Meeting 11: Ottoman

Host: David Fatches
Theme: Wines of the Iberian Peninsula
Date: 28th of August 2008
Notes:

Ottoman Cuisine 28th August

kabak mucver crispy zucchini puffs,

served with a yoghurt & dill sauce

mantar char-grilled spicy mushrooms

tossed in cumin, oregano & mild Aleppo chilli

Sparklers – D Fatches , ?.

***********

karides Qld king prawns wrapped in eggplant with

a yoghurt & bell pepper sauce

dolma salmon, cray & prawn wrapped in vine-leaves,

lightly battered, served with savoury piquant sauce

Whites - D Roy, P Jacobs, ?,?. ***********

ordek kofte house made duck kofte served on braised

lentils with zeresh berry & star anise sauce

Reds – P Mady, S Perry, P Blanco, D Madsen, S Barter ***********

islim kuzu eggplant parcel of braised lamb with

apricots & zeresh, served with caramelized onion,

yoghurt & mint dip

***********

assiette baklava, pomegranate ice-cream & kazandibi

Sweet/ Fortified- P McKelvey, P Mathews, ?.

peynir platter of french and spanish cheeses

soft brie de nangis, hard aged manchego chedder

& dried muscatel grapes

coffee or tea from our selection

Meeting 10: Restaurant Assiette

Host: Trent Dolphin
Theme: Old World Whites and New World Cabernets
Date: 31st of July 2008
Notes:Trent Dolphin

Attendees: Duane Roy, Phillip Blanco, David Fatches, Peter Matthews, Philippe Mady, Scott Perry, Phil Jacobs, Simon Bartter, Mike Young, James Ross.

Apologies: Craig Farmer, Steve Handley, David Madson, Scott Emerson, Peter McKelvey.

Notes on the food: I thought the food at Assiette was possibly the best I have experienced at a Wine Club meeting. A 5 course menu is definitely recommended as is the private dining room.

Champagne:

1999 Gossett Grand Millesime.

56% Chardonnay (Grand crus), 44% Pinot (Grand/ Premier Crus). Light yellow in colour with a full mousse initially but quickly disappeared. Sweet summer fruits on the nose with intense apricot honey/ nut aromas. Perhaps a little short on the front palate. Definitely benefit from extended ageing.

Wine 1: Simon Bartter

St Aubin Premier Cru La Chatiniere 2006

Golden in colour with pronounced lychee and stone fruit aromas. Soft, rounded and quite buttery on the palate, perhaps a result of MLF or extended lees. Quite a lovely wine overall however.

Wine 2: Scott Perry

Louis Jadot Mersault Charmes 2005

A really beautiful wine with a lingering finish. Slightly honeyed with a subtle floral perfume. Soft flinty/ minerally palate but not overly complicated. Good example of ‘terroir’ and regional typificity. A real wine with finesse and balanced acid recommended for cellaring.

Wine 3: Phil Jacobs

Domaine Gauffrey Puligny Montrachet Corvee Des Vignes 2004

Rather unusual/ distinctive aromas normally associated with a cellar release Semillon or Marsanne. Also displayed the floral aromas of a Pinot Gris. Aroma was a little distracting within the bracket line up. Initial observation was that this was a vastly different wine to those in the bracket and that the palate structure was lacking.

Host’s wine of the bracket: Wine 2 Scott Perry

Wine 4: Philippe Mady

En Baberon 2001

Over bearing mustiness on the nose which detracts from the palate. First impression was age followed by storage/ temperature issues. I couldn’t decipher anything other than over ripe rockmelons!

Wine 5: Trent Dolphin

Albert Mann Riesling Grand Cru Schlossberg 2006

Extremely floral and perfumed nose with lifted peach and nutty nuances. Definitely lost within the two white brackets against overly large and complex chardonnays. Would stand up against any other Riesling as a clear contender however.

