Napa Cabernet and Chocolate

Napa Cabernet and Chocolate – Episode #579

November 17, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk welcomes Suzanne Phifer Pavitt to the Thunder Show for some Cabernet and chocolate.

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“Seemed like you didn’t really like the 05 at first but then later, you…” by looper
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2005 Phifer Pavitt Date Night
2006 Phifer Pavitt Date Night

Links mentioned in today’s episode.

Thanksgiving Secret Pack
Phifer Pavitt Wines
Vayniac Party at Fort Mason
If you’re interested in the Vere Chocolates please Email Justin. ($6.99 / package)

125 Responses

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November 18, 2008

hugh
Definitely the “sexiest” guest buy far!!!
But, does the world need another $75 Napa Cab??
Gary, are you in the mode of “I’m not gonna shave until the Jets lose?”
November 18, 2008

theemptyglass
QOTD: In a sense every night is date night because we make a point to make dinner time special, we always eat dinner together, and often make it together. We’ve been going out less, mostly because our schedules have allowed us too, I used to have late classes and get out at 7 or 8, so it was easier to just go out to eat. Now, both of us our usually home around 5 or 6. I wish I had a story with the last time we actually went out to eat, but not really. I guess the important part is that we enjoy each other.

btw I really liked the story behind the name of the wine, I thought that it was just a marketing thing, but its nice to hear that some of those romance stories are really true.
November 18, 2008

Tom G
Good episode. I actually prefer when the guest plays a bit more of a role in the wine “talking” but it was apparent that Suzanne was coming from the business side more than the wine-tasting/nerd side. So that was cool, too.

QOTD: Not for a few weeks. Unacceptable. I’ll try to get on that this weekend!
November 18, 2008

YoungDave
GREAT episode.

QOTD: NO not yet… BUT I have a date TOMORROW with a very special lady and hopefully that will go well.
November 18, 2008

Hawaiian Vayniac
QOTD: Dinner and a movie while grandma and grandpa watched our 2 year old and newborn. Anything, anywhere is great in those circumstances.

$75/bottle is never a bargain…and if it is then everything has gotten way too overpriced.
November 18, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
qotd= had one tonite. of course I am a bartender after all
November 18, 2008

T. Bone
Seems like you could take a page out of Suzanne’s book when it comes to making your own wine. You’ve got so much passion, family, friends, and life story – seems like you could make some damn good wine. Why not go for a quality wine instead of the QPR?
November 18, 2008

cellar rat
You better start praying GaryV. I don’t think your old man quarterback can handle the Titans defense because it’s like the Pythagorean Theorem. There is no answer(ShaquilleONeal-twitter).
November 18, 2008

Weston
QOTD: Every couple months me and my dad go out for dinner, usually with my brother and his fiance sometimes friends of his but always with my dad we both enjoy food and wine. works for us
November 18, 2008

lawschooldrunk
I’ve been doing chocolate and single malt for the longest time…

…And, go 49ers.
November 18, 2008

Robin C
QOTD: I don’t think I’ve had a date since 1996. However my husband and I do enjoy movies (dollar theatre) and eating out with a friend or two.
November 18, 2008

Adrian
Mixed thoughts on this episode.

Firstly, great project – props for ditching the rat race and pursuing a passion. Always have to respect that.

Obviously there’s plenty of pride tied to such a project but I still felt the guest was too biased and was wanting to hear only what she wanted to. She would nod to every positive comment and was basically straight-faced for any comments that leaned more towards the cons of the product. I would think for a first project that you would want to be a little more open minded and take every piece of constructive criticism as a blessing. Wanting to describe the 06 as more sophisticated sounded like a lame attempt to add a cosmopolitan edge to the wine – which probably already does itself justice thanks to the winemaker. Trying to then promote the less sophisticated 05 as an approachable wine – I don’t know if I agreed with either. I’m sure it’s easy to drink but I completely agree with Gary that there’s probably plenty of cabs at $30 which would work equally well for people wanting to try some good cabs/red wines.

