The Port Forum Offline #2 - 1st Sep 2007

[jdaw1]

I will also bring my camera and laptop and have the means to publish pictures on flickr.com so no FTP program required.

Being old and so distrustful of all this modern fly-by-night nonsense, I prefer to upload them to my website. If an FTP thingie-do-dah could be managed, along with a basic picture scaler and trimmer, it would make me marginally more happy than a Fonseca vertical would be itself. (But it’s marginal: these small numbers are swamped by the orders-of-magnitude bigger Fonseca factor.)

Thanks.

[DRT]

Does you website have an FTP-thingy-do-da that I could access from here to try uploading a picture?

The reason I ask is that I have no idea whether or not my laptop has an FTP-thingy-do-da of its own.

Derek

[DRT]

...if I were to wake up and say something like that, then one fo two very dramatic things would have happened the night before:
1 (happily) I won the lottery
2 (unhappily) my wife left me and took the kids

Todd,

What if 1 and 2 happened simultaneously?

Derek

[jdaw1]

Does you website have an FTP-thingy-do-da that I could access from here to try uploading a picture?

Not really. Try the main help menu, and look for FTP.

Or download something like SmartFTP.com (being a Mac boy I haven’t used this myself, so can’t vouch for it). Maybe work IT will be able to recommend. Ghhhhhhhandi: you’re a windows laddie who maintains a small website: recommendations?

[Ghandih]

I'm sorry, but this conversation has got so very dull that I'm not sure I really care. Why do we want an effty floppit anyway?

I guess if it's so that absent friends can join us vicariously, I withdraw my grumble - that is a very noble thing - but don't ask me how to do it. I'm only just cottoning on to the fact that all my friends' pictures now live on facebook. Do I really want an account of my own?


hGandi

[Conky]

Gandhi,

Well said. I find it hard to take Tasting Notes, never mind all this technical stuff!
Look on the bright side, while these techno-wizards are doing their thing, we'll drink Port and sort the world out.

Alan

[DRT]

jdaw,

What about a compromise? We will use flickr.com on the night, cos it works and is very easy to do, and we also transfer all of the photo's onto CD so that you can take them home to floptidop them onto your website another day?

Derek

[jdaw1]

What about a compromise?

That you avert your gaze as I cope? Agreed!

[Ghandih]

So is this all this fuss just so we can take some photos and upload them for our PTF chums to see? Blimey.

Maybe you should just check with them that they really want to look at pictures of us smugly tucking into pukka port? Are you so sure that will be pleasant? Oh look, doesn't Ghandih look trolleyed in this one!

Conky, I'm with you. I'm sure I've sorted the world out in the past, but I always forget to write the answer down. Maybe we could get the techies to record our ramblings, so that we can pick out the solution the next morning, over the fry-up!

Gahndi

[DRT]

Ghandih,

Don't let Conky fool you into thinking he is an honourable chap. The photo of me in this thread (drunk, smoking and sleeping on Conky's patio) was posted on the internet before I woke up 30 minutes after it was taken

Oh, and AHB requested that we have some means of posting near real time TN's and photos so that he can join us in spirit as he sits at home watching Big Brother and sipping a glass of Fonseca Bin27

Derek

[Conky]

Thats called having a sense of humour!

Not being a Technical Anorak.

Alan

[DRT]

The F Plan is now a certainty. The wines have been secured from each supplier and cash is begining to change hands. We now need to turn our attention to less important matters, in order of priority:

1. Glasses: we need lots of these. I have around 12 proper port glasses. KillerB has a few and Conky (I think) has a few. We probably have between 20 and 30 between the three of us against a maximum requirement of 55. Conky - is there anywhere close to you who could supply around 30 proper port glasses on loan for the evening?

2. Tasting Mats: jdaw, please do your stuff

3. Food: suggestions for what we eat for (a) a meal, (b) mid taste snacks and (c) late night port-soak-up feast

4. Cigars: I think I smoked all Conky's last time - do we need to bring some along?

5. Accommodation: Can Chez Conky cope with 4 drunk men overnight?

6. Internet Access: sorted

7. The Lovely Debs: Is some sort of compensatory gift in order in return for (a) having 5 drunk men stay in her house (b) a life ahead with Conky and (c) cooking us breakfast (this item should probably have a higher priority)

8. Travel Arrangements: Is everyone sorted on getting to Conky's?

Derek

[KillerB]

The F Plan is now a certainty. The wines have been secured from each supplier and cash is begining to change hands. We now need to turn our attention to less important matters, in order of priority:

