Randy Sloan from Match Vineyards Comes by the Thunder Show

Randy Sloan from Match Vineyards Comes by the Thunder Show – Episode #640

March 10, 2009

Gary Vaynerchuk welcomes Randy from Match and talks about Napa, wine and a few other things.

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Comments on this episode(143) Leave a comment ›

“Cool show but crazy expensive bottle- too rich for me. QOTD: I have t…” by yowens
“Titus Titus Titus for Napa Valley Value…incredible…” by RD
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2006 Match Cabernet Sauvignon Butterdragon Hill
2005 Match Cabernet Sauvignon Butterdragon Hill
2005 Match Baconbrook Cabernet Sauvignon

Links mentioned in today’s episode.

143 Responses

March 10, 2009

NY Pete
finally … looks like Brooklyn Paul has a woody …
March 10, 2009

NY Pete
holy crap… numero uno …
March 10, 2009

Alex Coppice
Oh dear. This is my first third. Eh
March 10, 2009

NY Pete
… GV does read your comments …
March 10, 2009

John Farrin
5
March 10, 2009

Tom Langan
Haven’t been top 10 in awhile. Woopee!

Now on to the show.
March 10, 2009

Chalz
lucky 7 woo who
March 10, 2009

WinstonBaby
NICE HOODIE GARY! Just come from the gym? Love’d the show!
March 10, 2009

Andres R
Hey Gary keep it up! numero 8!
March 10, 2009

DrEdwardo
Top 10 again (just)!
March 10, 2009

NY Pete
Cork’d … WTG Randy!!!
March 10, 2009

Vanguy
Looks great – love the extra long shows – will watch tonight!
March 10, 2009

Kevin
Hi Gary,

I think you should lose the guests. Not only does it break up the flow of the show, in my opinion, but since you don’t edit, the audience, and probably the guest, can see the faces and body language that you sometimes give that say things like, “I’m not all that interested” or “what the hell is this guy talking about?”

My guess is that if Randy weren’t on the show, you would have rated his ‘06 something much lower than 90 pts. and would have hammered him on the price points, but maybe not. I do dig that Randy is out there with the peeps in the forums etc. getting to know his customer. I like that a lot.

Thanks.

Kevin.
March 10, 2009

Jay
I thought Randy seemed very sincere so I have no complaints with him as a person. As a “Vayniac”, and I use the term lightly for him, it was so Busch that he didn’t know about the QOTD.

But because I have an answer… QOTD: 2005 Atecca Armas.
March 10, 2009

QUE
QOTD Gary never reviewed it but Burgans Albranio. Super cheap and amazingly good.
March 10, 2009

Rajiv
Awesome! Can’t wait to see the show!

(it’s been a while since a real vayniac was on. None of this “huh? question of the day” BS)
March 10, 2009

guymandude
Great show!You seem to have new energy which is awesome at #640.Thanks for keeping it fresh, entertaining and informative. Web site had house cleaning.

QOTD;Mencia
March 10, 2009

Derek F.
Great show guys, I am a BIG fan of Napa Cabs so I think I should add Match to my seek list.

QOTD: 2003 Taja Jumilla Reserva
March 10, 2009

Gene Blakeslee
Gary,

You did a great job with Randy, you allowed him to express his thoughts fully but kept the program moving. Match reminds me a lot of the single vineyard producer, Pina, which is near St Helena. Same price points loaded with extraordinary fruit. I will get a hold of some Match to try.

Genothevino
March 10, 2009

gomestar
Gary – It was great to see you pull out some big scores for some Napa Valley Cabs and that Match has mostly decided to leave the oak monster at home.

And then on further thought – great, another Cali Cab that I can’t find in any store and can only obtain through a special mailing list. Imagine if Angelo Gaja, Chateau Ausone, or half of the 92+ rated producers in Barolo decided to only sell to subscribers on an email list.
March 10, 2009

Dr T in NC
Oh, Randy, tough question to answer! I’ve only tasted one he recommended and it was only ok. . . .
March 10, 2009

my2cents
Oh goody I thought we were going to miss a day when it got to be past 5 on the east coast.

Sorry to post before watching I will continue after.

Would like to say that the last episodes have been well worth seeing.

Thank you Gary V.
March 10, 2009

Howard
Good show. You nailed the oak play on the third wine.
March 10, 2009

urbwes
Hey Gary! I frequently visit corkd.com and love checking for the wines I buy to check my thoughts against other “regular joes”. The only thing… the search engine sucks. I can never find anything and there are always multiple entries for the same wine (Ones without any vintage or with a partial name) and then I can’t find what I’m looking for. Fix that and I think many more good things might happen with that sight. All said, I still check it out and appreicate it’s existence. Screw the naysayers.
March 10, 2009

Dr. Mike
QOTD: Nun Vinya Dels Taus, Priorat. I think it’s 100% Xarello
March 10, 2009

A dumb Rhine king
Great guest. Randy seems very personable. The names of the wines are awesome, imaginative and near and dear to the heart. If only people would only go that way instead of naming things like “The Bar” or “This is my Station”

QOTD: Try the 2007 J&f Lurton Rueda White ;P

(hopefully you’ll watch ep #639 b4 you buy it)
March 10, 2009

lairbot
Great job Randy! I love Match wines and am glad to see them appreciated.
March 10, 2009

Little Jonny
Ha! I wondered why every other time I go to add a new wine on Cork’d, there’s a damn server error or the screen just plain freezes up! This has been driving me nuts!!!

