Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/118688
Robert Oatley Vineyards Troy & Sons Bob Oatley might be best known as the man who put Rosemount Estates on the world wine map, but he's a formidable sailor as well, having won numerous races, including holding the world record for the Sydney to Hobart Classic and the prestigious Admiral's Cup. The current portfolio includes a Signature Series, which features a selection of quality vineyards from Australia's finest regions. His Wild Oats brand, coming this summer, offers a crowd-pleasing Central Ranges Chardonnay and Shiraz. This Asheville, NC–based artisanal spirits producer specializes in clear and traditional aged American whiskey crafted from a moonshine recipe over 125 years old. Robert Oatley 2011 Signature Series Chardonnay, Margaret River Australia ($18) Crafted from select , grapes from across the Margaret River region, this wine boasts brightness with white peaches and a long, fine acidity. Douglas Green Bellingham (DGB) DGB is the largest independent producer of South African fine wines, including Boschendal and Bellingham, two of the Western Cape's most historic wineries, with winemaking a history spanning over 300 years. Others labels include Brampton, Honey Badger and Ribshack Red. Troy & Sons Platinum ($29.99) A clear whiskey crafted with an open-pollinated heirloom white corn and pure Appalachian spring water. Troy & Sons Oak Reserve ($34.99) Also made from heirloom white corn and pure Appalachian spring water, but enjoys time in American-made bourbon barrels to achieve caramel and sweet oak notes. Jillian Thornton, Commercial Manager for Pacific Highway, and Christine Richardson, Office Manager for Pacific Highway. Cape Wine Ventures Begun in 2005 as a fine wine importer for labels from the Western Cape of South Africa, Cape Wine Ventures later developing partnerships with Casterlfeder Winery (Luna Nuda), a fifth-generation family in the Alto Adige, and the Alonso Family of Mendoza (Chakras Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon). Douglas Green 2012 Beach House, Western Cape, South Africa ($10) A blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon, this crowd-pleasing, excellent value wine has freshness with notes of gooseberry and lemon layered with honeysuckle and tangerine. The Beach House brand has gradually expanded (since 2007) now offering multiple varietals including: Pinot Grigio, Red Blend, Rosé and a Sweet Sparkling. Douglas Green 2011 Ribshack Red, South Africa ($11) Characterized as "BBQ's BFF" this wine is , comprised of 70% Pinotage and 30% Shiraz. It's a full, rich and voluptuous wine with structure. On the nose you'll get chocolate and smoke with a palate of dark berry fruits and soft, sweet tannins. Luna Nuda 2010 Pinot Grigio, Vigneti delle Dolomite, Italy ($14) Dennis Wood, sommelier at Atlanta's Chops restaurant, loves to pour this wine "because it delivers—Alto Adige at this price allows Chops to pass along a great value to our customers. " This 100% biodynamically farmed Pinot Grigio has a nose rich with pears and apples and a structure balanced with a pleasant mineral finish and hint of Northern Italy's Alpine air. april 2013 / the tasting panel / 77