5 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines – BLIND!

5 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines – BLIND! – Episode #581

November 19, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk tries 5 wines blind and sees which tickle his palate, as we continue the Napa Cabernet theme this week!

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Wines tasted in this episode:

2004 Beringer Napa Cabernet SauvignonNapa Cabernet
2005 Barnett Cabernet Sauvignon Spring MountainNapa Cabernet
2004 Steltzner Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Barrel SelectNapa Cabernet
2005 Newton Unfiltered Cabernet SauvignonNapa Cabernet
2005 Cliff Lede Stag’s Leap District Cabernet SauvignonNapa Cabernet

575 Responses

November 19, 2008

waibeans
first.. unvelieveable
November 19, 2008

Hinrgman
Gary,
You said you would do a Cali cab Blind tasting – and you did!!
November 19, 2008

AJ
We be duck huntin’ in da blind!!!!!!
November 19, 2008

cgatesman
YES! Blind, baby! Love it!
November 19, 2008

manonthemoon
nice
November 19, 2008

Withnail
This’ll be interesting
November 19, 2008

Yargh!
QOTD: Yes
November 19, 2008

waibeans
QOTD yes.. but i don’t you will be able to keep it up for the whole year.

so basically this is a callout to see if you can actually pull it off
November 19, 2008

Greg B
Big G, Nice show! Can’t wait to look for some new Napa Cabs. Very Cool.

QOTD: Blind all the way. Except for when you have have Guests on.
November 19, 2008

Rolf Rupprecht
how about an under 20 bones assorted red blind tasting??? could see some Malbec’s, Chilie Cab’s..would be fun for some QPR wines
November 19, 2008

Brad
It is VERY cool to vote! QOTD: Yes, all day long.
November 19, 2008

ohdoctah
I am going to be having all kinds of wine this yr at thanksgiving! Maybe I should brown bag em lol
November 19, 2008

Greg Z
Great show Gary, YES! Blind tastings are awesome. Allow Ian to mix up the next cabernet show with two cabs from Napa and two from the left bank. Two US merlots and two right bank. Then two right bank vs. two left bank.
November 19, 2008

brook
Blind is good. Nice job
November 19, 2008

Kirk (aka: slave2thevine)
Yes…hands down you should taste all your wines blind in 2009…it would add a fun factor to the shows for us as the viewers…
November 19, 2008

Justin Levy
The blind tasting was awesome! My vote is YES for going blind during all of ‘09 (woah, that rhymes, haha)!

Have a fun time in AZ! See you soon!
November 19, 2008

ncwinetravels
gary,

Great episode ! QOTD: Yes.

Regards,
NCWT
November 19, 2008

Dex
qotd just do more blind episodes
November 19, 2008

Becky
<– lurker – have watched about 8 WLTVs. First comment. Go blind sporadically- sporadic – the Gary V way… Would love to know more about the rare grape ANSONICA and would love to see more white wine shows.
November 19, 2008

Jolie Elman
Yes, I would say go blind, but only go for maybe two or three days of each week.

Also, it would have been very interesting to have included the wines featured on the last two Napa Cab shows in this blind tasting.
November 19, 2008

Eduardo
Gary,

Excellent show! YES, you should go blind all 2009. I enjoy so much your Napa cab shows, I hope you can do Neal, Goldshmidt cabs in the near future.
Hello from Mexico!

Eduardo
November 19, 2008

MattieJ
QOTD: Negative, too much of a good thing…. I like mixing up the formats..
November 19, 2008

fred
Enjoy the show. All blind. No price range. No area (like Napa). No grape type hint. That would be fun.
November 19, 2008

Jeff Peak
Blind it up!
November 19, 2008

Kurt
QOTD: Blind, blind, please, for the love of all that is good and fermented, blind!

Long time lurker here.
November 19, 2008

Glen,....winecrazy.com
I loved this one Homey….!!!! I liked that you are happy. You were in a very good mood so maybe it was the blind tatsing that did it…???

Maybe it was the fact that the Mottster is gracing your presence. Maybe it’s all that wine in the back of you…?? That would sure make me happy.

QOTD: If it makes you happy, I’m happy. But I don’t think every show should be blind. Maybe every Wed…or Tues & Thurs..??? Or Monday….this way you can have Blind Monday, and Laid Back Friday….. now that’s an idea eh..!!!!

Either way I love ya Homey!!!!!
November 19, 2008

Glen,....winecrazy.com
What the hell happened there??? I didn’t hit that twice!!!!
November 19, 2008

Bobo36
Sometimes. It adds some flavor to the show. The question really is: are you influenced by reading the ratings before you give a rating? Stats call this bias. Or do the ratings give u a calibration to go higher or lower? Do you fall more into the WA or WS camp? I need some wine myself after all this thinking…
November 19, 2008

Kellen
Love the blind shows! I’d like to see them more often…but probably not ALL the time.
November 19, 2008

Medo
Great show, great format – let’s go blind 2009! Hell yeah!
November 19, 2008

Fletcher Warren
QOTD: YES!
November 19, 2008

Craig Owen
I vote no on going blind all year… but maybe go blind at least once a week, like say, Blind Mondays… that would be a cool tradition to start.
November 19, 2008

Dr_Funkenstein
great episode, the blind episodes always rule

QOTD: Absolutely, with non-blind thrown in sporadically kind of like blind episodes are thrown in now
November 19, 2008

Jose Corona
Great episode Gary!
QOTD: Undecided, but if you do go blind, it would have to be single, not double-blind like today or else you won’t have a chance to share the knowledge! We need the nuances of the wineries themselves, not just the regions!
November 19, 2008

steve w
yes!
November 19, 2008

Glenn P
QOTD: DO IT!!! Lots of possibilities in blind tastings
November 19, 2008

Jens
QOTD: Blind tasting is OK but not every time. Let’s say one blind tasting a week.

Jens (from Copenhagen)
November 19, 2008

Jay
QOTD: YES for all the regular expisodes (i.e. not for the guest episodes and live episodes out-and-about).
November 19, 2008

Orion S.
QotD: No, I like variety. Although, I would like to see some blind eps with a variety of varietals. That would be very interesting.
November 19, 2008

Jim
I like how at the end you showed us what wines you tasted

QOTD: YES
November 19, 2008

gotsha
QOTD…only once a week. Every day would get BORING. Like all good things in life, a little bit of moderation goes a long way.
November 19, 2008

Mojave Joe
qotd: no, I love the blind tastings, but, come one, not full time.
November 19, 2008

Jeremy
Not everyday, but I am a big fan of Clif lede. Glad to see the winery scoring high.
November 19, 2008

Chris D
Yes – go blind – I like it, is there a good reason NOT to do it blind all the time ? I can’t think of one.

Good Episode.
- Chris
November 19, 2008

Larry R
QOTD: Absolutely go blind for 2009!
November 19, 2008

adamd
blind, eliminates bias. and more enjoyable!
November 19, 2008

urbwes
QOTd: no, I like the blind tastings but you have to mix it up.
November 19, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

QOTD: I definitely love the blind tasting episodes and I do believe you should throw them in more frequently but not all the shows. I also think it would be cool to throw one wine in you did earlier in the week to see if you get similar tasting notes. I like it when you know the wines and provide specific backgrounds on them. I also like seeing it when you have a preconceived feeling about a wine and it ends up either shocking or disappointing you….makes it very real.

–RH
November 19, 2008

Rick D
QOTD: While I enjoy the blind episodes, I would prefer to keep them limited. I really enjoy shows when you have guests. Maybe you could include more of the Wine Library staff on some of the shows.

AAMOF I just sent 3 Arizona wines to Matt for you to include in a show, how about having him sit in on that one?
November 19, 2008

Nicole Black
Go blind, Gary. I loved it!
November 19, 2008

Clay B.
Gizz-ary.I am a lurker no more. I have been a Vayniac for a while now and love the show. I loved the blind tasting- but a whole years worth??? Once a week would be enough. thanks-Clay from Long Beach,Ca.
November 19, 2008

Justin
Love the blind tastings, but mainly because it’s a special treat. You don’t want to get known as Blind Library TV.
November 19, 2008

Jon Berry
QOTD: I’d love to see Blind Tasting Tuesday’s or something like that, but I kind of like your backstories of the wines, the winemakers, and your general knowledge of the area the grapes are from.

If you take that away, all we’ll have is whether you are surprised by your rating or if you hit the nail on the head, so to speak. Then it’s just a quiz show…
November 19, 2008

purplejuicebruce
QOTD… Love the blind tastings but once a week is cool also like the informative shows the terroir shows and laid back Friday.
November 19, 2008

DryDrew
QOTD: I vote Blind 2–9
November 19, 2008

erikv
QOTD: YES, go blind
November 19, 2008

Edward Salonia
I liked this episode too GV.

QOTD: No to blind 09, I would say yes to blind bi-weekly 09 though…
November 19, 2008

Withnail
QOTD: NO
You yourself say to mix things up and not do too much of the samething.
If you want to make 2009 a blind-tasting theme, just do blind (5 wines) one episode a week, so it’s a recurring thing.
November 19, 2008

SurfCityJay
QOTD: Love the Blind Tastings, but it’ also nice to see Guests as well…

Maybe blind once or twice a week, mixed with guests… and we’ve not seen too may ‘laid back’ Friday’s either…

Get a guest not from a winery… like a blind with JANCIS would be AWESOME…!!!
November 19, 2008

BobbyTiger
Love the blind tastings…………….about twice a month.
Keep mixing it up Jets Man. Blind, regular, with guests, laid back Friday…,
’cause too much of anything is, many times, bad for you. (Except drinking wine and being with your your lover. Can’t ever get sick of those.)
November 19, 2008

Mark Schmidt
Everyday is too much. Once or twice a week is perfect. We do a monthly blind tasting at our home and the least expensive wine almost always comes out on top!
November 19, 2008

AbsolutLahmi
QOTD: Well, maybe as a weekly thing, but not EVERY episode. We love the small ’sub-shows’ you have with the single bottles, off-the-wall selections from southern france (or whatever), and guests.. wouldn’t streamline it like that!
November 19, 2008

Dan Manu
QOTD: YES!!!!!!

also get back to some QPR wines cause some of us have rent to pay too
November 19, 2008

Peter
Why not, just not the guest episodes. I think you need to get a NY Jet on the show, your passion for the jets in undeniable. So why not get Brett Favre or Thomas Jones. What a show that would be.
November 19, 2008

KenP
Blind, once a week. Mixed wines, mixed varieties, once a week.

Good ep.
November 19, 2008

William
I enjoyed this episode also. The blind tasting is a great format, but I think it would be overwhelming if it was every day. Maybe once or twice a week. So…
QOTD: No
November 19, 2008

Jon Olson
I really like blind tastings myself to focus and learn the components that make wine rock for me. That being said, I really like variety in your shows. Going all blind would get a bit snoozy after a while. Keep up the good work.
November 19, 2008

Tony & Lisa
Great episode today. I do like the blind tastings, but I think everyday would be too much. Twice a month would be a great number of blind tastings to do. It would be interesting to see a blind tasting over a much bigger price range. 10 – 100 dollar challenge, to see if you can find a great bargain wine.
November 19, 2008

Dr T in NC
QOTD — no, not every day. but once every two weeks or so would be great!
November 19, 2008

Laurie in VT
That was fun.

QOTD: I’d say 50% blind. That allows for plenty of other fun stuff, guests, and all that.
November 19, 2008

littlejonnyh
Nice show, I love seeing $50 wines take the fall. I don’t know how many spectator rated wines I’ve had that drop the ball. You know, now that I think about it…. Parker-rated wines I’ve had in the past have all been quite good (at least in their fundamental flavor and structure, nuances aside)! Weird…

QOTD: Not feeling this every day…. but I think at least once a week would be great. I often wonder if you get overly excited about a mediocre wine when it’s inexpensive. I would love to see some blinds with wide-ranging prices (e.g. 2005 bordeaux at the 15, 30, 50, 100 price points compared)
November 19, 2008

TLR
I have been lurking for a few months after being a steady poster… So QOTD – YES blind for 09

However, I would say let’s start out by just doing it once per week like Blind Wed. it is humpday and it would be the perfect something to put you over to thirsty thursday and then onto laid back fridays!

Maui !
November 19, 2008

mauijet
Like most comments so far, blind shows are great, but once a week or bi-weekly would be enough. Special guests with their products are great wine TV!
Love to watch their faces as you do your thing.
November 19, 2008

Marc
I agree with others…do the blind tastings with a guest.
November 19, 2008

Neil
QOTD: Gotta shoot from the hip and mix it up Gary V.
November 19, 2008

SIR JA
BLIND TASTING IS COOL…MAYBE DO IT 3 TIMES A MONTH…I THINK EVERY TIME WOULD BE TOO MUCH
November 19, 2008

Hido53
Gary -

Great show today. You definitely brought the Thunder! So much better when you can “keep it real” and break down the wines. While I do love the blind shows, I want to again suggest (as I notice Rick D also suggests – kudos!) that you have on more of the Wine Library staffers.
Would like to you keep with a good mix of themes for the rest of the year. I think the following themes need to stay in the mix because they have all been, on the whole, outstanding:
1. Blind tastings
2. Head to head battle royales
3. Laid-back Fridays (bring back the couch!)
4. WL staffer episodes (Everett/holiday cheese selections, Wine staffer(s)/holiday wine selections)
November 19, 2008

Phil - NYC
Cliff Lede has been one of my very favorite up and comers in the 03,04,and 05 vintages. The top label from them is “Poetry”. The “Poetry” bottling is a must have and kicked major butt in a blind tasting I did recently where it beat Shafer HSS and Carter Tokalon for the win.

