AlaWine.com: Super Award Winning Wines

Super-Awawrd Winners, Oregon Wine Competition

2010 Best of Show

Best of Show
Phelps Creek Vineyards
2008 Chardonnay, Estate
Reserve
Columbia Gorge

Best of Red
Stoller
2006 Pinot Noir, SV
Estates
Dundee Hills

Best of White
Phelps Creek Vineyards
2008 Chardonnay, Estate
Reserve
Columbia Gorg

2010 Gold Medals

Amity Vineyards
2008 Pinot Blanc
Willamette Valley

Cana’s Fest Winery
2007 Sanglovese
Columbia Valley

Cana’s Feast Winery
2008 Counoise
Columbia Valley

Evergreen Vineyards
2008 Pinot Noir, Spruce
Goose
Willamette Valley

Firesteed Cellars
2008 Rose-Pinot Noir
Oregon

Phelps Creek Vineyards
2008 Chardonnay, Estate
Reserve
Columbia Gorge

Shadow Mountains
2007 Pinot Noir, JV Estate
Dundee Hills

Stoller
2006 Pinot Noir, SV Estate
Dundee Hills

Zerba Cellars
2007 Mourvedre
Columbia Valley

For more information, click here.

Sweepstakes Winners, 2010 Mendocino Wine Competition

Fourteen judges, including top wine writers, winemakers, educators, authors, and sommeliers, convened at Scharffenberger Cellars earlier this month to swirl, sip and select Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze medal winners at the 34th Annual Mendocino Wine Competition. In all, there were 194 entries in 20 categories, representing all 12 distinct growing regions in Mendocino County.

All of the major varieties were represented: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, as well as red and white blends, sparkling wines, rosé and blush, and late harvest white/dessert reds. The sweepstakes awards were presented to best overall red and white wines, as well as the best wines made from organically or sustainably grown grapes, reflecting Mendocino County’s status as "America’s greenest wine region."

Winning a Double Gold medal in the Riesling category, Bonterra Vineyard’s 2009 Riesling, made from organic grapes, also won Best of Class White. Harmonique’s 2006 Elegance’ Pinot Noir not only earned a Double Gold in the Pinot Noir category, but it was also awarded Best of Class Red. This year, two wineries won the coveted Green award tying for first place: Husch Vineyards’ 2009 La Ribera Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc and Handley Cellars’ 2009 Pinot Noir Rosé, Anderson Valley.

For more information, click here.

Best of Class, 2010 San Francisco International Wine Competition

In addition to the four Best in Show wines, here are the Best of Class wines from the 2010 San Francisco International Wine Competition:

* BEST ZINFANDEL Maple Creek Winery 2007 Zinfandel Artevino Largo Ridge Vineyard Mendocino County $26

* BEST TEMPRANILLO Consensio Cellars 2008 Tempranillo Symphony of Wine Series Amador County $30

* BEST SYRAH Hahn SLH Estate 2007 Syrah Santa Lucia Highlands $27

* BEST SHERRY González Bayass NV Nectar Superior Selection Jerez Spain 37% rs $18

* BEST SAUVIGNON BLANC Brancott Vineyards 2008 Sauvignon Blanc B Marlborough New Zealand $26

* BEST SAKÉ Okunomatsu 2009 Shizukuzake Juhachidai Saké Fukushima Japan $50

* BEST ROSÉ Kavaklidere 2009 Egeo Roze Aegean Turkey 0.39% rs $19

* BEST PORT Quinta do Vesuvio 2007 Vintage Port Douro Portugal 6.6% rs $73

* BEST PINOT GRIGIO Montevina Wines 2009 Pinot Grigio California $10

* BEST PETITE SIRAH Clavo Cellars 2007 Petite Sirah Dreamer Catherine’s Vineyard Paso Robles $30

* BEST NATIVE AMERICAN VARIETAL Goose Watch Winery 2009 Diamond Finger Lakes 4.5% rs $10

* BEST MERLOT Still Waters Vineyards 2006 Merlot Estate Paso Robles $22

* BEST MALBEC Paradise View 2006 Malbec Sonoma Coast $32

* BEST CHARDONNAY Church & State Wines 2008 Chardonnay Gravelbourg Vineyard Okanagan Valley Canada $25

* BEST CABERNET SAUVIGNON Robert Hall Winery 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles $18

* BEST CABERNET FRANC Elk Run Vineyards 2008 Cabernet Franc Cold Friday Vineyard Maryland $28

* BEST BORDEAUX BLEND Niner Wine Estates 2007 Premium Bordeaux Blend Fog Catcher Paso Robles $58

* BEST BARBERA Jeff Runquist Wines 2008 Barbera Amador County $24

For more information, click here.

