June 2007

Top Honors, San Francisco International Wine Competition

Four wines earned Best of Show awards, and 19 wines won Best of Varietal awards at the recently completed 2007 San Francisco International Wine Competition.

Best of Show
White: Chouinard Vineyards 2006 Chenin Blanc Monterey $11
Sparkling: Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin 1988 Brut Rare Vintage Champagne France $90
Red: Canihan Family Cellars 2004 Syrah Estate Sonoma Valley $30
Dessert: Stone Paddock 2006 Late Harvest Semillon Hawkes Bay New Zealand

Best of Varietals
Chardonnay: Beringer Founders' Estate 2005 Chardonnay California $11
Sauvignon Blanc: Cairnbrae Vineyards 2006 Sauvignon Blanc The Stones Marlborough New Zealand
Pinot Gris: Kathy Lynskey Wines 2006 Pinot Gris Single Vineyard Marlborough New Zealand $25
Riesling: Snoqualmie Vineyard 2006 Riesling Winemaker's Select Columbia Valley $7
Gewürztraminer: Spy Valley Wines 2006 Gewürztraminer Marlborough New Zealand $20
White Hybrid: Penguin Bay Winery Nv Percussion Finger Lakes $11
Seyval Blanc: Prairie Berry Winery 2006 Seyval Blanc American $12
Native American White: Goose Watch Winery Nv Diamond Finger Lakes $9
Rosé: Montes Wines 2006 Syrah Rosé Colchagua Valley Chile $16
Pinot Noir: La Crema Winery 2005 Pinot Noir Los Carneros $34
Merlot: Columbia Crest Winery 2004 Merlot Grand Estates Columbia Valley $11
Red Rhône: Blend Kilikanoon Wines 2005 Shiraz Grenache Killerman's Run South Australia $22
Premium Red: Madroña Vineyards 2004 Quintet Estate, Reserve El Dorado $28
Zinfandel: Rosenblum Cellars 2005 Zinfandel Harris Kratka Vineyard Alexander Valley $35
Barbera: Vino Noceto 2004 Barbera Linsteadt Shenandoah Valley $28
Tempranillo: Cosentino Winery 2005 The Temp Crystal Valley Cellars Kirschenmann Vineyards Lodi $22
Petite Sirah: Michael David Vineyards 2004 Earthquake Petite Sirah Lodi $28
Cabernet Sauvignon: Stone Pine Estate 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Sagebrush Annies Santa Barbara $25
Fortified Wine: Mazuran's Vineyards 1948 Vintage Port New Zealand $1200

For a complete list of all medal-winning wines, click here (pdf).

Three Super-Award Winners, 2007 Santa Barbara Wine Competition

Two Best of Show Awards, and only one Double Gold Medal, were awarded at the recently completed Santa Barbara County Fair Wine Competition:

Best of Show Red
Curtis 2004 Syrah, Vogelzang Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley

Best of Show White
Kenneth Volk, 2005 Chardonnay, "Santa Maria Cuvee"

Double Gold Medal
William James Cellars, 2005 Syrah

For a complete list of all medal-winning wines, click here.

Best of Varietals, L.A. International Wine Competition

These 10 wines earned Best of Varietal Awards at the recently completed 2007 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition:

Best Chardonnay
Windsor Vineyards, Sonoma County, 2005

Best Riesling
See Ya Later Ranch, Okanagan Valley, VQA, 2006

Best Pinot Grigio
Talus Collection, Lodi, 2005

Best Sauvignon Blanc
Wildhurst Vineyards, Reserve, Lake County, 2005

Best Pinot Noir
Navarro Vineyards, Deep End Blend, Anderson Valley, 2005

Best Merlot
Raymond Vineyards, R Collection, California, 2004

Best Cabernet Sauvignon
Trinchero Vineyard, Lewelling Vineyard, Napa Valley, 2003

Best Meritage
Kendall-Jackson Winery, Grand Reserve, Sonoma County, 2004

Best Zinfandel
Mia's Playground, Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, 2005

Best Syrah
Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards, San Luis Obispo County, 2004

For a complete list of all medal-winning wines, click here (pdf).

Sebastiani Vineyards 2003 Sonoma County Merlot

The Award-Winning Wine:
Sebastiani Vineyards 2003 Sonoma County Merlot

Reason for Reviewing:
Sebastiani Vineyards 2003 Sonoma County Merlot was selected as a Chairman's Award (Unanimous Gold) winner at the recently completed 2007 Riverside International Wine Competition Awards.

Noteworthy:
The history of Sebastiani Vineyards dates back to 1825. In that year, the Franciscan fathers of nearby mission San Francisco Solano, assisted by local native Americans, first cleared and planted land for their vineyards. These vineyards are among the oldest vineyard sites in northern California. They were acquired in 1904 by Samuele Sebastiani, the founder of our family winery, who immigrated from the wine producing region of Tuscany, Italy in 1895.

Winemaker's Notes :
Because our fruit got extra hang-time, we achieved full ripeness, yet the finished wine maintained elegance and drinkability due to the coolness of the vintage. This dark garnet colored wine has a lot of upfront fruit with cranberry and black cherry aromas mixed with herbal, tea-like and toasted oak nuances. The flavor is cherry-intense, and the finish is nice and smooth.

AlaWine Notes:
Sebastiani Vineyards 2003 Sonoma County Merlot pours as a deep garnet color in the glass. The wine throws off rich aromas of ripe cherries and blackberries in a leafy earth context. Lots of ripe fruit, dark cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant, fill the mouth and sustain the full-bodied taste through supple tannins and a toasty oak, long finish.

Bottom Line:
Sebastiani Vineyards 2003 Sonoma County Merlot is a dry, round, fruit-filled Merlot blend, done right. The wine consists of 76.0% Merlot, 8.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.5% Syrah, 2.0% Petit Sirah, 1.5% Zinfandel, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 5.5% other [unnamed] varietals. Pair with red meats or bar-b-que pork ribs. This is a very good value at a suggested retail price of $17. Overall composite score: 97 points.

Platinum Award Winners, L.A. International Wine Competition

These 20 wines earned Platinum Awards at the recently completed 2007 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition:

Armida Winery, 2005 Zinfandel, Maple Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley
Barnard Griffin Winery, 2006 Semillon, Columbia Valley
Biltmore Estate Wine Co., Cabernet Franc, Limited Release, American
Cavia, 2006 Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina
Chateau Grand Traverse, 2005 Dry White Blends, Edelzwicker, Old Mission Peninsula
Cockburn’s Winery, Porto, 20 Year Old Tawny
Cosentino Winery, 2005 Sangiovese Il Chiaretto, California
Dr. Konstantin Frank, 2006 Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes
Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves, Blanc de Noir, Sonoma County
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate, 2005 Sparkling Ice Wine, Proprietor’s Grand Reserve
Kendall-Jackson Winery, 2004 Meritage, Grand Reserve, Sonoma County
Momokawa Sake, Diamond, Oregon
Raymond Vineyards, 2004 Merlot, R Collection, California
Silver Stone Wines, 2004 Tempranillo, Paso Robles
St. Lucas, 2006 Torrentes, Argentina
Tabor Hill Winery, Cherry Wine, Michigan
Wattle Creek Winery, 2004 Rhone Style Blends, Triple Play, Yorkville Highlands
Wildhurst Vineyards, 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, Reserve, Lake County
Windsor Vineyards, 2005 Chardonnay, Sonoma County
York Mountain Winery, 2005 Albarino, Edna Valley

For a complete list of all medal-winning wines, click here (pdf).

