WineLibraryTV Today: Christmas Wines

I love watching Gary. I don't think of him as "presenting," it's more like his fuse gets lit and he launches.

I love watching Gary. I don't think of him as "presenting," it's more like his fuse gets lit and he launches.

It's funny Dave how it is different strokes for different folks. It is Gary's (IMO) over the top presenting that is a turn off for me. It seems to that it is too doggone close to the "Head On" commercial. Or the screamer that seems to be everywhere on tv. Also, the using of a 5 ounce pour of what might be a $40 wine to rinse his glass between wines seems a bit (or even more than a bit) wasteful. Perhaps it is just that he doesn't pay for the wines so he gives that little thought. I do like the wines that he reviews, because they seem to run the gamut price wise, and he does a good selection too, So, I guess I am not a 100% curmudgeon where he is concerned.

[Robin Garr]

Secret 4 Pack Tasting - Episode #421

Today Gary Vaynerchuk tastes through the secret 4 pack. Taste along with Gary and compare your tasting and sniffy sniff notes. Wines tasted in this episode: 2006 Le-tendance Rosé of Bordeaux; 2006 Chateau Dereszla Dry Tokaji Furmint Hungary; 2003 Mas de la Barben la Danseuse Languedoc-Roussillon, and 2004 Menguante Garnacha Seleccion Spain.

March 4, 2008

[Robin Garr]

A Kosher Wine Tasting - Episode #422

Kosher wines are getting better and better, and Daniel Rogov the wine critic is doing an amazing job reviewing and following the scene. Today Gary Vaynerchuk tries some of them. Israeli kosher Wines tasted in this episode: 2004 Segalis Cabernet Sauvignon Special Reserve; 2003 Galil Mountain Yiron, and 2004 Ben Zimra Merlot.

March 6, 2008

[Robin Garr]

Laid Back and Tired and When You Are Tired What Do You Drink? Xarel-lo, of Course! - Episode #423

Gary Vaynerchuk tries to stay awake and talks about 3/29 and about Xarel-Lo. Wine tasted in this episode: 2006 Castell Roig Xarel-lo Spain.

March 7, 2008

[Robin Garr]

A Hard Cider Tasting - Episode #424

Today Gary Vaynerchuk tries something new, hard cider. Tasted in this episode: Farnum Hill Kingston Black Cider Reserve; Farnum Hill Farmhouse Cider, and Farnum Hill Extra-Dry Cider.

March 10, 2008

[Robin Garr]

Italian Ripasso Wines from the Veneto - Episode #430

WineLibraryTV's Gary Vaynerchuk tastes three Ripasso wines and gives his thoughts. Gary seemed to get down to business today! Wines tasted in this episode: 2005 Campagnola Le Bine Valpolicella Classico Superiore; 2005 Accordini Ripasso Valpolicella, and 2005 Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella.

March 26, 2008

[Robin Garr]

Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Wines From The 60s - Episode #432

Louis Martini is a legend in California wine history, and today Gary Vaynerchuk gets to visit some 40 year old Cabs. This is a special episode and Gary even brought his thunder down a tad out of respect. Wines tasted in this episode: 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968 and 1969 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon.

March 28, 2008

[Robin Garr]

Australian Wines on the Thunder Show, These Should Bring the Thunder! - Episode #433

Gary Vaynerchuk tries four wines from Down Under, talks about the unfair bashing he has given these wines at times and explains why. Australian wines tasted in this episode: 2005 Water Wheel Shiraz Bendigo; 2005 Boarding Pass Shiraz; 2006 Mitolo Gam Shiraz, and 2006 Glaetzer Anaperenna.

March 31, 2008

[Robin Garr]

Secret Pack Tasting on April Fools Day - Episode #434

Gary Vaynerchuk tastes through a White Bordeaux and twp wines from Languedoc-Roussillon on this gloomy day in NJ ... and of course, April Fool's Day. Wines tasted in this episode: 2003 Chateau Cantelys Blanc Graves/Pessac-Leognan; 2005 Le Muscle, and 2004 Domaine Bertrand-Berge Ancestral.

April 1, 2008

[Robin Garr]

WBW French Cabernet Franc - Episode #435

Gary Vaynerchuk is honored to host this month's Wine Blogging Wednesday. He chose Cabernet Franc from France, and here we go! Wines tasted in this episode: 2005 Gasnier Chinon Vieilles Vignes; 2005 Domaine De La Butte Bourgueil Mi Pente, and 1990 Olga Raffault Chinon Les Picasses.

April 2, 2008

[Robin Garr]

Sauvignon Blanc Taste Off - Episode #436

Gary Vaynerchuk tries a California Sauvignon Blanc vs. a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc ... head to head in a Death Match! Wines tasted in this episode: 2006 Spy Valley New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and 2007 Hanna Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc.

April 3, 2008

[Robin Garr]

Laid Back Friday With A Playmate And Some Cheese - Episode #437

Gary Vaynerchuk tastes an Aussie red blend with a racy name. Gary also gobbles some cheese! Wine tasted in this episode: 2005 Fetish Playmates Australian Red.

April 4, 2008

[Robin Garr]

Sangiovese Taste Off - Episode #439

Sangiovese is a grape that has thrived in Italy, and we are seeing many California wineries take to the grape as well. Who will win this battle ROYAL? Gary Vanynerchuk tastes: 2006 Casanova di Neri Rosso di Montalcino, and 2005 Luna Napa Sangiovese.

