You had me giggling with the steak description. It’s fun watching you really enjoy a wine. The wine I’m drinking now:Hartford Zin 2006. Yum. Cheers!

Just got back from Napa/Sonoma and agree they are producing great wines in that area; many are so fresh and pure its hard to believe. I agree we in the US often take these great wines for granted. I sensed a little concen during my visit; I think many of the wineries are hurting from this horrible economy. Let’s hope even the little guys can weather the storm; I would hate to lose some of the “under the radar” prducers making great wine.

Hey Gary, right there with you with Shafer. We were there a couple of years ago for a tasting and met John Shafer. Beautiful winery and beautiful wine.

QOTD: All the priveleges I have had in my life, looking back, it’s been a great ride.

I thought this was so fun to watch! Loved you in your natural habitat…

QOTD – my spouse and kids. When I catch myself doing it, I try to slow down and appreciate every second.

Nice show. Liked the relaxed feel. Also love all the information.

QOTD: Unfortunately, I tend to take my family for granted. Lots of time I get more than I give. Have to work on that!

QOTD: Unfortunately many days I take breathing for granted.

Gary V…I love your shows. I, too, am a new poppa. My son Asher was born 5-19. I went to college with Ian Schafer. I’m learning so much about wines from your shows. I really like the shows that don’t go for 20+ minutes — I can sneak them in at work when I’m taking a respite. One quick quibble — the new rating format makes it really difficult to search for wines. Anything you can do to bring back the old format? Best, Jeff

WOW! Nice balcony! 🙂

QOTD. Being able to do what I want. Buy the wine I want. Have my wife understand me the way I am. We are so privileged!

Loved the description of the Shafer, sounds yummy! Have never tried it but now I certainly will. Would love to see an episode with some Pahlmeyer Merlot, one of my all time favorites from the Napa Valley.

QOTD: My wonderful family and friends!

Well, still out of my price range for cab….but when I hit the lottery…watch out..QOTD..prolly my job, like many others, my job has been downsized, and I don’t make what I used too, but it could still be much worse, so.. as much as I *itch about it, I am grateful for what I have.

Nice show – sometimes the one bottle episodes work really well.

Do you read the comments even when they are posted a few days after the show?

QOTD – without a doubt my sight, smelling and hearing.

Gary you ROCK!

Totally agree with you – sometimes old school is best school!

Great show you have here, and yes you are changing the world of wine…

QOTD: My wife.

I had the 2005 Shafer One Point Five last night, and it was just epic. I swear I could still taste it when I woke up this morning. If the 2004 is even better… wow. I have just got to track that down.

GV, your descriptions are so vivid and imaginative that it seem to me I’m tasting the wine with you. Thanks for the amazing experience day in and day out.

QOTD: Living in this great country. My family is from China and Taiwan and for years there has been tension between the two regions. On top of that, northern china has been experiencing major violence. This has shown me how much I take the freedom and stability of the U.S. for granted, even in these turbulent economic times.

Hi Gary,

I like Staglin – but I love Shafer. Been a fan of the Stag’s Leap District and Shafer products for a long time. The 1.5 is a great wine and probably the best value of the line-up. I agree with your review all the way.

QOTD – Sometimes I take for granted the love of my wife. I’m sure that it happens to all of us as we get wrapped up in our own worlds and the issues that lie within.

See you soon,
Karl B. (original Thunder Cruiser)

LOVE a TERRIFIC CLASSIC NAPA CAB – my favorite, when done right – balanced and elegant. The BEST!!

QOTD: What do I take for granted? Sadly, probably family – sometimes get so busy with everything else that family falls to the rear. Thanks for the reminder…

GV – I have always liked the Shafer product. I find some of them a bit pricey, but that is the market dynamic. Good show.

QOTD – We take for granted our freedom and all of the good things that we have. Don’t focus on money and toys, focus on your family – living, breathing, loving. You will be much happier.

Gary, Great show about a great winery. One of my favorites. I was recently able to get back on their mailing list. We absolutely love Hillside Select!!! Speaking of Napa wineries have you ever done a program on Bottle Shock, the movie/book? Really love your shows. Just haven’t seen all of them. Bob C

Gary, nice show. My wife and I had the One Point Five the other day at a restaurant with a steak. What a nice paring. We went to the Shafer winery last year on vacation it’s an awesome place and I loved all the wines we tasted. Going back this year. Do you think the price of nice wines will drop in this bad economy? Frank

Familiarity breeds indifference. Appreciation for all things always – that’s the way. Don’t discrimin8.

Just found your show(s)…love the format…great info…can’t wait to dive into all the episodes.
QOTD: Take for granted ‘the moments at hand’…if you are not paying attention…they pass by too quickly!

Looking up lots of old shows, some stuff I missed along the way and looking up some specific wines. Thats why I’m dropping comments everywhere. I’m taking a couple weeks leave with the new baby, a little “daddy-baby time.” When he naps, I learn about wine. Looked up this show because one of my wine pals just made me aware of Shafer. Hope to try some soon.

QOTD: I take for granted the calm and peace in my life. Healthy, beautiful baby, beautiful wife and a fulfilling, happy marriage. I have a job I love, close with family, great friends, able to afford the essentials and some things I love (like wine). I am by no means rich, but the lack of “drama trauma” in my life and the above mentioned things are easy to take for granted!

Nice ep., like the relaxed venue. I was watching while sipping an '04 Spanish Aljibes Bordeaux blend and contemplating how I have been gravitating back toward the Napa Cabs recently. It's interesting to observe how my palate rotates through New/Old world styles and varietals through the years and it's a great lesson to never shut youself off to different regions of the wine world due to a fickle palate or off vintages. Cheers Gary and thanks for your honesty in reviewing while still retailing wines.

qotd: my health maybe.