Category Archives: Blind Tasting

1999-2 Great Years (and a ringer or two)

Number 30 — April, 1999

Our Next Event

Let’s hear it for crispy duck confit salad! The wine was pretty good, too. It’s really interesting that once again the Georges de Latour ’77 was the favorite, followed closely by the ’78. At least we’re consistent.

Our next event will be at the California Grill, Saturday, April 17, 1998 at 2 PM at the California Grill. We will have the room until 6 PM.

The theme of this event is “Great Years (and a ringer or two)”.

The following wines will be poured blind:

Year	Winery	Type	Appellation	Cost
1937	Ch. Cheval Blanc	Red	Bordeaux	100
1961	Ch. L’Angelus	Red	Bordeaux	40
1961	Ch. Trottevieille	Red	Bordeaux	40
1962	Ch. Lafite	Red	Bordeaux	100
1967	Ch. Haut-Brion	Red	Bordeaux	60
1959	Ch. Margaux	Red	Bordeaux	100
1970	Simi	Cabernet Sauvignon	Alexander Valley	35
1982	Ch. Palmer	Red	Bordeaux	75
1970	Ch. Cheval Blanc	Red	Bordeaux	125
1975	Ch. Haut-Brion	Red	Bordeaux	60
				$ 735

Auction Action

None.

Treasurer’s Report

Previous Balance	-1561.53
Dues Payable	1540.00
Adjustment for actual cost of dinner last time	-50.00
Dinner	-550.00
Balance	-621.53

Please bring your dues of $110 per person to the event.

1999-1 New World / Old World in the 60’s

Number 29 — January, 1999

Our Next Event

Our next event will be at the California Grill, Saturday, January 23rd, 1998 at 2 PM. We will have the room until 6 PM. Please welcome Ron and Bev Siegel as our new members. Our membership list is now:

Steve and Linda Alcorn

Martin Chaney

Jim and Patty Clausen

Andy and Libby Crocket

Al Gane

John and Debbi Henline

Dick and Priscilla Robinson

Ron and Bev Siegel

Please e-mail me if I’ve misspelled anyone’s name.

The theme of this event is New World / Old World in the 60’s.

The following wines will be poured blind:

Bin	Year	Winery	Type	Appelation
5	1961	Charles Krug	Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa
3	1961	BV	Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa
8	1961	Ch. Cadet Piola	Red	Bordeaux
8	1961	Ch. Calon Segur	Red	Bordeaux
7	1962	Ch. Lafite	Red	Bordeaux
4	1962	Inglenook	Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa
5	1963	Inglenook	Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa
4	1966	Inglenook	Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa
8	1967	Ch. Haut-Brion	Red	Bordeaux
2	1977	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa

The menu:

Appetizer: Assorted California Pizzas

Salad: Crispy Duck Confit Salad w/ Endive, Red Beets, Jicama & Spicy Winter Chutney

First Course: Goat Cheese Ravioli with Shitake Mushrooms, Basil & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Second Course: Iron Skillet of Pacific Black Mussels Roasted with “Hot” Chipotle Coulis

Dessert: Espresso Float with Sambuca Ice Cream & Shortbread Cookies

Auction Action

None.

Treasurer’s Report

Previous Balance (corrected for actual dinner $)	-2601.53
Dues Payable	1540.00
Membership Buy-in (Siegel)	1363.70
Membership Buy-outs (Chaney/Gane)	-1363.70
Dinner	-500.00
Balance	1561.53

Please bring your dues of $110 per person to the event.

1998-4 Bordeaux vs. Napa

Number 28 — October, 1998

November 1998, Jekyll Island, Georgia. The Alcorns, Crockets, Henlines and Hoffmans (guests).

