Brisbane Offline December 2010

[Luke W]

Tim

I think the group should give you feedback regarding your choice of a second wine - my preference would be the Clonakilla SV 09 as I haven't tried it and it is an exceptional but I think the others should also say whether it may be a better choice than a 99 St Henri. Are you OK also with just coming with 1 extra rather than 3 as some of the group are worried about the number of participants and the amount of wine?

Ian

I'm more than happy for your second wine to be a Rockford Black Sparkling but others may prefer 2 vintages of Rockford BP. What do you think guys?

cheers

Luke

[rens]

Hi Guys
I'm neither here nor there on the Clonakilla SV 09 vs the 99 St Henri. Same for the Black Sparkling vs the BP.
Nick, as far as the food goes Kellee and I are not lamb or big seafood eaters so an alternative for each flight of wines/food combo would be good. However Brent's menus generally have a choice built in for us 'I don't like it' types .
Rens

[chillwrx]

Tim

I think the group should give you feedback regarding your choice of a second wine - my preference would be the Clonakilla SV 09 as I haven't tried it and it is an exceptional but I think the others should also say whether it may be a better choice than a 99 St Henri. Are you OK also with just coming with 1 extra rather than 3 as some of the group are worried about the number of participants and the amount of wine?

Ian

I'm more than happy for your second wine to be a Rockford Black Sparkling but others may prefer 2 vintages of Rockford BP. What do you think guys?

cheers

Luke

Personally I am happy with the 99 st henri but would be happy with the Clonakilla too. I will try to source a Bass Phillip or another exceptional. I will say that the 99 St Henri is a superb wine that I would always be happy to drink (as long as it is a good example). Personally I do not believe how the 707 is ahead of th St Henri but that is just me. Might try and source a Mt Mary too. Except they are crap...............

[tim1210]

Hi everyone,

+1 rather than 3 is easy. I'll just tell them it's somewhere else

Regarding which wine to bring, Cullen DM 03 and Clonakilla SV 09 fit with the theme and is perhaps what I am more interested in drinking. Is this ok?
If we are interested in more whites I can bring a new release Polish Hill instead.

I'm not fussed about a 2nd BP v Black Sparkling as I've not tried either wine.

can i just say that i'm really looking forward to this evening? I met Michael and Craig at the last one I went to and it was a great night. Look forward to meeting you all... and tasting the wines too i guess...

Tim

[Luke W]

Thanks Tim and everyone else - it appears we are finalised with our wines and our numbers. Nick if you or Rens take charge with the menu and we eat as well as last time, I think we'll be doing well. Is everyone happy if we get one of those set menus again with several choices? Tim, you decide whether you bring the BP or the Grosset.
Is this list accurate?

Gerry + 1 (Grange 96, Giaconda Chardonay 05)
Rens and Kellee (03 Runrig, 05 Cullen DM)
Ian + 1 (02 Rockford BP + St Henri 99)
Tim + 1 (Clonakilla SV 09, Cullen DM 03 or a Grosset Polish Hill)
Nick (05 Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay or a Moss Wood Cab Sav 06/07)
Michael + 1 (Moss Wood Cab Sav yr?/Rockford BP yr?)
Craig + 1 (Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir + Mt Mary Cabernets?)
Luke (Wendouree 04)

Should we decide what to drink on the night like last time or try to match courses with the wines? I like the idea of finishing with the Grange and cheeses but others may prefer something different. The other consideration is that some of the wines might benefit by extended decanting either at home or at the restaurant prior to us getting there. I think Michael decanted his Marius for several hours last time before bringing it and this will also give you an idea if the wine is corked prior to bringing it.

By the way Craig, the second best wine I've ever drunk after the 55 Grange is the 1986 Mt Mary Cabernets, so don't be too harsh on them. If you can source a 2001, I've heard they're pretty good.

