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Number 56 — February, 2005
That was a terrific room at Bice, and very cheap by the hour. The wines all showed well, stellar wines being the ’29 Gevrey Chambertin and ’45 Ch. Grand Puy-Lacoste. After twelve years, I’ve decided to shut things down. Each member couple’s share of the cellar will be disbursed in whatever combination of wine and cash they choose. The value is as follows: Treasurer’s Report
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Category Archives: Organizational
2004-4 Cancelled due to Hurricane Frances
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Number 53 — September, 2004
Our Last EventWhat a great room that was at the Stonewood! Excellent food, and excellent prices. The favorite wine of the tasting was (not surprisingly) the 1968 BVGDLTPR. It was interesting — if sad — to see the stylistic changes in the wine in the 1980s and again in the 1990s. My personal favorite was the 1971 Pommard from Leroy. For me, great old burgs are the only thing that can dethrone that 1968. Al Gane, one of our charter members, is leaving the group. Thanks for all the good times Al, and we’ll miss you. Suzanne Chaney, a former charter member will rejoin us, beginning this quarter. (The purchase price of 1/14 of the syndicate cellar, calculated in July, was $1636.36, which will go directly from Suzanne to Al.) Welcome back, Suzanne! Our Next EventCancelled due to Hurricane Frances Our next event will be a weekend at The Four Seasons Palm Beach, Friday September 3rd – Monday September 6th. The Four Seasons has a package called “Under the Sun”. You book three nights, pay for two and the third night is free. They also give you a $100.00 credit to be used on dining. Rates start at $275 for a Garden Room, so effectively it’s $150 a night! Their phone number is 1-561-582-2800. http://www.fourseasons.com/palmbeach Tentative event schedule: We will arrive Friday, no plans made as everyone will be arriving at different times through out the day including early evening. Ron and Bev may have a small wine tasting in their room before the dinner hour. They may go to Chez Jean-Pierre Bistro. Saturday lunch perhaps at Cafe L’ Europe? Saturday night at the Restaurant at the Four Seasons. We can conduct our blind tasting and serve our wines with dinner( please bring your best as they have an excellent list) Prix fixe menu. Sunday night at Cafe Boulud in their best private room, with large glass windows looking out to the garden. We will conduct our blind tasting, followed by a 4 or 5 course meal with wine pairing by sommelier Levy.
Coming EventsWine Syndicate, November 13, 2004. Wine Syndicate, January 22, 2005. There was also some discussion of a non-Syndicate trip in January or perhaps another Syndicate trip in the Spring. Auction ActionWe got about half the lots I bid on in May’s Bonhams & Butterfields auction, but nearly all went at the top of the range. You can thank Robert Parker for the increase in the price of BV, but I figure we better get it while we can. The lots we didn’t get were all Burgundies that went for double their estimates.
Treasurer’s Report
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1997-5 Membership Changes
|
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Number 24 — December, 1997
Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. This newsletter contains some reminders and addresses the administrative issue of bringing in two new members.
Reminder of upcoming dates
| December 6 | Boar Roast at John and Debby Henline’s | |
| December 20 | Christmas Party at Martin and Suzanne Chaney’s | |
| Jan 3, 1998 | Wine Syndicate at California Grill | 2 p.m. |
Please note the new date for the California Grill tasting.
Treasurer’s Report
| Previous Balance |
698.64 |
| Dues Received |
900.00 |
| Dues Payable (Holder 9/96, 6/97, 9/97) |
360.00 |
| Balance |
1958.64 |
As shown on the attached spreadsheet, the current cellar inventory is worth $3042, so each of the seven couples shares in worth a combined total of $5000.64 divided by seven, or $714.37.
Since Carolyn and Duane Holder are no longer active members, under our charter that makes their membership available to a new couple. Carolyn and Duane are owed the difference between their share and outstanding dues of $360, or $354.37. I would like to suggest that we offer the opening to George Miliotes and his wife for this amount. I don’t believe they can afford the full $714, and I feel they would be a very valuable addition to the group. If there is anyone who doesn’t agree, please let me know at the Henline’s party. Otherwise I will extend the invitation next week.