Best in Show, 2010 San Francisco International Wine Competition

Arriving from across the United States, 45 wine industry professionals recently convened in San Francisco to evaluate 3,897 wines from 1,290 wineries during the 2010 San Francisco International Wine Competition. In its 30th anniversary year, the San Francisco International Wine Competition examined wines from 28 states and 27 countries.

The medal count included 160 Double Gold awards, 276 Gold medals, 1,118 Silver and 1,343 Bronze. "Best in Show" awards went to: Whitecliff Vineyard 2009 Riesling, New York, $15, for Best White Wine; Sequana 2008 Pinot Noir, Sarmento Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, $32, for Best Red Wine; Piper Sonoma NV Blanc de Blancs, Sonoma Coast, $17, for Best Sparkling Wine and Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate 2007 Vidal Ice Wine, Proprietor's Reserve, Niagara Peninsula, Canada, $40, for Best Dessert Wine.

Hess Family Estates, Napa, California, was recognized with the "Portfolio Award" for excellence across a spectrum of brands. Winemaker Amanda Cramer, Niner Wine Estates, Paso Robles, California, won the coveted André Tchelistcheff "Winemaker of the Year" award. The Tasting Panel Magazine "Winery of the Year" award went to De Tierra Vineyard of Salinas, California.

For more information, click here.

Best of Show, L.A. International Wine Competition

Marking its 71st anniversary, the L.A. International Wine & Spirits Competition featured 3,200 wine entries from around the world, judged by 75 of the leading international wine experts.

The 2010 Best of Show Winners are:

BEST OF SHOW - LIMITED PRODUCTION
Kiona Vineyards & Winery, Ice Wine - Chenin Blanc,
Red Mountain, 2008

BEST OF SHOW - WINE WORLD OF SPORTS
Lasorda, Chianti Classico, Tuscany DOCG, 2007

BEST OF SHOW - BORDEAUX COMPETITION
Château Montet, Bordeaux Rouge AOC France, 2008

BEST OF SHOW - BORDEAUX SUPÉRIEUR COMPETITION
Château Marac, Pourquoi Pas Moi, Bordeaux Supérieur Rouge AOC France, 2005

BEST OF SHOW - RED $14.99 AND UNDER
Villa San Juliette, Petite Sirah, Paso Robles, 2008

BEST OF SHOW - RED $15.00 - $29.99
Armida Winery, Zinfandel, Poizin, Sonoma County, California, 2008

BEST OF SHOW - RED $30.00 AND UP
Prime Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Midoriya Hills Vineyard,
Napa Valley, 2007

BEST OF SHOW – WHITE $14.99 AND UNDER
Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery, Pinot Blanc, Birch Canoe,
Okanagan Valley VQA, 2008

BEST OF SHOW - WHITE $15.00 - $29.99
James Arthur Vineyards, Edelweiss, Nebraska, 2009

BEST OF SHOW - WHITE $30.00 AND UP
Dutcher Crossing Winery, Chardonnay, Stuhlmuller Vineyard, Alexander Valley, 2008

For more information, click here.

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Stoller Vineyards 2006 Pinot Noir

The Award-Winning Wine:
Stoller Vineyards 2006 Pinot Noir

Reason for Reviewing:
Stoller Vineyards 2006 Pinot Noir won the "Best Pinot Noir of Show" award at the 2010 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Stoller Vineyards was recognized in 2006 as the first LEED® certified winemaking facility in the United States, attaining the rare Gold level certification.

Winery Notes:
Violets, earth, mineral and red berry aromatics lead into a palate of spice and ripe fruit, with bright acidity coupled with a smooth texture.

AlaWine Notes:
Stoller Vineyards 2006 Pinot Noir pours as a medium-dark ruby color. Ripe berry aromas, in an earthy context, exude from the glass. Opens smoothly on the palate with rich raspberry flavor, which holds gallantly through a long, light leather, and moderately spicy, finish.

Bottom Line:
Stoller Vineyards 2006 Pinot Noir is a well balanced Pinot with full flavors and interesting complexities. Nice on its own, or pair with poultry, pork, salmon. Suggested retail price is $40. Overall composite score: 95 points.

