-lurkdawg
qotd: I have to disclude wines that I have tried at tastings because I would never remember which one I liked the best. As far as wines I have had full glasses of, I would say Brewer-Clifton’s ‘06 Clos Pepe Pinot Noir. For a white, I recently had Edmunds St John’s ‘07 (I’m not positive of the vintage — could have been ‘06) Heart of Gold and was seriously impressed at the quality, especially given the price.

Have you got a Madeira show in the works yet? Don’t forget to include a vintage Madeira. please?
November 7, 2008

JLed
QOTD… 2005 Pine Ridge Onyx.
November 7, 2008

rikta
GREAT SHOW AND A GREATER CAUSE …I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO TRY A FEW OUTSTANDING CALIFORNIAN WINES DUE TO THE NATURE OF MY JOB …BUT I GOT TELL YA BY FAR THE QUENTESSA WAS THE STAR IT’S A AMAZING CALIFORNIAN RED .
November 7, 2008

Kevin K
QOTD: I would say the Thunder Cuvee. =)
November 7, 2008

B-727
QotD:2004 Goosecross Howell Mountain
November 7, 2008

Garry M.
Never smoked anything??
Well coming from someone who has not only smoked
but INHALED deeply…
Trinitas 2005 petite syrah.
November 7, 2008

Murso
WOW!!!
November 7, 2008

Jack
Another great episode, and I’m a HUGE fan of the Corison wines.

QOTD: 2005 Honig Cabernet
November 7, 2008

Murso
I jammed up there, for a sec… but am speechless (figuratively), as well.
Gordon Holmes is a real Mensch! And his program really IS chock full of Cali.’s most ubermen of the vine. Dick Arrowwood, Gerhard Reisacher (Delectus), Drew Neiman coming soon?!!! They can all be very proud for their outstanding and generous work.

QOTD – 2002 Phelps Insignia, won at auction benefit for Roots of American Music a couple of years ago. Celebrated my brother’s b-day w/ he and Mom at a nice restaurant.
November 7, 2008

DrEdwardo
QOTD: *NONE*!!!!

I haven’t drunk any Californian wines this year as they’ve been way overpriced at basically any price point. Too many French, Italian, Spanish, Chilean, Argentinian and Australians that offer more at any price point. BTW, I have *seriously* cut back on drinking BC wines as they are riducously overpriced as well.

Edwardo
November 7, 2008

Jay
Really good show. I don’t think I’ve ever had anything as big as you made that last wine sound, so I’d definitely be excited to try something like that.

QOTD: I recently had a 2000 Stag’s Leap Syrah. It was absolutely amazing. So gamey and we just happened to be drinking it with a couple of venison back straps. So good.
November 7, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
QOTD= Sine Que Non 2001 Midnight Oil. Everything I thought it would be and more. We had a blow out dinner at a friends and the line up of wines would sound like bragging so it is best to just to just say it was amazing and the Midnight Oil was the best of the tasting
November 7, 2008

CaseyLee
i have a feeling those wines are not as good as you are saying they are gary. 100$ bucks?? no thanks…
November 7, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo G, Ya sound like me ol’ Boy Bill Clinton…..I smelled da Weed, but I
never smoked it….I smoked da Weed, but I never inhaled it….I drank da
Vino, but I never swallowed it…….

qotd: Drank a bunch of Dehlinger Pinots that were outstandin’…YUUUMMM!!
November 7, 2008

M
QOTD: This year? Hmmm. Nothing jumps out right away. Maybe a Beckman rhone blend. Maybe a Clos Julien Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon. I’ve had more wine from the rest of the world this year.
November 7, 2008

Ross
Great show. Favorite California Cab this year was the 2004 Rocca Family Yountville Cabernet.
November 7, 2008

Ray Barnes
If I may ask Gary and the other members here, regarding the last wine’s cuvee of (as I vaguely recall) close to 2/3 Cabernet Franc and 1/3 Cabernet Sauvignon, what other wines (regardless of price) have you tasted which have a very similar blend. I believe the great Chinons and Bourgueils have almost no sauvignon and the St. Emilions which are cabernet franc dominant (most notably Cheval Blanc) incorporate some or all the rest using merlot. This seems like quite a unique wine, and being a fellow fanatic of cabernet franc, I very much hope to try it. There was in my view an outstanding assessment of this grape in the 7th Edition of Robert Parker’s Buying Guide, written by David Schildknecht (sp?). I may quote it at an appropriate time.