1997-4 A Busy Season
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Number 23 — July, 1997
Schedule
Blind Pairs is always a lot of fun. The two winning wines were the 1966 Haut Brion and the 1966 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon.
Because so many dates were chosen at the last meeting, I’m sending this mailing to make sure everyone is on the same page. Andy and Priscilla are going to organize a St. Augustine trip in September, and will be in touch regarding accommodations.
Here are the rest of the dates:
| August 23 | Sushi Party at Steve and Linda’s | 7 p.m. |
| September 20 | Saturday night in St. Augustine | 7 p.m. |
| September 21 | Champagne brunch in St. Augustine | 10 a.m. |
| October 11 | Party at Andy and Libby’s | 6 p.m. |
| October 18 | Halloween Party at Martin and Suzanne’s | |
| November 2 | OZ at Al and Carol’s | |
| December 6 | BBQ at John and Debby’s | |
| December 20 | Christmas Party at Martin and Suzanne’s | |
| Jan 17, 1998 | Wine Syndicate at California Grill | 2 p.m. |
Treasurer’s Report
| Previous Balance |
118.64 |
| California Grill Dinner (6/21/97) |
-550.00 |
| Dues Received |
1320.00 |
| Dues Payable (Holder 9/96, 6/97) |
210.00 |
| 1969 d’Yquem |
-400.00 |
| Balance |
698.64 |
Revised to show actual dinner cost and receipts.
1997-1 Pay Up
Number 20 — January, 1997
Call for Dates
After the requested hiatus for the Key West cruise and the holidays we’re ready to resume our meetings. Now all we need to do is set the date. Saturdays that work for us are:
February 15 or 22
March 1 or 15 or 29
April 5 or 19 or 26
Please contact us with dates that work for you as soon as possible.
Treasurer’s Report
| Previous Balance |
260.73 |
Please mail your dues of $150 per couple to me as soon as possible, as we’re bidding at an auction this weekend.
Auction Action
This weekend we’re bidding at the Butterfield & Butterfield auction in San Francisco. Among the lots we’re after is one that contains five bottles of (ta daa!) 1937 Chateau Cheval Blanc (the curry wine!).
1994-1 Building the Vertical
Number 9 — January, 1994
Tasting Notes
Weren’t those Cheval Blancs good? That 1937 has to be the best wine I’ve ever tasted (and one of the better curry dishes too!)
Treasurer’s Report
Please send a check for 1st quarter dues as soon as possible. Our current balance is:
| Previous Balance |
-1.02 |
| Dues paid |
300.00 |
| Dues payable |
750.00 |
| Purchases |
-1310.00 |
| Balance |
$- 261 .00 |
Upcoming Events
Andy is still working on accommodations for the March 5-6 Haut Brion Orgy, I’ll let you know next newsletter. Here are the wines. Tasting notes will be mailed out next month.
|
|
Saturday Dinner |
|
|
1967 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
38 |
|
1968 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
38 |
|
1969 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
38 |
|
1972 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
38 |
|
1973 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
38 |
|
1976 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
35 |
|
1978 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
75 |
|
1979 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
75 |
|
1980 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
38 |
|
1981 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
54 |
|
|
Sunday Brunch |
|
|
1973 |
Ch. La Mission Haut Brion |
35 |
|
1976 |
Ch. La Mission Haut Brion |
20 |
|
1977 |
Ch. La Mission Haut Brion |
35 |
|
1982 |
Ch. Bahans Haut-Brion |
30 |
|
1986 |
Ch. Bahans Haut-Brion |
25 |
|
1989 |
Ch. Bahans Haut-Brion |
12 |
|
1989 |
Ch. Bahans Haut-Brion |
12 |
|
|
Sunday Dinner |
|
|
1945 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
780 |
|
1953 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
60 |
|
1957 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
72 |
|
1958 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
36 |
|
1961 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
230 |
|
1964 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
125 |
|
1970 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
35 |
|
1975 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
65 |
|
1982 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
100 |
|
1989 |
Ch. Haut-Brion (to be purchased) |
100 |
|
1971 |
Ch. Haut-Brion Blanc |
38 |
| Total Tasting Cost |
$2,277 |
Auction News
We were fortunate to obtain both a 1945 and a 1961 Haut Brion at the November 13th Butterfield & Butterfield auction. The 1945 and 1961 Haut Brions are both 100 point wines, regarded among the best of the century. These will be the centerpieces of our March event.
