Wokingham, Tuesday 20th May 2008

[DRT]

Why has Warre been missed off the list?

I have 30 glasses, not 12, so we have enough glasses even if we include the Warre

[Alex Bridgeman]

Indeed the Warre needs to be added as ARK has confirmed he will be bringing it in addition to the Dow.

Is anyone willing to share the cost of the Graham if we can persuade JDAW to break one out of his cellar? (I would offer mine, but I only have the one.)

Alex

[jdaw1]

I can bring 1980 Taylor, Graham, OBV. But my OBVs came from Uncle Tom, so if he’s coming perhaps he should bring OBV?

[DRT]

Is anyone willing to share the cost of the Graham if we can persuade JDAW to break one out of his cellar? (I would offer mine, but I only have the one.)

I think we should confirm the attendees and the list of available wines first and then decide whether or not bottle sharing or financial re-balancing is required.

Derek

[jdaw1]

No financial rebalancing required on my behalf for 1980s.

[DRT]

No financial rebalancing required on my behalf for 1980s.

Ditto for the bottle I have offered.

[Axel P]

Im happy, too!

Axel

[DRT]

It seems we have agreement on:

• the line-up
• the confirmed attendees
• the supply of glasses
• the supply of decanters
• there is no financial re-balancing requirement for the wines assuming the list of attendees remains the same as it is now

We still need to agree:

• what to do about wines and finances if additional attendees confirm
• what to do about food

Derek

[jdaw1]

It seems we have agreement on:

• the line-up

Please could I be told, definitively, which bottles my father needs to put aside?

[DRT]

It seems we have agreement on:

• the line-up

Please could I be told, definitively, which bottles my father needs to put aside?

From the above discussion I believe it to be Graham, Offley and Taylor.

Offley may or may not be adopted or replaced by Uncle Tom if he joins us but at this stage the only Offley we have access to is yours.

Derek

[Alex Bridgeman]

The latest event summary update:

When: Tuesday May 20, 2008 at 7pm
Where: Wokingham â€‟ exact address to be supplied by PM
What: A 1980 Horizontal
Tasting Mats: Drafted, but needing revision to acommodate new attendees.
Who: Confirmed:

• AHB, whose house it is and who will be working from home on the 21st
  AP, who has bagsied an air matress
  ARK, who has bagsied a blow-up mattress on the floor
  DRT, who has bagsied the sofa.
  JDAW, who has bagsied the bed
  WS, who has to work the following day and so has to leave before things get too carried away

Possible:

• SRG
  THRA (now rated as porbable)

Confirmed non-attendees:

• ACC
  SL

Bottle Options:

• Dow (AHB, ARK, DRT)
  Fonseca (AHB, ARK, JDAW , AP (en magnum))
  Graham (AHB, JDAW)
  Nacional (DRT, JDAW)
  Offley Boa Vista (JDAW, THRA)
  Quarles Harris (WS)
  Smith Woodhouse (AHB)
  Taylor (JDAW)
  Warre (ARK)

We’ve now abandoned the pretence of bringing only one bottle each. I believe that the current view of who brings what is:

• Dow (ARK)
  Fonseca (in bottle)(AHB)
  Fonseca (en magnum)(AP)
  Graham (JDAW)
  Nacional (DRT)
  Offley (porbably THRA but otherwise JDAW)
  Quarles Harris (WS)
  Smith Woodhouse (AHB)
  Taylor (JDAW)
  Warre (ARK)

My maths is not as well developed as either Julian's or Al-K's but I believe that current numbers of people and bottles will require 10 decanters and 60 glasses. I have 3 decanters and 18 glasses, Al-K has 3 decanters and 12 glasses, DRT has 4 decanters and 30 glasses. If THRA attends, we will need a further 10 glasses - can anyone oblige?

I am now planning to travel to Sussex between now and May 20, in order to collect port and/or glasses as this has now been established as being helpful.

JDAW - please request that your father sets aside the bottles above with your initials indicated. If we open your Offley then we will ensure that some financial rebalancing takes place to reflect the fact that you will have provided three bottles. If THRA is able to confirm attendance then we will return your bottle unopened (assuming that THRA provides the Offley).

[DRT]

Alex,

Do you have an oversion to Warre 1980?

Derek

[Alex Bridgeman]

Alex,

Do you have an oversion to Warre 1980?