QOTD: GV gave the Montenovo Godello 2007 serious marks, but he may only have the slightly more expensive and unrated (on WLTV) 2006 version in stock!
March 10, 2009

Little Jonny
Oh, and I disagree with Gene (below). I know you’ve been working on allowing guests to have more camera time, and do less to get in their way, but this was the first show in a long while where I noticed you stepped all over the guest (I didn’t think the Crudo episode was bad). I’m sure Randy wasn’t bothered by it, but it seemed as though you finished every meaningful sentence he had to say for him. I’ve never busted your chops for this, but when you watch it I think you’ll see what I mean… Keep improving, and you’ll have your own network gig before you know it!
March 10, 2009

Vintage59
Gary, Good Show, No go for me on $75 Napa Cabs. This is a bad play. The dirt is to expensive and wines, cult producers and all ho hum. Think of what you can buy in Bordeaux right or left bank and even some of those under the radar Barolo’s you have be discussing. Cali wines are a joke. May be for the uninformed wine buyer with no sense of QPR. Tasted just one Bordeaux and your never looking at Cali again!
March 10, 2009

ex-lurkdawg
Thanks, guys, for a good episode. 4% doesn’t sound like much, but I wonder how many cases/gallons that adds up to and how much comes from the central valley? I think I’ll look into that. I hope to try your wines at some point, Gary, but I’m not going to buy any soon, unfortunately.
March 10, 2009

NY Pete
now what the hell did I do with that Match Vineyards Special Referral Order Form?
March 10, 2009

Chris
Legit guest! Great show.
March 10, 2009

Murso
Didn’t watch yet – bartending right now.

Qotd – Can’t see the link to the archives, but maybe a Jorge Ordonez white?
March 10, 2009

brorjace
Good lord, I don’t remember the names of those Spanish wines… Fun show though, I’d never heard of your wine either, so I’m pleased to know now!
March 10, 2009

manonthemoon
Nice seeing a vayniac on the show for a change.

QOTD: Haven’t really tried that many of GV’s recommendations, but I presonally enjoy the Grenache Blanc from Spain, Odyseuss is one of the labels I enjoy.
March 10, 2009

AUSSIE SAMMY S
Nice show Gary,

Randy sounds like a pretty good bloke!!! Not sure about $75 cabs….just a little steep. Loved the passion Gary…nice job
March 10, 2009

Marc-China Wine Tours
Excellent guest..these wines sound great!!
March 10, 2009

Candyman
I don’t know if it has been in the last year but I like the 2007 Burgans Albarino. Greay with sea food.
March 10, 2009

Tom T.
Great show. Thanks for doing it.
Qotd – Valdesil Godello 2006
http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=35693
March 10, 2009

rowland
what the Hey, I got a 404 error on that first link Mott.

ewww now you got me thinking about what the inside of that bucket looks like.

hey you did it again! you said dry = tannic! stop doing that. we all know that tannins dry your mouth out, we get it, but dry means low sugar, and if we cant change the meaning of wine terms, than neither can you.
March 10, 2009

Alan C
woohoo Gary read my comment! Thanks! I got the feeling that you were really censoring your opinions on his wines just cuz he was there, kind of lost the authenticity of the wine scores. How about you tell us what you REALLY think on the next episode when you read out the comments?
March 10, 2009

JOEYdaMUSH
hey the page changed!

how will i know if gary is streaming live on ustream anymore?

i dont like it
March 10, 2009

David Dadekian
QOTD: I don’t know if it’s the best, but for QPR the Finca Albarino was enjoyable.

Thanks for another great guest. More low key, but it was interesting.
March 10, 2009

Pete
Hey Gary, good show. This really seems like an interesting vineyard that makes great wine, but I have a question about it. Not having a lot of experience with Napa, do you think its worth paying $75 a bottle to try a Match Cab or am I better off going with Turnbull or Soujourn from Sonoma which you rate higher for half the price? I’m not trying to bash Randy because he seems like a nice guy, but is his wine experience worth the price tag?
March 10, 2009

Scott EJ
Great to see a forum member get some love. Great jobs guys!! Oh, and I am a forumite who watches and posts almost every day. If you put forth the effort, so will I.

QOTD: From an interesting standpoint: 2006 Jose Pelacios Petalos, Bierzo; Easy to find and good qpr: any vintage Juan Gil, Jumilla; Delicous and reaching cult status: El Nido Clio
March 10, 2009

dafo
Great show! Randy seems like such a real and great guy.
March 10, 2009

pawncop
Great episode and great guest. You continue to get better and better with your interviewing skills.

QOTD – The Albarino he had in the secret pack a few months ago.
March 10, 2009

Green Pea
Gary, I gotta shoot you straight and I don’t think you would have it any other way. I think you need to loose the guest. Randy was a great guy, no doubt about it but.. the passion and the thunder is just not there. Your personality and your personality alone is what makes the show. I also don’t think where getting the straight scoop that we would if it was just you and Mot. By the way Mot, good call on moving the bottles.
March 10, 2009

Kelly Goff
Gary, at first I thought Randy was going to bore me, but I was pleasantly surprised! And although I cannot ever see myself spending that kind of money on wine (even if I had it), it was very interesting to learn about his wines and insight. Oh, and you were fun to watch too…

I can’t keep track of all the recommendations, but there have been a few Albarinos that I loved!

ps I am now convinced you will be the father of a girl
March 10, 2009

sam
Good show. Fun guest. At small production it becomes hard to compete price-wise. However, the public will be the best judge for the monetary value of the wine. Wine makers a sentimentally attached to their product and it makes it hard for them to evaluate it.
March 10, 2009

jwink
Ugh, come on, you’re a guest you get to ask the question of the day! The best Spanish wine GV has recommended is 2007 J&f Lurton Rueda White: http://winelibrary.com/reviewwine.asp?item=39896 Gary liked it so much he emptied the bottle on the show to finish it off, no joke! He’s never done that before to my knowledge. ROTFLMAO!
March 10, 2009

Dan
As fun as the guests are, I really do feel they subtract from your personality Gary. They also really don’t let you express your true feelings on a wine. I don’t know about everyone else, but I like it when you have no restraints, and you can just tell it like it is. It’s just a thought, anyways. You know I’m going to keep watching, regardless!
March 10, 2009

Doc P
Interesting discussion, but I agree with Little Jonny; some of the bordeauxs i have had recently for under $30 make me reluctant to spend that much money of a Cab.

