Tuesday, October 8th, London, "Bring a bottle to share"

WS1 · Post by **WS1** » 17:11 Wed 28 Aug 2013

RAYC wrote:
WS1 wrote:
jdaw1 wrote:First draft of the placemats.

Wolfgang: approximately everybody is adopting from you. Instead, why don’t you own the whole tasting, and tell us approximately everybody the cost of a share. Would that be simpler than an arbitrary assignment of my adopting one vintage and somebody else adopting another?
agree that this would probably best since I have of all contributed bts more than 1bt. Also good news and bad news. Found the 63 Calem (glorious colour and into neck level ) and the 1997 Calem VP as well as a 1997 Calem Quinta da Foz. So I guess we have to try both or what do attendees think?
cost for the ports (2x 97, 95, 85, 83, 80, 77, 63 and 60) would be 26£ per head if we are 14 people. Please let me know how we want to go ahead.

regards

WS1
Not sure this suggestion works particularly well if THRA is bringing a '35 Calem, Christopher is bringing a 31 Taylor Pinhao, Alex is bringing a 67 Cockburn and I am bringing 60s / 70s bottle of something (perhaps a nice occasion for a 69 Vargellas if Phil is attending and AHB still hasn't tried it, as mentioned here?).

Fine by me, but then I would like to suggest to skip the whole Calem idea since expecting me contributing 7 bts is a bit harsh on me I think. Would you not agree?

RAYC · Post by **RAYC** » 00:19 Thu 29 Aug 2013

WS1 wrote:
Fine by me, but then I would like to suggest to skip the whole Calem idea since expecting me contributing 7 bts is a bit harsh on me I think. Would you not agree?

I would agree that it would be a bit harsh, but no one has suggested that you to contribute 7 bottles by yourself!

I can think of a few other ways to organise things, if you're still game to open some Calem, but clearly my input has been unhelpful so will keep my nose out and let you / Andy decide.

FWIW, I hope to attend (if there remains space for me when i can confirm), and am happy to fit in and contribute financially to group bottles if that is what is decided (whether Calem or anything else). Will also bring along either the Vargellas 69 or an alternative bottle that i've been waiting for a suitable opportunity to open.

Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 02:19 Thu 29 Aug 2013

WS1 wrote:
Fine by me, but then I would like to suggest to skip the whole Calem idea since expecting me contributing 7 bts is a bit harsh on me I think. Would you not agree?

I do not expect you or anyone else to contribute so many bottles without being compensated at the least. I have no issues contributing financially to the line up if you and others agree to that, in addition to bringing my 1996.

Some options;.
1- People can adopt a bottle from WS1 (if willing).

2- We can all collectively split the cost of the extra bottles (if willing).

3- Or we scrap the serious Calem vertical (or less focused on it), as in if you have Calem bring what you would like to share, if not bring what you want as some who don't have Calem are already doing.

Please state your preference. We can then go from there.

Personally, as I've never done a vertical of Calem or had much in the way of older ones, I would like to try and keep the theme if possible. If not, no worries. As I said this is more about having a fun evening with you all who I don't get to see very often.

WS1 · Post by **WS1** » 06:04 Thu 29 Aug 2013

Hmm, I think there has been some confusion due to individual attendees choose different approaches. One was a theme and the other "let us have a fantastic bt of port" and meet/catch up with Andy. Both are equally valid, some may prefer the latter one.
The Calem idea is nice because it is something we have not done before and it is fairly easy to organise after we have all the bts together. But it really requires we will be 14 people which I do not see us be based on the attendees list and the line up of ports suggested (too many including the "friends" bts).
Hence I suggest to skip the Calem idea and ask to put me on the reserves list. This has nothing to do with this tasting rather than changes at my work place enfolded to me yesterday.

regards

WS1

Post by **DRT** » 07:04 Thu 29 Aug 2013

I think "bring a bottle to share with Andy" is the way to go.

I will be contributing my G70 that is already in London.

