Opened the day before, which was an excellent call - enough time to shed off that fabled "sponti" stink. A pure and elegant Spat, with the trademark Schubertslay/J. Haart spice (I'm inclined to say it's the vineyard). Juicy palate with a salty minerality. Delish! Lingers on the palate with a sort of textured rich sensation.
NB: Quoting John Gilman on Schubertslay: "It's hard to believe something this beautiful can still be found in this world". What a special terrior! Can't wait to step into this vineyard, now that KP will be taking it over from Julian. — 6 years ago
[Tasted on March 10, 2024 at etc. in Nashville]
Wine is J. Bucher Bucher Vineyard Pommard Clone from three specific blocks in the vineyard. Purchased wine at Nashville Wine Auction tasting with John and Diane Bucher. Ripe black cherry, spice, graphite and earth. — 10 months ago
An imposter! If not for my ability to read labels, I would have never placed this in Germany. From the petrol notes that's pervasive in Australian rieslings, to the modern label and stelvin screwcap typical in the land down under, I could have easily called this a Clare Valley off-dry riesling with a little age if blinded. Apple, lime, florals, and petrol on the nose. The sugar acid balance does give it a more "Germanic" feel (Kabinett?), but that's not uncommon in Australia these days (John Hughes' Rieslingfreak No.5 comes to mind). Fruity and generous on the palate, with riper fruits, honeyed notes, and mineral undertones. Enjoyable. An imposter for sure, but a welcomed one. — 3 years ago
John Tilson's cellar! That's all you need to know. :))) — 8 years ago
John likes — 10 months ago
Nose has yellow apple peel, pear slice, straw and beach sand.
Palate has tangerine zest, ripe pear, under-ripe yellow peach, cold clementine orange with medium acidity and slightly dry finish.
A nice bottle; not sure if this wants more time, or a couple years past prime...
On the sold out (18K+ patrons) Lawn at Tanglewood this evening with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our guest Conductor Ken-David Masur is leading a 90th birthday celebration of John Williams. BSO soloists tonight are J. Williams Hudgins (vibraphone) & Jessica Zhou (harp), joined by Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Branford Marsalis (saxophone), Eric Revis (bass) and James Taylor (vocals/guitar). A truly wonderful night lay ahead, and my money is certainly on hearing at least one or two Star Wars movements this evening... — 2 years ago
1985 Sassicaia. Dinner J&D B at Best. Did not decant. Drank before the ‘82 Haut Brion. Excellent. John says it is the best Sassicaia he’s had. Tons of fruit- dark berries. Really rich and round and plush. — 6 years ago
Scott E. Becker
[Tasted on May 12, 2024 at etc. in Nashville]
Wine is J. Bucher Three Sixty Bucher Vineyard, a seven-barrel blend from five blocks including four Pinot Noir clones. Purchased wine at Nashville Wine Auction tasting with John and Diane Bucher. Bright dark fruit, spice, cedar and clove. — 8 months ago