Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/68310
THE MESSAGE Merlot from New Zealand Bodegas Fariña Celebrates 70 THE TASTING PANEL's Anthony Dias Blue (left) with Manuel Fariña in NYC. T Jason Denney, NoCal Sales Manager for Oyster Bay Wines, visits THE TASTING PANEL offi ces. A lthough Oyster Bay fi rst made its wines from Marlborough (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir), they have developed a cool- climate Merlot from Hawke's Bay on the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island. I was pleased to see Jason Denney, Northern CA Sales Manager for Oyster Bay, when he stopped by the magazine offi ces last month to taste me on the '11 Merlot. I loved its Bordeaux-like character and was excited to see this wonderful winery add yet another world-class wine to its portfolio. —Meridith May he pioneering Manuel Fariña, known as the "Father Toro" presented Bodegas Fariña's 70th anniversary wine at a luncheon Gastroarte in midtown. Señor Farina is credited for putting the Toro region on the map, playing a key role in the modernization of the D.O. He calls the special edition wine, made from 50-year-old vines, a modern and elegant expression of Toro. Made of 100% Tinto de Toro, the wine spent 12 months in oak, well-integrated with the red and black fruits, layers of violet, spices and chocolate. Typical of the value in Toro, it tastes like a wine that costs twice its SRP of $24.99. —L. B. Offi cially Sipping Louisville mayor Greg Fischer, left, and Jefferson's Reserve President Trey Zoeller kick off the Kentucky Derby Weekend with a mint julep at Louisville's new- est downtown bar, the St. Charles Exchange. 20 / the tasting panel / june 2012 PHOTO: MERIDITH MAY PHOTO: MERIDITH MAY PHOTO: MERIDITH MAY