1. Glasses: we need lots of these. I have around 12 proper port glasses. KillerB has a few and Conky (I think) has a few. We probably have between 20 and 30 between the three of us against a maximum requirement of 55. Conky - is there anywhere close to you who could supply around 30 proper port glasses on loan for the evening? I have 8, I can get more

2. Tasting Mats: jdaw, please do your stuff

3. Food: suggestions for what we eat for (a) a meal, (b) mid taste snacks and (c) late night port-soak-up feast I have a few things to bring along, I have a very good source of sausages

4. Cigars: I think I smoked all Conky's last time - do we need to bring some along?

5. Accommodation: Can Chez Conky cope with 4 drunk men overnight?

6. Internet Access: sorted

7. The Lovely Debs: Is some sort of compensatory gift in order in return for (a) having 5 drunk men stay in her house (b) a life ahead with Conky and (c) cooking us breakfast (this item should probably have a higher priority) I had every intention of bringing along appropriate pleasantries

8. Travel Arrangements: Is everyone sorted on getting to Conky's? Near Skem somewhere

Derek

[Conky]

Your quite right, it now needs firming up.

1. Leave it with me for a few days. I've got 4. But I'll speak to a few licencee mates.
2.
3. I can get a basic selection of cheese, crackers and chocolate. Anyone any more imaginative ideas?
4. I've got one nice cigar each. Partagas. You dont normally need more than one a night, but if anyone thinks otherwise, maybe they could arrange.
5. That should be a breeze. Again, not the greatest. But small box room, single bed. Large bedroom, two singles and a put up bed. Thats not considering the sleep where you drop types, couches,etc.
6.
7. I'm sure she like a bunch of flowers as a gesture. But dont go overboard.
8. I'm already here!!! Julian, looks like I'm still down to collect you. We'll have to PM closer to the day to arrange Pink Carnations in button holes etc.

What time are we considering? Suppose it'll have to start when the last one can get here. Anyone got something on that day?
Last time with Derek was pretty casual. A few cold beers, a chinese. and we cracked on. I presume we want clean fresh palate's for this tasting, but still a beer or two, and what about a meal before?
I haven't got a decent filter for my 85. I'll keep on the look out. Closer to the day, we're going to have to discuss decant times.

Alan

[jdaw1]

Will do mats Sunday or Monday. Is there a final really-final list of ports? Conky: what is the largest paper size onto which you can print? Does your office have legal (and how large is UK legal?)? Failing legal, A3?

Other things: please keep something approximating to a list of costs, so that my share is not forgotten.

[jdaw1]

Pink Carnations in button holes

Flowers in button holes are too smelly. But, on the subject of dress code, I will have my DJ with me: do we want to be that formal? Adds a sense of grandeur.

A few cold beers

We have lots of port: no beer for me thanks.

I haven't got a decent filter for my 85.

I’ll bring my portable funnel and filter.

[KillerB]

Pink Carnations in button holes

Flowers in button holes are too smelly. But, on the subject of dress code, I will have my DJ with me: do we want to be that formal? Adds a sense of grandeur.

A personal DJ? Wow. I was considering hiring Fatboy Slim for the night but if you've got your own, why bother?

[Conky]

Gentlemen,

I have a HP Photosmart C5180 All-in-One. It seems it doesn't do A3. If thats right, I'm not at work at the moment, so can anyone else take the larger Table Mats off Julian, and bring them up?

I have 'Black Tie', and cant argue it'll look great in photo's and adds to the sense of occassion. I'll go along with it if the majority want it, but I'm voting against it. I go to enough Black Tie/Jacket & Tie functions, and wear a tie at work. Its more of an interesting occassion for me if its relaxed and casual. But I'm nothing if I'm not democratic. Views please.

Thanks for the filter offer, and as you get there early enough, it'll fit in with any agreed Decanting times.

I've started the negotiation on glasses. I'm taking one to a licencee tomorrow to let him have a look. He's saying it sounds like an Eldon Glass??? But says he should be able to help either way. Do I want 60 if borrowed or rented, and 40 if purchase?

Alan

[DRT]

I don't have a personal DJ and have no plans to get one so it will be casual dress for me.

For the next 2 weeks I will have access to an A3 colour printer.

