AlaWine.com: Super Award Winning Wines

Michael David Winery Earthquake 2006 Zinfandel

The Award-Winning Wine:
Michael David Winery Earthquake 2006 Zinfandel

Reason for Reviewing:
Michael David Winery Earthquake 2006 Zinfandel won a top-honor Gold Medal at the 2009 Denver International Wine Festival wine competition.

Noteworthy:
The Earthquake Zin came from an old Lodi vineyard planted around the time of San Francisco’s great earthquake in 1906. While mulling over a label name in the vineyard, Michael Phillips thought it only seemed fitting to relate this intense wine with the historical quake.

Winery Notes:
"Juicer plum, spicier clove and fuller in body than ever before! Your taste buds will be in upheaval over the suede-like tannins churning together with vanilla and toasted raspberry cobbler. The loooong, smooth finish will leave you in a state of aftershock!"

AlaWine Notes:
Michael David Winery Earthquake 2006 Zinfandel stands in the glass as a dark purple-ruby color. Ripe berries and a truffle note on the nose. Smooth opening with plum pudding and bramble berry on the palate. Moderate tannins and black pepper allow the fruit, now with a raspberry highlight, to linger in a long, dry finish.

Bottom Line:
Michael David Winery Earthquake 2006 Zinfandel is a big wine, with jammy juice, yet elegant in mouthfeel and texture. In short, delicious. Suggested retail price is $28. Overall composite score: 97 points.

Paint Horse Winery 2007 Chardonnay

The Award-Winning Wine:
Paint Horse Winery 2007 Chardonnay

Reason for Reviewing:
Paint Horse Winery 2007 Chardonnay earned a top-honor Gold Medal award from the 2009 Denver International Wine Festival.

Noteworthy:
Paint Horse Winery has "two distinct and compelling passions... Wine and Paint Horses. Both have a long and distinguished history in California."

Winery Notes:
On the nose: aromas of Pippin apple, pear and citrus combine with sweet vanilla and hints of toasty oak. Evolving to ripe fruit that’s complemented with notes of toasted hazelnuts, the texture is creamy with bright acidity, leading to a long, lingering finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Paint Horse Winery 2007 Chardonnay pours in the glass as a pale straw yellow color. Apple and pear aromas emerge from a light floral background. Opens smoothly with lots of fresh fruit, apple and apricot, and a light citrus highlight. Nice long, crisp finish.

Bottom Line:
Paint Horse Winery 2007 Chardonnay is a smooth and bright wine, in a moderately buttery style, with good structure, nice acidity, and a toasty finish. Sure to please a wide range of dinner guests, and versatile, to serve with seafood or light chicken dishes. Suggested retail price is $25. Overall composite score: 95 points.

Pend d'Oreille Winery 2007 Bistro Rouge

The Award-Winning Wine:
Pend d'Oreille Winery 2007 Bistro Rouge

Reason for Reviewing:
Pend d'Oreille Winery 2007 Bistro Rouge earned Double-Gold Medal honors at the 2009 Tri-Cities Wine Festival in Washington.

Winery Notes:
A beautiful fruit forward table wine that makes a lasting good impression. Enjoy our "vin de pays" with good food and conversation. A reliably fun and interesting pour.

AlaWine Notes:
Pend d'Oreille Winery 2007 Bistro Rouge pours from the bottle as a purple-garnet color. Very aromatic blackberries and a chocolate note on the nose. Blackberry, blackcurrant, and blueberry flavors fill the palate and continue through a longish dry finish that includes modest oak and a cinnamon highlight.

Bottom Line:
Pend d'Oreille Winery 2007 Bistro Rouge is produced as a traditional claret, here 36% Merlot, 28% Syrah, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, and 3% Cab Franc. Medium-bodied and smooth, a well-done cafe red that exceeds the modesty of its ambition. And, a good value at a suggested retail price of $13. Overall composite score: 89 points.

Best of Show Wines, 2010 Winemaker Challenge

Best of Show Sparkling Wine and Wine of the Year
Gloria Ferrer 2002 Royal Cuvee Carneros $35

Best of Show Red Wine
Andretti Winery 2007 Syrah Napa Valley $41

Best of Show White Wine
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2008 Dry Riesling Columbia Valley $12

Best of Show Rose Wine
Falkner Winery 2008 Rosato, Estate Grown Temecula Valley $15

Best of Show Dessert Wine
Inniskillin 2007 Riesling Icewine Niagara Peninsula $80.00

For more award winners and information, click here.

Terra d’Oro 2006 Zinfandel

The Award-Winning Wine:
Terra d’Oro 2006 Zinfandel, Amandor County

Reason for Reviewing:
Terra d’Oro 2006 Zinfandel is the Reserve Champion Red Wine from the 2009 San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Terra d’Oro winery utilizes sustainable farming practices and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in much of their 400 acres of vineyards.

