Hey, long time lurker, first time poster. I’m not a huge sparkling wine fan, but I should probably try some good stuff before writing off the whole category.

I have a question for the crowd. I have to go to Dallas this weekend for a wedding. I would like to take a nice bottle of wine for the happy couple, something that would keep for at least their 10th, ideally their 25th anniversary. I’m leary of taking anything with me on the plane because of the limits on carrying liquids on board. (Who wants to donate a $100 bottle of wine to the TSA?) Any recommendations of a good wine shop near DFW? I’m flying in and staying in the vicinity. I know nothing can compare to WL for price and selection, but a good deal would be nice. Thanks!

Gary,
QOD:
I have only had a few champagnes.
I am not sure if Biltmore Champagne qualifies
but it is EXCELLENT Champagne.
I have such expensive taste.
We went to a tasting that included Champagne ( not the free tasting)
at Biltmore Estate.
The more expensive the champagnes got the more I liked!
Dangerous information!!!

KW…Ya I was talking to you…whats the deal? You should comment no matter where your at. A few episodes back I was like…Hey Where’s ZeroKreap? Thought you fell off the face!

B

Roch = 1

drwMD = 2

but whats with the recloaking thing…cmon drwMD…come out into the light! Jooooiiiiin Us

Roch (#51) – I wish I’d invited you to MY wedding 25 years ago! My #25 is comin up in a few months and I was JUST thinking (seriously – I was thinking it today!) how cool would it be if someone had given us a special, 25-yr.-cellar-worthy bottle that we could be opening this year! But then again – who knows if we’d have handled it right, stored it well, moved it safely… it might be vinegar now anyway!

This episode kinda makes me want to break out in song.

http://www.keepsakevideo.com/audio/a066c44.mp3 or
http://www.donho.com/music/Don%20Ho%20Gold/Tiny%20Bubbles.mov
(Quicktime compatible formats)

Hey Gary, you have my votes! I love champagne too, but with Filet Mignon. No one favorite champagne yet. I am always trying different ones. Can’t wait until the episode with 12 bottles!!!!!

Hey Gary, you have my votes! I love champagne too, but with Filet Mignon. No one favorite champagne yet. I am always trying different ones. Can’t wait until the episode with 12 bottles!!!!!

If Gary wins for the cooking sction, it will just prove how big and strong VaynerNation is!

B

My favorite Grower Champagne is from a man named Andre!

Gary….you got the Stallions vote………all you lurkers better post!!!!!

Never had a champagne that I liked…after this episode, I will buy some and let you know

-Stallion

This episode makes me kinda want me to break out in song. Here goes…

http://www.keepsakevideo.com/audio/a066c44.mp3 or
http://www.donho.com/music/Don%20Ho%20Gold/Tiny%20Bubbles.mov
(Quicktime compatible audio files.)

Voted. I remember the first time GV gave the rap about getting away from the big name Champagnes. I tried to spread the word. We were having some people over and one guy was supposed to bring two bottles of Champagne. I told him to go with anything but VC, Moet, or PJ. He showed up with VC. Said he panicked and then played it safe. He knew everyone liked it so…Unreal. Power of marketing.
QOTD: I have had a few versions of Nicolas Feuillatte that have been good, also some from Brice. I honestly don’t know if those are “growers” Champagnes or not…I have also had some damn good Bollinger and Taittinger.
SS Chris (or whatever handle you may switch to): I was using your spreadsheet today to find the other Champagne episodes. What a great and useful tool! Happy Birthday and a big thanks for the effort.
Finally, my question for Gary and group: I am looking for a “school night” Pinot Noir. I prefer the Cali-style, fuller bodied versions, under $15 (preferably under $12!). In the past have used the Gloria Ferrer Carneros, and also liked the Bad Fish Reserve (should have bought more of that).
Suggestions?