Gary, if Patriot fans are as evil as you portrayed them yesterday, I hope you will excuse the evil nature of my enquiry. I am hoping however you were speaking in jest.
November 7, 2008

M
QOTD: Hayman & Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Zinfandel was pretty good. I’m optimistic about my Thumbprint Cellars, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir in the cellar. Haven’t tried it yet.
November 7, 2008

mike z
Best Cali wine this year… the 2005 Rubicon Cask Cabernet that I tried at the Super Tasting. amazing stuff!
November 7, 2008

Kdawg
cool show, great cause

QOTD: The 05 Igneous just blew me away. I had the 04 harlan shortly before it, and for me, the Igneous was on a different level. a very memorable wine indeed and one of my best this year in total
November 7, 2008

Rick D
QOTD: Hartford Zinfandel Fanucchi-Wood Road Vineyard 2005, blew us away, 94+.

Opolo Sangiovese Paso Robles 2005
November 7, 2008

Derek F.
GREAT show, this EP really touched my heart.

QOTD: Anthology by Conn Creek, I think it was the 04.
November 7, 2008

Aged and Rounded
Too many good Calis to count. Most recent great one was Wed night – a ‘92 Togni. Parker was right 95 points!
November 7, 2008

Tim Wiseman
Good show Gary – and a great cause behind he product. Products like this really change the dynamic of the value.

QOTD: I cannot for the life of me think of the last CA wine I have had … I need to diversify!
November 7, 2008

thezinster
I have had a few good ones lately…’96 Spottswoode has phenominal and had plenty of life left. I just tried the brand new ‘05 Cade Howell Mountain Cab and that was quite impressive as well. I like it better than their Plumpjack bottling especially considering it was their first release.
November 7, 2008

BruceP
QPTD: Favorite CCA wine this year? Hard to pick. Maybe an 04 Merry Edwards Klopp Ranch. Also a Hanzell Pinot provided by SierraDoc at an offline was stupendous. The initial release of the Ovid 2005 Red Wine was also pretty special. Having a hard time choosing a favorite.
November 7, 2008

CHICAGO MARK
good show GV…cali wines hmmm…i really like Orin Swift wines..particularly “prisoner”
November 7, 2008

Neil
QOTD: Hartwell Estate 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
November 7, 2008

Eric S.
Great show, what a fantastic cause. Just went on the lookout ridge website and purchased a bottle of the cab. As for the QOTD – i would have to say Caymus Cabernet.
November 7, 2008

Cameron W
Great cause, glad you could bring them some exposure.
November 7, 2008

AndrewG
QOTD, so far the Robert Foley 2005 Petite Syrah.
November 7, 2008

Tom
2001 Spottswoode — unbelievably good wine
November 7, 2008

Marshall
QOTD:Sorry, I don’t like California prices.
November 7, 2008

Glenn P
Gary- I started watching you about two weeks ago and I can’t get up from my desk. I think this is the best wine review site going. Excellent show today- I love it when the wine world can help a cause in such an awesome way.

So here’s my question… As someone who has undoubtedly tasted thousands of wines from around the world- have you ever had a wine so good (or so bad for that matter) that it moved you to tears? I just tasted a 2001 Chateau Riussec Grand Cru and it was pretty damn close for me. Just wondering.
November 7, 2008

DAve A
Do good things! yes! Huge fan of that statement! Being part of something bigger is important! Go Gary!

or – donate now before Obama takes your wallet. smile. haha.

Very good show, Gary. I long for a whirl of these wines!
November 7, 2008

Kirk (aka: slave2thevine)
QOTD: I would have to say that I find this to be difficult to answer…but I’ll have to say that the 2004 Caduceus Primer Paso was probably my favorite wine experience from California this year.

Honorable mention:
2005 Scott Harvey Old Vine Zinfandel Reserve
2005 Kelham Chardonnay
2003 Teachworth Manzanita Hill
November 7, 2008

Jason S.
QOTD: 2005 Lagier-Meredith Syrah.

Great show GV!
November 7, 2008

Dominus
Great show for a great cause though I can’t find the last wine as a standalone? What gives?

QOTD: Hmm, great question. Best CA wine I’ve had in ‘08? Off the top of my head I like the ‘05 Haywood Zin and the ever stellar ‘88 Dominus.

Cheers!
November 7, 2008

Kevin
Great cause, and really glad the wines showed so well.

QOTD: Geez. 2003 Paradigm Merlot. Which is a little unfair, as Cali doesn’t show up much around these parts.
November 7, 2008

Jimmy T
GV. Good show, great cause. Question, why the pride in having never smoked or done anything “bad”? I’ve heard you make mention of that a couple times before. Just curious.