Derek

Yes - I find it totally unmemorable.

However, it now appears on the list.

Anyone coming to the tasting got another decanter?

[DRT]

Anyone coming to the tasting got another decanter?

I do.

[Alex Bridgeman]

That's great. Thanks.

[DRT]

Attendee Update:

Uncle Tom has asked me to upgrade his attendee status from Possible to Porbable.

In the now likely event that Tom joins us he has confirmed that he would be happy to provide an Offley Boa Vista, thereby allowing Jdaw to keep his.

Derek

[KillerB]

Porbable

[DRT]

Porbable

It's a new word meaning "Port lover's attendance at an off-line is probable"

It's not listed in Wiki yet cos it's just been invented.

Derek

[Alex Bridgeman]

Summary post here now updated to reflect Tom's porbable participation.

That leaves us with a need for a further 10 glasses. Can anyone help?

DRT and I have been exchanging emails on the subject of food. What is proposed is that I will buy a bit of dead cow from Costco and burn that at about 7:45pm, with a view to serving at 8pm. Deep frying of potatoes will be outsourced to the local chippy and will be collected shortly before the cow is burnt so that the two will be ready at roughly the same time.

Anyone who wants mustard had better be prepared to bring it with them as our jar of mustard is probably about as old as the ports that we will be drinking. Anyone who drinks beer had better bring that with them as we do not have beer in the house (cider, wine and port only).

Anyone who is vegetarian, vegan, celiac, nut allergic or otherwise intolerant had better tell me sooner rather than later although we will almost certainly have a selection of washed leaves and fresh roots available.

[jdaw1]

What is proposed is that I will buy a bit of dead cow from Costco and burn that

Please, minimal burning for me. Briefly show it a picture of an unlit match.

Anyone who is vegetarian, vegan, celiac, nut allergic or otherwise intolerant had better tell me sooner rather than later although we will almost certainly have a selection of washed leaves and fresh roots available.

Does thoroughly disliking green leaves count as an “allergy†?

[Alex Bridgeman]

Does thoroughly disliking green leaves count as an “allergy†?

Probably not an allergy, but almost certainly an intolerance.

[Axel P]

You could count the 6 glasses that I will bring for Derek.

Axel

Sorry that I cannot bring anything else as I will continue travels the next day to the other island.

[jdaw1]

‘Blinded’ Tasting Mats: drafted. I’ve assumed everyone to be right-handed.

[DRT]

‘Blinded’ Tasting Mats: drafted. I’ve assumed everyone to be right-handed.

I think the second language used is Portuguese. Should it be German?

[jdaw1]

I think the second language used is Portuguese. Should it be German?

German and Braille added.

[DRT]

I think the second language used is Portuguese. Should it be German?

German and Braille added.

Excellent. Thanks.

[jdaw1]

‘Blinded’ Tasting Mats: drafted. I’ve assumed everyone to be right-handed.

Sighted tasting mats also updated.

[Alex Bridgeman]

Blinded tasting mats are likely to be the ones chosen and used. Are these intended to be printed onto A3 or A4? Also, should I use A3 or A4 for the tasting notes sheets?

Alex

[jdaw1]

Everything A4 for ease of printing — hence two sheets of glasses.

[Alex Bridgeman]

Blind tasting mats appear to print perfectly - albeit with the Braille imperceptible to my fingers and thumbs.

Alex

[DRT]

As reported earlier, AHB and I have been discussing food and stuff behind the scenes. During our discussion it occurred to us that we need to ensure that everyone has access to an appropriate beverage to enjoy with their meal. This obviously cannot be any of the 1980 VPs as there is no allocated space for a dinner plate on the Tasting Mats.

We therefore need to decide what to drink with our meal. Suggestions so far are:

1. Vintage Port
2. Red unfortified wine of some description
3. Water

Can all attendees please choose from the following options:

1. I am a port guzzling, decanter emptying, red-blooded macho-man and I need Vintage Port with my steak
2. I am a lightweight so please can I have some red French stuff
3. I am a lilly-livered wuss and I would like some water

Thanks

Derek

PS: Please note that all drinks will be supplied by the Catering Committee

[jdaw1]

I am a lilly-livered wuss and I would like some water.

Please.

