2020 | Chardonnay
Patrick Piuze; Terrior de Chablis
Burgundy; Chablis, France
(Montmains adjacent vineyards)
(90-92; Drink 2026-32)
On the Lawn at Tanglewood this afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our guest conductor is Anna Rakitina (BSO assistant conductor), leading Ellen REID (When the World as You’ve Known It Doesn’t Exist), PAGANINI (Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major, Opus 6) with renowned soloist Joshua Bell, and PROKOFIEV (Suite from Romeo and Juliet; Suite No. 1, Opus 64-bis / Suite No. 2, Opus 64-ter / Suite No. 3, Opus 101). — 3 years ago
No notes, a quiet celebration for my wife and me as I have successfully ticked another box in the years-on-planet category today. Feeling older...I think.
Cailleze-Lemaire Eclats, Lot No. 0514; A newer bottle than what was previously in the cellar. I'll capture notes on a future bottle. Palate seems a little subdued from prior lot, perhaps more time in bottle is deserved.
+
On the Lawn at Tanglewood this evening with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our Conductor Anna Rakitina (BSO’s Assistant Conductor) is leading Elena LANGER (Figaro Gets a Divorce, Orchestral Suite), RAVEL (Piano Concerto in G) and ELGAR (Opus 36, Enigma Theme). The soloist for the piano concerto tonight is none other than Jean-Yves Thibaudet, our absolute favorite pianist (or piano-player as Emanuel Ax has been noted to say because he thinks the traditional term sounds funny when spoken), a never-to-be-missed event for us whenever he plays these hallowed grounds. (In 2004 Jean-Yves served as president of the Hospices de Beaune, factoid for any wine nerds who are also classical music nerds.) — 5 years ago

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7
Last time I saw them John Legend was on piano 🎹🤔 if I remember correctly
Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7
Could of been Ozzy Osborne🤷🏼♂️On the Lawn at Tanglewood this afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our conductor Andris Nelsons is leading GERSHWIN (Piano Concerto in F), GERSHWIN (Variations on “I Got Rhythm,” for piano and orchestra) and STRAVINSKY (Petrushka) with the amazing Jean-Yves Thibaude as the piano soloist on the two first works presented today. Jean-Yves is by far among our favorite pianists to grace the Koussevitzky Shed stage, so graceful, yet poignant!
Hot days call for cool wines, today there are some fun ones planned for sharing.
Nose has crazy apricot flesh, orange blossom, grapefruit zest and pineapple.
Palate has pleasurable acidity with citrus bias, sweet impressions but dry finish, glass coating viscosity. — 7 years ago
On the Lawn at Tanglewood this afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our conductor Andris Nelsons is leading GERSHWIN (Piano Concerto in F), GERSHWIN (Variations on “I Got Rhythm,” for piano and orchestra) and STRAVINSKY (Petrushka) with the amazing Jean-Yves Thibaude as the piano soloist on the two first works presented today. Jean-Yves is by far among our favorite pianists to grace the Koussevitzky Shed stage, so graceful, yet poignant!
Hot days call for cool wines, today there are some fun ones planned for sharing.
Similar notes from our last bottle.
Savory herbs, beeswax, citrus pith. So wonderful! — 7 years ago
On the Lawn at Tanglewood this afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our conductor Andris Nelsons is leading BEETHOVEN (Symphony No. 4), HK GRUBER (Aerial, Concerto for trumpet and orchestra) with the amazing Håkan Hardenberger as the trumpet soloist and then STRAUSS (“Dance of the Seven Veils” from Salome). Andris and Håkan happen to be friends, and both are trumpet players, I expect to see some playful nature to their interaction this afternoon. Mr. Hardenberger is a world renowned and virtuousic player, we're always glad to hear him, this will be his 4th Tanglewood appearance in 5 years. We expect various mutes to be employed over the work, a cow horn (yes it is want you think) and then finishing with piccolo trumpet, exciting to have a soloist work multiple instruments over his appearance!
Nose has green apple peel, dry seashell, cold quince, cut lemongrass and faint green herbals.
Palate has floral/ripe pear, yellow apple, green apple, fresh lemon rind and light sweetness on a medium-long finish. Fun bottle for a warm afternoon!
Off dry blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Valvin Muscat, a new offering for 2019, believe only available to the Wine Club or direct purchase at the winery. — 7 years ago

