May 5, 2008

A Summer Day, a Hunk of Cheese and V. Sattui

Posted by Robert Whitley at 11:55 AM

As usual, among the stars of the 25th edition of the San Diego International Wine Competition was one of the Napa Valley's best-kept secrets, the estimable V. Sattui Winery.

It should be noted that V. Sattui is a well-guarded secret as well, for it chooses not to serve its wines up to the vagaries of the retail wine trade. You can only purchase V. Sattui wines by visiting the winery, located along Highway 29 in the heart of the Napa Valley, or joining the wine club.

It is a visit well worth making because the V. Sattui wines are consistently among the most favored by wine competition judges far and wide. And the picnic grounds at the winery are about the best you will find in the Napa Valley.

Whiling away an afternoon with a bottle of wine and a hunk of cheese in the V. Sattui front yard is my idea of a fabulous way to spend a lazy summer day. V. Sattui took only 17 medals in San Diego this year, and had only one wine up for Best of Show in the "Sweepstakes" round of voting.

Yawn, just another spectacular day at the Sattui ranch!

Monterey's Ventana Vineyards checked in with a tidy 10 medals and, in my humble opinion, Ventana wuz robbed when its lovely 2006 Rubystone, a red Rhone-style blend, only got a bronze. I love this wine! Particularly its exquisite balance, the spice, the exciting thread of minerality that clearly sets this wine apart from others of its ilk!

V. Sattui Winery
 Gold, Sweeps 2006 Sattui Family Red California $15.25
 Gold 2007 Marsagnier Sierra Foothills $19.75
 Bronze 2007 Rosato Sierra Foothills $14.95
 Bronze 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Preston Vineyard Napa Valley $45.00
 Silver 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Morisoli Vineyard Napa Valley $50.00
 Silver 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley $38.00
 Silver 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Vittorio's Vineyard Napa Valley $42.00
 Bronze 2006 Pinot Noir Los Carneros $36.00
 Silver 2007 Muscat California $17.75
 Silver 2006 Chardonnay, Carsi Vineyard Napa Valley $28.00
 Silver 2006 Chardonnay Los Carneros $28.00
 Bronze 2006 Chardonnay, Sattui Family Napa Valley $17.75
 Bronze 2006 Chardonnay Napa Valley $17.75
 Bronze 2007 Riesling, Dry California $18.75
 Bronze 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Vittorio's Vineyard Napa Valley $24.00
 Bronze 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley $18.25
 Silver 2007 Semillon Napa Valley $18.75
Ventana Vineyards
 Bronze 2006 Rubystone Arroyo Seco $18.00
 Bronze 2006 Riesling Arroyo Seco $16.00
 Silver 2007 Riesling Arroyo Seco $18.00
 Bronze 2006 Pinot Noir Arroyo Seco $28.00
 Silver 2007 Dry Rosado Arroyo Seco $18.00
 Bronze 2005 Syrah Arroyo Seco $18.00
 Bronze 2005 Tempranillo, 'La Danza' Arroyo Seco $28.00
 Gold 2005 Chardonnay, Gold Stripe Arroyo Seco $18.00
 Silver 2006 Chardonnay, Gold Stripe Arroyo Seco $18.00
 Bronze 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Arroyo Seco $16.00

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SAN DIEGO RESULTS

May 2, 2008

I Guess the 'S' Must Stand for Superman

Posted by Robert Whitley at 10:43 AM

As I skimmed the results of the 2008 San Diego International Wine Competition, which are listed by winery and in alphabetical order, I took a long pause at the letter S. Wow, I thought, the S must stand for Superman.

So many outstanding performers in the Superman bracket this year. Take South Coast Winery of Southern California's Temecula Valley, for example. Winemaker Jon McPherson's shirts must be popping their buttons these days, for South Coast rumbled out of San Diego with 19 medals, finishing in a tie with Kendall-Jackson in that category.

And if you like the South Coast wines, you would absolutely love to visit this beautiful winery property for an overnight stay in one of the vineyard villas, or perhaps spend a couple of soothing hours at the world class spa. The restaurant's not too shabby either. Only a one-hour drive from downtown San Diego!

