Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/348953
{ SOMMjournal.com } 99 but fresh design statements. This really works for somms work- ing in restaurants because so much of wine is presentation— down to the chef picking a wine glass, not because it's great for the wine but because it looks good on the table—and I really think these wines fit the bill. And the truth is, though consum - ers always say it sheepishly, 'Well, sometimes I just buy a great looking label.' It's true—people eat and drink with their eyes." If anything, the room full of L.A.'s top somms and wine buyers were eager and ready for a vocal and enthusiastic exploration of what Ribera has to offer—from the affordable to the more expensive offerings. And the creative juices were flowing, not only from our glasses, but also from the diverse and talented tasters present. Christoff Elce of Public Wine Beer Shop in Long Beach, CA, offered up a tasting note for wine number six that, in some small way, really captures the diversity of the wines we tasted: "It's like Andrés Segovia and Confucius got together for an evening of music and philosophy . . . and Daft Punk crashes the party to everyone's delight." Michael Ploetz, Director of Food & Beverage, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, is an advocate for the diversity and expressive terroir in Ribera del Duero wines. "I think Ribera del Duero is one of the greatest wine regions in the world," he explains. "The wines have a character that is a complete expression of the place and the people, which is what I think truly makes for a great wine growing region." He continues, "These wines also represent quality across the spectrum of pricing, from value to premium." Allan J. O'Donovan, owner of Ciao Cristina; Fred Fedail, Retail Buyer, Gerlachs Liquor; Will Templin, Wine Manager, Total Wine & More; Ed Mamagonian, Sommelier, Restaurant Mi Piace. Jerry Garbus' tasting notes: On the nose, dried cherries, dusted red currants, wild iris and rose petal potpourri, sandalwood with sweet and dusty tannin. On the palate, muted boysenberry is carried by beautiful and sweet tobacco tannin. Pairing note: Smoky red pepper worked beautiful to harmonize with the playful fruit and floral characters to lift the wine rather than eclipse it. Michael Ploetz's tasting notes: A real mouthful of wine, easy-going in its approach but complex, showing aromas of sweet spice, vanilla and red berries. On the palate, chewy gripping tannins are washed by vibrant acidity. Pairing note: I would enjoy this on its own after work, or with lighter-fare meats and poultry. Ed Mamagonian's tasting notes: Dark berries, presence of oak, but not overpowering, good red fruit, solid acidic backbone and structure. Pairing note: This would pair well with cold cuts and cured meats. Joe Baker's tasting notes: On the nose, sage and blackberry leading to medium-grained tannins on the palate with tart cherry, baking spice and hints of cassis. Pairing note: herb and spice-rubbed steak. somms and buyers Wine #1: Bodegas Torremorón 2012 Wine #2: Dominio Romano 2011 Camino Romano Wine #3: Bodegas Torrederos 2010 Wine #4: Viñedos y Bodegas Áster 2009