Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/205467
LOS ANGELES: Where the Stars Shine Brighter PHOTO: ROB BROWN PHOTO: ROB BROWN The bubbly flowed as we celebrated the winners at one of L.A.'s hottest new restaurants, Ricardo Zarate's Paiche, in Marina del Rey. "We ~ are thrilled to receive two Double Golds this year!" says Jeff Bevan, Vice President of Champagne Collet, which had two winners in the house's Extra Brut and Rosé Champagnes. "This competition is so well regarded throughout the world—even in France—that we consider this an international recognition." PHOTO: ROB BROWN With notes in hand, William Templin, Wine Manager of Total Wine & More in Thousand Oaks, is ready to deliver tasting notes and product reviews to his team. "Total Wine is all about knowledge, and product knowledge is power. We want to show our customers the very best, and this Tour allows us to keep expanding our knowledge and understanding of the products." PHOTO: ROB BROWN The Double Gold Tour gives promising products that are yet to be released, like Miodula's Honey Vodka, a deserved place on the industry's brand radar. "Being awarded a Double Gold medal and being named Best Flavored Vodka by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition are both huge honors," says Conre Oostrom, Chief Commercial Officer for Toorank Distilleries. "Especially as we launch Miodula next year, this is a great help in establishing our product." Dane Throop, Southern California and Hawaii Area Manager for Don Sebastiani & Sons, stops to check out the legs on the winning Don & Sons 2011 B Side Cabernet Sauvignon. "Our wines have evolved from mass-produced bulk wines to smaller-production vineyard-specific wines. It's important for people to know that Don Sebastiani & Sons still makes the kind of world-class wine that is recognized as a Double Gold by the industry's finest experts." november 2013 / the tasting panel / 1 19 TP1113_109-156.indd 119 10/24/13 9:16 AM