Host’s Wine of the bracket: Wine 5 Trent Dolphin – of course…

Wine 6: Phillip Blanco

Woodlands ‘Kevin’ Cabernet 2001

Deep purple in colour with long sexy legs. Dominant Cabernet characteristics of capsicum and spice with (great) charred oak. Very tannic wine that will benefit from another decade or so.

Wine 7: Duane Roy

Mount Mary Cabernets 1978

Remarkable nose considering age of the wine. Stewed fruits and good oak well integrated with acid and alcohol levels have kept the wine alive. Faded quickly in the glass after the initial pour.

Host’s Wine of the bracket: Wine 6 Phillip Blanco for cellarability.

Wine 8: Peter Matthews

Grosset Gaia 1994

A really lovely wine that displayed grace beyond its years. Initial thoughts were 5-6 years bottle age based around the tightly integrated palate and tannin structure. Excellent plum and cedar characters on the palate.

Wine 9: David Fatches

Rust En Vrede Stellenbosch Estate 2004

Definitely a beautiful wine with rich sweet fruit, perhaps a result o the merlot to soften the tannins and the 29% shiraz which gave it a pleasant spiciness and peppery but well balanced overtone. Only 58% Cabernet though… Will visit in a few weeks on honeymoon (orders welcome).

Wine 10: James Ross

Hollick Ravenswood 2001

A wine that never disappoints. An exceptional for Coonawarra cabernet. Very typical mint characteristics present in the wine. Lovely fruit sweetness with lovely rounded tannins that coated the palate. A much bigger wine than the Stellenbosch, however perhaps not quite as elegant in composition.

Host’s Wine of the bracket: Wine 9 David Fatches

Wine 11: Mike Young

Grateful Wines R Cabernet 2005

Quite an easy wine to drink with somewhat stewed fruitiness, big alcohol and phenolic structure. Alcoholic content evident from nose to back palate. Overall balance was missing some fruit characteristics typical of big SA wines.

Wine 12: Duane Roy

Penfolds Bin 707 1996

Has aged well and exhibits very big oak not to dissimilar from most Penfolds wines. Very soft but pronounced fruit with predominant vegetal character typified by aged cabernet. Lovely wine to go with the cheese – or so I was told by Philippe.

Host’s Wine of the bracket: Wine 12 Duane Roy

Well done to all attendees, some excellent wines again!!

The Dirty Dozen

Thursday, 31^st July 2008

6pm Charter Meeting

7pm Dinner

Menu

Champagne

Ceviche of kingfish with a crab spring roll and spicy avocado vinaigrette

White Bracket: Simon Bartter, Scott Perry, Phil Jacobs

Crispy skin barramundi with parsnip, smoked eel, caponata and sauce matelote

White Bracket: David Madson, Philippe Mady, Lars Erik Kristiansen

Warm roasted confit duck salad

Red Bracket: Phil Blanco, Duane Roy, Sture (friend of Duane’s)

Veal fillet, shank and sweetbread with spiced pumpkin, almonds and gnocchi

Red Bracket: Peter Matthews, David Fatches, James Ross (friend of Trent’s)

A selection of cheeses with rosemary lavosh

Red Bracket: Mike Young (friend of Trent’s), Trent Dolphin

Chef: Warren Turnbull

Restaurant Assiette

48 Albion Street
Surry Hills NSW 2010

Note: Options provided for shellfish allergies.

Meeting 9: Le Pelican

Host: Philippe Mady
Theme: Your best Chardonnay or Pinot Noir
Date: 1st of July 2008
Notes: Phillip Blanco

Attendees: David Fatches, Trent Dolphin, Peter McKelvey, Phillip Blanco, Peter Matthews, Duane Roy, Philippe Mady, Craig Farmer, Steve Handley, Scott Perry.

The June meeting of the Dirty Dozen was an intimate affair with 10 in attendance (to be herein referred to as "the faithful"). Coincidentally, the group size was perfectly matched to the size of the restaurant and seating arrangements. Overall, it was an enjoyable night of great food and wine, punctuated by misguided tastings, embarrassing moments, pithy comments (Steve Handley) and staunch resolutions.

