I had the pleasure of watching my very first Wine Library TV episode last week while I was on board the Thunder Cruise. It was kind of neat to get a behind-the-scenes look at how Gary prepares for the show.

I know it’s hard to believe that I had never seen an episode, but I just never got around to it (sorry, Gary!) But, now that I’ve had the opportunity to witness it first-hand, I’ll be back for more.

Check it out and let me know what you think.

I just got back from the first annual Gary Vaynerchuk Thunder Cruise held on the MSC Orchestra this past week.

I’d like to sum up the experience using the information that I absorbed from the 200+ Vayniacs on the ship and of course, Gary himself.

Color: Golden Tan. (That’s me after 7 days of beautiful sunshine in the Dominican Republic, Antigua, St. Martin, Nassau and floating around the Caribbean).

Nose: Filled with scents of Strawberry Twizzlers, Fun Dip Sticks, Bacon, Grandpa’s Cherry Tobacco, Beef Jerky, Old Tennis Shoes, Dirt, Lemon Pledge, Helium Balloon, some Pineapple and Kiwi action, rounded out by a subtle scent of Cow Poop. (I learned that I can describe the aromas exactly how I smell them — and that was fun!)

Taste: New World, with a little bit of Old World class, very focused, absolutely rich with layers of complexity, great acid throughout, polished and balanced.

Missy Ward Rating: 92+

Summary: There was no shortage of wine to be tasted and Gary’s goal of expanding everyone’s palate was achieved. My fellow ThunderCruisers definitely made the experience even more spectacular. Improvements that could be made are based on the venue itself as the food on board was less than mediocre and quite a few staff members who attended to us in the Shaker Lounge, were just downright rude.)

That being said, Gary’s vineyard is solid and I’m sure that the ’10 vintage will be phenomenal.

Below are some highlights of the event:

Pictures:

Señor Sangria Sail Away Party

The new and spectacular MSC Orchestra

I can’t believe it’s less than a week before the Gary Vaynerchuk Thunder Cruise.

I’ve been looking forward to it for months because while I do enjoy my wine, I do not consider myself an expert. I figure that after spending a week tasting wine after wine with Gary as my sommelier, that I will walk away from this cruise much more knowledgeable than I am now.

Between what Gary has in store for us, exploring the ports of call, the Balinesian Spa and all the wine, I know this is going to be an experience I won’t soon forget.

I’ve got my thunder packed and ready to go!

Below is the Grand Tasting List.  You’re not going to believe this when I tell you it, but these are not all of the wines that will be available on the cruise.  These are just the wines that will be featured in the tasting scheduled for April 19th when we spend the day at sea.

1 Argentina I

Navarrita Chardonnay 2006
Navarrita Malbec 2006
Bodegas Monteviejo Monteviejo 2004
Bodega Monteviejo Lindaflor Malbec 2003
Bodegas Poesia, Poesia 2002
Bodegas Poesia, Poesia 2003
Bodegas Poesia, Poesia 2004
Bodegas Poesia, Poesia 2005

2 Argentina II – Vino del Sol

Melipal Rosé 2008
Zolo Torrontés 2008
Tapiz Chard 2008
Melipal Res Malbec 2006
Preludio Temp 2007
Tapiz Merlot 2007
Ksana Bonarda 2006
Ksana Malbec 2007
Camino del Inca “Quipu Blend” 2007

3 Chile, Argentina, and International Values

Cantus Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Cantus Carmenere 2007
Cantus Chardonnay 2007
Cantus Merlot 2007
Cantus Pinot Noir 2007
Swaii Chardonnay 2007
Swaii Merlot 2007
Domaine Mathes Wormeldange Wousselt Riesling GC 2006
Ben Marco Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