Lastly, love cabernet and chocolate (dark specifically). Celebrated my birthday one day before Gary’s (happy belated btw). Started the evening’s journey with burgundy, bordeaux, and priorat with cheese, and ended with a malbec and a cabernet with dark chocolate – complimented with stogies and friends. Couldn’t ask for more …
November 18, 2008

my2cents
I missed something here I think. What made this guest’s wine worth talking about?
I thought at first given the name of the wine that perhaps they donate a percentage of each “date” to a charity or local schools. (Might be worth thinking about?) I might consider spending that much if some was for a good cause.
You forgot to try some chocolate with the second wine.

Gary it’s time you learn how to wash your own clothes!

I take my girlfriend out once or twice a week. We’ve been into Indian food lately. I usually have beer because I like the food spicy. Other nights we eat in and drink wine from a small “cellar”. Mostly reds from all over.

We live in Sonoma County California, next door to Napa. Plenty of good wines this side of the county line made by real people who work hard with a real passion for the process. Like a date, making wine is more about connection with the process not just having all the “rockstar” ingredients.
November 18, 2008

neutron212
QOTD: date me for me is picking a place and running with and talking about what ever. last night went out for burgers and fries and a local chain life is good
November 18, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – not having kids, my girlfriend and I get to go our to eat once or twice a week, which is nice. Throw in an occasional movie, museum, or long walk and I think we have the date scene covered.
November 18, 2008

Brad Mac
I was pulling for the Jets against the Pats, but I gotta go with the Titans being from the South. Jets have a good shot, though. The Jags put up a helluva against Tennessee on Sunday. They’re not invincible.
November 18, 2008

josh lauritch
Great episode! Too bad the Jets are going down this week. Just sayin’…

QOTD: We have a date night every week. Last weekend…dinner out and a movie at home. This weekend…I’m enduring Twilight. My wife loves the story. I’m glad it’s not real…I could never compete with a dreamy vampire.
November 18, 2008

David T
QOTD: We don’t get out nearly enough being busy with college, but our most recent great night was a nice homecooked Italian dinner & a movie relaxing at home.

The weekly date night is a great idea for when we have a tad more time, though!
November 17, 2008

PaulW
I dont want to be rude to the guest, im sure she’s a very nice (and very rich) person…maybe im just spoiled with all the great guests that have been on lately…but this is the first episode i havent watched all the way thru in a long long time.
November 17, 2008

Alain
Congratulation on the buckets. The flow is better, more relaxed.

The wine is made with organic grapes but is not organic.In order to be called “organic wine” the winery has to be certified organic and no sulfides added to the wine.Interesting show. Alain
November 17, 2008

Maahcuzz
Could this be the eagerly awaited VanerNation’s SP?
November 17, 2008

Jimmy T
Wow! I love what they are doing. Date Night has a great cause and a great business. Props. Great job by the guest but it was very funny watching her devious look as she waited on your response to the tastes. Anyway, awesome show.

QOTD: For sure, my wife and I try hard to honor that commitment. Challenging with young ones though.
November 17, 2008

Herm
I liked the show but I couldn’t bring myself to spend that much for a bottle of wine…..two bottles of wine, the chocolate and a Jets spit bucket maybe forty bucks…..
November 17, 2008

amgryger
Maybe I’m a “wine heretic” here, but I don’t think I will ever spend $75 on a Napa cab when I can buy barolo, which hits my palate in a way that transcends mere taste. I’m just saying…
November 17, 2008

suikagirl1
First thing that comes to mind… I love that(on camera)Gary’s shirt totally matches the labels.

QOTD: using Suzanne’s definition of date night as “finding a little bit of time somewhere to connect”… then, after nearly 22 years, I can honestly say that just about every night is a date night for us. Remember, your spouse is the one you said ‘yes to Forever’ with…