The final final final list is:

• Fonseca 1920
• Fonseca 1963
• Fonseca 1966
• Fonseca 1970
• Fonseca 1975
• Fonseca 1977
• Fonseca 1980
• Fonseca 1983
• Fonseca 1985
• Fonseca 1992
• Fonseca 2000

Derek

[jdaw1]

Colour printers typically have output that smudges if wet: no good for this task. Please test.

Eleven glasses looks best on something as wide as A4 but longer: US legal my usual preference. Do any have such a size of paper?

[DRT]

Perhaps the best solution is for you to bring them with you, provided you will have access to the necessary printing facilities before you depart for the UK.

I will test the colour printer next week. I think it is a colour laser printer rather than the ink/bubble-jet type so it may be fit for purpose although paper sizes are limited to A4 or A3.

Derek

[jdaw1]

I am now back online, officially.

[jdaw1]

Fonseca tasting placemats, and, for absolutely no good reason at all, a psychedelic version.

Please would someone check the various details that are on the placemats.

[DRT]

jdaw,

Excellent, although I think I could live without the psychedelic version!

Please deduct £10 from the price of the F63 as I quoted the wrong price, which has now been corrected by Tom. We will sort out the adjustment to contributions on the night.

Are you planning to bring the mats and labels with you or do you need someone to print them here in Blighty?

Derek

[DRT]

Decanting Times

Here is my plan for decanting the wines. All wines will be decanted and then returned almost immediately to their original bottle and kept as close to cellar temperature as can be achieved until the arrive at Conky's. The bottles will only be stoppered for 1-2hrs during transportation.

Please feel free to disagree and put forward an alternative for any or all wines:

• F20 - 3 Hours
• F63 - 6 Hours
• F66 - 6 Hours
• F70 - 10 Hours
• F75 - 8 Hours
• F77 - 10 Hours
• F80 - 10 Hours
• F83 - 10 Hours
• F85 - suggest 24 Hours (Conky's)
• F92 - 10 Hours
• F00 - 48 Hours

Derek

[jdaw1]

£105 F63: fixed. Please re-examine Fonseca tasting placemats and psychedelic version.

Are you planning to bring the mats and labels with you or do you need someone to print them here in Blighty?

I’d much rather someone could print in the UK. Can anyone print on any paper size between A4 and A3?

Here is my plan for decanting the wines. All wines will be decanted and then returned almost immediately to their original bottle and kept as close to cellar temperature as can be achieved until the arrive at Conky's. The bottles will only be stoppered for 1-2hrs during transportation.

Please feel free to disagree and put forward an alternative for any or all wines:

• F20 - 3 Hours
• F63 - 6 Hours
• F66 - 6 Hours
• F70 - 10 Hours
• F75 - 8 Hours
• F77 - 10 Hours
• F80 - 10 Hours
• F83 - 10 Hours
• F85 - suggest 24 Hours (Conky's)
• F92 - 10 Hours
• F00 - 48 Hours

• 1920: Once upon a time I had a Taylor 1927 that we started immediately after opening. It peaked at 15 minutes (not a very high peak, alas) and within the hour was sugary water. I see no harm in a zero-hour plan for the F20. If it needs more, well, we’ll have the whole evening.
• 1975: I’m amazed that people believe that a vintage as poor as ’75 requires 8 hours. Two, max, and I’d not object to just sixty minutes.
• Several others (’70, ’77, ’80, ’83) I would halve, and the ’85 I’d quarter down to six hours.

But I’m a congenital late decanter.

[DRT]

• 1920: Once upon a time I had a Taylor 1927 that we started immediately after opening. It peaked at 15 minutes (not a very high peak, alas) and within the hour was sugary water. I see no harm in a zero-hour plan for the F20. If it needs more, well, we’ll have the whole evening.

The only reason I planned to open it here was to remove the sediment before the car journey. The bottle is a very light green and I can see some very fine sediment floating around now that it has been disturbed from it's 3 year slumber since re-bottling. If others are happy to take the risk of drinking cloudy stuff then I'm happy to pop it when I get there. Alternatively, I could decant and stopper it 30 seconds before I leave the house?

• 1975: I’m amazed that people believe that a vintage as poor as ’75 requires 8 hours. Two, max, and I’d not object to just sixty minutes.

I think I have had this once before and it was quite hot in the first few hours. I may be wrong. Happy to be guided by those with experience of this one.

• Several others (’70, ’77, ’80, ’83) I would halve, and the ’85 I’d quarter down to six hours.

But I’m a congenital late decanter.[/list]

I will decant these 4 immediately before those from the 60's so will be somewhere between 6 and 7 hours - OK?

