Thursday 16th December - The Unknown Shipper & His Peculiar Friends

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 12:59 Tue 14 Dec 2021

PhilW wrote: ↑09:00 Tue 14 Dec 2021
Alex Bridgeman wrote: ↑23:19 Sun 12 Dec 2021 A small request to those attending on Thursday evening. Please could you take a lateral flow test at some point on Thursday and attend the tasting only if you are negative.

That way we will put our family Christmases at the least risk possible. Thank you everyone.
Agreed - while politely worded, this should (imo) be mandatory for attendance, not just a request.
Suggest adding to first post also, as reminder to anyone checking arrangements there.
I believe from Wed (and hence applying on Thu), venues including this one will be mandatory by law to ask for proof of covid vaccination (unless medically exempt) or recent negative lateral flow for entry, so we should expect this also; but even if vaccinated, I agree we should all lateral flow earlier in the day as well anyway.

My interpretation of SI 2021 1416 laid before Parliament today is that it would not require Tom to inspect our COVID passports / negative tests before allowing us entry. It would be rather a dramatic change of format if he’s planning on allowing us to dance or to provide live music.

While I agree that testing should be mandatory, I think the 10 people attending on Thursday are honourable and trustworthy enough to each do the tests without me having to resort to being draconian. I will add it to the first post though - thank you for the suggestion.

uncle tom · Post by **uncle tom** » 19:06 Tue 14 Dec 2021

I believe from Wed (and hence applying on Thu), venues including this one will be mandatory by law to ask for proof of covid vaccination

As far as I am aware, this only applies to large venues and not local pubs - but I stand to be corrected..

Post by **jdaw1** » 23:13 Tue 14 Dec 2021

I am keen to acquire Vesuvio ceramic bin labels. If you have otherwise unwanted Vesuvio bin labels, please bring. Thank you.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 11:12 Wed 15 Dec 2021

I raided the wine fridge this morning and have stood my bottle up in the cool garage (about 14C) to settle - although I'm not sure how much good that will do since it's going to be carried by train from Wokingham to Newport.

: Note the wavy glass; Unknown bottle for 16-Dec-2021.jpg (19.24 KiB) Viewed 7867 times

I love this bottle. The glass is so uneven and bumpy on the straight sides.

: So much cellar mould; Unknown capsule for 16-Dec-2021.jpg (20.78 KiB) Viewed 7867 times

The capsule is a dark red but the top is covered in cellar mould. Should I clean it off before I travel? No, I think not. More fun to discover what the bottle is with everyone else.

: Another view of the bumpy glass; Unknown from above for 16-Dec-2021.jpg (23.95 KiB) Viewed 7867 times

As usual, I will bring a set of tongs with me so we can open bottles that way if anyone would like to.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 11:15 Wed 15 Dec 2021

Alex Bridgeman wrote: ↑08:32 Mon 13 Dec 2021 I’d like to minimise the amount of printing and carting of paper I need to do so plan to print only the sticky labels and cork sheets.

I’m happy to also print tasting note sheets for any who want them. If you do want your TN sheets, please say so.

I have only had one request for a TN sheet so will be bringing stickers for everyone but only two sets of note sheets. Anyone wanting a last minute TN sheet can either make a request on this thread which I might see in time or can print their own.

Post by **flash_uk** » 11:26 Wed 15 Dec 2021

I'll bring some cheese and digestives.

Post by **PhilW** » 12:27 Wed 15 Dec 2021

Alex Bridgeman wrote: ↑11:15 Wed 15 Dec 2021 I have only had one request for a TN sheet so will be bringing stickers for everyone but only two sets of note sheets. Anyone wanting a last minute TN sheet can either make a request on this thread which I might see in time or can print their own.

Yes please if in time to request; apologies missed earlier post.

uncle tom · Post by **uncle tom** » 16:19 Wed 15 Dec 2021

I'll bring some cheese and digestives.

We already have Lincolnshire poacher, Somerset Brie and Cropwell Bishop - but please feel free to add to the selection.

Post by **PhilW** » 16:45 Wed 15 Dec 2021

Alex Bridgeman wrote: ↑11:12 Wed 15 Dec 2021 ...
I love this bottle. The glass is so uneven and bumpy on the straight sides.
...
As usual, I will bring a set of tongs with me so we can open bottles that way if anyone would like to.

