Bubbles in the Snow – Episode #598

December 19, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk jumps into a snowstorm and tastes 4 Champagnes in time to give you a feel for New Years!

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“I Like the Nicolas Feuillatte Champaign!…” by Spiritman
“Nice wristband toss at the end. Too bad Farve couldnt do that up in S…” by Dessert Wine Nerd
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Wines tasted in this episode:

Nicolas Feuillatte BrutFrench Brut Nonvintage
Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut NvFrench Brut Nonvintage
Varnier-fanniere Champagne Brut ‘grand Cru’French Brut Nonvintage
Legras Brut Champagne Blanc De BlancsFrench Brut Nonvintage

Links mentioned in today’s episode.

240 Responses

December 19, 2008

Kristen
sweeeeeeeeet!
December 19, 2008

Susan
Bubbles, Bubbles, 123, Bubbles, for you and me!!!!!!!!!
December 19, 2008

CABDRINKER
#2 whoo hooo
December 19, 2008

CABDRINKER
I need to learn how to spell woo hoo
December 19, 2008

lizv
well if you weren’t sick before….;)
December 19, 2008

Susan
Lizv UR right…………….He was sick B4……out in the cold…….hum…….
December 19, 2008

Rolf Rupprecht
Gary you are a manly man…snow and bubbly can’t get better than that…if i get home from Hot-lanta tonight i will treat myself…wireless helps sittting for hours in an airport and wathcing your WLTV
December 19, 2008

KenP
Top ten! Welcome back, GV!
December 19, 2008

BobbyTiger
My God Gary……..GET OUT OF THE ELEMENTS!!! You been sick, bro.
I love the bubbles.
I drink………..a lot of them.
Tried them all, from Dom, down.
QOTD- Shoot me now, shoot me later. I love Cooks Brute.
December 19, 2008

Snarf
GV, awesome show! Great to see you back in action. Get healthy(er) and have a great holiday season.
December 19, 2008

Joe Taylor (JMT3)
AWESOME GV! Glad you made one this week. Good way to start the weekend!

-JMT3
December 19, 2008

Susan
OK- Spiderman………… LOL!!!!!
December 19, 2008

WineWoman
Glad to see you back in the “cold seat” GV. Amazing, even with a cold, exhaust fumes and ice-pellets watering down the bubbly, you can still define the wine. Hope you don’t get pneumonia–your fingers were pretty red.

QOTD: When the expense account pays –Pommery’s “Cuvee Louise” or Krug Rose.
When I pay–lately, I’ve been enjoying Prosecco–Oriel’s “365″ or the
Rao’s from your book.
December 19, 2008

CindyW
Great episode, Gary! I hope you didn’t get too pelted by the sleet. BTW, if you’re still planning to head to Seattle for the game this weekend, be prepared — we’ve got a nasty storm on the way. Usually it’s just rain at this time of the year, but right now I have 8 inches of snow on my deck. Now, we’re being warned of a “potentially catastrophic” windstorm blowing through tomorrow, and a big snow event following on its heels.

Love the bubbles — not sure if I have a favorite specific champagne, but I definitely lean toward the blanc de blancs. QOTD: the best ever bubbles in my mouth were from a Mexican coca-cola (real sugar, not the corn syrup stuff) after a long hike on a dusty, hot day.
December 19, 2008

Ray Barnes
Glad to see you back in sparkling form Gary. I sure hope whatever that bug was that hit you, it will not come back for awhile in spite of the exposure of this episode. Very good to see some reasonably priced bubbly, I sure will not be looking for a bottle of Mumm this time around.

QOTD – I’ve had vintage Dom Perignon, once. It was excellent – especially when someone else bought it.
December 19, 2008

SteveF
Vayner, Nice show great location…..I’m glad your back and feeling well.

QOTD: DOM Perignon
December 19, 2008

ex-lurkdawg
Gary, thanks for yet another great show. I totally agree with you on the first two wines. The Nicolas Feuillatte is the only non-grower Champagne I buy.

qotd: 1995 Krug, hands down
December 19, 2008

Tom Langan
You are a crazy SOB GV. Luv ya. I almost stopped by the store today to pick up my futures orders, but decided against it.
but the weather doesn’t stop some people!

Tom
December 19, 2008

zac weiss
SUCH a good show gary, pumped for them bubbles!
I’m thinking I may spring for the varnier-fanniere this year, sounded awesome. I’m a clicquot guy usually, and I have ruinart just because my family buys a ton (crappy stuff in my opinion, maybe I’ve just been spoiled by it being around so much.)
Best bubbles I’ve had though, Krug, have a friend who’s in the family
December 19, 2008

Neil
Allright, so Gary is sick for a few days and then comes back and tapes a show in the snow. Nice.

QOTD: Veuve Clicquot La Grand Dame
December 19, 2008

Derek F
GAAAAARRRRRYYYYY!!!! We missed you man, its GREAT to see you back and I am very happy that you are feeling better. It was very different going 3 days without the thunder show but I managed to pull through.

P.S. we miss you over on twitter and ustream also…I am just saying!!
December 19, 2008

E dog
Classic show !

My brother just watched WLTV for the first time, and it just so happens that he is a big Champagne fan… one more Vayniac

QOTD: Veuve clicot. My bro says Dom perrignon (2001 vintage)
December 19, 2008

Dale Cruse
QOTD: Champagne Henriot Cuvée des Enchanteleurs 1995
December 19, 2008

Joe Taylor (JMT3)
QOTD: Rootbeer!!! MmmMMMM
December 19, 2008

Susan
QOTD: NEVER had good champagne……….Will have to soon change that……
December 19, 2008

LennyR
Awesome show!
QOTD: There was this Cava that I had once…rocked my socks! (sorry, I dont remember the name)
December 19, 2008

Kenny Hyder
QOTD: Hendricks and tonic! Minus the tonic! (not a fan of the bubbly…)
December 19, 2008

Maggie and Steve
There’s something great about watching your tasting glass take on a life of its own and “wander” about on your icy table. QOTD: the sips of Charles Heidsieck at our wedding back in 1996. LET’S GO JETS!!
December 19, 2008

Smith MBA
Great show dude. You need the Bolshevik hat in those environs.
December 19, 2008

MattieJ
QOTD: Best bubbly… no idea, usually just drink what’s put in front of me… But I think I’m going to track down a couple of bottles of that Legras Brut Champagne Blanc De Blancs
December 19, 2008

Ryan Stephens
Having just graduated from college and prepared to enter the real world after the new year I am anxious to try some new wines (and champagnes). Until then, my answer to the QOTD of that pink champagne you can get at the grocery store and local gas stations for like $5.99 — It’s almost as good as a 12 pack of Natural Light!
December 19, 2008

Barrelmonkey
Still haven’t been able to get excited about a bubbly. Enjoyed the Castellroig and an ‘06 Barmes Buecher Cremant d’Alsace.

QOTD: The best bubbles I’ve ever put in my mouth were at the Vias trade tasting in NYC with JoeG and Julius. After 60 or so young, tannic, Italian reds, a glass of cold Pellegrino was sheer bliss – like a massage for the palate.
December 19, 2008

sharon
Brrrrrrr. And I thought L.A. was cold this week…
Glad to see you back!

qotd: I can’t remember which was best only the event that made it special.
December 19, 2008

NY Pete
nice to see someone else working in the snow today …
December 19, 2008

soleil
Love hearing about new champagnes. Thanks!
December 19, 2008

Wendy
TGIF and welcome back. This year has been so much richer since you came into our lives. I’m sipping gewurztraminer with my fish supper..and it works. The cherry or lemon on the top was to find you back and being as passionate as ever. Our local wine store has installed a “degustation center” where with a pre-purchased card you can taste a selection of wines.I drop by after work (as a cook) and sniffy sniff and swirl and enjoy. Yesterday it was a 93 dollar wine, Bolgheiri?? There are so many wines out there but YOU(and MOTT) have changed my wineworld forever. If you were in my Montreal I would be at Winelibrary as often as possible. Happy Holidays. Great success for 2009!!
December 19, 2008

F Jackie Martling
Gary, the trend seems to be moving from flutes to more tulip shaped glasses for sparklers. What do ya think. I like the bigger glasses because I don’t need to keep refilling! Have you done a show with the same wine in different type glasses? I miss Jersey, but not the snow (70 in Charlotte today). Happy Holidays!
December 19, 2008

Anthony L.
Very cool episode. Love the outside stuff. Exciting and interesting.
December 19, 2008

ncwinetravels
gary,
two words…space heater !
great show, missed you this week. QOTD: Moet (so far).
happy holidays !
best regards,
ncwt
December 19, 2008

The Wine Miner
R.E QOTD: Krug 1990 from a magnum. ( I didn’t pay for it either which makes it even better!!)
December 19, 2008

Peter
82 Salon and the Pol Roger Sir Winston 1996. Not to mention the 1985 Krug. Thanks for the great show I don’t like it that cold. Peter
December 19, 2008

Richard Ritter
Good to have you back. JETS will kick sucky Seatle’s butts, because they have to! Miami will win and the Pats will loose. Guess what happens when the JETS play Miami???

