QOTD: Sorry, broken record time, but my fave is still Eric Kent Big Boy Blend 04!

You’re improving with each episode in NYC. This cozy wine bar has a friendly aura and I almost cringed when you shouted your lead-in which we are quite used to but might be a shock to the uninitiated. Thanks for the sparkler tips which will pay dividends in a few weeks time. Champagne is a funny wine in that you somehow need to have an occasion to drink it. You can drink red wine alone but bubbles demand an audience….

The QOD is a simple question but difficult to define. Syrah would be a Cotes du Rhone varietal and Shiraz the Southern Hemisphere version. Except in South America where they call it Syrah again…At the moment I’m imbibing a 2005 Cotes du Rhone from Louis Bernard at about $10. It is a Grenache/Syrah blend. Maybe an 87 score in my book. If I were able to spend an extravagent amount then a ’95 Cornas like Domaine Johann Michel or an Hermitage like Paul Jaboulet Aine “La Chappelle” is fine for watching Comedy Central reruns…..I’ve been aching to visit the Carnival of Love but can’t seem to get Two Hands on it. Home is where the Grange is.

I’m not a big fan of blending Cabernet with Syrah even though it is the trendy thing to do. The flavors of Cabernet and Sangiovese also seem to struggle for supremacy when intertwined. BTW, I was out to the Capital Grille Wednesday evening and quite enjoyed a 2005 Caymus so I guess I’m just a Chauvinist. My respects to Chuck Wagner and his wonderful Cabernet Sauvignon.

I now have added the Blue Ribbon to my list of places to visit before I croak.

QOTD: In the spirit of the question, I’ll have to say 2003 Cayuse, Walla Walla Valley, en Cailloux vineyard…the New World “Roti”

QOTD: I don’t think I have a favorite Syrah, haven’t had enough of them.

Right Now, Domaine de Fondreche Persia because it is like drinking STRAIGHT BACON. But I also love the Tensley, which i saw in the background on the bar in the episode.

QOTD: Right now I’m big on Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Ridge-loved the ’04, ’05, and waiting to try my “06

Favorite Syrahs are Tensley from CA and D’Arenberg the Dead Arm from Australia, French Syrahs are usually blends but the style I love. So one of my questions is why don’t restaurants ever feature grower champagnes but always insist on Moet or Vieux Clicot or the like. By the way my favorite champagne is Billecart Salmon Blanc de Noirs, vintage if I’m feeling flush but even the non-vintage is great.

Great Episode… !!! I have been trying to find a few non-traditional bubbels for the holidays !!

QOTD:No questions… hands down … fav. Syrah is the Lilly Hill Estate Syrah, Dry Creek Valley form Bella Winery in Sonoma County
Totaly worth a taste if you can get your hands on it!!!

Good show, I still have a mental block on bubbly, but had a nice one a couple of weeks back with some great sushi. Will be popping some Champagne over the holidays, a small producer near Riems (a present from a friend on vacation there in summer) – is that what you mean by “Grower”?

QOTD – Don’t have one, Syrah/Shiraz is one of my “grey area” varietals, still figuring out what I like.

Another good one. On the road with GV. I like it!

QOTD: I’m a Crozes-Hermitage guy. Can’t afford to be a Hermitage guy…..

WOW!! Nice Bar Keep…..can’t wait to see him at Christmas!!!

QOTD: My recent favorite was a Syrah that I tasted at Crushpad. It was from Santa Barbara County CA made at the Crushpad facility… I was pleasantly suprised, and I remember part of the name… Kindred Syrah …

Gary, cool that you ventured outside of wine library!

QOTD: 100% Syrah…..2004 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah, South Africa….in a blend…..2002 Shafer Relentless

Next champagne tasting: grower vs. major brands.

At a holiday dinner I attend every year, they always serve Veuve Clicquot. I’m just not interested.

Beckmen Purisima

QOTD: Weisinger’s of Ashlands Shiraz is big, bold, balanced and tasty to boot!

hay garry great show been watching 4 ages but not left message b 4 your the best luv the show.

QOTD: 2001 Guigal Cote Rotie la Turque (Old World) and 2004 Garretson “Mon Amie” Syrah (New World)

That was a trick QOTD.
Do you mean the grape Syrah? or do you mean CA Syrah?
I will roll with you this way:

France Cote-Rotie – Gangloff La Barabrine
Australia Barossa Valley – Barossa Valley Estate E&E Black Pepper
California – Tensley Colson Canyon Vineyard, August Briggs, Jaffurs Bien Nacido Vineyard

Nice show on bubbly. My wife won’t drink it and therefore it makes it tough because I can’t handle a whole bottle at one sitting.

Cool place…favorite Syrah wine is the Torbreck Woodcutter’s Shiraz 2005.

Another great show. I hope you do more of these in the future. QOTD: DOnt think ive had a syrah yet 🙁 Im buying a Molly Dooker or two pretty soon so that will change!

QOTD: One of the best syrahs I have had is the Gemtree Tadpole Shiraz (Australian). Tastes like it should cost more.

QOTD: One of the best syrahs I have had is the Gemtree Tadpole Shiraz (Australian). Tastes like it should cost more.

QOTD: Oops, forgot Boekenhoutskloof’s ‘The Wolftrap’ Syrah/Mourvedre/Viognier blend and Majella Sparkling shiraz too!

GV – Over time I have come to love the bubbly and great to see you hooking up with wine bars to show them as well. Keep doing shows on sparklers…

QOTD – I don't have a specific favorite Syrah at the moment but I really like the nothern rhone style and California central coast is putting our good ones as well.

GFish – Peace and Jets