Ramos-Pinto: Tuesday 21st October 2014

[djewesbury]

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.

Your magnanimity is a lesson to us all. And it looks so much better.

[jdaw1]

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.

Please photograph and post. I suspect that background is too complicated.

[flash_uk]

Printed on A3 and photographed, which can be viewed here. Has the background printed as intended? It looks different compared to the thumbnails which you posted above. Almost like the printer couldn't cope and rendered something more simple.

[jdaw1]

Printed on A3 and photographed, which can be viewed here. Has the background printed as intended? It looks different compared to the thumbnails which you posted above. Almost like the printer couldn't cope and rendered something more simple.

Printout looks correct — perhaps the thumbnails need a re-load. But also looks too cluttered. I’ll simplify.

Edit: done. See

(and parameters by which made)

[RAYC]

If there is still a space at this, I would love to attend (having managed to negotiate celebration of my mother's 60th to a different date...).

No problem if not.

[jdaw1]

Excellent. Will add you to lists and placemats when at my desktop computer.

[jdaw1]

Updated draft of placemats:

• Ana Rato replaced by Mark Bingley M.W.;
• +RAYC.

[jdaw1]

I have possession of:
• from JNdA: RP09, RP83 × 2;
• from AP: RP60, RP64, RP70, RP82, RP85, RPE94;
• from JDAW: RP31, RP94, RP97.

• THRA to deliver on the day: RP24, RP80, RP91.

Money will soon be requested. Brace yourselves.

And please submit food orders (which will be subject to amendment if the new Bung Hole has a different menu).

Is anybody willing to help with decanting? And is there a preference between doing so in Streatham, in the Bung Hole, or elsewhere?

Reminder:

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

[Alex Bridgeman]

Is anybody willing to help with decanting? And is there a preference between doing so in Streatham, in the Bung Hole, or elsewhere?

Subject to changes in my diary, I can probably help with the decanting but would need to do so in Holborn rather than Streatham.

[jdaw1]

Holborn rather than Streatham.

Works for me. Thank you.

Davy's of Holborn is currently closed for a full refurbishment. The bar will re-open on 17th October with an amazing opening party, to get on the guest list contact katies@davy.co.uk.

1. We have a reservation for the Bung Hole on Tue 21st Oct. Please, will it be ready? (And, extremely important, not smelling of paint?)
http://www.theportforum.com/viewtopic.p ... ead#unread

2. Please may I visit on the 17th, to see the new arrangements?

[jdaw1]

…

I have been informed that the builders will be handing us the keys by Monday 13th October so there should be no interference with your booking on Tuesday 21st October. With the building work finishing prior to Monday 13th October, this will leave 8 days before your booking which should be sufficient time for the smell of paint to have dispersed. I cannot promise it will be entirely gone but we will try and ventilate the venue as much as possible.

You are more than welcome to attend the launch party on Friday 17th October from 6pm onwards, where we will be providing all our guests with some complimentary canapés and drinks! I have added your name to the guest list and please feel free to email me the names of any friends or colleagues who would like to attend also.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to email or call me.

An excellent reply, thank you.

I agree that eight days of ventilation will hopefully be enough.

…

And I will ask other regulars whether they’ll join me.

Thank you again.

[djewesbury]

Flights booked, fleabag hotel near Victoria booked (getting in late after a substantial tasting and leaving very early from Gatwick the next morning would make it a little rude to stay with my dad!)

[Alex Bridgeman]

Is anybody willing to help with decanting? And is there a preference between doing so in Streatham, in the Bung Hole, or elsewhere?

Subject to changes in my diary, I can probably help with the decanting but would need to do so in Holborn rather than Streatham.

My diary has changed and I am no longer able to assist with decanting in the afternoon. My apologies.

[jdaw1]

Any volunteers?

[flash_uk]

I may be able to rejig things to help. What time had you in mind?

[jdaw1]

What time had you in mind?

I was thinking of decanting at home, circa 09:30, the RP97, RP94 and RPE94. Tom will doubtless bring decanted the RP91 and RP80. His RP24 will happen last moment, with the RP09 and RP31.

That leaves 1960, 1964, 1970, 1982, 1983 (possibly three variants of ’83, I’ll know next weekend), and 1985. I can decant those six/seven/eight alone, but will want help with pre-18:00 pre-pouring of nine/ten/eleven (i.e., all except ’91, ’80, ’31, ’24, ’09). So I arrive 3pm, you a mite before 4pm? Does that seem sensible?

Comment, anybody?

And Flash, can you print — all but sticky labels, which I’ll do.

[DRT]

Comment, anybody?

Have fun. I'm sorry to be missing this one, it looks very interesting.

