Hey, isnt anyone watching the hockey game tonight??. I hope I'm not the only Leaf fan out of the bunch. The score is 4-3 Toronto Vs. Rangers after 2. And if you havent been watching, Domi and Barnaby have gone twice so far. Domi totally dominated the second one. So, where were we?

Still deciding between brining by mini verticals of Rosemount Shiraz or Wolf Blass Yellow Label. I think all of you will be impressed by these hard to get "cult" wines!!! That is if I don't send them to the next Ritchie's wine auction to be sold.

Keep the ideas flowing, folks. A few thoughts on some of the suggestions above:

1) I would keep any theme quite broad. I suggest a broad array of wines that have been discussed here recently.

2) Drth: I'd be happy to bring a bottle of RWT.

3) Futronic: loved the Back to the Future reference! LOL

4) January 24 works for me.

5) Other thoughts (besides Aussie Shiraz) include: 2000 Bordeaux, 1999 CalCabs

6) If the group wants to stick with an Oz theme, I'm good for the RWT, some Dead Arm (various vintages back to '97), Marquis Phillips and a few others. Anyone willing to pony up a Grange?

Darth.... did someone say Grange???

One more suggestion:

Double blind is not a great idea, in my view. My feeling is that knowing what to look for before tasting helps a layman like me learn. Single blind or fully open would be my vote.

I'll have to bring a couple bottles - I can't show up to a tasting without at least one bottle from Italy.

As for the Aussie theme, however, I've got some stuff, but they're recent vintages, and not "big names" except for the Dead Arm. Actually, I think everyone in this group has at least a couple bottles of Dead Arm. lol. I would imagine the easiest thing to do would be to pick a theme, if desired, and then people can post what they want to call "dibs" on to ensure no duplication.

Would love to come, except that I have a slight passport issue that I am going to try and fix in late December...

However, someone can always come up with a way to sneak me across the border...

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Now taking reservation for Thanksgiving Week Tour Dates of the 2003 Whirlwind Tour

You will probably get better group participation if they at least know what the wines are. I find that many people are quiet and afraid to be completely wrong in a double blind. If a specific region and or year is chosen, that might be enough info to go on.

Just a suggestion! Although I have no problem being completely wrong.... hasn't bothered me in the past.

Pyang,

My car has a big trunk..

.....that is if there is any space left among the cases of smuggled Calif Cabs.....

For those of you that care.. Leafs won 5-4. tlily, you would of been proud. Nolan scored the first goal and nearly took on Simon. That would of been 3 games in a row that he got into a fight. I think with the two black eyes he was already sporting, he made a wise decision. Thats 6 wins in a row

Glad to hear the Leafs won again. I've been staying away from the TV tonight to focus on my exam that's tomorrow. As you can tell, I'm doing a great job.

Thanks for offering your hospitality. Before we confirm, I have a few other ideas I'd like to pursue.
I'll take into account all of the excellent suggestions, and over the next few days we can decide on the format. Regardless of what is selected, it appears that all the forumites are amenable to any offline event that offers a chance to taste and learn.
Pyang: We'd love to have you, eh.

I might be interested in the offline.
The schedule for january for work isn't up yet...so put me down as tentative.
As for aussie shiraz, I don't mind. I don't have much in good aging wines. Only one of bottle of 98 dead arm, so keeping that. The 2001 should already be well represented.
I have a few choices: 95 Wolf Blass Black Label (but it's a cab/shiraz), 98 Wynn's Michael Shiraz, 97 Ebenezer Shiraz, Vertical of St-Hallett Old Block (95-98).

DoktaP,

I am like many from this board.. I have tons of relatively new vintage Aussies, but nothing really old. I can bring 97 E&E Black Pepper, 97 Elderton Command, or just about anything D'Arenberg made from 1998 to present. I have a few better aged options if we go Bordeaux, Napa Cab or Super Tuscan.

Cheers.

Looking at peoples comments, it appears that there is a great deal of interest in Aussie wines.
Anybody want to include some Bordeaux for contrast? I happen to have some French reds that I've been holding onto for some time, and would be delighted to sample with enthusiasts.

Are we OK with Aussie/Bordeaux? PLMK.
I'll be checking out sites this week that would meet our criteria (downtown/accessible/reasonably priced,etc...).

Thanks for all your feedback,comments and suggestions. Things are shaping up.

I have a few really good 95/96 Bordeaux as well as a slew of 99's.

Let me know if we are getting heavy on Aussies....

I'm open to whatever is being ... er ... opened.

With the help of some contacts, I may be able to arrange the event at a downtown restaurant in a private room. No corkage fee. No obligation.
I have also looked into hospitality suites at downtown hotels and waiting to hear back. It will undoubtedly take several days or a couple of weeks to finalize arrangements, but rest assured that we are on the job. Things are progressively shaping up.

Keep us posted.

Excellent work, Dok. Looking forward to hearing about the options.

With respect to a private room and restaurant access, maybe those detail are best kept to email. I'd hate for the LLBO to be browsing the site and give the restaurant a problem.

Maybe I'm just paranoid.

Is there still room? Wouldn't mind joining you folks. I can offer up some D'Arenberg Ironstone Pressings or Chateau Reynella Shiraz?

Now....where's that Screwpull?

I'm sure we could make room for you mav. We're long overdue to pop a few more bottles - been a while.

Yeah, it has been a while. Been busy with work and personal stuff.

Haven't been buying too much lately. Looking to pick up some things this weekend. Maybe some Mondavi SLD and some E. Guigal 2000 CduP.

Now....where's that Screwpull?

No buying for me. Well, maybe a couple daily drinkers - 2000 Remo Farino Valpolicella Ripasso.

We'll set something up soon. I'm done exams on the 11th, so I'm cracking open a nice bottle or two on the 12th.

I already had you penciled in. You're the 8th
person confirmed. A little birdy told me you'd be
interested.
Futronic, your paranoia is parallel to mine. As we get closer to the event and I have more information, I'll ask all confirmed to send me their email addresses and a list of what wines they intend to bring. I'll ensure that there is adequate variety and no dupes.
Does everyone agree with Aussie/Bordeaux?