Recent content by Michael G. Hanchard

you are quite right sir!!

Some humor at least. For what it's worth, I meant to write "varietal character", but no one else knew that, so fair enough. I was responding to the rudeness accompanying the correction and in subsequent comments. Mr.Costa, thanks for the funny picture of one of my favorite characters. I have...

Have fun!!

Mauro Franchino is a very small producer of Gattinara made in a classic, traditional style; minerality for days, violets and savory notes on the palate. Had the '08 in Gattinara last summer, and have had many vintages going back to the `90's. In Gattinara itself its actually much cheaper than...

Piss?

So both you and Mr, costa are from mars. Let's see how brave you are when we meet. I generally don't respond to comments like this, but I am interested in wine, not pissing contests.

I would concur. Truth be told, I much prefer Lopez de Heredia,older vintages of Montecillo Vina Monty, Marques de Murrieta, etc. than new fangled Rioja. So consider my note in that context. I'm not running out to buy any more Ramirez, especially at normally larcenous prices.

No, I actually meant varietal. I have never visited Mars, so you will have to tell me about your trip sometime.

Years ago, a boxing trainer and commentator described former world junior middleweight champion James Buddy McGirt as " as good as a fighter can be without being great". Fair or not, this description applies to wines which, while not the best representation of their appellation or varietal...

2004 Ramirez de Ganuza Rioja Vinas Viejas, over several days.My first experience with both the wine and producer. I'm a huge fan of old school Rioja Gran Reserva, and opened this bottle with a combination of suspicion and curiosity. The high price, high scores and modern patina made me wonder if...

Now I understand!!!

Anyone have any recent experience with Sybille Kuntz Gold-Quadrat 2009 and 2010?

I would probably hold, especially if you have only one. I had the white label 07 last year and it was gorgeous, the spiny character of Alpine nebbiolo with a voluptuous overlay because of the vintage. The black label is usually more structured and closed-in with a longer life expectancy. Great...

had my last bottle of this particular Knoll Riesling several years ago, and it was sublime. In the lineup of great Riesling sites in the Old-Hapsburg World, the Wachau Rieslings are quite distinctive.