Great looking bottle Alex. I've just got mine out and stood up also, also with bumpy glass; in neck and red, so very hopeful. Will definitely want to use tongs; am assuming you'll have yours, but if any last minute issue let me know and I can bring mine if needed.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 20:36 Wed 15 Dec 2021

PhilW wrote: ↑12:27 Wed 15 Dec 2021
Alex Bridgeman wrote: ↑11:15 Wed 15 Dec 2021 I have only had one request for a TN sheet so will be bringing stickers for everyone but only two sets of note sheets. Anyone wanting a last minute TN sheet can either make a request on this thread which I might see in time or can print their own.
Yes please if in time to request; apologies missed earlier post.

I got your request in time and have just printed your TN sheet.

Post by **jdaw1** » 21:14 Wed 15 Dec 2021

jdaw1 wrote: ↑23:13 Tue 14 Dec 2021I am keen to acquire Vesuvio ceramic bin labels. If you have otherwise unwanted Vesuvio bin labels, please bring. Thank you.

Please.

Post by **jdaw1** » 21:18 Wed 15 Dec 2021

Alex Bridgeman wrote: ↑08:32 Mon 13 Dec 2021I’m happy to also print tasting note sheets for any who want them. If you do want your TN sheets, please say so.

This is mentioned in issue 160.

idj123 · Post by **idj123** » 07:54 Thu 16 Dec 2021

PhilW wrote: ↑12:27 Wed 15 Dec 2021
Alex Bridgeman wrote: ↑11:15 Wed 15 Dec 2021 I have only had one request for a TN sheet so will be bringing stickers for everyone but only two sets of note sheets. Anyone wanting a last minute TN sheet can either make a request on this thread which I might see in time or can print their own.
Yes please if in time to request; apologies missed earlier post.

May well now be too late but yes please for the TNs.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 08:12 Thu 16 Dec 2021

Ian - printed. I will bring it with me.

Just taken my lateral flow test. Pleased to say I am clear.

winesecretary · Post by **winesecretary** » 09:00 Thu 16 Dec 2021

LFT also taken, and also clear. Hurrah! Very much looking forward to seeing you all.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 09:09 Thu 16 Dec 2021

I am thoroughly pissed off, but after an outbreak of uncontrollable paranoia in our household I will no longer be attending this evening.

Alex M - if you're still free, my seat is yours.

This also means that someone will have to do a quick emergency print of the stickers and TN sheets, and bring a set of tongs.

I shall open my unknown this evening, chez moi, and let you know what it is.

Enjoy the evening and please let me know what gets opened!

Alex M · Post by **Alex M** » 09:19 Thu 16 Dec 2021

Alex Bridgeman wrote: ↑09:09 Thu 16 Dec 2021
Alex M - if you're still free, my seat is yours.

Yes please!

Post by **flash_uk** » 09:56 Thu 16 Dec 2021

Alex Bridgeman wrote: ↑09:09 Thu 16 Dec 2021 This also means that someone will have to do a quick emergency print of the stickers and TN sheets, and bring a set of tongs.

I can print. Don’t have port tongs though. Guessing Tom or Phil might have a pair?

uncle tom · Post by **uncle tom** » 09:59 Thu 16 Dec 2021

I can print. Don’t have port tongs though. Guessing Tom or Phil might have a pair?

Have tongs

Axel P · Post by **Axel P** » 10:25 Thu 16 Dec 2021

I wish you all negative tests, great Ports, no corc or VA, fantastic steaks and the usual great company. @Tom, please give all your waitresses a hug from me and the guys, too, if you must

for the very first non-international christmas tasting (WS1 does not count as international as he is already assimilated). Merry christmas to all

Post by **PhilW** » 12:17 Thu 16 Dec 2021

Lateral flow all clear, and I will bring tongs also.

WS1 · Post by **WS1** » 13:25 Thu 16 Dec 2021

also negative test result for me too!

tests were just delivered in time by Royal mail!

cu later

WS1

Post by **flash_uk** » 13:45 Thu 16 Dec 2021

LFT all clear.

uncle tom · Post by **uncle tom** » 14:35 Thu 16 Dec 2021

Am tested and negative.

winesecretary · Post by **winesecretary** » 10:05 Fri 17 Dec 2021

That was a truly wonderful evening. Good friends, good food, much laughter, and absolutely glorious ports. Thank you once again, Tom, for arranging. Thank you Phil (G20), Alex (G55) and Harry (T20, W60) for bringing the highlights - and what extraordinary highlights they were - a night where a pair of 1947s got only the minor points...

