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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“The weather brings back memories of a dismal June. Catching up several…” by Dan-o
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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

June 11, 2009

AaronB
1st! Ok, now to watch the episode.
June 11, 2009

xavier
mh with the belgian chocolate around here its hard not say chocolate.. but love mokka just as much.. and well fresh raspberry ice served with cava.. is quite delicious as well!
June 11, 2009

Kevin K
Hmmm, either cookies & cream or homemade peach. Are there any bad flavors of ice cream?
June 11, 2009

castello
What was the first one?
Coffee ice cream rules.
The points system sucks. I’m taking away a point from the Claudia.
June 11, 2009

Grock
it was a gloomy day in Manhattan!!!! good episode today.

QOTD: coffee coffee buzz buzz buzz (ben and jerrys) what can i say i went to UVM
June 11, 2009

Dr T in NC
QOTd 1 — nope, you may just be weird!
QOTD 2 — mint choc chip or plain vanilla
June 11, 2009

Thomas Reggi
1. tumblr > wordpress
2. Ice cream: pistachio or spumoni
June 11, 2009

JimKay
Top ten – guess I should watch the video now…
June 11, 2009

pepel
QOTD 2 : Ube Quezo Pastillas ice cream by Selecta – from manila
June 11, 2009

RANDI
Misha’s Daddy!!!

Are you outside so as not to wake the baby?! LOL

I love the Black Kite!

QOTD: If youre talking “gelato”..watermelon..otherwise, Im partial to Mint Choc. Chip…or just Chocolate!

Great show..love the city vibe…
June 11, 2009

oscar falcón lara
California Pinot Noir, Nice.! ( I like the name Claudia Springs )

The aversion fog that forms around the northern California coast is uncanny.

We had a nice Touriga Nacional with grilled hamburgers last night, it was divine. I know it has nothing to do with the show, I am just sharing because when Gary said dark kirsch it reminded me of the wine we had last night.

QOTD1: I sometimes take a bite of my dinner if there’s any food left after I’ve had dessert, but not as dogmatic as you.

QOTD2: Chocolate Ice cream.
June 11, 2009

castello
QOTD#1 I don’t like dill pickles(so sour with 6 r’s)and sweet is normally the last flavor of the knight.
I’ll have to agree that your palate is kind of weird, though I have enjoyed many wines that you have.
June 11, 2009

Zube
Can’t go wrong with any version of chocolate… chocolate fudge, chocolate brownie, the chocolate third of Neapolitan. But, when I’m really in the mood to eat something that is bad for me, I go for Ben & Jerrys Karmel Sutra. It’s two flavors of ice-cream with a CORE, a solid center WAD if you would, of Caramel (that stays soft!!) Yah-Ummy~
June 11, 2009

G
3 hours on Anderson Valley Pinots works. I sent a bottle of Hartford Court Velvet Sisters to a friend in Oregon and he thought I was nuts when he opened it. Then three hours later he rated it as one of the top 5 pinots he’d ever had. So…give ‘em some air.

Q1. no

Q2. It was the “Mounds” flavor at the Penn State Creamery in the 70’s…I think they had to rebrand it “Dark chocolate coconut” after they heard from some lawyers…but it really was the best ice cream ever.
June 11, 2009

jason carey
what about Roederer estate?
June 11, 2009

r m kriete
Q#1: Maybe you’re pregnant….pickles and radishes?

Q#2: Ben & Jerry’s “Fish Food”
June 11, 2009

Ryan from brooklyn
They were giving out samples of Pinot noir ice cream at whole foods the other day. It was…interesting.

Love the outdoor theme
June 11, 2009

Mark Fitzpatrick
I’m slightly hooked as of late on this Mint Chocolate Coconut Ice Cream…Meaning it’s not made with cows milk, it’s ice cream made from coconut milk. And the shiazz is actually reasonably healthy.

Da Bomb…

And take the plain coconut milk ice cream and toss in dark chocolate and it’s like eating an Almond Joy bar. Insane in membrane.
June 11, 2009

Tom Jones
My favorite flavor of ice cream is pretty much ice cream. I do tend towards chocolate flavors but I have a real thing for variety so I tend to have what ever is new.
June 11, 2009

Vanguy
Good show! Let’s see more eps from your balcony when you are being a stay-at-home dad.
QOTD2: There’s so many great ones…let’s say Coffee.
June 11, 2009

Glen....winecrazy.com
Homey!!

I like the gangsta look.

QOTD: Licorice Ice…”Italian”
June 11, 2009

T. Holland
QOTD2: 3 way Tie: Ben & Jerries- Chubby Hubby. Starbucks- Java Chip. Belvalle Creamery Coffee Ice Cream (Small ice cream place in Warwick, NY- if you are hiking the Applacian Trail, don’t miss it!)
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.
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

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

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

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

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

dcpatton
QOTD #2: natural vanilla bean
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Earline
So glad to see Gary giving Anderson Valley its due. There’s some terrific wine being made up there. It’s gorgeous country as well.
June 11, 2009

@AndrewSansone
Like the new set! Ah, I love the city noise. Whenever I leave NYC for the burbs, I have trouble sleeping in quiet places. Cool episode.
June 11, 2009

@AndrewSansone
G – Oh, no! Are you one of those peeps who leaves the Holiday lights up all year round? Check the balcony…
June 11, 2009

SacramentoCharlie
Taking down the forums to try and get us to watch more episodes ?
Nice Try !
June 12, 2009

sasha m.
Wined Up! Love it..

QOTD: Thai/vietnamese kinda play. had a Banh Mi sandwich today with catfish sweet relish and spicy jalepenos/ siracha sauce..delicious. pickles after pie.. not so sure

QOTD2:Mint chocolate chip
June 12, 2009

melbourne rob
being from australia i have never come across anderson valley wines in any stores here so this was great to see what they are about. gary you seemed more at ease and less the showman today
someone commented before and i tend to agree – i liked the realness of today’s show

QOTD: might be “boring” but classic vanilla made from REAL vanilla pods.
oh and there is a place in melbourne that makes lemon, lime and bitters gelati – incredible on a hot summer day
June 12, 2009

Lindsey N
Ironically my job title is assistant manager at an ice cream and pie shop.
QOTD:Mesh Green Tea and Cookies and Cream together and that would be it.

I bought a half gallon of blue raspberry sherbet today, for my mom. She’s really having a hard time since my grandfather’s funeral last week.

- Gary, If you could give a shout out and wish her well it would really mean a lot.