I find 1985 impenetrable on the first day but I'm not going to complain if others would prefer a short decant time on this one.

Derek

[jdaw1]

Closely related to this subject, please could I encourage a thorough standard of photography. Labels, front and back, bottle number, capsule, and if appropriate also after capsule opened but before cork drawn, and the cork. See, in an effort at standard setting, the recent TN of Warre 1977.

[DRT]

jdaw,

Life is short and there are some things that end up at the bottom of one's list of priorities for no particular reason other than there are more important things to do on a particular day. Using nothing more than my fingers as an abacus and my previous experience of trying to obtain clear pictures of capsules, corks and labels I have estimated that I would have to find the time and the motivation to take approximately 300 photographs from which we could draw the 60 required to complete the set for the 10 bottles I will be bringing along.

I will endeavour to follow your standard if at all possible but please prepare yourself for a disappointment that will make your coping with the absence of an Eff-Tee-Pee-Majigger feel like a walk in the park.

Derek

[jdaw1]

Labels and capsules can be done the week before.

Also:

encourage

[DRT]

I will endeavour to follow your standard

[Ghandih]

Aha,

So, having only really dug into large quantities of vintage port with jdaw, my experience on decanting times is basically his. I'd certainly support the short time for the 1920 (the 1927 really did get up, yawn then die in about half an hour), and perhaps shorter times for the others, too. I'm intrigued by decanting the 2000 two days beforehand. I've had a few 2000s and they've always tasted impossibly fruity, so this may be just the thing - so I'm not disputing that one.

I begin to wonder whether your version of decanting is the same as mine. I run the port through unbleached coffee filters in funnels, into a decanter. Therefore, my take on the 1920 would be to bring it to Conky's asap (days before would be good), and then decant it lastminute.com before we start tasting. The majority (if not all) of the cloudiness is fielded by the filter paper, though the process is slow.

That's my opinion on decanting. Now dress. Again, in jdaw's presence it's always been black tie, but it's blatantly not critical. I have a personal DJ, too (tends to play lots of 80s music), but will wear smart or casual as the team dictates.

Food and drink. My belly appreciates a degree of lining before a Big Evening like this, with something relatively unspicy preferred, to protect the taste buds for the hard work to follow. Bangers and mash would fit the bill nicely. Baked beans with 'em, perhaps, and a glass of water. I don't feel the need to sink any beers beforehand, but don't begrudge those who do, either.
As regards later snackage, cheese is an excellent idea. Let me know if you'd like me to field this one, as I have port tasting cheese catering experience. (*)

Mats: don't have any legal paper. Could do A3, but so could others, so I don't think I can help here.

Glasses. Don't have any to bring, sadly. If you type 'port tasting glass' into Google, you get Julian's placemats first (?!) then a site that shows the shape of the glasses I think we should be using. I don't know whether that is much of a contribution to the debate, but there you go.

Mrs C. Agree pressie is a very good idea. Suggest we combine funds and get something impressive, just in case we upset her.

Cigars. I've been known to puff when tiddly, but a little one would be fine, because I don't do it properly.

Photos and records of all and sundry: Derek, jdaw is about as pedantic and finicky as you could ever wish (though sadly is neither the most pedantic nor the most finicky person I know), so I'd treat all requests for minute attention to detail with a pinch of reality. Explaining 'reality' to Julian may be tricky, but it could be easier than satisfying all his whims.

Ghandih

(*) Doesn't that sound like the sort of phrase Roy Castle used to use on Record Breakers. Here's Ghandih - he's a
Port Tasting
Cheese Catering
Record Breaker!
...or is that just me?

[jdaw1]

Ignoring the various aspersions cast about my excellent and realistic nature, I’ll instead strongly recommend that the Gandi be left in charge of cheese. His household is full of good cheese and people who know a lot about it.

[DRT]

I'm intrigued by decanting the 2000 two days beforehand. I've had a few 2000s and they've always tasted impossibly fruity, so this may be just the thing - so I'm not disputing that one.

That's the spirit of adventure we need on this type of occassion

I begin to wonder whether your version of decanting is the same as mine. I run the port through unbleached coffee filters in funnels, into a decanter. Therefore, my take on the 1920 would be to bring it to Conky's asap (days before would be good), and then decant it lastminute.com before we start tasting. The majority (if not all) of the cloudiness is fielded by the filter paper, though the process is slow.

Not quite. I use a Screwpull Stainless Steel port funnel which has a very fine mesh that traps all the bad bits. I am happy to bring the 1920 to Conky's and will drive very smoothly to ensure it doesn't get shaken up too much.