Post by **PhilW** » 15:37 Fri 17 Dec 2021

A thoroughly enjoyable evening, with excellent company and a fine range of ports, as well as delicious salmon, steak, and cheese selection; my thanks for organising to Tom and Alex, particularly since Alex was unable to join us. If anyone happens to find they have my (rather limited) tasting note sheets, please email or WhatsApp me a copy, otherwise I have to assume they are lost to the mists of time (no great loss really!). Would be interested to see the voting sheet if we have a copy still, as I think I was engrossed with other conversation and/or was tonging Harry's extra bottle, so I only heard about 1st place and would be interested to see how the rest of the votes went. Cheers all for a memorable evening.

uncle tom · Post by **uncle tom** » 17:19 Fri 17 Dec 2021

A most satisfactory evening, now all cleared up and put away - no errant TN sheets found I'm afraid.

The first time (I think) we've had a submariner amongst us - this glorious little monologue never grows stale:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0SICqoBevs

Must try to remember to get stickers for glasses printed on more easily removed paper - this year's ones required a lot of scraping and acetone to get them clean!

Post by **jdaw1** » 18:26 Fri 17 Dec 2021

That was my first Unknown Shipper since the move to the White Horse, and was a splendid evening. Thank you Tom for hosting; Alex for arranging; and all for bringing lovely and fascinating bottles.

Just an ordinary Thursday: a small horizontal of 1920s. Excellent declaration; accumulate.

Post by **jdaw1** » 18:30 Fri 17 Dec 2021

uncle tom wrote: ↑17:19 Fri 17 Dec 2021Must try to remember to get stickers for glasses printed on more easily removed paper - this year's ones required a lot of scraping and acetone to get them clean!

One possibility would be small Post-it Index Sticky Notes, with neighbours having different colours.

Whatever the answer, please let me know the choice.

Post by **flash_uk** » 17:25 Sat 18 Dec 2021

Scores from the evening (the AHB column is Alex M):

: IMG_0448 (2).jpg (451.46 KiB) Viewed 5003 times

Post by **flash_uk** » 17:30 Sat 18 Dec 2021

Ports from the evening:
1 Phil G1920
2 Tom Ck1904
3 Wolfgang SW47
4 Charles S60
5 Mike Unknown (recorked, bottle guessed to be 20s/30s)
6 Alex M G55
7 Harry T1920
8 Julian Ck47
9 George Malvasia Madeira 1936 unknown shipper
10 Harry Warre 1960 BBR Bottling.

Post by **flash_uk** » 17:31 Sat 18 Dec 2021

Could someone check the listing above, and could George remind me what his Madiera offering was, and I think #10 was a second bottle from Harry?

winesecretary · Post by **winesecretary** » 18:38 Sat 18 Dec 2021

George - Malvasia Madeira 1936 unknown shipper
Harry # 2 - Warre 1960 BBR Bottling.

uncle tom · Post by **uncle tom** » 21:43 Sat 18 Dec 2021

One possibility would be small Post-it Index Sticky Notes, with neighbours having different colours.

IIRC, Ottos uses those. However there seems to be self adhesive - and really self adhesive, for those who worry about price tags being switched.

I'm not up to speed on the difference, technically, but a source for the humbler variant is desirable..

Post by **flash_uk** » 21:45 Sat 18 Dec 2021

winesecretary wrote: ↑18:38 Sat 18 Dec 2021 George - Malvasia Madeira 1936 unknown shipper
Harry # 2 - Warre 1960 BBR Bottling.

Many thanks!

CPR 1 · Post by **CPR 1** » 20:10 Sun 19 Dec 2021

A splendid evening. Tom as always a huge thank you to you and the team at the White Horse for hosting us and organising our modest steaks

winesecretary · Post by **winesecretary** » 16:23 Sat 08 Jan 2022

I have miraculously preserved my tasting notes from the evening, but upon review I am not sure they are worthy of transcription. Sample, Harry's T20- 'Red. Perfect condition. God, this might be even better than the G20. Utterly lovely wine. Still muscular.'

Post by **jdaw1** » 17:53 Sat 08 Jan 2022

winesecretary wrote: ↑16:23 Sat 08 Jan 2022I have miraculously preserved my tasting notes from the evening, but upon review I am not sure they are worthy of transcription. Sample, Harry's T20- 'Red. Perfect condition. God, this might be even better than the G20. Utterly lovely wine. Still muscular.'

If only for the last five words, please do transcribe.

nac · Post by **nac** » 19:38 Sun 09 Jan 2022

winesecretary wrote: ↑16:23 Sat 08 Jan 2022 I have miraculously preserved my tasting notes from the evening, but upon review I am not sure they are worthy of transcription. Sample, Harry's T20- 'Red. Perfect condition. God, this might be even better than the G20. Utterly lovely wine. Still muscular.'

That sounds like one of my better notes!