QOTD; Alberinos are really nice
March 10, 2009

Tooch
another enjoyable episode gary. great to see fellow forum rat Randy in the hot seat for some tastings.

QOTD; I enjoyed the 2006 Black Big Albarino – but I think that vintage is sold out and the 2007 is now available.

By the way Gary, Lito Sheppard is over the hill…you need to snap back to reality.
March 10, 2009

Adam J
Very good guest and show, Thanks!
March 10, 2009

chadd
Awesome show gary you brought the thunder today !!!! Randy was one of your best guests yet..

QODA: I hae not gotten into spanish wines yet, I seem to stray away from that isle and always end up where the burgundys are
March 10, 2009

SteveF
Gary, When the guest said 75$ a bottle,the first words out of my mouth were holy

crap. Gary, times are tough, we need more wines that pack the thunder and less

PDiddy.

QOTD:2007 El Perro Verde Rueda
March 10, 2009

David T
Keep the new interview style! I think this was one of your best recently, & I thought Randy was very knowledgeable!

QOTD: I’m still working my way back thru all of the past year’s episodes so I can’t name anything specific, but right now I’m really into any Cava- great sparkly at a great price for anytime when you can’t plunk down for a good Champagne.
March 10, 2009

Johnnyutah
QOTD: Ouch…tough one. Here’s my recommendation since i don’t remember Gary’s…Mas del Abundancia 2004 Monsant. Check it, Monsant is the new Priorat.

Cheers for showing terroir!
March 10, 2009

my2cents
Good show. Not much for the poor and value driven consumer though.

I have some 05 Murcia Pico Madama that I got on pre sale at wine library but haven’t tried it yet. I hope it is the best Spanish wine I’ve had once I try it.

Gary, I did notice that you spoke all over your guest’s comments once again this show. I can see you are working on it but sometimes forget and go back to your old ways like using “play”. That is really getting old now. Please try to use “real” words and phrases instead of “slang”. Maybe thinking of it like that will help? or you could just pretend we’re all naked. Ha ha

I had a chance to open a magnum of 05 Valsalado Paisajes V this weekend and it was pretty good. We had a paring dinner and drank way more than usual. The group all agreed it was good and went with the food courses. It does seem true that Spanish wines go very well with lots of foods.

Thanks Gary!
March 10, 2009

RICK
Gary, great show and great guest, you can really tell this guy is very passionate and proud of his wines, but, 75 bones for me is a little too steep, i can probably buy 5 or 6 bottles of great wine, such as Cartiladge and Browne cabernet, Soujourn pinot noir, walnut crest cab, Robert Mondavi cabernet, casillero del diablo, etc. keep up the great work and asta la vista.
March 10, 2009

Russell
Have any of you ever noticed how Wine Spectator coddles California? It is unblievable. It is almost like they somehow own some vineyards in Napa or Sonoma. There are Great wines being grown in Virginia right now. Not a mention of them in WS. That is why I dropped by subscription to WS. Gary, nice work on VA so far…How about another Virginia show showcasing the 2007 reds? I have had a few and they are delicious.
March 10, 2009

Vanguy
Good guest. Reminded me a little bit of Andy Richter when he was on Conan.
March 10, 2009

SargieAZ
Randy-go straight for the Vina Godeval Godello, Santiago Ruizwhite blend, and the Odysseus Garnacha Blanca. For reds I like the Palacios Petalos, Muga for Riojas (white rose and red) and my favorite being a nice Ribera del Duero, like Emilio Moro or Condado de Haza. Viva Espana!!
March 10, 2009

wayno da wino
Top 65 OOOOOOOH YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH !!!!!!!!!
March 11, 2009

John D.
I enjoyed this episode. Randy seems like an honest and passionate guy, and I give him props for that. How he named his wines was a nice touch and says something about him. I think we get a filtered, perhaps G-rated version of you Gary when you have (some) guests on. To be honest, I don’t have a problem with that at all. I just take your comments with a grain of salt. You have a business to run that is heavily dependent on relationships (not being in the wine business, I could be wrong), so I think viewers need to take such episodes at face value, learn something and just enjoy the show, which I always do.

On another note, I have to say the price point of Napa Cab is a deal-breaker for me. I understand folks like Randy are in business to make money. But I can’t bring myself to spend over 70 bones to get a qood Napa Cab when I can buy killer wines from all over Spain (Jumilla, Toro, Rioja, etc.) and France (Rhone, Ventoux, Languedoc) that bring huge QPR & thunder at a fraction of the price. And as Jeffrey Davies said, let’s not forget Bordeaux. You can find great wines from 01, 03, 04 and even 05 for less than $100, some for far less. It looks like 06 will offer similar opportunities.

Bottom line, I see tremendous value at every price point up to and above $100 for Spanish and French wines and I’m having a hard time seeing that out of CA. If I’m way off base, I’d welcome a nudge in the right direction.
March 11, 2009

Eric Z.
Don’t worry about using “play,” Gary — it’s who you are, unfiltered.

I like your asking the guest which wines have knocked his socks off lately — anyone on the show should be able to give a good answer to that without it seeming like a curveball, and I’d love to have heard what Charles Smith, Randall Grahm, et al, have been excited about lately.