The description: A true rose appearance, pink with hues of red and pink grapefruit, starbright and new. Delicious, fresh and just dry on the palate with a tickle of sweetness and flavours of cherry and red apple skin, there’s plenty of peach-tea flavours all enhanced by a precise acid line and youthful salivating mouthfeel. Balanced, well made and ready for summer 2024 imbibing. Best drinking window from 2024 through end of summer 2027.
The opinion: yes very nice, had a number of misha’s rosé. They are of a consistently high standard, but this one is a little bit extra. will be getting 1/2 dozen or more. — 2 years ago
NV | Champagne
(67% Arbane/Petit Meslier/Fromenteau & 33% Chardonnay)
Perseval-Farge; Les Goulats 1er Cru, Brut Nature
Montagne de Reims; Chamery, France
Disgorged October 2018
(93-96; Drink 2028-32)
On the Lawn at Tanglewood this evening with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our conductor Andris Nelsons is leading John WILLIAMS (Violin Concerto No. 2, written specifically for the intended soloist this evening) featuring the violin virtuoso, Anne-Sophie Mutter, STRAUSS (Death and Transfiguration, Opus 24) and then RAVEL (La Valse). — 3 years ago
Rustic, clean….ethereal! Ready for food challenges…acid is poised and candied (discretely) with fading finish. Very sophisticated given its straight fwd linear attack. Blackberry is note this soloist sings :) — 4 years ago
On the Lawn at Tanglewood this afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our conductor Andris Nelsons is leading GERSHWIN (Piano Concerto in F), GERSHWIN (Variations on “I Got Rhythm,” for piano and orchestra) and STRAVINSKY (Petrushka) with the amazing Jean-Yves Thibaude as the piano soloist on the two first works presented today. Jean-Yves is by far among our favorite pianists to grace the Koussevitzky Shed stage, so graceful, yet poignant!
Hot days call for cool wines, today there are some fun ones planned for sharing.
Very interesting, almost like a wine version of a kriek lambic, yum yum!
@Carla Hine Thanks for sharing! — 7 years ago
On the Lawn at Tanglewood this afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our conductor Andris Nelsons is leading GERSHWIN (Piano Concerto in F), GERSHWIN (Variations on “I Got Rhythm,” for piano and orchestra) and STRAVINSKY (Petrushka) with the amazing Jean-Yves Thibaude as the piano soloist on the two first works presented today. Jean-Yves is by far among our favorite pianists to grace the Koussevitzky Shed stage, so graceful, yet poignant!
Hot days call for cool wines, today there are some fun ones planned for sharing.
Nose has blackberry jam on toasted brioche, violet,
bruised Tai basil, blueberry seeds and crushed ripe black currant.
Palate has peppered black raspberry, black cherry, tomato leaf and well concentrated blueberry jam.
@Carla Hine Thanks for sharing, top candidate for wine of the afternoon, along with the Minges Scheurebe!!! — 7 years ago


Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our conductor Andris Nelsons is leading GERSHWIN (Piano Concerto in F), GERSHWIN (Variations on “I Got Rhythm,” for piano and orchestra) and STRAVINSKY (Petrushka) with the amazing Jean-Yves Thibaude as the piano soloist on the two first works presented today. Jean-Yves is by far among our favorite pianists to grace the Koussevitzky Shed stage, so graceful, yet poignant!
Hot days call for cool wines, today there are some fun ones planned for sharing.
Similar notes from our last bottle, except tannins appear more noticeable today.
Nose is reminiscent of Passe-Tout-Grains. Very bright/aromatic fresh cherry, over-ripe strawberry and mashed green herbs.
Palate has tannic red cherry fruit, leather, flat cherry cola, herbal-mineral traits and medium finish. — 7 years ago
On the Lawn at Tanglewood this afternoon with the Boston Pops Orchestra. Our conductors are David Newman and John Williams are leading a diverse program of cinematic works composed by John Williams entitled "Across The Stars: Music Of John Williams". We'll enjoy pieces from Star Wars (various episodes), Harry Potter, E.T., Memoirs of a Geisha and many others. All works to feature the violin virtuoso, Anne-Sophie Mutter, a personal favorite soloist of ours on these hallowed grounds. Mr. Williams has rearranged many of the selections today to better feature Ms. Mutter, an exciting afternoon will lay ahead. 🎼🎻
Nose has mashed strawberry/banana and cut red delicious apple.
Palate has sweet strawberry, banana peel, ripe red currant and light green herb notes.
The wine is 100% DeChaunac, a more common varietal for colder climates, like Ontario; fruit is sourced locally (FLX region) from Sheldrake Point.
The 2018 may just be the finest version of this wine to date, so juicy and expressive on the palate, just beautiful for this warm afternoon. — 7 years ago