Winery Notes:
Dark berry fruit is generously seasoned with characteristic Shenandoah Spice. The different oak styles lend molasses, vanilla and cinnamon to a balanced lingering finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Terra d’Oro 2006 Zinfandel shows as a garnet color in the glass. Brambleberry aromas come to the nose in an earthy, light leather context. Dark berries, raspberry and black tea flavors predominate on the palate and carry across to a long finish of pepper and oak.

Bottom Line:
Terra d’Oro 2006 Zinfandel is a very quaffable, medium-bodied, fruit-filled Zin with a moderately spicy finish. A good wine to pair with hamburgers and bar-b-que. Suggested retail price is $18. Overall composite score: 91 points.

Double-Gold Cabs from the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

* Dancing Bull 2006 California Cabernet Sauvignon $12
* HRM Rex Goliath NV California Cabernet Sauvignon $8.99
* Tavares Vintners 2006 California Cabernet Sauvignon $12.99
* Albertina Wine Cellars 2006 Mendocino Zmarzly Family Cabernet Sauvignon $24.95
* Cameron Hughes Wine 2007 Howell Mountain, Napa Valley Lot 143 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon $22
* Cameron Hughes Wine 2007 Napa Valley Lot 116 Napa Valley Cab Cabernet Sauvignon $22
* DH Lescombes 2007 New Mexico Cabernet Sauvignon $21
* Pear Valley 2006 Paso Robles Pear Valley Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon $23.95
* Reynoso Family Vineyards 2004 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $24.99
* Wente Vineyards 2007 Livermore Valley Charles Wetmore Cabernet Sauvignon $24.99
* Satori Cellars 2006 Walla Walla Valley Hallelujah Cabernet Sauvignon $29.99
* The Hess Collection Winery 2007 Napa Valley Allomi Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon $25
* Clif Family Winery 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $38
* Fritz Winery 2006 Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $35
* Joseph Family Vineyards 2006 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $36
* Sixteen by Twenty 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $39
* Trinchero Napa Valley 2007 St. Helena, Napa Valley Central Park West Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon $35
* Kristian Story Wines 2006 Napa Valley St. Helena Winery Rhapsodie Cabernet Sauvignon $50
* Longboard Vineyards 2007 Alexander Valley Mavericks Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon $50
* Sbragia Family Vineyard 2006 Sonoma Valley Monte Rosso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon $50
* Trefethen Family Vineyards 2006 Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon $50
* William Harrison Vineyards 2006 Rutherford, Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon $50
* Bell 2007 Rutherford, Napa Valley Clone 6 Cabernet Sauvignon $90
* Bennett Lane Winery 2006 Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $95
* Black Stallion Winery 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $65
* Heitz Wine Cellars 2004 Oakville, Napa Valley Bella Oaks Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon $65
* Rocca Family Vineyards 2006 Yountville, Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon $75
* Shadowbrook Winery 2007 Contra Costa County Shadowbrook Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon $68
* Sol Rouge 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $75
* Soquel Vineyards 2007 Napa Valley Garvey Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon $75
* Veedercrest 2006 St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon $65
* Waterstone 2005 Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $75
For more awards and info, click here.

R&B Cellars Reserve 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

The Award-Winning Wine:
R&B Cellars Reserve Bincham Ranch 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

Reason for Reviewing:
R&B Cellars Reserve 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon won a top-honor Gold Medal at the 2009 Denver International Wine Festival wine competition. And, earlier this month, it also won earned Best of Class and Judges' Choice Awards at the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
The Brown family shares a love of jazz and classical music, and all are accomplished musicians, singers and songwriters. According to their web site, R&B stands for "rhythm and blues," a phrase which calls to mind the idea that drinking wine should be fun, not pretentious.

Winery Notes:
R&B Cellars Reserve 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a huge core of dark black cherry fruit with elements of dark black currant, tea, blackberry and violets in the bouquet. The small addition of Cabernet Franc enhances the structure, the color and adds a touch of sweet cherries. The flavors of dark black berry, currants, chocolate, and cassis are evident, with a huge juicy blackberry finish.

AlaWine Notes:
R&B Cellars Reserve 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon stands in the glass as a dark ruby-garnet color. A beautiful aroma, revealing ripe dark fruit wafts to the nose. On first taste, a big wine with a long oak finish. Following some breathing, layers of dark cherry/berry, blackcurrant, casis and spice flavors emerge. Still, a long dry, oak finish.

Bottom Line:
R&B Cellars Reserve 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (with 3% Cabernet Franc) is a big traditional Napa Cab of some complexity, and a solid new oak finish. The previously reviewed 2003 (with 4% Merlot) was preferred by our panel. Suggested retail price is $65. Overall composite score: 94 points.

