Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/61075
LIVERMORE VALLEY "Taste of the Best" LIVERMORE VALLEY'S NIGHT OF RECOGNITION AT WENTE VINEYARDS by Suzie Rodriguez A high-spirited crowd gathered at Wente Vineyards on February 24 for the second annual "Taste of the Best" Winemakers Dinner. The event celebrated the 143 Livermore Valley medal winners, including five Double Golds and the Red Sweepstakes winner, in the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Livermore Valley won more awards than any other appella- tion in the nation. "We're no longer second to anyone," Grant Raeside, Executive Director of the TriValley Convention & Visitors Bureau, announced to the approximately 100 dinner guests. "We deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Napa and Sonoma." Wente Vineyards' Catering Executive Chef Jeff Farlow planned the pairings for the event. The first course wine: Cuda Ridge Wines 2009 Merlot (Best of Class). Winemaker and co-owner Larry Dino addressed the wine's fruit- forward nature, from the opening plum and cherry aromas to the long-lasting blueberry/cherry finish. The Bent Creek 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Best of Class), rich with bram- bleberry flavors, was the second course wine. Mentioning that he co-owns the winery with three others, Tom Heineman quipped: "Sometimes great things really are made by committee!" Winemaker Mark Clarin introduced the third course wine and Red Sweepstakes Winner: McGrail Vineyards 2008 Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The intensely flavorful and fruity wine was aged for 30 months in French, American and Hungarian oak (70% new) and bottled unfiltered. Wente Family Estates' CEO and Fourth-Generation Winegrower Carolyn Wente introduced the fourth course wine: the rich and complexly flavorful Wente Nth Degree 2008 Syrah (Best of Class). Yoga & Wine: Roots of the Earth Each month we take you into the mind of Wente Vineyards' Fifth-Generation Winemaker, Karl Wente, who muses on everything from wine and food, to yoga and music on his blog. To hear more from Karl, visit www.wentevineyards. com/blog. When I look back at the history of Wente Vineyards and the five genera- tions of family that have helped create what we have become today, I've recognized that focus and dedication have been key factors in our success. Dedication to the land and to our team has always been especially important. Since 1883, a key theme for Wente Vineyards has been the practice of sustainable farming. Today, we not only focus on being stewards of our land, but also ensure that every decision takes care of our people and our planet. For me, I get a sense of connectedness in a broader context through yoga which is a great practice for staying rooted and grounded in life and work so that you can flourish. Yoga has helped me at every level in making, tasting and thinking about wine. Come experience this heightened aware- ness for your mind and palate by joining us this year for our Second Annual Yoga & Wine Series starting on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 and running through the seasons. For more information visit www.wentevineyards.com/events. The award-winning wines served at Livermore's "Taste of the Best" event. 50 / the tasting panel / april 2012 KARL'S KORNER PHOTO: SUZIE RODRIGUEZ