2010 | Chardonnay
Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix; Vaillon 1er Cru
Burgundy; Chablis, France
(90-92; Drink 2025-33)
On the Lawn at Tanglewood this evening with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our conductor Andris Nelsons is leading John WILLIAMS (Violin Concerto No. 2, written specifically for the intended soloist this evening) featuring the violin virtuoso, Anne-Sophie Mutter, STRAUSS (Death and Transfiguration, Opus 24) and then RAVEL (La Valse). — 3 years ago
2018 | Sekt
(100% Spätburgunder)
Marbleous (Tobias Feiden); TF Brut Nature
(Winninger Domgarten)
Terrassenmosel; Burg Cochem, Germany
(90-92; Drink 2023-28)
Disgorged August 2021
On the Lawn at Tanglewood this afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our guest conductor is Anna Rakitina (BSO assistant conductor), leading Ellen REID (When the World as You’ve Known It Doesn’t Exist), PAGANINI (Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major, Opus 6) with renowned soloist Joshua Bell, and PROKOFIEV (Suite from Romeo and Juliet; Suite No. 1, Opus 64-bis / Suite No. 2, Opus 64-ter / Suite No. 3, Opus 101). — 3 years ago
Favorite of the night. A rich syrah with a flavorful start that drops off fast. Almost no aftertaste. — 4 years ago
On the Lawn at Tanglewood this evening with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our guest conductor, and violin soloist, Leonidas Kavakos is leading an BEETHOVEN (Violin Concerto in D, Opus 61) and then concluding with DVOŘÁK (Symphony No. 7 in D minor, Opus 70). It is a rare treat to have a combination conductor/soloist leading the Orchestra, only the second time I can recall in about 12 years of attendance. The other instance was with Anne-Sophie Mutter, also a violinist, a few years ago now.
Nose has cut yellow apple, bag full of lemons, light vanilla, light oak and limestone paste.
Palate has cold butter, sugared lemon, lemon pith, quince, yellow cherry and creamy oak lingers on the medium-long finish.
Quite Chablis-like, except the touch of wood notes are a little heavier, but the caveat, this wine is very young, likely drinking great 2021-23.
24 Hour Update: Oak has subsided, just a great bottle today. — 7 years ago
On the Lawn at Tanglewood this afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our conductor Andris Nelsons is leading GERSHWIN (Piano Concerto in F), GERSHWIN (Variations on “I Got Rhythm,” for piano and orchestra) and STRAVINSKY (Petrushka) with the amazing Jean-Yves Thibaude as the piano soloist on the two first works presented today. Jean-Yves is by far among our favorite pianists to grace the Koussevitzky Shed stage, so graceful, yet poignant!
Hot days call for cool wines, today there are some fun ones planned for sharing.
Nose has fresh fennel, cassis, freshly washed strawberry and ripe peach.
Palate has zesty acidity from ripe grapefruit or tangelo perhaps, ripe (light) kiwi and crushed mint.
So good, it's hard to keep a full bottle for long! — 7 years ago



On the Lawn at Tanglewood this afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our conductor Andris Nelsons is leading BEETHOVEN (Symphony No. 4), HK GRUBER (Aerial, Concerto for trumpet and orchestra) with the amazing Håkan Hardenberger as the trumpet soloist and then STRAUSS (“Dance of the Seven Veils” from Salome). Andris and Håkan happen to be friends, and both are trumpet players, I expect to see some playful nature to their interaction this afternoon. Mr. Hardenberger is a world renowned and virtuousic player, we're always glad to hear him, this will be his 4th Tanglewood appearance in 5 years. We expect various mutes to be employed over the work, a cow horn (yes it is want you think) and then finishing with piccolo trumpet, exciting to have a soloist work multiple instruments over his appearance
Nose has strawberry-banana smoothie, light crushed red raspberry and freshly washed cherry.
Palate has red currant, red raspberry, slight grassy note and faint wet sandstone.
Exciting to get back to this bottle. Our last experience was directly off tank (Fall '18) which was tapped by Morten for us, very cloudy then, but flavors were beginning to come together. 100% Pinot Noir. — 7 years ago
On the Lawn at Tanglewood this afternoon with the Boston Pops Orchestra. Our conductors are David Newman and John Williams are leading a diverse program of cinematic works composed by John Williams entitled "Across The Stars: Music Of John Williams". We'll enjoy pieces from Star Wars (various episodes), Harry Potter, E.T., Memoirs of a Geisha and many others. All works to feature the violin virtuoso, Anne-Sophie Mutter, a personal favorite soloist of ours on these hallowed grounds. Mr. Williams has rearranged many of the selections today to better feature Ms. Mutter, an exciting afternoon will lay ahead. 🎼🎻
A nicely aging monopole Chardonnay, loving the lightly oxidized yellow fruits.
Nose has oxidized, yellow apple skin peel, papaya and medium oak more notable today than prior bottles, albeit not distracting but embracing.
Palate has creamy, tropical fruits, over-ripe lemon and light minerality.
Just an exceptional bottle, likely the best of all the 'Clos de Malte' 2011's we've enjoyed to date. — 7 years ago


Severn G

1992 | Riesling (Spätlese)
Wilhelm Weber-Ostetmann; Wintricher Großer Herrgott
Mosel; Brauneberg, Germany
APN 2 577 104 03 93
(92-94; Drink 2022-32+)
90m decant
Redemption for a underperforming bottle from our last go at this 1992. If you're buying old wine and didn't anticipate bottle variation, you need to know that's just part of the game. This bottle is fantastic.
(Enjoying alongside the '88 again today, no slouch on that bottle!)
On the Lawn at Tanglewood this afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our conductor Andris Nelsons is leading Sarah KIRKLAND SNIDER (Forward into Light; BSO Premiere), PROKOFIEV (Violin Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Opus 63) and DVOŘÁK (Symphony No. 7 in D Minor, Opus 70).
Our soloist today Augustin Hadelich rounds out the program with Prokofiev’s intense Violin Concerto No. 2, and Andris Nelsons leads the BSO in Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7 – sometimes called the composer's greatest symphony. — 2 years ago