QOTD – One blind episode per week would be fun. Sometimes your tastings are not as good in a blind format as you are demonstrating a progression of flavors. But for tastings of Chard, Burgs, Bordx, etc. HELL YES!
November 19, 2008

crank
QOTD: Yes.
November 19, 2008

Zeek
Like the blind testing – new to the site – go Titans….
November 19, 2008

Kevin Causey
QOTD: one blind tasting every week is great. If you did it every day, I’d have to watch it every day, and then my wife would leave me. Great show as always.
November 19, 2008

JudeMurphy
No way, don’t go blind for the whole of 09! You should think of some fun new things to do though!
: )
I was actually just drinking my first ever Napa Cabernet as I watched this, it’s the Clos Du Val 04.
Very fruit-bomby! I’m not that impressed- it was about €27, don’t know if it’s good as these wines go but it’s not really to my taste. It’s not too bad, though. I’ll give you Americans one more chance! ; )
November 19, 2008

Carilius Maximus
I would like to see this format weekly, not necessarily daily. Perhaps a tighter price point between the wines?? Perhaps an occasional world-wide showdown on a particular varietal???
November 19, 2008

sam
Blind tastings rock!

I wouldn’t go blind for all of ‘09, however.

Specific, themed shows are also fun. A show on Anjou wines from France could be exciting for all the Cab. Franc lovers out their! (Anjou also does amazing whites, Chenin Blanc, for example.)

Keep it up!
November 19, 2008

Patrick
I’d like to see a blind tasting once a week or so, but not every day.
November 19, 2008

Casey
I would love blind tastings in ‘09. I also like the back to basic shows where you break down the flavors that appear most often in individual varietals.
November 19, 2008

Jay Campbell
QOTD: How about every other day blind?
November 19, 2008

Tooch
go blind gary. makes the show far more interesting.
November 19, 2008

Matt182
Not all year, but once a week would be perfect.

Very nice show today!
November 19, 2008

ev
NO. Do something like “Blind Monday”.
November 19, 2008

SargieAZ
Definitely go BLIZ-IND my friend, for the whole darn year. I love that format, and I have been enjoying the Napa run of shows too. How about the Icaria Creek cab from Alexander Valley anyone had that? I dig it.
Do it Gary- Blind it up!
November 19, 2008

redtail
WOW! Love the blind tasting. Keep up the good work. It’s a good example of a mag with advertising vs a wine critic with no advertisers. I’m looking for the Cliff Lede as I write this.
November 19, 2008

PeterT
QOTD: do blind tastings once a week. Assuming WL had them in stock perhaps you’d accept Vaniac suggestions for selecting the blind tasting wines once a month
November 19, 2008

CrazyManAndy
Nice show!

QOTD: I say do a blind tasting once a week!

CMA
November 19, 2008

Chris
Loved the blind tasting. I wouldn’t do it every show in 2009, but I would say you should do it once a week.
November 19, 2008

M
QOTD: Blind once a month may be enough. I like the blind tasting format but expand your format….try new things….mix it up as you do so well for 581+ episodes.

You always doubt Ian!!!! Has he ever tricked you? He hasn’t tricked you since I’ve been watching.
November 19, 2008

DrEdwardo
QOTD: Go blind as much as possible. Keeps everyone honest and will keep the boo-birds (who claim you are just shilling your own stock) at bay.

It will definitely change the wine world!

Edwardo
November 19, 2008

Daniel Kemp
QOTD: I think that would be cool doing blind taste tests for all of 2009, but what happens when you have guests on that want you to review their wine?
November 19, 2008

ray-ray
Qotd: More Blind tastings; 1-3 Times a Week… Would be SWEEEEEEEET
November 19, 2008

Mark
QOTD: Gary, go blind once a week. And sometimes, go blind with multiple varietals, regions and price so that its really interesting to see if you can guess the grape, where its from and how much.

Go Ravens.
November 19, 2008

John
Fun idea to do for extended period of time: a week or two weeks straight at most
November 19, 2008

CanadaSean
Great show man!

QOTD- I think that every show blind would ruin the fun of it. I was going to say how about blind Friday’s, then I thought friday is good enough, how about blind mondays? It’ll give us someting to look forward to after the the first workday of the week.
November 19, 2008

Steve
No, not blind all the time, but every week or so. Good show. I’d like to see a blind cab tasting (or malbec, or syrah, or chard, whatever) in the $15-30 range.
November 19, 2008

Derek F.
QOTD: I would have to say no, I think you should mix it up.
November 19, 2008

Shawn_944
Loved it, you brought the thunder today GV!

QOTD: Keep mixing it up! Blinds are great, maybe once a week! Keep up the good work!
November 19, 2008

Cjd1
Blind once a week would be cool. Highly recommend Wednesdays so your not influenced by a Jets loss!
November 19, 2008

Timinspokane
LOVE THE BLIND TASTING EPISODES!!!!!!!!

Interesting that out of five Napa Valley wines, only two (and a half…) of them really brought some thunder – especially at this price point. I am continually disappointed at the spendy Napa wines. I guess I should heed the immortal words of The Gin Blossoms in their song “Hey Jealousy”, which say, “If you don’t expect too much from me, you will not be let down!”

That said, I am going to run out to find a few bottles of the Cliff Lede cab. One to drink immediately, and two to lay down for a few years.

QOTD – how about one blind tasting episode a week? Add to that one guest vintner per week, and just you/Mott the other three days. That would be a nice blend, at least for my completely mental palate!
November 19, 2008

Timinspokane
Just one more thought…. how about a blind tasting between Napa Valley and Walla Walla cabs?? Keep them in the same price point and see what happens. That would give lots of us a chubby! Crap – can I say that? Sorryyyyyyyy
November 19, 2008

Sharon
Yup, good episode, I liked to see your reactions to these Cabs.
Nope, keep all your senses: I like the ‘educational’ shows where you give background on producers and varietals and regions, etc, which you can’t do so well in blind tastings.
November 19, 2008

Chateau Plonk
Not all year, but one blind show a week would be awesome. I also love the “buying wine for the store” format too. You should do that more often as well. Great show today.
November 19, 2008

Stewart Z
Got to go blind, not every show as that would then lose the rarity factor but much more often than the current mix.
November 19, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – I like the blind tastings, but also like when you know what they are. Maybe 1 or 2 episodes a week could be blind. What I would really like to see is a double blind tasting. Have your guess with 3-4 reds or whites and then we can watch you squirm… that sound like fun!
November 19, 2008

E dog
Hi gary, nice show today !

QOTD: blind tastings every day?

The plus side:
Blind shows are great: i like them a lot, it s great to see how you “decode” hidden wines.

The minus side:
On the other hand, blind shows every day would reduce the info you give us about wines, wineries, wine making regions, particular grapes…

The Solution ! (in my humble opinion)
I think a great idea would be to have blind tasting episode once a week. You ve already got laid-back Friday, why not have blind tasting Tuesday ?
November 19, 2008

Joe P.
Hey, great episode. I like the blind tasting, maybe once a month or twice, but easy on Luther Wright, he meant well but was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Mental illness is not the same as lacking the “eye of the tiger.”
November 19, 2008

Chris Rufkahr
QOTD: NO!!! Do not go blind for all of 2009. But do more Blind Tastings!
November 19, 2008

Chris
G-man, LOVE the blind tastings and here’s why- as expert as you are and as painstakingly objective as you try to be, there is NO way better to cast aside all pre-conceived notions that come with knowing anything about what you are tasting. I’d love to see at least one blind show a week, and personally would like even more than that. Great work!
November 19, 2008

LEEROYJENKINSS
QOTD: Do blind tastings at least once a week. This show was VERY fun as most of the blind tasting shows are.
November 19, 2008

E dog
QOTD: A blind tasting once a week would be great (and most of the other Vayniacs seem to agree)

How about “Blind Tasting Tuesday” ?
November 19, 2008

Scotty L
Gary will watch this episode of wltv later tonight_but just got done watching the thanksgiving episodes on eat drink or die-way funny!!!
November 19, 2008

Patrick
QOTD:

Not every episode, but once or twice a week would be amazing. Just don’t let it slide like casual Fridays.
November 19, 2008

Toni
Agreed with E dog.
Blind once a week.
Good show.
November 19, 2008

Tony V.
QOTD: Not ALL year, maybe one full week of each month…
November 19, 2008

ellenkf
blind on a regular basis – at least once a week, and, this is important, have someone choose wines which has a wide price variance.
November 19, 2008

kaybee
Nice job, enjoyed the format.
QoTd
Go blind more often next year, but not with special guests who are bringing wine of their own winery.
November 19, 2008

Bruce B.
I agree with Gary–totally blind tasting in 2009–buttt–blind with a big mix of prices and locales (with Gary not knowing the price and locale). So I suggest that each night you taste five wines of a varietal but with different price levels and different countries. Example–taste five pinot gris, with a mixture of wines from NZ, OR, Alsace, and prices from $10-$50. Let’s see if there is any relationship between price and quality.
November 19, 2008

Tom Langan
QOTD – You are much more authentic going bind, so YES, do it as much as you can.
November 19, 2008

Toni
Oh, and an other thing, Garry!

2009.

Go boldly where noone has gone before! Do Belarus, Russia, Romania, Slovakia, Albania, Moldova, Georgia, Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia.. and last but not least (mailed you that one) Slovenia

I know you’ve got a business to run and there is no market for off the rocker weirdness, but you have such an amazing knowledge that this show alone could put some of these countries on the wine map of the world.

Cheers,

Toni A.
November 19, 2008

Nicholas Lazarus
QOTD: No. I think once a week would be perfect. Because it’s certainly not often enough.
November 19, 2008

Bill
qotd: Personally, I enjoy the blind tastings more than any other format. That said, there needs to be some verity; so I’d say, one or two blind tastings per week would strike a good balance.
November 19, 2008

Ross
Awesome show. Love the blind tasting shows.
November 19, 2008

Snarf
QOTD: HELL YES!!!! Blind tastings are difficult, but ooooohhhhh so revealing. Guess that means you cannot have wine-producer type guests on the show.
November 19, 2008

David
QOTD: Go once a week, not all year. Do it to start or end the week; that would be awesome.
November 19, 2008

Zinfreak
I love the Blind tastings, but once a week is enough. It wouldn’t be as fun if you did it all the time.

By the way, Lede is pronounced “Lay-Dee”. You’d never know it though from the looks of it.

Thanks for pumping out these great shows Gary!
November 19, 2008

JonE
Awesome show, i am so with you on the Cliff Lede.

QOTD: Balls out-hell yeah, do it!!! That as we know in the biz is truly the only impartial way (kinda).
November 19, 2008

Eric Susch
Nice background. Looks like an entirely different space, but I know better

QOTD – I like the blind shows but all the time would be too much. It would make WLTV too “game-showy.”

An interesting twist to the blind show would be to cut off the end and never show the reveal. Oh wait, you already tried that! (Yes that’s right, I’m still looking through some of the old shows
November 19, 2008

Thomas
QOTD: Bind once a week!!!!! Great show!
November 19, 2008

Cuse Wino
QOTD- Not all blind, maybe half and half.
When you are not blind we learn more about the grapes and the region and the history which is why many of us tune in. I love the blind ones also, but the education is better on the eyes wide open episodes.
November 19, 2008

Pastafari Pirate
QOTD: I love the blind tasting episodes, and I’d like them to be regular / frequent, but not EVERY single episode. You do a lot of other cool stuff that is thematic or when you pick a winery or region because you know the points you want to emphasize, and I think we’d lose a lot of that great info you bring if you went blind EVERY episode. BUT, I’d say go blind at least 2-3 times a week. Maybe 4 sometimes, but I think 3x/week would be a good average.

Great ep, dude. Loved the analogies you used.
November 19, 2008

Leftcoast
Once a week!
November 19, 2008

Ryan
Agree with many others above. A weekly(maybe Wednesday?) blind tasting format would rock the house. We all love the blind tasting format, I think everyone should do more blind tasting than they do, and it really opened my eyes the time I did it. HOWEVER, I think that with all of the awesome guests you have, they would probably want to showcase their stuff, and it would be a shame to drive them away because you were doing an entirely blind format, and I don’t mind the occasional selling show. Still, I think this has been a tremendous amount of fun, and I look forward to the next one.
November 19, 2008

Chris Bartow
Don’t go blind all year, but how about one day a week go blind all year. Like Blind Tasting Tuesdays.
November 19, 2008

Winelover
Super episode… I guess curiosity kills the cat. I love blind tastings….as a matter of fact the last family and friends get together tastings have been blind. This keep everybody up and running…and shooting new notes. I wouldn’t say go the whole 2009 year blind, but rather, at least once or maybe twice a week. By the way, any one have tried Newton unfiltered Chards ….goshhh….creamy, fruity and elegant…one of my favorites from napa
November 19, 2008

amarone slim
hello, long time lurker here, just wanted to give my fifty cents
i’m in the one blind show a week camp, that would be perfect, it would be really fun and spice up the week without taking away any of the other aspects that make the show so great!
November 19, 2008

T.K.
Ouch the Speculator takes another hit . . . if they only tasted blind like you Gary V.. Please pick a varietal and go blind more often!
November 19, 2008

Jeff
Unless you mean blind drunk, then no. I like the shows a lot, its fun to show how you feel about wines, but there are a lot of good shows with wines and winemakers that you couldn’t do that way. One question though, why is it that Cabs are the only thing you ever blind taste? And if you do more shows you should get New/Old World mixes so you can really impress us
November 19, 2008

Paul W
i’d like to see more blind tasting, but not all blind tasting. it seems like when you have a blind show it’s more focused on how the wines taste and less on the production, information about the region and the wine makers, and other interesting stuff. i like interesting stuff! that being said…maybe one show in this format every week or so could be fun. you know what is also fun? gary’s beard! im not a fan of the jets but i’m hoping they go to the super bowl this season.
November 19, 2008

manonthemoon
Great show, love blind tastings as they always seem to show you where your palate truly is.

QOTD: I’m all for blind all of the time except for when you have winemakers on, because it would be kind of hard to be as objective then.
November 19, 2008

Zinfreak
Gary,
I’m reading a lot of comments that are saying 3 times a week, or half and half! Thats waaaayyy to many times! We all love blind tastings, but once a weeks is more than enough.

We learn so much from you and your guests, I don’t want to lose that part of your show.

Keep mixing things up the way you have been.
November 19, 2008

Slushpuppy
You are amazing Mr. Gary V. As you know I am a regular, and I am not shy about panning your show. This my friend was one of the best in a long time. I loved all of your visuals. I’m thinking you have one of the best noses and palattes in the business.
QOTD: Yes, I think the dynamics of a blind tasting brings so much more to the table for all us. Thanks for all you do! Smell it first!
P.S. I loved the new taping location.
November 19, 2008

DAve A
Do blind tastings once a week, call it Blind Tuesday or something. Make everyone where blindfolds while they watch. (hmm.)