Our Next Event

Our next event will be at the California Grill, Saturday, October 17th, 1998 at 2 PM. We will be in the Napa Room, this time, which is to the left of the elevators. We will have the room until 6 PM. Please welcome Jim and Patti Clausen as our new members. The theme of this event is Bordeaux vs. Napa. The following wines will be poured blind:

1957	Ch. Bellgrave	Red	Bordeaux
1962	Inglenook	Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa
1963	Inglenook	Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa
1963	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa

1965	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa
1970	Ch. Cheval Blanc	Red	Bordeaux
1973	Ch. Gloria	Red	Bordeaux
1973	Stag’s Leap Vineyard	Petite Sirah	Napa

1980	Pat Paulsen	Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa
1982	Ch. Lynch Bages	Red	Bordeaux
1983	Ch. Mouton Rotshchild	Red	Bordeaux
1986	Ch. Beychevelle	Red	Bordeaux

1983	Ch. Haut Brion Blanc	White	Bordeaux

Auction Action

We had a very successful auction at Butterfield and Butterfield on September 12, purchasing some excellent older Bordeaux and Cabernets. Probably the faltering stock market scared away some competition, so our bottom-fishing went better than expected. As you can see, I’ll be fronting us a loan for a bit!

1961	BV	Cabernet Sauvignon	$35
1961	BV	Cabernet Sauvignon	35
1961	BV	Cabernet Sauvignon	35
1961	BV	Cabernet Sauvignon	35
1963	BV	Cabernet Sauvignon	35
1965	BV	Cabernet Sauvignon	35
1965	BV	Cabernet Sauvignon	35
1965	BV	Cabernet Sauvignon	35
1965	BV	Cabernet Sauvignon	35
1977	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon	45
1977	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon	45
1977	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon	45
1977	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon	45
1978	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon	45
1978	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon	45
1979	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon	45
1979	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon	45
1979	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon	45
1979	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon	45
1979	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon	90
1981	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon	45
1981	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon	45
1946	Inglenook	Cabernet Sauvignon	50
1958	Inglenook	Cabernet Sauvignon	50
1962	Inglenook	Cabernet Sauvignon	50
1962	Inglenook	Cabernet Sauvignon	50
1964	Inglenook	Cabernet Sauvignon	50
1964	Inglenook	Cabernet Sauvignon	50
1966	Inglenook	Cabernet Sauvignon	50
1966	Inglenook	Cabernet Sauvignon	50
1966	Inglenook	Cabernet Sauvignon	50
1966	Inglenook	Cabernet Sauvignon	50
1966	Inglenook	Cabernet Sauvignon	50
1966	Inglenook	Cabernet Sauvignon	50
1966	Inglenook	Cabernet Sauvignon	50
1961	Ch. Beausejour	Red Bordeaux	40
1961	Ch. Brane Cantenac	Red Bordeaux	40
1961	Ch. Cadet Piola	Red Bordeaux	40
1961	Ch. Cadet Piola	Red Bordeaux	40
1961	Ch. Calon Segur	Red Bordeaux	40
1961	Ch. Calon Segur	Red Bordeaux	40
1961	Ch. Duhart-Milon-Rothschild	Red Bordeaux	40
1962	Ch. Grand Puy-Lacoste	Red Bordeaux	150
1967	Ch. Haut-Brion	Red Bordeaux	60
1967	Ch. Haut-Brion	Red Bordeaux	60
1967	Ch. Haut-Brion	Red Bordeaux	60
1975	Ch. Haut-Brion	Red Bordeaux	60
1975	Ch. Haut-Brion	Red Bordeaux	60
1952	Ch. Lafite	Red Bordeaux	60
1961	Ch. Lafite	Red Bordeaux	150
1962	Ch. Lafite	Red Bordeaux	100
1962	Ch. Lafite	Red Bordeaux	100
1962	Ch. Lafite	Red Bordeaux	100
1962	Ch. Lafite	Red Bordeaux	100
1961	Ch. L’Angelus	Red Bordeaux	40
1961	Ch. L’Angelus	Red Bordeaux	40
1962	Ch. Latour	Red Bordeaux	150
1979	Ch. Laville Haut-Brion	Red Bordeaux	60
1970	Ch. Leoville-Las Cases	Red Bordeaux	150
1961	Ch. Lynch-Bages	Red Bordeaux	150
1959	Ch. Margaux	Red Bordeaux	100
1959	Ch. Margaux	Red Bordeaux	100
1966	Ch. Margaux	Red Bordeaux	60
1970	Ch. Margaux	Red Bordeaux	150
1970	Ch. Mouton-Rotshchild	Red Bordeaux	150
1971	Ch. Mouton-Rotshchild	Red Bordeaux	60
1961	Ch. Pavie	Red Bordeaux	40
1961	Ch. Trottevieille	Red Bordeaux	40
1961	Ch. Trottevieille	Red Bordeaux	40
		TOTAL	$ 4265

