Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1037369
30 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 { retail } CELEBRATING THE ONE-YEAR anniversary of its rst branded collection of ne wines, Gelson's Markets is venturing even further into grape territory. With 26 full-service specialty grocery stores located throughout Southern California, the company is set to debut a long-anticipated trio of bottlings: its rst Caber- net Sauvignon and a white Rhône "tribute" blend from celebrated vintner Doug Margerum, as well as an opulent rosé through a rst-of-its-kind collaboration with Wine Spectrum's 2016 Winemaker of the Year, Julien Fayard. Founded in 1951, Gelson's Markets combines the full amenities of a traditional grocery store with the local avor of a neighborhood market. It's clear that its penchant for maintaining high standards for quality, value, and freshness naturally extends to the wine sphere, as Gelson's has opted to work with vintners highly respected in their eld. Produced and bottled by Fayard's label, Azur Wines, the Gelson's 2017 Rosé, a Provençal-style blend from Central California, comprises 88% Syrah and 12% Grenache. The wine immediately stands out with its bright salmon hue, landing on the palate with notes of alpine strawberries and elegant, soft red fruit. Fragrant and dry, it nishes with refreshing acidity. Next in the lineup, the Gelson's 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is produced and bottled by Margerum's Happy Canyon–based Margerum Wines in Santa Barbara County. A velvety dark red with an aroma of black fruit accompanied by notes of plum, spice, and cranberry, this powerful wine offers intensely structured tannins, balanced acidity, and a lush mouthfeel. The Gelson's 2017 Mayfair, meanwhile, is a rich and complex blend from the Los Olivos District of Santa Barbara County. This exceptional white Rhône varietal blend, also from Margerum Wines, features 50% Marsanne, 25% Grenache Blanc, and 25% Viognier. Perfumed orals infused with honey, sweet pea, mint, and tropi - cal fruits emerge full-bodied in the mouth alongside a balanced, lingering acidity. Named in honor of Mayfair Markets, it's a nod to both Gelson's sister company and a bygone era of Southern California. "For 67 years Gelson's has been passionate about bringing the nest, quality- driven items to our customers, especially products that we can offer exclusively," said Ray Brych, Category Manager of Wine, Beer & Spirits for Gelson's. "In seeking out the best winemakers, we are excited to be working with both Doug Mar - gerum and Julien Fayard. These new Gelson's Wines bring an added dimension to our wine offerings, which include in-store wine bars and complimentary, twice- weekly wine tastings in all of our stores." Central Coast winemaker Doug Margerum collaborated with Gelson's to produce a 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a white Rhône varietal blend called Mayfair. Custom Wines for a California Classic GELSON'S MARKETS UNCORKS THREE WORLD-CLASS BOTTLINGS FOR ITS NEW COLLECTION PHOTO: JIMMY HAYES PHOTO COURTESY OF MARGERUM WINE COMPANY Winemaker Julien Fayard is at the helm of Gelson's Markets' new rosé.