Thu 17th January - The Dow Magnumonicon

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 07:21 Mon 15 Oct 2012

DRT wrote:Mags of Dow 1975, 1983, 1991, 1997 and 2000 are available on wine searcher if we want them. I am actually quite interested in tasting the 1975 from mag to see if it has survived better than the small bottle.

I have come to the opinion that this tasting should be restricted to Dow magnums only. If we remain thirsty at the end we should drink beer.

I don't have wine searcher pro so can't search specifically for mags. Can you let me know who has which mags listed, whether available as an individual mag and what the prices were (PM or email please).

RAYC · Post by **RAYC** » 11:05 Mon 15 Oct 2012

All prices ex-VAT or equivalent

UK:

Dow 1975 Mag: £105
Dow 1975 Tappit: £575
Dow 2000 Mag: £75
Dow 2007 Mag: £150

Europe:
Dow 1975 Mag: £78 (Ger)
Dow 1983 Mag: £115 (Ned)
Dow 1991 Mag: £92 (Ned)
Dow 2003 Mag: £106 (Ned)
Dow SdR 1998/99/2001 Mags: £95 (Ger)

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 11:45 Mon 15 Oct 2012

RAYC wrote:All prices ex-VAT or equivalent

UK:

Dow 1975 Mag: £105
Dow 1975 Tappit: £575
Dow 2000 Mag: £75
Dow 2007 Mag: £150

Europe:
Dow 1975 Mag: £78 (Ger)
Dow 1983 Mag: £115 (Ned)
Dow 1991 Mag: £92 (Ned)
Dow 2003 Mag: £106 (Ned)
Dow SdR 1998/99/2001 Mags: £95 (Ger)

Thanks.

The 1998-2007 wines are probably still too young to be worth including. If anyone is willing and able to pop over to the Netherlands between now and mid-January the '83 and '91 both look well priced and would be worth including in the line up.

Post by **jdaw1** » 11:46 Mon 15 Oct 2012

RAYC wrote:Dow 1975 Tappit: £575

Yikes! Too much, by a very long margin.

Post by **jdaw1** » 11:51 Mon 15 Oct 2012

AHB wrote:If anyone is willing and able to pop over to the Netherlands between now and mid-January the '83 and '91 both look well priced and would be worth including in the line up.

A Dutch work colleague is a regular visitor, and has a friend who could be asked to accept delivery.

RAYC · Post by **RAYC** » 12:08 Mon 15 Oct 2012

07s are, as far as i have drunk, still going nicely and not yet shut down. I still have interest in trying Dow 07, but not at £150 and therefore not necessarily at this tasting.

Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 04:37 Tue 13 Nov 2012

AHB wrote:
RAYC wrote:All prices ex-VAT or equivalent

UK:

Dow 1975 Mag: £105
Dow 1975 Tappit: £575
Dow 2000 Mag: £75
Dow 2007 Mag: £150

Europe:
Dow 1975 Mag: £78 (Ger)
Dow 1983 Mag: £115 (Ned)
Dow 1991 Mag: £92 (Ned)
Dow 2003 Mag: £106 (Ned)
Dow SdR 1998/99/2001 Mags: £95 (Ger)
Thanks.

The 1998-2007 wines are probably still too young to be worth including. If anyone is willing and able to pop over to the Netherlands between now and mid-January the '83 and '91 both look well priced and would be worth including in the line up.

Checking in to see if a decision on trying to get more vintages of this has been made?

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 13:51 Thu 15 Nov 2012

Andy Velebil wrote:Checking in to see if a decision on trying to get more vintages of this has been made?

To be honest, I'm not busting a gut to get more vintages of Dow in magnum for this tasting. I'm happy with 6 vintages with consistent provenance but if something happens to turn up that's easy to buy and mature to drink then I'll add.

Otherwise it will be just the 6 magnums, which will keep down cost. We can always supplement this with a "bring a bottle" session for after dinner.

Post by **jdaw1** » 21:09 Thu 15 Nov 2012

AHB wrote:We can always supplement this with a "bring a bottle" session for after dinner.

What about a ‘pairs of people to bring a magnum’ session? Sharing of contribution encouraged. (I have magnums of W85 and T85, but am happy to adopt better.)

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 13:06 Fri 16 Nov 2012

jdaw1 wrote:What about a ‘pairs of people to bring a magnum’ session? Sharing of contribution encouraged. (I have magnums of W85 and T85, but am happy to adopt better.)

