EP 796 Wine Tasting with Helen Buehler of Buehler Vineyards

Helen shares 3 of her favorite Californian wines with Gary and talks about the wine business in Napa.

Wines tasted in this episode:

2008 Reynoso Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc
2007 Hyde Vineyards HDV Chardonnay
2007 Buehler Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Links mentioned in todays episode.


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Tags: cabernet, chardonnay, red, review, sauvignon blanc, Video, wine, wines

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  • oh yeah, fun to see you guys throw down the glasses and no spitty spit.

  • oh yeah, fun to see you guys throw down the glasses and no spitty spit.

  • John Valenti

    I’ve really been into Buehler Cabs for the last few years. Always solid, and can often find in the $25 range in my neck of the woods (especially at Costco, whose buyers seem to love it). That being said, Helen makes me want to go kick my 70 year old dad in the knee for not selling it all and moving us out to Napa to start a winery in the mid 70s … because that chick seems to have no idea at all what a gift she’s been given, to have a chance to inherit such a nice little business.

    I mean really … how serious can she be if she’s representing her parents winery and goes on a show like this without even knowing what the wines retail for ? Or basically angering the entire viewing audience by saying she never pays for wine. Very immature.

    Still liked the episode, though … it is fun to see all types from the business drift through, and I guess the seemingly clueless self-entitled scion of a valley family counts.

    / and definitely do the super double blind 2007 Cali taste off … toss one of my faves, Larkmead, in there.

  • John Valenti

    I’ve really been into Buehler Cabs for the last few years. Always solid, and can often find in the $25 range in my neck of the woods (especially at Costco, whose buyers seem to love it). That being said, Helen makes me want to go kick my 70 year old dad in the knee for not selling it all and moving us out to Napa to start a winery in the mid 70s … because that chick seems to have no idea at all what a gift she’s been given, to have a chance to inherit such a nice little business.

    I mean really … how serious can she be if she’s representing her parents winery and goes on a show like this without even knowing what the wines retail for ? Or basically angering the entire viewing audience by saying she never pays for wine. Very immature.

    Still liked the episode, though … it is fun to see all types from the business drift through, and I guess the seemingly clueless self-entitled scion of a valley family counts.

    / and definitely do the super double blind 2007 Cali taste off … toss one of my faves, Larkmead, in there.

  • John Valenti

    I’ve really been into Buehler Cabs for the last few years. Always solid, and can often find in the $25 range in my neck of the woods (especially at Costco, whose buyers seem to love it). That being said, Helen makes me want to go kick my 70 year old dad in the knee for not selling it all and moving us out to Napa to start a winery in the mid 70s … because that chick seems to have no idea at all what a gift she’s been given, to have a chance to inherit such a nice little business.

    I mean really … how serious can she be if she’s representing her parents winery and goes on a show like this without even knowing what the wines retail for ? Or basically angering the entire viewing audience by saying she never pays for wine. Very immature.

    Still liked the episode, though … it is fun to see all types from the business drift through, and I guess the seemingly clueless self-entitled scion of a valley family counts.

    / and definitely do the super double blind 2007 Cali taste off … toss one of my faves, Larkmead, in there.

  • John Valenti

    I’ve really been into Buehler Cabs for the last few years. Always solid, and can often find in the $25 range in my neck of the woods (especially at Costco, whose buyers seem to love it). That being said, Helen makes me want to go kick my 70 year old dad in the knee for not selling it all and moving us out to Napa to start a winery in the mid 70s … because that chick seems to have no idea at all what a gift she’s been given, to have a chance to inherit such a nice little business.

    I mean really … how serious can she be if she’s representing her parents winery and goes on a show like this without even knowing what the wines retail for ? Or basically angering the entire viewing audience by saying she never pays for wine. Very immature.

    Still liked the episode, though … it is fun to see all types from the business drift through, and I guess the seemingly clueless self-entitled scion of a valley family counts.

    / and definitely do the super double blind 2007 Cali taste off … toss one of my faves, Larkmead, in there.

  • John Valenti

    I’ve really been into Buehler Cabs for the last few years. Always solid, and can often find in the $25 range in my neck of the woods (especially at Costco, whose buyers seem to love it). That being said, Helen makes me want to go kick my 70 year old dad in the knee for not selling it all and moving us out to Napa to start a winery in the mid 70s … because that chick seems to have no idea at all what a gift she’s been given, to have a chance to inherit such a nice little business.

