quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk:

However, since you guys seem to be leaning toward the "Zinfandel over 16%" category, I guess I'll have to stop at Binny's.

You can certainly bring whatever you want, but if you bring a "Zin over 16%", there's a good chance you won't be invited back.

Hey guys. Any room for 1 or 2 more? Seems like quite a collection of folks and I am available this time. I would love to join in the festivities (unsure about my +1 at this point) if it is still possible?

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk:

quote:

Originally posted by billhike:
At least those two theme choices would exclude Cab Francs from MI.

I promise not to impose any Michigan wines on you guys. I'm guessing Vino Me probably does that enough already (?).

I think Bill is referring to an offline a couple months ago when I brought the 2008 Wyncroft Cabernet Franc Bouchet Wren Song Vineyard. I thought it showed well (Bill87, Allred87, VM88-89).

VM

OK, I've got it in my head that I should probably NOT bring:
1) Overly oaked California Chard
2) Michigan Cab Franc
3) Zinfandel with over 16% alcohol

Any suggestions on what I SHOULD bring?

1982 1st growth?

Redhawk, we generally don't have any kind of theme other than bring a nice bottle you would like to share. We poke fun at each other and for the most part enjoy trying/drinking lots of different styles. Except VM and domestic Chardonnay, that is, but that's OK.

VinT, assuming you are handling reservations please reserve space for Dan and his possible +1. He is one of our regulars. I'm sure on a Tuesday they can easily accomodate us.

We are booked in the private dining room at Glen Prairie for 6:30pm on February 19th.
1250 Roosevelt Road
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
(630) 613-1250

We will not be subject to a minimum charge to use this room. I have been assured glassware will not be an issue. The restaurant is okay with us ordering off the menu until we reach 18-20 people after which we will be looking at a fixed menu. Dan and his +1 bring us to 15 or 16, which is fine.

My only question now is...MAGNUMS, ANYONE???

quote:

Originally posted by Vino Me:

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk:

quote:

Originally posted by billhike:
At least those two theme choices would exclude Cab Francs from MI.

I promise not to impose any Michigan wines on you guys. I'm guessing Vino Me probably does that enough already (?).

I think Bill is referring to an offline a couple months ago when I brought the 2008 Wyncroft Cabernet Franc Bouchet Wren Song Vineyard. I thought it showed well (Bill87, Allred87, VM88-89).

VM

I noticed you left off my 86. But I'm a notoriously tough grader

quote:

Originally posted by VinT:

My only question now is...MAGNUMS, ANYONE???

I'll bring a mag of 2003 Neal cab and some other stuff.

I will bring a magnum of 2003 Bergstrom Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Arcus Vineyard.

J3

Magnum of 2000 Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

I'll also bring a dessert wine tbd.

VM

Sadly, none of the 4 magnums I own (all '04 CdP's) are ready yet. Perhaps I can bring two of the same Champy. I have multiples of both the pink NV Prie as well as the "regular" brut.

The offsite storage space where we keep the vast majority of our mags is unavailable, so our options are somewhat limited. Suffice to say we will find something drinkable.

My mag selection is limited, as well. Will probably have to bring two 750s. Right now, I'm leaning toward a nice vintage Champagne unless the group prefers that I bring a red?

No mags from me either. I'm assuming a 750 of port will be enough for everyone to get some.

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk:
Right now, I'm leaning toward a nice vintage Champagne unless the group prefers that I bring a red?

They're both favorites. (Said in my best Brian Regan voice.)

We're pretty loose at our gatherings - just bring something you like.

quote:

Originally posted by thelostverse:

We're pretty loose at our gatherings - just bring something you like.

Well, there is this nice red that a buddy makes in his basement. He imports Sierra Foothills Zinfandel, blends it with Michigan Cab Franc, tosses in a dollop of Californa Chard, then ages it in 300% new American oak. It's about 17% alcohol, but the oak tends to cover up most of the heat...

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk:

quote:

Originally posted by thelostverse:

We're pretty loose at our gatherings - just bring something you like.

Well, there is this nice red that a buddy makes in his basement. He imports Sierra Foothills Zinfandel, blends it with Michigan Cab Franc, tosses in a dollop of Californa Chard, then ages it in 300% new American oak. It's about 17% alcohol, but the oak tends to cover up most of the heat...

That violates all three of your points from your post of February 12th: Somebody remind me not to sit on Redhawk's side of the table.

quote:

Originally posted by Redhawk:
OK, I've got it in my head that I should probably NOT bring:
1) Overly oaked California Chard
2) Michigan Cab Franc
3) Zinfandel with over 16% alcohol

Any suggestions on what I SHOULD bring?

Sorry to cancel at the last minute, but I'm not going to be able to make this.

I really hate to have to type this, but we're going to have to back out. VinT & Redhawk, hopefully we have an opportunity to hoist a few glasses in the near future.

AllRed & aphilla that's unfortunate as I was looking forward to meeting you. But given the number of Chicago offlines lately, your livers are probably appreciative. Catch you next time.

Current headcount:

billhike - 1 - confirmed
thelostverse - 2 confirmed
Redhawk - 2 - confirmed
Vino Me - 2 - confirmed
VinT - 1 - confirmed
Jcubed - 1 - confirmed
Dan - 1 confirmed, possibly 2

We're at 10 or 11, depending on Dan's +1. This diminishes the need for magnums, and may widen the range of possibilities people can bring.

As I was passing through duty free at the Toronto airport today, I couldn't resist these:

3 X 200ml bottles from Inniskillin:
2008 Vidal Icewine
2008 Cabernet Franc Icewine
2008 Riesling Icewine

Don't worry. I'll also bring some real wine.

Aphilla and Allred,

So sorry we will have to miss you. My wife & I are having fun right now visiting downtown Chicago, and I'm sure we will be back sometime.

We are still on for tomorrow night and looking forward to meeting the rest of the group

Due to some cancellations, I am not bringing a magnum, but will bring a 1998 Domaine du Pegau Cuvee Laurence CDP.

J3

FYI for counting purposes, my +1 is confirmed as not being able to make it tomorrow night. I will still be there though. Looking forward to it.

I'm not going to bring the mag either. I will bring several bottles though.

Had dinner at Jameson's Char Cut last night (courtesy of a vendor). Steaks were decent but the rest of the experience was thoroughly average. Thanks tlv for gently steering us away from there as an offline venue.

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