QOTD: I haven’t seen it in a while, but Snapple made white birch beer back in the day. It was sweeeeeeeeeeeet!
December 19, 2008

ChinonRouge
Hey GV, Excellent show! The WLTV brand is back. Unstoppable and untoppable. Cheers to you and your team.

QOTD: Best bubbles, 1996 Salon–hands down the best stuff I’ve had (and have more bottles in waiting) followed by NV Krug Rose. So many of the “great” Champagnes are overrated. People, you can have your DP and Grande Dame. I’m taking the Salon.

WTTW: If you are looking to mix it up a bit, look for “RM” in tiny print on the label for variety and intrigue. These are the “grower’s champagnes.”
December 19, 2008

Kathy Hughes
Welcome Back Gary, Loved the bubbly show; thank you so very much……best bubbly I’ve had so far….afraid I’m not very discriminating yet…but I enjoyed the Duval Leroy Brut….can’t wait to try the Legras Brut. Be well, Naples Kathy aka Champagne Lady p.s. Check out the Naples, FL weather….and c’mon down !
December 19, 2008

bill wrollcia
gv, no doubt i knew you would be in the dirty jersey snow today, just like me. why do i like you so much, so real, and i have decided you taste like a cook, not shitty bs fry guy, but like a baller, like a 60 hour a week line cook at daniel or per se.. you know here i coming from. big ups to the snow, will see ya in a week or so.
Thanks
December 19, 2008

Gregavelli
Solid show as usual Gary, good to have you back. We actually have a fair bit of snow up here in Seattle right now… btw I will forgive you for the Seahawks comment since it is so true. Happy holidays.

QOTD: Krug Grand Cuvee, Larmandier-Bernier Rose de Saignee
December 19, 2008

KKinCA
I love this.
The most informative wine show – on the web or anywhere else,
and it’s still more fun to watch than Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
(excepting, of course, the Musical episode which I rated a 98+)

QOTD: Has to be Dom Perignon Oenotheque (samples, courtesy of the vendor!)
December 19, 2008

Jaybird76
If I had to compare price to quality it would be hands down N. feuillatte Brut Rose, and then a taittinger prelude… 1995 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne is amazing but very expensive as well as the Krug I have in my cellar (which I have not had yet). I’m a huge fan of champagne but it’s hard finding people to appreciate it on an every day basis as opposed to a celebratory wine.
I alway hear how great Krug is so I’m a fan without ever trying it. I keep telling myself to save em’ for a more special occasion but screw it I’m opening one christmas morning. If it sucks i’ll just throw some oj in it.HAHA
December 19, 2008

ScottDont
Probably Smitty’s Draft Root Beer from Flat Branch Pub & Brewery in Columbia, MO. Great show GaryVee … glad to see you’re back!
December 19, 2008

Tracy
Is snow really bad for business? I would think people would spend romantic evenings with a bottle of wine during a snow storm
December 19, 2008

Brad G
Love the outdoor show, you should do more of them. Maybe before a Jets game, tailgating.
December 19, 2008

Hido53
Brilliant show Gary! Great to see you back! Happiest of holiday seasons to you, the Mottster (fantastic job today by the way!), and everyone at the WineLib.

QOTD: Too be frank, I haven’t been a great fan of the dry bubbles. Love white or rose still wines, but the bubbles for me seem to detract from the flavors of the wine. My mistake has been not to pair with food. I need to give it another try paired with maybe some awesome West Coast Dungeness crab maybe! Bubbles with some sweetness and tempered alcohol (ala Moscato di Asti) have been really pleasant and fun to drink.
December 19, 2008

Laurie in VT
QOTD: Reed’s Ginger Brew- in all their varieties

Glad we’re getting 10″ (so far) of snow, and not that ice crap…
December 19, 2008

Dan Manu
Love all bubbles
December 19, 2008

mrfroopy
you should taste the Taltarni Brut tache from Down under and the Vida organica from Argentina sparkler.. not just cava.. and prosecco.. the vida is a rocking sparkler for under 15
December 19, 2008

Glen,....winecrazy.com
Cool……I mean COLD show bro!!!!!!

I like dat! Wish I would have came by because I was going to until the snow hit. I’ll be in tomorrow though.

OK, I pronise I’ll try some more STUFF!

QOTD: 1996 Cristal Rose…. YouGottaLoveIt.com
December 19, 2008

Evil Homer
Gary,

You have been an inspiration to me and my ever growing wine cellar. I wish you the best to you and your family. Great episode today. The CBC (Canada) just replayed their Wine Confidential special and it makes me want to book a tickey to NJ to see your store. Happy holidays and keep changing the wine world.

Cheers
December 19, 2008

DanM
This show deserves a comment. Here’s to you Gary. Keep up the good work and get better.

QOTD: Sprecher Root Beer from Milwaukee!
December 19, 2008

manonthemoon
Glad to see you back, at least the wind isn’t howling like last time you tasted outside.

QOTD: Argyle Blanc de Blanc
December 19, 2008

Pete CettA
Bravo, Gary. Welcome back!
December 19, 2008

Terrance
GV! Good to have you back, man. And I’m back from Japan at the P-units’ place in WA state and you’re right… nothing beats family.

The flower bottle PJ, Sergio Matthieu, vintage Krug, Egly-Ouriet, some Dom P vintages, Canteneur are all nice champagnes I’ve had but my personal favorite is the obscure RM Guy Charlemagne Blanc de Blancs. Chalk heaven.
December 19, 2008

purplejuicebruce
Don’t know Sam Adams maybe, don’t like bubbles in my wine.
December 19, 2008

Dr T in NC
Hope you don’t get ill from being out in the sleet!

QOTD — have to admit, I haven’t gotten deeply into bubbles, so mine have just been decent
December 19, 2008

Doug G
Glad to have you back! Thanks for the outdoor approach to the bubbles – awesome!
December 19, 2008

B Diddy
GV! Glad to have you back! QOTD, Pommery Champagne Cuvée Louise 1995.
December 19, 2008

KIRBY
Missed you! Glad to see you’re feeling better!

QOTD: Without a doubt, Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon!!!
December 19, 2008

Gee
Best and most memorable: Krug 1966 Blanc de Blanc
December 19, 2008

CindyW
DanM, I LOOOOOOVE Sprecher Root Beer from Milwaukee! Had it when visiting the city about 10 years ago, and I’ve been talking about it ever since. For a while, I was able to find it in bottles at Costplus World Market, but I haven’t had one in 2 years.
December 19, 2008

Rowland
Gary, NO, dont try to stretch it out till the big 600. just get there.

ok and I have a serious proposition for you. ill trade you the knowledge that it is my birthday on the first of January, AND a really cool idea for a wristband, for the New Year’s Secret Pack. Im telling you, as soon as you see this idea, IT WILL BE THE NEXT WRISTBAND, maybe even a reserve wristband for only high level Veyniacs.

hahaha i like the spitting champagne in the street part, really ballin!

NICE a new vaynerism; “I want to be dominated Mott”

hehe you can hardly get your nose into that glass to sniff at the wine. do you think one nostril is more sensitive than the other? you didnt break out the left nostril sniff till that last wine.

woooow you drank! you lush. Gary i think you have a problem. get help.

nice shot. happy holy days.
December 19, 2008

cma82
Good to see you back. I hope you’re feeling better.

