Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/391612
october 2014 / the tasting panel / 105 PHILIPPA FRYMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BEVERAGE Venetian|Palazzo Most of the Las Vegas somms have the ability to play with extensive wine lists and can add wines born at big producers or boutique wineries alike— the vine is their oyster. Philiappa Fryman does not fall into that group. Being the buyer for the lounges and bars in the Venetian and Palazzo resorts means she faces constraints that many other somms in Sin City never even think about. These unique challenges (or opportunities, if you see the barrel as half full) start with the number of wines that she can realistically carry—it would take under a minute to name all of the wines from her four lounges. Having this very limited selection forces her to carefully select every wine to ensure that each guest sees something he or she would enjoy. Along with finding that delicate balance between mass appeal and a distinct, interesting offering, Fryman must make huge orders of wine (pallets, even), and the winery must continue to supply that particular wine for six months, which drastically reduces her options and cuts out many boutique wineries. While these hurdles make her job difficult, Fryman reveals the trickiest aspect of her position: "It is a lot less hands-on than your typical somm role in a restaurant. That means that any impact I have is indirect—through my selections and my team, which makes these all the more important." Her job might be unique, but she caters to the same consumers, which she identifies as being more knowledge- able about wine and even more eager to learn. "Guests love a story to go along with their wine, and Wente certainly has a rich history." Wente Vineyards Brut Fryman's Notes: This dangerously drink- able brut has aromas of ripe green apple and lemon with floral, petal like notes. On the palate apricot comes forward balanced by minerality and rounded with the classic champenoise brioche-like richness, but fresh! Surprisingly complex with medium- high acid and enjoyable length. Fryman's Pairing: This wine would not only hold its own against the mostly French champagnes at our Laguna Champagne Lounge at Palazzo, but also be an example of how California sparkling at this level is adding depth and interest to the category. The perfect way to start any evening would be to enjoy this wine as an aperitif at Laguna before heading off to an incredible dinner at one of our restaurants. PHOTO: JEREMY BALL BRANDON JONES, GENERAL MANAGER BLT Burger, The Mirage "I'm definitely more involved in spirits and the mixology scene that is exploding in Las Vegas right now," confesses Brandon Jones, a native of the city and an alum of both UNLV's William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration and the famed Nobu Las Vegas for over ten years. While he may admit to focus on bourbons more than Pinots, Jones certainly cannot ignore them—as General Manager of BLT Burger at The Mirage, he does all the tastings and creates the wine list. Along with building a wine list that fits both the establishment and clientele, Jones looks to take what he learned from these experiences and bring them to BLT Burger, a casual dining concept. "I like bringing fine dining touches to our restaurant, and the best way to do that is to start by training and educating the servers to incorporate them when interacting with the guest." To enhance the dining experience for the guest, Jones developed a wine program that even some fine-dining establishments might covet. "We have a little New World and a little Old World in our program; we pair our dishes with a selection from each. I typically go with wines from the coast since they are easier on the palate," Jones divulges. He further notes, "Younger generations love the wines coming out of California." Wente Vineyards 2012 Charles Wetmore Cabernet Sauvignon Jones' Notes: Luxurious mouth- feel that is dry, but not too dry. It's big on flavor, with dark fruits— dark cherry and blackberry—and still maintains some minerality. Jones' Pairing: The Colorado lamb goes beautifully with this wine. The black olive and vegetable flavors with the juiciness of the lamb goes excellent with full flavors of the dark fruits. This fruit and lovely mouthfeel of the Wetmore would match the flavorful meat and cooling yogurt of our lamb tandoori burger with tziki sauce at BLT Burger.