I’m two ways about the QOTD being a surprise for the guest. On one hand, what absolutely, absolutely makes your show work is that we watch you and the guests drink wines — we watch their faces and their reactions — and it’s the same way watching someone think up a QOTD (and, as with last week, it tests whether they watch the show). On the other hand, if they knew beforehand that they had to ask a question, maybe they’d be less stumped. My opinion, I like watching someone on air come up with a question.
March 11, 2009

Scott TC
Keep up the guests Gary, they make your best episodes. Even if you need to leave out the numerical rating for fidelity and just talk about the wines.
March 11, 2009

chukhead-ted
Gary–too bad a lot of your guests are great but not big fans of the show…if I was a guest I’d be working on my QTOD for weeks prior!
March 11, 2009

Bathus -- Amateur Wine Philosopher
GEEVEE, you are a braver man than me to put a number on a wine with the maker sitting right there beside you, with several glass bottles within easy reach! (Randy Sloan looks like a pretty burly fellow, too–lucky for you he also seems like a Great Big Huggable Teddy Bear.)

Speaking of putting numbers on wines, I’m starting to have a real problem with the number thing. Seriously putting a number on a wine after a thirty second sniffy-sniff and whirl would be like judging a woman the first 30 seconds of a first date. I’m realizing that to understand and appreciate a wine, you have to spend a good amount of time with it in a lot of different contexts. I guess with some wines, just like some people, you can know in the first thirty seconds you probably aren’t going to want to hang out with them–but then again, there are those surprises, when the first impression eventually gets turned around 180 degrees. So I think maybe it’s better to reserve judgment, to spend at least an evening or two with a wine, before deciding whether it’s a 90+ or “only” an 89. Maybe you don’t have to have a number after all–instead just take it for what it is, just like people with their own personalities and qualities, strengths and weaknesses. I almost don’t even want to use the words “strengths and weaknesses,” because who’s to say whether an honest straightforward simplicity or a baffling complexity is either a “strength” or a “weakness.” Anyway, a number rating can distract from getting to know the true qualities of the wine. How many interesting wine experiences are missed because someone rated a wine an 89 instead of a 90?!?!

And speaking of wine and personalities (returning to my initial thought), I’m also starting to think that the vintner’s personality can show through–and should show through–in his or her wine, in much the same way that terroir can and should display itself. If that is true, then these episodes with winemakers open up an extra and important dimension to the wine-lover’s experience. It also seems to me that GEEVEE’s zany interview style is, for reasons I don’t entirely understand, actually extremely effective at bringing out the essential personality of his guests. Of course, if you really wanted to get to know what your guests are like–in vino veritas–you wouldn’t spit.

QOTD: I can’t wait to learn the right answer!
March 11, 2009

Coffee
Hello Gary!!! I’ve been recently turned into a vayniac and I love it, THANKS!!!

This show was a big contrast to the last guest episode (#637-8). And the thunder was a lacking in this one. Big difference in thunder when guests those are enthusiasts’ vs producers. I think you should just skip the numerical rating with guests own wines because we ALL KNOW we’ll NEVER see what happened in your last episode (#639) with the J&f Lurton Rueda White 2007 if the producer is sitting right next to you!!!
(That was GREAT! It’s funny to see someone taste that horrible wine. We’ve all done it at one time and it’s nice to see what our faces probably looked like when we did it. I’m also really glad you showed us the Barone from the other show! )

About the price point – I’m willing to pay $50, $75, and even over $100 for a wine. But, if I’m going there it had better produce a knee-buckling response. I won’t pay $75 for something that is “good” when I know I can get a wine for less that will be an orgasmic overload on my palate!!!
March 11, 2009

Kirk (slave2thevine)
It’s really great to see Randy getting some face time on the show. He’s a great source of knowledge in the forum…and it’s just frackin’ awesome to see him on the show as a guest.

QOTD: I have NO clue what a good Spanish white is that GV has recommended in the last year…but SS should know. As for me…I’ll say if you can find Mas d’en Gil Coma Blanca I’d snap up a bottle or two. It sold out in our state in a week or two (at $73 that’s fast, even for Maine) and I’ve got one bottle left to look forward to in the future…
March 11, 2009

mikek
GV – I guess this ep was well timed to a 380 point market surge! I’m going to need about another 10 of those, if I’m looking at 75 “bones” for my vino!

Good show, like the background & personality that the guests bring to the wine. You also improved in a big way with the interview style…Q & A, back & forth, give & take interaction had a nice balanced feel.

QOTD: The 2006 Black Pig Albarino, hands down! Really different “feel” from the other white varietals from Spain.
March 11, 2009

Baytenders
Was happy to see Randy and Match featured today. I love St. Helena, so it’s nice to see them get some love on the Thunder Show. I agree with the others, 75 bones is a bit steep. For that price I might be inclined to buy me a nice bourbon…

P.S. – Joined the forums today!

Love the wine cork middle finger btw.
March 11, 2009

chuy
qotd: Finca arentai albarino! muy delicioso!, Love these guests, especially since im really familiar with the wines. We pour the 04 butterdragon by the glas and its a beast! These wines are not for the faint of heart, they are in fact a true expression of napa valley fruit and i can see them aging well for about ten to twelve years. GO CHARGERS!! L.T. REMAINS A CHARGER AND WILL ALWAYS BE A CHARGER!!
March 11, 2009

Beverly
Great show, Gary, thanks! Great guest! Shout out to Mott!

QOTD: Gary has talked about several Albrinos (spelling) — don’t know names particularly.
March 11, 2009

jason
QOTD _ dunno, i dont think i have had any of the spanish white wines that GV has recommended. sorry.

side comment. CORK’D , gary, i used to log all of my stuff into cork’d, write tasting notes and bottle inventory. i was drawn to it because i was looking for a bottle and i arrived on it. i said WTF and joined up. i guess i stopped doing it cause the majority of the people on it were kinda lame and not taking it too seriously. ON THAT NOTE, i did meet a good friend on it. her name is dagny and she is in brooklyn and i live in EU. we have never actually met, but we e mail often about wine ( esp burgundy) but also our kids. one day we are going to meet in person in NY and drink some good wine together.
March 11, 2009

California Cab Lover
I am one of those people who is not buying their allocations. I love California wines,but the price is bit much now and add the shipping which raises the price per bottle by $5 or sometimes more, not going to do it. I am venturing out to other parts of the world and looking for those “under the radar” areas you talk about.
I really enjoy your Thunder Cuvee, gives me the classic Napa smell and taste I love for far less than $75.
March 11, 2009

TheLukas
Glad you read out the comments even with a guest on the show.
Also glad it wasn’t split into 2 episodes, always up for long episodes.

