The Tasting Panel magazine

May 2015

Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/504216

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 15 of 115

THE MESSAGE 16  /  the tasting panel  /  may 2015 THE MESSAGE 166 Years and Counting J ane Ferrari, Winemaker/ Communications for Yalumba Family Vignerons, joined us at THE TASTING PANEL offices to share their incredible lineup of wines. With the winery since 1988, Ferrari considers herself the "custodian of an amaz- ing story," which represents the cumulative efforts of 166 years of winemaking. Check out the June/July 2015 issue of The SOMM Journal for a full rundown of the wines we tasted, and see page 18 in this issue for additional information on Robert Hill Smith, fifth-generation Managing Director of Yalumba. —Karen Moneymaker Jane Ferrari of Yalumba Family Vignerons and Karen Moneymaker, Senior Editor of the TASTING PANEL Magazine. Fresh and Focused: Sobieski's Standing Ovation to Superior Value T o sell or serve Sobieski Vodka is to understand what it means to feel good about a product. This is a vodka that makes the ideal platform for cocktails—it doesn't overpower, but at the same time it holds its own in character and flavor. It's refreshing and diverse, but doesn't break the bank. The Belvédère Group has renewed growth ambition for this deserving brand in the U.S. and it is now a core focus for the company. "Our ambition is to grow the Sobieski business and we aim to double the business in a few years. Sobieski was one of the fastest-ever brands to reach one million cases," says Nicolas Guillant, President of Imperial Brands. "It's 100 percent rye which gives you a more refreshing, clean flavor with depth and a bit of spiciness, which you won't find in other vodkas." Sobieski is a full import—many brands are really bottled in the U.S. Sobieski is distilled and bottled in Poland at Starogard Gdan'ski distillery on Poland's Baltic coast, established in 1846. It remains a smart choice for mixolo- gists because it has such a fresh countenance, but without the outlandish price tag. At $11.99/750 ml. it's a win-win for customers and business owners who want to keep costs down and excellence up. Sobieski's new efforts to reach more consumers will focus on nine key states, including New York and California, with an objective to become a real force in the U.S. The plan calls for doubling revenue and case sales by 2018. For more information, visit www.vodkasobieski.com.—Kelly Merritt A Grand Burgundian W e stopped by Connie & Ted's in West Hollywood, CA, on April 15 for lunch to meet Alain Serveau, Head Winemaker for important Burgundy house Domaines Albert Bichot. The Bichot family's involve- ment with wine dates back to the 13th century, but the modern négociant business was founded in 1831. Serveau, who comes from a family of growers, was brought in in 1995 to "take a chance" (as he puts it) and to reform Bichot into a leading producer of fine wines. Today, Bichot owns 245 acres, divided among four winery estates in the Cötes de Beaune, the Cotes de Nuits, the Côte Chalonnaise and Chablis. As Beverage Manager Hoang Nguyen commented on the food, we tasted a generous range of selections from Bichot's 2012 vintage, from the crisp Chablis Premier Cru "Vaucopins" (stunning with two types of Massachusetts oysters) and haunting Meursault Premier Cru "Les Charmes" to the rich-textured Pommard "Clos des Ursulines" and the sublime Corton Grand Cru "Clos des Maréchaudes." Serveau's handling of the wines reflects each climat while maintaining a house style defined by ideal ripe- ness, balanced elegance and pure drinkability. Albert Bichot is imported by Epic Wines & Spirits.—David Gadd

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of The Tasting Panel magazine - May 2015