The first topic of discussion was the overall disappointment of the meeting notes not having been received for the prior month's dinner, as well as the overall lack of structure, code of conduct and the like. Phillip Blanco then nobly nominated himself to the title and position, Club Secretary (to be herein referred to as "the Secretary"). The motion was convincingly carried and it was agreed that a draft charter for the group would be circulated and ratified at the following meeting.
It was also noted that Trent's commitment to the group was exemplary and it seemed fitting that he should now be made an official member of the group and that hence forth he will go by the name "The God Child".

The menu didn't disappoint and was an excellent back drop for the theme. Between the Scallops, Snapper, Pork and Duck, no one went home hungry.

The Champagne: Duval Leroy Brut 1996

After the obligatory ales, champagne was served courtesy of Philippe. It was immediately assumed by most to be French with Scott Perry correctly guessing the year as "96".

Tasting note: Some what sherried on the nose, classy and seamless on the palate. Very fine bead. Lovely stuff (PB's rating 92 pts).

First Bracket: Chardonnay

The first bracket presented the group with a bevy of blond beauties - some classy, some a bit too forward, all depending on how you like them.

Wine #1: Domaine Blain Gagnard Chassagne Montrachet Cillerats Premier Cru 2005 (brought by David Fatches)

Pure fruit, minerality and zest w/hint of flint/gun smoke. Good acid. A very persistent wine. Just a touch of heat on the finish as the wine warmed in the glass. Alc 13.3% - Secretary's rating 92 pts.

Wine #2: Leewin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2005 (brought by Peter McKelvey)

A much bigger wine with overt oak on the nose. Big and painful on the palate. "A Hefer" - Steve Handley. Definitely needs more time to settle. This was a wine that divided the group. Alc: 14.5% Secretary's rating 88 pts.

Wine #3 Grosset Piccadilly Chardonnay 2003 (brought by Trent Dolphin)

Showing a lot of minerality, cool lemon drops, still very tight. Undoubtedly a high quality chardonnay built for the long haul, only criticism was that it seamed short on the finish. Alc 14.0% - Secretary's rating 91 pts.

Group ranking bracket winner = Wine #1

At this stage, it became painfully obvious that the quality of the stemware was letting us down and not doing justice to the wines served (ISO 9000 tasting glasses - or something like it). It was agreed that this would be the last of this and that corrective measures would be addressed in the forth coming club rules. Because stemware matters...just ask Riedel.

The Beret: Caught up in the moment, Philippe presented the newly self-appointed Secretary with the Order of Merit (the Beret) together with a tasteful rapper's gold chain necklace in recognition of services rendered and overall outstanding contribution to date. The Secretary graciously accepted, but then suggested that the winner of each bracket have honour of donning the beret. It was agreed and so it will now be a club tradition. It's suggested that the coveted gold necklace only be worn by the individual who then holds the title of WOTN, and so it will be passed from one to another.

Second Bracket: Chardonnay

The ensuing kerfuffle had to be experienced to be appreciated as well as the lessons learned.

Wine #1: Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay 2006

Initially, seemed oaky but settled down quickly to reveal a more subtle wine, rich on the nose, very tight and citrus driven. Secretary's rating 92 pts.

Duane: supposed that the wine was from the Hunter and was probably Scarborough.

Wine #2: Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay 2006

Beautiful nose, roasted hazelnuts, less acid than Wine #1, subtle, more refined. Secretary's rating 93 pts.

Peter McKelvey: "I think it's the same wine"

Duane: when pressed for comment - "Wine #1 will age better than #2 and for that reason, preferred Wine #1"

Although Peter's comments initially fell on deaf ears - howls of disbelief and embarrassment followed when it was revealed that Scott and the Secretary had both indeed brought the Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay 2006 (both wines screw capped). The Secretary cried "bottle variation" but the Professor A.K.A. David Fatches pointed out that given the small pours, only 3-4 ml of the previous wine would be needed to effectively create a blend and materially alter the flavour profile of the wine. It was agreed that this was the more plausible answer.

