TN: Lagrein, CdP, Chablis, Macon, Touraine

Dale, I know that you've expressed great optimism about the '04 vintage in Chablis, and your tastings tend to support that, but I've also read very guarded language in H. Johnson's Pocket Guide about '04. I just recently picked up the '04 Boudin Chablis AC, so I guess that I'll soon be able to add my own views into the mix.

Tax day??? Quarterly payments or something? Good to hear about the '98 La Gardine. I've got a few bottles of it waiting for me, but I think I'd better drink up the '89 La Gardine beforehand ;-) [I think that those are the only two vintages of it in my cellar, a shame in a sense since it was a '78 La Gardine I had in '83 that first turned me on to CdP]

Was this the #5 or not? I liked them both FWIW. Last night we had a bottle of the '04 CRB Gamay with rack of lamb: bright, fruity, with a slightly short and bitter finish, but it was helped quite a bit by the food.

Thanks for the notes! Mark Lipton

While I don't think 2004 is neccessarily a slam-dunk in Chablis, I've been happy with most I've tried.

As to taxes, while mine are simple (salary and a few speeches), Betsy's non-opera work is pretty complicated (lots of concerts, with travel expenses). If we don't get everything done before spring opera starts, we have to file an extension. Our accountant loves us because we don't hound him in March or April.

The CRB was the standard. I too like both the regular and the #5, with the latter being a big bigger/richer/riper.

cheers!