Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/455266
january/february 2015 / the tasting panel / 57 PHOTO: DOUG YOUNG Flipping the term "flavored" on its head is Infuse Cinnamon Apple Vodka. Winning a Double Gold medal and also crowned Best Flavored Vodka, Infuse Cinnamon Apple Vodka pays homage to the Old World ways of infusing vodka with real fruits and spices. "I set out to create a flavored vodka that was natural, with no added sugars, dyes, syrups or artificial ingredients," says Seth Benhaim, CEO of Infuse Vodka. "It is such an honor for our tireless hard work to be recognized by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition," adds Benhaim. Infuse Vodka Orange Clove Vodka also won top honors (Best Flavored Vodka) at the 2014 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition, proving that Benhaim and his team are doing something right over at Infuse Vodka! PHOTO: MONA SHIELD PAYNE With an actual sliver of dried apple and a cinnamon stick floating in the bottle, Infuse Cinnamon Apple Vodka is made in Los Angeles and distilled from Kansas corn. Having met Executive Director (and EIC for THE TASTING PANEL) Anthony Dias Blue in 1987, winemaker Kim Hartleroad had a gut feeling that the judges at the San Francisco International Wine Competition would have a good professional read on his Blue Cape Cellars 2012 Pinot Noir from Sta. Rita Hills. "I wanted to make a wine that spoke of the Central Coast. It was a conscious decision to keep the alcohol levels low and not manipulate the grapes in order to allow the true characteristics of the terroir shine through," says Hartleroad. Named after Hartleroad's late mother Aletha, who proudly wore a blue cape in her duties as a caring registered nurse, Blue Cape Cellars 2012 Pinot Noir's Double Gold medal has helped put them on the map. The Niner Wine Estates 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles not only won a Double Gold, but also Best Cabernet Sauvignon and Best in Show, Red. In other words, the Niner Cabernet Sauvignon won every acco- lade it could at the 2014 San Francisco International Wine Competition! "We are thrilled with our win at the 2014 San Francisco Competition," says Tucker Spear, Director of Sales for Niner Wine Estates "It was amazing to come out on top at such a prestigious competition. Our big win did a lot for us at the winery, invigorating our team and reinforcing the hard work we've done. It also gets us motivated for this year's harvest as we try to replicate our success!" PHOTO: MONA SHIELD PAYNE PHOTO: DOUG YOUNG