6 chapters across the catalog
Will Hearst recounts a humorous story from the 2000 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Dvorak led a group of wealthy investors to the Bellagio for dinner, where he proceeded to order thousands of dollars worth of expensive wine on their tab. Hearst describes Dvorak "skinning them alive" while entertaining the table with expert commentary on the wine's "nose" and characteristics.
A dinner with executive producer Dana Brunetti and his partner Alexandra leads to a discussion about a frustrating wine list experience at a high-end restaurant. The wine list, containing 10,000 entries, was presented on a tablet without a search function, requiring manual scrolling. The anecdote touches on past experiences with company credit cards and the etiquette of ordering expensive bottles.
Final Donor Credits, Birthday Jingle Requests
The hosts concluded the episode by thanking a long list of $50 and $100 donors from across North America and Europe. The segment includes specific "karma" requests for health and employment, as well as a final round of birthday acknowledgments for the "No Agenda Nation." The "value for value" model is reiterated as the show's sole source of support.
Wine Service Failures, Chateau Marbousset, Restaurant Arrogance
A dining experience was marred by wine service errors, including the restaurant being out of a listed 2003 Chateau Marbousset. The sommelier's attempt to substitute a different vintage and a debate over decanting were highlighted as pretentious. The discussion argues that Michelin-starred establishments should not have such frequent "out of stock" issues on their wine lists.
In response to a listener seeking a wine pairing for pasta under $100, Rosso di Montalcino is recommended. Described as the "second wine" of Brunello, it is noted for being high quality, well-priced on restaurant lists, and more immediately drinkable than its more expensive counterparts.
A visit to Cliveden House leads to a discussion regarding the exorbitant pricing of vintage wines on restaurant menus. The hosts compare the market value of a 1953 Chateau Latour, priced at over 3,000 pounds at the estate, against potential auction prices and the drinkability of 1995 Bordeaux vintages.
