Finally a new shirt. I like it.

What do you mean when a host is present?

only half credit!

I saw no serious ass kicking this week, sorry.

– john

Hello I love the show, I tried to make the book signing but couldn't sorry. I've been wondering if you have tried Andres sparkling wines? I'm learning my palette from some of the wines you've picked. Well keep up the good work and i hope to meet you soon.

I still love the brown bag. Keeps it real. I would stick with it for a few more episodes in this run.

QOTD: Kind of partial to La Posta Paulucci. I find the weight and fruit pleasing.

Sorry about your brown bag luck this week…LOVE the laid back couch I got excited when you went over there!

QOTD: 08 The Show Malbec….and thats not just because I received my signed poster with the Three Thiefs on it. 🙂 I tasted it last night for the first time and it rocked!!! Will try to keep it as a regular in my cellar for a while!

Question of the Day: Walla Walla Vintners Malbec. Delicious!

Always good to see a laid back Friday episode.

QOTD – Favorite (so far) is Catena Zapata from Argentina but I haven't tried the high end Malbecs from there. I have tried some Cahors but not very many (again lower end stuff).

My favorite malbec sounds like a character from a Yiddish folktale: Mendel Malbec. The 2005. Full, rich, and satisfying — supported by firm tannins. Also, I was deeply disappointed by the shallowness of the 2008 Crios malbec.

I hope the serious wines bring it. Although, if they don’t, it’ll still be good.

How about a show about wines for non wine drinkers? My lady has a group of friends who suck down the sutter home and cheap muscat wines like yankees taking steroids. I keep trying to find some inexpensive simple wines to bring them around. I about lost my shit last night though when I offered up a glass of CDP and one said “Is it dry? Then I won’t like it. I only like sweet wines.” The other took a glass. I turned around to hear “Wow this is good. Probably because it’s French.”, and to see a half dozen ice cubes floating in it.

What can you do with these people G? They are the same folks that cooked some nice strip steaks last night for 40+ minutes on a propane grill. I love’m, but they look at me like and alien when I describe a wine as other than Red or White.

Qotd: well you obviously don't have the same soft i have for malbec lol. as far as like, i generally like a balanced south american style of malbec. it can't be overly fake but if its counteracted with a nice chocolate flavor i generally enjoy it. as far as dislike, i don't have any true dislikes of malbec. i think some can be a bit to one note with the fruit play but for the most part i can stomach most malbecs because i enjoy that grape a lot.

Weekend Wine Pimp:
Chateau de Segries Lirac 07, ~$17. I had this about a week or so ago, but was a little under the influence at the time, so decided to give it a second go as I was quite pleased with it the first. The nose alone is worth the price. Fruitier than I'd expect for the variety, a little peppery heat, but also some anise. The taste brings no surprises, but is super clean and polished. Reminds me of a few good giggondas and a few CDPs I've had. Medium bodied, wonderful fruit up front, veiled in a smoky hood. Loooooooong finish. Very nice acidity and balanced tannins. It really benefits from some decanting, and after a few hours it was complimented by some really nice earthy undertones, especially on the back.

Sorry for the long ramble, but this wine has really hit my tongue dead center. It was better than the CDP I drank next to it. Big qpr. I think I'll probably buy at least a case. 91+ for me.

No need to apologise GV….. just keep being honest.

Just like many Malbecs in my opinion…. too much “smoke and mirrors”!

LOL I knew u would!

QOTD: Yet to try a Malbec i actually like. Had only one that I didn't pour the rest of the bottle out.

I tend to agree with Gary on Malbec as a whole. For me it seems to be hard to find one i like. Most i have tried are awkward and have bad structure. They seem to go for “shock and awe” boldness and miss on bringing all the components together.

Any Vayniacs out there ever tried Gruaud Larose? Just bought a couple of bottles. '01's; well i know it's not the best of vintages, but….. OK. Am i entering a world of pain???

QotD – currently, Finca Copete, everyday level. 100%, estate, Uco, stainless, + 3-4 mo. in Fr. wood. Accessible, nearly gulpable.
Recently , Vina Cobos 'Nico' (Paul Hobbs). Nice intensity. Best new encounter this year. Remember his 'Monkey Business'?

People must realize that this sector is undergoing an incredible amount of change, updating, improvement, but on the other hand, nearly as much dumbing down/ homogenization, and “New World Market westernization”, resultiung in a growing flux of OK-mediocre-good wines on the shelves. The answer IS right before your eyes, folks. There's REALLY GOOD malbecs out there. They start around $20, and up. Sorry about the Crios. Like many, I like Her wines. Thankfully, this is just her cheapie.

Hey, the wines are what the wines are – every once in while we have to expect a few episodes like these.

QOTD: I actually just had the Altitude 1050 Malbec from that Cindy 3-Pack. Really nice wine. My favorite Malbec, though, was probably the Catena Alta i tried a few months ago.

Shut the f*** up donny! ; )

Thnx for the recommendation, rock on!

Don't be sorry Gary V., thank's for telling us what to avoid.

QOTD: One of my favorites, until now, is the argentinean Fabre Montmayou Gran Reserva Malbec 2005 or the Fabre Montmayou Gran Reserva 2007 the version with a blend of Malbec and Touriga Nacional (Portuguese grape), actually I think I prefer the last one though, some more floral and freshness action.

1º comment: Not a lerker anymore. 🙂

Welcome.

Please try alot of different things, even those that Gary doesn't like. YOU might like them. Build your OWN palate! ; )

Noooo!!! Gary, do not change your style because of one person?s comment. Most of the negative criticisms are not shared by the majority. First of all you were describing the wine as being ?less Argentinean?. In the strict meaning of ?Argentinean? something is or isn?t. Obviously you were using ?Argentinean? in a different way. The air quotes were entirely appropriate. Much more importantly we want you to remain natural and spontaneous. If you start trying to control your gestures you will hurt the show. We love your hand gestures. Do not endeavor to show restraint.

I did the math:
Sir Gary = controlled
Gary = spontaneous

For those who don?t know Sir Gary:

http://tv.winelibrary.com/2007/07/27/corton-charlemagne-episode-283/
http://tv.winelibrary.com/2007/10/31/sancerre-wines-on-this-brisk-fall-day-episode342/

Gary featured i Swedens third largest morning paper today. 4 page spread, that's not bad. Time to brush your up swedish ?
http://www.svd.se/kulturnoje/nyheter/gary-vayne…
Actually Mott's in the picture too 😀

Really!!! Never had the french malbec before. I have drank the Crios many times over the last couple weeks, but I am not sure of what vintage. The Crios seems to pop up alot around the BBQ's, asados, and brazilian steak houses I frequent and it has been one of those reliable options to pair with argentine and brazilian meat. The Crios somehow pairs well with chimichurri which is rare.

QOTD: 2003 Dolium Gran Reserva Malbec is the best I have ever had. Also drink alot of the Clos de los Siete, since I tend to have an attraction to Michel Rolland products.