Adelaide Offline Thursday 24th June @ The Alehouse: BOOKINGS

[n4sir]

I've booked the bigger room that can hold up to about 25-30 people for 6pm. At the moment it's looking like a choice of two entrées, two mains & two desserts for $50/head including all corkage, etc. If we want something like canapes of ocean trout on arrival I can ask (it will probably be in the ballpark of an extra $5/person).

For the menu I'm thinking of the following:

Entrée:
Hot Smoked Salmon with Tomato, Bocconcini and Mint Salad,
K.I. Haloumi and Caramelised Onion Tart with Salsa Romensco OR
Slow Roasted Pork Belly with a Celeriac Salad and Grilled Pear (nb. Paul & Jasmine won't be able to have this one)

Mains:
Pan Roasted Duck Breast with a Potato and Pancetta Gratin and Sherry Jus,
Slow Roasted Lamb Rump with White Bean Puree and Salsa Verde

Desserts:
Date and Whiskey Cake with Vanilla Cream,
Vanilla Bean Pannacotta with Almond and Orange Biscotti

If anyone has any objections/suggestions/substitutions to these items on the menu I'm all ears:
http://www.coopersalehouse.net/function ... an2010.pdf


Cheers,
Ian

[ck]

I'm on a visit back to SA and would enjoy catching up with everyone again. I can bring a Reynella 1990 vintage port and a Portree 03 Pinot. regards chris

[Steve]

I'm in. I'll eat anything, but my preference is for the more noble meats: duck and pig! No dramas if that's not doable, though. I have a stash of said meats at home...

Wine is... well, I'll sort something out.

[n4sir]

I'm on a visit back to SA and would enjoy catching up with everyone again. I can bring a Reynella 1990 vintage port and a Portree 03 Pinot. regards chris

That's good timing Chris!

Josh messaged me that he's planning on going (possibly with an extra person).

I'll send out an email to the usual suspects soon and see how many replies it will drum up - by calculations there are 14-15 before it goes out...

n4sir
PaulG +1
rooview +1
Steve
Chuck
Eurocentric
crusty2
Pam, David & Michael
ck
Josh (maybe +1)


Cheers,
Ian

[Scanlon]

I can make this occasion so please count me in may be a +1
sounds like an exceptional lineup so i am really going to have to do some digging!!

thanks for organising Ian

[Scanlon]

ps I have just put the feelers out price-wise with Vincenzo's for a future offline at some point

[ck]

Sorry, when I saw the salmon and duck options on the proposed menu I immediately thought pinot picking a 2003 and forgot about the pre 2000 suggestion. I haven't seen many old Australian pinot's, are there some around that are worth seeking out ? regards chris

[n4sir]

I can make this occasion so please count me in may be a +1
sounds like an exceptional lineup so i am really going to have to do some digging!!

thanks for organising Ian

I'm still holding a bottle of '99 Trevor Jones Wild Witch Shiraz for you - I reckon that may suit the occasion.

ps I have just put the feelers out price-wise with Vincenzo's for a future offline at some point

I know Nick was doing the same, but I think he's been a little busy with more babies & overseas trips to contemplate.

Cheers,
Ian

[n4sir]

Dr. John Tomich (Tomich Hill Wines) has emailed me he'd like to come along to this one, so there's a couple more on the list now:

n4sir (maybe +1)
PaulG +1
rooview +1
Steve
Chuck
Eurocentric
crusty2
Pam, David & Michael
ck
Josh +1
Scanlon +1
John Tomich

Sorry, when I saw the salmon and duck options on the proposed menu I immediately thought pinot picking a 2003 and forgot about the pre 2000 suggestion. I haven't seen many old Australian pinot's, are there some around that are worth seeking out ? regards chris

I haven't found too many Aussie pinot's firing at 10+ years of age - Bannockburn, maybe Bass Philip, Stefano Lubiana & Dalrymple.