Best of Class Cabs from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

* Mirassou Sun 2007 California Cabernet Sauvignon $12
* Educated Guess 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $19.99
* Rodney Strong Vineyards 2007 Alexander Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon $22
* Obsidian Ridge 2007 Red Hills Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon $28
* Jumping Vines 2006 Clements Hills Cabernet Sauvignon $32
* Rutherford Hill 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $36
* Robert James Lynch 2007 Carneros Dixon Estate Cabernet Sauvignon $40
* R & B Cellars 2005 Napa Valley Bingham Ranch Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $55
* Hall Wines 2006 Napa Valley Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon $75
For more awards and info, click here.

Platinum Wines from Washington

* Barnard Griffin 2006 merlot, Columbia Valley, $17
* Barnard Griffin 2007 cabernet sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $17
* Domaine Ste. Michelle nonvintage extra dry sparkling wine, Columbia Valley, $13
* Pacific Rim Winemakers 2008 Framboise, Washington, $14

Platinum award winners, which means a majority of judges awarded a platinum, include:
* Hogue Cellars 2008 riesling, Columbia Valley, $10
* Barnard Griffin 2008 Ros&eactue; of Sangiovese, $12
* L'Ecole No 41 2007 semillon, Columbia Valley, $16
* Thurston Wolfe 2007 Howling Wolfe zinfandel, Horse Heaven Hills, $18
* Windy Point Vineyards 2005 cabernet franc, Yakima Valley, $19
* Domaine Ste. Michelle nonvintage Blanc de Blancs, Columbia Valley $13
* Hogue Cellars 2008 pinot grigio, Columbia Valley, $10
* Snoqualmie Vineyards 2008 Winemaker's Select riesling, Columbia Valley, $8
* Coyote Canyon, 2007 cabernet sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills $18
For more details, click here.

Etude Winery 2007 Pinot Noir

The Award-Winning Wine:
Etude Winery 2007 Pinot Noir, Estate Carneros

Reason for Reviewing:
Etude Winery 2007 Pinot Noir earned a top-honor Platinum Award from the 2009 Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Founder and winegrower Tony Soter, "There’s no better vehicle with which to study or practice the craft of winemaking than Pinot Noir. It is the most challenging, unforgiving and quixotic of all wine grapes, and yet the most delicate and transparent. Make no mistake it is a humbling pursuit, but when it’s right, Pinot Noir is a glorious and moving thing. It is in the pursuit of that experience that we all work."

Winery Notes:
...offers inviting cool climate aromatics of raspberry, pomegranate and sandalwood with a touch of turned earth. Classically structured, the palate bursts with flavors of sweet frambois strawberries, red cherries and mocha. ...lush fruit combined with the baking spice notes from aging in French oak...

AlaWine Notes:
Etude Winery 2007 Pinot Noir pours in the glass as a medium dark ruby color. Aromas of red fruits, fresh, uncharacteristically pleasant compared with other many Pinots. Opens very smooth with raspberry and cherry flavors filling the palate. Abundant fruit throughout, persisting through a moderately dry finish and a light leather note.

Bottom Line:
Etude Winery 2007 Pinot Noir is a well-balance and thoroughly delicious Pinot Noir. Excellent for a dinner party or enjoy on its own. Suggested retail price is $42. Overall composite score: 95 points.

SFCWC Best of Class and Judges' Choice Awards, Red Wines > $30

* Jumping Vines 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon $32
* Martorana Family Winery 2006 Merlot $33
* Alderbrook Winery 2007 Zinfandel $34
* Merryvale Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir $34.99
* Hook and Ladder Winery 2007 Pinot Noir $35
* Sylvester Winery 2006 Meritage $35
* Martella Wine 2006 Petite Sirah $35
* Rock Wall Wine Co. 2007 Zinfandel $35
* Rutherford Hill 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon $36
* DH Lescombes 2007 Cabernet Franc $36
* Zerba Cellars 2007 Grenache $38
* Zerba Cellars 2007 Petit Verdot $38
* Muscardini Cellars 2007 Syrah $38
* Robert James Lynch 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $40
* Oso Libre Winery 2007 Bendicion Mourvedre $40
* Mazzocco Winery 2005 Petite Sirah $45
* Willamette Valley Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir $45
* Rosenblum Cellars 2007 Zinfandel $45
* Signaterra 2006 Three Blocks $49
* R & B Cellars 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon $55
* Adelaida Cellars 2006 Syrah $55
* Lust 2007 Zinfandel $59
* Northstar Winery 2006 Merlot $60
* Pacific Coast Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir $62.50
* Hall Wines 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon $75
* Jarvis 2004 Lake William $105
For more awards and info, click here.

