AlaWine.com: Super Award Winning Wines

Caliza Winery 2006 Syrah

The Award-Winning Wine:
Caliza Winery 2006 Syrah

Reason for Reviewing:
Caliza Winery 2006 Syrah earned the honors of Best Syrah, and Best Red Wine of the Competition at this year's San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
According to the winery, Caliza is... Spanish for the word "limestone"... dedication to the pursuit of perfection... an ongoing dream fulfilled one day at a time... respect for the earth, mankind and tradition... cutting edge wines with new wine making styles.

Winery Notes:
"The impressive 2006 Syrah Russell Family Vineyard exhibits an opaque purple color as well as beautiful aromas and flavors of blackberries. Dense, full-bodied, and voluptuously-textured, this is another mouthfilling, savory, broadly nuanced Paso Robles Syrah. Given its current accessibility, it should be performing beautifully over the next 5-7 years." Robert Parker, June 2008

AlaWine Notes:
Caliza Winery 2006 Syrah stands in the glass as a very dark purple color. Very ripe blackberry and chocolate aromas blossom to the nose. Full fruit flavors of blackberry, blueberry, blackcurrant, fill the palate in a smooth mouth. Moderate tannins tame the fruit and carry it through a long finish with a cedar highlight.

Bottom Line:
Caliza Winery 2006 Syrah is a luscious, round, fruit forward wine with layers of flavor and interesting complexities. Suggested retail price is $45. Overall composite score: 94 points.

2009 Virginia Governor’s Cup Award Winner Announced

From a field of 250 entries in this year's Virginia Governor's Cup Wine Competition, Keswick Vineyards received the distinguished 2009 Governor's Cup for their 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. Also awarded was Best of White to Rappahannock Cellars for their 2007 Oaked Chardonnay. In addition to the Governor’s Cup and the Best of White honors, twenty‐two other Virginia wines won gold medals at the competition this year. For more information, click here.

Castoro Cellars 2006 Zinfusion

The Award-Winning Wine:
Castoro Cellars 2006 Zinfusion

Reason for Reviewing:
Castoro Cellars 2006 Zinfusion earned a top-honor Gold Medal at the recently completed 2009 Grand Harvest Awards.

Noteworthy:
The "Zinfusion" (formerly Vineyard Tribute) is a marriage of a select few vineyards that complement each other to produce a unique wine that showcases Paso Robles Zinfandel.

Winery Notes:
This wine is a Zin lovers dream wine! You will be engulfed in ripe and jammy fruit.

AlaWine Notes:
Castoro Cellars 2006 Zinfusion pours as a very dark garnet-purple color. Rich aromas of ripe, dark fruit, in a sweet earth context, exude from the glass. Berry-cherry flavors, ripe bramble berry, fill the palate in a smooth mouth, yielding to spice and black pepper accompanying the fruit through a long finish.

Bottom Line:
Castoro Cellars 2006 Zinfusion is a well integrated Zinfandel wine. Opens gracefully, delivers full fruit flavors, and bows out with dignity. And, a good value at a suggested retail price of $22. Overall composite score: 95 points.

Super-Award Winners, 2009 San Diego International Wine Competition

Paso Robles wineries earned two of the top spots at the recently completed 2009 San Diego International Wine Competition. Eberle Winery's 2007 Barbera claimed the prize as Best of Show Red Wine and Eagle Castle's 2008 Syrah Rose won Best of Show Rose.

Two New York wineries top top honors. Perennial winner, Dr.Konstantin Frank's 2007 Semi-Dry Riesling from the Finger Lakes region was awarded Best of Show White Wine and Wolffer Estate's 2007 Late Harvest Chardonnay, an ice wine produced in the Hamptons on the eastern end of Long Island, won Best Dessert Wine.

Australia's Yelloglen Pink took the top honor in the Sparkling Wine category.

For more information, click here.

Dogwood Cellars 2006 Pinot Noir

The Award-Winning Wine:
Dogwood Cellars 2006 Pinot Noir

Reason for Reviewing:
Dogwood Cellars 2006 Pinot Noir earned a top-honor Gold medal from the 2009 Grand Harvest Awards held recently here in Sonoma County.

Noteworthy:
The founders of Dogwood Cellars believe the only thing better than sharing a great bottle of wine with friends is making a great bottle of wine with friends.

Winery Notes:
This wine offers aromas of cherries and summer berries that are followed by flavors of candied cherries, black cherries, sweet plum and creamy vanilla oak.

