Wozza's 21st (!!) Birthday celebrations - 31Mar17

[Wozza]

Without giving away my age! I am posting a speculative Sydney event idea. A little bit different to what we have run so far in Sydney in the last few years. But it comes at a higher cost point, hence seeing if there is any serious interest.

As I hit the 21 year milestone (!), I was thinking of organising a one off event of good food and fine, fine wines. An event for those that really love great Aussie fine wines.



I am thinking Ripples (Milsons Point or Chowder Bay) for the full Sydney Harbour view, and the following wines:

- Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz 1998
- Penfolds Bin 95 Grange Shiraz 2002
- Rockfords Basket Press Shiraz 2004
- Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier 2008 (or maybe Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon 2008)

Plus an aged White, a vintage Champagne and a Rockfords Black Shiraz.



If Ripples proves to be too expensive / too complicated with their timings (they have in the past, which is why I have avoided them so far), then I know Fix St James puts on great food and will happily host a wine evening tucked quietly away.

I'm also thinking of limiting the numbers to a maximum 10, so we get a fairly decent pour of each wine, but also share the cost of the big hitters too.

In terms of Ripples, I think Chowder Bay is a nicer location, but Milsons Point is easier for non-Sydneysiders to get to and from. Thoughts on this?

As you can imagine, even buying these wines at a fairly reasonable price point now with decent providence, it's not going to be cheap. It will be one of those one-off dinners where you get to sample some of the best Aussie wines, with the cost being shared across 10 of us.

I suspect the food package for Ripples will be around the $100-$120 mark (including corkage, group rates, etc) and the wine package will be around $150-$180, based on 10 people.

In terms of timing, I am thinking mid-March to mid-April.

Who would be a definite-maybe, dates permitting?

If any long term Wine Lovers are reading this that have some cellared icon gems (Grange, 707s, RunRig, Australis - and the many more - you know the level) they could add to the mix that would be at a decent price point from the prices of old, and that they were willing to share for this event, then please PM me to discuss. I would be happy to buy them to then share with the 10 to keep the cost down.

 

[penegal]

Wozza - you know I am a "Definite maybe".

Welcome to being 21 - you will soon be allowed to drink wine in numerous US states

 

[QF WP]

I may not be able to attend, but may be able to bring down some bottles in my upcoming trips for the event. I have a little collection of Noble One that might need pruning and given its such an auspicious occasion, may even give you a present of a decent red (but won't disclose too early what it is).

I also have a big birthday this year so most of my premium ones are primed for multiple celebrations across 2 or 3 States...

 

[Steady]

I would be keen to attend if the date ended up being when I am passing through. (Monday 27th March or Friday 31st March)

 

[Wozza]

I may not be able to attend, but may be able to bring down some bottles in my upcoming trips for the event. I have a little collection of Noble One that might need pruning and given its such an auspicious occasion, may even give you a present of a decent red (but won't disclose too early what it is).

I also have a big birthday this year so most of my premium ones are primed for multiple celebrations across 2 or 3 States...

I hope you can make it, QF WP. I've never tried a Noble One. Thank you for the kind offer of a mystery wine pressie. You are a kind and generous man. I certainly don't expect anything. But, I won't say no to a gracious gift.

I'll keep you posted if the numbers are there, and if so, of the date ...

 

[Wozza]

I would be keen to attend if the date ended up being when I am passing through. (Monday 27th March or Friday 31st March)

It would be great if you could join us, Steady. I'll consult the diary on those dates, as Mrs Wozza has a few secret plans she is working on ...

QF WP, do either of the above dates work for you?

 

[QF WP]

I hope you can make it, QF WP. I've never tried a Noble One. Thank you for the kind offer of a mystery wine pressie. You are a kind and generous man. I certainly don't expect anything. But, I won't say no to a gracious gift.

I'll keep you posted if the numbers are there, and if so, of the date ...

Looking at my CT cellar, I have a number of Noble Ones (1997, 1998 and 1999) that all needed drinking about 2 years ago.

It would be great if you could join us, Steady. I'll consult the diary on those dates, as Mrs Wozza has a few secret plans she is working on ...

QF WP, do either of the above dates work for you?

I can make either of those dates work - if my SYD clients want to see me then . Would be good to catch up again with Steady.

 

[AnonymousCoward]

Looking at my CT cellar, I have a number of Noble Ones (1997, 1998 and 1999) that all needed drinking about 2 years ago.