Thankyou,
Lindsey
June 12, 2009

ValS
Anderson Valley is a gem. Gorgeous redwood forests, phenomenal rugged coastline, unspoiled and grateful producers. This place is worlds away from Napa. If you go there, you will almost always taste at the owner’s or winemaker’s house. You will get to know his kids as well as his dogs. Try Toulouse, Breggo, Londer, Phillips Hill or a very small producer Demuth. Claudia Springs is actually a much much stronger Zin producer. GV, Roederer (California) is based in Anderson Valley. Schaffenberger is another champagne house in that area. So they got you beat.
June 12, 2009

JOEYdaMUSH
chocolate chip mint…no doubt

the white….NOT THE GREEN
June 12, 2009

Carl Vidnic
Gary, I eat a lot of ice cream but this one is it: Licorice ice cream, White Restaurant, Hilton Hotel at Princes Wharf Auckland New Zealand. The best I ever had.
June 12, 2009

Alex from Montreal
GARY, I love the pickles after pie play. One of my all time favourites is pickles on my peanut butter sandwich. It’s awesome on rye with caraway.

QOTD 1) The dessert has to be ridiculously sweet for me to go with the bitterness of pickles, I often suck on lemons after dessert though.

QOTD 2) Its a toss up, I am a vanilla guy, French Vanilla all the way, but green tea ice cream is an up and coming challenger.
June 12, 2009

GerryV
Great show Gary and I completely concur how the taste can be influenced.

Off topic,
Did I see holiday lights on the railing? If you’re going to leave those things up all year, you might as well use them next time.

QOTD1: During elementary and middle school I was known as the guy who ate his cafeteria desert before his lunch. Not because I wanted the desert more. In fact it was just the opposite; I wanted it least and was simply saving the best for last. Grew out that as soon as I stopped buying school lunches where they did not serve both dishes at the same time.

QOTD2: Vanilla

Salud
June 12, 2009

KevinK
Gary,

Anderson Valley does have some killer sparkling – Navarro and most especially Roederer Estate. Check out Esterlina in the hills for some great wines and Lazy Creek for Gewurtz. Husch and Anderson Valley Winery also good. Stay at the Boonville Hotel and eat there if you can. Great place.
June 12, 2009

downtnmark
My favorite flavor of ice cream? Are you kidding me? It takes me 1/2 an hour to pick somethnig at Baskin & Robbins! That’s like asking someone with a big cellar what is their favorite wine.

Dude, if you do go to Anderson Valley, I would be glad to ditch work for a day and join you. Just give me 2 days notice.

As far as your wine comparrison, I don’t like one-on-one comparrisons which cross vintages because there are too many variables. The weather in 2006 burnt its mark into most of the 2006 vintage (zinfandel liked it, pinot suffered) and your complaints about the 2006 pinot are the same ones I have about the vintage in general. I had the 2006 Kite’s Rest and loved it, so much of this comparrison is also about style. The Kite’s Rest is more consistent year-to-year it would seem.
June 12, 2009

David Mark Horowitz
Sac State? Come on, give Sonoma State a little McLovin!

http://www.roedererestate.com/ is making rip your face off sparkling there.
June 12, 2009

OldVinesJim
Good show today. Like all the different scenery lately.

QOTD #!: I definitely have to “reset” my palate after ice cream or other dessert. I usually go for a few chip, nuts or crackers though. Pickles only occasionally. It’s more about the salty than the bitter for me.

QOTD #2: Dulce de leche
June 12, 2009

my2cents
Now I thought they were getting plenty of notice up the road in AV. But in these times any and everyone needs a boost.
Very nice change of scene today. I wish you’d had more wines to try though.

My all time favorite of ice cream is coffee almond fudge! In about 1982 I used to make milkshakes with it and had friends lining up. We of course always used a big ass glass!
June 12, 2009

the unknown chef
Gary:

I was so glad to hear your revised take on Claudia after tasting Black Kite. ANYTHING we taste before tasting wine affects the wine, and in your case, even another wine. I’m really careful about not skewing my palate when tasting wines for work. But as far enjoying wine as a pairing, I really love to support what’s already in the wine with flavors that don’t change the wine’s profile but do play them up.

QOTD: Vosges’ Naga Curry ice cream.
June 12, 2009

apj_bobswineguy
QOTD: Coney Island Waffle Cone!
I would eat almost a pint most nights after work & pass out. Turns out I was diabetic (haha).
I feel like a junkie everytime I walk thru frozen food section, eyeballing all those flavors of ben & jerry and haagen-daz or whatever (blue bell). I swear I get the shakes just thinking about it.
June 12, 2009

@kraziegolf
Gary, I thought with the addition to your family (baby Misha), you weren’t going to curse any more? 13:31 in… you dun did it. Congratulations to you and Lizzie! Giovanni Calabrese: @kraziegolf
June 12, 2009

@kraziegolf
sorry, meant to say 10:55 in, you dun did it… you cursed lol
June 12, 2009

Eric Z.
Hey Gary:

Great show, once again. Love that you’re being casual and flying solo and focusing on the wine.

Would love to see a show of Anderson Valley sparklers sometime: Roederer, Handley, and Scharffenberger.

Also would love to see a brown-bag tasting of either: cool-climate pinot from all over or cool-climate Syrah from all over (put up a Sonoma Coast syrah vs. Crozes-Hermitage).
June 12, 2009

castello
Is Black Kite a picnic bird whine? I’m all whined up now.
June 12, 2009

Agnieszka
Hi Gary,
Cool show (not only because of the weather). I would love to try some of the wines from Anderson Valley, but I guess it’s pretty impossible to get them here in Europe ( at least I haven’t found them yet).
QOTD2: couldn’t decide for just one so here it goes: campari ice-cream and mango ice-cream.
Cheers,
A
June 12, 2009

Phredd
Fun show. I love the head-to-head with similar wines, and even more that you went back. It can make such a big difference to the “set” of your palate. Very nice.

QOTD: Nope, I am cursed with being a sugar junky. If I have dessert, I don’t want anything more sour than a sauternes after it.

QOTD2: Cookie dough. I used to live right up the street from the Dreyer’s/Edy’s world headquarters and would have to drop in for a couple scoops after a hot day at work.
June 12, 2009

Richie
Fun episode again Gary!
QOTD 1: When you said that I was really happy. As a matter of fact I am still happy. Because I now know that I am not the only one who does that!
QOTD 2: Raspberry and Vanilla.
June 12, 2009

WineWoman
Visited Anderson Valley in ‘98. Loved Navarro and have been on their mailing list since then. Great Gewurtz and up and coming Sparklers. Wanted to visit on last trip to Sonoma—couldn’t fit it in. Had the Black Kite recently–was excellent. Enjoyed the Breggo Cellars even more.

QOTD 1: I do sometimes eat my courses out of order. It’s not always appetizer, small plate, entree and dessert(sweets)I’ll sometimes skip the sweets entirely and go back to something salty (chips) or cheese, a salad or veggie–not a radish or pickle or something sour necessarily.

