The Oak Monster Archive

Episode #145

The Birth of a Legend

The very first mention of the Oak Monster while tasting a Semillon 2005 Chardonnay. Gary creates the character spontaneously as a teaching tool, scoring the wine 83 points due to its overwhelming oak character.

"i'm gonna score this wine 83 points as it is an oak monster and you don't want the oak monster to eat you and i don't want it to eat me"
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Episode #146

Second Appearance

Gary addresses viewer comments about oak treatment, some defending heavily oaked wines. He explains the difference between balanced oak and "Oak Monster territory."

"I noticed a lot of people don't like oak, scared of the oak monster and I don't disagree scares the piss out of me too"
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Episode #149

What does the Oak Monster look like?

Gary announces a contest for viewers to submit Oak Monster drawings.

"and here is the contest the oak monster has really made a huge impact. I've got about 25 30 emails about the oak monster this weekend and so I thought it'd be really fun you can get your kids involved you can get your friends your artists here's what we're looking for we're going to have the oak monster contest we don't know what the oak monster really looks like but we're going to help have you help us decide"
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Episode #150

Oak Monster Gang!

One of OMG member's TimF does the intro.

"Hello everybody its Gary Vay-ner-chuk"
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Episode #154

Oak Monster is a Raiders fan

"that's right the oak monster has made its appearance and we appreciate our monster from what I've heard the oak monster is a Raiders fan"
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Episode #156

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Episode #162

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Episode #170

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Episode #190

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Episode #192

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Episode #193

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Episode #205

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Episode #206

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Episode #207

"some people love the oak I mean they love the oak they're hanging with the oak monster they're taking them on vacation chilling with them Oak monster right here in his bikini it's an ugly site but they like it there they're holding hands with the oak monster on the beach they're feeling the oak monster they're loving the oak monster"
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Episode #210

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Episode #211

Oak Monster Fan Art

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Episode #218

South African wines

Tasting South African wine, Gary cracks that the oak monster even brought a date to the tasting.

"...If it brings the thunder let's see if it's bringing the thunder you didn't think the oak monster would miss a chance to be on this episode oh boy the oak monster might have even brought its date the oak monster at on this little uh outing there is a whole lot of oak coming here and this wine is bringing the thunder except it's dropping oak bombs on your face like out of control integrated though with a nice..."
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Episode #223

2005 Bordeaux and cheese

Tasting Bordeaux, Gary wanders into a food tangent mid oak-monster sighting.

"...Almost like a smoked ham aspect coming through on this flavor tremend do I do I feel the oak monster invading cheese little a little oakiness coming through um very smoky reminds me of the old Russian sausage that my dad used to bring from Brooklyn and if you don't know Brooklyn there's a part called..."
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Episode #224

California Chardonnay Tasting

Working through California Chardonnay, Gary lets the oak monster hold his hand as the oak finally behaves.

"...Amounts of different layers going on and it does have butternook and there is the oak monster but sometimes you can tame them oak monsters stay chill relax come with me hold my hand let's be together as one that's what this wine is doing unlike the other ones where the oak monster takes control and grabs you and eats you i want to be eaten i want to enjoy and hold hands with the oak monster and that's what i..."
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Episode #226

Diggnation Dudes Get Their Request

Cork out, Gary jokes it's less an oak monster than an “oak kangaroo.”

"...A lot to do with the oak there's a good amount of Oak coming through here this is not an oak monster but maybe this is an oak kangaroo which is you know kangaroo bounces around and you look in the pouch and lots of Oak it's just wild um so I'm going to call this an oak kangaroo No Doubt usually we talk..."
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Episode #227

Argentina Has Cabernet Too.

Pouring Argentine Cabernet, Gary squares off with the oak monster.

"...New World mouth feel and the oak is high there's a little too much ah say it with me the oak monster but the flavor profile is very peppers broccoli dirty I mean like the stinkiest sweaty sock dipped in exploratory cheese that's really stinky it's darn self and you bite that and you suck it that whole nine..."
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Episode #229

Some Wines I Wanted To Try

Mid-show, Gary coaxes the oak monster into a lullaby until it settles down.

"...If you like / oaked chardonnay even if the oak monsura is accompanying you embrace the oak monster and have a good time keep it a little in a little lullaby let it go to sleep so we got four wines today a little weird kind of no theme oriented I've been move our did by Rudy Schultz sera requests by like..."
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Episode #232

Portuguese Douro Wines

Pouring Portuguese Port, Gary decides this bottle mostly dodges the oak monster.

"...Dark chocolate. I get that milky dairy aspect again. A little hint of that oak, not the oak monster though. Really viscous. It smells thick. It smells like real classic strawberry reduction sauce that you would put on a cheesecake, but the real stuff, not the crap. I mean, you know, the handmade stuff...."
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Episode #236

It's Friday and things look NEW.

Glass in hand, Gary squares off with the oak monster.

"...I mean this is a very very dairy this is a heavy dose of oak give me one second ah the oak monster is absolutely making its first appearance in a while on this is really coming through a lot of oak on the nose and that very dairy cream you know whipped cream aspect that we've been talking about clotted..."
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Episode #239

Rioja Wine. Everyone is asking so here you go

Working through Rioja, Gary points straight at the oak monster.

"...Mitten in left field never hurt anybody and I appreciate in this wine there's a little Oak monster it's the baby of the family not the but you know it is definitely a well-made wine something that um a lot of people would like good fruit good structure doesn't have the pizzazz and explosion that I'd like..."
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Episode #242

California Cabernet Taste Off.

Pouring California Cabernet, Gary says to just embrace the oak monster and enjoy it.

"...One of my favorite grapes I am shocked and should I say appalled by the enormity of the oak monster in this wine as a matter of fact the oak monster brought some friends and invaded your home and crashed your party this wine is very oaked it has an enormous amount of oak now people love oak people embrace the oak some people like it some people don't..."
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Episode #244

Serious Red Zinfandel

Working through Zinfandel, Gary runs headlong into the oak monster.

"...Interesting nose it's got a it's got a mix between a little over oak that's like the oak monster and horse manure it's almost like the oak monster took his kids to the horse rat ranch and kind of stepped in some poop that's exactly what the swine smells like but you know what a beautiful lilac finish almost like a Febreze you know you kind of maybe the oak monster took a poop and sprayed some from that's what..."
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Episode #248

90 Point Wine Values

Glass in hand, Gary wanders into a food tangent mid oak-monster sighting.

"...Points parker 13 us dollars trevor joe's a tremendous producer from australia a little oak monster going on in there but not totally over the top oak there there is a hint of uh oh there's a lot of there is oak there's a there's definitely a a level of butter going on there little buttered popcorn go see..."
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Episode #250

California Cabernet Sauvignon

On a flight of California Cabernet, Gary hands down a verdict shaped by the oak monster.

"...On the nose I get a nice charcoal based flavor there is a little oak I wouldn't say the oak monster is in the hizzy but there's clearly some oak very powerful nose very very rich again 94 points wine enthusiast pretty big score let's give it a whirl extremely firm attacking tannins um very structure on..."
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Episode #253

The 95 Point Wine Challenge

Mid-show, Gary runs headlong into the oak monster.

"...Berries on there. I'm very impressed with this wine. Is it a little too oy? Yes. Did the oak monster make his presence? Not quite. He kind of like peeped around the corner. You know, he's there, but he didn't come out. Um, wellade. Um, very elegant. Great, great richness. Really coach your palette. This is..."
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Episode #256

Guess Who's Back, Gary's Back!

Cork out, Gary greets another cameo from the oak monster.

"...Before we get into that I need to talk about the limited T's The Wine Library TV the oak monster t-shirt me throwing dodgeballs you know that you know the peaches and the pickles so these are now here the limited tease let me tell you about the limited tease we have a link down here for them if you're interested we have a production of a hundred and forty of each key and that's it they will never be reproduced..."
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Episode #257

Entry Level Riesling Tasting

Pouring Riesling, Gary watches an out-of-control oak monster run riot over the wine.

"...A character and then he beat you in the face with a stick that's what's happening to me oak monster 97 B nchu 4 it's probably even worse than that the oak monster is on fire what am I talking about I'm talking about this what has the oak monster ever done for you I've been sitting here sweating bleeding for years putting out wine information and you the biac nation have clearly made your choice it is not even..."
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Episode #261

Total Request Vaynerchuk

Deep in the lineup, Gary wanders into a food tangent mid oak-monster sighting.