4 France – Rhone / Languedoc / Beaujolais

Chateau Puech-Haut Clos du Pic 2004
Chateau Puech-Haut Prestige Rouge 2004
Chateau La Negly, La Cote 2005
Mas de la Barben Calices 2003
Gibalaux Bonnet Unfilter Minervois 2005
Leocadie Les Clauses 2007
Leocadie Leukadios 2007
Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf du Pape Rouge 2006
Eric Texier Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge 2006
Louis Jadot Beaujolais Rose 2007
Louis Jadot Chateau des Jacquest Moulin a Vent 2006

5 Portugal I

Quinta do Vale Meao Meandro 2006
Cortes de Cima Riserva 2003
VT Douro Red 2005
Lemos and van Zeller Dona Maria 2005
Fojo Douro 2000
Quinta de Cabriz Reserva Red (Dao)
Quinta das Tecedeira Reserva (Douro)
Conde do Vimioso Reserva (Ribatejo)
Quinta da Mimosa (Palmela)

6 Portugal II

Herdade do Esporao 2007
Vinha da Defesa Red 2007
Vinha de Defesa White 2007
Esporao Reserva Red 2005
Esporao Reserva White 2007
Esporao Private Selection White 2007
Esporao Private Selection Red 2003
Chryseia Douro 2005

7 Spain I – Classic Wines

San Roman Toro 2004
Elias Mora Crianza 2005
Quiteria Loma Gorda 2006
Vega Escal Priorat 2005
El Molinet Valencia 2007
Conde de Subirats Cava Brut
Conde de Subirats Cava Rose
Black Pig Albarino 2008
Black Pig Ribera Del Duero 2007
Valdelainos Rueda 2008

8 Spain II

El Hada Rueda 2008
Marco Real Garnacha 2005
Bodegas Artadi Viñas de Gain Rioja 2006
Pico Madama 2005
Papa Luna 2006
Barbadillo 2007
Chivite Gran Feudo Rose 2007
Abadia Tetuerta Rivola 2004

9 Washington State (and friends)

Pomum Cellars Shya Red Blend 2006
Pomum Cellars Tinto 2006
Pomum Cellars Syrah 2006
Alder Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Goose Ridge Vineyards “Vireo” Red Wine 2004
Ex Libris Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Wild Oak Chardonnay 2006
Wild Oak Merlot 2005
Wild Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
De Tierra Merlot 2004

10 California I – Rodney Strong, Simi, Estancia, Franciscan, Benziger

Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Rodney Strong Reserve Pinot Noir 2006
Rodney Strong Reserve Chardonnay 2006
Estancia Meritage 2006
Estancia Reserve Chardonnay 2006
Simi Russian River Chardonnay 2006
Simi Landslide Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Franciscan Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Franciscan Magnificat 2005
Benziger Sauvignon Blanc 2007

11 California II – Raymond, St Francis, and more

Raymond Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Raymond Vineyards Chardonnay 2007
Raymond Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir 2006
Foley Estates Pinot Noir 2007
St Francis Chardonnay 2006
St Francis Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
St Francis Merlot 2005
St Francis Old Vine Zinfandel 2006
St Francis Red 2004

12 California III Zins and more from Neal Family, Frank Family, Starry Night

Neal Family Napa Zinfandel 2007
Neal Family Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Neal Family Cabernet Sauvignon Fifteen-Forty Vineyard 2004
Frank Family Napa Chardonnay 2007
Frank Family Napa Zinfandel 2006
Frank Family Napa Cabernet 2005
Starry Night Russian River Chardonnay 2007
Starry Night Sauvignon Blanc Napa 2007
Starry Night Zinfandel Sonoma County 2007
Starry Night Old Vine Zinfandel Russian River Montafi Vineyard 2006
Dashe Cellars Dry Creek Zinfandel 2007

13 California IV – Tensley, Kunde Family, Pessagno

Tensley Colson Canyon Syrah 2007
Tensley Blanc “Camp 4 Vineyard” 2007
Tensley Three Creek Syrah 2006
Kunde Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Kunde Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Kunde Syrah 2004
Pessagno Sleepy Hollow Chardonnay 2006
Pessagno Central Ave Pinot 2006
Pessagno Four Boys Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005

