If it's the John Cleese wine tasting video, it's more of an attempt to get one to judge wine by it's taste and not it's price. He hosts a wine tasting party and brown bags a variety of $10 thru $100 bottles of wine and has his guests vote. True to John Cleese, however, is the humorous presentation. It's not at all slapstick, but a few good jabs at wine snobs.

Scott

I just wanted to thank you guys for bringing the Vinturi to my attention.

I bought one for my father-in-law for Fathers Day, and it was an instant hit. It made an immediate, positive and discernible difference in the bouquet. Everyone was surprised and pleased.

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience.

Tom, as we all know around here, anything that makes a positive discernible difference is to be questioned.

Okay, I'm just getting started with this wine thing and am still developing a pallet, but I'm figuring out I prefer lighter "fruitier" wines. (don't laugh) Rieslings and gewurztraminers seem to be my favorites so far. I find myself still struggling with reds, although I did try one over the weekend that I REALLY enjoyed, and, no, not just because of the suggestive name. . .

We opened a bottle of Menage a Trois Red and had a nice afternoon of movie watching with wine and cheese. The Menage a Trois is a mix of three reds (zinfandel, merlot, and cabernet) and I expected it to be on the heavy side, but was surprised to find that it was very flavorful and light.

Okay, I just realized I don't have the vocabulary to describe wine. . .

In any case, I'll definitely be putting this on my list of wines I'll buy again.

Ain't nothin' wrong with Rieslings and Gewurtzraminers. I've been trying out more Rieslings lately. Either I've been incredibly lucky or I just really like Rieslings - haven't had a bad one yet. There is some awesome & affordable stuff coming out of Germany, too.

Wednesday is my birthday, which my girlfriend will miss as she's out of town. She gets back into town Thursday morning, and we go straight from the airport to the Russian River Valley, where she's booked us a room at some "not too fancy" place. I'm fairly excited. I need to discover some new wineries up there though. Got any recommendations, Mike?

No doubt, Adam, the Rieslings and Gewurzts seem to be "safe" choices. Hard to have a really bad one.

Happy early birthday and enjoy your trip to the Russian River Valley!

Oh, and pics, we expect pics!!

<dad>Separate beds, I hope?</dad>

Oh, there are definitely worse and better Rieslings and Gewürztraminer.

Look for a Riesling with the word Kabinett on the label. There are different 'grades' depending on the sugar acid ratio in the wine and Kabinett is the highest rating. The flavors in a good Riesling are quite subtle. A good Riesling must be consumed the day it is opened. Even 8 hours later it has lost a lot of its subtlety.

Good to know, Fred, thanks. I'll make a note to look for Kabinett.

Oh, and so far, haven't had a problem not consuming the wine right away!