Change - This year will be a little different. Instead of the usual two bottle set-up - going to switch it to 1 magnum. I’m making this change because as more people have attended (which is great), I’ve failed to adjust the structure of this event. Last year, for the first time, there were a couple moments of “dump this great thing to try that great thing” (which is icky) and things running out before they actually open up (which is sad). I’m not sure this is the right solution, but, after brainstorming with some folks, I’d rather try this than some other options.
Wine: One magnum of top-tier “baller” Champagne - firmly in its drinking window
Food: NYC’s best fried chicken and some amuse bouche
Location: Our home in Carrol Gardens Will dm address when people are Date: Dec 5th Time: Will gather with early birds on the roof a little after 4pm and Saber a bottle (curtesy of @Sam_Kwak) to watch the sunset (4:30pm-5pm). I expect most folks to get in between 5:30-7pm. Chicken at 6pm.
Please reply confirming your interest and wines if you know them.
Gavin - '99 Pol Roger Winston Churchill (mag)
Andy - ‘96 Pol Roger Winston Churchill (mag)
Rachel C. - '00 Philpponnat Clos Goisses (mag)
Sacha M. - '99 Rilly La Montagne (mag)
Mike B. - '06 René Geoffroy “Terre” Millesime 1er Cru (mag) @AaronR - ‘09 Cristal (mag) @JoelD + 1 - '99 Vilmart Coeur de Cuvee (mag) + '98 Dom mag @J_a_y_H_a_c_k +1 - ‘99 Rare (mag) and '90 La Grande Dame (DM) @Juan_S - '97 Bollinger La Grande Annee (mag) @B_Caputo + J - 09 Dom and '12 Herbrart Noces de Craie @Jesse_W - '07 Bollinger R.D. (mag)
Jake - tbd
Mystery guest - blind (I have deconflicted)
I have x food preference/restriction, what can be done? - Yea. We’ll figure it out. Dm me.
Is it only Mags or can I bring a larger format?" - If you want to leap over the bar, fly on wild child, but no infanticide.
Can I arrive early or late b/c of X? - You’re welcome to be early, but fair warning, the kitchen does have a press gang. Life happens, if you have to be tardy, please make it before last light bc it’s pretty
I really want to bring X incredible Champagne, but it’s literally not made in large format/I only have it in smaller formats! Can I just bring two of the same? Don’t be a pedant, Gavin? - Yes, you can bring two singles of the same
I’m in - with a Mag of 1999 Rare. My wife, who was at the event last year, will probably also come. I will find out from her soon. We will have to source another mag. Someone else (Juan?) was expressed annoyance recently that he did not come last year, so maybe there is someone else if you have room.
Erez Lenchner - another champagne fanatic and former active board participant (an expert on miles and points) would like to attend.
My wife is a strong maybe - depending on how she feels about schlepping all the way to BROOKLYN. She once argued strenuously that she had never been to Brooklyn until I reminder her that she was sworn in as an attorney at the Second Department courtroom.
Never mind. Juan and I have sourced two completely ridiculous large format bubblies to add to my 1999 Rare. The relevant question is now whether a three liter qualifies as two mags. AND then, depending upon the outcome of another auction, the additional question is whether a large bottle named after an ancient Assyrian King (עָלָ֣יו עָלָ֔ה שַׁלְמַנְאֶ֖סֶר מֶ֣לֶךְ אַשּׁ֑וּר וַֽיְהִי־ל֤וֹ הוֹשֵׁ֨עַ֙ עֶ֔בֶד וַיָּ֥שֶׁב ל֖וֹ מִנְחָֽה ) will satisfy the requirement for even more people.
I am bringing a 1997 Bollinger La Grande Annee (mag)… further updates on the pluses and something possibly ridiculous to follow… You already know how Big Homie Jay gets down, just trying to keep up… “Now, what y’all wanna do?”
That should be really nice. We had a 96 Grand Annee the other day courtesy of @Joseph_Grassa and it was in a great spot. Rich and biscuity but still fresh.