The whole economy affecting wine, I think it’s similar to the video games, people will still invest in things that they feel they can use to escape from the economy problems.

It’s interesting how some guests seem to come on purely to promote themselves or their business or their winery or their book. But this guys obviously just loves the WLTV community. Excellent guest. Excellent guy. Excellent episode.
March 11, 2009

CABDRINKER
I like this episode a lot. Good job Randy!

I much rather see guest like Randy, Charles Smith (K Vintners) and Randall Graham (Boony Doon) than the other type of guests on the show.
March 11, 2009

Phil G
Very interesting/entertaining – too bad $70+ is way out of my price range…

QOTD – can’t think of specifics, but I would look for Cava in the Gary’s scores page.
March 11, 2009

MaRc
QOTD: Havent had many spanish whites, especially the ones GV has mentioned previously. However, I do feel that R.Lopez de Heredia’s Vina Tondonia 1996 is excellent! For a more value play, Marques de Riscal’s Reserva 2003 is good value.
Oh, big shout out to Mott! Sorry Mott, the heroes behind the scenes usually get forgotten…but worry not now!
March 11, 2009

Coffee
Hello Gary!!! I’ve been recently turned into a vayniac and I love it, THANKS!!!

This show was a big contrast to the last guest episode (#637-8). And the thunder seemed to be a bit lacking in this one. I’ve noticed a difference in thunder when the guests are enthusiasts’ vs producers. I think you should purposely skip the numerical rating when sampling wines produced by the guest. We’re pretty sure we’ll NEVER see what happened in your last episode (#639) with the J&f Lurton Rueda White 2007 if the producer is sitting right next to you!!!
(btw – That was GREAT! It’s funny to see someone taste that horrible wine. We’ve all done it at one time and it’s nice to see what our faces probably looked like when we did it. I’m also really glad you showed us the Barone from the other show! )

About the price point – I’m willing to pay $50, $75, and on occasion over $100 for a wine. But, if I’m going there it had better produce a knee-buckling response. I won’t pay $75 for something that is “good” when I know I can pay $50 or less on something that will “WOW” my palate!!! <-guessing the “o” word didn’t pass your moderator…
March 11, 2009

Richard Ritter
Hey everyone at WLTV:
Thanks for the great show. I have to say that that Bacon Brook label is amazing. Love the color combination and graffic, and I loved the fact that Sloan gave a little background info on the naming of the wines because it added the “family factor” that I enjoy so much.

QOTD: I actually had some of the El Perro Verde from the last show and that would be my suggestion to Sloan.

PS: Could you wish my mother a Happy Birthday, she just passed on Saturday and it would have been her 77th birthday on Thursday the 12th. She loved the white Zins.
March 11, 2009

Richard Ritter
Gary:
My mom’s name is Joan Ritter. Forgot to put that in.
March 11, 2009

victor
wines sound great. will look them up next time through Napa. Don’t know much about anything, especially Spanish white wines, but I DO KNOW I will sorely miss my Niece Raissa. Enjoyed our Halifax visit and returning to Edmonton today. Gary, please please give her a shout out from buyko biktop.
March 11, 2009

Salvatore
Hmmmmmmm…My “QOTD”

Do the majority of people out there buy wine to stick in the cellar for 4 to 10 years?

Most of the wine I buy is drunk within the month. Although I have a couple of cases we’ve had for a year and a half.

Gary….. I think you hit on a very relavent topic. Is this price structure sustanable in this economic climate. I suppose there are still a lot of well healed buyers out there.

Just being average……it’s beyond our reach. If we were to spend that kind of $$$, it going to be on a player with a historic track record.
March 11, 2009

dcrob
QOTD: i have to admit vaniack failure… have not tried any spanish whites!
my pal is sad.
March 11, 2009

dcrob
also failed to spell Vayniak… days not starting off well
March 11, 2009

Chris Lotz
el perro verde baby!!!!!!!!! oh Gary, nice middle cork finger
March 11, 2009

wiljak
I like the way this show played a little bit to the forum users – not that I’ve been in there a long time but long enough to have really enjoyed this episode – good stuff! Please keep this kind of show in the mix.

QOTD: I’d have to say that the Perro Verde (Rueda) from yesterday would be the best QPR (7 bones over here) and we go through a lot of it (especially in summer!)…but my favorites would have to be Fefiñanes III Año (Rias Baixas) or Trio Infernal #0/3 Blanc (Priorat)
March 11, 2009

NY Pete
hey dcrob, it’s … V A Y N I A C … ok …
March 11, 2009

drew benz
Well “played” GV, pun intended. Another quality show.

Loved the pointed questions to the guest. Made for a more polished and fluid interview/dialogue.

