Gary, have you tried Georgian wine? I tried some homegrown from a friend's vineyard outside Tbilisi last year and even though it was probably not comparable to any “traditional” European or New World wines, it was pretty good and fresh-tasting. They did invent wine, according to some historians.

Was at your store last weekend for the first time. Love what you're doing. Keep it up.

Dis stuff must be good 🙂

In Lurk-kwan-do

My manager doesn't do that for me! 🙁 In fact my som mocks this show, not fun.

🙂 On another note, Have you guys tried any of the current '08 Black Kite Pinots? I'm wondering if they're as good as '07.. Thx!

I think you are replicable Gary! I mean, what wine critic won't pause a tasting and leave the table to go talk about german/spanish courses that happened 19 years ago?

QOTD: In general American wines are almost non-existent in the Finnish market. In whites all we pretty much have are such great brands as Gallo, Paul Masson, Carlo Rossi, Fetzer and Turning Leaf. Is it a big surprise that I haven't come across a half-decent Chardonnay from the U.S.? Oh yeah, I tried a Kendall-Jackson Chard in a restaurant in Key West and hated it for being way too oaky.

For now, I just drink white Burgundy.

Cuvaison, on Silverado Trail in Napa. I always liked the way their acidity played off against the butteriness. I don't drink Chard very often, and almost always find it too buttery.

My thoughts on Chardonnay…..

ZzZzZhardonnay.

Hi Gary. Ever tried the most famous marzipan from Germany – check out http://www.niederegger.de/en/index.php

Love the HdV Chardonnay I picked up there at WL, but that's a whole different price point. I had to laugh how the area outside your office has filled up since the big party. You must have made quite an effort to clear that area out for the big WLTV taping there.

definition of lurker?!!

QOTD; I really like Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve. I love the buttery flavor so I will be looking for the Rombauer this weekend as well as the Smoking Loon.

Recently had to close out some Mayacamus Chard at the store here and I took the two remaining bottles home. Super thick and full of banana and pineapple, not too much oak.

Great show. This was truly the old-school feel: a little something crazy and off-the-cuff to go with the tasting, and a cameo by half the staff including Sasha. This is why I watch.

Side QOTD: I've had marzipan plenty of times. My wife keeps trying to convince me it is good, and I do like almonds. Something about the paste, though, is just meh.

QOTD: Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch is my hands-down favorite Cali chard to this point. It is Cali in everyway, but the oak is balanced with good acidity and freshness. No popcorn in sight.

Yes on the marzipan! Yuck!!!
Great show !!!! College broke student so my wine expertise can't go so far but ill keep trying !
Hey there is a good a idea for a show !!! Wine for broke college wine lover students!

Thanks, G. Really liking the widely-available concept.

QOTD: Such a hard varietal to peg. But, my most recent findings are the Kendal-Jackson Camelot Highlands & Breggo chards. KJ kills it for the price and the Breggo is just flat out killer.

QOTD: 2006 Hanzell Chardonnay

Pricey, usually almost 100 canadian bucks but worth every penny. Elegant yet vivacious…light on the oaking. Grand Cru-esqe.

Marzipan – I've had it, and hate it (though I love almonds, go figure).

Really enjoyed this episode since although I don't normally drink California chards, I had Smoking Loon last week, and the Bogle a couple of weeks ago. Since I don't like oaky, buttery Chards, I didn't care for the Smoking Loon, though I thought it was pretty decent for the price for those who do. I liked the Bogle well enough for the price that I'd buy it again when I want an inexpensive Chard, though I prefer their Petite Sirah.

QOTD: I don't usually drink US chardonnays, and haven't cared for most of the ones I've had, but I do like Mer Soleil Silver. I liked the 2007 Travis unfiltered chardonnay, but wasn't crazy about the 2008. I also drink Foxglove sometimes.

Gary,
I agree with you on the Rombauer. Over-hyped for sure. Folks really get stuck on the label recognition with this one so you have to give them a lot of credit for marketing. I love their zin too, but the last cab I had from them tasted like a vanilla dipped oak chip. As far as my favorite chardonnay from California I would have to pick Gundlach Bundschu for it's wonderful balance and almost Burgundian characteristics. I went to a crab feed with Gun Bun as the pour and I thought I had went to heaven… I'll never forget it!
Loved the show, and it is nice to see the human element of your set from time to time. Love the fact that you employ some of your buddies from high school. Never lose that underlying humility dude, it is what makes you rock!

Neyers!

Gary,
Rombauer for me is the Kendal Jackson of the 2000's. Butter and Oak bonanza, not my fav but I know a lot of folks (mostly women) that love that wine. As for $24 vs. $8, last I checked Rombauer was a business and not a charity. If my Chard was that popular I'd sell it for $24 and not $8. Let Smoking Loon save the world from Charles Shaw.

QOTD: No question. 2007 Pahlmeyer both Napa and Sonoma versions are AMAZING. $$ but worth every penney.

Email Mott! Mine is working pretty good. He may be able to help you outtttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt.

Maldonado is the best Chardonnay I've drank. I prefer it's citrus and tropical fruit flavor. It's very dense, but pricey!

Yeah..great show published by great man…

thanks dude

QOTD: Justin from Paso Robles makes an excellent Chard that's crisp and acidic as opposed to oakey/buttery. I prefer that style to the Rombauer's.