Sydney offline- April 19th

[sjw_11]

I have to drop out as well, it is killing me though
Wife has reminded me of a family event.

Tut, tut. Onto the naughty list for you!

Pat, I think we can add you and the +1 and if needed I am sure we can find a lucky 13th seat at the table.

Any final changes?
Do people want to let me know what wines they plan to bring so I can make sure we have a reasonable balance amongst the random theme?

[sjw_11]

EDITED to be the current list:

Dave vino
TiggerK
Bobthebuilder
Winetastic +1 - bringing Leo Buring and Marius
mse
pc79
Me + 1
Cleanskinlover
9redpens
Pat + 1

[rooman]

Say what? I am curious if you did call as Optus seems to have somehow reset my account and removed voicemail. I ahve been avoiding calling Optus and losing an hour or so of my life but I haven't received any voice messages in months.

You sure it was me you called?

Yep'. positive... too be honest I was surprised you didn't call me first!

Ah. You be the Auckland Blues supporter no doubt.

[Pat]

That would be great, as my sister and BIL live near the restaurant I was going to hit them up for a spare room that night, so the Johavahs Witness excuse would have been a hard one to pull off!

I’ll post shortly what wines we’ll bring.

I had a 2006 Lakes Folly last weekend and it was the WOTN over some Rockfords, a clonakilla SV, and some other great wines. Definitely in its drinking window.

[pc79]

Hi Sam,
Have just learned that a few bosses will be in town next week and I’ve been roped in to a dinner on Thursday with them. I know what i’d rather be doing.
Means that Pat and +1 will be comfortably seated. Apologies

[Hacker]

After UN style negotiations with my darling wife, I believe I am free for this after all. Any chance of a ticket to ride?

[mse]

After UN style negotiations with my darling wife, I believe I am free for this after all. Any chance of a ticket to ride?

Hello Hacker,

Judging from this favourable outcome, I can safely assume that you are representing the United States in the peacetalk

To all fellow forumites,

If I bring something as common as $100 WA Cabernet or $80 SA Shiraz, would I be ruining the lives of fellow guests? -_-a

Thanks
Michael

[dave vino]

The costs of the wines are not really part of the equation. Just bring something you are excited about and want to share with others. Doesn't matter if it is $25 or $250.

fwiw I'm bringing a 1990 Lindemans Bin 8025 Steven Hermitage and a 1997 Rockford Grenache (pre Moppa Springs)

The Steven is from the old Steven vineyard (not to be confused with the Tyrells one) and was sold to De Iullis about 5 years ago. Lindemans had it from around 1969 and made some great wines from the vineyard in the old school vein. So I am looking forward to trying it and hoping it is still showing well at 28 years old. (fill is still in the neck)

[img]http://www.dewine.com.au/images/Steven%20Vi ... s%20wb.jpg[/img]

[winetastic]

fwiw I'm bringing a 1990 Lindemans Bin 8025 Steven Hermitage

Words cannot describe how excited I am for this one!

Pulled out the Leo Buring and Marius from the cellar last night. Located exactly where cellartracker said they would be, wonders never cease! I don't have a great deal of experience with mature(ish) McLaren Vale Shiraz, any suggestions on decanting? I was planning to stand it up tonight and double decant immediately prior to leaving for the restaurant.

[Hacker]

Assuming I am in (by my count there are 13 coming) I will bring a bubbly to start.
Sams call.

[Mahmoud Ali]

Pat, I think we can add you and the +1 and if needed I am sure we can find a lucky 13th seat at the table.

Traditionally 13 at the table was considered unlucky and since the host couldn't very well ask a guest to leave, the butler was seated at the table. I suppose at a restaurant you would have to consider the maitre'd.

[mse]

Pat, I think we can add you and the +1 and if needed I am sure we can find a lucky 13th seat at the table.

Traditionally 13 at the table was considered unlucky and since the host couldn't very well ask a guest to leave, the butler was seated at the table. I suppose at a restaurant you would have to consider the maitre'd.

Hi Mahmoud,

Do you have Triskaidekaphobia? -_-a

Michael

[cleanskinlover]

Assuming I am in (by my count there are 13 coming) I will bring a bubbly to start.
Sams call.

- Then I shall bring a Yarra Chard to follow said bubbly and any aromatics.

[Pat]

I will be bringing a 2003 Oshea, a 2001 Domaine A Cab (especially for Dave), and a 2008 Wynns John Riddoch for backup.

[sjw_11]

Assuming I am in (by my count there are 13 coming) I will bring a bubbly to start.
Sams call.

More than welcome... I am sure we can fit a thirteenth person.

[cleanskinlover]

OK, i'm sure it's in the thread... but, what time is kick off?

[dave vino]

7pm

[cleanskinlover]

7pm

excellent - many thanks

[Bobthebuilder]

anyone up for a pre drink at Charlie Parkers?

[TiggerK]

anyone up for a pre drink at Charlie Parkers?

Sounds good! Not sure of my eta though, maybe 6.20-6.30? Meet you there?

[Bobthebuilder]

ok that works well, I'll be there!

[mse]

ok that works well, I'll be there!

Count me in for pre-drink please. Thanks

[winetastic]

Tamara and I on our way for a pre drink too

[mse]

Hi all, is it 380 Oxford Street? I am a a pub next to Fred’s

[TiggerK]

Inside fred’s Down the stairs, down near the bar

[Michael McNally]

Hi all, is it 380 Oxford Street? I am a a pub next to Fred’s

You are a pub? (with a stutter?)

[TiggerK]

Wonderful fun night. Thanks everyone! Really well paced, the food, service and space was ideal for a 12 person gathering and many laughs were had.

Wine of the night was a pretty even split between the (superb) 1990 Lindemans Hunter River Steven Hermitage Bin 8025 and the (excellent but still young) Moss Wood 1999.

Other multiple mentions in the 'What were your top three wines tonight' question were Selosse Initial Champagne, Leo Buring Leonay 2005, Marius Symphony 2005, Ridge Lytton Springs 2007, McWilliams Maurice O'Shea 2003.

Dave should have a report and plenty of decent pics, I'll try and get my thoughts on the wines up later.

So many good wines in such great company. Happy travels Sam and Skye, see you next time!

Cheers
Tim

[img]http://www.grapemates.org/files/TimMiscStuf ... ium%29.jpg[/img]

[dave vino]

Just some pics for now...fun night, good to see everyone again. Pretty consistent findings on peoples WOTN with a nice mixed bag for the 3rd choice. That being said there were a lot of very good wines across the spectrum (Rizza, Chardy, BdM, Jura, Shiraz, Grenache, Bdx Blends) great range of different wines/styles.

[img]http://www.grapemates.org/files/042018/auswine2.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.grapemates.org/files/042018/auswine3.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.grapemates.org/files/042018/auswine4.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.grapemates.org/files/042018/auswine1.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.grapemates.org/files/042018/auswine5.jpg[/img]

[cleanskinlover]

great photos Dave, great night, many thanks to all!!~

[Mahmoud Ali]

Looks like it was a great night. I am particulary interested hearing about the Lindemans Steven Hermitage, the Moss Wood, the Rockford Grenache, the O'Shea and the Tahbilk Marsanne.

Mahmoud.