Wednesday October 8, 2008

[DRT]

Having attempted to unravel the spaghetti above I think the current state of play is as follows:

• Confirmed Line-up:
  • 2007 : Miguel Corte-Real
  • 2003 : Miguel Corte-Real
  • 2000 : Miguel Corte-Real
  • 1997 : Miguel Corte-Real
  • 1994 : Axel P.
  • 1991 : Uncle Tom
  • 1985 : Purchased with cash contributions
  • 1983 : ADV & Sean C (2 bottles)
  • 1977 : Miguel Corte-Real
  • 1975 : Simon Lisle
  • 1970 : JDAW
  • 1967 : AHB
  • 1963 : Conky
  • 1960 : DRT
  • 1955 : Uncle Tom
  • 1935 : Purchased with cash contributions
  • 1927 : Purchased with cash contributions
  • 1924 : ADV
  • 1912 : AHB
  • 1908 : Sean C.
  • 1896 : Simon Lisle

Twenty-one ports that’s a stupidly huge lineup for a single session. Surely this has to be split.

Final arrangements have not yet been discussed by the Organising Committee but it is likely that the tasting will be split across an afternoon and evening preceeded by lunch and with dinner in between flights. It is also likely that most people will spit the 1983 as it will more than likely be stinky.

Derek

[RonnieRoots]

It is also likely that most people will spit the 1983 as it will more than likely be stinky.

Derek

Not necessarily and hopefully not. If a good bottle, it could well be one of the stars of the tasting.

That is one heck of a line-up. If only I could be there...

[jdaw1]

First draft of placemats, with seventy-two relevant pages (ignoring pages labelled ‟JDAW”, blank-name pages for substitute drinkers, and decanter labels). This will not be a small tasting.

Middle initials missing from:

• • Axel P.
  • Christopher
  • Stewart Todd

(Have I missed any guests: SL SRC AHB ADV THRA DRT ACC MC-R AP BMHR CG ST?)

[DRT]

First draft of placemats, with seventy-two relevant pages (ignoring pages labelled ‟JDAW”, blank-name pages for substitute drinkers, and decanter labels). This will not be a small tasting.

Middle initials missing from:

• • Axel P.
  • Christopher
  • Stewart Todd

(Have I missed any guests: SL SRC AHB ADV THRA DRT ACC MC-R AP BMHR CG ST?)

Roy Hersh, Marrio Ferriera and Nicos Neocleous are all on the list of possible attendees but have yet to confirm. Please include them.

[jdaw1]

Roy Hersh, Marrio Ferriera and Nicos Neocleous are all on the list of possible attendees but have yet to confirm. Please include them.

My code, with comments in red, now says

• /Names [
  • (ACC) (ADV) (AHB) (BMHR) (DRT) (MC-R) (RAH) (SRC) (THRA)
    (AP) (CG) (MF) (NN) (SL) (ST) % initials missing
    JDAW % present in spirit (even if not pickled)
    () % spare last-minute substitute person
  ] def

Second draft of placemats.

Edit: stewarttodd’s profile page mentions the string ‟stewartltodd”, so he’s now SLT. (Aside: it’s unwise to publicise an email on a machine-readable page.)

But, to repeat an earlier comment, I really do think that you are massively underestimating the amount of table space required. TCP just won’t be large enough.

[jdaw1]

• Known gaps in line-up:
  • 1958 (I think?)
  • 1950
  • 1947
  • 1931 (produced but not released)
  • 1904
  • 1900
  • 1895
  • older ones* that I haven't researched

Also missing is 1980, which if I recall correctly was made but not declared nor shipped.

[DRT]

• Known gaps in line-up:
  • 1958 (I think?)
  • 1950
  • 1947
  • 1931 (produced but not released)
  • 1904
  • 1900
  • 1895
  • older ones* that I haven't researched

Also missing is 1980, which if I recall correctly was made but not declared nor shipped.

I can't find any reference to a Cockburn 1980 in any of my books. Does anyone else have a record of this?

[jdaw1]

Sorry, my fault. I don’t remember correctly.

