Walter Hansel wines are consistently well rated

Walter Hansel North Slope RRV Pinot Noir 2017 is a good value around $45, 92 McD points. Hansel does a wonderful job with Chardonnay and PN, a consistently well-rated Sonoma producer. If you can find any, the 2015 was slightly more impressive and is ready now, 94 McD. I found the ‘15 at the same price but most will be buying the ‘17, ready next year. The ‘17 is purple with ruby highlights. Opens to cherry, blackberry, lemon zest and dried roses. On the medium palate, smooth tannins and fruit ride a juicy acidity through a long finish. Hansel also produces these PN labels: Estate, 91 points, $39; the following run around $43-$45: South Slope 93 McD, Cahill Lane 92 McD, Cuvee Alyce ‘16 and ‘17 both 92 McD.  A party idea. Try to locate a mixed case of the 2017 for next duck/goose season and compare these side by side. After you have carefully unloaded and cleaned the guns, of course. They also produce several single-block offerings. I did not review them as others rated in 87-88 range and roughly the same price. They produce a serviceable SB that I normally rate 88-89 points priced around $20. The best recent Chardonnay is their Cuvee Alyce RRV 2016, $40 and in the heart of its window, 94 McD. This product is very consistent, varying only with the vintage’s ambient climate. The 2017 has a tropical fruit nose, citrus, pineapple and ginger, with freshly baked bread notes. Tropical fruit repeats on the palate with barrel spice accents. Made for sipping. Please, not too cold!  The 2017 is also 94 points but a very different and complex look. Here we find a bit more of an oaky nose with toast, pie spice, peach, apple, hot stone and complex barrel notes. A full-bodied beauty with orchard fruit and pie spice flavors riding an excellent fruit/acid/tannin profile through a long, multidimensional finish. My kind of Chardonnay. This will improve for several years. I have not sampled the 2018. Hansel withholds release because his wine is made to age. In many cases it needs a year or two after it hits the shelves, so don’t grab the most recent vintage and expect the best results. Try a laddered case and bet on their long skein of winners to carry. BTW, I do realize a case is expensive short term but normally you can get a discount, and if you can keep the wine key holstered, the long-range pleasure is worthwhile.

Checked out a selection from PURE the Winery, from Italy. They touted their product as: “Wine experience without compromise 10.5% ABV, zero sugar and zero carb wines.” They produce a Red, White, Sparkler and Sparkling Rosé priced around $15. Most are 81 calories per 5 oz. These were enjoyable and different. Worth trying for those who require or desire this type product. I also looked into PureWine Wands that remove histamines and sulfites. They look like small paintbrushes but have screen-like filters instead of bristles. Fortunately, I don’t suffer the effects of either, but others with me claimed they worked. Each cost about $2.50 and cheaper with volume, i.e. 90/pkg for $154.99. They also make a bottle filter 3/$25. I have not tried the bottle filters. If you are unsure you are sulfite allergic, a Wall Street Journal article said, “People who believe they may suffer from this kind of an allergy should try a dried apricot, as they have much higher levels of sulfites and should easily trigger a sneeze or congestion in someone who is suffering from this kind of allergy.” Interesting editing there.

As a nonresident, I rarely comment on Rehoboth Beach politics. However, congratulations to the voters for getting rid of their out-of-touch mayor. There’s another pol with a rhyming name who has completely failed us. Let’s hope New Castle wakes up and helps send him and Carney packing this cycle. Ms. Murray can’t possibly make worse decisions than Jackie Gleason’s neighbor, and Sen. Coons is an embarrassment. I follow him whenever possible on C-Span. Look up Schumer/Pelosi minion and his picture pops up.