Our acquisitions:
|
1945 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
780 |
|
1961 |
Ch. Haut-Brion |
230 |
|
1962 |
Ch. Cheval Blanc |
120 |
|
1966 |
Ch. Suduiraut (Sauternes) |
90 |
|
1966 |
Ch. Suduiraut (Sauternes) |
90 |
|
$1,310 |
The next auction is January 29th. Since we don’t need anything special, (and have no money) I’ll be bottom fishing for bargains.
1993-7 Auction Buys
Number 7 — October, 1993
Congratulations to Martin and Suzanne on their wedding! It was a fun affair, and we thank them for their hospitality.
Treasurer’s Report
Fourth quarter dues are due. Please send me a check for $150 per couple as soon as possible. Our current balance is:
| Previous Balance |
554.78
Dues paid
300.00
Dues payable
750.00
Auction Purchases
-1206.00
Zachy’s Purchases
-399.80
Balance
-1.02
Tasting Notes
Remember that incredible 1971 Ch. Haut Brion Blanc? It turns out than unlike other white Bordeaux, Haut Brion Blanc is a rare and very expensive wine. The 1990 current release is $160 a bottle! No wonder we liked it so much! Fortunately we have two bottles left.
Auction News
The Butterfield & Butterfield auction on October 2nd was another great day for us. As it turned out, I wasn’t able to attend in person because my trip slipped, but we got some excellent lots anyway. Here are our new wines:
| 1933 |
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
Red
120
1937
Ch. Rausan-Segla
Red
30
1937
Ch. Rouget
Red
30
1973
Ridge York Creek
Petite Sirah
35
1973
Ridge York Creek
Petite Sirah
35
1974
Ridge York Creek
Petite Sirah
35
1975
Ridge York Creek
Petite Sirah
35
1976
Ridge York Creek
Petite Sirah
35
1976
Ridge York Creek
Petite Sirah
35
1977
Ridge York Creek
Petite Sirah
35
1977
Ridge York Creek
Petite Sirah
35
1978
Ridge York Creek
Petite Sirah
35
1979
Ridge York Creek
Petite Sirah
35
1979
Ridge York Creek
Petite Sirah
35
1980
Ridge York Creek
Petite Sirah
35
1965
BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve
Cabernet Sauvignon
55
1966
BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve
Cabernet Sauvignon
55
1969
BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve
Cabernet Sauvignon
55
1969
BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve
Cabernet Sauvignon
55
1970
BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve
Cabernet Sauvignon
55
1970
BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve
Cabernet Sauvignon
55
1970
BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve
Cabernet Sauvignon
55
1974
BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve
Cabernet Sauvignon
55
1974
BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve
Cabernet Sauvignon
55
1974
BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve
Cabernet Sauvignon
55
1974
BV Georges de La Tour Private Reserve
Cabernet Sauvignon
55
In addition, I have purchased three recent vintages from Zachy’s. These wines are all rated above 95 points. The 1982 was rated 100 points!
| 1982 |
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
Red
200
1989
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
Red
105
1990
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
Red
90
All prices include an allowance for shipping.
Upcoming Events
Our second meeting is confirmed for December 4th at Ariel’s. We will meet at Matha’s Vineyard at 5 p.m., sharp for appetizers and a half hour stand-up social. As before, each couple may bring two wines to share during the appetizers or dinner.
The theme of this tasting will be Chateau Cheval Blanc, with ten vintages going back to 1933. Wines to be included:
| 1933 |
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
Red
Bordeaux
120
1937
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
Red
Bordeaux
125
1957
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
Red
Bordeaux
72
1958
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
Red
Bordeaux
72
1969
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
Red
Bordeaux
100
1974
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
Red
Bordeaux
32
1981
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
Red
Bordeaux
54
1982
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
Red
Bordeaux
200
1989
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
Red
Bordeaux
105
1990
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
Red
Bordeaux
90
Total Cost:
$970
(Don’t take these prices too seriously, this is about $2500 worth of wine!)