I just found out that Cockburns has some 77 stock in their cellar

I recalled this line coming from Uncle T, and mentioning both ’77 and ’80. Memory, eh? Sorry.

[DRT]

But, to repeat an earlier comment, I really do think that you are massively underestimating the amount of table space required. TCP just won’t be large enough.

Given that some potential attendees have not yet informed us what they will be bringing along I expect the list of wines to grow to around 24 byt the time we are ready to begin. As stated earlier today, it is likely that the tasting will be split into 2 sessions, each of which will have around 12 bottles and 15 mouths. We will have to clear away Flight 1 before setting up and commencing the tasting of Flight 2. The two tunnels in TCP plus an area dedicated to eating will be ample room to do this.

For those worried about Brother Jdaw's concern for our welfare I will share these statements with you:

Call me a big girl’s blouse if you must, but eleven bottles is too many for five people. Even assuming that the dodgy 1920 is undrinkable, ten is OTT. We should cull one or two.

I’m in (twice) if there’s a team consensus. But fourteen ports is more than enough to fuzz my palate I am unconvinced that it won’t be wasteful.

Followed by...

But fourteen ports is more than enough to fuzz my palate I am unconvinced that it won’t be wasteful.

This still makes sense to me.

Nonetheless, in manifest and utter self-contradiction, I have ordered to be delivered to me in New York, as a precaution only, for insurance, just in case, the:

• 1966 Gould Campbell, $160+P&P from Aabalat

I do believe that both of these tastings were generally thought to be successful and not wastefull or excessive. I think Brother Jdaw is just a naturally cautious soul so please don't be put off by his protestations.

In any case, this is the perfect opportunity for AHB to correctly print the A3 Tasting Mats in Duplex

Derek

[Andy Velebil]

Exactly, Jdaw1 is being a granny Don't listen to him.

The Boston offline was 13 bottles (14 if you count the fake one) and one was a magnum. There was 8 of us and we finished all but about a total of 1 bottle.

We've got roughly twice as many Ports and twice as many people....it works out fine. The only thing is the length of time we will need. But as we already talked about, we can just do lunch somewhere in there too. That way we can take our time, take a break, eat, then drink and be merry (Derek get your hand off of Tom's knee )

I say it's the perfect tasting...we do more than that a day on the Portugal trips....darn lightweights

[jdaw1]

I’m absolutely not saying it’s too much drinking. Fifteen people, twenty-two bottles: easily do-able. Granny indeed!

It is a lot of tasting, but over a whole day and evening might just about be do-able. Worthy of three sessions (not quite cricket hours: final session ends midnight). Even so, that scale of tasting really deserves two days.

My claim is that the physical space of the tunnels in The Crusting Pipe will be insufficient. It was too crowded (and too airless) for the smaller Deeper Underground 1966 horizontal. The Cockburn has more people; more bottles; over more time. Mark my words: you will wish it had been done in a room with an average ceiling height in excess of 6”².

Latest draft of placemats.

[Axel P]

There is however a 66 which was not declared but produced. It should be very poop, so there is no need looking for.

As I already booked a flight I might catch an earlier. When do you guys want to start the tasting?

axel

[DRT]

There is however a 66 which was not declared but produced. It should be very poop, so there is no need looking for.

I would be willing to try it for scientific reasons only if we can find one.

As I already booked a flight I might catch an earlier. When do you guys want to start the tasting?

I want to start tomorrow, but I susspect I will have to wait until about 2:30 on 8th October.

[jdaw1]

There is however a 66 which was not declared but produced. It should be very poop, so there is no need looking for.

Haskells had it, apparently, but are now sold out. Not sure that I believe them, but there you go.

Latest draft of placemats, with kerned ‟LT” in ‟SLT”.

[jdaw1]

It now seems that I have to be in the UK on Saturday 4th October. Any ideas what I could do in London the week after?

[SLT]

Edit: stewarttodd’s profile page mentions the string ‟stewartltodd”, so he’s now SLT.

You are correct. Sorry I didn't reply earlier and thanks for your sleuthing!

[Andy Velebil]

It now seems that I have to be in the UK on Saturday 4th October. Any ideas what I could do in London the week after?