QOTD: Friendly’s used to make a flavor called Butter Crunch. Don’t know if they still do. Otherwise Butter Pecan. Hagen-Dazz Vanilla Swiss Almond and Cheesecake Ice Cream rate highly. Don’t get to indulge too much with Ice Cream due to cholesterol issues, etc.
June 12, 2009

Ryan D
QotD1: I do enjoy me some pickles and milk, never really had the urge to do what you said with the ice cream, except for vanilla, which I love to add a bit of hot sauce to. Mmmmmm.

QotD2: Chocolate Chip Mint… specifically Edy’s Dreamery Mint Chocolate Chip which they don’t make anymore.
June 12, 2009

Lisa Kennally -lisa ann skincare
Thanks Gary. Haven’t tried Anderson Valley wines and I love Pinoit Noir wines! Great show once again! Enjoy the weekend.
June 12, 2009

italianwinelover
Like how your mixin’ it up at different locals! The Christmas lights on the railing is hilarious!!!

QOTD1: never had dessert then a pickle? Love deep fried pickles but just by themselves! Ever have them or is it a Midwest only thing? They Rock!

QOTD2: Pistachio Mint – hard to find but delish!
June 12, 2009

Bill The Wrist Watch Freak
Nice show – liked the hoodie-hood!

QOTD1: Gotta have salty with sweet – the two just set each other off.

QOTD2: Ben and Jerry’s Creme Brullee ice cream. I’d smack my mother for some of that.
June 12, 2009

gotsha
QOTD….Butter Pecan is numero uno followed by Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Heath Bar Crunch in a close second.
June 12, 2009

GP
QOTD 1: I crave something salty after desert (nothing bitter or with a “twang”-flavor), so maybe I’ll fork a slice of left-over meat, or grab a few nuts.

QOTD 2: Praline-pecan or Butter-pecan–plenty of cream and butter-fat; if I’m going to eat ice cream I want the richest, creamiest, thickest, sweetest, mouthful of flavor I can get.
June 12, 2009

Susan B
My all time favorite is from my college days–Butter Crunch, I think is the name from Friendly’s. Coffee ice cream is also good.
June 12, 2009

Manuel
Really good show today Gary! That was just right up my alley. You, us, and good wines. Thank you again for doing the Thunder Show for us.

QOTD1: I can see that, after something sweet you need something sour. I don’t think I do that, but I understand it.

QOTD2: Cookies and cream.
June 12, 2009

Pangaea
QOTD: Acai
June 12, 2009

Chalz
You brought serious thunder to this show GV…clearly your passion!

QOTD: Vanilla Nutella that I make at home
June 12, 2009

Scott EJ
Just picked up 6 pack of the Kite’s Rest from you guys. 94 from WE.

The wife and I are going to AV in the Fall. Which reminds me, I’ve got to get my shyte together. Thanks for the reminder.

QOTD 2. a. Pistachio and b. Dark Chocolate. We just came back from France and let me just say that have the ice cream eating our of their hands…or cone.
June 12, 2009

Bobbie Smith
The reason you went outside is because that is what Anderson looks like three quarters of the year. It might get hot for the grapes but it’s cool a lot of the time. Small is right, between Philo and Boone there’s a couple thousand people and great Pinot. If you go, love Navarro and they’ve got animals the kids can check out. I was there on Wednesday and picked up some of their $29 bottle of Mendocino County Pinot. Should age well for 7-10. They have a very flowery table wine too that I like. It is nothing over the top spectacular just an enjoyable wine, like all table wine should be. This is such a great area, and I love that you can have it to yourself. Headed back to take some friends off the beaten path (we will actually be camping, their choice, not mine, at Hendy SP) in August.

QOTD 1: I do not have that urge. I prefer desserts that have a bitter component, like dark chocolate. Although, I do love creme brulee and profiteroles which are mostly sweet. Do not want a radish afterwards.

QOTD 2: Dark Chocolate, no milky stuff please. I do love Daiquiri Ice from Baskin Robbins every now and then in the summer though.
June 12, 2009

Steve
qotd: vanilla and raspberry homechurned.
June 12, 2009

Jayhitek
Once again Gary you have outdone yourself with these shorter episodes! Excellent.
The second I see anything over 20 minutes I cringe.
Also, people in NY are going to see that hospital tag and not know it’s for Misha.. They’re going to think your either contagious or an escaped mental patient.
I agree on the desert thing. I think your more gravitating to something on the salty side though.
QOTD: Chocolate!
June 12, 2009

Sonia
I was sooooo thrilled to see that the show was about Anderson Valley Pinot today, because it’s an area that I’m pretty familiar and totally in love with. I was really excited to see a Claudia Springs wine make an appearance too! Anyone making the trip to Anderson Valley has to stop off at their tasting room, while their Pinot is great, their Zins are AMAZING! And the people who work there are great, ask them about the winery’s story, it’s a wine lover’s dream come true, the first time I heard it was from Claudia herself.
Oh and there are sparkling wines being made there, Roederer (which is probably available everywhere) and Scharffenberger.
QOTD1: I’m usually just fine with sticking to the sweetness of whatever I had for dessert.
QOTD2: Cold Stone Creamery Cheesecake ice cream with caramel and Fudge swirled in… heaven!
June 12, 2009

Phil G
I would follow up dessert with more sweet stuff (cookies and such).

Favorite ice cream: right now, heath bar crunch
June 12, 2009

Brian
Loved the Show. I think that I have certain cravings just to clear the palate. I often want water after ice cream just to clear off the cream and sugar, other times something salty to play counter to the sugar.

QOTD: Homemade Vanilla – my Grandmother’s recipe.
June 12, 2009

boyd
Oregon says BRING IT to Anderson Valley. Any day. Any time. Any place. Bring it. Gary, you need to come spend 5 shows in Oregon. We’ll show you around. All your requests for AV…already being done in Oregon.

QotD1: If it’s a night where I’m eating dessert, I usually re-hit the main course afterward. Like you, I like the salty, vegetably stuff too.

QotD2: Mint Chocolate Chip Mint. The shizzle.
June 12, 2009

Chris Lotz
thats a little odd to eat ice cream then a pickle afterwards. but i could see where it comes from. at breakfast i always am stuck with the predicament of if my last bite should be a savory piece of bacon or sausage, or the sweetness of pancakes or french toast. qotd, i alwys go for either haagen daz or ben and jerrys. some of my favorites are new york super fudge chunk, caramel cone, butter pecan, or cherry garcia, man
June 12, 2009

jason
sorry for the short comment- good show. good to see some down to earth pinot from cali.
qotd – i love so many but oreo ice cream surely has a soft spot in my heart
June 12, 2009

roy josephson
your dessert eating habits made me nauseous. next time try eating a pickle or a clove of garlic while drinking a fine sauterne.
June 12, 2009

guymandude
Don’t do dessert, But do like a nice Port afterwards.
Was out to Anderson in Feb. it was awesome.
June 12, 2009

ChrisNY2
Hey GV.. where do you go for a good pickle? I haven’t had a really good deli pickle in so long — they’re either barely pickled and just taste like a cucumber, or they’re too soggy.