[flash_uk]

So I arrive 3pm, you a mite before 4pm? Does that seem sensible?

Comment, anybody?

And Flash, can you print — all but sticky labels, which I’ll do.

Should be fine to get there for 4. And no problem for the printing. Splendid.

[Alex Bridgeman]

Remind me, who is Mark Bingley and why did he want to come to the tasting?

[jdaw1]

Remind me, who is Mark Bingley and why did he want to come to the tasting?

He is the guest of João Nicolau de Almeida.

[Alex Bridgeman]

Remind me, who is Mark Bingley and why did he want to come to the tasting?

He is the guest of João Nicolau de Almeida.

Fair enough, but my questions remain unanswered. Who is Mark Bingley and why does JNdA feel that he would benefit from joining us?

[DRT]

Who is Mark Bingley…?

Perhaps he is this Mark Bingley.

[jdaw1]

why does JNdA feel that he would benefit from joining us?

JNdA is providing two bottles, one a 1909, and it has been agreed that he would come with a guest of his choosing. Originally the guest was to be RP’s UK brand manager, but she became unavailable. Please assume Mark Bingley to be somebody who likes tasting and drinking for much the same reasons we do, until and unless you have evidence to the contrary.

[Alex Bridgeman]

why does JNdA feel that he would benefit from joining us?

JNdA is providing two bottles, one a 1909, and it has been agreed that he would come with a guest of his choosing. Originally the guest was to be RP’s UK brand manager, but she became unavailable. Please assume Mark Bingley to be somebody who likes tasting and drinking for much the same reasons we do, until and unless you have evidence to the contrary.

I'm not objecting to Mark joining us, just curious to know who he is.

However, if Maison Marque are RP's UK distributors then all becomes more clear.

[jdaw1]

Collecting bottles.

RP sent us three bottles.
• The 1909, rewaxed for the journey, is just into neck. The colour, as best as can be determined through the glass, is rather pale.
• The two 1983s have no writing distinguishing them from regular RP83. I will check, but it seems that they are not the single varietals.

My 1931 is very bottom of neck, and a similar colour to the 1909.

[jdaw1]

Links:

• Review of the event as a whole;
• 1909 Ramos Pinto;
• 1924 Ramos Pinto;
• 1931 Ramos Pinto;
• 1960 Ramos Pinto;
• 1964 Ramos Pinto;
• 1970 Ramos Pinto;
• 1980 Ramos Pinto;
• 1982 Ramos Pinto;
• 1983 Ramos Pinto;
• 1985 Ramos Pinto;
• 1991 Ramos Pinto;
• 1994 Ramos Pinto Quinta da Ervamoira;
• 1994 Ramos Pinto;
• 1997 Ramos Pinto;
• Placemats (and parameters by which made);
• Planning and arrangements.

[jdaw1]

Eight days before the tasting, most of the bottles gathered chez JDAW: And photographs of the individual bottles have been added to their TN threads.

[Gonçalo M.]

Nice to read about this gathering. For sure it will be great.

A friend of mine and I are trying to organize a mini vertical of old Ramos Pinto's VPs until this year-end, but have not yet had luck luck in having João Nicolau de Almeida confirming he can attend, but we will try once more.

So far we have 1926, 1931, 1934 and 1935 gathered for the tasting. Had I known about this tasting for longer, I would have asked you guys whether you would be open for the two of us to joint and bring along the bottles you are missing! We will also taste the 1927 LBV alongside these VPs.

Looking forward to read the tasting notes!

[jdaw1]

Had I known about this tasting for longer

The first post in this thread was on Sunday 16^th February 2014. Please do subscribe to the forum Organising Tastings and Get-togethers and you’ll be automagically notified of new threads.

[Gonçalo M.]

The first post in this thread was on Sunday 16th February 2014. Please do subscribe to the forum Organising Tastings and Get-togethers and you’ll be automagically notified of new threads

Sure, as I haven't been a frequent visitor here. Already subscribed the alert, and would be very glad to be able to join you in one of your great tastings!

[jdaw1]

I have just emerged from the new trendy hip Bung Hole, as fitted with thirty-inch tables. Thirty-[expletive deleted]inch [expletive deleted] tables, the [expletive deleted] [politically incorrect term deleted].

[Many more deletions.]

I'm going to walk to Woolgate and, failing a better idea by the time I get there, book that for Ramos Pinto.

We will need a new home.

[jdaw1]

Woolgate booked.

I am still steaming with anger. [Expletives deleted.]

[RAYC]

A pity, though with hindsight the arrangements at the Bunghole were too good to last and we should be thankful for the 2.5 years we have had there. I suspect we will have to get used to paying more to hold central London tastings in future...but since the weekly event schedule of 2012 has dropped off somewhat, perhaps that is not as serious as it once was.

