Tues 5 May, The Best of the Fonseca Bicentennial Tastings

[flash_uk]

Looking at Winesearcher, both Christopher Keiller and The Four Walls Wine Company are offering F80. Both sites have a list that is almost identical, so perhaps they are in some way related businesses. Has anyone purchased from these places before? It looks like it would be £50-60 incl delivery - for the sake of plugging the only gap in the line-up (excepting everything pre 55!), should we get a bottle? I'm relaxed either way.

[jdaw1]

(excepting everything pre 55!)

And ≥1994.

No objection from me. F80 is not a Fonseca-ish Fonseca, so no enthusiasm either.

[djewesbury]

Four Walls are reliable and a properly run shop. I am curious but like Julian I am not desperate for this to be there. I will survive if it isn't.

[Chris Doty]

Sadly I am unable to attend, but if I weren't, I would be bringing a bottle blind, and that bottle would be the Fg86.

Suck it !


woo woo (from Bangalore)

[jdaw1]

Mike: the table in the Red Room is “4.3 A4 heights by 22.3 A4 widths”, so would easily accommodate three A4 of glasses each. Please re-assure that we have the Red Room.

Sadly I am unable to attend, but if I weren't, I would be bringing a bottle blind, and that bottle would be the Fg86.

It is a sighted tasting, so bottles should be sighted. But FG86 would have been welcome.

[PhilW]

The food order for the event has been updated.

No grilled tomato with my main thanks; unless you have deliberately left it on because we are all giving Derek or Julian extra vegetables.

[PhilW]

Looking at Winesearcher, both Christopher Keiller and The Four Walls Wine Company are offering F80. Both sites have a list that is almost identical, so perhaps they are in some way related businesses. Has anyone purchased from these places before? It looks like it would be £50-60 incl delivery - for the sake of plugging the only gap in the line-up (excepting everything pre 55!), should we get a bottle? I'm relaxed either way.

I would fill the gap, in part for completeness since we're so close, but also because I've never had F80. I have used Four Walls before without problem, but not Keiller (since I think they generally require a case+). Also, have we asked Tom if he might be able to help?

[jdaw1]

No grilled tomato with my main thanks; unless you have deliberately left it on because we are all giving Derek or Julian extra vegetables.

Please may I be seated within grilled-tomato-passing distance of Phil.

also because I've never had F80.

It has just been promoted from ‘optional’ to ‘important’. I now vote yes.

[flash_uk]

Sadly I am unable to attend...

Your will be missed - another opportunity will present no doubt!

[flash_uk]

Please re-assure that we have the Red Room.

Yes indeed we have the red room, top post updated.

[flash_uk]

No grilled tomato with my main thanks; unless you have deliberately left it on because we are all giving Derek or Julian extra vegetables.

Please may I be seated within grilled-tomato-passing distance of Phil.

Ah, the cut and paste demolished the strikethrough. The grilled tomato will find a worthy home...

[flash_uk]

I would fill the gap, in part for completeness since we're so close, but also because I've never had F80. I have used Four Walls before without problem, but not Keiller (since I think they generally require a case+). Also, have we asked Tom if he might be able to help?

also because I've never had F80.

It has just been promoted from ‘optional’ to ‘important’. I now vote yes.

OK, we'll try and fill the gap. I have been browsing tasting notes on F80, it sounds like a curious variable beast. During that search I happened upon a review of an 80s horizontal some 7 years ago, which seems to have been a monumental event!

I'll ping Tom a message and see if he can help, otherwise it's Four Walls.

[jdaw1]

I happened upon a review of an 80s horizontal some 7 years ago, which seems to have been a monumental event!

Ahh yes. In those days a tasting would crystallise around the date of my arrival in the UK from NY. And I brought the 1980 Hutcheson (‘To taste I wrote only ‟bad”.’).

[flash_uk]

Top post updated for who can bring what. I've taken an executive decision that DRT and MPM do not need to bring 85 Single, as we both already need to transport other bottles, and DRL has the 85 available.

Edit: And for the 70, we can decide what to do once RLC has firmed up options.

[djewesbury]

Sorry - I just realised I've made no arrangement re adoption. Please, what do I need to bring? I can be responsible for the 80 if required..? Has THRA already been asked re this?