"...Dark and dark is good when it comes to red wine let's give it a whirl ah not only the oak monster but ah the heavyweight champion of the world oak monster isn't this wine the oak monster is kicking my butt in the t-shirt contest because he's selling like hundreds there's been like three maniac t-shirts of me might you know what put up links on to the veiny a canned want to be playing dodge ball underneath the..."
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Episode #262

V-V-V-Viognier

Pouring Viognier, Gary tracks the oak monster through butter and char.

"...This is the most Smokey of the bunch um actually it's really Oaky on the nose and uh the oak monster is definitely making its first appearance on today's show and I prefer when the oak monster is not on the show unless it's very subtle like one branch from the oak monster so I'm a little perplexed right now on this Viet because it's really coming off very chardonay on the nose very Oaky very uh buttery I get a..."
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Episode #265

Wine Marathon in 95 Degree Weather

Mid-show, Gary flags the oak monster front and center.

"...Intriguing very different let's give it a whirl see this is what I like I like when the oak monster is there but he's in the closet like the boogeyman you don't want him out he scares people he makes you cry he definitely makes me cry because you veiniacs have bought a heck of a lot more shirts of his than you have of mine and chrismont sweating and I don't think it's in this 96° weather he's scared of the oak..."
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Episode #266

Serious Cabernet Sauvignon Taste Off

With Cabernet in the glass, Gary greets another cameo from the oak monster.

"...It a little sniffy sniff and see what we think now I got to tell you I did bring out the oak monster t-shirt number one because I can't believe he's out selling me 700 to one M links underneath this video link to my t-shirt and the oak monster t-shirt let's see if somebody can throw me a bone and buy one of mine so I can catch up he's only 900 t-shirts ahead but the oak Monster is here for another reason because..."
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Episode #268

These Looked Good, Why Not?

Cork out, Gary spots the oak monster crashing the glass.

"...Just good oldfashioned bark let's give it a whirl I gave you a preview earlier ah the oak monster we talk about the oak monster because sometimes times Oak gets away from wines they're over oaked this wine has a hint of it it goes there for a second and it kind of goes away it's like a quick bad dream it's like oh nice you know when you got scared or sometimes when you try to like put yourself to sleep and you..."
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Episode #272

Super Tuscany Wine Tasting

Glass in hand, Gary tracks the oak monster through vanilla and cherry.

"...This a whirl aged for 16 months in Oak and you can definitely tell I mean it's time the oak monster has invaded this wine not a total Invasion and a total Destruction but definitely a clearcut Advantage for the oak monster over the fruit in this wine it's definitely heavily oaked there's some vanilla components because of it it's got some nice dark cherry it's definitely got an extremely good mouth feel but I have..."
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Episode #275

Chile Bring The Thunder on WLTV?

On a flight of Chilean wine, Gary says to just embrace the oak monster and enjoy it.

"...Which is always a good thing for chardonnay we're always a little bit scared of the oak monster not because he's old only out selling my t-shirts six hundred to one but because the oakmont's who gets scary and really hurts our palates just a little too much okay not that there's anything wrong with that if you like oak that's fine too embrace your inner palate forget what I say can we what you want do your..."
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Episode #276

Amarone Taste Off

With Amarone in the glass, Gary catches the oak monster lurking in the oak.

"...That's a dick right dick come on take me take me all right let's get us a whirl ah the oak monster has finally made his appearance in a big time way for the first time in a long time and uh oh just like Chewbacca brute brought out his entire crew and episode three I think the oak monster is bringing all the oak heads and his cronies out and I don't know if I can defeat him because I'm only one man and this wine..."
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Episode #282

Pinot Noir from France aka Burgundy

Pouring French Pinot Noir, Gary tracks the oak monster through vanilla and smoke.

"...For New World flavor some Oak clearly going on issues going on here not going to say the oak monster but there's vanilla almost like Cabernet Quality shiras quality flavors coming through in this wine it's a very new world P Noir anybody that's all about the Casta Browns and the Sea smokes and all that..."
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Episode #285

Bringing Merlot Back

On a flight of Merlot, Gary greets another cameo from the oak monster.

"...Like let's see how it tastes wow oh that's right fans he's back and he's pissed the oak monster you know that guy our favorite little character the oak monster M you know what let's link up his T-shirt so all the new Maniacs know what we're talking about scroll down click the oak monster the oak monster is back in the house living severely in the Behringer private reserve bankof River Reserve Mero I can't even..."
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Episode #288

1 Cheese 4 Wines!

On this tasting, Gary lets the oak monster hold his hand as the oak finally behaves.

"...Know what that is you haven't been a maniac too long that right there my friends is the oak monster and the oak monster is obviously in this wine now let's say we've said it already it's okay if you like the oak monster many people prefer oak embrace the oak monster hold hands don't be scared it's okay however for me this is over oaked it's over the top and god it really comes up what's shocking about this is i..."
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Episode #289

The NAKED Show

Mid-show, Gary runs headlong into the oak monster.

"...You're getting stainless steel instead of oak barrels. So, what you're getting is no oak monster or supposedly there should be no oak monster. And what's really exciting about this trend is these wines remind me much more of what's going on in Chablis and which is an area I adore in white burgundy. This is a you know, a movement that started..."
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Episode #291

Sea Smoke Pinot Noir and Wine Questions.

With Pinot Noir in the glass, Gary can't miss the oak monster on this one.

"...The last wine when it's cering that Oak is really getting in there and you know how the oak monster likes to ruin the party so you got to be a little careful yet it's still pulling it off it's a good wine a little bit less my style than the first wine but a wine that I enjoy clearly has done a great job..."
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Episode #294

Fume Blanc Tasting

On this tasting, Gary finds the oak monster wrapped in char and smoke.

"...It's not because these wines have a smoky characteristics that's reserved for the Oak monstered chardonay these wines are actually very crisp the reason fum means smoke is it's the fog that hovers over the lair Valley where they make pul fum so really interesting little tidbit little fun facts M you..."
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Episode #296

Argentina and Those Pesky Malbec's

With Argentine Malbec in the glass, Gary decides this bottle mostly dodges the oak monster.

"...The crap out of me. I don't know what bear, you know, the Russian bear. Oh, not the oak monster. Much scarier. This wine's unfin, unfiltered. Again, really the true flavors. The oak is coming through a little bit. I'm not going to pull out the monster. You know, he kind of like peaked his head around..."
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Episode #300

THANK YOU!

On this tasting, Gary can't miss the oak monster on this one.

"...This wine um the nose is Fabulous New World very explosive let's give it a whir Little Oak monster action on this wine we had to give you a little Oak monster but it's not too bad this is not an overly oaked wine what you're going to sense here is you're going to see a very clear-cut difference from the last wine this wine is extremely coating of your palette I..."
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Episode #304

Australian Shiraz Bomb OFF Tasting

Working through Australian Shiraz, Gary spots the oak monster crashing the glass.

"...Kind of aspects on the finish uh 2002 it's a little older uh 22 months in Oak uh not Oak monster any of them which was shocking I expected all three to be so no ha today but maybe a lot of ha tomorrow are we dropping hints let me just say one other thing episode 109 going to see you guys tomorrow it's a..."
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Episode #306

California Chardonnay and Questions.

With California Chardonnay in the glass, Gary watches the wine drop oak bombs and bring the thunder.

"...Was in the mood for Napa Valley Shard you know we're doing the Napa cab thing um little Oak monster love is starting to come my way lately so just thought it'd be a lot of fun these are two producers that I'm very fond of in the past chapol I think always brings tremendous Thunder and quality for well pric..."
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Episode #307

Washington State Wine Tasting

Pouring Washington wine, Gary greets another cameo from the oak monster.

"...Very very very pretty as you can tell and let's get a little bit of a snippy snip oh the oak monster makes an appearance and it doesn't just hang out in California no the oak monster he hitches a ride he throws out the thumb and he goes north sometimes and laical has brought to my pleasure or my dismay as many of you know the oak monster I feel real toasty almond oak esque aspect on the nose here which is..."
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Episode #308

Rhone Rangers

Glass in hand, Gary squares off with the oak monster.

"...Shut up the pop likee uh very creamy on the mouth feel the oak little just t a little Oak monster coming through good luscious I always like talk about that Venison and leather component it's going on here I'm thinking a little bit of pinear action little George Brett in this wine um speaking of Brett..."
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Episode #310

California Blends

On a flight of California wine, Gary sizes the wine up like a heavyweight bout with the oak monster.