Post by **PhilW** » 08:33 Thu 29 Aug 2013

WS1 wrote:Hmm, I think there has been some confusion due to individual attendees choose different approaches. One was a theme and the other "let us have a fantastic bt of port" and meet/catch up with Andy. Both are equally valid, some may prefer the latter one.
The Calem idea is nice because it is something we have not done before and it is fairly easy to organise after we have all the bts together. But it really requires we will be 14 people which I do not see us be based on the attendees list and the line up of ports suggested (too many including the "friends" bts).
Hence I suggest to skip the Calem idea and ask to put me on the reserves list. This has nothing to do with this tasting rather than changes at my work place enfolded to me yesterday.

regards

WS1

It is a shame to lose the Calem theme (again), and I think we would have been able to work out something suitable and fair on bottle costs (such as dropping the '95 and '96, with DRT bringing '60, WS bringing '63 and myself and one other splitting the '77, '80, '83 and '85 - just one of several possibilities, I'm sure); However, if there is a chance that WS may not be able to attend then we should definitely save this for another time and I agree with DRT that "bring a bottle to share with Andy" becomes the sensible option. Wolfgang - I hope work allows you are able to join us anyway

Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 12:27 Thu 29 Aug 2013

Lets keep it simple.

Bring a bottle to share is now the theme.

I'll sort the cellar and see what I've got.

Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 12:31 Thu 29 Aug 2013

I've updated the first post.

WS1 is now in the possible attendee list (I hope allows you to make it, would be good to see you).

I've removed the non-spoken for Calem bottles (sans Tom's till I hear from him).

Please post what you intend to bring and I'll update the list as we go.

Post by **jdaw1** » 16:06 Thu 29 Aug 2013

Andy Velebil wrote:Bring a bottle to share is now the theme.

Blind or sighted?

Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 17:46 Thu 29 Aug 2013

jdaw1 wrote:
Andy Velebil wrote:Bring a bottle to share is now the theme.
Blind or sighted?

I'd say sighted. Lets just enjoy each others company with some nice ports and not worry about being too formal.

Post by **jdaw1** » 18:01 Thu 29 Aug 2013

1970 Taylor from me; 1970 Graham from Derek.

benread · Post by **benread** » 17:48 Fri 30 Aug 2013

Andy. I would like to join you but won't be able to confirm until next week at earliest. Presently listening to motorbikes roar round Isle of Man TT course - it is Manx GP week and we are staying in a house fronting onto the course!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 18:10 Fri 30 Aug 2013

benread wrote:Andy. I would like to join you but won't be able to confirm until next week at earliest. Presently listening to motorbikes roar round Isle of Man TT course - it is Manx GP week and we are staying in a house fronting onto the course!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

Sweet! Have fun and let me know when you sort coming or not. Hope to see you

Post by **DRT** » 22:49 Tue 03 Sep 2013

jdaw1 wrote:1970 Taylor from me; 1970 Graham from Derek.

Would it be a complete disaster if we turned this into a 1970 horizontal?

Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 01:06 Wed 04 Sep 2013

DRT wrote:
jdaw1 wrote:1970 Taylor from me; 1970 Graham from Derek.
Would it be a complete disaster if we turned this into a 1970 horizontal?

No as I was planning on a 1970
Warre vp as a possible bottle
To bring.

Post by **PhilW** » 07:21 Wed 04 Sep 2013

Andy Velebil wrote:
DRT wrote:
jdaw1 wrote:1970 Taylor from me; 1970 Graham from Derek.
Would it be a complete disaster if we turned this into a 1970 horizontal?
No as I was planning on a 1970
Warre vp as a possible bottle
To bring.

Previous post, bottle declared
Croft 70, matches theme
Shall be brought.

Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 12:34 Wed 04 Sep 2013

Andy Velebil wrote:
DRT wrote: Would it be a complete disaster if we turned this into a 1970 horizontal?
No as I was planning on a 1970
Warre vp as a possible bottle
To bring.

After thinking about this overnight, lets keep it at "Bring a bottle to share" If there happens to be a lot of 1970, so be it. If there happens to be whatever else, perfect.

Philw,
got you down for the Croft.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 16:04 Thu 05 Sep 2013

OK, if we're drifting towards a 1970 theme then I will bring a 1970 Martinez

CPR 1 · Post by **CPR 1** » 14:20 Thu 19 Sep 2013

If there is space for a newbie? I would like to join you

I can contribute a Fonseca 77 to the line up

Thanks

Charles

Post by **DRT** » 15:46 Thu 19 Sep 2013

Charles,

From what I can see there is certainly room for you and your F77 but Andy will confirm as he is keeping track of arrangements.

