Matt Waring

9.2

Green apple, daffodil, and whiffs of raspberry, all on top of hefty shortbread. Good bubbles and great length. The 2012 grapes must have heard more Beethoven than Mozart — 6 months ago

Severn G

9.1

Notes are cumbersome, so no notes today but plus side, scores are honest and I should be a professional reviewer, LOL.

On the Lawn at Tanglewood this final afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our guest conductor Michael Tilson Thomas is leading IVES (Psalm 90) and BEETHOVEN (Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Opus 125).

After a two-year pause, we arrive again to the day when Beethoven concludes on these hallowed grounds. The 9th by Beethoven is always bittersweet for us, as it marks the end of the official Symphony and Pops season for the BSO at their Summer home. It is a wonderful and singularly emotive piece moved with the full force of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus (110+) conveying the message of a divine spark of joy that makes all people one. The music and the day almost bring me to tears on an annual basis...
'Freude, schöner Götterfunken!' / 'Joy, beauteous, godly spark!' — 4 years ago

Severn G

9.2

Notes are cumbersome, so no notes today but plus side, scores are honest and I should be a professional reviewer, LOL. (Good, but not 2019 good, detailed notes on future bottles...)

On the Lawn at Tanglewood this final afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our guest conductor Michael Tilson Thomas is leading IVES (Psalm 90) and BEETHOVEN (Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Opus 125).

After a two-year pause, we arrive again to the day when Beethoven concludes on these hallowed grounds. The 9th by Beethoven is always bittersweet for us, as it marks the end of the official Symphony and Pops season for the BSO at their Summer home. It is a wonderful and singularly emotive piece moved with the full force of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus (110+) conveying the message of a divine spark of joy that makes all people one. The music and the day almost bring me to tears on an annual basis...
'Freude, schöner Götterfunken!' / 'Joy, beauteous, godly spark!' — 4 years ago

Severn G

9.2

Nose has under-ripe peach, lemon zest, cold chalk and wet beach sand.

Palate has pineapple core, dried lemon, sea spray and dehydrated peach.

Nice balanced acidity, no real herbal notes to speak of, a different expression than the traditional style. This wine should have a long life ahead, drink 2024-31.

The inaugural, single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc for Saracina from the Lolonis Vineyard; possibly some of the oldest SB vines in the US, planted in 1942.

On the Lawn at Tanglewood this afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our conductor Andris Nelsons and pianist Paul Lewis collaborate on the third of three concerts encompassing all five of Ludwig van Beethoven’s piano concertos in one weekend. Today's program includes OGONEK (Starling Variations, 2022; world premiere), FARRENC (Symphony No. 3 in G minor, Opus. 36) and BEETHOVEN (Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat, Opus 73, Emperor). This weekend has been an auditory pleasure, enjoying all five of Beethoven's piano concerti, and what a finale today! — 4 years ago

Severn G

9.2

On the Lawn at Tanglewood this final afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our guest conductor Giancarlo Guerrero (Nashville Symphony director) is leading SCHOENBERG (Friede auf Erde, Opus 13 (Peace on Earth), for unaccompanied chorus) and BEETHOVEN (Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Opus 125).

The 9th by Beethoven is always bittersweet for us, as it marks the end of the official Symphony and Pops season for the BSO at their Summer home. It is a wonderful and singularly emotive moving piece, with the full force of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus at 250+ singers, conveying the message of a divine spark of joy that makes all people one.
'Freude, schöner Götterfunken!' / 'Joy, beauteous, godly spark!'

Nose of warmed pear, light toasted brioche and wet limestone.

Palate has warmed lemon curd spread on lightly toasted bread, chalky-saline mousse and honey over yellow apple. Finish is med-long, a beautiful effort.

Disgorged 7/2017, blend of '13/'14 with a 50/50 blend of Chardonnay & Pinot Noir. Noted improvement with some additional bottle age since our prior experience (same disgorgement). — 7 years ago

Severn G

9.1

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

Elmars

9.3

At Beethoven in Haro. Deep bouquet, well balanced, pleasure to drink. — 10 months ago

Severn G

9.1

Notes are cumbersome, so no notes today but plus side, scores are honest and I should be a professional reviewer, LOL.

