AMERICAN SOCIETY® NEWS Promoting Appreciation of Wine Through Education Volume 29, No. 6 www.americanwinesociety.org December 2015

Contents President’s Message Frank Aquilino AWC Results 14 We've just arrived back home after a very suc- AWS 50th Anniversary 3 cessful National Conference in Tysons Corner, . This AWS Educational Foundation 19 year's attendees were treated to Chapter Events 7 warm hospitality from the wineries and the local Government Affairs 5 chapter members of Virginia. A very special session saw all 643 National Conference News 4 attendees tasting Bordeaux in a once in a lifetime seminar led National Office News 3 by Paul Wagner of Balzac commu- nications. The AWS this year gave National Tasting Project `10 its Award of Merit honor to Mr. Chuck Wagner of Caymus Vine- Obituaries 9 yards. Mr. Wagner was as honored to receive this award as the American Wine Society was to recog- Treasurer’s Report 12 nize him. Each year the society also recognizes an Outstanding Member. Wine Judge Certification 4 This year that award went to this publications editor and longtime member Pam Davey. Having known Pam for many years it was Winemaker’s Journal 5 truly an honor for me to present the award to her. The attend- ance at this year's conference was the largest we've seen in the last 10 years and it is truly our desire to have next year's confer- ence and the ones following to be larger and with better repre- sentation from chapters in all 50 states not just those closest to the conference site. Because the conference is supported by in- Marketing dustry friends and loyal volunteers we can put together a confer- Kristin Kraft ence that includes seven seminars, two wine receptions with full buffet's, two breakfasts two lunches, a Saturday evening banquet for less than $500 per person. There is nothing in the wine world American Wine Society? Never heard of it. that can match this, truly a bargain. In Tysons Corner, I asked at lunch how many This coming year tasks your Board of Directors with several major people had been to wineries or wine shops organizational changes. The number one objective is to select a where the owners had never heard of the AWS. new Executive Director. A new Member Services Manager must A lot of hands went up. Most wine consumers also be chosen because the MSM must reside close to the Execu- haven’t heard of us either. tive Director in order to coordinate the projects that the national office does. Diane Meyer will continue as conference chairman for We want to change that! We are reforming the AWS Market- 2016. We will be reviewing our website hosting organization "Your ing Committee to spread the word about AWS. We hope Membership, "Several options will be discussed and voted on. to increase our membership AND improve the discounts and Conference registration methods and procedures will also be other benefits available to members. reevaluated. The national website is now a major source of mem- ber and nonmember information about wine education, but it We’re looking for people with fresh ideas, energy and a little needs to be updated and expanded if we want to attract younger spare time to help market our brand across the country. We wine lovers and those interested in wine who would like to in- will explore ideas big and small—everything from social media crease their knowledge and experience with us. Therefore, we will and press releases to sponsorships and beyond. If you have be seeking a "Website Manager" to be responsible for the layout marketing experience that you'd like to put to use, please and content of AmericanWineSociety.org. Tying in with the in- contact me at [email protected]. crease use of our website, we will be searching for a "Marketing Manager" to chair the national committee that has been dormant. The national survey that you received earlier in the year had many members taking the time to not only fill out the question- naire but to ask questions also, I will be answering many of those questions in future columns. We want to show you our members that we care and want to respond to your concerns, questions, problems and suggestions. Frank [email protected] Editor’s Musings Pam Davey

The American Wine Society, found- Wow—the 2015 National Conference was fab- ed in 1967, is the oldest and larg- ulous. Thanks to Diane Meyer, the Board of est consumer based wine educa- Directors and the Conference Committee for tion organization in North Ameri- organizing and orchestrating this event. ca. We are a non-profit, education- al corporation. Membership is open Before most of the attendees arrived, a dedicated group of to the general public and is benefi- volunteers, led by Al Guber Jr., organized the wines that Tom cial for those who have a keen and Marj Wallman had procured for the tastings and meals. interest in wine, winemaking and/ Volunteer judges and stewards conducted our annual Amateur or wine culture. Our mission is and Commercial Winemaking competitions, coordinated by Joe “Promoting Appreciation of Wine Dautlick, Mary Riggle and Harvey Reissig. In the Amateur Through Education.” competition, 358 wines earned medals—18 Double Gold, 31 www.americanwinesociety.org Gold, 146 Silver and 162 Bronze. See pages 14-18 for the complete results.

In the Commercial Competition, 518 medals were awarded. See the AWS Website for the complete results. Meanwhile, the Wine Judge Training students were carefully listening to their instructors and preparing for their exams. AWS National Office Eleven students completed the program this year. See page 4 John Hames Executive Director for more information on them and the program. Mike Farren Member Service Manager P. O. Box 279 Englewood, OH 45322 Phone (888) AWS-9070 (888) 297-9070 Fax (937) 529-7888 Email [email protected] [email protected] Website www.americanwinesociety.org On Thursday evening, the gala Virginia Reception gave us the 2016 AWS National Officers opportunity to sample wines from the host state, with a great selection of foods. I don’t know how they arranged it, but President Frank Aquilino Thomas Jefferson was on-hand to chat with us. Vice President Kristin Kraft Secretary Joe Broski Treasurer Tom Wallman Directors at Large Competitions Joe Dautlick Education Aaron Mandel Membership David Falchek AWS News Staff Pam Davey Editor [email protected] Friday began with our traditional Champagne breakfast. After the first set of sessions, the entire conference was treated to a John Hames Publisher special Bordeaux tasting featuring 7 wines. As an added bo- [email protected] nus, we had more Bordeaux wines with our Blackened Spiced Lee Baldieri [email protected] Strip Steak lunch. Thanks to Paul Wagner for presenting the Joe Broski [email protected] Grands Crus de Bordeaux to us. Tom Cobett [email protected] Bonnie Huber [email protected] Diane Meyer [email protected]

The AWS News is the official newsletter of the American Wine Society. It is published bi-monthly in February, April, June, August, October and December. It is also posted on our website www.americanwinesociety.org.

We welcome your comments, letters and articles. Please send your contributions to the editor After lunch, 2 special awards were given—Danny Kline, Out- [email protected]. standing RVP and Percy Dougherty, Outstanding Chapter Chair. The day ended with our gala ISSN 1543-205X Showcase of Wine featuring wines from all over the country and world. Cont. on Page 6

AWS News December 2015 Page 2 National Office News AWS 50th Anniversary—2017 John Hames Jane Duralia

As I write this article, I’m still trying to catch up I had the opportunity to converse with an in- on all the post-conference things that have to be credible assembly of AWS members at this handled. Things like updating our website, paying year’s National Conference at Tysons Corner! the conference bills, posting competition results, So much enthusiasm in sharing a plethora of etc., etc. ideas about how we should celebrate our Gold- en Anniversary in 2017. So, now we move on to the next phase of the AWS year, membership renewals, and there’s something new I distributed inquiries at the conference, receiving 177 an- to announce on that front. At our Nov. 4 meeting, the Board of swered questionnaires with exciting thoughts of how to sa- Directors approved offering a three-year membership renewal lute our supporters who have helped to develop and nurture option at a discounted rate. Individual memberships could re- this fine organization, reminiscing the strides through those new for three years for $124 and Household memberships for 50 years, the good and the some not so good, but how we $158 – that’s more than a 15% savings on your dues! Because have always prevailed and grown. of the discounted rate, these will be non-refundable but hey, if you like being an AWS member, why not renew for three years Wine has been the universal language to get us through and save a little money. Of course, single year renewals will these times. The tenacity of our leaders from the very origin also be available and the normal rates. These options are now with Konstantin Frank, determined and hard working to bring active, so look for them when you renew. us to a membership 5500 strong across the country. I have received numerous emails from very interested members Did you know AWS dues have remained the same since 2009? who want to have a “finger in the pie” as we move forward in From 2000 through 2009, dues were increased (5) times due planning this event. to financial issues the society was having at that time. After 2009, we made a lot of changes to get control of expenses as I am methodically reviewing each communication and cate- well as provide more service to AWS members. The results of gorizing the thoughts into a timeline of who, what, when and these efforts allowed us to meet our financial needs without where to share with each of you. We would like to celebrate increasing dues and for 2016, they will remain the same as the entire year of 2017 with mini events simultaneously they were in 2009. across the country so as many of the AWS members who want to participate have the opportunity and wherewithal to At the same time, AWS members now receive much more val- do so. So times a wastin’. ue and service than they did back in 2009. For example….. If you have thoughts to share or your chapter has an idea for  In 2009, we only published two issues of the Wine Jour- an event, communicate with me ASAP. We want to be ready nal each year, now we’re publishing four to kick off the celebration in January 2017, not a moment to hesitate. Let me hear from  In 2009, we only published four issues of the AWS News you, NOW!! Thank you in each year, now we’re publishing six advance for your support  In 2011, we hired a full time Member Service Manager to and ideas. provide better service to our chapters and members It’s going to be a real Wing- ding!! Write to me.  In 2011, we started offering an Individual membership option at a lower rate. Prior to this, our single members had to pay the same as couples Jane [email protected] Don’t you wish everything you buy could go seven years with- out a price increase and improve services at the same time? AWS membership continues to be a great value, year after year. New Members by State 1/1—11/15/2015 Just in time for Christmas…..Dr. Konstantin Frank book is now on sale – learn about the founder of the American AL 37 KY 26 NY 32 Wine Society! “Finger Lakes Wine and the Legacy of Dr. Kon- stantin Frank” is available for $21.99 + shipping on the web AZ 13 MA 11 OH 31 but, as a service to AWS members, we have copies available for only $16 + $3 shipping = $19. Get your copy by mailing a CA 130 MD 24 OR 14 check for $19 to our PO Box or calling me with a credit card number. Not too early to start thinking about Christmas gifts CO 67 MI 26 PA 198 for your wine loving friends…. John CT 11 MN 11 SC 52 [email protected] DC 6 MO 14 TN 4 DE 9 NC 72 TX 36 FL 34 ND 4 UT 8 GA 21 NE 4 VA 87 HI 8 NH 4 WI 6 ID 3 NJ 52 WV 4 IL 26 NM 18 Other* 13 IN 12 NV 30 TOTAL 1176

*AK, LA, MT, OK, ON, TN, Cameroon

AWS News December 2015 Page 3 Wine Judge Certification Program National Conference News Aaron Mandel Diane Meyer

