Topic WHITE aged ports, Tue 17th May 2022

[MigSU]

I'm going to be in Porto/Douro at the start of May and will aim to pick up something white and interesting there...

May I suggest a Dalva Golden White Colheita 1952?

[PhilW]

May I suggest a Dalva Golden White Colheita 1952?

Always

[flash_uk]

I'm going to be in Porto/Douro at the start of May and will aim to pick up something white and interesting there...

May I suggest a Dalva Golden White Colheita 1952?

Doh! Completely forgot, I've got 6 cases of that yet to drink...

[jdaw1]

May I suggest a Dalva Golden White Colheita 1952?

Doh! Completely forgot, I've got 6 cases of that yet to drink...

Happy discovery. Which bottling?

[forest26]

Can you add me to the reserve list - have some interesting ones.

[Glenn E.]

We have reached 50% response rate - I have lists of available Ports for 7 of 14 attendees.

So far no need for duplication...

[Nelly]

The topic has been mentioned, but I do not see a definitive decision.

Since there are 14 attendees, I assume that Ports brought in 500 ml bottles shall require 2 bottles? 35 ml servings (500 / 14) seem insufficient.

I agree with your view, but the final decision should be Nelly’s.

well, guys, I guess, it depends on the bottles people have... Maybe some wouldn't be able to fetch 2 of the same.

[Alex M]

Can you add me to the reserve list - have some interesting ones.

I will sadly have to withdraw from this, my place is yours assuming you’re top of the list!

[Glenn E.]

The topic has been mentioned, but I do not see a definitive decision.

Since there are 14 attendees, I assume that Ports brought in 500 ml bottles shall require 2 bottles? 35 ml servings (500 / 14) seem insufficient.

I agree with your view, but the final decision should be Nelly’s.

well, guys, I guess, it depends on the bottles people have... Maybe some wouldn't be able to fetch 2 of the same.

I now have information for 8 attendees, 2 of whom have the same white Port in 50 cl, so those 2 people could bring those bottles and then split a purchase of a 75 cl. So at present requiring 2 x 50 cl as a person's contribution isn't a problem.

[jdaw1]

Can you add me to the reserve list - have some interesting ones.

I will sadly have to withdraw from this, my place is yours assuming you’re top of the list!

Done.

[Nelly]

Hi guys,
Could you please let Glenn know your options? So that gives a bit more time in case people still need to buy bottles?
Thank you,
Nelly

[akzy]

My availability for this has been downgraded to 'uncertain'. If alternative people come along, please provide greater preference for them.

Zak

[winesecretary]

I have now acquired, on joint behalf of myself and the other bringer of the same half litre of aged white, with Glenn's blessing, a second 75cl bottle of aged white. We can settle up afterwards.

[Glenn E.]

I think that I now have enough information to start assigning Ports, so I will do that this afternoon. Anyone who has not yet provided me with their available Ports will have to be worked around today's assignments!

[Glenn E.]

Assigned contributions have been sent out to everyone who has sent me their available stocks. If you have not received a PM (or email) with your assigned contribution, please PM me so that I can re-send.

I have not yet heard from Harry, Ian, or Tony, though in Tony's case I suspect he'll be able to fill in rather easily. Zak currently has an assignment, but it is one that I would be surprised if Tony cannot backfill if Zak is unable to attend.

Once I have information from the last few participants I will draft an order and provide it to Julian so that he can make placemats.

It looks like a very fun tasting. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I know that I would if I were able to be there!

Process question: when there are 2 x 50cl bottles of the same Port, should each bottle have a spot on the placemat so that everyone gets to taste from both bottles? Or should there only be a single spot on the placemat and people will be served from different bottles? I recommend the latter as these Ports aren't likely to vary much by bottle and it will making wrangling of glassware easier.

[winesecretary]

@ Glenn E. - my preference is for a single spot for the two 50 cl bottles, but I will defer to Nelly.

[hadge]

sadly, it is looking like i'm not going to be able to attend this, something has come up and not sure what the impact will be and therefore if there is a reserves please replace me with them. if anything changes I will update.

[Nelly]

@ Glenn E. - my preference is for a single spot for the two 50 cl bottles, but I will defer to Nelly.

yeah, i think one spot is good enough.

[PhilW]

@ Glenn E. - my preference is for a single spot for the two 50 cl bottles, but I will defer to Nelly.

yeah, i think one spot is good enough.

Agreed. Just in case of any difference - and depending how many 2x50cl we have - we could always alternate around the table when placing poured glasses (assuming pre-pour) and can then check-with-neighbour if wanted.

[Glenn E.]

The lineup and placemats will be finalized after a quick trip to Porto. Sadly, not by me.

[akzy]

This is looking more and more likely for me. Additionally, my bottle is at the ready.

[Nelly]

This is looking more and more likely for me. Additionally, my bottle is at the ready.

Great!!!!

[Glenn E.]

This is looking more and more likely for me. Additionally, my bottle is at the ready.

Excellent!

[Glenn E.]

Draft tasting order, pending information from Tony:

Phil 1
Tony (TBD)
George
Julian
Alex
Elizabeth
(above 2 in either order)
Neil
Mike
Ian
(above 2 in either order)
Phil 2
Zak
Charles
Dave
Nelly

"Phil 1" is an interesting Port that he proposed bringing. To me, it seems like it would make for an interesting start to the evening, ergo first.

[jdaw1]

Draft of the placemats added to first post.

[winesecretary]

My sincere apologies, but I am no longer going to be able to make this tasting as a work clash has arisen.

[jdaw1]

Main placemats, and — new technology — bottle-wrap pages. Each to inspect latter, print their page at home, and wrap bottles therein.