Cheers

Luke

[Rednick]

I'll be bringing the 05 Art Series Chard so we can compare it to the Giaconda - for the menu I think the set menu with choices would be easiest - it's just that it may be the same as the last one (although I'll try and get at least 1 extra dish per course to give variety)

I can ask them to add a cheese course prior to pudding so we can have both or just leave it as 3 course as per last time - thoughts?


Cheers - Nick

[chillwrx]

Cheese was great last time except there wasn;t enough - if we are finishing with the grange/para then we should have lots of good cheese...

[ticklenow1]

Thanks Tim and everyone else - it appears we are finalised with our wines and our numbers. Nick if you or Rens take charge with the menu and we eat as well as last time, I think we'll be doing well. Is everyone happy if we get one of those set menus again with several choices? Tim, you decide whether you bring the BP or the Grosset.
Is this list accurate?

Gerry + 1 (Grange 96, Giaconda Chardonay 05)
Rens and Kellee (03 Runrig, 05 Cullen DM)
Ian + 1 (02 Rockford BP + St Henri 99)
Tim + 1 (Clonakilla SV 09, Cullen DM 03 or a Grosset Polish Hill)
Nick (05 Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay or a Moss Wood Cab Sav 06/07)
Michael + 1 (Moss Wood Cab Sav yr?/Rockford BP yr?)
Craig + 1 (Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir + Mt Mary Cabernets?)
Luke (Wendouree 04)

Should we decide what to drink on the night like last time or try to match courses with the wines? I like the idea of finishing with the Grange and cheeses but others may prefer something different. The other consideration is that some of the wines might benefit by extended decanting either at home or at the restaurant prior to us getting there. I think Michael decanted his Marius for several hours last time before bringing it and this will also give you an idea if the wine is corked prior to bringing it.

By the way Craig, the second best wine I've ever drunk after the 55 Grange is the 1986 Mt Mary Cabernets, so don't be too harsh on them. If you can source a 2001, I've heard they're pretty good.

Cheers

Luke

Luke,

I am not sure where the '99 St Henri came from (I think Tim said he would bring the St Henri or a '09 Clonakilla SV). I said earlier that I will bring the '02 Basket Press and either one of the '05, '06 or '07 Basket Press, a '99 Tyrells Vat 1 Semillon (outstanding) or a Rockford Black Shiraz (for something a little different). I am happy to bring either of these (or both the Tyrell's and the Black Shiraz to make up for the fact they are not in the exceptional catagory), or I also now have some '09 Grosset Polish Hill.

Or Perhaps if Tim brings the '03 Cullen instead of the Grossett, I'll cover the Grosset???

Just let me know what the group thinks would be appropriate.
Cheers
Ian

[Luke W]

Sorry Ian - my mistake.

Tim are you happy to bring the Clonakilla and Cullen and we'll get Ian to bring the BP and Grosset?

cheers

Luke

[ticklenow1]

Sorry Ian - my mistake.

Tim are you happy to bring the Clonakilla and Cullen and we'll get Ian to bring the BP and Grosset?

cheers

Luke

Luke,

I have just been down to my local cellars this morning and Bought an 08 Polish Hill. I now have 08 and 09 and can get 10. I will bring 2 bottles of this (as well as the BP) as I feel a little guilty that it is the cheapest wine on the list. Let me know which 2 you want out of 08, 09 or 10.

Really looling forward to this.

Cheers,
Ian

[Luke W]

Ian

This is a very generous offer and will afford some of us who haven't tried a Grosset a unique opportunity. I've just perused Jeff's tasting notes and he indicates that the 2010 is still pretty closed.

In lieu of this how about 2008 and the 2009 as they are both quite different styles and will give us an insight into Jeff Grosset's brilliance?

cheers

Luke

[ticklenow1]

Ian

This is a very generous offer and will afford some of us who haven't tried a Grosset a unique opportunity. I've just perused Jeff's tasting notes and he indicates that the 2010 is still pretty closed.