2015 was a tremendous year for the Wine The 2015 National Conference in Tysons Cor- Judge Certification Program. Eleven students ner, Virginia is officially complete and I’m were enrolled in the third year class and they thrilled with how wonderfully well the event all successfully completed the program. We went, but a little sad it is over. For those of will start preparations for the 2016 class year you who were lucky enough to attend, I hope soon and anticipate our teleconferences will you enjoyed yourselves and learned about a few new wines begin in late January. We also expect to have a spring year along the way! one class in Virginia. I have consistently said that you are only as strong as your We want to congratulate the new judges who completed the team so I would once again like to thank my committee for course this year. They can stop buying fault kits and hearing helping me put on an amazing event and being my support Mike Blake and me in their dreams imploring them to during this huge undertaking. Mike Farren, Denise Gibson, “remember those descriptors.” We hope they enjoy judging in Diane Kean, Margy Natalie, Melissa Bartlett, Grant Crandall, competitions and that they will continue to remain active with Tom and Marj Wallman, John Hames, Al Guber, Mike Wasen- the AWS and with the Wine Judging Program for years to burg and Chris Braun THANK YOU! I couldn’t have done it come. The new judges are: without you. Rick Allen Lois Kaneshiki Cindy Sproehnle Dave Caruso Scott Montgomery Paul Tonacci I would also like to thank all of the session speakers who Rick Cusker Ron Natalie Bill Wigle came to Virginia to teach us and let Laurie Jaeger Joseph Paparella us learn something new. You gave us We also had 3 wine judge graduates recertify this year. As has tasting and learning experiences you been expressed many times, the people who graduated the can only get at an AWS Conference. I program in the past will always be wine judge graduates. How- experienced many outstanding tast- ever, the AWS decided to require recertification every 5 years ing moments and will remember for those who wished to be recommended by the Society for them for a very long time. From talk- competitions. Recertification is completed by taking the same ing to other attendees I know they final examination that is taken by students in the program. feel the same way. I had many won- This year, Jack Sproehnle, Donnie Nettles and Kristin Kraft are derful conversations and thank most congratulated on becoming re-certified. of you in person but in case we didn’t cross paths THANK YOU so much for sharing your knowledge The location and time for the spring class is being discussed. and your wines with us! We will likely return to the Virginia location. As always, the class takes a full day. The cost of the spring program is higher, We would like send a HUGE thank you to Union des Grands as we have to get space for the class and bring in the instruc- Crus de Bordeaux, Paul Wagner and Marj Wallman for tors, but it is a wonderful opportunity to cut time off the pro- the spectacular session and meal wines you organized and gram by taking the first year exam in March and the second provided for all our members on Friday. year in November at the conference. The exact date has not Thank you to Wente for sponsoring the incredible meal wines yet been selected, but it will likely take place in mid-March. at the lunch on Saturday and to Michael Wangbickler for the Don’t delay—contact me if you’re interested in the March class. presentation. If you want to start the program in November, please contact Thank you to the Virginia Wine Marketing Board for sponsor- me as soon as possible. The class has sold out the last 3 years ing the Welcome Reception and for putting together a won- so don’t wait until conference registration. Teleconferences will derful tasting of Virginia wines for us to enjoy. start in January and students will want to purchase the wines for the program and commence their studies. While attending Thank you to Pearmund Cellars and Chris Pearmund specifi- the teleconferences is not required, it is highly recommended. cally, for letting us take over your warehouse and be ongo- Students have indicated they are very helpful in learning to ing support for all the pre-conference shipping and sorting judge wines. needs. Thanks to all of the great instructors involved in the program. Thank you to Balzac for your continued support of our Con- The recent success of the program is due to their hard work ference. There are so many of the sponsors, sessions and and efforts. The program could not make it without them: Bet- wines that were only there because of you. ty Nettles, Pat Valas, Kathy Webb, Barry St Pierre, Joe Daut- lick, Bob Madill, Lorraine Hem, Dave Barber, Nancy Slick and Thank you to Bremner Wafers once again for the crackers we Walt Rachele. Their dedication to the program and the stu- used to cleanse our pallets during the Conference. Every dents is greatly appreciated. I also need to thank Mike Blake time I see a Bremner Wafer of I think of the AWS Confer- who has patiently run the teleconference and helped students ence and it makes me smile. maintain their sanity. Thank you to all the wineries, importers and presenters who supported our Showcase of Wine on Friday night. You gave Aaron us your time, your knowledge and your wines to enjoy and [email protected] we appreciate it so much. Thank you to all of the wineries that donated wines for our meals. Your generosity was enjoyed by all and appreciated so very much. Caymus Pearmund Cellars Chateau Frank Presque Isle Wine Cellars Emmolo Wines King Estate Vineland Estates Klinker Brick Thank you to all the AWS members who volunteered their time before and during Conference to make this Conference run so smoothly. We would not be able to run our Conference without you. Cont. on Page 6

AWS News December 2015 Page 4 Government Affairs Winemaker’s Journal Tom Cobett Lee Baldieri

OTTAWA, CANADA: The issue with COOL (country of origin labeling) is not going well for 2015 Grape Harvest Results anyone. Canada’s new agriculture minister said The 2015 grape harvest resulted in an inter- the government will con- esting year for winemakers’ across the USA. tinue demands for a full repeal of the California experienced a year of drought and United States’ COOL rule. Minister Law- in the Lake County area; the people were faced with wild rence MacAulay said he had discussed fires that burned through over 75,000 acres and the fires COOL with Agriculture Secretary Tom displaced over 1,000 families from their homes. Vilsack and the US Ambassador to Canada, Bruce Hayman. He In the Napa and Sonoma areas, the harvest began as early said Canada will implement retaliatory tariffs if they are, as August 24th with the Alexander Valley area beginning as “Forced to do it.” early as August 19th. Along with this, dry vineyard farmers Canada and Mexico are seeking more than $3 billion in tariffs have experienced a slight drop in their grape production but against the US for failing to repeal COOL. The World Trade vineyards with plenty of water for irrigation seemed to meet Organization is due to release its ruling on Dec. 7. their production goals. WASHINGTON, D.C.: According to Wine America, “The I was able to verify the struggles California vineyards experi- Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) enced when I visited one of my grape suppliers in New York. trade agreement announced by I went there the second week of September and learned they the United States and 11 other already had grapes from the California Central Valley. The Pacific Rim nations is expected owner complained that his refrigerator was full of grapes but to eliminate existing high tariffs the winemakers were holding back from buy their grapes. placed on American wines They were waiting because they weren’t accustomed to abroad and establish more en- starting their winemaking so early in September and many of forceable trade rules for wine.” winemakers preferred to begin their winemaking in early October. He left me with the thought that he might have his The 12 TPP countries are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cana- staff start calling his customers to alert them to the early da, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singa- grape harvest and urge them to buy the grapes while they pore, United States and Vietnam. The final text is not com- are still fresh. pleted, nor has it yet been released to be the public. Congress must approve the final agreement before the President can In September, I received 2 email questions regarding the sign it, but may not offer amendments. purchase of grapes and the best method for reading the po- tential alcohol when starting the fermentation phase of wine- The National Farmers Union opposes the TPP deal. Their big- making. gest concern is that TPP does not do anything about the ma- nipulation of currency by countries the United States trades When determining the amount of grapes that need to be with. President Obama asks people to read the TPP deal them- purchased to produce a given amount of wine, I have always selves. "Along with the text of the agreement, we've posted used the rule of a 36 pound case of grapes USUALLY produc- detailed materials to help explain it," Obama wrote in an op- es approximately 2.5 gallons (9.46L) of wine. This formula ed for Bloomberg. "It's an unprecedented degree of transpar- assumes no acidified water is added, no hard pressing has ency — and it's the right thing to do." been performed, and wine is racked off the gross lees. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., tweeted out a picture showing just Now that I have made this statement, each year the end how hard it might be for the average person to read the deal. result of my winemaking shows me that this isn’t quite right. His tweet showed a pile of paper about three feet high on his I overestimate for and desk. where I received 2.2 gallons per case, and I under-predicted when I purchased , and . In order NAPA, CALIFORNIA: It can be an odd thing having Nan- to compensate for the unknown output, I usually order an cy Pelosi as your next-door neighbor. "When all the black additional 2 or 3 cases of grapes. The additional wine gives SUVs are circling around the property—that is when you know me some toping wine and to replace wine loss through filter- they are here," Susanna Kelham, who owns a winery next to ing and/or racking. (Formula: # of cases of wine X 2.5 = the Pelosi property in St. Helena, told the Los Angeles Times. gallons of wine.) That was the scene last year when Pelosi hosted a dinner at I replied to the second email by first explaining the use of a the couple's sprawling estate and vineyard about 65 miles hydrometer. A winemaker uses a north of San Francisco. The estate on Zinfandel Lane is valued hydrometer to measure the crushed between $5,000,001 and $25 million, according to the records grapes (must) or juice during the the congresswoman filed with the House clerk's office for cal- fermentation phase of winemaking. endar year 2014 In order to keep its use as simply as possible, there are several types of The Napa County Planning Commission gave the Pelosi family hydrometer available for purchase. the OK in 2005 to operate a 5,000-gallon-a-year winery. They The most common is a simple triple have yet to build a full-fledged winery on the property. scale hydrometer and tube to float it LONDON, ENGLAND: “Strange but True” (from the AP) Brit- in that will cost under $15.00 and, ish officials have welcomed the return home of 74-year-old with a little care, it will last forever. Karl Andree, a British man who had faced flogging in Saudi However, I cannot remember how Arabia after being imprisoned for making wine. He faced 350 many times I have dropped and bro- lashes as punishment. Andree had been in a Saudi prison ken hydrometers over the years. since August for break- Winemakers use the triple scale hydrometer to read specific ing that country's strict gravity (SG), potential alcohol and brix. The instrument is anti-alcohol laws. used to read and record the specific gravity and brix at the beginning of grape fermentation, monitor the progress of the Tom fermentation, and finally test it when the fermentation has [email protected] concluded. Cont. on Page 6

AWS News December 2015 Page 5 National Conference Cont. from Pg. 4

Lastly, thank you to all the AWS Members for coming to this event year after year, having so much sup- port of each other, saying such wonder- ful things, pitching in and having each other’s back so we can pull this crazy event off, smiling and enjoying yourselves so much. You make me feel proud to be a part of this organization and I am already looking forward to next year. Nov. 3-5, 2016 Costa Mesa, California Cheers! Diane [email protected]

Winemaker’s Journal Editor’s Musings Cont. from Pg. 5 Cont. from Pg. 2

Saturday morning started with the AWSEF breakfast where If the winemaker decides to use the Brix scale of the hydrome- Eileen Tobias received the Award of Merit. After lunch, Rege ter, the potential alcohol content of the must or juice can be Duralia revealed the results of the 2015 NTP (see pages 10- read. Taking this reading before the fermentation begins, al- 11). Sharyn Kervyn announced that the 2016 NTP will feature lows the winemaker to determine the sugar level of the selections from the —more information will be grapes. Once he knows this value, the potential alcohol will be sent to chapter chairs soon. approximately ½ of the reading. For example, if the reading is 28 brix, the potential will be approximately 14%. If the wine- maker determines the starting brix is too high, an adjustment to lower the finished alcohol level can be made with the addi- tion of acidulated water. There are many internet sites where more information on the use of a hydrometer can be found. Finally, our winemaking has taken a bit of a back seat for this harvest season. My winemaking partner had major surgery on September 14th. Thank God the surgery was successful but we had to put winemaking off. In his absence, I put in our normal grape order and our supplier crushed the grapes; placed the crushed grapes in 55 gallon drums and froze them until we’re ready to ferment the grapes. If everything goes right, we will At the final event, the Saturday Grand Banquet, we had a accept our order during the week between Christmas and New fabulous selection of wines to accompany our meal, including Year Eve. Happy Holidays to all. 2009 Caymus Special Selection Cab Sauv, 2013 King Estate , 2013 Klinker Brick Old Vine Zin, 2014 Permund Salute, Petit Manseng, 2014 Emmolo Sauv Blanc and 2013 Vineland Select Late Harvest Cab Sauv. What a night! Visit the AWS Lee website to see more pictures. Thanks to all the AWS members [email protected] who made our conference reality! Cheers! Pam [email protected] AWS in the Social Media