Despite enjoying this guest quite a bit, he made for a good show quite honestly, from now on I recommend we enact a WLTV Guest Rule. ANY guest pre-screened that does not know and understand the idea of “the question of the day” should be scratched or relegated to Obsessedtv. The Vaynernation is TOO smart and TOO keen GV, we don’t want to hear the bull crap that some guests spew about being such a big fan then turning around and faking the house dealer like they don’t know the house rules. We spot it a mile away. You can’t fool us. To future guests, please do your homework and we will EMBRACE you. Fake your homework and we will CRUSH you.

drew
March 11, 2009

WineWoman
QOTD: Gary seemed to like the El Perro Verde from the other day. I haven’t had any Albarinos or other Spanish whites recently to recommend. However, I do have a bottle of the 2002 Match Cab that I bought on a whim, a while back. Am excited about trying it!!
March 11, 2009

dcrob
not a good day indeed
March 11, 2009

Zino
$70+ a bottle from 6 years old vines – ridiculous. Well that’s selling a brand and not the finished product. You can only get away with that in places like Napa, Bordeaux etc. I’m very surprised that you liked those wines as much as that. I haven’t tasted the Match wines so can’t comment on them, but in my experience, wines from very young vines can be seductive, but soon show their hollowness.

I would never pay that amount for infant juice. In these difficult times, new producers like Match run the risk of losing out big-time. Start your pricing lower and build up. If you do it the other way around, you’ll lose people forever.
March 11, 2009

victor
It is enjoyable and informative to see/hear from actual winemakers/owners. Too often Napa focuses on limos and corporate head offices of Multi-national corporations that own the vineyards. It is so hard to meet and talk to ACTUAL people and not the glitz in the tasting rooms. Washington state and my own experience in Walla Walla was so enjoyable, comfortable, unpretentious, inexpensive. See it now before the tour buses and limos come in…In all fairness, yes Napa wines are expensive but even in this episode they were referred to as luxury items. Spoil yourself once in a while Vayniacs! We deserve it!
March 11, 2009

wayno da wino
Extremely Entertaining Episode!! Moooochooo Thanx, Guys!!

Yo G, all these people come on the Thunder Show to pimp their Wines,
Books, etc., but when Ya tell them to ask the “Question of the Day”,
they are like a Deer in the Headlights……. Ya gotta tell them to
watch the Show once in awhile, I myself, Highly Recommend IT!!!!
March 11, 2009

BruceP
Nice show Randy (and Gary). No idea what Spaish whites Gary has been recommending. I’d say go for an old white Rioja. Lopez de Heredia has great ones from the 80’s out there available in wine stores. They’ve done all the aging for you.
March 11, 2009

Cuse Wino
QOTD- Black Pig Albarino 2007 is the Albarino that I have latched onto after Gary V’s recommendation

Nice episode but a wine I will have to take your word on because not spending that now and almost never have. Nice pointed questions and you let him answer which was awesome. Soon you can take over for Jimmy Fallon because he is horrible.
March 11, 2009

hugh
“Real” is what i think about this guy. Great show.
March 11, 2009

Kevin K
This was a solid episode. Gary seemed a little lower in his energy level, but it meshed well with the guest.
March 11, 2009

jaredlevy
Gary, I never got a chance to ask you at the 92Y, but what is your opinion on decanting WHITE wines? Do you think any whites would actually benefit from a few hours of oxygen? Curious about your thoughts.
March 11, 2009

DogD
Nicolas Cage and Nostrada Tempranillo 2007 – like 6 bucks, but I thought it was awesome.
March 11, 2009

J Mize
QOTD: Not on wine library but, 2006 Legado RB Albarino. GV Love the comments, My QOTD:Will you get me on Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, NJ?
March 11, 2009

Paryb
I really thought that this guy was personable. Nice show guys.
March 11, 2009

Steve Ferrara
Good guest…nice show

QOTD: What does it matter… trust your pallet and you’ll find what you like!!!
March 11, 2009

Neil
QOTD: Try 2007 Valdelainos Verdejo Rueda, Spain. Yummy.
March 11, 2009

Matlock the Burgundian
QOTD: I’m going to repeat some other posts and say I have FAILED in my Vaynermission. I have not yet tried a recommended Spanish white. But, I’m going to Spain in June, so I’ll get it done then.

Gary, do you give out free Schwag for being awesome? Because if so, I’m in need of some!
March 11, 2009

Murso
Nice work, guys!

Randy, never mind the random fretting from various quarters. The Vayniac Nation is made up of folks of every stripe, and level of (in)experience. That someone questions the truth, viability, or REALNESS of Cabernet such as yours at $75 seems to most often come from those who don’t have the slightest inkling of who Jim Barbour or Cary Gott are. Hint folks – they are both first string, A-List talents with tremendous reputations and histories. And Spring Mountain, low-yield fruit that is practically non-irrigated is in the same realm as those $100,000 blue fin, or Wagu beef. Yes, Zino, even at a five years of age.

Best wishes on your sccess!
March 11, 2009

glenn
nice job boys! Randy you got to come over and see yourself on my 60″ Pioneer Elite Plasma via Apple TV – whole different world than computer watching man. don’t worry you looked good.

you know i am a Baconbrook supporter and sorry i have been tardy with my 06 order – you know i want splits!

QotD: Albariño is GV’s main Spanish White play that hits my sweet spot.
March 11, 2009

YoungDave
QOTD: 2007? Montenovo Godello
March 11, 2009

agamemnon
Randy was a super guest. Russian? IT? Military? Interesting…. Very charming guy, very personable. I just wish I was in the market to be laying down those $70-plus bottles!
March 11, 2009

Randy Sloan (Match Vineyards)
Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. I’m making a list.
March 12, 2009

SacramentoCharlie
Excellent episode fellas…enjoyed it.
March 12, 2009

oscar falcón lara
Hmm, $75 US Cab. Must seek out this one, see if it’s a great as advertised.