    I mean really … how serious can she be if she’s representing her parents winery and goes on a show like this without even knowing what the wines retail for ? Or basically angering the entire viewing audience by saying she never pays for wine. Very immature.

    Still liked the episode, though … it is fun to see all types from the business drift through, and I guess the seemingly clueless self-entitled scion of a valley family counts.

    / and definitely do the super double blind 2007 Cali taste off … toss one of my faves, Larkmead, in there.

  • thehairyhillbilly

    Ignore all the bull, Helen, you did a fine job…and, to Gary, was the “Sir Gary?” on your chalk board nothing but a tease?

  • thehairyhillbilly

    Ignore all the bull, Helen, you did a fine job…and, to Gary, was the “Sir Gary?” on your chalk board nothing but a tease?

  • thehairyhillbilly

    Ignore all the bull, Helen, you did a fine job…and, to Gary, was the “Sir Gary?” on your chalk board nothing but a tease?

  • thehairyhillbilly

    Ignore all the bull, Helen, you did a fine job…and, to Gary, was the “Sir Gary?” on your chalk board nothing but a tease?

  • thehairyhillbilly

    Ignore all the bull, Helen, you did a fine job…and, to Gary, was the “Sir Gary?” on your chalk board nothing but a tease?

  • Paul

    The only thing I can think of is to leave a comment about the comments, of which I have no comment. As for the video ?? It was fine.

  • Paul

    The only thing I can think of is to leave a comment about the comments, of which I have no comment. As for the video ?? It was fine.

  • Paul

    The only thing I can think of is to leave a comment about the comments, of which I have no comment. As for the video ?? It was fine.

  • Paul

    The only thing I can think of is to leave a comment about the comments, of which I have no comment. As for the video ?? It was fine.

  • Paul

    The only thing I can think of is to leave a comment about the comments, of which I have no comment. As for the video ?? It was fine.

  • Paul

    The only thing I can think of is to leave a comment about the comments, of which I have no comment. As for the video ?? It was fine.

  • ChrisNY2

    yikes the vayniacs can be a little harsh on the guests sometimes. i think if we appreciate GV then we should respect his choices in guests. it’s ok to critique but let’s keep things a little more constructive and lighten up on the personality-based attacks…like D-Rod said, you probably wouldn’t be quite so negative if you were providing feedback to Helen in person.

  • ChrisNY2

    yikes the vayniacs can be a little harsh on the guests sometimes. i think if we appreciate GV then we should respect his choices in guests. it’s ok to critique but let’s keep things a little more constructive and lighten up on the personality-based attacks…like D-Rod said, you probably wouldn’t be quite so negative if you were providing feedback to Helen in person.

  • ChrisNY2

    yikes the vayniacs can be a little harsh on the guests sometimes. i think if we appreciate GV then we should respect his choices in guests. it’s ok to critique but let’s keep things a little more constructive and lighten up on the personality-based attacks…like D-Rod said, you probably wouldn’t be quite so negative if you were providing feedback to Helen in person.

  • ChrisNY2

    yikes the vayniacs can be a little harsh on the guests sometimes. i think if we appreciate GV then we should respect his choices in guests. it’s ok to critique but let’s keep things a little more constructive and lighten up on the personality-based attacks…like D-Rod said, you probably wouldn’t be quite so negative if you were providing feedback to Helen in person.

  • ChrisNY2

    yikes the vayniacs can be a little harsh on the guests sometimes. i think if we appreciate GV then we should respect his choices in guests. it’s ok to critique but let’s keep things a little more constructive and lighten up on the personality-based attacks…like D-Rod said, you probably wouldn’t be quite so negative if you were providing feedback to Helen in person.

  • ChrisNY2

    yikes the vayniacs can be a little harsh on the guests sometimes. i think if we appreciate GV then we should respect his choices in guests. it’s ok to critique but let’s keep things a little more constructive and lighten up on the personality-based attacks…like D-Rod said, you probably wouldn’t be quite so negative if you were providing feedback to Helen in person.

  • I’m really confused– what’s the point of doing a show with the winemaker (or the winemaker’s representative) when the winemaker brings no insight to the tasting? Sorry, but all I got out of this ep was GV is very polite and “Um… support family vineyards… Question mark?”