Best of Class, 2010 Orange County Fair Wine Competition

Best of Class – Red Varietals
Premium
Darcie Kent Vineyards, 2007 Zinfandel
Livermore Valley, DeMayo Vineyard
High
Handley, 2007 Pinot Noir
Anderson Valley
Medium
Cardinal Zin, 2007 Zinfandel
California, Beastly Old Vines
Low
Little Black Dress, 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
California

Best of Class – White Varietals
Premium
Costa de Oro Winery, 2008 Chardonnay
‘Reserva Dorado’, Santa Maria Valley, Estate, Gold Coast Vineyard
High
Hahn SLH Estate, 2007 Chardonnay
Santa Lucia Highlands
Medium
South Coast Winery, 2009 Gewurztraminer
Temecula Valley, Carter Estate Vineyard
Low
Foodies, 2008 Chardonnay
California

Best of Class – Dessert Wines
Premium
The Dancing Fox Winery, 2006 Petite Sirah
‘Fauns Folly’, Lodi, Late Harvest
High
Eberle, 2009 Muscat
Muscat Canelli, Paso Robles, Estate Bottled
Medium
Eredita, 2008 Vintage Port
California, Portuguese Varieties, Special Family Reserve
Low
Sutter Home Family Vineyards, 2009 Muscat
Moscato, California

Best of Class – Sparkling Wines
Premium
Handley, 2006 Sparkling Rose
Brut Rose, Anderson Valley, Estate, Methode Champenoise
High
Laetitia, NV Sparkling Wine
Brut Cuvee, Arroyo Grande Valley, Methode Champenoise
Medium
Barefoot Bubbly, NV Sparkling Wine
Champagne, ‘Moscato Spumante, California, Charmat Method
Low
Ballatore, NV Sparkling Wine
‘Gran Spumante’, California

For more information, click here.

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Best of Class, Central Coast Wine Competition

Best of Show, Best of White Wine, Best of San Luis Obispo County, and Best of Other White Dry:
Vina Robles 2009 White 4 Huerhuero, Paso Robles

Best of Red Wine and Best of Italian Red Varieties:
Alapay Cellars 2008 Lagrein, Paso Robles

Best of Dessert Wine and Best Dessert White:
Pear Valley 2009 Orange Muscat, Paso Robles

Best of Cabernet Sauvignon:
Aron Hill Vineyard 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Templeton

Best of Chardonnay:
Harmony Cellars 2008 Chardonnay, Harmony

Best of Fortified Red, Port Style:
Paso Port 2007 Ruby, Templeton

Best of Meritage Rhone Blend:
Rideau Vineyard 2007 Chateau Duplantier, Solvang

Best of Meritage Style Bordeaux:
Justin 2007 Isosceles, Paso Robles

Best of Merlot:
Rancho Sisquoc 2007 Merlot Flood Family Vineyards, Santa Maria

Best of Other Red Varietal and Best of Santa Barbara County:
William James Cellars 2007 Grenache, Santa Maria

Best of Petite Sirah:
Leprino Vineyards 2007 Petite Sirah, Paso Robles

Best of Pink:
San Marcos Creek 2009 White Estate Merlot, Paso Robles

Best of Pinot Grigio:
Quail Crossing 2008 Pinot Grigio, Santa Ynez

Best of Pinot Noir:
Claiborne & Churchill 2008 Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo

Best of Rhone Style:
Venteux Vineyards 2007 PMS, Templeton

Best of Sauvignon Blanc:
Ancient Peaks 2009 Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Margarita

Best of Spanish Red:
Alapay Cellars 2008 Tempranillo, Paso Robles

Best of Super Tuscan Red:
Rancho Sisquoc 2007Tre-Vini Flood Family Vineyards, Santa Maria

Best of Syrah:
Venteux Vineyards 2007 Syrah, Templeton

Best of Viognier:
Eberle 2009 Mill Road Vineyard Viognier, Paso Robles

Best of White Rhone:
Per Cazo Cellars 2009 Tres Blanc, Paso Robles

Best of Zinfandel:
Kenneth Volk 2007 Zinfandel , Santa Maria

Best of Monterey County:
Lockwood Vineyard, Monterey 2008 Estate Chardonnay

For more information, click here.