I do like that idea - any comments from others? A Dow magnum tasting of 6 vintages before dinner and a "bring a magnum between two" tasting after dinner?

Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 17:46 Fri 16 Nov 2012

AHB wrote:
jdaw1 wrote:What about a ‘pairs of people to bring a magnum’ session? Sharing of contribution encouraged. (I have magnums of W85 and T85, but am happy to adopt better.)
I do like that idea - any comments from others? A Dow magnum tasting of 6 vintages before dinner and a "bring a magnum between two" tasting after dinner?

Sounds good to me.

If someone would like to share in the cost of one please let me know. As I won't be able to bring a mag over with me on the plane due to luggage issues.

Post by **jdaw1** » 19:08 Fri 16 Nov 2012

Andy Velebil wrote:If someone would like to share in the cost of one please let me know. As I won't be able to bring a mag over with me on the plane due to luggage issues.

jdaw1 wrote:(I have magnums of W85 and T85, but am happy to adopt better.)

RAYC · Post by **RAYC** » 19:21 Fri 16 Nov 2012

77symington horizontal....?

benread · Post by **benread** » 07:56 Sat 17 Nov 2012

I am happy with the theory but unable to assist with anything other than adoption costs! The only magnum I have available has been promised to our hosts on New Years Eve!

griff · Post by **griff** » 11:45 Sat 17 Nov 2012

Like others I am happy in theory but am unable to contribute in a vinous fashion. I was also thinking of bringing that 07 Meao but I'm sure there will be another occasion.

Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 20:57 Sun 18 Nov 2012

jdaw1 wrote:
Andy Velebil wrote:If someone would like to share in the cost of one please let me know. As I won't be able to bring a mag over with me on the plane due to luggage issues.
jdaw1 wrote:(I have magnums of W85 and T85, but am happy to adopt better.)

JDAW1,
Would be glad to adopt part of this/these. Let me know by email so we can sort details.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 21:37 Sun 18 Nov 2012

I'll add the idea of the bring half a magnum for after dinner together with a bit of a "find a partner" for people who have declared that they don't have a magnum to bring.

Post by **jdaw1** » 21:54 Sun 18 Nov 2012

Andy Velebil wrote:Would be glad to adopt part of this/these. Let me know by email so we can sort details.

Sure. I have W85 in London, so we’re sharing that.

RAYC · Post by **RAYC** » 22:16 Sun 18 Nov 2012

I can (subject to confirmation of delivery) do Sandeman 80 or 82.

Alternatively, if we wanted to get an older line-up together, i've got a few 70 or 77 options.

Post by **DRT** » 23:03 Sun 18 Nov 2012

DRT wrote:I have come to the opinion that this tasting should be restricted to Dow magnums only. If we remain thirsty at the end we should drink beer.

I still hold this view.

The suggestions being made now are in danger of overwhelming or detracting from the main event. I will, however, go with the flow if others feel strongly that Warre, Sandeman or other non-Dow magnums are required at a Dow Magnum tasting.

Post by **jdaw1** » 08:21 Mon 19 Nov 2012

DRT wrote:
DRT wrote:I have come to the opinion that this tasting should be restricted to Dow magnums only. If we remain thirsty at the end we should drink beer.
I still hold this view.

Should the tasting be re-titled ‟Dow Magnums and Beer”?

RAYC · Post by **RAYC** » 10:29 Mon 19 Nov 2012

From my perspective, 6 magnums between 13 should be plenty, but it only takes one to be corked, show badly or be closed and i suspect we will start mulling over the Bunghole list if no other bottles are planned.

My vote would be to bring mags of SW, GC, Warre and Graham 77 along, thus keeping it to a magnum theme, with all mags coming from Symington brands, and knocking off DRT's "intersection" theme tasting idea.

In terms of provenance, the GC and SW would presumably be pretty close to the Dow magnums (having only been shipped ex-cellars in 2010/2011), and therefore comparable. The Graham and Warre i have were shipped somewhat earlier (i believe), but personally i don't think that's a huge issue.

I don't feel particularly strongly, but think it would be better than beer.

Post by **DRT** » 15:54 Mon 19 Nov 2012

I applaud the risk averse suggestion of including four additional magnums just in case one is corked. Have you ever considered a job in Risk & Compliance in a major financial services institution, Rob?

What is this new found aversion to beer? Have you turned vegetarian?