Though, given that it’s a magnum, the larger bottle of F80 might seem like a sensible back-up possibility (should the water supply fail).

[Alex Bridgeman]

I am (1) and (3).

I require port mixed with water.

However, I will carry out the delicate mixing exercise within the confines of my stomach.

[DRT]

So far we have one lily livered nancy-boy who wishes he was brave enough to vote for number one and a macho man with a feminine side.

Any more votes?

[jdaw1]

one lily livered nancy-boy who wishes he was brave enough

Libel! Libel, as well you should know. I might wish that I were brave enough, but I certainly do not wish that I was brave enough. Decency and honour necessitate an immediate retraction and apology.

[DRT]

one lily livered nancy-boy who wishes he was brave enough

Libel! Libel, as well you should know. I might wish that I were brave enough, but I certainly do not wish that I was brave enough. Decency and honour necessitate an immediate retraction and apology.

I apologise and retract the accusation that you wish you "was" brave enough but am happy to confirm that we have one lilly-livered nancy-boy who wishes he were brave enough to vote for number 1.

[KillerB]

Are we dealing with lilies or lillies? I'm getting confused.

Where's the beer option?

Can I have all three?

[Axel P]

Im happy with whatever you guys drink as long as Im not totally drunk before the tasting starts.

Axel

[Alex Bridgeman]

Are we dealing with lilies or lillies? I'm getting confused.

Where's the beer option?

Can I have all three?

You can have all three. That is perfectly acceptable in a red blooded Englishman (or honorary Englishman based in Germany, we are all from the same Anglo-Saxon rootstock).

Beer is available if you bring it yourself. The Wokingham branch of the catering committee does not have access to such Godforsaken substances.

Alex

[Alex Bridgeman]

Im happy with whatever you guys drink as long as Im not totally drunk before the tasting starts.

Axel

Being (or not being) totally drunk is outside the scope of responsibility of the Catering Committee. I'm afraid you will have to take personal responsibility for this.

Although phrased in a lighthearted manner, Derek's question is a serious one. He and I are trying to judge how many bottles of wine or non-1980 port to ensure we bring for the meal. If you haven't replied, then please do.

Thanks

Alex

[DRT]

That is perfectly acceptable in a red blooded Englishman (or honorary Englishman based in Germany, we are all from the same Anglo-Saxon rootstock

I have no issue with being accused of being German but any suggestion that I may be in any way genetically related to Englishmen will be met by "shock-and-awe" style resistance

Derek

[Alex Bridgeman]

That is perfectly acceptable in a red blooded Englishman (or honorary Englishman based in Germany, we are all from the same Anglo-Saxon rootstock

I have no issue with being accused of being German but any suggestion that I may be in any way genetically related to Englishmen will be met by "shock-and-awe" style resistance

Derek

Regretfully (I'm not sure whether that is regretfully for you or for me) you are from the same rootstock as the English. You may have to go via the Scandinavians (but you are not blue eyed or blonde), but you are definitely from the same rootstock.

In fact, one could even describe you as being materially identical to an Englishman.

On the other hand, I - who was born in Cyprus with no more than 50% English blood in my heritage - may have a more substantial claim to be "non-English"

What do you think?

Alex <<using a BlackBerry so can't use emoticons emoticon>>

[DRT]

That is perfectly acceptable in a red blooded Englishman (or honorary Englishman based in Germany, we are all from the same Anglo-Saxon rootstock

I have no issue with being accused of being German but any suggestion that I may be in any way genetically related to Englishmen will be met by "shock-and-awe" style resistance

Derek

Regretfully (I'm not sure whether that is regretfully for you or for me) you are from the same rootstock as the English. You may have to go via the Scandinavians (but you are not blue eyed or blonde), but you are definitely from the same rootstock.

In fact, one could even describe you as being materially identical to an Englishman.

On the other hand, I - who was born in Cyprus with no more than 50% English blood in my heritage - may have a more substantial claim to be "non-English"

What do you think?

Alex <<using a BlackBerry so can't use emoticons emoticon>>

According to my family tree I am roughly three quarters Irish Celt and do not know what "caught mid-wicket" means. I am therefore safe in the knowledge that I am from a materialy separate strain of humanity than your average Moris Dancer.

If you want to go back far enough, I suppose we all have to admit to being from the same root-stock that was imported and planted in these parts from Africa in pre-Phyloxera days.

