Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/688647
26 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } JUNE/JULY 2016 { introductions } C M Y CM MY CY CMY K ON MAY 15, RAYMOND VINEYARDS HELD AN EXCLUSIVE, by-invitation-only event called the "Judgement of Napa" for members of the media, trade and key influencers to launch Steven Spurrier's Bride Valley English Sparkling Wine in the U.S. The event also celebrated the legacy of the "Judgement of Paris" and Spurrier's contribution to the historical event, which launched Napa Valley wines onto the world stage. Spurrier flew in from England for the event and was alongside Raymond proprietor Jean-Charles Boisset to host the blind tasting, which matched Spurrier's Bride Valley English Sparkling Blanc de Blancs 2013 in a friendly competition against Boisset's JCB No. 9 Russian River Valley Brut Blanc de Blancs 2009. Guests were invited to vote for their favorite and the winning wine was the JCB No. 9 Russian River Valley Brut Blanc de Blancs. Once again, California captured the voter's hearts as the favorite, and it was a fitting tribute paying homage to the original event, which took place on May 24th, 1976. Speaking of the collaboration between Boisset Collection and Bride Valley, Boisset said, "Our dear friend Steven and his family had an endearing vision of producing sparkling wine on par with the world's best in the chalky soils of England . . . At the time of his original vision, as early as 2007, he recognized England's potential for sparkling wine before the world had fully realized its potential. We encouraged him always, and are honored and inspired to be his partner in importing Bride Valley to America." Spurrier went on to add, "After 50 years in wine—and inspired by the unique chalky soils on my wife's Dorset sheep farm—we decided to join the English sparkling wine revolution. In 2008, Bella and I went to select the finest Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier root stocks from Burgundy's famous Pépinières Guillaume vine nursery. In 2011, our very first harvest was picked, selling out on release in 2014. Now we have over 24 acres under cultivation, making three delicious wines, on the chalky south facing slopes above the beautiful Dorset village of Litton Cheney." Boisset Collection is the exclusive importer of Bride Valley English Sparkling wines and will officially launch the brand to the U.S. market in January 2017. The Bride Valley Blanc de Blancs 2013 is selling for $75 and is currently only available in very limited sup - ply at the Raymond Vineyards tasting room. Boisset Collection Introduces Steven Spurrier's Bride Valley English Sparkling Wine Steven Spurrier (left) and Jean-Charles Boisset have a friendly bout over their respective sparkling wines. The New York World Wine & Spirits Competition will be held August 25–26, 2016. Wineries, spirits producers and importers may submit their products to this prestigious judging event by August 15. Medals awarded at the Competition (sibling competition to the San Francisco International Wine Competition and San Francisco World Spirits Competition) are valuable marketing tools for any wine or spirit brand. We look forward to seeing and evaluating your wines and spirits in this year's judging! Full information and entry forms can be found at www.nyworldwineandspiritscompetition.com. Anthony Dias Blue Competition Director PHOTO: ALEXANDER RUBIN CALL FOR ENTRIES!