Brisbane Offline - Wednesday 15 April

[redstuff]

I might be able to make this dinner. Flights aren't booked yet but I will see if I can come up on the Wednesday for this.
EDIT - turns out I forgot about pretty important celebration - no wine dinner this time.

[Michael McNally]

Right. I will book Il Viale, on the 15th for 7pm.

If people need public transport there is Graceville Station and the 598/599 Great Circle Line stops across the street!

I think we have 10
Me +1
Luke
Rens
Ian
gpk +1
Cesar
Willard
Nick

Any other +1s or lurkers out there? Looks like a pretty blokey affair.....

Cheers

Michael

[michel]

Hi Guys,

Glad I still lurk occasionally - been too long, 15th is good for me, happy to fit in with any theme

Era were doing BYO Monday to Thursday so may be worth checking out - http://erabistro.com.au/menus/ or perhaps the new Brent's?

Cheers - Nick

ERA IS NOW CLOSED
sorry to shout

[rens]

I'm a ? +1 Sorry, but yet another bloke.

[Willard]

Good stuff Michael, I'm confirmed for the 15th. Just myself, no +1.

I've got a couple of options:
- 2005 389 - this is the oldest 389 I have to add to the vertical (exc those already covered), which I'd be happy to bring. Or....
- 1990 Wendouree Cab Malbec, if there's something similar-ish to drink alongside.
- There seems to be a lack of whites mentioned so far... Gerry are you bringing the Lovedale? I could bring a '99 Vat 1 as a counterpoint. If not I can find another white.

Cheers,
Will

[rens]

Good stuff Michael, I'm confirmed for the 15th. Just myself, no +1.

I've got a couple of options:
- 2005 389 - this is the oldest 389 I have to add to the vertical (exc those already covered), which I'd be happy to bring. Or....
- 1990 Wendouree Cab Malbec, if there's something similar-ish to drink alongside.
- There seems to be a lack of whites mentioned so far... Gerry are you bringing the Lovedale? I could bring a '99 Vat 1 as a counterpoint. If not I can find another white.

Cheers,
Will

Hi Will
I think the vat 1 is a great idea. Always nice to start with a white.

[Luke W]

If Cesar's mate would put out for us I reckon it would be worth a go particularly if he's a good cook. Graceville is ok but a $60 taxi fare back to town unless u think travelling on a train pissed is a good idea.
I'll fit in however it goes and will just bring a Taittinger Comte BdB unless instructed to bring anything less flash......
I'll possibly also bring a mate along who has a load of old Wynns JR'S.

[rens]

If Cesar's mate would put out for us I reckon it would be worth a go particularly if he's a good cook. Graceville is ok but a $60 taxi fare back to town unless u think travelling on a train pissed is a good idea.
I'll fit in however it goes and will just bring a Taittinger Comte BdB unless instructed to bring anything less flash......
I'll possibly also bring a mate along who has a load of old Wynns JR'S.

Hi Luke
Just checked. Graceville to the city is $30. It's pretty close. There is a fair bit of accomodation nearby if you have not booked yet. To put it into perspective, it's about 5 minutes further out than Brent's.

[Cesar]

If Cesar's mate would put out for us I reckon it would be worth a go particularly if he's a good cook. Graceville is ok but a $60 taxi fare back to town unless u think travelling on a train pissed is a good idea.
I'll fit in however it goes and will just bring a Taittinger Comte BdB unless instructed to bring anything less flash......
I'll possibly also bring a mate along who has a load of old Wynns JR'S.

I might be able to get us a table at Sixes and Sevens in Fortitude Valley, awesome food, good glassware and central.

Is anyone keen? To be honest sound a bit better than suburban italian and it would be easier to get to.

[rens]

If Cesar's mate would put out for us I reckon it would be worth a go particularly if he's a good cook. Graceville is ok but a $60 taxi fare back to town unless u think travelling on a train pissed is a good idea.
I'll fit in however it goes and will just bring a Taittinger Comte BdB unless instructed to bring anything less flash......
I'll possibly also bring a mate along who has a load of old Wynns JR'S.

I might be able to get us a table at Sixes and Sevens in Fortitude Valley, awesome food, good glassware and central.

Is anyone keen? To be honest sound a bit better than suburban italian and it would be easier to get to.

Yes, the food is very good. I did'nt think they were BYO though. Would pay to check.

[ticklenow1]

If Michael has made the effort to book the Italian, I think it may be best to head there this time around.

Cesar, there's nothing stopping us trying your mates place next time around.

Cheers
Ian

[Michael McNally]

If Michael has made the effort to book the Italian, I think it may be best to head there this time around.

Cesar, there's nothing stopping us trying your mates place next time around.

