Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/884376
october 2017 / the tasting panel / 107 PHOTOS COURTESY OF 3 BADGE BEVERAGE CORPORATION "Since we've been in the wine industry, my family has been looking to break down bar- riers," Sebastiani explains. "A lot of potential, and even existing customers, are intimidated by the pretention that goes along with wine. We want people to pay $15–$25 dollars for a bottle of wine and not only feel happy about what they paid for, but also feel like they're getting bang for their buck." Eventually, those deep roots expanded beyond Sonoma Valley; 3 Badge Beverage has released wines from all over the world, and has now moved beyond the state with its new portfolio of Cedar + Salmon from the Pacific Northwest. "This region is gaining in consumer- awareness and acceptance," Sebastiani says. "It is a new odyssey for us, since we have been growers in Sonoma and California for generations. It's a whole new social network with a lot of new faces and relationships, but everything is still family-owned and there is an intimacy to the community up in Oregon, so it feels similar to Sonoma in many ways." Celebrating the connection to nature near and dear to the Pacific Northwest region, Cedar + Salmon showcases this appreciation of the outdoors with a portfolio consisting of two varietals from Willamette Valley, a 2016 Pinot Noir (SRP $24.99) and a 2016 Pinot Gris (SRP $18.99), along with a 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP $24.99) from Horse Heaven Hills in Washington. Harvested earlier than any previous vintage in the Willamette Valley, this Pinot Noir fermented on the skins for 15–20 days and was aged in a combination of oak and stainless steel for seven months. The nose leads off with aromas of blackberries and plums, while red cherries, strong red plums, and hints of herbs come through on the palate. The complexity of Pinot Gris can be traced back to the smaller yields of the 2016 harvest, which the 3 Badge Beverage team balanced by sourcing from a wide range of vineyards. The nectarine and white peach on the nose transition to notes of lemon, lime, lychee, and ginger; the sharp acidity brings about a crisp finish, which pairs well with a variety of food like grilled zucchini salad and steamed fish. "It was rewarding to find the best wine for each," Sebastiani comments. "It takes a lot of work to maintain consistency across all of our brands while still allowing for the flexibility to bring unique wines of quality to the consumer. After all, this isn't just a business for us: It's a lifestyle." And that lifestyle, fortunately for customers, can be bottled and enjoyed. A Fresh Look for Plungerhead's Packaging "Trying to find the equilibrium between belonging in the competitive space on the shelf and standing out is a difficult line to toe," comments Sebastiani. With this balance in mind, 3 Badge Beverage decided to update the packaging of its Plungerhead line of wines. The distinct character of Edgar B. Plongerheid remains on the label, but now stands out against a bold red backdrop. "The new label pops on the shelf—it is like turning on a light switch on the retail level," he continues. Along with unveiling its new appearance, Plungerhead also introduced a 2015 Petite Sirah (SRP $14) this summer. This Lodi blend includes Tempranillo (5%), Merlot (4%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (1%), which ages in French, American, and Hungarian oak. The juice inside shines as brightly as the newly-updated exterior.