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THE MESSAGE THE TASTING PANEL GOES TO SOBE It was a packed house at the events in Miami Beach for the South Beach Food & Wine Festival, but Meridith May managed to see a couple of friends along the way. Wente Vineyards Marketing Director Nicole Quandt with Robert Bleifer, Executive Chef for the Food Network Kitchens and entwine National Brand Manager Stefanie Jackel. The brand launched in August 2011 and to date sold 150,000 cases through its national distribution network. Said Chef Bleifer, "entwine is a wine made with a good solid chef's perspective: food friendly, but it also stands on its own." Famed chef Paula Deen hosted a spectacular brunch, with wines provided by Bill Wilson of Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula. David Green, President of Lake County's prominent winery, Brassfi eld Estate. Watch for more on this unique property in upcoming issues of THE TASTING PANEL. 20 / the tasting panel / april 2012 Scott Tallon, Spirits Director of Winebow, introduced us to The Botanist, the fi rst and only gin from the Islay region in Scotland. The gin is made by Bruichladdich Head Distiller Jim McEwan. Imperial Brands VP of Marketing Business Development Timo Sutinen, was the cupid to our palate but the SOBE crowd also fell in love with Sobieski Espresso Vodka. Made from all natural fl avors, any coff ee lover would appreciate the mellow java notes, the mocha nuance and abso- lutely no heat. That's four smooches from this Publisher/Editor! PHOTO: KELLY MERRITT PHOTO: MERIDITH MAY