Oz Clarke in California - UK TV

For forum readers in the UK there is a second OZ Clarke TV Series on wine starting tonight Tuesday 16th Oct.

'Oz and Jame's Big Wine Adventure' is on BBC 2 at 8pm (BST)

In the last series Oz took James around France - but in this series it's about New World Wines and they are in California.

Since it is a BBC programme I suppose it will be shown in Australia at some time and maybe it will be shown on BBC America.

Cheers, Dave C

I thought the programme was a lot better than the French one. I enjoyed the photography, excellent shots of vineyards & etc.

Started in Los Angeles, they're heading north to Napa. First episode went to Santa Barbara -- large Sideways influence included visit to Fess Parker and a double date at the Hitching Post, though it didn't go as far as Oz refusing to drink Merlot.....

I thought the programme was a lot better than the French one. I enjoyed the photography, excellent shots of vineyards & etc.

Started in Los Angeles, they're heading north to Napa. First episode went to Santa Barbara -- large Sideways influence included visit to Fess Parker and a double date at the Hitching Post, though it didn't go as far as Oz refusing to drink Merlot.....

They also met Davy Crockett - Fess Parker 'Fess Parker Winery'

Cheers, Dave C

For forum readers in the UK there is a second OZ Clarke TV Series on wine starting tonight Tuesday 16th Oct.

'Oz and Jame's Big Wine Adventure' is on BBC 2 at 8pm (BST)

In the last series Oz took James around France - but in this series it's about New World Wines and they are in California.

Since it is a BBC programme I suppose it will be shown in Australia at some time and maybe it will be shown on BBC America.

Cheers, Dave C

It may even be shown in New Zealand too, although the first big adventure has not been shown yet, or if it has, I missed it. Interestingly, James is probably more well known to NZ viewers because of Top Gear.

I taped James and Oz last night and just watched it. I thought it was better than the first series as well, if the first episode is anything to go by. More educational. Also, James and Oz seem to get along better this go-round, not so grumpy with each other - more respect between the two. Their constant bickering got to me after a while in the first series. Gosh, seeing the California scenery made me homesick, though.
cheers, Bonnie

I taped James and Oz last night and just watched it. I thought it was better than the first series as well, if the first episode is anything to go by. More educational. Also, James and Oz seem to get along better this go-round, not so grumpy with each other - more respect between the two. Their constant bickering got to me after a while in the first series. Gosh, seeing the California scenery made me homesick, though.
cheers, Bonnie

Episode 2 was on UK Tv tonight (it's 21.45 pm as I write) and I've grabbed a short audio section to give others a 'taste' of the show.

In this 'clip' Oz takes James to see John Alban of Alban Vineyards in the Paso Robles area of California - and the word 'Terroir' is discussed

The Blurb on the BBC website says this:-

Episode two
Oz and James hit Paso Robles to meet a host of rebellious winemakers who are happy to break some rules by taking grapes associated with the Old World Rhône varieties and blending them into exciting and invigorating blends.

They try the Reva blend made by John Alban at Alban vineyards, which mixes grapes such as Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier and Roussanne. Another recommended blend is Broken Stones, made by Justin Smith at Saxum, which contains Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. They also tried Gary Eberle's Syrah from his Steinbeck Vineyard.

I've put a 5m 30sec audio MP3 on my site but since it takes up 5Mbs it won't be there for more than a couple of weeks - so listen now!

Here's the direct link - save the file (spam free I promise) and enjoy!

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/davecooper2/sound/ozandjames1.mp3

Cheers, Dave C

Again, interesting and much much better than the first French series.

But I would like better indication of the wines/wineries they are at. What was that wine which James said was the best wine he had ever tasted?

BTW - is that Wendy Padbury in your avatar?

Again, interesting and much much better than the first French series.

But I would like better indication of the wines/wineries they are at. What was that wine which James said was the best wine he had ever tasted?

BTW - is that Wendy Padbury in your avatar?

All they say is what's on the audio - and the info from the website -
'
They try the Reva blend made by John Alban at Alban vineyards, which mixes grapes such as Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier and Roussanne.'

Yes - It's Wendy Padbury - my first 'crush' - also I'm a big Dr Who fan.

EDIT - is this any help:-

Alban
Syrah Edna Valley Reva 2003 96 / $56
California

Pioneering vintner John Alban, based in the Central Coast appellation of Edna Valley near San Luis Obispo, is a leader of the Rhône revolution sweeping California. For the fifth vintage in a row, Alban does his mother proud with a score of 93 or more points for the Reva bottling, her namesake. There's also the high quality Lorraine, a Syrah named after Alban's wife, and Seymour, a Grenache-based blend named for his father. The grapes come from Alban's 60-acre estate vineyard. 1,440 cases made.


I think that's the wine - (EDIT) sorry - I mean it's 'any' one of the above!

Cheers, Dave C

Yes - It's Wendy Padbury - my first 'crush' - also I'm a big Dr Who fan.

Me too.

But it is not the best view of Wendy

Episode 3 tonight - and I'm loving this Series.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/tv_and_radio/wineadventure_index.shtml

Cheers, Dave C

It is getting so that they seem embarrassed about the wine element of the show.


Anyone who wants to see James May drooling overcars already has a dedicated programme - winelovers don't...