Melbourne Offline: Coonawarra Cabernet V

[Benchmark]

Reading through the opinions on this thread, http://forum.auswine.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=15006, it occurred to me that Coonawarra had both its advocates and its detractors. Both somewhat justified.

The proof is in the pudding as they say, so it might be worth taking a look at just how Coonawarra stacks up against the rest.

I floated the idea past a few members and there is plenty of enthusiasm.

Date: 6th May.
Location: Bergerac - 131 King Street, MELBOURNE
Time: 6.30pm
Format: Blind.
Vintage Range: 1995-2005.

Theme: Coonawarra Cabernet V the rest of Australia.

I have no preference for vintages but Cabernet is a classic style for aging, so in the interest of a level playing field perhaps we can set some guidelines? It seems pointless pitting a '99 Coonawarra against a '13 MR.

To keep the night weighted in Coonawarra, forum member OzzieW has once again made himself available as Gate Keeper. He wears the hat and cape well for MBSC. If members could let Ozzie know if they are bringing a 'Coonawarra' or an 'Other', Oz will ensure we get the correct spread.

Numbers limited to 9.

Reserves welcome as the list is changing.

1. OzzieW
2. mjs
3. ChrisH
4. conformistpete
5. Benchmark
6. Shell
7. OzzieW +1
8. Cuttlefish
9. Cuttlefish +1

10. grb2001
11. Diddy
12. wifekidsmotgage
13. alexc92
14. phillis
15. grapeobserver

[Chris H]

Vintage range sounds roughly fine to me Grant. The Coonawarra King will probably have a considered view too no doubt.

[Ozzie W]

I've got a +1 that would like to come to this. I've finally convinced him to register an Auswine account and he's just waiting for it to be activated so can't post himself just yet.

[Ozzie W]

I think a 10 year vintage window of say 1995 to 2005 could work well, but as always happy to go with group consensus. Also, are we limiting to straight cab or allowing cab dominant blends too?

[phillisc]

Ozzie, you have me salivating at this one.
I am considering coming to Melbourne for that weekend , specifically to see my beloved Blues take on the Pies ( Saturday May 7th at the G)
So if I can get a cheap flight, I may be a starter.
If I got to the offline, I would perhaps look at a 80's Coonawarra and a 90s Yarra Valley (not all just about MR).

Not sure that I am the Coonawarra King (ha ha), but might just be able to work out who Chris may be referring to
Appreciate that you have very limited spaces, so will try and sort something shortly.

Cheers
Craig

[Ozzie W]

It was all Benchmark and mjs' idea, phillisc. It's a great theme indeed.

[Benchmark]

Ozzie, you have me salivating at this one.
I am considering coming to Melbourne for that weekend , specifically to see my beloved Blues take on the Pies ( Saturday May 7th at the G)
So if I can get a cheap flight, I may be a starter.
If I got to the offline, I would perhaps look at a 80's Coonawarra and a 90s Yarra Valley (not all just about MR).

Not sure that I am the Coonawarra King (ha ha), but might just be able to work out who Chris may be referring to
Appreciate that you have very limited spaces, so will try and sort something shortly.

Cheers
Craig

Craig, I can add you to the list?

We might have to ban footy talk. The Pies will trounce your Blues

[cuttlefish]

I'm in with a +1 if there's room.
Could I suggest a minimum age on the wines ?
2005 or older ? Something like that ?

We'll probably get rolled by the Tigers that night anyway...

[mjs]

Ozzie, you have me salivating at this one.
I am considering coming to Melbourne for that weekend , specifically to see my beloved Blues take on the Pies ( Saturday May 7th at the G)
So if I can get a cheap flight, I may be a starter.
If I got to the offline, I would perhaps look at a 80's Coonawarra and a 90s Yarra Valley (not all just about MR).

Not sure that I am the Coonawarra King (ha ha), but might just be able to work out who Chris may be referring to
Appreciate that you have very limited spaces, so will try and sort something shortly.

Cheers
Craig

Craig,
The Pies/Blues game is an away game for the Blues. Pity, as I would have a spare ticket for you if it was a home game!
cheers, Malcolm

[mjs]

I have a +1 for this, so put grb2001 down

[mjs]

Ozzie, you have me salivating at this one.
I am considering coming to Melbourne for that weekend , specifically to see my beloved Blues take on the Pies ( Saturday May 7th at the G)
So if I can get a cheap flight, I may be a starter.
If I got to the offline, I would perhaps look at a 80's Coonawarra and a 90s Yarra Valley (not all just about MR).

Not sure that I am the Coonawarra King (ha ha), but might just be able to work out who Chris may be referring to
Appreciate that you have very limited spaces, so will try and sort something shortly.