That's my opinion on decanting. Now dress. Again, in jdaw's presence it's always been black tie, but it's blatantly not critical. I have a personal DJ, too (tends to play lots of 80s music), but will wear smart or casual as the team dictates.

This team member will be casual, so if you lot opt for the monkey suits I'll look like the Goalie

Food and drink. My belly appreciates a degree of lining before a Big Evening like this, with something relatively unspicy preferred, to protect the taste buds for the hard work to follow. Bangers and mash would fit the bill nicely. Baked beans with 'em, perhaps, and a glass of water.

Good old British grub is fine for me. I still think big steaks on a BBQ would be good. What do you think?

I don't feel the need to sink any beers beforehand, but don't begrudge those who do, either.

I always follow the host in such matters and will therefore join Conky (and probably KillerB) in a beer or two while we get ourselves sorted for the main event.

As regards later snackage, cheese is an excellent idea. Let me know if you'd like me to field this one, as I have port tasting cheese catering experience. (*)

You are now officially known as The Cheese Man and have total responsibility in this regard, although KillerB also lives in a house made of cheese so he will probably bring some too.

Mrs C. Agree pressie is a very good idea. Suggest we combine funds and get something impressive, just in case we upset her.

Experience shows that we are unlikely to upset the lovely Debs anywhere near as much as Alan will in the few hours before we arrive. Alan has advised that less is more and I would suggest that we each bring a small token of appreciation for her hospitality and breakfast cooking skills.

Derek, jdaw is about as pedantic and finicky as you could ever wish

I find this almost impossible to believe

(*) Doesn't that sound like the sort of phrase Roy Castle used to use on Record Breakers. Here's Ghandih - he's a
Port Tasting
Cheese Catering
Record Breaker!
...or is that just me?

Surely it would be:

He's a...

Port Tasting
Sausage Eating
Cigar Puffing
Cheese Catering
Record Breaker!


Derek

[Conky]

Gandhi,

I'm not a great cheese fiend, but I do love a cracker or two, with Port, but with MILD cheese for me. The rotting corpse, or sweaty sock stuff makes me...

Fellow F Planners,

I'll get us half a dozen steaks. If the weathers good, a barby flavour will be fun.
I lean towards longer decanting, but I'm completely convinced by Julian on the F20. I can well appreciate it might be like a MayFly. One good hour and its done its stuff. I dont think I've ever had an older one, so it'll be of interest, even if its like dishwater!
Casual dress it is, unless KillerB wades in late with a DJ request. I'll be surprised if he does.
An regarding Deb, honestly, she's a good egg. If one of you gets a bouquet (She does like yellow roses) and you all chip in, she'll be happy. Like Derek said, its more important to dig me in the ribs, when I start Lording it when I'm drunk. I'm the worlds worst at, "Deb, while your there can you bring in 12 drinks and a buffet?" Avoiding that will ensure a humongus plate of well cooked dead animals the following morning.

Alan

[jdaw1]

Conky, if you’re still on for collecting me from the airport, we could cope with flowers on the return journey. And I need to visit Orange briefly: apparently there are stores at Lagrange Arcade, Unit 10 12 Lagrange Arcade, St Helens, WA10 1BN and at Unit 26 Church Street, St. Helens, WA10 1BD. If we could pause near one of those (which have suspiciously similar addresses), it would be a two-birds-one-stone scenario.

[Conky]

No problems.

Northern Industrial, impoverished, St.Helens Town Centre may come as a bit of a shock, but I'll be there to hold your hand.

[Ghandih]

All,

Thank-you for the promotion to purveyor of cheeses. I will not let you down.

Conky,you may rest assured that the choice of cheeses will not hum the place out so that port cannot be detected. At a previous tasting of jdaw's, we learnt the hard way that Stinking Bishop was not the way forward. I'd explain now but it'd spoil a good story, which will no doubt improve depending on how long we can delay its narration on the night...


Ghandih

[DRT]

You now have a special rank in recognition of your new position

Derek

[Conky]

F Planners,

Although I was hoping to borrow or rent, these glasses proved awkward by their rarity. I've been given a phone number of a Catering company, who apparently say they have Port tasting glasses, as described by my Lincencee mate.
If I confirm they are the right ones during the call tomorrow, its 48 for £40. Does that sound fair, and should I get them?

Alan

[DRT]

It seems an ok price provided they are really port glasses. Majestic also hire glasses and they should know what a port glass is. Is there one near you?

