Finally had someone on who can keep up with you, GV. Think you might have bumped those scores a little higher, haha. Good for him and you, love to see the real deal, duke it out in person. Great show, I always think the guest appearances add a little something, you have that rare talk-show-host talent (that is a compliment, it’s a true skill).

The one thing that strikes me about all the awesome detail Chris gave about his wines is that any serious wine should come with an Owner’s Manual. He had so much information about what his intentions were with the wine, when you should and should not drink it, and what you should expect when opening a bottle. I’d like to point out to you professionals out there that when we “normal” folk go to a wine shop and pick up a bottle, even a $55 bottle, we have no idea what the winemaker intended. We need “care instructions.” What a cool idea. The label should read: “Don’t touch this thing for 10 years!” Or, “Made to pop tonite, don’t let it collect dust!” Any winemaker with that kind of passion should want to explain to their customers how to “handle their product.”

Anyway, great show. Love the guest episodes.

Gary,
Definitely one of your best shows ever! I have to be honest, the show in New York City scared me a little (too much of an edge), but this one was dead on! I would rate this a 93+.

Santé!

Charles – I’ll be back in Walla Walla by December! (hopefully) I miss the Kung Fu Girl – it’s one of my faves, and harder to come by in Wisconsin! Gary, keep doin’ what you’re doin. . . the wine world is crazy about you!

Great guest, I enjoyed this episode very much

Excellent show – makes me feel sad though that I live so far away and can’t get these wines.
Charles was great – someone that can keep up with you!

QOTD: It’s magic !
QOTD2: Would love to visit one day.

Excellent show and a real interesting guest!
There is a certain technology associated with shrinking humans so that they can fit in a TV camera.
I would love to visit Walla Walla at some point!

Gary, were those screwtops? Add a + to everything if they are! Great show

I was in Walla Walla back in 2005. Drove up and down the highway looking for K. Alas, it was not open that day. White Sox were drilling the Astros that yr if I remember correctly. Hopefully, I will make it back up there to try again. Re-watched parts of this show w/ a glass of K-Vintners Cougar Hills Syrah 2005. It is beautiful as well. Getting the 05 Ovide in on Monday. Thanks for the tip. Can’t wait to turn on some of the guests. (they’ll think I’m a genius).

This has to be among the best episodes. I think it deserves a place on the home page. It’s all about the passion. And indeed, Charles can rival even Gary V’s level of passion.

Rock on, indeed! Great, great, great show. These are the kind of shows that keep me coming back time and again, Gary. Charles Smith is REAL. Very cool. The wine descriptions were awesome and the I had no idea the show was as long as it was because it was so enjoyable. Thank you so much!!!

QOTD: It is very difficult to explain how the Vayner-Nation all fits inside that little camera. Suffice it to say that the smell is a but ripe. 😉

I’ve never been to Walla Walls. On my wine trip to Washington State we did the Columbia Valley, Rattlesnake Ridge and Red Mountain but didn’t quite make it to Walla Walla. We’ll stop by next trip!

QOTD: 10 in comfort, 10,000 in ecstasy.
Isn’t it a 3 hour drive to Walla Walla from Spokane? That’s the only thing that’s holding us back.

I was lucky enough to meet Charles about 5 years ago and had the opportunity to
spend a bit of time sampling and procuring… quite the character indeed. The wines then were extremely exciting to me at the time… and I have been drinking them ever since. The concentrations of dark fruit, as you mention numerous times, is indeed in your face…. just what I love about this project. Just make some more of these giant fruit bombs, there never seems to be enough, especially of your high-end offerings. ROCK ON and Don’t change anything about your wines, or your hair!

next time i am in washington i am coming to walla walla. i was so impressed by the show that i went out and bought a bottle of the Boom Boom Syrah. i am excited to taste once this cold is gone.

QOTD – It is the magic of the internet. I would enjoy visiting Walla Walla, but not sure when I will actually make it there. Until then I can drink the wines. Thanks for the entertaining show.

Great show Gary! QOTD: I’ve never been to the States before! Isn’t that crazy, considering I live approximately 20 minutes away from the Canadian/US border. If I ever do head down to the states, I will make sure to swing by Walla Walla, WA 😉

I love hearing a wine maker who is so enthusiastic about his wines and the Northwest buzz about his wines is strong though I have yet to taste them, this episode makes me want to go out and get on his list. Love that you keep bringing us small, quality producers that are accessible producers. Thanks GV and Charles Smith and as a baldy I’m definitely jealous of the hair.

This was a great episode. It is inspiring to watch and hear from someone who is clearly in love with what he does. Will try the wines when I can locate them.

QOTD – don’t get out much, no idea.

Great episode. I had heard of Charles but have never seen his product on the shelves. Hopped online and bought six bottles. I’m really looking forward to checking them out. By the way I recently visited Kinkead Ridge near Ripley, Ohio (just north of the Ohio River, fabulous location) – you favorably reviewed their Petit Verdot, which is very limited production and now unavailable. The owners are incredibly cool people who produced wine in Oregon for about 10 or 15 years and then moved back to the Midwest. When they have an open house it’s well worth visiting. Check out their website online and especially the cool punchdown video which is also on Youtube. I really respect these limited production winemakers who have such passion for what they do.

WOW- a long yet very interesting and personal show. I’m glad I had the time to enjoy it. Cheers.

QOTD: Up to Washington soon!!

This show is now one of my favorites. I use a pile driver to get in the camera.

Hey!! Mr. Smith has almost as much hair as I do…………..

QOTD: Don’t breath in.

Excellent show, as usual, just remember it’s all about who you enjoy it with, not as much as what you’re enjoying!

Good show! Going south from Spokane soon. Gotta know though, great quality reds at ~20 bones less to be found in Yakima Valley.

Great episode! Winelibrary may be the most passionate wine program…but Chris is definitely the most passionate wine maker.