News Briefs for May 30, 2018

•In case you missed yesterday’s News Alert, Brown-Forman has named current COO Lawson Whiting as its new chief executive, effective January 1, 2019. Whiting will replace Paul Varga, who is retiring as CEO after a 15-year tenure but will remain on the Brown-Forman board. Here’s the full story.

•Hail cut a path of destruction through the Bordeaux region on May 26, just days after two small storms struck the Médoc on May 21. Blaye and Bourg, the Médoc, and Entre-Deux-Mers were the most seriously impacted. The overall damage is substantial: 17,544 acres of vines were affected. More than 8,400 acres suffered a crippling 80% damage, according to the CIVB, Bordeaux’s wine trade group. Wine Spectator has the full story.

•Chilean winery Viña San Pedro, whose wines are imported in the U.S. by Shaw-Ross International, has debuted 9 Lives Reserve, a new line intended to showcase the preeminent grape varietals of Chile and Argentina. The newly launched brand currently includes Chilean-sourced Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as a Malbec from Argentina (all $10 a 750-ml.). 9 Lives is rolling out now nationwide.

•Louisville-based Copper & Kings American Brandy Co. has introduced The Moons Of Juniper Gin. An American-style dry gin, The Moons Of Juniper is made with whole juniper berries, honey, and a variety of other classic botanicals, including sweet orange peel, coriander, and cardamom, among others. The 96-proof entry will be available at select retail and bar accounts across Copper & Kings’ 35-market footprint, retail priced at $40 a 750-ml. The Moons Of Juniper joins American Dry Gin, American Old Tom Gin, and 1495 Guelders Gin labels in Copper & Kings’ gin lineup. Constellation Brands acquired a minority stake in Copper & Kings earlier this year.

Tagged : 9 Lives Reserve, Bordeaux, Brown-Forman, Copper & Kings American Brandy Co., Shaw-Ross International, Vina San Pedro, Wine Spectator

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