[flash_uk]

Sorry - I just realised I've made no arrangement re adoption. Please, what do I need to bring? I can be responsible for the 80 if required..? Has THRA already been asked re this?

Yes Tom has been asked - we'll collect and equalise all the costs, so you just need to bring your wallet

[Deleted_User_1]

I have both the F'70 and F'80 secured from Tom...so adopt away whoever has the need.

[flash_uk]

I have both the F'70 and F'80 secured from Tom...so adopt away whoever has the need.

Splendid - many thanks to both you and Tom!

[jdaw1]

Magnum of F85 from JDAW.

Please post reasoning and preferences about when the magnum of F85 should be decanted. It could even be split, one decanted bottle being stored in the fridge and the other at room temperature (in which case it should have two circles on the placemats).

[flash_uk]

Please post reasoning and preferences about when the magnum of F85 should be decanted.

I'm always in favour of a 24hr (or longer) decant time for F85. What time was used for your event in Cambridge recently?

[jdaw1]

I'm always in favour of a 24hr (or longer) decant time for F85. What time was used for your event in Cambridge recently?

About ten hours.

[djewesbury]

I second Mike's suggestion. Give it plenty of time. 24 hours would not be unreasonable.

[flash_uk]

OK, just one week to go. A quick reminder of who is bringing what:

IDJ - 1955, 1960, 1966
TC - 1963, 1975
DRT - 1970, 1992
PW - 1977
RLC - 1970, 1980
CPR - 1983
DRL - 1985 Single
JDAW - 1985 Magnum
MPM - Waterloo, Bincentenary Crusted and a backup 70

I might also be able to lay my hands on a 1994.

ACTION: Can everyone let me know by PM total costs for their bottles so that I can work out overall costs. Thanks.

[jdaw1]

Updated current draft of the placemats (or see first post).

[DRT]

Sorry, Chaps, I now need to be at the wrong end f the country on Tuesday so cannot join you.

As my 1970 is one of a triplicate I shall simply save that for another day. I have no way of getting the 1992 to the venue on time but if someone else puts one in they can have one from the team stock as compensation. If not, the 1992 will join another appropriate tasting.

Sorry for the late notice but this is unavoidable.

[PhilW]

I have no way of getting the 1992 to the venue on time but if someone else puts one in they can have one from the team stock as compensation. If not, the 1992 will join another appropriate tasting.

I don't have one, but if we don't have any between us then I note that BBR have in-bond stock at £54 (ib).

[jdaw1]

Before DRT’s announcement we had fifteen bottles for thirteen people. If we don’t replace his bottles we become thirteen bottles for a dozen people, which would be less than our standard per capita.

[flash_uk]

Sorry, Chaps, I now need to be at the wrong end f the country on Tuesday so cannot join you.

As my 1970 is one of a triplicate I shall simply save that for another day. I have no way of getting the 1992 to the venue on time but if someone else puts one in they can have one from the team stock as compensation. If not, the 1992 will join another appropriate tasting.

Sorry for the late notice but this is unavoidable.

Sorry you can't make it Derek. I think I've got a case of 92 at home - I'll check tonight. Suggest we revert back to the one 70 from THRA/RLC.

[flash_uk]

Before DRT’s announcement we had fifteen bottles for thirteen people. If we don’t replace his bottles we become thirteen bottles for a dozen people, which would be less than our standard per capita.

If I can turn up a 92 (and maybe a 94), we'll then have 14 (or 15) bottles (one of which is a magnum), for 11 people (or 12 if THRA makes it).

[idj123]

Before DRT’s announcement we had fifteen bottles for thirteen people. If we don’t replace his bottles we become thirteen bottles for a dozen people, which would be less than our standard per capita.

If I can turn up a 92 (and maybe a 94), we'll then have 14 (or 15) bottles (one of which is a magnum), for 11 people (or 12 if THRA makes it).

A cakewalk for JDAW but still a goodly number of bottles-good job I've 'only' the BFT the following day

I have a case of F92 but unfotunateley they're stored at Seckfords and so I can't readily lay my hands on a bottle.