Super Award Winners, 2007 Washington State Wine Competition

The results are in from the Washington State Wine Competition and include two Governor's Trophy Winners (one Best of Show), three best varietal winners, and eight Double Gold Award Winners:

Best of Show Winners:

Governor's Trophy for Best of Show and Best Cabernet Sauvignon:
Maryhill Winery, 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley

Governor's Trophy for Best White:
San Juan Vineyards, 2006 Siegerrebe Puget Sound

Best Chardonnay:
Tsillan Cellars, 2005 Chardonnay Estate Columbia Valley

Best Merlot:
Columbia Winery, 2004 Merlot Columbia Valley

Best Syrah:
Dusted Valley Vintners, 2004 Syrah Reserve, Columbia Valley

Double Gold Award Winners:

Columbia Crest Winery, 2003 Grand Estates Shiraz
Merry Cellars, 2005 Carmenere
Naches Heights Vineyard & Winery, 2006 Riesling
San Juan Vineyards, 2006 Siegerrebe
Saviah Cellars, 2005 Une Vallee Red Wine
Vin du Lac Winery, 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
Vin du Lac Winery, 2004 Malbec
Whidbey Island Winery, 2003 Composition

For more information, click here.

Castoro Cellars 2006 Viognier Reserve

The Award-Winning Wine:
Castoro Cellars 2006 Viognier Reserve

Reason for Reviewing:
Castoro Cellars 2006 Viognier Reserve won the Best White Wine Award and the Best of Class Award for a White Rhone at the recently completed 2007 California Mid-State Fair Central Coast Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Co-owner Niels Udsen's long-time nickname "Beaver," evolved when he was working in Italy and his friends soon took to calling him "Il Castoro," which is beaver in Italian. The name and the motto stuck. Castoro Cellars' "dam fine wines" sport a picture of a beaver on each label.

Winery Notes:
Our 2006 Viognier Reserve is primarily from Estate-grown fruit next to our winery in the rolling hills of San Miguel which is within the Paso Robles appellation. A cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks retained its inherently floral varietal aromas. After fermentation, the wine was transferred to small oak barrels for four months to add some complexity. This Viognier is dry and crisp with high flavor intensity.

AlaWine Notes:
Presenting as a light golden color on pouring, the Castoro Cellars 2006 Viognier Reserve exudes a vibrant floral nose of of violets and orange blossoms along with fresh peaches. Tropical fruit flavors mingle with the fresh peach and a mineral highlight on the palate and linger into a long, fruit filled finish.

Bottom Line:
Castoro Cellars 2006 Viognier Reserve is a dry, crisp, full-bodied, flavorful Viognier. It is well balanced, well integrated, with a creamy mouthfeel, satisfying complexity, and a very refreshing, clean finish. A good wine for Chardonnay drinkers to expand their palate or for those who may have been disappointed with other Viogniers in the past. Serve well-chilled with fish or chicken, garnished with fruit salsas, a fruit salad, or with spicy Asian dishes. Suggested retail price is $17.95. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Top Honors, 2007 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition

The results are in from the 2007 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition and these 12 wines earned top honors with Best of Competition and Best of Division Awards.

2007 Special Awards

Best Wine Of The Competition:
Silver Stone Wines 2004 Tempranillo Paso Robles

Best Wine Of The Competition, Limited Production:
Paradise Ridge Winery 2005 Zinfandel Hoenselaars Vineyard, Russian River

Best Of Division Awards

Best Sparkling Wine:
Carpenè Malvolti 2006 Prosecco Di Conegliano Di Valdobbiadene Doc

Best Sparkling Wine, Limited Production:
Borgo Maragliano 2005 Moscato D’Asti, La Caliera

Best White Wine:
York Mountain Winery 2005 Albarino, Edna Valley

Best White Wine, Limited Production:
Hart Winery 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Temecula Valley

Best Rose Wine:
Folie Á Deux 2005 Menage A Trois, California

Best Late Harvest Wine:
See Ya Later Ranch 2005 Ice Wine, Okanagan Valley

Best Natural Fruit Wine:
Alba Vineyard Raspberry, American

Best Dessert Wine:
Sheffield Cellars Sweet Cream Sherry, California

Best Dessert Wine, Limited Production:
Ferrante Winery 2005 Ice Wine, Vidal Blanc, Grand River Valley

Best Distilled Product:
Capovilla Eau-De-Vie, Raspberry, Rosa, Italy

For a complete list of all medal-winning wines, click here (pdf).

Fess Parker Winery 2005 Pinot Noir

The Award-Winning Wine:
Fess Parker Winery 2005 Pinot Noir

Reason for Reviewing:
Fess Parker Winery 2005 Pinot Noir was selected as Chairman's Award (Unanimous Gold) winner at the 2007 Riverside International Wine Competition Awards.

Noteworthy:
Portraying Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone on television in the 1950's and 1960's, Fess Parker was an international celebrity. In 1989, he and his son Eli started farming almost 700 acres on four vineyards throughout Santa Barbara County, California, that have now become the Fess Parker Winery.

Winery Notes:
On the nose you'll find lots of cherry, cola, cinnamon vanilla, strawberry and raspberry combined with toasty oak, tobacco and a hint of new saddle leather. The striking palate exudes flavors of cherry, cranberry, cola and cinnamon supported by nice acidity and firm tannins.

AlaWine Notes:
Fess Parker Winery 2005 Pinot Noir pours as a clear garnet color in the glass. Aromas of ripe red fruits lift from the glass in a smoky earth and leather context. Raspberry, strawberry, cranberry flavors open on the palate in an herbal context with a black pepper highlight and continue through a long oak finish.

Bottom Line:
Fess Parker Winery 2005 Pinot Noir is a dry, medium body, tart and spicy Pinot Noir. Pair with rich cuts of beef, pork or lamb,grilled, red pasta sauces, even pizza. Suggested retail price is $25. Overall composite score: 95 points.

Double Golds from the 2007 Great Lakes Great Wine Competition

The results of the 2007 Great Lakes Great Wine Competition have been announced by Sandra Silfven, wine writer and copy editor at the Detroit News. Double Gold medal winners include:

Cedar View 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon

The Award-Winning Wine:
Cedar View Winery 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon

Reason for Reviewing:
Cedar View 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon earned one of two Gold Medals for Cedar View Winery at the 2007 Central California Wine Competition.

AlaWine Notes:
Cedar View 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon presents as a deep, clear, ruby color. Aromas of ripe blackberries, black olive and pepper lift from the glass. Layered fresh fruits, including red cherry, blackberry, and blackcurrant merge on the palate and hold on through moderate tannins to provide a long finale.

Bottom Line:
Cedar View Winery 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry full-fruit Cab with a smooth front in a structured tannin context and toasty oak finish. Pair with with red meat and spicy dishes, especially with Italian sauces. Suggested retail price is $35. Overall composite score: 95 points.

2007 Amador County Wine Competition Winners

The 2007 Amador County Wine Competition winners have been announced and include the following super-award winners. Bray Vineyards 2006 Barbera Rosato won both Best Rose and the top honor, Best of Show Grand Award. Sierra Vista Winery 2006 Fume Blanc won Best Sauvignon Blanc and Best White Wine. Renwood Winery won two Double Golds, one for its 2004 Zinfandel Grandpere and one for its 2004 Zinfandel Grandmere.

