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THE MESSAGE I Master of Value Ian Becker, Wine Director, The Absinthe Group n his pursuit of on-the-job training, former sommelier and sports writer Ian Becker has found his calling in the role of Wine Director for San Francisco's Absinthe Group, which includes Absinthe Brasserie & Bar, Absinthe Private Dining, Boxing Room, Comstock Saloon and Arlequin Wine Merchant and Café. These bustling opera- tions are perennial favorites with locals and have helped make Hayes Valley a destination for dining-and-drinking visitors alike. Becker's penchant for sourcing directly from producers results in shelves and wine lists that are populated by interesting, reasonably-priced selec- tions. "It's gratifying when regular customers begin to grasp your regard for well-priced wine," said Becker who has clearly differenti- ated the Arlequin Wine Merchant as a go-to source for retail value. Becker initially joined The Absinthe Group in 2005 and worked for the company in various roles before he became Wine Director in 2009. He found a mentor in former wine director Eric Vreede, who now oversees day-to-day management of the company. "We've learned to listen to our customers; the wine lists and our retail selection refl ects what they are asking us for," states Becker, who has simplifi ed the shopping experience at Arlequin by not posting any signage, a tactic that encourages experimentation and makes interac- tion with his well-trained staff a given. As much as quality for value is Becker's modus operandi, his philosophy is centered on the belief that "wine is about personal aesthetic appreciation, it's not about a number." With this approach and through every wine list and bottle that fi nds its way into his customers' hands, he is happily promoting wine as a lifestyle rather than a system. —Deborah Parker Wong Hitting a TY KU Target W hen THE TASTING PANEL announced CeeLo Green's ownership partnering with TY KU Saké in our fi rst- ever double-cover issue in May, we knew that featuring the certifi ed lady-killer on our cover would garner great feedback. We were happy to receive your rave reviews, and were even more proud to vicariously join CeeLo and Team TY KU on a 48-hour whirlwind tour that took the brand to Atlanta, Minneapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago, with CeeLo signing copies of this very publication for buyers and consumers along the way! At the Minneapolis stop, Team TY KU-Lo visited Target headquarters, where TY KU and CeeLo, copies of THE TASTING PANEL in hand, were the center of attention. Team Target, left to right: Tom Smetana, Director MP; Megan Wedin (standing), MP Manager; Rachael Vegas (seated) VP Beverage, Snacks, Pets, Candy; Angela Moeller, Spirits Buyer; Noah Trulen, Market Specialist; Michelle Mejia, Wine Buyer; John Storms, Beer Buyer; Jerika VanValkenburg, Spirits Business Analyst; Bryce Deling, Wine Business Analyst; Gayle Zurn (seated), Market Specilaist; Meghan Draxler, Market Specialist. 18 / the tasting panel / july 2012 PHOTO: COURTESY OF TY KU PHOTO: DEBORAL PARKER WONG