"...Because i know boxing it's a big punching bruteful massive wine has a good amount of oak oak monster hangs with those guys but ernie shavers could knock the oak monster out just like this wine does it's a fruit bomb with actually a lot more going on and really if it wasn't if it just toned down on oak a little bit not far away from the pedigree and the quality of the..."
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Episode #311

Wine Values Week Starts Today. p.s. I am sad

Between sips, Gary points straight at the oak monster.

"...To this wine the Finish is extremely long there's some subtle wood not over OED no no Oak monster here this is really balance and when you have balance you have something see we can't run the football so we don't have balance we can't really throw the football either we do have balance we have a balance..."
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Episode #316

Highly Rated Zinfandel

With Zinfandel in the glass, Gary greets another cameo from the oak monster.

"...Spiked with the vodka no it is not it is spiked with Oak I had to keep it back but the oak monster makes a cameo for not too often lately maybe inspired by his T-shirt by the way which dramatically outsells my M can you put my t-shirt the link with the dodgeballs can we sell maybe one can you do that for..."
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Episode #318

I am Back in New Jersey and Tasting Wine.

On this tasting, Gary wanders into a food tangent mid oak-monster sighting.

"...Give it a little bit about smell there's a little there's a little there's a little oak monster not too bad like kid and garden of monsters in here crazy amounts of buttered popcorn coming through very fruity very very vibrant on the nose there's there's almost like a baked bread in heavy butter mixed..."
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Episode #321

South African red wines

With South African reds in the glass, Gary catches the oak monster lurking in the oak.

"...Would have been nice but what I am getting unfortunately I'm going to have to do it the oak monster has made its presence felt in this wine and that's right off the bat a concern cuz we're all scared of monsters and especially when they bring too much Oak I'm getting quite a powerful Woody oy component on..."
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Episode #325

Virginia wines specifically Chardonnay

On a flight of Chardonnay, Gary greets another cameo from the oak monster.

"...Like characteristics on the color let's give it a little bit of a sniff action and the oak monster makes an appearance and I have a uncanny feeling he will be making a couple of appearances this wine is heavily oKed on the nose but there is a little bit of an apple spice component which I'm liking makes..."
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Episode #332

California Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting

Pouring California Cabernet, Gary calls out the oak monster on the nose.

"...Let's give it a little bit of a sniffy snip yeah there's a little there's a little baby oak monster in here but you know the babies you're not scared of remember that show dinosaurs that was on ABC you love that show probably um it was cute the little baby dinosaur it's kind of how I feel about this there's an oak monster but it's a baby and the baby I'm just not scared of it's kind of like those lions and tigers..."
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Episode #337

California Chardonnay on Display

Pouring California Chardonnay, Gary tracks the oak monster through char.

"...Can see the classic golden color let's see what's going on you know I always fear the oak monster when you do chardonay so it'll be very interesting to see where these current vintages are when they talk about the oak levels in this let's give this a little bit of a sniffy sniff I forgot I wanted to use..."
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Episode #343

An Old Fashion Texas Wine Tasting

Mid-show, Gary runs headlong into the oak monster.

"...Not too bad at all um little one-dimensional definitely 20 key for me ah ah yeah the oak monster is showing up twice in the beginning and on the finish so that's scaring me little ticket back but I getting into the oak monster I'm not a long time I know how to deal with them um but it's there um Neal Newsome planted what it said two acres in two acres of malbec several years ago he was inspired wanted to do it..."
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Episode #345

Costco Wine Tasting

Deep in the lineup, Gary calls out the oak monster amid heavy grippy tannin.

"...On the nose here that is so common in the Napa Valley. It is a dangerous place for the oak monster is everywhere and you've got to watch your step. Let's give it a whirl. Very pretty nose. Nice ripe tannins. Very smooth, very polished. If you're down with the Franciscan and a Justin cab that we talked..."
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Episode #347

The Barbera Episode

Between sips, Gary points straight at the oak monster.

"...Coming through very explosive there is some roundness there is even a little bit of the oak monster M link up the oak monster to the Oak monster.com it's a fun little place I want people to see that a lot of people don't know about that place um nice wine very new world in its approach but it's a new world Italian love it's not like that first..."
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Episode #349

Thanksgiving wine. Zinfandel

Working through Zinfandel, Gary admits the oak monster still scares him a little.

"...15% alcohol and I think it's a little bit too much of a heat bomb now as much as the oak monster scares me and as much as the B butter Bandit annoys me are we going to need to make a butter Bandit t-shirt it's pretty popular the alcohol Avenger is just kidding but the alcohol is really scary when the..."
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Episode #350

Dinner Wines, Wines I Have Been Wanting To Try

Glass in hand, Gary calls out the oak monster amid heavy butter and chocolate.

"...One in last week all claiming it is the greatest thing since the butter bandit and the oak monster hooked up and let's see what's going on with this wine snippy snip time s squared my friends nice deep black berry flavors coming through in the nose there's a little bit of I of a milk chocolate component..."
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Episode #357

1/2 Bottles Of Wine On The Thunder Show Today

Deep in the lineup, Gary catches the oak monster lurking in the oak.

"...Really common strawberry flavors I get I'm getting a little wood a little little little Oak monster actually Oak monster would be more like C up like that you know Oak monster I don't like him people do though anyway um um anyway little bit of Oak little bit of strawberry very basic on the nose really smells like a lot of $7 to $10 California Cabernet to me on the nose let's give..."
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Episode #358

Gary Is Tired From A Day Of Tasting 140 Wines

Cork out, Gary flags the oak monster behind the vanilla.

"...Back into this a little snippy sniff and honestly I don't want to scare you but ah the oak monster is really present in this wine and you would think that I would not like that you know as you know me and the oak monster would kind of battle but in in this scenario even though on the nose the oak is very on top of everything else and very vanilla driven even little hints of like cinnamon uh coming through in the..."
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Episode #359

South American Wine Tasting

Between sips, Gary watches the wine drop oak bombs and bring the thunder.

"...I never really ate that too often, but Thunder shock. Thunder cat. This has some oak monster in it. Definitely a solid foundation of oak mixed in with grape Laffy Taffy and a very viscous, almost thick, concentrated blackberry component on the mouthfeel. Very heavy. The tannins and alcohol..."
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Episode #360

A Bandol Wine Tasting

On this tasting, Gary wrestles with the oak monster once again.

"...When you talk about bondol you get arrested by the Bondo police and they make the oak monster seem like the nicest person you've ever seen you might have noticed if you rewind I mentioned temp as we just started the show I think actually they give you a minute not 13 to 15 seconds anyway this is a..."
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Episode #367

Box Wine Tasting

Mid-show, Gary tracks the oak monster through char.

"...Pear juice coming through not classic Chardonnay no oak which is fine cuz you know the oak monster scares the crap out of me anyway but really coming some fruity but very fake and I'm worried about it off the top its give it a whirl not for me you know just coming across very tart too acidic not..."
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Episode #368

New York City Wine Tour

Tasting New York wine, Gary calls out the oak monster on the nose.

"...Uh red wines that we like to uh pair with fish so uh high acid Low Wood so obviously the oak monster correct is not a friend of the fish correct are you willing to do a with me little you ready yeah all right good let's no that was actually solid at I did it I didn't you know most people are like all scared..."
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Episode #371

Friday With A Twist

Between sips, Gary squares off with the oak monster.

"...About Governor see look you want come you want that's awesome you want to meet the oak monster in Maryland you know I'm a little scared of the oak monster where's the man a dodgeball team what the heck you want to meet the oak monster Mar yeah really have to make a concerted effort to find him came prepared this is a problem you want to go to the auto body shop and at peaches and find oh my God you have..."
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Episode #372

Steak And Wine Episode

On this tasting, Gary can't miss the oak monster on this one.

"...On strawberry for days little hints of half and half cream as well indicating Little Oak monster cuz the oak monster definitely brings the milkiness to the table it's got like man boobs the oak monster you know but what I'm really seeing here that I like is a little bit of a tangerine kind of component and I like when I get Citrus in the nose of red wines it makes it interesting and exciting and that's..."
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Episode #373

Wines From Ribera Del Duero In Spain

Tasting Spanish wine, Gary flags the oak monster front and center.

"...Um crème fraîche bouncing all in your mouth. Sour cream components which I'm enjoying. Oak monster? Check. Nice oak monster? Check. This is a wine that has perfect balance of the new world. Won't appeal totally to the old world. I respect that. The alcohol under control. That's what happens when the fruit rocks the casbah and..."
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Episode #374

Jeffrey Davies Talks About French Wines

Working through French wine, Gary points straight at the oak monster.

