ACPT Port tasting, NYC, March 9, 2013

[g-man]

Repost to save confusion:

Location TBD:

Chosen theme: "Baga-esque"
Group A (abnormally dark): FG76, GC77, SW77, D80
Group B (normal color range): D85, F85, G85, T85

Guest List (last updated 1/12/2013):
1. Glenn E.
2. g-man
3. Chris Doty
4. jefe7000
5. jefe7000 +1
6. Lamont Huxley
7. John M.
8. differentdave
9. ARS
10. SushiNorth (presumed guilty until proven innocent)

[ARS]

I'd definitely be interested in joining the tasting if there is room.

[Glenn E.]

I'd definitely be interested in joining the tasting if there is room.

Absolutely. I've added you to the list in the first post.

Miguel, sorry to hear you won't be able to make it.

Derek, we now have 8 bottles for 10 people. This will not do. Since you are the originator of the theme, can you recommend another baga-esque Port for us to add to Group A? Preferably one that isn't too expensive, so that rules out any Noval Nacionals you might have had in mind.

[g-man]

Sound like we may need a vargellas 87'

[g-man]

actually instead of the 85s

can i request an 83 tasting?

I looked in my cellar today and barring the F83, I have 0 83s in my cellar. (I thought i had a case of cockburn, but it mysteriously disappeared!)

[DRT]

Derek, we now have 8 bottles for 10 people. This will not do. Since you are the originator of the theme, can you recommend another baga-esque Port for us to add to Group A? Preferably one that isn't too expensive, so that rules out any Noval Nacionals you might have had in mind.

GC77 should do the trick

[mosesbotbol]

Elys and I should be able to attend if it is on a Saturday in NYC. Pretty light on Grahams, have '63, '70, and '94.

[Glenn E.]

Derek, we now have 8 bottles for 10 people. This will not do. Since you are the originator of the theme, can you recommend another baga-esque Port for us to add to Group A? Preferably one that isn't too expensive, so that rules out any Noval Nacionals you might have had in mind.

GC77 should do the trick

Derek, GC77 and G85 were added to get us to 8, so we still need more. Plus we now have Moses and Elys joining us, so we need 2 more baga-esque Ports because it looks like we're going to have 12 tasters. This could be our largest ACPT tasting yet!

1987 Vargellas is a great wine, and I'd love to have it at the tasting, but is it really baga-esque?

Jeff, it doesn't really matter to me what we put in Group B. 1983s would work just as well as 1985s to me, or we could do a combination. I'm not that familiar with 1983 other than the Graham, though, so someone else would have to recommend good Ports from that year.

[g-man]

Derek, we now have 8 bottles for 10 people. This will not do. Since you are the originator of the theme, can you recommend another baga-esque Port for us to add to Group A? Preferably one that isn't too expensive, so that rules out any Noval Nacionals you might have had in mind.

GC77 should do the trick

Derek, GC77 and G85 were added to get us to 8, so we still need more. Plus we now have Moses and Elys joining us, so we need 2 more baga-esque Ports because it looks like we're going to have 12 tasters. This could be our largest ACPT tasting yet!

1987 Vargellas is a great wine, and I'd love to have it at the tasting, but is it really baga-esque?

Jeff, it doesn't really matter to me what we put in Group B. 1983s would work just as well as 1985s to me, or we could do a combination. I'm not that familiar with 1983 other than the Graham, though, so someone else would have to recommend good Ports from that year.

dunno never tried the 87

but am curious as to why roy thinks it's the best of the 80s, considering the pedigree of the 85s and that there lucks a dow 80 there.

btw the GC 80 is in that "Baga"esque family as Sushi just opened one for me 2 weeks ago

[John M]

I have a 1980 GC, a 1986 Grahams Malvedos and a 1985 Sandeman. Do any of these work?....if not, no worries, I could acquire something.

[Glenn E.]

I'll start noting people's contributions in the first post as well so that we can keep track of who's bringing what.

Since g-man thinks the GC80 is baga-esque and John M. has one, I'll add that to the list and note that John's bringing it.

For the record, that still leaves us short one baga-esque Port. Here's the current list, with unclaimed bottles in bold:

Group A (abnormally dark): FG76, GC77, SW77, D80, GC80
Group B (normal color range): D85, F85, G85, T85, TBD

If you have one of the above and would like to claim it as your contribution, please say so and I'll note them in the order posted.