QOTD: not sure…
November 7, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – was at my brother’s and we were having steak for dinner. He, w/o ever seeing WLTV, suggested having a bottle of the Treana Red Paso Robles that you did on the show. I had no problem with that – good stuff.
November 7, 2008

joeinla
1997 Grgich Hills Yountville Selection Cabernet
1998 Joseph Phelps Insignia ( yes I said 98! )
1999 Rubicon Rubicon Estate
1997 Plumpjack Cab
November 7, 2008

Fred
I like this episode.

QOTD:2003, Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Robert Mondavi, 89 for me.
November 8, 2008

Ray Barnes
Note to Glenn P..although your tear-inducing wine question was addressed to Gary, since he has not answered it here at least and I thought it was a good question, I would appreciate your indulgence in letting me respond. In the last week of December 2005 I made a return visit to St. Josef’s Estate Winery in Canby OR, not far from Salem. The husband and wife owners, from Hungary and Germany respectively, are delightful people, and their 100-acre vineyard is a delight to visit. They both happened to be in the tasting room. The gentleman was having trouble deciding what wine to have with dinner that evening, with neighbours attending, so he decided to open and sample for our benefit and his, free of charge, his 1985 Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was absolutely fabulous and combined with his generosity I literally was moved to tears by the experience. My wife loved it too, in spite of generally hating red wine. Yes we purchased a bottle of it (and several others); I plan to open it on my fiftieth birthday in late 2011, the wine should still be drinking very well.

As for your reaction to the great Sauternes, I am not at all surprised.
November 8, 2008

Weston
QOTD: Well a company in Vancouver called Pacific Breeze buys grapes from California Vineyards…. so There High End Cab is yummy (so is the the other two cabs gsm also) their 2005 Chardonnay, Barrel Fermented etc etc Buttery, Butterscotch goodness.
November 8, 2008

Jim Stephens-Wine Dude
Gary, a fabulous cause you have featured on todays show! I would encourage you to later consider such great causes as the Big Tattoo line of wines from Billington (Chile and California), and their constant efforts for cancer research and local charity funding, or Inambu Malbec out of Argentina, who buys fruit from the smaller farmers and then gives all profit, up to and including U.S. import back to the growers themselves! (Sorry, that was the longest run-on sentence in history) Keep up the good work!

QOTD: Coincidentily, the best California wine I have had in 2008 in the 2005 Lokoya Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon =) Although I am not the biggest cabernet fan, this wine was powerful in its finesse, and its silky tannic structure. I would venture to say it is my favorite Cabernet to date…weird saying that, but, oh well! Kampai!

Jimbob Jones
Superhero for Hire
November 8, 2008

Dom
Emneades zinfandel, i thnk it was an 06
November 8, 2008

Greg
QOTD: 2004 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville
2004 Larkmead Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
2005 Qupé Roussanne Hillside Estate Bien Nacido Vineyard
November 8, 2008

Smahlatz
Aaaahh – there’s that use of the word atypical again – been using it a lot of late Gary – it means NOT typical

Anyway QOTD :none – had very few cal wines – I live in the UK, impossible to get anything here at a sensible price
November 8, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
I have had some very good wines from California this year, especially from Paso Robles. But my favorite California winery is Navarro so I will say that their 2000 pinot was the best one this year.
November 8, 2008

PaulW
One of the funniest shows you’ve done in awhile GV! Off the top of my head…favorite California wine…Lang and Reed Premier Etage 2003. Explodes with beautiful Cab Franc fruit…just a wine that seares it’s self in to your memory.
November 8, 2008

Big D
Good show Gary!

QOTD: Shafer Hillside Select 2004 – Outstanding wine!
November 8, 2008

Tony & Lisa
6 Liter 1987 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Such a treat to share it with great people, and even better someone else purchased it.
November 8, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: 2001 Rudd Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
… first to come to mind, but probably not the best for the whole year.
November 8, 2008

CollegeFootballisNumberOne
2004 Rodney Strong Alexander Crown Cabernet
November 8, 2008

Brian
Another great episode, and for a great cause! QOTD, tough, tough. Hmmmm. I’m going to say a 1999 Sebastiani Cherryblock Cabernet Sauvignon. Beautiful, beautiful wine drinking fabulous.
November 9, 2008

Rich
Gary, good show.