I’m not a big dessert or ice cream person actually — I always forget to save room for it, hah.
June 12, 2009

JasonA
Intersting show. I will have to keep an eye out for anderson valley next time I am shopping for a pinot.

QOTD 1. If I am having desert, then I tend to stick to the sweetness. The only time sweet and salty cross paths with me would be breakfast. When the syrup from the pancakes happen to get on the bacon!! YUM!

QOTD 2. I have never really been a big ice cream eater, but I always love chcolate chip cookie dough. I did have one a couple eyars ago called snow cream, and I really liked that. Not exactly like the snow cream we used to make with mom, but close enough to be enjoyable.

Jason
June 12, 2009

David T (@ONUMello)
QOTD1: was there ever a question with that? The only thing I’ve ever wanted after dessert is either a cup of coffee or more dessert. Maybe the coffee is the bitter like your radishes? I’ve certainly never wanted a salad.

QOTD2: Moose Tracks
June 12, 2009

Cameron J
Good episode. But I have to call it out – no region in CA can compete with OR in Pinot quality. It just can’t. Sorry, but it had to be said.

QOTD 1 – I gravitate towards sweets and cheese. the thought of a pickle or radish for dessert leaves me cold, that’s not my palate.

QOTD 2 – There’s a flavor of ice-cream other than chocolate?
June 12, 2009

Kell Brigan
While up in the Anderson Valley, I also recommend a side trip or two to the Vichy Hot Springs in Ukiah (just do a half day before or after something else.) How often do you get to share tub schmutz with Mark Twain?

Also recommended, hike (or bike, carefully, about half the way) at Russian Gulch http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=25246. Love it up there. And, you can give the kids rides on the banana slugs!

Ice cream: I cannot tell a lie — Cherry Moose Tracks http://www.moosetracks.com/flavors/detail/20 (i.e. cherry ice cream & chocolate covered cherry juice candies, with a stripe of fudge). It’s took sweet and too ooky and too rich, and sometimes that’s a good thing. Second place goes to pistacio, and third to the mint version of cookies & cream I had the other day.)
June 12, 2009

Brian
QOTD 1:Deep fried pickles are delicous. But never had your urge, except maybe with some string cheese after some sweets, or some fresh mozarella.

QOTD 2: I love ice cream, period. But you need to make your own ice cream to really find bliss. Go out buy one of those slow churning ice cream makers (less than $100) and make some of your very own creamy, delicious ice cream. You will thank me.
June 12, 2009

MaRc
Cool setting…sth different, btw, I think this is the very few times where you paused and it took you some time to think a bout the QOTD!!!
June 12, 2009

Zino
Interesting. The way you feel about Anderson Valley is how I feel about Sardinia.
June 12, 2009

Pittsburgh Alex
Let’s Go Pens

QOTD1: I need to have something salty after dessert. So I get what you are saying.

QOTD2: Cookies and Cream
June 12, 2009

shawnandlu
I can’t answer two questions of the day I am suffering from forum withdrawal and can’t focus that long. When are the forums coming back online? As to my favorite ice cream. Peanut butter chocolate. It has been my favorite for about 40 years.
June 12, 2009

Steve
I recently had a face ripping Pinot from the Russian River Valley, adjacent to Anderson Valley. Perhaps a couple of shows from there are in order. The Williams Selyem winery of Healdsburg makes some handcrafted wines that are not inexpensive either. The 2006 Pinot I had from the Flax Vineyard was about $70 clams.
June 12, 2009

Adam J
QOTD#1: Yeah…I am the same way. Maybe not running to the fridge, but a little pickle or cashew after sweets is awesome.
QOTD#2: Homemade cookies and cream (make vanilla ice cream and then smash some Oreos into it.
June 12, 2009

CaseyLee
listen to all the sirens in the background. it reminds me of Houston.
June 12, 2009

jwink
QOTD: Mint Choclate Chip, there is also a new Breyers Root Beer Float “swirl” that I like where the root beer is a sherbert mixed with vanilla that I’m liking a lot. Breyers has the puerest flavors IMO too.

PS–LOL that you stumped yourself on the QOTD
June 12, 2009

eagleputt
QOTD 1. The only thing I want after dessert is more dessert.
QOTD 2. My favorite flavor isn’t made any more. Goo Goo Clusters.

I have not been impressed with Cali Pinots in the past and I have tried many. I’ll give Anderson Vally pinots a go again but being a Seattlite the only pinot I like (other than burgandy obviously), comes from Oregon.
June 12, 2009

crazy wine device
Nice show again GV!

Thanks to you, I’m starting to go deep on Pinot. I used to be a Cab/Malbec guy. But since I started watching WLTV I’m trying different stuff all the time. “Expanding my palate!”

QOTD1: After a desert I usually have a good Espresso.
QOTD2: Chocolate.

GV, I found some crazy device on Amazon, called The Wine Clip™ that supposedly makes tannic wine taste better?! Sounds a little too magical for me…

I think would a nice show idea for you to test this thing for the Vaynernation.

A Kiss on Misha,
Best wishes to you and your family,

Mauricio Fernandes.
from Brazil)
June 12, 2009

Geoffrey
I completely agree with what you said about the bullshit of scoring. How’d you decide to taste the Claudia Springs before the Black Kite, given that they’re both Anderson Valley pinot noirs? (I asked a similar question after the Gigondas episode a little bit back.)

Thank you!
– a 21 yr old trying to learn as much as he can about the wine world

QOTD2: pear, without a doubt (more sorbet than ice cream, but close enough i hope!)
June 12, 2009

Justin
Speaking of overpriced Pinot Noirs, I attended the Santa Cruz Mountains Vintner’s Festival last weekend. I tasted some really great wines, but it seemed like all the price points were $10-$20 higher than I thought they should be. I’m talking $40 at the lowest end of the price spectrum for a decent should-be-$20 bottle. Is that a result of their smaller production or are they in the “build it and they will come” Napa envy mindset? This is after going to Napa two weekends before and being astounded that most of the bottles were in the $25 – $35 range.

There was one KNOCKOUT wine I had. It was a 2005 Estate Pinot from McHenry Vineyards. Literal shack as the entrance to their cellar, but this $25 bottle was absolutely phenomenal. The winemaker was a great guy and the whole place had a really charming family feel to it. I highly recommend you seek it out if possible.
June 12, 2009

Tom P
time and place… where you are is the right place, always….

good show.

Been on a carmel kick recently
June 12, 2009

J3rome
Butter Pecan.
June 12, 2009

Jeff R
QOTD: Chocolate Peanutbutter Crunch
June 12, 2009

Nancy E
Best Pinot by far… Moshin in Sonoma, CA. Pricey but worth it! If you want a great CA sparkling… Mayo is to die for. You are so cool Gary. Saw your dad at the Library this week. Congrats on the babe!!!!