Austin Hope 2005 Syrah

The Award-Winning Wine:
Austin Hope 2005 Syrah

Reason for Reviewing:
Austin Hope 2005 Syrah is a Top-honor Gold Medal Winner from the 2009, First Annual, San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo's Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
"When I first tasted Côte Rotie, I fell in love," says Austin Hope. The pursuit took him to that very region in France, where he studied their vineyards and unique style of winemaking. One of the goals of Austin Hope Winery is to make the best Syrah in California.

Winery Notes:
Austin Hope Winery's flagship wine is the Austin Hope Syrah which is grown and made on the estate. It is similar to Northern Rhône wines, with its intense blackberry and blueberry... The mouth is lush, yet still maintains a strong backbone. The tannins are full and elegant and carry throughout the length of this wine.

AlaWine Notes:
Austin Hope 2005 Syrah shows in the glass as a dark ruby color. On the nose, aromas of ripe black and red fruits predominate in an earthy environment. Flavors of blackberry, blackcurrant, and raspberry fill the palate and persist through a long, dry finish with a moderate grip in a frame of toasty oak.

Bottom Line:
Austin Hope 2005 Syrah is a medium-bodied wine with generous and various complementary fruit flavors and a satisfying finish. Serve with red meats and other hardy fare. Suggested retail price is $42. Overall composite score: 93 points.

SFCWC Best of Class and Judges' Choice Awards, Reds Under $30

* Rebel Wine Company 2008 Merlot $8.99
* Cycles Gladiator 2008 Syrah $9.99
* Windmill Estates 2007 Petite Sirah $12
* Mirassou Sun 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $12
* Castle Rock Winery 2008 Pinot Noir $12.99
* Huntington 2007 Merlot $13.99
* Pedroncelli Winery 2007 Zinfandel $15
* Oakstone Winery 2007 Zinfandel $16
* Mahoney Vineyards 2006 Syrah $18
* Charles Creek Vineyard 2007 Malbec $19.95
* Lava Cap Winery 2007 Merlot $19.99
* Educated Guess 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $19.99
* Oakstone Winery 2007 Meritage $19.99
* Quivira Vineyards & Winery 2007 Zinfandel $20
* Frei Brothers Reserve 2007 Merlot $20
* Rodney Strong Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $22
* Creekview Vineyards 2007 Syrah $24
* Penman Springs Vineyard 2007 Meritage $24
* Schug 2008 Pinot Noir $24
* Brazin 2007 Zinfandel $24.99
* Storrs Winery and Vineyards 2006 Rhone Blend $25
* Jus Soli Winery 2007 Zinfandel $26
* Zoller Wine Styling 2008 Primitivo $27
* Eddy Family Wines 2007 Pinot Noir $27.99
* Clary Ranch Wines 2006 Syrah $28
* Obsidian Ridge 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon $28
* B & E Vineyard 2007 Red Rhythm $29
* Bourassa Vineyards 2005 Merlot $29
For more awards and info, click here.

Kiona Vineyards Winery 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon

The Award-Winning Wine:
Kiona Vineyards Winery 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Bottled, Red Mountain

Reason for Reviewing:
Kiona Vineyards Winery 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon earned a top-honor Gold Medal from the 2009 American Wine Society Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
"The Williams family planted the first vineyards on what is now known as the Red Mountain Appellation in 1975. Since then, Kiona Vineyards and Winery has developed a world-wide reputation for releasing wines of extraordinary quality year after year."

Winery Notes:
Smooth and elegant with complex aromas and stunning intensity. This cellar selection will age well.

AlaWine Notes:
Kiona Vineyards Winery 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon displays in the glass as a dark garnet color. Perfumed ripe dark berry aromas rise to the nose. Blackberry and blueberry flavors fill the palate in a lush opening; along with a casis note and an earthy context. Abundant flavors continue through a long, light oak finish with moderate tannins.

Bottom Line:
Kiona Vineyards Winery 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon is a big juicy wine with interesting layers of rich ripe fruit, yet well-balanced and well integrated. A delicious and delightful Cab. Serve with grilled steaks or red-sauce pasta dishes. Suggested retail price is $35. Overall composite score: 97 points.

San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Sweepstake Winners

The results are in from the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Sweepstake Winners are:

Sparkling Wine:
J Vineyards & Winery, Russian River Valley
J Brut Rose

White Wine:
Keuka Spring Vineyards, Finger Lakes, New York
2008 Gewurztraminer

Pink Wine:
Bray Vineyards, Shenandoah Valley, Amador County, CA
2008 Barbera Rosato

Red Wine:
Graton Ridge Cellars, Russian River Valley,
Paul Family Vineyard
2007 Estate Pinot Noir