AlaWine Notes:
In the glass, Dogwood Cellars 2006 Pinot Noir displays as a medium-dark ruby color. Aromas of ripe dark fruit, blackberry and dark cherry, carry to the nose on light smoke. Jammy berry-cherry flavors, along with plum meat and blackcurrant flavors, fill the mouth in a grand opening and persist, through a long finish, nicely framed in oak.

Bottom Line:
Dogwood Cellars 2006 Pinot Noir delivers full flavors of ripe dark fruit. It proves to be well balanced and well integrated, and quite satisfying. Suggested retail price is $40. Overall composite score: 95 points.

Emerson Vineyards Avelina 2007 Pinot Noir

The Award-Winning Wine:
Emerson Vineyards Avelina 2007 Pinot Noir

Reason for Reviewing:
Emerson Vineyards Avelina 2007 Pinot Noir earned a top-honor Gold Medal at the recently completed 2009 Newport Seafood and Wine Festival.

Noteworthy:
Emerson Vineyards has been a Pinot Noir estate since its inception in 2002; almost 20 acres are planted to Pommard, Dijon, and Mariafeld clones of this noble varietal.

Winery Notes:
Violet-garnet in color, Avelina is subtle and complex, with nuanced color and perfect clarity. Aromas are of berry candy, spice, and earth, opening up to raspberry and floral notes. The palate shows strawberry and cherry fruit, overlaid with minerality and hints of forest earth. Texture is rich and mouth coating; silky tannins and balanced acids frame the long finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Emerson Vineyards Avelina 2007 Pinot Noir stands in the glass as a clear medium maroon-ruby color. Red berry aromas grace the nose in a sweet earth context. Raspberry, cherry, and plum pudding flavors, and a vanilla highlight, flood the palate in a silky smooth mouth. Soft tannins bring the fruit in for a long, mineralized, smooth landing.

Bottom Line:
Emerson Vineyards Avelina 2007 Pinot Noir a round and very fruit-forward wine. Simply delicious on its own. However, the winery recommends pairing with lamb, salmon, or tomato-based pasta dishes. An outstanding value at a suggested retail price of $18. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Best of Show Winners from the Hilton Head Wine Fest

The Double Gold Best of Show winners from the Hilton Head Wine Fest have been announced (thanks Lain Bradford), and, including Best Value awards, they are:

* Best of Show Bubbly Champagne - Pascal Doquet NV Granc Cru Blanc de Blanc
* Best of Show White - Chasing Venus 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
* Best of Show Red - Alexander Valley Vineyards 2005 Cyrus Alexander Valley Estate
* Best Value White - Savanha Special Reserve 2008 Sauvignon Blanc
* Best Value Red - Rodney Strong 2006 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

For more infrmation, click here.

Tagaris Winery 2006 Malbec

The Award-Winning Wine:
Tagaris Winery 2006 Malbec

Reason for Reviewing:
Tagaris Winery 2006 Malbec earned a top-honor Gold Medal at the 2009 Grand Harvest Awards completed recently here in Sonoma County.

Noteworthy:
The winery honors the proper Greek spelling of the family name whose members descended from the royal family and first began growing wine grapes in the 15th century. Tagaris winery is the modern day result of three generations of grape growers in Washington’s Columbia Valley.

Winery Notes:
Bright bing cherries with soft vanilla, bright, long, elegant fruit dominate start to finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Tagaris Winery 2006 Malbec pours into the glass as a dark ruby-purple color. The wine exudes a pleasant aroma of red fruit in a floral context. On the palate, the wine opens with loads of juicy fruit, primarily raspberry, red cherry, and whole plum flavors. Soft tannins allow the full fruit flavors to linger gracefully through a long finish.

Bottom Line:
Tagaris Winery 2006 Malbec is a very fruit forward wine with lots of fresh berry-cherry flavor. Very quaffable for a wide range of palates. The lush fruit would pair well with barbecue and sharp cheeses. Suggested retail price is $30. Overall composite score: 95 points.

Graton Ridge Cellars 2007 Zinfandel

The Award-Winning Wine:
Graton Ridge Cellars 2007 Zinfandel

Reason for Reviewing:
Graton Ridge Cellars 2007 Zinfandel was awarded a top-honor Gold Medal at the recently completed 2009 Grand Harvest Awards.

Noteworthy:
Three generations of their family still participate in growing and harvesting their crops. Winemaker Nick Legg produces each vintage in small lots, minimizing air contact during the fermentation process, preserving the natural aromas and flavors.

Winery Notes:
This wine has concentrated aromas of ripe strawberries and raspberries with a pleasant maple, caramel note. There is a certain amount of spiciness derived from oak, such as cedar, cinnamon, coffee and toast. Underneath all that there is a fresh, floral sweetness... Dried strawberry, black pepper, maple and brown sugar flavors linger long after consumption.