[benread]

I've been rather absent of late, but this caught my eye and if the planets align (meaning I am granted a pass and a space at the table remains!) I would love to join you!

[flash_uk]

I've been rather absent of late, but this caught my eye and if the planets align (meaning I am granted a pass and a space at the table remains!) I would love to join you!

You're in! Pass permitting
Got any Fonseca 1920?

[jdaw1]

Got any Fonseca 1920?

If there’s a choice — and I know that there might not be — I’d prefer the 1927. If it would help we could start a poll to decide which.

[jdaw1]

Got any Fonseca 1920?

If there’s a choice — and I know that there might not be — I’d prefer the 1927. If it would help we could start a poll to decide which.

Actually, upon reflection, if we are allowed to reach into the Leviticus rack (IIRC, Ben named his wine storage bins and racks after the books of the Old Testament) then one of those magnums of Fonseca 1896 would be particularly welcome. And a very modest late-booking fee it would be.

[PhilW]

Got any Fonseca 1920?

If there’s a choice — and I know that there might not be — I’d prefer the 1927. If it would help we could start a poll to decide which.

If there's a choice — and I know that there might not be — I'd prefer both, please.

[benread]

I've been rather absent of late, but this caught my eye and if the planets align (meaning I am granted a pass and a space at the table remains!) I would love to join you!

You're in! Pass permitting
Got any Fonseca 1920?

The 'wifely' pass is looking promising. If the ticket is a bottle of Fonseca 1920 or 1927, then I am out again! If financial contribution is an option...

I will confirm tomorrow if that is OK?

[flash_uk]

I've been rather absent of late, but this caught my eye and if the planets align (meaning I am granted a pass and a space at the table remains!) I would love to join you!

You're in! Pass permitting
Got any Fonseca 1920?

The 'wifely' pass is looking promising. If the ticket is a bottle of Fonseca 1920 or 1927, then I am out again! If financial contribution is an option...

I will confirm tomorrow if that is OK?

Sounds good!

[flash_uk]

I think I've got a case of 92 at home - I'll check tonight. Suggest we revert back to the one 70 from THRA/RLC.

I do indeed have a 92, so that is sorted. I am working on also having a 94 in time for Tuesday. Julian - hold off on placemat updates for the moment until I can confirm one way or the other on the 94.

[jdaw1]

If the ticket is a bottle of Fonseca 1920 or 1927, then I am out again!

Not at all: 1896 entirely acceptable.

[benread]

if the planets align (meaning I am granted a pass...

Pass granted.

What scope to negotiate on the last stumbling block?

If the ticket is a bottle of Fonseca 1920 or 1927, then I am out again!

Not at all: 1896 entirely acceptable.

(At lack of Fonseca 1896 lying idly in his cellar!)

[flash_uk]

Pass granted.

What scope to negotiate on the last stumbling block?

Excellent. We're in good shape with supplies...just bring yourself! We're averaging and splitting the costs.

[benread]

Pass granted.

What scope to negotiate on the last stumbling block?

Excellent. We're in good shape with supplies...just bring yourself! We're averaging and splitting the costs.

So if I find that Fonseca 1896 I am sure I had lying around somewhere, you don't want it?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[flash_uk]

Next Tuesday I am tied up at the office until around 6pm, which means getting to the B&F for about 6.30pm. Given the number of bottles and the full quota of attendees, some pre-pouring is likely to be helpful. Is anyone able to get there a bit early, and is anyone able to get there a bit early with printed placemats?

[CPR 1]

I can help set up from about 17:30, can't help with the printing though.

Charles

[Alex Bridgeman]

People:

1. MPM (70, 85, Bicentenary Crusted, Waterloo)
2. AHB (48)
3. DJ
4. JDAW (85 Mag)
5. PW (77)
6. IDJ (55, 60, 66)
7. JWEW (adopting)
8. CPR (83)
9. DRL (85 or adopting)
10. TC (63,75)
11. RLC (70, 80)
12. BMHR
13. Available
14. Available

Bottles:

1. 1948 - AHB
2. 1955 - IDJ
3. 1960 - IDJ
4. 1963 - TC
5. 1966 - IDJ
6. 1970 - MPM, RLC
7. 1975 - TC
8. 1977 - PW
9. 1980 - RLC
10. 1983 - CPR
11. 1985 Magnum - JDAW
12. 1992 - MPM
13. Waterloo - MPM
14. Bincentenary Crusted - MPM

My work commitments on Tuesday and Wednesday do not include dinner on Tuesday night so I am now confirmed and have reflected that in an edit to the quote of Mike's first post above. I've also tweaked the post to reflect the fact that DRT will be elsewhere and that Mike has a '92 so that I can see what bottles and which people are attending.