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AWS News December 2015 Page 6  The King George (VA) Chapter met on September 11 in the Chapter Events Oak Crest Vineyard and Winery tasting room for a presenta- tion on , aka Pinot Grigio, with Diane Gibson. Pinot Joe Broski Grigio and Pinot Gris are the same varietal—the difference is in winemaking style. Pinot Gris usually has more skin contact during fermentation, adding fuller flavor, where  The Atascadero Wine Club (CA) recently Pinot Grigio has less skin contact, crisper and enjoyed and Petite Sirah lighter. The grape originated in France from the from several different California regions in Burgundian family and is more widely cultivated in September. Members enjoyed all the wines Alsace. It is a mutation of Pinot Noir. Pinot Grigio and had a fun Friday evening. is most associated with Italy, but also enjoys great 2012 Sonoma Landing Sauv. Blanc, Sonoma $19 success in California and Australia. Styles of Pinot Grigio from Clear, pale yellow. Clean, soft, low acid Germany, Italy and France are light-bodied citrus, crisp and a 2014 Honig Sauvignon Blanc, Napa 17 (2) bit acidic. Pinot Gris, coming from Washington, Oregon, Al- Clear, pale yellow. Clean, mild acid, hints of lemon sace, Australia and New Zealand, has a heavier mouth feel, less acidic and a bit more complex. Pinot Gris is widely plant- 2013 Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc, CA 14 (2) ed in California and usually made in the Alsatian style. In Clear, pale yellow, clean, bright citrus, good balance New Zealand, Pinot Grigio has been most successful of all 2010 Ranchita Canyon Paso Petite Sirah 35 aromatic light skinned varieties after Sauvignon Blanc. Dark red with ripe flavors. Medium body 2013 Robert Mondavi Pinot Grigio, CA $12 2010 Chappellet Petite Sirah, Napa 45 (1) 2013 Avia Pinot Grigio, Slovenia 6 Dark red ripe flavors, touch of tar, good balance & finish 2013 San Rocco Pinot Grigio, Veneto, Italy 10 2012 Domaines Schlumber Pinot Gris, Alsace 23 2010 Bogle Petite Sirah, Yolo, CA 10 (3) 2014 Cottesbrook Pinot Gris, New Zealand 12 Dark red, ripe plum flavors, good balance and finish 2014 Pollak Pinot Gris. Virginia 19 2011 Yorkville Cellars Sweet , Mendocino 22 (2) Purple, ripe and full of flavor. Yum!  The September 13 tasting of the Lehigh Valley (PA) Chapter was held at Rodizio: The Brazilian Steak House and featured  The Columbus (OH) Chapter had a wonderful night at wines from Portugal. The event was hosted by the Honorable Weiland’s Restaurant with some great Portuguese wine and Ron Manescu, Karen and Joe Csanadi, and Kristy Strobl. We food pairings. Special thanks the Weiland’s staff for a great started out with two icebreaker wines, Broadbent Vinho Verde time as well as Javier at Weilands who cooked us up some Rose and Gazela Vinho Verde Rose. Both were clean and crisp amazing food. Also, a big thank you to Cyndy Birchfield and and the typical style for a good Vinho Verde. Wines were Brian Herreman for working with Weiland’s in hosting this served blind and a lively discussion ensued. Scores of the 26 event. A great time was had by all!! people present go against the reputation of the Chapter pre- Whites and food pairings: ferring dry red wines. The top four wines were the sweetest NV Terra Nossa Vinho Verde (NV) $8 we have served all year, with the Fonseca Tawny Port 20 year Salted Marcona old coming in first with a score of 19 points. The Ports were Fried Piav cheese with rosemary aioli such a hit that we may have a Port tasting next year. A big surprise was the dry reds did not score until fifth place. 2013 Vila Jardim Siria/Arinto 10 2014 Quinta Do Crasto Duero White 19 Warm spinach salad with pinot nuts and golden raisins 2013 Malo Tojo Lisa Peninsula 12 Reds and food pairings: 2014 Quinto De Azevedo Vinho Verde 10 2010 Capela Das Freiras Tinto 8 2013 Quinto Do Crasto Duero Red 19 Roasted marinated peppers, herb crostini, Iberico cheese 2010 Foz De Arounce Tinto Baga 23 2010 Caves Vilhas Cabeca De Toiro 20 (5) 2011 Portada Winemaker’s Selection 9 Leacock's Madeira Rainwater 13 (2) Spicy Moorish pork kebobs Croft Ruby Red Port 3 yr. Old 12 (4) 2012 Esporao Assobio 12 Fonseca Tawny Port 10 yr. old 30 (3) Pasta with , lemon and shrimp, Zerta Cheese Fonseca Tawny Port 20 yr. old 50 (1) Quinta Do Noval 10 Year Tawny 34 Quince paste and fig cake and manchengo cheese  On October 18, the Metro Detroit (MI) Chapter met for a tasting of prizewinning wines from Michigan wineries, orga- nized by Pat and Max vom Steeg. The awards were given by  The Glimmerglass (NY) Chapter met on October 18 at the the Tasters Guild, other national organizations and the Michi- Best Western in Cooperstown, NY. First on the agenda was a gan State Competition. Breads and cheeses (Irish White presentation by Megan Hall, 2015 AWSEF Scholarship recipi- Cheddar, Smoked Gouda, Comte) were served. Pat led the ent. She gave an overview of her research on sour rot, a con- tasting, introducing each wine. dition that many wine growers experience but few know how 2012 Hawthorne (Silver) $16 to control, which figures since Megan is 2012 Hawthorne (Silver) 18 one of the first to do any research on 2013 Hawthorne Gewürztraminer (Silver) 15 the subject. A question and answer 2013 Chateau Fontaine (Gold) 14 period followed. Megan and her mother 2013 Chateau Fontaine Woodland Red (Gold) 14 joined us for a tasting of Garnacha, 2012 Brys Cabernet Franc (Gold/Best in Class) 50 mostly from Spain, with a French blend to end the evening. In appreciation, the  The first annual combined meeting of the Piedmont Wine Chapter presented Megan with a selec- and Vine (SC) Chapter and the Greenville Wine Appreci- tion of local products—Ommegang ation Group (SC) Chapter was held at the Brewery’s Three Philosophers Ale, Fly Holy Cross Episcopal Church pavilion on Septem- Creek Cider Mill Hard Cider, Honey from ber 19. It was hosted by Don and Val Vandersloot Murphy Hill free-range bees and home- with the theme of "mystery" wines. This really made wine. Other Chapters with an turned out to be wines which incorporated ani- AWSEF scholarship winner within driving distance should con- mals on the label and in the name of the wine or sider the unique opportunity that this offers and invite the winery. Twenty people shared their favorite dish- student to speak. es. All the wines were quite interesting and the 2013 Garnacha Rosato, Borsao, Aragon, Spain $8 labels on some of the bottles were real works of 2012 Garnacha Tinto, Borsao, Aragon, Spain 7 art. The names used for the wines are unique— 2013 Garnacha Tinto, Borsao, Aragon, Spain 8 (2) most wineries have one or more dogs as mascots 2011 Garnacha, Borsao Tres Picos, Aragon, Spain 14 (1) or greeters. The Washington state wine, Three 2013 Garnacha Old Vines, Tovana, Spain 10 Legged Dog, is named after Port, a winery dog missing one 2010 Bila Haut, Cotes du Roussillon Villages, Fr. 12 (3) leg and is featured on the label.