QOTD: 2004 Hewitt Rutherford Cabernet
November 9, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: This is a tough one because when you said you haven’t done a big California wine show in a while I was thinking, I’ve hardly had any California wine in a while. That’s not by design, I think we’ve just been trying a lot of different things from around the world this year. So I’d have to go with a 2004 A to Z Pinot Noir for my answer.
November 9, 2008

Shawn_944
Wonderful Cause, that is awesome to see the greats team up!
November 9, 2008

Dirtnut
I’ve never spent a hundred bones on a bottle of wine. Your review of the Andy Erickson wine convinced me to try. I was a little disappointed to find out on their website that this wine is only available as part of the TWELVE pack. But this is a great cause and I congratulate all involved for pulling it together. Most recent Cal. wine is an 05 Columbia Crest Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet.
November 9, 2008

Glenn Schliep
Check out this video about the cause,
http://www.inwinecountry.com/?cat=7274242&subcat=5901916&video=96#VideoList
November 10, 2008

Logan
Gary awesome episode, I love how you identified “weeeeed” as one of the characteristics on the Digiulio Cab, priceless!!

QOTD: Haven’t had too many California big boys, but I really liked the 2005 Napa Cellars Zinfandel.
November 10, 2008

Murso
Putting “Screaming Eagle” in the title is completely disingenuous of you. Not to dismiss Andy’s stelar accomplishments thus far, but he’s only been at SE for about two years. Those wines aren’t even in a bottle yet.

Heidi Peterson Barrett, wife of Bo at Montelena, and lesser known as the daughter of the legend/genious blender/wine brand creator Dick Peterson had been the guiding hand behind SE, since it’s inception around ‘92. Was she involved? No? Were the grapes for this wine sourced from SE’s plots? Highly doubtful. Were Jean Philips, or the current owners involved? Nope.

Going back to the first vintage, with annual production between 200 and 500 cases /year, there have been, by quick math, most likely, less than 10,000 BOTTLES of SE produced. TOTAL. It is something that I, and 99.9% of us simply are not going to be tasting. Mrs. Peterson’s other wines can be found, albeit in small, quantities, to say the least. Usually for less than thousands of dollars/bottle for current releases, which most of us willl find ridiculous, if not outright obscene. I, in no way intend to dismiss the very talented hands of either Heidi or Andy, I’m just saying that the wines in question are not even close, in the sense of ‘itness’, to the Eagle in its mythic, nearly holy grail like essence.

$100/ bottle, on the other hand, and for a benevolent cause, does sound like reason for immediate sellout of every bottling. Kudos, again, and best wishes to Gordon and his Team.
November 10, 2008

Murso
When the new owners of Screaming Eagle up the production to the thousands, and start diversifying and outsourcing the fruit, do you thing the price will come out of the intergalactic heights where it is? Will the wine even be the same as the former vintages? Will we still be seeking it’s wisdom, like a godhead, on top of a mountain?
November 10, 2008

Cuse Wino
Good luck to all involved with the cause
and thanks for spotlighting people trying to make a difference.

QOTD- Best Cali wine this year is probably Jerry Garcia Merlot (Clos DuBois) 2005 or Martin Ray Merlot 2000. Not a big Merlot fan usually but I am drinking what is in the cellar/basement.
November 10, 2008

Tim
Great wine for a great cause!

My favorite Cali Cab this year has been the Neal Family 2005 Cab. Really good stuff at a really good price.
November 10, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: Loved the Newton Unfiltered.
November 10, 2008

Michael
Gary-

Great show (as usual). I was actually hoping that you were not going to score these wines, given the charity aspect. If the wine, in your mind, is worth $70 and you pay $100 for it, you have, in essence, given a $30 donation to a good cause. (If the wine is worth $150 to you, then you really haven’t given anything away!) I think it is enough to know that the wine are “good enough” to be worth the effort of ordering some — it does seem clear that the winemakers put a lot of effort into making these wines. (Just one man’s opinion.)

Keep up the good work and thanks for raising the profile of this great cause!
November 10, 2008

Ilse
that’s a wonderful idea, what they call in Spain a “vino de autor” but then to charity…obviously, the winemakers have really taken it seriously and everyone is pleased in the end : buyer, charity and winemaker. Good to indicate it in a show.
QOTD : if living in USA, I would drink californian cabs, but in Spain I can find so many wines cheaper (and generally better QPR), so why drink US wines? But when visiting US, I don’t pick European wines in restaurants either, so I’ll need to go there again…now preparing my holidays to Australia (in 2 weeks’ time), not a bad pick for a wine lover!
November 10, 2008

Dan-o
Cool cause! I will have to look it up on the LINK – thanks Mott!
Just a brief comment on your reference to smoking – cigarettes or any other product, legal or illegal. People need to learn that saying that they never smoked is a very defensive statement thought to protect the one saying it. You are better off staying silent on the matter because your comment either says – those who smoke are “lesser than you”, or I did not smoke because I lived a sheltered life. Whether you smoked or not has no bearing on anything you are doing on this show. It just leaves you sounding a bit shallow.