Voted. I remember the first time GV gave the rap about getting away from the big name Champagnes. I tried to spread the word. We were having some people over and one guy was supposed to bring two bottles of Champagne. I told him to go with anything but VC, Moet, or PJ. He showed up with VC. Said he panicked and then played it safe. He knew everyone liked it so…Unreal. Power of marketing.
QOTD: I have had a few versions of Nicolas Feuillatte that have been good, also some from Brice. I honestly don’t know if those are “growers” Champagnes or not…I have also had some damn good Bollinger and Taittinger.
SS Chris (or whatever handle you may switch to): I was using your spreadsheet today to find the other Champagne episodes. What a great and useful tool! Happy Birthday and a big thanks for the effort.
Finally, my question for Gary and group: I am looking for a “school night” Pinot Noir. I prefer the Cali-style, fuller bodied versions, under $15 (preferably under $12!). In the past have used the Gloria Ferrer Carneros, and also liked the Bad Fish Reserve (should have bought more of that).
Suggestions?

Voted in all three categories. QODYears ago, boyfrined (now hubby) got a gift of Charles Heidsick champagne from a French client. Drank it all summer long on his sailboat. I remember it being great, but I think I might have fallen in love with any champagne that summer.

When voting for the Vloggies, you cannot search “Gary Vaynerchuk” as the Cooking Vloggie only lists “Gary”- perhaps it is a Brazilian thing, like Ronaldo. If you search “winelibrary”, you will get the WLTV website for all three nominations. Congrats Gary, I do not watch any other vlogs, but I am sure you deserve it.

I know you taste at room temp- how about the WS folks?

Post #2 for today.

I’ve never done more than one post per day. Can this count towards the lurker total???

I’ve got a question. All these Bubblies you tasted today are NV. Is there year to year variation for NV champagne? and if so, how do I know I’m buying what you (or someone else) tasted/rated?

Oh yeah, I almost forgot the QOD

Charles Ellner (Grower?) Blanc de Blanc – a Saturday tasting at Zachy’s

Post #2 for today.

I’ve never done more than one post per day. Can this count towards the lurker total???

I’ve got a question. All these Bubblies you tasted today are NV. Is there year to year variation for NV champagne? and if so, how do I know I’m buying what you (or someone else) tasted/rated?

Oh yeah, I almost forgot the QOD

Charles Ellner (Grower?) Blanc de Blanc – a Saturday tasting at Zachy’s

All the good ‘pie knots no ears’ are listed here:
http://www.americangoldmedalwines.com/search_free2006.php
Crosspoint Winery – 2004 CA New World Int’l G $12.00
Crosspoint Winery – 2004 CA CA State Fair G $12.00
Crosspoint Winery – 2004 CA Long Beach G $12.00
Meridian Vineyards – 2004 CA New World Int’l GGBOC $12.00
Mirassou Winery – 2004 CA SF Chronicle P G $11.00
Mirassou Winery – 2004 CA Long Beach GBOC $11.00
Quail Creek Cellars – 2003 CA New World Int’l GBOC $11.00
Three Thieves – 2004 Circle K Ranch CA New World Int’l G $11.00
Five Rivers Winery – 2004 CA Pacific Rim GBOC $10.00
Martin Ray Winery – 2004 Angeline CA SF Chronicle P GBOC $10.00
HRM Rex Goliath – NV CA SF Chronicle P G $9.00
Lindemans – 2005 Bin 99 AUS Long Beach G $8.00
The Little Penguin – 2004 AUS Int’l Eastern P G $8.00
Turning Leaf – 2004 CA New World Int’l G $8.00
Sutter Home Winery – 2005 CA CA State Fair GGBOC $6.00
Sutter Home Winery – 2005 CA Orange County PS G $6.00

Favorite grower champagne was the Brice Gary tasted on one of the early WLTV episodes. Big hit with my friends as well. Sipped with a tailgate meal in the parking lot of the Santa Fe opera. One of the most amazing 27 “bones” I have spent.

zerokreap,
Hey!
We want EVERYONE to comment when they can.
But, please don’t be a lurker!
I don’t care if your comment is #150 or #250
please make a comment, any comment.

Thank you, Gary….appreciate the shout-out very much.

drwMD,
Hey!
Glad to have you come out of the shadows!
I am serious about my last comment #71!
Please feel free to make comments anytime.
Please don’t feel like you can’t make a comment
if you worked late or whatever until late.
We want to lure out all of the lurkers!
Everyone, make a comment!

big_cigar = 3