QOTD #2 Chocolate turtle and rocky road.
June 12, 2009

pawncop
Good show and really want to try the Black Kite.

QOTD #1 – Not a big dessert fan, but do LOVE port!

QOTD #2 – AN old flavor from Braum’s that is no longer offered – Key Lime Pie.
June 12, 2009

M
QOTD: Vanilla base with something chocolatey in it. For example Cookies and Cream. But more interesting. Some crunchy and gooey textures in a vanilla base.
June 12, 2009

Kevin K
Hey, where the heck is our 4th of July secret pack?!
June 12, 2009

Libby'sgirl
qotd= i’m with “M”: vanilla base w/a little chocolate something. Brigham’s chocolate chip is a classic Boston fav.

Congrats Gary & Lizzie, Misha is awfully cute. I love her fluffy little head of hair and big eyes!
June 12, 2009

victor
qotd My nephew’s homemade chocolate double truffle ice cream. btw off to Italy today. Hope for Super Tuscan show we can enjoy while there.
June 12, 2009

ex-lurkdawg
Gary, thanks so much for continuing to do episodes now that I know you are as busy as you could possibly be. I like that first qotd even though it was kind of scattered. My girlfriend and I often find ourselves wanting some salty or savory food after sweets. I don’t know why either, but the contrast seems to give my palate some kind of balance. I guess the concentrated sugar, while pleasant at the time, is just too much on some level. Now, if only the forums were working …
June 12, 2009

vinoBlue
QOTD #1: I like the contrast between the muted sweetness of cold desserts and the hot bitterness of coffee. Gotta balance the yin and yang of the palate.

QOTD #2: I love some mint chip ice cream, although I need understood why it’s neon green…
June 12, 2009

Agent Orange
Gary,

You front the capital and we’ll move to the Anderson Valley and make that bubbly happen for you!

QOTD. Mud pie.
June 12, 2009

MOYER
Gary, I totally appreciated your comments on the b.s. of wine scoring! I for one wish that you would taste all of your flights side by side like you did today. (And blind would be even more brazen.) Voluptuous fruit bombshells are nice until you put them next to subtle sophistication. I didn’t taste the wines of course, but from your comments I bet you twenty bones that with dinner you would have had more of Claudia.
June 12, 2009

sharon
qotd: Dolce de leche or vanilla bean with hot caramel or hot fudge.
Thanks for the head up about Anderson Valley. I’ll make it part of my road trip.
June 12, 2009

Weston
qotd: After Dinner for me its Black Tea w/ Cream (10% to 18% MF) with Sweets more of the Chocolate Side. But I love my Rhubarb. No savory aspects for me.

qtod: strawberry cheesecake like the DQ blizzard. Tho I had some Vanilla with chocolate/peanut butter cups almost like a recess pieces play.
June 12, 2009

Andrew D
Thanks Gary

QOTD: hard question – mango? green tea? chocolate? rum n rasion? peppermint choc chip?

Cheers
Andrew
June 12, 2009

Dominus
So Misha is sleeping so you’re relegated to the balcony? Funny

You’re right, “This is a good show today” while I’m sitting out on the deck having one of your #crushit wines, the 6 bones Simone. Really nice.

Now, first things first. You ruffled a couple of my feathers if you think the Claudia Springs and Black Kite are worthy opponents to their northern brethren from Oregon. If it doesn’t have the words “Sea” or “Smoke” or even “Kosta” or “Browne” then most CA pinots won’t match Oregon. OK, I said it. Keep touting Anderson and by the way, Napa is hardly “Disneyworld.”

QOTD #1: Forgot the question
QOTD #2: Marscapone gelato (I know it’s not ice cream but I love it)

Cheers!

P.S. Two occasions of profanity? That’s right, you’re drinking CA pinot!
June 12, 2009

Dominus
QOTD #3: Penguins, Lakers, Red Sox and Colts are all champions in ‘09
June 12, 2009

PDXserver
You mentioned Oregon. Check out Argyle or Domaine Meriwether. Their sparklers do rip face and at quite pleasing price points.
June 12, 2009

clintster
the ? of the day should have been who’s going to win game 7 of the stanly cup final. Go redwings
June 12, 2009

Bruce Schaller
Wine-jedi episode. Cracks me up! Keep it going on the balcony. It’s fun.

Q1: Tonight i hit the pretzels after dessert. extra dark utz. smoky.

Q2: Red fruit….i mean….breyers cherry vanilla =P
June 12, 2009

Sue
Mint Chocolate Chip….great show…nice view!
June 12, 2009

CeBe
Sour definitely rules! Nothing better than to clime into a neighbors fruit tree and eat some almost ripe fruit. Ice cream? Hazel nut is the best, hard to find on this side of the Atlantic.
June 12, 2009

Matt perrella
great shows gary!

Q2 – when talking of ‘favorites’ of anything food related, it’s tough. i go back to what makes me smile or has some memory associated with it. When i was growing up, my parents would schlep my sister and i to an ice cream parlor that made their ice creams on premise every sunday, i always got a chocolate chip waffle cone. what i remember of the tasty frozen treat was the extra creamy texture and the big chocolate chips.

so when i have a choice now, i go for chocolate chip if they have those big chocolate chips. otherwise, give me something unique.

cheers!
June 12, 2009

wrollcia
hey gv, nice view! ok, qotd 1 is easy , after dessert i crave something with some crunch, texture, maybe some pretzels, maybe it is the salt + crunch… hmmm. and qotd 2 is anything that is rich and creamy, really really high end ice cream, maybe haagen daz, but im think more ice cream from daniel or jean george. yes, that intense, then bring on the pretzels. ttyl, still rocking the comments. thanks bill
June 12, 2009

DanM
Gary, you definitely inspired me to go looking for an Anderson Valley Pinot.

The number of comments here on WLTV site are down, but I really think it’s because people are hitting you up other places with their thoughts on shows. I know I for one have thrown some tweets your way when I had something to say about an episode.

Thanks for keeping up the good work, we appreciate it.

Still trying to get some Wisconsin wine your way as soon as I stop telling UPS what’s really in the box…
June 12, 2009

Angela Carlson
Marble Fudge!
Hey, please let us know when you’re heading to Anderson Valley. Navarro is one of my favorites and I’ve got some notes on other interesting possibilites.
Love to meet up with you, compare notes and sample wines. : )
June 12, 2009

Sleak
Absolutely love anderson valley pinots. Londer is amazing.
June 13, 2009

Rachelle
I love everything about Anderson Valley. Just spent last weekend up there camping and wine tasting. The wineries and tasting rooms have awesome people, lots of the winemakers pour and talk to you about the wine. We go to Claudia Springs everytime I make it up there. The are soooo friendly, in Feb. the owner opened up a ‘98 Zin just because my friend was asking how long she should age her wine. He excused himself for a minute and came back with a bottle. It was a wonderful part to the greatest day.