QOTD: I had the 96′ Krug a few weeks ago and the acid/woody interplay blew me away. For a less expensive libation, I a huge fan of the Pierre Peters Bdb
December 19, 2008

Aaron_J
Welcome back GV! Ripping good time on the show today. There’s not as much snow there at WL as there is in Spokane, WA, but it looks cold indeed. I was almost offended by the “sucky Seahawks” jab, but this year it’s true.

QOTD: Best bubs? Whatever they were serving at a wedding I crashed, I mean attended, in Riverside, CA a few months ago. Maybe I had too much to drink though.
December 19, 2008

Noellems
QOTD: Cava. Barcelona. 2 week honeymoon. I’ve no idea the brand, we just drank with abandon and stumbled back to hotel, giddy and in awe of the gorgeous city. I thought I might burst with love for my new husband. Still feel that way about him, and any ol’ Cava takes me back to that honeymoon every time.
December 19, 2008

Countrygirl60
Great show gary,but you looked cold,get inside before you get sick again.Thanks for showing us the snow and i love bubbly,but the christmas secret pack has been sold out all week hasn’t it?At least every time i tried to order it,it said sold out.Anyway,happy holidays to you and your family.
December 19, 2008

*/^_^\*
qotd: hopefully it will be the cremant de bourgogne i have waiting in the fridge….
December 19, 2008

Montana Calling
I love this guy-Great show! Could handle a week of Champagne Shows-Merry Christmas
December 19, 2008

Kate the Great
I just put “pop rocks” in my Chardonnay. Good shot with the wristband!
December 19, 2008

Colleen
I like Cavas, I have tried 4 new bubbles this holiday season. The newest was the Dibon Brut Reserve Cava Penedes, Spain- only $9 in Chicago. Great nose, which I know the vayniaks love,- toast and apples and grapefruit, it was really good with our gnocchi gorgonzola at our favorite Italian BYOB. I love cheese and wine so I tend to go for the sparklers that have more reziz sweetness. I have a bottle of Freixenet on stand-by in the fridge, its my cheap and cheerful wine can be found at the around the corner convenience store.(which matters when theres a foot of snow outside your door!) Segura Viudas Reserva Heredad is the other one I tried recently that made an impression, I had it at a work Christmas party, I think its in the 10-15 bones range- very nice -very fruity.
December 20, 2008

Edward Salonia
Thanks for doing a show today GV. And in the snow no less.
December 20, 2008

Eddie
Gosset Grand Millésime
December 20, 2008

Charlie Wasabi
My favorite inexpensive true champagne method sparkler, though not from Champagne, would be from Onario, Canada – Henry of Pelham’s kick-ass Cuvee Catharine Brut, Chard & P, Noir, big, complex, acidic, huge finish – $30 Canadian Bones!!!

In the curio department, you gotta try Skillogalee’s Sparkling Riesling from Australia – it’s done in the trad champagne style, bottle fermented etc – it’s an extremely cool cross between Riesling and Champagne, and it’s cheap – $24 bones. Not exactly awesome champagne complexity, but plenty tasty for $24 and certainly more complex than you’d expect.

True Champagnes? Probably Lanson … around $60 a bottle, tried a Lasalle – but it was $150+ I couldn’t justify it.

FWIW … came across an 1869 menu for a high end restaurant in Toronto: Moet et Chandon “Green Seal” went for $2.50 a bottle at the time. (BTW Chateau Margaux 1847 went for $3: and, oddly enough, so did an ancient Mediera by “Howard March & Co”.)

There ya be
December 20, 2008

David T
Nice show, I got a kick out of the cars driving by! What do NJ’s open container laws look like??

QOTD: I haven’t had much bubbly to judge, although one recent surprise was the J. Rogét Spumante from the Finger Lakes, NY, at $4.49/bottle, it had an amazing nose that I’d pay at least 3 times that to smell- the nose was the best apple pie a la mode you’ve ever had.
December 20, 2008

RANDI
GARY!!!
I had Cristal today!! I know, I know..but hey..it was a gift (its my birthday!) And you know what, there are lots awesome bubbles out there…but the Cristal was FABULOUS!
I sent wine out as a gift and tried to include a champagne, but it was backordered … guess Ill be notified when it arrives???
Always funny to see out in the weather!
QOTD: Cristal
Love, love, loven u.
xo
RANDI
December 20, 2008

Kimberly
Great show Gary!! Hope you’re feeling better soon!

QOTD: 1996 Pol Roger Blanc de Blancs. I drank it (the whole bottle….) when I finished my Sommelier exam! Not sure if it was the wine or the feeling of being finished that made it so memorable, but I always think of it!
December 20, 2008

Robin C
QOTD: Great descriptions. I’m pretty weak on champagne. I think Charles Krug would be my favorite, but I haven’t tasted it. I like Perrier Jouet Fleur quite a bit – the bottle is pretty too.
I can’t believe you’re sitting out in the snow. Even my sick kitty is under my computer desk in a fluffy circle bed by a warm heating vent fast asleep. t
The point being you shouldn’t be out in the cold if your’re under the weather.
December 20, 2008

Jonny
1990 Jacquesson to celebrate finding out that our first child was going to be a girl. The wine was fantastic, but the news was better.
December 20, 2008

brorjace
Good to see you back! Buy some friggin gloves man! We just had that ice mess here in Illinois the day before, hopefully it wasn’t so bad for you guys. I can’t really afford super bubbles, so the best i’ve had is Duval-Leroy Brut Non Vintage. This year I’m going to drink the Paul Goerg 2002 which is a little nicer. Good show, have a nice holiday!
December 20, 2008

apj_bobswineguy
CRAZY!! You are just plain crazy.
Chunks & chunks of ice. I thought the glass was going to shatter.
Your wife is probably pissed. Coming back from being sick and doing that show.
Loved it.
December 20, 2008

epistemiac
Awesome show Gary. Glad to hear your feeling better. As to the question of the day, I adore Getariako Txakolina from Basque Country. Does semi-sparkling count? Speaking of which… why haven’t you done a Txakolina show?
December 20, 2008

Normanzo
Great show Gary. I will absolutely try some new bubbles with the family over the holidays. Best so far is a cava from Juvé y Camps, which is just a nice dry bubble bath at a good QPR.
December 20, 2008

J Crazy
QOTD: A root beer float when I was like 10 on our way home from a ski trip to Tahoe. It was at an A and W shop, damn good. For the alcoholic type I’ll go with the Pannier I had at my wedding; more for sentiment than for taste although I do like the Pannier.
December 20, 2008

Andrew Lee
QOTD: Definitely Cristal. Tasted just like green apples. Amazing stuff.
December 20, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – Nothing stands out as the best, but I like trying different sparklers all the time… mmmmm.
December 20, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

Good to have ya back. Hope you’re feelin’ better.

QOTD: One of my favorite bubbles is by far the Gossett. Just amazing champagne and holds a great price ($35-$45) depending on where it’s found.

–RH
December 20, 2008

Dodger Blue
QOTD: I never had any high end bubbles before, not even any vintage champ.
But the best bubble I ever had by far was Michel Arnould Grand Cuvee NV.
December 20, 2008

AbsolutLahmi
Man, the energy is BACK ON!
Great show.
QOTD: Realized that i’m pretty ignorant about bubbles, just haven’t had the one that blew me away yet. Campari soda is pretty good though
December 20, 2008

Fatdoi
qotd…. bubbles…. NV coca cola
December 20, 2008

Eric Gardner
Gary! You missed the screaming bubble deals in your own library! The Jacquesson Brut Cuvee 732, the NV Pol Roger, the NV Pierre Peters and the NV Charles Heidseck kill everything you tasted in this show, and are better values. You barely scratched the surface of your own house.

I love you man, but don’t dis the bubbles.

QOTD- 1988 Pol Roger Winston Churchill in a Magnum.
December 20, 2008

Dustin
Excellent episode Gary! You gotta get outside more often.