Since we're not at the Wine Underground I'm not sure we religiously need to stick with the pre-2000 theme as long as the wines are top quality (although it would be nice to do something like this for once). I think we can possibly match the duck with a few other wines, but if we're desperate for a pinot I've got a magnum of 1997 Scotchman's Hill somewhere that probably needs to be drunk soon, not to mention a few pre-2000 Burgundies... I'm really waiting to see what some of the Burghounds (ie. rooview, Neville) are planning on taking along before I make up my mind.

Cheers,
Ian

[Scanlon]

Am definitely a +1. Wines at this stage: Noon’s 98 CS, + 89 Mt edelstone. Maybe an Andros brothers shiraz 98

[PaulG]

We picked up a Wente Estate 'Reliz Creek' 2007 Pinot Noir that we picked up in Los Angeles yesterday.

[n4sir]

From the Jan 2010 function pack, the menu selected looks OK Ian.

I'd personally lean towards the Cheese + Onion Tart or maybe the Chicken/Duck Salad for entree. Main is pretty tough but from the selection the two you've got should cover it well. Maybe for dessert a more savoury option is possible? Apple/rhubarb perhaps or dark choc + almond parfait. However it's hard to tell until you put it in your mouth.

I'm leaning towards the cheese & onion tart, which with the hot smoked salmon should give Paul & Jas two options to choose from the entrees. As much as I'd like to try the pork belly, I reckon I'll leave it until next time (or maybe at T Chow the following week with Franco ).

I think we had the apple/rhubarb and the chocolate cheesecake at the January offline (we had the pannacotta at Andrew Jefford's farewell dinner). I've been trying to mix things up to have something a little different this time, as well as something to match Chris's VP and maybe a Sauternes. Would anyone else prefer the dark chocolate & toasted almond parfait & the apple/rhubarb clafoutis subsitiuted in for the date and whiskey cake and/or the pannacotta?

Cheers,
Ian

[n4sir]

Josh has got back to me to confirm his +1, who is taking a 98 & 99 St Hugo, or a 99 & 00 Murdock.

Josh himself is considering taking 01 Gladstone/Vasse Felix cabs which could work as a contrast - are we religiously sticking to the pre-2000 theme peoples, or willing to let a few of these slip through? Also, we're starting to amass an awful lot of bottles again - guys, it's okay to take one bottle per person (as long as it's really good). Chris, just the 90 Reynella VP will be fine as a contribution without the need for an extra bottle.

I also have another party interested in going (who will confirm closer to the date), who mentioned about possibly taking along an older Wendouree or Yarra Yering #1.

Cheers,
Ian

[Chuck]

Wines are shaping up really well. Some interesting stuff on the tasting bench, many I have never tried. Definitely a taxi there and back and a slow day Friday.

Will there be decanters available? If not a bit of breathing at home may be in order.

Chuck

[Gavin Trott]

Ian

Lock me in.

Gavin Trott ... 1 only though.

Looking forward to it!

.

[n4sir]

Wines are shaping up really well. Some interesting stuff on the tasting bench, many I have never tried. Definitely a taxi there and back and a slow day Friday.

Will there be decanters available? If not a bit of breathing at home may be in order.

Chuck

They have decanters there (but I think there may be only a couple). Anyway, as usual I recommend for everyone to open and check their wines at home before heading off.

Ian

Lock me in.

Gavin Trott ... 1 only though.

Looking forward to it!

Booked:

n4sir (maybe +1)
PaulG +1 - (maybe +2) Wente Estate 'Reliz Creek' 2007 Pinot Noir
rooview +1 (maybe)
Steve
Chuck - 1990 Lindemans 150th Coonawarra Cabernet magnum
Eurocentric
crusty2 - 1998 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz
Pam, David & Michael
ck - 1990 Reynella Vintage Port
Josh +1 - 98 & 99 St Hugo, or a 99 & 00 Murdock, 01 Gladstone/Vasse Felix cabs
Scanlon +1 - Noon’s 98 CS, + 89 Mt Edelstone. Maybe an Andros brothers shiraz 98
John Tomich
Gavin Trott
George Krashos - Leo Buring Leonay Riesling magnum

Cheers,
Ian

[George Krashos]

Count me in as well.

