I'll vote with the host- new world. If we go down the path of appeasing all attendees, maybe an old world and then a new world flight format would work?
Klymkev, please let me know what kind of food contribution you'd like!
Posts: 754 | Location: Baltimore, MD, USA | Registered: May 09, 2003
As you folks probably know, I restrict my off-lines to places that I can get to on the METRO. Sooooo....
I'd love to try to make this one. If I remember correctly from the last time, this would be an easy METRO ride.
If there is room, I'd love to talk to my better half to see if she will let me out that night. I can bring Pinot Noir, that is also the strength of my cellar.
When in doubt, open another bottle.
Posts: 2242 | Location: Silver Spring MD (Near DC) | Registered: Nov 13, 2001
I'm really sorry to do this, but we are really beyond capacity at this point with 14 confirmed. A few people will actually be eating in my living room at this point.
I can put you and your spouse down as the first alternates if someone cancels (which is pretty common with our offlines)?
Posts: 673 | Location: Washington, DC | Registered: Oct 12, 2005
Ok, as for theme, it seems pretty even, although a few attendess have remained very vague with their committmennts (Sarbuze, Jace!).
So, I am going to make an executuve decision and decide to allow whatever the hell you want to bring. As long as it has some Pinot Noir grapes, bring it. We'll deal with flights, matching to food etc., later.
The only thing I ask is that you start to declare so that we can begin that process of pairing and fill in any gaps.
Posts: 673 | Location: Washington, DC | Registered: Oct 12, 2005
Wines: 1985 Veuve Clicout Rose Rare 2005 Domaine Serene "Jerusalem Hill Vineyard" 1997 Hospices de Beaune Corton-Cuvée Docteur Peste Maison Christian L. Remoissenet
Here's my declarations: Food: Various cheeses that will match with Pinot Noir (If there are any particular ones, let me know. If not I will look up the Cheese article in WS and try to find that in my local cheese shop)
Wine: 2005 Bouchard et Fils L'Enfant Jesus - my favorite wine which I am hoping hasn't closed down yet.
Posts: 1457 | Location: New Jersey | Registered: Aug 05, 2007
I'm really sorry to do this, but we are really beyond capacity at this point with 14 confirmed. A few people will actually be eating in my living room at this point.
I can put you and your spouse down as the first alternates if someone cancels (which is pretty common with our offlines)?
I understand completely, I seem to remember the last one I attended at your house was pretty crowded. However, if you have a cancellation, it would just be me, my lovely spouse doesn't like to go to these because she says all we ever talk about is wine and that bores the bejabbers out of her.
When in doubt, open another bottle.
Posts: 2242 | Location: Silver Spring MD (Near DC) | Registered: Nov 13, 2001
Sarbuze (2) - Seared Fois Gras on Crostini 85 Veuve Clicout Rose Rare 05 Domaine Serene Jerusalem Hill Vineyard 97 Hospice de beaune corton-cuvee docteur peste maison christian l. remoissenet
Double D (2) - various cheeses 2005 Bouchard et Fils L'Enfant Jesus
Comespiders (2) - 2005 Le Cadeau Cote Est 2004 Vincent Dancer Pommard Les Pézerolles.tbd Bacon wrapped scallop appetizer
Newsguy - 06 Craggy Range Vineyards Martinborough Te Muna Road Vineyard
i figured lentini would be in for a la cadeau, but he's missing this offline. i'd bring one... but i'm not on their mailing list and have never tried one. would love to, though.
wine declaration (the kiwi i mentioned): 2006 Craggy Range Vineyards Martinborough Te Muna Road Vineyard Pinot Noir
Newsguy - You're welcome any evening I'm around to come try a lineup of Le Cadeau. I don't generally think of bringing Le Cadeau to offlines simply b/c so many people I offline with are on the Le Cadeau mailing list. But we've got to remedy your unfamiliarity.
So enjoy your time at this offline, but take me up on my offer sometime.