I also was impressed by the awesome consistency of two wineries from the heartland, St. James and Stone Hill, with 11 and 10 medals, respectively. Both wineries are located in Missouri and neither is a stranger to the winner's circle. Both racked up similar medal totals at the Monterey Wine Competition in March.

What's remarkable is that these two wineries are using grape varieties that many judges -- mostly winemakers and wine industry professionals -- never taste. The medals are being awarded on balance and winemaking integrity rather than "varietal correctness," which I've always thought was a load of bull to begin with.

Who can even begin to define varietal correctness? A wine made from Tempranillo grapes grown in Spain's Rioja region will taste nothing like a wine made from Tempranillo grapes grown in California's Sierra Foothills. Judges should always judge the wine rather than how close the winemaker came to their idea of what the wine should have been!

OK, sermon over. Back to the topic of consistency. St. Supery Vineyards of the Napa Valley is the model of consistency. This winery takes important competition prizes each and every year, and this year was no exception. Three of its five medals were Gold, and one was Silver.

Scheid Vineyards
 Gold 2005 Claret, Reserve Monterey County $55.00
 Bronze 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Monterey County $20.00
 Silver 2006 Pinot Noir, Estate Monterey County $25.00
 Bronze 2005 Pinot Noir, Reserve Monterey County $50.00
 Bronze 2006 Chardonnay Monterey County $18.00
South Coast Winery
 Bronze 2004 Meritage, Wild Horse Peak Mountain Vineyard South Coast $32.00
 Silver NV Romanza Temecula Valley $18.00
 Bronze NV Black Jack Port South Coast $38.00
 Bronze 2006 Riesling, Carter Estate Vineyard Temecula Valley $14.00
 Silver 2007 Merlot Blanc South Coast $14.00
 Bronze 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rolling Hills Estate Vineyard Temecula Valley $16.00
 Silver 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, 4 Block Blend, Wild Horse Peak Mountain Vineyards South Coast $28.00
 Silver 2006 Grenache, Carter Estate Vineyard Temecula Valley $18.00
 Bronze 2005 Merlot, Rolling Hills Estate Vineyards Temecula Valley $16.00
 Bronze 2003 Merlot, Wild Horse Peak Mountain Vineyard, Freedom and Harmony Block South Coast $24.00
 Bronze 2005 Syrah, Rolling Hills Estate Vineyards Temecula Valley $44.00
 Silver 2006 Zinfandel Cucamonga Valley $24.00
 Bronze NV Brut Temecula Valley $18.00
 Silver NV Ruby Cuvée, Sparkling Syrah Temecula Valley 
 Bronze 2007 Muscat Canelli Temecula Valley $14.00
 Silver 2007 Chardonnay, Sans Chene Temecula Valley $15.00
 Silver 2007 Pinot Grigio Temecula Valley $14.00
 Bronze 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Musque Clone Temecula Valley $14.00
 Bronze 2006 Viognier Temecula Valley $18.00
St. James Winery
 Bronze NV Friendship School Red Ozark Mountain, Missouri $7.99
 Bronze NV Country Red American $6.99
 Gold NV Country White American $6.99
 Bronze NV Friendship School White American $7.99
 Bronze NV Velvet White American $6.99
 Bronze 2005 Norton Dessert Wine Ozark Mountain, Missouri $17.99
 Silver 2006 Concord Dessert Wine American $12.99
 Bronze 2005 Catawba Dessert Wine Ozark Mountain, Missouri $12.99
 Gold NV Riesling Columbia Valley $9.99
 Bronze 2005 Chardonel Ozark Mountain $10.99
 Bronze 2005 Late Harvest Chardonel Ozark Mountain $24.99
St. Supery Vineyards & Winery
 Silver 2004 Elu Napa Valley $65.00
 Gold 2006 Virtu Napa Valley $28.00
 Bronze 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dollarhide Napa Valley $80.00
 Gold 2007 Moscato California $22.00
 Gold 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Dollarhide, Limited Edition Estate Napa Valley $35.00
Stephen & Walker
 Bronze 2004 Portentous Mendocino $65.00
 Gold 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain $65.00
 Silver 2005 Pinot Noir Monterey County $36.00
 Gold 2006 Pinot Noir Monterey County $39.00
 Bronze 2006 Zinfandel Russian River Valley $39.00
Stone Hill Winery
 Silver 2006 Steinberg White Missouri $10.99
 Bronze 2005 Chambourcin Missouri $15.99
 Silver NV Concord American $7.99
 Bronze 2005 Norton Hermann $18.99
 Silver 2005 Norton, Cross J Hermann 
 Bronze NV Pink Catawba Missouri $7.99
 Silver NV Golden Spumante Missouri $10.99
 Gold 2007 Traminette American $15.99
 Gold, Sweeps 2007 Vignoles Missouri 
 Gold 2006 Chardonel, Reserve Missouri $24.99
Stonehedge Winery
 Gold, Sweeps 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve Napa Valley $20.00
 Bronze 2006 Malbec, Terroir Select Mendocino $15.00
 Gold 2004 Petite Syrah, Terroir Select Mendocino $15.00
 Bronze 2005 Chardonnay, Terroir Select Santa Lucia Highlands $15.00