Hmm, let me think.....come drink with us

[jdaw1]

Hmm, let me think.....come drink with us

On the waitlist.

[DRT]

The current attendee and vintage lists are as follows:

• Confirmed attendees:
  • ADV
    AHB
    Axel P.
    Ben Read
    Christopher
    DRT
    JDAW
    Miguel Corte-Real
    Nicos Neocleous
    Roy Hersh
    Sean C
    Simon Lisle
    Stewart Todd
    Uncle Tom
• Confirmed vintages:
  • 1896
    1908
    1912
    1924
    1927
    1935
    1955
    1960
    1963
    1967
    1970
    1975
    1977
    1983
    1985
    1991
    1994
    1997
    2000
    2003
    2007 (cask sample)

With the cash donations that have been paid or promised we may have sufficient funds to add two more pre-1955 vintages to the line-up - if we can find them

• Known gaps:
  • 1958 (I think?)
    1950
    1947
    1931 (produced but not released)
    1904
    1900
    1895

Derek

[Andy Velebil]

That would be great to try and get that 1931. Anyone got some contacts at Cockburns to see if they would sell us a bottle.

[DRT]

That would be great to try and get that 1931. Anyone got some contacts at Cockburns to see if they would sell us a bottle.

Read the attendee list again

[Andy Velebil]

That would be great to try and get that 1931. Anyone got some contacts at Cockburns to see if they would sell us a bottle.

Read the attendee list again

Yes I know, I'm trying to be diplomatic

[DRT]

That would be great to try and get that 1931. Anyone got some contacts at Cockburns to see if they would sell us a bottle.

Read the attendee list again

Yes I know, I'm trying to be diplomatic

A diplomatic American - what a novel idea

[Andy Velebil]

A diplomatic American - what a novel idea

Don't make me come over there and invade the place...I'll drink all your Port

[Glenn E.]

Now now, Andy, you know we don't invade sovereign nations!

No, we'll just send over a few "ambassadors" in order to "assist" them in maintaining the high quality storage standards that Port demands!

[Simon Lisle]

I will try and get the 1950 I've seen a couple of bottles in stock.

[DRT]

I will try and get the 1950 I've seen a couple of bottles in stock.

Simon,

Let me know where they are by email or PM as I have some cash contributions that I could use to buy one.

Derek

[Simon Lisle]

On the 1924 there was a wine merchant in the UK called Cockburns and something or other who did actualy bottle port.I've come across them at auction.

[SLT]

The lineup looks amazing (and getting even better) and the attendee list looks like the worst bunch of Port swirlin', pontificatin', Port addicts that I've ever seen... Wouldn't have it any other way

Any updates on what time this party is likely to get started?

Just trying to plan the day...I've got to swing by Buckingham Palace in the morning to give Prince Harry dating advice, give Prince Charles marriage advice, and to smoke a big fat cigar with the Queen...

[DRT]

Any updates on what time this party is likely to get started?

The plan is to hold this as two separate flights. The younger vintages in the afternoon and the older vintages in the evening with a break in the middle to clear away the youngsters, decant and pour the geriatrics (and I'm not talking about Roy and AHB ) and have dinner. It will also be a good idea to drink around 4 gallons of water and/or black coffee during this period in the hope of sobering up?

Just trying to plan the day...I've got to swing by Buckingham Palace in the morning to give Prince Harry dating advice, give Prince Charles marriage advice, and to smoke a big fat cigar with the Queen...

I should warn you that the above statements are tantamount to Treason, which still carries the death penalty. Anyway, the Queen only smokes big fat cigars in the evening

[jdaw1]

The plan is to hold this as two separate flights. The younger vintages in the afternoon and the older vintages in the evening

What happened to age before beauty? My instinct would have been to start with the older bottles. Why the reverse order?

Presumably the cutoff would be at the midway point: so split into 1896→1970 and 1975→2007 as in the current draft of the placemats.

[DRT]

The plan is to hold this as two separate flights. The younger vintages in the afternoon and the older vintages in the evening

What happened to age before beauty? My instinct would have been to start with the older bottles. Why the reverse order?