Then, instead of wristbands, give sniffy snif blindfolds. Teach us to tame our palate, with our nose first!

Then…. we will be ready for Handcuff Fridays! oh, bring on the thunder!

Whip it up, Mondays!
S&M Wednesdays!
Thunder in an elevator… sniffing it up, while going down.

ok, phew. I’m done.
Come to Raleigh. I can help link it up.

Received latest Secret Pack today, won’t be here on Thanksgiving, but will have friends and family over Sunday after – to watch and enjoy. Do I win for longest post? ha.
November 19, 2008

portman
Every ep in 2009 blind? Nah, nope. I think it would be passe’ by April. Definately need to do blind more often. I agree with a lot of the others. Once a week.

I think the blind tastings remove any biases you may have. As good as you are and as hard as you try, you cannot remove all bias. The blind tasting can just about do that.

Mike
November 19, 2008

Raf
I really love the blind tasting. The fist episode I ever saw was a blind tasting, and it hooked me! At least two times a week, bro!
November 19, 2008

Brian
I like the idea of a blind Tuesday. I would also love to see some more Verticals of a producer to compare vintages. Also, it would rock if you could taste wines all made from the same vineyard grapes, but by different wine makers/producers. For instance, Gary’s Vineyard in Santa Lucia Cali is the source of many different producer’s Pinot Noir. It would be cool to see the influence of a winemaker in the final product.
November 19, 2008

Curt
Great show, but blind all the time? NO! After a while it would get boring. Once a week or so would be fine.
November 19, 2008

cellar rat
Love reference to blue fruit.

QOTD: Go all year mate!
November 19, 2008

marc
Go blind once or twice a week. It’s fun, very interesting, but I like the regualr format and like the guests. Keep us guessing and mix it up a bit!
November 19, 2008

Andrew
Blind Tasting Tuesdays! Put your palate to the test.
November 19, 2008

Leigha
so did you NOT get the tabacco THIS time the “first time” you’ve had this…or did you NOT get the tabacco “yesterday” like you slipped and said? Curious. Enjoyed the cover run onto football though….calmed you down and got you back centered…..!
November 19, 2008

Bill wrollcia
yo gv, hmmmm, you going blind all year, it would drive you nuts, i think you should go blind if and only if… the jets meet the g men in the super bowl, deal? and if the jets win, I will do my online cooking show vlog blind… what do you think????
Bill
wrollcia@hotmail.com
November 19, 2008

JJ
I love the blind Tuesday idea!

Great show! Where the hell were you? I’ve never seen an episode with you the in the “box room.” I missed the Jets paraphernalia.
November 19, 2008

Nic
QOTD: Oui, absolument ! D’une part, cela nous amène à voir les prix et les cotes différemment, et à faire confiance à notre propre expérience; d’autre part, cela ajoute un certain suspens au show (on essaie de deviner quels sont les vins, on se demande quel grand vin va être déclassé, etc.).
November 19, 2008

catherine
QOTD: I like the blind tastings, they are a lot of fun BUT I like it when you change the format up every once in a while, so that would be a ‘no’ for the blind tastings for all of ‘09. Maybe you should do a blind episode once a week?
November 19, 2008

Leonard
What a great episode.

QOTD: Go blind in two thousand nine!!!
November 19, 2008

BCWineAreIn
Great show Gary!

Definitely get some blind episodes in there. 2 blind episodes a week would be a good balance. You should throw in a ringer that you had in the past and see how you rate it now. Would be very interesting.
November 19, 2008

italianwinelover
Fabulous show!

QOTD: WICKED!!! Love the blind tasting but I couldn’t handle a whole year maybe once a week like your Friday couch eps! Enjoy the interveiws with other wine industry related peeps! or more cheese eps too would be kewl!!

Can’t wait to see you with a full beard like Mott!! Like the new location of the shoot too..enjoyed you rocking the brown bags!!
November 19, 2008

DogDJ
I like the blind tastings but I think that every episode would wear out the novelty. It’s like the McRib, it’s not out all year, but every time McDonald’s puts it on their menu people go crazy.
November 19, 2008

DrewM
I like this episode too.

QOTD: Don’t go blind next year. But once a week would be great!
November 19, 2008

BSal
Going blind the whole year would be great. It would show your tasting ability much more clearly. I do not, but I’m sure some people out there think you rate on WL sales. This would prove everyone wrong. Give it a go.
November 19, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
Go blind. Trust your pal.
November 19, 2008

Marshall
QOTD:No, BUT please do more blind shows. Perhaps every week.
November 19, 2008

Ilse
QOTD : I love blind tastings, but once
November 19, 2008

labslave
I have to agree that once a week blind tastings would be great.

I also like Brian’s idea of verticals & wines from the same vineyard by different winemakers.

As always, great job!
November 19, 2008

teckdeck2008
Qotd: i like the blind tastings, but you should only do it like once every week or something like that. I really enjoy the guests much more.
November 19, 2008

Ilse
I wanted to continue : but once a week will do. That makes it to look forward to, and you need a specific topic (same grape, same region, same something) to work around, like now with Napa Cabs.
November 19, 2008

Scotty G
QOTD go for it but i do like the idea of tasting the same variety for a show or two and then do the blind tasting.
A lot of fun. Great show.
I was at a wine tasting tonight and had two “Layer Cake” wines. The layer cake brand is a great story and i completely enjoyed the Primitivo, the Malbec wasn’t bad either just maybe lacking in a littel depth.
November 19, 2008

J Crazy
YES! “Go Blind in ‘09″
November 19, 2008

Bill Carter
QOTD- Blind often, but not every day. Great show. Cut right to the chase.
Glad to see you agree that the Cliff Lede cabs are awesome. Went to their winery a few months back. Nice place. Their Sauv. Blanc isn’t too bad either but the cab kills.
November 19, 2008

Andy
QOTD —- Maybe have a blind tasting once a week G . Different varietals from all over the world with differnt price points.
November 19, 2008

IASHERMAN
QOTD:

The Blind Tasting is a great idea. You should do it at least once a week. Hope to see more of it 2009
November 19, 2008

DF
QOTD:

Monday… Guest blogger or other social networker– virtual interviews with interactive software or call-in
Tuesday… regions, neglected areas, emerging areas
Wednesday… Winemaker, wine celebrity, other celebrity (e.g. Erin Andrews)
Thursday… education
Friday… Blind and other wild, just for fun topics

or some combination thereof
November 19, 2008

SteveF
Great Great show Vayner!!!

QOTD: Once a week call it blind Tuesday.
November 19, 2008

playasanchas
Yes! Go blind for O9, some of my favorite shows have been blind, with one obvious exception of course.
November 19, 2008

KevinGamble
Blind in ‘09. Absolutely. However, you should be thrown a curveball: do 3 wines blind, 3 wines not blind, same episode and (obviously not being told that they are the same), score em both… see if you score them differently.
November 19, 2008

Eliot
Great show!!!!

QOTD: I love the blind tasting format, but all year long is way too much. Maybe once a week; I like the blind Tuesday suggestion.
November 19, 2008

CV
Gary,
You go boy!
QOTD: YES! YES! YES!
It would be like a 10 on the richter scale running through the wine world!
What a great idea! $20 Davids knocking down $60 Goliath’s! What would they all do?
You got to know you would move the market.
I love you man!
November 19, 2008

Askold Shegedyn
Yes go blind.
November 19, 2008

tuscanbob
Blind once a week would be a good start.
November 19, 2008

T.H.A.
Blind once a week.
November 19, 2008

Susan
Gary & Chris, First I have to say, DO YOU NEED SOME MORE BORDEAUX??????? LOL!!!!!!!!!!!
November 19, 2008

Susan
Gary – BLIND????????????? WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RADOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 19, 2008

Ducati AGB
Go blind in 09……proof is in the pudding then
November 19, 2008

tom
GO BLIND!
November 19, 2008

IPv6Freely
I say – blind tastings on mondays, along with laid back fridays, and special episodes on wednesdays (cheese, chocolate, even a beer, whisky or scotch episode)
November 19, 2008

Susan
Gary- QOTD: YES,YES,YES and YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 19, 2008

ScottEJ
As I was watching and enjoying todays show, I was thinking how cool it would be to do a blind Rhone show. A Cote du Rhone, v. Vacqueras, v. St. Joseph, v. Gigondas, v. Hemitage, v. Chataneuf du Pape, etc, etc. Washington Merlot, v. Cali Merlots. The right & left banks of Bordeaux. The combos are vast.

QOTD: I wouldn’t say every show….but, I do think there’s room for a bunch as I’ve already mentioned.
November 19, 2008

Dan & Erin
QOTD: Go blind once or twice a week. It could lose its appeal if it would be all of the time. I would say that you should push the blind challenge to Parker and Wine Spectator.
November 19, 2008

AdamfromMichigan
Blind in 2009! I think it is a good way to really focus on the wines, stumble upon some interesting results and probably a pretty fun format for you. Once or twice a week sounds like a good balance so that it doesn’t get tired. You’ll have to work out something better than those paper bags though… i got a little lost at the end too, when you unveiled the wines and i forgot what the characteristics of some of them were. i think that is mostly because it is hard to remember with that many wines and the only thing differentiating them as i watch are the numbers. it is easier to remember tasting comments when you are able to talk more about the particular wine/vineyard as you go since there are more things to associate with your analysis(visually). you know… its kind of like when you park in a structure and your spot is labeled “blue – 4 – west” instead of just 4.
November 19, 2008

Michelle
I think a blind tasting 1 to 3 times/week max. Loved the show!
November 19, 2008

Susan
Gary – FEAR NOT!!!!!!!!!! I will get you MORE Bordeaux soon…………………… LOL!!!!!!!
November 19, 2008

KingBud
Lurker alert !! Yes, go blind from here forward. It’s the best way to make sure your tastings are objective, not colored positively or negatively based on labeling or brand name.

By the way, in another product area prone to subjective ratings through branding (cigars), blind tastings are the basis of all cigar ratings with Cigar Aficionado. You should do the same.
November 19, 2008

Brooklyn Paul
Just when I think I’m out, they pull me back in…

My 3rd show in a row. The 3rd Napa Cab show in a row. Coincidence?

Anyway… loved it Gary. No need to go blind all of the time, but once a week would be cool.
November 19, 2008

John in Miami
Yes, go blind. But, once a week is cool. Makes for a fun show.
November 19, 2008

Josh
Loved the episode. Blind tastings are always exciting! I love the way they level the playing field. How often does the Spectator go blind? I will say, however, once (twice max) a week seems like a better plan. I like the sound of blind Tuesday for some reason.
November 19, 2008

Cliff and Darcey
GREAT SHOW! Darcey and I really love the blind tastings!
We think that you should not do blind everyday, BUT every Tuesday and Thursday, and you can call it the Blind-Ts (as in the double entendre of T meaning Tuesdays and Thursdays and also Blind TEASE). Gary V and the Blind Tease.
That’s our two cents worth.

Hey can you send us some new wristbands for being such faithful followers?
Darcey and Cliff
1811 4th St
Radford, VA 24141

You definitely rock! Too cool!
November 19, 2008

Ben Browning
QOTD Fridays should Be Blind.

Also I was reading a few other comments and DF had a great idea so i just had to copy/paste exactly what he said. I guessing DF is a he from the Erin Andrews suggestion…..

Monday… Guest blogger or other social networker– virtual interviews with interactive software or call-in
Tuesday… regions, neglected areas, emerging areas
Wednesday… Winemaker, wine celebrity, other celebrity (e.g. Erin Andrews)
Thursday… education
Friday… Blind and other wild, just for fun topics

Love this idea
Love the show
Thank you very much Gary
Like always 39 Degrees 2005 Lake County Petite Sirah. Try it
November 19, 2008

amgryger
QOTD: Maybe like once a week. Every episode as a blind tasting could be kind of overwhelming.
November 19, 2008

Richard Ritter
QOTD: You know what they say about too much of a good thing…
Go blind more often, but a whole year??? How about “Goin’ blind, out of my mind Tuesdays!”? It would rock fo’ shizzle!
November 19, 2008

JustinL
QOTD: Yes
November 19, 2008

Susan
Gary- I have to agree w/CV!!!!!!!!! You always say ” You, with a little bit of me, we’re changing the wine world whether they like it or not”………….a year of blind would ROCK the wine world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 19, 2008

ryan
love the blind oh ya
November 19, 2008

DanM
QOTD: I like the idea of Blind Ts (twice a week).

I like the background you often give on wineries and regions when you aren’t doing them blind. You tend to rush at the end when you do them blind.
November 19, 2008

JJ Sidoti
Hey gary,

Great show, as alway!

Cliff Ledee is pronounced Lady. I was at his winery in November 2004. Great place, very country. The owner flies both the Canadian Flag and Us Flag-He’s Canadian! I guy from dinner recommended this winery. I even enjoyed their sparkling wine which may interest you.

JJ
November 19, 2008

Meg
Yes please
November 19, 2008

Preston Vowels
Loved the episode. Turning into a Vayniac! I agreed with Blind tastings on tuesday and thursday! Lot of fun to watch, but maybe not everyday because the other episodes are great too.
November 19, 2008

Darlene O.
Love the episode, Gary! QOTD: Yes! Go blind, baby!
November 19, 2008

A dumb Rhine king
Flippin awesome episode.

QOTD: Once a week sounds good. I’m one for going all out, but you do have a show to run and a year is a long damn time. I think it would get boring. You could have brown Thursdays.
November 19, 2008

Eric79
Great show Gary.

QOTD: Love the blind tastings. I like once or twice a week also. Just doesn’t look that good with the bags – need to see the pretty labels LOL plus, we get a little more background info from you when you know what the wines are.
November 19, 2008

Robert Howells
Let’s not over do it but I love the blind format!!
November 19, 2008

tarheel17
GO BLIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 19, 2008

ZachB
QOTD: Do blind once a week and a double blind once a week.
November 19, 2008

Lynda S
do a helen keller. blind!
November 19, 2008

codybets
go blind dawg!!!!
November 19, 2008

Michael Schoonmaker
QOTD – Really lovin’ the once a week idea that’s kicking around. Maybe create separate RSS feeds for those who feel strongly either way?
November 19, 2008

John
Hi! I’m a rare poster. I do not like the idea of “all blind,” but a popular suggestion here is a blind show weekly, which is something I am absolutely all for. I’m thinking:

One blind day, one non-wine day, and one “laid back” day. The other two can be for whatever/”traditional WLTV” shows, as well as guest shows.