Best of Show Grand Award
Bray Vineyards 2006 Barbera Rosato

Best Amador Rhone
Macchia 2005 Petite Sirah

Best Amador Red Zin
Sobon Estate 2005 Fiddletown Lubenko Vineyard

Best Amador Italian
Boitano Family Wines 2005 Barbera

Best Sauvignon Blanc
Sierra Vista Winery 2006 Fume Blanc

Best Red Wine
C G Di Arie Vineyard 2005 Primitivo

Best White Wine
Sierra Vista Winery 2006 Fume Blanc

Best Rose
Bray Vineyards 2006 Barbera Rosato

Best Other Wine
Madrona Vineyards 2005 New World Port

Other Double Gold award winners include:
Auriga Cellars 2003 Zinfandel
Barkley Homestead 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
Boitano Family Wines 2005 Barbera
C G Di Arie Vineyard 2005 Zinfandel
Drytown Cellars 2005 Zinfandel
Karmere Winery 2005 Syrah, La Petite Rachel
Latcham Vineyards 2005 Barbera
Renwood Winery 2004 Zinfandel Grandpere
Renwood Winery 2004 Zinfandel Grandmere
Robert Lang 2005 Zinfandel
Sierra Oaks Estates 2004 Zinzabar
Ursa Vineyards 2005 Viognier

For a complete list of all medal winners, click here (pdf).

Carneros Creek 2005 Reserve Pinot Noir

The Award-Winning Wine:
Carneros Creek 2005 Reserve Pinot Noir

Reason for Reviewing:
Carneros Creek 2005 Reserve Pinot Noir was selected as a Chairman's Award (Unanimous Gold) winner at the recently completed 2007 Riverside International Wine Competition Awards.

Noteworthy:
Carneros Creek was the first winemaking facility to be constructed in Carneros since Prohibition, and, under co-founder Francis Mahoney’s stewardship, it would become a significant force in the development of the Carneros district and New World Pinot Noir.

Winery Notes:
Ruby in color, the wine shows jammy cherry pie aromas with subtle spice in the background. A lush texture up front, with subtle French oak leads to vivid, condensed red cherry flavors which linger in the finish. The wine shows fruit that is at once lively, youthful, and evolved, with a supple tannin structure beneath. Extended time in barrel has integrated the wine, which is drinking nicely now, and will continue to evolve for three or so years to come.

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a clear ruby glass, Carneros Creek 2005 Reserve Pinot Noir offers a nose of rich, ripe cherry and blackberry in a light smoky, herbal context. Following on the palate, these fruit flavors are joined by blackcurrant, pepper and tea. The finish is very long, fruity and moderately spicy.

Bottom Line:
Carneros Creek 2005 Reserve Pinot Noir is a dry, medium-bodied, fruity Pinot with lots of rich cherry flavor, flowing from a smooth front end to a long, spicy, but soft finish. Delicious, if youthful now, it will likely benefit from some cellaring. Suggested retail price is $25. Overall composite score: 96 points.

2007 El Dorado Wine Competition Winners

The 2007 El Dorado Wine Competition winners have been announced and include the following super-award winners. Auriga Wine Cellars 2005 El Dorado Zinfandel won three top awards, including best of Show. Sierra Vista Winery earned three double-gold medals, including Best White Wine. Three wineries earned two double-gold medal awards each: Iverson Winery, Montavina Wines, and Toogood Winery.

Best of Show:
2005 Auriga Wine Cellars El Dorado Zinfandel, Double Gold Medal

El Dorado Winery Association Award (Sponsored by the El Dorado Winery Association):
Best Red Wine:
2005 Auriga Wine Cellars El Dorado Zinfandel, Double Gold Medal
Best White Wine:
2006 Sierra Vista Winery Sierra Foothills Fume’ Blanc, Double Gold Medal

El Dorado Wine Grape Growers Award:
The Best Commercial Wine Produced from El Dorado or Fairplay Appellation Grapes
2005 Auriga Wine Cellars El Dorado Zinfandel, Double Gold Medal

Frank Herbert Memorial Award:
The Best Zinfandel Made from El Dorado or Fairplay Appellation Grapes
2005 Auriga Wine Cellars El Dorado Zinfandel, Double Gold Medal

Zachary Jacques Award:
The Best in the Rhone Category
2004 Bechard Vineyard & Winery El Dorado Syrah, Double Gold Medal

Earth-Friendly Growers Award:
The Best Wine Produced with Organically Grown Grapes
2005 Sobon Fiddletown Zinfandel, Double Gold Medal

Best Fairplay Appellation Award:
The Best Wine Produced with Fairplay Appellation Grapes
2005 Toogood Winery Fairplay Cabernet Franc, Double Gold Medal

Other Double Gold award winners include:
Boeger Winery 2005 Barbera El Dorado
Bray Vineyards 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Shenandoah Valley
Colibri Ridge Winery & Vineyard 2004 Merlot Fairplay
Fenestra Winery 2005 Viognier Contra Costa County
Granite Springs Winery 2004 Zinfandel Fairplay Estate Bottled
Iverson Winery 2005 Barbera El Dorado
Iverson Winery 2004 Cabernet Franc Fairplay
Macchia 2005 Zinfandel Lodi Mischevious Old Vine
Milliaire Winery 2006 Chardonnay Sierra Foothills
Montavina Wines NV Zinfandel Port Amador County
Montevina Wines 2006 Pinot Grigio California
Mount Aukum Winery 2004 Zinfandel El Dorado
Sierra Vista Winery 2005 Rhone Blend El Dorado Fleur de Montagne
Sierra Vista Winery 2006 Chardonnay El Dorado Estate Non-oak
Toogood Winery 2005 Tempranillo Clarksburg
Ursa Vineyards 2004 Petite Sirah Paso Robles Shell Creek Vineyard

For a complete list of all 436 medal winners, click here.

Trinchero 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stagecoach Vineyard

The Award-Winning Wine:
Trinchero Family Estates 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stagecoach Vineyard

Reason for Reviewing:
Trinchero 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon was selected as a Chairman's Award (Unanimous Gold) winner at the 2007 Riverside International Wine Competition Awards.

Noteworthy:
Over the past couple of years a great number of high quality wines scoring 90+ points (Wine Spectator’s 100 point scale) have been produced from the mountain fruit of the 500-acre Stagecoach Vineyard which is located on the steep Eastern Hills of the Napa Valley appellation.

Winemaker Notes:
The long warm days and cool nights of the Stagecoach vineyard produce deep ruby red Cabernet Sauvignons of ripe blackberry, plum and cassis while maintaining balanced acidity and a velvety lasting finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Trinchero 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon displays as a clear, dark ruby color in the glass. Aromas of ripe, red fruits, cherry and raspberry rise to the nose in a smoky context. Mouthwatering cherry-berry flavors are joined by plum and blackberry in a smooth mouth with soft tannins, all leading to a modestly spicy, long, fruit filled finish.

Bottom Line:
Trinchero 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry, luscious, rich full-bodied Cab, of Napa Valley pedigree. It is smooth and well balanced, and ultimately, refreshing and satisfying. Pair with old cheeses, grilled steaks or roasted red meat. Suggested retail price is $50. Overall composite score: 97 points.

2007 Northwest Wine Summit Super Awards

Medal-Award-Winning wines from the 2007 Northwest Wine Summit have been announced. Here are some of the super award winners; for a complete list on all medal-winning wines, click here.