Linda and I reorganized the cellar and tagged all the bottles for easy retrieval. It looks really nice: the Syndicate section is stuffed to the gills at the moment! Drop by if you’d like to see it.

I’ll bring new master lists to the next event for everyone.

Treasurer’s Report

Previous Balance (corrected for actual dinner $)	-358.03
Dues Payable	1540.00
Membership Buy-in (Clausens)	981.50
Auction Purchases	-4265.00
Dinner	-500.00
Balance	-2601.53

Please bring your dues of $110 per person to the event.

1998-3 Battle of the Burgundies

Number 27 — July, 1998

Our Next Event

Our next event will be at the California Grill, Saturday, August 1st, 1998 at 2 PM. We will have the room until 6 PM. Jim and Patti Clausen will be joining us as guests. The theme of this event is Battle of the Burgundies. The following wines will be poured blind:

1934	Chambolle-Musigny	Red
1958	Charles Krug	Burgundy
1959	Pommard	Red
1968	BV	Pinot Noir
1968	Inglenook	Pinot Noir
1969	BV Beaumont	Pinot Noir
1971	Pommard-Epenots	Red
1974	Mondavi	Pinot Noir
1977	Firestone	Pinot Noir
1980	Vosne-Romanee	Red
1983	Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Proces	Red
1988	Wild Horse	Pinot Noir
1983	Ch. D’Yquem	Sauternes

Appetizer: Assorted California Pizzas

Salad: Tamarind BBQ Duck Salad w/ Jicama and Caramelized Pineapple Chutney

Fish Course: Chili Dusted Tuna Seared Rare with Bean Medley, Poblano-Lime Vinaigrette

Meat Course: Sizzled Tofu and Artichokes on a Stir Fry of Grains and Greens

Dessert: Sorbet Trio with Tequila Caramel Sauce

Auction Action

We purchased six bottles of Ch. Haut Brion Blanc and 9 old BV cabernets at the last Butterfield & Butterfield auction.

Treasurer’s Report

Previous Balance	-61.36
Auction Purchases	-1265.00
Dues Payable	1320.00
Guest Dues	150.00
Dinner	-600.00
Balance	-456.36

Please bring your dues of $110 per person to the event.

1998-2 Cabernet Heaven

Number 26 — April, 1998

Our Next Event

Our next event will be at the California Grill, Saturday, April 25^th, 1998 at 2 PM. We will have the room until 6 PM.

The theme of this event is “Cabernet Heaven”. The following wines will be poured blind:

	France
1937	Chateau Cheval Blanc	Red Bordeaux
1970	Chateau La Mission Haut Brion	Red Bordeaux
1970	Chateau Cheval Blanc	Red Bordeaux
1983	Chateau Mouton Rothschild	Red Bordeaux
	California
1963	Inglenook Cask F-25	Cabernet Sauvignon
1974	Sonoma Vineyards Alexander’s Crown	Cabernet Sauvignon
1985	Rosenblum	Cabernet Sauvignon
1991	Guenoc Beckstoffer	Red Bordeaux
	Dessert
1983	Chateau d’Yquem (tenth)	Sauternes

Auction Action

We purchased $3450 worth of exceptional wines at the last Butterfield & Butterfield auction, including a lot of assorted Chateau d’Yquem in bottles and tenths, 1970 first growths, and 1983 first and second growths. Complete list to follow.