QOTD-Espresso Chip and good old chocolate
June 13, 2009

DAveA
QOTD: i agree. I need the Ying to enjoy the Yang.

QOTD2: Ice Cream? hmm, don’t like it much. when I do eat it – it’s the old cheap chocolate, nearly melted.
June 13, 2009

Jay
=-=-=-=-=-=-=
GV or Mott
=-=-=-=-=-=-=
A couple housekeeping issues:

The Wine Listing by Episode spreadsheet is 404 currently:
http://tv.winelibrary.com/spreadsheet/

Also on VaynerMedia, the video link for the Affiliate Summit 2009 keynote is presently a duplicate of the Inman Real Estate keynote video.
http://vaynermedia.com/gary-vaynerchuk-keynote-at-affiliate.html

Thanks
June 13, 2009

David Dadekian
QOTD: Chocolate peanut butter. But it’s got to be really good chocolate mixed with some top-notch smooth peanut butter.
June 13, 2009

T Walker
haagen daaz Five Brand Mint……with homemade blueberry saucey sauce
June 13, 2009

DrT in NC
If the Mean Old Forum Members promise to behave, can we have our forums back?
June 13, 2009

Jack
QOTD: Dairy Queen Oreo Cookie Blizzard

Good episode. Nice to see some fun in the sun (sort of).

Also, does anyone have suggestions for vineyard tours near Cape Town, South Africa? I’m planning a trip there next summer, and would love some ideas!
June 13, 2009

Scruff
Can we have the forums back?… we will play nicer

QOTD: yes and not – again it depends on the mood. I do love very tart (citrus) deserts every one and a while. I really can’t do overly sweet, makes my teeth curl

QOTD2: too many to choose and it defends on my mood
June 13, 2009

Erik Marcus
Nice show. Anderson Valley is beautiful, and also home of the Anderson Valley Brewing Company, which makes some of the best beers in the USA.

QOTD: Trader Joe’s cherry chocolate chip soy cream.
June 13, 2009

Murso
Anderson Valley. Goldeneye! And others such as Husch, Lazy Creek, Handley.

And nice Roederer bubbles.

Q2- Pistaccio. or plain white Coconut.
June 13, 2009

Kirk
When will the forum be back up???
June 13, 2009

Christopher Scoggin
QOTD: I don’t think I have done the savory following sweet, but savory over sweet is definatly the way I “roll”.

QOTD: Not a clue
June 13, 2009

Bugsey34
Great show, Gary, thanks for continuing to introduce the lesser known regions, I really appreciate that.

QOTD: 1) Totally agree, wine tasting is completely subjective and completely based on the so many factors – surroundings, emotions, temperature, what you’ve eaten that day, other wines you are tasting, your mood, your knowledge and opinion of the grape/region, etc. Which is why I agree the scores are pretty silly. Drink what you like.

2) Mint Oreo all the way, preferably Ben and Jerry’s
June 13, 2009

shawnandlu
Free the forums! No forums, no peace.
June 13, 2009

Harry
Good show, and I’ve been a fellow supporter of Anderson Valley for the past year or so since you first spoke about them. I struggle with the intense fruit forward wines from Carneros and Russian River, btu find Anderson Valley resonates well on my palate as well.
I hear your spirit on the balance of bitter and sour, and although i don’t go running for a radish, I appreciate cocktails with more bitter components and wines that have that balance as well. Although not as much in ice cream. I love good peach sorbet.
June 13, 2009

Vinny
Yeah, dude – what’s up with the forums? They are coming back – aren’t they?
June 13, 2009

NY Pete
cooley’s revenge … :lol
June 13, 2009

NY Pete
whatever happened to TampaSteve?
June 13, 2009

NY Pete
where’s daverdude hiding?
June 13, 2009

NY Pete
btw, good show … vanilla
June 13, 2009

Chilemily
Good show!

QOTD: Mint Oreo!!!!

Oh and I think you should have a Chilean episode one of these days….the one bottle the last show wasn’t enough!
June 13, 2009

castello
We go barrel tasting in Dry Creek Valley for big ass Zins and Barbera at Caffaro. Next time it’s a few miles north to Anderson Valley. Not for the wimpy 90 point Pinot’s. Best in the country? It’s so subjective that I’ll stick to the more reliable grapes.
June 13, 2009

Kevin
QOTD2: vanilla. unless you’re including gelato, in which case, pistachio.
June 13, 2009

Peter Wood
Great show, interested in trying some wines from this region I’d not heard about before.

QOTD – I love Irn Bru (pronounced Iron Brew) Sorbet! Irn Bru is a Scottish soft drink (it outsells Coke in Scotland)and the sorbet is made by a few small ice cream manufacturers in Scotland.
June 13, 2009

Jeff R
Gary – Good show. Love Anderson Valley wines from a variety of producers that I have had. They all do a decent job.

QTD #1 – I look for something salty or savory after the sweetness.

QTD #2 – Cherry Chocolate Chip. A little of the chocolate component – a little of the fruit component mixed with good old fashioned vanilla.

Thanks for the show!
June 13, 2009

Phillip VanSchoonhoven
Congrats Bob and Claudia!! Long time coming!!! I hope GV stops by your winery for some barrel tasting. Our Kansas City Burnt Ends would love Claudia Springs Wines.
I have first hand experienced the fog layer at midnight from the balcony of the winery, What a beautiful sight and Great Hosts.
Phillip Van
June 13, 2009

C-Lo
Hey GV, I like the scenery in today’s episode; the New York sirens and plane cameos added a nice touch. I admit when it comes to Northern California, I’ve only done the “Disneyland” of Napa and Sonoma. Next time Anderson Valley it is.

QOTD 1: I’m going salt with my sweet every time. A pickle after dessert? Sick! Give me a handful of Fritos and we’re good to go.

QOTD 2: So I really only dig ice cream at about 3:30 in the afternoon as you’re out and about and you wanna stop by Coldstone for a treat. That’s where I swear by the Birthday Cake Remix – cake batter ice cream, an entire brownie mashed up inside, and sprinkles all throughout. American gluttony at its best!