Is this the Davy's Woolgate room that was tight for 8 people at the tasting last month, or a different room?

[jdaw1]

Is this the Davy's Woolgate room that was tight for 8 people at the tasting last month, or a different room?

Not the boardroom. It is the big room that would struggle to hold 36 of us.

[RAYC]

Is this the Davy's Woolgate room that was tight for 8 people at the tasting last month, or a different room?

Not the boardroom. It is the big room that would struggle to hold 36 of us.

Well done - very good!

[jdaw1]

The best room for us the ‘television room’ (for lack of a better name). Swing the glass against the wall, and double up the tables for a total of 59″ width, with four people each side. For eight, excellent. For ten, a squeeze.

The Ramos Pinto has just become 11, so Woolgate.

[jdaw1]

A post moved to Possible new venues.

[jdaw1]

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).

[jdaw1]

Important: Food Orders

By 10am on Friday 17^th October please could attendees select their food from the menu of Davy’s at Woolgate, and post that selection in this thread.

[flash_uk]

For me please:
Crab toast
Fillet medium rare, no sauce, side of green beans & peas
Crumble and custard

Edited to add a side.

[jdaw1]

No starter;
Fillet steak, rare, no sauce;
Crumble and custard.

(It might be necessary to command an extra tenner from people having starter and fillet.)

[PhilW]

Starter: Welsh rarebit
Main: Rump (medium rare), Bearnaise sauce, triple cooked chips;
Dessert: None

[updated to make Welsh rarebit my starter, instead of accompaniment to my main]

[jdaw1]

Another matter.

The start time shall be 18:30. That means that at 18:29 I will be seated, thinking “must wait one more minute”, and at 18:30 I’ll have started. Yum!

You don’t have to do any such thing. If wish to enjoy your half-past-six drinking beer, socialising, being late, doing something at work, rushing somewhere, doing something else at work, watching television, trying on a bikini that is really two sizes too small for you, having an emergency gin and tonic, trying on a bikini that is only one size too small for you, or doing something else, that’s fine by me. But I won’t be waiting for you. At 6½pm, Thunderbirds Are Go!

[RAYC]

Starter: Smoked Salmon

Main: Fillet steak (rare) with tomato / basil side salad

Many thanks

[Alex Bridgeman]

Starter: Welsh rarebit
Main: Fish fritto misto with triple cooked chips
Side: House coleslaw
Desserts: none

I will be late, but not because I need a new bikini. All those arriving before me please ensure that when JDAW starts he is not sitting next to my glasses!

[PhilW]

I will be late, but not because I need a new bikini.

It is because of the extra time you have to spend shaving in order to wear your old, decrepit, hole-ridden bikini?

Having the welsh rarebit as a starter instead of a side seems like a good idea; I will amend my order above.

[jdaw1]

I confirm João Almeida and Mark Bingley at the event and at the dinner. They will both have: Crab toast with fennel, chilli and avocado as starter and a Rib steack on the bone as main course.

Dinner with João Almeida, Mark Bingley and Ana Rato: same menu chosen.
Starter: Crab toast with fennel, chilli and avocado
Main course: Rib steak on the bone 300g

Rare rump will do

(No starter.)

Starter: Salad. 200g Rump Steak and Fries. Then Mixed Cheese.

[idj123]

All, regretably (and very regretably) I have to withdraw from this tasting as a client has 'pulled rank' and is insistent I undertake a presentation at 7pm in Gosport on this evening. Believe me, I even told them it was my wedding anniversary in order to try and excuse myself-but to no avail! I also had a bottle of RP24 that I was considering bringing along to supplement Tom's. Might now take it to the presentation...

[jdaw1]

All, regretably (and very regretably) I have to withdraw from this tasting as a client has 'pulled rank' and is insistent I undertake a presentation at 7pm in Gosport on this evening. Believe me, I even told them it was my wedding anniversary in order to try and excuse myself-but to no avail! I also had a bottle of RP24 that I was considering bringing along to supplement Tom's. Might now take it to the presentation...

The client does not deserve our spare bottle of RP24. Absolutely not.

[Alex Bridgeman]

All, regretably (and very regretably) I have to withdraw from this tasting as a client has 'pulled rank' and is insistent I undertake a presentation at 7pm in Gosport on this evening. Believe me, I even told them it was my wedding anniversary in order to try and excuse myself-but to no avail! I also had a bottle of RP24 that I was considering bringing along to supplement Tom's. Might now take it to the presentation...

That is a great pity. Did you try persuading the client that Holborn would be a better venue than Gosport? You could do the presentation and then pop round the corner to Woolgate.