Keep up the good work!
November 19, 2008

Adam
A whole year of blind tastings would be AWESOME!!! Love the format!
November 19, 2008

Eliot (in the Lou)
QOTD – I’m in the twice a week club. Maybe Monday, to come out with a bang, and Fridays to end on a high note. “Laid Back Blind Fridays?” Although I like the “Blind T’s” idea too.

Nice episode.
November 19, 2008

ChrisV
QOTD: As others are mentioning, a once per week or even twice per week blind tasting is the way to go. The problem with going all blind is that it would be impossible for you to select wines that you personally think would be interesting to do. It would also make mixed shows of the sort you were doing last week impossible.
November 19, 2008

Eugene
More blind but not all the time. Very nice episode, i like the different backgrounds.
November 19, 2008

HuskerJamie
QOTD: I’d go blind once a week and a wild card cheese/beer/whisk(e)y/vodka/rum/liquor show every week.
November 19, 2008

Foo Fighter
Lurker De-Lurking:

QOTD: Yes!

And all or nothing! None of this “maybe once or twice a week” mamby-pamby, faithless waffling!

The format wouldn’t get boring because this is Gary Vay-Ner-Chuk we’re talking about. I trust he’ll find ways to keep it interesting and mix it up.
November 19, 2008

WineWoman
QOTD: The majority of the shows should Go Blind. Love that format.
November 19, 2008

BrewCitySeamus
QOTD: I definitely agree with most of the other comments on doing 1-2 shows a week with the blind format. It’s awesome! Still leaves the other days to showcase the other wine varieties and regions you find interesting, as well as special guests and non-wine shows.

How about figuring out a way to have us choose wines for you to taste blind? You’d have to figure out logistics (do we send in bottles of wine? vote for wines available in WL without your advance knowledge?), but could be a cool way to connect in a different fashion with the Vayniac nation. Just a thought.
November 19, 2008

Thiago
once or twice a week will be OK. The “must” of your show is the “lack” of a pattern, and this is what makes each episode and the WLTV so unique, so I think blinds every day would not work well… anyway, you gotta do what you want to!

cheers from south america!
November 19, 2008

Chris in Tulsa
F it! Go blind!
November 19, 2008

alex
Really like the blind tastings. Great show.
November 19, 2008

T. Bone
Blind rocks. At least once a week.
November 19, 2008

Michael Nelson
Do it! Just go blind for a year. You may learn about your changing palate and personality. Besides you’re entering the “mid-life crisis” phase and some retrospective blind wine tasting could do you some good.
November 20, 2008

jjmabaseb
Don’t go blind all the time (how would you do secret packs??). But def. once or twice a week. Good show.
November 20, 2008

Stéphane A
Old Tyme Vaniac here and the answer is YES. I agree maybe not 5 times a week but 2-4 times would be awesome. Double blind, even better.
November 20, 2008

KW
Liked the show – watching the results is always exciting in a blind tasting like this to see your reaction.
Go blind couple of times a week. Invite guests to compare their reaction with yours.
November 20, 2008

David T
I’d go blind half the time, as long as you don’t have a guest or secret pack or something else special. I definitely was a fan of this show, and it was very interesting seeing the trends in price/WS scores all together at the end.
November 20, 2008

BrentB
QOTD: First time commenter… long time watcher!

I would also like to see more blind tastings. Not every day, but once or twice a week would be eggzelent!
November 20, 2008

benjaminrorymyers
How about blind Mondays?
November 20, 2008

jdharm
Blind blind blind. Forget the names, forget the price tag. Is it good or isn’t it? That’s the only thing that matters.
November 20, 2008

C-Fiddy
All Blind, all the time, may be too much of a good thing for this Vayniac. I like the background and research that comes out in some of the other formats. HOW ABOUT, Blind Tuesdays, (or whichever day seems to have the lowest viewership) A guaranteed once-a-week slot that people could look forward to …
I’m just sayin’. I love ya GV,
November 20, 2008

Roberto
Hi Gary, my humble two colones (cents, if you will):

1. You should do blind tastings all the time. Too much of anything in life is not good, so there are some exceptions: Secret Packs, Food Pairing (like the cheese episode), Guest Appearances (unless guest is a wine writer/critic) and any episode when you are trying to teach us something.

2. If you did this (my point #1) I guarantee there would be so many critics of you or the show, or the format, (and I know you don’t really care, nor should you) who would have to consider your judging/tasting/critizing more seriously. (Even you have to admit there are several issues that cloud unbiased judgment when you KNOW what the wine is)

3. Ground Rules:
*whatever gets taped, gets on the air.
*Ian or whoever picks the wine: no hanky panky, switching, or trying to fool you. (Ok, MAYBE twice a year max!! )
*you will do it single blind, including region and varietal (or type) but not price!!!!! that will also cloud your judgement.
*twice a year (just for our amusement) you will do a double blind where you know absolutely nothing about any of the wines. IF however, you get one of them dead on (and I obviously don’t mean the producer, I mean varietal and/or region), then all Vayniacs who watch will (honor system) have to buy at least a bottle from wine library… I mean all of this amusement and fun should not be 100% free, right?

I propose a forum committee of 5 Vayniacs (whom you will pick) that could come up with a set of ground rules and general guidelines for the most awesome year at WLTV: 2009. Go blind, and change the wine world a bit more, PLUS increase viewership by 30/50% GUARANTEED!!!!!!!!!!

all the best,

RR
November 20, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo G….SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET !!!!!!

qotd: MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE, MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE BLIND TASTINZZZ
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 20, 2008

Smitty
All blind all the time. This was a great episode. For folks like my just starting out, it’s encouraging to see you taste blindly, and find out the factors you’re using to categorize wines. I like this episode, too!
November 20, 2008

Andrew
Great show. No…you can’t go blind every day, that would take away your selection process – you’d have no say so in which wines you’re tasting for the whole year, that might be a bit much. HOWEVER a blind friday every week would definitely bring the thunder.
November 20, 2008

jpvaquez
Wow!

2 words for you:

Awesome + inspiring

P.S.- Go blind in 2009
November 20, 2008

Rickie
Blind + QPR value (amount you’d consider it worth paying for) would be great!
November 20, 2008

Dane Campbell
hell yeah go blind it improves all the other senses!!!
November 20, 2008

Harry
I’m in the once a week camp. Blind is fun, but I love the in depth wine geek classes too!
November 20, 2008

David Harris
GO BLIND!

These and your guest shows are the best IMO.

Keep up the great work,
November 20, 2008

Chrisfs
Where are you sitting today ? the back drop of boxes and glare of the lights are distracting.
November 20, 2008

Clinton
Great enthusiasm this episode, and nice to see how your palette differs from other enthusiasts.

QOTD: Mix it up – blind one day a week…
November 20, 2008

Dustin
I think blind is much more fair and if I did tastings, which I plan to start. I will too.

Ask mott if he can make it where we can see the labels while you taste, but you can not.

Its fun to see you get tested on price points and varieties blind and I think its good practice for when you go for your masters of wine test
November 20, 2008

Chrisfs
Not blind for the whole year. But every now and then. If you totally like the blind thing, then go blind once or at most twice a week.
November 20, 2008

Ray Barnes
Excellent job Gary…seems like you pulled quite a tasting coup here. This gets my vote as the best episode you have done since Jancis Robinson.

QOTD – No I would not do this format stem to stern next year. You wouldn’t have any guests otherwise. I vote for once every 6 or 7 episodes.
November 20, 2008

RonC
I really enjoy the blind tastings. Two a week would be plenty. I’d also like to see one guest each week, one unique episode per week, and a laid back Friday each week.
November 20, 2008

steven
BLIND FTW!
November 20, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
QOTD= not every day but maybe once a week would be good
November 20, 2008

elmattador
QOTD: I say you do blind tuesdays. Will be something to look forward too on the most boring day of the week
November 20, 2008

Benjamin
QOTD: No, your off your game abit in blind tasting, overall enjoyed the show but i like when you break down wines and it gets little like the Discovery Channel on the thunder show
November 20, 2008

JonBLodi
QOTD: I’d say no more than about 50% blind, and those would need to be a bit faster while you’re tasting. Start the show off with some background about the common thread of the tasting, then explain the pedigree of individual producers afterwards. I think every so often someone should throw in a ringer to see if you can identify, say, an Australian Shiraz amongst what is billed as a Rhone show. It would really help educate us as to the extreme differences around the world. Good job putting your neck on the line with some powerful producers.
November 20, 2008

JonBLodi
Hey, and is there any way you could do a “blind” secret pack where you actually ship the wines in brown bags with the capsules removed and rubber bands holding the bags together?

I’ve been struggling not to look at the past packs before my guests arrive, but it’s pretty difficult to get things ready and breathing.
November 20, 2008

apj_bobswineguy
QOTD: Not a big fan of the blind tasting. (in the minority from what i read).

The story of a wine or winery is part of the enjoyment for me. Blind tastings seem like some sort of parlor trick & serve no real purpose because people (guests or customers) do not drink blind like that.
November 20, 2008

Hawaiian Vayniac
GO BLIND!!!!

But…..keep informative shows with guests, new varietals, and laid back Fridays.

What does this mean?

3 Blind tastings, 1 informative/guest, 1 laid back (whatever Gary wants) episode in a week. If nothing else, blind tastings are fun and can be more interesting, so more would be cool to see.
November 20, 2008

iToad
Go blind 2009.
November 20, 2008

rimarfish
Great episode! Love blind tastings
QOTD: not sure if all the episodes should be blind tastings, but at least once or twice a week will be great.
November 20, 2008

Barrelmonkey
QOTD: No, that’s silly. Go blind for a week if you want. I don’t think it’s in your nature to stick to something for a whole year, and not be able to change it. It’s the constant changes and twists that we love!

I would add that I like how you’ve done two types of blind tastings. 1) tastings like this, where you’re going for quality, though you do try to guess the prices, and you break down your reasoning for that. 2) double blind, where we really get to hear your reasoning for each guess, whether or not you get it right.

I’d like to see more of number 2, though I imagine most people would get bored.
November 20, 2008

Barrelmonkey
Jeez Roberto, Gary isn’t trying to become a critic, or prove his wine chops. As fun as that sounds on paper, it’s gonna get old reallllllly fast.

As for the “critics of his show” who would “take his judging/tasting/criticizing more seriously” – that’s not the point of the show!

If gary wanted people to take him seriously as a critic, he would taste all wines under carefully controlled conditions, proper decanting, multiple bottles, blind, multiple tasting sessions, carefully worded notes… Who would want to watch that? it would be deadly boring, plus Parker and Tanzer and the WS do it.
November 20, 2008

Lauren Tedeschi
I think going blind for a whole year would take the sparkle out of it. I like the “specialness” of the blind shows, they’re nice little treats that change it up once in a while. I think going blind for a whole year would be like having your birthday everyday, it’s a nice idea but you’d lose out on celebrating other events, like bringing special guests…. like Randall Graham (who’s my boss) I think it would be fun to bring in guests and do special blind tastings with them. (You may have done that before, I just started tuning in to wine a month ago, great show, I’ve been learning a lot.
November 20, 2008

mikek
Gary, good show…BUT, PLEASE move the venue! What up with the wood cases/ glass wall background reflecting the florecsents! Mott; dude, you didn’t catch that reflect! HUGE distraction! Ok my rant’s over! Dig you guys all the same!

I like the “blind” concept 1x per week, (maybe every other week). Thought some of the other posters had a good idea w/blind “day”(Mon or Tues). That said; I’m picking up a “mixed” case this week-end. I will definitly add a bottle of the Cliff Lede! See ya soon!
November 20, 2008

Hanzo
Hi Gary,

I liked this episode, too, just like you but I think if you did everyday, it would get stale. Maybe once a month would be good.
I played a little game called “Guess The Score” while watching your comments. I’ve been watching you long enough to usually know within a point how you would rate each of these wines. I got it right on the nose with wine #3 and #5 and was one point off for #1 and #4. The only one I was 3 points off (87 instead of 84) was wine #2.
This was a fun game for me to play on my end. Maybe you can mention it on you show and see if anybody else wants to play, too.

Hanzo
November 20, 2008

bendid
QOTD: Do it! Go blind the whole year..
November 20, 2008

YoungDave
FANTASTIC episode as always with the blind tasting episodes.

QOTD: HOWEVER, what makes the blind tasting episodes so great and welcomed is that they are unique and deviate from the norm. SO, although I definitely need to devote more time to blind tastings (maybe on per month or one every two weeks), the blind effect would lose its appeal and educational content would be sacrificed if too many shows were done blind.

Bottom line: More blind? Yes. All blind? Absolutely not.
November 20, 2008

Paulo
Gary:

Next time of a blind test please do mix 2 bottles of the same wine just to see what happens!

Paulo
November 20, 2008

Fulltime Lurker
QOTD: Blind all the time would lose some of the technical babble we enjoy during your rinse and discuss moments. Some have already mentioned it, but I’ll follow suite with the “One Blind Day” concept, like Blind Mondays or something similar. Great show, thanks for all you do.
November 20, 2008

Pete
Love the blind episodes. Focusing on the qualities of the wine rather than the brand/marketing is a fantastic format.

That said, I do love when you have guests that bring their own wines etc. Perhaps predominantly blind with an occasional special theme/format occasionally?
November 20, 2008

Tom G
I think one day a week for blinds is the way to go. I love them but there’s something to be said for trying specific wines and being able to spread knowledge about the wine (such as knowledge of the vineyard, winemakers, etc.).

