Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/164544
THE MEssAgE Whether THE TASTING PANEL goes to the brand execs or the brands call us, there is an abundance of news to report, from the latest releases to behind-the-scenes experiences with some of the world's most influential importers, winemakers, distillers . . . well, you name it. Brief Encounters We may not have enough pages in each issue to devote as much attention as we would like to each person whose path we cross, but please note that if it's in the publication, we deem it noteworthy —Meridith May, Publisher & Executive Editor PHOTO: DEBORAH PARKER WONG Wines for Wheels W Supporters of Wines for Wheelchairs include Greg LaFollette (left), Deborah Bennett, Lookout Ridge vintner Gordon Holmes, Cathy Corison and Marco DiGiulio. hen vintner Gordon Holmes invited an A-list group of winemakers to pool their talents and make wine under his Lookout Ridge label in support of a good cause, he wound up with enough star power to send more than 10,000 wheelchairs to people in developing nations. Holmes launched Wines for Wheelchairs in 2004 as the result of a deeply personal desire to make a difference after his wife Kari was diagnosed with a rare form of Multiple Sclerosis. "There are 150 million people on the planet who have no mobility and no money," said Gordon. Current Lookout Ridge releases (all $100) include two wines made by Marco DiGiulio, a 2006 cabernet from the estate, which sits at the top of the Mayacamas on the Sonoma side of Mt. Veeder, and a 2006 Syrah, Cathy Corison's 2006 Cabernet from her own Kronos Vineyard in Napa and Greg LaFollette's 2009 Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir. Holmes donates one wheelchair for every case of wine sold. —Deborah Parker Wong eventh-generation Jim Beam Master Distiller Frederick "Fred" Booker Noe III is known in Kentucky for his ribs and hams. But you always needed his home address to get that sweet action. Now, the public can taste his recipes at the Jim Beam American Stillhouse Experience. The new "Fred's Smokehouse" is the latest attraction to the distillery that receives more than 100,000 visitors a year. It opened August 14. —Fred Minnick Jim Beam's own Fred Noe enjoys some of his Kentucky smokehouse barbecue. PHOTO: FRED MINNICK It's in the sauce S 16 / the tasting panel / september 2013 september 2013 TP0913_001-33.indd 16 8/22/13 9:16 PM