July 2007

Meier's Wine Cellars 44 Ruby Port

The Award-Winning Wine:
Meier's Wine Cellars 44 Ruby Port

Reason for Reviewing:
Meier's Wine Cellars 44 Ruby Port earned a top-honor Gold Medal at the recently completed 2007 Ohio Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
About the winery: Meier's, Ohio's oldest and largest winery, has been making wine for more than 100 years.

Winery Notes:
Meier's Wine Cellars 44 Ruby Port: Medium body acid and fruit. Medium oak. Medium tannin. Sweet. Earth, black cherries, blueberries, nuts. Sturdy and long lasting, with intense fruit and a viscous mouth feel.

AlaWine Notes:
Meier's Wine Cellars 44 Ruby Port pours as a deep brownish garnet in the glass, lifting aromas of cherries and berries, in an earthy context, to the nose. Sweet cherry and berry flavors carry over to the palate along with a nutty flavor. A touch of some acidity lightens the palate, balancing the sweet flavors, leading to a long fruit and nut finish.

Bottom Line:
Meier's Wine Cellars 44 Ruby Port is a medium-bodied, smooth dessert wine with rich, sweet fruit and nut flavor. Can be served as a digestif or a dessert wine. An excellent value at a suggested retail price of $11.99 per 750ml, compared with similar dessert wine selling for twice as much or more per 375ml. Overall composite score: 95 points.

2007 Mendocino County Fair Wine Competition Winners

The results are in from the 2007 Mendocino County Fair Wine Competition. Here are the two Best of Show winners and the 14 Double Gold Medal winners.

Best of Show White Wine
2006 McNab Ridge French Colombard

Best of Show Red Wine
2005 Londer Vineyards Pinot Noir Anderson Valley

Double Gold Medal Winners:
Lolonis Winery 2002 Winegrowers Selection Cabernet Sauvignon $32
Navarro Vineyards 2004 Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon $35
Valentine Vineyards 2004 "Tory's Block" Cabernet Sauvignon $29
Woodenhead 2005 Morning Dew Ranch Pinot Noir $50
Londer Vineyards 2005 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir $33
Standish Wine Co. 2005 Day Ranch Pinot Noir $40
Yorkville Cellars Sweet Malbec 2006 Rennie Vineyard Dessert Red $18
Maple Creek Winery 2005 Artevino, Reserve Chardonnay $32
Londer Vineyards 2006 Gewurztraminer $24
Navarro Vineyards 2006 Anderson Valley Pinot Gris$18
Handley Cellars 2006 Mendocino Riesling $18
McNab Ridge Winery French Colombard 2006 Niemi Vineyards, Mendocino $12
Navarro Vineyards Gewurztraminer LH 2006 Anderson Valley, Late Harvest $39
Navarro Vineyards Gewurztraminer 2006 Anderson Valley, Cluster Select $59

See complete list of all medal winners here.

Eberle Winery 2004 Syrah, Steinbeck Vineyard

The Award-Winning Wine:
Eberle Winery 2004 Syrah, Steinbeck Vineyard

Reason for Reviewing:
Eberle Winery 2004 Syrah was selected as 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.

Winery Notes:
Enticing, opulent flavors of ripe blueberry and black cherry are accented by hints of sweet vanilla oak and white pepper. A true ‘rhone-style’ syrah that will gracefully age over the next several years.

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a dark garnet color in the glass, Eberle Winery 2004 Syrah radiates rich aromas of ripe black cherry and blueberries in a sweet herb context. Ripe blackberries join in the full cherry-berry flavors in a full juicy opening. Moderate tannins balance the big fruit front end and lead to a long, dry, spicy pepper and oak finish.

Bottom Line:
Eberle Winery 2004 Syrah is a big structured fruit-forward red wine with lots of ripe red and black fruit flavors (alcohol: 15.0%). Pair with rich cuts of red meat, pork or lamb, roasted, grilled, smoked or barbecued. Suggested retail price is $20. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2006 Eroica Riesling

The Award-Winning Wine:
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2006 Eroica Riesling

Reason for Reviewing:
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2006 Eroica Riesling earned a Grand Award of Excellence, a top-honor Gold Medal, in the Riesling category, at the recently completed 2007 Seattle Wine Awards.

Noteworthy:
Erotica is the result of a partnership of German and American winemakers. It is intended to express both Old World and New World philosophies and techniques -- as a concert, and thusly named after Beethoven's Third Symphony, Eroica. Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington state's founding winery. It is recognized for pioneering the vinifera grape growing in the Columbia Valley and as a leader in modern day viticultural research. The winery has received some of the highest accolades in the industry, including “American Winery of the Year 2004” from Wine Enthusiast Magazine and “2005 Winery of the Year” by Restaurant Wine Magazine.

Winery Notes:
The 2006 Eroica delivers fresh mandarin orange and lime aromas and flavors with subtle mineral and slate notes. This Eroica shows the warm vintage through its slightly richer, bolder style than the previous vintage. Although slightly more fruit forward, the 2006 Eroica still achieves complexity from the diverse mix of vineyards we source from--including higher elevation vineyards on the fringes of the Columbia Valley, as well as the more traditional older vines from the Yakima Valley.” - Bob Bertheau, Winemaker

AlaWine Notes:
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2006 Eroica Riesling pours as a straw yellow color. Light floral aromas lift from the glass. Mixed citrus flavors flood the palate along with some green apple and apricot. A crisp acidity balances the fruit in a minerally longish finish.

Bottom Line:
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2006 Eroica Riesling is a dry, well balanced, well integrated Riesling, refreshing and satisfying. Serve with seafood, spicy Asian and Indian dishes. Suggested retail price is $24.99. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Quady Winery 2005 Electra

The Award-Winning Wine:
Quady Winery 2005 Electra

Reason for Reviewing:
Quady Winery 2005 Electra earned a top-honor Gold Medal at the 2007 Central California Wine Competition sponsored by the The Central California Winegrowers Organization.

Noteworthy:
From the winery: "Andrew and Laurel Quady left crowded southern California and their jobs in pyrotechnics and merchandising to pursue their dream: a non-urban way of life making wine. Andrew graduated with a Masters in Food Science-Enology from UC Davis. ...In 1990, we decided to produce a new type of dessert wine, light, delicate, easy to drink, and very refreshing. We tasted Orange Muscat grape juice as it was turning into wine. When the juice was just on the verge — halfway between wine and grape juice, a small test batch was bottled. The wine tasted wonderful, but the alcohol was only 4% (most wines are at least 12%). The wine was bottled using sterile filtration to prevent re-fermentation and the new creation named Electra after the electric like texture one notices on the tip of the tongue."

Winery Notes:
With the first sip you feel the wine- light as springtime, delicately sweet, refreshingly crisp, a bouquet of flowers with the taste of peach and melon. Electra is electricity for the mouth!