Although there was definitely a Cab fad (one that I htink is still pretty strong), Napa Cabs are probably some of the best wines I’ve ever had. Stack them against any cab heavy Bordeauxs and you’ll see (especially if you prefer fruit forward wines like I do) that they compare very favorably.
November 20, 2008

Susan B
Enjoyed the blind cab episode, but I vote “no” to going blind for all the 2009 episodes.
November 20, 2008

torquey
QOTD: Some of my favorite episodes feature blind tastings, however I agree that going completely blind for 2009 would almost certainly become tiresome. After all, one of the most attractive qualities of WLTV is its unpredictability. One blind tasting per week seems like a stellar idea.
November 20, 2008

Danny C
go blind
November 20, 2008

Mark
Fun episode. I’ve been watching since episode 500 when I decided I wanted to know more about wine. I’m hooked–the energy borught to the show makes wine drinking an adventure.

I live in Cusco, Peru, so many of the wines on the show are not available in my small South American town. As such, they’ve gone to my “To Drink List” for when I travel or return to the States. In Peru, I’m largely drinking Argentine and Chilean Cabernet, Syrah, or Pinot Noir. That said, I’m very excited to try some Rieslings, Chablis, and other wines from the show.

Any other South American / expat viewers out there?

QOTD: I enjoy the blind format, but I also love the value-driven episodes wherein I know we might find a great wine at 10 to 15 bucks–my price point as a young wine drinker. Maybe the blind format is a twice-a-week format; probably not all year in my opinion.

Thanks, Gary.
November 20, 2008

hugh
Coming from an ophthalmologist I can’t recommend anyone going blind!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So let’s call it “masked” tasting…..
November 20, 2008

theemptyglass
QOTD: Gary part of your charm is that your always mixing things up! I think you should answer to the demand of more blinds but like others have said, don’t go for the whole year. I know its hard for you to stick to a regular schedule but I enjoyed laid back Fridays, and I think having a blind Tuesdays as someone else suggested would give the show some structure for the craziness to revolve around. That way some days we can look forward to a specific show and other days we can look forward to the unexpected.
November 20, 2008

bob murnane
More blind definitely. All blind, no way. The blind episodes are good but they run quite a bit longer.
November 20, 2008

Ryan D
QotD: Definitely not all the time… once a week or even biweekly is good.
November 20, 2008

Herm
I loved the blind tasting show….redo some of your old show(wine selections)
in the blind format and see the comparison.
November 20, 2008

MBG
LOVEEEEEE the blind format. Blind in ‘09!!!!
November 20, 2008

m4olivei
love the blind tasting episode, i say blind once a week, like a regular thing. blind all the time seems a bit crazy.
November 20, 2008

VALENTIN
Great show.
I vote for a blind (live if possible) show every week.

Keep up the good work.
November 20, 2008

CaseyLee
this episode was incredible. thanks.
QOTD the blind is cool but not for the whole year that seems a little overboard. i dont think it would last a whole year anyway .
November 20, 2008

Nate
@QOTD: Definitely continue to do blind tastings on WLTV! But not every episode. Maybe once a month
November 20, 2008

Jeff R
Agree with everyone’s comments – seems like a consensus – blind is a very good approach and I would be pleased to see it once a week (not the entire year). For example, blind taste off Wednesday’s!

Very good episode!
November 20, 2008

Justin
Great show — Couldn’t agree more about the Cliff Lede. Have had about 4 of these this year and they have been very consistent performers — great wine.
November 20, 2008

Chippewamike
Great show! Love the blind tastings but. . .

QOTD: . . . not every show. 1-2 a week would be cool.
November 20, 2008

dcpatton
QOTD: Love the blind tasting format. I say go blind one episode per week.
November 20, 2008

george greece
QOTD:Y E S !!!! ALL THE WAY!
November 20, 2008

brainpain
Great show GV!

QOTD: I think going blind the whole year would be a downer. I would like to see a few $10 wines up against some $50 in the same varietal without GV knowing about it. Just a suggestions and keep up the good work WLTV!
November 20, 2008

Paul Stonier
Very fun format. I dig it. A whole year is overboard, but why not 1 day a week?

p.s. is it me or is laid back Friday, not so laid back anymore? Missing the couch…
November 20, 2008

Scott from Salt Lake
QOTD: Its good to throw in a blind tasting once in a while, but they are not my favorites. I prefer to hear the stories on each winery/region. You dont to that when you go “blind”
November 20, 2008

ex-lurkdawg
I’d like to see one blind tasting per week. I don’t want you to use this format all the time. I’d also like it if the viewers knew which wine was which before seeing your tasting notes. You often tell us to pay more attention to your tasting notes than your scores, which I do, but it’s difficult for me to remember what you said about each wine as you unveil them. I guess it’s also time for me to mention (again) that I’d love to see a Madeira episode with one vintage Madeira at the end.
Thanks for another great show.
November 20, 2008

jon
great episode.

QOTD: LOVE blind tastings – they are one of my favorites. Don’t do 100% blind, but maybe 20%? One day per week blind? Call it Blind Wednesdays.
November 20, 2008

jeffe
I’m going to second what appears to be the overwhelming consensus here: keep the blind tastings as a way to mix it up here and there. We do love you being able to delve deep into the wines, and drop knowledge on the winery, the winemaker, the varietal and all that.

BTW: fantastic episode. One thing I found interesting: I usually watch on the iPod, so I’ve never noticed this before on blind tasting episodes, but here on the dot tv, I noticed the viddler flags popped up before the bottles came out of the bag. Which kinda undercut the drama a smidge.
November 20, 2008

CajunCrooner
Blinding it is da bomb, but not for the entire 09 year! It’ll be played after a coulple of months.
November 20, 2008

JLed
I am leaving tomorrow from Texas to visit Napa for my B-Day (24th I would LOVE a shout-out).

Thanks for the episode. I know now where I want to visit.

QOTD… Twice a week is good. The blind format can eliminate a little bias, but I do not want the thunder show to change THAT much!
November 20, 2008

Bob
Great show, Gary. I love it when you go blind, but I wouldn’t want it to happen every time. Could be fun to do it with guests though.
November 20, 2008

Phil M.
I would love ALL BLIND in ‘09. But, I imagine one day per week blind would be more palatable to most and should be the answer.
November 20, 2008

Garry M.
I’d say 3 a week would be pretty cool which leaves
some room for you to do different things the other 3… notice I said 3.
November 20, 2008

JimChem
Gary, I love blind tastings; keep it up. I would say 80% blind and 20% guest.

Great show.
November 20, 2008

Matt Westerman
QOTD: Do it!
November 20, 2008

late-start
Cliff Lede has been the topic of a few discussions on the fourm over the past few days; so it was good to see it do well.

QOTD: I’d like a blind once a week, maybe a “Blind Wednesday” to help get through the work week. Anymore then that and WLTV becomes nothing more then a wine review. I personally get more out of the episodes that “drop some knowledge” as I become more and more familiar with the wine world.
November 20, 2008

FifthGenTexan
Enjoyed the show. My opinion is to go partially blind. Do something like a “Blind Monday”, in the spirit of “Laid-back Fridays”.
November 20, 2008

manpod
Go Blind -either all the time or have Blind Mondays
November 20, 2008

Aged and Rounded
At least one day a week blind. I also like the shows where you talk about the wine and the region in advance of the tasting.
November 20, 2008

Amy
How about….Blind Fridays? Maybe Monday is a better day to blinded, or Wed’s when people have more time to watch since they are a longer running show as some Bob M pointed out. Pick ONE day a week, the same day each week for a few months, track the hits and time will tell.

Thanks for the THUNNNNDER!!

Amy C from Stevenson, WA
November 20, 2008

David Berck
Blind is great, but I would not want to see all blind. Go Titans.
November 20, 2008

Aged and Rounded
Why doesn’t Chris Stanisci post all your tasting results for every Episode? There are times I miss the videos for a week or two and will often check out Gary’s Scores to determine whether I want to see the video I missed. For example episodes 571-573 results are not posted. Most importantly, I often search for a new wine based upon Gary’s Scores. If there are good scores that are not posted, I won’t see them or try to buy the wine.
November 20, 2008

Terence F
Blind tastings have a lot of options. Throw some similarly priced Chilean cabs in the mix, for instance, and you’d have a totally different show. However, one of the things I love about Wine Library TV is when you get excited about a story and feature a wine on the basis of that background, and it would be a shame to go a whole year without fun stuff like the zork, and great winemakers coming in like Charles Smith.

So i’m going to second the Blind Mondays suggestion. Blind Mondays, Laid Back Fridays, and Thirsty Thursdays, that’s a lot of thunder each and every week!
November 20, 2008

Roro
I haven’t posted in a loooong while, but I had to for this episode because your bringing the thunder back. You changed the format for the newbies, but lost a lot of what you had trying to introduce different wines that are hard to find or not interesting to anyone. More often than not, I have turned you off not even half way through the show recently it seems. This episode is what you had before and more. That’s why you liked it also. Challenging what WS says. Let them know they are giving bad advice with their points for some of these Napa wines, especially. I vote blind tasting every other episode for 09′!
November 20, 2008

David
Yes, please go blind more often. Maybe not every episode in a year, but once a week, or once a month would be best.

They are fun, they give us better insight into you, pricing and quality. I also think your scores are based less on the brands you have history with, which is also very helpful to us.
November 20, 2008

Colin Bmore
Absolutely love the Blind shows. If you went a whole year that would be interesting but it would be hard to have guests and showcase wines you want. My guess is you wont do a whole year but if you did them more often I would definately be stoked.
November 20, 2008

Karl B.
QOTD – Definitely go blind!!!!!!!!!

See you on the Thunder Cruise!

Karl B.
November 20, 2008

bdshupe
I think the blind tastings are awesome and there should be more of them. The only thing that I’ve noticed is the introduction and history of the wines are turned off a little bit because you are stoked/disappointed. Blind tastings on Tuesdays and Thursdays and normal educational shows on MWF seems pretty awesome to me.
November 20, 2008

Matthew Hale
QOTD: Blind for a whole year would be great. You might not want to say 100% of the time though, just to leave room for some special occasions.
November 20, 2008

KenG
QOTD: Once a week would be plenty, your show is successful partly because of the variety. Changing it up a lot appeals to a broader base and you reach a wider audience. Focus on one format too much and it gets boring like the old media.

Can you do a show on California Meritage, these wines bring much more complexity.
November 20, 2008

Jake D
I love the blind tasting episodes. So I would definitely like to see more of them. A whole years worth though might be too much of a good thing. It would also not really give you any flexibility to do other types of shows.
November 20, 2008

Paryb
QOTD: I love blind tastings Gary! But for a whole year? No way man. Especially if you are tasting something special that a vayniac sends you. Though, Blind wednesday or something, that would be totally awesome. Seriously dude, new years resolution do one blind tasting a week.

You could even have contests where the Vayniacs or other critics or Sasha, or some random dude off the street pics the wines sometimes. Tre Fun.
November 20, 2008

J3rome
I liked this show too. Hmm blind tasting would be awesome to see. I saw someone say maybe not every episode but I could see you maybe having 1 day a week that will always be blind. I think that would make it fun.
November 20, 2008

Wayde Klipper
Blind in 2009!!!
November 20, 2008

lawschooldrunk
Gary, you have much more energy and enthusiasm when you do the blind tastings. I’d have to say that too many blind tasting consecutively will get tiring pretty fast.
November 20, 2008

marco
Excellent episode Gary! Good luck to your Jets this weekend–took the Titans in my pool, but I think there may be an upset brewing.

QOTH: I think all blind for next year would be too much…how about every other tasting being done blind? Then we get the best of both worlds.
November 20, 2008

henry trout
blind is the way to go. the only way to remove all prejudice.
November 20, 2008

Griz4life
GREAT!!!! I bought some Cliff Lede Stag’s Leap a few months ago and are cellaring. I’m hoping I like it as much as you do.

QOTD: No, don’t do blind tastings ALL year, but once a week or so would be great.

These Titans fans down here in Nashville are getting a little rowdy.
November 20, 2008

DKBlurker
QOTD: another vote for a blind tasting one day each week, but not everyday.

I like some of the other suggestions about mixing it up, adding some other varietals, comparing similar varietals from different regions, as well as a range of ratings and prices, to keep it real.
November 20, 2008

Lawn
gary V–I hated wine until I found this place. You are the thunder baby!
Yes..go 100% blind tasting for 2009.
We show your wine TV episodes on the big screen at work on lunch break! LOL
AL
November 20, 2008

ChrisR
QOTD: Maybe since you’ve ditched Fridays on the couch you can do Friday blind. I think more than once a week will start to get old, b/c it’s you playing a “see-what-I-like” and less about information.
November 20, 2008

Marshall Bock
Long-time lurker (iTunes), first-time commenter.

QOTD: I agree with a lot of the folks who’ve already posted; I dig your blind tastings, but all the time might be too much. Doing Blind Mondays sounds like a perfect compromise and an appropriate bookend as juxtaposed with Laid-Back Fridays.

Otherwise, I gotta say, love the show. You got me into wine, and now it’s something my girlfriend and I share and enjoy together, so thanks a ton for that. Keep up the Thunder!
November 20, 2008

Luke
Nice show. Sadly none of those wines fit into a college budget.

QOTD: Definitely do more blinds in 09, but the whole year would be WAY too much. And I don’t think shows with guests would work well blind.

But here’s a idea: Blind cheese library episode.
November 20, 2008

SJR
Blind tastings are a nice change of pace… keep it an ocassional thing! i couldnt take the brown paper bags every day!
November 20, 2008

oenanist
I definitely like the blind tasting format, and would like to see more. You might consider varying the brown paper bag, though. A good thing about the non-blind tastings is the visual appeal of the bottle labels.

I’ve been watching WLTV for I guess about a year now, and still find it entertaining and informative. So kudos for that! It’s even gotten me interested in the Jets a little bit.
November 20, 2008

Grasshopper
Sensei,

Your wise Mother always told you if you did that too much….you would go blind!!!!

I agree with many others, love the blind tastings but would not want 100% blind. Like the blind Tuesday concept.