QOTD: I agree, “El Perro Verde” Verdejo.
March 12, 2009

Rick O'Shea
Nice show. I really enjoyed the insight.
March 12, 2009

innA
The part about First/Second Growth numbers is an interesting point.. I didn’t realise until I saw a recent documentary that noted that Cos d’Estournel produced 220,000 bottles in 2005 and Chateau Margaux generally produces around 150,000 bottles a year of its ‘grand vin’. Insane numbers and makes you realise how ridiculous the Bordeaux classifications are.

p.s. I can never post in time to be read out on the show as I always watch on my iPod – do you still read every comment that is posted Gary?
March 12, 2009

Zino
Am I questioning anyone’s talent? My guess is that Match wines will be very good, but I was surprised at their price considering the age of the vines and in the present economic climate, this is a very risky policy.
March 12, 2009

April
I would love for Gary to explain to us why this wine is worth $70 + when there are plenty of wonderful wines from Napa you can get between $20 – $40. I went on a tasting trip to Napa last year, and found lots of wines in that price range that were fabulous. What makes this wine worth $70 plus? Especially since i’ve never even heard of them. Please forgive my ignorance, but can Gary (sans guest of course) please explain this so that us commoners can understand?
March 12, 2009

Murso
Zino, April, et al –

Fact #1. even if we lowballed Napa valley real estate figures, the low end is around $500,000/ acre. For 2.75 acres (the size of just the actual PLANTINGS of Baconbrook Vineyard, thats over 1.5 MILION dollars before you set foot in just that tiny vineyard, if it actually were at that price.

#2. High Elevations and with legendary sub appellation addresses like Howell Mtn, Mt. Veeder, and Spring Mountain are the MOST SOUGHT AFTER locations in the most sought after region of California. This land can easily sell for many times the price of ‘any old land’ in Napa, and to have a sub- appellation in your name and address is cache like platinum. This fruit is most always non-irrigated, stressed, and at real nature’s whim. The yields often held to extremely low, intesifying thresholds.

#3. In reality, Mountain grown fruit (and real estate) makes probably the top one or two percent quality, and there’s about 100,000x less of it in quantity. (Many grape growers, like John Caldwell, for example, also make extraordinary grapes in slighty lesser extreme, but very good locales.) The limited quantity fruit from such sites is very expensive, if and when it is even offered to other winemakers.

Then you have the factors of top echelon producers, like hand picking w/ out machinery, meticulous (FAR beyond big name wineries) bunch,and grape selection. (Much of their cast off fruit and juice that doesn’t make the grade is sold to others – STILL at commanding, premium price. Lavishly gentle handling, and gravity flow exclusively. (In frail Pinot Noir production, the world over, the greatest prevent even bruising the juice. Might sond ridiculous to you, but the results of the wines ost often shows…)

I, along with the World, smirked and gestured in questioning doubt when Jarvis (w/ legend Dmitri Tchellistcheff as winemaker) came on the scene in the early nineties with what we thought their arrogant, overblown indulant pricing. Many thought they wanted us to pay for the fancy cave they dug out of a mountain. Then the wines spoke for themselves. That example is played over and over by top winemakers around the world. The knowledge and abilities in agriculture, genetics, and a number of other sciences ultimately, have brought us a wider array of higher quality wines than ever in history. The normal wines you and I drink anyday are fine (though many, also suck). The ultrapremium tier is new to maybe the past 20 years, and the names and productions are small and unknown, but rabidly watched and followed. If you enjoy wine, it is worth tasting to see (with your tongue) exactly how and why Napa boutique, or Red Moutain (Washington), or Garagiste (Bordeaux) wines are so good. They’re not always ridiculously prohibitively expensive. Go to a wine bar, and find a glass. Or a good wine shop and get a half bottle. And READ about appellations, winemakers, grapegrowers, geography, and related topics. With google, Wiki, and the net, we have no excuse not to know anymore.
March 12, 2009

Tchilds
Good ep, Gary- I like to see the tension when you bring the honesty to a winemaker sitting right there next to you! This is wayyyyy out of my price range, but it’s fun to occasionally window shop and daydream.
March 12, 2009

M
QOTD: We just had Rueda wine this week on WLTV. Good timing.

With Spring right around the corner, I’ll stock up on a few Spanish whites myself.
March 12, 2009

Andy & Edie from MT
Great discussion with a very nice guest.

QOTD: Albarino is sooooo good on a hot day! Not so much now though as we’ve been around -10.
March 12, 2009

Zino
Murso,

Why do you assume that I know nothing and haven’t tasted the types of wines you mention? I understand the costs, dedication and hard work involved, but that doesn’t necessarily justify high prices.

Gary’s scores sums it for me: 90pts for a $72 Napa and 93pts for a $24 montepulciano d’ Abruzzo
March 12, 2009

Patrick
California has a very poor QPR compared to other parts of the world. Naturally, this generates mistrust among consumers. I see no reason why people shouldn’t be suspicious about paying $70 for a bottle.

QOTD: Not sure if it is a Gary wine, but Gaba Do Xil Godello 2006– $12 !!!
March 12, 2009

Andrew D
Thanks guys,

Interesting episode.

QOTD: Interestingly I don’t buy much on Gary’s recommendations. Occasionally something from the Old World he recommends grabs my attention, but I actually find it very difficult to source many of the wines he tastes. Even though Hong Kong (where I live) has a good (and improving) selection of international wines, I find it very interesting that many of the ‘common’ wines Gary tries aren’t available here. Maybe this has something to do with the different packaging required for the US (Surgeon Generals warning…) or maybe it’s a result of different markets = different tastes.

Cheers
Andrew
March 12, 2009

Jeff
while I understand the need to watch ones wallet in these times. I can’t understand my fellow wine drinkers who comment about a wine they’ve never tasted. This is an incredibly young, young wine that the winemaker himself stated should not be drunk now. Having tasted Match’s 02 and 03, which are drinking beautifully and very youthful, the 05 and 06 will probably become fantastic wines. Certain wines are meant for every day drinking, some wines are meant to be cellared and popped open on those special occasions. The joy of going into the cellar and opening up a bottle that one has stored for a few years is immensely more enjoyable then stopping by my local wine store and picking up a 10$ bottle.
March 12, 2009

Murso
Bravo, Jeff.