Best of Show
2005 La Frenz Estate Winery Merlot

Best of Type
Red: 2005 La Frenz Estate Winery Merlot
White: 2006 LaVelle Vineyards Riesling
Rosé: 2006 Township 7 Vineyards & Winery Rosé
Sparkling: Domaine Ste. Michelle Cuvee Brut
Fortified: La Frenz Estate Winery Tawny
Ice Wine: 2005 Covey Run Winery Reserve Semillon Ice Wine
Dessert: 2005 Dalla Vina Wines Amore Late Harvest Semillon

Best of Region
Idaho: 2004 Koenig Vineyards Cabernet/Syrah
Oregon: 2006 LaVelle Vineyards Riesling
Montana: 2005 Trapper Creek Winery Dark Mead
Washington: 2004 E. B. Foote Winery Perfect à Trois

Spangler Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Franc

The Award-Winning Wine:
Spangler Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Franc, Sundown Vineyard

Reason for Reviewing:
Spangler Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Franc earned both a Chairman's Award and Gold Medal at the 2007 Riverside International Wine Competition. It also won Gold Medals at both the 2007 Newport Seafood and Wine Festival and Oregon's 2007 Greatest of the Grape Professional Wine Competition.

The Varietal:
Cabernet Franc is a genetic ancestor of Cabernet Sauvignon, though generally of lighter color and smoother tannins, and often fruiter and spicier. More often, than as a single varietal such as this wine, Cab Franc is used as contributing element for these characteristics in making other red wine blends.

Winery Notes:
"It's loaded with big, slightly rustic flavors of blueberry and blackberry framed by soft, mineral-tinged tannins and good acidity. It's all cab franc (not diluted with cabernet or merlot) and it got ripe enough to produce a full-bodied wine. The balance is spot-on, the finish is lengthy, and the wine has a very satisfying sense of varietal authenticity throughout. Although young, it's already drinking nicely." - Bob Wolfe, Oregon Wine Warehouse

AlaWine Notes:
Spangler 2005 Cabernet Franc presents as a deep, clear, ruby color. A nice nose of ripe dark fruit, plum and black cherry, emanate from the glass in an earthy context. Rich cherry and plum flavors are joined by raspberry and a hint of mint on the palate, in a smooth mouthfeel. Medium tannins accompany the full fruit flavors into a long, mildly spicy, toasty oak finale.

Bottom Line:
Spangler Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Franc is a dry, medium-bodied, 100% Cabernet Franc. It is very rich in full fruit flavors and very well balanced from start to finish, smooth and satisfying. It is easily drinkable now, and will likely benefit from three to five years of aging. Pair with strong cheeses and rich red meats. Suggested retail price is $24. Overall composite score: 96 points.

2007 Greatest of the Grape Awards

Billed as "America's Last Great Undiscoverd Wine Region," Oregon's Umpqua Valley, nestled between the Coast Range and the gateway to Crater Lake, is the state’s oldest fine wine region. Recently, the Umpqua Valley Winegrowers Association announced the winners of their 2007 Greatest of the Grape Awards. Here are the top award winners (for a complete list, click here):

THE Greatest of the Grape
Palotai Vineyard and Winery, 2004 Estate Syrah

Best White Wine
Girardet Wine Cellars, 2006 Pinot Gris

Best Red Wine
Abacela Winery, 2004 Estate Tempranillo

Platinum Medal Winner
Silvan Ridge, 2004 Elizabeth Reserve

Gold Medal Winners
Anindor Vineyards, 2005 Riesling
Spangler Vineyards, 2005 Cabernet Franc
Bradley Vineyards, 2005 Baco Noir

Callaway Winery 2005 Roussanne

The Award-Winning Wine:
Callaway Winery 2005 Roussanne

Reason for Reviewing:
Callaway Winery 2005 Roussanne won both a Gold Medal and Best of Class award at the recently completed 2007 Pacific Rim International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Callaway Vineyard and Winery is Temecula's oldest and largest winery. It was founded in 1969 by, the now infamous, Ely Callaway, who went on to gain fame and fortune in the world of golf.

Winery Notes:
This wine is full of sumptuous aromas of fragrant honeysuckle, ripe pear and sweet pineapple aromas with just a touch of spice. Light lemony citrus flavors are layered with hints of honeydew melon, apple and soft peach, leading to a crisp, yet delicately rich finale.

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a clear straw-yellow color, the Callaway 2005 Roussanne, exudes a light floral fragrance and subtle aromas of pear, apple and peach. Fresh citrus joins the pear-apple flavors, along with a melon note. A crisp acidity balances and holds the fruit through a very long finish.

Bottom Line:
Callaway Winery 2005 Roussanne is a dry, crisp and clean, 100% Roussanne, fermented in stainless steel with no oak aging. It has an appealing nose, a bright flavor-filled mouth, and a refreshing finish. A great wine for hot summer days, to complement salads, seafood, chicken, or to contrast with spicy dishes. Suggested retail price is $25. Overall composite score: 96 points.

New Jersey Wine Competition Super-Award Winners

The 2007 New Jersey Wine Competition winners have been announced with Alba Vineyard taking two of three Governor's Cups and becoming the competition's first multiple winner in its 28-year history. Unionville Vineyards won the other Governor's Cup for its non-vintave Port wine. Silver Decoy Winery was named Winery of the Year.

Alba earned both a Gold Medal and the Governor's Cup for each of its 2005 Chambourcin and its non-vintage blueberry fruit wine. Alba Vineyard also won the most medals overall, including gold, silver or bronze, in the competition. Silver Decoy Winery earnerd Gold Medals for its 2005 Cabernet Franc and its non-vintage raspberry fruit wine.

For a complete list of all medal winners, click here.

Eberle Winery 2005 Cotes-du-Robles

The Award-Winning Wine:
Eberle Winery 2005 Cotes-du-Robles

Reason for Reviewing:
Eberle Winery 2005 Cotes-du-Robles was a Gold Medal and Best of Class award winner at the recently completed 2007 Pacific Rim International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
In 1973, Gary Eberle began his career in the wine industry by heading his family’s Estrella River Winery (currently Meridian Vineyards in Paso Robles)... In 1980, he co-founded the Paso Robles Appellation and in 1983, Gary opened the doors to his own Eberle Winery. Eberle’s 2005 Côtes-du-Rôbles returns after ten years as the original rendition of a Paso Robles Rhône-style blend.

Winery Notes:
Representing the nature of Paso Robles terroir, this wine exhibits a beautiful purple hue with complex layers of rich fruit flavors, hints of earth and minerality supported by moderate tannins and a hint of sweet oak. A blend of three recognized Rhône varietals (Mourvedre, Syrah, Grenache), the complex finesse of Eberle Côtes-du-Rôbles should be enjoyed as an everyday addition to your dinning experience.

AlaWine Notes:
Eberle Winery 2005 Cotes-du-Robles pours as a clear ruby color. Rich strawberry and cherry aromas lift from the glass in a light earthy context. Blackberry, plum and currant join strawberry and cherry in a mouthful of fresh fruit flavors. Fresh acidity complements the fresh fruit and a spicy highlight blends with the fruit in a light oak long finish.

Bottom Line:
Eberle Winery 2005 Cotes-du-Robles is a dry, medium-bodied, Rhone-style blend with a beautiful nose and lush, delicious red fruit flavors. It is well integrated and well balanced with a very satisfying finish. This is a very food-friendly wine, perfect for summer grilling. A very good value at a suggested retail price of $20. Overall composite score: 97 points.

Ferrante Winery 2006 Vidal Blanc

The Award-Winning Wine:
Ferrante Winery 2006 Vidal Blanc, Grand River Valley

Reason for Reviewing:
Ferrante Winery 2006 Vidal Blanc earned Double Gold Medal honors at the recently completed 2007 Tasters Guild International Wine Judging.

