280 replies to this topic

[94SilverCab]

Believe that the best "official" count on the East coast was 34 since 2005. Earlier Hershey celebrations had higher numbers, but offhand I don't recall how many. 25 in SLT would be a very, very impressive feat.

 

Jay

Edited by 94SilverCab, 26 February 2016 - 05:51 AM.

[az968]

We are 4+ months out, 10 cars (968s) confirmed with hotel reservations and I'm having dialog with that many more that are looking into their plans.  Plus one confirmed with rental car (Jay) that better not be a Corvette . Some others on the fence.  I think 20-25 cars is not an unreasonable goal.  I feel we have a very nice event planned, couple of surprises I haven't mentioned yet as they are still being firmed up.  If you are thinking about coming, better get your plans and reservations made! You won't want to miss out!

Edited by az968, 25 February 2016 - 02:01 PM.

[Kaj Hallstrom]

Yep, I am one and I am in booked at the 968 Park.

Edited by Kaj Hallstrom, 25 February 2016 - 05:34 PM.

[az968]

Yep, Kaj, and we're counting on you to bring some nice wine.  Chris, ready to step up to the challenge? I've a couple bottles of fine AZ red wine to bring, and I'm not talking Tequila.

Edited by az968, 25 February 2016 - 05:40 PM.

[ron1688]

I haven't logged in a while but I may be able to join if I'm not in Vegas playing the WSOP.

[Kaj Hallstrom]

I will bring a rare "Martha's Vineyard" Cabernet to share. Vintage will be a surprise.

[94SilverCab]

I will bring a rare "Martha's Vineyard" Cabernet to share. Vintage will be a surprise.

A vertical starting in 1966 would be nice

 

Jay

[Kaj Hallstrom]

Wishful thinking Jay, all though I did host a Heitz dinner years ago that included Martha's 1966-1990. May I suggest the wine "geeks" all bring a special bottle to share on either Friday or Saturday night.....That would be fun!!

[94SilverCab]

Bringing wine from Pennsylvania to California would be like bringing sand to the desert...but I will be bringing my favorite wine taster with me

 

I'm getting very excited about this trip and have already made arrangements for some special tastings after this event near Portland and Walla Walla.

 

Jay 

[ds968]

I'll send a couple of Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate bottles for you guys.    Just the bottles though ..            

[az968]

Have a hotel update for everyone. The rates at the 968 Park have gone up for those that have not made reservations yet.  Our rate was pegged to a discount from rack, and the hotel just raised the rack rate, a couple months earlier that they thought they would. I guess this summer season is looking good for the S. Lake Tahoe area.

 

So, the new rate is 20% off of rack rate, rather than the 15% we had before.  Normal discounts, like for AAA, are 10%, so our rate is still best offer at that hotel. They will also continue to waive the "resort fee", further saving some money. The rest of the package (covered parking, reception drink coupons, etc) are still in place.

 

They are down to only 20 vacant rooms in the hotel.

 

So, those of us that jumped on early have a heck of a rate, since those are fixed, and can there-by afford to bring better wines (thanks, Dan and Kaj! We'll toast to Dan's toasted engine/transmission ). Those that haven't made up their minds, and not yet made reservations, better do so soon before  they sell out or bump the rates again.

 

The adjacent hotel, the Park Tahoe, which offered lower amenities and rates, is closed for remolding and may not be re-opened in time for us. I have checked around the very close hotels and not found better rates without room guarantees, which I can't do, but I did see some properties on Kayak that have lower rates.  So, if you plan to go but want to spend less, i recommend searching for the hotel and rate you want and book it soon!

 

Sorry for the changes, but it happens..

[ds968]

  "  (thanks, Dan and Kaj ! We'll toast to Dan's toasted engine/transmission   ). "

 

LOL, Bob  I think my just the bottles remark may have been lost in translation .. I meant that as in : just the empty glass part of the bottles -  I love this forum but if I had any full bottles from either one of those two wineries its doubtful I'd share even a drop      .  I did have both ( I don't t remember the particular vintage ) many years ago at a couple of restaurants, and on someone' else's rather unlimited expense account ; IIRC  each bottle was over $ 2,000.           

Edited by ds968, 04 March 2016 - 11:14 AM.

[az968]

And I though you cared!

[Kaj Hallstrom]

Had the Screaming Eagle several times (the perks of my business). It's very good but no better than a "Martha's Vineyard" at $250.

"The Eagle" is highly over rated and it just gives you bragging rights. Just wait until you have a sip of a classic vintage Heitz Cabernet.

[ds968]

Every pallet is different, in my case I usually can detect a fairly clear difference between a ( retail price, not restaurant markup price ) $ 50 bottle and a $ 200 bottle, but my taste buds are no way near refined enough to tell much of a difference above that $ 200 +  and beyond to the much higher price points, including the $ thousands.  It's been too long since I've had the Screaming Eagle or the Harlan or any number of other absurdly priced wines for that matter ( in excess of $ 500, at restaurants )  but I would have certainly remembered at the time if either one would have been so extraordinary so as to leave a lasting impression on me. They did not ; no more so than the enjoyment I experienced drinking some really good wines from Haitz ( M.V ) or Silver Oak, or Joseph Phelps Insignia , or Araujo, or Dalla Valle , or Quintessa, or Nickel & Nickel ( aka Far Niente's offspring )   or pretty much anything with Howell Mountain origin on it.. and all for less than or right around $ 200..                      

[Kaj Hallstrom]

The Insignia is one of my other favorites. Phelps is located right next to Heitz by the way..........and Jay, it's perfectly ok to bring that '59 Lafite or an '85 DRC Richebourg....no need to bring a California wine...we are not picky.

[Chris Vais]

I've been dragging my feet making a reservation. I looks like I have a work assignment that could take me to Chile about the same time. I guess I could make a reservation and then cancel it if the trip is on.

 

I'll definitely bring some wine.

[az968]

Reading the posts from Kaj, Dan and others, I guess the box of Franzia better stay home.

 

Was planning to bring a 2010 Caduceus Cellars Nagual De La Paciencia Red and a local Zinfandel from Granite Creek Vineyards, but I think I'm getting in way over my head!!!

 

Might be better off with a nice Amsoil.

Edited by az968, 06 March 2016 - 05:39 PM.

[MCL968]

I checked yesterday, and the hotel still has rooms, but they have gone WAY up. Their best price, even with our discount, was 311 a night plus taxes. I have to be honest, when I toured that place, it was not a 300 a night hotel. I am not sure what I will be doing or where I will be staying, but at 300+ a night, I can guarandamntee you that it will not be there. There are far better properties in the area for that price.

 

In related news, I am working on a deal with the Delta Saloon in VC for parking for the whole group. Lot spaces are about 5 bucks a day, so I just may reserve a dozen or so to make that part of the trip easier.

Edited by MCL968, 10 March 2016 - 08:04 PM.

[flash]

if you have some leads on a top notch hotel, please pass them along.  if i get to go, the wife will need that, if i am not to listen to her dissatisfaction all weekend