Lesson Learned: Rinse between wines or change glasses. Nearly all were convinced it was a different wine. It doesn't take much residual wine to taint the next one.

Third Bracket: Pinot Noir

Another almighty balls up...

Wine #1: ?

What a beauty, massively aromatic, reminiscent of Clos De Vougeot. Deeply perfumed cherries, musk, latent power, a knock out wine. - Believed to be Philippe Mady's wine. Secretary's rating 96 pts.

Wine #2: Quartz Reef Pinot Noir 2002

Nice pinot, clean, bright fruit, just simply outclassed by Wine #1. - Peter Matthew's wine. Secretary's rating 91 pts.

Wine #3: Curly Flat Pinot Noir 2002

Slightly musty on the nose, brett? A Hunter pinot perhaps? Good sweet fruit, moderate slightly green edged tannins…….becoming horsier with air. Couldn't get pasty the musty/horsiness. - Believed to be Craig Farmer's wine. Secretary's rating 88 pts.

The Secretary immediately rose to the defence of Curly Flat's stellar reputation, crying foul and that something had to be wrong, as he'd had numerous vintages of the wine previously, none of which showed like this one.

This then lead to Duane craftily picking up on the fact that all the wines had been poured out of order and that no one knew what the heck they we're drinking. At this point, all civility went out the window and the expletives flew thick and fast.

Lesson Learned: In future, someone - most likely the host, needs to oversee the correct pouring of the wines. Alternatively, the donor pours their respective wine.
Wines #1 & #3 were swapped. The winner of the bracket was Craig's Curly Flat.

Fourth Bracket:

Normality resumed, complete with Duane's tradition of bringing a corked wine...

Wine #1: Carlei Estate Pinot Noir 2003

A gem of a pinot, excellent pinosity, nose not giving much away, but the palate everything it should be. - Steve Handley's wine. Secretary's rating 93 pts.

Wine #2: Bonne Mares Domaine Comte Georges De Vogue 1997

The rest of the group was still trying to get their head and noses around the wine, when Duane cried foul (corked) with mutters about $550, %&*$# corks! Etc. a familiar site to all.Note: Despite the slight mustiness, the wine exhibited beautiful fruit on the palate with a very long finish. I scored it in my top 3 - Duane's wine Secretary's rating 94 pts.

Bracket winner believed to be Wine #1 (TBC...)

Wines of the Night (WOTN)

1. Curly Flat Pinot Noir 2002 - Craig Farmer (WOTN)

2. Domaine Blain Gagnard Chassagne Montrachet Cillerats Premier Cru 2005 - David Fatches

3. Equal tie between the Carlei Estate Pinot Noir 2002 and the Leewin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2005

Philippe is commended by the group for his efforts in coordinating the night, but moreover for the sense of fun and mischief he brought to the night. As usual, the wines were outstanding as was the company. Here's to the faithful.

To the Order:

I Will Drink The Highest Quality

And Never In Miserable Quantity

A Beer Or Two But Never Too Many

Good Wines Will Always Keep Me Happy

Menu

Seared scallops, Chinese black truffle, purple potatoes & asparagus barigoule

First Bracket : Chardonnay

David Fatches - Trent Dolphin - Peter Mc Kelvey

v

Snapper fillet, truss tomato, zucchini & fennel sauce Crispy

Second bracket : Chardonnay

Scott Perry – Phillip Blanco and Daniel (guest of Phillip B)

Matt Thompson (guest of Phil J)

xxxxxx

Bangalow sweet pork, piperade & jus

Third Bracket : Pinot - Peter Matthews - Duane Roy – Philippe Mady

v

Honey glazed duck breast, kipflers, chestnuts, baby spinach & jus

Fourth bracket : Pinot - Craig Farmer - Steve Handley -

Phil Jacobs and Russell Higginbotham (guest of Phil J)

xxxxxx

Chocolate fondant with milk ice cream

Tea & Coffee

Meeting 8: Rocket

Host: Scott Emerson
Theme:
Date: 29th of May 2008
Notes:

Meeting 7: Four In Hand

Host: Peter Matthews
Theme: Wines of the Yarra Valley
Notes:

Our largest turnout ever with 17 spruiking sommeliers.

