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I shall be in the vicinity of London (Amersham) from mid December onwards and wanted to float the idea of a casual tasting in the run up to Christmas (but obviously not a competitor to the official TPF Christmas drinks). I was thinking it might be powered by the M&S bargain VP bonanza we've seen over the last month or so. Any interest in this? Suggestions that might improve it beyond my vague suggestions above?!

The preference seems to be blinded bottles, so do we want to confirm the ports beforehand just to avoid multiples of the same? It seems unlikely if folks decide to get creative with the theme, but given the youth of my collection there is a possibility that I and others may elect to bring something from our recent M&S hauls (although I may have other options available). Alternatively given many of us now have those bottles in our cellars we may wish to avoid drinking something that's been readily available.

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Date and Time
17th Dec, 1800 for 1830 start

Theme
"A port that cost you less than £25"

Attendees (in order of response on this thread)

1. rich_n
2. CPR 1
3. winesecretary
4. akzy
5. AHB
6. flash_uk
7. idj123
8. Uncle Tom

Reserves

• CMAG
• RGO

Links:

• Review of the event as a whole
• Tasting notes:
  • 2001 Warre Quinta da Cavadinha
  • 1970 Martinez (CPR) (2 bottles were present)
  • 1970 Martinez (GEAG) (2 bottles were present)
  • 1977 Royal Oporto Quinta Do Corval
  • 1983 Dow
  • 1994 Tesco
  • 1970 Butler Nephew
  • 1997 Gould Campbell
• Placemats (and in the list of placemats);
• Planning and arrangements.

Draft of the the placemats (and in list of placemats).

Date dependant I am game

My port-drinking for the week of the 9th will be on Monday 9th, for the 1991 horizontal. But I would be up for something in the week of the 16th. 'A port that cost you less than £25' could be a theme. Just on what I have purchased in the past month I would have four options for that immediately to hand, none of them horrific.

Date-dependent, include me in.

I should be fine for most of December so I would be keen to join.

We have the 1991 Horizontal on 9th December, we also have the Christmas bash on 19th December.

Traditionally we have also had a tasting in London on the Tuesday before the Christmas bash, which would be Tuesday 17th, but no-one has started to organize such an event. That would be an excellent date for a tasting and I rather like the theme of "a Port which cost you less than £25" - and I like that much more than the theme which George might have intended to suggest of "a Port which cost less than £25 to buy in 2019"

PS - if being organized for Tuesday 17th please count me in (but as tentative).

I confirm that I was suggesting AHB's preferred "a Port which cost you less than £25" and was very carefully not suggesting "a Port which cost less than £25 to buy in 2019". Albeit I obscured my intention by immediately mentioning that I have four candidates that fit either interpretation. Like AHB I also like the 17th as a date, if a venue presents itself.

Count me in, date dependent. 17th works for me if that is chosen.

Sounds like a plan is coming together, great theme and 17th works for me if chosen.

winesecretary wrote: ↑16:10 Mon 14 Oct 2019 I confirm that I was suggesting AHB's preferred "a Port which cost you less than £25" and was very carefully not suggesting "a Port which cost less than £25 to buy in 2019". Albeit I obscured my intention by immediately mentioning that I have four candidates that fit either interpretation. Like AHB I also like the 17th as a date, if a venue presents itself.

I applaud the theme and the care with which it was phrased.

I also now regret opening a bottle of Martinez 1970 which I drank at the weekend. This cost me £23 when purchased in 2009 and would have been an ideal bottle for this tasting. Never mind, I am sure I can find something else suitable.

Yes please, and I like the theme. I'll have a dig. Thanks

Blind or sighted?

I would like this, too, but can we also have something nice afterwards (1 or 2 glasses...)

Count me in.

Axel

jdaw1 wrote: ↑17:09 Tue 15 Oct 2019Blind or sighted?

I say blind - much more fun with this theme

Wow, I stepped away from this thread and it looks like we already have a plan! I can happily say I'd be available on the 17th and love the "less than £25" theme.

rich_n wrote: ↑19:54 Tue 15 Oct 2019 Wow, I stepped away from this thread and it looks like we already have a plan! I can happily say I'd be available on the 17th and love the "less than £25" theme.

All we need now is the venue. Unless other options being considered suggest calling B&F asap to see if they have room as they will be very busy with Xmas bookings that week.

Rich - are you happy to give the Boot & Flogger a call and ask if they have a room or other space which can accommodate us that night?

AHB wrote: ↑21:24 Tue 15 Oct 2019 Rich - are you happy to give the Boot & Flogger a call and ask if they have a room or other space which can accommodate us that night?

I haven't done this before, what do I need to ask for? Do we have a specific contact? I'm happy to call but if someone who has a regular contact there is willing to speak with them I'd be more than happy to shirk responsibility!

No problem, I have spoken to Chris and we have got the green room downstairs, a little squeeze but it is Xmas.

Rich - if you're happy to act as the organiser for this tasting, the next thing to do is to edit your first post to include the usual details:
Date and Time
Theme
Attendees

Since we're in the Green Room I would recommend limiting numbers to 8 to fit round the table reasonably easily.

If you'd prefer one of us to do this, just let us know.

If there is space (which there now may not be) then count me in; if not then reserve list please.

AHB wrote: ↑20:42 Wed 16 Oct 2019 Rich - if you're happy to act as the organiser for this tasting, the next thing to do is to edit your first post to include the usual details:
Date and Time
Theme
Attendees

Since we're in the Green Room I would recommend limiting numbers to 8 to fit round the table reasonably easily.