AWS News December 2015 Page 7 2014 Mad Duck Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma, CA $11  Seventeen members and guests of the Rhode Island (RI) 2014 Kestrel Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Vly, WA 16 Chapter met on October 18 at the home of Luke Capoto- 2013 Graham Beck The Game Preserve 15 sto in his wine cellar, the "Catina", to enjoy a tasting of North- Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa ern Italian wines from Piedmont to the Colio. Hosts were Luke 2013 Ideology Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA 28 and Barbara Medieros, both highly ranked amateur winemak- NV Marietta Cellars Lot #2, CA 20 ers. Bill "Dr. Vino" Riccitelli made the presentation and re- 2013 Dunham Three Legged Dog Red, WA 23 viewed each wine. Wines tasted included a moscato, several 2013 Michael David Winery, Petite Petit, Sonoma 19 pinot grigios, pinot bianco, Riesling, tai and several valpolicel- las. Many appetizers and desserts accompanied the wines.  The Pittsburgh East (PA) Chapter met on October 2 to taste 2012 Zenato $17 (1) nine highly rated and Shiraz wines from some of the 2014 Alois Lageder 16 (2) top producing regions in the world. Bill Rice, assistant pro- 2012 San Maurzio Moscato d'Asti 14 (3) gram chair, led the tasting for 31 attendees. Owen Roe Syrah 2012 Maculan Pino & Tai 13 placed first and earned a “best buy.” Unexpectedly, the 3 Aus- 2013 LaRocca Pinot Grigio 14 tralian Shiraz’s scored the lowest. We finished the evening 2014 Borgo M Pinot Grigio 13 raffling a 2008 Bodegas Ramón Bilboa Mirto gift box set 2012 Elena Walch Schiava 15 N/V Bleasdale Shiraz Brut, South Australia, AU $20 2012 Mille 1000 Riesling 17 2012 Owen Roe Ex Humbris, Columbia Vly, WA 23 (1) 2013 OBIZ Pinot Grigio 16 2012 Austin Hope, Central Coast, California 34 2012 John Duval Entity, Barossa, Australia 30  The Saraveeno (FL) Chapter met on November 1 at the 2012 Nicolas Perrin Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone 33 Venice Wine and Coffee Company where manager Richard 2012 Penley Hyland, Coonawara, Australia 20 Brower presented a selection of wines. An interesting change 2011 Rudi Schultz, Stellenbosch, South Africa 32 in the tasting lineup was to put 2011 Dom. Terlato & Chapoutier, Victoria, AU 19 white wines in the middle of the 2009 d’Arenderg Laughing Magpie, McLaren Vale 26 tasting to "cleanse the palate" rather than at the beginning,  On October 14th, the Pittsburgh North (PA) Chapter cele- which is the traditional way, brated "The Wines & Food of the Republic of Turkey" at their "whites before reds." That did annual Nationality Dinner held at Evergreen Community Park not turn out to be a disad- in Ross Township. Thom Hardy & Emma Schockner discussed vantage for the whites as the culture, traditions and ambi- Hartford Court Chardonnay tied ence of the country. The for second most popular wine. group was also entertained The first place wine, Tresor with a special guest belly Ferrari-Carano Red Blend, was also the most expensive wine, dancer, Amy "Amethyst" Cot- although the wine prices were not revealed until the end of trill from Pittsburgh Belly the tasting. Dance and Healing Arts. We 2013 Alexander Valley Cab. Sauv., Sonoma $18 (3) enjoyed wines made from 2013 Hartford Court Chardonnay, Sonoma 25 (2) indigenous grapes while sam- 2013 Predator Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi 16 (2) pling a cold and a warm plate 2011 Tresor Ferrari-Carano Red Blend, Sonoma 45 (1) of authentic Turkish foods. Mary Ann Hirt prepared kisir (bulghur salad) & patlican salatasi ( salad) for the  The Smoky Mountain (TN) Chapter met October 18, at the cold plates of cacik (), Turkish green bean salad and Tellico Village Toqua Pavilion. The theme was an “All American mercimekli kofte (lentil patties). The warm plate contained icli Beef Brisket BBQ and Zinfandel Celebration.” Our kofte (bulghur balls with meat & or vegetable filling), co-hosts, Jeff & Pam Wilson and Bob & Beverly peynirli borek (pastry with feta & filling) & vejeteryan Cantine, prepared the appetizers, beef brisket, borek (pastry with potato, peppers, , zucchini, carrot & sides and dessert. Eighteen members and eight- spice filling). These delicious Turkish dishes were prepared by een guests (who were given information about Gonca Teker. Terry Germanoski's supplemented the the AWS), tasted California Zinfandel from the raki plate of karpuz (melon) and (feta). 2012 and the 2013 vintages. Four wines were Kavaklidere Turkish Dry White - Narince/Emir $15 tasted with dinner and the last Zinfandel was Villa Doluca Turkish White Wine 11 paired with a special chocolate cup cake. Kavaklidere Turkish Dry Red Wine - Yakut 13 Roederer Estate Brut, Anderson Valley $20 Doluca Kav Turkish Dry Red Wine 18 Roederer Estate Brut Rose, Anderson Vly 29 Yeni Raki 25 2012 Michael David 7 Deadly Zins, Lodi 14 2012 Frei Brothers Reserve Zinfandel 15 (3)  Combining their German and Chinese heritages, New Jersey 2012 Ridge Zinfandel Three Valleys 14 RVP Jamie Zhang and her husband Ji hosted 20 members and 2013 Carlisle Zinfandel Montafi Ranch 46 (1) guests of the Princeton (NJ) Chapter to a tasting of Riesling 2013 Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel Heritage Vines 13 (2) wine paired with authentic Chinese cuisine on Oct 11. NV Seven Mountains Dry Riesling (PA) $16  The Southport (NC) Chapter met on November 13, at the 2013 Working Dog Dry Riesling (NJ) 21 Bolivia NC Holiday Inn Express. We had 32 members and 1 Spring Rolls with Shrimp guest in attendance. We learned about the history and devel- 2013 Dr. Konstantin Frank Dry Riesling (NY) 15 opment of grape agriculture in the Loire Valley, France, dis- 2013 Swedish Hill Winery Dry Riesling (NY) 16 cussed the major grape varietals and the grape growing/ Pan fried dumplings with Pork winemaking rules of the many AOC’s. The wines included San- 2013 Sliver Thread Dry Riesling (NY) 15 cerre, Vouvray, Muscadet, Sancerre Rouge, Chinon (Cab 2013 Hearts & Hand Patrician Verona Dry 28 Franc) and Gamay. All participants had a great time tasting Riesling (NY) the wines. The foods created and served by our volunteer Ji's Roast Beef Slices with Scallions, Sesame Oil, Rice member chefs were; Apples & cheese, Cheddar cheese, Lobster Bisque, VA Baked Ham & Monterey Jack cheese, Sum- 2014 Donnoff Dry Riesling (Germany) 22 mer sausage and Gouda cheese. Next month we have a party 2013 Leitz Dry Riesling (Germany) 12 with our brothers and sisters from the Ocean Isle Beach Chap- Twice Cooked Pork with Rice ter at Angelo’s Restaurant and Pizzeria. 2013 Silver Thread semi-dry Riesling (NY) 18 2014 Marionnet Dom.Charmoise Touraine Gamay$17 (1) 2013 Dr. Konstantin Frank semi-dry Riesling (NY) 15 2012 Vouvray Les Lys 19 (2) PA Dutch Ginger Snaps 2014 Grosbois Chinon La Cuisine de ma Mere 21 (3) 2014 Domaine Sautereau Sancerre 23 2014 Selbach Spatlese Riesling (Germany) 17 2013 Le Fils des Gras Moutons Sur Lie Melon 16 2006 Fritz Windisch Auslese Riesling (Germany) 14 2013 Domaine Gerard Fiou Sancerre Rouge 29 Wilbur Buds Chocolate

AWS News December 2015 Page 8  The Walt Whitman (NJ) Chapter’ s October tasting was hosted by Meryle Melnicoff and Joseph Busler. It featured To be included in the AWS News, e-mail your Wines of Burgundy by Patriarche Pẻre et Fils of Beaune. A deli- tasting info to Joe Broski cious La Carte of Hors d’oeuvres, Entrée, Plats and Desserts accompanied the wines. [email protected] 2010 Pouilly-Fuisse $28 2011 Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru, 54 Please follow the format specified for Chapter Events. It Les Morgeots can be downloaded from the AWS website 2008 Beaune Premier Cru 36 (americanwinesociety.org—Publications—AWS Newslet- 2011 Gevrey-Chambertin 42 (2) ter), or you can email Joe. Please include the cost of the 2000 Pommard 38 (3) wines you tasted, plus scores or rankings. This 2008 Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru, 54 (1) information lets other members know what you liked Aux Bousselots and what wines were good values.

Eastern PA Region AWS Helps K-9 Units

It rained and it poured but that didn’t deter members of East- On November 5, the Bridgeport Area/Fairfield County (CT) ern PA AWS chapters from enjoying the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter held a benefit for money to furnish local police Bi-Regional Wine Competition and Picnic on Sept. 12 in department dogs with body armor. The event was organized Columbia, PA. Members and nonmembers came out to taste by Chapter Chair Lee Baldieri who, working with six other amateur wines from across Pennsylvania and enjoy a catered winemaker members, served wines that had been donated. lunch and fellowship with other AWS chapter members. Lunch The turnout was great with over 150 people in attendance and was followed by a wine presentation by Bob Green, consulting plenty of food and wine for all. Enologist and wine instructor from North East PA. Those that braved the conditions were treated to great wines, delicious Although the final numbers are not yet complete, they expect food and learned some interesting facts about kosher wine to donate in excess of $6,000 to the Hamden (CT) Police De- production. Congratulations to the following amateur wine- partment K-9 Unit to purchase 2 new vest and other training makers who were awarded medals and thank you so much for equipment that needs replacement. your participation! These 7 winemakers entered 66 wines and were awarded 49 medals, including 15 gold medals (10 of Lee was inspired to organize this event after he read a story them double gold), AWS National President Frank Aquilino and about Kye, an Oklahoma City German Vice President Kristin Kraft served as guest judges for the Shepherd K-9 who was killed in the line competition. of duty. Kye had been released to appre- hend a fugitive. During the encounter, Winemakers Kye was stabbed 30 times before the Marion Krauss Ed Stopper Rett Oren police handler, Sgt. Ryan Stark, was able Jeffrey Fisher Anita Snader Terri Mallory to shoot and kill the fugitive. Unfortu- Steve Smith nately, Kye died from the wounds. Lee Best Wines called his local police departments to White: 100% determine which city needed canine Red: 80% , 20% Zinfandel equipment. A body armor vest, which is Non grape: 65% Red Raspberry, 35% Red Currant both stab and bullet proof, costs about $1,000. Kosher Wine Presentation : By Robert Green Sgt. Ryan Stark and Kye 2007 Hagafen Brut Cuvee Lee knew the value of these trained canines from his assign- 2013 Goose Bay Sauvignon Blanc ment as a Launcher Platoon Leader at a site where missiles 2012 Ramon Cordova Rioja Mevushal (Tempranilllo) armed with nuclear warheads were kept. The security force 2009 Hagafen Syrah included four canines with their handlers and Lee assisted in 2011 Galil Galilee their training. Unlike a human officer, canines once released, 2014 Mount Hermon Moscato Galilee do not take cover, dodge bullets, nor quit. The event was extremely successful due to the Chapter’s winemakers who donated their time and wines, the restaurant owner that provided the venue, and the generosity of local residents. “I raise my glass to all the people that pushed this event over the top.” If you are interested in contributing to this wor- thy cause, send a check to Hamden PD K-9 Unit Gift Fund, C/O Lee Baldieri. 9 Newton St., Milford, CT 06461.

John W. Shimonsky (Jack), 84, died Thursday, October Obituaries 1, 2015. Jack is survived by his wife, Lynne Montgomery, 2 stepdaughters, 2 step grandchildren, 2 children and several grandchildren. He proudly served in the Navy and was a Nancy Goorey passed away Sep- member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign tember, 10, 2015 at Riverside Hospital. Wars and the USS Wright Association. Jack was retired from Nancy was a longtime member of the county highway work that included several years with Columbus Chapter. She hosted Steuben County, where he especially enjoyed survey work many events, including summer picnics among his other duties, Schuyler County as Assistant County at Hide-A-Way-Hills, and attended Highway Superintendent and later Superintendent and Yates many National Conferences. Nancy was County as County Highway Superintendent. During his retire- a strong advocate of wine education. ment years he was an avid armchair birder and delighted in The 2016 Columbus Chapter Scholar- caring for the various cats that he and Lynne rescued. He ship will be named in her honor. was a member of the Keuka, NY Chapter.

AWS News December 2015 Page 9 2015 National Tasting Project Wines of Austria & Hungary A Well Kept Secret Rege Duralia

The National Tasting Project gives AWS chapters across the US the opportunity to sample the same group of wines in a blind tasting. This year 54 chapters, representing 1.160 tasters in 24 different states participated in the NTP. This year saw a decrease in the number participating. Ten chapters that did not participate in 2014 joined in the 2015 NTP while 23 that participated in 2014 dropped off the wagon giving a net loss of 13 chap- ters. Each participating chapter selected 7 wines from a list of 15. The choices included: 2 Austrian whites 2 Austrian reds 1 Hungarian white 2 Hungarian reds The wines were tasted blind and scored on the AWS 20-point scale. The results show that:  The top two favorite wines were Royal Tokaji Aszú Puttonyos and Iby Blaufrankisch  Based on overall averages the wines scored two silver, 12 bronze and one no medal  Based on the wine judges averages the wines scored one gold, seven silver, six bronze and one no medal  Hugl Gruner Veltliner, Iby Blaufrankisch and Egervin Egri Bikaver Bull’s Blood were good values Several chapters reported faulty wines. During the pre-evaluation of the wines by the NTP team, all the wines selected for the tasting did not have any faults. This anomaly has many possible causes. More than likely it was caused by bottle varia- tion due to poor practices in the winery or improper care during shipment. See the High, Low and Medians of the averages on the Chapter Summary sheets attached. The following table shows the average scores for the participants and the gradu- ate wine judges (WJ). The last 2 columns show the percentage of the chapters that tasted a particular wine and rated them as the favorite and the wines in the top 3. Thanks to all the groups who participated and submitted results.