"...You know and what I like is the subtlety of the oak you know it's there yeah but no no Oak monster exactly are you scared yeah I am and I hate that because it becomes like makeup and a beautiful woman like a fine wine does not lean a lot of makeup and you know Lizzy wears no makeup my wife wears no I'm..."
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Episode #376

Power Friday Tasting, Buckle Up!

Cork out, Gary pins the oak monster under layers of butter.

"...Weight on the pallet. Very creamy. A little hint of butter. I get nice solid oak, but no oak monster. Just the way you like it. Like hacksaw Jim Dugens 2x4. Smack to the face, but you're not hurt. You're just getting the pretty colors. I also get a little bit of uh flint, like a Flintstone kind of..."
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Episode #377

Christmas Wine Tasting Episode

Between sips, Gary tracks the oak monster through char.

"...Many on BLS you know so you know a lot of people are looking to shy away from the Oaky Oak monster California chard style and have been gravitating towards these so Blanc based wines yet people have not been realizing that some of the best versions and varieties and kind wineries that produce this wine..."
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Episode #379

A Grab Bag Of Wines On The Thunder Show

Mid-show, Gary greets another cameo from the oak monster.

"...Hints of clove. Very aromatically sound. Nice solid nose. Let's give it a whirl. And the Oak Monster, who by the way, M all of his t-shirts are sold out. I still have the dodgeball. The Oak Monster has made an appearance on this wine. I find this wine slightly overd. Um, m, you know what? Let's link up the oakmonster.com, right? Let's, some maniacs might not know who the oak monster is. So, m, link it up. Anyway,..."
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Episode #385

Nero D'avola Wines

Mid-show, Gary greets another cameo from the oak monster.

"...It or not and why do I say that I get a lot of mint and a lot of Oak in this wine ah the oak monster has made an appearance on the Nero show yeah there's some serious Oak components going on in this wine but some beautiful mint component as well which I'm liking very dark cherry and a little bit of sour..."
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Episode #386

Wild White Wines

With whites in the glass, Gary pins the oak monster under layers of char.

"...White grape varietals that are off really outside the Chardonnay cuz you get the oak monster, you know, are so interesting to me, they're fascinating for lack of a better word. And this wine is no different. This wine almost comes across to me as the pink rubber ball. Did you ever you know the..."
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Episode #387

California Pinot Noir Tasting

Pouring California Pinot Noir, Gary wrestles with the oak monster once again.

"...Water and milk. I mean, it's a very creamy, heavy wine. There's a little bit of the, uh, oak monster in here, and that concerns me a tad, and especially as I continue to yap along and my palate's bouncing around, it it's becoming even more, you know, dairy, as I like to call it, which becomes an aftereffect..."
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Episode #391

The Wonderful World Of Petit Verdot

Mid-show, Gary hands down a verdict shaped by the oak monster.

"...I'm feeling. Again, um um really silky on the finish. Little too much for me. A little oak monster that's bothering me here a little bit, but all in all, polished, well-made, good style wine. A little bit less powerful and thought-provoking than the Murphy-Goode. So, I'm going to score it 88 points. Um..."
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Episode #398

Big Boy Wines On The Thunder Show

Glass in hand, Gary flags the oak monster behind the butter.

"...Of component. I'm a little worried that maybe we haven't seen them in a while. Ah, the oak monster is trying to fight through, but he actually isn't. I just really Ah, and where's the butter bandit? M. Everybody forgot about the butter. If you love the butter bandit, what? He melted. He melt. If you love..."
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Episode #399

LAID BACK FRIDAY - 1 more show to 400

Deep in the lineup, Gary can't miss the oak monster on this one.

"...Uh, big birthday. So, let's go into James Murphy's question. He says, "You hate the Oak Monster. I hate the Oak Monster. Everyone I know hates the Oak. So, why is he still with us? In other words, why do Cali and Aussie wine makers over Oak JM? Great question. Because the answer is you're wrong. Most people love the Oak Monster. You know, maybe the people that watch the show and once you're really into wine, I..."
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Episode #406

Cabernet Franc From Different Places

With Cabernet in the glass, Gary pins the oak monster under layers of vanilla.

"...Ship it's a very different an and that's what's going on here there's a little bit of a oak monster and he's bringing along a vanilla pack you know a big bucket of vanilla uh so uh there is subtle Oak and vanilla flavors coming through in the nose it's still greenish because that's what cab Fran does it's..."
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Episode #407

Under The Radar, Merlot

Pouring Merlot, Gary squares off with the oak monster.

"...A little I haven't seen him in a while little huh he trying to come through the oak monster trying to make his presence felt the oak monster.com M link it up a lot of biacs a lot of new ones they have no idea what we're linking up right there and I should have known heavy doses of Oak do not allow you to taste the wine I'm getting bricks and..."
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Episode #410

Psssst, I Got A Secret

Glass in hand, Gary points straight at the oak monster.

"...Steppy stuff. Interesting. Little bit of oakiness. Little huh? Little like get off me, oak monster. Little bit of that coming on. Little bit of soapiness coming through, which I find quite interesting. Little bit of soap action. Apple peel and pear very obvious and a gorgeous star fruit component. Little..."
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Episode #412

What Wine Goes Well With Birthday Cake.

Cork out, Gary watches an out-of-control oak monster run riot over the wine.

"...The next decade and hopefully I'm gonna find a point three five seven years in where the oak monster gets scared you know it runs away and this wine opens up and I really am excited to see this evolved don't forget it's very difficult we're popping we're airing we're pouring I'm tasting I'm analyzing over a..."
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Episode #414

2004 Vintage Bordeaux, A Timing Thing

Working through Bordeaux, Gary wrestles with the oak monster once again.

"...Classic well-made Merlot at 30 bones from around the world that's not over the top and I oak monster doubt that can compare with this wine it's going to be very difficult you will be hard-pressed it is a challenge and I'm ton right now this is solid stuff now for all the excitement because I'm excited I..."
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Episode #420

Will these wines rock? A Mixed Bag Of Stuff

On this tasting, Gary wanders into a food tangent mid oak-monster sighting.

"...This has very solid way to it really nice buttered popcorn little hint of oak little oak monster going on there a lot of butter lot of oak little cedar a little too acidic on the back end a little rotten apple esque flavor as it finishes and kind of disappears I'm a little bit disappointed on the finish..."
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Episode #422

A Kosher Wine Tasting

Pouring kosher wine, Gary greets another cameo from the oak monster.

"...Pure um I'm extremely impressed with the fruit some nice oakiness coming through but not Oak monster time integration time holding hands Hands Across America I mean really really solid action great raspberry jam fruit nice back and chocolate meat Cedar on the back end little hints of tobacco now dancing..."
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Episode #425

A Bunch Of Wine And A Guest

Between sips, Gary says to just embrace the oak monster and enjoy it.

"...About that I mean are you okay with that cuz a lot of people are you you embrace the oak monster Oak monster we hug we hug uhhuh you hug trees sometimes very nice um I mean there is a lot of Oak in this but um there's a lot of Oak in this a lot of Oak but uh fell in love with it and uh now would you say even though..."
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Episode #431

Random Bag Of Wines From Around The World

Between sips, Gary pins the oak monster under layers of char.

"...Excuse me and let's see what's going on here you know big over o you know the ah the oak monster has made way too much uh way too many excuse me appearances in California chares for way too long people are starting to get away from that a little bit which I approve of you know that makes me happy so as..."
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Episode #434

Secret Pack Tasting On April Fools Day

Glass in hand, Gary squares off with the oak monster.

"...Nice uh there is some uh there's definitely some oakiness a little wood a little little oak monster trying to peak its eye through let's give it a whirl whiteboardos have been underrated for so long and i think right away what you'll feel maniacs as you taste along with me is there's a tremendous weight to..."
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Episode #446

Chassagne Montrachet 2005 Tasting

Glass in hand, Gary points straight at the oak monster.

"...The old world likes to get a little funky funky too and this wine definitely has the oak monster has finally make even very far and few between lot it's good to see the Oakland stir you know when you see your bitter rival you know after 15 years there's a little party that's happy to see him right Muttley wow you have that many bitter rivals you like no exactly I was talking about anyway I'm happy to see the..."
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Episode #451

Date Night Wines

Mid-show, Gary decides this bottle mostly dodges the oak monster.

"...You don't smell wood at all like I do there's a little hint of oakiness it's not the oak monster but I I do get you're scared of the oak monster too kind of yeah I understand um but yeah there's defin there is a little hint I also get like a cherry component like on the on the back end which is pretty obvious to me as well there's also a minty kind..."
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Episode #455

Tempranillo From 3 Different Countries

On a flight of Tempranillo, Gary watches the wine drop oak bombs and bring the thunder.

