The Golden Palate Competition is Back!

The Return of The Golden Palate!
by Tobin Sharp
Last year, we tried a new series at our wine bar-- one that pitted our wine staff members against each other in a 'cage match' kind of wine competition, one we call The Golden Palate. In this competition, our wine staffers each select 5 wines from a preset price range ( 1st round includes wine under $20, 2nd round includes wines under $50, 3rd round includes wines under $100, the final didn't have a price range) and the wine bar customers, who don't know which staffer picked which bottles, votes for their favorite wines. Whomever gathers the most votes, moves forward. The "2nd place winner" goes home (sometimes in tears).
 
In last year's finale, in an 'Anakin Skywalker v. Obi Wan Kenobi' showdown, Zach "Le Champignon" Korhonen bested Dan Williams in a tightly contested round (with incredible wines!).

Our first match of the new year took place last Friday (2/20), pitting Gabe Barakat against Veronica Castro.
 
Here are the top vote-getting wines, and who picked them:
1. Pago Florentino 2010 Tempranillo (Veronica)
2. & 3. (tie) (both from Gabe)
• Bohigas Brut Reserva Cava
• Tarima Hill 2012 100% Monastrell
 
Even though Veronica chose the most popular wine of the night, it was Gabe Barakat who emerged victorious!

Here's the full list in the order served:

1. Bohigas Brut Reserva Cava

2. Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noir

3. Cantina Terlano 2013 Pinot Grigio

4. Charles Smith 2013 Riesling "Kung Fu Girl"

5. Matthieu Barret 2013 Côte du Rhône Petit Ours Brun

6. Pago Florentino 2010 Tempranillo

7. Freakshow 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon

8. Bodegas Aragonesas 2012 Coto De Hayas

9. Tarima Hill 2012 100% Monastrell

10. Ancient Peaks 2012 Proprietary Red "Renegade"

Coming up in April!
Todd v. Michael
Zach v. Beate

As always, check our Wine Bar page to find out the schedule!

2015 Bracket