Sydney Offline pre-Christmas

[Krusty]

I'm here Mick, just sitting quietly in the corner. Watching.

Nice work at the Coast, it can be hard work keeping a ball in play there at times. I played Kingston Heath last week so it sounds like some serious golfing banter to be had at our end of the table !

Love a hit with you and David at any time, we can sort out on the night.

Need to have a sift through the cellar, think i have a couple of options, maybe a Sorrenberg Gamay and something sticky ?

[Michael R]

Nice, let's chat on the night.
Fwiw I had the 12 Sorrenberg Gamay on Weds night, at Phamish (similar to Xage) went nicely.

I'll bring 06 Domaine Bertheau Chambolle Musigny PC.

[catchnrelease]

Just a friendly bump to remind everyone about this one. Also if you're planning on spitting then i would probably bring your own vessel, not sure how emptying spit buckets would go down with the guys at Xage?

[Polymer]

I don't think it'll be an issue..I'm sure it'll be fine based on previous other places...

[TiggerK]

OK, quick summary... plus wines as previously indicated.

Xage Restaurant, 333 Crown St (near Albion St Corner), 6.30pm, 8 person booking under 'Halliday'.

Dave - 09 Grenache & 12 Viognier.....
Hacker - Selosse Champagne
Catchnrelease - 09 Grenache
Michael R - 06 Red Burgundy
Polymer - Off Dry Riesling & Beaujolais ?
Krusty - 12 Chardy & Sauternes
TiggerK - A white (or two) TBD. Plus a few spittoons.
UFO - Big Red ?

Bring your own glasses if possible, Dave (and Krusty?) will have a few spares if needed.

How about we go the banquet menu as suggested? Can always thrown in an extra dish if something really takes our fancy.

[maybs]

Looking like a nice fun line up fellas. Sorry to be missing it. Just walked through duty free at the airport, was tempted to buy a bottle of Moët at $90...

[Krusty]

Did a cellar search for the Gamay yesterday to no avail, although did get put on my backside by a collapsing tower of sixpacks ! Thankfully no breakages, to either wine or body
Instead I propose to bring a 2012 Oakridge 864 Funder & Diamond Chardonnay (and an entertaining story to tell attached to it). And a Sauternes of some description.

I can also bring a six pack of Zaltos if anyone needs extras.

[pc79]

Hacker, Krusty, Michael - I would be happy to make up the 4th when you plan to go out for a hit. Also keen on making my debut at one of these offlines in 2015. Enjoy Xage, the food is great.

[Michael R]

Like the sound of the Oakridge Matt...i've had the 12 once before and its a beauty, look forward to hearing the story.

Hi PC, look forward to meeting up, certainly will be a few games in 2015. Offlines tend to be when these things get organised, so be sure to saddle up to the next one

Edit...Matt, can i ask for 2 of your Zalto's if you do bring extras?

[ufo]

Hi Guys,

Sorry to pull out at this stage, I won't be able to make it.

Enjoy

[catchnrelease]

Hi Guys,

Sorry to pull out at this stage, I won't be able to make it.

Enjoy

Shame to hear. I may bring a bigger red (old Wendouree or Rockford cabernet) instead of a grenache then to make up that end of the spectrum? What do the rest of you guys rekon?

[Polymer]

I consider Grenache to be bigger than either of those..certainly in fruit and alcohol...

But old Wendouree - that's always a yes..

[catchnrelease]

I consider Grenache to be bigger than either of those..certainly in fruit and alcohol...

But old Wendouree - that's always a yes..

Really? My experience with grenache is relatively limited, most of the ones I've had have been the smoother, lighter easier to drink side. With age either of the cabs would probably be softer. I'll bring a '96 Wendouree Cab Malbec instead of the Geyer Brothers then.

So currently 7 people, anyone want to take the vacant 8th spot?

Dave - 09 Grenache & 12 Viognier.....
Hacker - Selosse Champagne
Catchnrelease - 96 Cab Malbec + ah-so cork puller
Michael R - 06 Red Burgundy
Polymer - Off Dry Riesling & Beaujolais ?
Krusty - 12 Chardy & Sauternes
TiggerK - A white (or two) TBD. Plus a few spittoons.