AlaWine Notes:
Graton Ridge Cellars 2007 Zinfandel shows as a medium-to-dark garnet color with earthy aromas in the glass. Brambleberry flavors fill the palate and transition to a black pepper, spicy finish.

Bottom Line:
Graton Ridge Cellars 2007 Zinfandel is a very drinkable wine, likely to satisfy a broad range of Zinfandel drinkers. It is well integrated and satisfying. Suggested retail price is $30. Overall composite score: 91 points.

Lucchesi Vineyards & Winery 2006 Cabernet Franc, View Forever Vineyard

The Award-Winning Wine:
Lucchesi Vineyards & Winery 2006 Cabernet Franc, View Forever Vineyard

Reason for Reviewing:
Lucchesi Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Franc earned the top-honor Gold Medal at the recent 2009 Grand Harvest Awards held here in Sonoma County.

Noteworthy:
Lucchesi Vineyards grapes grow on 20 acres of steeply terraced, southwestern facing, terrain called the "View Forever Vineyard," overlooking Nevada County, and with beautiful views of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California.

Winery Notes:
Fragrant violets and raspberries greet you with a swirl of the glass. Flavors of blueberry, cedar, and spice are carried by supple, finely textured tannin through to the long finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Lucchesi Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Franc shows in the glass as a dark garnet color. Light dark fruit aromas rise to the nose in an earthy context. Blueberry flavors predominate, along with gooseberry, in an initially mouthwatering taste. Moderate tannins frame the fruit through a longish, moderately spicy, smoky finish.

Bottom Line:
Lucchesi Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Franc is a very quaffable Cab Franc with lots of flavor and a satisfying finish. The winery recommends paring this wine with "poultry, pasta with mushrooms, or slowly cooked short ribs." Suggested retail price is $24. Overall composite score: 90 points.

2007 Seufert Vine Idyl Pinot Noir

The Award-Winning Wine:
2007 Seufert Vine Idyl Pinot Noir

Reason for Reviewing:
2007 Seufert Vine Idyl Pinot Noir earned Double Gold Award honors at the recently completed 2009 Oregon Festival.

Noteworthy:
Discover the differences between vineyard sites, clones, appellations, and farming practices. Fourth generation Oregonian and winemaker, Jim Seufert can guide you through seven different single vineyard designated Pinot Noirs.

AlaWine Notes:
2007 Seufert Vine Idyl Pinot Noir pours as a medium maroon-ruby color in the glass. Light floral aromas and a hint of spice waft to the nose. Red berry flavors, raspberry, and cherry light up the palate in a silky smooth mouth. Modest tannins hold the red fruit through a long, light-spice, modest-mineral finish.

Bottom Line:
2007 Seufert Vine Idyl Pinot Noir is a graceful wine from its fragrantly floral opening, refined taste, and complementary finish - well balanced and elegant. Suggested retail price is $30. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Banknote Wine Company 2006 The Vault

The Award-Winning Wine:
Banknote Wine Company 2006 The Vault

Reason for Reviewing:
The Banknote 2006 The Vault, a Napa Valley Red Blend, earned Double Gold "Best-Of-Class" honors at the recently completed 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
According to the winery, they couldn't decide on one banknote to represent the wine, so each case of Banknote wine has twelve different banknote labels.

Winery Notes:
Aromas of ripe black cherry, cigar box, blackberry, caramel, cassis, vanilla, touch of clove & oak spice. A rich palate follows with cream de cassis, cherry preserves, allspice, tobacco, latte/espresso flavors and a long persistent finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Banknote's 2006 The Vault stands in the glass as a very dark garnet-to-purple color. A bouquet of ripe dark fruit aromas, berry and cherry and more, grace the nose in a light floral-spice context. The dark fruit flavors, anticipated on the nose, dark cherry, blackberry, some blueberry, are very generous, but not overpowering. Moderate tannins shepherd the fruit across the palate, allowing several layers of complexity through a very long, fruit on light leather, finish.

Bottom Line:
Banknote Wine Company 2006 The Vault is a very interesting red blend of 62% Zinfandel, 25% Syrah, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is fruit forward, but excessively, and the result is a very elegant wine experience. Suggested retail price is $32. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Sagebrush Annies 2007 Zinfandel

The Award-Winning Wine:
Sagebrush Annies 2007 Zinfandel

Reason for Reviewing:
Sagebrush Annies 2007 Zinfandel earned a Double Gold Medal award, from among nearly 1,400 wines, at the recently completed 2009 Florida International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
It looks like a scene from Lonesome Dove. Well North of Santa Barbara between the I-5 and the Coast Hwy., in California, Larry and Karina Hogan own and operate a down-home restaurant and award-winning winery.

