Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/44136
From top left, Derick Rossmiller (Caesars Palace), Bretton Lammi (The Cosmopolitan), Joseph Phillips (Restaurant Michael Mina), Meridith May (Executive Editor, THE TASTING PANEL), Jason Smith (Bellagio), Bruno Bonnet (Comme Ça), William Sherer (Aureole), Victor Pinkston (B&B) and Dean Wachstetter (Top of the World). Rendezvous No. 1: Cherries Up Front While most of us thought it was a California Grenache, this mystery date was definitely elegant, red-fruited and juicy to the core. "Dried cherries and violets followed by tea leaves. Great acidity and gripping tannins." —Derick Rossmiller "White pepper, sprinkled on a blackberry-smothered saddle." —Bretton Lammi CORRECT GUESS: "Bright cherry aromas and an expanding core of fruit. Old World Southern Rhône." —Dean Wachstetter THE REVEAL: Perrin & Fils 2009 Vinsobres "Les Cornuds" (SRP $20). From the most northern vineyard of the Southern Rhône, Vinsobres achieved AOC status in 2005. A blend of Syrah and Grenache (the blending takes place after malolactic fermentation and the Syrah is partly aged in oak barrels while the Grenache is vinified in stainless tanks). Imported by Vineyard Brands Selections. october 201 1 / the tasting panel / 75