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a medium yellow color in the glass, Quady Winery 2005 Electra exudes fragrant floral aromas. On the palate, sweet and tart fruit flavors, apricot, honeydew and sweet orange, mingle in a light effervescent context. A moderate acidity balances and holds the sweet fruit through a moderately long finish.

Bottom Line:
Quady Winery 2005 Electra is an interesting, bright, flavorful and refreshing dessert wine with low, just 4%, alcohol. Pair with salads, spicy Asian and Indian foods, light desserts or fruit. Suggested retail price is $13.99 per 750ml. Overall composite score: 95 points.

Covey Run 2005 Reserve Semillon Ice Wine

The Award-Winning Wine:
Covey Run 2005 Reserve Semillon Ice Wine

Reason for Reviewing:
Covey Run 2005 Reserve Semillon Ice Wine earned a Grand Award of Excellence, a top-honor Gold Medal, in the dessert category, at the recently completed 2007 Seattle Wine Awards.

Noteworthy:
According to the winery, "At the end of the 2004 harvest season, we left the Semillon at our Phil Church vineyard out to hang in the hopes of making ice wine. Two months later, on the night of January 5, 2005, temperatures plunged to 13°F by midnight. Although the grapes were a product of the 2004 growing season, federal government regulations require that we label the wine with a 2005 vintage date, as that is the year the grapes were actually harvested. We came out to pick frozen grapes in a snowy vineyard under the icy stars. Pressed while still frozen, the grapes grudgingly yielded a rich, concentrated juice that we fermented both in-tank and in new barrels."

Winery Notes:
Our Semillon Ice Wine, a complete dessert unto itself, is made from grapes that freeze on the vine, concentrating their sugars and acidity. Rich and luscious, it offers intense aromas and flavors of pineapple, citrus and vanilla that are balanced by a bracing acidity and culminate in a long, luscious finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Covey Run 2005 Reserve Semillon Ice Wine pours as a golden yellow color. On the nose, aromas of pineapple and mandarin orange lift from the glass. Layered flavors of sweet pineapple and apricot, with citrus highlights, fill the palate. A light, bright acidity refreshes the sweet fruit through a long mouthwatering finish.

Bottom Line:
Covey Run 2005 Reserve Semillon Ice Wine is a refeshing and satisfying dessert wine on its own, or serve with Danish pastries or cream cheeses and fruit such as apples or pears. Alcohol is 11% and residual sugar is 21.4%. Suggested retail price is $21.99 per 375ml. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Madrona Vineyards 2004 Merlot

The Award-Winning Wine:
Madrona Vineyards 2004 Merlot

Reason for Reviewing:
Madrona Vineyards 2004 Merlot earned a top-honor Critics Platinum Award at the recently completed Critics Challenge International Wine Competition.

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:
Straightforward with backbone, dense with color, this classic Merlot, with a bit of complexity, is a wine made for food. It starts out with a nose of seductively ripe plum characters where the fruit is just enough reserved that you don’t know you’re being seduced. Search a little further and hints of sweet oak, green tea and subtle fresh lavender interlace the senses. It’s the structure, though, that makes this wine. Medium-bodied with good acid is as far from flabby as one can get. Dark cherry fruit hits the fore-palate with a dash of toasty oak for interest. The mid-palate carries the oak tones to an awaiting finish of light boysenberry and plum fruit.

AlaWine Notes:
Madrona Vineyards 2004 Merlot presents as a dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, blackcurrant, and plum radiate to the nose in a sweet earth context. Cherries, berries, and plum open in a smooth, juicy front end. Moderate tannins frame the ripe fruit flavors, without drying, and carry it through a long toasty oak finish.

Bottom Line:
Madrona Vineyards 2004 Merlot is a dry, medium-bodied, food friendly wine. It has a very nice nose, lots of ripe fruit flavor with a smooth mouthfeel, and a satisfying finish. Overall, well balanced and well integrated. And, a very good value at a suggested retail price of $16. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Orange County Fair 4 Star Gold Medal Award Winners

A special recognition, a 4 Star Gold Medal Award, indicates that the wine received a gold medal recommendation from four judges on a panel. Since this is not a "consensus judging", i.e., the judges do not confer among themselves to determine what recommendation they will make, but arrive at their recommendation individually, it a rare occurrence. This year, out of total of 3150 entries, only these 27 wines received this prestigious honor.

Ca’ Del Solo, 2006 Albarino, Monterey County, Ca’ del Solo Vineyard
Carol Shelton, 2004 Zinfandel, ‘Monga Zin’, Cucamonga Valley, Lopez Vineyard, Old Vines
Dashe Cellars, 2005 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Late Harvest
Drytown Cellars, 2005 Barbera, Shenandoah Valley, Lyman Vineyard
EOS, 2006 Muscat, Moscato, ‘tears of dew’, Paso Robles, Estate Bottled, Late Harvest
Francis Coppola Diamond Collection, 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, California, Yellow Label
Gregory Graham, 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Red Hills – Lake County, Rolling Knolls Vineyard
Huntington, 2005 Petite Sirah, California
J, NV Sparkling Rose, Brut Rose, Russian River Valley
Kenneth Volk Vineyards, 2006 Malvasia Bianca, Monterey, San Bernabe Vineyard
Lava Cap, 2004 Petite Sirah, El Dorado, Granite Hill, Reserve
Ledson, 2004 Zinfandel, Russian River Valley
Macchia, 2005 Petite Sirah, ‘Bodacious’, Amador County
Martin & Weyrich, 2006 Muscat, ‘Moscato Allegro’, California
Midnight, 2004 Syrah, ‘Nocturne’, Paso Robles
Miraflores, 2004 Petite Sirah, El Dorado County
Mount Palomar, 2006 Cortese, ‘Castelletto’, Temecula Valley
Mumm Napa, NV Sparkling Wine, Brut Prestige, Napa Valley, Methode Traditionnelle
Navarro Vineyards, 2005 Muscat Blanc, Mendocino, Anderson Valley, Cluster Select,, Late Harvest
Paradise Ridge, 2005 Zinfandel, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley, Hoenselaars Vineyard, Byck Family Estate
picket fence, 2005 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Pilot Peak Winery, 2005 Syrah, Sierra Foothills
Roederer Estate, NV Sparkling Wine, Brut, Anderson Valley, Estate Bottled
Sapphire Hill, 2005 Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, Winberrie Vineyard, 100 Year Old Vines, St. Supery
2006 Meritage White, ‘Virtu’, Napa Valley
Viansa Prindelo, 2004 Italian Style Blends – Red, Sonoma County
Wellington, 2004 Meritage Red, ‘Victory’, Sonoma County, Reserve

Riverstar Vineyards 2004 Syrah

The Award-Winning Wine:
Riverstar Vineyards 2004 Syrah

Reason for Reviewing:
Riverstar Vineyards 2004 Syrah earned a top-honor Critics Platinum Award at the recently completed Critics Challenge International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
In 1993 RiverStar Vineyards was planted with three varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot, all planted on its own root in the loamy sand and gravel soils along the southern facing slopes of the Estrella River. There are ideal conditions for producing grapes with deep, rich color and robust ripeness.

