Jess Stonestreet Jackson of Kendall-Jackson Winery, who played a major role in popularizing Chardonnay in the early 1980s, died at the age of 81. Click here to read about his life and legacy. Visit Winemag.com's Wine Enthusiast TV section to watch him accept a Lifetime Achievement Wine Star Award.The Los Angeles times reported that $15 to $20 is the new “sweet spot” for selling a bottle of wine. Meanwhile, wine store owners say that high-margin sales of wines in the $50 to $150 range remains difficult.Pol Roger NV will be the official Champagne at the upcoming royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.SPI Group, a spirits company that owns Stolichnaya vodka, bought a majority share in Achával-Ferrer, one of the top names in Argentine wine, for an undisclosed amount.Alexander LaPratt, sommelier of db Bistro Moderne in Manhattan was recognized by the American Sommelier Association as the Best Sommelier in America 2011. Click here to read about the competition.
