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

===

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

===

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

===

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)