Noteworthy:
The Ferrante family has been selling wine since 1937 when Anna and Nicholas Ferrante opened their first winery in Cleveland, Ohio's Collinwood area.

Winery Notes:
Estate grown grapes, cool fermented and natural sugar retained. Aromas and flavors of citrus, pear and melon balanced by crisp acidity.

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a clear straw-yellow color, the Ferrante Winery 2006 Vidal Blanc presents fragrant aromas of pear and melon. Light citrus, mango and a pineapple note join pear and melon on the palate in a lightly sweet context. Moderate acidity balances and carries the fresh fruit flavors into a long finish.

Bottom Line:
Ferrante Winery 2006 Vidal Blanc is a medium dry, fruit filled wine with a pleasant mouthfeel and refreshing finish. Serve chilled, pair with seafood, turkey, or Asian dishes. A good value at a suggested retail price of $8.99. Overall composite score: 95 points.

Grand Awards of Excellence, 2007 Seattle Wine Awards

Twenty-four Washington state wines earned Grand Awards of Excellence, top-honor Gold Medals, in 14 categories, at the recently completed 2007 Seattle Wine Awards. Fielding Hills led all wineries with three Gold Medal winning wines; Maryhill, Matthews Estate, and Thurston Wolfe each earned two Gold Medals. Multiple Gold Medal winners in each category are each judged to be the best in their own price category (in price order, higher to lower). For a complete list of all medal winners, click here.

Cabernet Sauvignon
2004 Soos Creek "Soleil"
2001 Townshend Cellars, Columbia Valley
2003 E.B. Foote, Columbia Valley

Merlot
2004 Fielding Hills "Riverbend Vineyard"
2005 Tamarack, Columbia Valley
2004 Columbia Crest "Grand Estates"

Syrah
2004 Fielding Hills "Riverbend Vineyard"
2005 Thurston Wolfe, Washington State
2004 San Juan Vineyards, Yakima Valley

Red Bordeaux Style Blends
2004 Nicolas Cole Cellars "Camille"
2004 Fielding Hills "Riverbend Vineyard"

Sangiovese
2005 Walter Dacon, Red Mountain

Red Proprietary Blends
2001 Gordon Brothers "Tradition"
2005 Martin-Scott Winery "Raven Ridge Red"

Red Varietals
2003 Matthews Estate Cabernet Franc

Chardonnay
2005 L'Ecole No. 41, Columbia Valley
2005 Latah Creek Wine Cellars, WA State

White Proprietary Blends
2006 Thurston Wolfe "PGV"

White Bordeaux Styles
2006 Matthews Estate Sauvignon Blanc "Stillwater Creek"

Riesling
2006 Eroica by Dr. Loosen & Ch. Ste. Michelle

Pinot Gris
2006 Maryhill Winery, Columbia Valley

Viognier
2006 Maryhill, Columbia Valley

Dessert Styles
2005 Covey Run Semillon Ice Wine
2005 Silver Lake Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc

Ohio Gold

Twenty-five wines from 16 Ohio wineries earned top-honor Gold Medals at the recently completed 2007 Ohio Wine Competition. Breitenbach Wine Cellars, Debonne Vineyards, and Ferrante Winery led all wineries with three Gold medals each. To view all medal winners, click here.

Madrona Vineyards 2004 Reserve Quintet

The Award-Winning Wine:
Madrona Vineyards 2004 Reserve Quintet

Reason for Reviewing:
Out of nearly 1,400 entries, Madrona Vineyards 2004 Reserve Quintet was selected as a Chairman's Award (Unanimous Gold) Winners at the recently completed 2007 Riverside International Wine Competition Awards.

Noteworthy:
Madroña Vineyards is powered by solar energy, the waste water is recycled and grape stems are used for erosion control in the vineyards. It is the long-standing philosophy of Madroña Vineyards to limit the impact of their farming on the environment.

Winery Notes:
The aromas start with a Cabernet herbiness of crushed fresh spice with notes of bell pepper. Delve a little deeper and the dark cherry of Merlot and the blueberry of Malbec appear. And with a hint of Cab Franc roasted coffee sprinkled with lavender, the nose is complete. The palate, texturally, is the approachable side of mountain Merlot, laced with a Petit Verdot tannin backbone and an enticingly soft Malbecian mid-palate. The first sip is elegant and melodious with a myriad of sensations. A bit of cherry, a dash of vanilla, a splash of plum, a pinch of green olives, a sprig of oregano—the characters meld together, intertwining graciously to a lingering finish of Cabernet-soaked cherries.

AlaWine Notes:
Madrona Vineyards 2004 Reserve Quintet pours as a deep ruby-purple color. Rich cherry aromas waft from the glass in a warm herbal context. Plum and blueberry join black cherry in layers on the palate, along with a highlight of green pepper and olive. Medium tannins offset the full fruit flavors and carry into a long vanilla finish.

Bottom Line:
Madrona Vineyards 2004 Reserve Quintet is a dry, red blend full of dark and red fruits. It is a classic blend of five Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Pair with big cuts of red meat, grilled, and hearty cheeses. Suggested retail price is $28. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Oak Knoll Winery American Niagara

The Award-Winning Wine:
Oak Knoll Winery American Niagara

Reason for Reviewing:
Just four wines out of more than 2,000 entries were selected as Best Pacific Rim award winners at the 2007 Pacific Rim International Wine Competition. The surprise winner in the white wine category was this wine, an inexpensive, non-vintage, Niagara grape wine from the Oak Knoll Winery in Oregon. This top award represents the Best of the Best of Class award winners.

Noteworthy:
The Oak Knoll Winery story began in 1970, when Ronald and Marjorie Vuylsteke became pioneers of Oregon winemaking by founding the first winery in Washington County. At that time, there were only a few vineyards and a handful of wineries in all of Oregon!

The Varietal:
The Niagara grape is the most popular American green grape grown in the U.S. It is most often grown for table grapes and grape juice, as well as wine. This wine is made from the Niagara grape, a native American (Labrusca) grape variety grown in the cooler climates of North America. According to the Oak Knoll web site, "The temperate growing season of the Pacific Northwest produces Niagara grapes with an intense grapy aroma and distinctive flavor. Oak Knoll has been making wine from this grape since the early 1970's and it has developed a large "cult" following, which continues to grow."

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a clear straw-yellow color, the Oak Knoll Winery American Niagara offers fragrant aromas of pear, apple and, yes, grapes within a candied fruit context. Sweet pear, apple and grape flavors sparkle on the palate along with some citrus, and a light acidity, that balances the fruit and refreshes the palate in a medium-long finish.

Bottom Line:
Oak Knoll Winery American Niagara is a light, semi-sweet white wine with fresh fruit flavors and crisp acidity. Falling between traditional white varietals and a white dessert wine, it is a versatile wine to be served, best chilled, with lighter fare, and picnic foods, yet would hold up well pairing with strong flavored dishes and strong cheeses as well. A good value at a suggested retail price of $7. Overall composite score: 94 points.

Critics Platinum Awards

Fifty-nine wines, out of nearly 1,700 entries, earned top-honor Critics Platinum Awards at the recently completed Critics Challenge International Wine Competition. Forty U.S. wines won Platinum, including these 27, not previously featured in earlier 2007 super-awards postings. For a complete listing of all Platinum and other medal winners, click here.