Great throw there at the end too by the way.
December 20, 2008

Withnail
Very good ep! Welcome back.
December 20, 2008

suzanne
QOTD: So I’m guessing the time I accidentally breathed in instead of out with the Mr. Bubbles doesn’t count here…
December 20, 2008

Todd
qotd
$$$1985 veuve cliquot brut rose la grande dame
$$laurent perrier brut rose
$prosecco di valdobbiadene botter
December 20, 2008

JROD
QOTD: My “every month” champagne is Clicquot yellow label but have been trying some new ones lately, for example really liked the Pol Roger Rich NV. However I feel where you drink champagne, the surrounding atmosphere, has a lot to do with your enjoyment. I had the Mumm that you passed on at a wonderful French restaurant and loved it. (Not sure how the snow and traffic affected your experience, may want to repeat this tasting on the cruise!)

The one sparkling wine in the last year that really blew me away is from California, the Domaine Carneros Le Reve 2002. But again I may have been influenced by the location, I sat up on the balcony of the impressive Domaine Carneros winery in Carneros as the sun set on the surrounding green hills and the hot air balloons floated overhead, sipping this impressive wine.
December 20, 2008

Niklas
Thanks for doing a show in demanding conditions.

QOTD: A sparkling wine from Tasmania known as Taltarni Vintage Brut, it brings the thunder on the table.

Christmas Greetings from a wintry Helsinki
December 20, 2008

mikek
Great to have you back Gary! U think those ice crystals hurt?! Liz iz goin to kick your azz dude! Feel better, crazy man.

QOTD: Can’t wait for the Cava/Prosecco ep…I’m lovin the Riondo Prosecco for 9 bones ! Not a sparkling kinda guy, but this was a nice change! Will open a bottle of 1999 Dom for Christmas Eve dinner with family…(it was a gift.

Also, Thanks for the “Snow Day” Sale on the website! Some great buys!
December 20, 2008

Dr. Lance
I loved this show, and I love champagne! Champagne first, and then the rest of the wines for me. This has always been the case.

QOTD: I was introduced to Dom Perignon in the early 80s when I was a teen, and I have always enjoyed the effervescence, structure, and balance of the vintages I tasted. I also love Perriet Jouet Fleur de Champagne for its mouthfilling fruitiness and overall balance. However, it is not practical to have $100 champagnes regularly–unless money is of no concern–yet, I love the bubbles. Therefore, I have made a point of searching out “value” champagnes and sparklers for under $30. To date, my favorite by far is the Lanson Black Label, which is refreshing, crisp, acidic, and flavorful for about $30–in Hawaii! It’s probably their relatively unique process, which foregoes malolactic fermentation. Please try it!
December 20, 2008

M
QOTD: best bubbles? hmmm. When I was a kid, I loved fountain soda from fast food restaurants much more than the out of the bottle/can stuff. Now I don’t eat fast food or drink soda.

I had a good Alsace Cremant $17 not too long ago.

Here in SE PA, we only had rain yesterday. Thanks for sitting in the ice and snow for us. Go have some hot cocoa.
December 20, 2008

Salvatore
What are you doing sitting in the ice ?????????

Get some homemade Chicken soup; and then before bed, a very hot shower and a good shot of Blackberry Brandy. Guarantee you will feel better !

QOTD- Asti is good here!

Stay Well !
December 20, 2008

Sonnenuhr
You are one crazy dude – great show and props to the Mottster to nailing the sound. Happy Holidays!!!
December 20, 2008

discoverwine
Been a big fan of yours Gary – been watching the show from the UK for about 9 months now and enjoy your enthusiasm. I have a small wine business in the UK and we need more people like you (and me) in the wine world, keep up the good work! JC.
Best champagne experience “Gosset Celebris Blanc de Blancs” NV – a blend of several great vintages from the 1990’s…simply stunning – you should try some on the show! Have a great holiday.
December 20, 2008

Chris Braun
I’m not a bubbly connoisseur, but one I recently particularly enjoyed was Steininger Burgunder Sekt 2006 (Austrian).

You should not be out in the ice when you’re just getting over a cold!
December 20, 2008

Jay
GV – you look a bit like Emperor Palpatine in this one!
December 20, 2008

Pierre
great show!
im all about bubbles and best experience gotta be
a krug NV!

happy holidays!
December 20, 2008

Mark Fitzpatrick
Gonna grab the Varnier –

“Baked apples and sugared cauliflower” Are you kidding me? That rocks.

And this show brought SERIOUS thunder. Great job Gary.

Mark
December 20, 2008

Susan
Gary & Chris, # 598 & counting……..almost…………..# 599 & then………………………………..# 600
December 20, 2008

JonE
The gentle clicking of the ice was priceless. You are our Parker and Barnum & Bailey all in one.

QOTD: That’s like picking children! But I did have a very nice Besserat de Bellefon Cuvee de Moines yesterday.
December 20, 2008

Sherry
Wow – what a perfect setting to talk about Ice Wines!!! Love You Gary
December 20, 2008

Slushpuppy
Love the ‘live’ outdoor shots; please do a few for each new season!
Gary please pronounce the well known house Mumm corectly; it’s alot more fun to hear: MOOOOMS!!
qotd: Cristalino Brut Cava: Under $10. at Trader Joe’s. “Value Brand of the Year”, 3 consecutive yrs./Wine&Spirits Magazine.
Smell it first. TR
P.S. Ms. Vaynerchuk: Gary needs a pair of mittens for X-Mas.
December 20, 2008

FTBoomer
The best bubbles I ever put my mouth was when we went to Bern’s for dinner last year. You ordered a bottle of 1988 Dom Ruinart “Blanc D Blanc” Exquisite!
December 20, 2008

Vince Perla (VinnMan)
Hey Gary, Good to hear from you. Great episode. I manage a winemaking school in the south (Jersey) and I have the students tune in. I’ll try the Legras on New Years. Have a great holiday, Good Health (So ture)

Vince
December 20, 2008

Ohio Bruce
Gary esta en fuego!

QOTD: Shramsberg Mirabelle first introduced at the Cleveland Wine School’s “Cellar Door” bubbles tasting.
December 20, 2008

Riche
You’re a nut.
Loved it !!!

I promise.

JETs 24
Bums 19
December 20, 2008

theemptyglass
Glad to see you back! I’m glad your feeling better, hope that being out in the snow won’t make your relapse!

QOTD: I have never met a bubbly that I didn’t like….Cava Prosecco, Asti, whatever, I love it. When I was like 10 my parents went on a tour of Domain Chandon, and since then I’ve always liked Sparkling Wine.
December 20, 2008

Marshall
QOTD:I struggle with sparkling wine. I just don’t like it, even high priced grower champagne has failed to bring “thunder” for me. When it comes to bubbles i prefer czech pilsners, belgian ales, and dry stouts and english bitters.
December 20, 2008

Paul Stonier
Gotta admit. Only tried a couple sparklings, but my favorite is Casa Larga’s Blanc de Blanc
December 20, 2008

RobRx
La Grande Dame with oysters, amazing!
December 20, 2008

Tom T.
Dude that was a cool episode. QOTD – I really like the Majella Sparkling Shiraz.
December 20, 2008

Kirk AKA: (slave2thevine)
Gary, it’s really great to see you back and feeling better…

QOTD: The BEST bubbles I’ve had was a 1990 D.P.

However, my favorite bottle that I’ve ever bought was the 1999 Argyle (you’ve got to get them for WL!) Blanc de Blanc Kundsen Vineyard
December 20, 2008

OSCAR FALCON LARA
QOTD: Good question, for me La Grande Dame and Freixenet it you can belive it.

Fun seeing you outside again.
December 20, 2008

Herm
Hi Gary, Thanks for the show…..I’m not a big sparkling wine fan….I’ve had some Dom Perignon but I have to admit that I’ve had better at less cost….so for this holiday I’ll be looking for good value sparklers…
December 20, 2008

sarah
best bubbles I ever had, just recently opened a random bottle of champagne in a friends fridge. It was a 96 Dom. The color was so much darker than I was used to, only drinking an occasional glass @ new year’s parties. This was was so rich and creamy with tons of apricot. I was madly in love and have been looking for that same taste in some affordable wines. I had no idea of the price of the wine until a few days later.
December 20, 2008

Eugene
Missed you Gary.

Best Bubbles: Soutiran, Organic, Grand Cru

Although, bubbles are all about who you share them with, this bottle and my girl makes it the most memorable bottle of Champagne, probably not the best.
December 20, 2008

JimChem
Great show but you are out of your mind to be sitting outside on such a day.

