Show 182, July 30, 2016: LA International Wine Competition

Jim PalmerFor 77 years, the Los Angeles International Wine Competition has showcased the finest domestic and international vintages through a wine-tasting event that is widely considered to be one of the most prestigious in the United States. The winning wines are available for tasting at the upcoming L.A. County Fair.

Malibu winemaker Jim Palmer Vineyards scored an impressive 98 point rating from the judges for his 2014 Pinot Noir earning a Gold Medal. Palmer’s wine bested 3000 plus entries from around the Globe. He’s our guest along with Master Sommelier Michael Jordan, the Competition Chairman.

Judged in May using a point system, the wine competition saw 3,010 international wines tasted. Many varietals and price ranges were represented, with the point system acknowledging each varietal’s special attributes and providing a level of precision in the competition’s wine ranking systems, a benefit for the competition and wine enthusiasts.

Wines were tasted by an international panel comprised of judges ranging from Master Sommeliers to chefs to wine writers. There were a total of 168 Best of Class Awards, 572 Gold Medal Awards, 1,271 Silver Medal Awards and 736 Bronze Medal Awards.

“The wonderful thing about our competition is that you’ll find something for everyone among the winners,” said competition chairman Michael Jordan, Master Sommelier, Certified Wine Educator and director of global key accounts with Jackson Family Fine Wines. “From the complex with a higher-price point for the experienced palate to wonderful lower-price point wines for the novice, our winners represent a variety of wines.”

Jim Palmer points out there is a (not well known) rich history of wine-making in Los Angeles prior to Prohibition (which then put most L.A. wineries out of business.) He recommends the book, Los Angeles Wine: A History from the Mission Era to the Present by Stuart Douglas Byles.

Jim’s current wine releases are available for tasting and purchase at Cornell Winery and Tasting Room on Mulholland Highway in Agoura. You can also find his wines on the lists at Spago Beverly Hills and Bouchon Beverly Hills.

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