Dear Mr. Zino,

I am sorry, I did not wish to imply, or state that you, or anyone else didn’t know the value of this, or other wine (but April did ask for an explanation).

However, after many years in the service of the public in the wine industry, I AM aware that more people than not, ARE NOT aware of such important factors to a wine’s provenance as graft/type, clonal selection, micro-climates, high elevation plots, non-irrigated vines, low- yields, gravity-flow, etc. and on and on. Specifically, in the case of more artisinal wines,and not factory, industrial, or conglomerate size production wines, which may have their own merits of low-cost, ‘consistency’, and wide availability.

A cursory look at Match’s website revealed more than a general look at their attitudes AND aptitudes. My point about their talent was that you don’t pay for top tier winemaking (and all the rest) unless your raw resources and materials are up to smack. Again – the addage “If you want to make a small fortune in the wine world, start wth a large one!” It would be like Mario Batali using McDonald’s ingredients. Or Helen Turley making a wine blend for Sutter Home. (Don’t get any ideas, Sutter…)

Over the years I’ve spoken to numerous big names in these upper heights of the wine world, and many said that the phylloxera and Pierce’s Disease problems become a mixed blessing for the knowledges gained by uprooting and replanting with superior rootstocks and clones. Good, viable fruit is often harvested in three or four years of planting.

And finally, I will repeat – 90points Parker at $10, though tasty, good, and cheap, will NEVER BE IN THE SAME LEAGUE as 90points Parker at, say $50. (arbitrary figures). My whole point is that they are simply not made out of the same (quality)(sic) stuff, whether the same or diff. varietal, country, or even from the same producer.

I may have taken that pedantic tone, again, and I apoplogize if it was offensive. My intention was to shed light on a subjective subject where I thought it needed.

I hope we can be friendly again, if you excuse my outburst.

Thanks, and cheers!

Murso.
March 12, 2009

Laurie in VT
Still playing catch-up. Informative and fun episode- thanks!

QOTD: In general, Albarino. I don’t remember Gary’s specific recommendation(s), but it led to us finding Martin Codax Rias Baixas Albarino (2007). Well-liked by friends of all levels of wine knowledge/ experience.
March 12, 2009

Patrick
Jeff makes a good point, I haven’t tried this wine and so I have no real opinion on it. But sadly, I will never buy it. There is a whole world of wine out there that is available at half the price of the one discussed here. And I am talking about reasonably priced wine that can be laid down several years and popped for that special occasion, as Jeff mentioned. What incentive do I have to go out and try wines from California when they are so consistently overpriced?

One of my first misconceptions about good wine was that it was an inherently expensive product. I know now that this isn’t true. Even when the euro was at its strongest, I still found the best values from abroad, say Spain.

Murso, as a wine consumer I refuse to let all those factors enter into my buying decisions. Why should I? I just want something for my 10th anniversary. Such talk (real estate? elevation? scoring?) is what arouses suspicion. Why not talk about differences in nose, taste, aging potential, etc…the more tangible things about wine.
March 13, 2009

Jeff
Patrick, Spain has it’s rather pricey producers too. Vega Scilia, Palacios, Pingus to name of a few that sell for far north of 200$ at times.

I personally, do not drink wine every day, or even every week but I do hit up a few of the tasting circles and I must say, you are missing out on a whole world of wines that could potentially “wow” you.

I would never advocate to anyone that they should only drink XX$+ bottles, but to say I would never try a wine because it’s over XX$ I feel is just too restrictive.

You’re right on one thing and that there is indeed a whole world of wine out there, only it’s not all below the 20$ mark =).

As with your point of discussion with the elevation, acidity, brix what not, it really depends on the wine nerds you’re drinking with =)

btw, the wine that first “wowed” me was a 100$ 01 Cakebread Vinehill reserve. I was a believer after then, that some wines can indeed be better than just good and I wouldn’t blink at trading in a case of good 10-15$ wine for a single bottle of that.
March 13, 2009

Zino
Murso

That’s cool. I’m not offended. I’ve enjoyed the discussion. I’m all for small producers who make wines that not only take advantage of nature, but also express their own creativity. These are always the wines with the most character and when they are on song there are none better. But I would always be wary of paying high prices for a new wine from such young vines. Having said that, the next time I’m in the US I will seek out a Match wine. Randy Sloan seems like a great and genuine guy and I’ll check out his the website.

Zino
March 13, 2009

Jayhitek
QOTD: Panaroz
March 14, 2009

Jeff
oscar falcón lara:

A wine that’s represented by the monastrell grape is not the same as one represented by the cabernet sauvignon grape. While I am a huge fan of the jumilla valley in spain. You would be comparing apples to oranges here.
March 16, 2009

Lawrence Leichtman
So many that I can’t even come up with an answer as I have bought a dozen that I liked from all over Spain. I think the $70 price point is not too much for the Napa Cab market but I have never had any of the Baconbrook wines yet. I will.
March 16, 2009

Jeremy Ross
I do love me a good Napa cab. But for my palette and wallet, they cost 2-4X more than they’re worth. Good thing Napa has such a strong brand, cuz so many areas of the world are killing Napa wrt value.
March 17, 2009

Carlitos
QOTD. The ‘06 Montroig Xarel-lo.
March 21, 2009

Dan-o
Good show – enjoyed the guest.
QOTD – I really can’t remember, but go with Albarino!
March 25, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
My hands are amazing! Great episode. I had a dream about this episode a week before I watched it. It was a good day to die. I’ll have to see if some of these wines are available in my local shop. They seem interesting but im still on the hat about a $70 tag or so. QOTD: I couldnt tell you if you tied me down and tossed necks on me.
March 27, 2009

RD
Titus Titus Titus for Napa Valley Value…incredible
March 30, 2009

yowens
Cool show but crazy expensive bottle- too rich for me. QOTD: I have to pass out of ignorance.