Derek

[Conky]

There's one in Warrington. I'll phone them first. A bit of a hike, so they'd have to be significantly cheaper to justify the petrol.

[jdaw1]

These are great glasses for drinking port. And you buy rather than rent: I’ll certainly chip in, but afterwards you’ll own them. A dozen glasses each. Would it be fair if I were to pay half the cost of my dozen, others doing likewise (or paying the whole cost, and keeping the glasses)?

[Conky]

So instead of £40 for adequate glasses, we pay £152 for great ones.
I've already got half a dozen, but I'd have around 20, if everyone else agreed, and we cut you some slack because of your 'visitor' status.
So I'd end up paying around £40 on my own, for extra glasses I'd hardly ever use. Instead of £8 for some glasses I'd hardly ever use.

Julian, your not a Financial Advisor, over in the States, are you?

Alan

[RonnieRoots]

Conky, you could try arranging some glasses through the trade department of the Portuguese Embassy. We did this once for a tasting and they provided us with the official port glasses for a tasting once. We were with a group of about 20 people (but we only needed one or two glasses a person). Another thing you could do is contact the British importer of Fonseca, tell them you're going to do a extensive Fonseca tasting, will write about it on internet, and ask them if they can give you support in one or the other way.

[DRT]

The total number of port glasses already available is 13+8+6=27, so we already have almost half of the glasses we need. I could content myself with 5 glasses for the evening as I see no need to have all 11 ports sitting in glass in front of me at any point in time.

Do we really need more glasses? If the consensus is yes, can we please pay £8 each (providing they are port glasses) rather than £40 each?

Conky, when you go to VNG in a few weeks time (lucky git ) you will be able to buy port glasses at the visitors centres for about 2 euro per glass

Derek

[DRT]

TPF Offline #2 Checklist

• Fonseca 1920 - on Death Row, decant 15 minutes before serving
• Fonseca 1963 - awaiting collection from Tom, decant at T-6 Hours
• Fonseca 1966 - on Death Row, decant at T-6 Hours
• Fonseca 1970 - awaiting collection from Tom, decant at T-6 Hours
• Fonseca 1975 - on Death Row, decant at T-4 Hours
• Fonseca 1977 - awaiting collection from Tom, decant at T-6 Hours
• Fonseca 1980 - awaiting collection from Tom, decant at T-6 Hours
• Fonseca 1983 - awaiting collection from Tom, decant at T-6 Hours
• Fonseca 1985 - Conky to advise status and decanting time
• Fonseca 1992 - awaiting collection from Tom, decant at T-10 Hours
• Fonseca 2000 - on Death Row, decant at T-24 Hours
• Tatsing Mats Production - Jdaws Task (completed)
• Tasting Mat Delivery - Task to be allocated
• Glasses (27 available) - group to decide if more required
• Accomodation - all doss down at Conky's - Derek & Ghandih to bring sleeping bags
• Steaks & BBQ - Conky's Task
• Cheese - Ghandih's Task
• Cigars - Derek's Task
• Camera - Derek's Task
• Laptop with 3G/Wireless and http://www.flickr.com account - Derek's Task
• Collecting jdaw from Airport - Alan's Task
• Visiting Orange with jdaw - Alan's Task
• Lovely Debs Prezzie - Each guest to bring small token of appreciation, including Conky
• Breakfast - Lovely Debs Task

Derek

[Conky]

That sounds like the F Plan!

I was thinking of decanting the 85 around lunchtime, using Jdaw1's filter. Which gives it 4-6 hours-ish. Does that sound ok?

And Debs got 6 numbers AND the Bonus ball when she met me. So wont my presence be enough of a present?
No? Ok, I'll get me coat...

Alan

[DRT]

That sounds like the F Plan!

That's because that what it is

I was thinking of decanting the 85 around lunchtime, using Jdaw1's filter. Which gives it 4-6 hours-ish. Does that sound ok?

No. My experience of this wine (3 bottles in last 12 months) is that it does not change significantly until after 24 hours. It is an enormous big black beast of a wine. On opening it will pull your cheeks together and make you teeth squeak, and go purple. It will be the same story at 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18 and 24 hours. That said - it tastes great (but it tastes even better about half way through day 2

And Debs got 6 numbers AND the Bonus ball when she met me. So wont my presence be enough of a present?

No

Derek

[Conky]

Ok, I'll decant the night before. I'll then filter it properly after Jdaw1's arrived.