Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1011938
Christopher Barragan, Sommelier/Bar Manager, Flemings Woodland Hills and Petit Trois, Los Angeles, CA Sharon Coombs, Beverage Director, E.P. and L.P., West Hol- lywood, CA Chuck Herrold, Sommelier, Nick & G's, Rancho Santa Fe, CA C.J. Lin, Fine Wine & Spirits Advisor, W Bar by Wing Hop Fung, Los Angeles, CA Fabrizio Nocilla, National Beverage Manager/Sommelier, Fig & Olive, Los Angeles, CA Nanette Rapuzzi, Sommelier, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, CA Veronica Rauch, Manager/Sommelier, The Patio on Goldfinch, San Diego, CA Marilyn Snee, Sommelier, Upstairs 2, Los Angeles, CA Travis Welton, Director of Operations, Stonehaus at The Westlake Village Inn, Westlake Village, CA Vineyards has remained a focal point in its namesake region. Upon arrival, the group launched into a component tasting of the vineyard's Chardonnay—the first variety planted in the Edna Valley—or - ganized by Winemaker Kamee Knutson and moderated by Director of Public Relations Lon Gallagher. While most of the bottlings' stunning fruit hails from the Paragon Vineyard, it's the blending of sites throughout the Cen - tral Coast—as well as a varied approach to oak regimens—that truly marks these wines as both individual works of art and integrated showpieces. The flagship award-winning Chardonnays left a mem - orable impression through their vibrant acidity, generous mouthfeel, crisp acidity, and balance. (In addition to Chardon - nay, Edna Valley Vineyards also produces Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc.) San Antonio Winery Winemaker Ben Mayo (back row, center) with campers inside the barrel room at the newly built Paso Robles winery. Our SOMM Campers: The Edna Valley Vineyards 2016 Central Coast Chardonnay was named Best Chardonnay Under $17 by The SOMM Journal's sister publication The Tasting Panel after editors tasted 75 wines in that price range. 112 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018