QOTD: I actually went out and bought the Domaine Le Galantin 2004 Bandol, not just because GV liked it, but also because I don’t drink much outside of Niagara region so far. Popped the bandol a couple of days ago, and I was amazed – different than anything I have ever had. It was like drinking leather from a cow that was grown on an all black cherry diet. Very interesting. The thunder for me was just having something completely off the wall, totally different, opening my palate to different experiences from different parts of the world!

This is not exactly what you asked. I bought the Solanera, you did not like it but Parker gave it 91 points. I decided to compare my pallate to yours and Parker’s. I hated it the first day, pop and pour. Tasted like a zesty detergent. I kept it in the fridge overnight with an air pump stopper. The second day, the detergent was gone and I was pleasantly surprised with blueberries, raspberries, slight cream flavors. Kinda nice, but what a huge change from one day to the next.

QOTD: 2002 Pieve del Vescovo Tezio on my honeymoon!

2003 Quilceda Creek Cabernet. Like. None. Other.

I’m drinking a 2005 Poderi Luigi Einaudi Vigna Tecc Dogliani (it says Dolcetto somewhere, but I think Dolcetto is supposed to be a secret or something) right now, and while it is not bringing the thunder at the moment, I am going to get a couple of bottles to cellar for at least 5 years, cause it has some serious potential with the tannins. I also had a 2006 Terras Gauda Rias Baixas O Rosal, which again was too young, but still got me interested in Albarino, and I have not been curious about a white wine for some time. Being a newer viewer, I have gone through alot of the archive videos, and I have had the 2003 Torbreck Factor, and that is still the best wine I have tried by miles. I have a bottle of the 2004 Domaine du Pegau, which is going to be waiting a ong time before I crack that, as well as a 2005 Amon Ra ( I know you tried the 2004, but I thing Robert Parker listened to you when you said he missed it on the 04, cause he gave the 2005 98 points)

BTW – I’m voting second place to the below pick – especially for the money.
markfarrell22 – QOTD: 1975 Cabernet.

(I didn’t count the Sea Smoke or Kosta Browne – you can’t get em’ or yes they would top the charts)

But the most OVER RATED wine on the list –
2005 Felline Primitivo di Manduria

Hey – I bought 3 bottles and wanted it to be awesome – I’ve got 2 left, but even with age this wine would be mid 80’s point range for me.

And yes I like old and new world wines – but I’m a New Kid on the Block that kicks it old school from time to time. Not an Old school guy that listens to the New Kids.

Gary – I dare you to use that reference on the show!

QOTD: Marc Ollivier 2006 Clos Des Briords Muscadet Sevre & Maine. I found out about this one from Florida Jim on the forum.

Little Penguin Shiraz- big fruit, lots of fun!

QOTD: Tonight I tried a Tannat because of your episode on it. Domaine Brana Irouleguy 2004. $23. The Princeton Corkscrew. It brought the THUNDER. We had it with Indian food, which I suspect killed the nose – even though we double-decanted before going to the restaurant, very little fruit showed up except in random flashes (it was a really stinky restaurant). Mostly manured earth… but somehow I was digging it! hehehe. But it was DRY, EXPLOSIVE, and TANNIC, and the tannins really enhanced the spiciness. Also, they were sweet yet smooth and also bitter. Like Teuscher 99% dark chocolate! Chocolate all day long. Forget Shiraz, I think I’m in love.

The Bandit Pinot Grigio 2006 (boxed wine) was a shocker for me that really brought the thunder!

Gewürztraminer – I hadn’t tried it till watching this show, It replaced Riesling as my spicy seafood wine of choice.

Gewürztraminer – I hadn’t tried it till watching this show, It replaced Riesling as my spicy seafood wine of choice.

QOTD; There is too many to name, Gary you have turned me on to so many wines. Off the top of my head Teddy Hall Chenin, The Other, Gravity hills Zin, leocadie les clauses, Altesino Rosso Di altesino, Ercavio, Stickleback white. You have brought out the wine monster in me! I love trying new wines, and you give me the education and the access to feed my addiction.

QOTD: 2006 Vionta Albarino – dry, crisp, and slight nutty flavor. Very nice, and one I bought several more of.

QOTD: 2006 Vionta Albarino – dry, crisp, and slight nutty flavor. Very nice, and one I bought several more of.

QOTD: Hands down, the 2000 Oberto Barolo Albarella. The best $40 I’ve spent in a long time. My wife and I enjoyed it with a couple of grilled veal chops.

Radool show big G. You rock the casbah!
Qotd- Rusack 05 Pinot Santa Maria Valley. Strawberry leather(circa 1980)fruit roll up all day long, great purity and perfect balance. Gorgeous stuff!

QOTD: The Ancient Pillars Saki. I had a blind tasting with friends and owners of my favorite chinese restaurant. They loved it,knew they hadn’t had anything like it, and enjoyed it at room temp. 2thdr

QOTD: 2005 Reserve Rosenblum Black Muscat. I tried this wine before I started watching the Thunder Show. After watching it, I searched the wine library TV archive to see if you’ve reviewed it or not. That’s when I saw you reviewed the 2004 Rosenblum Black Muscat. It totally changed my wine tasting experience!

QOTD: 2001 Fattoria Pinino Brunello Di Montalcino. Happened across it in a luxury grocery while traveling in Minneapolis earlier this year…totally lived up to GV’s 97 points, and for only ~$65 if I remember correctly…

QOTD: 2001 Annie’s Lane “Copper Trail” Shiraz/Cab/Merlot blend. This one was hard to describe, but mostly it was new and old worlds colliding… perfect tannin structure and nice deep red fruit. It really paired well with our meal.. so when I found out that the winery targets this wine for restaurants it made perfect sense. Hard to get though. I’m currently trying to get my favorite retailer to order some for me though the US distributor.

Here’s a show that actually introduced me to a wine I didn’t know about! Rockin! Actually, it isn’t the first, but it doesn’t happen often. Thanks Gary!

QOTD: Ive only bought three wines since watching the thunder show (sadly) but I dont have to good of a budget. The last wine I tried was a Corbett Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon. YUCK!!!!!!!!

The best one I liked was either the cheap sutter home white zin or best of all was the even cheaper Lambrusco from Ruinte. They all tasted like they had an overpowering alcohol but they werent bad besides the oak monster in the cab.

~Robert

QOTD: The Torrontes and Monica from the Thanksgiving pack, and PV of course. I love trying new wines, I learn a lot from the show. Thanks Gary!

i really liked a 2001 castello di bossi chianti classico
and i really enjoyed the fruit explosion in a 2005 Nivole moscato
…but im a newb haha

QOTD: At this very moment, Innocent Bystander ’05 (since my shop was out of the ’04). I have to agree on the balance it has and not over the top. Also, ever since you tasted two Charles Creek wines (Miradero and Pasatiempo), I haven’t stopped buying that line of wine. My favorite being Muy Bonito, which I’d like to see you try.