[g-man]

I'll start noting people's contributions in the first post as well so that we can keep track of who's bringing what.

Since g-man thinks the GC80 is baga-esque and John M. has one, I'll add that to the list and note that John's bringing it.

I'm looking at the 1/3 bottle left and it's still dark as day =)

[ARS]

Mark me down for D85. Thx.

[RAYC]

Group B (normal color range): ...TBD

Warre 83? Warre 70? T80 has been drinking really nicely recently too.

[g-man]

I';m going to make a few calls

but what do you guys think about doing it in a cheese shop? it might be a little stinky but they do have private dining and menu

Actually people help me out

HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT TO SPEND ON FOOD PER PERSON!

I can certainly swing the full spectrum of restaurants.

[Glenn E.]

Mark me down for D85. Thx.

So noted. Thank you!

[Glenn E.]

Group B (normal color range): ...TBD

Warre 83? Warre 70? T80 has been drinking really nicely recently too.

I wouldn't mind a 1983 Warre... my previous experience with it was hot and dry, so I suspect it wasn't a good bottle. I'd like to fix that.

I left the Group B bottle(s) TBD because I knew it would be easy to fill. The trick will be finding another Group A bottle (for a total of 6) so that we can support a 12-person tasting.

[g-man]

Group B (normal color range): ...TBD

Warre 83? Warre 70? T80 has been drinking really nicely recently too.

I wouldn't mind a 1983 Warre... my previous experience with it was hot and dry, so I suspect it wasn't a good bottle. I'd like to fix that.

I left the Group B bottle(s) TBD because I knew it would be easy to fill. The trick will be finding another Group A bottle (for a total of 6) so that we can support a 12-person tasting.

it hasn't changed, tasted twice in the past two years. My notes are consistent with yours.

[Glenn E.]

but what do you guys think about doing it in a cheese shop? it might be a little stinky but they do have private dining and menu

I think Artisanal would be a lot of fun, but I'm concerned that it would at the very least affect "nose" notes. If we're not worried about that, then I think Artisanal would be an excellent choice. I'm a fan of cheese, too.

HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT TO SPEND ON FOOD PER PERSON!

Including tax and tip, I'd like to stay below $150 per person and would be more comfortable in the $120-$130 range. I.e. $100 for food and non-Port drink + tax + tip. But that's just me.

Note: you'd be hard pressed to get me to pay $100 for Chinese. Sorry Jeff. I like Chinese food, but for me it is forever associated with little paper boxes with wire handles. Combined with the fact that it is at best an odd pairing with Port and I think it'd be better to do that some other time with less expensive (and fewer) Ports.

Like maybe Friday night?

[Glenn E.]

Group B (normal color range): ...TBD

Warre 83? Warre 70? T80 has been drinking really nicely recently too.

Another thought... if we can find one, how about a 1987 Taylor Quinta de Vargellas? They're pretty hard to find, though.

[g-man]

Note: you'd be hard pressed to get me to pay $100 for Chinese. Sorry Jeff. I like Chinese food, but for me it is forever associated with little paper boxes with wire handles. Combined with the fact that it is at best an odd pairing with Port and I think it'd be better to do that some other time with less expensive (and fewer) Ports.

Like maybe Friday night?

you are soo wrong, that I am now speechless.

Fwiw, I've had a 47' cockburn with chinese food.

[DRT]

Kopke Sao Luiz 1970 is in the abnormally dark category but I don't think they are easy to find.

I disagree with the idea that Vargellas 1987 should be in that part of the line-up. If my memory serves me correctly it is dark, but is too red to be considered abnormal.

[g-man]

Okay here are the possibilities

Bar Boulud (Daniel Boulud is a 3 michelin star chef) American/French - ~ 150-200$/person for food
Benoit (Alain Ducasse is another 3 michelin star chef) French -- ~ 125-150$/person for food
Uncle Jacks Steak-- ~125$ /person
Palm Steak- i'm negotiating this right now but I'm hoping to get it 100-110$/person
Artisanal (Focused on cheeses) - ~100-125$/person for food
North square American- 100$ / all included
Random chinese restaurnat -- 50$/ all included

There's one more place i'd want to call up so am working that out.

[Lamont Huxley]

I'd like to claim T85 being that it's the only Port on the list that I have on hand other than the D85 which has already been taken.