See you December 4th!
1993-6 New Members
Number 6 — September, 1993
Tasting Notes
Wow! What a great first event! Who would have imagined that with all those 20 point ’74 Cabernets the best wine of the tasting would be a ’71 Haut Brion Blanc?!! As luck would have it, that’s the only wine that we have more than one bottle of! Look for another bottle at an upcoming event, perhaps in February. Thanks to all for attending, and for the excellent wines you all brought. Thanks to Andy for making the arrangements, and a special thanks to Ariel’s for providing such a nice environment.
Treasurer’s Report
Welcome to Howard Fox and Becky Kitchens. Martin’s dues are also in, and Suzanne will be our final charter member. Our current balance is:
| Previous Balance |
-308.50
Dues paid
675.00
Dues payable
188.28
Balance
554.78
Auction News
The next Butterfield & Butterfield auction is October 2nd. By a stroke of good luck, I will be in Los Angeles on that date, and so will be able to attend in person. This will give us some extra opportunities for “bottom fishing”, so rather than send out a list of potential lots I’ll wait and see what comes up. There are some excellent Haut Brions from the 50’s, and two Petite Sirah verticals that look particularly interesting.
Upcoming Events
Our second meeting is confirmed for December 4th at Ariel’s. We will meet at Matha’s Vineyard at 5 p.m., sharp for appetizers and a half hour stand-up social. As before, each couple may bring two wines to share during the appetizers or dinner.
The theme of this tasting will be Chateau Cheval Blanc, with ten vintages going back to 1937. Wines to be included:
|
1937
|
Ch. Cheval-Blanc |
$125
1957
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
72
1958
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
72
1969
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
100
1974
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
32
1981
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
54
$455
The exact wines will be listed in a future newsletter.
See you December 4th.
1993-4 Bylaws
Number 4 — July, 1993
Auction News
After a four month hiatus, we are entering bids in the July 17th Butterfield auction. We skipped bidding in the May auction because the selections were pretty uninteresting.
Treasurer’s Report
Dues of $150 per couple are due and payable now. I will be in Korea for most of the month of July, so I would appreciate your mailing your dues to my office, so I can cover any auction purchases immediately upon my return.
Our current balance is:
| Previous Balance |
-537.50
Dues Paid
150.00
Dues Payable
600.00
Balance
212.50
Upcoming Events
After discussing it with several members, I think we will have a practice tasting of our case of early 70’s California Cabernets at a restaurant in August or September. This will allow us to establish the format and evaluate the use of a restaurant for our meetings prior to undertaking the Haut Brion tasting. I’m concerned about the transport and storage of the Haut Brions at a restaurant, and I think this warm up event will be informative and entertaining. With Andy’s help, I’ll organize this event with you when I get back from Korea.
New Members
We still have four potential members to add to the group, including Martin. Since Suzanne works on the weekends, Martin is looking for an individual to join with him. Let me know if you have any nominees.
Bylaws Update
Andy has asked me to clarify some bylaws to facilitate signing up his nominees. To wit:
In the event that a couple or individual member must leave the syndicate, the following buyout procedure will occur. Based upon the total value of all items in the cellar at acquisition cost (including the originally seeded value fo the cellar), the value of the out-going member’s share will be computed. This amount will be paid to the outgoing member from quarterly dues, over as many quarters as is required. During this time the syndicate may add a replacement member, whose “buy in” cost will be computed in a similar manner. In this event, the out-going member may be repaid out of the incoming member’s dues.
In the event that the membership decides to totally disband, the bottles will be distributed lottery style until each member reaches their pro-rata share, by value.
It is worthwhile to remember that the purpose of the group is to drink the wine we buy. We will acquire inventory, but only to build a properly themed tasting. Over time, the average base value of the cellar will remain at its originally seeded level of just under $2000. There is no intent to build up heirloom investment value.
The spirit of the group is to share one another’s company, and to share wines we could not otherwise afford to consume ourselves.
See you next month.
1993-3 Aquisitions
Number 3 — April, 1993
Our Haut Brion tasting is coming together. An auction purchase, some trades, and a purchase from Joe have doubled the wines we have available.