AlaWine Notes:
Sagebrush Annies 2007 Zinfandel is medium dark, on the ruby side of garnet, in color. Big ripe berry aromas fill the nose. Rich bramble berry and wild berry flavors, along with a raspberry highlight, fill the palate in a smooth mouth opening, and persist through a long peppery finish, corralled by moderate tannins.

Bottom Line:
Sagebrush Annies 2007 Zinfandel is a pleasant surprise -- A big-taste, medium-bodied Zin with layers of ripe fruit, integrated with interesting complexities, and a very long and satisfying finish. A very good dinner wine for grilling red meat. Suggested retail price is $32. Overall composite score: 93 points.

McManis Family Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel

The Award-Winning Wine:
McManis Family Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel

Reason for Reviewing:
McManis Family Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel McManis Family Vineyards 2007 Petite Sirah was awarded the Top Value Wine at the sixth annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo International Wine Competition, from among more than 1,800 entries from 585 wineries from Texas, across the U. S. and abroad.

Noteworthy:
After consulting with existing customers and identifying their needs and wine styles, co-winemaker Jeff Runquist led the design of a five phase winery at the McManis Family Vineyards. "By keeping the lots small, we really can do a number of setups," Jeff says. "We can treat each tank differently with regard to yeast, fermentation, temperature, oak, how long they stay on the lees. We've built as much flexibility as we can into each individual element of the process."

Winery Notes:
Deep Ruby in color, the 2007 McManis Family Vineyards Zinfandel is replete with Raspberry, Blueberry and Blackberry aromas. Oak aging has contributed a bouquet of spice as background to the melange of fruit. The abundance of mixed berry flavors are wrapped in the rich, creamy wine while the tannins are soft and rounded. Hints of Cinnamon and Clove become noticeable in the finish, as the fruit begins to wane.

AlaWine Notes:
McManis Family Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel pours as a dark ruby color. Moderate briar aromas, with blackberry and plum, rise to the nose, highlighted by a light perfume, rose petals. Dark berry flavors dominate, along with plum meat. The flavors blend well and remain, framed by soft tannins, though a longish light oak finish.

Bottom Line:
McManis Family Vineyards 2007 Zinfandel is a medium-bodied, food friendly, "cafe Zin," with pleasing fruit flavor. It is round and quaffable and would pair well with a wide array of meals, especially spicy foods. A very good value at a suggested retail price of $11.99. Overall composite score: 89 points.

Red Wine Sweepstakes Winners, 2009 Monterey Wine Competition

Ten Red Wines earned Sweepstakes Awards at the recently completed 2009 Monterey Wine Competition. Barnard Griffin also won the Best of Show Red Wine Award for its 2006 Reserve Merlot. Here are all of the Red Wine Sweepstakes Winners:

* Barnard Griffin Winery 2006 Merlot, Reserve Columbia Valley $30
* Raymond Burr Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley $38
* Ventana Vineyards Winery, Inc. 2006 Rubystone, Estate Grown Single Vineyard Arroyo Seco $18
* Red Truck Winery 2007 California Pinot Noir California $11.99
* Robert Hall Winery 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles $18
* J. Lohr Vineyards & Winery 2006 J. Lohr Hilltop Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles $35
* Keating Wines 2006 Malbec Rockpile, Sonoma County $42
* Mettler Family Vineyards 2006 Zinfandel, Epicenter Old Vine Lodi $19.99
* Bogle Vineyards, Inc. 2006 Petite Sirah Port Clarksburg $18
* Coyote Creek 2006 Merlot California $8

For more information, click here.

Balletto Vineyards 2007 Chardonnay

The Award-Winning Wine:
Balletto Vineyards 2007 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley

Reason for Reviewing:
Balletto Vineyards 2007 Chardonnay earned Best of Class honors at the recently completed 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
The Balletto family felt that the area of land they owned along the Laguna de Santa Rosa, a vital wetland habitat and home to many species of birds and animals was so beautiful that it should be shared with others. They were able to preserve this land for all those living in the area, and for Russian River wine country visitors.

Winery Notes:
This chardonnay is a beautiful golden straw color that is rich, full flavored with a lively acidity that creates balance and elegance. The aromas are those of green apples, cream, butter, honey suckle, vanilla & sweet oak. The flavors are Golden Delicious apples, crme Brulee, and buttery oak.

AlaWine Notes:
Balletto Vineyards 2007 Chardonnay presents as a light straw yellow color. Tropical fruit aromas and some oak lift to the nose. Pineapple and other tropical flavors carry across the palate, along with some pleasant citrus notes. It is creamy and soft on the mouth, with moderate butter. A bright acidity accompanies the fruit through a long, flavorful finish.

