Virtual Tasting #5, Weds 20 May

Post by **flash_uk** » 21:02 Sat 09 May 2020

Our next virtual tasting is on Wednesday 20 May.

Some changes for this session:
- attendee numbers won't be capped. We can split people into virtual breakout rooms which allows us to have a couple of rooms with fewer people if required
- a suggestion has been floated that we set a drinking theme e.g. Sandeman LBV, or some other port that we believe everyone could obtain

When: Wednesday 20 May, 7pm London time

People:

MPM
NAC
GEAG
CPR
GEE
SCD
WHW
AHB
Rich_n
BMHR
JMK
akzy
HTWH
Dia
JDAW

Post by **flash_uk** » 21:03 Sat 09 May 2020

Could folks make suggestions for the drinking theme? Needs to preferably be something people can get their hands on between now and Weds 20th. This might be tricky for the likes of Will who is in a different country!

What about SW70, which can be purchased from Davy's Online?

nac · Post by **nac** » 21:12 Sat 09 May 2020

Yes please,

winesecretary · Post by **winesecretary** » 21:29 Sat 09 May 2020

Yes please. Might be interesting to set a house, rather than a wine, and see what everyone comes up with...

CPR 1 · Post by **CPR 1** » 21:33 Sat 09 May 2020

Yes please

I was also going to suggest selecting a shipper or decade as in port from the 70’s

Glenn E. · Post by **Glenn E.** » 21:40 Sat 09 May 2020

Yes please!

A shipper is probably one of the easiest themes for a first attempt. If we keep it to a major shipper, that will also help.

Doggett · Post by **Doggett** » 07:56 Sun 10 May 2020

Yes please.

Will W. · Post by **Will W.** » 08:28 Sun 10 May 2020

Yes, please.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 19:09 Sun 10 May 2020

I'd like a slot please.

I like the idea of all drinking the same Port, if we can, which gives us the chance to have some common ground in our discussions on the wine. I suggested the Sandeman LBV on the basis that (at least for those people in the UK) it is available in Waitrose for a sensible price. Happy to go with something else along a similar theme such as Tesco Finest VP or Sainsbury Taste the Difference VP. For me the issue was for us all be able to taste and critique the same wine, in the way we did with the Quevedo tasting.

rich_n · Post by **rich_n** » 13:22 Mon 11 May 2020

Yes please. I will be a little supermarket dependent as some have such huge queues here that it might not be feasible to get a given port. Sandeman from Waitrose should be possible though (and I might order some anyway just to have it).

benread · Post by **benread** » 18:02 Mon 11 May 2020

A warre lbv of any vintage? We can compare ageing and look for common themes. I’ve found 2014 at £12/bottle and wondering about buying some!

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Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 18:43 Mon 11 May 2020

Please add me. Thanks

Justin K · Post by **Justin K** » 22:13 Mon 11 May 2020

I’m in.

Post by **flash_uk** » 22:22 Mon 11 May 2020

Attendees updated.

akzy · Post by **akzy** » 12:36 Tue 12 May 2020

Please can I be added? As for the theme, the Sandeman LBV works for well for me as I already have a bottle

.

benread wrote: ↑18:02 Mon 11 May 2020 A warre lbv of any vintage? We can compare ageing and look for common themes. I’ve found 2014 at £12/bottle and wondering about buying some!

That seems cheap... where from? This could also work as a theme.

hadge · Post by **hadge** » 18:37 Wed 13 May 2020

please add me, should be able to make it

Post by **flash_uk** » 20:33 Wed 13 May 2020

It seems like a Warre or Sandeman LBV are the most available options. Thoughts?

nac · Post by **nac** » 20:38 Wed 13 May 2020

flash_uk wrote: ↑20:33 Wed 13 May 2020 It seems like a Warre or Sandeman LBV are the most available options. Thoughts?

Can do either of these, so good for me.

nac · Post by **nac** » 20:45 Wed 13 May 2020

nac wrote: ↑20:38 Wed 13 May 2020
flash_uk wrote: ↑20:33 Wed 13 May 2020 It seems like a Warre or Sandeman LBV are the most available options. Thoughts?
Can do either of these, so good for me.

Waitrose have got the Warre 2007 which is the ‘full-fat’ unfiltered jobbie, and the Sandeman (2015 I think).

Glenn E. · Post by **Glenn E.** » 22:32 Wed 13 May 2020

flash_uk wrote: ↑20:33 Wed 13 May 2020 It seems like a Warre or Sandeman LBV are the most available options. Thoughts?