Have a good Christmas with your family.

Jim

P.S. You store has become one of my son-in-law’s favorite places.
December 20, 2008

Brandon
awesomely funny show your the best first time poster moving from lurker to poster just wanted to say thanks for being a good teacher ive learned so much about wine over the last two years i work as a custom home theater installer for geek squad and every morning me and my partner watch the pod cast big ups to gary v bringing the thunder to the geek squad

brandon patino la quinta california
December 20, 2008

Kevin K
QOTD: Red Italian sparklers.
December 20, 2008

Kevin K
Really looking forward to the Cava/Prosecco show next week.
December 20, 2008

Griz4life
Great show, Hoss, but I want you to try that here in MT where it is -15….
December 20, 2008

Jimmy T
muscato d’asti
December 20, 2008

Alan and Gayle
Go inside already….you have snot-sicles! Brave show.. Get better
December 20, 2008

Sleenie
Loved the show…but you’re crazy to do it in such cold weather. Got the feeling back in your fingers yet? Happy Holidays!!
December 20, 2008

Kimberly Spear
Fun show.
I adore good bubbles.
I promise to try something
new this Holiday season,
you gave some great suggestions.

Thanks also for the reminder of
why I LOVE living in Florida. No snow!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
December 20, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
Good to have you back. QOTD – I have had a number of high end champagnes, but can’t say there is one favorite (don’t get them often though). I enjoy bubbles from all over the world and would not want to pick the best one.
December 20, 2008

cgatesman
Fun show, Gary! Thanks for all the deals on the stormy day!

QOTD: 1996 DomP
December 20, 2008

Toby (DK)
THANK YOU
THANK YOU
THANK YOU

Finally another champagne-show – I wish you would make them a more regular occurrence

QOTD: A super hard question – one that I probaly wont be able to answer (could you?) Krug N/V is always a safe bet for a complex wine, that you can really “dig in to”. But for pure, creamy pleasure I could probaly go for e.g. a La Grande Dame 96′ og Cuvee Louise (Pommery) 99′. In general my favorite “small” house would probaly be Fleury Pere & Fils – they make great and “fun” wines, at even greater and funnier prices
The best 96′ I have drunk so far, were from them – although I have yet to try the Dom P. 96′ (Got it in the fridge )

P.S.: In your experience – is the 02′ vintage really as good as people say? I have only tried one or two so far and therefore haven’t really been able to judge it yet.

Thanks again – I hope the cold didn’t bite to hard
December 20, 2008

YoungDave
Great to have you back, big G.

QOTD: Probably 1996 Dom P, but I need to try more grower Champagne- I’ve been really into bargain sparklers lately (Cremant de Bourgogne, Cremant de Loire, Cremant de Alsace, Cremant de Limoux, Cava, Brut Prosecco, etc).

**My first Riesling Sekt rocked my face off recently!
December 20, 2008

Lynda S
QOTD: Guinness. I just don’t drink a lot of sparkling wines. You should have worn the glittens, gary. gloves and mittens.
December 20, 2008

Andy
QOTD—– Iron Horse 1995 Blanc de Blanc ………. Wow
December 20, 2008

Alex
I would probably say Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Orange Yellow Label
December 20, 2008

Kelly Goff
Gary,

These episodes are why I love watching you! I love Cava, but I don’t really have too much experience with the bubbly…
December 20, 2008

Tom Servino
Dear Gary,

I could not let this holiday season go by without thanking you for your show. After knowing only Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay, I now speak Tempranillo, Malbec, Barolo, Bordeaux and a little Pinotage. The holidays are about family, sharing a laugh with loved ones and remembering those who are no longer with us. I have heard you speak fondly about your father as well as seen you give him an on-air hug. I shared the same type of relationship with my late father. When people ask me “what’s your favorite wine?” the answer is easy. The best wine I’ve had did not come from a fancy Chateau in France. It came from a gallon jug with no label and was drunk from juice glasses at an old formica table in Brooklyn New York where a father and son would toast each other Merry Christmas.
Happy Holidays Gary, give your Dad a hug for me.

Tom
San Jose, California
December 20, 2008

Serge
If you can lay a hand on Veuve Devaux blanc de noirs, yul get also a prtty good ride four your money
December 20, 2008

late-start
Nice to have you back and good show to get ya’ in the mood for the holidays.

QOTD: 1998 DP or a Thomas Kemper Old Fashioned Black Cherry Soda
December 20, 2008

Bobo36
Good to see you back in your element in the elements…

Not much a fan at all on bubbles. but will keep info handy.

QOTD: Dom at like 200 clams..
December 20, 2008

Dominus
My man is back and in his element! My withdrawals have subsided. Whew!

Great show, you brought back the enthusiasm and on top of that my favorite type of wine, da bubbles.

QOTD: Tough one but just love Gosset Grand Reserve and the Pommery Apenage a very close second. I have taken a tour of Les Crayeres (The Caves) of Pommery at Chateau Boyer and it had to be the greatest dinner/experience in my culinary journeys. Amazing place so the environment pumped up the score big time.

Have a great holiday season.

Cheers!

P.S. How ’bout dem Colts! I think we play the Broncos in the first round so looking forward to a trip to the Meadowlands.
December 20, 2008

Toni
QOTD:

Codorniu (can’t remember which one) 1996 vintage
Fabrice moreau champagne

Never tasted a serious Krug or DP though…
December 20, 2008

jason
gary, great show- 2 well knowns and 2 newbies for me. i love the jeep plowing snow into your head at the end

qotd- last month i had some larmandier bernier rose de signee brut 1er cru……. woooooooooo. i was a little tipsy and it was late when i popped it but damn it had depth and character. 100 % pinot goooooooood stuff
December 20, 2008

Sonia
I bubbles are my favorite too, even though I still haven’t had the real thing. Thanks for the ideas!
1999 Roederer L’Ermitage Brut has been the best so far.
December 20, 2008

sam
We missed you Gary and friends!!!

Are you sure taping outside in freezing rain is a good idea for someone recovering?…You rock!

I promise y’all that new bubbles will be hitting this palate this New Year’s Eve. I remember enjoying the Veuve…Now it’s time for something new…

Party on!
December 20, 2008

Mark
QOTD: A&W Sparkling Vanilla Cream Soda
December 20, 2008

Drew
Are you ready for the Dolphins Jets showdown? Pennington is hunting for you! Go Fins!
December 20, 2008

Judith
Great show Gary; wish you’d do more on sparklng wines. Champagne is my desert island wine too.

QOTD: ‘96 La Grande Dame; ‘95 Cuvee Louise (at Pommery’s cellars; I suspect the atmosphere was an influence, though later bottles in the U.S. rocked as well); ‘96 Feuillate Palmes d’Or

Surprised you used such a narrow flute; looked as though you really had to squeeze your nose in there for your sniffy sniffs!

Happy holidays and thanks for your show!
December 20, 2008

my2cents
Glad to see you back and smiling.

“tight nose in these conditions”

Don’t drink much bubbles these days. But I remember liking some early-mid 80’s crystal. Never liked the usual california “brands” much.

Happy holidays to all!
December 20, 2008

DF
QOTD: Dr. Pepper, lemonade, a spritz of Hawaiian Punch, and water. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.

I was FREEZING just watching you. Good idea to be out in the cold and getting over an illness? Just the dad in me.
December 20, 2008

Little Jonny H
F’in SWEET! I knew that after a few day hiatus, GV would do something fantastic to make up for it!! Love the snow, the ice pellets smacking into the glasses made for a nice effect, and the shot w/ the wristband was on-point (do you practive throwing corks etc at the camera?)

QOTD: Uh, haven’t had too many bubbles. Those that I’ve had have generally been spumante, and it’s trite, but Martini and Rossie generally brings a nice delicate flavor profile. Other (inexpensive) bubbles I’ve had have transitioned poorly on the palate.
December 20, 2008

Pete G
Oh boy I smell an instant classic here – and you were pimpin Kat’s hat -
very nice. Great Great show – spittin on the floor (ground) was the bomb.