Bottom Line:
Balletto Vineyards 2007 Chardonnay is an excellent example of a characteristic Russian River Chardonnay. It is fresh, flavorful, crisp, with nice toasted oak on the finish. It is very well balanced with the fruit, oak, and acidity, with each complementing the other, and none overpowering. This Chardonnay is quite food friendly, and compares well with others selling for nearly twice the price. A very good value at a suggested retail price of $18. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Hagafen Cellars 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

The Award-Winning Wine:
Hagafen Cellars 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

Reason for Reviewing:
Hagafen Cellars 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon earned top-honor Gold medal honors at the recently completed Grand Harvest Awards held here in Sonoma County, California.

Noteworthy:
HaGafen Cellars is located in Northern California's Napa Valley, less than one mile south of the famed Stags Leap District and just twenty yards from the Oak Knoll District, considered to be Napa's newest and most exciting of American Viticultural Areas.

Winery Notes:
The rich, spicy nose of bakers’ chocolate and black cherry compliments the brooding and spice-filled black licorice, black cherry, plum and cranberry on the palate. The addition of 10% Cabernet Franc enhances the complexity of the wine, as well as adding to our trademark robust and silky mid-palate.

AlaWine Notes:
Hagafen Cellars 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is a dark-ink purple color on pouring. It has a light nose of ripe berries. Dark cherry and red berry flavors predominate on the palate. A smooth mouth, mild texture, and light tannins.

Bottom Line:
Hagafen Cellars 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is very quaffable and flavorful, not a big Napa Cab, likely to satisfy a broad range of palates. Suggested retail price is $45. Overall composite score: 92 points.

2009 Pennsylvania Wine Excellence

The Pennsylvania Wine Society has selected nine wines through independent judging by the Pennsylvania Wine Society. Pinnacle Ridge Winery produced four of the top ten winners, and Pinnacle Ridge 2005 Veritas was selected as the overall winner of the Pennsylvania Wine Society Excellence Award 2009.

Here's a complete list of all of the top award winning wines:
Pinnacle Ridge Brut Rose
Pinnacle Ridge 2007 Pinot Noir
Winfield NV Merlot
Pinnacle Ridge 2007 Merlot
Chaddsford 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
Allegro 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinnacle Ridge 2005 Veritas
Chaddsford 2005 Merican
Manatawny Creek 2006 Meritage

Cougar Crest Winery 2006 Estate Cabernet Franc

The Award-Winning Wine:
Cougar Crest Winery 2006 Estate Cabernet Franc

Reason for Reviewing:
Cougar Crest Winery 2006 Estate Cabernet Franc earned a Double Gold Medal award at the recent 2009 Florida International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Cougar Crest Estate Winery was established at the Walla Walla Airport in 2001 by owners Deborah and David Hansen.

Winery Notes:
Fragrant fruit aromas of red currant, cherries, violets, tobacco leaf, pepper mingles with olive, and herb flavors. Smooth, mature tannins and bright acidity provide balance and backbone to a traditional fruit-forward wine. The finish is fragrant and lingers with toasty oak and mocha notes.

AlaWine Notes:
Cougar Crest Winery 2006 Estate Cabernet Franc presents as a dark purple garnet color in the glass. Ripe dark berry aromas exude to the nose in a dusty, forest-floor context, with a shy floral highlight. Luscious dark dark berry and cherry flavors expand in the mouth and linger through a long finish of sculpted tannins.

Bottom Line:
Cougar Crest Winery 2006 Estate Cabernet Franc is a mouth-watering, fruit-forward red wine with lots of ripe fruit flavor and modest tannins. Serve this wine to satisfy a wide range of dinner guest palates. Suggested retail price is $36. Overall composite score: 94 points.

Red Wine Gold, Grand Harvest Awards

All of these California red wine blends and special varieties (with two from Vina Robles) earned top-honor Gold Medals at the recently completed Grand Harvest Awards.

* Vina Robles 06 Signature, $36
* Vina Robles 06 Suendero, $49
* Palmeri Wines 04 Cabernet Syrah, Stagecoach Vineyard, $53
* Oso Libre Winery Rojo Del Patron, Oso Libre, $31
* Victor Hugo Winery 06 Malbec, Estate, $28
* Shadow Mountain Vineyards 05 Meritage, Variation 3, $25
* Rosenthal 04 Meritage, $75
* A Cellar Full of Noise 06 Tempranillo, Shandon, $14.99
* Folie a Deux 07 Menage a Trois Rose, $12

For more information, click here.

