Wednesday, July 10, 2013

07/10 DARLENE PAWLUKOWSKY, TONY LOMBARDI, LARRY LIPSON

Darlene Pawlukowsky - THE AMERICAN BAKING COMPETITION

THE FINAL THREE BAKERS COMPETE IN A WINNER-TAKE-ALL BATTLE FOR $250,000 AND A COOKBOOK CONTRACT, ON THE SEASON FINALE OF THE AMERICAN BAKING COMPETITION, WEDNESDAY, JULY 10.

As the final three bakers compete in a winner-take-all battle for $250,000 and a cookbook contract, the pressure reaches an all-time high, leading one of them to break down. Also, the contestants also face their toughest challenges yet when they need to use peanuts in their Signature Bakes, as well as make 72 American flag-inspired miniature desserts for their Showstoppers, on THE AMERICAN BAKING COMPETITION, Wednesday, July 10 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.


TONY LOMBARDI - KOSTA BROWNE WINERY

Kosta Browne has bolstered its new estate program with the purchase of its first vineyard, a key 20 acre block from the highly acclaimed Keefer Ranch, located in the Russian River Valley appellation.

"We have been sourcing Pinot Noir from the Keefer Ranch since 2005 and it has been a gem in our portfolio, having designated the wine since that vintage," says winery founder Michael Browne. "It’s just such an incredible Green Valley site and the meticulous care given to this ranch by Marcy Keefer and her crew truly shows in the wines.”

Kosta Browne acquires the K2 block, while Marcy Keefer continues to farm her remaining 30 acres, selling these grapes to her existing winery clients.

“I couldn’t be happier with this arrangement with Kosta Browne,” says Marcy Keefer. “They have always been the ideal winery partner, so I’m confident they will be incredible stewards of this piece of vineyard.” Keefer Ranch is located in Green Valley which is located in the southwestern corner of the Russian River Valley, near the headwaters of Green Valley Creek. The original 50 acre vineyard is planted on gentle well-drained slopes with Goldridge soil and is perfectly positioned on gently rolling hills in an area known to have some of the coolest weather in the Russian River Valley. The site has a superb micro-climate, offering just the right amount of warmth during the day and very cool nights, which leads to intensely focused red fruited wine with strong natural acidity; combined with elegance and intensity. The acquisition of Keefer Ranch comes on the heels of the winery securing a long term lease of 37 acres from the Gap’s Crown Vineyard, and now further expands the Kosta Browne’s new estate wine program.

About Kosta Browne Winery: For over 15 years Kosta Browne has crafted intensely flavored and balanced wines from the finest regions in California, including the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast and Santa Lucia Highlands appellations. Kosta Browne’s dedication to quality, stewardship and commitment to customer relationships has propelled the brand to industry leader, producing some of the most sought after new world Pinot Noirs. To learn more about the winery, please visit:www.kostabrowne.com.


LARRY LIPSON - COSTA RICA CORRESPONDENT

LARRY WAS A FOOD CRITIC FOR THE LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS AND NOW FILES A WEEKLY REPORT DIRECT FROM COSTA RICA AND THE LIPSON INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED WINE STUDIES.