Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/674905
14 / the tasting panel / may 2016 THE MESSAGE Brief Encounters Whether The Tasting Panel goes to the brand execs or the brands call us, there is an abundance of news to report, from the latest releases to behind-the-scenes experiences with some of the world's most influential importers, winemakers, distillers . . . well, you name it. We may not have enough pages in each issue to devote as much attention as we would like to each person whose path we cross, but please note that if it's in the publication, we deem it noteworthy. —Meridith May, Publisher & Editorial Director 14 / the tasting panel / may 2016 Angels & Cowboys' co-founder and CEO Yoav Gilat. Ready for Rosé W ith summer around the corner and the U.S. experiencing a boom in rosé, it seems the February 2016 release of the Angels & Cowboys 2015 Rosé came at just the right moment. The Cannonball Wine Company, whose portfolio includes Cannonball Wines, Angels & Cowboys and Astrolabe Wines, launched the first vintage of Angels & Cowboys Rosé in 2013 as a the 500-case passion project. "We set out to create an approachable but sexy wine—both in the glass and on the shelf—to grow alongside our company and the category. We knew that pairing a great wine with eye-catching label art created by our partnering with nationally recognized graphic artist, Michael Schwab, would bring the brand to life while appealing to rosé drinkers across the category," explained Angels & Cowboys co-founder and CEO Yoav Gilat. "We've also invested in organic marketing efforts to expand our reach to target geographic and demographic markets, using our tapped-in regional sales directors and marketing partnerships at coveted events such as San Francisco's Outside Lands music festival. We're excited to be evolving with the industry." Angels & Cowboys' rosé production, which doubled from 2014 to 2015, has exceeded industry growth trends through partnerships with restaurants and high-quality grocers including Whole Foods and Central Market. —Izzy Watson PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CANNONBALL WINE COMPANY