Cheers
Ian

I look away for a day or two and anarchy breaks out!!

I have made the effort to book (my finger is still sore from dialling) but it's no problem to cancel. I agree we have focused on the western suburbs in our venues (they are convenient to me personally and I know them) so next time someone who knows city venues can organise?

We had my mother's 70th birthday lunch with 20 people at Il Viale and the food and service was excellent. I have been there 3 times with two excellents and a very good. Interesting when people use the word "suburban" as a pejorative!

Anywho, I am really not bothered so if someone feels passionate enough to book an alternative venue then please do, and I'll cancel Il Viale. No drama.

Happy Easter!!

[Luke W]

Already arranged accommodation in Sherwood (next to Graceville). Reckon I can walk home pissed now. What's everyone bringing?

[Rednick]

I'll bring an End Play as we are going Italian and it's now been revealed as a Sangio blend.

[ticklenow1]

I'll bring an End Play as we are going Italian and it's now been revealed as a Sangio blend.

I'd come just to have a small glass of that - superlative wine.

I'll bring the '02 389 and an '04 Kalleske Greenock Shiraz

Cheers
Ian

[rens]

I'll bring an End Play as we are going Italian and it's now been revealed as a Sangio blend.

I'd crawl over broken glass to have a sip of that again.
The stakes are high, I must do some thinking....

[Michael McNally]

One week to go. I have not asked my +1 at this point as we are pushing it for numbers - 11 if Luke and Rens both have +1. Roll call and wine list:

Michael - 1998 Penfolds Bin 389 with a 1999 Wirra Wirra RSW as "backup" (and a 2006 389 in case one/both are stuffed) Also just remembered a 2001 Limestone Ridge if anyone prefers.
Luke - 2004 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs
Luke's +1 - ?????
Ian - 2002 Penfolds Bin 389 and 2004 Kalleske Greenock Shiraz or 2004 Cirillo 1850s Vines Grenache
Cesar - ?????
Gerry and Nicole - 1991 Wynns John Riddoch, 1996 Penfolds Bin 389, 1996 Mount Elizabeth Lovedale Semilon, "Frog Bubbles"
Rens - 2004 Penfolds Bin 389 or Rioja (2001, 2004 and 2005 are all good vintages according to Decanter) and ???? De Bortoli Noble One
Rens's +1 - ??????
Nick - 2008 Marius 'End Play' (alleged) Sangiovese Blend
Will - 2005 Penfolds Bin 389 or 1990 Wendouree Cabernet Malbec or 1999 Tyrells Vat 1 Semillon

Let's fill in the blancs people (did you see what I did there....) and express some preferences about what others are bringing.

For example, I would prefer to ditch the 389 verticality in favour of variety of wines, greater vintages and age overall.

Cheers

Michael

[Cesar]

One week to go. I have not asked my +1 at this point as we are pushing it for numbers - 11 if Luke and Rens both have +1. Roll call and wine list:

Michael - 1998 Penfolds Bin 389 with a 1999 Wirra Wirra RSW as "backup" (and a 2006 389 in case one/both are stuffed) Also just remembered a 2001 Limestone Ridge if anyone prefers.
Luke - 2004 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs
Luke's +1 - ?????
Ian - 2002 Penfolds Bin 389 and 2004 Kalleske Greenock Shiraz or 2004 Cirillo 1850s Vines Grenache
[b]Cesar + 2 newbies - Will let you know what we are all bringing[/b]
Gerry and Nicole - 1991 Wynns John Riddoch, 1996 Penfolds Bin 389, 1996 Mount Elizabeth Lovedale Semilon, "Frog Bubbles"
Rens - 2004 Penfolds Bin 389 or Rioja (2001, 2004 and 2005 are all good vintages according to Decanter) and ???? De Bortoli Noble One
Rens's +1 - ??????
Nick - 2008 Marius 'End Play' (alleged) Sangiovese Blend
Will - 2005 Penfolds Bin 389 or 1990 Wendouree Cabernet Malbec or 1999 Tyrells Vat 1 Semillon

Let's fill in the blancs people (did you see what I did there....) and express some preferences about what others are bringing.

For example, I would prefer to ditch the 389 verticality in favour of variety of wines, greater vintages and age overall.

Cheers

Michael

[Michael McNally]

Hi Cesar

Not sure how others will feel, but increasing numbers by two at this notice is problematic.

The matter is further complicated as I thought I hadn't asked my +1 (my wife Yasmin) but apparently I mentioned it a couple of weeks ago and she has arranged her mum to stay and look after the boys.

With a possible 14 you are looking at pretty small pours.

What do others think?

