John J. Bowman

Bucher Vineyard

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2021

[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.
— 7 months ago

Marqués de Murrieta

Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2009

Jammy (John calls my jammy inky though), “smooth” (J doesn’t like that word), light on the tannins (I barely notice them though), sweet but not sticky/heavy sweet. — 3 years ago

John Estrada
with John
Ericsson, Ted and 6 others liked this

Frank Family Vineyards

Reserve S&J Vineyard Petite Sirah 2014

Dies on the finish . Thank you John Johnson — 4 years ago

David and Mike liked this

Julian Haart

Schubertslay Spatlese Riesling 2016

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

Tom, Severn and 5 others liked this

Bucher Vineyard

Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

[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.
— 9 months ago

J. Baumer

Rheingau Riesling 2019

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

Ellen, Daniel P. and 14 others liked this
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

Just a footnote to this discussion - last year I opened a 2012 Grosset Polish Hill Riesling from the Clare Valley. Many good judges consider this as our premium dry Riesling. There was not a hint of petrol/kerosene aromas. My notes are here on Delectable from last September 2021.
Aaron Tan

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@Bob McDonald Good to know! My experience with Polish Hill has been mixed with respect to TDN to be frank. Could be storage too. I actually still have a bottle of 11' and 12' each in the cellar back in Melbourne. Will definitely be drinking them once borders make it easier to travel, though I can't be certain that's anytime soon.
Aaron Tan

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Just to note too, I'm still very much a believer in Australian riesling, but I feel water stress and the sun has not been favouring the variety over the years. It just means growing riesling in Australia's a little more challenging than in other places.

Weingüter Wegeler ( Geheimrat J. Wegeler )

Bernkasteler Graben Auslese Riesling 2001

John Tilson's cellar! That's all you need to know. :))) — 8 years ago

Domaine A. et P. de Villaine

Bouzeron Aligoté 2017

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

Vanessa, Doug and 33 others liked this
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

@Severn Goodwin, I can remember buying this cuvée from KLWM In Berkeley 35 years ago, but haven’t tried it in awhile. John Williams — WOW! Saw him conduct a few different times at the Hollywood Bowl 25-30 years ago, lucky you, enjoy!!
Peter van den Besselaar

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What a live, Severn
Severn Goodwin

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@Doug Powers Because of JW's connection to the BSO, we actually get to see him conduct about 2x per season, minimum. Although last night was all about him not having to conduct, he did lead a movement from Superman and the theme from Indiana Jones during the encore.

Tenuta San Guido

Bolgheri Sassicaia Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 1985

B
10

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

Mike liked this