EP 564 Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon Visits the Thunder Show – Part II

And now for the exciting conclusion of yesterday’s cliff hanger!

Wines tasted in this episode:

2005 Bien Nacido Syrah
2007 Le Vol Des Anges

Latest Comment:

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AMS

I realize this was recorded 5 years ago but, I hope to God GV has learned to STFU since then (and lay off the caffeine) when a guest, especially one of Randall’s caliber, is invited to an episode. I was hoping things would change for episode 2 with Randall, but it became painfully tiresome, annoying, and embarrassing to be honest, to have Randall continuously interrupted, and worse yet, to then have GV drone on about some tangent, then finally remember to shut up and get back to the interview.
2 things I live by:
– You can not learn anything new when you are doing the talking.
– A conversation between 2 people is NOT waiting for the other one to finish so you can say what you want to say (much less interrupting them constantly).

Tags: california, dessert, Randall Grahm, red, review, Syrah, Video, wine, wines

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  • manonthemoon

    just in time for dinner

  • manonthemoon

    just in time for dinner

  • jjmabaseb

    New fan of the show!! Just bought the Election Day Secret pack. Can’t wait to see what’s in there.

  • jjmabaseb

    New fan of the show!! Just bought the Election Day Secret pack. Can’t wait to see what’s in there.

  • Rick D

    Nice finish to Epi 1. Mr. Grahm is quite knowledgeable and enjoyable to listen to. Too bad you were butting in so much during the shows. Share the stage buddy.

    Really like the show when you have guests of this quality on, do more, more, more…

  • Rick D

    Nice finish to Epi 1. Mr. Grahm is quite knowledgeable and enjoyable to listen to. Too bad you were butting in so much during the shows. Share the stage buddy.

    Really like the show when you have guests of this quality on, do more, more, more…

  • de Las

    met the dooner in Santa Fe last month. incredibly humble and knowledgeable. thank you both for everything.

  • de Las

    met the dooner in Santa Fe last month. incredibly humble and knowledgeable. thank you both for everything.

  • Gary great finish to the episode….I really want to grab that syrah 🙂

    QOTD:
    -Haven’t done too much research on them to say either way.

  • Zinny

    One of the best shows ever! QOTD – I have to admit that I associate Bonny Doon wines with mediocre quality. Nice labels, so-so wine. This is based on having tried a few over the years – certainly not all of them.

    I will definetly take note the next time somebody opens one of these, though -seems like they might deserve another look.

  • Gary great finish to the episode….I really want to grab that syrah 🙂

    QOTD:
    -Haven’t done too much research on them to say either way.

  • Zinny

    One of the best shows ever! QOTD – I have to admit that I associate Bonny Doon wines with mediocre quality. Nice labels, so-so wine. This is based on having tried a few over the years – certainly not all of them.

    I will definetly take note the next time somebody opens one of these, though -seems like they might deserve another look.

  • billyg

    QOTD: I think of BD as a rarity in California, decent QPR.

  • billyg

    QOTD: I think of BD as a rarity in California, decent QPR.

  • italianwinelover

    GV- Really out did yourself…nice job…lots of info and fun at the same time. Def a classic ep!

    QOTD: I think of BD as a marketed wine. Only tasted once so not something I seek out but maybe its time to give it another try. Knowing the story and the passion makes a difference.

  • manonthemoon

    Great show, and I have to agree the winemaker shows are the best. And since when is ketchup not a food group?

    QOTD: I used to associate Bonny Doon wines into two categories. First as biodynamic and second as a large hight quantity and watered down quality wine that was good for everyday drinking. But now knowing that you have dropped the line up to 10 wines with a focus on terrior and quality I am going to give you guys another go around to reaccess the product.

  • italianwinelover

    GV- Really out did yourself…nice job…lots of info and fun at the same time. Def a classic ep!

    QOTD: I think of BD as a marketed wine. Only tasted once so not something I seek out but maybe its time to give it another try. Knowing the story and the passion makes a difference.

  • manonthemoon

    Great show, and I have to agree the winemaker shows are the best. And since when is ketchup not a food group?

    QOTD: I used to associate Bonny Doon wines into two categories. First as biodynamic and second as a large hight quantity and watered down quality wine that was good for everyday drinking. But now knowing that you have dropped the line up to 10 wines with a focus on terrior and quality I am going to give you guys another go around to reaccess the product.

  • Nash

    Randall and Bonny Doon rock! Great episode.

