Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Challenge

Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Challenge – Episode #688

June 11, 2009

Gary goes outside and deals with the foggy, muggy, ugly day to taste 2 very respected Pinot Noir’s from the Anderson Valley in California.

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Wines tasted in this episode:

2006 Claudia Springs Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
2007 Black Kite Kites Rest Pinot Noir

Links mentioned in today’s episode.

222 Responses

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June 11, 2009

Brad From WAST
That’s WAshington STate

QOTD: Spumoni – because it’s all about the layers baby.

I go sweet, then sour, then just to absolutely drive myself nuts, back to sweet again. You have to find what the sweet does to the sour if you’ve experienced what the sour does to the sweet. An amazing transformational difference. I frickin’ love it!

Hoping someday to grow great Pinot Noir on the west side of the state. Until then, Anderson Valley sounds like the place to be.
June 11, 2009

urbwes
Every episode you tape after the baby proves your commitment to the Vayner Nation. Thank You again and again.

Qotd: 1# the balance of sweet and salty always has to be reviewed. #2 9/10 Bunny Tracks from Blue Bunny Ice Cream Company.
June 11, 2009

Adrian
Just wondering is the forum down? I’ve tried about 10 hours ago and just now but can’t access it. Thanks.
June 11, 2009

gomestar
Anderson Valley has certainly been on my radar for Pinot Noir, and I have enjoyed the handful I’ve purchased. Prices are generally fair, but I’m hoping a popularity boom doesn’t cause a steep increase in price coupled with a lengthy wait list like so many other Cali producers have had. Its upsetting to spend 3 years on a wait list and then have to drop $600 minimum to secure an order with one single winery.

QOTD 2: Gary!! How can you say “who is going to win the NBA championship … no, MLB, no…” and then not mention the Stanley Cup finals game 7 tomorrow (Friday)??? Heartbreaking. My answer to the final question is mint chocolate chip.
June 11, 2009

Kirk - slave2thevine
QOTD: Yes I like salty, sour foods like beef jerky, pickles, and peanut butter….together.

QOTD: I don’t have a “favorite” I like to keep trying new ice cream….like wines.

By the way you should be checking out Lazy Creek, Toulouse, Standish, and some of the other great places in AV.
June 11, 2009

paryb
Man Gary, that was a really “REAL” show. I completely felt it…maybe because I watched it with headphones on, because my sweetie is watching “the Fashion Show” on Bravo (yuck!) The only thing about the headphone was your glass when you spun really screeched my nerves! ak!

Anyway, it was great.

QOTD: when I have sweet I just want a little bit, mostly I care about texture though, I am nuts for the corner piece of brownies.

QOTD part Deux: Favorite ice cream? Pralines and Cream.

oh, and Anderson Valley? I’m rockin out on a Jeff Gafner play tonight Anderson Valley Saxon Brown 2007 Semillion. HO-LEE-KRAP tasty wine buddy boy.
June 11, 2009

Adam R.
What’s up Gary? If you’re planning a trip to Anderson Valley you should brush up on Boontling, the area’s local language. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boontling
June 11, 2009

Tracy
Anderson Valley is a hidden gem! I am planning a trip next year with my wife! BTW the 2007 pinots are way better vintage then 2006 so your comparison was not completely solid. But I am sure it was a pop and pour of what was in your own cooler.

QOTD – No I am not a sweet sour or sweet salt fanatic like you.

QOTD – Easy Starbucks Java Chip is the best ice cream ever!

aloha from Maui

Tracy
June 11, 2009

AUSSIE SAMMY S
Love the backdrop Gary – You gotta do more wltv eps from Home…..
Dude – that is a big call – Anderson Valley Pinot Noir king of the US…. But like big calls you’ve made in the past RE; NEXT BIG THINGS: Pinots out of Chile, Value play reds out of Portugal….You have been 100% correctomundo – Seems to me that you’re a bit of a trend setter….Least your a peoples person…not a protentious wine journo.

QOTD….COOKIES AND CREAM – RUM ‘n’ Raisin….drowling just thinking about it!!!
June 11, 2009

KAHUNA
Sorry the KAHUNA-holics crashed the WLTv Forum server- Being the Galaxies most popular food and wine show is not easy you know!

