Great show. I think we can forgive the Neyers for not having that “extra something special” – I assume you were looking for a solid tannin structure that would indicate some aging is possible? I don’t think there is anything wrong with being an outstanding drinking wine. In fact, I think, for me, it brings more value to the table because I lack the patience to age my wines.

Yo G & Mott, FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN Episode!!!!! GRRREAAAT seein’
Y’all back in da Hizzy!!!!

qotd: Looooves Rosenblum, Ridge & Ravenswood !!! As far as what Zins i don’t like, drank a few but at da moment can’t come up wit any names………

qotd: Can’t forget Seghesio as a Favorite also…..

Hey buddy.

Watched your u-stream today. That was pretty sweet. Good show. Loved the trees. Have you done many shows outside in the delicious Jersey summer?

QOTD: I am ashamed to admit that I have never tried a Zinfandel… :S

Not because I don’t want to expand my palate but because I’m such a new wine drinker. To be honest, I watched your show for about 3 months before I had ever even tried wine! No joke. You got me hooked on wine. You’re the best.

Rob

QOTD: Oh, I have not had enough Zinfandel to make an educated assessment, the last time I tried one I didn’t like it (red not white zin).

Sidenote: I have a bit of an inquiry, what do you do with all the wines you open for the thundershow, the ones you like and the ones you dont, do you share with the staff, re-cork or throw away? I’m just curious.

QOTD: The best Zin I’ve ever had was Tobin James Fatboy Zin, and I had a Seghesio Reserve (forget the vintage) that was close second. I’m a long time lurker just stepping out.

Hi Gary,

Great show as usual whats with the score on the chalkboard behind you?

Hi there,

my favorite Zin is the one by Brochelle Vineyards. But I have to say that I understand that wine as a port wine because it´s so high in the alc…
Still it´s delicious at least on my palate….
Take care
Regards from Germany
Steven

Great to have you back, big guy!!

QOTD:
FAVORITE: 2005 Linne Calodo Problem Child (I know it’s only 72% or so Zin, but this tops the charts for me)
LEAST FAVORITE: Z52 Zin… any of their portfolio.

QOTD: Favorite? Ridge. Least favorite? The sea of lame port wannabes.

Hi Gary,
I’ve missed some episodes, just got back from holidays! Great show again. Have to admit that I’ve never had a Zinfandel from U.S. (is not too easy to find something else than Mondavi’s standart Zin here in Spain). But I had lots, lots of Italian Primitivo’s. Though I liked it quite, it’s never brought ‘thunder’ to my world ;-). Always lacked a bit of complicity and body for my taste. Found that (at least for me) Primitivo is a 100% perfect companion to a pizza! And that’s when I usually drink it.

Looking forward to some new shows with Portuguese wines – I’m a huge fan too.

Cheers,
A

Hi Gary,
I’ve missed some episodes, just got back from holidays! Great show again. Have to admit that I’ve never had a Zinfandel from U.S. (is not too easy to find something else than Mondavi’s standart Zin here in Spain). But I had lots, lots of Italian Primitivo’s. Though I liked it quite, it’s never brought ‘thunder’ to my world ;-). Always lacked a bit of complicity and body for my taste. Found that (at least for me) Primitivo is a 100% perfect companion to a pizza! And that’s when I usually drink it.

Looking forward to some new shows with Portuguese wines – I’m a huge fan too.

Cheers,
A

Out current flavor of the day is, the
Gnarly Head, 2006 California Old Vine Zin.
Big taste with a nice nose.

QOTD: Well I have only had one Zinfandel. A 2005 Kendall Jackson Zinfandel. It wasn’t really that good but good enough to show me that there are good Zins.

GV Thanks for the show.
I would love you to do a 2007 Zin Blind Tasting when they become readily available.

QOTD
Favorite 2006 Four Vines Sonoma County “Sophisticate” and the “Biker as well”
Least: To many to name

Favorite all-time is the Thacher 2006, it blew me away, and my least is the Lytton Springs from Ridge, it completely rubbed me the wrong way (trying to think price, like the St. Francis on the show).

I agree with you about the St. Francis label, I liked the old one better.
Have not had many Zins anymore due to high alcohol level and too much “jamminess”.

Liked J Zinfandel (stopped making it)
Least is Gnarly Head

“What happens in Vegas…..” you know how that goes…..well, gary, seems like you left your wine brain in Vegas!! No sniffy-sniff on the first zin!!!!
Geez, the boy is rusty!!! I’ll give you a Mulligan…

QOTD-I’ve had Martinelli Zins a few times….wow…also, an under-the-radar small family winery in Dry Creek, Bella Vineyards-great stuff, and a beautiful facility if u ever get the chance to visit.

where’s TimF?

Boo that bogus label!

QTOD:
+Ridge
-Most Zins

I’ve had very few zinfandels – never really had one that I enjoyed all that much. They are definitely not a popular option in Europe, so they are quite hard to find.

I liked the attention given to zins. I made a trip a year ago to dry creek and calistoga just to try some different ones. I think A. Rafanelli was the best, but they have some serious issues in the hospitality department. I don’t like any zins from other areas of CA

“Chick love the long ball” — classic..

Best zin: 98 quails ridge (napa)
worst. – barefoot.. not worth the 5$

Gary,
Great Show, love the honesty keep doing what you do best.

Now on another note, GARY PLEASE travel a little more outside to the “HIDDEN VALUES” Cali, Cali, Cali and then Arizona nice mix up got my hopes up then, BAM Back to Cali.
When you go on vacation do you always go to the “Boardwalk” EVERY SINGLE TIME? Do you go to VEGAS, VEGAS, VEGAS and then Vegas again? Gets boring after a while.

Please Gary, Expand my palate show me the world, try BRAZIL Wine.

Tree biting, beef jerky, surveyor caps, and a pissed palette… no one delivers the wisdom quite like you, Gary.( Love the just-in-from-Las Vegas look) Thank you for the coverage on a few Zins. I am generally not a fan of Zinfandel, most that I have tasted have been way too over the top.
QOTD: Favorite so far: Rosenblum North Coast, least..I din’t think the Zeghesio lived up to the Wine Spectator Top 100 ranking, but that’s me.