It's almost as tasty looking as this:

Something has come up, and I will be unable to attend any event. Sorry, hope someone else can organize and do this.

OK, I'll take this. Let's go with this:

ScottJ
(2) TLily
(2) Dave_tong
NorcalVinoLover
(2) Powell (from WD)

That's 8. I talked with Powell and I think he's in if we stay at Alexanders. I'll call and make reservations for 8. I know it's expensive but let's count on $75 per person for corkage, that's about 12-14 bottles total. I'll see if I can get it down. That should work out to about $125-$150 per person total.

Please confirm with me if that's going to work. I'm going to be in the vineyards most of the day tomorrow and Sunday so leaving me a message on my cell 408-242-8598 is the best bet.

6PM Alexander's

Sorry, but I'll have to drop out - I can't afford that.
It's Alison's birthday in two weeks.

Quote:

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OK, I'll take this. Let's go with this:

ScottJ
(2) TLily
(2) Dave_tong
NorcalVinoLover
(2) Powell (from WD)

That's 8. I talked with Powell and I think he's in if we stay at Alexanders. I'll call and make reservations for 8. I know it's expensive but let's count on $75 per person for corkage, that's about 12-14 bottles total. I'll see if I can get it down. That should work out to about $125-$150 per person total.

Please confirm with me if that's going to work. I'm going to be in the vineyards most of the day tomorrow and Sunday so leaving me a message on my cell 408-242-8598 is the best bet.

6PM Alexander's

---

It get's worse it's actually $25, $25, $50, $75 for each over bottle #3. I have a call into the manager to see if we can get a fixed price, but it does not sound promising.

Dave T, I'll be at the Wine Club in about an hour, on the chance you're going let's talk about what to do. Or give me a call. I'd hate to cancel all together on Scott. Maybe the loft is back in and we can do there with a small group.

Stef also suggested maybe we take turns going out to the parking lot and drinking wine in the parking lot, like a tail gate

and my cell phone rings, and Alexander's will do $25 a bottle for us on all bottles. Brings us in to about $30-$35 per person on corkage $75 or so a head total.

tlily,

Thanks for checking up on this, and getting the corkage out of the stratosphere !

Given the corkage prices, I thought I'd bring a pricier cab than I originally planned, a 2001 Grace Family Cabernet. I'll also bring the 2003 Kongsgaard Chardonnay, so we have a white. I just called Alexander's and neither of these are on their list.

Dave T, if you can, please let me know if you will be attending as soon as possible. I was planning to bring an '02 Monte Bello to leave with you for November's tasting, but don't want to carry it back to Houston with me. Alternatively, I can meet with you either tomorrow afternoon or Sunday and drop the bottle off.

Looking forward to meeting everyone on Sunday !

Scott

Okay, I'm back in then. If anything happens between now and Sunday,
give the Ridge to Paul and I'll get it off him.

Powell confirmed too, so we're 7 for sure. I'm guessing Dave (NorCal) is still in but haven't heard from him

Well a small turnout, but a good evening. In keeping with our status as the GTNWTDOPN here's the wine list and a few impressions:

2003 Kongsgaard Chardonnay
2003 Loring Gary's Vineyard Pinot Noir
2001 Grace Family
2003 Concha Y Toro Don Melchor
2002 Lewis Reserve
2000 Del Dotto
2005 Stefania Eaglepoint Ranch Syrah (barrel sample) (edited to correct the date)
1993 Disznoko 5 puttonyos Tokaji

The Kongsgaard is good, but isn't worth the money IMO. Chateau Boswell is better and a damn sight cheaper.

The Loring seemed a bit spritzy to start with but that blew off.

The Grace was outstanding, as you'd expect. Enough brett to be interesting without overpowering. Easily the WOTN.

The Don Melchor was a good solid wine. 96 points? WOTY? Who knows. Hardly a fair tasting, but I'm glad I bought a case.

I don't get Lewis. It's just too sweet for me.

The Del Dotto was drinking nicely. It was the second bottle on the table to be emptied, after the Grace.

Even though it was a barrel sample, the Syrah was very impressive. Paul's done a great job there. I strongly encourage everyone to sign up when he opens his list.

The Tokaji went nicely with the Creme Brulee and was a great way to finish the meal. Sweetness with a good kick of acidity.

Paul has a mailing list?

Where does one sign up?

Thanks Dave for the kind words, it's 2005 actually.

Davidn - stay tuned. Our license application comes down in less than 24 hours, then I'll start taking sign ups