April 8, 2008

[Robin Garr]

Washington vs New York Riesling Taste Off - Episode #440

The Thunder Show is on the road! Coming to you today from Qwest Field in Seattle, Gary Vaynerchuk has a taste off between Washington State and New York State Rieslings. Does the home team hold the field for a victory or do the visitors come in and take one on the road?

April 9, 2008

[Robin Garr]

Washington Wine Library TV - Episode #441

Live (kinda) from the Taste Washington seminar, Gary Vaynerchuk tastes off Washington wines. Wines tasted in this episode: 2005 Harlequin Chardonnay; 2006 Cougar Crest Viognier, and 2006 Nefarious Cellars Riesling.

April 10, 2008

[Robin Garr]

Chassagne Montrachet 2005 Tasting - Episode #446

Gary Vaynerchuk's wine of choice when he goes towards White Burgundy is often the wonderful Chassagne-Montrachet. Watch today as he tries three from the exciting 2005 vintage. Chassagne-Montrachets tasted in this episode: 2005 Louis Jadot; 2005 Lamy-pillot Caillerets, and 2005 Fontaine Gagnard La Romanee.

April 17, 2008

[Robin Garr]

Greco di Tufo Wine Tasting - Episode #449

Gary Vaynerchuk's wine book is on pre-sale and he talks about his street team and talks about a white wine he is passionate about: the classic, crisp wine from Campania, Greco Di Tufo. Greco di Tufo wines tasted in this episode: 2006 Torricino; 2005 Aminea; 2006 Petilia and Vesevo.

April 22, 2008

[Robin Garr]

Wines That Don't Hurt Your Wallet! - Episode #450

Gary Vaynerchuk tries some wines that are great for anyone on a budget. All these wines are adored by the press; let's see if Gary likes 'em! Wines tasted in this episode: 2006 Anselmo Mendes Andreza Loureiro Portugal; 2006 Evil Cabernet Sauvignon Australia; 2006 Castano Monastrell Spain, and 2003 Taja Jumilla Reserva Spain.

April 23, 2008

Robin...the Taja reviewed by Gary is a terrific wine and a stunning value..I remember prior vintages..unfotuantely, you don't see it available all that often..Have been looking for it and missed it this time around,Wne Libray already sold out..a case of "ya snooze, ya lose".. If you find it locally,I suggest you buy it

Wines That Don't Hurt Your Wallet! - Episode #450

Gary Vaynerchuk tries some wines that are great for anyone on a budget. All these wines are adored by the press; let's see if Gary likes 'em! Wines tasted in this episode: 2006 Anselmo Mendes Andreza Loureiro Portugal; 2006 Evil Cabernet Sauvignon Australia; 2006 Castano Monastrell Spain, and 2003 Taja Jumilla Reserva Spain.

April 23, 2008

He's great! (I could do without the "sniffy, sniff," though.)

Australian Wines on the Thunder Show, These Should Bring the Thunder! - Episode #433

Gary Vaynerchuk tries four wines from Down Under, talks about the unfair bashing he has given these wines at times and explains why. Australian wines tasted in this episode: 2005 Water Wheel Shiraz Bendigo; 2005 Boarding Pass Shiraz; 2006 Mitolo Gam Shiraz, and 2006 Glaetzer Anaperenna.

March 31, 2008

I don't watch Wine Library, I guess because I'm not real excited about someone yelling at me while they taste wine. But I'll give him points for enthusiasm. Still he does need to calm down and think a little before he speaks. If I understand him correctly, he claims to have “discovered” Australian wine in about 2000; before Parker because Parker reviewed the wines after he began selling. He may be correct on that because there is an argument that Parker started to take Oz seriously with the 1998 vintage. But Wine Spectator made the 1990 Grange the wine of the year in 1995, and at least here in SoCal wine shops were into Aussie wines even a few years before that.

Also this idea that balance is related to an alcohol of 14.5% is just plain wacky.

Mike

[Robin Garr]

I don't watch Wine Library, I guess because I'm not real excited about someone yelling at me while they taste wine. But I'll give him points for enthusiasm.

Gary is definitely a different kind of wine communicator, Mike, no question about that! He has a huge following, though - far larger than Parker's - and you should also give him points for heightening wine enthusiasm among younger consumers, something that the industry has been trying to do with little success for generations.

If I understand him correctly, he claims to have “discovered” Australian wine in about 2000; before Parker because Parker reviewed the wines after he began selling. He may be correct on that because there is an argument that Parker started to take Oz seriously with the 1998 vintage. But Wine Spectator made the 1990 Grange the wine of the year in 1995, and at least here in SoCal wine shops were into Aussie wines even a few years before that.

I know that I was buying Australian wines in Louisville by the middle 1980s, and writing about them in my local newspaper column and online in the old CompuServe wine forum. That said, Oz wine was still very much a niche market then. Most of the available producers were either the big boys - Penfolds in particular - or brands with some kind of US connection, like Taltarni, which was more or less the sibling of Napa's Clos du Val. Grange was known by reputation, but I never encountered one until a decade later.

I went to a *big* Kaiser Stuhl tasting in a warehouse in Oakland, CA in the mid-seventies.

They used to sell wine in bottles.