  • I’m really confused– what’s the point of doing a show with the winemaker (or the winemaker’s representative) when the winemaker brings no insight to the tasting? Sorry, but all I got out of this ep was GV is very polite and “Um… support family vineyards… Question mark?”

  • I’m really confused– what’s the point of doing a show with the winemaker (or the winemaker’s representative) when the winemaker brings no insight to the tasting? Sorry, but all I got out of this ep was GV is very polite and “Um… support family vineyards… Question mark?”

  • I’m really confused– what’s the point of doing a show with the winemaker (or the winemaker’s representative) when the winemaker brings no insight to the tasting? Sorry, but all I got out of this ep was GV is very polite and “Um… support family vineyards… Question mark?”

  • I’m really confused– what’s the point of doing a show with the winemaker (or the winemaker’s representative) when the winemaker brings no insight to the tasting? Sorry, but all I got out of this ep was GV is very polite and “Um… support family vineyards… Question mark?”

  • kaya960

    you critics are all bloggy nerds who will never get to talk grape with a hottie like helen. don’t spite her for your shortcomings.

    heren was fabulous and spoke beautifully about the valley.

    as a dear friend once said:

    “her intelligence and charm are surpassed only by her sweet rack”

  • kaya960

    you critics are all bloggy nerds who will never get to talk grape with a hottie like helen. don’t spite her for your shortcomings.

    heren was fabulous and spoke beautifully about the valley.

    as a dear friend once said:

    “her intelligence and charm are surpassed only by her sweet rack”

  • kaya960

    you critics are all bloggy nerds who will never get to talk grape with a hottie like helen. don’t spite her for your shortcomings.

    heren was fabulous and spoke beautifully about the valley.

    as a dear friend once said:

    “her intelligence and charm are surpassed only by her sweet rack”

  • kaya960

    you critics are all bloggy nerds who will never get to talk grape with a hottie like helen. don’t spite her for your shortcomings.

    heren was fabulous and spoke beautifully about the valley.

    as a dear friend once said:

    “her intelligence and charm are surpassed only by her sweet rack”

  • kaya960

    you critics are all bloggy nerds who will never get to talk grape with a hottie like helen. don’t spite her for your shortcomings.

    heren was fabulous and spoke beautifully about the valley.

    as a dear friend once said:

    “her intelligence and charm are surpassed only by her sweet rack”

  • I’m really confused– what’s the point of doing a show with the winemaker (or the winemaker’s representative) when the winemaker brings no insight to the tasting? Sorry, but all I got out of this ep was GV is very polite and “Um… support family vineyards… Question mark?”

  • kaya960

    you critics are all bloggy nerds who will never get to talk grape with a hottie like helen. don’t spite her for your shortcomings.

    heren was fabulous and spoke beautifully about the valley.

    as a dear friend once said:

    “her intelligence and charm are surpassed only by her sweet rack”

  • Adam

    I understand if you don’t want to continue on the family business, but don’t send yourself out to promote it if you don’t care enough to know about what you’re selling.

    Nice show!

    .: Adam

  • Adam

    I understand if you don’t want to continue on the family business, but don’t send yourself out to promote it if you don’t care enough to know about what you’re selling.

    Nice show!

    .: Adam

  • Adam

    I understand if you don’t want to continue on the family business, but don’t send yourself out to promote it if you don’t care enough to know about what you’re selling.

    Nice show!

    .: Adam

  • Adam

    I understand if you don’t want to continue on the family business, but don’t send yourself out to promote it if you don’t care enough to know about what you’re selling.

    Nice show!

    .: Adam

  • Adam

    I understand if you don’t want to continue on the family business, but don’t send yourself out to promote it if you don’t care enough to know about what you’re selling.

    Nice show!

    .: Adam

  • Adam

    I understand if you don’t want to continue on the family business, but don’t send yourself out to promote it if you don’t care enough to know about what you’re selling.

    Nice show!

    .: Adam

  • Phil M’Glassup

    “I don’t buy wine>”
    And I don’t buy wine either, Ms. Buehler, when it’s yours.
    And you hate Paris and SF?
    WTF?
    I’m so incredulous that child is fronting what seems to be regarded as a well-respected family business that I had to post twice.
    After this appearance, Daddy should cut her allowance.