No doubt we will debate this when we meet this evening

Post by **jdaw1** » 16:07 Mon 19 Nov 2012

Choose one of the following.
1. Beer plus Port;
2. Beer plus Port plus extra Port.

DRT, or somebody doing a poor-quality impersonation of DRT, seems to prefer the first.

RonnieRoots · Post by **RonnieRoots** » 07:05 Mon 26 Nov 2012

I now know that I won't be in London around this time, so please remove my name from the waiting list.

However, I will be in town end February, and am of course looking forward to drinking some Port with you. I will start a thread for that in due time.

Cheers,
Ronald

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 14:56 Mon 26 Nov 2012

RonnieRoots wrote:I now know that I won't be in London around this time, so please remove my name from the waiting list.

Done. But pity you can't make it.

Cynthia J · Post by **Cynthia J** » 10:23 Fri 07 Dec 2012

To be honest, I'm not busting a gut to get more vintages of Dow in magnum for this tasting. I'm happy with 6 vintages with consistent provenance but if something happens to turn up that's easy to buy and mature to drink then I'll add.

Otherwise it will be just the 6 magnums, which will keep down cost. We can always supplement this with a "bring a bottle" session for after dinner.

I agree - why muddy waters and palates, though concept of a reserve if needed is always prudent I suppose (and yes, I WAS in compliance and disaster recovery planning for Morgan Stanley and others for some years!). May I humbly suggest another modest Port-based diversion before or after the Main Event - namely, I left with Rob 2 blind bottles (750 ml each only sorry!) of some interesting ports I would like the gang to try to identify. As these are wines I would like to be on hand to present to the group, and I dont know when or if I will be back to London again after this visit... might this be an option? If not this time, no worries, I am sure they will keep just fine!!

Also, bear in mind I dont consume nearly the quantities you lot do, so you count count me as 1/2 or even 1/4 when planning liquid to body count ratios.

Post by **jdaw1** » 11:02 Fri 07 Dec 2012

AHB is the organiser, and not shy about asserting organiser’s privilege, so it is for him to rule. But this seems sensible to me.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 21:39 Fri 07 Dec 2012

Cynthia J wrote:May I humbly suggest another modest Port-based diversion before or after the Main Event - namely, I left with Rob 2 blind bottles (750 ml each only sorry!) of some interesting ports I would like the gang to try to identify. As these are wines I would like to be on hand to present to the group, and I dont know when or if I will be back to London again after this visit... might this be an option? If not this time, no worries, I am sure they will keep just fine!!

This sounds like a most excellent suggestion. We will organise things to have the Dow magnum tasting before dinner, then we can wash down dinner with the Dow(s) of our choice and then - when our palates are at their sharpest - we can attempt Cynthia's blind tasting challenge! Perfect.

Cynthia J · Post by **Cynthia J** » 08:40 Sat 08 Dec 2012

Duly noted, thank you! Rob - are you out there? Please bring along those bottles to the tasting for me, will you? Thanks!!

Cynthia J · Post by **Cynthia J** » 10:03 Tue 11 Dec 2012

It looks as if there might be one more space available? If so, my friend Nicola Thomson would like to come along - is that possible? Let me know. Thanks.

griff · Post by **griff** » 12:48 Sun 23 Dec 2012

I have just been informed that I need to be in Australia at this time which means I'll miss this

RAYC · Post by **RAYC** » 06:20 Mon 24 Dec 2012

January is looking pretty busy for me, so unfortunately i also need to withdraw. I will look for a replacement, and appreciate i will need to pay a share if one can't be found.

Cynthia J wrote:Duly noted, thank you! Rob - are you out there? Please bring along those bottles to the tasting for me, will you? Thanks!!

These are, of course, available for collection by someone from EC1/EC2 at any point prior to the tasting. Or i can stand/decant and hand over to someone who collects on the day. Or i can send to someone.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 14:01 Mon 24 Dec 2012

RAYC wrote:January is looking pretty busy for me, so unfortunately i also need to withdraw. I will look for a replacement, and appreciate i will need to pay a share if one can't be found.

Cynthia J wrote:Duly noted, thank you! Rob - are you out there? Please bring along those bottles to the tasting for me, will you? Thanks!!
These are, of course, available for collection by someone from EC1/EC2 at any point prior to the tasting. Or i can stand/decant and hand over to someone who collects on the day. Or i can send to someone.

We'll sort something out nearer the time.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 13:19 Fri 04 Jan 2013

I have finally been invoiced for the Dow magnums that we will be tasting next Thursday week.

