A Blue-Ribbon Panel

The panel of experts for The Times’ 12th annual wine tasting was headed by author and Los Angeles Times Magazine wine columnist Robert Lawrence Balzer. Other members, from within and without the wine industry, included: neurologist/wine connoisseur William Bond; Doren Chisholm, food and beverage director of Harrah’s in Reno; Miklos Dora, American representative for Baron Philippe de Rothschild; Michael Florian, public relations director for Beringer Vineyards; Web Hanson, executive director of Young’s Market Co.; Rita Leinwand, food authority/writer; Burgess Meredith, actor/wine lover; Marcus Moller-Racke, president of Buena Vista Winery; Michael Mondavi, president of Robert Mondavi Winery; Robert Pecota, owner of Robert Pecota Winery; Thomas Selfridge, president of Beaulieu Vineyard; Charles F. Shaw, owner of Charles F. Shaw Vineyard; Sergio Traverso, director of Concannon Vineyards; Eric Wente, president of Wente Bros, and Steve Wallace, wine merchant.