Ramos-Pinto: Tuesday 21st October 2014

[jdaw1]

This post to hold plans as and when they are agreed.

Theme: a vertical of Ramos-Pinto Vintage Port.

Date: Tuesday 21^st October 2014.
Time: the start time is 18:30. And I won’t be waiting for those who aren’t ready.

Location: Davy’s at Woolgate (25 Basinghall Street, London, EC2V 5HA, tel +44 20 7600 5216, streetmap.co.uk, maps.google.co.uk, bing.com).

Vintages:

1. 1909 (JNdA);
2. 1924, 65cl (THRA);
3. 1931 (JDAW);
4. 1960 (AP);
5. 1964 (AP);
6. 1970 (AP);
7. 1980 (THRA, WPS?, AP);
8. 1982 (AP);
9. 1983 (WPS?, AP, AHB);
10. 1985 (AP);
11. 1991 (THRA, AP);
12. 1994 (JDAW, AP, AHB);
13. 1994 Ervamoira (AP);
14. 1997 (AP, JDAW).
    
    The current plan is that the tasting will include vintages ≤1997, but anyway noted here is possession of those younger.
15. 2000 (AP);
16. 2002 (AP);
17. 2003 (AP);
18. 2005 (AP);
19. 2007 (AP);
20. 2007 Ervamoira (AP);
21. 2009 Ervamoira (AP);
22. 2011 (AP).

People:

1. João Nicolau de Almeida;
2. Mark Bingley M.W.;
3. Ana Rato (Ramos Pinto head of marketing);
4. JDAW;
5. PW;
6. THRA;
7. WPS;
8. AP;
9. AHB;
10. DJ;
11. MPM;
12. RAYC.

Wait list, Possibles, and Might Change Their Mind At The Last Moments:

1. DRT;
2. CPR.

Current draft of placemats (and parameters by which made).

Reload: on a Mac, ⌘R; on a PC, Control-R.

[jdaw1]

The (very few) Ramos Pinto red Ports I’ve tried have not been great. Am I missing something?

Vickers' Liquors had RP85 at ≈$25 a bottle. A few of us cleared them out, and it was a very satisfactory house VP.

I would like there to be a deep tasting of many vintages of Ramos-Pinto. But the only Ramos-Pinto vintages I have are 1994 and 1931.

Would anybody else want there to be such a tasting? And which vintages do those people own?

Let’s aim for an autumn date. Preferences? How about Tuesday 21^st October 2014?

[PhilW]

I would like there to be a deep tasting of many vintages of Ramos-Pinto. But the only Ramos-Pinto vintages I have are 1994 and 1931.

Would anybody else want there to be such a tasting? And which vintages do those people own?

I sadly have none but would love to join such a tasting.

Let’s aim for an autumn date. Preferences? How about Tuesday 21^st October 2014

That sounds like a plan. If considering other dates, please remember the planned Martinez vertical date is still to be confirmed, but expected in last fortnight of Nov.

[DRT]

I would like there to be a deep tasting of many vintages of Ramos-Pinto. But the only Ramos-Pinto vintages I have are 1994 and 1931.

Would anybody else want there to be such a tasting? And which vintages do those people own?

I would like to be at that tasting and will bring every RP vintage that I own. So we now have 1994 and 1931

[uncle tom]

I can only add the '24 (650cL) '80 & '91

RP's bottle store has impressive stocks at the older end of the spectrum..

[jdaw1]

People:

1. JDAW;
2. PW;
3. DRT;
4. THRA.

Vintages:

1. 1924, 650cl (THRA);
2. 1931 (JDAW);
3. 1980 (THRA);
4. 1991 (THRA);
5. 1994 (JDAW).

So far we are four people and most of five bottles. Whilst that could be said to work in some sense, it wasn’t what I had in mind.

[WS1]

Hi,

I think I have 80, 83 and 94. But would need to have a closer look where they are. Would be interested too in such a vertical since I missed the one Axel did in Germany.

regards

WS1

[jdaw1]

the one Axel did in Germany.

Joao Nicolau de Almeida and Joao Machete Perreira will come to Germany on Oct 13th for a very decent lineup of Ramos Pinto Vintage Ports:
1880
1924
1931
1934
1935
1945
1960
1970
1980
1982
1983
1985
1991
1994
1997
2000
2003
2007
2011 (CS)
two Colheita bottlings of 1937 (1968 and 1986)
and a single varietal tasting of 1983s comparing this with the Vintage of 1983.

[Axel P]

I have
60
70
80
82
83
85
91
94
94 Ervamoira
97
2000
02
03
05
07
07 Ervamoira
09 Ervamoira
11

I would be much interested in including Toms second bottle of "LBV" 27 and the 55 and 63.

Let me know the date asap.

Axel

[jdaw1]

Let me know the date asap.

Let’s aim for an autumn date. Preferences? How about Tuesday 21^st October 2014?

Any objections to or problems with Tuesday 21^st October 2014? (Subject to industry-guest consent.)

[jdaw1]

Thank to Axel’s excellent collection, the list of vintages has grown substantially.

