The profile of wines from Washington and Oregon will be getting a boost in the UK from leading New World distributor Caxton Wines. It has signed a deal to handle Stimson Lane's brands from the US Pacific Northwest. The company has developed a reputation for wine making and has a 65% share of the Washington State wine production. Its Columbia Valley vineyards have won recognition for high quality wines. The wines have been handled in this country by Liberty Wines but Stimson Lane believes it will benefit from Caxton's greater marketing firepower. The Pernod Ricard subsidiary handles the leading Australian wine Jacob's Creek, as well as Etchart from Argentina and Long Mountain from South Africa. Marketing director Sophie Gallois said: "We want to be a one-stop shop for New World wines and the US was a gap in our portfolio. "We strongly believe that the American Pacific Northwest is a unique premium area yet to be discovered by UK consumers. We are confident with our extensive resources we can offer Stimson Lane new opportunities in the UK." The Pacific Northwest has been regarded with interest in the UK but it was thought it would be unable to provide sufficient consistent volume to cater for the UK trade. Gallois is confident UK customers will be satisfied. She has a first year target of 25,000 cases. The range will be backed by PR, press advertising and a neck collar initiative. Caxton will concentrate on Stimson Lane's Columbia Crest, Chateau Ste Michelle and Domaine Ste Michelle brands and handle its Californian winery Villa Mount Eden. {{DRINKS }}

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