I have neither on hand and probably won't have the opportunity to go out and check local stores prior to the tasting. I'll just make do with something that I have available.

nac · Post by **nac** » 06:21 Thu 14 May 2020

nac wrote: ↑20:45 Wed 13 May 2020
nac wrote: ↑20:38 Wed 13 May 2020
flash_uk wrote: ↑20:33 Wed 13 May 2020 It seems like a Warre or Sandeman LBV are the most available options. Thoughts?
Can do either of these, so good for me.
Waitrose have got the Warre 2007 which is the ‘full-fat’ unfiltered jobbie, and the Sandeman (2015 I think).

Just checked, and the Sandeman is the 2015, and is also unfiltered.

Constandia · Post by **Constandia** » 09:35 Thu 14 May 2020

Yes please! I have a Warre's LBV laying around, I think it's '07 but will double check. Ty

Glenn E. · Post by **Glenn E.** » 17:49 Thu 14 May 2020

2007 Warre LBV isn't available in the US at all. 2015 Sandeman LBV is available, but only for $40+shipping from a single store in Florida.

Seattle to Miami is roughly the same distance as London to Tehran.

I'll just pick something out of my cellar to enjoy with all of you.

winesecretary · Post by **winesecretary** » 20:17 Thu 14 May 2020

I regret that a (US) client call that has dropped into my diary is going to cut right across this so I will not now be able to attend. If you do go with the Warre 2007 Unfiltered LBV I would very interested to hear everyone's views. I liked the 04 but struggled with the 07.

Justin K · Post by **Justin K** » 21:31 Thu 14 May 2020

Have never seen Sandeman LBV here but do have an ‘02 Warres.

Andy Velebil · Post by **Andy Velebil** » 14:05 Sat 16 May 2020

I regret that I have to drop out. Work schedule has changed and won’t be able to attend this.

Post by **jdaw1** » 22:23 Mon 18 May 2020

As a proud owner of some Sandeman 2015 ʟʙᴠ, please may I join?

Glenn E. · Post by **Glenn E.** » 00:20 Tue 19 May 2020

It seems that I may be signed up for 2 Port tastings in 1 day. 1 virtually (but nominally in England), and 1 in Sammamish.

Oh my. Whatever will I do?

Also, I have what should be a short meeting at 11:30 Pacific. I can probably participate/observe from my phone, but if it starts to involve me having to actually respond to questions I'll have to run upstairs.

Post by **jdaw1** » 09:17 Tue 19 May 2020

Is there to be a uniform decant time? Even if only for the Sandeman 2015 ʟʙᴠ.

nac · Post by **nac** » 13:19 Tue 19 May 2020

From posts above appears we doing both Warre & Sandeman?

akzy · Post by **akzy** » 20:36 Tue 19 May 2020

jdaw1 wrote: ↑09:17 Tue 19 May 2020 Is there to be a uniform decant time? Even if only for the Sandeman 2015 ʟʙᴠ.

Great idea. I was considering 2pm. Thoughts/ suggestions/ improvements/ desires?

Post by **jdaw1** » 21:04 Tue 19 May 2020

14:00 is as good as any other (though Mike might struggle). Failing clear different instruction by then, decant time is to be Wednesday 14:00 British Summer Time.

Is there to be a uniform shape of decanter? I say no.

Glenn E. · Post by **Glenn E.** » 04:30 Wed 20 May 2020

Hmm... a 5-hour decant for an 11:00 am tasting... my LBV will not be decanted on time! It will probably have to make do with 3 hours of decant time, but since it isn't a 2015 Sandeman or a(ny) Warre, that probably doesn't matter.

Should I reveal or do you wish to guess?

benread · Post by **benread** » 06:01 Wed 20 May 2020

Glenn E. wrote:Hmm... a 5-hour decant for an 11:00 am tasting... my LBV will not be decanted on time! It will probably have to make do with 3 hours of decant time, but since it isn't a 2015 Sandeman or a(ny) Warre, that probably doesn't matter.

Should I reveal or do you wish to guess?

Am I right in thinking most of the USA thinks you have a reputation for breaking the rules on the West coast?!

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Post by **jdaw1** » 06:40 Wed 20 May 2020

Glenn E. wrote: ↑04:30 Wed 20 May 2020Should I reveal or do you wish to guess?