Treasurer’s Report
I imagine most of you will be paying your quarterly dues this Saturday, at the regular group’s meeting. Until then, our current balance is:
| Previous Balance |
-615.00
Dues Received
0
Expenses (Butterfield, March)
-360.00
Expenses (Spinelli)
-312.50
Dues Paid
150.00
Dues Payable
600.00
Balance
-537.50
Auction News
As expected, the bids at the last Butterfield auction were quite high. As a result, we were successful on only one lot. We were fortunate, however, to acquire the best possible lot of the ones bid on. This lot contained 1957 and 1958 Haut-Brion and 1957 and 1958 Cheval-Blanc. In addition to filling in our Haut-Brion tasting, we now have six old bottles of Cheval Blanc for a future event.
Other Acquisitions
The following wines were purchased from Joe Spinelli:
| x133 |
1964
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
125.00
x134
1978
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
75.00
x135
1979
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
75.00
x136
1980
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
37.50
$313.50
From my own cellar I’ve traded in the following wines. Bahans Haut-Brion is the second wine of Haut-Brion. The last three vintages have been rated 95 or above. La Mission Haut-Brion is next door, and in many vintages is considered to be the equal of Haut-Brion.
| 9782 |
1982
Ch. Bahans Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
30.00
9505
1986
Ch. Bahans Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
25.00
9755
1989
Ch. Bahans Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
tenth
12.00
9754
1989
Ch. Bahans Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
tenth
12.00
6089
1973
Ch. La Mission Haut Brion
Red
Bordeaux
35.00
6011
1976
Ch. La Mission Haut Brion
Red
Bordeaux
20.00
6092
1977
Ch. La Mission Haut Brion
Red
Bordeaux
35.00
5057
1953
Ch. Haut Brion
Red
Bordeaux
60.00
6085
1970
Ch. Haut Brion
Red
Bordeaux
35.00
6064
1975
Ch. Haut Brion
Red
Bordeaux
65.00
6091
1976
Ch. Haut Brion
Red
Bordeaux
35.00
4202
1982
Ch. Haut Brion
Red
Bordeaux
100.00
$464.00
In exchange, I have traded out of the Syndicate’s cellar the duplicates:
1981
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
Red
Bordeaux
54.00
1981
Ch. Cheval-Blanc
Red
Bordeaux
54.00
1981
Ch. Cos d’Estournel
Red
Bordeaux
27.00
1972
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
38.00
1972
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
38.00
1973
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
38.00
1970
Mayacamas
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa
50.00
1967
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
38.00
1981
Ch. Leoville-Las Cases
Red
Bordeaux
27.00
1981
Ch. Leoville-Las Cases
Red
Bordeaux
27.00
1981
Ch. Margaux
Red
Bordeaux
54.00
$445.00
I still plan to purchase some recent vintages of Haut Brion from Zachy’s to round out our tasting. The ’86, ’87, ’88 and ’89 will be among these acquisitions.
Upcoming Events
Andy reports success on the restaurant front. We’ll discuss it Saturday.
Cellar Update
The overall Haut Brion Tasting now looks like this:
| 5057 |
1953
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
60.00
x143
1957
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
72.00
x144
1958
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
tenth
36.00
x133
1964
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
125.00
x116
1967
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
38.00
x117
1968
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
38.00
x118
1969
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
38.00
6085
1970
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
35.00
x122
1972
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
38.00
x126
1973
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
38.00
6089
1973
Ch. La Mission Haut Brion
Red
Bordeaux
35.00
6064
1975
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
65.00
6091
1976
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
35.00
6011
1976
Ch. La Mission Haut Brion
Red
Bordeaux
20.00
6092
1977
Ch. La Mission Haut Brion
Red
Bordeaux
35.00
x134
1978
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
75.00
x135
1979
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
75.00
x136
1980
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
38.00
x127
1981
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
54.00
9782
1982
Ch. Bahans Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
30.00
4202
1982
Ch. Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
100.00
9505
1986
Ch. Bahans Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
25.00
9522
1989
Ch. Bahans Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
tenth
12.00
9754
1989
Ch. Bahans Haut-Brion
Red
Bordeaux
tenth
12.00
$1129.00
We’ll see you March 20th at John and Debbie’s.