Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/237615
Stars of EVENT WRAP-UP Cabernet OUR CO-PROMOTION WITH LEARN ABOUT WINE WAS AN EDUCATION FOR THE PALATE by Jonathan Cristaldi / photos by Rob Brown I t was no surprise that 45 high-profile Cabernet Sauvignon– producing wineries would draw a hefty crowd of retailers and wine directors to the swank Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills. The global scope of labels took us north from Napa to the Cape of South Africa. With only so much room to report on the wines poured, we are offering a glimpse of some of the standouts from boutique producers to larger producers with boutique offerings. GRGICH HILLS ESTATE "From our vineyard to your glass naturally," is what Mike Grgich tells everyone about his wines. Grgich turned 90 years old in 2013, and in celebration the nonagenarian released the "Paris Tasting Chardonnay," made in the same Burgundian style as the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, which Grgich made and which took first place at the infamous Paris Tasting of 1976. Grgich's 2010 vintage is sold out, but the 2011s come out May 24, 2014— the 35th anniversary of the Paris Tasting. Grgich Hills Estate 2009 Yountville Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($175) Ripe blackberry, cigar leaf, vanillin and cardamom on the nose gives way to a smooth, full-bodied wine redolent of dark cassis berry, a silky clean finish with high peppery notes and more berry spice. january 2014 / the tasting panel / 97 TP0114_66-108.indd 97 12/19/13 9:48 PM