Winery Notes:
Riverstar Vineyards 2004 Syrah ...super depth of fruit, excellent ripeness and a rich aromatic dimension to accompany the classic flavor profiles with deep, dark, gorgeous color! There are smoky, toasty, plum and cherry aromas with peppery, leathery spicy flavors with chewy tannins. The ripe fruit is nicely layered on the palate, smooth and easy. The full blown, highly expressive winemaking style allows for the intensity, structure, depth and ageability of the wine.

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a deep garnet color in the glass, Riverstar Vineyards 2004 Syrah exudes rich aromas of ripe blackberries and plum in a smoky, earthy context. Full fruit flavors, now including black cherry, blueberry and black currant, fill the forward palate. Moderately strong tannins hold the ripe fruits through a long, spicy, black pepper finish.

Bottom Line:
Riverstar Vineyards 2004 Syrah is a dry, full-bodied wine with loads of ripe fruit up front and a dry spicy finish. Serve with rich cuts of beef, prime rib, or rubbed and grilled steaks, or lamb or duck. Suggested retail price is $24. Overall composite score: 95 points.

California State Fair Best of Class (California) Winners

The 2007 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition award winners have been announced. Best of Class (California Appellation) winners include:

Best Barbera Double Gold 98 Wilderotter Vineyard 2005 Amador County Barbera
Best Cabernet Franc Gold 94 Viansa Winery 2003 Sonoma County Samuele Cabernet Franc
Best Cabernet Sauvignon Double Gold 98 Five Rivers Winery 2005 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
Best Bordeaux Blend Double Gold 98 Valentine Vineyards 2003 Echo Valley Tory’s Block Collection
Best Chardonnay Double Gold 98 Charles Shaw Winery 2005 California Chardonnay
Best Gewürztraminer Double Gold 99 Navarro Vineyards 2006 Anderson Valley Cluster Select Late Harvest Gewürztraminer
Best Italian Varietal Blend Double Gold 98 Trentadue Winery 2004 Alexander Valley La Storia Cuvée 32
Best Merlot Double Gold 98 Trecini Cellars 2005 Russian River Valley, Sonoma County Merlot
Best Muscat Double Gold 98 Martin & Weyrich Winery 2006 California Moscato Allegro
Best Petite Sirah Double Gold 98 Guenoc 2005 Lake County Petite Sirah
Best Petite Sirah Double Gold 98 Ursa Vineyards 2004 California Vineyard Blend Petite Sirah
Best Pinot Grigio Double Gold 98 Jenica Peak 2006 California Coastal Series Pinot Grigio
Best Pinot Noir Double Gold 98 Claiborne & Churchill Vintners 2005 Edna Valley Runestone Barrel Select Pinot Noir
Best Rhône Varietal Blend Gold 94 Incognito 2005 Lodi Rhône Varietal Blend
and Gold 94 Hop Kiln Winery 2005 California Russian River Red
Best Rosé Gold 94 Valley of the Moon Winery 2006 Sonoma County Rosato di Sangiovese
Best Sangiovese Double Gold 98 Niner Wine Estates 2004 Paso Robles Sangiovese
Best Sauvignon Blanc Double Gold 98 Geyser Peak Winery 2006 Russian River Valley Block Collection Sauvignon Blanc
Best Sparkling Wine Double Gold 98 Mumm Napa Valley 2001 Napa Valley Grand Année Brut
Best Specialty Red Varietal Blend Double Gold 98 Hey Mambo 2005 California Sultry Red Bistro Style Wine
Best Syrah Double Gold 98 Wildhurst Vineyards 2005 Lake County Reserve Syrah
Best Vintage Port Gold 94 J. Pedroncelli Winery 2002 Dry Creek Valley Four Grapes Vintage Port
Best White Riesling Double Gold 98 Navarro Vineyards 2006 Anderson Valley Late Harvest Cluster Select Riesling
Best White Zinfandel Gold 94 V. Sattui Winery 2006 California White Zinfandel
Best Zinfandel Double Gold 98 Trentadue Winery 2004 Alexander Valley La Storia Zinfandel
and Double Gold 98 Francis Coppola Winery 2005 Dry Creek Valley Director’s Cut Zinfandel

Best of the Bay & Zin Challenge Winners

The Best of the Bay Wine Competition & Zin Challenge has announced the medal winning wines from it's recent 2007 competition. The super-award winners are:

Nicholas Cole Cellars 2004 Camille

The Award-Winning Wine:
Nicholas Cole Cellars 2004 Camille

Reason for Reviewing:
Nicholas Cole Cellars 2004 Camille earned a Grand Award of Excellence, a top-honor Gold Medal, at the recently completed 2007 Seattle Wine Awards, a wine competition recognizing Washington state wines.

Noteworthy:
Nicholas Cole Cellars 2004 Camille is a varietal blend of 64% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon from a variety of vineyards: Old Vines, Canoe Ridge, Columbia Valley; Klipsun Vineyard, Red Mountain; Champoux Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills; DuBrul Vineyard, Columbia Valley. The wine name was changed from "Claret" to "Camille" in 2004.

Winery Notes:
The 2004 Camille oozes with decadence. This wine, with layer upon layer of balanced fruit and spicy oak blended with aromas of dark chocolate, fresh ground espresso and a hint of sweet pipe tobacco, will entice your senses. Intense, dark color, with a complex structure embracing velvety tannins leads to a long caressing finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Nicholas Cole Cellars 2004 Camille pours as a deep garnet color. Rich aromas of ripe red fruits, blackberry and black cherry rise to the nose with hints of tobacco and leather. The ripe fruits, cherries and berries, including blueberry and raspberry, flood the palate in a round front, joined by a mid-mouth mocha, and strong tannins, leading to a long spicy pepper and oak finish.

Bottom Line:
Nicholas Cole Cellars 2004 Camille is a complex, layered and hardy Bordeaux style wine, comprised of Merlot, Cab Franc, and Cab Sauv. Well balanced and well structured, it benefits from some decanting and is likely to age well. Serve with big cuts of grilled beef. Suggested retail price is $48. Overall composite score: 97 points.

Fox Run Vineyards 2005 Reserve Riesling

The Award-Winning Wine:
Fox Run Vineyards 2005 Reserve Riesling

Reason for Reviewing:
Fox Run Vineyards 2005 Reserve Riesling was selected as Chairman's Award (Unanimous Gold) winner at the recently completed 2007 Riverside International Wine Competition Awards.