Silver Stone Winery 2004 Merlot

The Award-Winning Wine:
Silver Stone Winery 2004 Merlot, Central Coast

Reason for Reviewing:
Silver Stone Winery 2004 Merlot earned a top-honor Gold Medal at the recent 2007 Dallas Morning News Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Owner and winemaker Dan Kleck has been producing premium wines for the past 29 years. He began his career in the mid-1970’s, focusing on the Long Island region in New York. Moving to California in the late 1990’s, he worked with Jess Jackson at Kendall-Jackson Winery in Monterey, managing its Monterey winery, then creating the Carmel Road Project, under K-J’s elite Artisans and Estates umbrella of wineries. There he discovered the enormous potential of the outstanding vineyards stretching from Monterey to Santa Barbara. Silver Stone Winery was born in 1997, with a mission to hand-craft wines from key coastal appellations, focused on uniquely-suited growing sites tended by astute vineyardists.

Winery Notes:
Our first-ever release of this fine wine was grown at Alamo Creek Vineyard in southern San Luis Obispo County, on cool cobblestone alluvial soils where ripening is slow, steady and complete. Ultra-tiny berries on loose clusters yielded a small crop of inky-black fruit. Silver Stone 2004 Merlot was barrel-aged for two years in a combination of French and American oak, lending a toasty-vanilla character to the black cherry and red plum fruit flavors that gradually emerge from the glass. Dark and intensely concentrated, this stylish Merlot is destined to age gracefully for many years to come.

AlaWine Notes:
Silver Stone Winery 2004 Merlot pours as a deep ruby color. Aromas of rich and ripe dark fruits, black cherry and black plum, lift from the glass in a warm earthy context. Full fruit flavors of cherry and whole plum are joined by ripe blackberry across the palate and linger in a long, rich, toasty oak and vanilla finish.

Bottom Line:
Silver Stone Winery 2004 Merlot is a dry, smooth and round, delicious Merlot. It has a very nice aromatic nose, and delivers on the promise with rich fruit flavors that are well balanced by moderate tannins and a satisfying finish. Pair with big cuts of red meat, grilled and bar-be-qued. Suggested retail price is $37. Overall composite score: 97 points.

Quady Winery "Deviation"

The Award-Winning Wine:
Quady Winery Deviation Orange Muscat

Reason for Reviewing:
Quady Winery's Deviation won both Gold Medal and Sweepstakes awards at the 2007 San Diego International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
From the Quady Winery web site: "We thought it would be fun to make a "love potion"/dessert wine, so we infused Damiana and Scented Geranium into our Essensia Orange Muscat dessert wine. Damiana is a plant that has a very pleasant herbal character which is reputed to have aphrodisiac properties. Scented Geranium is said to be used in witchcraft where practitioners supposedly employ its hauntingly seductive aroma in "love potions". This combination takes dessert wines to an entirely new dimension."

Winery Notes:
What we have here is a tasty new kind of aromatized dessert wine. The aromatics of the Scented Geranium meld gracefully with the Orange Muscat, and the herbal minty taste of Damiana is a nice adjunct to the orange apricot tea Essensia flavors. Aromas of honeysuckle and white peppercorn are layered on an ethereal perfume of exotic flowers. Lively and fresh on the tongue this is a wine to linger over on those evenings when the lights are low and imaginations soar and dance.

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a clear amber color in the glass, Quady Winery Deviation offers a very aromatic floral, incense bouquet. It opens with a smooth, sweet, mouthfeel and a layered taste of orange liqueur and apricots, and a hint of mint. Full fruit flavors live into a long finish, well balanced with a refreshing acidity.

Bottom Line:
Quady Winery Deviation is a bright and fresh, fragrant, sweet dessert wine. Easily stands on its own as dessert, or pair with fruit, pastries, or ice cream. A heady and delicious dessert with with 15% alcohol. Just for the record, Quady says, "Deviation is not really a love potion and even if it were, we would not be allowed to advertise it as such. Nevertheless, the recommendation is to drink Deviation when you are in a romantic mood with someone you love." Suggested retail price is $25 per 375ml. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Best Of Show Winners, Critics Challenge International Wine Competition

These five wines, out of nearly 1,700 entries, earned Best Of Show awards at the recently completed Critics Challenge International Wine Competition. For other award-winning wines from the competition, click here.

Wine Of The Year:
Tenuta Belguardo 2003 Maremma Toscana, Italy, $59

Best Sparkling Wine:
Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Rare, Champagne, $100

Best White Wine:
York Mountain 2006 Albarino, Edna Valley, $17

Best Rose:
Maison Louis Jadot 2006 Rose, Beaujolais, $13

Best Red Wine:
Tenuta Belguardo 2003 Maremma Toscana, Italy, $59

Best Dessert Wine:
Cockburn’s 2003 Vintage Port, Douro Valley, $90

Vinum Cellars 2006 Chenin Blanc

The Award-Winning Wine:
Vinum Cellars 2006 Chenin Blanc (CNW: Chard-No-Way)

Reason for Reviewing:
Vinum Cellars 2006 Chenin Blanc was one of 85 wines, out of more than 2,000 entries, that was selected as a Gold Medal and Best of Class award winner at the recently completed 2007 Pacific Rim International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
The grapes for this wine come from Wilson Vineyards in Clarksburg, located west of Sacramento. It has a unique microclimate where the cool breezes from the Sierras and the Bay moderate the long hot days which allow the grapes to reach optimal maturity. In addition to those ideal growing conditions, the grapes come from low yielding old vines which provide the intensity that makes this Chenin Blanc unique.

Winery Tasting Notes:
Glinty White Gold color in the glass. Explosive nose of fresh cut Seckel Pear, raw Honey, Elderflowers, fresh Vanilla Beans and white spices. Sappy and luscious palate, with waves of ripe exotic fruits, notably Pineapple, baked Quince, Wild Limes, as well as Honeycomb, Almond Oil and a nervy minerality. Finished totally Dry, the zesty acidity makes it a natural with the freshest seafood, simply prepared. A great brunch or bistro wine, and a wonder with hard-to-pair foods like Asparagus and Artichokes.

AlaWine Notes:
Vinum Cellars 2006 Chenin Blanc pours as a straw-yellow color in the glass. Floral aromas and a basket of fruit waft from the glass. A bright medley of fresh fruit flavors, pineapple, melon, citrus and more, merge on the palate in a smooth mouthfeel, deftly balanced by just the right acidity to lead to a very long, fruit filled, and refreshing finish.

Bottom Line:
Vinum Cellars 2006 Chenin Blanc is a dry, well balanced and well integrated Chenin Blanc. It has a beautiful aromatic nose, full fresh fruit flavors, and a very satisfying finish, an elegant wine. It would pair well with a wide range of lunches and lighter fare such as seafood. This is a great picnic wine, and would drink well on its own on hot summer days. A good value at a suggested retail price of $11. Overall composite score: 97 points.

Seattle Wine Awards

This posting has been revised and updated and can be found here.

Brandt Family Winery 2005 Syrah

The Award-Winning Wine:
Brandt Family Winery 2005 Syrah, Santa Barbara County

Reason for Reviewing:
Brandt 2005 Syrah was one of 71 wines, out of nearly 1,400 entries, that was selected as a Chairman's Award (Unanimous Gold) winner at the recently completed 2007 Riverside International Wine Competition Awards.

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a dark ruby color in the glass, the Brandt 2005 Syrah presents aromas of ripe blackberries and blackcurrant in a sweet earth background. A smooth front end on the palate, black berry fruit merges with whole plum and an olive note, and is offset by tannins on the way to a longish, spicy pepper finish.