Wine Favorite In Top 3 Tast- Average Average Judge Wine Wines No. Wine ers Cost Score Average (% of (% of Score chapters) chapters) AW1 2013 Hugl Gruner Vetliner 603 $12 14.4 15.2 4% 43%

AW2 2013 Nigl Freiheit Gruner Veltliner 597 $18 14.6 16.2 18% 61%

AW3 2013 Heidi Schrock Veissburgunder 534 $22 12.8 14.5 0% 8%

AW4 2013 Neumeister Grauburgunder 336 $22 14.4 14.5 12% 59%

AR1 2013 Iby Blaufrankisch 503 $14 15.2 14.9 32% 73%

AR2 2013 Glatzer Blaufrankisch 341 $18 14.3 15.5 11% 33%

AR3 2013 Hugl Zweigelt 321 $13 14.1 14.4 0% 53%

AR4 2011 Gobelsburger Niederost Zweigelt 315 $15 14.2 16.8 0% 40%

AR5 2013 Sattler Burgenland St. Laurent 695 $17 14.6 15.0 15% 48%

AR6 2011 Wallner Sudbergen St. Laurent 141 $23 10.3 8.0 0% 0%

HW1 2011 Royal Tokaji Furmint 771 $16 13.7 14.4 5% 22%

HW2 2008 Royal Tokaji Aszu Puttonyos 362 $46 16.8 18.0 81% 90%

HR1 2012 Egervin Egri Bikaver Bull's Blood 858 $9 14.5 15.0 18% 46%

HR2 2013 Eszterbauer Kadarka Sogar 523 $15 13.3 14.5 0% 21%

HR3 2013 Eszterbauer Kadarka Nagayapam 704 $17 14.5 15.5 17% 54%

Indian Valley AWS News December 2015 Page 10 2015 National Tasting Project - Chapter Summaries 2012 2013 2013 2011 2008 2013 2013 2013 2013 Nigl 2013 2013 2011 Go- 2011 Egervin Heidi 2013 Iby 2013 Sattler Wallner Royal Eszterba Eszterbau Hugl Freiheit Neumeis- Glatzer belsburger Royal Egri Schrock Blau- Hugl Burgen- Sudbergen Tokaji uer er Kadar- Gruner Gruner ter Grau- Blau- Niederost Tokaji Bikaver Veiss- frankisch Zweigelt land St. St. Lau- Aszu Kadarka ka Naga- Vetliner Veltliner burgunder frankisch Zweigelt Furmint Bull's burgunder Laurent rent Puttonyos Sogar yapam Blood Chapter AW1 AW2 AW3 AW4 AR1 AR2 AR3 AR4 AR5 AR6 HW1 HW2 HR1 HR2 HR3 Augusta GA 12.7 12.2 14.7 14.9 13.4 15.3 14.5 Carroll County MD 14.4 13.8 17.4 14.3 12.2 Catawba NC 14.7 13.8 15.9 12.3 13.7 12.4 13.4 Cleveland OH 14.3 14.1 16.2 14.7 14.7 14.8 13.9 Daniel Boone KY 15.7 14.5 14.3 15.7 14.8 15.0 Dayton OH 14.5 12.2 12.8 14.0 11.5 12.5 11.8 Denver CO 13.9 14.3 14.8 13.4 13.7 17.4 14.6 Detroit MI 14.2 13.1 12.7 14.6 14.0 11.8 13.4 Electric City PA 15.7 13.4 14.7 13.7 15.5 14.7 14.0 Emerald City SC 12.1 14.5 13.3 14.0 13.0 11.6 13.9 Finger Lakes NY 13.1 11.6 15.2 15.1 10.4 13.4 Glacier Ridge NY 14.4 12.1 13.6 13.7 16.6 14.6 15.4 Glimmerglass NY 15.8 15.9 15.5 13.2 14.7 13.1 14.3 Hartford CT 14.5 10.8 15.0 13.6 16.0 13.9 14.1 Hudson MA 14.3 14.0 14.4 13.7 12.6 17.2 14.4 Indian Valley PA 15.4 12.9 15.7 15.5 16.8 12.6 15.3 Jean-Jacques Dufour KY 14.3 13.7 15.4 16.1 John Marshall VA 13.8 14.0 15.3 13.4 14.6 13.9 Keuka NY 13.9 13.9 15.1 15.6 14.8 15.3 15.8 King George VA 11.2 13.7 13.4 8.7 11.6 14.4 14.1 Lake Hickory NC 15.3 12.1 14.2 15.8 17.6 15.7 15.7 Lone Star TX 15.4 15.5 14.7 15.0 15.3 12.9 Mohawk Valley NY 15.8 15.9 16.8 17.1 17.0 16.1 17.4 Nittany Vly Vintners PA 13.2 13.1 10.2 13.5 14.2 15.3 14.7 North Alabama AL 13.5 14.7 15.2 15.7 14.4 13.4 13.2 Northampton PA 14.8 15.7 14.8 15.3 18.6 15.1 16.1 Northern Virginia VA 14.8 14.5 13.6 14.5 15.1 14.1 Ocean Isle Beach NC 13.6 14.2 15.2 15.8 15.0 14.5 13.9 Perkiomen Valley PA 14.9 13.7 16.2 16.6 17.6 14.7 17.0 Phoenix AZ 14.5 14.2 15.8 15.6 16.2 14.4 15.8 Piedmont Wine/Vine SC 14.3 14.7 14.8 13.8 14.1 16.1 12.2 Pioneer Vly Wmakers MA 14.7 17.7 15.2 13.6 14.5 Pittsburgh PA 16.2 17.1 14.1 18.6 13.7 Pittsburgh East PA 14.8 15.8 13.8 16.5 13.7 14.0 Raritan Valley NJ 16.4 15.7 15.9 16.7 14.7 17.2 16.4 Rhode Island RI 15.7 13.6 15.6 14.8 19.3 13.1 15.3 Rio Vinos NM 10.4 11.6 12.3 12.3 9.9 12.4 11.4 12.8 Rochester NY 13.8 12.9 15.7 14.8 14.1 14.7 14.7 San Diego Wine Guild CA 12.8 9.9 11.3 12.3 13.9 11.1 12.5 Sonoita AZ 16.6 14.6 16.2 14.9 15.4 14.5 15.4 19.2 16.5 15.6 Southport NC 13.6 11.7 13.7 11.9 11.4 13.6 13.6 Space Coast FL 16.7 14.3 15.1 15.2 13.2 15.3 16.1 St. Louis/Gateway MO/IL 15.0 14.7 14.9 12.9 13.7 13.5 15.6 Suffolk NY 14.3 13.5 11.5 9.4 11.9 16.6 13.3 Susquehanna Valley PA 14.9 15.4 13.3 14.2 12.6 12.6 11.3 Tippie Tasters IN 14.8 14.5 14.7 14.0 17.6 15.3 14.4 Triangle NC 15.5 15.0 16.1 15.8 16.0 15.6 15.1 Tucson AZ 13.2 11.9 14.7 15.5 11.0 13.4 14.4 Walt Whitman NJ 14.2 12.5 13.5 8.7 18.1 12.9 14.4 West Michigan MI 16.7 16.6 15.5 6.3 13.4 16.2 15.1 White Clay PA 13.4 14.9 13.4 13.7 14.3 14.3 15.3 Wine App. Lancaster PA 12.7 13.8 10.0 8.7 13.3 11.8 14.8 Wine Lovers NC 13.8 14.1 15.0 12.4 12.5 11.5 Worchester MA 15.1 12.7 14.4 13.5 14.1 16.7 14.8

Overall Avg. Score 14.4 14.6 12.8 14.4 15.2 14.3 14.1 14.2 14.6 10.3 13.7 16.8 14.5 13.3 14.5

Wine Judge Avg. 15.2 16.2 14.5 14.5 14.9 15.5 14.4 16.8 15.0 8.0 14.4 18.0 15.0 14.5 15.5

Number of Tasters 603 597 534 336 503 341 321 315 695 141 771 362 858 523 704

Average Price $12 $18 $22 $22 $14 $18 $13 $15 $17 $23 $16 $46 $9 $15 $17

Total Chapters Tasting 28 28 26 17 22 18 15 15 33 8 37 21 39 24 35

Chapter Favorite 4% 18% 0% 12% 32% 11% 0% 0% 15% 0% 5% 81% 18% 0% 17%

In Top 3 Wines 43% 61% 8% 59% 73% 33% 53% 40% 48% 0% 22% 90% 46% 21% 54% High Score 18.0 18.0 17.0 16.6 17.7 17.5 16.5 18.0 17.0 13.7 18.5 19.3 17.5 18.0 17.8 Low Score 9.7 12.8 9.9 11.7 11.5 10.0 12.0 11.3 11.5 6.3 8.4 13.0 11.0 10.7 11.3 Median 14.1 14.9 13.3 14.0 15.2 14.3 14.1 14.7 15.0 8.8 13.7 17.3 14.5 13.5 14.7 AWS News December 2015 Page 11 Treasurer’s Report Tom Wallman

The year ended August 31, 2015, was a year of growth, challenges to be sure, and successes. The Society’s membership continues to grow, and has increased by more than 10% over the past year. The number of new chapters has also grown, also by more than 10%. Continuing this positive trend is vital to the continuing health of AWS, as membership dues are our largest source of net revenue, a source which funds the entirety of the Society’s operation. The Board of Directors was faced with the challenge of replacing the Executive Director at the end of 2014, and after a long search, identified and named the replacement. During the transition period but before the official start date, the new director resigned citing health reasons. With the operation and location of the National Office up in the air, our “old” Executive Director agreed to stay in the position through the end of 2016, giving us time to initiate a new executive search as well as provide for some continuity with the Member services position, which was also filled by a new employee at the beginning of 2015. The 2014 National Conference held in North Carolina was sold-out, and despite some higher than expected food costs, exceed- ed its profit objective. The Amateur and Commercial Wine Competitions also contributed a significant profit to the Society’s general fund. The financial success of the Conference and Competitions contribute to the funding of non-revenue producing projects such as the Wine Journal, as well as contributing to the growth of our cash reserves, This will be the last financial report produced for a fiscal year ended August 31. With the membership’s approval of the change to the AWS Bylaws, we will adopt the calendar year reporting period from this point forward. The change will allow us to align our reporting period with the AWS natural business cycle, and to recognize re revenues and expenses of our two largest activi- ties, the National Conference and the Wine Competitions, within the same year without the need to make a large number of accounting adjustments. Thank you for your overwhelming support of the Bylaws change. We are poised to make significant progress going forward. As we continue to grow our existing programs and tackle new initia- tives. I am pleased to report that the American Wine Society is on sound financial footing.