If you'd prefer one of us to do this, just let us know.

Thanks and done. Happy to take further direction as necessary as a novice!

@CPR1 thank you for booking the room, very much appreciated.

The 17th will likely work for me.

AHB wrote: ↑15:41 Mon 14 Oct 2019 That would be an excellent date for a tasting and I rather like the theme of "a Port which cost you less than £25" - and I like that much more than the theme which George might have intended to suggest of "a Port which cost less than £25 to buy in 2019"

For me, both of these suggestions are the same

Why would I be on the reserve list?

Axel P wrote: ↑13:58 Tue 22 Oct 2019 Why would I be on the reserve list?

The Green Room only seats 8.
@Charles - presumably the Red Room wasn't available?

Axel P wrote: ↑13:58 Tue 22 Oct 2019 Why would I be on the reserve list?

Probably because we're only able to get the small room at the Boot & Flogger - that only comfortably fits 8 people.

Axel P wrote: ↑13:58 Tue 22 Oct 2019 Why would I be on the reserve list?

Unfortunately it seems like a small room was the only one available, however there are still 3 to confirm. Hopefully they will be able to do so one way or another sooner rather than later!

Sorry. I have to pull out. Something has come up .

Hope you all have fun.

DaveRL wrote: ↑09:53 Sun 03 Nov 2019 Sorry. I have to pull out. Something has come up .

Hope you all have fun.

Thanks for letting me know. I will update the attendees.

Can myself CMAG and RGO be added to the reserve list. Great theme although most of the stuff I purchased that meets this is at Seckfords but will have a browse!!

Christopher wrote: ↑23:22 Fri 15 Nov 2019 Can myself CMAG and RGO be added to the reserve list. Great theme although most of the stuff I purchased that meets this is at Seckfords but will have a browse!!

Apologies for the slow response, I've been away in California. Done!

Good afternoon folks! We are just over a week away from this (and I suspect those attending the formal Christmas bash will be more focused on the arrangements for that once we get towards the end of next week), so I thought I would check in and see if there have been any changes in terms of those who can or cannot attend.

Please can you update the thread if you are no longer able to attend and I will update the original post.

Count me in

I'll be there.

yep I'll be there. Have we figured out whether the red room is available?

I'll be there

flash_uk wrote: ↑13:56 Fri 06 Dec 2019 yep I'll be there. Have we figured out whether the red room is available?

CPR1 booked the room (Green Room), I believe it was the only room available. I have tried to call a couple of times but can't get through today, I'll try again later. If I can get a larger room then I'll update the main post and include those on the reserve list.

uncle tom wrote: ↑12:26 Fri 06 Dec 2019Count me in

Unfortunately at this point we don't have any spare space but I've added you to the reserve list.

rich_n wrote: ↑16:28 Sat 12 Oct 2019jdaw1 (please confirm you can make the 17th)

Please give my seat to a reserve.

I’ll make placemats soon. Please update first post to be the correct people, and post to say that’s done, and then I’ll do my bit. How decorative do you want? Perhaps look at the gallery of previous placemats (big download: 15 Mb) and choose something that takes your fancy.

I confirm that I still plan to attend.

Christopher wrote: ↑23:22 Fri 15 Nov 2019 Can myself CMAG and RGO be added to the reserve list. Great theme although most of the stuff I purchased that meets this is at Seckfords but will have a browse!!

There is now one spare spot, do you still want it?

jdaw1 wrote: ↑13:19 Sun 08 Dec 2019

rich_n wrote: ↑16:28 Sat 12 Oct 2019jdaw1 (please confirm you can make the 17th)

Please give my seat to a reserve.

I’ll make placemats soon. Please update first post to be the correct people, and post to say that’s done, and then I’ll do my bit. How decorative do you want? Perhaps look at the gallery of previous placemats (big download: 15 Mb) and choose something that takes your fancy.

I will do so as soon as I have confirmation of who will be taking the final space. I have zero knowledge of how placemats will work, having only attended the 2017 VP tasting, so would one of our more experienced guests please weigh in with a preferred option?

rich_n wrote: ↑17:39 Mon 09 Dec 2019I will do so as soon as I have confirmation of who will be taking the final space. I have zero knowledge of how placemats will work, having only attended the 2017 VP tasting, so would one of our more experienced guests please weigh in with a preferred option?

I’ll ensure functionally good — fret not about that.

I like relatively plain placemats.

Rich - can you take a look at the Christmas tasting thread. You have a seat, should you want it.

AHB wrote: ↑12:21 Tue 10 Dec 2019 I like relatively plain placemats.

Rich - can you take a look at the Christmas tasting thread. You have a seat, should you want it.

I wish I could make it, but sadly am no longer available that day. I have responded to that effect.

jdaw1 wrote: ↑10:07 Tue 10 Dec 2019

rich_n wrote: ↑17:39 Mon 09 Dec 2019I will do so as soon as I have confirmation of who will be taking the final space. I have zero knowledge of how placemats will work, having only attended the 2017 VP tasting, so would one of our more experienced guests please weigh in with a preferred option?

I’ll ensure functionally good — fret not about that.

Given that we are tasting blind and informally, I would suggest the "21 May 2019 Blind and Informal" version would work well for us.

Please update first post’s list of attendees.

Current draft of the placemats (I chose stars rather than flowers — willing to be overruled).

jdaw1 wrote: ↑18:27 Tue 10 Dec 2019 Please update first post’s list of attendees.

I will do, just awaiting confirmation (or otherwise) of whether Christopher can take the final spot.