  • Phil M’Glassup

    “I don’t buy wine>”
    And I don’t buy wine either, Ms. Buehler, when it’s yours.
    And you hate Paris and SF?
    WTF?
    I’m so incredulous that child is fronting what seems to be regarded as a well-respected family business that I had to post twice.
    After this appearance, Daddy should cut her allowance.

  • Anonymous

    Wow. Vayniac Nation Eats It’s Own Young!

    Gentle men! And I use the term loosely, considering some of your names/handles… “…date NIGHTMARE…” – from a guy named Phil M’Glassup?!!! REALLY?
    The reality is that Young Helen surely would not choose that guy… she was here to gain coverage/exposure/and face time for the family Name, and business. And a fine one it is. The hillside vineyards at Buehler have been a significant source for not only their family wines, but for many others, for well over the 30+ years that her dad has been at it. It’s a class operation, and modestly priced, too, for the quality, and all the hubub of outstanding press, regularly.
    Sister Lindsay (a great pro photographer), and her husband Sean Garvey (of Flora Springs Winery) have always, as well, repped their families’ products with style, class, and knowledge. Helen professes to be new to it, so cut some slack. She sure shows class in the selecton of HdV.
    And sorry guys, H (Hyde) d (de) V (Villaine – as in Aubert de Villaine, one of the greatest known names in Burgundy, and elsewhere) IS exactly what should be called a ‘project’. It is a co-venture, of legendary proportions, between the Larry Hyde Family – whose extraordinary fruit goes to some of the finest winemakers in all of California
    (Hyde Vineyards customer list – 2008:
    Arietta
    Artesa
    Auteur
    Beaulieu Vineyard
    Bonneau
    Buccella
    Buoncristiani
    Duckhorn
    Du Mol
    Frog?s Leap
    Havens
    HdV (Hyde deVillaine)
    Joel Gott

    Kistler Vineyards
    Kongsgaard
    Merryvale
    Mi Sueno
    Domaine Mumm
    Joel Gott
    Patz & Hall
    Paul Hobbs
    Joseph Phelps
    Ramey Wine Cellars
    Schramsberg
    Selene Wines
    Staglin
    Spottswood )
    (now is where I ask how many of these boob/critics have even sprung for ANY of thes wines)

    , and The family of Mssr. de Villaine, owner/director of Dom. Romanee-Conti, possibly, the world’s most expensive Burgundy line (and for good reason). The production methods employed by Mr. Hyde, and the de Villaines are exhaustive, incredibly meticulous, and of such strict measure, that the final product is made – sculpted – to be the very finest available. There is only so little of this extravagant commodity made. They are absolutely worth it. And for the mere $50 or so that they charge, it should be REQUIRED tasting for any LOVER of wine. Then, you’d either get it, or you don’t. I know, GV, there’s variance in lovability and performance from year to year, but it is always a memorable moment, to say the least. I have loved them all 3 times I’d encountered them, both the reds, and the Chard.

    Anyways, Helen, the Vaynernation ain’t all as bad as some of the louder ones…know what I mean? Stick to it! and be proud of your family’s fine work. GV, thanks, as always to you too, for your best!

  • Murso

    Wow. Vayniac Nation Eats It’s Own Young!

    Gentle men! And I use the term loosely, considering some of your names/handles… “…date NIGHTMARE…” – from a guy named Phil M’Glassup?!!! REALLY?
    The reality is that Young Helen surely would not choose that guy… she was here to gain coverage/exposure/and face time for the family Name, and business. And a fine one it is. The hillside vineyards at Buehler have been a significant source for not only their family wines, but for many others, for well over the 30+ years that her dad has been at it. It’s a class operation, and modestly priced, too, for the quality, and all the hubub of outstanding press, regularly.
    Sister Lindsay (a great pro photographer), and her husband Sean Garvey (of Flora Springs Winery) have always, as well, repped their families’ products with style, class, and knowledge. Helen professes to be new to it, so cut some slack. She sure shows class in the selecton of HdV.
    And sorry guys, H (Hyde) d (de) V (Villaine – as in Aubert de Villaine, one of the greatest known names in Burgundy, and elsewhere) IS exactly what should be called a ‘project’. It is a co-venture, of legendary proportions, between the Larry Hyde Family – whose extraordinary fruit goes to some of the finest winemakers in all of California
    (Hyde Vineyards customer list – 2008:
    Arietta
    Artesa
    Auteur
    Beaulieu Vineyard
    Bonneau
    Buccella
    Buoncristiani
    Duckhorn
    Du Mol
    Frog?s Leap
    Havens
    HdV (Hyde deVillaine)
    Joel Gott