Derek

[jdaw1]

Since we are so far off-topic, I might as well be on an earlier off-topic.

I’m pondering the merits of adding another feature to the placemat software, but it wouldn’t work nicely on a decanter label. Do you use decanters or double-decant into bottles?

Through a combination of using my own decanters and water jugs and whatever I can borrow, I intend to use decanters on May 20.

But pray tell what the new developments will be.

The new ‘CirclifyTitles’ feature (described on the usual page) was used for a recent Madeira tasting. Note the cool vertical s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g of the titles, achieved by the code calling the TransformPath routine. But unwise if the decanter labels are to be pasted onto the back of a business card.

[Conky]

Are we dealing with lilies or lillies? I'm getting confused.

Where's the beer option?

Can I have all three?

You can have all three. That is perfectly acceptable in a red blooded Englishman (or honorary Englishman based in Germany, we are all from the same Anglo-Saxon rootstock).

Beer is available if you bring it yourself. The Wokingham branch of the catering committee does not have access to such Godforsaken substances.

Alex

Hmmm.....

I dont think even one of Julians cooky formula's could connect those two sentences.
Well you Red Blooded Males....Have fun.

Alan

[RonnieRoots]

Im happy with whatever you guys drink as long as Im not totally drunk before the tasting starts.

Axel

You're attending a tasting with the British, don't ask for things that are not possible.

[jdaw1]

Adding BB and the Ferreira, so blinded placemats updated, and also sighted placemats updated.

Because of the the extra glass the paper size changed to A3. (Another glass and it goes back to 2Ã A4.)

[DRT]

Adding BB and the Ferreira

I know of Ferreira. BB is unfamiliar to me but is a welcome addition to the line-up. Were did we find him (or her)?

Derek

[Alex Bridgeman]

The latest event summary update:

When: Tuesday May 20, 2008 at 7pm
Where: Wokingham â€‟ exact address to be supplied by PM
What: A 1980 Horizontal
Tasting Mats: Drafted, and being revised regularly.
Who: Confirmed:

• AHB, whose house it is and who will be working from home on the 21st
  AP, who has bagsied an air matress
  ARK, who has bagsied a blow-up mattress on the floor
  BB â€‟ a friend of AHB, whose accommodation is yet to be organised
  DRT, who has bagsied the sofa.
  JDAW, who has bagsied the bed
  THRA (currently rated as porbable)
  WS, who has to work the following day and so has to leave before things get too carried away

Confirmed non-attendees:

• ACC
  SRG
  SL

Bottle Options:

• Dow (AHB, ARK, DRT)
  Ferriera (BB)
  Fonseca (AHB, ARK, JDAW , AP (en magnum))
  Graham (AHB, JDAW)
  Nacional (DRT, JDAW)
  Offley Boa Vista (JDAW, THRA)
  Quarles Harris (WS)
  Smith Woodhouse (AHB)
  Taylor (JDAW)
  Warre (ARK)

We’ve now abandoned the pretence of bringing only one bottle each. I believe that the current view of who brings what is:

• Dow (ARK)
  Ferreira (BB)
  Fonseca (in bottle)(AHB)
  Fonseca (en magnum)(AP)
  Graham (JDAW)
  Nacional (DRT)
  Offley (porbably THRA but otherwise JDAW)
  Quarles Harris (WS)
  Smith Woodhouse (AHB)
  Taylor (JDAW)
  Warre (ARK)

Assuming that THRA will be attending then all spaces around my table have been taken, although I am still willing to wait-list people if there is someone else desperate to attend. The glasses and decanter problems have been solved, with the kind help of ARK, DRT, JDAW and THRA.

I will be travelling to Sussex between now and May 20, in order to collect port and/or glasses as this has now been established as being helpful.

JDAW - please request that your father sets aside the bottles above with your initials indicated, plus any others that you would like me to collect for onward distribution to others. If we open your Offley then we will ensure that some financial rebalancing takes place to reflect the fact that you will have provided three bottles. If THRA is able to confirm attendance then we will return your bottle unopened (assuming that THRA provides the Offley).

[Alex Bridgeman]

Julian - please could you amend the blind mats to include a 12th "control" bottle. We will leave this to one side of the tasting mats if we decide to go with the named mats.

Thanks,

Alex