The SOMM Journal

June / July 2016

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4 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } JUNE/JULY 2016 { letter from the publisher } GENEVIEVE JANSSENS, THE VETERAN WINEMAKER AT ROBERT MONDAVI Winery, spoke to a group of press last month to commemorate the 50th anniver- sary of the winery, 1966–2016. Over a three-day period, we tasted 50 wines span- ning these five decades, and I can certainly attest that there was a common thread throughout the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignons and Sauvignon Blancs (Fumé Blanc, as named and branded by Mr. Mondavi all those years ago). From the earliest vintages to the current, there existed elegance and balance, power and grace. The majority of the grapes hailed from the iconic To Kalon Vineyard on the winery property—some of the vines planted as many as 70 years ago. "We continue to showcase the DNA of Mr. Mondavi in our wines today," Janssens announced reverently. And to that, she introduced two of the newer faces of wine - making for Robert Mondavi Winery: Joe Harden and Megan Schofield. There's much to be said about carrying the torch for such a major name in our business. It comes with hope and expectations, talent and faith. For the family busi - nesses in our industry, succession is a generation away. For the other business CEOs, owners and leaders, it is handing over a deed of trust where a combination of sweat equity and living the job 24/7 is just a way of life that equates to the definition of a successful career. Without that work ethic and commitment, it's just a job. We are defined by our titles, our reputations and, when we can actually meet in real life, our personalities. If you excel in what you do, you want that respect from your boss and your peers, but knowing that you're accomplishing great things is something you can honor yourself with better than anyone. In the long run, it will be noticed. We use the pages of The Somm Journal to document those accomplished people in the hospitality industry who can tell their story of success and share their advice, their academic values and ideas. To those who leave their DNA behind for us to absorb, we thank you. They help us carry on and continue to lead the crusade. selected contributors Kyle Billings is a Los Angeles-based writer with a degree in journal- ism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a Certified Sommelier through The Court of Master Sommeliers. He is passionate about history, travel, Carolina basketball and the allure of libations with agreeable company. His adventures are shared with his wife, Kristin, and daughter, Charlotte. And Max, the cat. Eduardo Bolaños began his wine career in Beverly Hills, CA under the tutelage of then Spago Beverly Hills Wine Director Chris Miller. Working at Spago, Eduardo assisted in building the wine cellar that won the Wine Spectator Grand Award in 2010. Eduardo went on to work for top restaurants in Los Angeles Pizzeria Mozza and Chi Spacca. In 2012 he spent time abroad working the wine harvest in Spain, while working as a sommelier at three-star Michelin restaurants Arzak and Akelare. Then in 2014 became an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers. Eduardo currently works as a sommelier at Terroni in Downtown Los Angeles and consults for restaurants in Southern California. Jessica Dupuy is a freelance writer with writing credits for Texas Monthly, National Geographic Traveler, Imbibe, Fodors, The Hollywood Reporter, Saveur, Texas Highways and numerous Austin publications. Her passion for winehas led her to the level of Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers as well as Certified Specialist of Wine and Certified Specialist of Spirits through the Society of Wine Educators. She is a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier–Austin and is on the advisory board for the Wine and Food Foundation of Texas. Christine Havens is a wine writer and former winemaker who has become a Vivino power user with nearly 30,000 followers largely thanks to her wine ratings. In addition to her reviews, she frequently contributes to Vivino, and is a Network Advisory Ambassador for WineVine.tv. Christine has deep roots in the Washington state wine industry. Having worked as a professional winemaker or nearly a decade in Southeastern Washington, she's sourced fruit from some of the most distinctive AVAs in the state, including Walla Walla Valley, Snipes Mountain and Yakima Valley. Of note, she was the first winemaker to have created a private label for Washington State University. Meridith (center) at the Robert Mondavi Winery with the new faces of winemaking: Megan Schofield and Joe Harden. PHOTO: ALEXANDER RUBIN Carrying the Torch

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