Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/2622
S uzanne Phifer was headed toward a multi-level career in business when she met the love of her life, Shane Pavitt. "He was terribly romantic," says the Georgia- born beauty. "We were in Italy, dreaming about our future. We fantasized a winery of our own." After many date nights, which led to their marriage in 1998, they made an offer on a property in Calistoga with neighbors that include Clos Pegase and Sterling. After hiring winemaker Ted Osborne, who sourced fruit from an organically farmed vineyard in Pope Valley, they released their Phifer Pavitt "Date Night" Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley. THE TASTING PANEL sampled the second vintage of Date Night, the 2006, which might just be cult-worthy. The Pavitts' dream came true: From its expressively sweet, gobby blackcurrant ripeness to dense espresso pleasures, the wine displays youth through its plummy fruit. However, there is a distinct Old World quality to the way it glides across the palate on a stunning texture, with a hint of dusty tannins leading to pure juiciness. (SRP $75, under 300 cases; www.phiferpavit- twine.com) —Meridith May A s North America's premier Riesling producer, Chateau Ste-Michelle has created a new "Riesling Taste Profi le" on the labels of two of its Rieslings: the 2008 Winemaker's Cabinet Riesling and the 2008 Waussie Riesling. The back labels are aimed at helping consumers better understand the style and taste profi le of each wine. While these wines are limited re- leases, the Washington State winery will begin putting the information on its other Riesling bottlings starting with the 2009 vintage; these include its Columbia Valley Riesling (the num- ber-one-selling Riesling in the U.S.), its Dry Riesling and its Cold Creek Vineyard Riesling. All will release in the spring of 2010. "Riesling's greatest attribute is that it is made in a wide range of styles, from dry to sweet; but that is also Riesling's greatest challenge," says Bob Bertheau, Chateau Ste. Michelle's head winemaker. "We make nine different Rieslings at Chateau Ste. Michelle, and this taste profi le scale is a way to help our cus- tomers decide which one will most appeal to them." The Message The Riesling Taste Profi le Date Night Cab 16 / the tasting panel / september 2009 Suzanne Phifer Pavitt waits for her husband, accompanied by her Phifer Pavitt "Date Night" Cab and her copy of THE TASTING PANEL. Bob Bertheau, head winemaker for Chateau Ste. Michelle, with Wendy Stuckey, white winemaker, standing among rows of Riesling vines in the Yakima Valley AVA.