[Lamont Huxley]

Okay here are the possibilities

Bar Boulud (Daniel Boulud is a 3 michelin star chef) American/French - ~ 150-200$/person for food
Benoit (Alain Ducasse is another 3 michelin star chef) French -- ~ 125-150$/person for food
Uncle Jacks Steak-- ~125$ /person
Palm Steak- i'm negotiating this right now but I'm hoping to get it 100-125$/person
Artisanal (Focused on cheeses) - ~100$/person for food
North square American- 100$ / all included
Random chinese restaurnat -- 50$/ all included

There's one more place i'd want to call up so am working that out.

Personally, I love the Chinese restaurant idea.

[Glenn E.]

I'd like to claim T85 being that it's the only Port on the list that I have on hand other than the D85 which has already been taken.

Duly noted. Thank you!

[Glenn E.]

Bar Boulud (Daniel Boulud is a 3 michelin star chef) American/French - ~ 150-200$/person for food
Benoit (Alain Ducasse is another 3 michelin star chef) French -- ~ 125-150$/person for food
Uncle Jacks Steak-- ~125$ /person
Palm Steak- i'm negotiating this right now but I'm hoping to get it 100-110$/person
Artisanal (Focused on cheeses) - ~100-125$/person for food
North square American- 100$ / all included
Random chinese restaurnat -- 50$/ all included

I would prefer any of the middle three - Uncle Jack's, Palm Steak, or Artisanal. We have used the first two in the past and they were excellent, but I like the idea of drinking Port in a restaurant that specializes in cheese.

[g-man]

yea the only downside to artisanal is that you really can smell cheese as soon as you walk in.

[Chris Doty]

Thanks for organizing!

I'd be happy with the Palm, Artisinal, or back to North Square -- all great choices.

As for wine, while I can't say I understand exactly what the 'theme' is, I see a bunch of 1980s thrown in, so I think I'd likely pack an 1980 Graham's to make a mini horizontal out of it.

Looking forward to it
chris

[g-man]

okay I'll post the menus shortly of Palm, artisanl, north sq and the chinese restaurant.

I did manage to negotiate the corkage on palm,

I'm still working on the corkage situation with artisanal and north sq usually lets me slide but sometimes it's 10$ per person.

chinese restaurant is always 10$/btl.

[Miguel Simoes]

Out of curiosity, how much is the corkage fee at The Palm?
I´ve been there a number of times and always enjoyed it.
Could have enjoyed it even more if I had had some Port of my own at the end...

[Glenn E.]

As for wine, while I can't say I understand exactly what the 'theme' is, I see a bunch of 1980s thrown in, so I think I'd likely pack an 1980 Graham's to make a mini horizontal out of it.

Group A consists of Ports that are abnormally dark for their age: FG76, SW77, GC77, GC80, and D80. KL70 (what's the abbreviation for Kopke S. Luis?) has been proposed to expand this group if one can be located since we currently have 12 tasters and only 10 Ports.

Group B consists of excellent Ports that are within a "normal" color range for their age, and they are also all younger than Group A to emphasize the point. Group B is also (so far) a mini-horizontal from 1985: D85, F85, G85, T85, TBD, TBD. TV87 has been proposed to fill one of the TBD slots in this group if one can be located.

While a fine Port, a 1980 Graham would not fit into either group. Group B needs one more bottle, but it should be younger than 1980 to fit the theme. If there is a 5th excellent Port to recommend from 1985, that would be ideal, otherwise something from 1983 or later would work.

[g-man]

Out of curiosity, how much is the corkage fee at The Palm?
I´ve been there a number of times and always enjoyed it.
Could have enjoyed it even more if I had had some Port of my own at the end...

it's typically 35$/bottle and something not on the list.

I got it down to ~10$/btl

[g-man]

Okay, I need firm #s now

it would require someone either shipping me a bottle or putting in a deposit if you're going to attend.

For those that wish to attend please state and shoot me a PM with your email so I can coordinate.

[Lamont Huxley]

I'm definitely in. Jeff, you've been PM'd.

[differentdave]

i am in and staring at a quinta da Roeda 1983 Vintage Porto Not sure if this is 'eligible' if not lemme know what is eligible to bring and I will see if I have down in the cellar

[g-man]

Chosen theme: "Baga-esque"
Group A (abnormally dark): FG76, GC77, SW77, D80, GC80, KL70?
Group B (normal color range): D85, F85, G85, T85, TV87?, TBD

Guest List (last updated 1/12/2013):
1. Glenn E. (1980 Dow)
2. g-man
3. Chris Doty
4. jefe7000
5. Ruth (jefe7000 +1)
6. Lamont Huxley (1985 Taylor Fladgate)
7. John M. (1980 Gould Campbell)
8. differentdave
9. ARS (1985 Dow)
10. mosesbotbol
11. Elys (mosesbotbol +1)
12. SushiNorth (presumed guilty until proven innocent)

[Glenn E.]