In lieu of this how about 2008 and the 2009 as they are both quite different styles and will give us an insight into Jeff Grosset's brilliance?

cheers

Luke

Done, the 08 and 09 Grosset and 02 BP it is.
Can't Wait
Ian

[rens]

So the line up is:

Gerry + 1 (Grange 96, Giaconda Chardonay 05)
Rens and Kellee (03 Runrig, 05 Cullen DM)
Ian + 1 ( 08 and 09 Grosset and 02 BP)
Tim + 1 (Clonakilla SV 09, Cullen DM 03 or a Grosset Polish Hill)
Nick (05 Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay or a Moss Wood Cab Sav 06/07)
Michael + 1 (Moss Wood Cab Sav yr?/Rockford BP yr?)
Craig + 1 (Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir + Mt Mary Cabernets?)
Luke (Wendouree 04)

Looking good. It's like being 10 yrs old and waiting for Xmas.

[Luke W]

So the line up is:

Gerry + 1 (Grange 96, Giaconda Chardonay 05)
Rens and Kellee (03 Runrig, 05 Cullen DM)
Ian + 1 ( 08 and 09 Grosset and 02 BP)
Tim + 1 (Clonakilla SV 09, Cullen DM 03 or a Grosset Polish Hill)
Nick (05 Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay or a Moss Wood Cab Sav 06/07)
Michael + 1 (Moss Wood Cab Sav yr?/Rockford BP yr?)
Craig + 1 (Bass Phillip Reserve Pinot Noir + Mt Mary Cabernets?)
Luke (Wendouree 04)

Looking good. It's like being 10 yrs old and waiting for Xmas.

I reckon -

Tim - any chance of the Cullen as your second wine rather than the Grosset, seeing as Ian has volunteered 2 Grosset's?

Craig

You may have some difficulties with the Bass Phillip and want to change your mind - they're nearly impossible to find and prohibitively expensive. I found a few on this website:http://www.auswine.com.au/index.php/auswine-cellar/2001-bass-phillip-reserve-pinot-noir-750ml.html

Best of luck

[Luke W]

Hi team

I've spoken to Kylie at Brents and they're happy to look after us and our wines ie., take wines earlier, decant wines from midday on the the 18th, pour them out evenly into 14 glasses etc. They will want to know the type of wines and the order that we want them so they can keep lots of glassware for us. At the moment we have 4 whites followed by 11 or 12 reds. If we need to have sparkling or fortified glasses we need to let them know a week or so in advance.

Rens or Nick - have you decided which of the menus we should look at?

Michael - any word on vintages?

Craig - see the note on the previous blog about the Bass Phillip

still salivating (if I start to give you all the shits, please tell me)

cheers

Luke

[Rednick]

Be easiest to do the functions menu (choice of three per course), just need to decide whether we wish to add an additional cheese course before pud - or leave it at 3 courses.

They may well have a new menu by Christmas and will check a week or two out to see.

[rens]

I think that is a great Idea Nick. Perhaps a second cheese course would be good.

[BackdoorBenny]

Hello all,

I’m a long time reader, first-time poster, and relatively new to Brisbane. Have been keen to connect with you Brisbanites for a while; and what's on offer at this offline was the fillip for me to finally get a logon.

I see that your dance card is full, but I’ve plenty of old stuff in the cellar, so can I bribe myself a seat with an 02 Giaconda chard, a magnum of 96 Vat 1, a 98 Bass Phillip pinot (sorry, only got 1 of the prem left), and an 02 dsg of Rockford Sparkling Black? I think I also have one 97 Grosset Polish Hill left if that’s of interest in place of the Giac chard for comparative purposes?

Let me know if so, else I’ll get in earlier in 2011 for the next one. Have been very keen to try Brent’s as well.

Cheers, Ben

[BackdoorBenny]

Just further - and to keep it to the rules which I just re-read, I can instead do a 96 Graveyard, 95 Cullen, 00 Mt Mary Q, 98 G PH riesling, 98 Rockford BP, or 04 Clon S-V... any takers? Thanks, Ben

[Rednick]

Hi Ben,

Some lovely wines there, I do think we need to cap things at 14 (although happy to go with what the group decides) in order to get a taste of each wine.