[forest26]

Sorry I will not be able to make this - over to you Harry.

[Glenn E.]

My sincere apologies, but I am no longer going to be able to make this tasting as a work clash has arisen.

Sorry I will not be able to make this - over to you Harry.

Devastating blows, both. But the tasting must go on!

George - would it be possible for you to leave your 500ml somewhere that DaveRL or another attendee could pick it up? If not, Dave is going to need to quickly source something new for the tasting.

[MigSU]

Glenn, your coordinating from an ocean and a continent away is brilliant

[PhilW]

I am also going to have to withdraw from this tasting, unfortunately, due to family issues. Am sorry to have to do so, and will hope to meet Nelly at a future tasting.

[jdaw1]

Main placemats, and — new technology — bottle-wrap pages. Each to inspect latter, print their page at home, and wrap bottles therein.

Please could the placemats be carefully inspected?

[akzy]

The placemats look fine to me. The arrows are... interesting. I'm sure the direction signifies something - no idea what.

For

and — new technology — bottle-wrap pages

I don't have a printer and will have to wrap with tinfoil. It'll be like a caveman watching the Renaissance.

[DaveRL]

I'm very sorry, but I have to withdraw from this tasting. I got Covid (again) nearly two weeks ago and my sense of taste has gone (again). Wine doesn't taste weird this time, but I only get basic sweet acid tannin, and no complexity at all. I had hoped for a quick recovery, but it is only improving slowly. Hopefully I just need a little more time. Hope you all have a good one.

[Glenn E.]

More changes... more changes...

New tasting order, which accommodates the regretted withdrawals as well as some Port changes:

Mike
Julian
Alex
Elizabeth
Neil
Ian
Zak
Charles
Nelly

There is a madness to the order, which will hopefully become apparent as you reveal. You are having 3 whites that I've never had!

[Nelly]

hmmmmm... guys... that's a shame - our team is shrinking by the hour... Do I need to do anything for the placemats or bottle-wraps? is it everyone printing their own or how does it work?

[akzy]

hmmmmm... guys... that's a shame - our team is shrinking by the hour... Do I need to do anything for the placemats or bottle-wraps? is it everyone printing their own or how does it work?

If you have an A3 printer, closer to the time, Julian will put out a request for printing. If you don't someone certainly will - usually Neil. Given this is a blind tasting, you'll need to hide your bottle when you bring it. Tin foil will do the trick just fine or you can use the suggested bottle wrap from Julian.

Perhaps we want to consider removing the foils/ wax at home to prevent people getting a hint as to what our bottles are?

[Glenn E.]

There are distinctive bottle shapes involved as well, but if memory serves none of them are uniquely identifying.

[Nelly]

thank you both @Akzy and Glenn. I don't have a printer, I'm afraid.. especially A3 one..

[jdaw1]

PDFs updated for new developments. Somebody pls check.

thank you both @Akzy and Glenn. I don't have a printer, I'm afraid.. especially A3 one..

Neil is usually, in this department, the knight in shining armour.

Bottle wraps are new technology, having their first outing. Team players will, at home, print one or two copies of their page, and wrap bottles appropriately. Feedback here or here, please.

[jdaw1]

Alex
Elizabeth
(above 2 in either order)

Choosing an order would simplify, on the placemats, the arrows on each person’s first glasses page.

[nac]

Happy to print placemats, etc.

Will print the bottle wraps on request. If necessary will bring some sellotape with me.

[Glenn E.]

Alex
Elizabeth
(above 2 in either order)

Choosing an order would simplify, on the placemats, the arrows on each person’s first glasses page.

Mike
Julian
Alex
Elizabeth
Neil
Ian
Zak
Charles
Nelly

There is a madness to the order, which will hopefully become apparent as you reveal. You are having 3 whites that I've never had!

[Glenn E.]

I will be incommunicado all day Saturday and Sunday, but will be back on Monday to make any last-minute adjustments that are necessary. None should be needed unless someone needs to switch which Port they plan to bring.

I look forward to hearing how it all goes for you on Tuesday!

[idj123]

Happy to print placemats, etc.

Will print the bottle wraps on request. If necessary will bring some sellotape with me.

Neil,

With no printing facility at home, could I take up your offer to print bottle wraps? Meantime, I will foil wrap.Thanks.

[Alex Bridgeman]

I’ll print the bottle wraps for the bottles Elizabeth and I will be bringing.

[nac]

Happy to print placemats, etc.

Will print the bottle wraps on request. If necessary will bring some sellotape with me.

Neil,

With no printing facility at home, could I take up your offer to print bottle wraps? Meantime, I will foil wrap.Thanks.

Where people need me to print, do they require one sheet or two?

Or, given that the attendee numbers have now reduced do we still need 2 x 50cls? Will one suffice?

[jdaw1]

I’ve wrapped and fridged my two 50cl bottles. If it’s more than we need, the excess will not be wasted.

[idj123]

Happy to print placemats, etc.

Will print the bottle wraps on request. If necessary will bring some sellotape with me.

Neil,

With no printing facility at home, could I take up your offer to print bottle wraps? Meantime, I will foil wrap.Thanks.

Where people need me to print, do they require one sheet or two?

Or, given that the attendee numbers have now reduced do we still need 2 x 50cls? Will one suffice?

I only have the one 50cl bottle of whatI’m bringing. Assume that this is ok?

[Nelly]

Happy to print placemats, etc.

Will print the bottle wraps on request. If necessary will bring some sellotape with me.

I would be very grateful for a placemat please. Will just foil wrap the bottles.
thank you