Afternoon Brief, September 14th

French Prosecutors Probe Champagne Grape-Pickers’ Deaths in Extreme Heat: Public prosecutors in France's northeastern Champagne region are investigating the deaths of at least four grape-pickers who died while working in extreme heat, according to local media reports...

TOR Wines appointed Richard Hall as Chief Operating Officer effective March 1, 2021. Hall joins the TOR team from Lede Family Wines where he was responsible for overall organizational strategy as well as financial investments. His career history also includes executive level positions with Leslie Rudd Investment Company and Managed Health Network. TOR Wines, which focuses on single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines, cuvees and Bordeaux varietals, was established by Tor and Susan Kenward in 2001. Recently they accomplished what others only dream of; earning Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Antonio Galloni’s Vinous, Jeb Dunnuck and the International Wine Report 2018 Napa Valley Black Magic, 100 points. The 100-point score is outstanding, but for one wine to be awarded four 100-point scores is historic. The executive search for TOR Wines COO was successfully conducted by Mitroff Consulting & Associates of St. Helena.