    Kistler Vineyards
    Kongsgaard
    Merryvale
    Mi Sueno
    Domaine Mumm
    Joel Gott
    Patz & Hall
    Paul Hobbs
    Joseph Phelps
    Ramey Wine Cellars
    Schramsberg
    Selene Wines
    Staglin
    Spottswood )
    (now is where I ask how many of these boob/critics have even sprung for ANY of thes wines)

    , and The family of Mssr. de Villaine, owner/director of Dom. Romanee-Conti, possibly, the world’s most expensive Burgundy line (and for good reason). The production methods employed by Mr. Hyde, and the de Villaines are exhaustive, incredibly meticulous, and of such strict measure, that the final product is made – sculpted – to be the very finest available. There is only so little of this extravagant commodity made. They are absolutely worth it. And for the mere $50 or so that they charge, it should be REQUIRED tasting for any LOVER of wine. Then, you’d either get it, or you don’t. I know, GV, there’s variance in lovability and performance from year to year, but it is always a memorable moment, to say the least. I have loved them all 3 times I’d encountered them, both the reds, and the Chard.

    Anyways, Helen, the Vaynernation ain’t all as bad as some of the louder ones…know what I mean? Stick to it! and be proud of your family’s fine work. GV, thanks, as always to you too, for your best!

  • Phil M’Glassup

    Murso, I enjoyed your comment.
    But Mr. and Mrs. M’Glassup knew when they named me, that I’d enjoy a glass of wine. Yea, even wax passionately about it.
    Which, despite her pedigree, is more than I can say for the hapless Helen.

  • Phil M’Glassup

    Murso, I enjoyed your comment.
    But Mr. and Mrs. M’Glassup knew when they named me, that I’d enjoy a glass of wine. Yea, even wax passionately about it.
    Which, despite her pedigree, is more than I can say for the hapless Helen.

  • Michael D

    GV-

    A double-blind Cab episode would be great! And based on all the positive comments from the Vayniacs, I too will look for some Buehler Cab.

    Helen-

    I second Dale Cruse’s comments to you, and I agree with Paul Gernhauser’s observations about how difficult it is for most people to identify wine aromas, flavors and nuances. It takes experience, which takes time. My son is your age, and he talks about wine just as you did in this show. However, he isn’t representing his family’s winery, selling the name and the wine, like you are.

    As you now know, the Vayniacs are passionate about wine. I think most want to learn about wine, wine making, and/or the wine business from Gary’s guests. As a fan of the show, I want learn something new and interesting [and hopefully useful] when I watch. That is what makes the show so great for me – it’s an education. But that usually only happens when the guest displays superior knowledge of wine, wine-making, or the wine business.

    I believe that you can learn to be a great representative of your family business, but it will take some work and some time. Being unaware of the retail pricing of the wines you are selling tells people that you don’t care enough to bother learning the basics [though you probably have not thought of it that way]. You can be a person of substance, who “brings the thunder” with superior knowledge and insight, if you want to, if you truly care about the wines your family makes. But to do so you must learn all there is to know about your business, or at least about your family’s wines.

    Anyone familiar with WLTV knows that the Vayniacs say what is on their minds, though perhaps a little more bluntly at times than is appropriate. Some go way overboard with criticism, which can be very hurtful, and I don’t understand that mindset. In any case, I hope all the feedback from this episode, from all the Vayniacs, will help you grow professionally.

    You seem to have great poise and self-confidence. Now, think about building on that excellent foundation, and really learning your business. You can do it. Just my two cents worth.

    And now I have to go and look for some Buehler Cab!

  • Damon

    I was a bit shocked when she said she doesn’t pay for wine. Sad, maybe if she did she might pay more attention to what she is drinking, and she may know the actual strengths of wines.
    I am guessing her age is 23? Very young, no knowledge being put forth. I always enjoy Gary.
    Looking forward to more shows, but maybe put her on the shelf for about 5 years then see how well she ages. 🙂 I am sure she will do great.

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