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SAN DIEGO RESULTS

May 1, 2008

Sometimes Even the Little Guys Impress

Among the greatest joys of running a big wine competition -- somewhere behind warm fellowship with the judges and admiring the impeccable performance of my staff and volunteers -- is the winery that comes from nowhere to turn in a shining performance.

By coming from nowhere I mean a winery that isn't already steeped in a tradition of excellence and consumer awareness. Pacific Breeze comes quickly to mind.

Not one of your household names, Pacific Breeze. Founded in 2005, it produces fewer than 3000 cases per year. And it entered but a handful of wines. Yet Pacific Breeze came away from the 2008 San Diego International Wine Competition with two Gold medals and two Silvers. One of its Golds, the 2006 GSM, Grenache Syrah Mourvedre, was nominated for Best of Show red and placed in the "sweepstakes" round of voting for that prestigous prize.

I'm not sure everyone understands how difficult it is to win a Gold medal. This year slightly more than five percent of the more than 2000 wines entered in San Diego were awarded Gold. Silvers are only slightly less difficult to win.

Competition judges are looking for something special when they vote Silver. And when they go to Gold they're locked in on finding the best of their Silvers.

Even Bronze medals shouldn't be taken for granted. A Bronze medal indicates a majority of the members of the judging panel believed that wine showed exceptional personality and character.

So hat's off to Pacific Breeze. Well done.

You might wonder why I don't have similar words for Pietra Santa, which is also among the strong performers I've highlighted today. Pietra Santa may be new to some of you. It's a small winery in the Central Coast of California that specializes in Italian grape varieties, although it also does well with the so-called international varieties.

But Pietra Santa has been very good for quite some time. I've come to expect nothing but blue-chip wines from this stellar California winery.

Pacific Breeze Winery
 Gold, Sweeps 2006 GSM, Grenache Syrah Mourvedre High Valley $29.95
 Gold 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Hawk & Horse Vineyards Red Hills $39.95
 Silver 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Signature Series Red Hills $49.95
 Silver 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, aCURE eSTATE Vineyard Alexander Valley $39.95
Pietra Santa Winery
 Silver 2003 Vache Red Blend, Signature Collection Cienega Valley $45.00
 Gold, Sweeps 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Signature Collection Cienega Valley $50.00
 Silver 2004 Dolcetto Cienega Valley $18.00
 Bronze 2004 Merlot Cienega Valley $15.00
 Bronze 2006 Pinot Noir Cienega Valley $18.00
 Silver 2007 Rosato Cienega Valley $18.00
 Bronze 2004 Sangiovese Cienega Valley $18.00
 Silver 2006 Chardonnay Central Coast $15.00
 Bronze 2004 Chardonnay, Vache Cienega Valley $35.00
Quady Winery
 Bronze NV Batch 88 Starboard California $23.99
 Silver 2006 Elysium California $24.99
 Silver 2006 Essensia California $24.99
 Gold NV Deviation California $27.99
 Silver 2007 Red Electra California $13.99
Ravenswood Winery 
 Gold 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County $17.99
 Silver 2004 Merlot Sonoma County $14.99
 Silver 2005 Zinfandel Napa Valley $14.99
 Silver 2005 Zinfandel, Old Vine Sonoma County $14.99
 Bronze 2005 Chardonnay Sonoma County $14.99
Raymond Burr Vineyards
 Bronze 2004 Cabernet Franc Dry Creek Valley $38.00
 Gold 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County $38.00
 Gold, Sweeps 2006 Chardonnay Sonoma County $28.00