Posts: 3183 | Location: Alexandria, VA, USA | Registered: Oct 29, 2003
Rob: I'd love to take you up on that. I just got an offer letter from Le Cadeau, and because of my limited funds, need to be very selective. I'm guessing I can take four bottles at most. Suggestions? I prefer red fruited pinots rather than the darker ones. Was thinking two bottles each of the Rocheaux and Diversite.
I wouldn't class any of them as darker fruited wines. Come try them all ASAP prior to us placing our order if you can. Sometime between now and next week?
I just don't know if the '06 collection is going to be a good bellweather of the '07 wines, because the Diversite wasn't the big wine it has been, yet the notes on the '07 indicate it will be back to the bigger style (at least that's my interpretation). The Equinoxe was perhaps the most similar to big red fruit Cali style in '06. Diversite least like that.
The '07 wines are only the second vintage with four cuvees... I think the styles are still settling in.
If you're getting four bottles, I'd get one of each. And be sure to go in with us for the larger order and subsequent larger discount.
I just remembered... I'm out of '06 Equinoxe, so I'd be obligated to open an '05 Diversite to show you what that has been in the past. '06 was quite different than '04/'05.
Posts: 3183 | Location: Alexandria, VA, USA | Registered: Oct 29, 2003
that's a more than generous offer, rob. when is the group planning to place its order? and since i'm only getting a few bottles, should i go ahead and place a small order myself to get established on their mailing list?
kevin: see that you're considering a dehlinger or a rochioli. may i cast a vote for the dehlinger estate? i've never tasted one but hear great things about that bottling and would love to try it.
I wouldn't be concerned about establishing yourself on the list unless you plan to make enemies of the Md/DC/VA crew. Mr. Mortimer graciously makes sure we're happy each year, so if you order with us, there's nothing to worry about. We've been sending mass orders, so I don't think any of us has "established" ourselves individually. Eight of the 72 magnum bottles of '05 Le Cadeau in the world came to my house recently. Eight only b/c we didn't order more.
Ugh... I've had a whole bottle of '06 Morgante Nero D'Avola tonight and I think I'm sounding arrogant or cocky...(forgive me) but I don't mean to indicate anything other than the fact that Tom has been really generous with us and appreciates the fan base he has in the DC area. We love his wines and he's been good enough to recognize our support and enthusiasm since the '02 vintage.
Posts: 3183 | Location: Alexandria, VA, USA | Registered: Oct 29, 2003
Of the '07 Le Cadeau wines, the Diversite has the most dark / blue fruit. But overall, '07 is a vintage that is more like '05 than '06, so you're not dealing with extreme ripeness. Put another way, it is deep and dark, but in a structured way... this is definitely NOT a "Pinot-Zin".
If you want red fruit, then Cote Est, Equinoxe, and Rocheux are the best places to look for it. That said, the '07 Diversite is a pretty amazing wine, possibly the best Diversite ever.
Those that are familiar with Cote Est should note that the '07 Cote Est was made by Steve Ryan, not Josh Bergstrom. This is a lovely wine, but of a somewhat less extracted character-- beautifully elegant, but still with the typical Le Cadeau minerality and depth. I suspect that the '07 Cote Est will mature into a gorgeous Pinot.
Also, those that had the '06 Equinoxe should note that the '07 Equinoxe is not as ripe as the '06. The '07 is not as rich, sweet, or high octaine, but IMO is better balanced... especially over the long term. If you like Cali-pinots, then the '06 is probably more to your liking; the '07 wines are more nuanced and less powerful. Personally, I love the '07s.
Now, to get back on topic: I'm very much hoping to get back to MD for one of your offlines. Deb and I miss y'all! Unfortunately, I won't be able to make this one; I'm in Oregon on the 6th. We're planting a new block in the SW corner of the vineyard-- a tight-spaced format of "heirloom" clones on low-vigor 420A rootstock. A whole new viticultural platform for Le Cadeau vineyard. Hope to have a new cuvee in a few years made from these great clones!
Happy Thanksgiving to All! ... and thanks very much for your support of Le Cadeau! Email if I can answer any other questions.