Treasurer’s Report

Previous Balance	2898.64
Auction Purchases	-3450.00
Dues Payable	1540.00
Uncollectible Dues	-450.00
Dinner	-600.00
Balance	-61.36

Please bring your dues of $110 per person to the event.

1997-3 Blind Pairs

Number 22 — June, 1997

Our Next Event

Our next event will be at Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s California Grill, Saturday, June 21^st, 1997 at 3 PM. Dinner will be served at 5:00 PM, and we will have the room until 7 PM.

Appetizer: Assorted California Pizzas

Salad: Muzuna Greens

Veggie Course: Brick Oven Baked Skillet of Market Vegetables Gratinee

Fish Course: Peppered Yellowfin Tuna Seared Rare, Pickled Vegetables, Funky Maki

Dessert: Pineapple Sorbet, Summer Fruits, Angel Food Cake

The theme of this event is Blind Pairs:

1967	Buena Vista	Cabernet Sauvignon
1966	Ch. Harpe Sarpe	Red Bordeaux

1966	Louis Martini	Cabernet Sauvignon
1966	Ch. Haut Brion	Red Bordeaux

1963	Sebastiani	Cabernet Sauvignon
1964	Ch. Lafite	Red Bordeaux

1959	Charles Krug	Burgundy
1959	Ch. Grand Puy Ducasse	Red Bordeaux

Here’s a real opportunity to embarrass ourselves!

Also, with dessert, we’ll be pouring a 1969 Ch. d’Yquem.

Auction Action

None.

Treasurer’s Report

Previous Balance	118.64
California Grill Dinner (3/15/97)	-600.00
Dues Payable (From 9/97)	65.00
Dues Payable (6/21/97)	1540.00
1969 d’Yquem	-400.00
Balance	723.64

Please bring your dues of $110 per person to the event.

1995-3 Blind Flights

Number 15 — July, 1995

Upcoming Events

Our next tasting will be at the California Grill, Saturday, July 15th, 1995 at 3:00p.m. The California Grill is located on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Hotel at Walt Disney World. We have arranged for a semi-private room (with view) and service help. We will have the room to ourselves until sometime during dinner.

As we have individually discussed over the past few weeks, starting this quarter the Syndicate will arrange for a prix fixe wine tasting dinner to follow our formal tasting, and will prepay for the event from our dues. It is our hope that by arranging the menu in advance, we may be able to better select wines to accompany the meal and to have an opportunity to sample a greater variety of cuisine.

Manager George Miliotes and his assistant Patricia have graciously assisted us in assembling the following special 5 course menu:

Appetizer: Assorted California Pizza

Soup: Scallop & Lemongrass Soup (slightly spicy)

Fish Course: Pan Seared Tuna with Asian Slaw and Black Bean Cake

Meat Course: Oak Fired Beef Filet with Sonoma Foie Gras Butter and Zinfandel Glaze

Dessert: Mocha Creme Brulee with Almond Biscotti

Coffee, Tea, Non-alcoholic Beverages

The cost per person is $35 including corkage, tax and a 15% gratuity. Truly exceptional service may be recognized individually at your discretion.

Special note for Disney employees:

This event has been negotiated on the basis of the Alcorn family’s Food & Wine membership only – not as an employee function. You are going as private citizens – RELAX.