Noteworthy:
Situated high on Torrey Ridge overlooking one of the deepest parts of Seneca Lake (Finger Lakes in New York) is Fox Run -- a winery with fifty-five acres of vineyards. For more than a century the dairy farm that is now Fox Run was perched on the steeply sloping shores, overlooking the lake. The first grapes were planted in 1984 and the Civil War era dairy barn was converted to a modern wine-making facility in 1993. In 1996, farther up the slope a new facility was completed with state-of-the-art capabilities and beautiful view of Seneca Lake. The Reserve Riesling is only produced in years with optimal ripening conditions.

Winery Notes:
Look for aromas of lemongrass, lime and mango. These delicate flavors pair exceptionally well with lime-marinated beef, chicken fajitas, and swordfish steaks with mango salsa as well as Thai beef salad. Paired with foods that feature soy sauce or ginger, our Reserve Riesling provides a dazzling taste experience.

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a pale straw yellow color in the glass, Fox Run Vineyards 2005 Reserve Riesling offers bright aromas of citrus and passionfruit in a delightful floral context. A variety of citrus flavors mingle on the palate with a hint of apricot, all together in a smooth mouthfeel. A crisp acidity balances the fresh fruit through a long mouthwatering finish.

Bottom Line:
Fox Run Vineyards 2005 Reserve Riesling is a dry white wine (residual sugar 0.6%), with a pleasing complexity of fresh fruit flavors, well integrated and well balanced through a very refreshing finish. Serve chilled with traditional picnic fare or for lunch or dinner with spicy Asian foods. Suggested retail price is $30. Overall composite score: 96 points.

California State Fair Best Of Region Award Winners

The 2007 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition award winners have been announced. Best Of Region Award winners include:

* Best of California State Red Gold 94 Wiens Family Cellars 2004 California Reserve Dolcetto
* Best of California State White Gold 94 Sutter Home Family Vineyards 2006 California Gewürztraminer
* Best of North Coast Red Double Gold 98 Wattle Creek Winery 2006 Yorkville Highlands Rosé
* Best of North Coast White Double Gold 98 Navarro Vineyards 2006 Anderson Valley Late Harvest Cluster Select Riesling
* Best of Sonoma Red Double Gold 98 Stryker Sonoma Vineyards 2005 Russian River Valley Old Vine Zinfandel
* Best of Sonoma White Double Gold 98 Geyser Peak Winery 2006 Russian River Valley Block Collection Sauvignon Blanc
* Best of Napa Red Double Gold 98 V. Sattui Winery 2004 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
* Best of Napa White Double Gold 98 Mumm Napa Valley 2001 Napa Valley Grand Année Brut
* Best of Greater Bay Red Gold 94 Beauregard Vineyards 2005 Santa Cruz Mountains Syrah
* Best of Greater Bay White Gold 94 Fenestra Winery 2006 Livermore Valley Semillon
* Best of North-Central Coast Red Double Gold 98 Heller Estate Organic Vineyards 2003 Carmel Valley Dances on Your Palate Organic Cabernet Sauvignon
* Best of North-Central Coast White Gold 94 Ventana Vineyards Winery 2005 Monterey Arroyo Seco Gewürztraminer
* Best of South-Central Coast Red Double Gold 98 Martin & Weyrich Winery 2005 Edna Valley Pinot Noir
* Best of South-Central Coast White Gold 94 Firestone Vineyard 2006 Santa Ynez Valley Sauvignon Blanc
* Best of South Coast Red Gold 94 Carol Shelton Wines 2004 Cucamonga Valley Monga Old Vine Zinfandel
* Best of South Coast White Gold 94 South Coast Winery 2006 Temecula Valley Pinot Grigio
* Best of Sierra Foothills Red Double Gold 98 Wilderotter Vineyard 2005 Amador County Barbera
* Best of Sierra Foothills White Gold 95 Cooper Vineyards 2006 Amador County Sauvignon Blanc
* Best of Lodi Red Gold 94 Peltier Station 2005 Lodi Petite Sirah
* Best of Lodi White Gold 94 Michael-David Winery 2006 Lodi 7 Heavenly Chards Chardonnay
* Best of other California Red Gold 94 Jeff Runquist Wines 2005 Clarksburg Petite Sirah
* Best of other California White Gold 94 Bogle Vineyards 2006 Clarksburg Muscato

Complete results can be found online at BigFun.org.

Mount Palomar 2003 Cloudbreak

The Award-Winning Wine:
Mount Palomar 2003 Cloudbreak

Reason for Reviewing:
Mount Palomar 2003 Cloudbreak was one of just 71 wines, out of nearly 1,400 entries, selected as a Chairman's Award (Unanimous Gold) winner at the recently completed 2007 Riverside International Wine Competition Awards.

Noteworthy:
The master blend of this wine was chosen from among the winery's traditional Bordeaux grape varieties and comprises the finest 12% of that harvest.

Winery Notes:
This wine has a deep color and a blend of fruit and earthy elements on the palate. Smooth and supple tannins give this wine long finish and a good potential for aging and further development.

AlaWine Notes:
Mount Palomar 2003 Cloudbreak pours as a clear, ruby red color. Sweet aromas of blackberry and dark plum lift to the nose. On the palate, blackberries, cherry and blackcurrant abound. Moderate tannins dry the rich fruit flavors and hold them through a medium-long finish.

Bottom Line:
Mount Palomar 2003 Cloudbreak is a dry red wine comprised of 75% Cab Sauvignon, 7% Merlot; 13% Cab Franc, and 5% Petite Verdot. It opens with smooth juicy fruits on the front and finishes with toasty oak. A very food-friendly wine, drinkable now and likely to age well. Suggested retail price is $50. Overall composite score: 96 points.

2004 Malibu Newton Canyon Surfrider Red

The Award-Winning Wine:
Rosenthal Malibu Estate 2004 Malibu Newton Canyon Surfrider Red

Reason for Reviewing:
2004 Malibu Newton Canyon Surfrider Red earned Best of Class honors at the 25th West Coast Wine Competition completed recently here in Santa Rosa, California.

Noteworthy:
For each bottle of Surfrider Red purchased, the winery makes a donation to the Surfrider Foundation, a grassroots, non-profit environmental organization that works to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches.

Vineyard Notes:
The Malibu Hills Vineyards are situated at elevations between 1,450 to 1,510 feet. To the west of the vineyards is a 1,630-foot ridge that creates a unique microclimate in the hills above Malibu, California. The ridge holds back the cooling marine layer ocean breezes in June and July so that the days are warm and the evening temperatures drop substantially when a chimney effect is created and the cool air floods through the vineyards from closely located Vera Canyon.

