Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
- Chris Doty
- Graham’s Malvedos 1996
- Posts: 843
- Joined: 12:30 Fri 29 Jan 2010
Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
Gents,
After an inexcusably long absence, I have finally booked tickets to return to London over Presidents' Day Weekend (February 15th - 18th), and plan to sponsor a port tasting in honor of my TPF friends. AHB probably knows a few of the bottles I will have in tow, but for the most part my intention is to bring some blind treasures and see if anyone can guess what they may be.
In terms of venue/placemats, I'd certainly welcome some local logistical support if someone would like to volunteer.
So, chime in with availability. I look forward to finally catching up with you guys in a few weeks!!
Warm Regards
Chris
After an inexcusably long absence, I have finally booked tickets to return to London over Presidents' Day Weekend (February 15th - 18th), and plan to sponsor a port tasting in honor of my TPF friends. AHB probably knows a few of the bottles I will have in tow, but for the most part my intention is to bring some blind treasures and see if anyone can guess what they may be.
In terms of venue/placemats, I'd certainly welcome some local logistical support if someone would like to volunteer.
So, chime in with availability. I look forward to finally catching up with you guys in a few weeks!!
Warm Regards
Chris
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
I shall do my best to create a pass. Having just cancelled a boys weekend to act as nursemaid to a sick wife, I think my chances are good!
Ben
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Vintage 1970 and now proud owner of my first ever 'half-century'!
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Vintage 1970 and now proud owner of my first ever 'half-century'!
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
Surely me. Yes. Instruct.Chris Doty wrote:placemats
The obvious choice is the The Bung Hole, 57 High Holborn, London WC1V 6DT.Chris Doty wrote:venue
I would be honoured to be included, and shall seek permission.Chris Doty wrote:my TPF friends
- Chris Doty
- Graham’s Malvedos 1996
- Posts: 843
- Joined: 12:30 Fri 29 Jan 2010
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
That's the spirit, chaps!
Re: placemats...all bottles will be brought blind, served in flights of 2. I have identified 10 bottles so far, but may get up to 12 in the days ahead. As names for the individual circles, iIm thinking perhaps each guest could email jdaw a one word description of myself or the period of time I spent in london (though please do your best to avoid profanity, as tempting as it may be!). I may even bring a reward for whoever is judged to have summed me up best.
re: venue, the bung hole, while perhaps having a different connotation in English than in American, should be a perfectly suitable venue, and please feel free to let them know that we're coming
re: friends, of course that's a silly question, and I would be sincerely disappointed not to see you. Been too long.
Re: placemats...all bottles will be brought blind, served in flights of 2. I have identified 10 bottles so far, but may get up to 12 in the days ahead. As names for the individual circles, iIm thinking perhaps each guest could email jdaw a one word description of myself or the period of time I spent in london (though please do your best to avoid profanity, as tempting as it may be!). I may even bring a reward for whoever is judged to have summed me up best.
re: venue, the bung hole, while perhaps having a different connotation in English than in American, should be a perfectly suitable venue, and please feel free to let them know that we're coming
re: friends, of course that's a silly question, and I would be sincerely disappointed not to see you. Been too long.
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
I am not sure if you are formally 'Christopher' but were you, and were two words permissable, then I believe the anagram 'Cherish port' would have served me well!Chris Doty wrote:iIm thinking perhaps each guest could email jdaw a one word description of myself or the period of time I spent in london (though please do your best to avoid profanity, as tempting as it may be!). I may even bring a reward for whoever is judged to have summed me up best.
Ben
-------
Vintage 1970 and now proud owner of my first ever 'half-century'!
-------
Vintage 1970 and now proud owner of my first ever 'half-century'!
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
I'm in!
Hmmm? That means I am in London two weekends out of three. Perhaps I should seek permission? Or...
I'm in!
Hmmm? That means I am in London two weekends out of three. Perhaps I should seek permission? Or...
I'm in!

"The first duty of Port is to be red"
Ernest H. Cockburn
Ernest H. Cockburn
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
They’re probably the same, which might be why the owner is trying a new rubbish dull corporate name, which we are refusing to use.Chris Doty wrote:perhaps having a different connotation in English than in American
- Alex Bridgeman
- Graham’s 1948
- Posts: 14380
- Joined: 13:41 Mon 25 Jun 2007
- Location: Berkshire, UK
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
Nonsense. Either side of the Atlantic a bung hole is the hole in the barrel into which the bung is driven. What else could it mean? Whatever else it means, it is an excellent choice for the venue. Other venues might be available if TBH is not acceptable. If you are happy to use the Bung Hole then let us know and we'll book the private room.jdaw1 wrote:They’re probably the same, which might be why the owner is trying a new rubbish dull corporate name, which we are refusing to use.Chris Doty wrote:perhaps having a different connotation in English than in American
Friday or Saturday? (And no, I will not get permission for both!) Or Sunday?
Top Ports in 2022: Quinta do Noval Nacional 1931. I have never drunk such a wonderful bottle of Port. I cried with joy.
