thin guy

I agree. I'd take a chance on the upcharge for the old Madeira, a fascinating drink of real mystery-a real grown up wine. I think we're recommending the 97 Coteaux du Layon from the Loire, not the broken down 97 Jolivet Sancerre. Frankly, I think this whole affair stinks from the ground up. I've never seen a rattier collection of tired old horse-piss under one roof. Its actually rather perverse. Sort of a cruel joke. Beware.

"Burnt rubber" is a South African thing, for sure. Some age-old virus in most of the old South African vines, I'm told, creates this scent. Replanting with clean, modern stock is starting to change the high rate of "burnt rubber" scented South African reds.

I suppose its true what they say about Brits. They're simply fascinated with oxidized white wines and Champagnes. Aged, hot climate, low acid Marsanne, with a shelf life of about six minutes? Jesus, Mary and Joseph!