Cheers

Michael

[gpk]

G'day everyone. Still enjoying an extended easter break and have not had the opportunity to check in for a bit. Long days on the water at Boondooma dam and then a few beers and some nice red around the camp fire.............it does not get an better. Looks like the numbers are growing a bit and as Michael says the pours can get a wee bit small. I can double up on Wills 99 Vat 1, its a cracker of a wine. I will also have a bit of a fish for a magnum of a red or go with a couple of bottles of the same vintage if the cellar permits. I am afraid though I only have one of the John Riddoch 91 . Venue sounds great Michael. cheers Gerry

[rens]

My +1 is now a +4.

Woops, I mean not coming. So that should improve the numbers a bit. So put me down for a 2004 Rioja Alta reserva Especial ( will give you the proper name when I get a chance) and depending on numbers I'll bring the half bottle of 1994 Noble one

[rens]

LA RIOJA ALTA 'VINA ARDANZA' RESERVA ESPECIAL 2004

[Michael McNally]

My +1 is now a +4.

Woops, I mean not coming. So that should improve the numbers a bit. So put me down for a 2004 Rioja Alta reserva Especial ( will give you the proper name when I get a chance) and depending on numbers I'll bring the half bottle of 1994 Noble one

Hilarious (not), but helpful.

I can bring something else in the Port/Muscat vein if needs be..... a half bottle won't go far!

Cheers

Michael

[Luke W]

My mate Perry will bring an 02 Classic McLaren La Testa Cabernet Sauvignon and a Shiraz of the same ilk and vintage as a backup. I'm not sure which he will want to open. I'm starting to wonder whether to open a 1991 Wynns BL as I'm not sure that anyone will get more than a few bubbles if there are 14 of us. I'm open to feedback regarding this decision.
Cheers
Luke

[gpk]

Hi Guy's,

How are the numbers stacking up. I have a couple of options to bring along something else that will stretch a bit further if we are up at 14.

cheers

Gerry

[Michael McNally]

Heads up that I am likely to be a late withdrawal.

I have stuffed my back and am unable to sit upright today. Will let you know after I see my osteopath tomorrow, but not hopeful.

Would solve the possible number problem....

Cheers

Michael

[Cesar]

Sorry about the late notice but looks like i'm off to Chinchilla tomorrow for a couple of days on a last minute work trip so i'm out as well.

[rens]

Sorry about the late notice but looks like i'm off to Chinchilla tomorrow for a couple of days on a last minute work trip so i'm out as well.

That's unfortunate. Was looking forward to catching up.

Heads up that I am likely to be a late withdrawal.

I have stuffed my back and am unable to sit upright today. Will let you know after I see my osteopath tomorrow, but not hopeful.

Would solve the possible number problem....

Cheers

Michael

Sorry to hear that. I hope you feel better. Fingers crossed for a fast recovery.

So to update the Roll call and wine list:

Michael +1 - unlikely, but with the miracles of modern osteopaty may bring1998 Penfolds Bin 389 with a 1999 Wirra Wirra RSW as "backup" (and a 2006 389 in case one/both are stuffed)
Luke +1- 02 Classic McLaren La Testa Cabernet Sauvignon and a Shiraz of the same ilk and vintage as a backup. With a 1991 Wynns BL or the bubbles may now be back.
Ian - 2002 Penfolds Bin 389 and 2004 Kalleske Greenock Shiraz or 2004 Cirillo 1850s Vines Grenache
Gerry and Nicole - 1991 Wynns John Riddoch, 1996 Penfolds Bin 389, 1996 Mount Elizabeth Lovedale Semilon, "Frog Bubbles"
Rens - 2005 La Rioja Alta 'Vina Ardanza' Reserva Especial and De Bortoli Noble One
Nick - 2008 Marius 'End Play' (alleged) Sangiovese Blend
Will - 2005 Penfolds Bin 389 or 1990 Wendouree Cabernet Malbec or 1999 Tyrells Vat 1 Sem


Looks like only 10 of us, perhaps 8. Will, are you still a starter?

[gpk]

Hi Ren's,

Since the numbers are closer to 8 or 10, I will stay with my original plan of 1991 Wynns John Riddoch, 1996 Mount Elizabeth Lovedale Semilon, "Frog Bubbles".

Do we have a time or have I missed it somewhere in the post?

Michael, good luck with the Oseteopath, hope it works out. Or you could go with some good medication plus wine and not remember much

cheers

Gerry

[Hacker]

Will - 2005 Penfolds Bin 389 or 1990 Wendouree Cabernet Malbec or 1999 Tyrells Vat 1 Sem

Hi guys, hope the night goes well! I had a Wendouree 1990 Cab Malbec the other night, and for what it is worth, it was quite shut despite a three hour decant. I reckon it needs a minimum five hour decant to drag some life out of it, and there is life somewhere there! Great potential.