Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/723381
THE MESSAGE 16 / the tasting panel / september 2016 A t the Mandarin Oriental in Las Vegas, our sister publication, The Somm Journal, hosted a group of 25 resort sommeliers and wine buyers for a seminar called "Digging In to Unique Terroir." Ten wine rep- resentatives from global growing regions tasted the attendees on their most distinctive selections, from Hungary's Tokaj region to Italy's Alto Adige, Barolo and Chianti Classico, from Washington State's Columbia Valley to high-elevation Argentinian Malbec and small- production Champagne. Moderated by Master Sommelier Will Costello, who is Wine Director for Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, the concept of the soil-to-glass nature of these wines was explored in-depth. "This is a wonderful educational tool for somms on the floor," commented Costello. "It's information we can certainly use when pairing wines for customers, but also to further our own edification." The "Digging In" seminar series will continue at this year's SOMM Con in San Diego on Thursday, November 17, moderated by Eric Hemer, MW, MS of Southern Glazer's. For more information, email Meridith May at mmay@sommjournal.com. —Meridith May Thomas Ratcliff, Wine Director at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and Nick Holmes from Jordan Vineyard & Winery. Sanae Haprin, Sommelier at Le Cirque at Bellagio; Steve Hua, Sommelier at Stripsteak; and Claudio Vigani, Wine Director at Alizé at The Palms Casino. Digging In with Las Vegas Somms Anthony Terlato and son John Terlato (center) raise a glass of Rutherford Hill Merlot with winemaker Marisa Taylor and the winery team at Rutherford Hill winery in Napa Valley, CA, to mark 20 years of Terlato family ownership. Rutherford Hill is proud to have achieved numerous 90-plus reviews of its signature Merlot, Barrel Select Red Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay since the Terlato family purchased the winery in 1996. PHOTO: BOB MCCLENAHAN PHOTO: ANNA RUSSELL PHOTO: ANNA RUSSELL Celebrating 20 Years I t was in August of 1996 that the Terlato family purchased their first winery in Napa Valley. "I'm very proud of what we've accomplished at Rutherford Hill in the last 20 years," said Anthony Terlato. "In 2012 we engaged world-renowned wine consultant Michel Rolland, and in 2014 we engaged viticulturists Simonit & Sirch, who have worked with some of the most famous wine- making families in the world." Winemaker/General Manager Marisa Taylor crafts Rutherford Hill Merlot, Barrel Select Red Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. She also produces the spe- cial Bordeaux-style blend called EPISODE, which pays tribute to the newest episode of the Terlato's family wine business. Anthony Terlato and John Terlato (center) glass of Rutherford