On the Lawn at Tanglewood this final afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our guest conductor Michael Tilson Thomas is leading IVES (Psalm 90) and BEETHOVEN (Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Opus 125).

After a two-year pause, we arrive again to the day when Beethoven concludes on these hallowed grounds. The 9th by Beethoven is always bittersweet for us, as it marks the end of the official Symphony and Pops season for the BSO at their Summer home. It is a wonderful and singularly emotive piece moved with the full force of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus (110+) conveying the message of a divine spark of joy that makes all people one. The music and the day almost bring me to tears on an annual basis...
'Freude, schöner Götterfunken!' / 'Joy, beauteous, godly spark!' — 4 years ago

Severn G

9.1

NV (2018 fruit); Last bottle! 🙁 Still delicious and prior notes apply.

On the Lawn at Tanglewood this afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our conductor Andris Nelsons and pianist Paul Lewis collaborate on the third of three concerts encompassing all five of Ludwig van Beethoven’s piano concertos in one weekend. Today's program includes OGONEK (Starling Variations, 2022; world premiere), FARRENC (Symphony No. 3 in G minor, Opus. 36) and BEETHOVEN (Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat, Opus 73, Emperor). This weekend has been an auditory pleasure, enjoying all five of Beethoven's piano concerti, and what a finale today! — 4 years ago

Severn G

9.2

Just the best Moscato d'Asti money can buy, you'll never have more enjoyment packed into another bottle!

Our final bottle of the 2017 vintage.

+

On the Lawn at Tanglewood this evening with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, without orchestra or conductor 😉. Three humble souls playing an all BEETHOVEN program (Piano Trio No. 3 in C minor (Opus 1, No. 3) and Symphony No. 2 in D (Opus 36, arr. for piano trio by Beethoven)) with a few of the best players of instruments containing strings, Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Leonidas Kavakos (violin) and Emanuel Ax (piano). A true delight for lovers of Classical music this evening! — 5 years ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.4

Dark and brooding nose. Floral as well. Mineral. Savory. Dynamite cherry. Terrific lift. Expansive. Big, rich, ripe and young with terrific energy and snap. Big, imposing but elegant tannins. Massive levels of dank cherry fruit. Really deep, powerful and concentrated. So mineral. This is awesome. Holds its 15.0 alcohol like a champ. Wow. This really is mouth coating. So young but insane promise here. A regular baby Beethoven. — 6 years ago

Severn G

9.2

On the Lawn at Tanglewood this final afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our guest conductor Giancarlo Guerrero (Nashville Symphony director) is leading SCHOENBERG (Friede auf Erde, Opus 13 (Peace on Earth), for unaccompanied chorus) and BEETHOVEN (Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Opus 125).

The 9th by Beethoven is always bittersweet for us, as it marks the end of the official Symphony and Pops season for the BSO at their Summer home. It is a wonderful and singularly emotive moving piece, with the full force of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus at 250+ singers, conveying the message of a divine spark of joy that makes all people one.
'Freude, schöner Götterfunken!' / 'Joy, beauteous, godly spark!'

Nose has ripe yellow apple, lightly oxidized green apple peel, baked phyllo dough, partially aromatic white flowers and damp rocks. I always get a natural wine vibe here, without the vinegar-like profile, but it seems alive!

Palate has baked green and yellow apple pastry, crisp acidity yet dense, candle wax begins on the finish and ends with dry granite. Great balance, very lengthy finish, clean and not cumbersome, superb vintage, long life ahead. We love you Jean-Jacques. — 7 years ago

Severn G

9.1

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

Severn G

9.1

NV | Champagne
(100% Pinot Noir)
Marie Demets; Tradition
Extra Brut-Blanc de Noirs
Côte des Bar; Gyé-sur-Seine, France
Tirage 5 March 2022 / Disgorged 7 June 2023
Lot No. T-22/2
(90-92; Drink 2024-30)

On the Lawn at Tanglewood this afternoon with the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra (the overly talented youth!). Our conductor Andris Nelsons is leading IVES (Three Places in New England, Orchestral Set No. 1), BEETHOVEN (Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Opus 37) and STRAUSS (Also sprach Zarathustra, Opus 30...aka 2001: A Space Odyssey, Stanley Kubrick❤️).

