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I shall be in the vicinity of London (Amersham) from mid December onwards and wanted to float the idea of a casual tasting in the run up to Christmas (but obviously not a competitor to the official TPF Christmas drinks). I was thinking it might be powered by the M&S bargain VP bonanza we've seen over the last month or so. Any interest in this? Suggestions that might improve it beyond my vague suggestions above?!

The preference seems to be blinded bottles, so do we want to confirm the ports beforehand just to avoid multiples of the same? It seems unlikely if folks decide to get creative with the theme, but given the youth of my collection there is a possibility that I and others may elect to bring something from our recent M&S hauls (although I may have other options available). Alternatively given many of us now have those bottles in our cellars we may wish to avoid drinking something that's been readily available.

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Date and Time
17th Dec, 1800 for 1830 start

Theme
"A port that cost you less than £25"

Attendees (in order of response on this thread)

1. rich_n
2. CPR 1
3. winesecretary
4. akzy
5. AHB
6. flash_uk
7. idj123
8. Uncle Tom

Reserves

• CMAG
• RGO

Links:

• Review of the event as a whole
• Tasting notes:
  • 2001 Warre Quinta da Cavadinha
  • 1970 Martinez (CPR) (2 bottles were present)
  • 1970 Martinez (GEAG) (2 bottles were present)
  • 1977 Royal Oporto Quinta Do Corval
  • 1983 Dow
  • 1994 Tesco
  • 1970 Butler Nephew
  • 1997 Gould Campbell
• Placemats (and in the list of placemats);
• Planning and arrangements.

Draft of the the placemats (and in list of placemats).

Date dependant I am game

My port-drinking for the week of the 9th will be on Monday 9th, for the 1991 horizontal. But I would be up for something in the week of the 16th. 'A port that cost you less than £25' could be a theme. Just on what I have purchased in the past month I would have four options for that immediately to hand, none of them horrific.

Date-dependent, include me in.

I should be fine for most of December so I would be keen to join.

We have the 1991 Horizontal on 9th December, we also have the Christmas bash on 19th December.

Traditionally we have also had a tasting in London on the Tuesday before the Christmas bash, which would be Tuesday 17th, but no-one has started to organize such an event. That would be an excellent date for a tasting and I rather like the theme of "a Port which cost you less than £25" - and I like that much more than the theme which George might have intended to suggest of "a Port which cost less than £25 to buy in 2019"

PS - if being organized for Tuesday 17th please count me in (but as tentative).

I confirm that I was suggesting AHB's preferred "a Port which cost you less than £25" and was very carefully not suggesting "a Port which cost less than £25 to buy in 2019". Albeit I obscured my intention by immediately mentioning that I have four candidates that fit either interpretation. Like AHB I also like the 17th as a date, if a venue presents itself.

Count me in, date dependent. 17th works for me if that is chosen.

Sounds like a plan is coming together, great theme and 17th works for me if chosen.

winesecretary wrote: ↑17:10 Mon 14 Oct 2019 I confirm that I was suggesting AHB's preferred "a Port which cost you less than £25" and was very carefully not suggesting "a Port which cost less than £25 to buy in 2019". Albeit I obscured my intention by immediately mentioning that I have four candidates that fit either interpretation. Like AHB I also like the 17th as a date, if a venue presents itself.

I applaud the theme and the care with which it was phrased.

I also now regret opening a bottle of Martinez 1970 which I drank at the weekend. This cost me £23 when purchased in 2009 and would have been an ideal bottle for this tasting. Never mind, I am sure I can find something else suitable.

Yes please, and I like the theme. I'll have a dig. Thanks

Blind or sighted?

I would like this, too, but can we also have something nice afterwards (1 or 2 glasses...)

Count me in.

Axel

jdaw1 wrote: ↑18:09 Tue 15 Oct 2019Blind or sighted?

I say blind - much more fun with this theme

Wow, I stepped away from this thread and it looks like we already have a plan! I can happily say I'd be available on the 17th and love the "less than £25" theme.

rich_n wrote: ↑20:54 Tue 15 Oct 2019 Wow, I stepped away from this thread and it looks like we already have a plan! I can happily say I'd be available on the 17th and love the "less than £25" theme.

All we need now is the venue. Unless other options being considered suggest calling B&F asap to see if they have room as they will be very busy with Xmas bookings that week.

Rich - are you happy to give the Boot & Flogger a call and ask if they have a room or other space which can accommodate us that night?

AHB wrote: ↑22:24 Tue 15 Oct 2019 Rich - are you happy to give the Boot & Flogger a call and ask if they have a room or other space which can accommodate us that night?

I haven't done this before, what do I need to ask for? Do we have a specific contact? I'm happy to call but if someone who has a regular contact there is willing to speak with them I'd be more than happy to shirk responsibility!

No problem, I have spoken to Chris and we have got the green room downstairs, a little squeeze but it is Xmas.

Rich - if you're happy to act as the organiser for this tasting, the next thing to do is to edit your first post to include the usual details:
Date and Time
Theme
Attendees

Since we're in the Green Room I would recommend limiting numbers to 8 to fit round the table reasonably easily.

If you'd prefer one of us to do this, just let us know.

If there is space (which there now may not be) then count me in; if not then reserve list please.

AHB wrote: ↑21:42 Wed 16 Oct 2019 Rich - if you're happy to act as the organiser for this tasting, the next thing to do is to edit your first post to include the usual details:
Date and Time
Theme
Attendees

Since we're in the Green Room I would recommend limiting numbers to 8 to fit round the table reasonably easily.

If you'd prefer one of us to do this, just let us know.

Thanks and done. Happy to take further direction as necessary as a novice!

@CPR1 thank you for booking the room, very much appreciated.

The 17th will likely work for me.

AHB wrote: ↑16:41 Mon 14 Oct 2019 That would be an excellent date for a tasting and I rather like the theme of "a Port which cost you less than £25" - and I like that much more than the theme which George might have intended to suggest of "a Port which cost less than £25 to buy in 2019"

For me, both of these suggestions are the same

Why would I be on the reserve list?