American Wine Society Balance Sheet As of August 31, 2015, 2014, 2013 2015 2014 2013 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash - Checking $39,776 $6,671 $25,527 Cash - Savings 460,038 454,378 328,967 Total Cash 499,814 461,049 354,494 Accounts Receivable 0 0 9 Inventory 4,151 0 0 Conference and Committee Advances 20,708 24,334 12,801 Prepaid Expenses 8,889 15,210 14,278 Total Current Assets 533,562 500,593 381,582

FIXED ASSETS Equipment (at cost) 15,405 15,405 15,405 Accumulated Depreciation (14,153) (11,458) (9,544) Total Fixed Assets 1,252 3,948 5,862 TOTAL ASSETS $534,814 $504,541 $387,444

LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCE CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts Payable & Wages Payable $0 $0 $0 Accrued Payroll Taxes 1,864 1,951 2,434 Deferred Revenue - Membership Dues 82,188 94,860 80,256 Deferred Revenue - Competitions 885 0 0 Deferred Revenue - Annual Conference 265,384 239,504 176,179 Total Current Liabilities 350,321 336,315 258,869

FUND BALANCE Unrestricted 129,950 113,683 74,031 Restricted 54,543 54,543 54,543 Total Fund Balance 184,493 168,226 128,574 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCE $534,814 $504,541 $387,444

AWS News December 2015 Page 12 American Wine Society Statement of Income and Fund Balance For the Fiscal Years Ending August 31, 2015, 2014, 2013 2015 % Total Rev 2014 % Total Rev 2013 % Total Rev REVENUE Membership Dues $183,187 36.5% $152,480 37.0% $148,543 35.9% Conference Fees and Income (See Note 2) 252,194 50.3% 196,378 47.6% 204,560 49.4% Book & Resale Items 2,006 0.4% 1,141 0.3% 1,391 0.3% Journal Advertising 2,943 0.6% 3,052 0.7% 3,326 0.8% Interest Income 109 0.0% 94 0.0% 74 0.0% Wine & Label Competitions 51,078 10.2% 49,585 12.0% 47,935 11.6% WJTP Income 9,950 2.0% 9,350 2.3% 5,360 1.3% Other Income 300 0.1% 556 0.1% 2,625 0.6% TOTAL REVENUE 501,767 100.0% 412,637 100.0% 413,814 100.0%

EXPENSES Conference 221,775 44.2% 126,936 30.8% 143,722 34.7% Wine Competitions 32,987 6.6% 35,775 8.7% 35,504 8.6% Journal 34,306 6.8% 39,007 9.5% 36,352 8.8% WJTP Expenses 6,494 1.3% 4,521 1.1% 3,320 0.8%

Administrative Expenses: Executive Director Salary (See Note 4) 52,166 10.4% 42,000 10.2% 42,000 10.1% Member Services Manager Salary 42,708 8.5% 45,000 10.9% 45,000 10.9% Payroll Taxes 8,889 1.8% 7,883 1.9% 8,074 2.0% Total Compensation Related Expenses 103,763 20.7% 94,883 23.0% 95,074 23.0%

Bank and Credit Card Fees 12,143 2.4% 11,658 2.8% 9,994 2.4% Depreciation (See Note 3) 2,695 0.5% 1,914 0.5% 0 0.0% Director/ Officer Travel 20,193 4.0% 14,825 3.6% 19,268 4.7% Executive Director Transition 705 0.1% 2,683 0.7% 0 0.0% Insurance 6,537 1.3% 6,387 1.5% 6,335 1.5% Mailing/ Delivery 2,538 0.5% 5,039 1.2% 2,558 0.6% Membership Certifications 7,010 1.4% 5,443 1.3% 9,976 2.4% Newsletter & Special Publications 3,622 0.7% 4,375 1.1% 4,205 1.0% Office Expense 1,881 0.4% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% Office Supplies 408 0.1% 475 0.1% 762 0.2% Printing/Copying 1,518 0.3% 3,751 0.9% 2,573 0.6% Promotional Expense 779 0.2% 59 0.0% 1,016 0.2% Telephone & Internet 4,244 0.8% 3,519 0.9% 4,010 1.0% Video Production 4,250 0.8% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% Website & Database Development 14,459 2.9% 8,423 2.0% 11,491 2.8% Miscellaneous 3,193 0.6% 3,313 0.8% 6,862 1.7% Total Administrative Expenses 189,938 37.9% 166,746 40.4% 174,125 42.1% TOTAL EXPENSES 485,500 96.8% 372,985 90.4% 393,022 95.0%

SURPLUS (DEFICIT) $16,267 3.2% $39,652 9.6% $20,792 5.0%

FUND BALANCE BEGINNING OF YEAR $113,683 $74,031 $53,239

FUND BALANCE END OF YEAR $129,950 $113,683 $74,031 NOTE 1 The Society operates on a fiscal year ending August 31st, and the Financial Statements are prepared on the accrual basis NOTE 2 Membership dues are collected on a calendar year basis and recognized as income on a prorata basis during the fiscal year. Lifetime memberships are amortized yearly based on annual dues amounts until exhausted. NOTE 3 Depreciation is on a straight line basis over the useful life of the asset, typically 3 or 5 years. NOTE 4 For fiscal years 2013 and 2014, the additional portion of the Executive Director's salary related to Conference Chair duties is included in Conference Expense. For fiscal year 2015, expwnse includes compensation paid to the newly-hired Executive Director during the Director during the transition period; the new Executive Director resigned the position prior to the official start date.

AWS News December 2015 Page 13 2015 Amateur Winemaking Competition Results

Winemaker Wine Medal Winemaker Wine Medal Adams, Jon W. 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel Bronze Beers, Lamont 2013 Valvin Muscat, Riesling Bronze Adams, Jon W. 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel Bronze Beers, Lamont 2012 Merlot, Cab Franc, Carmine Bronze 2014 Strawberry, Black Raspberry, Adams, Jon W. 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel Silver Beers, Lamont Bronze Chardonnay Adams, Jon W. 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel Silver Beers, Lamont 2012 , 100% D Gold Adams, Jon W. 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel Silver Booth, Brian 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, 100% Bronze Adams, Jon W. 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Silver Booth, Brian 2012 Cab Sauvignon, Carmenere Bronze Alvarez, Roberto 2014 Garnacha, , Zin, Syrah Bronze Booth, Brian 2012 Cab Sauvignon, Carmenere Gold 2010 Cab Sauvignon, Carmenere, Alvarez, Roberto 2014 Durif (Petite Syrah), 100% Silver Booth, Brian Silver Malbec Alvarez, Roberto 2014 Syrah, 100% Gold Boulas, Nicholas E. 2014 Malbec, 100% Silver Alvarez, Roberto 2014 Tempranillo, 100% Bronze Boulas, Nicholas E. 2014 Pinot Noir, 100% Bronze Bozic, Robert Alvarez, Roberto 2014 Tempranillo, Garnacha Bronze 2014 Syrah, 100% Bronze Gregory Alvarez, Roberto 2014 Garnacha, Syrah, Durif (Petit Sirah) Silver Bradway, Joseph 2014 Syrah, 100% Bronze Alvarez, Roberto 2014 Garnacha, Syrah, Bronze Britton, Terry D. 2015 Black Raspberry, 100% Silver Ambrose, Greg 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, 100% Gold Britton, Terry D. 2015 Concord, 100% Silver Arlint, Mary/Lloyd 2012 Barbera, Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc Gold Britton, Terry D. 2014 , 100% Silver 2014 Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Arlint, Mary/Lloyd 2014 Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauv, Merlot Silver Burns, Adam Bronze Carmenere, Merlot Athanas, Mike 2014 Chardonnay, 100% Bronze Burns, Adam 2014 Petite Sirah, Old Vine Zin Silver Athanas, Mike 2014 Riesling/Beerenauslese, 100% Silver Cammarota, David 2014 Petite Sirah, 100% Silver Campbell, Kevin & Athanas, Mike 2014 Vidal Ice Wine, 100% Silver 2014 , 100% Bronze Michele Campbell, Kevin & Athanas, Mike 2014 , Muscat Silver 2014 Traminette, 100% Bronze Michele Capotesto, Luke & Barry, Robert NV Blueberry, 100% Silver 2013 Agianico, 100% Bronze Barbara Medeires Capotesto, Luke & Barry, Robert 2014 Leon Millot, 100% Bronze 2014 Black Currant, 100% Bronze Barbara Medeires Capotesto, Luke & Barry, Robert 2014 Malbec, 100% Silver 2014 Red Currant, 100% Bronze Barbara Medeires Capotesto, Luke & Barry, Robert 2014 Pinot Grigio, 100% Silver 2014 Wineberry, 100% Silver Barbara Medeires Capotesto, Luke & 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Caber- Barry, Robert 2014 Pinot Noir, 100% Silver Bronze Barbara Medeires net Franc Capotesto, Luke & Barry, Robert NV Pumpkin, 100% Silver 2013 Petite Sirah, Primitivo Gold Barbara Medeires Capotesto, Luke & Barry, Robert 2014 Sangiovese, 100% D Gold 2013 Merlot, Cab Franc, Cab Sauv Bronze Barbara Medeires Barry, Robert 2014 Syrah, 100% Bronze Cardoza, Alex 2014 Jonathan Apples, 100% Silver Barry, Robert 2014 Pinot Noir, Malbec Silver Carrescia, Annette 2014 Borolo, 100% Bronze Barry, Robert 2015 Pinot Grigio, Peach Silver Carson, Frank 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel, 100% Bronze Barry, Robert NV Rhubarb, Strawberry Silver Carson, Frank 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel, 100% Bronze Bashline, Logan 2014 Oaked Sauvignon Blanc, 100% Bronze Carson, Frank 2011 Old Vine Zinfandel, 100% Silver Bashline, Logan 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, 100% Bronze Carson, Frank 2012 Old Vine Zinfandel, 100% Silver Beers, Lamont 2013 Chardonnay, Chokecherry Bronze Carson, Frank 2007 Zinfandel, 100% Bronze Beers, Lamont 2014 Catawba, 100% Silver Carson, Frank 2007 Zinfandel, 100% Bronze Beers, Lamont 2012 Merlot, 100% Bronze Clemence, Dale 2014 Symphony, 100% Bronze Beers, Lamont 2012 Muscat Ottonel, 100% Silver Clemence, Dale 2015 Riesling, Traminette Silver 2013 Cab Franc Rose, Grenache, Beers, Lamont 2013 Muscat Ottonel, 100% Silver Cobett, Jan & Tom Bronze Pinot Grigio Beers, Lamont 2014 Riesling, 100% Bronze Cobett, Jan & Tom 2014 Pinot Grigio, 100% Bronze Beers, Lamont 2013 Traminette, 100% Gold Cobett, Jan & Tom 2013 Cab Sauv, Merlot, Pet Sirah Silver Beers, Lamont 2012 Vidal, 100% Gold Conlin, Roger 2013 Cab Sauv, 100% Silver Beers, Lamont 2012 Cabernet Franc, Carmine Bronze Conlin, Roger 2013 Merlot Bronze