As much as I love the Champagna, I’m a sucker for alittle rs (residual
sugar). The Banfi Rosa Regale just does it for me. This and a rich
chocolate cake and one is in Heaven.
December 21, 2008

wayno da wino
Yoooooooooo Geeeeeeeeee, What da heck Ya doin’ in that Ice Storm
when yur “under the weather”???
Hope the JETS stomp the Seahawks!! Goooooooooo JETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

qotd: LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVZZZ DA BUBBLYZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!!!!!!!
December 21, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
QOTD= 1989 Krug! kinda sounds like Im bragging but it is true. Pierre Morlet is a close second but WL wont ship to me in Oklahoma anymore so I guess I cant have that again !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 21, 2008

PhilB
Great show GV!!

QOTD: Jacques Selosse Champagnes are the absolute BEST!! And Anselme Selosse is probably the most interesting winemaker I have ever met!

Best wishes from Paris,
December 21, 2008

Charles
QOTD: gotta say of all bubbles, 2 rocked me, one was a ‘96 Duval-Leroy Brut “Cuvee La Femme” and another was a cremant d’ alsace but forgot the name, you used to sell it for bout 40 bucks, had a crazy metal top over the cork haha
December 21, 2008

Pat
Krug 1996 brut
December 21, 2008

DAve A
wonderful show! Love the outdoors! Can spit anywhere, ugh?
I could tell you were freezing! I’ll bet Mott had mittens on!
The traffic in the background was great! Maybe you can do beaches, shopping malls, highways, open it up!

QOTD: RC Cola. I don’t like champagnes.
December 21, 2008

Johnnyutah
QOTD: Nicholas Feulliate Vintage Blanc de blanc…sick good!
December 21, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
When I haven’t seen a new show in a while, I miss hearing you GV and appreciate all of the great shows you have done over these last 3 years (seems like 3). Your wife could not have known that you were going to sit outside in a sleet storm doing an episode after just recovering from being sick. Thanks for the bubblies. Always good to see new values this time of the year and I have not had either of the last two so will have to give them a try. Went to a vintage tasting of champagnes earlier in the year and got to try very old Krug, Billecart Salmon and Bollinger. Even went back as far as a 1921 Krug that was still quite wonderful. Again, thanks for risking frostbite to give us another memorable episode.
December 21, 2008

Mike Y
Gary,

GREAT episode! Lurking for a few months now, but had to post since your Jets are here in Seattle. Wait til you see this game. It will look exactly the same as your set for this episode. This has been the biggest snowstorm in downtown Seattle/Bellevue I have ever seen. It’s awesome.

QOTD: Don’t like champagne…too yeasty. Give me a Prosecco, Cava, or…black bubbles. Tried them yet? Shingleback Sparkling Shiraz…nice.

Since I’m posting, I wanted to point out a little “issue” I have with your last Seattle visit. You put NW reislings agains NY. One of the reislings you tried was the Chateau Ste Michelle Eroica and you scored it low. As I recall, because the fruit character wasn’t as big as some of the others. You missed something here. This wine is a collaboration between Ste Michelle and a German winemaker. You even pointed this out during the episode. With that in mind, you should have known that it wouldn’t be as fruity as the others and should have been looking for the characteristics of the German reislings. I was really disappointed in your stance on this wine, given the style caveat that YOU pointed out. No big deal, just take that into consideration when you’re scoring these wines. You gave a fantastic wine a low score because you didn’t take that into consideration.

POTD (prediction of the day at 9:40 Pacific time): Hawks 27, Jets 24. I want a shout out to “My Man Mike in Seattle” if they win. If they lose, shout out to “Mike’s my bitch in Seattle.”

Keep up the GREAT work! We talk about you all the time at George’s Wine Shoppe here in Bellevue. Let us know when you’re in town next time and stop in.
December 21, 2008

Bill H
no better way to come back then with an awesome bubbles episode.

qotd – either francoise bedel “entre ciel et terre” brut nv or the pierre peters you did on the growers champagne episode awhile ago

more on that, as this episode shows, the small production stuff kills it. since you did that episode i haven’t touched any champagne house i’ve ever heard of before, and have had 10X better stuff because of it

speaking of, i think you should do another growers champagne episode before new years

if you can get your hands on it i would love you to do the 98 arygle extended tirage on the thunder show

and finally… i’m with you 100% about the island wine question

to all the vayniacs, have a great holiday and enjoy great wine with the people you care about
December 21, 2008

Harry
Great comeback in the snow GV! I can’t say I miss the east coast weather, especially since I’ve been trying delicious champagne here in Napa. I got to retry the Pierre Peters Blanc de Blanc, which is probably my favorite so far, followed by Gaston Chiquet (Pinot Menuier is drastically under appreciated). Happy holidays all!
December 21, 2008

Capt M
Another epic show. Nicely done, Gary. Very diverse. QOTD: N.V. Piper-Heidsieck Brut Rosé Sauvage.
December 21, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: I’m not a huge bubbles drinker. I tend to like things flat. But I’ll try, I will try.
December 21, 2008

Medo
Classic EP Gary!

@QOTD:

1995 Bruno Paillard Champagne Brut
December 21, 2008

catherine.
GARY! this episode brought EPIC THUNDER!

you were spilling wine everywhere, it was raining ice, people were throwing snow balls, you threw the wrist band right into the camera, it doesn’t get any better!

QOTD:I’m going to go a little off the beaten path, because that is what the thunder show is about…Bubble Tea.
December 21, 2008

Per Storm (Denmark)
Best bobbles ever were :

Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 1986

…… it just had an impressive length and great complexity.

(love to watch the show – just discovered it 2 weeks ago)
Keep them comming.
December 21, 2008

Matthew L
Hey Gary. You deserve props for doing this episode in pelting ice as well as snow. As always, I appreciate that you introduce alternatives to the tried-and-true choices. I’ve seen the Nicolas Feuillatte around, but had not tried it. I’m always looking for new sparklers.

Have a good weekend and happy holidays to all the Vayniacs.
December 21, 2008

Mari
My second post!

Gary, you’re inspiring! Only three days off in HOW many years? Thanks for a phenomenal show… I will try try try to get my stuck-in-their ways friends to try something different than Cliquot… and to resist it myself.

QOTD: Yes, I know it’s a bit cliche, but Perrier Jouet Fleur de Champagne 1999 is really really gorgeous. Had it at an anniversary party, and it was complex and beautiful… plus, I’m a sucker for that bottle, which is a piece of art in and of itself!!
December 21, 2008

Tyler Christensen
Great show man. Holy god! Your show is better than the Jets!
December 21, 2008

George Masiello
Sorry about the game today, Bud, but we had to send Mike out on his last game with a victory…hope it did not prevent Jets from playoffs.

Big Fan of the show from Seattle!
George
December 21, 2008

Devin M.
Gary you are in fine form. This episode reminds me of a scene from the movie The Great Race. The the Great Leslie, Professor Fate and Miss Dubois are stranded on an iceberg drinking Champagne in a blizzard. Funny stuff.
QOTD: Don’t laugh but my wife and I love the Nino Franco Rustico Proseco. Very tasty and you can’t beat the $13 price tag.
December 22, 2008

Fred
QOTD: No superb bubbles till now.:)

Great fun to see gary sit back into a snow again. Call back a lot of memories, and really enjoy it.:)
December 22, 2008

Ditch
Loved the outdoor stylee show……though I imagine that what you were drinking the end was more New Jersey snow water than champagne and may have affected your pallate.

Not in agreeance with your Feuilatte rating…..my colleagues and I opened two bottles of this at our wine store and we were not overly impressed…the only thing being sensed on my tastebuds was an overpouring taste of metal…

QOTD – Pol Roger Riche (have a sweet tooth)
December 22, 2008

pierazzo
i just tried “blanquette de limoux”, on champenoise type.
IMPRESSSSSSIVE, seemed to me a luxury cuvee, without being……
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO U ALl from ITALY
December 22, 2008

chris damico
I think the problem with buying unknowns in the White Star range is that you don’t know what you’re going to get. White Star, to me, is high dollar, so I want a consistent winner. Definitely up on the Nicolas Feuillatte Brut next time I go to buy a nice bottle.
December 22, 2008

Oliver
QOTD: Egly Ouriet Brut Tradition. But once I got to taste a Pierre Peters “Cuvee Speciale,” ‘99! O.M.G. that was amazing!
December 22, 2008

pawncop
Glad to see you back, but damn do not get sick again, do you hear me.