Just wondering if anyone wants any white wine? I've got a magnum of Leo Buring Leonay that's pre-2000 that I'm probably only ever going to drink at a gathering like this.

For reds, the fridge holds a Wynns Michael 1991, Bass Phillip Estate Pinot 1999 or Nine Popes 1998. These are the most interesting ones at the moment. Anyone have a preference?

-- George Krashos

[n4sir]

Count me in as well.

Just wondering if anyone wants any white wine? I've got a magnum of Leo Buring Leonay that's pre-2000 that I'm probably only ever going to drink at a gathering like this.

For reds, the fridge holds a Wynns Michael 1991, Bass Phillip Estate Pinot 1999 or Nine Popes 1998. These are the most interesting ones at the moment. Anyone have a preference?

-- George Krashos

Glad you can make it George! I've been thinking the last couple of days we're severely lacking in whites, so the Leonay magnum would be perfect.

Cheers,
Ian

[n4sir]

Unfortunately, it is very unlikely I can now attend. When do you need to know absolute numbers before you're screwed around with costs etc.?

I'm planning on confirming the final details with them the day before, so I'll probably need to know before the end of Tuesday the 22nd.

[n4sir]

Just finalised the menu with the Alehouse and ended up choosing the cheese & onion tart to give Paul & Jasmine the two options for the entrée. We had the apple tatin back in January and not the apple/rhubarb clafoutis, so I decided to sub that in for the pannacotta. Sascha thinks the date and whiskey cake will be a good match for a port, so I've left that unchanged.

Entrée:
Hot Smoked Salmon with Tomato, Bocconcini and Mint Salad,
K.I. Haloumi and Caramelised Onion Tart with Salsa Romensco

Mains:
Pan Roasted Duck Breast with a Potato and Pancetta Gratin and Sherry Jus,
Slow Roasted Lamb Rump with White Bean Puree and Salsa Verde

Desserts:
Date and Whiskey Cake with Vanilla Cream,
Apple and Rhubarb Clafoutis with Pure Cream

Cheers,
Ian

[PaulG]

Thanks for thinking of us, Ian!

We've got a probable (but not yet definite) +2, if that's OK. I'll let you know as soon as they confirm (assuming there is place!)

[Steve]

Looks good, Ian.

I'm still in but won't have any wines sussed out until some time next week...

[n4sir]

Looks good, Ian.

I'm still in but won't have any wines sussed out until some time next week...

I've already got a few candidates in mind to choose from - just really waiting on seeing what other people are taking to work out what fills the most appropriate need:

1999 Coldstream Hills Chardonnay magnum (or maybe a 750ml 1996 white Burgundy),
1997 Scotchman's Hill Pinot Noir magnum (or maybe a 750ml 1998 red Burgundy),
1990 Chateau Picque Caillou magnum (which could be an interesting match for the Lindemans magnum),
750ml Sauternes of age to be decided...

Cheers,
Ian

[Chuck]

Looks good, Ian.

I'm still in but won't have any wines sussed out until some time next week...

I've already got a few candidates in mind to choose from - just really waiting on seeing what other people are taking to work out what fills the most appropriate need:

1999 Coldstream Hills Chardonnay magnum (or maybe a 750ml 1996 white Burgundy),
1997 Scotchman's Hill Pinot Noir magnum (or maybe a 750ml 1998 red Burgundy),
1990 Chateau Picque Caillou magnum (which could be an interesting match for the Lindemans magnum),
750ml Sauternes of age to be decided...

Cheers,
Ian

Some French stuff for a comparison would be good as I have never tasted a good French wine; only because I can't afford the habit. Like Burgundies, the only good ones are expensive. It's a slippery slope I've heard.