I have some 1999 Noble Ones. Are they actually over the hill? Or just outside the CT "drinking window" (which I think is auto-populated based on actual consumption, rather than any recommendation)

 

[TheRealTMA]

I have some 1999 Noble Ones. Are they actually over the hill? Or just outside the CT "drinking window" (which I think is auto-populated based on actual consumption, rather than any recommendation)

IMHO No. Stored well they "last forever". We had a '94 at our Xmas party and it was fab!

 

[Delectable Blue]

I have some 1999 Noble Ones. Are they actually over the hill? Or just outside the CT "drinking window" (which I think is auto-populated based on actual consumption, rather than any recommendation)

Yes, they will be fine if they have been stored in reasonable conditions. The only real risk is cork deterioration (assuming they are under cork), otherwise they will last for another decade or two. But at 17-18 years of age, these are just starting to hit their prime.

 

[Buzzard]

Certainly interested in joining a birthday bash, I could even stay with friends at Rydalmere, maybe take a leisurely trip up the Parra River on the cat. If the date fits with other events I've committed to, I'm in.

 

[Steady]

Any updates on your 21st yet Wozza...... maybe you have chosen a date

 

[DrSammyLee]

I should be able to attend your B'day winefest Wozza! Depending on your chosen date I might bring a +1.

 

[QF WP]

I've also got some aged Moss Wood if you need another bottle Wozza (perhaps even a Penfolds St Henri as a backup)

 

[blackcat20]

Oh how I wish we could attend this...

I have some 1999 Noble Ones. Are they actually over the hill? Or just outside the CT "drinking window" (which I think is auto-populated based on actual consumption, rather than any recommendation)

We have a 98 courtesy of QP WP that is on the drink asap list.

 

[TomVexille]

How did I miss this??

Let me discuss with blackcat20, we are rather busy but may find a way dependent on dates.

 

[Wozza]

Thanks for organising this separate thread, QF WP. Much appreciated.

I've been quiet on the AFF front, trying to lock in the venue, travel and wine itineraries for my *21st*

With plans almost there, I can confirm:

Date: Friday 31 March 2017

Time: 6:15 pm until 11:15 pm

Venue: Ripples Chowder Bay

Room: White Room (private room, with own staff, overlooking the Harbour)

Meeting Point: Darling Harbour (water taxi to venue)

Drop Off Point: Darling Harbour (water taxi from venue)

Guests: 10 (including the birthday boy)

Food: full 3 course private sit down meal

Wines: 1999 and other all stars

1. Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon 1999
2. Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill 2002
3. Tyrrells Vat 1 1999
4. Tahbilk Marsanne 1999
5. Bass Phillip Old Cellar Chardonnay 1999
6. Rosemount Balmoral 1999
7. Rockfords Basket Press 1999
8. Clarendon Hills Australis 2002
9. Cullen Vanya 2012 *
10. De Bortoli Noble One 1999

Plus - just because - Seppelt Bin EC4, Private Bin Hermitage Cab 1977

No Grange 02, unfortunately. That deal fell through. But the list is looking pretty special in my eyes.

* I haven't decided between the Vanya or going for a John Riddoch 99 and Meshach 99 instead. Something says the younger 99 pointer with a big decant is calling me harder and we already have enough aged stuff ...!

Cost: around $280 per person (includes all food, room hire, group fee, credit charges, water taxis, and the wines).

(Cost to be confirmed once the final bookings and wine purchases have been made. But limited to a max of $300)

Now here's the kicker:

Guest list confirmed:

1. AnonymousCoward
2. AnonymousCoward +1
3. Buzzard (flying all the way up from SA)
4. Katy
5. Steady (flying all the way up from Tassie)
6. Viridianne
7. Wozza.

Yep - there's only three spots left. I need a definite confirmation from you by PM if you would like to go.

I can't wait. The setting will be great. Some of my closest friends will be there. And there will be some absolutely cracking wines.

Cheers,


Wozza

 

[blackcat20]

Bummer, we'd never get there in time.

 

[TomVexille]

Unfortunately I don't have the ability to take any more time off so a Friday makes this impossible

 

[Wozza]

Unfortunately I don't have the ability to take any more time off so a Friday makes this impossible

Bummer, we'd never get there in time.

Shame. It would have been great to have you there.

Warm regards,


Wozza