  • Nash

    Randall and Bonny Doon rock! Great episode.

  • OzJeff

    QOTD: Not being in the USA I don’t know you or the Bonny Doon wines. Based on this show I would say that you know what you’re doing and you’re not afraid to embrace change. For example, in these 50 minutes you mentioned the shift to screwtops and the printing of ingredients on the label, two pretty big changes.

  • OzJeff

    QOTD: Not being in the USA I don’t know you or the Bonny Doon wines. Based on this show I would say that you know what you’re doing and you’re not afraid to embrace change. For example, in these 50 minutes you mentioned the shift to screwtops and the printing of ingredients on the label, two pretty big changes.

  • Oklahoma Michael

    QOTD= I have been in and around the wine industry for some time and I am so glad to see Randall and Bonny Doon back on track. Everyone loves a comeback even if it is only a preceived come back. Randall thanks for being so great at the Philbrook event in Tulsa this year.

  • Oklahoma Michael

    QOTD= I have been in and around the wine industry for some time and I am so glad to see Randall and Bonny Doon back on track. Everyone loves a comeback even if it is only a preceived come back. Randall thanks for being so great at the Philbrook event in Tulsa this year.

  • OMG, finally a non-snob wine dealie. We have a group of friends that get together and do winetastings (just this past weekend as matta a fact, reds, no specific region or grape) and it’s fun like this..refreshing. Thanks for sharing your passion!

  • OMG, finally a non-snob wine dealie. We have a group of friends that get together and do winetastings (just this past weekend as matta a fact, reds, no specific region or grape) and it’s fun like this..refreshing. Thanks for sharing your passion!

  • QOTD: Marketing all the way. Every time I see BD on the shelf, I check out the label and it ends there.

  • cma82

    Great couple of shows!

    QOTD: Bonny Doon had kind of been off the radar until the past couple of years. Currently, I’m always on the lookout for new BD wines to try. I too loved the ad in the new Spectator–nothing better than wine comics!!

    Love the guests Gary: not that you aren’t good enough!
    Next..Terry Theise…c’mon

  • Jay

    QOTD: Marketing all the way. Every time I see BD on the shelf, I check out the label and it ends there.

  • cma82

    Great couple of shows!

    QOTD: Bonny Doon had kind of been off the radar until the past couple of years. Currently, I’m always on the lookout for new BD wines to try. I too loved the ad in the new Spectator–nothing better than wine comics!!

    Love the guests Gary: not that you aren’t good enough!
    Next..Terry Theise…c’mon

  • Kevin K

    QOTD: I used to think that B.D. was a great marketing company with decent wine. After watching both episodes and having a B.D. wine last night. I now think that B.D. has great marketing and great wine. I love the idea of having the “ingredients” on the label.

  • Dr T from N. Carolina

    Long time BD fan, and I mean BD, not the other labels (well, other than Heart of Darkness). I think your BD pink — the Vin Gris (again, not the other old labels) has been consistantly one of the best pinks out there in its price range since I had the 1994. It was even the table wine at my wedding reception. I’ve therefore followed its saga for the last 12+ years. Hope the Vin Gris stays part of your quality production, and yes, I’ll miss the ‘icebox’ wine.

  • Kevin K

    QOTD: I used to think that B.D. was a great marketing company with decent wine. After watching both episodes and having a B.D. wine last night. I now think that B.D. has great marketing and great wine. I love the idea of having the “ingredients” on the label.

  • Dr T from N. Carolina

    Long time BD fan, and I mean BD, not the other labels (well, other than Heart of Darkness). I think your BD pink — the Vin Gris (again, not the other old labels) has been consistantly one of the best pinks out there in its price range since I had the 1994. It was even the table wine at my wedding reception. I’ve therefore followed its saga for the last 12+ years. Hope the Vin Gris stays part of your quality production, and yes, I’ll miss the ‘icebox’ wine.

  • SteveF

    Great show Vayner, one of your best guest.

    QOTD: I have no history with Boony Doon Wines.

  • SteveF

    Great show Vayner, one of your best guest.

    QOTD: I have no history with Boony Doon Wines.

  • Scott S.

    Gary,
    Ok I have to say it. I have watched the last 5-6 guest shows and it happens every time now. You need to let your guest finish a sentence before you cut them off. These 2 show are riddled with you cuting into Randall’s responses. Do you ever review your performance. Come on, if you invite a guest let them speak. Listen a bit. I have watched every single show since day one of WLTV and partner you must ease up. Drop some of the analogies you have warn out. You say you like marketing, get some new material. I am your biggest fan but you must evolve the process of your shows. Go back to your begining shows and watch the pace and delivery.