Sweepstakes Winners, International Eastern Wine Competition

The four Best of Category winners were selected from the 44 Double Gold medalists that advanced to the final round after earning unanimous gold votes from judging panels in the previous "medal round". They are:

Best White Wine
Chateau Ste Michelle and Dr. Loosen, 08 Eroica Riesling, Columbia Valley (AVA), $24

Best Red Wine
Napa Ridge Winery, 07 Petite Sirah, Napa Valley (AVA), $12.99

Best Dessert Wine
Dr. Konstantin Frank, 08 Riesling, Finger Lakes (AVA), Bunch Select Late Harvest, $69.99

Best Fruit Wine
Ackerman Winery, 09 Raspberry, Iowa (State Appellation), $9.95

Best of Varietal winners include:
Bogle, 08 Chardonnay, California (State Appellation), $9
Ferrante Winery, 08 Gewurztraminer, Grand River Valley (AVA), $15
Dr. Konstantin Frank, 08 Riesling, Finger Lakes (AVA), Bunch Select Late Harvest, $69.99
Oliver Winery, 09 Pinot Grigio, America (Lodi and Columbia Gorge AVAs) $12.50
Domaine Laurier Winery, 07 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County (County Appellation), Reserve, $9.99
Trecini Winery, 07 Merlot, Russian River Valley (AVA), $28
Cross Keys Vineyards, 08 Cabernet Franc, Shenandoah Valley (AVA), $21
Napa Ridge Winery, 07 Petite Sirah, Napa Valley (AVA), $12.99
Jeff Runquist Wines, 08 Primitivo, Amador County (County Appellation), Nostro Vino Vineyard, $26
Balistreri Vineyards, 08 Sangiovese, Grand Valley (AVA), Talbott Vineyard, $22
Lost Bars, 07 Icewine, Okanagan Valley (DVA), VQA, $38

For more information, click here.

Best of Show, 2010 California State Fair Wine Competition

The 2010 California State Fair Wine Competition winners have been posted, and the Best of Show award-winning wines (and Best Value wine) include:

Best of Show, Red
Double Gold, 98
Red Rock Winery
2008 California Malbec

Best of Show, White
Gold, 95
Cypress Vineyards
2009 Central Coast Sauvignon Blanc

Best of Show, Dessert
Gold, 95
R. A. Harrison Family Cellars
2007 Napa County Nobility

Best Value
Double Gold, 98
Sterling Vineyards
2008 Central Coast Meritage

For more information, click here.

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2008 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine

The Award-Winning Wine:
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2008 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine

Reason for Reviewing:
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2008 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine earned a top-honor Double Gold Medal award at the 2010 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
This year, Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards is celebrating twenty-five years of winemaking in the Finger Lakes region. The Winery is rated one of America’s Top 25 Tasting Rooms by Wine Enthusiast magazine and is home to the ever-popular Red Cat (Red Catawba and Baco Noir).

Winery Notes:
Created in the method of the rare German eiswein. This Vidal wine offers the alluring flavors of peach, apricot and honey balanced by the fine refreshing acidity and a silky finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2008 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine shows as a light honey-yellow color in the glass. Peach and tropical fruit aromas lift to the nose. Peach pie flavors in a smooth, viscous mouth, with balanced acidity, and a long finish.

Bottom Line:
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2008 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine is a delicious and refreshing dessert wine from start to finish. Suggested retail price is $40 per 375ml. Overall composite score: 95 points.

NextGen Wine Competition Gold

Results are in from the NextGen Wine Competition for Millennial Wine Drinkers. All of the judges were young people, ages 21-35, in the wine industry, including "sommeliers, wine educators, hot young chefs, bloggers and media who can fairly represent what they like to their colleagues and consumers," according to Lea Pierce, Founder and Managing Director of Wine Competition Management. The following 23 wines were awarded top-honor Gold Medals:

* ADS Wines, Heavy Weight White Chardonnay 2008 $12.99
* Jekel Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 $14.99
* Castoro Cellars Reserve Tempranillo 2006 $21.95
* DnA Vintners Chocolate Paradise $14
* Pepperwood Grove Wines, The Big Green Box Chardonnay $19.99
* Barefoot Moscato $6.99
* Grady Family Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel 2008 $14
* Hagafen Cellars Don Ernesto Vin Gris 2009 $15
* Dante Dusi Vineyard Zinfandel 2008 $32
* Jus Soli Winery Roots Red 2007 $20
* The Magnificent Wine Co Syrah 2007 $21.99
* R & B Cellars Swingsville Zinfandel 2007 $12
* Reynoso Family Vineyards Long Gamma Red Wine 2007 $10
* Ricardus Corculum ClandestZin Zinfandel 2007 $40
* Rock Wall Wine Co Holbrook Mitchell Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2008 $25
* Sky Saddle Zinfandel 2007 $22
* Tapiz Winery Zolo Torrontes 2009 $11
* Van Ruiten Family Vineyards Petite Sirah 2008 $19.99
* Walter Dacon C'est Syrah Beaux, Syrah 2007 $38
* Wilson Winery Estate Dorothy's Vineyard Syrah 2007 $30
* Charter Oak Winery Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel 2007 $42
* Prairie Creek Vineyards Sweet Ass White $15
* Two Mountain Winery Washington State, Yakima $22 Valley 7066 Merlot 2006
For more information, click here.

Grand Star Award-Winners, Lone Star International Wine Competition

The Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association recently hosted the 27th Annual Lone Star International Wine Competition. Nearly 600 wines from around the world were judged in 30+ categories by a panel of restaurant owners, sommeliers, chefs and other wine experts. Forty-four gold, 162 silver and 238 bronze medals were awarded to entries from fourteen U.S. states and ten foreign countries.

The 2010 Lone Star International Wine Competition Grand Star Award-Winning wines are:

Fortified Wine
Quady Winery Elysium California Black Muscat 2008

Red Table Wine
Bodegas Paso Robles Viva Yo 2005

Rose' & Blush Wine
McPherson Cellars 2009 Rose of Syrah 2009

White Table Wine
Dr. Konstantin Frank Riesling Semi-Dry 2009

For more information, click here.

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Lake Chelan Winery 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

The Award-Winning Wine:
Lake Chelan Winery 2005 Rivers bend Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Reason for Reviewing:
Lake Chelan Winery 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon earned a Double Gold Medal award from the 2010 Tasters Guild International Wine Judging.

Winery Notes:
The color is a beautiful purple-red. The aromas and flavors are focused, and plentiful, with rich blackberries, purple plum, dried herbs and vanilla bean leading the way. The body is definitely medium with the finish persisting... The tannins are moderate yet in sufficient quantities. This wine is so well structured that it may be enjoyed alone, however, it would be a shame not to marry it with grilled red meats or richly seasoned pasta dishes.

AlaWine Notes:
Lake Chelan Winery 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon pours as a dark ruby color. Rich, abundant aromas of berries rise to the nose. Ripe blackberry and whole plum flavors fill the palate in a smooth opening and linger through a long, toasty finish.

Bottom Line:
Lake Chelan Winery 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon is a flavorful, quaffable cab with a satisfying finish. Suggested retail price is $30. Overall composite score: 93 points.

Dutcher Crossing Winery 2008 Chardonnay

The Award-Winning Wine:
Dutcher Crossing Winery 2008 Chardonnay, Stuhlmuller Vineyard, Alexander Valley

Reason for Reviewing:
Dutcher Crossing Winery 2008 Chardonnay won the top award for Best Chardonnay at the 2010 San Diego International Wine Competition. Dutcher Crossing has also won numerous other super awards on this and other wines this year, as you can see here.

Noteworthy:
The winery's logo is a vintage high-wheel bicycle, based on a treasured gift from proprietor Debra Mathy's father, and "represents Dutcher Crossing's pursuit of quality small-lot winemaking..."

Winery Notes:
This wine is complex, rich and layered. The signature Stuhlmuller light straw color with a greenish hue defines the wine's color. The aromas have this long layered effect with lovely toasted nut with creamy pear and apple subtleties, each adding to the sum of enjoyment. On the palate, the flavors are broad with texture and depth. There is a sense of freshness in every sip that marries well with the long length of the finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Dutcher Crossing Winery 2008 Chardonnay shows as a pale straw yellow color on pouring. Delicate apple-pear aromas lift to the nose. And, flavors of apple and pear carry onto the palate, along with apricot in creamy mouth, which lingers gracefully through a refreshing finish.

Bottom Line:
Dutcher Crossing Winery 2008 Chardonnay is a beautiful and elegant wine, well balanced and finessed; truly delicious. Suggested retail price is $34. Overall composite score: 97 points.