Heavy Weight Red 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

The Award-Winning Wine:
Heavy Weight Red 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

Reason for Reviewing:
Heavy Weight Red 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon earned a Best of Class award, in the Bordeaux Blends category, at the recently completed 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Three Collector’s Labels of heavyweight boxers are available for each vintage. And, news: Sullivan's, the premium steakhouse found in nearly 20 cities across the U.S., has placed Heavyweight Red on their new Wine by the Glass list.

Winery Notes:
Now don’t worry, this Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t just another big bruiser. The blackberry and currant aromas are swift and lingering (I know, we’re drifting into wine speak here, but we’re going to fight our way out of this corner). The rich fruit flavors don’t feint or dodge-they’re straight ahead and swarming. And like the best heavyweights, the flavors come at you in combinations and by the time you figure one out, you get hit with another. So just take a couple of sips and then go your corner and catch your breath....

AlaWine Notes:
Heavy Weight Red 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon shows as a dark garnet color. Strong black fruit rises to the nose, cherry, blackberry. Bright black cherry and blackberry flavors consume the palate and hold through soft, dry, sculpted tannins in a creamy, toasty oak finish.

Bottom Line:
Heavy Weight Red 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon can be called a Cab because it is 76% Cab (over 75%). But, it is blended with 14% Syrah and 10% Zinfandel. With the Syrah being a Rhone wine I'm not sure how it got classified as a Bordeaux Blend in the competition. However, this is a lovely wine, full of fruit and well balanced. It is a superior value at a suggested retail price of $14.99. This would be a very complementary wine for rich, marbled steaks. Overall composite score: 96 points.

California Gold, Syrah, 2009 Grand Harvest Awards

Six California Syrahs earned top-honor Gold Medals at the recently completed 2009 Grand Harvest Awards, and they are:

* Petroni Vineyards 06 Syrah, $48
* South Coast Winery 05 Syrah, Wild Horse Peak, $44
* Hughes Family Vineyards, 06 Syrah, Savannah Vineyard, $32
* Mutt Lynch Winery Canis Major 05 Syrah, Unti Vineyard, $25
* Napa Ridge Winery 05 Syrah, $12.99
* Kendall-Jackson 07 Syrah, Alisos Hills, Highland Estates, $35

For more information, click here.

Adobe Road Winery 2006 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

The Award-Winning Wine:
Adobe Road Winery 2006 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

Reason for Reviewing:
The 2006 Sonoma Pinot Noir was one of two Adobe Road Wines that earned a Double Gold Medal award at the recently completed Florida International Wine Competition. The other wine was their 2005 Bavarian Lion Cabernet Sauvignon. Adobe Road Winery also holds the distinction of being just one of two wineries (with Airfield Estates in Washington) to win two Double Golds in this competition.

Noteworthy:
Adobe Road Winery is owned by renowned sportscar racer and entrepreneur Kevin Buckler and his wife, Debra. Kevin’s accomplishments as a driver include class wins at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona (2002) and the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans (2002), an overall win at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona (2003), and the title of Porsche World Cup Champion in 2002.

Winery Notes:
This wine has the best of both California and Burgundy. Aromas of dark earth, forest, dark cherries and unsweetened cocoa lead to a lush round palate of cranberry, raspberry and blackberry. This wine is ripe and flavorful yet elegantly balanced with refreshing acidity and an incredibly long finish filled with deep, captivating flavors.

AlaWine Notes:
Adobe Road Winery 2006 Pinot Noir brightens the glass with a clear, medium ruby color. Aromas of blackberry and cherry carry to the nose, in a sweet earth context. Cherry and a variety of ripe berry flavors flood the palate in a smooth mouth, and persist nicely through a long complementary finish, framed in light oak.

Bottom Line:
Adobe Road Winery 2006 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, is smooth and refreshing, highly quaffable, even elegant wine. It is round, well balanced, and quite satisfying own its own. Suggested retail price is $39. Overall composite score: 97 points.

Best of Show Winners from 2009 Monterey Wine Competition

Two California wineries, Ventana Vineyards and Navarro Vineyards, and one Washington winery, the Barnard Griffin Winery, scored top honors in last weekend's 2009 Monterey Wine Competition. Ventana Vineyards earned a White Wine Best of Show award for its 2007 Ventana Vineyards Riesling. Barnard Griffin won the Best Red Wine award for its 2006 Reserve Merlot. Navarro garnered the Best Dessert award for its 2007 Cluster Select Riesling. For more information, click here.