AlaWine Tasting Notes:
Presenting as a clear, ruby color in the glass, the 2004 Malibu Newton Canyon Surfrider Red radiates rich aromas of ripe dark berries. On the palate, it opens with lots of juicy fruit flavors including blackberry, cherry, and raspberry. The fruit fills the mouth in a slightly herbaceous context and firm tannins frame it through a moderately long oak finish.

Bottom Line:
2004 Malibu Newton Canyon Surfrider Red, from Rosenthal Malibu Estate, is a dry red blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. With strong tannins and 13.9% alcohol, serve with big cuts of rich, red meats, grilled. Suggested retail price is $27.50. Overall composite score: 94 points.

Mid-American Wine Competition Sweepstakes Winners

The results are in from last weekend's Mid-American Wine Competition. Eighty-eight commercial wineries from 11 states competed: from North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. Judges awarded 13 sweepstakes awards (listed below), 41 gold medals, 104 silver and 203 bronze. HolyField Vineyards earned two sweepstakes awards including Best Red of Show. Oliver Winery earned two sweepstakes awards including Best Best Dessert of Show. And Fireside, which opened less than a month ago, also earned two sweepstakes awards.

HolyField Vineyards, Cynthiana, Cynthiana/Norton, Best Red of Show
Blue Sky Vineyard, Vignoles, Vignoles, Best White of Show
Oliver Winery, Creekbend Vineyard, Late Harvest White, Best Dessert of Show
Winzerwald, Grape Juice w/Blue, Other Sweet Dessert, Best Fruit Wine of Show
Adam Puchta Winery, Signature Port, Fortified Hybrid
Alto Vineyards, Chambourcin Reserv, Chambourcin
Blumenhof Vineyards, Rayon d'Or, Other Hybrids
Fireside, Firefly, Blush
Fireside, Hearthstone, Hybrid Blend
HolyField Wneyards, Charnbourcin, Chambourcin
Loess Hills Vineyards, September Sweet, Hybrid Blends
Montelle Winery, River Country Red, Hybrid Blend
Oliver Winery, Concord, Concord

For all medal results, click here.

Pedroncelli Winery 2004 Petite Sirah

The Award-Winning Wine:
Pedroncelli Winery 2004 Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Valley Family Vineyards

Reason for Reviewing:
Pedroncelli Winery 2004 Petite Sirah earned a top-honor Critics Platinum Award at the recently completed Critics Challenge International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
John Pedroncelli, Jr. is Dry Creek Valley's most experienced winemaker. More than 40 vintages at Pedroncelli Winery have given him a unique knowledge of the region and its grapes, and an understanding to bring out the best of both in his wines. This richly flavored grape, long known for its intense characteristics, has been grown side by side with Zinfandel in Dry Creek Valley for over 130 years.

Winery Notes:
Opaque purple. Crushed raspberries and bramble spice aromas. Rich and juicy with ripe blackberry, pepper and chocolate flavors. Very deep and complex, this wine should be opened and decanted if enjoyed before 2010. Expect this wine to take on complexities for the next 8-12 years. This wine will age well for at least 15 years--it has the structure to develop nicely.

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a dark inky purple red color, Pedroncelli Winery 2004 Petite Sirah expresses aromas of dark berries in a sweet earth context. The wine opens smoothly with rich flavors of whole plum, black cherry and bramble, and merges into a dry and spicy toasty oak finish

Bottom Line:
Pedroncelli Winery 2004 Petite Sirah, comprised of 93% Petite Sirah and 7% Zinfandel, is a dry, full-bodied wine with firm tannins, likely to age well. Alcohol level is 13.9%. Decant and serve with strong cheeses or rich red meats. Suggested retail price is $14.15. Overall composite score: 95 points.

2007 California State Fair Best of Show Winners

The 2007 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition award winners have been announced. Best of Show winners include:

Best of Show - Dessert, Gold, 95, St. Amant Winery Amador County 2005 Spencer Family Bootleg Port
Best of Show - Red, Double Gold, 98, Wilderotter Vineyard 2005 Amador County Barbera
Best of Show - White, Double Gold, 98, Mumm Napa Valley 2001 Napa Valley Grand Année Brut
Best Value - Double Gold, 98, Charles Shaw Winery 2005 California Chardonnay
Golden State Winery of the Year - V. Sattui Winery

Complete results can be found online at BigFun.org.

Clos du Bois 2005 Reserve Chardonnay

The Award-Winning Wine:
Clos du Bois 2005 Russian River Valley Reserve Chardonnay

Reason for Reviewing:
Clos du Bois 2005 Reserve Chardonnay was one of just four wines, out of 175 U.S. wines that won a medal or were commended at the 2007 International Wine Challenge, that earned a top-honor Gold Medal.

Noteworthy:
In 2003 Clos du Bois was one of the first 20 grape growers in Sonoma and Mendocino counties to be certified by the environmental organization Fish Friendly Farming. Environmentally friendly farming practices cover both their vineyards where we grow their grapes and the winery where they make their wine.

Winery Notes:
Brilliant silver straw in color, the Russian River Valley Reserve Chardonnay exudes rich aromatics reminiscent of ripe apples and pears with hints of stone fruit and citrus. The intense fruit-forward flavors are bright and juicy with ripe apples, pears and fig, highlighted by nuances of toffee and vanilla. The creamy mouthfeel is a result of hand stirring the lees during barrel aging.

AlaWine Notes:
Clos du Bois 2005 Reserve Chardonnay pours as a clear, straw yellow color in the glass. Delicate aromas of apple, pear, and grapefruit rise to the nose. On the palate, apple and pear continue along with apricot and a citrus highlight, and the full fruit flavors linger across a long finish.

Bottom Line:
Clos du Bois 2005 Reserve Chardonnay is a light and bright, crisp and flavorful Chardonnay. It is well integrated and well balanced with a smooth mouthfeel, full of juicy fruit, and a refreshing finish. Serve with seafood, chicken, even pork. A good value for a fine reserve wine, at a suggested retail price of $18. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Maloy O'Neill 2004 Zinfandel

The Award-Winning Wine:
Maloy O'Neill 2004 Hillside Zinfandel

Reason for Reviewing:
Maloy O'Neill 2004 Zinfandel earned Double Gold honors at the recently completed California Mid-State Fair California Central Coast Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
The soils at O'Neill Vineyards and Maloy O'Neill Vineyards are both primarily Arbuckle-Positas San Ysidro complex. Maloy O'Neill Vineyards is primarily loams and sandy loams, and O'Neill Vineyards is mostly coarse loam with clay and chalky areas. Both properties are in the Huero Huero River area and have daily summer temperature fluctuations ideal for grape growing.

AlaWine Notes:
Presenting as a clear, dark garnet color, Maloy O'Neill 2004 Zinfandel exudes sweet aromas of black cherry and bramble berry. On the palate it fills the mouth with ripe, rich black cherry and berry flavors including raspberry. Moderately strong tannins balance the juicy fruit and carry it through a long, dry, toasty, spicy finish.