"...So let's give this wine a snippy snip that's serious my friends one of the most serious oak monster attacks in a long time things have been kind of chill not with the oak monster and so I really did not expect that and on the nose even it came out of the Woodworks like the oak monster played me just a lot you know it's been hiding in the bushes he's gonna come out quite a bit on the Thunder show we haven't seen..."
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Episode #462

Viognier Friday

Pouring Viognier, Gary tracks the oak monster through smoke.

"...Station totally different um a little bit more smoky and okie definite not know oak monster but definitely a little bit more of a smoky kind of okie little thing going on what is that oh this is why I love doing this do you know what this smells like do you remember when you would still whip cream..."
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Episode #465

Chilean Carmenere Makes An Appearance

On a flight of Chilean wine, Gary catches the oak monster lurking in the oak.

"...A little bit of a man there is there's a little huh but guess what I've not had the oak monster and so long that I'm almost enjoying it again flying different things allows you to kind of appreciate everything if you don't get an overdose on it and so that's what's got me a little bit excited about..."
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Episode #469

Chardonnay That You Can Find At The Store

Working through Chardonnay, Gary hands down a verdict shaped by the oak monster.

"...Not over oaked going in I thought that could be a real problem on this show so far no Oak monster and I appreciate that um it's okay I mean it's not you know changing my life but it's not the worst thing I've ever had in my life I would go 83 points no I would go 84 points I would go 84 points on this..."
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Episode #473

$15 Zinfandel Blind Tasting

Tasting Zinfandel, Gary points straight at the oak monster.

"...Me on the finish the one thing as I talk it gets a little bit Oak defied little little Oak monster on the back end but the fruit is pure and the fruit is pretty good um definitely a more interesting wine than the last wine I got to admit as it develops a little bit on my palette here I am concerned about..."
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Episode #474

Super Tuscan Wine Tasting

On this tasting, Gary wanders into a food tangent mid oak-monster sighting.

"...Oak let's see what's going on little worried about those 15 months could bring out the oak monster we're all scared of the oak lobster let's give it a whirl messy sniffy sniff mom because that's what we do in the Thunder show my man now this is funk tified I get a very obvious bacon almost like you know..."
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Episode #481

Value Wines From All Over The World

Mid-show, Gary pins the oak monster under layers of chocolate.

"...And an apricot fruits they're good let's give this a whirl some good weight the oak monster makes a little bit of an appearance I'm always scared about that um but some complex fruit on this wine um taste a little bit like raisinets I get a little bit of that chocolate a little bit of that raisin..."
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Episode #482

89 Point Wines, What Is The Deal!

Glass in hand, Gary hands down a verdict shaped by the oak monster.

"...An 89 I mean the 89 is like the scariest thing in the wine world ever forget about the oak monster ah the oak monster is a little baby compared to the 89 Point score from Parker spectator it's like The Scarlet Letter A you put an 89 Point score in a wine it's like right here and nobody wants to touch it and I think that is..."
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Episode #490

Oklahoma Wine Tasting With Shocking Results

Cork out, Gary admits the oak monster still scares him a little.

"...Claret from Bordeaux more than it does even a California wine under oaked thank you no Oak monster ah uh-uh this is an absolutely balanced effort what really scares me is it's 15 bones written meaning that's suggested retail probably could find it for Less I would have I mean this is why we need to do..."
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Episode #493

Live Thunder in Boston

Mid-show, Gary flags the oak monster behind the vanilla.

"...Little there's a little grabbing at me but I can I can fend It Off The Wristband so the oak monster that's why we have The Wristband to fight off the oak monster um there's a little Oak um but that's okay I mean you could tell it's French Oak I mean it's it's kind of like creamy you get a little vanilla alactic fermentation kind of thing you know there's just way too..."
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Episode #494

Expanding Sara’s Palate

Glass in hand, Gary calls out the oak monster on the nose.

"...Quality and I like this wine to me this is a food wine it's not going to be over the top Oak monster it's not going to be H you know it's not going to be that it's going to be sorry it's not going to be that it's going to be a lot more pleasant a lot more elegant and there's a lot of foods you can drink..."
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Episode #499

Jim Cramer Of Mad Money & Gary Vaynerchuk

Mid-show, Gary finds the oak monster wrapped in vanilla and cedar.

"...Or without anything else I'd love to come home from work and do you taste a little the oak monster there's a little bit do you like the cedar Box Cigar you like the vanilla you like the vanilla yes fruit with vanilla on top cuz that's what's going on here to me this is a fabulous uh a fabulous fruit pie..."
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Episode #500

Live From SF In Front Of A Huge Audience

Glass in hand, Gary calls out the oak monster amid heavy vanilla.

"...Don't think I don't think he's here. I don't think we bring him. But it's like the mini oak monster, right? He might be in the shadow. He might be like back here in the barrels. It's there because I get a little bit of the vanilla component. Do you guys get the vanilla extract? All you bakers out in the..."
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Episode #505

Gigondas:Rhone’s Little Secret

Mid-show, Gary decides this bottle mostly dodges the oak monster.

"...Back end which I like a little quite a bit I get wood I get the bark but it's not the oak monster you know it's like just about to go there it's almost like me right like I'm pretty East Coast obnoxious I have those genetics but most of you that have been watching know that I'm a family man know that I..."
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Episode #509

The Single Malt Scotch Episode

Between sips, Gary points straight at the oak monster.

"...Different direction with the nose, huh? Yeah. Very, very woody. Very woody. Not the ah oak monster, though. There is an oak component. It's a little You know what? I get a lot of pepper on the nose, which I like quite a bit. Yeah, it is a little spicy. It also smells a little bit like a tire. Like a tire?..."
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Episode #511

Ohio Wines Part 2 - Reds

With reds in the glass, Gary spots the oak monster crashing the glass.

"...These guys submitted there was way too much oak 18 months this could be an issue the oak monster is prepped and ready to make a big hello to the vaynernation from ohio once again hit ship why do I lick my thumb when I hitchhike I'm trying to figure that out anyway I'm scared too stiff you sniff it but..."
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Episode #514

Top 2 Wines From The Book

Cork out, Gary runs headlong into the oak monster.

"...Talk about in wine i think the whole nation has gone too far to the explosive overall ah oak monster fruit bombs wines i talk about well sauter as well a lot of people are very sticky and very over the top and what those ev dreams does right here uh it brings enormous balance you know i'm still tasting it i..."
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Episode #517

Australian Shiraz Super Wines Blind

Pouring Australian Shiraz, Gary tracks the oak monster through vanilla.

"...Almost like a a vanilla custard component. So that shows a little oak, but no ah no oak monster thing really going on. Just a very well-made structured bottle of Cabernet Shiraz type feel, right? So it's like it it's a Shiraz, I think, unless Ian's doing something funny, but it's got Cabernet..."
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Episode #527

Barbaresco Battle Royal

Between sips, Gary watches the wine drop oak bombs and bring the thunder.

"...[Music] say Eliza can you do the oak monster a the oak monster hello everybody and welcome to Wine Library TV I am your host Gary the N Chuck and this my friends is the Thunder show and today's special big thank you goes out to cocacola coke with lemon and lime it's..."
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Episode #530

Gary Tastes With Warnke And Shifrin

Glass in hand, Gary calls out the oak monster on the nose.

"...St de milon right Bank stuff and so that's what I was going for you can notice that the oak monster is not present I'm not a fan of uh Mero but this is pretty good yeah honestly I mean I'm not a fan of Mero at all like I do not like Merlo I think most people don't drink enough Mero that's number one I..."
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Episode #533

Bringing the Thunder to India

Tasting Indian wine, Gary flags the oak monster behind the cedar.

"...Lot more potential on the nose, though. There is a little oiness going on. Ah, a little oak monster possible in this wine. I'm getting a little bit of that oak cedarox, you know, kind of thing going on, but there's a nice fruit component on the nose. This t this smells a lot more classic where the first..."
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Episode #535

An Oregon Wine Tasting

On a flight of Oregon wine, Gary wanders into a food tangent mid oak-monster sighting.

"...Taste the oak influence a heck of a lot more in this wine. I wouldn't call it ah oak monster, but I would definitely call it a little bit more new world than the last wine. Definitely brighter. Um you get that bacon again. Right. And there's that kind of caramelized note from the like like cherry..."
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Episode #539

A Blind Tasting of California Zinfandel

Working through California Zinfandel, Gary calls out the oak monster on the nose.