This tasting’s theme will again be “Blind Flights”, and will consist of the following wines, served blind. Hints will be provided. If you want to do some homework, here are your choices:

1982	Dom Perignon	Champagne

1960	Martin Ray	Pinot Noir
1967	Buena Vista	Cabernet Sauvignon
1969	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon
1974	Sonoma Vineyards Alexander’s Crown	Cabernet Sauvignon
1966	Ch. Margaux	Red

1974	Meursault-Genevrieres	White
1977	Burgess	Chardonnay
1989	St. Supery	Chardonnay

1975	Ch. Les Justices	Sauternes
1992	Guenoc	Port

Auction Action

None, we’re broke!

Treasurer’s Report

Please bring your dues of $105 per person to the next event.

Previous Balance	-1147.27
California Grill Dinner (7/15)	-490.00
Guenoc Port (2)	-32.00
Dues Paid	210.00
Dues Payable	1260.00
Balance	-199.27

1995-2 Blind Flights

Number 14 — March, 1995

Blind Pairs

This was a fun format, I thought. And yes, it was too easy. We’ll correct that this next time! What a great bunch of wines, though. My two highlights:

The Haut Brion Blanc, which was a disappointment when poured so cold, but after an hour showed why it was a show-stopper at Ariel’s.

To be reminded that there’s nothing like d’Yquem..

Upcoming Events

Our next tasting will be at the Portobello Yacht Club, Saturday, April 8th, 1995 at 4:30 p.m. The theme will be “Blind Flights”, and will consist of the following wines, served blind. Hints will be provided. A bottle of wine will be awarded for the person who identifies the most wines from a list of possibilities. If you want to do some homework, here are your choices:

1961	Louis Martini	Barbera
1967	Buena Vista	Cabernet Sauvignon
1974	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon
1975	Montevina	Montanaro
1968	BV	Pinot Noir
1976	Beaune Cent-Vignes Rene Monnier	Red Burgundy
1981	Ch. Margaux	Red Bordeaux
1986	BV	Chardonnay
1989	Saintsbury	Chardonnay
1976	Meursault Rene Manual Poruzot	White Burgundy

The Prize:

1975

Montevina

Montanaro

Auction Action

We acquired wines at Butterfields the very day of our blind pairs tasting, and again this past Saturday. Our acquisitions:

Saturday, January 21, 1995

1961	Charles Krug	Cabernet Sauvignon	26
1961	Charles Krug	Cabernet Sauvignon	26
1962	Charles Krug	Cabernet Sauvignon	26
1966	Charles Krug	Cabernet Sauvignon	26
1963	Sebastiani	Cabernet Sauvignon	26
1963	Sebastiani	Cabernet Sauvignon	26
1966	Louis Martini	Cabernet Sauvignon	26
1966	Louis Martini	Cabernet Sauvignon	26
1967	Buena Vista	Cabernet Sauvignon	26
1967	Buena Vista	Cabernet Sauvignon	26
1967	Buena Vista	Cabernet Sauvignon	26
1967	Buena Vista	Cabernet Sauvignon	26
1969	Concannon	Cabernet Sauvignon	26
1969	Sterling	Cabernet Sauvignon	26
1969	Charles Krug	Cabernet Sauvignon	26
1969	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon	55
1973	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon	55
1974	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon	55
1947	Louis Martini	Barbera	33
1958	Charles Krug	Burgundy	33
1959	Charles Krug	Burgundy	33
1960	Martin Ray	Pinot Noir	33
1961	Louis Martini	Barbera	33
1961	Louis Martini	Barbera	33
1968	Inglenook	Pinot Noir	33
1968	BV	Pinot Noir	33
1968	BV	Pinot Noir	33
1974	Mondavi	Pinot Noir	33
1977	Firestone	Pinot Noir	33
			918