Seven Courses to tingle our tastebuds and propose to our palates - from trout to rabbit, poussin to cheese and an amazing bread and butter pudding for desert.

Yarra Bank 1998 was our opening sparkling wine - 54% Chardonnay, 42% Pinot Noir.

Wine 1 or was it 2. The numbering seemed to be confusing most of us from the beginning. Perhaps next time we should mark the wines with pictures and provide a pop-up book.

Wine 1 Coldstream Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Wine 2 St Huberts Roussane 2005
Wine 3 De Bortoli Chardonnay 2005
Wine 4 Wantirna Isabella Chardonnay 2006
Wine 5 Green Point Reserve Chardonnay 2005
Wine 6 Mount Mary Chardonnay 2005
Wine 7 Toolangi Reserve Chardonnay 2004

Our record number of whites also at 7. Now it was time for the reds.

Wine 8 Mount Mary Pinot Noir 2000
Wine 9 Mayer Pinot Noir 2006
Wine 10 Yarra Yering Shiraz 1993
Wine 11 Seville Shiraz 2000
Wine 12 Yarra Yarra Cabernets 2002
Wine 13 Wantirna Amelia Cabernet Merlot 1997
Wine 14 Wantirna Amelia Cabernet Merlot 2004

During the evening Steve Handley thanked Duane Roy for turning up in a presentable state. Duane was quick to point out that he may not have shaved but he does attend regularly. Peter Matthews thanked Duane and David for their continuing contribution, especially considering the distance covered to attend. The table agreed.

It was decreed that the wines were to stay masked until voting to eliminate any label influence.

We spoke of the differences brought about by French wine makers keeping wine on the skins for up to 3 months. In Australia we can often take it off after 2 weeks. Leaving the wine on the skins increases the complexity and once the fruit has gone still leaves character in the wine. This is why many Australian wines fall over after 10-12 years. 93 – 95% of wine in Australia is consumed in the first 24 hours.

Between Craig Farmer and Steve Handley’s comments on who was more visually challenged (or is that spectacularly challenged), Phillip Blanco still managed to inject conversation about previous conquests and again drew analogies with his favourite wines.

Wines of the night


1st place Turangi Reserve Chardonnay 2004
2nd place Mayer Pinot Noir 2006
3rd place Wantirna Amelia Cabernet Merlot 2004

Another white wins the night. Isn’t it time for a superior shiraz, a courageous cabernet or perhaps a magnificent merlot to take the honours.

On to serious matters and it was unanimously agreed that if you accept the invitation to attend, then you also accept the charge whether you make it to the dinner or not. It takes a bit of organising in a generally busy week and we agreed that this courtesy would be shown.

Great job Peter and a good venue.

Scott Emerson is hosting the next dinner set for 29th May at Rocket Restaurant at Chatswood.
The menu will be published prior with courses nominate for members to match wines.

Bottoms up.

Meeting 6: Milsons

Host: Peter McKelvey
Theme: Bartter's Booze (Wines kindly donated by Peter and Simon Bartter)

Date: 20th of March 2008
Notes:

Pol Roger Extra Cuvee De Reserve

Penfolds 1998 Bin 98A (chardonnay)

Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 1997

The Willows Chardonnay 2005

Mount Mary Quintet 1996

Faiveley Chambolle-Musigny 1st Cru Les Fuees

Chateau Leoville Poyferre St Julien 1982

Chateau Luduiraut 1st Cru Sauternes 1982

De Bortoli Wines Sauternes (Noble One) 1988

Farito Carpineto 1994

Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1988

Penfolds St Henry Special Vintage 1979

Meeting 5: Bistro Molines (Hunter Valley)

