Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/807387
58 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } APRIL/MAY 2017 Kelly Peterson Bates, Sommelier at The Boarding House in Chicago, is looking forward to attending: "I am hoping to learn the lay of the land, creating vivid imagery for the [Alexander Valley in relation to the other Sonoma County] AVAs, the positioning of the Russian River, the winery locations, etc. . . . I am also hoping to get more insight into the specifics of the topography and the geology of the valley, the uniqueness of Alexander Valley, and how that car - ries over into the final product in the bottle." Mike Zigmonski, Wine Director for SoDel Concepts in Delaware, aims to learn "more about the climate, micro-climate and the soil and soil types—really breaking down why the wines are so unique, and why they are world-class Cabs. Also, I definitely want to learn more about the winemakers and why they choose the Alexander Valley." Madeleine Thompson, Beverage Director for Stephan Pyles Flora Street Café in Dallas, desires similar lessons. "I'm hoping to learn what drives the wine producers of the region and what their focuses are for their wines. I find it important to present wines with the context intended by the producer—it's a given that the wine has to be enjoy - able, but to me, one of the exciting things about wine is the backstory and the many influencing factors that created what's in the glass. That being said, another focus going into Cabernet Academy is to learn about all of the geographical and climatic factors that influence these wines. Seeing the lay of the land, walking the vineyards, seeing the soil and overall taking in the region is an inimitable experience." Given the line-up of seminars for this year's Cabernet Academy, the wine buyers will certainly be pleased by having their smart, predetermined questions answered. In addition to a Somm Talk, hosted by Fred Dame, MS, on the age-ability of Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignons, the programmed seminars include: The Weather & Micro-Climates of the Alexander Valley Panelists & Co-Hosts: Hawkes Winery and Alexander Valley Vineyards Location: Hawkes Pyramid Vineyard The Geology & Soils of the Alexander Valley Panelists and Co-Hosts: Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery and Trione Vineyards and Winery Location: Trione Vineyards and Winery The Elevation & Topography of the Alexander Valley Panelists & Co-Hosts: Robert Young Estate Winery and Rodney Strong Vineyards Location: Rodney Strong's Rockaway Vineyard Blending the Best of Alexander Valley: The Best Terroir, Grapes and Growers Hosted by: Jordan Vineyard & Winery and Francis Ford Coppola Winery Location: Francis Ford Coppola Winery The distinguished panelists enjoying the view of Alexander Valley from the Jordan vine- yards (left to right): Brent Young, Vineyard & Ranch Manager, Jordan Vineyard & Winery; Rob Davis, winemaker, Jordan Vineyard & Winery; Bret Munselle, former President of Alexander Valley Winegrowers and current board member of the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission; Fred Dame, MS. Kelly Peterson Bates, Sommelier at The Boarding House in Chicago. Mike Zigmonski, Wine Director for SoDel Concepts in Delaware. Madeleine Thompson, Beverage Director for Stephan Pyles Flora Street Café in Dallas. A component wine tasting at Jordan Vineyard & Winery.