That plan was the work of AHB but I think the rationale was that some attendees will not be able to be there in the afternoon and the older bottles are those that are likely to be of most interest. I think the idea is that if we have 25+ glasses of port to drink we will need to spit some of them and it makes most sense to spit the youngsters. At least it makes more sense to me.

Presumably the cutoff would be at the midway point: so split into 1896→1970 and 1975→2007 as in the current draft of the placemats.

That seems like a good place to split things.

[Andy Velebil]

Normally i would agree with jdaw. Do the older first. but since we haev a lot of bottles are taking a nice break between flights, and becuase of what DRT mentioned about not wanting to spit the older ones, I too would rather do younger first, take a break, then relax the night away with the old ones.

[DRT]

I forgat to mention that it is likely that at least some of the attendees will have lunch at the Crusting Pipe before flight 1 begins. The Decanting Committee (AHB, JDAW and DRT) will more than likely be there from mid-morning. We will have 14 attendees each with 12+ glasses to fill and set-out on placemats before the tasting starts. We will then have to clear up and repeat the exercise in the late afternoon. Others are welcome to join us for the preparation if prepared to help if required but should bear in mind that too many chiefs is not a good thing in these circumstances.

A volunteer for the role of Official Photographer would be appreciated.

[Andy Velebil]

if I get my tourist arse over there in time, I will join you guys for lunch.

That is unless the Queen invites me over for tea....then i may be a little late. but I promise to invite her along too and I will make her bring some good Ports from her stash. Figure the Royal Guards can clear the place out and we can party all night long with her Majesty.

[jdaw1]

Decanting committee: somebody should be assigned to do printing tasks. These will include the placemats (definitely not duplex), and also the holding bays that help prevent confusion during decanting (preferably not duplex).

[DRT]

Decanting committee: somebody should be assigned to do printing tasks.

I hereby nominate AHB as Chief Printer.

[jdaw1]

Righties and Lefties

Who is left-handed?
• If a right-hander sits to the left of a left-hander, their elbows clash when taking notes.
• Placemats are slightly optimised for handedness.
So, for these two reasons, please could ADV AHB BMHR DRT MC-R RAH SLT SRC THRA AP CG NN SL all admit to their handedness.

[benread]

Righties and Lefties

Who is left-handed?
• If a right-hander sits to the left of a left-hander, their elbows clash when taking notes.
• Placemats are slightly optimised for handedness.
So, for these two reasons, please could ADV AHB BMHR DRT MC-R RAH SLT SRC THRA AP CG NN SL all admit to their handedness.

Right handed.

[Alex Bridgeman]

right

[Andy Velebil]

right

[uncle tom]

I do everything left handed except write.

My handwriting has always been appalling, so I blame my first teacher...

moT

[Simon Lisle]

Right for me

[SLT]

Jody and I are both right handed.

[Roy Hersh]

RH

Personally, it matters not, young to old or old to young. However, regardless of a break/meals etc. my own belief it is best to drink the oldest wines when your palate is freshest. Regardless of that ... I will be happy to be enjoying the company and Ports so I don't care either way.

[jdaw1]

my own belief it is best to drink the oldest wines when your palate is freshest

Very much agreed. But if there are people who can’t be there in the afternoon, and they want to taste the older bottles, that imposes a constraint.

The ideal solution would be to get the part-timers to arrive for the first session. I don’t know whether that is possible.

Separately, you could have taken the opportunity to reveal your handedness. Please do.

[SEAN C.]

right handed!

[jdaw1]

AHB has started a thread seeking agreement on decanting times: please post there comments on that subject.

[Alex Bridgeman]

RH

Julian - I believe that this was Roy revealing his handedness.

[jdaw1]

Ahhh! Maybe he was. Nicely cryptically similar to those of his initials that he usually uses.

In which case we have:
• Righties: JDAW, BMHR, AHB, ADV, THRA, SL, SLT+sip sharer, RAH, SRC;
• Lefties: —;
• Undeclared: DRT, MC-R, AP, CG, NN.