Bottom Line:
Brandt 2005 Syrah is a dry, medium-bodied, unfiltered Syrah with moderate tannins. It starts with a very nice nose and smooth opening of black fruit and ends warm, dry, and spicy. Rounds out with some decanting. Suggested retail price is $28.95. Overall composite score: 95 points.

Brassfield Estate 2005 Late Harvest Riesling

The Award-Winning Wine:
Brassfield Estate Late Harvest Riesling, 2005 High Valley, Susan's Passion

Reason for Reviewing:
Brassfield Estate 2005 Late Harvest Riesling was selected, from among more than 2,000 entries, as a Gold Medal and Best of Class award winner at the 2007 Pacific Rim International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Brassfield Estate Winery is located in California's High Valley which was designated an American Viticultural Area in 2005. According to the winery's website, "This heavenly spot measures just a mile wide and five miles long, running east to west unlike other coastal valleys. Yet High Valley's unique combination of volcanic and alluvial soils, combined with myriad microclimates, makes it one of the finest spots in the world to cultivate premium-quality grapes."

Winery Notes:
Complex aromas of passion fruit, honeysuckle and peach blossom are intertwined with the flavors of fresh apricots and Bartlett pears. The residual sugar is well balanced with the acidity, leading to a long smooth finish. The wine derives its name from Proprietor Jerry Brassfield’s wife, SuSan, and her passion for Late Harvest Riesling.

AlaWine Notes:
The Brassfield Estate 2005 Late Harvest Riesling pours as a light honey-yellow color and presents aromas of pear, orange, and peach, with a floral note. Full, sweet fruit flavors of mandarin orange, apricot, and pear fill the palate, offset by a light acidity, and linger into a long finish.

Bottom Line:
Brassfield Estate 2005 Late Harvest Riesling is a sweet, round, full flavored dessert wine. The fruit flavors are well balanced by a moderate, refreshing acidity for a smooth and pleasant, sensuous experience. Suggested retail price is $24.99 per 375ml. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Virginia Gold

Thirty one wines from 19 Virginia wineries earned top-honor Gold medals at the recently completed Virginia State Fair Wine Competition. These winners will be showcased at the Black Tie & Boots benefit gala on September 26, 2007 and one “2007 State Fair of Virginia Best of Show” ribbon will be awarded then.

Wattle Creek 2004 Triple Play

The Award-Winning Wine:
Wattle Creek 2004 The Triple Play

Reason for Reviewing:
Wattle Creek 2004 Triple Play was one of only 12 red varietals and the only red blend, out of nearly 700 medal winners, that earned both Gold Medal and Sweepstakes honors at the 2007 Monterey Wine Competition. Wattle Creek Winery was the only winery to win the double honors twice, once for its Cabernet Sauvignon and again for its Triple Play blend.

Noteworthy:
What's a Wattle? The inspiration for the winery's name is Australia's indigenous wattle tree, whose distinctive yellow blossom is Australia's national flower. Gardeners in Australia are very fond of its beauty, and so are the owners, the Williams. That's why the wattle graces each bottle, providing a welcome reminder of their down-to-earth style and Australian heritage.

Winery Notes:
This first release of our Rhone blend from our Yorkville Highlands estate is rich and powerful with a tremendous profile and integrity. The 2003 vintage required a lot of patience. Bud break was delayed and harvest was later than normal, but the extended hang time led to terrific fruit concentration. This wine is dense and inky in color with deep vibrant shades of reds and purples. Aromas of blackberry and tarry molasses combine with subtle smoky nuances from barrel maturation. Blackberry and anise flavors are followed by a dense profile of toasted French oak and a structured finish. Great with a roasted rack of lamb.

AlaWine Notes:
Wattle Creek 2004 Triple Play pours as a deep purple-ruby color in the glass. Aromas of ripe dark fruit, blackberries, and licorice lift from the glass. Black berry, cherry, and currant fill the palate in a smooth front end. Moderate tannins and toasty oak carry the fruit to a spicy, very long finish.

Bottom Line:
Wattle Creek 2004 Triple Play is a red wine blend, predominately Syrah 95%, with Petite Sirah 3% and Viognier 2%. It is dry, medium bodied, with moderate tannins. It is bursting with fruit, spicy and sensual, and generally agreeable. Suggested retail price is $28. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Fresno State Winery 2003 Petite Sirah

The Award-Winning Wine:
Fresno State Winery 2003 Petite Sirah, Duarte Linden Hills Vineyard

Reason for Reviewing:
Fresno State Winery 2003 Petite Sirah earned a top Gold Medal at the 2007 Central California Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
A unique winery, California State University, Fresno has the first licensed, bonded, commercial winery on a university campus in the United States.

Winery Notes:
Produced from grapes grown by the Duarte family near Linden, California, our Petite Sirah features tiers of rich, spicy berry flavors and a lingering finish that resonates of black fruit and vanilla flavors. This is a perfect match for red meat or game.

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a dark purple-red color, dark berry aromas, in an earthy context, waft from the glass of Fresno State Winery 2003 Petite Sirah. Rich flavors of ripe fruit, plum, raspberry, and bramble berry, fill the palate and linger into a long spicy oak finish.

Bottom Line:
Fresno State Winery 2003 Petite Sirah is a dry, medium-bodied Petite Sirah with moderate, youngish tannins, likely to benefit from decanting now or laying down for a few years. Well balanced and well integrated, it is characteristic and distinguished. It is a great value at a suggested retail price of $14.95. Overall composite score: 97 points.

Charles Creek Pasatiempo 2004 Merlot

The Award-Winning Wine:
Charles Creek Pasatiempo 2004 Merlot

Reason for Reviewing:
Charles Creek Pasatiempo 2004 Merlot was one of just 17 wines, out of 1700 entries, that earned Double Gold at the 25th West Coast Wine Competition held here in Santa Rosa, CA.

Noteworthy:
Bill Brinton, Proprietor, hails from the Midwest. He is a direct descendant of a true pioneer, John Deere. His direct family was at the helm of Deere until its recent transition to a public company. Deere created the self-scouring steel plow, an invention that revolutionized the agricultural world. According to the winery's web site, it is this spirit of innovation and tradition that Bill brings to the company he founded, Charles Creek Vineyard. Charles Creek is named after his son Charley and his grandfather, Charles Deere Wiman.

Winery Notes:
This classic California Merlot combines the best of both worlds; the fully ripe fruit of the new world with the complexities and ageability of Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Deep ruby color and aromas of dark fruit, spice and pencil lead serve as a prelude to flavors of dark cherry, cola spice, and a hint of herb. Overlaying the delicious Merlot fruit component is the Medium + toast (think roasted espresso bean), caramel, vanilla and spice contribution of quality Radoux barrels.

AlaWine Notes:
Charles Creek Pasatiempo 2004 Merlot pours as a clear, dark ruby color in the glass. Fragrant aromas of cherry and ripe red berries fill the nose, along with a hint of cloves and herbs, all in a warm earthy context. Rich layers of cherry and berries, raspberry, redcurrant, converge on the palate and continue into a long, moderately spicy, toasty oak finish.

Bottom Line:
Charles Creek Pasatiempo 2004 Merlot is a dry, medium-bodied Merlot with smooth tannins. Rich and round, it is satisfying from its nice nose and full fruit flavors, all the way through its well balanced finish. This is truly an elegant Merlot. Suggested retail price is $26. Overall composite score: 97 points.

