True enough (and I don’t disagree with you), but also true of our food distribution system as a whole- people want their food (and wine) cheap and convenient and that’s how it’s accomplished.
Design without distribution equals a defunct company, unfortunately- even the craft cheese/beer/wine makers we love, have to brand and market or we don’t get to continue enjoying their superior products.
That’s why it’s good to hear the discussion and learn, as we can’t change a system for the better if we are ignorant of how it functions…
And I think your post has generated the most comments for this ep, which is a nice start!
(I’ll get off my soapbox, now!)

Interesting show. Sipping a $7.77 Malbec as I watched. I think Malbec has a tough future ahead of it unless we see more complex wines (like they make in Cahors). That being said, I still like them for an everyday slurp.

I will have to watch the show later…

Have you ever tried a EUR 5,70 (which is where USD 7,77 takes you) bottle of Cahors? I have yet to taste a Cahors that I can drink at that price point…

Malbec can be a great value, both at USD 7,77 and USD 20. There is complexity to be found in it, you just have to spend a little more if you want it!

I feel the same way… Not to belittle the guests or what they are here for, but I am more interested in the “classical” types of episodes (fewer guests, more wine). That said, thanks for putting out the show GV.

Not only these guys are making The Show Malbec in Argentina.

Others like Constellation, Gallo are just starting to make wine in Argentina. Some smaller producers from the US like Paul Hobbs, Donald Hess, Patrick Campbell, Ward Lay, have been around for some time, as are many European ones (Rothschild, Lurton, Léoville Poyferré, Dassault, Rolland… just to name some of the French!)

And some of the largest groups in the world, like LVMH, Diageo, Pernod Ricard, etc., have had strong operations there (and growing) for a long time.

The list keeps growing, too. The structure of Argentina's wine industry is very different from the Aussie. And it still only exports around 15% of what it produces. Not to mention the much more favourable exchange rate between the peso and the USD!

I don't know, maybe we are just going to have to wait and see (and I know I will likely have a glass or two of Malbec while I do!), but I believe Malbec still has a long way to go.

Is there such a thing? Best I was ever able to do was about $8-9 a few years back for Clos la Coutale, and that was at WL. Now it's retailing at $17-20 locally, if you can even find it.

interesting show…enjoyed the conversation…I'm sure some people weren't too happy with all the business talk and not a single analysis of the wine on the table, but the business side of the business (hmm….) seems to be what they have to offer to the viewers and that's pretty cool. I don't expect the guests to offer any transcendent tasting notes; clearly, they are good business men and wine happens to be the products they procure and market well….never heard someone use the word “delicious” to talk about wine that many times before (but I do like delicious wines, it's a good thing…).

keep ranting jason, and turn it into a two part series (at least your first part talked about drinking wine).

Virgin my ass!

I'm not quite sure why this is a 2 part show. This didn't offer much other than insider talk about bulk wine business. There is already a lot of crap Malbec out there so adding one more doesn't make much difference.

I totally agree. This is not a wine that I would be interested in buying and I doubt there are going to make a $50 for 9.99. Their juice buyers.

What? Where is the Sniffy sniff today? I hope you get to drink tomorrow. All that talking is making me you know what.
It is still a great show with great contents. There was tons of good information on the business side of the wine world. I was so infuse to the show; 24 min. went by fast. This is a question for you. In your world which one is more successful, a great marketing genius with okay juice in the bottle or a best bottle of juice ever with an okay marketing person?

Columbia Crest is in the area and Chateau St Michelle.

Should be fun.

I love how Gary still totally dominates the conversation even with three other smart, well-spoken men. It's really interesting to get a glimpse at perspectives in the wine world other than just the consumer's. Looking forward to part two!

Sincerely impressive. It's nice to hear the warning shot about 'carpet-baggers' looking to make a quick buck on Argentinean Malbec. That is something that can be said about any industry. It's also nice to hear some insider knowledge about brands re-evaluating their price points to meet current market conditions. Hopefully this is done without damaging quality or their integrity. Cause that's what it's all about Gary V., integrity!

its pretty close to the end. i think gary just doesn't see him but it made me laugh either way

23:21

agree with the pazzzzz. I really don't enjoy the guests who are basically on the show to self promote. Getting insight from a real wine producer is one thing….but bringing on some suits so they can tell you why their $5 malbec is better than anyone else's is frickin silly.

Stick with wine guys GV. Leave the suits in the boardroom.

QOTD: GVaD for not tasting the wine.

Look at Australia .. the crappy shiraz ruined their wine industry.. over extracted crap…
There are already things. like The Latest Alamos that is complete crap. Gary.. the new Alamos is garbage.

Great show, GV. Held my interest. Don't forget to let the other guys talk a bit in Part II.

QOTD: (WAS THERE ONE?) Sometimes GV talks too much. ;-D

The three thieves wine boxes came with a sticker that said “I love Jugs”

Hoping this is a good Malbec. Give it a whirl.

Industry talk is something people love or hate…I can't wait to see how the wine performs. Torrontes…I would totally start riding that wave if I had cash.