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with over the last fifty years. Put into a timeframe where conversations about wine were just beginning, Tony has worked and climbed his way through every aspect of the wine business, and today is considered not only the Father of Pinot Grigio, but also a legend in the Golden Age of the wine industry. EPISODE In a double blind tasting with New York sommeliers and retailers, EPISODE 2008 received more first place votes than Opus One 2008, Château Margaux 2008 and Dominus 2008. Retailing for around $175, Episode is a Bordeaux red blend made in Napa Valley and is Terlato's flagship California brand. Winemaker Marisa Taylor and Tony Terlato have created a blend that is one of California's most-exciting reds. —Fred Minnick Tasting EPISODE Tony Terlato with Aldo Sohm, the Chef Sommelier at Le Bernardin and winner of Best Sommelier in the world in 2008. He is partners in a wine that Terlato imports, the Sohm & Kracher Grüner Veltliner. different winemakers. The three of them then sit in a room and create the blend. It's really very special. Finally, we have Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier where we have partnered with Michel Chapoutier in Australia, which includes a Shiraz-Viognier as well as a single- vineyard Malakoff Shiraz. Tell us about your winemakers. Doug Fletcher is our Vice President of Winemaking, but he oversees the four winemakers who work at each winery we own, where each of them helps craft the Terlato Family Vineyards wines. There's Elizabeth Vianna at Chimney Rock, Bryan Parker at Alderbrook, Marisa Taylor at Rutherford Hill and Steve Fennell at Sanford. The brand is purposefully multi-appellational, as it is critical that we use fruit from the appellation where it thrives. Our winemakers are skilled at bringing out the characteris- tics of the land. So the import business is still the biggest part of your business, and the Terlato line is a small, but top-of-the-line operation. Absolutely. My passion is bringing wine to people. As exquisite as a meal is, fine wine will always make the expe- rience more memorable. So importing is important to me. As for the Terlato name, that is the legacy that I knew I wanted to leave my grandchildren. And quite a legacy it is. Tony told me that he doesn't know anyone who's had as much fun as he's had evolving from retailer to vineyard owner, produc- ing wines, and getting to know the personalities behind the restaurants, wineries and brands that he has worked november 2012 / the tasting panel / 63 Whether the lights are dim or filling every inch of the room, EPISODE 2008 with its deep ruby color leaves a lasting impression, whetting the palate for an exciting nose of dark fruits, anise, mocha, chocolate and just a hint of lavender and rose. The wine boasts well- rounded tannins and a velvety structure with a lovely finish. This vintage should keep for a long time.