Good show, good information as always.

QOTD – Have not had champagne in oh so many years. I cannot recall what I had but know it was garden variety supermarket stuff.

So I guess I would list Vernon’s Ginger Ale.
December 22, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo G, what happened to me Jets??? 3 points is all they can muster
against da Seahawks??? OOOOOOOUUUUUUUCH !!!!!
December 22, 2008

Bob in Nashville
QOTD: Not the best bubbles, but the best bubbles from an unlikely source: Lambrusco.

No, not Riunite (Remember, “Riunite on ice, how nice”). This was Antica Cantina Ceci 2006. The cork was a typical champagne-type cork that was wired to the bottle. It was an amabile (slightly sweet) made in the charmat method as opposed to the champagne method, resulting in smaller, longer lasting bubbles. The ruby red wine had more of an effervescent feel than an alka-seltzer fizz typical of many champagnes.

I expected very little and was actually quite surprised with how well the Lambrusco performed, and would like to try it again in the late spring with simple backyard-grilled hamburgers on the porch.
December 22, 2008

Vinacull
GV returns atop frothy mousse to rock the thunder show BIG TIME! Many thanks Gary. This show was very helpful for our Holiday choice. QOTD: I previously cited this a couple hundred EPs ago. Not only the best bubbs we ever had, but within the top 10 wines to cross these lips. Disgorged in 2000, the 1975 Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut Royal Celebration Cuvee that was served at Prince Charles and Lady Diana’s wedding reception. Stunning and sublime.
December 22, 2008

Heath Payne
QOTD: The best bubbles? I can’t remember the producer, but it was an Italian “Brachetto”. Absolutely delicious! The best Champagne I’ve ever had is the 1999 Paul Bara Brut Grand Cru.

It’s great to see a show that puts the ‘growers’ next to the big producers. As far as quality for the dollar I always stick with the grower champagnes. I have also found great quality for the price in Loire valley and Burgundy sparkling wines (Baumard, Huber Verdereau).

As far as domestic bubbles, Argyle, Argyle, Argyle. There 99’s are awesome!

Another great show Gary!

cheers,
Heath
December 22, 2008

TWalk
Man….i gotta tell ya….Izze sparkling Grapefruit it just TREmendous
December 22, 2008

Julian
Hey Gary, the Americans will laugh: I’ve just installed broadband at home for the first time. No more dial-up. That’s worth celebrating in itself, and do you know what’s the first address I entered? wltv, that’s right. I couldn’t not comment! So hi from Bubble Brothers in Cork, Ireland. My favourite bubbles are from Bernard Depoivre, a Chardonnay-rich blend that at the moment isn’t available because there just isn’t enough to export. Tiny production. Great show.
December 22, 2008

Sharon
Oh Geez it’s great to see that you were feeling so ‘bubbly’ in the ep, Gary. And even while you were suffering for your art being pelted by hail! I wish the darned Jets didn’t depress you so!
I haven’t had any stupendous bubbly yet, but I did enjoy the Champagne Henriot Blanc de Blancs NV recently.
December 22, 2008

Scottie P
Thanks for braving the cold GV. Fun episode! Condolences on the JETS loss in Seattle. My Vikes tanked vs. Atlanta, so I feel your pain!
QOTD: I don’t have much experience with Champagne but I already purchased something different than my usual bubbly.
December 22, 2008

Cayce
Best bubbles? Coca Cola vintage 1964, NOT the current fructose stuff.Nothing was better on a hot day…
December 22, 2008

Neil
One of the best shows ever. Gary, huge ups for the effort. “I wanna be dominated, Mott.”
December 22, 2008

Jim H.
QOTD:1985 Krug

I too love those grower guys. Camille Saves is one of my favorites.
Loved the show. And agree with your assessment of the Feuillatte Brut.
Merry Christmas, Gary!
December 23, 2008

Eric S.
Love the change in venue, impressive you kept going in the ice storm. The spitting on the ground was also classic. As for the bubbles, our favorite bottle is Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label.
December 23, 2008

JayZee
Nice throw, dude! Excellent and, of course, oddly interesting show. This is what I love about the Thunder Show – always bringing something different to the table.

QOTD: NV Pierre Peters Champagne (outstanding!)

Wishing everyone at Wine Lib and all of the Vayniacs the very best this holiday season.
December 23, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: Ginger ale?
December 23, 2008

Leftcoast
Gaston Chiquet green label. Very good stuff, I was impressed!
December 23, 2008

Deano
Gary Great episode…I am going to look for that last one it sounds legit.

QOTD:
-A good beer from Belgium called la choufe
December 23, 2008

Seattle Zin Guy
Woah woah woah, Seattle sucky seahawks? I’ll admit we did suck this year, but your “should have been playoff bound” Jets barely scraped together 3 points against us in Favre’s bread and butter…snow. Tough luck, better luck next weekend against the Dolphins…you can still pull this out.
December 24, 2008

Miguel Cavalcanti
Great show, Gary! I was glad to hear you point out (re the Legras) that good NV can be cellared a few years, even improve.

QOTD: Like you, I suck down a lot of bubbly, but the best of this year was ‘98 Jose Michel “Special Club.” I had always looked down on Champagne with a large proportion of pinot meunier, but this wine (50% PM) was outstanding, fruity but with real focus and lasted forever.
December 24, 2008

The Doc
QOTD – Pierre Peters
December 24, 2008

iwantmore
I love bubbles. I love snow. I hate Gary. After all, a very enjoyable show (I was glad to see him shivering in the cold).
December 24, 2008

Russ in CO
Gary – thank you for the creativity and effort to consistently putting on an entertaining and informative show!

As for the Jets….hey….I’m a Bronco fan…..I understand your pain….watch Denver crush San Diego this Sunday night….prediction – Broncos 41, Chargers 3!!!!!

QOTD: 1985 Dom Perignon at my dad’s 60th b-day celebration….unfortunately it must have not been stored properly….tasted like dog vomit on the sidewalk. However….it was very memorable : )
December 24, 2008

Babs
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you and your’s, Gary! Sorry this is such a late comment addition to your bubbly show. My fave happens to be Guy Charlemagne. At $30.00 for a bubbly hailing from the Grand Cru Blanc de Blanc village of Le Mesnil sur Oger (and located just across the street from Salon), you just cannot beat the quality, taste (if you like a blanc de blanc style), and FOR THAT ASTOUNDING PRICE!!! Also from that village, but a little bit more spendy, I like Michel Turgy. Now, for big house bubbly that’s still quite reasonable, for me it’s Pommery. And for Rose’s, I like Ployez Jacquemart’s (WS 91 @ $50) and ROGER POUILLON BRUT ROSE 1ER CRU (WS 90 @ $38). And also wanted to say that my hubby and I had our first taste of Giraud’s Hemart at our favorite wine store (Hi Times Wine in Costa Mesa, CA) just a coupla weeks ago and out of the flight o’ 12, the Hemart got both of our vote as the best.
Thanks again for all your enthusiasm, passion, and sharing it with all of us!
Babs
December 24, 2008

Murso
Qotd – THAT’s a tough one. While Salon Mesnil’88 may be nearly the most exclusive, and was great, I think Pol Roger Winston Churchill was bolder, and the Bolliner Recent Disgorged releases are still more complex.

The best bottle I PAID for was Pommery Cuvee Louise ‘89. Enjoyed that for the first millenium/Y2K hulabaloo, and practically tried to lick the inside of the glass, then the bottle clean when it was done.

You nailed it with your Feuillatte assessment. All of their cuvees deliver. And that’s a promise. The Palme d’or is easily as good as Dom most years, and better than Kristal, and all the headaches that that stuff has caused in the industry. All because some bitch or jumped up rapper , who don’t know shite says it’s ‘cool’. I DO think the House of Louis Roederer is a fine house, but one can easily see, I find it difficult, to say the least, to have business, service, and class be subjugated to ignorant pap that issues forth in streams from such blindly ill-informed, and simply uninformed sources.
December 24, 2008

Gio
Love the Legras…

One thing, doesn’t this episode violate your “taste wines at room temperature” rule? I wonder if you would score them the same.
December 24, 2008

Murso
What flies under the radar, and is seldom noticed, even if by Grand Marques (the 18 major Houses) standards, are their various Grand Cru Vineyard selections/cuvees. I’ve had several from Pommery, Taittinger, among others, and they ALWAYS give you a smashing bang for the buck – ofter at 1/2 to even 1/3 the price of the top Prestige cuvee.