Bottom Line:
Maloy O'Neill 2004 Zinfandel (14.6% alcohol) is a dry, rich, full-bodied, very flavorful Zin, well balanced with a big smooth juicy opening and a dry fruit-filled, spicy finish. Pair with beef or lamb and other Middle eastern meals. Suggested retail price is $36. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Brassfield Estate Winery 2004 Pinot Noir

The Award-Winning Wine:
Brassfield Estate Winery 2004 Pinot Noir

Reason for Reviewing:
Brassfield Estate Winery 2004 Pinot Noir earned Double Gold Medal honors at the recently completed 2007 Tasters Guild International Wine Judging.

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:
Aromas of black cherries and rose petals radiate from the glass along with hints of vanilla, bay laurel and lavender. The flavor of pomegranates and a light touch of sandalwood precede a focused finish of medium tannins and a soft, round body.

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a clear, dark ruby color, Brassfield Estate Winery 2004 Pinot Noir presents sweet aromas of dark red fruits, blackberry and black cherry. The wine opens on the palate with rich cherry-berry and blackcurrant, and layers of floral and full fruit flavors. Medium tannins hold the fruit flavors through a long, refreshing vanilla finish.

Bottom Line:
Brassfield Estate Winery 2004 Pinot Noir is a round, elegant, dry, medium bodied 100% Pinot Noir, with a smooth mouthfeel and satisfying finish. This wine has a complexity and refinement of Pinots costing much more. A very good value at a suggested retail price of $23.99. Overall composite score: 97 points.

R&B Cellars 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon

The Award-Winning Wine:
R&B Cellars 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon

Reason for Reviewing:
R&B Cellars 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon earned Best of Class honors at the 25th West Coast Wine Competition completed recently here in Santa Rosa, California.

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

Winemaker's Comments:
This 2003 R&B Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is an extraordinary wine with remarkable depth and complexity. It exhibits a huge core of dark black cherry fruit with elements of dark black currant, tea, smoked duck, and violets in the bouquet. The small addition of Merlot adds softness, color and a touch of sweet cherries. The flavors of dark black berry, currants, chocolate, and cassis are evident, with a huge juicy blackberry finish.

AlaWine Notes:
R&B Cellars 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon pours as a clear, deep garnet color in the glass. On the nose rich aromas of ripe blackberries and blackcurrant arise with a highlight of sweet rhubarb. The dark berry flavors are joined by a rich dark cherry on the palate and continue through a long, dry, moderately herbaceous finish.

Bottom Line:
R&B Cellars 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry, full-bodied, delicious wine comprised of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Merlot. It has a juicy, smooth mouthfeel on the front end, with rich fruit flavors covering the palate, melding into a dry finish. This wine demonstrates an interesting complexity of a classic Cabernet Sauvignon with layers of fruit and spices. Pair with thick cuts of red meat; bring on the bar-b-que. Suggested retail price is $60. Overall composite score: 97 points.

Jekel Vineyards 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon

The Award-Winning Wine:
Jekel Vineyards 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon

Reason for Reviewing:
Jekel Vineyards 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon was selected as Gold Medal and Best of Class award winner at the recently completed 2007 Pacific Rim International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Jekel Vineyards, founded in 1972, is recognized as one of the early pioneers in crafting world-class wines from Monterey County. Their home vineyards in the Salinas Valley – Gravelstone and Sanctuary Estate – are veritable rock piles in one of the windiest and coldest viticultural regions in California, conditions that shape the quality and expression of their wines.

Winery Notes:
Classic Cabernet aromas of plum, blackberry, black cherry and currants rise from the glass and mingle with notes of coffee bean and toasted oak. The wine is medium body, with ripe red fruit flavors that balance nicely with the crisp acidity and moderate alcohol. Chewy tannins are evident in a long, lingering finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Presenting as a clear, dark garnet color, Jekel Vineyards 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon presents rich aromas of blackberries and dark cherries. Cherry and berry flavors continue on the palate along with whole plum and blackcurrant. Moderate tannins frame the full fruit flavors in a long, warm, toasty oak finish.

Bottom Line:
Jekel Vineyards 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon is a very flavorful, dry, medium-bodied, fruit-forward Cab with a smooth mouthfeel and bracing finish. Pair with aged cheeses and red meats or lamb, or check out four pairing recipes at the winery's web site. A very good value at a suggested retail price of $14.99. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Bonterra 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon

The Award-Winning Wine:
Bonterra Vineyards 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon

Reason for Reviewing:
Bonterra 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon earned a top-honor Gold Medal at the 2007 Cincinnati International Wine Festival.

Noteworthy:
The certified organic Bonterra Ranch, in the Russian River benchlands of Mendocino, is an expression of Bonterra Vineyards' philosophy that respect for the land will result in exceptional wines. It is also one of the premier examples of organic viticulture in the world.

Winery Notes:
We've continued to use and increase Syrah as an unconventional blending grape in this vintage. The wine enters with juicy red berry flavors and offers a soft, yet full, mouthfeel. You’ll find velvety chocolate in the finish which is a rich contrast to the dark fruit, such as plum.

AlaWine Notes:
Bonterra 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon pours as a clear, dark garnet color in the glass. On the nose are rich aromas of ripe raspberry and blackberry. On the palate, the red berry flavors are joined by cherry and plum and balanced by moderate tannins in a long, dry vanilla finish.

Bottom Line:
Bonterra 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry, full-flavored, fruit forward Cab comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon 91% and Syrah 9%. Pair with red meats, grilled, or strong cheeses. A good value at a suggested retail price of $16. Overall composite score: 95 points.

Best of Show, Orange County Wine Competition

The results are in for the 2007 Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition and these 16 wines, out of 3,150 entries, earned Best of Show honors in four categories and four price points.

Best of Show – Red Varietals
Premium: Lava Cap, 2004 Petite Sirah, El Dorado, Granite Hill, Reserve
High: Pilot Peak Winery, 2005 Syrah, Sierra Foothills
Medium: Drytown Cellars, 2005 Barbera, Shenandoah Valley, Lyman Vineyard
Low: Huntington, 2005 Petite Sirah, California

Best of Show – White Varietals
Premium: V. Sattui, 2006 Muscat, California
High: Gregory Graham, 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Red Hills – Lake County, Rolling Knolls Vineyard
Medium: Kenwood Vineyards, 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Low: Stevenot, 2006 Pinot Grigio, California

Best of Show – Dessert Wines
Premium: Navarro Vineyards, 2005 Muscat Blanc, Mendocino, Anderson Valley, Cluster Select, Late Harvest
High: The Singing Winemaker, NV Malvasia Bianca, ‘Sherzando’, California
Medium: Martin & Weyrich, 2006 Muscat, ‘Moscato Allegro’, California
Low: Bogle Vineyards, 2006 Muscat, Muscato, Clarksburg

