News Briefs for November 2, 2020
November 3, 2020•Maison Ferrand has announced Ferrand Cognac Légendaire, a new luxury-priced annual release containing some of the oldest Cognacs in the house’s library. The spirit draws from reserves up to 100 years old, and the final blend is finished in a zebra barrel—a barrel with the staves gradually replaced as the Cognac matures, imparting new tannins without overwhelming the spirit in the barrel, according to the company. Beginning this month, Ferrand Cognac Légendaire will be available in extremely limited quantities—only 500 bottles will be released each year—for around $2,800 a 750-ml.
•Lodi, California-based Michael David Winery has debuted North Coast Wine Co. and its first brand, Outerbound. The Geyserville-based winery was purchased from Silver Oak Cellars in 2017 in a deal that included a 32,000-square-foot production facility as well as 12 acres of vineyards, all planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. The first label from North Coast Wine Co., Outerbound, will begin shipping in January. The inaugural shipment will feature 6,000 cases of wine, among them Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; North Coast Chardonnay, Merlot, and Zinfandel; and Russian River Pinot Noir. The North Coast Wine Co. tasting room is slated to open to the public in 2021.
•Napa, California-based Grounded Wine Co. has added two new members to its sales force. The company has named Mack Hoehner as managing director and senior vice president of sales. Hoehner joins Grounded from Vintage Wine Estates and has over thirty years of industry experience, including time with Gallo and as a southwest regional manager for several companies. In addition, Catherine Jamison will join the Grounded team and help manage chain sales and retail distribution. She joins the company with two decades of experience, most recently as director of sales, strategic retail at Young’s Market Company. Grounded is owned and led by Napa winemaker Josh Phelps.
•Napa Valley winemaker Cuvaison Estate Wines has named Brendan Finley as estate director. Finley comes to Cuvaison from Wente Family Estates, where he served as executive vice president of hospitality operations and DTC. In his new role, Finley will oversee Cuvaison’s front-of-house team and manage the luxury winery experiences for both Cuvaison and Brandlin.
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