I’m a bit confused, and have been for some time now, about the glasses used in tasting wines. I recall an episode where Gary tasted wines using different wine glasses that were designed for particular varietals. He expressed his amazement that they actually DO affect the nose and taste of wines. Since that time, I have seen Gary use different glasses on different days, and sometimes whips out his “big-ol’-glass” (appears to be a Riedel Sommelier Burgundy)when he wishes to taste ‘really big wines’. First of all, that would seem to give an advantage to wines that are prejudged to be particularly good. Second, this episode (#317) presents tastings of Pinot Noirs; but the glass used for the tasting appears to be one designed for cabs (or ‘red’ wines) and is not the big-ol’-glass which was designed FOR Pinot Noirs. In fact, the Burgundy glass has been used to taste Cabs and several other wines for which it was not designed. It seems to me that either all wines should be tasted with the same glass, or with the same glass as is appropriate to the varietal.

Also, Gary is fond of saying that he doesn’t like chilled wine but prefers room temperature. He justifies that by saying that the wines have better aroma and bloom (paraphased) than when chilled, so obviously temperature has some affect. So, what would Gary’s room temperature be? 70 as in many offices/businesses or 84 as in many Chicago apartments in the winter? Perhaps these two issues are why he sometimes disagrees with Parker or other reviewers whom he obviously respects? I’m not disagreeing with his methods, it would just be nice to know the tasting conditions and why they are not held constant.

Have always been crazy about Pinot and have always been mad at the price! Along with my bank manager, but I got in to Pinot through Burgundy so am used to (if not happy with) the cost. However, price can force one to try other things and that has been, ultimately, to my advantage. So, mad at Pinot? No, all is forgiven.

QOTD: No. I’m not mad at Pinot. In a universal sense, I’m exremely happy that there are so many new converts to Pinot Noir. But in a selfish sense, I regret that this new popularity has resulted in dramatically increased prices. On the other hand, Pinot is simply following the path of the other popular varietals, especially the high quality versions, in dramatically increasing prices. Prices of really top New world Pinots have reached the levels of the higher quality Burgundies(Chassagne, Puligny, Charmes, Gevrey, Vougeot, Echezeaux)of just a few vintages ago. Of course, these Burgundies have now reached even higher price levels, but at least have the partial excuse of the weakening dollar. Nevertheless, the overall quality (and breadth of quality)of new world Pinot has risen equally dramatically relative to their prices over the last 7-10 years. Ten years ago, no one would have believed there would be such high quality Pinot from Oregon or California, much less from New Zealand, Germany, Australia, or Italy.

Last week, I conducted a blind tasting of 8 mature top quality California and Oregon Pinots. This tasting group (half of whom are in the trade)started over 30 years ago, and to the person has a preference for Pinot, and especially red Burgundy. Half the wines were guessed to be Premier or Grand Cru Burgundies. This increase in new world quality would probably have taken place eventually, but not in such a surge, but for the increased popularity of the varietal. I certainly cannot build a case for being “mad” at that!

QotD : I´m not mad at Pinot. Not mad about it either. I think the gap between the average Pinots and the terrific ones are huge. Bigger than with any other grape.

Swedish T

QoD:

TagWorld Brian is reborn as Social Brian! http://www.flux.com

Nah, Pinot, I ain’t mad atcha. Don’t hate the playa, hate the game. Pinot was just a pawn on the chessboard. Pinot H8R’s need to take a step back.

2004 Duckhorn Goldeneye Pinot Noir. Heaven on Earth.

QOTD: I’m quite mad they turned Pinot Noir into the “IT” wine, and totally dissed Merlot. I actually really enjoy Merlot. Now I have to deal with snarky comments or looks when I buy Merlot. Now everyone thinks they know more than they do by buying/ordering PN.

Hope ELLEN went well!

QOTD:No, I’m not mad at Pinot! However, I find that too many wine makers are trying to duplicate the taste of what is considered a “good” Pinot because of public demand. Pinot’s can be some of the most elegant wines to drink.
Gary, your Ellen episode was qiute entertaining and informative.

Can’t you get a bobble head that actually looks like you?!

I am mad as hell at Pinot Noir (almost as much as I am at your NON-LOOK-A-LIKE bobble head!)

When are you re-tasting the Covenant? (Use a new bottle this time, ha ha ha.)

Can’t you get a bobble head that actually looks like you?!

I am mad as hell at Pinot Noir (almost as much as I am at your NON-LOOK-A-LIKE bobble head!)

When are you re-tasting the Covenant? (Use a new bottle this time, ha ha ha.)

Yeah – I really like PN. I am mad about it, because some make pinots which taste like cab sav. Not only the new world, also the old world.

QOTD: Pinot Noir can’t help it, and even if I were mad I couldn’t stay mad – because I love Pinot.

QOTD: Yep.

Great job on Ellen! Too bad you couldn’t get her to eat dirt.

Just caught the Ellen show! Great job GV!

If only I could get my GF to eat grass clippings with Sauv Blanc. LOL

Gary just watched Ellen good job. She didnt want to eat the dirt though lol. You are getting Big thats how you roll!

Gary,

Great show as usual. QOTD: I’ve actually had the Castle Rock and it’s not bad for 10 bones. However, really good Pinot is more like $30 these days.

QOTD: No.

GV,
Not a huge Pinot fan. Not mad at it, just don’t care much about it. Let’s say, indifferent. Would rather spend my time with other varietals.
JW

GV,
Not a huge Pinot fan. Not mad at it, just don’t care much about it. Let’s say, indifferent. Would rather spend my time with other varietals.
JW

Iam not mad at pinot because the first time I tried it was after a saw sideways and you now what….I really like it. Here is the kicker…I “still” like merlot!!!!!

Can’t wait to try the Pinay. Not mad at Pinot, itself, but annoyed with buying Pinot that reek of Syrah, and taste like it too. Fatiguing. I am much more selective nowadays, opting for cooler climate Pinots to avoid the overblown, overripe, high alcohol Pinots that seem to contain a lot of more of some other grape. The nice thing is that now with Pinot sales being so up and Merlot sales so down, some of my favorite producers are making some ‘knock your socks off’ Merlot, again. Yes, I said Merlot!

Not made at the Pinot, just at the hype surrounding it. BTW, the Jets, while playing valiantly, are 0-2 and are in need of a QB change. Clemens is ready now! And while Thomas Jones carries the rock pretty well, where is Leon Washington??? He’s the most explosive offensive player they have not wearing #87 and needs more touches.

My Skins are 2-0 for the first time in an eternity!!!

QOTD: I’m not mad a Pinot, the only thing I might be a little upset about is that I’ve had several poorly made Pinots; I’m sure those have become likely since its popularity surge.

I like Pinot Noir, but I am so tired of hearing about it, plus I find them a little too light most of the time. I personally am with you, Gary, for bringing Merlot back.