Keep it real.
June 13, 2009

Becky
Congratulations on finding the Anderson Valley…THE BEST! We have been Claudia Springs wine club members for about 15 yrs. Tasted in his shed and Bob wrote our names down to join the club on a napkin. Zins are to die for and so is Petite Sirah. Bob’s wines are incredible! He also makes a wonderful Grenache which is dry and great for summer. He says he gets made fun of but he likes it so he makes it. They already make the best sparkling wine ever anywhere in Anderson Valley. It’s Roderer Estate Anderson Valley Brut. You can buy it for as low as $18.00 at Sam’s or World Mkt in CA. You must go to Anderson Valley post haste. Stay at The Boonville Hotel and love every minute of wine tasting. Also be sure to go to Husch, Roderer, and Esterlina among many others. When you can’t taste anymore, head for Mendocino on the N. coast.
June 13, 2009

Michelle P
Hey Gary.. Hitting Napa for a week-long tour in July so really really going to try to make it to Anderson Valley. Loved the scenery today.. All time fav icecream has got to be Thrifty (Rite-aid) Chocolate Malted Crunch.. OMG! Delicious!!

Been following you for a little over a year now and love you more and more each episode! Keep Crushing It!

P.S. Any thoughts on doing a West Coast Thunder Cruise next year?
June 13, 2009

josh
sorry gary but have been using wined up for a while. all wined up right now btw. would love for u to make it popular. love the show.

after desert i crave lots of water.

coffe or vanilla (breyers)- boring, i know.

pickels after dessert – WIERD- if you didnt just have a baby i would ask if you were pregnant.
June 13, 2009

Becky
I almost forgot….Ben & Jerry’s White Russian SM…..Sm…Sm…Smmoooooth!
June 14, 2009

Clemclone
Love Anderson Valley! We’re members of a couple winerys there and will be stopping by in August after the Silver Oak release in Alexander Valley. I try to get up there at least once or twice a year.

QOTD: Baskin Robbins – Gold Medal Ribbon
June 14, 2009

Shyam Mehta
dude-that hospital tag is not going to come off on its own. and when you cut it off, it’ll feel really weird.
June 14, 2009

YoungDave
QOTD: Maybe espresso…
June 14, 2009

NY Pete
this is for Dr.T in NC … I always behave.
June 14, 2009

hugh
ok, totally unrelated to the show but, when u throw that hoodie on it looks like you’re prepping for an MMA showdown….and are u still wearing the hospital band from Misha’s birth?? that’s cool and nerdy at the same time
June 14, 2009

Vinny
1 week without any info and I’m starting to think the forums are gone for good. BOOOOOO. No warning and no explanation means double BOO and negative feelings harbored towards WL and WLTV.

So – where is everybody going to now? I have been looking for you guys on CT boards and ebob but haven’t seen anybody yet.

Kahuna – get a board for your site!!!!
June 14, 2009

SurfCityJay
Home run! Enjoyed the Pinot love…

QOTD1: Hmm… gotta have sweet…

QOTD2: Mint chocolate chip…
June 14, 2009

Cuse Wino
Who needs Mott when you can just flip it……..

Nice episode and I loved how your perspective changed on the first wine- scores are shite! But don’t stop rating please

QOTD- Favorite ice cream is either Mint Chocolate Chip or Oreo Cookie
June 14, 2009

samwe
the forums ??
June 14, 2009

Dr T in NC
Pete: if the label don’t fit, then I must acquit!

We are bored little lambs,
With no forums to stray (to). . . . .
June 14, 2009

Lawrence Leichtman
Enjoy Anderson Valley and Anderson Valley wines quite a bit and I have been going there since the early 90’s. Great show for a flip cam.
June 14, 2009

rowland
wow, how the hell can you live in NYC, especially manhattan. uck.

anyway, gary i got to call you out on this cali crap, cause we (Clinton Vineyards) make some awsome $35 champagnes (yea we been making them so long we are legally granfathered in to call them champagnes). Maybe ill ask my boss if i can bring you some.
… F**K Anderson Valley, how many times do i got to tell you to come to the Hudson Valley (80 miles north of NYC? not as Disney land as other places? more home towny? come on, we got all that and the wine to boot)

what was qotd #1?
qotd 2; raspberry sherbet.
June 14, 2009

Woodsy Lord
Hi Gary,

I live about 20 minutes from Anderson Valley and I used to work in the wine biz out there, I still drink and collect many A.V. Pinots. I don’t think this was a very relevant tasting because ‘06 and ‘07 vintages were so drastically different. In ‘06 the vines were heavily overcropped and many producers turned out watery, hollow mid-palated wines, (you picked some of these characteristics up in the ‘06 Claudia Springs) The ’07’s were back to the more typical small yields of A.V. and more concentrated and ripe flavors. I think you should have tasted both producer’s wines from the same vintage.

Thanks.
June 14, 2009

Travis
chocolate mint

peace.
June 14, 2009

Neal
I’ll nominate Cherry Garcia.
If you are coming to Anderson Valley (great idea), swing through Redwood Valley, and I will give you a taste of my homemade grappa!
June 15, 2009

kent
sky high mud pie!
June 15, 2009

Pete
Gary, really love the show… I am in the Air Force and live in Italy so I have gotten to travel all over the country learning about Italian wine. My favorite thing to do is before I go to a region I watch all your past episodes about wines from that area to give me something to look forward to. I am now in Sardinia (for work I promise) for the next two weeks and was disappointed when you didn’t have any episodes about Sardinian wines like Vermentino di Gallura or Cannonau di Sardegna. Any chance you have some around the Wine Library you have been dying to try? Thanks.
June 15, 2009

looper
Great show! Love anderson valley pinot. Caught this one a little late but great setting, foggy day in NY. Reminds me of the summer mornings in chicago, when you are right in the heart of the city and yet you can’t even see the buildings around you.
QOTD: I would rather eat dark chocolate and cheese for desert than cake or sweets any day!
QOTD2: Pistachio flavor gelato on the streets of venice. Doesn’t get any better.
June 15, 2009

NY Pete
yo Vinny … http://tv.winelibrary.com/forum/
June 15, 2009

Jason S.
QOTD2: chocolate peanut butter

Great show GV. I went up to the Anderson Valley in Dec. and was a little underwhelmed. I think there are not enough tasting rooms up there yet and about half of what I had was just “meh.” Looking forward to your Anderson Valley shows when you explore the hidden gems I wasn’t able to find!
June 15, 2009

Harry
Woodsy Lord made a good point. 07 will be a fantastic year for most CA pinots, especially northern climates, so putting the 06 next to the 07, which was just released wasn’t very fair. While it may be logistically tough, putting together tastings with vintages in mind might be more informative and you could help enlighten the vaynernation on how the weather can affect the vino.
June 15, 2009

VioletRuby
Liked the urban feel of the city sights/sounds in the background. I’d love if you took us on a “field trip” to California wine country. My fiance and I are staying in Sonoma for a week of our honeymoon in November and are always wanting insider info.