As result, I will be emailing all the people who have said they want to attend to ask them for money. The cost of the evening will be £100 per person for port plus a share of the cost of the food we consume - which usually works out around £40 per person, including tip and corkage.

Cynthia - Nicola is welcome to attend; please warn her that I will be asking for money shortly.

Rob - you are welcome to attend at the last minute if work commitments permit assuming that we are less than 12

All - we still have 2-3 spare places so if anyone wishes to bring a guest (who will be expected to contribute their share of the cost of food and port), please feel free to make such a request.

Cynthia J · Post by **Cynthia J** » 16:31 Sat 05 Jan 2013

Rob, Alex - these can, I think (crossed fingers) be handled on a pop and pour basis, no need to worry about decanting early in the day (and I will trust all of you to render your candid opinions of that approach when you taste them!) Worst case, we hang out, let them breathe, and try again over breakfast ... Thanks!!

Post by **jdaw1** » 23:44 Sun 06 Jan 2013

Please could the first post be updated to mention where this tasting is to be held.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 09:26 Mon 07 Jan 2013

jdaw1 wrote:Please could the first post be updated to mention where this tasting is to be held.

Updated as requested.

RAYC · Post by **RAYC** » 08:48 Tue 08 Jan 2013

AHB wrote: Rob - you are welcome to attend at the last minute if work commitments permit assuming that we are less than 12

Thanks - presumably the tasting could not grow to 12 unless one of the new attendees were to reimburse my sunk costs (or an agreed proportion of them)?

In any event, unfortunately it is looking unlikely due to other commitments that week.

Post by **jdaw1** » 09:52 Tue 08 Jan 2013

For placemats purposes, please could I be given guidance on what is happening post-food. Are we bring more magnums? Will they be blind, or as mine already has been revealed?

Cynthia J · Post by **Cynthia J** » 10:25 Tue 08 Jan 2013

Hi Julian, You will have Cynthia blind #1 and Cynthia blind #2, or however you want to name them! Not magnums, alas...

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 18:25 Tue 08 Jan 2013

jdaw1 wrote:For placemats purposes, please could I be given guidance on what is happening post-food. Are we bring more magnums? Will they be blind, or as mine already has been revealed?

To help Julian prepare the tasting mats for the second half of the evening, would anyone who is intending to bring an extra bottle please say so. Please also state whether you intend to say what you will bring, or not.

AHB - 1 bottle, blind

Post by **jdaw1** » 21:49 Thu 10 Jan 2013

Updated draft of the placemats.

+What is known of post-dinner refreshments.

I could bring a guest, but am already sharing my magnum of W85 with ADV. Please advise.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 09:59 Fri 11 Jan 2013

jdaw1 wrote:Updated draft of the placemats.
+What is known of post-dinner refreshments.

Could we remove CRS from the attendees and replace her with Nicola Thomson. Please can we add TF (who is CMAG's guest) to the attendees. TF has been with us before so his handedness should be known to the placemat software.

jdaw1 wrote:I could bring a guest, but am already sharing my magnum of W85 with ADV. Please advise.

By all means bring a (paying) guest, we have one or possibly two spare seats at the table (depending on RAYC's work commitments). I intend to bring an extra bottle of port to be drunk after dinner by those who would like to stay, but it could be that most are happy to consume their share of 1/12th of each of the 6 Dow magnums, eat dinner and then head home. Those who stay after dinner will be invited to share a glass of the extra bottle that I bring, the two bottles that Cynthia is challenging us with and anything that others bring to share. Your guest is welcome to attend whether or not they bring an extra bottle for after dinner.

Post by **jdaw1** » 20:04 Fri 11 Jan 2013

Updated draft of the placemats.

AHB wrote:Could we remove CRS from the attendees and replace her with Nicola Thomson. Please can we add TF (who is CMAG's guest) to the attendees. TF has been with us before so his handedness should be known to the placemat software.

Post by **jdaw1** » 23:16 Fri 11 Jan 2013

Updated draft of the placemats.

The brother of SCP-DFF, Jun-Pierre Shiozawa, will be joining us.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 08:32 Mon 14 Jan 2013

jdaw1 wrote:Updated draft of the placemats.

Now printed

Post by **jdaw1** » 09:53 Thu 17 Jan 2013

The post-prandial magnum of Warre 1985 was decanted at 7am this morning. All seems well.

Post by **jdaw1** » 23:18 Tue 29 Jan 2013

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