Also as I have never met any of you (apart from Gavin who sold me a mugnum of '98 Bin 389) the name is Carl. See you on the night.

Chuck

[PaulG]

Hi all,

My plus 2 are confirmed, however Jas and are currently only 95% certain to come - Jas's dad is in for major surgery tomorrow, and so if something goes wrong, then we obviously will have to pull out.

Will keep all posted.

Cheers,

P

[n4sir]

Hi all,

My plus 2 are confirmed, however Jas and are currently only 95% certain to come - Jas's dad is in for major surgery tomorrow, and so if something goes wrong, then we obviously will have to pull out.

Will keep all posted.

Cheers,

P

I hope everything goes well tomorrow and you guys can make it.

We're getting pretty close now:

n4sir
PaulG & Jas (maybe) +2 - Wente Estate 'Reliz Creek' 2007 Pinot Noir
rooview +1 - 98 Krug + either 95 Edelstone or 95 Cyril
Steve
Chuck - 1990 Lindemans 150th Coonawarra Cabernet magnum
Eurocentric
crusty2 - 1998 Rockford Basket Press Shiraz
ck - 1990 Reynella Vintage Port
Josh +1 - 98 & 99 St Hugo Coonawarra cabs
Scanlon +1 - Noon’s 98 CS, + 89 Mt Edelstone. Maybe an Andros brothers shiraz 98
Gavin Trott - 2000 Wendouree Shiraz Mataro, and a 2007 Grand Gru Chablis
George Krashos - Leo Buring Leonay Riesling magnum
Mark Jappe +1 - mid-90s Hunter Semillon, 98 Irvine Grand Merlot

Cheers,
Ian

[n4sir]

Elderstone = Mt Edelstone.

I thought that's what you meant.

Due to unforseen circumstances Dr John Tomich, David, Pam & Michael are now unable to attend.

I'm really holding off to see what gaps I can fill in the dinner, so the sooner people nominate what they're thinking of taking the better (no pressure, really ).

Looking over what I had in mind, the magnum of '90 Ch Picque Caillou is a from lesser-known producer in Pessac Leognan from an excellent vintage, although it is before a change of ownership brought better times - it's also something like 40% Merlot, 40% Cab Sav & 20% Cab Franc. It may not be a great comparison to the '90 Lindemans 150th Cab Sav, but it's probably at its peak and potentially could be a good match for the duck and lamb if it's held back that long - that said, there are a number of big Aussies to follow which could land in a limbo between the main courses and dessert... We could tackle it early and there will be four glasses/person if people are patient enough to leave it until the mains, or probably enough left if people want to go back for a refill (if it isn't completely revolting).

The lack of whites and lighter reds at this stage is a worry (although they're usually the extras people bring without mentioning - the only catch is with potentially 20 or so people we don't really want many extras). I'm still bending towards something like a pinot and/or chardonnay while there's a need, although that could change in a hurry. A 750ml bottle of Sauternes to round out the night is a given, it just a question as to what it may be/how old it is.

Cheers,
Ian

[Mark Jappe]

Ian

My trial has finished earlier than anticipated, so if it is not too late can you please add me plus 1.

Given your comments regarding the need for white or lighter red I will bring a mid nineties hunter semillon plus somthing like a 96 or 98 irvine grand merlot.

Regards

Mark

[n4sir]

Ian

My trial has finished earlier than anticipated, so if it is not too late can you please add me plus 1.

Given your comments regarding the need for white or lighter red I will bring a mid nineties hunter semillon plus somthing like a 96 or 98 irvine grand merlot.

Regards

Mark

Booked. My preference would be the 98 grand merlot as I've got a magnum and wouldn't mind seeing how it's travelling.

Cheers,
Ian

[Steve]

I completely forgot about the pre-2000 theme

I'd hunted down an 02 Clarendon Hills Liandra shiraz to compare with their 02 Moritz shiraz...

... but given the theme I shall go back to the drawing board and see if I have anything good and theme fitting hidden from myself in the cellar