Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/86618
THE MESSAGE 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 infl uential importers, winemakers, distillers . . . well, you name it. Brief Encounters 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 & Executive Editor Cruising the Bay with Beaujolais A nthony Collet and Jesse Becker, MS of Inter Beaujolais commandeered the yacht Empress for an in-depth look at the wines of Beaujolais during a sunset cruise of San Francisco Bay. The evening, orchestrated by SOPEXA, combined Becker's insightful guided tasting with spectacular Bay views. Becker, who owns and operates Périphérique Wine Merchants in San Francisco with his wife Elizabeth, discussed the merits of 12 wines, including producers from the ten Beaujolais crus. "Pink granite is the classic soil type associated with Beaujolais, and the combination of older vines that are planted to higher-elevations site s result in pronounced aromatics and elegant acid profi les in the wines." Cru producers included well-known names like Joseph Drouhin, Georges Duboeuf, Georges Descombes and Henry Fessy. In addition, Becker selected Domaine des Billards, Clos de la Roilette, Domaine de la Chapelle, Christophe Pacalet, Daniel Bouland and Domaine del al Voûte des Croze to demonstrate a range of styles. — Deborah Parker Wong Jesse Becker MS, who owns and operates Périphérique Wine Merchants in San Francisco with his wife Elizabeth, skillfully navigated tasters through a fl ight of 12 Beaujolais wines. 16 / the tasting panel / october 2012 C M Y CM MY CY CMY K PHOTO: DEBORAH PARKER WONG