[TiggerK]

Have asked a couple of people, see how we go.

Mmm, 96 Wendouree..... nice one.

Think I'll do a white and an options red.

[catchnrelease]

Have asked a couple of people, see how we go.

Mmm, 96 Wendouree..... nice one.

Think I'll do a white and an options red.

Last one I had was showing well but may have been slightly past it. This one has a better level, hopefully no TCA! Shouldn't need a decant.

[catchnrelease]

Also bring an umbrella guys, forecast is rain. Surprise, f'n surprise!

[Polymer]

Have asked a couple of people, see how we go.

Mmm, 96 Wendouree..... nice one.

Think I'll do a white and an options red.

Last one I had was showing well but may have been slightly past it. This one has a better level, hopefully no TCA! Shouldn't need a decant.

The last 96 Wendouree Cab Malbec that didn't have a problem was far from past it...but all have had this slight brown sugar component...


Mine will be an Auslese level German Riesling but both cam and I think it isn't like a modern Auslese sweetness so not for dessert.

Might bring a Kiwi red rather than the booj....

[TiggerK]

Still space for one more...... c'mon lurkers, great chance for a casual offline.

the restaurant only takes cash apparently (although they took maybs's c/c). So please bring cash everyone!

[maybs]

Still space for one more...... c'mon lurkers, great chance for a casual offline.

the restaurant only takes cash apparently (although they took maybs's c/c). So please bring cash everyone!

Classic, happy to take deposits via c/c but cash only please. Poor taxman, what hope has he got?

Enjoy fellas, really am bummed about missing a pre-christmas catch up. For anyone around in the middle of January though I am hoping to get another off the ground, if there isn't offline fatigue

[ufo]

Hi Guys,

Sorry to pull out at this stage, I won't be able to make it.

Enjoy

Shame to hear. I may bring a bigger red (old Wendouree or Rockford cabernet) instead of a grenache then to make up that end of the spectrum? What do the rest of you guys rekon?

Well I think I need to intervene here. It is not that someone needs to bring a big red or I would have brought a big red. It is becasue somebody somehow thinks I don't drink and/or bring anything other than big reds and made the assumption that I would bring a big red. So relax and bring whatever you like and enjoy .

[burges]

somebody somehow thinks I don't drink and/or bring anything other than big reds

I feel for you ... somehow people have the same impression of me

[TiggerK]

Yeah, no fair, I can't recall either of you ever bringing a big red....

[ufo]

So if anyone prefers some style of wine to others, one can automatically assume the he will not bring/drink anything other than than style.
Well as Burges would agree, there is a huge difference with preference and fixation

[TiggerK]

No worries ufo, nothing wrong with preferring a style of wine, and no negative intent intended with any assumption of what wine you may bring! There's no right or wrongs.

[catchnrelease]

Well... I already dug the Wendouree out from underneath a pile of cases. So that's what I'm taking.

[maybs]

My diary reminder of this dinner just came up and I am drinking coffee in HK killing time before my flight. Annoying diary reminder!!

[Michael R]

Fantastic night, shame we missed Maybs but very cool to meet Alex, and of course my usual wine brothers!
Some wonderful wines, no obvious WOTN, a lot showed really well but the wine I think about most this morning is the 96 Rockford Grenache.

Hitting Love Tilly for Keller and Ganevat was great fun although am feeling the pinch this morning.
Speaking of which, Dave...let us know how much we owe you..

TFI Friday

[TiggerK]

See Alex, told you on the walk home they'd be drinking Ganevat! Sorry I just wasn't up to kicking on lads, the thought of 80+ bottles (Grape Mates mega tasting) this Saturday had me wary of further excess.... Sounds like a few extra sacrifices were made off the LTD list. Amazed they have any Ganevat left really.

Will post a few pics of the wines later on, and some brief notes from memory.

[dave vino]

Great night (must have been as I have no recollection of getting back)

I think the bill was about $300 at the wine bar

The Rockford was very nice. The 1967 Quelltailer was showing surprisingly well, nose wasn't crash hot but the palate was really good considering.

I really like the Ochota Barrel Fugazi and the Selosse was all candy green apple.

[dave vino]

Only 40 bottles Tim. He posted the list twice. (I hope he did )