Great Episode! Like that you pointed out some better values for similar quality wines in Napa. It kills me that so many wineries think if they put a $80 or $90 price tag on their wine that it makes it good. And I’ll definitely have to check out Dancing Hares, sounds awesome.

2006 Palomita Syrah Hamilton Vineyard (USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley) 3/8/2009
AMM3RD 94
This is great stuff. Expressive nose that is not overly ripe. Blueberrys and blackberrys galore. Probably the best Syrah I’ve ever had. A subtle white pepper spicyness that is special. Fruit, balance and deliciousness…AMM (76 views)

From my Cellartracker.com page. You guys should all be using that site…AMM

Also, I forgot…

2006 Fisher Vineyards Syrah Hidden Terrace (USA, California, Sonoma County) 7/16/2009 AMM3RD 93
Maybe 93+? This is very complex juice, great. White pepper and egg nog on the nose. Nose is almost worth the cost of the bottle. Medium frame, that showes great fruit and more spices on the back end. Remindes me of a friends Spice Cake. I’m really impressed. Tannins are soft, slightly dry/dusty, and great. Thanks for opening this Big Drew…AMM (83 views)
Cellartracker.com

QOTD: I read about the Seghesio 2007 sonoma Zin getting 93 pts, and landing at number 10 in ws top 100 wines of 08. They also mentioned that it was impossible to find in stores now because everyone went out and bought it. My local grocer happened to have about 12 bottles left so i bought a couple based on the hype. It was only 24 bones so not a big gamble. It was good wine, but 93 pts was over the top in my opinion. Too much alcohol coming through, but the fruit was very rich and pure. I’d say it was more like a 90+pt wine, which for 24 bucks wasn’t a rip off, but it didn’t measure up to the hype.
Great show, Cheers!

I love mailing lists and wine clubs but have yet to experience any “Cult” wines. I think.

QotD – Martinelli “Jackass Hill Vineyard” Zinfandel, 1997. 17+% alcohol but very very balanced. Not to say that it isn’t a huge wine, it is. But EVERYTHING is huge and nothing except the delicious-ness stands out.

First of all we wanted to say thank you for the wrist bands!! What an awesome thing to get in the mail.

QOTD: “The Prisoner” 2007, it is a red wine my best friend got us for our wedding. It was a great wine, dark fruit flavor. One of the best wines we have had.

Last night we had Saxum 2006 Bonerock to help celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary. This guy is doing everything right. Bonerock is a Rhone blend with over the top intensity, fruit and an unusual mineral quality that makes it something special. Saxum deserves its up and coming cult status. If this guy made cabs instead of the currently out of favor syrah blends he would be on the “wine god” list. For me 94+ points and I cannot wait to try the James Berry vineyard which got even higher ratings in the wine press.

My favorite thing about some of these episodes is when you bring “world class expensive wines” back down to earth. Keep it real GV. Bravo.

Gary – It’d be nice if you asked if people if they swirl counter-clockwise or clockwise, and if they’re left-handed or right-handed

Gary V, you must have sold out when the economy took a downturn. How can you recommend the Kanzler crap. Here is my review on cellartracker of the 07 I bought based on your comments.

Meaty nose of cherry coke and barbecue sauce. On taste, a gooey, syrupy, mess of reduced cherry coke. Who the hell drinks this stuff? I can't believe any true Pinot Noir fan would like this. It is the exact opposite of Burgundy and a caricature of California Pinot noir. I cannot believe anyone gave this scores of 90+. I can't imagine it goes well with any food. It did not go with dinner. It actually made me nauseous. Gave it a generous score because I suppose someone likes Cali pinot noirs. I hate Gary V for recommending this crap. I hope to block out the idiots that gave this high scores.

good collection this is a very special episode

Kanzler is good stuff.. QOTD-Altamura-great stuff http://www.winelx.com