Hopper
November 20, 2008

Scottie P
I gotta check the produce section for some “Raz-keese”.
GREAT Show! Love the energy and determination Gary.
QOTD: I really enjoy the blind tasting, but wouldn’t do it more than 2 episodes a week, tops. But no less than 1 show a week!!!!
November 20, 2008

DirtWineKen
How about doing it like the old Mickey Mouse Club shows (yeah, I know, you never saw it) where each day was a different theme. Blind Monday, Double Blind Tuesday, World Wide Wednesday (blind tasting with wines from wherever; but the same grapes), Bargain Basement Thursday (blind tasting of good wines that the rest of us can afford) and, Anything Goes Friday (hey, you should get to pick what you do at least one day of the week — seeing as how it’s your show).
November 20, 2008

bygdawg1996
Hey Great Show!!!
I dig the blind tasting as do most others, it would seem. I also agree straight blind the whole year would be to much of a good thing, but once a week would be perfect. I also think that a monthly show with Sasha would be awesome. See if you can talk him into it for us. Hey also lets see Mott pick some wines he might like to try. Bring em all into it maybe a staff pick show so we might be introduced to the other folks at the store.
Love the show as always can’t believe it has been a year since I found the THUNDER SHOW!!
November 20, 2008

Chris
Go Blind in 2009! Like others said, maybe not every day, but once a week would be perfect!
November 20, 2008

zac weiss
GO BLIND!
Like, carry one of those sticks with you to your office.
Blind Fridays are a pretty awesome idea too though. Probably more reasonable too…
November 20, 2008

Deano
Gary this episode killed it and I always love the blind episodes.

QOTD:
-YEAH GO BLIND!!!
November 20, 2008

jason shmanderson
i vote for blind tastings once a week. Blind is a good format but i also like the educational shows. I think the blind tasting would overshadow the various educational tidbits of the different wines. FYI the Cliff Lede did score 92 points in the spectator
November 20, 2008

Pierre
blind is the way!
thang again for the episode

just got back from the hospital with my newborn little boy
and just can’t wait to celebrate

“champagne everyone”

bye
November 20, 2008

John Farrin
Even filet EVERY night would start to wear. Once every 2 weeks seems about right.
November 20, 2008

Christophe
Blind in ‘09! Great idea.
November 20, 2008

Robert Provenz
drink wine blind in 09 sometime
November 20, 2008

Chriovorg
QOTD: Definately go with a once a week special like Blind Friday or Blind Humpday. Yah I like that.
November 20, 2008

thefaamakesmedrink
Gary Vee,

Even though we go through one bottle of Cab approximately every two years – not a lot of beef consumed in this house – #581 was a VERY entertaining episode! To commemorate, tonight I am putting off the chicken gumbo that the missus had originally suggested and have gone to the store for filet of sirloin (hey, I’m not made of money) and a bottle of Buehler 2005 Cabernet! Salud!

Regards,

Bryan Adams

P.S. Blind in ‘09!!!
November 20, 2008

NC Carl
dang right, yes blind rocks…but you might have to throw in some guests.
November 20, 2008

CindyW
Thanks for another fun episode. I’ve been enjoying California Cabs a lot recently, so it was good to see your take on a few. Definitely going to pick up a bottle or two of the Cliff Lede.

QOTD: I do like the blind tastings, but not for every single episode. How about the first episode of every month? Or “blind tasting Mondays”?
November 20, 2008

Mark
I’m in for Blind Tasting Tuesdays. Once a week sounds great, and having it be totally blind (not knowing the region or varietal beforehand) would be great. You need to get one of the new Ridel Blind tasting glasses. Its a black wine glass designed for blind tastings. Would love to see if you ever could mistake a red wine for a white or rosé tasting with that glass.
November 20, 2008

pawncop
Very good episode. Learned a lot from that.

QOTD – I would also suggest a weekly blind episode. One of the joys of this program is I never know what to expect. I encourage that quality.
November 20, 2008

Christian
QOTD: Blind tasting at least once a week. Need to get back to showing different wine cellars.
November 20, 2008

Michael
QOTD: More blind tastings would be great, but not more than once or twice a week. I like the shows where you do some education as well — rocking the knowledge — and you just can’t do that when you are doing it blind. Also, not when you have a guest (unless they are into that).
November 20, 2008

Kevin K
QOTD: Yes.
November 20, 2008

Fangorn81
Yes! You should definitely do blind tastings!! Though it could get you into trouble!

At the very least, you should incorporate some kind of blind tasting into the weekly lineup.
November 20, 2008

Mark S
Disappointed that the Barnett had a poor showing. I have enjoyed their cabs over the years.

QOTD: One blind tasting a week would be great. More than that would cut into the uniqueness of the show. I would also like to see more shows with wine and food.
November 20, 2008

CHICAGO MARK
GOOD EPISODE GV…MORE BLIND TASTINGS WITH LESS EXPENSIVE WINES WOULD BE OF MORE INTEREST .
GOOD LUCK WITH THE JETS THIS WEEK…GONNA BE A CLOSE GAME ME THINKS !
November 20, 2008

Cameron W
I like the blind format, but only once in a while. The issue is that it doesn’t allow for a good discussion of the winery, the vineyards that produced the grapes for that wine, the winemakers etc.

So keep doing the blind format, but perhaps one every few weeks would suffice.
November 20, 2008

Jlo31
Blind tastings all year would be fanastic! I love them! Cheers. Jlo
November 20, 2008

Robin C
QOTD: No, but please have a blind tasting on the cruise for us.
November 20, 2008

Bluestreak
One of your lurkers coming out to comment for the first time.

Loved the blind format! Definitely do more tastings like this next year.

I do agree with others that once a week would be better.
November 20, 2008

jonomck
GO BLIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 20, 2008

Carl Pollard
Yes! Do at least one weekly blind tasting. Gary, include a blind tasting of N.Y. wines.
November 20, 2008

Flavio
Blind all the way. We need some double-blind shows and a way for people to send in their picks (to Matt or Ian) for blind tastings.
November 20, 2008

Clifford
Great show! Going blind is definitely more entertaining.

Gotta agree with many others — once a week would be perfect.
November 20, 2008

california cab lover
I am for the Blind Monday, Laid Back Friday format; though I could stand the blind once or twice a month. I like the information on the region, grape, vintner etc. Not enough time with the blind tasting.
November 20, 2008

I-Lurk
Go blind in 2000 nined! Love the blind format!
November 20, 2008

AndrewB
I Love 2009!!!
Go Blind! Try the 2007 Les Amis Bouissierre!
November 20, 2008

Mike S.
Gary – go blind!! More fun for us, and I think it helps you, too, without those preconceived notions.
November 20, 2008

Jason
I like the blind tastings but not an everyday thing. I like your input don’t feel a blind tasting allows you to give us the same input.
November 20, 2008

jason carey
no don’t commit yourself. variety is the spice of life.. mix it up /.
November 20, 2008

anton
I agree with some of the other comments. Don’t commit to blind-only. But definitely more blind shows in the future!

Keep it up.
November 20, 2008

Brad G
QOTD: I like the blind tasting, and maybe you could do more of them, but the I would miss all the back story you have on the wines and when you have wine makers on with their wines. So I am going to say no, but definitely more blind tasting.
November 20, 2008

Ryan W
Your damn skippy. Blind tastings is the best way to go. No biases.
November 20, 2008

jack
At least once a week.
November 20, 2008

kakafuty
Blind once a week, the way it should be!
November 20, 2008

Kevin
QOTD: I’m a big fan of the blind tasting, and agree with some comments that a weekly blind day would be cool.
November 20, 2008

dee
QotD: YES….go “Blind in ‘09″
November 20, 2008

Brian Eager X-Man
Love the blind format…it’s the real deal but don’t go 100% with it. Once a week or two would be good. All this Napa talk is getting me very excited. My daughter and I will be there for Thanksgiving and a few days after. Can’t wait to see your picks to rock our experience. You’re the best! A lurker no more….promise. Brian
November 20, 2008

Jordan
A year of blindness! Do it!
November 20, 2008

GregStefos
Go blind twice a week. Good show today.
November 20, 2008

Iúri Almeida
DEFINITELY!!!

Please go totally blind next year, unless your are doing a show about something very specific that you’d like to show us.

Iúri, from Brazil
November 20, 2008

rick t
I vote blind for ohhhhnine
November 20, 2008

Chris F.
Blind Blind Blind……Definitely the way to go.Removes any animosity or preconceived notions.Just the sniffy sniff and taste buds to rely on.Oh and go jets!!
November 20, 2008

anna
once a week, yes. nice show, gary.
November 20, 2008

Shaunalee
Yes Go Blind!!!! For the Whole year!! Great Idea.

SLD
November 20, 2008

Waiterboy
Do more blind, but not all blind. Its fun, it makes good vid entrainment…
I just don’t buy that it gets a ‘true’ prepective on wine. Someone still choices the wine there still is basis– its hiden removed by an step. What I try do and what feel this I like about this show help me with and experience is an understand of my own basis and how reflects my own palate and my own limitations.
Thanks
November 20, 2008

Jeff Slobotski
Blind in ‘09!

Great show Gary—the “blind” episodes really make it amazing and shows just how much you truly know your stuff!
November 20, 2008

VinnyV
Loved the show.. Everytime you have a blind tasting you think someone is going to slip in a curveball but I’ve never seen one. Somebody please throw a curve once in a while.
November 20, 2008

Stephen Pandy
I just finished watching #581. Go Blind in ‘09! (its catchy) I thought the episode was awesome. Keep up the good work.
November 20, 2008

Eli2Tyree
LOVE THE BLIND!!!! go blind peaassse unless its an educational episode… I like learning new things about wine
November 20, 2008

Chris
Another lurker checking in. Blind shows are fun but doing them all the time would be too much.
November 20, 2008

Eric Holm
As a lurker,with my shirt on,blind all the time would be tooooooooo much but the episode and past blind episodes were very informative and a great. Keep them coming!
November 20, 2008

Murso
GV -I’m totally with you on the first two…. and then some. Generally (read: when it’s my money) I pass on all wineries that belong to major international concerns. I know that their priority is to the stock holders, etc., blah blah blah. I know there’s far too much wine out there being made by people with real passion for quality, taste, and a commitment to deliver to their true fans.

Barnett, also bummed me out, but only because the Rattlesnake Hill was way overpriced, and just didn’t wow me.

to be contnued…
November 20, 2008

yowens
QOTD: I like the blind episodes but i think they work best for wines the viewers are familiar with like Napa Cab. It would be tough and less interesting with wines from lesser known areas.
November 20, 2008

sara l.
gary, LOVE the blind. maybe you could do blind fridays? Going all blind might turn off newbies who want to learn about wine…
November 20, 2008

Christo
Gary I fear that your beard is going to grow long like Motts but then I guess you can paint the beard white and Play Secret Santa at Wine Library! Now that would be a fun episode!

Blind taste test rocked! It was fun to see you try these wines! I really wish you would try a Cabernet called Vine Cliff from Napa Valley… want to see how you would rate that!

QOTD: YES!!! Blind Taste Tests all of ‘09 that would be pretty cool! How about just the first quarter at least! Cause I really enjoy when you have your guests!
November 20, 2008

Tristen
All blind all the time!
November 21, 2008

Keith
I like the education episodes too, but YES, “Blind in ‘09″…at least once per week.
November 21, 2008

Fost
I vote for blind weekends.

Love the show.
November 21, 2008

Carly L
This was a fantastic episode, but…

QOTD: NO!!! I love variety, and if you had to do every 2009 show this way, you would severely limit yourself. I think once or twice a week at MOST.
November 21, 2008

Murso
Steltzner does a great job on their Cabs in particular – Stags Leap estate fruit always delivers for anyone fortunate enough to get fruit from the area (Pine Ridge, Clos du Val, et al). SLD Cabs actually ran under $20 ten years ago, and it was an incredible amount of fruit in that bottle. Unfortunately, with Reserve bottlings, many wineries tend to definately oak the Hell out of the stuff, but I’m hoping that this is a trend that can be moderated.(My personal caveat is to generally avoid Reserve bottlings of blue chip wineries) Steltzner Claret, though not quite as remarkable, usually delivers good wine/ decent value at a much lower price point.

My earlier point about conglomerate-owned operations is illustrated (inveresly) by Peter Newton’s and his wife’s dedication, and genius. You might have told the Vayniacs that Newton was the founder of Sterling Vineyards, waaay back in 1964. And he made a gorgeous winery, and built a great brand, and made very good wine – and sold it to Coca-Cola in 1977, who made money off of it, and turned around and sold it to Seagram, who then sold it to Diageo… and these days, this nonsense goes on by the week. And while they have skilled hands at the helm, and billions at their disposal, ultimately, it’s just shuffling a bunch of checkers around a board to them, and where they’ll make more money this week as opposed to last.

All of Newton’s wines, and vineyard and cellar practices are about reaching the pinnacle of quality. It shows in every one of their wines. I actually had one wine from them, which we’d purchased the entire state allotment of – and I was hesitant on this move, cause I wasn’t mad for the balance of that particular wine, but at our special offered price, the public bought the entire pallate in like, a week or something – much of it bottle by bottle, but a healthy amount going for 6-pack cases. It was after THAT that we got first dibs on that ‘02 unfiltered Chard- and we started racking up the REAL exclusive on awesome stuff. Every person who tasted that wine was blown clean away! I felt really proud to have products like that.

I haven’t had Cliff Lede wines as of yet, but am def. on the lookout.

Thanks for another great ep!
November 21, 2008

apj_bobswineguy
I am so out-voted here. Do LESS BLIND.
Actually, looks like I’m the only one who does NOT like this format.
Oh well. I’ll stay tuned.
November 21, 2008

Kimberly
Love the blind format, but like others, think maybe once a week would be good. Every day would be too much for you and us!
November 21, 2008

Warren Peace
Just a quick note. The 2005 Cliff Lede (pronounced “laydee”) was rated 92-94 by Wine Spectator.
November 21, 2008

Andrew D
Hi Gary

I liked the show thanks??? All those big, expensive Napa Cabs has me wandering about Napa Cab. Are these the reserve or premium labels for these wineries? Do they have normal realise wines at normal prices?? In Australia not may wineries would release a standard estate wine at $40-$60 and expect to sell it, maybe Pinot’s a bit different…

QOTD: Like blind, but also like it when wines are selected for a more ‘educational’ focus. Certainly more blind is cool, but keep the mix up.

