I have been corresponding with wine writer Natalie Maclean and recently I mentioned our January offline, noting how successfully our club is growing.

Natalie is coming out with a book about wine in October and will be in Toronto sometime in November. I suggested that we work an offline around her visit and she was delighted to accept.

What does the group think? Would it be fun and interesting to have an offline with a professional, respected wine writer and reviewer?

Let me know and if there's interest, I'll start the planning.

I think that this would be great. I hope she brings some good wine.

Sounds fun!

Count me in for two.

As I mentioned here and here, I quite enjoy Natalie's writing, even if I don't always agree with her wine preferences. I'd certainly enjoy hearing her thoughts at an off-line.

I've met Natalie and she couldn't have been more charming.

quote:

Originally posted by Slan:
As I mentioned here and here, I quite enjoy Natalie's writing, even if I don't always agree with her wine preferences. I'd certainly enjoy hearing her thoughts at an off-line.

I agree with Slan on this.

I wouldn't buy much based on her recommendations, but I enjoy her writing style. I would enjoy her commentary and opinions at an offline. Why not serve the wines blind for a change? We haven't done that in a while.

BTW, I tried the 97 point 2000 Colio Merlot in question and there is no way IMO that was a 90 pointer let alone a 97 as she rated it. I would love to see her Petrus, Lafleur and Le Pin ratings. Likely in the 120's.

I'd be very interested. We have lots of time to think about venue, style, region, etc....
It sounds like it might be a lot of fun.
BTW, James Suckling occassionally visits Toronto. Anyone want to try getting him to meet the TWC?
I believe that over the years we have established some credibility and it would be great to extend an invite to the people at WS?
Thoughts?

If you got James Suckling to an offline I would move heaven and earth to attend.

Of course it would be great to host any respectable wine critic. I would be in with bells on!