I would be surprised however if we don't get 1 or 2 who drop out and if this happens are you happy to be first reserve?

If this doesn't happen please don't be put off, it's normally pretty rare that we get this many turning up and I'm sure there will be space at the next one - we're almost getting quite organised now and are hoping to do something at least once a quarter.

Cheers - Nick

[rens]

Hi Guys,
I concur with nick. I think we should keep the cap at 14. Happy to have Ben as the 1st reserve. There are normally a few drop outs between nominations and the dinner.
Rens

[BackdoorBenny]

No problem at all folks - happy to be first reserve.

Let me know if the seat becomes available and what (of the options) you'd like me to bring if so.

Cheers
Ben

[daz]

I believe Brent's had been the venue for at least one other offline before Allan, Sue and I (out-of-towners) ended up being the only attendees on a very pleasant Thursday evening. We dined in the downstairs main area and the service, particularly the wine service, was exceptional. I recall a table that had some well-respected wines (we had some as well) being decanted on arrival and presented to that table as required. The food was bloody good too!

So it's understandable that now there seems to be a quorum of local Brisbanites who can get together on a semi-regular basis, that Brent's is the venue of choice. One of these days I'd love to enjoy a return to Brent's to share an evening with you guys and gals.

Cheers

daz

[Michael McNally]

Michael - any word on vintages?

After a little research I went with the 05. Got excellent reviews from the three reviewers I rate (Mattison, Halliday and Walsh) and had that little extra bottle age over the 07.

(if I start to give you all the shits, please tell me)
Luke

Some of your comments may have been a tad over the top at times, but you aren't giving me the shits yet! Your enthusiam and excitement are admirable and understandable.

Cheers

Michael

[Luke W]

Thanks Michael

I've never had much subtlety or impulse control......

Is the 05 for both of your wines (I assume for the other person coming with you)?

cheers and thanks for the honesty

Luke

[GrahamB]

Michael - any word on vintages?

After a little research I went with the 05. Got excellent reviews from the three reviewers I rate (Mattison, Halliday and Walsh) and had that little extra bottle age over the 07.

(if I start to give you all the shits, please tell me)
Luke

Some of your comments may have been a tad over the top at times, but you aren't giving me the shits yet! Your enthusiam and excitement are admirable and understandable.

Cheers

Michael

Michael
Check your work email urgently re a special Friday tasting in Brisbane.
How do these look?
Tahbilk Marsanne 2009
Howard Park Riesling 2009
Peter Lehmann Barossa Shiraz
Brands Laira Cabernet Merlot 2009
Reschke Vitulus Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Leeuwin Art Series Chardonnay 2007
Orlando St Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Mt Langi Ghiran Shiraz 2007
Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet Merlot 2007
Voyager Estate Cabernet Merlot 2005
Saltram No 1 Shiraz 2006
Yalumba Signature 2005
Mount Pleasant Maurice O'Shae Shiraz 2005
Penfolds St Henri Shiraz 2006
Elderton Command Shiraz 2006
Louis Latour Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru
Giant Squid Ink McLaren Vale Shiraz 2006


cheers
Graham

[Michael McNally]

Graham

You are a shameless hussy!

That said, I will be there if I can wrangle it.

Check your PMs

Thanks

Michael

[GrahamB]

Graham

You are a shameless hussy!

That said, I will be there if I can wrangle it.

Check your PMs

Thanks

Michael

I resemble that remark!! But the best thing about being an old educator is "Knowing your target audience"

Hope you can make it on Friday. It will be special.

Graham

[tim1210]

Hey,
I've had a squizz through the thread but can't find any mention of how much this might cost. Can anyone help?
Not long now...!
Tim

[rens]

Last time I think it was about 70-80 a head. So bring a $100 per head and you'll probably have some change for the cab ride home.