Saturday, January 21, 1995

1955	Pommard 1er Cru	Burgundy	50
1953	Nuits Clos des Argillieres	Burgundy	50
1964	Pommard-Epenots	Burgundy	50
1980	Vosne-Romanee	Burgundy	50
1983	Gevrey-Chambertin	Burgundy	50
1985	Hermitage	Rhone	50
1982	Dom Perignon	Champagne	50
1941	Ch. Latour	Bordeaux	250
1965	BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon	28
1972	Simi	Cabernet Sauvignon	28
1973	Mayacamas	Cabernet Sauvignon	28
1974	Sonoma Vineyards Alexander’s Crown	Cabernet Sauvignon	28
1974	Sonoma Vineyards Alexander’s Crown	Cabernet Sauvignon	28
1980	Pat Paulsen	Cabernet Sauvignon	28
1980	Pat Paulsen	Cabernet Sauvignon	28
1975	Montevina	Montanaro	28
1975	Montevina	Montanaro	28
1975	Montevina	Montanaro	28
1982	Windsor	Cabernet Sauvignon	28
1985	Rosenblum	Cabernet Sauvignon	28
1929	Pommard	Burgundy	100
1934	Chambolle-Musigny	Burgundy	100
1959	Pommard	Burgundy	100
			1236

Treasurer’s Report

Please send in your dues in the enclosed envelope since I’m now carrying the cost of the last two auctions:

Previous Balance	-43.27
Jan 21, 1995 Auction at Butterfields	-918
March 11, 1995 Auction at Butterfields	-1236
Dues Paid	150.00
Dues Payable	900.00
Balance	-1147.27

1995-1 Blind Pairs

Number 13 — January, 1995

Haut Brion Wrap Up

What a fun event our September weekend was. The favorite wines were: 1945, 1953, 1961, 1964, 1978, 1982, 1989. The best buys: 1953, 1964.

Auction Action

We acquired our first lots at the Davis Co. (Chicago) auction, and after two months of paperwork finally managed to get them into the state of Florida. Our acquisitions:

1949	Le Montrachet	White	Burgundy	340
1981	Ch. d’Yquem	Sauternes	Sauternes	160
1983	Ch. d’Yquem	Sauternes	Sauternes	190

For the upcoming tasting, I have also transferred in a bottle of Romanee Conti from my cellar.

Treasurer’s Report

Previous Balance	279.00
September Dues Paid	900.00
September Dues Due – Al Gane	150.00
Purchases – ‘89 Haut Brion	-139.13
Purchases – Corkage 9/17/94	-73.14
Purchases – Davis Co., 9/95	-690.00
Purchases – Steve Romanee Conti	-400.00
Whites for Tasting (Viognier, Muscat)	-70.00
Balance	-43.27

January dues will be due at the next tasting.

Upcoming Events

Our next tasting will be at the Portobello Yacht Club, January 21, 1995 at 4:00 p.m. The theme of the tasting will be “Blind Pairs”. We will pour five pairs of wines, one pair at a time. The wines in the pair will be of similar vintage and grape, but one will be from California, the other from France. Your job is to sort them out!

The wines will be:

					Cost	Retail
	1992	Bonny Doon Le Sophiste

(77% Roussanne & 23% Marsanne)Sauvignon BlancCalifornia

x1211971Ch. Haut-Brion BlancWhiteBordeaux

175

x1031990Guenoc Genevieve Magoon ReserveChardonnayLake

1949Le MontrachetWhiteBurgundy

340

600

61981969Robert MondaviPinot NoirNapa

91111965Romanee ContiRomanee ContiBurgundy

400

500

x1761970BV Georges de La Tour Private ReserveCabernet SauvignonNapa

100

40441970Ch. Mouton RothschildRedBordeaux

103

250

1993Bonny Doon Vin de Glaciere

(Muscat Cannelli) two tenthsLate HarvestCalifornia

1983Ch. d’YquemSauternesSauternes

190

250

Total Tasting Cost

1256

2030

If you can manage to save a little of each wine, we’ll also be matching them with foods, following the tasting.

Each couple is invited to bring one wine to share with dinner, which will follow. Since they are kindly not charging a corkage fee, we request that no discount cards or gift certificates be used to pay for dinner.

See you there.