EP 769 California Chardonnay Throwdown

Gary Vaynerchuk tastes three serious and highly rated Chardonnays and has some big announcements.

Wines tasted in this episode:

2008 Brewer Clifton Santa Rita Hills ChardonnaySanta Barbara Chardonnay
2007 Dumol Isobel ChardonnaySonoma Chardonnay
2006 Ramey Ritchie ChardonnayNapa Chardonnay

Links mentioned in todays episode.


Latest Comment:

View More

luca bercelli

90/100

line of the day – ‘Mott, you’re sitting there looking awfully gorgeous’ and ‘The butter bandit has not made an appearance on the Thunder Show for years’

Good solid episode

Tags: california, chardonnay, napa, review, Video, white, wine, wines

Episodes >


  • Trav

    Where: Grand Canyon
    What I’m bringing to the table: wit, charm, halitosis

  • Curt

    Good show, I’ve actually been drinking more whites lately. Might have 2 give the Dumol a shot. I gotta work Thanksgiving but we’re having a big dinner. Gonna bring some potatoes and mash em up with warm butter, not cold!

  • Curt

    Good show, I’ve actually been drinking more whites lately. Might have 2 give the Dumol a shot. I gotta work Thanksgiving but we’re having a big dinner. Gonna bring some potatoes and mash em up with warm butter, not cold!

  • ryan prouty

    Great show G…I have just started to go back to BIG Cali Chards myself…

    QOTD: (canadian thanksgiving) my wife brought her crazy good yam dish…and i brought a bottle of 04 beringer PR Cabernet…

  • swanne

    QOTD

    I will be going to CT and will be bringing my secret pack. And dip.

  • Beeper

    For the record, I quit being a lurker somewhere in the 600+ episode range, I think…and I was the first person to say Happy Birthday on your birthday (check the record), so maybe that means I get to pick the wines when I come out? Haha

    QOTD: Going to Lake Preston, SD. Bringing the great-grandchild.

  • ryan prouty

    Great show G…I have just started to go back to BIG Cali Chards myself…

    QOTD: (canadian thanksgiving) my wife brought her crazy good yam dish…and i brought a bottle of 04 beringer PR Cabernet…

  • swanne

    QOTD

    I will be going to CT and will be bringing my secret pack. And dip.

  • Beeper

    For the record, I quit being a lurker somewhere in the 600+ episode range, I think…and I was the first person to say Happy Birthday on your birthday (check the record), so maybe that means I get to pick the wines when I come out? Haha

    QOTD: Going to Lake Preston, SD. Bringing the great-grandchild.

  • Zach Zwiener

    I’m going to my parents new lake house on Lake Travis in Austin, TX. I am bringing THE BOOZE!!!

  • Zach Zwiener

    I’m going to my parents new lake house on Lake Travis in Austin, TX. I am bringing THE BOOZE!!!

  • Lawrence leichtman

    We are long time Ramey drinkers and were also disappointed with the Ritchie vineyard bottling but the Hyde and Hudson were great for 06. I am bringing everything as I am the chief cook for all but the pies. I have two Tensley Colson Canyon Syrah magnums from 2004 that are going to be the centerpieces and Shea Chardonnay, along with Nieto Rustico Prosecco.

  • Lawrence leichtman

    We are long time Ramey drinkers and were also disappointed with the Ritchie vineyard bottling but the Hyde and Hudson were great for 06. I am bringing everything as I am the chief cook for all but the pies. I have two Tensley Colson Canyon Syrah magnums from 2004 that are going to be the centerpieces and Shea Chardonnay, along with Nieto Rustico Prosecco.

  • ZRM

    Interesting episode Gary. I’m not a big chardonnay guy but nice to learn as usual. I so want the thanksgiving pack but I don’t live in a state you can ship to. Its really disappointing. I hate the VA ABC. It really ruins everything.

    QOD: I will be cooking a very vegetarian thanksgiving up in boston for my girlfriend as she powers through law school. Bringing the feast, the thunder, and the chillaxing.