Best of Show – Sparkling Wines
Premium: J, Sparkling Rose, Brut Rose, Russian River Valley
High: Mumm Napa, NV Sparkling Wine, Brut Prestige, Napa Valley, Methode Traditionelle
Medium: Korbel, NV Sparkling Wine, Chardonnay, California Champagne, Methode Champenoise
Low: Stanford, NV Sparkling Wine, California, Governor’s Cuvee, Brut, Charmat Method

Double Gold Winners, NY State Fair Wine Competition

The results are in from the 2007 New York State Fair Commercial Wine Competition and here are the Double Gold winners:

Atwater Estate Vineyards 2005 Celsius Chardonnay
Fox Run Vineyards 2006 Dry Riesling
Fox Run Vineyards 2006 Riesling
Glenora Wine Cellars 2006 Pinot Blanc
Goose Watch Winery Classic Cream Sherry
Goose Watch Winery Diamond
Knapp Vineyards Winery & Restaurant 2005 Cabernet Franc
Knapp Vineyards Winery & Restaurant Superstition
Osprey's Dominion Vineyards 2006 Gewurztraminer
Penguin Bay Winery & Champagne House 2006 Rose of Chambourcin
Pindar Vineyards 2005 Johannisberg Riesling Ice Wine
Rooster Hill Vineyards 2006 Traminette
Ventosa Vineyards 2004 Merlot
Ventosa Vineyards Pinot Noir 2003/2005

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

Best of Big E Northeast Gold Wine Competition

The winners of the first annual Big E Northeast Gold Wine Competition have been announced. The seven Double Gold Medals were awarded to Obadiah McIntyre Farm Winery's 2005 Peach Wine and 2004 Red Raspberry; Priam Vineyards' 2003 St. Croix; Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards' 2005 Harvest Reserve Riesling and Finger Lakes Cream Sherry; Alison Wines and Vinyards' Fraise Strawberry; and Hunt Country Vineyards' 2005 Late Harvest Vignoles.

Best of State winners: Priam Vineyards of Colchester, Conn.'s 2003 St. Croix took "Best Connecticut Wine." "Best Massachusetts Wine" went to Obadiah McIntyre Winery, located in Charlton, Mass., for its 2004 Red Raspberry Wine. A Cayuga White from Jewell Towne Vineyards, South Hampton, N.H., won "Best New Hampshire Wine;" Putney Mountain Winery in Putley, Vt. was awarded "Best Vermont Wine" for its 2004 Apple Maple. "Best Maine Wine" went to Winterport Flying Dutchman, from Winterport Winery, Winterport, Maine. Newport Vineyards, of Middletown, R.I. took home "Best Rhode Island Wine" with its S.E.N.E. Pinot Grigio.

A complete list of results is available here.

Stone Creek 2005 Unoaked Chardonnay

The Award-Winning Wine:
Stone Creek 2005 Unoaked Chardonnay

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

Harvest Notes:
The 2005 growing season was mostly cooler than average, which allowed the grapes to hang longer on the vines without causing the sugar levels to rise too high too quickly. This allowed the fruit to fully mature yet keep its crisp acidity. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks allowed the wine to retain the crisp acidity, and maturation in neutral oak barrels accentuated the ripe fruit.

Winery Tasting Notes:
Stone Creek 2005 Unoaked Chardonnay, Mendocino County, was fermented and aged without using oak to preserve the delicate fruit character. It has fragrant impressions of pineapple, pear, and ripe apple in the aroma, and nuances of pear, ripe apple, limeade, and grapefruit in the flavors.

AlaWine Notes:
Presenting as a clear, pale straw-yellow color, Stone Creek 2005 Unoaked Chardonnay offers light aromas of pear and apple, with a melon highlight. On the palate, peaches and pear flavors merge with apple on the front end, and grapefruit on the back. A crisp acidity accents and holds the fruit flavors through a long finish.

Bottom Line:
Stone Creek 2005 Unoaked Chardonnay is a light, bright, dry, flavorful, and refreshing Chardonnay. It is crisp and clean, and well integrated and balanced all across the palate. A great summer wine, food friendly with picnics and lighter fare. An excellent value at a suggested retail price of $8.99. Overall composite score: 97 points.

Silkwood Wines 2002 Red Duet

The Award-Winning Wine:
Silkwood Wines 2002 Red Duet

Reason for Reviewing:
The 2002 Red Duet won one of three Gold Medals earned by Silkwood Wines at the 2007 Central California Wine Competition sponsored by the The Central California Winegrowers Organization.

Noteworthy:
Silkwood was founded in 1979 by John R. Monnich, a UC Davis General Agriculture graduate, and was originally located in Napa Valley. During harvest, they thin and drop (literally to the ground) about 20-25 percent of clusters at verasion (fruit softening). According to their web site, this practice helps to produce a rich and intensely flavored wine. All Silkwood Wines bottles feature a unique red velvet label (printed in gold ink) that represents the smooth and rich profile of the wines. The velvet label and the textured label is now a registered trademark of Silkwood.

Winery Notes:
Very smooth on finish, good fruit forward, very drinkable wine with barbecue and pastas.

AlaWine Notes:
Silkwood Wines 2002 Red Duet pours as a clear garnet color in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, pepper and aniseed lift from the glass. Berry flavors, blackberry and raspberry, fill the mouth and linger across the palate in a long, smooth and spicy finish.

Bottom Line:
Silkwood Wines 2002 Red Duet is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Syrah. It is a dry, medium bodied, well balanced red blend with modest tannins. Pair with grilled meats. Suggested retail price is $30. Overall composite score: 95 points.

Creekbend Vidal Blanc Ice Wine 2005

The Award-Winning Wine:
Oliver Winery Creekbend Vidal Blanc Ice Wine 2005

Reason for Reviewing:
Creekbend Vidal Blanc Ice Wine 2005 earned Double Gold Medal honors at the recently completed 2007 Tasters Guild International Wine Judging.

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:
Indiana's only true ice wine is made with grapes frozen on the vine. We talk a lot about this wine. If you picked grapes when it was 3°F you’d talk about it too. Rich, concentrated and intensely sweet, this flavorful dessert wine is the best way to end your holiday feast. Enjoy with your best pumpkin or apple pie.

AlaWine Notes:
Presenting as a clear honey gold color, Creekbend Vidal Blanc Ice Wine 2005 offers floral aromas with apricot and lemon peel highlights. Viscous on the palate, sweet flavors of peach, honey, apple, orange and tropical fruit merge in full-mouth flavor, which continues into a long finish with the rich sweetness accented by a slight tartness.