  • Scott S.

    Gary,
    Ok I have to say it. I have watched the last 5-6 guest shows and it happens every time now. You need to let your guest finish a sentence before you cut them off. These 2 show are riddled with you cuting into Randall’s responses. Do you ever review your performance. Come on, if you invite a guest let them speak. Listen a bit. I have watched every single show since day one of WLTV and partner you must ease up. Drop some of the analogies you have warn out. You say you like marketing, get some new material. I am your biggest fan but you must evolve the process of your shows. Go back to your begining shows and watch the pace and delivery.

  • Randel, great show. You are a very interesting person and it was fun to hear what you have to say about your wines.

    QOTD: a bit of both. Marketing is really important for the success of a label but in your case I think it is backed up by your personal philosophy.

    Gary, bring more of these interesting people to your show.

  • Randel, great show. You are a very interesting person and it was fun to hear what you have to say about your wines.

    QOTD: a bit of both. Marketing is really important for the success of a label but in your case I think it is backed up by your personal philosophy.

    Gary, bring more of these interesting people to your show.

  • Scotty G

    This is my first post ever. I have been watching your blog over the past month or so and totally enjoy it. I purchased your book last week and when it arrived I proceeded to read it from cover to cover in one night. I made notes and have my shopping list ready.
    This two part series was very special to me. I finally figured out what happend to BD over the last couple of years. I used to drink BD Ca de Solo way back in 1995 and I have now come to find out that Randall sold off the lable. I am relieved to find out I have not gone crazy. I cannot tell you how many times I have asked for BD Ca de Solo explaining how it looked just like Big House White but that wasn’t it.
    Great show. Keep up the good work. I am looking forward to tomorrow’s sale.

  • Lee W

    Thanks for the last few shows, you are back on track. Thought you had drifted a little away from educating us on changing the wine world in previous shows.
    I could of listened to Grahm do another segment.

  • Scotty G

    This is my first post ever. I have been watching your blog over the past month or so and totally enjoy it. I purchased your book last week and when it arrived I proceeded to read it from cover to cover in one night. I made notes and have my shopping list ready.
    This two part series was very special to me. I finally figured out what happend to BD over the last couple of years. I used to drink BD Ca de Solo way back in 1995 and I have now come to find out that Randall sold off the lable. I am relieved to find out I have not gone crazy. I cannot tell you how many times I have asked for BD Ca de Solo explaining how it looked just like Big House White but that wasn’t it.
    Great show. Keep up the good work. I am looking forward to tomorrow’s sale.

  • Lee W

    Thanks for the last few shows, you are back on track. Thought you had drifted a little away from educating us on changing the wine world in previous shows.
    I could of listened to Grahm do another segment.

  • BW

    QOTD: More marketing – mostly due to volume I see on the shelves. Hard to separate from other big producers as far as what makes them unique. Too many varietals, not enough focus – how could this be good with out focus? (thought that runs through your head at the wine store) not many stellar scores – all contribute to perception that it is more marketing than.

    That being said, I will re-visit the label & see if there is more to than meets the eye. Randall was a great guest, very interesting & I learned a fair bit about his label through todays show.

    GV – note common theme of posters that they really like shows with guests – me too!

  • BW

    QOTD: More marketing – mostly due to volume I see on the shelves. Hard to separate from other big producers as far as what makes them unique. Too many varietals, not enough focus – how could this be good with out focus? (thought that runs through your head at the wine store) not many stellar scores – all contribute to perception that it is more marketing than.

    That being said, I will re-visit the label & see if there is more to than meets the eye. Randall was a great guest, very interesting & I learned a fair bit about his label through todays show.

    GV – note common theme of posters that they really like shows with guests – me too!

  • Eric

    QOTD: BD is a CA producer that makes quality white rhone varietals beyond your average viognier. For this, I am endeared to their operation.

  • Eric

    QOTD: BD is a CA producer that makes quality white rhone varietals beyond your average viognier. For this, I am endeared to their operation.

  • This was way too long for me with too little information about the wines. Bonny Doon seems to be on track to make different wines then there past performance but the digressions went on way too long. Sorry.

  • This was way too long for me with too little information about the wines. Bonny Doon seems to be on track to make different wines then there past performance but the digressions went on way too long. Sorry.

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