Palate Paradise
On any given day Chicago welcomes titans of industry, Hollywood screen stars and global political figures. The star power this week was courtesy of the premium wine business. Pure Wine Co., a major midwest distributor, assembled an all-star roster of winery owners, vintners and importers to present their current releases to Chicago-area sommeliers and retailers.
The setting was dramatic: Inside Jay Pritzker Pavilion, with the city’s Millennium Park and a gorgeous April day as the backdrop through a towering glass partition. In all, 13 importers and 50 U.S. wineries were represented (43 from California).
Much of what was poured Monday is destined for critical acclaim, collectors’ wine cellars and epic wine lists, if they are not there already. Among those with whom we conversed and sipped:
Dierberg’s director of sales David Blantly (2004 Dierberg Pinot Noir; 2005 Star Lane Sauvignon Blanc; and a 2005 barrel sample of Cabernet Sauvignon).
Celia Deneen Brown (right) of Brown Estate Vineyards (2005 Napa Zinfandel; 2003 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon).
The charming Greg (below) and Petra Martin of Martin Estate, with a few pieces from Greg’s armor and antique weaponry collection on display (as well as their unparalleled 2003 Estate and Reserve Estate Cabernets, the latter born of a single clone). When you admire the distinct Martin Estate label, comprised of antique firearms, armor and other militaristic implements, every piece depicts an actual collectible item. 
Sea Smoke general manager Victor Gallegos, pouring the ‘05 Botella, ‘05 Ten, ‘04 Southing, and the latest release from his Priorat project, the 2004 Melis.
Robert Craig, founder of the premium Napa Cabernet winery that bears his name.
Jeff Fink, the Tantara Winery winemaker, standing before a vast array of lush 2005 Pinot Noirs. 
Among importers were Ben Hammerschlag of Epicurean (2005 Amon-Ra and Godolphin), and Alberto Lataliste of Gaucho Imports with a selection of Malbecs from Argentina’s Mendoza region (Vistalba releases designated A, B and C). Lataliste (right) also is a partner in a hit Argentine steakhouse, El Raigon, in San Francisco’s North Beach.
– Steve Woodward
