Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1037369
{ SOMMjournal.com } 99 The SLD SOMM Campers from left to right: Rachel Driver Speckan, formerly the National Wine Director for City Winery Chicago; Jared Sowinski, Director of Wine for The Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ; Julie Dalton, Sommelier for Mastro's Steakhouse in Houston, TX; Michele Fano, Beverage Manager for Silverado Resort & Spa in Napa, CA; Brandon Boghosian, Wine Director for the University Club in San Diego, CA; Barbara Wong, Beverage Director for The Modern in New York; Marc Borel, Beverage Director for the Rainbow Lodge in Houston, TX; Frankie Villar, Sommelier for Maple & Ash in Chicago; Natalia Pecherkina, Sommelier for Halls Chophouse in Charleston, SC; Wendy Heilmann, Director of Wine & Spirits for Pebble Beach Resort in Pebble Beach, CA; Sarah Arceneaux, Sommelier for Brennan's Restaurant in New Orleans, LA; and Master Sommelier Fred Dame. Not pictured and/or obscured by the other campers are Didier Porteaud, General Manager for Ringside Steakhouse in Portland, OR; Scott Taylor, Beverage Director at Harris' Restaurant in San Francisco, CA; Dennis Wood, Wine Director for Chops Lobster Bar in Atlanta, GA; and Christine Soto, owner of Dead or Alive in Palm Springs, CA. particular 2016 vintage all comes from the SLD: 54% Cab, 45% Cab Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot." With the passing of each enlightening conversation, meal, or seminar, it became impossible to deny the powerful poten - tial of the SLD. In a somewhat symbolic journey, the campers began their trip at the winery that topped the French in the Judgment of Paris and ended it with a dinner at the producer that claimed rst place in a rematch ten years later. As we all dined and savored the wine pairings, the winemakers and proprietors spoke of stewardship, sustainability, and collaboration with the utmost devotion: Outside, even as the golden Palisades grew dimmer, their warmth was still abundantly felt. Guests of honor at the Clos Du Val dinner, from left to right: Richard and Marilyn Mendelson; Russ Weis of Silverado Vineyards; John and Ann Marie Conover of Odette Estate; Armen Khachaturian and Steve Tamburelli of Clos Du Val; Desmond Echavarrie, MS; Allison Steltzner of Steltzner Vineyards; and Shannon Muracchioli of Clos Du Val.