As part of the New York area wine trade, I was given the privilege ,by Invitation, to join other wine professionals at a Special wine tasting from 10pm to 1am. The event, which coincided with the NCAA basketball tournament, was hosted by Lauber Imports, a division of Southern Wine & Spirits.
The wine tasting, titled 'MARCH MADNESS' took place at the prestigious LANDMARC Restaurant, located in the Time Warner Building facing Central Park (NYC).
There was much anticipation for this event, as tastings normally take place from one to five in the afternoon. This late night start added importance to this event.
What would the turn out be at this late hour? That was the question the few, including myself, who arrived early asked.
The doors opened and within fifteen minutes the room was packed.
These guests were not your usual day time wine trade tasters, but, a different breed, many dressed to the nines.
Lauber Imports was onto something. A different wine tasting approach with a bigger result. Other importers take note.
Lauber, known for their Grand Portfolio Tasting with over 800 wines, highlighted only fifteen wines tonight. Focus on the few was the lesson. And that is what I did.
There were several wonderful wines out of the lot, but, a few stood out:
2005 Alder Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon
2005 Roy Estate Red
2004 Hidden Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon
If other Importers and Distributors follow Lauber's lead, tastings for the trade would move up a creative notch.
Unlike many cities in America, New York City is a 24 hour a day city. Let's take advantage of that fact, Importers and Distributors and follow Lauber's Success.
Philip S. Kampe
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com
