Afternoon Brief: Neil Empson, Pioneer of Fine Italian Wine in the US Market, Dies at 85

The EMPSON Companies announce the passing of their beloved Chairman and Co-Founder, Neil Trevanion Howard Empson, on Saturday, September 14, 2024. He was 85 years old...

September 21, 2023 — The 2023 International Eastern Wine Competition and West Coast Wine Competition match-up has announced Eberle Winery’s 2021 Cotes-du-Robles Rouge, a Rhone-style blend, as the Best of the Best…of the Best. A blend of 54% Grenache; 38% Mourvedre and 8% Syrah, Eberle’s red blend wowed judges, who described the wine as “Very well balanced,” “Black currant,” “Shows Grenache really nicely,” with a “really nice mouthfeel.” Located in California’s Paso Robles AVA, Eberle Winery (www.eberlewinery.com) was established in 1979 and now produces up to 15 wines annually. In addition to this year’s top winner, five other Eberle entries earned gold awards or better. This two-pronged East vs. West contest first chooses winners in the separate International Eastern Wine Competition and West Coast Wine Competition (see parameters below), before the top wines from each are pitted against each other in

Las Positas Vineyards’ 2020 Albariño Takes Top Honors February 14, 2022 — The 2022 International Eastern Wine Competition and West Coast Wine Competition match-up has announced Las Positas Vineyards (Livermore Valley, Calif.) 2020 Albariño as the Best of the Best…of the Best. This is the first Albariño to ever win this competition. This two-pronged contest first chooses winners in the separate International Eastern Wine Competition and West Coast Wine Competition (see parameters below), before the top wines from each are pitted against each other in an East Meets West Taste Off. Traditionally grown on the Iberian Peninsula, Albariño is a white grape loved for its rich stone fruit flavors, hint of salinity and zippy acidity. Described by judges as “fruit cocktail, “nicely spiced” and “very balanced with a long pleasing finish,” the Las Positas Albariño met the challenge and bested all-comers. Other Best