Cheers
Craig

Craig, I can add you to the list?

We might have to ban footy talk. The Pies will trounce your Blues

Grant,

We will see ... haha! Go Blues

cheers, Malcolm

[mjs]

I think a 10 year vintage window of say 1995 to 2005 could work well, but as always happy to go with group consensus. Also, are we limiting to straight cab or allowing cab dominant blends too?

Agree with Chris and OzzieW. I suggest at least 10 years of age, say 2005 at youngest, with a window of about 10 years beyond that. But if there is anything older then that might be good, then I wouldn't stop anyone from bringing it (do I hear 920 or Centenary? ). Also happy with Cab blends.

If we are looking for venue options, I would suggest Scopri or Moretons, others may have views also

cheers, Malcolm (CK)

[Diddy]

I'm keen!

[grb2001]

Yeah - count me in!

[wifekidsmortgage]

I'm keen to attend as well. Great theme!

[Ozzie W]

If we are looking for venue options, I would suggest Scopri or Moretons, others may have views also

Unfortunately, there are not a lot of options these days for BYO, more so if it's non-Asian cuisine and in/near the CBD so it's convenient for everyone to get to. Scopri and Moretons are good choices. Bergerac (CBD) also good. France-Soir (South Yarra) is also good, but they only do BYO for 6 or less people . Someone recommended Osteria La Passione (Richmond) to me the other day. Can't think of anything else.

[Ozzie W]

Starting to get some emails regarding the line-up. So far we have 4 non-Coonawarra's. Once you've decided what you're going to bring, let me know if it''s from Coonawarra or elsewhere via PM or email (ozvino at outlook dot com).

[Benchmark]

I have no experience with BYO in Melbourne.

I will defer to group consensus and make a booking based on that.

[via collins]

The danger at Scopri is the food is so good it might overwhelm the wines . Their $15 per btl is absurdly reasonable if you include good glasses, and excellent service.

Another that may not have been used for an off-line yet is the excellent Matteo's on St Georges Rd Nth.

It's also a short tram/cab ride from CBD.

[mjs]

The danger at Scopri is the food is so good it might overwhelm the wines . Their $15 per btl is absurdly reasonable if you include good glasses, and excellent service.

Another that may not have been used for an off-line yet is the excellent Matteo's on St Georges Rd Nth.

It's also a short tram/cab ride from CBD.

Yes, Matteo's is good, was there last Sat night actually.

Did a couple of off-lines there probably 10+ years ago, but not recently. Matteo is a good host.

[grb2001]

As much as I love Matteos, Scopri is a bit more affordable - and has the upstairs private room, which we should be able to get with this much notice.

[Chris H]

Coonawarra King wrote :

I have a +1 for this, so put grb2001 down

Got yourself a Queen for the night Malcolm ?

Thought Matteo was unwell. Bergerac is another possibility - we will trial it on the 28th March Offline.

For this number of people though, I'd just book Scopri if you can get upstairs.

[Ozzie W]

Some communications coming though on the line-up. So far we have 2 Coonawarra's and 5 other. If the people who haven't got back to me yet can bring a Coonawarra that would balance things out nicely. If not, I'm sure some people will be able to swap.

[alexc92]

I'll jump on the reserve list

[phillisc]

Ozzie, I am trying to sort something out, have to be back in Adelaide lunchtime Sunday for a long boozy affair. Trying to arrange cover at work on the 6th, then a flight that gets me into Melbourne early evening to make a dash to the CBD. The quick advance in altitude will probably give the corks a good reality check.

Looking at flights etc, plus may have a 19 and 21 sons with me, both mad footy nuts and don't mind the odd glass, but an offline would not be for them (at this stage).
Please put me on the reserve list, I will report back in the next 24-48 hours re confirming.
I apologise for the mucking around here.

Cheers
Craig

[Benchmark]

Some communications coming though on the line-up. So far we have 2 Coonawarra's and 5 other. If the people who haven't got back to me yet can bring a Coonawarra that would balance things out nicely. If not, I'm sure some people will be able to swap.

Happy to change if required Oz.

[Ozzie W]

Thanks Benchmark. I'll see what the others are bringing first and I'll let you know.

[mjs]

Thanks Benchmark. I'll see what the others are bringing first and I'll let you know.

I've got plenty of Coonawarra to bring if we are running short

[Chris H]

We are so in synch its scary. Settled then - the King brings all the Coonawarra's and the rest of us bring wines from elsewhere

[cuttlefish]

I have some Coonawarra and also some elsewhere ones, so I'm happy to provide either or both, or a couple of different Coona ones to help make a good spread.