    -ZRM

  • ZRM

    Interesting episode Gary. I’m not a big chardonnay guy but nice to learn as usual. I so want the thanksgiving pack but I don’t live in a state you can ship to. Its really disappointing. I hate the VA ABC. It really ruins everything.

    QOD: I will be cooking a very vegetarian thanksgiving up in boston for my girlfriend as she powers through law school. Bringing the feast, the thunder, and the chillaxing.

    -ZRM

  • Phil G

    QOTD – Aunt Marline’s – my appetite!

  • Phil G

    QOTD – Aunt Marline’s – my appetite!

  • Lisa Miller

    Gary!!!

    I’m bringing a pumpkin cake and the Thanksgiving surprise 4-pack to my parents!

    My favorite quote from this whole episode was “You gotta like thick sometimes. You know what I’m sayin’ fellas.” Anyone else catch that?! πŸ™‚

  • Lisa Miller

    Gary!!!

    I’m bringing a pumpkin cake and the Thanksgiving surprise 4-pack to my parents!

    My favorite quote from this whole episode was “You gotta like thick sometimes. You know what I’m sayin’ fellas.” Anyone else catch that?! πŸ™‚

  • I like how you manage to get amazing deals and drive the value up of some special wines.

    Chardonnays are strange wines, and it most definitely matters where it’s from.

    QOTD:
    We don’t celebrate thanksgiving outside the US, I couldn’t tell you what exactly we will be having that day but whatever it is I’ll let you know.

    Cheers.

  • Farley

    I’m excited you are bringing back the Secret Packs for Thanksgiving – this has become sort of a tradition now with our family (as long as I’m buying the wine….)

    QOTD: Going to my in-laws for Thanksgiving. In addition to the wine will probably contribute a couple of side dishes…and just be thankful to be with my family.

  • Gobi

    QOTD: will bring my apetite πŸ˜€

    I sure would love to buy stuff off cinderellawine….but living outside the US poses a great problem…. anyway that can be shipped down to Rep. of Panama Gary?

  • I like how you manage to get amazing deals and drive the value up of some special wines.

    Chardonnays are strange wines, and it most definitely matters where it’s from.

    QOTD:
    We don’t celebrate thanksgiving outside the US, I couldn’t tell you what exactly we will be having that day but whatever it is I’ll let you know.

    Cheers.

  • Farley

    I’m excited you are bringing back the Secret Packs for Thanksgiving – this has become sort of a tradition now with our family (as long as I’m buying the wine….)

    QOTD: Going to my in-laws for Thanksgiving. In addition to the wine will probably contribute a couple of side dishes…and just be thankful to be with my family.

  • Gobi

    QOTD: will bring my apetite πŸ˜€

    I sure would love to buy stuff off cinderellawine….but living outside the US poses a great problem…. anyway that can be shipped down to Rep. of Panama Gary?

  • MyMoo

    I will be having dinner at my mother’s house in Teaneck, NJ.

    As I’m turning 21 on Monday, and my best friend grew up in Milburn, I will be bringing wine purchased from the Wine Library. Hope to see you there next Wednesday!

  • MyMoo

    I will be having dinner at my mother’s house in Teaneck, NJ.

    As I’m turning 21 on Monday, and my best friend grew up in Milburn, I will be bringing wine purchased from the Wine Library. Hope to see you there next Wednesday!

  • MyMoo

    I will be having dinner at my mother’s house in Teaneck, NJ.

    As I’m turning 21 on Monday, and my best friend grew up in Milburn, I will be bringing wine purchased from the Wine Library. Hope to see you there next Wednesday!

  • Chris

    We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving over here in Australia, so I’ll be bringing a whole lot of bugger-all to the table! I’ll be sure to have a drink for you anyway.

    Thanks for the show, I’m not a regular white drinker but I might have to try one of these.

  • Chris

    We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving over here in Australia, so I’ll be bringing a whole lot of bugger-all to the table! I’ll be sure to have a drink for you anyway.

    Thanks for the show, I’m not a regular white drinker but I might have to try one of these.