Dry Creek Vineyard 2005 Heritage Zinfandel

The Award-Winning Wine:
Dry Creek Vineyard 2005 Heritage Zinfandel

Reason for Reviewing:
Dry Creek Vineyard 2005 Heritage Zinfandel was one of only 12 red varietals, out of nearly 700 medal winners, that earned both Gold Medal and Sweepstakes honors at the 2007 Monterey Wine Competition. It was also one of just four U.S. wines that won a top-honor Gold Medal at the world’s largest blind wine tasting, the 2007 International Wine Challenge in London.

Noteworthy:
Thirty-five years ago the doors of Dry Creek Vineyard officially opened, launching a whole new era of winemaking in the Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County, California. Before newcomer David Stare arrived, the Dry Creek Valley had yet to recover from the effects of Prohibition. In fact, only three wineries were in existence: Pedroncelli, Frei Brothers (now Gallo-Sonoma), and Fredson, which is no longer in business.

Winemaker Notes:
The 2005 Heritage Zinfandel has a sense of elegance and grace not often found in Zinfandel. Initial aromas of boysenberry, blueberry, and cedar provide an exciting preview for the flavors that follow. Blackberry, currant, allspice, and bright cherry fruit combine with opulent ripe tannins that create a strong sense of depth and concentration. The finish is rich and satisfying with lingering flavors along with excellent acidity and balance.

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a dark purple-ruby color in the glass, Dry Creek Vineyard 2005 Heritage Zinfandel presents aromas of cherry, spice, licorice, and oak. Rich cherry flavor carries over onto the palate along with bramble berry in a smooth mouthfeel, accented by vanilla. Layers of oak and spice contribute in a long finish.

Bottom Line:
Dry Creek Vineyard 2005 Heritage Zinfandel is 85% Zinfandel and 15% Petite Sirah. It is a dry full-bodied zin, with full fruit flavors and youngish tannins. Overall, it is well balanced, rich and satisfying, and at a suggested retail price of $16, a very good value. Serve with cheeses or bar-b-que pork. Composite score: 97 points.

Oliver Winery 2005 Late Harvest Vignoles

The Award-Winning Wine:
Oliver Winery 2005 Late Harvest Vignoles, Creekbend Vineyard

Reason for Reviewing:
Oliver Winery 2005 Late Harvest Vignoles earned Double Gold Medal honors at the recently completed 2007 Tasters Guild International Wine Judging.

The Varietal:
Vignoles, pronounced veen-yole, is complex hybrid wine grape variety created by a French wine grape breeder, J. F. Ravat, who produced several hybrids of vitis vinifera grapes with native American grapes. Vignoles, a white wine cross of Pinot Noir and Siebel 6905, was his most successful.

Noteworthy:
Professor Oliver wrote the Indiana Small Winery Act allowing small wineries to produce up to 100,000 gallons of wine each year, operate a tasting room, sell wine both retail and wholesale and sell wine on Sundays.

Winery Notes:
Vignoles is frustrating to grow. The clusters are small, tight and prone to rot. Shoot growth is weak. It takes a good five years to get this slow growing variety into production and even then, we are lucky to harvest three tons per acre. And yet when you taste the ripe fruit that becomes this magical wine, you understand why we grow this grape. 2005 was another fine year to produce a late harvest Vignoles. The 28.3° brix juice was rich and exotic. Arresting fermentation at 12.7% residual sugar complements the acidity and rich tropical flavor. This wine is best appreciated with a good dessert. Apple pie and homemade vanilla ice cream... would be a fine choice.

AlaWine Notes:
Oliver Winery 2005 Late Harvest Vignoles pours as a clear golden honey color in the glass and offers a sweet floral bouquet, including honeysuckle, with hints of pineapple on the nose. Pineapple flavors are joined by pear and manderine orange on the palate, and moderate acidity balances the sweet fruit in a very long flavorful finish.

Bottom Line:
Oliver Winery 2005 Late Harvest Vignoles is a rich, refreshing and well balanced fruit forward dessert wine. It will satisfy on its own or with cheese, fruit, nuts, or chocolate. Suggested retail price is $23.58 per 375ml. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Baileyana Winery Pinot Noir 2005 Grand Firepeak Cuvee

The Award-Winning Wine:
Baileyana Winery Pinot Noir 2005 Grand Firepeak Cuvee

Reason for Reviewing:
Baileyana Winery Pinot Noir 2005 Grand Firepeak Cuvee was a Gold Medal and Best of Class award winner at the recently completed 2007 Pacific Rim International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
The winery's Firepeak Vineyard runs to the base of Islay Mountain, the last in a chain of extinct volcanoes known as the Seven Sisters. Only four miles from the Pacific Ocean, the soils are heavily influenced by layers of fossilized seashells left behind 25 million years back when the seas rose at the end of the last Ice Age. The soils are made more complex by the eroded volcanic rock from the Seven Sisters. According to their web site, this unique combination is unlike any they have found elsewhere, and contributes to the outstanding quality of grapes grown there.

Winery Tasting Notes:
"Fruitier and fresher than many Pinot Noirs, this wine is intensely characteristic of its varietal. It is packed with flavors of rich black cherries and luscious black raspberry jam, with a hint of spice in the background. Smooth tannins and a velvety texture finish off nicely, leaving the palate asking for more." Winemaker, Christian Roguenant

AlaWine Notes:
Baileyana Winery Pinot Noir 2005 Grand Firepeak Cuvee fills the glass with a clear, light garnet color and offers up aromas of dark cherry, berries, and violet. It presents a delightful, light and bright front end with rich ripe cherry and berry flavors, all in a smooth mouthfeel. Youngish tannins lead to a very long, and overall satisfying finish.

Bottom Line:
Baileyana Winery Pinot Noir 2005 Grand Firepeak Cuvee is a dry, medium-bodied pinot noir with full fruit flavors and young tannins. Delicious now, it is best served with food, especially seafood and other lighter fare. Well layered, rich flavors promise a wine likely to get even better with some bottle aging. Suggested retail price is $38. Overall composite score: 97 points.

Astrale e Terra 2002 Arcturus Cabernet Sauvignon

The Award-Winning Wine:
Astrale e Terra 2002 Arcturus Cabernet Sauvignon

Reason for Reviewing:
Astrale e Terra 2002 Arcturus Cabernet Sauvignon was selected as a Chairman's Award (Unanimous Gold) winner at the recently completed 2007 Riverside International Wine Competition Awards.

Noteworthy:
Arcturus is named for the fourth brightest star in the sky, astronomers classify Arcturus as a Red Supergiant. This symbolic name was chosen as Arcturus is considered the brand’s Red Supergiant. "Astrale e Terra" means "heaven and earth" in Italian.

Winery Tasting Notes:
Aromas of ripe plum, raspberry and violet. Bright, red fruit flavors with hints of spice, cedar and black olive on the finish. Beautifully balanced with soft, lingering, tannins.

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a deep garnet color in the glass, the Astrale e Terra 2002 Arcturus Cabernet Sauvignon presents rich aromas of ripe red fruits, raspberry and cherry, along with cinnamon and toasty oak. Whole dark plum flavors join raspberry to fill the palate and lead to a long spicy, black olive, oak finish.

Bottom Line:
Astrale e Terra 2002 Arcturus Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry, medium-bodied Cab blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot with full fruit flavors and medium tannins, best served with comfort foods. Suggested retail price is $39. Overall composite score: 95 points.

2007 Winemasters' Choice Awards

2007 Winemasters' Choice Award Winner