California Gold, Merlot, 2009 Grand Harvest Awards

These are the four California merlots that won top-honor Gold Medals at the 2009 Grand Harvest Awards held recently here in Sonoma County:

* V. Sattui Winery 06 Merlot Reserve, $50
* Salexis Wines 03 Merlot Snowden Vineyards, $36
* Ray's Station 04 Merlot, $15.99
* Gallo Family Vineyards Twin Valley, $4.99

For more information, click here.

Miro Cellars 2006 Petite Sirah

The Award-Winning Wine:
Miro Cellars 2006 Petite Sirah

Reason for Reviewing:
Miro Cellars 2006 Petite Sirah earned a top-honor Gold Medal at the recently completed San Antonio Wine Festival.

Noteworthy:
Winemaker Track Record: For four vintages as a Winemaker at Trentadue Winery: Six 90 point scores and five 89 points scores from Parker. One 92 point score from Wine Spectator; several 90 and above scores from Wine Enthusiast; 35 Double Gold Medals; 49 Gold Medals; 120 silver Medals; 80 Bronze Medals.

Winery Notes:
...intensely dark wine with firm acid and complex and layered aromas of dark fruit enveloped in incorporated toasty oak aromas of cocoa powder and white pepper.

AlaWine Notes:
Miro Cellars 2006 Petite Sirah pours as an inky dark purple color. On the nose aromas of dark berries penetrate a dusty earth environment. Ripe brambleberry, blueberry, and whole plum flavors flood the mouth, framed and maintained by moderate tannins in a long leather and oak finish with a light pepper highlight.

Bottom Line:
Miro Cellars 2006 Petite Sirah is a full bodied, fruit forward wine with lots of ripe fruit and interesting layers of complexity. A great wine to pair with hardy fare. Suggested retail price is $32.99. Overall composite score: 93 points.

California Gold, Petite Sirah, 2009 Grand Harvest Awards

Seven California Petite Sirahs (one a port) earned top-honor Gold Medals at the 2009 Grand Harvest Awards held recently here in Sonoma County. And they are:

* Bianchi Winery 05 Petite Sirah, Rancho Tierra Rejada, $24
* Scheid Vineyards 06 Petite Sirah, $35
* Victor Hugo Winery 06 Petite Sirah, $22
* Frey Vineyards 07 Petite Sirah, Organic, $14.50
* SZABO Vineyards 06 Petite Sirah, $22
* Harney Lane Winery 06 Petite Sirah, $24
* Bogle Vineyards 06 Petite Sirah Port, $18

For more information, click here.

Manzoni Estate Vineyard 2006 Family Estate Syrah

The Award-Winning Wine:
Manzoni Estate Vineyard 2006 Family Estate Syrah

Reason for Reviewing:
Manzoni Estate Vineyard 2006 Family Estate Syrah earned Double Gold honors at the recently completed 2009 Florida State Fair International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
They have chosen to grow grapes on California's cool coastal mountains, ridges, and hillsides and benchlands. Here, they strive to give you the richest, most intense flavors with a unique and memorable character.

Winery Notes:
This wine has brilliant red color with pronounce northern Rhone-like ground white pepper with soft tannins. Briary Bing Cherry and wild blackberry aroma accentuate the nose, while a moderate amount of caramel is evident in the flavor, a result of new French barrels. This wine will hold its own with intensely flavored dishes such as stews, grilled meats and strong cheeses.

AlaWine Notes:
Manzoni Estate Vineyard 2006 Family Estate Syrah pours to the glass as a very dark purple-garnet color. Ripe blackberry and blackcurrant aromas, in a leathery context, fill the nose. Vibrant berry fruits flood the palate in a mouth-watering opening and persist through a lingering finish spiced with pepper and oak.

Bottom Line:
Manzoni Estate Vineyard 2006 Family Estate Syrah a big wine, full of ripe fruit and a solid finish. A great wine to go with grilling. Suggested retail price is $35. Overall composite score: 92 points.

California Gold, Zinfandels, 2009 Grand Harvest Awards

Seven California Zinfandels were awarded top-honor Gold Medals at the recently completed 2009 Grand Harvest Awards. Jessie's Grove Winery won two. Here are all of those top Zins from the Grand Harvest:

* Hawley 06 Zinfandel, Ponzo Vineyard, $26
* Castoro Cellars 06 Zinfandel, Zinfusion, $22
* Chateau Felice 07 Zinfandel, $31
* Graton Ridge Cellars 07 Zinfandel, Bacigalupi, $30
* Harney Lane Winery 06 Zinfandel, Lizzie James Vineyard Old Vine, $28
* Jessie's Grove Winery 06 Zinfandel, Westwind Old Vine, $32
* Jessie's Grove Winery 06 Zinfandel, Earth, Zin & Fire, $15.99

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V. Sattui 2007 Napa Chardonnay

The Award-Winning Wine:
V. Sattui 2007 Napa Chardonnay

Reason for Reviewing:
V. Sattui 2007 Napa Chardonnay won the Best Of Show Award from among all white wines at the 2009 Florida International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
V. Sattui produces up to four different and distinct Chardonnays each vintage.