AWS News December 2015 Page 14 Winemaker Wine Medal Winemaker Wine Medal Fisher, Jeffrey & Donna 2014 Zinfandel, Merlot, Conlin, Roger 2013 Cab Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc Silver D Gold Lombardo Fisher Petit Verdot Frederick, Richard & Cowan, Larry 2013 Mead-Orange Blossom, 100% Bronze 2014 Barbera, 100% Silver Zenna Frederick, Richard & 2014 Cabernet Franc, Cowan, Larry 2014 Strawberry, 100% Bronze Bronze Zenna 100% 2013 Sangiovese, Cab Sauv, Black Mal- Fritze, Michael & Gerald- Creasy, Chris Silver 2013 Malbec, 100% Silver vasia ine Creasy, Chris 2013 Syrah, Grenache, Viognier D Gold Gailey, John 2015 Blueberry, 100% Bronze Crews, Michael & 2013 Syrah Bronze Gailey, John 2015 Strawberry, 100% Bronze Andrew Crews, Michael & 2012 Zin, Barbera, San- 2012 Merlot, Cab Sauv Bronze Galaz, Leandro Silver Andrew giovese, Black Crews, Michael & 2012 Malbec, Merlot, Cab 2014 Carignan, Merlot, Cab Sauv Bronze Galaz, Leandro Bronze Andrew Franc, Petit Verdot Crews, Michael & 2014 Merlot, Cab Sauv, Carignan Bronze Gerber, John & Kate 2013 Pinot Noir, Syrah Bronze Andrew Cuciniello, Joseph 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Bronze Gorze, Jeffrey 2014 Chardonnay, 100% Silver Danielson, Debo- 2014 Carmenere, Merlot, Cab Sauv, Sy- Bronze Gorze, Jeffrey 2014 Niagara, 100% Silver rah rah Dersham, Ron 2014 Gewurztraminer, 100% Bronze Gorze, Jeffrey 2014 Vidal, Silver Gower, Chuck & Cheryl 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dersham, Ron 2014 Pinot Grigio, Apple Bronze Gold Dipanfilo Merlot Gower, Chuck & Cheryl 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dersham, Ron 2014 Tart Cherry, Michigan Apple Bronze Silver Dipanfilo Merlot 2013 Cab Sauv, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Gower, Chuck & Cheryl Di Ponzio, Joe Silver 2013 Sangiovese, Merlot Silver Sirah, Grenache Dipanfilo Gower, Chuck & Cheryl 2014 Cab Sauvignon, Di Ponzio, Joe 2012 Diamond, 100% Bronze Bronze Dipanfilo 100% Gower, Chuck & Cheryl 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dietrick, Dean 2012 Black wild Raspberry, 100% Bronze Bronze Dipanfilo 100% Gower, Chuck & Cheryl 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dietrick, Dean 2014 Cherry, Lindt Bitter Chocolate Bronze Silver Dipanfilo 100% Gower, Chuck & Cheryl 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dietrick, Dean 2014 Rhubarb, Raspberry Gold Silver Dipanfilo 100% Gower, Chuck & Cheryl Faria, Jose 2013 Touriga National, 100% Silver 2010 Pinot Noir, 100% Bronze Dipanfilo Gower, Chuck & Cheryl Fiola, Joe 2012 Cab Sauv, Petit Verdot, Cab Franc Bronze 2012 Pinot Noir, 100% Silver Dipanfilo Gower, Chuck & Cheryl Fiola, Joe NV Pinot Gris, Albarino, Silver 2011 Pinot Noir, 100% Silver Dipanfilo Fiola, Joe NV Cab Sauv, Chambourcin, Petit Verdot Silver Grasso, Frank & Betsy 2013 Primitivo, 100% Bronze Fiola, Joe NV Amarone, 100% Silver Graves, Gary 2013 Chardonnel, 100% Bronze Fiola, Joe 2012 Chambourcin, 100% Silver Graves, Gary 2014 Niagara, 100% Gold Fiola, Joe 2015 Kozma 55, 100% Bronze Gribble, Gordon W. 2013 Cab Sauv, 100% Bronze Fiola, Joe NV Linea Ice, 100% Silver Gribble, Gordon W. 2013 Chardonnay, 100% Bronze Fiola, Joe 2012 Carmenere, Cabernet Franc Gold Gribble, Gordon W. 2013 Merlot, 100% Bronze Fiola, Joe 2012 Chambourcin Ripasso, Cab Sauv Gold Gribble, Gordon W. 2014 Valvin Muscat, 100% Bronze

Fiola, Joe 2012 Teroldego, Malvasia Silver Gribble, Gordon W. 2014 Cab Sauv, Blueberry, Bronze

Fiola, Joe 2013 Petit Verdot, Cab Sauv, Cab Franc Gold Gribble, Gordon W. 2014 Cayuga, 100% Silver Fisher, Jeffrey & 2014 Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cab Sauv Silver Gribble, Gordon W. 2013 Malbec, 100% Silver Donna Lombardo Fisher, Jeffrey & 2014 Cab Sauvignon, Carmenere, Cab Bronze Gribble, Gordon W. 2014 Traminette, 100% D Gold Donna Lombardo Franc, Malbec, Malbec Fisher, Jeffrey & 2014 Cayuga, Cabernet 2014 Merlot, 100% Bronze Gribble, Gordon W. Silver Donna Lombardo Sauvignon Fisher, Jeffrey & 2014 Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvi- 2014 Muscat Valvin, Mal- Silver Gribble, Gordon W. Silver Donna Lombardo gnon bec Fisher, Jeffrey & 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014 Zinfandel, Merlot Silver Gribble, Gordon W. Bronze Donna Lombardo Merlot Fisher, Jeffrey & 2014 Cab Sauv, Merlot, 2014 Petit Verdot, Zinfandel Gold Griner, Denise Bronze Donna Lombardo Cab Franc, Petit Verdot

AWS News December 2015 Page 15 Winemaker Wine Medal Winemaker Wine Medal Gruber, Al 2013 Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauv Silver Lora, Juan 2014 Malbec, 100% Bronze Lowe, Gene & 2013 Barbera, Cabernet Sauvi- Gruber, Al 2013 Syrah, Tempranillo Silver Bronze Melanie gnon, Petite Sirah Macacevic, William Hayhurst, Janice 2014 Strawberry, 100% D Gold 2014 Concord, 100% Gold P. Jr. Macacevic, William Hicks, David 2014 Cabernet Dore, 100% Silver 2014 , 100% Silver P. Jr. Iurato, Frank 2014 Sangiovese, 100% Bronze Mack, Ted 2014 Malbec, 100% Bronze Iurato, Frank 2013 Amarone, 100% Silver Mack, Ted 2014 Merlot, 100% Bronze Iurato, Frank 2014 Riesling - Late Harvest, 100% Gold Mack, Ted 2014 Hibiscus, Concord Bronze Iurato, Frank 2014 Sangiovese, Cab Sauvignon Bronze Mack, Ted 2014 Chianti, 100% Silver Kampers, Steve NV Vidal, 23-512, Riesling, Gewurz Silver Mack, Ted NV Elderflower, Niagara Bronze Kampers, Steve 2007 Meritage, 100% Silver McKinney, Robb 2014 Zinfandel, Petite Syrah Bronze Kampers, Steve 2011 Riesling Silver McKinney, Robb 2013 Zinfandel, Petite Sirah Silver 2014 Zinfandel, Merlot, Alican- Kampers, Steve 2012 Barbera, Other Silver Merrill, Wendy Bronze te Bouschet 2014 CabSauv, Merlot, Petit Kampers, Steve NV Vidal, Riesling, Gewurztraminer Silver Merrill, Wendy Silver Verdot Kampers, Steve NV Vidal, Sauv Blanc, Semillion Gold Mich, Paul 2014 Chambourcin, 100% Silver Kantor, Eryn 2013 Pinot Noir, 100% Bronze Mills, Paul 2013 Merlot, 100% Silver Kilby, Greg & 2014 Pinot Noir, Cab Sauv, 2014 Viognier, 100% Bronze Montgomery, Scott Bronze Meredith Chardonnel, , Kilby, Greg & 2015 Zinfandel, 100% Silver Montgomery, Scott 2013 Norton, 100% Bronze Meredith Koempel, John 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, 100% Bronze Montgomery, Scott 2014 Vignoles, 100% Bronze Koempel, John 2014 Merlot, 100% Bronze Mulfinger, John 2014 Blueberry, 100% Gold Koempel, John 2014 Zinfandel, 100% Bronze Mulfinger, John 2014 Cayuga, 100% Bronze Koempel, John 2011 Lemberger, 100% Silver Mulfinger, John 2014 Diamond, 100% Bronze Koempel, John 2012 Malbec, 100% Gold Mulfinger, John 2014 Sour Cherry, 100% Bronze Koempel, John 2013 Pinot Noir, 100% Silver Mulfinger, John 2014 Vignoles, 100% Gold Koempel, John NV Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec Bronze Nardelli, Joseph 2013 Syrah, Sauvignon Bronze Koltis, Andrew & Nettles, Donnie R. 2014 Riesling- Plastic fermentation, 100% Bronze 2014 Lime, 100% Gold Bethany Leonard & Betty Nettles, Donnie R. Krauss, Marion 2014 Gooseberry, 100% Bronze 2014 Syrah, 100% D Gold & Betty Nettles, Donnie R. Krauss, Marion 2014 Blackberry, 100% Silver 2014 Montepulciano, Grenache Silver & Betty Krauss, Marion 2014 Cranberry, 100% Silver Oren, Rett 2014 Chardonnay, 100% Silver Krauss, Marion 2014 Green Gooseberry, 100% Silver Oren, Rett 2014 Chenin Blanc, 100% Bronze Krauss, Marion 2014 Mint, 100% Silver Oren, Rett 2014 Kerner, 100% Silver Krauss, Marion 2014 Red Currant, 100% Silver Oren, Rett 2014 Riesling, 100% Silver Krauss, Marion 2014 Red Raspberry, 100% D Gold Oren, Rett 2014 Valvin Muscat, 100% Silver Krauss, Marion 2014 Red Raspberry, Black Raspberry Silver Oren, Rett 2014 Vidal Blanc, 100% Bronze Krauss, Marion 2014 Red Raspberry, Gooseberry Silver Oren, Rett 2014 Chambourcin, Lemberger Silver Krauss, Marion 2014 Strawberry, Gooseberry Bronze Oren, Rett 2013 Gewurz, Traminette Silver 2013 Lemberger, Cham- Krauss, Marion 2014 Black Currant, Red Currant Silver Oren, Rett Silver bourcin, Cab Franc 2014 Traminette, Seyval Blanc, Krauss, Marion 2014 Red Raspberry, Red Currant Silver Oren, Rett Bronze Chardonnay 2014 Traminette, Gewürztra- Krauss, Marion 2014 Red Currant, Strawberry Silver Oren, Rett Silver miner, Seyval Outlaw, Bill & Krauss, Marion 2014 Red Raspberry, Strawberry D Gold 2014 Cab Sauvignon, 100% Silver Nedra 2014 Red Raspberry, Red Currant, Straw- Outlaw, Bill & Krauss, Marion Gold 2014 Gewurztraminer, 100% D Gold berry Nedra LeRoux, Tom/Kim Outlaw, Bill & 2014 Early Spring Honey, 2014 Marquette, 100% Silver Bronze & Brian/Alice Cain Nedra Blackberry Outlaw, Bill & 2014 Gallberry Honey, White Lora, Juan 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, 100% Bronze Bronze Nedra Grape Concentrate AWS News December 2015 Page 16 Winemaker Wine Medal Winemaker Wine Medal Palmiotto, Anthony 2012 Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon Bronze Schaffner, Paul 2015 Strawberry, 100% Gold Palmiotto, Anthony 2013 Primitivo, Malbec Bronze Schlachter, Mel 2014 Chardonnay, 100% Bronze Palmiotto, Anthony 2013 Pinot Noir, Petite Sirah Silver Schlachter, Mel 2014 Muscat Valvin, 100% Bronze