"...And that's a problem I am not a big fan of the cliff I fear the cliff not as much as the oak monster but a cliff wine is always devastating and this is one no kidding I'm not tasting it anymore big disappointment let me go into it one more time weird I not had a cliff wine in a long time like really bad..."
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Episode #540

Napa Cabernet And A Guest Live From NY

On a flight of Napa Cabernet, Gary wrestles with the oak monster once again.

"...Well it's drinking quite well now there's a there's a little bit oak it's not ah the oak monster but on the flip side it is definitely something that you know I would call a little bit more balanced and and the balance of the key the blueberries are just ripping my face off it's really a lot of fruit..."
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Episode #549

A Very Cool Winemaker Visits the Thunder Show

Deep in the lineup, Gary admits the oak monster still scares him a little.

"...Mean this wine this wine was in scares the crap out of me you know that right I mean the oak monster is very scary so I'm always happy when I don't see it these wines are naked I mean they're they're they're revealing everything that's there they're they're not hiding behind anything they're not you know..."
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Episode #557

Party Time at Wine Library

Between sips, Gary sizes the wine up like a heavyweight bout with the oak monster.

"...To this wine uh I'm really digging it has really coming there is a definite hint at the Oak monster I didn't want to scare Joe he'd probably punch me um and the other thing is that I get almost like a plum Plum flavored coffee you know yeah so you know you get a little very heavy dark reduction Plum..."
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Episode #568

A Wine Tasting with Jancis Robinson

Cork out, Gary flags the oak monster behind the vanilla.

"...Oak can be I think pretty nasty very sort of sweet and vanilla and in your face the oak monster yeah you need to be aware of the oak monster yeah yeah but um R and the the the single best thing about rid well there other good things lovely labels which haven't changed in since they've been going since the late 50s um with fantastic lots of..."
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Episode #570

The Election Day Secret Pack

On this tasting, Gary decides this bottle mostly dodges the oak monster.

"...Not crazy over-the-top when I think when you taste this one you'll see this is not an oak monster you know not getting cedar about getting to buy for not getting wood chips you're getting more the kind of tannic balance from the San Gervase a bring like a roasted pepper component going with a beautiful..."
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Episode #571

Are You Afraid of the Dark?

Mid-show, Gary pins the oak monster under layers of char.

"...Into it you ready to zoom in we're going to start with the roundhill oak free so no ah Oak monster in this wine 2007 Chardon um you know around a 11 us wine now M you remember number 11 was Kellen Clemens we've kind of forgot about him now that we have Brett Favre we don't talk about him that much do we so let's see what's going on here obviously unok chardonay is all the rage a lot of people have been over OED..."
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Episode #572

Screaming Eagle (Well, Almost)

Glass in hand, Gary decides this bottle mostly dodges the oak monster.

"...Clearly new French Oak being involved in this product just you know but but it's not an oak monster the fruit is so so redonkulous that you just feel honestly like you've taken fruit from a tree or a bush and stuck it directly in your mouth you were appeased but then a gremlin came over and kept stuffing..."
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Episode #579

Napa Cabernet and Chocolate

Working through Napa Cabernet, Gary finds the oak monster wrapped in vanilla.

"...Percent yeah so you're definitely getting a little bit i wouldn't say it's either oak monster but you're definitely getting the vanilla that you're gonna get an all new friend show coming through though I've got admit I would have not completely guessed that it would be all French and new all new..."
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Episode #583

Zinfandel tasting - Blind.

Tasting Zinfandel, Gary spots the oak monster crashing the glass.

"...On in the pallet. Little worried that it can get too explosive. Oh, god damn it. Ah! The oak monster ruined this wine. I need to take a huge 2x4 out of my mouth right now because it's pissing me off. This wine has all the makings of a top-notch Zinfandel, but in my opinion, this wine is over oaked and I..."
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Episode #591

George Taber Talks Wine and Drinks Some Too!

Deep in the lineup, Gary pins the oak monster under layers of char.

"...Sniff yeah so you get you know a little subtle oak on the on the nose not too bad no Oak monster here no ah I don't need to get into George's face and scare him with the oak monster also get a little bit of an apple core on the nose which I like quite a bit but a subtle oiness which is you know not too over the top little more classic Chardonnay in that style so not bad on the nose I'm..."
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Episode #607

Double Blind, Other 46 Tasting.

Mid-show, Gary tracks the oak monster through blackberry.

"...Back end which is nice little Oak it's good to see a little Oak I'll even welcome the oak monster in right now um again uh black currant Blackberry a little little cranberry action as well seems like a kind of a bad effort of a maybe maybe of Cabernet maybe Mero maybe SRA sarra feels sarra like cuz I..."
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Episode #611

Oh, Canada! Oh, kanagan!

Between sips, Gary pins the oak monster under layers of char and spice.

"...O coming through on this Oak yeah I wouldn't say it's starting it's getting a little Oak monster I mean there's it's coming through yeah it's it's quite does that bother you no you know I I like a bit of Oak and charday I think good Oak you know good Oak with that adds that spice and nuttiness and yeah..."
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Episode #615

College Humor stops by WLTV

Deep in the lineup, Gary calls out the oak monster amid heavy cedar.

"...It's Tannon there is an oak you know what there is a lot of Oak good job there the oak monster com Oak there is Oak I also get a little more Cedar in this as well there's a lot of wood I smelled the last one smells like a fire like Hacksaw Jim du and stuck his 2x4 directly under nose what man what..."
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Episode #620

Pairing Wine with Frozen Food

Glass in hand, Gary decides this bottle mostly dodges the oak monster.

"...To it like the subtle Oak like a little bit of a wood a little bit of Oak it's not the oak monster but it's a little bit of an oak thing going on there's also a little bit of like a um do you ever have a jawbreaker oh yeah I get a little bit of like strawberry like purple like grape jawbreaker candy in..."
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Episode #627

And The Winner Is

Deep in the lineup, Gary catches the oak monster lurking in the oak.

"...Give it a WHL clearly there's Oak in this wine um little even little there's a baby oak monster brewing in here but wow wow I think there's going to be a lot of people that are tasting this wine are really going to like it so please email me if you do cuz I think you will licorice eucalyptus bursting..."
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Episode #632

Evaluating Kosher Wines with Daniel Rogov

Pouring kosher wine, Gary squares off with the oak monster.

"...Broke how about for your palate absolutely yeah i mean you know i don't want to put the oak monster on rogue off right now but the oak monster oh gary gary you're gonna love it go ahead one of the wineries in roseville just came out are you ready for this yeah i'm ready aged in brand new oak barrels bariks for six years wait wait you're not ready..."
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Episode #644

Wine Tasting with a Friend from Fox

Glass in hand, Gary points straight at the oak monster.

"...Spectator 90 points you know I'm all crazy about the Heat and the alcohol uh and the oak monster and all that but I agree with you ironically there's something about this wine that does something right I haven't totally even pinpointed it it almost has like 89% California 11% burgundy if you want to..."
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Episode #647

What wine goes with Bacon?

Between sips, Gary admits the oak monster still scares him a little.

"...Kind of balloon thing going on and I get bombarded with enormous amounts of ah the oak monster and he scares me cuz when he gets going there's really no stopping him he just completely completely takes over wine and you're like what was there it was like a tornado he really should be the oak tornado..."
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Episode #656

Easter wines. 1 Red and 1 White

With reds in the glass, Gary greets another cameo from the oak monster.

"...Little bit of a plum kind of component on the nose as well let's give it a whirl ah the oak monster makes an appearance in this Sendel and it really really upsets me over OED and over alcohol 15% on the bottle I'm going to guess a little bit more definitely off balance you know shot off a little smear off..."
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Episode #660

Wayne Gretzky Visits Wine Library TV

On this tasting, Gary calls out the oak monster amid heavy char.

"...A great team um now we're looking at the 2007 uned Chardonnay so we talk about ah the oak monster this is not going to have it I just learned about the un thing yeah the Uno thing is a big deal way big it's a big Trend $13 widely available in the US um 07 vintage let's give it a sniffy sniff smelling is..."
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Episode #662

White Wine Tasting in San Diego

Pouring whites, Gary wanders into a food tangent mid oak-monster sighting.

"...On the popcorn that's what I'm smelling there's also clearly a oy I wouldn't say the oak monsters here but I would say there is a burnt action play involved almost like a little bit of a cigar little burnt cener kind of play on the nose I don't smell the salami but I respect that idea let's give this..."
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Episode #664

Hotel Wine Search in San Diego

Cork out, Gary spots the oak monster crashing the glass.