2023: Fonseca 1966. There are not many better Ports, except a good bottle of Fonseca 1927. Wow!
2023: Fonseca 1966. There are not many better Ports, except a good bottle of Fonseca 1927. Wow!
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
Permission sought, and granted. Praise be to Mrs W.jdaw1 wrote:I would be honoured to be included, and shall seek permission.Chris Doty wrote:my TPF friends
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
You are very lucky to have such an understanding and beautiful wife. It is no wonder you go on, and on and on about how wonderful and beautiful she is when we are at Port tastings. Now I understand.jdaw1 wrote:Permission sought, and granted. Praise be to Mrs W.jdaw1 wrote:I would be honoured to be included, and shall seek permission.Chris Doty wrote:my TPF friends
"The first duty of Port is to be red"
Ernest H. Cockburn
Ernest H. Cockburn
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
Well, she is.DRT wrote:You are very lucky to have such an understanding and beautiful wife. It is no wonder you go on, and on and on about how wonderful and beautiful she is when we are at Port tastings. Now I understand.jdaw1 wrote:Permission sought, and granted. Praise be to Mrs W.jdaw1 wrote:I would be honoured to be included, and shall seek permission.Chris Doty wrote:my TPF friends
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
What is most remarkable of all is that she had already given permission for this. I think Sainthood must be on her horizon.jdaw1 wrote:Well, she is.DRT wrote:You are very lucky to have such an understanding and beautiful wife. It is no wonder you go on, and on and on about how wonderful and beautiful she is when we are at Port tastings. Now I understand.jdaw1 wrote:Permission sought, and granted. Praise be to Mrs W.jdaw1 wrote:I would be honoured to be included, and shall seek permission.Chris Doty wrote:my TPF friends
"The first duty of Port is to be red"
Ernest H. Cockburn
Ernest H. Cockburn
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
Err, let me check.DRT wrote:permission for this
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
DRT: You've made my day. You have a way with words. I feel like a Goddess. Also, this has inspired me to really want to meet your Mrs. Does she fall under your spell with the sweet talking? Or is she now immune?
Mr W did not tell me about the 26th Feb. There's nothing going on at the Wiseman household except the little monsters doing their usual shenanigans. So, yes, JDAW is free.
As for the 15th, SCP-DFS (formally known as SCP-DFF), has been invited to a night of drinking with fellow moms. I'm taking my husband's port, serving it to the ladies, and we're going to find out how well these Brit women can really drink! There's no competition. I know I can't drink. They'll be happy enough to drink my hubby's port!
Since the wife is out, Julian thought he was in no luck. But the au pair saved the day and offered her babysitting services to watch the kids. Now Julian will be free to join you all and I will have my turn to go out drinking with my fellow lady friends!
Hurray! We all win.
-SCP-DFS
PS - Does Julian really talk about his wife during the port tastings? Surely not. You middle-aged men love to talk about young damsels!
Mr W did not tell me about the 26th Feb. There's nothing going on at the Wiseman household except the little monsters doing their usual shenanigans. So, yes, JDAW is free.
As for the 15th, SCP-DFS (formally known as SCP-DFF), has been invited to a night of drinking with fellow moms. I'm taking my husband's port, serving it to the ladies, and we're going to find out how well these Brit women can really drink! There's no competition. I know I can't drink. They'll be happy enough to drink my hubby's port!
Since the wife is out, Julian thought he was in no luck. But the au pair saved the day and offered her babysitting services to watch the kids. Now Julian will be free to join you all and I will have my turn to go out drinking with my fellow lady friends!
Hurray! We all win.
-SCP-DFS
PS - Does Julian really talk about his wife during the port tastings? Surely not. You middle-aged men love to talk about young damsels!
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
Hi Chris,
I am in England that weekend; thought I take a breather after going to a big Burgundy tasting in Austria the weekend befoer and to a very big CDP tasting the week after. But seeing after such a long period of time; am already looking fwd to it. So would like to attend.
Also am sure to find an excellent bt of port to bring by
regards
WS1
I am in England that weekend; thought I take a breather after going to a big Burgundy tasting in Austria the weekend befoer and to a very big CDP tasting the week after. But seeing after such a long period of time; am already looking fwd to it. So would like to attend.
Also am sure to find an excellent bt of port to bring by

regards
WS1
"Sometimes too much to drink is barely enough"
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
I plead the 5th.SCP-DFF wrote:DRT: You've made my day. You have a way with words. I feel like a Goddess. Also, this has inspired me to really want to meet your Mrs. Does she fall under your spell with the sweet talking? Or is she now immune?
Yes, he really does. Whenever the chaps start talking of young damsels our friend from south west London glazes over and starts mumbling under his breath about wishing he was at home with his beloved wife. Sometimes a small tear falls down his cheek. It is a very humbling experience for all of us.SCP-DFF wrote:PS - Does Julian really talk about his wife during the port tastings? Surely not. You middle-aged men love to talk about young damsels!
