Topic: Tasting

The term umami has seen a surge in popular usage since the early 2000s, largely driven by professional chefs on television cooking programs. An Ngram search indicates the word was virtually non-existent in common English parlance prior to this period. While often described as a savory or meaty taste, the term is frequently used as a modern euphemism for the flavor profile associated with monosodium glutamate (MSG).

One of the hosts performs a live tasting of the "Oli Ghost" pepper sauce during the broadcast. They describe the heat level and lingering effects of the small-batch product. The segment concludes with a final thank you to the associate executive producers for the episode.

Producers reported on recent meetups in Oregon, which featured a pomegranate mead tasting, and a gathering in Las Vegas during the Black Hat and Def Con conventions. Upcoming meetups are scheduled for Fort Worth, Jacksonville, and Dublin. These events are organized by listeners to foster community outside of mainstream media influence.

The hosts begin a new recurring segment called "Winery Wednesday," starting with a report on Becker Vineyards. They review the ambiance, the "rehearsed spiel" of the staff, and the quality of the charcuterie board. The 2018 Dolcetto Reserve is highlighted as the best wine tasted so far, despite a critique of its price point.

Dame Meowdison and Dame Damey of Sonoma are recognized for their contributions. Dame Damey, who works at the Verite winery, describes an "off-the-rails" unscripted tasting experience with the hosts and plans a local meetup in Healdsburg.

Hollywood producer Dana Brunetti visited a cult winery in Sonoma County for a high-end tasting involving 100-point wines. During the visit, Brunetti shared a story regarding the casting of the film Captain Phillips, noting that the Somali pirates were cast during a cattle call in Minnesota. One of the non-professional actors from that call eventually received an Academy Award nomination, while lead actor Tom Hanks did not.

A donation from Amy Ekman Spradling leads to a discussion about her work at Veritas Winery in Healdsburg, California. The hosts reminisce about Adam Curry's MTV days and the social dynamics of "hitting people in the mouth" with No Agenda information.

A 55-year-old male producer shared his family's experience recovering from COVID-19, describing it as a mild flu with unique joint pain and extreme fatigue. The most notable symptom was a near-total loss of smell and taste for two days, which differed from standard congestion-related muting. The family recovered fully within a week, leading to questions about the necessity of national lockdowns for moderate viruses.

Vitamin D is identified as a crucial factor in upregulating enzymes like Cystatin-D, which helps protect the respiratory system. The loss of taste and smell in COVID-19 patients is linked to deficiencies in these nutrients. Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai is mentioned as a proponent of using high-dose Vitamin D and zinc to support the immune system during the pandemic.

A Denver-based company called Replica claims to use laboratory analysis to recreate expensive wines at a lower price point. John C. Dvorak, a professional wine judge, deconstructs the claim as a marketing scam, explaining that the complexity of yeast and fermentation makes it impossible to chemically map and perfectly replicate high-end wine.

New knights and dames were inducted into the No Agenda Round Table, including Sir Loud Pipes, Dame Firecracker, and Sir Racha. John Dvorak announced he would be cooking sorghum for the first time, describing a simple preparation with butter and salt. He also mentioned an upcoming wine report following a large tasting event.

A review of the 2012 Robert Mondavi Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon describes it as a heavy, high-quality wine priced at approximately $35. An unconventional tasting technique was shared, involving diluting the wine 50/50 with cold water, which reportedly enhanced the flavor profile. This method is also suggested as a way to appear to be drinking more at cocktail parties while remaining sober.

The hosts review their dining experience at Parallel 37, the restaurant inside the Ritz Carlton San Francisco. They critique the hotel's transition under Marriott ownership, noting a shift toward a "W Hotel" aesthetic to compete with the Four Seasons. While the tasting menu was considered decent, they express disappointment in the lack of a professional sommelier.

Adam Curry recounts a conversation with his uncle, Don Curry, regarding his past correspondence with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. Don Curry reportedly sent movies such as The Patriot and Brothers in Arms to the Supreme Leader, who allegedly enjoyed them. The hosts propose sending a new list of DVDs to Kim Jong-il to facilitate a future wine tasting meeting for John C. Dvorak.

John C. Dvorak proposes traveling to North Korea to help Kim Jong-il inventory his rumored collection of rare Bordeaux wines. The hosts discuss the social aspects of high-end wine collecting and the potential for "wine diplomacy." They reference North Korean humor as depicted in travel shows like Globe Trekker.

During a dinner with a guest from Holland, a debate arose regarding the quality of Henriot champagne. One host found it exceptionally smooth, while the guest preferred a "chalkier" style of champagne. The segment touches on different regional preferences for sparkling wine and the high cost of premium brands like Dom Perignon.

An anecdote about a professional wine tasting reveals the "manufactured taste" of high-end Gallo wines. The discussion covers marketing tricks used by large wineries to hook consumers with high-quality early vintages before reducing the quality of ingredients in later releases.

Wine critic Jancis Robinson's recent rankings in the Financial Times are discussed, specifically her praise for various Chateauneuf-du-Pape labels. The hosts argue that the wine has become overpriced and trendy due to influence from critics like Robert Parker. They suggest there is a "sameness" to the variety that does not justify the $100+ price tags of high-ranked bottles.

Quince, a Michelin-starred restaurant in San Francisco, is reviewed following a visit for its tasting menu. Highlights included a Dungeness crab soup and an inexpensive Vaka Reyes wine recommended by the steward. While the proportions were deemed appropriate, some pasta dishes were criticized for being overly starchy.

The global wine industry is facing a quiet scandal regarding the use of "Mega Purple," a concentrated additive used to darken the color and alter the flavor profile of wines. This trend is driven by the influence of critic Robert Parker, whose preference for "inky" wines has led producers to manipulate their products to achieve higher scores.