I'm in, and you have my D80 already.

Sandy told me that they should be back this week, so give him a couple of days to respond. I'm sure they're both in, though.

[SushiNorth]

Chosen theme: "Baga-esque"
Guest List (last updated 1/12/2013):
12. SushiNorth (presumed guilty until proven innocent)

Guilty as charged, thank you for saving me a seat.

I have an obligation that afternoon, I'll be ensuring I can leave it early enough to make it to this tasting, do we have a time in mind? I'll have to read the thread to understand the theme. (I actually liked the Graham's Vertical, as we could have gone back a mighty long way with what I've got downstairs.)

[SushiNorth]

Are all bottles claimed already? What's left?
Also, for future reference, if there's a bottle short for one of these (i.e. D80) just let me know; i'm sure it's downstairs somewhere.

[g-man]

Moses if you wish to attend please send me your email.

[g-man]

Moses if you wish to attend please send me your email.

Moses are you still in the venue has been decided to be the Palm west side

[Glenn E.]

1st post updated with confirmed guest list and bottles. We still need choices from differentdave and SushiNorth, but we're otherwise in good shape.

[Glenn E.]

1st post updated with final guest list and lineup. Included here for convenience:

Guest List (last updated 1/31/2013):
1. Glenn E. (1980 Dow)
2. g-man (1976 Fonseca Guimaraens)
3. Chris Doty (1986 Graham's Malvedos)
4. Sandy (jefe7000) (1977 Gould Campbell, 1977 Smith Woodhouse)
5. Ruth (Sandy +1, see above)
6. Lamont Huxley (1985 Taylor Fladgate)
7. John M. (1980 Gould Campbell)
8. differentdave (adopting from SushiNorth)
9. ARS (1985 Dow)
10. SushiNorth (1985 Fonseca, 1985 Graham)

[g-man]

1st post updated with final guest list and lineup. Included here for convenience:

Guest List (last updated 1/31/2013):
1. Glenn E. (1980 Dow)
2. g-man (1976 Fonseca Guimaraens)
3. Chris Doty (1986 Graham's Malvedos)
4. Sandy (jefe7000) (1977 Gould Campbell, 1977 Smith Woodhouse)
5. Ruth (Sandy +1, see above)
6. Lamont Huxley (1985 Taylor Fladgate)
7. John M. (1980 Gould Campbell)
8. differentdave (adopting from SushiNorth)
9. ARS (1985 Dow)
10. SushiNorth (1985 Fonseca, 1985 Graham)

this is coming up and I hope to see everyone there

I've put the deposit down.

[Glenn E.]

A last minute addition results in a new guest (Fred) and a new bottle in Group A (W85). Looking forward to seeing everyone in a couple of weeks!

Guest List (last updated 2/26/2013):
1. Glenn E. (1980 Dow)
2. g-man (1976 Fonseca Guimaraens)
3. Chris Doty (1986 Graham's Malvedos)
4. Sandy (jefe7000) (1977 Gould Campbell, 1977 Smith Woodhouse)
5. Ruth (Sandy +1, see above)
6. Lamont Huxley (1985 Taylor Fladgate)
7. John M. (1980 Gould Campbell)
8. differentdave (adopting from SushiNorth)
9. ARS (1985 Dow, 1985 Graham)
10. SushiNorth (1985 Fonseca, 1985 Warre)
11. Fred (ARS +1, adopting from ARS)

[differentdave]

looking foward to this weekend, if anyone needs extra glasses lemme know.

[jdaw1]

Just to verify that SushiNorth is doing the placemats, not jdaw1?

[Glenn E.]

I asked via email a while ago and received no answer. I can also do placemats, though printing should probably be the responsibility of someone in NYC.

[Glenn E.]

One last reminder - everyone please bring an extra $5 to compensate Jeff for the FG76. It was significantly more expensive than the rest of the bottles in the lineup, and since he's doing most of the leg work for us I'd like to make sure we compensate him for his pricey bottle.