Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/566135
4 / the tasting panel / september 2015 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR IN CHIEF Goodbye, Old Friend Losing a close friend is a terrible thing. And when that person is also a long-time, valued col- league, the loss is devastating. Unfathomable. When she passed away on August 12, I had been working with Chandler Moore for more than 30 years. Chandler was the beating heart and the soul of the San Francisco International Wine Competition and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Thanks to her full-on, all-encompassing man- agement style, the Wine Competition grew from an afterthought attached to the local county fair to the largest international competition in the country. Along the way, we added the Spirits Competition, which has, in 15 years, become the most important and largest in the United States. Chandler's intelligence, her unerring ability to grasp the big picture while still not missing a single detail; her skill at managing people and setting priorities; her astonishing work ethic and tireless commitment; her constant drive for improve- ment and innovation—all of this while maintaining the highest possible level of integrity and ethical standards. This is what made Chandler so special—such a gift to all of us who worked with her. But I don't want to paint a one-sided picture of this remark- able person. Chandler raised two fine sons, was an avid Giants fan, a great cook and an original wit who was able to hold up her end of the conversation on any subject. Chandler was one of those rare individuals who are good at everything they attempt. She could easily have run a giant corporation. We are so lucky that she chose to focus her supernatural abilities on our business. Thank you, Chandler, for your extraordinary gift to us. Moving forward will be dif- ficult without you, but you have unselfishly prepared us for this sad eventuality. Missing your friendship will be the hardest part. —Anthony Dias Blue