I look forward to meeting you.

Derek

Post by **jdaw1** » 15:53 Thu 19 Sep 2013

Charles: hello and welcome. Please do start an introduction thread, saying who you are and something about port. Why you like it; your favourite; the worst you ever had; or something. Thank you.

Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 20:04 Thu 19 Sep 2013

Hi Charles.
Looks like we still have room so yes, you are welcome to join us. Ill put you down for the Fonseca 1977

Look forward to meeting you next month.

Andy

djewesbury · Post by **djewesbury** » 18:11 Mon 23 Sep 2013

Sorry everyone. Looks like I have moved from the 'possibles' to the 'impossibles' list. Teaching commitments this semester are ruling out most Tuesdays. However I'm relatively free in the week of the 21st Oct so if a tasting miraculously crops up then I can try and get over.

Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 13:07 Tue 24 Sep 2013

Duly noted and I hope to catch you next time I am in town.

benread · Post by **benread** » 19:25 Fri 27 Sep 2013

benread wrote:Andy. I would like to join you but won't be able to confirm until next week at earliest. Presently listening to motorbikes roar round Isle of Man TT course - it is Manx GP week and we are staying in a house fronting onto the course!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

Regrettably, I will not be able to make this. We are without childcare of any normal sort for 3 weeks so I will be chasing 2 little boys round every corner of Reigate as we call in a variety of favours!

Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 01:02 Sat 28 Sep 2013

benread wrote:
Regrettably, I will not be able to make this. We are without childcare of any normal sort for 3 weeks so I will be chasing 2 little boys round every corner of Reigate as we call in a variety of favours!

are they good at decanting? If yes, bring along

Sorry to miss you but understandable.

Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 01:06 Sat 28 Sep 2013

If everyone can make sure I've got you down for the right Port. If not please indicate the change as soon as possible.

Any volunteer(s) willing to bear the responsibility of printing and bringing the tasting note sheets?

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 07:08 Sat 28 Sep 2013

I was planning on bringing only the Martinez '70, not the Cockburn '67.

Post by **jdaw1** » 12:43 Sat 28 Sep 2013

Andy Velebil wrote:Any volunteer(s) willing to bear the responsibility of printing and bringing the tasting note sheets?

I’ll make them soon.

Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 13:24 Sat 28 Sep 2013

jdaw1 wrote:
Andy Velebil wrote:Any volunteer(s) willing to bear the responsibility of printing and bringing the tasting note sheets?
I’ll make them soon.

Thank you

(the extra one was just for you as I know how much you love them)

by AHB
I was planning on bringing only the Martinez '70, not the Cockburn '67.

Change noted.

Post by **jdaw1** » 13:42 Sat 28 Sep 2013

The placemats will be based on the first post; please ensure that it is correct.

idj123 · Post by **idj123** » 17:08 Sat 28 Sep 2013

With Alex opting for the Martinez and not the Cockburn, can I be put down for a Cockburn '70?

Ian

Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 17:22 Sat 28 Sep 2013

idj123 wrote:With Alex opting for the Martinez and not the Cockburn, can I be put down for a Cockburn '70?

Ian

Certainly, I have made the update.

Post by **jdaw1** » 21:29 Sat 28 Sep 2013

First draft of the new placemats.

Please verify ports and people, and anything else.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 20:58 Sun 29 Sep 2013

I can print and bring, but the latest that I can print will be Friday 4th. If I print, no changes after that date will be reflected in the tasting mats.

Post by **jdaw1** » 22:43 Sun 29 Sep 2013

AHB wrote:I can print and bring, but the latest that I can print will be Friday 4th. If I print, no changes after that date will be reflected in the tasting mats.

There will be changes after that. I can print and bring.

uncle tom · Post by **uncle tom** » 12:34 Fri 04 Oct 2013

In addition to the Ca35, I will also bring a drop of claret (ullaged bottle, 4th growth, has-been year for Bordeaux, so don't expect too much.. - but nice label!)

Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 13:25 Fri 04 Oct 2013

uncle tom wrote:In addition to the Ca35, I will also bring a drop of claret (ullaged bottle, 4th growth, has-been year for Bordeaux, so don't expect too much.. - but nice label!)

As long as it looks good on the outside. Of course, we could add a couple drops of VP to it and spice it up if need be

LOL

Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 19:35 Mon 07 Oct 2013

Leaving for airport shortly. See you all soon.

djewesbury · Post by **djewesbury** » 19:44 Mon 07 Oct 2013

Andy Velebil wrote:Leaving for airport shortly. See you all soon.

scramble!

uncle tom · Post by **uncle tom** » 21:38 Mon 07 Oct 2013

Ca35 stood up and ready, but as this is a really unusual bottle, I think I'll decant it at the table, so people can photo it, capsule 'n' all.

Currently plan to be on parade at 6pm - what time are others showing?

Post by **jdaw1** » 22:11 Mon 07 Oct 2013

Links:

Review of the evening as a whole;
1931 Taylor PinhÃ£o (CMAG);
1935 Cálem (THRA);
1970 Graham (DRT);
1970 Taylor (JDAW);
1970 Croft (PW);
1970 Martinez (AHB);
1970 Warre (ADV);
1970 Cockburn (IDJ);
1970 Quarles Harris (RAYC);
1977 Fonseca (CPR);
Placemats (and parameters by which made);
Planning and arrangements.

(Edited to add QH70.)

RAYC · Post by **RAYC** » 22:20 Mon 07 Oct 2013

I think i could fill the spare circle with a bottle, if there's space for me at the table. If not, no worries - i will do the things i should be doing....

Have stood a Vargellas 69 (unknown stock), a Quarles Harris 1970 (ex-cellars at some point within the last 5 years), a Roeda 1970 (good stock) and a Graham 1960 (same stock as this) to choose from. I won't open unless someone vaguely in charge confirms there's space. Subject to that, feel free to state preferences...

Post by **jdaw1** » 22:29 Mon 07 Oct 2013

We have nine people, and our fearless leader is on a plane from California. So we must take a decision without him.

You’re in.

Please select a bottle for my choice the CR70, but others might have a different preference for prompt updating of placemats.

Edited to remove people-counting error.

RAYC · Post by **RAYC** » 22:34 Mon 07 Oct 2013

I think the loose 1970 theme rules out the Vargellas 69 on the basis that either (i) one of the more infrequently-drunk 1970s should be brought for consistency or (ii) a solid port from another major vintage should be brought for variety.

I have multiple bottles of each, so someone else can choose. The Croft Roeda would be a fine choice and i will go with that unless strong preferences to the contrary are expressed before your cut-off point

Post by **jdaw1** » 23:06 Mon 07 Oct 2013

Updated draft of the new placemats.

Post by **PhilW** » 08:19 Tue 08 Oct 2013

uncle tom wrote:Ca35 stood up and ready, but as this is a really unusual bottle, I think I'll decant it at the table, so people can photo it, capsule 'n' all.

Currently plan to be on parade at 6pm - what time are others showing?

Croft decanted at 7am. Aiming to be there for 6.30pm; if the Ca35 is opened before I arrive, someone please take pics!

RAYC · Post by **RAYC** » 08:25 Tue 08 Oct 2013

Apologies - on wiping clear the cellar grime, it turns out my Roeda 70 is in fact a Roeda 67 (Roeda 70s must have gone to Big Yellow...)

I'll bring the Quarles unless people want something else from my list.

Post by **jdaw1** » 09:00 Tue 08 Oct 2013

Updated draft of the new placemats.

Placemats to be printed shortly after noon. Grumbles before then, please.

Post by **PhilW** » 11:29 Tue 08 Oct 2013

RAYC wrote:Apologies - on wiping clear the cellar grime, it turns out my Roeda 70 is in fact a Roeda 67 (Roeda 70s must have gone to Big Yellow...)

I'll bring the Quarles unless people want something else from my list.

I'd go for the G60 or TV69 from your proposed options over the QH70, but this is just my personal bias away from QH; however others may not feel the same, and the QH70 probably fits better with the 70-horizontal-ish theme.