The SOMM Journal

August / September 2016

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94 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 The 2016 Somm Challenge judging panel. Front row (left to right): Andrew Judge, Assistant to Winemaker, Saucelito Canyon Vineyards, San Luis Obispo, CA; Courtney Olson, Sommelier, Quince, San Francisco; Scott Reesman, Wine Director, The Lobster, Santa Monica, CA; Robin Puricelli, Wine Director, Dolphin Bay Resort, San Luis Obispo, CA. Middle row (left to right): Nick Nahigian, Manager, Simms Restaurants, Manhattan Beach, CA; Daniel McCullough, Beverage Director, Oenotri, Napa, CA; Jessie Birschbach, Wine Editor, The Somm Journal; Alicia Ajolo, Sommelier, Taste wine-beer-kitchen, Long Beach, CA; Brittany Hastings, Estate Sommelier, Meadowood Napa Valley; Kathleen Thomas, Lead Sommelier, Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas; Amanda Gill, Wine Director, The Cliffs Resort & Marisol, Pismo Beach, CA; Brette Womack, Sommelier, Jack Creek Cellars, Templeton, CA; Ali Carscaden, Owner, 15 Degrees C Wine Shop & Bar, Templeton, CA. Back row (left to right): Paul Alexander, Sommelier, Sonnenalp Resort, Vail, CO; Lannon Rust, Wine Director, Thomas Hill Organics, Paso Robles, CA; Eric Denq, Cellar Master, Spago Beverly Hills; Christian Robert Gourdin, Strategic Account Manager, Epic Wine & Spirits, San Francisco; Evan Vossler, Hospitality Manager, TH Estates, Paso Robles, CA; Michael Smith, 15 Degrees C Wine Shop & Bar, Templeton, CA. Photograph taken at Greengate Ranch & Vineyard, San Luis Obispo. W hen it comes to the world's favorite grape, this annual festival certainly shows its affection for the chameleon-like white variety. Sponsored by Pismo Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau and the Avila Beach Tourism Alliance, the event cel- ebrated global versions of Chardonnay this past May in San Luis Obispo County, along California's stunning Central Coast. The gathering of winemakers, importers, sommeliers/wine buyers and wine lovers was an overwhelming success, and we're already planning to be part of the 2017 event, slated for May 4–6. Mark your calendars! The Symposium bestowed its debut "Legend of Chardonnay" honor to the Wente family, whose Livermore Valley estate—the oldest continuous operating family winery in the country—is largely responsible for the introduction and spread of Chardonnay in the U.S. Here's our report on some of the highlights of this year's Symposium. The 2016 International Chardonnay Symposium Highlights Fourth Generation Winegrower Eric Wente and his son, Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl Wente, accept the "Legend of Chardonnay" Award from the Symposium. SPECIAL REPORT: SPECIAL REPORT: SPECIAL REPORT: SPECIAL REPORT:

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