Reveal. So that I don't have to bother making a guessing sheet.

rich_n · Post by **rich_n** » 11:06 Wed 20 May 2020

I’m afraid I have a last minute podcast recording commitment that may mean I cannot make this start time (and I haven’t been able to get my hands on the Sandeman yet, so if I can’t get it today then I’ll be drinking something else anyway). If there are no objections I’d still like to join, even if just for the social side.

Post by **flash_uk** » 11:07 Wed 20 May 2020

rich_n wrote: ↑11:06 Wed 20 May 2020 I’m afraid I have a last minute podcast recording commitment that may mean I cannot make this start time (and I haven’t been able to get my hands on the Sandeman yet, so if I can’t get it today then I’ll be drinking something else anyway). If there are no objections I’d still like to join, even if just for the social side.

Invite already sent - very welcome to join when you can!

rich_n · Post by **rich_n** » 11:14 Wed 20 May 2020

Thanks! I got it and will certainly join later on.

nac · Post by **nac** » 13:45 Wed 20 May 2020

Sandeman 2015 LBV - decanted 1430. Has “proper” driven cork. No obvious sediment. Quick taste - all seems OK.

Glenn E. · Post by **Glenn E.** » 17:03 Wed 20 May 2020

jdaw1 wrote: ↑06:40 Wed 20 May 2020
Glenn E. wrote: ↑04:30 Wed 20 May 2020Should I reveal or do you wish to guess?
Reveal. So that I don't have to bother making a guessing sheet.

2011 Quinta do Crasto LBV (2015, unfiltered, from 375)
decanted at 8:00 am for the tasting at 11:00 am Pacific time.

benread wrote: ↑06:01 Wed 20 May 2020 Am I right in thinking most of the USA thinks you have a reputation for breaking the rules on the West coast?!

That mostly depends on your political affiliation. If red, then the West Coast is full of degenerate libtards who want to take your guns, give your hard-earned tax dollars to slackers who are simultaneously stealing your job and too lazy to work, and impose socialism on the entire country. If blue, then the West Coast is a paradise of progressive values where everyone deserves a living wage, education is free, and your hard-earned tax dollars are given to people in need instead of companies owned by billionaires.

There is very little in between.

Doggett · Post by **Doggett** » 19:16 Sat 23 May 2020

A huge thank you to Mike for continuing to host these fun evenings. I had the Warre’s 2007 LBV to accompany the night. I will get to a tasting note one day, but as a fan normally of this port from other vintages I was a bit disappointed. All there just not singing for me. Lots of red fruit, some black berries and then acidity on a finish that is dominated by a cherry Tune medicinal note. I much preferred the ‘03 and ‘04 on release and the older vintages I have had. But the evening was the good company as always and we seemed to barely mention port on this fifth lockdown gathering. Already looking forward to the next one.

rich_n · Post by **rich_n** » 17:45 Sat 20 Jun 2020

How did those who tasted the Sandeman LBV find it? I have a friend asking if it’s a good option for a Father’s Day gift, and I suspect it’s his best option but haven’t tried mine yet.

akzy · Post by **akzy** » 18:15 Sat 20 Jun 2020

rich_n wrote: ↑17:45 Sat 20 Jun 2020 How did those who tasted the Sandeman LBV find it? I have a friend asking if it’s a good option for a Father’s Day gift, and I suspect it’s his best option but haven’t tried mine yet.

I thought it was lovely Rich. Having had tried quite a few of the current LBV offerings recently, it certainly ranks in the higher echelons. I didn't make a TN for it unfortunately.

rich_n · Post by **rich_n** » 18:15 Sat 20 Jun 2020

akzy wrote:
rich_n wrote: ↑17:45 Sat 20 Jun 2020 How did those who tasted the Sandeman LBV find it? I have a friend asking if it’s a good option for a Father’s Day gift, and I suspect it’s his best option but haven’t tried mine yet.
I thought it was lovely Rich. Having had tried quite a few of the current LBV offerings recently, it certainly ranks in the top few. I didn't make a TN for it unfortunately.

Thanks!

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 00:27 Sun 21 Jun 2020

And it was also being discounted in my local Waitrose this afternoon - the disadvantage being that the shelf was empty by 10.50!

rich_n · Post by **rich_n** » 01:02 Sun 21 Jun 2020

AHB wrote:And it was also being discounted in my local Waitrose this afternoon - the disadvantage being that the shelf was empty by 10.50!

It’s been 20% off for a while, down to £14ish. I stocked up but haven’t actually tried any yet. I may do a second stock up once I have!