My fav. ice cream flavor is cake batter from Coldstone, preferably with brownie chunks and bananas mixed in!
June 15, 2009

Leif
last week i ate a green tea ice cream at a small sushi reastaurant.
it was very nice n refreshing best was that its taste wasnt artificial and not really sweet… very nice would order it at any italy ice store instead of my normal fav pistazie. the asians not only invented pasta maybe icecream too….
June 15, 2009

Neil
Plain Vanilla (with chocolate sauce) and I never follow it up with a pickle chaser.
June 15, 2009

David Keil
Want great Anderson Valley sparkling?

http://www.roedererestate.com/TechSheet.php?Wine=113

They’ve been there awhile.
June 15, 2009

JayZee
Nice little show. I’ve had wine from Anderson Valley, but oddly not any Pinot Noir. I will have to check it out next chance I get.

QOTD 1: No, just give me the sweets for dessert. I don’t follow it up with a pickle or anything else like that. On the other hand, I love anything made with dark chocolate which is usually bittersweet at most.

QOTD 2: I’m not a big ice cream person, but since I’m a chocoholic, it would have to be chocolate fudge. I also really liked the chili pepper/dark chocolate ice cream I had at XO Primer Steakhouse in Cleveland. Definitely different. Come to think of it, the green tea ice cream I had while in Japan was also very interesting and not all that sweet.
June 15, 2009

Riddler
GV:

Schramsberg, an American producer, makes a delicious Anderson Valley sparkler! But its price is a bit north of the range you were talking about. You should give it a try. The also make some more affordable sparklers under the Mirabelle name, but I don’t know if the grapes come from Anderson.

Thanks for the heads-up about pinots from Anderson – I’ll put it on my tasting list.

QOTD: For run-of-the-mill ice cream, I’d say vanilla because it’s hard for producers to screw that up. But my absolute favorite ice cream is the pistachio they have at Blue Marble Ice Cream on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn.
June 15, 2009

Benry
Gary,

I agree on the claim that Anderson Valley Pinots are the best in the US. Also, for recommending tours, rt. 128 is very beautiful and less traveled, which means better service and prices at the vineyards.

QOTD 1: Ice Cream: Salted Carmel
June 15, 2009

Veez
Anderson Valley Gem Navarro Winery enough said
June 15, 2009

antony
Can’t remember the first question… favourite ice cream – home made cherry and dark chocolate.
June 15, 2009

JD in DC
QOTD: Fleur de Sel Caramel
June 16, 2009

Martin E
Strawberry….. plain but trustworthy…
June 16, 2009

innA
Awesome show – love it that you are back and making the podcast again!

QOTD – Vanilla… with salted caramel a close second
June 16, 2009

Adam B
Favorite ice cream: Pistachio Gelato
Mmmmmmm
June 16, 2009

Mary Elke
Hey Gary – As current President of the Anderson Valley Winegrowers, I’m going to hold you to your promise to visit us in the next 12 months and do a couple of Thunder shows. We have many great Pinots, both old and new-world styled; our Alsatian wines are great, and Roederer Estate and Scharffenberger Cellars produce some of the best domestic sparklers – a few days may not be long enough to sample all our “local products”!
June 16, 2009

J Crazy
Sounds like my English classes I teach over here. “What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream, J sensei?”
“I HATE ice cream!!”
“Mommy J sensei’s gone fuckin crazy again!”
June 17, 2009

Bobo36
Good show.

Bet that hoodie trapped all the wine aromas coming off. Anderson Val does do some good pinots. QOTD: try eating your salad at the end of the meal for that ’sour fix’. Once you do, you’ll eat it all the time at the end… i like to get some acid after a meal. i eat 2 oranges after lunch just for the acid. QOTD2 banana strawberry.
June 17, 2009

JustinL
QOTD2: I LOVE the Fleur de Sel Caramel from Hagen Das.
June 17, 2009

Thomas Moore
Awesome show!! Such a cool look having the fog creeping all over the back ground. Airplanes, cars, and the outdoors. Only on Winelibrary!!

QOTD – Chocolate Mint
June 17, 2009

wayno da wino
Yo G, GRRRRRRRRRRRRREAAAAAAAAAAAT EPISODE !!!!! After drinkin’ me
coffee & watchin’ IT, I’m BOUNCIN’ OFF DA WALLS!!!!
Themzzz was some Cooool Pinot Noirs & Anderson Valley is a Cooool Place!

qotd1: Don’t usually eat a “dessert” per say……

qotd2: I DO likes to have me a Haagen Daaz Ice Cream Bar every once
in a while…. YUUUMMM!
June 18, 2009

Platopoker
Loved the episode Gary. I can’t believe I didn’t make it out to Anderson Valley when I lived in the East Bay for two years. I did, however, get to visit Hess Vineyards in Napa. If you like both Art and Wine there is no better winery there as they have both a vineyard and an art gallery.

QOTD – Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby. How can you go wrong with fudge covered pretzel nuggets, filled with Peanut Butter, in Vanilla Ice Cream swirled with Fudge and Peanut butter throughout. A perfect mix of sweet and salty… YUM!
June 18, 2009

Crystal Gustavson
I’m not into sweets either, but do love the tart flavors of gelato. If you’re ever in the Phoenix area, stop by Gelato 64 for their wine flavored gelato: http://www.gelato64.com/
June 18, 2009

glenn
dude – you got Mary Elke to comment. her wines are exquisite in good vintages! like she said Scharffenberger really does make a quality sparkler. you come out let me know and we’ll cruise around Hwy 128 a bit man.

QotD: Straus Family Creamery Organic Vanilla Bean
June 19, 2009

Michael Steele
Fave flavor of ice cream has got to be Ben & Jerry’s Oatmeal Cookie crunch! I think it’s fairly new (about a year old or so) but it blows me away every time!
June 21, 2009

Jim in Atlanta
I agree with you on Anderson Valley. I enjoy the cooler climate wines they make there.
June 23, 2009

Monique
Haggen Daz Cappicino Commotion ( a masterful blend: chocolate,cinnamon,dark chocolate,toffeed-almond.
Great show. Honestly didn’t know about Anderson Valley, thank you for adding to my to do list. Will look forward to your reporting. Just discovered your show, love your energy and passion, will pick up your new book.
July 1, 2009

Beth
Wonderful show. Being in Asia there isn’t much access to Anderson Valley, but I’ll be keeping a look out.

QOTD2 – Jasmine tea or Ben and Jerry’s Fairtrade Vanilla.
July 8, 2009

Will Gosling
Fun show, like the change of scenery. We had a fun drive up through Anderson Valley on our way to Mendocino (mini-honeymoon after our Napa wedding). A pinot noir from Navarro brought us up there. Lots of good places I’m sure, we only had time for a few.

QOTD: COFFEE ice cream FTW! Hate coffee, love coffee ice cream…go figure.
July 12, 2009

Dan-o
The weather brings back memories of a dismal June. Catching up several weeks later.
QOTD1 – I am not a radish or cucumber fan, i could see celery as a replacement for me. However, I would NOT like this after dessert.

QOTD2 – Chocolate chip.