14 California V – Halleck, Daniel Gehrs

Halleck Three Sons Cuvee Pinot Noir 2006
Halleck Hallberg Pinot Noir 2006
Halleck The Farm Pinot Noir 2006
Halleck Clone 828 Pinot Noir 2006
Halleck Dry Gewurztraminer 2007
Halleck Little Sister Sauv Blanc 2006
Daniel Gehrs Chenin Blanc 2005
Daniel Gehrs Chardonnay Unoaked 2005
Daniel Gehrs Riesling 2007
Daniel Gehrs Gewurztraminer 2008
Daniel Gehrs Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Daniel Gehrs Syrah 2005

15 California VI – Napa Wines from Coniglio, Mouton Noir, White Rock, Kelly Fleming

Coniglio Cabernet Franc 2005
Coniglio Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Coniglio Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Mouton Noir Wines Montgomery Place Red 2006
Mouton Noir Wines Thief in Law 2006
White Rock Chardonnay 2006
White Rock Claret 2004
White Rock Cabernet “Laureate” 2004
Slingshot Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Kelly Fleming Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Kelly Fleming Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

16 California VII – Philips Hill, Sojourn, Bouchaine

Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay 2006
Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir 2006
Bouchaine Estate Pinot Noir 2006
Sojourn Cellars Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Sojourn Cellars Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2007
Sojourn Cellars Gap’s Crown Pinot noir, Sonoma Coast 2007
Philips Hill Oppenlander Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007
Philips Hill Toulouse Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007
Philips Hill Corby Vineyard inot Pinot Noir 2007
Morgan Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands 2007

17 California VIII- Vina Robles, Donati Family, Match Vineyards

Vina Robles Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Vina Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Vina Robles Signature 2006
Donati Claret 2005
Donati Family Chardonnay 2006
Donati Family Merlot 2005
Donati Family Sorelle per Sempre 2005
Match Cabernet Sauvignon Butterdragon Hill 2004
Match Cabernet Sauvignon Butterdragon Hill 2005
Match Cabernet Sauvignon Baconbrook 2005

18 California IX – Bonny Doon, Tolosa

Bonny Doon Albarino, ‘Ca’ del Solo’ 2008
Bonny Doon Le Cigare Volant 2004
Bonny Doon Syrah Le Pousseur 2005
Bonny Doon Vin Gris de Cigare 2007
Bonny Doon Muscat, ‘Ca’ del Solo’ 2008
Bonny Doon Le Vol des Anges 2007
Tolosa Estate Chardonnay 2006
Tolosa No Oak Chardonnay 2007
Tolosa Estate Pinot Noir 2006

19 Italy I – La Gerla, Orlando Abrigo, Antonello Cassara

La Gerla Brunello 2003
La Gerla Rosso 2005
La Gerla Birba 2003
La Gerla Brunello Riserva 2003
Orlando Abrigo Barbaresco Montersino 2004
Orlando Abrigo Barbera D alba Vigna Roreto 2006
Orlando Abrigo Livraie 2001
Orlando Abrigo Barbaresco Classico 2004
Antonello Cassara Solcanto Rosso 2007
Antonello Cassara Grillo 2007
Antonello Cassara Kilim 2006
Antonello Cassara Jacaranda 2007

20 Italy II – Ruffino, Geografico

Ruffino Aziano Chianti 2006
Ruffino Modus 2006
Ruffino Libaio 2007
Ruffino Lumina 2007
Ruffino Serrelle Vin Santo 2006
Ruffino Vino Nobile di Montepulicano Lodola Nuova 2001
Greppone Mazzi Brunello Riserva 2001
Geografico Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2007
Geografico Chianti Colli Senesi 2007
Geografico Chianti Classico 2006
Geografico Chianti Classico Riserva Contessa di Radda 2005

21 Italy III – Super Tuscans and More

Col del Sole Prosecco Extra Dry
Vigna Vecchia Chianti Classico 2004
Madonna Alta Sagrantino Montefalco 2004
Caterina Zardini Amarone della Valpolicella 2004
Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 2005
Argicola Punica Barrua 2004
Sette Ponti Crognolo 2006
Sette Ponti Oreno 2006
Tenuta Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino 2003

