2015:
When I was seventeen, it was a very good year
It was a very good year for small young vines
And soft summer nights
The stars were bright lights
But my grapes were still green
When I was seventeen
When I was twenty-one, it was a very good year
It was a very good year when my juice ran clear
And made thrilling wine
All who drank judged it fine
Many prizes it won
When I was twenty-one
When I was thirty-five, it was a very good year
My yields were down but the flavours were deep
At the height of my powers
Making wine full of flowers
My domaine did thrive
When I was thirty-five
But now the days are short, I’m in the autumn of my years
And I think of my life making vintage wine
From fine old kegs
From the brim to the dregs
It poured sweet and clear
It was a very good year
In tribute to Ervin Drake, who passed away earlier this year (2015). He wrote the original song in 1961. (It was a very good year.)
2014:
My Favourite Things
Champers from Bouzy and Provençal rosé
Ageing Rioja, its fine fragrant bouquet
Wine lists from cellars in old country inns
These are a few of my favourite things
Syrah with pheasant and Chenin from Vouvray
Or if that’s too pricey let’s drink Moulin Touchais!
Wine drunk from glasses with very fine rims
These are a few of my favourite things
Vin Jaune from Arbois with two year old Comté
It’s been a big meal, now what was that entrée?
Yes! Demi-sec Riesling with Buffalo wings
These are a few of my favourite things
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When the cork breaks
When my head spins
When I’m feeling sad
I simply remember my favourite things
And then I don’t feel so bad
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Down with consultants and centrifugation
Oak chips, high scores, micro-oxygenation
Let’s have small growers with vines trained on strings
These are a few of my favourite things
D’Yquem with foie gras and Riesling with curry
Long vinous lunches with friends in no hurry
Walkaround tastings with glasses in slings
These are a few of my favourite things
Chablis with salmon for lunch at the Hilton
then claret from Pauillac and Port with ripe Stilton
from dusty old bottles the wine waiter brings
These are a few of my favourite things
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When the cork breaks
When my head spins
When I’m feeling sad
I simply remember my favourite things
And then I don’t feel so bad
(With admiration for and apologies to Oscar Hammerstein II)