Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/597666
THE MESSAGE 14 / the tasting panel / november 2015 Celebrating Winemaker Rob Davis's 40th Harvest at Jordan Vineyard & Winery T his past August 24 marked two important occasions at Alexander Valley's Jordan Winery. It was the first day of the 2015 harvest and, for winemaker Rob Davis, marked the beginning of his 40th harvest with the winery. To celebrate, Davis was treated to a party that will go down in winemaker party record books. A surprise luncheon had been arranged and some 30 power-house industry guests, all close friends of Davis, were in attendance, including Dr. Ann Noble, Rob's professor from U.C. Davis, Jean-Claude Berrouet of Château Pétrus and Bruce Bochy of the San Francisco Giants. When Davis was ushered into the room, his shock and elation was palpable and he made his way from person to person, tearing up, expressing personal thanks to each guest. The luncheon featured a 1976 and 1977 Jordan Cabernet (Rob's first two vintages), as well as a 1994 Pétrus—and those early vintages of Davis' really stood the test of time. —Jonathan Cristaldi Jean-Jacques Nadalie, of Nadalie Cooperage in France, presenting Rob Davis with a one-of-a-kind French oak barrel that he personally made. O n September 27, some of Orange County's most acclaimed chefs and bartenders traded in their toques and towels for tuxes and gowns, gathering at Newport Beach's Fairmont Hotel to attend the 4th Annual Golden Foodie Awards. While the formal get-together gave OC food and drink luminaries the chance to walk the red carpet and gallivant like celebrities, the star of the evening was the prize at stake for some of the attendees: A pewter, gold-plated statuette, serving tray held aloft, and inadvertently answering the question of what Oscar might look like if it was in the midst of hosting a fancy dinner party. The evening of glamour saw Alex Filkins of Wild Goose Tavern in Costa Mesa hauling in the prize for Bartender of the Year; an award that was presented by Tim Sample, Southern Wine & Spirits' Division Manager for Greater Orange County. For Sample, the evening and his on-stage participation was a great way for him to recognize his profes- sional roots. "I originally came from the restaurant industry, so it is a great honor for me to present as a means to give back and say thank you," he said. "It's important to me and Southern Wine & Spirits to show support to the community and our clients."—Rich Manning Staying Golden: Southern Wine & Spirits Helps Recognize One of Orange County's Top Bartenders Above: Tim Sample, Southern Wine and Spirits of California; Noor Schepers, Mick's Karma Bar and Alex Filkins of Wild Goose Tavern, Bartender of the Year winner. PHOTO: CHRISTIAN SOSA