Winery Notes:
...aromas of citrus and cinnamon, clean, bright flavors of apple and vanilla, and a touch of oak in the finish.

AlaWine Notes:
V. Sattui 2007 Napa Chardonnay graces the pour with a pale straw-yellow color. Light aromas of citrus and apricot lift to the nose. Fresh apple and peach flavors fill the palate in a smooth mouth. A moderate acidity complements the fruit, which lingers nicely through a long, light toast finish.

Bottom Line:
V. Sattui 2007 Napa Chardonnay boasts lots of fresh fruit flavors. It well integrated, well balanced, and quite refreshing and satisfying. Suggested retail price is $25. Overall composite score: 94 points.

California Gold, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grand Harvest Awards

Here are the top ten California Cabernet Sauvignon award-winning wines from last week's 2009 Grand Harvest Awards held here in Sonoma County. All of these Cabs (well, to be precise, one's a Cab Franc) earned top-honor Gold medals:

* V. Sattui Winery 05 Cabernet Sauvignon, Morisoli Vineyard, $55
* Hagafen Cellars 06 Cabernet Sauvignon, $45
* Napa Cellars 06 Cabernet Sauvignon, $26
* Bianchi Winery 05 Cabernet Sauvignon, Signature Selection, $22
* Jekel Vineyards 06 Cabernet Sauvignon, $14.99
* Folie a Deux 06 Cabernet Sauvignon, $28
* Shasta View Vineyards 04 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Grown, $29
* Lions Peak Wine Company 02 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lions Peak
* Jessie's Grove Winery 04 Cabernet Sauvignon, $24.50
* Lucchesi Vineyards & Winery 06 Cabernet Franc, View Forever Vineyard, $24

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Middle Sister Rebel Red

The Award-Winning Wine:
Middle Sister Rebel Red

Reason for Reviewing:
Middle Sister Rebel Red earned a Gold medal and Best of Class award in the Red Varietals/Blends category at the recently completed 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and Gold Medal “Reserve Champion” at the 2008 Houston International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Middle Sister Rebel Red is marketed via Target stores nationwide in "12 Wines under $12."

Winery Notes:
This spicy blend of Zinfandel. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Syrah brings out the rebel in all of us with aromas of cherry, blackberry and pepper.

AlaWine Notes:
Middle Sister Rebel Red displays as a clear, medium ruby-garnet color standing in the glass, and exudes lots of ripe berry aromas. Blackberry, blueberry, and whole plum flavors wash across the palate in a large wave of fruit and carry through a long, light pepper, touch of oak finish.

Bottom Line:
Middle Sister Rebel Red is made with 100% California grapes, 42% from the Lodi appellation. The blend is 38% Zinfandel, 34% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah, and 2% "mixed red varietals." A very fun and quaffable wine sure to please a wide array of dinner guests. Casual food friendly; serve with BarBQ, burgers, pizza, pasta or Mexican dishes. An excellent value at a suggested retail price of $10.99. Overall composite score: 93 points.

California Gold, Pinot Noir, 2009 Grand Harvest Awards

More than 1,600 wines from North America, Europe, South America, and the Pacific Rim, competed in last week's 2009 Grand Harvest Awards held here in Sonoma County. Less than 10%, 142, earned top-honor Gold Medals; more than half, 78, were California wines, and more than half of those were red wine. These 13 California Pinot Noirs garnered top-honor Gold medals:

* Scheid Vineyards 05 Pinot Noir, Reserve, $55
* Loma Prieta Winery 07 Pinot Noir, Estate Bottled, $55
* Navarro Vineyards 07 Pinot Noir, Deep End Blend, $51
* Dogwood Cellars 06 Pinot Noir, $40
* Woodenhead Vintners, 07 Pinot Noir, $40
* Nicholson Ranch 07 Pinot Noir, Estate, $38
* Claudia Springs Winery 06 Pinot Noir, Klindt Vineyard, Estate Red Label, $28
* Steele Wines, 05 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido
* J. Lynne, 07 Pinot Noir, Two Vineyards, $20
* Mahoney Vineyards 06 Pinot Noir, Las Brisas, $36
* Five Rivers, 07 Pinot Noir, $13.99
* Kendall-Jackson, 07 Pinot Noir, Seco Highlands, Highland Estates, $35
* Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, 05 Pinot Noir, Carneros, $28

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