QOTD – the best Cali Cab this year has to be the 1999 Carmenet Moon Mountain Reserve that I opened up 2 months ago – spectacular.
November 10, 2008

Brad G
QOTD: 2004 Pina cabernet.
November 10, 2008

Scott Breffle
QOTD: Booker “Fracture” (Paso Robles)
November 11, 2008

RobT
G, great cause, great show.

QOTD: 2004 Robert Sinskey Cabernet Franc
November 11, 2008

Doug
QOD…2001 Screaming Eagle (just kidding) Actually I loved a 2005 Edge Cab.
November 11, 2008

Sharon
QOTD: A bottle of 2004 Michel-Schlumberger Cabernet Sauvignon I had for a #ttl was pretty darned awesome.
November 11, 2008

thefanjestic
Great show! Glad I have some time to finally watch!!
November 12, 2008

Hawaiian Vayniac
QOTD: 2005 Frank Family Vineyards Zinfandel or their Zinfandel Port..tough call. But, I haven’t had a lot of Cali wines this year as I have focused primarily on Argentina, Spain, Italy, and Washington
November 12, 2008

Nik
All the talk in this episode about price made me want to see another blind tasting show.. but having Gary guess the recommended cost of all the wines on offer.
November 12, 2008

Andrew Saliga
I think those are some of the highest scores I’ve heard you give a wine.

QOTD: Educated Guess- 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon $22
It has lots of spice and smoke. Love it.
November 12, 2008

Dave J.
QOTD: 2005 Kamen Cabernet Sauvignon
November 13, 2008

Deano
What a great cause and some good wines….thats awesome!@!!
November 17, 2008

Robert
QOTD:
Can’t choose just one…
Best overall: 1978 Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill, 1978 BV Georges La Tour
Best current release: 2004 Lakoya Diamond Mountain, 2005 Ovid
November 18, 2008

Kristen
Great cause and impressive winemakers!

QOTD: Ive been very happy with the wines from Alma Rosa. Reds and whites, they’re quality.
November 18, 2008

MattUD
What a great cause, unfortunatly way out of my price range, but I will pass this on!
November 20, 2008

JayZee
Great show and a tremendous cause. They sound like wonderful wines and so I went to their website to make a purchase and found that they do not ship to Ohio (or New Jersey for that matter) so I cannot make a purchase. Too bad.

QOTD: The best Cali wine I had this year was a 2003 Garretson Reliquary Red.
December 2, 2008

AaronB
QOTD: I live in California, in the middle of the El Dorado AVA. About 90% of what I drink is local, so it’s impossible to pick a favorite.
December 4, 2008

mtAltaColina
QOTD-L’Aventure ‘06 Cote a Cote…super expensive but delicious
December 17, 2008

Robin C
QOTD: 2004 Sebastiani Cherryblock Cabernet Sauvignon and 1997 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.
I’d love to try an Abreu wine. My mother’s maiden name is Abreu so I’m sure we’re related somehow.
December 17, 2008

yowens
What a beautiful idea! QOTD: Shafer 05 Cab
January 13, 2009

Jim
QOTD: A tie between Saxum, Broken Stones 2005 (74% Syrah, 24% Grenache, and 2% Mourvedre)(Paso Robles) and Behrens & Hitchcock, Napa Valley Merlot 2004 – generally not a big right bank/merlot person, but this blew me away.
January 26, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
What a fantastic concept. I hope I can somehow get a bottle of it to support such a great cause. Even if I dont like it, the money is worth it. QOTD: A 2006 Tears of Dew from Paso Robles. Sorry, the sugar gets me every time.
May 27, 2009

looper
Good show. Great cause. Immediately went to the website to see if they had any Andy Erickson left and found out that you have to spend 1200 just to get a bottle. Granted, you get 12 bottles, but still… How do I get my hands on something that this guy makes for less than a kidney donation and my entire bank account????

QOTD: Favorite bottle of California wine last year was a Stags Leap Reserve Cab, I think that it was 06.
September 25, 2009

ulu ulu ulu ulu
QOTD: Shafer hillside select