"...Bad for Mero let's give it a whirl Little Oak defied but not so bad I was thinking the oak monster was coming through and then all of a sudden kind of calmed down little fakey fruit action but on the flip side kind of Juicy a little bit more of a complexity than I thought it would have let me give one..."
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Episode #665

The 4 Hour Wine Tasting

Between sips, Gary calls out the oak monster amid heavy cedar.

"...What's bothering you and the same reason you probably dislike many Cabernet okay the oak monster M this is one of the more substantial over oaked malbecks I've ever had and the reason you equate it to a headache is you're right that overdone Cedar Oak thing just becomes too much for most people whereas..."
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Episode #666

Wine Tasting at Cafe Notte - NYC

On this tasting, Gary wrestles with the oak monster once again.

"...On the back end that i picked up on the nose which i like a little creamiest but no oak monster which is always fearful with cabernet sauvignon grape can we finally stop makeupping cabernet sauvignon cabernet sauvignon texted me last night said please tell the people that make me to stop over oaking me..."
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Episode #671

A Wine Tasting at Sea

Between sips, Gary pins the oak monster under layers of cherry and cedar.

"...A little a little it's a baby it just grabs it but you can get off of it a little baby oak monster in the middle it's almost like creme brulee action um very creamy cedar box component a hint of tobacco then it goes into this really long silky cherry thing on the finish which is fine however it is a..."
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Episode #680

A Blind Wine Tasting of Priorat Wine

Glass in hand, Gary calls out the oak monster amid heavy chocolate.

"...Drinking me instead of me drinking it it's got huge Oak though there's absolutely the oak monster in this wine however I give this wine enormous credit because I didn't pick up on it into the Bitter End it's so big so complex High cocoa count dark chocolate things of that nature kind of flavors that..."
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Episode #682

Recommendation Day: Wine for Relationships

Cork out, Gary tracks the oak monster through vanilla.

"...Around just what I want yeah just call articulating it m a little in the back Little Oak monster for you vanilla e kind of a little bit yeah could be you're starting St to pick up a little palet here you're start to scare me maybe you will take over the show when I retire um there there's there's a there's cranberry fruit um there's also rhar on the nose which I think is fascinating and then I it gets you're..."
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Episode #692

A Fathers Day Wine Tasting

Glass in hand, Gary calls out the oak monster on the nose.

"...My dad and the VaynerNation, unlimited time. It's good. Do you find it a little bit too oak monster? Cuz it's very oaky. I feel like I ate a piece of wood. Wait a minute. It is delicious factor. It's also hot. The alcohol's coming through a lot. Yeah. I don't know why. You know why? Why? It's not been..."
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Episode #698

Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five

Tasting Cabernet, Gary flags the oak monster behind the grippy tannin.

"...Can taste the gorgeous oak integration in this wine it's not over the top it's not ah no oak monster this is California Cabernet in a very good place Oh for a little bit you know a couple years to age a little bit you know six is on the market now that's gonna be a little more intense little more tannins..."
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Episode #699

Wine Tasting at CLO – Wine Bar in NYC

Deep in the lineup, Gary greets another cameo from the oak monster.

"...Raspberry flavors definitely some creaminess and I'm definitely a little worried if the oak monster makes an appearance because I'm definitely getting a lot of left Underwood creaminess coming through let's give it a whirl let me start by saying big shout-out to my buddy Craig in Boston we've been pushing..."
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Episode #700

Remembering the Journey

Cork out, Gary greets another cameo from the oak monster.

"...Pulling splinters directly out of my tongue because this wine is so grossly over OED the oak Monster not only makes an appearance it has taken over the show I should actually get up and let the oak take over the show go ahead Oak because that's how ridiculous that is how ridiculous this is and this is a..."
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Episode #701

Super Tuscan Wines

Between sips, Gary calls out the oak monster on the nose.

"...And wine peeps every day uh a term he coined one day when everybody's saying the oak monster I can take credit for that but this is definitely an amazing uh category of wines igt's wines that don't follow the doc or the docg classifications people wanted Freedom they didn't want communism kind of..."
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Episode #703

Chardonnay Blind Wine Tasting

Tasting Chardonnay, Gary runs headlong into the oak monster.

"...Some of these are stainless steel and some are oak. As many of you know, ah, there is an oak monster on the show that I'm scared of. I don't like overd wines. So, my palette, this is just one person's humble opinion. May lean towards the stainless steel, may not as I've actually in the last 6 to nine months..."
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Episode #708

Expanding Palates in Omaha

On this tasting, Gary catches the oak monster lurking in the oak.

"...It has great capability but to me this wine is a little over oak i wouldn't say it's the oak monster but there's clearly a fake artificial let's make thank you shira so here shira lazar just gave me some lipstick so i'm going to taste it now now i want you to taste it not lick it eat it eat the lipstick..."
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Episode #710

Mailing List Potential

Glass in hand, Gary calls out the oak monster amid heavy cherry.

"...First time I'm having them. Good color, which I like. Let's give it a sniffy sniff. Oak. Oak Monster, please chill. All right, Oak Monster is staying in bay. Wow. Very bright nose. Now, this smells like I took Do you remember Italian ices? Like the cherry flavor? If you just let it sit there and you let it melt down to just a juice and you just..."
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Episode #718

American Merlot Blind Tasting

Tasting Merlot, Gary admits the oak monster still scares him a little.

"...Oak vanilla creaminess to the table than my palette likes so this is definitely ah the oak monster and that makes me sad uh the oak monster scares me as you guys know uh I think when wines get over Oak they really lose the true essence of the vineyard which makes me sad it's also replicatable so a lot of people can grab junky grapes and over Oak..."
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Episode #724

The Crush It Wine and Beer Tasting

Cork out, Gary decides this bottle mostly dodges the oak monster.

"...That not subtle. Honey, subtle oak. I do get a little bit of that oak tree. Not the oak monster. So, that's a good thing. I I didn't want to get scared here, but it's a good job by them on that. Um, great color, little bit color is beautiful, but the honey is just like undeniable. It's really powerful...."
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Episode #734

What Wine Pairs With Cereal?

Glass in hand, Gary finds the oak monster wrapped in butter and toast.

"...Chardonay in the world because they consistently pump out this great golden oky H Little Oak monster Oaky Chardonnay but it goes really creamy and butterscotchy caramel action which is the absolute thing that you want to do with cinnamon toast crunch as you can see the color is much more golden than the..."
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Episode #742

Wine & Spirits Top 100 Part 2

Cork out, Gary tracks the oak monster through char and spice.

"...Decade i i find that the oak is charming ironically which and i hate okay i have the oak monster and everything i'm not there at all there's something interesting about this oak i also like the um kind of like a god it's almost like it's a spice it's a very red spice it is a very red spice almost like a..."
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Episode #746

Fulfilling Promises

Glass in hand, Gary calls out the oak monster on the nose.

"...Not over the top fake fruit it's kind of nicely balanced what do you think about little oak monster for you it's a little oaky but i don't know surprise you might even have a more sensitive palette to oak than mine i'm not really that bothered by it no no i'm not bothered by it do you like this tell the..."
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Episode #760

Expanding Palates with Portuguese Wines

On a flight of Portuguese Port, Gary admits the oak monster still scares him a little.

"...OED I was surprised how Oaky this wine was I would say for me it is a little bit of a oak monster but it didn't completely scare the beesus out of me it was there but it wasn't really scary right it's kind of like a baby lion you know what's coming but for now it's cute so what I think is interesting is..."
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Episode #762

What Wine Pairs with Chicken Nuggets

On this tasting, Gary greets another cameo from the oak monster.

"...Kind of component come through let's give it a whirl white oaky i wouldn't say uh the oak monster makes an appearance but it is a very heavily oak chardonnay um it's a little cold too as you guys know i like to drink drink at room temperature so i can really get all the essence there is a little bit of..."
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Episode #766

Fall Flavors- Zinfandel Tasting

With Zinfandel in the glass, Gary runs headlong into the oak monster.

"...Feels like grandma's making some pastries in in the kitchen. I'm very worried that the oak monster is about to make a huge appearance. As you know, I'm very selfish. I don't like sharing the stage with the oak monster but let's see what happens. You know, to my surprise it is oaky. There is clearly you know, some new French oak kind of things going on here. But it's not massively bothering me because the fruit is..."
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Episode #769

California Chardonnay Throwdown

Working through California Chardonnay, Gary watches the wine drop oak bombs and bring the thunder.