  • JoelC

    Great show. My favourite Calif chard producers so far, Mount Eden and Newton. Sometimes you just feel like the big buttery chard, ususally late at night without food, a good nightcap. If forced, the match must be steamed lobster with melted butter for me. Best Ontario Big Chard,2005 Le Clos Jordanne “Grand Clos”; nearly beat Boisset Batard Montrachet 2002 Grand Cru at one of our wine dinners, tasted blind.
    QOTD: Canadian TG long gone now but I brought to the table good food, wine, hospitality and a few laughs. Wish I could order these secret packs and Cinderella wines in Canada. Joel

  • JoelC

    Great show. My favourite Calif chard producers so far, Mount Eden and Newton. Sometimes you just feel like the big buttery chard, ususally late at night without food, a good nightcap. If forced, the match must be steamed lobster with melted butter for me. Best Ontario Big Chard,2005 Le Clos Jordanne “Grand Clos”; nearly beat Boisset Batard Montrachet 2002 Grand Cru at one of our wine dinners, tasted blind.
    QOTD: Canadian TG long gone now but I brought to the table good food, wine, hospitality and a few laughs. Wish I could order these secret packs and Cinderella wines in Canada. Joel

  • Chris

    We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving over here in Australia, so I’ll be bringing a whole lot of bugger-all to the table! I’ll be sure to have a drink for you anyway.

    Thanks for the show, I’m not a regular white drinker but I might have to try one of these.

  • JoelC

    Great show. My favourite Calif chard producers so far, Mount Eden and Newton. Sometimes you just feel like the big buttery chard, ususally late at night without food, a good nightcap. If forced, the match must be steamed lobster with melted butter for me. Best Ontario Big Chard,2005 Le Clos Jordanne “Grand Clos”; nearly beat Boisset Batard Montrachet 2002 Grand Cru at one of our wine dinners, tasted blind.
    QOTD: Canadian TG long gone now but I brought to the table good food, wine, hospitality and a few laughs. Wish I could order these secret packs and Cinderella wines in Canada. Joel

  • Dom

    Lucker coming in from the cold. I bring the food and secret wine pack.

    Great chard show. Love the soft butter analogy. When done right it has its place.

  • Dom

    Lucker coming in from the cold. I bring the food and secret wine pack.

    Great chard show. Love the soft butter analogy. When done right it has its place.

  • Dom

    Lucker coming in from the cold. I bring the food and secret wine pack.

    Great chard show. Love the soft butter analogy. When done right it has its place.

  • Jenn Wessner

    Loved the show! Just discovered Gary through an article on some blog. Watched a bunch of interviews/ speeches at the business site. Got really inspired. Love what your doing! Can’t wait to go back and watch the backlog of WineLibrary TV!

  • Jenn Wessner

    Loved the show! Just discovered Gary through an article on some blog. Watched a bunch of interviews/ speeches at the business site. Got really inspired. Love what your doing! Can’t wait to go back and watch the backlog of WineLibrary TV!

  • Jenn Wessner

    Loved the show! Just discovered Gary through an article on some blog. Watched a bunch of interviews/ speeches at the business site. Got really inspired. Love what your doing! Can’t wait to go back and watch the backlog of WineLibrary TV!

  • Anonymous

    QOTD: Thanksgiving is at my house, I bring EVERYTHING to the table. The food, wine and the entertainment. Haven’t narrowed down the wine selections for dinner yet, but sounds like I should eat at Surf City Jay’s place, —he scored some Sea Smoke Pinot.

  • Anonymous

    QOTD: Thanksgiving is at my house, I bring EVERYTHING to the table. The food, wine and the entertainment. Haven’t narrowed down the wine selections for dinner yet, but sounds like I should eat at Surf City Jay’s place, —he scored some Sea Smoke Pinot.

  • WineWoman

    QOTD: Thanksgiving is at my house, I bring EVERYTHING to the table. The food, wine and the entertainment. Haven’t narrowed down the wine selections for dinner yet, but sounds like I should eat at Surf City Jay’s place, —he scored some Sea Smoke Pinot.