22 Germany

Dr. von Basserman-Jordan Riesling QbA 2007, Pfatz
St. Urbans-Hof Riesling Kabinett, Ockfener Bockstein 2007, Mosel
Schloss Johannisberg Riesling Spatlese “Grunlack” 2007, Rheingau
Franz Kunstler Estate Riesling Troken 2007
Von Hovel ‘Balduin’ Estate Riesling 2007
Monchhof Ürziger Würzgarten Kabinett 2007
Gunderloch Estate Kabinett ‘Jean Baptiste 2007
Dr. F Weins-Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese 2007
Fritz Haag Brauneberger Riesling Auslese GKA 2003
Dr. Loosen Riesling 2007
Dr. Loosen Estate Kabinett “Blue Slate” 2007
Villa Wolf Pinot Noir 2006
Villa Wolf Pinot Gris 2007
Kirsten Riesling Trocken 2007, Mosel

23 Australia

Turkey Flat Rose 2007
Turkey Flat Butchers Block Red 2006
Turkey Flat Shiraz 2006
Turkey Flat The Turk Red 2006
Penfolds Bin 389 Cab / Shiraz 2006
Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2005
Penfolds Bin 51 Riesling 2007
Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet 2007
Rosemount Show Reserve Coonawara Cabernet 2006
Rosemount Show Reserve Mudgee Chardonnay 2007

24 Tasmania and New Zealand

Pirie South Estelle 2006
Pirie South Pinot Noir 2006
Pirie Estate Pinot Noir 2005
Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Craggy Range Te Kahu 2005
Craggy Range Pinot Noir 2006
Wild Rock Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Wild Rock Pinot Noir 2007

25 New Zealand

Mt Difficulty Roaring Meg Riesling 2007
Mt Difficulty Roaring Meg Pinot Noir 2007
Mt Difficulty Estate Pinot Noir 2007
Daniel Schuster Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Daniel Schuster Twin Vineyards Pinot Noir 2006/7
Daniel Schuster Omihi Pinot Noir 2006
Selaks Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Selaks Riesling 2006
Selaks Ice Wine 2006

26 Hungary

Monarchia Cellars Olivier Matra 2007
Monarchia Winery Chardonnay Eger 2006
Monarchia Winery Pinot Noir Eger 2006
Monarchia Winery Bazilika 2004
Chateau Dereszla Tokaji 5 Puttonyos 2000
Chateau Dereszla Tokaji 6 Puttonyos 2000
Chateau Henye Tokaji 3 Puttonyos 2000
Chateau Henye Tokaji 5 Puttonyos 2003
Chateau Henye Tokaji 6 Puttonyos 2000
Prince Tamas Tokaji 5 Puttonyos

Bordeaux Pavillion

Vintage Wine Appellation
1993 Petite Faurie de Soutard Bordeaux
1999 Fugue de Nenin Bordeaux
1999 La Dame de Malescot Bordeaux
1999 Grand Mayne St Emilion
1999 Canon La Gaffeliere St. Emilion
2000 Cissac Haut Medoc
2001 d’Issan Margaux
2001 Cantenac Brown Margaux
2001 Smith Haut Lafitte Pessac Leognan rouge
2001 Cabanne Pomerol
2001 La Mondotte St. Emilion
2001 Les Pagodes de Cos St. Estephe
2001 Branaire Duluc Ducru St. Julien
2002 Smith Haut Lafitte Pessac Leognan rouge
2003 La Demoiselle d’Haut Peyrat Haut Medoc (Kosher)
2003 Peyrat Fourthon Haut Medoc (Kosher)
2003 Gazin Pomerol
2003 Sansonnet St. Emilion
2004 Cambon Pelouse Bordeaux
2004 La Fleur de Bouard Lalande de Pomerol
2004 Brane Cantenac Margaux
2004 Du Tertre Margaux
2004 Giscours Margaux
2004 Sansonnet St. Emilion
2004 Beychevelle St. Julien
2005 Ch Monestier La Tour “Emily ” Bergerac
2005 Balthus Bordeaux Superieur, Rouge Bordeaux
2005 Bel Air Bordeaux
2005 Bord’Eaux Merlot (BAG IN BOX) Bordeaux
2005 Chateau Birot Bordeaux
2005 Dauphine Bordeaux
2005 Fleur Chantecaille Bordeaux
2005 La Thil Comte Clary Rouge Bordeaux
2005 Plain Point Fronsac
2005 Poitevin Haut Medoc
2005 Franc Maillet Pomerol (Kosher)
2005 Fleur Chantecaille St. Emilion (Kosher)
2005 Quinault St. Emilion (Kosher)
2006 Haut Brisson Classic Cuvee St Emilion
2005 Larrivet Haut Brion Blanc Bordeaux
2005 Reignac Bordeaux Superieur, Blanc Bordeaux