Host: Duane Roy
Theme: Non-Cooking Wines
Notes:

Meeting 4: Becasse

Host: Phil Jacobs
Theme: Le Tour de France
Date: 17th of January 2008
Notes:

Phil Jacobs:

Champagne

Peter Matthews:

Alsace

Matthew Thompson:

Loire

Daniel Sofo:

Chablis

Philip Blanco:

Burgundy White

Philippe Mady:

Burgundy Red

Scott Perry:

North Rhone

David Madson:

South Rhone

David Fatches:

Left Bank

Daune Roy:

Right Bank

Steven Handley:

Languedoc

Pierre Petis:

Sauterne

Phil Jacobs:

Spirits

Meeting 3: Lo Studio

Host: Scott Perry
Theme: Victorian Wines

Date: 13th of December 2007
Notes:

Scott Perry:

Hanging Rock Macedon Cuvee VII 1997

Kooyong Farrago Chardonnay 2005

Duane Roy:

Peter Matthews:

Phil Jacobs:

Trent Dolphin:

David Fatches:

Scott Emerson:

Bass Philip Reserve Pinot Noir 2001

Phillip Blanco:

Philippe Mady:

Meeting 2: Otto

Host: Phillip Blanco
Theme: Best of Italy

Date: 15th of November 2007
Notes:

Meeting 1: NHP Board Room

Host: Craig Farmer
Theme: Unrestricted

Date: 11th of October 2007
Notes: Duane Roy

• Epis Chardonnay 2005 - With great fruit this wine looks Burgundian at first. With probably a little to much fruit to be from Burgundy, this wine exhibited very good citrus structure and great length. This wine was voted the best wine of the night. (Brought by: Scott Perry)


• Mount Mary Triolet 2001 - Fresh with some development coming through. Aromatic on the nose with a slight honey toast on the palate. Very good length and texture for this type of blend. A very good wine. (Brought by: Peter Matthews)


• Oliver Leflavie Puligny-Montrachet ? - Corked. (Brought by:Duane Roy)


• Yalumba Octavius 2002 - Huge, big, fleshy, oaky monster. Very clean and well made. There was no question about quality of the fruit. This is a very good wine but just not my style. (Brought by: Steve Handley)


• Penfolds RWT 1997 - Disappointing, dried out and looking well passed it best, Shame, maybe a bad bottle! (Brought by: Craig Farmer)


• Guigal Cote Rotie 2000: This wine came very close in the wine of the night voting. It was very typical of the northern Rhone with white pepper, floral and a very stylish structure - great drink. This wine shows that shiraz does not need to be 14.5% to have flavor. A great wine. (Brought by: David Fatches)


• Dugat – PY Gevery Charmbertin 1998 - A lovely nose on this wine - rose petal, cherries and a slight bracken or forest floor character. This wine had great tannin structure which is typical of Gevery Charmbertain. A lovely wine. (Brought by: Phillipe Mady)


• Ravensworth Shiraz Viognier 2005 - A well made wine that is what it is. The nose is fresh apricot with cooler climate spice from the shiraz. A bit 'clunky' on the palate. It seemed that the viognier had been added as something of an afterthought. (Brought by: Peter McKelvey)


• Torbreck Run Rig 1999 - This was the second time I have seen this wine in about a month. It has one of the strangest smells, reminiscent of old cooking oil. With ample fruit and very classy oak handling, this wine is made in more of an elegant style which is surprising for this producer. Good palate weight and length. (Brought by: Phillip Blanco)


• Evans Family Reserve Shiraz 2004 - This wine looked very soft and silky and was universally mistaken for pinot noir. It is a well made wine, with good fruit if perhaps just a little simple. (Brought by: Phil Jacobs)


• Henschke Mt Elelstone 1996 - The second big name in Australian reds to fall short of the mark. This wine seemed past it best and according to others at the table, other bottles have looked the same. With a dried out finish this wine is starting to taste a little plastic. (Brought by: Scott Emerson)