There's too much of a gap between the oldest and the next oldest if I bring the 1896 so instead I propose to bring a bottle of 1948 Fonseca. That makes 16 bottles (counting the magnum as two bottles) between 12 people. That's quite ambitious for a school night, especially when I have an early start and do have to work the following day!

I'm likely to arrive a little later than 6.30pm so won't be able to help pre-pour or bring print-outs.

[jdaw1]

There's too much of a gap between the oldest and the next oldest if I bring the 1896 so instead I propose to bring a bottle of 1948 Fonseca.

Not if you bring both.

(And thank you sir.)

Next Tuesday I am tied up at the office until around 6pm, which means getting to the B&F for about 6.30pm. Given the number of bottles and the full quota of attendees, some pre-pouring is likely to be helpful. Is anyone able to get there a bit early, and is anyone able to get there a bit early with printed placemats?

My SWMBO doesn’t want me to leave Streatham early. If necessary I could, expensively, appeal and plead. So have me down as a reserve.


Updated draft of the placemats (or see first post, not forgetting to re-load its images).

• +1948 (AHB);
• +1994 (MPM);
• Just one pre-pouring sheet, the 1948, which can then be used as a measure for all to self-pour. Is this satisfactory?

[DaveRL]

People:

1. MPM (70, 85, Bicentenary Crusted, Waterloo)
2. AHB (48)
3. DJ
4. JDAW (85 Mag)
5. PW (77)
6. IDJ (55, 60, 66)
7. JWEW (adopting)
8. CPR (83)
9. DRL (85 or adopting)
10. TC (63,75)
11. RLC (70, 80)
12. BMHR
13. Available
14. Available

Bottles:

1. 1948 - AHB
2. 1955 - IDJ
3. 1960 - IDJ
4. 1963 - TC
5. 1966 - IDJ
6. 1970 - MPM, RLC
7. 1975 - TC
8. 1977 - PW
9. 1980 - RLC
10. 1983 - CPR
11. 1985 Magnum - JDAW
12. 1992 - MPM
13. Waterloo - MPM
14. Bincentenary Crusted - MPM

My work commitments on Tuesday and Wednesday do not include dinner on Tuesday night so I am now confirmed and have reflected that in an edit to the quote of Mike's first post above. I've also tweaked the post to reflect the fact that DRT will be elsewhere and that Mike has a '92 so that I can see what bottles and which people are attending.

There's too much of a gap between the oldest and the next oldest if I bring the 1896 so instead I propose to bring a bottle of 1948 Fonseca. That makes 16 bottles (counting the magnum as two bottles) between 12 people. That's quite ambitious for a school night, especially when I have an early start and do have to work the following day!

I'm likely to arrive a little later than 6.30pm so won't be able to help pre-pour or bring print-outs.

17 I think - even more ambitious - the 1985 single I am bringing is not on this list but is on the placemats.

[flash_uk]

Top post updated with various amendments. Two spare slots available, which may or may not be filled by THRA and RDA. So as things stand, 17 equivalent 75cl bottles shared between 12-14 people. What's not to like?

Edit: perhaps we skip the Waterloo if only 12?

[flash_uk]

My work commitments on Tuesday and Wednesday do not include dinner on Tuesday night so I am now confirmed and have reflected that in an edit to the quote of Mike's first post above...
There's too much of a gap between the oldest and the next oldest if I bring the 1896 so instead I propose to bring a bottle of 1948 Fonseca.

Delighted you can make it Alex, and thank you for extending the length of the vertical in the older direction

[jdaw1]

Edit: perhaps we skip the Waterloo if only 12?

Warerloo appropriate to the date: perhaps instead skip 1994?