"...Chardonnay producers in America and I was in the mood for some Oak bombastic ah the oak monster doesn't scare me today you know little buttered action you know what the buttered bandit has not made an appearance on the Thunder show M are we talking like two three years for the butter Bandit I'm telling..."
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Episode #775

Merlove

Mid-show, Gary calls out the oak monster amid heavy chocolate and grippy tannin.

"...Of course you have the big influence by you know tanning an oak CU it's just so the oak monster the I feel like the oak monster kind of like it's not it didn't come out mop but it's like over the shoulder like hey Oak monster you know kind of thing going on there's clearly some of it going on here um I really do like the dark fruit there's like a little bit like a a shaved chocolate as ECT I kind I smelled..."
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Episode #803

Another Merlot Blind Tasting

Tasting Merlot, Gary greets another cameo from the oak monster.

"...Old five-and-dime there's candy smells and you'll like them let's give it a whirl the oak monster makes an appearance I literally feel like I just went outside and bit a tree the amount of oak that is in my palette right now is outrageous I just literally feel like I'm eating sticks right now it's..."
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Episode #825

Guitars, Grenache, and Cabernet

On a flight of Cabernet, Gary catches the oak monster lurking in the oak.

"...Going to like the nose better than the wine because I'm a little bit worried that the oak monster is going to come out and scare the crap out of us too much you think huh I'm a little worried I could be wrong it's happened before rarely but it's happened before let's give it a whirl it's going to happen..."
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Episode #833

Washington Merlot and Twitter Tasting

Tasting Washington Merlot, Gary points straight at the oak monster.

"...And fruit up front um not as okay as I thought I think I might have assumed early on the oak monster would be here and you know what happens when you assume well-made not outrageous still going to only go 89 points on this wine um but definitely a little bit better on the palate than I expected from knows I..."
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Episode #841

California Chardonnay Tasting

With California Chardonnay in the glass, Gary wanders into a food tangent mid oak-monster sighting.

"...$40 US 20 months in oak. So you got to think it's going to oak it up. I think the oak monster and I should have a summit because I think I can get along with the oak monster right now. Anyway, snippy sniff. Not as much as we got on the NY, but definitely that oak buttered popcorn. A little apple spice mixed in. Smoky little marshmallow kind of thing. We referenced it before..."
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Episode #849

Cult Vines Wine Tasting

Deep in the lineup, Gary admits the oak monster still scares him a little.

"...Yeah there's there's people out there all right let's let's focus on this because the oak monster is trying to make an appearance there's this is pretty two years in French Oak and you can feel it is it 100% new French Oak yes yeah this is very aggressive Oak and as you guys know that scares me a little..."
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Episode #851

Brian Loring of Loring Wine Company Part 2

Between sips, Gary pins the oak monster under layers of spice.

"...You know like maybe like a Cleo does or something which by the way I love or like the oak monster yeah yeah it's supposed to be a spice it's kind of like when you add salt to something you don't want it to scream salt but you want it to bring up there's also minerality here yeah this the vineyard the..."
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Episode #872

Head to Head Chardonnay Blind Tasting

Pouring Chardonnay, Gary greets another cameo from the oak monster.

"...Move over this way first give it a little sniffy sniff might be a little lighter the oak monster who has not made an appearance in quite a while not only made an appearance it almost smells like he's smoking a cigarette this is like oaky and smoky in my nose wow a huge dosage of hacksaw hosts two by..."
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Episode #874

Head to Head Merlot Blind Tasting

Working through Merlot, Gary hands down a verdict shaped by the oak monster.

"...Is really emerging as the theme there see what's going on over here oaky not okay okay oak monster second time in three blind tastings that we've had the oak monster appear not as quite as you know um sugar level is a little higher tastes a little fake to me these kind of wines that do get big scores but then a little bit of the style that you know i would eat food with..."
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Episode #877

Jets Uncorked Tasting

Mid-show, Gary greets another cameo from the oak monster.

"...Though a couple of your producers pushed you with the 100%, you know, French oak. The oak monster is not making appearance here. And you guys know if the oak monster made an appearance in the Jets wine, that'd be like the Giants and Patriots playing in a Super Bowl. The worst thing that Oh, wait. That did happen. The worst thing that ever happened to me in sports. Yeah...."
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Episode #886

Vertical Tasting of Monteviejo Malbec

With Malbec in the glass, Gary flags the oak monster front and center.

"...Sniffy sniff God this is o this is even more oy than the last wine on those ah the oak monster and he's smoking a cigar Oaky and tobacco CL thick viscous interesting wine I I'm feeling a lot of California Cabernet you love Silver Oak love this I'm telling you right now Paul Hobs love it I'm telling..."
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Episode #893

Supermarket Wine Week -- California Chards

Tasting California Chardonnay, Gary wanders into a food tangent mid oak-monster sighting.

"...Oaky and and that's fine you know I'm a little bit sensitive to that we don't want the oak monster coming out but let's see what happens go to whirl little buttered popcorn action for sure um God it's buttery you know kind of tastes like buttered cornbread um that's one of the flavor profiles I'm really..."
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Episode #927

Wine & Spirits Top 100 Wines of 2010 -- Part 1

Deep in the lineup, Gary wrestles with the oak monster once again.

"...A lot of wines that have this big blast of flavor you call them fruit bombs or or even Oak monster wines um that people talk about them being lur likee and he said you know lur is not wine a wine has a beginning a middle and then an end and he wants his wines to go that way that they he doesn't want this..."
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Episode #940

TastingRoom.com Red Wine Sampling

On a flight of reds, Gary calls out the oak monster amid heavy char.

"...A big wine with big fruit I just think for me My Pet's very sensitive to the Oak the oak monster While others aren't um so not bad good start 80 Point Mero little surprised you know has lacks a little Mero characteristics a little bigger than I would have expected anyway ah lava and Shore 07 cabernet..."
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Episode #950

California Chardonnay and Cabernet Tasting

On a flight of California Chardonnay, Gary calls out the oak monster amid heavy char.

"...About it being over oaked and normally i would pound the wine like this and go ah the oak monster and get all angry and stuff but this wine has a lot of charming elements to it boysenberry on fruit good almost red flower interesting wine i like the darkness too it's kind of like you know batman like dark..."
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Episode #954

Tasting of New California Arrivals

Working through California wine, Gary finds the oak monster wrapped in vanilla and cherry.

"...Like I'm like, "Are you kidding me right now?" Luna Merlot, this is pretty darn the oak monster is in full effect. 20 months shows. This is heavily oaked on the nose and you get all the kind of, you know, nuances of that nutmeg, a little vanilla kind of thing going on. There's some black cherry coming..."
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Episode #976

Tasting Some New South American Wines

Cork out, Gary greets another cameo from the oak monster.

"...Thing going on let's give it a whirl and it's not because we just mentioned him ah the oak monster makes an appearance on the third show and we miss the oak monster all right back up crazy oaky fine um bitter tannins very dark fruit chocolate meets blackberry raisiny like a little bit on the mid palette and overall not the most exciting wines i've not the most exciting..."
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Episode #988

High End Kosher Reds Tasting

Tasting kosher reds, Gary admits the oak monster still scares him a little.

"...So black cherry coming through but very oaky and that bothers me you know that is the oak monster my friends and that scares me a little bit well and it's here there's a little kirchiness and a little blueberry as well dark fruit but very oaky let's give it a whirl too modern for my palette there are a..."
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Episode #992

Blind Tasting of Pinot Noirs from Around the World

Pouring Pinot Noir, Gary riffs that Lady Gaga swiped her “little monsters” from the oak monster.

"...And I'm not doing the little dra you know little monsters for you know I it's not the oak monster it's like wait a minute mod did Lady Gaga steal the little monsters from the oak monster she does do this and monsters Gaga I'm coming after you that just hit me I'm going to watch that moment where I just get wait a minute anyway this Wine's struggling to find itself um much like the the..."
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Episode #1001

Oaked wines aren't so bad?

Gary reflects on his evolving palate and admits to a surprising change in his stance on heavily oaked wines.

"Thats one of my big admissions in where I've been in the last 5 years, I've been stunned by my interest and my appreciation for over oaked, Raahhh Oak Monster chardonnays which is embarrassing because really for five or six years I pounded them in this seat."
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🎬 The First Appearance

Episode #145 - "The Birth of a Legend"

📺 Notable Appearances Timeline

🎨 From Wine Education to VeeFriends

🌳 Core Trait

🎯 Message

💡 Legacy