Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/221505
SPEED TASTING REPORT It's All in the Source GLOBAL NON-ESTATE WINES PROVE THE POWER OF THE VINEYARD AT OUR BLIND SPEED TASTING AT THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL IN AUSTIN, TEXAS edited by Meridith May/photos by Jason Kindig A s more wineries develop their labels, it has become imperative to have great relationships with top growers. It shows in the wines—the right fruit from the best vineyards. Having a deep understanding of the best soils is also key. With the continued arrival on the scene of new wine producers, and the increasing reputation of so many established grape growers, the importance of being an estate-grown winery has lessened, giving rise to wineries that purchase their grapes, from a wide collection of prime sources, to make top-notch wines. Soil type and cultivar trump ownership for these winemakers. Our Austin Speed Tasting in October explored this phenomenon—and proved that this model is resulting in some of today's most exciting wines. First, our panel tasted 11 wines blind. Then, one by one, we invited the winery representatives to come in and, in ten minutes, reveal and describe their respective wines. How did each particular wine define the winemaker's or viticulturist's style? Here are the results! Fabien Jacob, Bohanan's, San Antonio; Nathan Prater, Red Room Lounge, Austin; Meridith May, THE TASTING PANEL Magazine; Scott Ota, The Driskill; Devon Broglie, MS, Whole Foods Southwest; John Roenigk, The Austin Wine Merchant; Mark Sayre, Four Seasons, Austin; Bill Elsey, Red Room Lounge, Austin; June Rodil, Qui, Austin and Guy Stout, Certified Wine Educator, Glazer's/Texas. december 2013 / the tasting panel / 117 TP1213_104-148.indd 117 11/23/13 8:36 PM