Thursday 16th December - The Unknown Shipper & His Peculiar Friends

[Alex Bridgeman]

A small request to those attending on Thursday evening. Please could you take a lateral flow test at some point on Thursday and attend the tasting only if you are negative.

That way we will put our family Christmases at the least risk possible. Thank you everyone.

Agreed - while politely worded, this should (imo) be mandatory for attendance, not just a request.
Suggest adding to first post also, as reminder to anyone checking arrangements there.
I believe from Wed (and hence applying on Thu), venues including this one will be mandatory by law to ask for proof of covid vaccination (unless medically exempt) or recent negative lateral flow for entry, so we should expect this also; but even if vaccinated, I agree we should all lateral flow earlier in the day as well anyway.

My interpretation of SI 2021 1416 laid before Parliament today is that it would not require Tom to inspect our COVID passports / negative tests before allowing us entry. It would be rather a dramatic change of format if he’s planning on allowing us to dance or to provide live music.

While I agree that testing should be mandatory, I think the 10 people attending on Thursday are honourable and trustworthy enough to each do the tests without me having to resort to being draconian. I will add it to the first post though - thank you for the suggestion.

[uncle tom]

I believe from Wed (and hence applying on Thu), venues including this one will be mandatory by law to ask for proof of covid vaccination

As far as I am aware, this only applies to large venues and not local pubs - but I stand to be corrected..

[jdaw1]

I am keen to acquire Vesuvio ceramic bin labels. If you have otherwise unwanted Vesuvio bin labels, please bring. Thank you.

[Alex Bridgeman]

I raided the wine fridge this morning and have stood my bottle up in the cool garage (about 14C) to settle - although I'm not sure how much good that will do since it's going to be carried by train from Wokingham to Newport.

Note the wavy glass

Unknown bottle for 16-Dec-2021.jpg (19.24 KiB) Viewed 6158 times

I love this bottle. The glass is so uneven and bumpy on the straight sides.

So much cellar mould

Unknown capsule for 16-Dec-2021.jpg (20.78 KiB) Viewed 6158 times

The capsule is a dark red but the top is covered in cellar mould. Should I clean it off before I travel? No, I think not. More fun to discover what the bottle is with everyone else.

Another view of the bumpy glass

Unknown from above for 16-Dec-2021.jpg (23.95 KiB) Viewed 6158 times

As usual, I will bring a set of tongs with me so we can open bottles that way if anyone would like to.

[Alex Bridgeman]

I’d like to minimise the amount of printing and carting of paper I need to do so plan to print only the sticky labels and cork sheets.

I’m happy to also print tasting note sheets for any who want them. If you do want your TN sheets, please say so.

I have only had one request for a TN sheet so will be bringing stickers for everyone but only two sets of note sheets. Anyone wanting a last minute TN sheet can either make a request on this thread which I might see in time or can print their own.

[flash_uk]

I'll bring some cheese and digestives.

[PhilW]

I have only had one request for a TN sheet so will be bringing stickers for everyone but only two sets of note sheets. Anyone wanting a last minute TN sheet can either make a request on this thread which I might see in time or can print their own.

Yes please if in time to request; apologies missed earlier post.

[uncle tom]

I'll bring some cheese and digestives.

We already have Lincolnshire poacher, Somerset Brie and Cropwell Bishop - but please feel free to add to the selection.

[PhilW]

...
I love this bottle. The glass is so uneven and bumpy on the straight sides.
...
As usual, I will bring a set of tongs with me so we can open bottles that way if anyone would like to.

Great looking bottle Alex. I've just got mine out and stood up also, also with bumpy glass; in neck and red, so very hopeful. Will definitely want to use tongs; am assuming you'll have yours, but if any last minute issue let me know and I can bring mine if needed.

[Alex Bridgeman]

I have only had one request for a TN sheet so will be bringing stickers for everyone but only two sets of note sheets. Anyone wanting a last minute TN sheet can either make a request on this thread which I might see in time or can print their own.

Yes please if in time to request; apologies missed earlier post.

I got your request in time and have just printed your TN sheet.

[jdaw1]

I am keen to acquire Vesuvio ceramic bin labels. If you have otherwise unwanted Vesuvio bin labels, please bring. Thank you.

Please.

[jdaw1]

I’m happy to also print tasting note sheets for any who want them. If you do want your TN sheets, please say so.

This is mentioned in issue 160.

[idj123]

I have only had one request for a TN sheet so will be bringing stickers for everyone but only two sets of note sheets. Anyone wanting a last minute TN sheet can either make a request on this thread which I might see in time or can print their own.

Yes please if in time to request; apologies missed earlier post.

May well now be too late but yes please for the TNs.

[Alex Bridgeman]

Ian - printed. I will bring it with me.

Just taken my lateral flow test. Pleased to say I am clear.

[winesecretary]

LFT also taken, and also clear. Hurrah! Very much looking forward to seeing you all.

[Alex Bridgeman]

I am thoroughly pissed off, but after an outbreak of uncontrollable paranoia in our household I will no longer be attending this evening.

Alex M - if you're still free, my seat is yours.

This also means that someone will have to do a quick emergency print of the stickers and TN sheets, and bring a set of tongs.

I shall open my unknown this evening, chez moi, and let you know what it is.

Enjoy the evening and please let me know what gets opened!

[Alex M]

Alex M - if you're still free, my seat is yours.

Yes please!

[flash_uk]

This also means that someone will have to do a quick emergency print of the stickers and TN sheets, and bring a set of tongs.

I can print. Don’t have port tongs though. Guessing Tom or Phil might have a pair?

[uncle tom]

I can print. Don’t have port tongs though. Guessing Tom or Phil might have a pair?

Have tongs

[Axel P]

I wish you all negative tests, great Ports, no corc or VA, fantastic steaks and the usual great company. @Tom, please give all your waitresses a hug from me and the guys, too, if you must for the very first non-international christmas tasting (WS1 does not count as international as he is already assimilated). Merry christmas to all

[PhilW]

Lateral flow all clear, and I will bring tongs also.

[WS1]

also negative test result for me too!

tests were just delivered in time by Royal mail!

cu later

WS1

[flash_uk]

LFT all clear.

[uncle tom]

Am tested and negative.

[winesecretary]

That was a truly wonderful evening. Good friends, good food, much laughter, and absolutely glorious ports. Thank you once again, Tom, for arranging. Thank you Phil (G20), Alex (G55) and Harry (T20, W60) for bringing the highlights - and what extraordinary highlights they were - a night where a pair of 1947s got only the minor points...