Randy,

I have a couple of customers who were mildly offended by the $20 fee - that didn't bother you at all?

Richard


[Full disclosure: Wendell Laidley is a friend and I sell the Realm wines.]

Given the anticipated generocity at the event and the fact that the tasting will assist in making a decision on a purchase that figures to run well into the hundreds, it is irrational to complain about dropping a Jackson on these dinners.  I would go in a heartbeat except for the fact that the NYC event is mid-week, and that is tough for me to do without a good reason to stay overnight in the city. The $20 fee would be laughable compared to the $400 I'd have to spend on a hotel.  If I could have figured out a way to couple this with a business meeting, it would be a no-brainer.

The $20 fee is nothing. It gives me a chance to taste the wines. What if there is something I really don't like? That will save me the cost of bottles I don't want.

Also, it will keep out the drunkies -- those that drain every bottle and talk all night long, monopolizing the winemakers.

Richard, will you be there?

Doubtful - I've got a conflict that is resisting change.

I posted this a while ago in the Industry Events forum, but I guess nobody looks there any longer. I am going to try to make it, not sure yet if I'll be able to or not.

Interesting evening. Some good and bad. Let me get the bad out of the way. There is no way this was worth $20 TO ME. (I'm sure others enjoyed it a great deal) I was able to taste the current release but I could not talk to anyone there without going outside. Also, and this is just plain weird, the only food served was seafood. I don't know what others think, but I don't find the Cab/Crab cake food match to be particularly harmonious. The food was hard to come by -- I'm not sure the restaurant was adequately prepared for the crowd. I managed to snag a Scallop Ceviche that was outstanding. The noise in the room was deafening; painful at a minimum.

Now on to the positive aspects... Some very nice people, at least as far as I could tell from the limited communication. Also, the wines ranged from very good to outstanding. Some brief notes:
2005 Beckstoffer Dr Crane - Very smooth, nice touch of rutherford dust, clean currant & berry flavors. Enjoy over next 7-8 years. 92-92 pts
2005 "The Bard" - What an awesome mouthful. A total palate covering, with excellent notes of mocha, berry, currant, and a nice treatment of oak. Approachable now but has the stuffing to go for years. 95-96 pts. However, it does not go well with Crab Cake :-(
2005 Tempest - This has traditionally been one of my favorites. However, tonight, it was not quite hanging together. It seemed a trifle thinner than usual, and also came off as simple compared to the Bard. This could easily be the current phase. no score.
2005 Beckstoffer To Kalon - My notes read "Oh yum" :-) very clean and complex flavors; layers waiting to unfold here. Vying with the bard for WOTN; 94-96 pts. yummers!
2005 Farella - surprisingly, this was the only wine I was disappointed with. It was good, but the tannins are going to last longer than the fruit here. 91 pts.

Ordering will be open soon. I'll be stocking up on the Bard, To Kalon, Dr Crane and some Tempest.

Randy,

Thanks for the notes. I will definitely be ordering but need to be selective given all the mailers out right now. To Kalon is a for sure for me; interested in trying the Dr. Crane as well. Will probably fill out my order with some Bards.

Yes, thanks Randy. Unfortunately I was unable to make it last night so I too really appreciate the notes. And you are not alone, seafood with big Cabs? Er, I don't think so...

Randy:  A million thanks for the notes. Sounds like you had to put up with a less than stellar evening, but we appreciate you taking one for the team.  My budget only allows for me to selectively buy these, so the advance notes will come in handy.  Again, I appreciate the effort, and as a show of thanks, tell me where I can send a $5 bill to help offset the cost!

Seafood and big Cabs...what were they thinking? Just couldn't believe it when I read Randy's notes...