I do hope you enjoy your night with the girls, which you obviously so richly deserve. Don't worry about Julian, we will look after him.
Have the words ‟Taylor” and ‟Vertical” appeared in conversation at Chez Wiseman recently?
"The first duty of Port is to be red"
Ernest H. Cockburn
Ernest H. Cockburn
- Chris Doty
- Graham’s Malvedos 1996
- Posts: 843
- Joined: 12:30 Fri 29 Jan 2010
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
I quite agree -- I can't believe I hadn't noticed that!benread wrote:I believe the anagram 'Cherish port' would have served me well!
Glad you can make it, Ben.
- Chris Doty
- Graham’s Malvedos 1996
- Posts: 843
- Joined: 12:30 Fri 29 Jan 2010
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
DRT wrote:I'm in!
Hmmm? That means I am in London two weekends out of three. Perhaps I should seek permission? Or...
I'm in!
Would expect nothing less from you!
Really looking forward to seeing everyone.
- Chris Doty
- Graham’s Malvedos 1996
- Posts: 843
- Joined: 12:30 Fri 29 Jan 2010
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
jdaw1 wrote:They’re probably the same, which might be why the owner is trying a new rubbish dull corporate name, which we are refusing to use.Chris Doty wrote:perhaps having a different connotation in English than in American
I see....if that is 'Davy's Bar and Grill' than I am 100% with you. That may indeed be the least worthwhile name for a pub since Slug and Lettuce.
Bunghole it is.
- Chris Doty
- Graham’s Malvedos 1996
- Posts: 843
- Joined: 12:30 Fri 29 Jan 2010
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
Like what you're doing here.SCP-DFF wrote:I feel like a Goddess....There's nothing going on at the Wiseman household except the little monsters doing their usual shenanigans. So, yes, JDAW is free.
Excellent!SCP-DFF wrote:Now Julian will be free to join you all and I will have my turn to go out drinking with my fellow lady friends! Hurray! We all win.
28 hardly seems middle aged to me.SCP-DFF wrote:You middle-aged men

Please consider yourself invited to any tasting I am involved in -- and it sounds like quite a pity that we'll be counting you out of these festivities!
- Chris Doty
- Graham’s Malvedos 1996
- Posts: 843
- Joined: 12:30 Fri 29 Jan 2010
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
Wolfy!WS1 wrote:Hi Chris,
I am in England that weekend; thought I take a breather after going to a big Burgundy tasting in Austria the weekend befoer and to a very big CDP tasting the week after. But seeing after such a long period of time; am already looking fwd to it. So would like to attend.
Also am sure to find an excellent bt of port to bring by![]()
regards
WS1
You're a beast my friend, and I am really thrilled that you are going to come out and help celebrate my return to London. Every tasting is more fun with you present, and I look forward to catching up. Was the Austrian tasting something by Gerhard? I've always wanted to attend one of his events -- seems like a fabulous host.
Anyway, I hope all's well,
Chris
- Chris Doty
- Graham’s Malvedos 1996
- Posts: 843
- Joined: 12:30 Fri 29 Jan 2010
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
AHB wrote:Nonsense. Either side of the Atlantic a bung hole is the hole in the barrel into which the bung is driven. What else could it mean? Whatever else it means, it is an excellent choice for the venue. Other venues might be available if TBH is not acceptable. If you are happy to use the Bung Hole then let us know and we'll book the private room.jdaw1 wrote:They’re probably the same, which might be why the owner is trying a new rubbish dull corporate name, which we are refusing to use.Chris Doty wrote:perhaps having a different connotation in English than in American
Friday or Saturday? (And no, I will not get permission for both!) Or Sunday?
Had to save this one for last.....
Really don't know where to take this one...
Well, in any case -- we are talking the evening of Friday, the 15th. @ the bunghole. You will have special instructions. I will call you sometime this week to discuss.
Can't wait!
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
This feels like a plan that is very much coming together, but I don't yet understand the theme.
Is it:
1. Bring a bottle of VP wrapped in foil (and hopefully not poured down your leg) to share with Doty, or;
2. Bring some cash to adopt one or more of Doty's bottles?
Is it:
1. Bring a bottle of VP wrapped in foil (and hopefully not poured down your leg) to share with Doty, or;
2. Bring some cash to adopt one or more of Doty's bottles?
"The first duty of Port is to be red"
Ernest H. Cockburn
Ernest H. Cockburn
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
Be very careful here, Chris. It is only with great age and experience that JDAW and I have learned to manage the expectations of a complex creature such as SCP-DFF without her realising what we are up to. Wisdom does indeed come with age.Chris Doty wrote:Please consider yourself invited to any tasting I am involved in -- and it sounds like quite a pity that we'll be counting you out of these festivities!SCP-DFF wrote:I feel like a Goddess...
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"The first duty of Port is to be red"
Ernest H. Cockburn
Ernest H. Cockburn
Re: Doty's Triumphant Return - London, Friday, February 15th
She’ll never guess.DRT wrote:without her realising what we are up to.