Bottom Line:
Creekbend Vidal Blanc Ice Wine 2005 is rich, sweet, very flavorful, well balanced dessert wine. Its fully concentrated fruit flavors make it a good dessert on its own, or pair with pastries or pie. Suggested retail price is $47.17 per 375ml. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Granite Springs 2004 Estate Zinfandel

The Award-Winning Wine:
Granite Springs 2004 Estate Zinfandel

Reason for Reviewing:
Granite Springs 2004 Estate Zinfandel was selected as a Chairman's Award (Unanimous Gold) winner at the recently completed 2007 Riverside International Wine Competition Awards.

Noteworthy:
Granite Springs lies in the midst of an old and rich wine-producing region, in a unique mountain terrain with deep, well drained granitic soils and a climate of warm, sunny days and cool nights. Granite Springs is noted for it's old vine Zinfandel, dark rich Petite Sirah, intense Estate Petite Sirah Port and delicate Sauvignon Blanc.

AlaWine Notes:
Granite Springs 2004 Estate Zinfandel pours as a dark ruby color in the glass. Ripe red fruit, blackberry, dark cherry, and pepper lift to the nose in a savory earth context. Rich berry cherry flavors cross over on the palate ushered by soft tannins, and continue through a long, moderately spicy, toasty finish.

Bottom Line:
Granite Springs 2004 Estate Zinfandel is a rich, full bodied, fruit-forward, full-flavor wine, with a round front and dry finish. Pair with thick cuts of grilled red meat or lamb. Suggested retail price is $25. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Handley Cellars Pinot Rose

The Award-Winning Wine:
Handley Cellars Pinot Rose

Reason for Reviewing:
Handley Cellars Pinot Rose was selected as a Gold Medal and Best of Class award winner at the recently completed 2007 Pacific Rim International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
In 1990, Handley Cellars decided to farm using sustainable agricultural methods. All parts of the operation work together as a team to keep their vines thriving. They use compost and mineral supplements to build the soil, thus fostering stronger plants that are less susceptible to disease. They avoid using pesticides and herbicides, allowing beneficial insects to flourish.

Winery Notes:
Iron Oak Vineyard fruit adds soft tannins and forward flavors of hibiscus, strawberries, and orange peel to the finished blend. The Anderson Valley portion contributes a delicate rose perfume, complex mid-palate, with cherry flavors and a bit of spice on the finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Presenting as a beautiful peachy pink color, Handley Cellars Pinot Rose exudes aromas of strawberry, raspberry, and grapefruit. The berry flavors continue on the palate, braced by a crisp acidity, and lead to a long apple, cherry, light citrus finish.

Bottom Line:
Handley Cellars Pinot Rose is a dry, crisp, rose with well integrated layers of fresh fruit flavors and an interesting complexity, and a refreshing, flavorful finish. A great wine for picnics or pair for dinner with spicy Asian foods. Suggested retail price is $18. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Vina Robles Winery 2004 Red 4

The Award-Winning Wine:
Vina Robles Winery 2004 Red 4, Huerhuero Vineyard

Reason for Reviewing:
Vina Robles Winery 2004 Red 4 was selected as a Gold Medal and Best of Class award winner at the recently completed 2007 Pacific Rim International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Regarding the Vina Robles Winery 2004 Red 4, winemaker Matthias Gubler said, “We don’t have any preconceptions when it comes to blending, and we are very interested in exploring unconventional varietals to achieve distinctive and harmonious wines.” Gubler added, "While the 2004 vintage incorporates four varietals, future vintages might include three or five varietals. It’s a flexible approach to consistently achieve a wine that is more delicious than the sum of its parts."

Winery Notes:
Dark garnet in color with aromas of black cherry and plum with dark currant and spice, violets and toasty oak. A lush, fresh and fruity wine with dense blackberry, ripe cherry and vanilla notes.

AlaWine Notes:
Vina Robles Winery 2004 Red 4 pours as as a deep purple red color in the glass. Aromas of ripe red fruits lift to the nose. On the palate the wine opens with smooth, rich flavors of cherry and black berry, joined by raspberry, blackcurrant, and whole plum, all carried by friendly tannins into a long, toasty vanilla oak finish.

Bottom Line:
Vina Robles Winery 2004 Red 4 is a unique blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Touriga Nacional and Tannat. It has luscious, full-fruit flavors, some spice, and a full, satisfying finish. This is a very food friendly red blend, ready to drink now with a wide variety food pairings. A good value for full flavored wine at a suggested retail price is $14. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Cycles Gladiator 2005 Merlot

The Award-Winning Wine:
Cycles Gladiator 2005 Merlot

Reason for Reviewing:
Cycles Gladiator 2005 Merlot won the Best of Class Award for the Best Merlot at the recently completed California Mid-State Fair Central Coast Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
The Cycles Gladiator image is intended to symbolize a celebration of the freedom and happiness that pervaded Europe in the late 19th century—an era known as the Belle Epoque. The famed artwork that once showcased the stylish Cycles Gladiator bicycle lives on in the bottle labels of their California’s Central Coast wines.

Winery Notes:
Lovely aromatics of Emperor Cherry, blackberry, and cedar in the nose underscored with a subtle hint of pencil lead shavings. Lush red fruits fill the mouth in increasing intensity finishing with plums and a pretty green thread over the background. The tannins are substantial but melting, offering more of a velvet richness as opposed to the harsh, bitter character that many Merlots can have. And then there is the unique cool-climate acidity that suspends the entire sensation well into the finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Pouring as a dark purple red, Cycles Gladiator 2005 Merlot presents prominent aromas of blackberries, blackcurrant, and leather in an herbaceous, earthy context. The dark berries and herbs, with a cedar highlight, continue on the palate in a smooth front end, accented by moderate tannins, and lingering into a long, spicy, toasty oak finish.

Bottom Line:
Cycles Gladiator 2005 Merlot is a dry, full-flavored Merlot, consisting of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petite Verdot. Very drinkable now, pair with beef and lamb, grilled, bar-b-qued. A good value at a suggested retail price is $9.99. Overall composite score: 94 points.

Best of Category Winners, NY State Fair Wine Competition

The results are in from the 2007 New York State Fair Commercial Wine Competition and here are the super-award winners, the Best of Show award winner and eight Best of Category winners:

Best of Show
Pindar Vineyards 2005 Johannisberg Riesling Ice Wine

Best of Category, White
Fox Run 2006 Riesling

Best of Category, Red
Knapp Winery 2005 Cabernet Franc

Best of Category, Rosé/Blush
Penguin Bay 2006 Rosé of Chambourcin

Best of Category, Sparkling
Chateau Franc 2000 Blanc De Noirs

Best of Category, Fruit
Torrey Ridge Winery Scarlet Red

Best of Category, Dessert
Atwater Estate Vineyards 2005 Celsius Chardonnay
Pindar Vineyards 2005 Johannisberg Riesling Ice Wine

Best of Category, Fortified
Goose Watch Classic Cream Sherry

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