  • Jer in SF

    Hey Gary, first post from a long time lurker.

    QOTD: My one and only responsibility this Thanksgiving is bringing my 5 week old daughter to dinner, to meet a bunch of my aunts, uncles, and cousins for the first time. And to bring the wine.

    About the Cinderella Wine: I haven’t been buying much wine lately, what with a 9 month backlog due to my baby daughter. But the Ridge Zin deal yesterday was just too tempting; I picked up a threefer. I’m really interested in the three bottle mystery packs you’re coming up with, and I’ll absolutely pick up at least one.

  • Jer in SF

    Hey Gary, first post from a long time lurker.

    QOTD: My one and only responsibility this Thanksgiving is bringing my 5 week old daughter to dinner, to meet a bunch of my aunts, uncles, and cousins for the first time. And to bring the wine.

    About the Cinderella Wine: I haven’t been buying much wine lately, what with a 9 month backlog due to my baby daughter. But the Ridge Zin deal yesterday was just too tempting; I picked up a threefer. I’m really interested in the three bottle mystery packs you’re coming up with, and I’ll absolutely pick up at least one.

  • Jer in SF

    Hey Gary, first post from a long time lurker.

    QOTD: My one and only responsibility this Thanksgiving is bringing my 5 week old daughter to dinner, to meet a bunch of my aunts, uncles, and cousins for the first time. And to bring the wine.

    About the Cinderella Wine: I haven’t been buying much wine lately, what with a 9 month backlog due to my baby daughter. But the Ridge Zin deal yesterday was just too tempting; I picked up a threefer. I’m really interested in the three bottle mystery packs you’re coming up with, and I’ll absolutely pick up at least one.

  • GMB822

    Solid show GV. I have been put in charge of choosing all the wine for my thanksgiving this year, which I’m spending with my good friend’s family in Pittsburgh (let’s not even get into the ridiculous Steelers loss…). I am making my own ‘secret pack’, will be placing my order for pickup in the next couple days! My pack will consist of: Castell Roig Cava Brut, Domaie Pontifical CdP 2007, Camerano Barbera d’Alba 2006, and Ravenswood Lodi Zinfandel 2006. I might try and find a Gewurz dessert wine as a bonus!

  • GMB822

    Solid show GV. I have been put in charge of choosing all the wine for my thanksgiving this year, which I’m spending with my good friend’s family in Pittsburgh (let’s not even get into the ridiculous Steelers loss…). I am making my own ‘secret pack’, will be placing my order for pickup in the next couple days! My pack will consist of: Castell Roig Cava Brut, Domaie Pontifical CdP 2007, Camerano Barbera d’Alba 2006, and Ravenswood Lodi Zinfandel 2006. I might try and find a Gewurz dessert wine as a bonus!

  • GMB822

    Solid show GV. I have been put in charge of choosing all the wine for my thanksgiving this year, which I’m spending with my good friend’s family in Pittsburgh (let’s not even get into the ridiculous Steelers loss…). I am making my own ‘secret pack’, will be placing my order for pickup in the next couple days! My pack will consist of: Castell Roig Cava Brut, Domaie Pontifical CdP 2007, Camerano Barbera d’Alba 2006, and Ravenswood Lodi Zinfandel 2006. I might try and find a Gewurz dessert wine as a bonus!

  • T. Holland

    Pats Loss still has me upset. At least once a day, I just shout “WHAT WERE YOU THINKING BELICHEK!!!” Seriously, if you were planning on going for it on 4th down, why not run it on 3rd- maybe get to 4th and 1, and then go with the Brady sneak. Also run some time off the clock. OR just punt it Bill. Since you have won 3 SB’s, I will give you a muligan on this. Please beat the snot out of the Jets this weekend. Ok, I feel a little better…

    QOTD: Bringing the circus (aka, the kids). Some good wine (thinking Rhone & Zins). Probably some sort of dessert. Going to inlaws. Should be fun.

Close

Not Subscribed to WLTV yet?

Never miss an episode and get notifications on the hottest wine deals!

No thanks.