One of our local treasures, Emanuel Ax on piano for the Beethoven Concerto! — 2 years ago

Severn G

9.3

Notes are cumbersome, so no notes today but plus side, scores are honest and I should be a professional reviewer, LOL. (TBH, See my prior notes, this '13 vintage is great 5-8Y in front still.)

On the Lawn at Tanglewood this final afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our guest conductor Michael Tilson Thomas is leading IVES (Psalm 90) and BEETHOVEN (Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Opus 125).

After a two-year pause, we arrive again to the day when Beethoven concludes on these hallowed grounds. The 9th by Beethoven is always bittersweet for us, as it marks the end of the official Symphony and Pops season for the BSO at their Summer home. It is a wonderful and singularly emotive piece moved with the full force of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus (110+) conveying the message of a divine spark of joy that makes all people one. The music and the day almost bring me to tears on an annual basis...
'Freude, schöner Götterfunken!' / 'Joy, beauteous, godly spark!' — 4 years ago

Severn G

9.4

Notes are cumbersome, so no notes today but plus side, scores are honest and I should be a professional reviewer, LOL. (This wine was crazy, one of the best Gamay I've had...)

On the Lawn at Tanglewood this final afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our guest conductor Michael Tilson Thomas is leading IVES (Psalm 90) and BEETHOVEN (Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Opus 125).

After a two-year pause, we arrive again to the day when Beethoven concludes on these hallowed grounds. The 9th by Beethoven is always bittersweet for us, as it marks the end of the official Symphony and Pops season for the BSO at their Summer home. It is a wonderful and singularly emotive piece moved with the full force of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus (110+) conveying the message of a divine spark of joy that makes all people one. The music and the day almost bring me to tears on an annual basis...
'Freude, schöner Götterfunken!' / 'Joy, beauteous, godly spark!' — 4 years ago

Severn G

9.3

Prior notes still mostly apply, decanted +3H. Lighter acidity (👍) and a touch more neutral-ish oak notes, showing beautiful tonight!

Nose has green apple slice, under-ripe pear, garden fresh string beans, cold butter and fresh green apple peel.
Palate has baked green apple with sprinkle of sugar, lemon pith, river stones, lemon zest with medium acidity and a long finish.

+

On the Lawn at Tanglewood this evening with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, without orchestra or conductor 😉. Three humble souls playing an all BEETHOVEN program (Piano Trio No. 3 in C minor (Opus 1, No. 3) and Symphony No. 2 in D (Opus 36, arr. for piano trio by Beethoven)) with a few of the best players of instruments containing strings, Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Leonidas Kavakos (violin) and Emanuel Ax (piano). A true delight for lovers of Classical music this evening! — 5 years ago

Severn G

9.0

Nose has strawberry, red apple slice, red currant bunch, ripe cherry and dry earth.

Palate has cherry, raspberry, orange pith, red apple peel, light green herbs with a light tannic grip.

What a color! Nice wine, plenty of fruit to please most palates, decent finish; fun blend of grapes!

On the Lawn at Tanglewood this evening with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. For Opening Night our conductor Andris Nelsons is leading an all BEETHOVEN program (Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus, Piano Concerto No. 5 (Emperor) and Symphony No. 5) with one of our local treasures, Emanuel (Manny!) Ax on piano.

It's been a long time coming to get on the best manicured lawn in the Berkshires, 2020 saw a full withdrawal of the in-person season because of the pandemic. Now we're back with a very abbreviated season, limited capacity grounds and shed; we've returned, all celebrating the greatest orchestra in the world! — 5 years ago

Severn G

9.1

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

Jonathan Wall

8.9

Light bright and elegant. More Beethoven than funk. — 8 years ago