I know, I know, the November event just got finalized, but I figure with the history of this group being, shall we say, casual, with committments sometimes, I figured I would get this out ASAP.

Double D and a friend will be in DC 12/6 - 12/11 from NJ. Realizing the blind event at Jace's is the Saturday before, I know this may be tough to make, but I would also guess the later we go into December would make it tough to arrange anything.

We probably need to act quickly to book a room or any sizeable table at a DC restaurant, if we choose to do that.

As always, I am up for hosting at CASA Klym as well, with parking spots, Metro accessibility etc., for those out of towners.

So, let me know your thoughts on the date and we will then wrestle with a theme(s).

I am kicking around the following themes:
1. (Close your ears PH) Pinot Noir. I don't think we have ever done a strictly Pinot and/or Burg event, at least not since I've been around.

2. Create a menu and having everyone declare wines to fit the food, something I think we may have gotten away from over time

3. Pinot Noir blending event. I am a member of the Melville mailing list and about a month ago I received my 2007 Melville clonal packs (2 bottles each of 115, Swan and Mt. Eden Clones). Depending upon the numbers, we could break into groups, blend a Pinot from the bottles and judge for a winner. We would of course also have food to match and other wines to start and finish.

4. Open to suggestions.

Anyway, chime in with your thoughts and availability and let's show Double D how things are done with the MD Cru.

Thanks Klymkev for trying to organize an offline! Pinot and/or Burgundy sounds great!

I'm in, Pinot sounds great- Look forward to meeting you, Double D!

I'm sure we will be unblinded by then, and (pending complications) am in (most likely for 2). I have a Kalin 1997 Cuvee DD Sonoma Pinot Noir, that could be interesting.

I'm looking forward to meeting you too Sarbuze and some of the MD/Beltway Cru.

I can bring a 2004 Domaine Serene Evanstad and/or 2005 Burgundy Grand or Premier Cru. I have some 'Burgs from 2002, but I have a feeling they may be closed.

i have a work tasting i need to do that weekend, but it's likely going to be sun. 12/7. if that's the case, and this offline will be on sat. 12/6, count me in. would have to miss an offline at casa klym!

So from the early returns it sounds like Pinot is a go! As the MDers know, this happens to be the strength of my cellar (although that is shifting to Italy!), so I will have plenty we can choose from. Among a few I have been wanting to open

98 Rochioli Three Corner
99 Dehlinger Estate
02 Ken Wright Shea
03 Flowers Camp Meeting Ridge
Various Sea Smokes
Various Williams Selyem SVDs

So, shall we stick to all new world? I find that having new world Pinots and Burgs in the same tasting makes most completely hate one of the styles by the end of the night.

It would be interesting actually to compare the styles from Oregon, California, and Burgundy. I haven't had a chance to taste all three side-by-sde. I know that last month, I had a chance to taste a couple of Oregon pinots vs. California, and I can definitely see the differences. But I'm the guest, so whatever the group decides, I am in regardless.

with those bottlings klykev is throwing around, my stash seems quite inadequate. that said, i agree that sticking with new worlds (since that seems to be in the majority) keeps it fairer to the wines being tasted.

Didn't mean to force the group on the only new world thing. I mean if one of you wants to break out a DRC, no problem and I can also see some validity to Double D's point.

Hey, in the end, it's all the same grape, which is cool, so I will defer to a vote by the masses.

Klymkev,

Mrs. CS and I can make a pinot off-line either saturday or sunday night the weekend double D is in town. Thanks for hosting! Please let us know when you've settled on a date.

I think I'm in Philly the weekend of the 6th.

The following weekend I might be out of town for work.

I'm a Probably Not.

Good to hear the CS's will be in attendance.

Sorry you can't be there Lentini.

Just got a note from festiva and PH, they will both be in attendance as well.

Which means I am going to cap this baby, Casa Klymkev gets tight above 10.

For those who haven't yet declared spouse, please let me know if you are 1 or 2 so I can get an accurate count.

I have:

IN
Klymkevs (2)
Double D (2)
Newsguy
Cometspiders (2)
PH
Jace (2)
Sarbuze (2)

Almost positive
Gentleman Farmer

Attempting to wiggle into it
Festiva

This message has been edited. Last edited by: klymkev,

we're talking that saturday, 12/6, correct? it will be newsguy + 1 bottle of pinot. eyeing a kiwi bottling as my PNs from Cali and Oregon and a couple of Burgs don't measure up to the names you all are throwing around. really generous of PH to be offering up a DRC.

To confirm, yes we are talking about 12/6 as the date.

Sarbuzein for 2

Jaceinfor2. The 1997 Kalin PN and a pinot-based bubbly, Soutiran Champagne Brut Grand Cru.

If another chair can be squeezed in, add me as an almost positive one

Just the thought of PH drinking Burgs should make for a really fun evening!

Put me down as a maybe if it's on Saturday (company X-Mas party - I really don't want to go and will try and wiggle out of it). I'm wide open on Sunday.

Klymkev, thanks for organizing this! After such a long hiatus, I'm looking forward to popping a couple of corks with everyone.

Updated with additional bodies, etc. noted.

Make sure to cast your vote for the Pinot Noir theme:

New World Only - 2 vote (me, newsguy)
Old World Only - 1 vote (festiva)
Both worlds - 1 vote (Double D)
On the fence - 1 (Jace)
??? - 1 (Sarbuze)

Thanks

This message has been edited. Last edited by: klymkev,

Very much looking forward to this. I have no preference on the theme...either way I'm declaring that I will not bring any Cali Pinot!

I vote for Old World Only (Burgundy)

one more vote for new world only.

I vote for both - if there is a vote given to the guest.

Well, I have a new world pinot that is advertised as being made in an old world style, and then a pinot based bubbly, from the old world (but dat don't count), so I guess I am firmly on the fence as well.