White Bordeaux

2005 Larrivet Haut Brion Blanc
2005 Reignac Bordeaux Superieur, Blanc

Sauternes

2003 Doisy Vedrines Sauternes
2001 Guiraud Sauternes
2001 Petit Vedrines Sauternes

Wow, right?

I love wine. I love Gary Vaynerchuk.

So, when Gary mentioned his Thunder Cruise during his keynote at Affiliate Summit 2009 West, I could hardly wait to run up to my suite at the Rio and book it.

When I looked at my calendar I realized that it’s taking place April 18-25, which happened to be when I was scheduled to attend Ad:Tech San Fran and go on my yearly wine-tasting excursion through Napa with my buddies. (aka. AffNapa).

So what was I to do?

Yep, I booked the cruise.

So AffNap’ers – you’re on your own this year. While you’re in the limo, running from Cakebread to Silver Oak to Opus AGAIN, I’m going to be finnessing my wine knowledge with the Social Media Sommelier below…

Miss ya.. mean it

Gary Vaynerchuk, known as the “Social Media Sommelier” and for his in-your-face videos, is the host of Wine Library TV and the Director of Operations at Wine Library in Springfield, New Jersey.

His new book, “101 Wines Guaranteed to Inspire, Delight, and Bring Thunder to Your World”, puts all of his energy and passion for wine into print.

Attendees of Affiliate Summit 2009 West in Las Vegas are in for a special treat, as Gary will be offering up quite the keynote.

If you can’t make it to Vegas, don’t sweat it. We’ll be broadcasting the Gary Vee keynote live.

Make sure that you subscribe to the Affiliate Summit channel on Ustream.tv, so you don’t miss it!

So Ad:tech NY is now over and a new day is dawning in America. Although I prefer not to shove my political beliefs down other people’s throats, I would like to take a moment to say that I am utterly thrilled at the way things turned out. America, you look good in Blue today!

I’m still in NYC and am looking forward to the Mashable event this evening featuring Gary Vaynerchuk. Gary’s sure to shake things up a bit and it will be a great send off for me as I head to Aruba on vacation tomorrow morning.

I’m a beach girl and I’m really looking forward to spending time walking on the coastline, hitting the water, fishing and enjoying the beautiful Aruba sunsets. These are the things that make me — well, me.

So while I head off to go be me, I’m not planning on forgetting you. After all, you’re all part of me as well. So, how about I bring you back a gift from Aruba?

Just reply to this post and when I get back on the 17th, I’ll mail you off your shot glass from Aruba, on me.

Take care and talk to you in a couple of weeks.

I am on my way to Boston for a meeting with the Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center, where the Affiliate Summit 2008 East show will be held in August. Shawn Collins is meeting me there, so we figured that we’d host a little Affiliate Marketing Get-Together at Cheers at Faneuil Hall this evening — just because.

In celebration of Good People Day today, the flash holiday masterminded by Gary Vaynerchuk (who is also Good People), I would like to honor Brian Littleton, CEO of ShareASale.com.

Brian is Good People. Watch my video and see why.