Vintages:

1. 1924, 650cl (THRA);
2. 1931 (JDAW);
3. 1960 (AP);
4. 1970 (AP);
5. 1980 (THRA, WPS?, AP);
6. 1982 (AP);
7. 1983 (WPS?, AP);
8. 1985 (AP);
9. 1991 (THRA, AP);
10. 1994 (JDAW, WPS?, AP);
11. 1994 Ervamoira (AP);
12. 1997 (AP);
13. 2000 (AP);
14. 2002 (AP);
15. 2003 (AP);
16. 2005 (AP);
17. 2007 (AP);
18. 2007 Ervamoira (AP);
19. 2009 Ervamoira (AP);
20. 2011 (AP).

Is it a good idea to have 1931 and 2011 in the same tasting? Do the very young Ports overwhelm those with some dignified age? Should we restrict ourselves to ≤2000, thereby excluding those from this century? I say yes.

[PhilW]

Is it a good idea to have 1931 and 2011 in the same tasting? Do the very young Ports overwhelm those with some dignified age? Should we restrict ourselves to ≤2000, thereby excluding those from this century? I say yes.

I would go further, and only include <94, or perhaps <=94 (i.e. not including under 21s with oldies).

[DRT]

Is it a good idea to have 1931 and 2011 in the same tasting? Do the very young Ports overwhelm those with some dignified age? Should we restrict ourselves to ≤2000, thereby excluding those from this century? I say yes.

I would go further, and only include <94, or perhaps <=94 (i.e. not including under 21s with oldies).

I agree. The youngsters always get lost/neglected at these big verticals. Dropping 8 or 9 youngsters from the line-up could provide funds for a couple more oldies.

[jdaw1]

There is plenty of evidence that our forefathers started drinking their VP at 15. We’ll keep ≤1997. Hopefully this compromise is generally acceptable.

[CPR 1]

I can add nothing to the list of bottles as I have no RP! but this sounds like an excellent idea and a shipper I am not overly familiar with, thus count me in please
Thanks

[jdaw1]

I can only add the '24 (650cL)

Tom has confirmed that he meant this size: at 8⅔ bottles, slightly bigger than an Imperial.

[DRT]

I can only add the '24 (650cL)

Tom has confirmed that he meant this size: at 8⅔ bottles, slightly bigger than an Imperial.

Yikes! Thank you to Tom for offering to open such a rare gem.

[jdaw1]

I can only add the '24 (650cL)

Tom has confirmed that he meant this size: at 8⅔ bottles, slightly bigger than an Imperial.

Would this rather unbalance the tasting? There’s nothing wrong with each of us having to drink half a litre of a ninety year old port really, nothing wrong but would it fit with the workings of a vertical tasting?

Part of me says no. But not all of me.

[Alex Bridgeman]

I'm in, but can offer only the 1983 and/or the 1994.

I can only add the '24 (650cL)

Tom has confirmed that he meant this size: at 8⅔ bottles, slightly bigger than an Imperial.

Would this rather unbalance the tasting? There’s nothing wrong with each of us having to drink half a litre of a ninety year old port really, nothing wrong but would it fit with the workings of a vertical tasting?

Part of me says no. But not all of me.

I think it depends on the cost. While I would love to help to drink 6½ litres of 90 year old port it could significantly distort the costs of the tasting. Personally, I would rather spend the same amount of money but taste a smaller amount of the 1924 and more vintages.

[djewesbury]

I would like. I can, at present, offer nothing, but perhaps that might change between now and October. Happy to adopt as always.
Honestly, I turn my back for a moment and you've organised an enormous vertical with bumper formats of decently old port.

[mosesbotbol]

That sounds awesome. Ramos Pinto is the producer I'd like to do a vertical the most of.

[jdaw1]

That sounds awesome. Ramos Pinto is the producer I'd like to do a vertical the most of.

Does that mean that you are crossing the Atlantic? Or not?

[DRT]

I can only add the '24 (650cL)

Tom has confirmed that he meant this size: at 8⅔ bottles, slightly bigger than an Imperial.

Would this rather unbalance the tasting? There’s nothing wrong with each of us having to drink half a litre of a ninety year old port really, nothing wrong but would it fit with the workings of a vertical tasting?

Part of me says no. But not all of me.

I think it depends on the cost. While I would love to help to drink 6½ litres of 90 year old port it could significantly distort the costs of the tasting. Personally, I would rather spend the same amount of money but taste a smaller amount of the 1924 and more vintages.

I get where you are both coming from on this, but at which other event do you think Tom should open this unusual bottle? Cost will obviously be a consideration, but assuming it is palatable (sorry), surely this is a fabulous event to let this very unusual bottle show the world what it has been waiting for?

[Andy Velebil]

If the timing works I would fly over for this.

[Glenn E.]

If the timing works I would fly over for this.

I was thinking the same thing, the problem being that I'll have just returned from the 2014 Port Harvest Tour and can't simply extend my stay for that long.

[PhilW]

I can only add the '24 (650cL)

Tom has confirmed that he meant this size: at 8⅔ bottles, slightly bigger than an Imperial.