Pankotai, Maureen 2014 Malbec, Syrah Bronze Schlachter, Mel 2014 Chambourcin, Bronze

2012 Cab Sauv, Zin, Merlot, Pet Ver- Paul, Howard Silver Schlachter, Mel 2014 Chancellor, Norton Silver dot 2011 Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Paul, Howard Silver Schmidt, Donald 2014 LaCrescent, 100% Bronze Cinsault, Alicante 2013 Petit Verdot, Cabernet Paul, Howard 2012 Chardonnay, 100% Bronze Scott, Dean Bronze Sauvignon 2014 Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Grena- 2013 Petite Verdot, Merlot, Paul, Howard Silver Scott, Dean Silver che Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon Seeley, Lauren & Pendrak, Stephen B. 2011 Barolo, 100% Silver 2014 Muscat Alexandria 100% Bronze Donald Pendrak, Stephen B. 2013 Carmenere, 100% Silver Seluk, Larry 2012 Malbec, 100% Silver Pendrak, Stephen B. 2014 Carmenere, 100% Silver Seluk, Larry 2013 Merlot, 100% Bronze Pendrak, Stephen B. 2014 Chardonnay, 100% Bronze Seluk, Larry 2012 Rose Maryhill Bronze 2013 Pinot Gris-Columbia Peters, Charlie 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Bronze Seluk, Larry Bronze Gorge, 100% 2015 Ginger Mead, Jalapeno, Petrucci, Amanuella 2014 Chardonnay, 100% Bronze Seluk, Larry Bronze Poblano Petrucci, Amanuella 2014 Sangiovese, 100% Silver Siegle, Mark & Ginny 2014 Malbec, 100% Bronze Piancone, Louis & 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Silver Siegle, Mark & Ginny 2014 Merlot, 100% Gold Madeline Cab Franc, Petit Verdot Piancone, Louis & 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, 100% Silver Spaziani, Gene NV Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay Bronze Madeline Piancone, Louis & 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, 100% Gold Spaziani, Gene 2012 Zinfandel, Malbec Bronze Madeline Piancone, Louis & 2014 Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc Silver Spaziani, Gene NV Zinfandel, Malbec Silver Madeline Piancone, Louis & 2014 Carmenere, Merlot, Malbec Silver Spaziani, Gene NV Muscat, Riesling D Gold Madeline Pilz, Walter 2014 Zinfandel, 100% Bronze Spaziani, Gene 2013 Chardonnay, Sauv Blanc Bronze Rainer, Ray 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, 100% Bronze Spaziani, Gene 2012 Malbec, Zinfandel Bronze Rainer, Ray 2013 Syrah - French Oak, 100% Bronze Sperk, Jim 2013 Zinfandel, 100% Bronze Rainer, Ray 2013 Syrah - Hungarian Oak, 100% Bronze Sperk, Jim NV Zinfandel, Petite Sirah Gold St. Pierre, Barry & 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Riggle, Ivan & Mary 2014 Black Locust Blossom Flower Silver Bronze Sissy 100% St. Pierre, Barry & Riggle, Ivan & Mary 2014 Concord, 100% Bronze 2013 Marquette, 100% Silver Sissy St. Pierre, Barry & Risk, Caven 2015 Fresh Blackberries, 100% Bronze 2013 Petite Sirah, 100% Gold Sissy Roccograndi, Francis St. Pierre, Barry & 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, 100% Bronze 2014 Traminette, 100% Bronze Jr. Sissy Roccograndi, Francis St. Pierre, Barry & 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, 100% Silver 2013 Primitivo, Petite Sirah Silver Jr. Sissy Roccograndi, Francis St. Pierre, Barry & 2013 Merlot, 100% Bronze 2013 Syrah, Petite Sirah Silver Jr. Sissy Roccograndi, Francis St. Pierre, Barry & 2014 Cayuga, Vignoles, Char- 2014 Syrah #2, 100% Gold Bronze Jr. Sissy donnay Roccograndi, Francis St. Pierre, Barry & 2013 Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, 2014 Zinfandel #2, 100% Bronze Bronze Jr. Sissy Marquette Roccograndi, Francis St. Pierre, Barry & 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014 Syrah, Grenache Bronze Gold Jr. Sissy Syrah, Petite Sirah Roccograndi, Francis 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Bronze Stopper, Edward 2014 Apple, 100% Bronze Jr. Russo, James G. 2014 Sangiovese, Merlot Silver Stopper, Edward 2014 Cayuga, 100% D Gold 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Russo, James G. D Gold Stopper, Edward 2014 Niagara, 100% Silver Franc, Merlot

Schaffner, Paul 2011 Elderberry Port, 100% D Gold Stopper, Edward 2014 Pear, 100% Silver

Schaffner, Paul 2015 Niagara, 100% Bronze Stopper, Edward 2014 St. Pepin, 100% Silver AWS News December 2015 Page 17 Winemaker Wine Medal Winemaker Wine Medal Stopper, Edward 2014 St. Pepin, Briana Gold Traxler, Tim 2009 Zinfandel, Old Vine Bronze 2014 Tempranillo, 100% , Stopper, Edward 2013 Frontenac, Noiret Bronze Traxler, Tim Bronze Chocolate, Grand Marnier 2012 Cayuga, Sauvignon Szaro, Robert 2015 Strawberry, Honey Silver Traxler, Tim Silver Blanc, Traminette 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Szaro, Robert 2014 Wild Maine Blueberry, 100% Silver Ulsh, Richard Silver Sangiovese Szaro, Robert 2014 Cortland Apple, Macintosh Apple D Gold Vakos, James P. 2014 Muscat, 100% Silver 2015 Taylor Raspberries, Nova Raspber- NV Syrah, Mourvedre, Viog- Szaro, Robert Silver Vakos, James P. Gold ry nier Tackett, R. Allen & 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, 100% Silver Watson, Jerry 2014 Blanc du bois D Gold Elizabeth Tackett, R. Allen & 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012 Pinot Noir, 100% Silver Webb, Jeffrey L. Silver Elizabeth 100% Traxler, Tim 2013 Blackberry, 100% Silver Webb, Jeffrey L. 2013 Carmenere, 100% Silver Traxler, Tim 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, 100% Bronze Webb, Jeffrey L. 2013 Merlot, 100% Bronze Traxler, Tim 2012 Chardonnay, 100% Bronze Westman, Michael B. 2014 Jonboy Peaches, 100% Bronze Traxler, Tim 2014 Niagara, 100% Gold Westman, Michael B. 2014 St. Pepin, 100% D Gold Traxler, Tim 2010 Pinot Noir, 100% Bronze Westman, Michael B. 2014 Chancellor, Leon Millot Bronze 2014 Stanley Pears, Mixed Traxler, Tim 2014 Riesling Ice Wine, 100% Silver Westman, Michael B. Bronze Apples 2014 Mixed Plums, 100% , Traxler, Tim 2014 Riesling-New York, 100% Silver Westman, Michael B. Silver Red Heart, Durante, Cardinal Traxler, Tim 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, 100% Bronze Westman, Michael B. 2014 Cayuga, Vignoles Bronze 2014 Chancellor, Leon Millot, Traxler, Tim 2012 Vidal, 100% Silver Westman, Michael B. Silver Cab Franc 2010 Meritage, Cab Sauvi- Traxler, Tim 2013 Washington Riesling, 100% Bronze White, Gail Bronze gnon, Merlot, Cab Franc Traxler, Tim 2014 Washington Riesling, 100% D Gold Wilson, Ladson 2014 Alicante, 100% Silver Traxler, Tim 2013 Zinfandel, 100% Bronze Wilson, Ladson 2014 Grenache, 100% Bronze 2015 Amateur Winemaking Competition—Best in Class

Best of Show James Russo 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Dry Best White Vinifera Tim Traxler 2014 Washington Riesling, Dry Best Red Vinifera James Russo 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Dry Best Native Gary Graves 2014 Niagara, Semi-Dry Best Hybrid Edward Stopper 2014 St. Pepin 60%, Brianna 40%, Semi-Dry Best Fruit Wine Dean Dietrick 2014 Rhubarb Raspberry, Sweet Best Dessert Wine Janice Hayhurst 2014 Strawberry Dessert Best Wine Label Dean Scott 2013 Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon

AWS News December 2015 Page 18 AWS Educational Foundation Bonnie Huber

In 2016, two new members will join the The 2015 Tysons Corner, VA, AWS National Conference and AWSEF Annual Meeting held during the Saturday breakfast Board of Trustees for four year terms: Kris- ten Lindelow and Danny Klein. Kristen have concluded, but the many great memories will stay with is the Regional Vice President for Alabama us! We sincerely appreciate all those who joined us for the Saturday breakfast to participate in the AWSEF Annual Meet- and is a member of the North Alabama AWS Chapter. Kristen will take on the role of VP of Scholar- ing and hope that you enjoyed watching the video compila- ships for the AWSEF, replacing outgoing Trustee, Patricia tion of the seven 2015 AWSEF scholarship winners. The joy the Board of Trustees receives from looking out into the audi- Graham. Danny is the Regional Vice President for Northern New Jersey & Southern New York and is a member of the ence while the video is playing and watching everyone intent- ly focusing on each of the winners and their individual stories Meadowlands, NJ AWS Chapter. He will take on the role of VP of Private Development for the AWSEF replacing outgoing and research truly makes it all worthwhile for us! The AWS Trustee Larry Singer. conference was truly a wonderful treat—great presenters and fabulous wines in every session and at every meal. Top Please check out our 2015 AWSEF Scholarship Recipient Vid- notch! eo located on our AWSEF website. Please share this video with your local chapter members and friends. We received Thank you very much to all who participated and donated wonderful feedback from AWS Conference attendees and items to the annual AWSEF silent auction that occurred on wanted to pass it along to those that could not attend. Friday at the National Conference. Jim High did another out- standing job of leading this year’s auction with strong support Why not give the gift of education this holiday season? No from Larry Singer and help from every Trustee and their re- amount is too small and the deserving students who receive spective spouses. Our takeaway this year is that the greatest scholarships appreciate your support. After all, they are the competition was on large format bottles. It was very exciting future of our wine! to watch the bidding wars! We challenge you to look in your own collections and pull out something special to donate next Thank you for your continued support of the AWSEF. Happy year! The silent auction raised over $7,200 on approximately holidays to each and every one of you! May your holidays be 125 items received from loyal AWS members, AWSEF sup- filled with family, friends and porters, wineries and small businesses. This was a record great wines! high for our silent auction! Words cannot express our grati- tude to all those who donated and bid on items to help Bonnie us fulfill our mission. [email protected]

AWS News December 2015 Page 19 AWS News

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