•The Best New Sommeliers
These seven sommeliers represent the best of the new guard working the floor of top restaurants across the US. Voted by their peers as the most motivated and energetic in their studies, the most thoughtful in their wine ordering and—most importantly—the most personable at tableside, these are the sommeliers you want to have pouring your wine. So make your reservations now at the tables of America’s Best New Sommeliers.

•Heard at the Symposium
Three hundred of the great minds in wine met for the seventh Master of Wine Symposium in Bordeaux this past June. Co–chairs Fiona Morrison, MW, and Jacques Lurton, of Bordeaux’s Château la Martinette, urged participants to “forge links,” whether by passing out business cards or striking up a conversation on the bus from the Cité Mondiale in Bordeaux Centre to Château Pontet–Canet in Pauillac, site of the gala dinner on Saturday night. The principal sponsor for the event was the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB). Wine & Spirits Magazine served as the US Media sponsor. The seminars and keynote addresses are available on video at mastersofwine.org. Here are some outtakes from the panel discussions, guest speakers and blind tastings over dinner.

•Going to Extremes
The Santa Rita Hills appellation possesses some of the most extreme growing conditions for viticulture in California. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and its physical geography—a pair of east–west valleys set between low hills—expose the region to bracingly cool temperatures and intense, driving Pacific winds.

•Frozen XO
Cognac is rarely considered until after dinner. But as a spirit of fruit, acidity, spice and oxidation, it is the concentrated form of wine. A few progressive chefs in the region are rethinking Cognac, taking the spirit out of the liquor cabinet and placing it prominently on the dinner table.

•New & Notible Restaurants 2010
In May, Wine & Spirits held its Second Annual Top of the List tasting, honoring the Most Popular Wines in our 21st Annual Restaurant Poll. More than 120 wineries attended, pouring those wines in addition to their own favorites.