Just a double-check; when you confirmed with Tom, he didn't just mean to confirm the 650 (vs 750) as opposed to the cL (vs ml).

[marc j.]

Depending on the dates, I'd be interested in possibly flying over the pond for this tasting. I can't say that I've had the opportunity to taste Ramos-Pinto in a vertical format. Sounds very interesting! As far as bottles go I have the 1945, 1970, 1983 (750 & mag), 1985, 1994 and 1995. In addition I also have one of their white Colheitas that I could also throw into the mix.

[uncle tom]

Sorry - got mL mixed up with cL...

The '24 is a small-ish bottle..

[jdaw1]

Just a double-check; when you confirmed with Tom, he didn't just mean to confirm the 650 (vs 750) as opposed to the cL (vs ml).

Well diagnosed, and in advance too.

[Axel P]

Jdaw, I know Joao quite well. Do you want me to link him onto the tasting?

Axel

[jdaw1]

Jdaw, I know Joao quite well. Do you want me to link him onto the tasting?

Yes please. Perhaps introduce us by email we have met, but fleetingly.

[Axel P]

Tom, can we also include the other LBV 27 for this?

Axel

[jdaw1]

Before the technical problem necessitating a restore of from a recent backup…

If the timing works I would fly over for this.

Same here, but I have little to offer for Ramos Pinto vintages outside of '85 and possibly '70. Not really interested in tasting anything under 25 years old.

[DRT]

the date has not yet been fixed, but Tuesday 21^st October 2014 is a possibility.

If on or around this date I will be unable to join you. Please don't move the date for me if it works for others.

[Axel P]

I have 64 as well,

Axel

[Glenn E.]

I have 64 as well

Are you sure?

[Axel P]

Sure, just had this last week with Joao Nicolau. But before these bottles were offered to me I have never seen those.

Axel

[Glenn E.]

Sure, just had this last week with Joao Nicolau. But before these bottles were offered to me I have never seen those.

I've never seen of them or heard of them before, either.

I'm always looking to expand my very small stock of birth-year VP. Do you know if these are available for sale, or if they're going to be available soon?

[jdaw1]

• Booked for Tuesday 21^st October 2014: the Function room in The Bung Hole (57 High Holborn, London WC1V 6DT, tel +44 20 7831 8365, streetmap.co.uk, maps.google.co.uk). “Tables in and out and 250 glasses”, said the lovely Helen. An updated glass-count estimate will be transmitted a week before the event.

• I will be contacting people soon(ish) to get prices for their bottles, and then allocate who is bringing what.

• A draft of the placemats has been made, and images added to the first post.

[idj123]

Julian, I believe there's still availability-can I be put down for this? Thanks.

[jdaw1]

Julian, I believe there's still availability-can I be put down for this? Thanks.

Done.

Searching for R-P: in the UK Wine-Searcher.com has only ≥2000s, other than the (fully priced) VintageWineGifts.co.uk.

[DRT]

the date has not yet been fixed, but Tuesday 21^st October 2014 is a possibility.

If on or around this date I will be unable to join you. Please don't move the date for me if it works for others.

• Booked for Tuesday 21^st October 2014

Have fun, I'm out.

[flash_uk]

Is there room for me please?

[jdaw1]

FYI, Ramos Pinto have asked whether João Nicolau de Almeida should start with a formal presentation, including slides. I have asked not, preferring that the dithyramb come in the middle of the event, after JNdA has tasted the Ports himself, and is much less formal. Presumably he will speak alone.

[CPR 1]

Gentlemen unfortunately I am going to have duck out of this as I am now required to be on holiday that week and port tastings are no excuse!

Sorry to be missing it

Charles

[idj123]

Post contents removed by jdaw1. After being PM’d to original author, who, after further thought, might or might not repost.

[jdaw1]

Hello again.

The tasting will be in our regular place, The Bung Hole. It helps TBH to know our food order in advance.

We tend to eat the varieties of steak and chips, but you might want different. It would help to be forewarned of the food order, about a week in advance. So as and when João and Ana are willing to look at the menu, please could I be told what they’ll be having.

I’ll resend this email, as a reminder, about a week before the tasting.

Mutatis mutandis, the same applies to you lot.


Also, attendees have PMs on the tawdry subject of money.


Flash: is the background pattern of the first page of the placemats too faint or too dark?

[djewesbury]

Do you mind me saying that the switch from four digits to two in the Glasses Title looks unwieldy? They are all years beginning 19. Either use four digits in all or two. I understand the logic but I think the introductory 19 is unnecessary in the first circle; the Circlearray contains the full numerical year.

[jdaw1]

Do you mind me saying

I am not the sort of person ever to be huffy-puffy offended by anything.

Separately to my not being huffy-puffy offended, your logic is sensible. Unless there better dissents, I shall defer to djewesbury’s post.

Edit: I have deferred to djewesbury’s post.

[flash_uk]

Flash: is the background pattern of the first page of the placemats too faint or too dark?

I'll print on Monday and have a look.