Terry Thiesse, as you note (PEOPLE, TAKE NOTE!!), always delivers top quality, and I’ve told people for years, that his very name on the back of a bottle is assurance enough for me.

Often, one may discover top/prestige name quality in the most unlikely of places. The first Marilyn Cuvee, 1990 Carneros, was pretty mind blowing, and at $30, I bought,( not at my own employer) and soon drank every last one of them to spite all the people who wanted me to get it for them, so they could make money off of it on ebay, or some other unwholesome enterprise.

Brewer-Cliftom made 3 cuvees from extremely low-yeild, tete-de-cuvee juice in 1993, released around 2000. They, too, were around $30, and drank like Dom, or equivalent. I got all I could for the 2 stores I worked in at the time, And it was used as a sommelier’s selection pour at a club I worked at that year, also.
December 25, 2008

Dr. Mike
QOTD: 1990 Sir Winston Churchill, PR
December 25, 2008

Dan-o
Cool show – thought the Champagne glass may slide off the table on the ice.

QOTD – probably the mid 80s Dom P that I had on my honeymoon with my wife.
December 25, 2008

Brian Barrick
Gary, you really went above and beyond with this episode. It looked like you were freezing your fingers off, but you pulled out all the stops and delivered an awesome show. Thanks for bringing so much passion and dedication.

QOTD: My all-time favorite was the 1985 Salon, which I bought for $110 back before the prices exploded. Best Champagne I’ve tried recently was the Franck Bonville Cuvee Les Belles Voyes. I am also partial to the Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve, which has very complex fruit and nut flavors and aromas, and can still be had for a very reasonable price.
December 26, 2008

Thomas
QOTD A fresh young Hefeweizen, great bubbles and clove-banana character
December 26, 2008

Rich & Julie
Hey Gary, Love the bubbles too! Enjoy the show thoughout the year. Friday Night Wine Night with the Hubby along with Gary. Happy Holidays to all!
December 26, 2008

Eric Gardner
This is my second post on this subject. My reason for an extra post is to make a case for Champagne. Champagne is a very complicated subject. Because of its position in popular culture (i.e. one hasn’t “made it” unless one can overspends on mainstream brands in public), Champagne is often overlooked by serious wine lovers. It is thought to be the beverage favored by rich people trying to show off.

What most people don’t understand is that because rich drunks are willing to pay way too much on specific brands of Champagne (Dom P, Veuve NV, Cristal), most of the wine makers in champagne can make really great wine on a small scale. The reputation of champagne allows all the houses to experiment and innovate. Champagne makers have very strict requirements that they have to adhere to, but within those requirements, they make astronomical wine. You can buy at bottle of Pol Roger NV for $28 that is as well crafted as any white wine in the world, at any price.

Gary says that he loves champagne, but he sells himself short by not elaborating on the subject. Wine Library has the best selection of grower champagne in the country. I’m drinking a NV Pierre Morlet right now that is cheaper and tastes better than NV Veuve. Don’t get me wrong, I love NV Veuve and Dom P and Cristal, but there is so much more to champagne than those brands.

Champagne has such strict standards, that it is hard to find anything that tastes bad, but anyone who is interested in wine, is short-changing themselves by not exploring the less-famous houses of champagne (which are called “grower champagnes” and are unusually cheap and easily available at better wine stores).

Some of these houses… like Pierre Peters, Vilmart, Gimmonet are hard to find in Europe, but under $40 and available in the US.

I’m telling you, if you like wine, nothing will make you happier than popping open a bottle of Pierre Peters and eating it with linguine and clams or el pollo loco.
December 28, 2008

JudeMurphy
I very rarely drink sparkling wine… my favorite bubbles is 7up!
December 29, 2008

Chrisfs
Dude, it’s snowing out there. You need to get some gloves the next time you do that. I’m probably not drinking on New Year’s, but if I am, I’ll try to have something different.
December 29, 2008

stevo
Best bubbles I’ve ever had hand’s down was the 1999 Pierre Morlet Millesime. I ordered it after you rated it 96 points and saved it for the night I finished my last law school exam. My wife and I drank it on the roof of our DC apartment at the time and absolutely loved it. Thanks!!
December 30, 2008

Kristen
Sorry I’ve been behind in watching the shows…but this one was amazing! What love for the Vayniacs to take the Thunder Show outside in the lovely winter weather we had! Those last 2 champagnes sound amazing. Perhaps I can get them for my celebration after my thesis defense…now that would be a good party!

QOTD: Haven’t gotten into bubbles as much as I’d like, but I did enjoy the Alma Negra Sparkling Malbec rosé. That was yum in a bottle. I also liked Perrier framboise that they had in France a few years ago.
December 30, 2008

rgriffin64
I’m convinced that if MLBnetwork is to survive they need to sign Gary!!!
January 1, 2009

Russ J
Happy New Year, GV!

QOTD: Bollinger Grand Anee 1995 purchased at the WL!
January 3, 2009

joel kriske
the swiegeti (sp?) gruner sparkling makes me cry for an oyster… Talk about acidity. It’s a sparkler that NEEDS FOOD! Somehow that makes me happy. Once again, thanks for keeping it honest.
January 3, 2009

Metal Dave
QOTD: 2000 Guy Charlemagne “Mesnillesime” Grand Cru
January 4, 2009

Brian
Good show, loving the style!

I am geting down with the English sparkling wines from South Ridge in Sussex, they are cool.
January 5, 2009

Shane B.
Excellent stuff, as usual. It’s also good to see why I don’t move to Jersey, all that snow-ploughing in the background looked nasty.

Q.O.T.D. Still waiting, but did buy an excellent bottle of “real” champagne at the Dubai duty free a few years ago for a friend’s birthday (NOT Dom. P), and she nearly cried when I broke it out being so happy to drink some decent bubbly. Woefully I’ve forgotten what it was, but it was more the thought than the actual liquid I guess.
January 5, 2009

Nik
Great show – definitely love to see a show with more ‘grower’ champagnes!
January 5, 2009

MattUD
Hey Gary, great show, loved it in the snow. A great show to start the new year..even though it was posted a few weeks ago.

QOTD: Whatever champagne I had on New years this year, but don’t know what it was since I did not pour it.
January 7, 2009

CBone
I don’t remember if I left a comment the first time I watched this one, so here goes.

QOTD: There is a restaurant in DC called Palena (which is wonderful) and they have a champagne they sell by the glass that is…spectacular. I know it when I see it on the menu, but I can’t remember what it is. It ain’t cheap, but it is worth it. I also like Domaine St Pierre Brut NV. It is from New Mexico! I think that is great. Plus it is extremely affordable ($13 in DC, $9 in Buffalo, where I bought a bunch, while visiting my folks over Christmas, for my wedding.)
January 10, 2009

Ian
QOTD:
Best Bubbles i have ever put in my mouth..Krug Vintage 95….But that my be passed up by the 1990 in my cellar we shal see… Close second would be a 1978 Dom P beautiful Biscutiy notes and complexity in the finish…acid was still surprisingly present but showing signs of age. Baked apple pie as well in the initial palate and quite weighty through the mid-palate.
January 15, 2009

yowens
Great energy GV! I need to drink more sparkling. QOTD: I’ve had some Schramsberg sparkling wines that were pretty good.
January 25, 2009

lawschooldrunk
Love the energy, Gary! I also like watching the traffic and the snow plow behind you
January 30, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Nice wristband toss at the end. Too bad Farve couldnt do that up in Seattle!!!! Oh no he didnt!!!! Anyway, thanks for braving the snow to bring another fun episode for us. Im trying to buy a champange or two thats not along the big name brands. Hopefully I can grab some that will rock for a nice price. QOTD: Im still big on my Henry Weinhards root beer. Damn fine brew.
May 28, 2009

Spiritman
I Like the Nicolas Feuillatte Champaign!