QOTD: I got nothing
June 11, 2009

RonD
QOTD2: French Vanilla

Gary, you’re ruining my little secret – Anderson Valley has been a great place for a long time and we have been buying wine from there for over 15 years. Don’t forget to stop at Anderson Valley Brewing in Philo! Their beers are worth tasting too and they make a wicked burger.
June 11, 2009

amgryger
QOTD1: I think it’s about wanting some kind of balance. I like to pair dessert with something bitter, like coffee, myself.

QOTD2: Mint chocolate chip.
June 11, 2009

matt w
i definitely appreciate it when you get us a show even when you’re at home. taking time away from family right now can’t be your favorite thing to do, but i know i’m grateful when you do.

qotd 1: i can sort of relate to this. the only time i ever drink coffee is with dessert, because i find the bitterness helps balance the sweetness. by itself, i can hardly drink plain coffee.

qotd 2: strangely enough, given what i just said, lately i’ve been loving coffee ice cream. it lacks the bitterness of regular coffee and brings all the delicious sweet and creamy flavors i love from the occasional starbucks trip.
June 11, 2009

Rachel Bryant
Gary – love the Word Press sweatshirt you’re rockin’! Nice. Favorite ice cream: cookies n’ cream – but it has to be Homemade brand! Then I try to find something salty to follow it up – a pretzel or potato chip.
June 11, 2009

Chris Bartow
QOTD: Peanut Butter from Denville Dairy. If you want to take a break next time you are at WL, let me know and I’ll treat.
June 11, 2009

manonthemoon
Nice to see you around today, doing a loft shoot.

QOTD: I have went for pickles after desert before, but not a common theme.

QOTD: Hersey’s Blackberry is my all time favorite flavor, unless you are talking about the mixed stuff then there is a list.
June 11, 2009

dcpatton
QOTD #2: natural vanilla bean
June 11, 2009

Don
Gary — nice laid back episode today, appropriate with all the rain we’ve been getting in DC this week. I saw you got bumped from the Today show because of the shooting at the Holocaust Museum… I was across the street at the USDA building for a meeting a few hours before it happened. What a tradedy. Let us know when you get rescheduled!!!

QOTD1: I know exactly what you’re talking about. It happens quite a bit with sweet and salty flavors for me. It also happens if I’m eating a lot of starchy food I’ll be absolutely craving fruits and veggies.

QOTD2: Icecream is ROCKY ROAD ALL THE WAY!!!! Gotta love those marshmallows. If you had said gelato, there is an amazing place in Arlington and the guy creates DELICIOUS flavors. He makes thin mint gelato (actually crushes up the girl scout cookies). He also makes an incredible mojito flavor with real mint. I think he has over 200 total, you’d enjoy it.
June 11, 2009

John Farrin
QOTD: Oh God, I’ve been exposed. Haagen Dazs Vanilla. I know, BORING!
June 11, 2009

AaronB
QOTD1: Not sure if there was really a question there, but pickles and radishes after dessert? That’s just wrong!

QOTD2: Hard to pick a fave, but if I had to, I’d say strawberry.
June 11, 2009

yowens
I admit I knew nothing of Anderson Valley, until now! QOTD: Old School Rum Raisin. Kills it.
June 11, 2009

Brian
I loved the balcony. My favorite flavor of ice cream would have to be any combination of peanut butter and chocolate. Yeah, I’m a Reese’s Cup fan.
June 11, 2009

Paul
Anything with real thick chocolate chunks. And regarding the American Sparkling, I am still do disappointed that S Anderson was sold to Cliff Lede and he stopped the sparklings. Still some of my favorite ever, and a great cave wine tour gone by the wayside.
June 11, 2009

Laurie in VT
QOTD 1: Occasionally. I tend to look for something salty depending on the dessert and my mood. Eating an apple with salt on it takes care of both at once!

QOTD 2: coffee

Great. Now I’m hungry, and it’s bedtime…
June 11, 2009

Scott the ex wine dude
QOTD – Chocolate chip!

Claudia Springs Zins are worth checking out too, great stuff

Blake Kite doesn’t ship to MD, wish they could.

Congrats on the new baby, change your life kind of event for sure.