June 7 - Historic Madeira Tasting in San Francisco

[Heather Hathwell]

I just received a flyer this afternoon from Rare Wine Co. who is hosting a once in a lifetime tasting opportunity Sunday June 7 at the Grand Cafe (the Peacock Terrace) in San Francisco. $495 plus tax. Apparently bottles from the personal Leacock family collection which went on auction at Christie's end of last year: "14 very great and irreplaceable madeiras" a half dozen of which are said to fit into the "Holy Grail" category.

Advertised lineup (barring my clumsy fingers making typos), to be served with appetizers, is:

1836 Lomelino Bastardo
1845 Quinta da Paz
1868 EBH Very Old Boal
HMB Terrantez (undated)
A.G. Pacheco Madeira
1825 Leacock Seco
1881 Leacock Terrantez
1890 Leacock Sercial
1895 HFS "JPW"
1896 HFS "E"
1928 Leacock Verdelho
1934 Leacock "SJ"
Leacock "A"
Leacock Malvazia "VMA"

call 800-999-4342 or email sales@rarewineco.com with credit card to secure reservation. I am happy to forward the email flyer (with background and notes) to anyone if pasting the address doesn't work: http://rarewineco.com/downloads/leacock.pdf

Happy reading even if you don't go.... but if you do, apparently you will have priority in purchasing many of the bottles that will be offered later this year. Can't wait!!!!

[Marco D.]

Did you reserve a spot, Heather? I contacted them today, but all the spots are taken.

[Heather Hathwell]

I did, thankfully, within the first 2 hours (though it was nearly booked then) and thankfully also got right on the airfare and same hotel, saving enough to probably cover 1/2 the tasting and take a little of the bite out of the extravagance (we only live once, though, eh???). I forwarded the email to an acquaintance with a keen interest in madeira, and he told me he's #3 on waitlist. If you haven't tried, you should see about the waitlist. I have to say, though, if I end up being one of the few from this forum attending (in view of the trip that is in progress now with Roy and Mario in the Douro and Madeira...) the pressure for notes is going to be astounding. I am not sure I am up to the task of reporting - surely not as well as Roy would do -- but I will certainly do my best to describe these gems.

[Marco D.]

You only live once, indeed!

I remember a Madeira tasting that the Rare Wine Company put together in NYC back in 1999. I thought about the expense, but then said... "you only live once". In retrospect, I'm definitely glad I went... it was my only chance to try the 1802 Acciaioly Terrantez... legendary!

Stay sober and take notes!

[Roy Hersh]

I have a spot reserved. Need to make sure I can join you there Heather. It should be an amazing tasting.

Speaking of which, we spent a few hours with Edmundo Barros e Sousa today and he is absolutely wonderful. Pulled out a few gems too. Thanks for that reco!

[Alan Gardner]

At least I now know why my bids at that auction were mainly 'second best' (I did get 1 lot though).

[Roy Hersh]

Heather,

I found out today, the coast is clear and I'll be joining you down in SF. Email me where you are staying when you have a chance.

[Eric Ifune]

Missed out. Am on the waiting list. At least I can say I was with Roy on Madeira at the time the offer came out!

[Steve Pollack]

after originally landing on the wait list for sunday, i'm in for the additional tasting on saturday june 6! anyone else get lucky?

[Roy Hersh]

Steve,

Several :ftlop:ers will be there on Saturday!

[Marco D.]

I'll be there Saturday... See you there!

[Steve Pollack]

marco, that is great. i grew up in bridgeport, ct. i look forward to meeting you.

[Heather Hathwell]

Anyone else going Sunday??

[Marco D.]

marco, that is great. i grew up in bridgeport, ct. i look forward to meeting you.

Hey... I grew up in Bridgeport too... which high school?

[Eric Ifune]

I got a spot on Saturday. Really looking forward to it.

[Roy Hersh]

Although it is a bummer that we're separated, some Sat. and some on Sun. it is still pretty cool to know that at least a handful of will be attending this fine weekend of Leacock's history!

[David Spriggs]

Oh man! I just saw this posting. Wow.... wish I was going. Now Heather, I *do* expect notes!
-Dave-