Cheers
Andrew
November 21, 2008

tigerkite
QOTD: Once a week.
November 21, 2008

djs
QOTD:yes
November 21, 2008

ponuppy
Nice show Gary!
I do love the blind format but the entire year is quite a commitment.
November 21, 2008

Todd
QOTD: YES!!!
November 21, 2008

D
QOTD: Yes, blind all the time.
November 21, 2008

gabriel palley
once a week for sure, but i, like so many others, think a whole year would be a bit much.
November 21, 2008

AMM3RD
One blind episode per week in ‘09! There is a lot of value from non-blind shows where there is more information shared…AMM
November 21, 2008

Rob R
I vote every 3rd show is a blind tasting. Maybe every Wednesday.
November 21, 2008

Sharon
A lurker coming out…

Yes, I love the idea of lots of blind tastings…but please also keep sharing information on regions, grapes, etc. Perhaps you can do focused wine tastings, but share information about the region/grape beforehand.

Thanks so much!! Love the show!
November 21, 2008

Matt
Love the blind tastings. A couple of time a week would be great!
Great show this week. Keep it up!!!
November 21, 2008

Derek
QOTD: ABSOLUTELY GO BLIND. (But mix in some other stuff too like the wine list reviews and whiskey tastings and straight-up nonblind wine tasting)

Couldn’t agree with you more on the Cliff Lede Cab. My wife and I visited there over the summer and picked up a few bottles after tasting it. It’s awesome and was a fun find.
November 21, 2008

karenp
QOTD: more blind tastings would be good but not every show! Some of us have different palettes than you do and so the ratings aren’t as educational as the other format.
November 21, 2008

Greg
QOTD: I really like the idea, but not for an entire year. Try a month and see how people react and then go from there.
November 21, 2008

Eric S.
Love the blind tasting episode. So for question of the day, I think you should definitely do these more, maybe not the entire year, but once a week. I think it is fun to hear your remarks when you have no preconceived notions about a bottle from where it is from.
November 21, 2008

billyg
once or twice a week blind is ideal.
November 21, 2008

MattUD
QOTD: While I really do enjoy the blind tastings, I don’t think I would like them everyday. Maybe once a week or everday for a few weeks.
November 21, 2008

Nico
yes!!! Blind all year… these are always my favorite episodes by far!
November 21, 2008

danseng
Great show. Love the blind tastings, but not every show. I’d say at least once a week though. They are even better when you don’t everything about the wine. Like episodes where you do Syrah/Shiraz from around the world and then try to guess where it’s from and the price.
November 21, 2008

KTF
I love the blind tastings but mix it up with more weight being placed on the blind tastings. Lets do a blind tasting on the cruise!!!
November 21, 2008

Andrew
great show, but not for everyone…jsu tone of anything aint good…got to keep mixing it up…you’d get bored with all those brown paper bags!
November 21, 2008

elliottf
Good show, Gary. I would say to stick with your usual format but maybe throw a blind tasting in once a week or so. It’s fun but you know what they say about too much of a good thing..
November 21, 2008

Logan
Great episode Gary!

QOTD: How about blind Thursdays- five wines from a selected format, and maybe have your peeps try to trick you once in awhile! I think it’d give the show some cool balance and us Vayniacs something special to look forward to each week!
November 21, 2008

Matthew
Yes! Go blind for 2009.
November 21, 2008

Jon-Paul Lenczuk
Always a fan of the blind tastings, Gary! Kudos to you!

Answer to QOTD: Do more blinds, but not for entire year–maybe 2 days a week? Still have to account for your guests and other tastings, like the cheese!
November 21, 2008

laposte
QOTD:
I enjoyed this episode and an occasional blind tastings but for the whole year, absolutely NOT. Actually I enjoy shows with just 2-3 wines, gives you time to talk about cellaring potential, food pairings, decanting time. but keep in mind i am your fathers age, not exactly your target audience.
November 21, 2008

Paul Z
QOTD: One blind tasting each week is perfect.
November 21, 2008

Tim
Really good episode, love the blind tastings. I’m a fan of Cliff Lede & they have a Claret that is half the price of the Cab & it shows very well.
QOTD- Do one blind tasting per week for all 2009…
November 21, 2008

Bimi
Good Show!
QOTD: Love the blind tastings, but I also enjoy the more focussed episodes giving more backround to a specific wine, region etc. This would not be possible with only blind tastings. Once a week blind, maybe just once in two weeks is sufficient!

Btw, how to get some wristbands over here in germany? ;P

Cheers
Andreas
November 21, 2008

ozzybeef
Loved the show.

QOTD: Yes – more blind
November 21, 2008

Z
gary, love the blind. i would like to see a blind value driven episode ($15 and under). i feel like i am getting smarter with each episode.
November 21, 2008

KevDog2020
GV,

Long time viewer/lurker here, but coming out of the woodwork today – no idea why!?

I would agree with most folks and say once a week. I too appreciate the “no preconceived notion” aspect of the blind tasting, but also dig the other aspects of your show as well; i.e., guests, food choices, etc.

Love this program and have turned many the friend onto it. You rock my man!
Good luck to your boys in Green on Sunday! Looking for an EPIC game!
November 21, 2008

Stephen
Yes, go blind! Once or twice a week would be great.
November 21, 2008

Sarah
? of the day…once a week blind tastings would be fun! but not all year
November 21, 2008

Tina & Andy
Lurkers saying PLEASE more blind tastings! Love these, but always enjoy your show.

We are from the states now living in Switzerland and enjoying a whole new world of wines. Would love to see some more Italian shows since we are drawn to these.
November 21, 2008

JoE
Fantastic segment! I agree, every 3rd episode or one a week would be great.
November 21, 2008

NYSE Wine
QOTD.

Love the blind shows. I think it keeps you on your toes. I don’t think all blind in ‘09 is a good idea. The show is well rounded. I think more blind shows should be added. Maybe once every week to week and a half.

Cheers!
November 21, 2008

Jess
Blind is fun but not every show please. Variety is the spice of life! It is a good idea to have one day a week dedicated to blind tasting- something to look forward to each week.
Thanks for another great show!
November 21, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: Yes.

However, a note, perhaps Mott could bury the links to the wines somewhere else, or perhaps not put them in winning order?
November 21, 2008

TommyBoBo of WI
Heck Ya!!!! do it,,, but stay green,, recycle the bags, Francis will love you for it. = )
November 21, 2008

Brian
The blind tastings are a definate “YES”…
Couple of times a week is good, I like the idea someone else had about “Blind Thursdays”. I like to see your reactions at the end of the day when the wines are un-wrapped.
PS. Happy be-lated Birthday!
November 21, 2008

MikeL
Great show! Love the blinds show, but I think once a week would be perfect!
November 21, 2008

YvetteW
I think blind tasting is an excellent idea! Definately adds more surprise, mystery, and the unexpected to your show! Would shoot off like crazy.

Keep it up, love your shows as always though.
November 21, 2008

Susan
Gary, Can’t figure out IF anyone liked this ‘blind’ episode…………………………………….hum……………………….LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 21, 2008

chukhead-ted
MY FIRST POST EVER!

Huge lurker coming out here just for you Gary! I HAVE WATCHED EVERY EPISODE–I started watching with ep 1 in April 2008 and after an 8 month non-stop barrage of WLTV in my face I am finally all caught up to date and now a LURKER NO MORE!

I felt so bad watching all those episodes as a lurker, but I didn’t want to really old episodes.

QOTD–Gary, YES! Blind episodes are my favorites. You always talk about getting rid of preconceived notions and this is the only way. PLEASE do a weekly blind episode–like “blind tuesdays.”

Also–since you asked recently–the real short hair does not suit you so well–better to keep it a little longer.

I am a law school student in NYC, so i am not too far removed from the CKC (big shout out!)

also gary–you have toned it down WAY too much on the openings in the last 50 episodes or so, I want you to SHOUT IT OUT on Monday “HELLO EVERYBODY WELCOME TO WINELIBRARY TV I AM YOUR HOST GARY VAY-NER-CHUK…” after the jets win real big on sunday in tennessee!

I am a giants fan (what up mott!) but i root for the jets over anyone but the giants, so no animosity there at all. I am going for the JETS big time this weekend especially for you, and I was trying to picture your reaction when the jets beat the pats in OT! Happy belated birthday too!

p.s. the new opening with the vaynerchuk cab is actually too loud.

anyway, look for my posts now hopefully every day and thank you so much SS CHRIS for the awesome, awesome job on the scores! Thank you Mott for being the mottster (so glad he finally got a shirt!), and thank you GARY for teaching me so much about wine and encouraging me to expand my palate… and always reminding everyone the importance of family and friends.
November 21, 2008

Dennis Ray Nestor Jr.
Once A week would rock.
November 21, 2008

Glenn
caught this episode @ 30K ft on my Ipod. great show. do one blind month, 20-25 different varietals blind via region. would be a fun month…
November 21, 2008

Craig G
Go blind until 2009. Interesting to see how things will pan out. Great tasting today. I was glad to see the Newton make a mark.
November 21, 2008

candapete
I agree with Logan, a day a week of blind tastings would be great. Everyday is just a little overboard.
November 21, 2008

Tim Wiseman
Absolutely! +1 on Blind in ‘09.

I love the blind tasting … GREAT SHOW.

Thanks GV!
November 21, 2008

Marc
QOTD: all blind, all the time.
November 21, 2008

jimkay
All blind – single blind, you know the wines, but not the order.
November 21, 2008

thecobalt9
qotd – not all the time, but yeah maybe do a double-blind tasting of a single varietal and its expressions around the world – like syrah from australia, cali, and rhone, stuff like that….
November 21, 2008

Miko
i <3 blind! You should go blind at least once a week!
November 21, 2008

Lois and Greg
good show.
Mix blind with single bottle in-depth shows.
November 21, 2008

abucketfull
As an impartial observer I believe that blind is the only way to go. When your tasting blind your removing yourself from the hype, the branding, and the celebrity of the wine industry.
November 21, 2008

Keith Brown
QOTD: Love the blind tastings…but it should maybe be 60/40…do 3 a week, and do other features the other 2. Hmmm… on the other hand, maybe 40/60. The problem is, when you go blind, you’re at the mercy of whoever picks out the wines. When you do the other formats, I learn a LOT about varietals, domaines, tasting, culture, etc… so I’d hate to lose all that. Everything’s a tradeoff I guess, but bottom line, I WOULD like to see MORE blind tastings.
November 21, 2008

Dr. Dan
Definitely like the blind tastings, Gary. But, I don’t think that an entire year of the them would be great. It’s nice to mix it up.
November 21, 2008

John M Heavey
Go with the blind once a week. Love the format. Also, I like to see how Gary’s scores match up with the WS and RP.
November 21, 2008

MNGeorge
Blind tastings- let’s face it- there is NO other way to be completely credible about opinions on tastings. I find when I get together with wine friends, we all want to do tastings blind to test ourselves. Frankly, I watch your blind tasting shows 10-1 versus the others…
November 21, 2008

BobMac
Love the blind tastings
November 21, 2008

Alvin
Hmm, very interesting. I think once a week would be pretty cool. Blind Thursdays maybe?
November 21, 2008

Thanks to our Vets!
Don’t go blind all year…I’d actually go with “Blind Fridays” and go to “Laid back Mondays”.
November 22, 2008

Jimmy
Good job with your tasting, go blind baby. Every week the Bobs come to lunch and blind taste at my restaurant, I learn SO MUCh. challenge yourselve with the blind tastings.
Cheers, Jimmy
November 22, 2008

Travis
Blind, baby, blind!
November 22, 2008

dkp
yo gary. take it easy. . .

one blind day per week is enough

peace !
November 22, 2008

Dan-o
GV – I really enjoyed the show. I like the blind format. I would only do this once per week, but let’s at least do one per week.
November 22, 2008

jawsh
Gary – definitely more blinds in 2009. Not sure if every tasting should be blind, but at least once every 2 weeks.
November 22, 2008

Dave
O M G gary… YES YES YES YES YES… blind in 2009. THAT would bring SERIOUS thunder my friend… that would be awesome.
November 22, 2008

Keith Miller
I say once a week is good…
November 22, 2008

JackChimney
I love the blindness in terms of the testing. It seems so much more legitimate. I’d say 100% blind is a bit too much. For me, 3 out of 5 days blind would be ideal.
November 22, 2008

James
Blind in 2009!
November 22, 2008

Chris
Go blind!! A great way to find exceptional value in lesser known wines.
November 22, 2008

The Oak Monster
I made my appearance in the cotton candy #4. ARGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
November 22, 2008

The Oak Monster
Go Stevie Wonder all the way. Blind is great and lots of fun for you and us.
November 22, 2008

Pete G
Great show. LOVE the blind tastings. THE best. BTW Cliff Lede has been
making some great stuff as of late.

QOTD: YES YES YES!!! Put on your best set of Ray Charles and do it! It
would be a year on constant surprises.
November 22, 2008

Sarah
Great show Gary! I think going blind all the way is too much, but maybe doing it once a week would be great. I love the variety of all the episodes, makes WLTV fun to watch!
November 22, 2008

Brian
I have to admit, I love the blind format. So my vote is definitely, blind for the year!
November 22, 2008

Jorge Oteyza
Yes this is the best way to judge wine no labels just blind……………

A show of expertise on your part Gary

by the way Go Pats!!!
November 22, 2008

Jorge Oteyza
go blind !!!!!

I love it
November 22, 2008

The Doc
QOTD – Yes, Yes, Yes
November 23, 2008

FriscoGrapes
How about blind Wednesday? Some fun to get us over the hump.
November 23, 2008

Eric R
I don’t know that you need to go blind every episode for an entire year, but I would LOVE to see significantly more blind tastings (maybe at least once a week).
November 23, 2008

luvgrapesqueezings
Good ep GV!! Think about how ‘tasting blindly’ can keep preconceived notions of price/quality in check. I’m sure you will consider the advantages and flexibility in NOT tasting all the wines next year blindly, (greater format and thematic range, people wouldn’t feel bummed out if you deviated from a ‘rigid’ blind format etc…). However, doing a couple of blind tasting a week would probably be fantastic. How about a “Blind Humpday” or “Blind Thursday” show as a regular theme?
November 23, 2008

luvgrapesqueezings
Go Pats- Squish da Fish!!!!!!!!!!
November 23, 2008

poisonpeacock
DO IT BLIND!
November 23, 2008

JayZee
I liked this episode, too! But don’t go exclusively blind either. More blind tastings would be good, but the mixed bag and other formats are also good so keep mixing it up, Gary.
November 23, 2008

Dominus
I lovvvvved this episode! “Razz-siss?”

