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Franklin Wine Club Wines And Ciders Of The Northwest Event

Artisanal, Handcrafted Wines And Ciders From The West Coast

Thursday October 20th 2016

Guest Hosts:

Judy Lebel

The Wines:

As one of the Willamette Valley’s oldest wineries Torii Mor started with the vision to pursue elegant, Old World style wines in 1993. Jacques Tardy, 5^th generation winemaker from Nuits St Georges, has been producing our wines with elegance and balance for nearly 15 years. The name Torii Mor derives from the Torii gate in the property’s Japanese garden and the ancient Scandinavian word for earth. Together the name is a nod to Pinot’s expression of terroir and connection to the earth. Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir.

Hanzell is one of California’s iconic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir producers. Established in 1948 with the vision “to produce wines equal to the finest in the world” our Estate sits atop the Mayacamas Mountains in Sonoma Valley’s Moon Mountain AVA. 46 acres of vineyard are planted on a 148 acre estate. Hand tended vineyards, hand harvested and hand sorted grapes, making the way for exceptional wines. In 2012 we introduced our “Sebella” Chardonnay from younger vines and made in a more modern style.

The Ciders:

It is from the 2^nd and 3^rd generations of apple farmers that Snowdrift Cider was born. This 2 ingredient beverage is hand crafted from a variety of tree-ripened apples and fermented with Champagne yeast. Modeled after the dry, English ciders, our Cornice is partially aged in used whisky barrels and our Red is crafted from red-fleshed apples. Both are dry on the palate and offer clean, crisp apple flavors. From the heart of Washington State apple country and available in only 7 states!

About Our Guest Host:

Judy Lebel, CSW, Founder

Judy began her wine career in San Diego, presenting boutique wines to restaurants and hotels, where she brought not only great wines to their tables, but her unique experience working with and learning directly from founders of California wineries.

A move to Ohio spurred her love affair with European wines and she launched several new wine labels. After that, a series of promotions working for Robert Mondavi brought her to Boston via the Northwest. In 2005, the Raymond family brought Judy in to manage their Northeast portfolio.

In 2010, with over twenty years of industry experience behind her, Judy realized the BEST way to fulfill her passion for enjoying fine wine and great food with interesting people (while still paying the rent!) was to embark on her greatest adventure yet. Best Year Ever Wine Agency was born.

At Best Year Ever, Judy helps wine companies and distributors define and achieve their sales goals while respecting their brand and company image. She is a proud recipient of the title “Certified Specialist of Wine” from the Society of Wine Educators, an education organization whose mission is to advance wine education through professional development and certification.

https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/events/234598476/

The Wines:

Wine #1

2014 Torii Mor Pinot Blanc