Been away for a couple days. Catching up on the Napa cab shows. Sitting shiva due to the wife and I losing our Moms within two days of each other.

QOTD: “Goin’ Blind for ‘09″ sounds like a good moniker to me.

P.S. Just finished watching da Jets SPANK THE TITIANS!!! Congrats G-Man!
November 23, 2008

traderspartan
Taste blind for sure in 2009.
November 23, 2008

Susan
Gary- THE JETS WON 34 to 13 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 23, 2008

cpd
Blind me up!
November 23, 2008

tinman9
Great show GV. I have the Cliff Lede Suav Blanc on the list and have heard good things about the Cab Sauv, looking forward to trying it.

QOTD: BLIND FOR ‘09. THE FORMAT MAKES FOR A MUCH BETTER SHOW.
November 23, 2008

Larry
Gary maybe you should have a blind day of the week or a blind week of the month first.
We took a trip to your library yesterday $215.00 later we are developing a nice collection. Blown away what a great presention how about opening on Long Island.
November 23, 2008

AaronW
Hey gary,
loved the show.
Was the flavor that stumped you with the #5 wine “anchovy”?
November 23, 2008

Tom D
Yes ! Go Blind in ‘09 !!
November 23, 2008

Mike
Once a week blind tasting Tuesdays (or whenever) would be good.
November 23, 2008

Mike
Love the show!

Blind seems more challenging to you and it gives a much more objective analysis.

Fun Episode!
November 23, 2008

christopher foley
Is it Le-Day? Or Lady? (Cliff Lede)
Thanks for the great show, I work in the local wine shop in Georgia. I will try the winning cab. from your show and it should sell well for the holiday season. Thanks again for helping me fine wines to try since my budget is limited.
YES, I DO BELIEVE THAT BLIND IS THE WAY TO GO!
CHRIS
November 23, 2008

John T
Gary, you should do a blind test one day each week!
November 23, 2008

Greg Birch
Wine gives you hairy palms and makes you go BLIND!
November 23, 2008

CollegeFootballisNumberOne
“Blind in ‘09″. It’s like a bumper sticker, T-Shirt, or sweatband logo. GV can you cut me in on some of the profits?

GV, Lots of football left but Oklahoma or Texas vs the SEC champ in the BCS game?
November 24, 2008

my2cents
One vote for blind part of the time.

One vote for Guests part of the time.

One vote for Gary as usual part of the time.

Why not do the show with the really cool guys from Volta?

Enjoying the comments as much as the shows. Thanks.
November 24, 2008

Achilleas in Cyprus
I think you need to mix and match the shows – some normal, some guests, some blind, some non-wine, some … whatever.

It’s the mix that makes the show so good.
November 24, 2008

thunderball
Once a week…..blind my friend.
November 24, 2008

SaraMHCRU
Blind is good. But food pairing shows and guests are fun too, so as long as you can incorporate variety alongside the blind tastings, I say go for it. Surprises at the end make it interesting!
November 24, 2008

David Dickinson
I like the blind tastings, but I think 1 per week would be good. I also like the cheese & food pairings. You do a great job GV. Thanks.
November 24, 2008

Stapy1
http://vinomundo.blogspot.com/ I loved this episode and was glad to see some names that are readily available. I too was disapointed in the Beringer.

QOTD: I don’t know, blind tasting is cool but I think I would be tired of it if you did it every single time for a year. I agree with some other comments that you should just run special blind tasting series or perhaps do blind tastings once per week or something like that.
November 24, 2008

JEFFREY SLYTER
Gary – Another absolutely rivoting performance by GV!!
YES SIR, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE …… MORE BLIND TASTING’S AT YOUR DISCRETION AS TO FREQUENCY. WHY MORE BLIND TASTINGS???? BECAUSE IT ALL BOILS DOWN TO TASTE & QUALITY – - – - – NOT PRICE AS YOU SO APTLY HAVE DEMONSTRATED. TOO MANY OF US ARE INCORRECTLY “flavored” BY PRICE, THINKING THE MORE WE PAY, THE MORE WE WILL GUARANTEE OURSELF & OTHERS THE PERFECT BOTTLE OF WINE – OH SO NOT TRUE! thanks again Mr. V.
I know you are beaming this fine Monday as the JETS beat the Titans – you are soooo good ” G man “!
November 24, 2008

Rossodio
Hey Gary,

Yeah, blind is great. With the exception of off-site shows (for example, if you do a show during the Thunder Cruise, or head up to the Meadowlands for a show) and guest appearances where blind service may not be appropriate, I think you should go all blind.

That being said, it is always great to hear your knowledge about different wineries and wines, and perhaps if you do go blind you should a) continue to follow show themes, as you do now, and b) maybe even know the 5 wines you do before a given show, just not which bottles they are in, so that when you do reveal them you can have your notes about the wineries and wines in your head.

Just my two cents.
November 24, 2008

Alter
Go blind at least once a week….great episode!
November 24, 2008

Bored Doe
Great Show… Love the blind format. I would say once a week for blind tastings would be awesome
November 24, 2008

Valentin
This again confirmed that the mainstream Cali Cabernets are totally overpriced. It is really insane. QOD: Yes, do the blind format more often.
November 24, 2008

MBannon
How about making “blind” be the default format for ‘09, but allow some exceptions (guest shows, etc)? So kinda the reverse of the current format.

Good show! CA Cabs scare me – too spotty and the price tag doesn’t tell you much.
November 24, 2008

Bobby Bo
Great show. I really like the blind format, esp because I can skip to the end and get a better side by side comparison. Its esp. great for some of the more common wines, that most people know. These wines should be covered up, your judgements would hold much more weight. For more esoteric wines though, I think you should leave the labels out so you can talk more about the specific grapes and regions ect.
QOTD: Blind at least once a week, but not for the more off the beaten path wines.
November 25, 2008

Randy C
Go Blind at least a couple times a month. The format is entertaining.
November 25, 2008

Stephen
Gary,

Love the show. I vote for going blind once a week, but with more commonly available wines.

You da man.

Regards,
Stephen
November 25, 2008

Nik
QOTD – I think go blind for at least 2 shows out of every week. Doing every single show blind would be way over the top.. and would mean you wouldn’t be able to do interviews with winemakers or owners from the industry.
November 25, 2008

PSPatrick
I really like the blind format and I’d say that at least one and up to two shows per week would be fun. Going all shows blind – no thanks. Special themes shows are also entertaining and education and shows with guests tend to be awesome. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket…
November 25, 2008

Carlitos
QOTD. YES, blind ALL THE WAY. Even YOU have PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS!!!
November 25, 2008

Eli
I love the blind format. But I wouldn’t do it every day. How about once a week?
November 25, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: How about 75% of the time…
November 25, 2008

MannyPants
YES TO BLIND
November 25, 2008

Colin
Blind all the time. No question.
November 25, 2008

Collin
QOTD – Blind is great but even Christmas would lose a little something if it happened everyday. Keep it spontanious, a few times a week/month. Never had Cliff Lede but I will now.
November 25, 2008

mnlope
Please go blind the entire year of 2009…go blind forever. It’s the most impartial format and the most exciting to watch.
November 25, 2008

astropress
I like one blind taste a week, at least. but not every day. make it a little special.
November 26, 2008

John
Blind 20% of the time.
November 26, 2008

DH
“And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.” Isaiah 29:18.

Mass is held once a week.
November 26, 2008

Hugh McCabe
Great show, I like the unbiased format.
It reminds of a recent blind tasting in New Zealand of 6 Hawkes Bay bordeaux blends vs 6 top Bordeaux from the 2005 vintages.
It is on http://www.geoffkellywinereviews.co.nz.
The bordeaux wines included 3 first growths along with Cos d’Estornel and Troplong Mondot and ranged in price from $US 144 to $574, the New Zealand wines were between $US $16.40 to $41.
Judges included James Halliday the noted Australian wine judge and author and Elin McCoy from the US.
Suffice to say the most highly rated wine was not from France and the QPR of the $16.40 wine was staggering! That one was Trinity Hill “The Gimblett”.
Now I’m sure you could do a similar tasting with Napa vs Bordeaux with similar results but the Napa wines would be more expensive than the Kiwi ones.
Currently our NZ dollar is the “Pacific Peso” at 55 US cents.
Maybe you could try some of our Hawkes Bay reds vs Napa or Bordeaux blind, with the stipulation the the average price of the Napa or Bordeaux wines should be twice that of the New Zealand wines.I think the kiwi wines still would stack up well.
November 26, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Any and all tastings done blind should be the way to go. That way there is less bias as you said in a previous episode that you liked the guys and this would definitely affect the tasting experience. I have not liked Beringer in 15 years so not surprised how the tasting came out. Cliff Lede has been up and down. I didn’t know that Newton had an unfiltered Cabernet and I do like the Chardonnay so I may have to try it.
November 26, 2008

Jimmy T
QOTD: Not the whole year but maybe a commitment. “Blind Tuesdays” or something like that.
November 26, 2008

Dave from VA/FL
Hey GV, thanks for continuing the blind tastings, I really enjoy watching them!
November 26, 2008

John
Not the whole year, I do like the idea of at least one day a week.
November 27, 2008

Stu Scrace
Hey Gary, I love the BLIND, but for the entire year maybe not such a good idea, as suggested by most other people maybe like once or twice a week, “Blind Tuesdays” was mentioned that’s a cool idea, and could be a wristband idea too.

Keep doing what you do.

Stu
November 27, 2008

Russ J
Blind for 2009! Maybe a few “special” non-blind shows…..
November 27, 2008

Dave from VA/FL
QOTD: Ditto the other comments to do blind once a week…
November 28, 2008

Ex_Cuse88
Lurked for about a year now. Enjoyed the blind taste, but not for everyday. How about Blind Fridays?
November 28, 2008

Kelly Goff
Loved this episode, and yes blind, but not too much…
November 29, 2008

Kris Moe
Enjoying your shows and straight talk about the wines. My palate is definately gaining a vocabulary through your shows. In golf terms you’re lowering my palate handicap!

I like the blind once a week.

Cheers!
November 30, 2008

ShawnDK
I would say about 80% blind would be awesome. There has yet to be a boring or uninteresting blind episode. It just works.
December 1, 2008

Kurt
QOD: You do not need to be blind for the entire year, but once or twice a week would be great.
December 1, 2008

M. Lee
Blind Tuesdays work for me!

(Keep Fridays for your ‘casual / couch Fridays’ )
December 1, 2008

Robert S
Go blind all year!
December 1, 2008

Kristen
I love when you do blind episodes because the descriptions seem to get more interesting. Beets! I don’t think I’ve ever heard that one before!

QOTD: I think everyday would be too much (and would take up too much precious time), but once a week or so would be great!
December 2, 2008

Maggie and Steve
We just found you thanks to “Let’s Knit Together” — a strange but intriguing knitting podcast Maggie has been following for about 6 mos. That podcaster featured her stint on yoru show on her podcast,we started to download and follow you (Maggie is a HUGE Jet fan from way back when — the days when she was a little girl sitting beside her daddy at Shea Stadium — and so we both feel we’ve found a kindred oenophile and Jetfan). This “blind” tasting episode was the first one of yours we watched and we LOVED it… it was like we were experiencing it right along with you… belief was suspended… there was no show prep, there was no quick glimpse at the bottles, there was no passing nod to buddies selling various vines… nope… it was PURE Gary. Hurray. Here are 2 votes for a “Going Blind in 2009″ with the occasional backstory/special guest episode thrown in. Congrats on the growing fan base… you deserve it. And, for Pete’s Sake… Let’s Go Jets.
December 3, 2008

Rowland
Halls Mentholyptous?

i got an idea for a blind tasting wrist band, its a good idea
you should trade me a super special secret pack for it.
December 3, 2008

Malcolm
Go blind all year – great idea.
December 4, 2008

mtAltaColina
QOTD-go blind most of the year. Maybe not the whole year.
December 4, 2008

UnoCinqo
It’s pronounced LAY DEE not LED AY mofo
December 9, 2008

AaronB
QOTD: No, not the whole year. More frequent blind tastings would be fun, but don’t overdo it. Variety is part of the fun of your show!
December 12, 2008

Justin L. Ove
QOTD: I think you should do a blind tasting with an actual blindfold on. Let us see the wine, but not you. That would be different. Oh, and i say no to the whole year thing, but the blind tastings are very cool, so keep them up.
December 20, 2008

TimCub
QOTD: As to whether you should do blind tastings throughout 2009, I’d be happy to see it. It’s not only fun, but suspenseful, too.
December 30, 2008

Steve H
Great show!
QOTD: Definitely blind for all “mainstream” varietals (Cab, Chard, etc.). Non-blind for off the beaten track varietals.
December 31, 2008

spyder47
Yes, please do many more blind tastings in 2009. You don’t have to go 100%, but at least 2 per week would be great.

Nice show.
January 3, 2009

yowens
QOTD: I like the blind tastings for the wines people are familiar with; napa cab, bordeaux, etc.
January 19, 2009

Damion
YES!!…Just started watching the episodes today and I like…Yes please do more blind episodes..just Stevie Wine Wonder’em. Thanks
January 29, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
As always, love the blind episodes. Nice to see you end the Cali. cabs for a bit…. theyre not my favorite wines. QOTD: Id love to see blind tastings every day…though I already know it didnt happen
February 3, 2009

CBone
Great show! Sometimes I wonder if you hate all California wines, but in this show, you gave a little shout out at the beginning, which was nice, and really enjoyed a few of them. Phew! I was getting worried for the American wine industry, but, I can be at ease now.

QOTD: Nope, I like the mixture. Blinds are good, but I like various formats.
April 17, 2009

Chris
epic show bro – natural entertainer – just too much fun watching wltv!
May 13, 2009

DClarkTandem
Gary, You should do as many blind tastings as often as you can. This was a great show. Blind once a week would be terrific.