Raymond Vineyard
 Silver 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve Napa Valley $35.00
 Silver 2005 Merlot, R Collection California $15.00
 Silver 2006 Chardonnay, Reserve Napa Valley $20.00
 Silver 2006 Chardonnay, R Collection Monterey County $13.00

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SAN DIEGO RESULTS

May 2, 2008

K-J Strikes Mother Lode with Move to Estate Wines

Posted by Robert Whitley at 9:47 AM

It's been a while since Kendall-Jackson dazzled me with a wine competition performance. What's surprising about that is the fact that K-J, as it is known, was once the King of competitions.

Back in its heydey, when all of Jess Jackson's winery properties more or less flew under one flag and every wine was given a chance to shine on the competition circuit, K-J was capable of some fairly incredible stuff. Like the time four Hartford Court wines advanced to the "Sweepstakes" round of the Monterey Wine Competition and all had a great shot at Best of Show.

Jackson later split his wineries into separate divisions and the pricier limited-production wines such as Hartford Court literally dropped off my radar. I haven't tasted a Hartford Court wine in years, and can't even remember the last time I saw one on a wine list.

So it seemed to me the K-J presence in general, and in wine competitions in particular, had gone into eclipse. Until last weekend, when the mother ship, the Kendall-Jackson brand, struck the mother lode with 19 medals at the 2008 San Diego International Wine Competition. Any way you spin it, that's impressive.

But I can't say I'm totally surprised. A few years back Jackson ordered cuts in the production levels of the Kendall-Jackson wines, and directed that they be made entirely from estate-grown grapes. That was decisive on a couple of levels. First and foremost, Jackson owns thousands of acres of top-notch Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah vineyards, including many superb mountain sites, in Napa and Sonoma; and some excellent Pinot and Chardonnay vineyards in the Central Coast.

And the estate-only edict gave winemaker Randy Ullom complete control of his grapes from vine to bottle. This is not insignificant, and has paid off in the competition results.

I mean, when I need almost all of my fingers and toes to tally any winery's medals, I figure they have to be doing something right!

Speaking of doing something right, there can be little doubt that Mumm Napa Valley is hitting on all cylinders. This producer of elegant California bubbly snapped up eight medals in San Diego, one for each wine it submitted, including two Golds. Mumm gets an A for quality and an A for consistency.

And if you're looking for stellar performances on a tight budget, check out the Lindemans and Mouton Cadet medal-winners at $9 or less!

Kendall-Jackson
 Silver 2004 Meritage, Vintner's Reserve California $14.00
 Silver 2005 Cabernet Franc, Grand Reserve, Jackson Estates Grown Alexander Valley $35.00
 Bronze 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Vintner's Reserve, Jackson Estates Grown California $19.00
 Bronze 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Grand Reserve, Jackson Estates Grown Sonoma County $26.00
 Silver 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Highland Estates, Hawkeye Mountain Alexander Valley $55.00
 Bronze 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Highland Estates, Trace Ridge Knights Valley $70.00
 Bronze 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Highland Estates, Napa Mountain Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley $70.00
 Silver 2005 Merlot, Vintner's Reserve, Jackson Estates Grown California $19.00
 Bronze 2005 Merlot, Grand Reserve, Jackson Estates Grown Sonoma County $26.00
 Bronze 2005 Merlot, Highland Estates, Taylor Peak Bennett Valley $40.00
 Silver 2006 Pinot Noir, Highland Estates, Seco Highlands Arroyo Seco $35.00
 Bronze 2006 Syrah, Vintner's Reserve, Jackson Estates Grown California $12.00
 Bronze 2005 Syrah, Highland Estates, Alisos Hills Santa Barbara County $35.00
 Bronze 2006 Zinfandel, Vintner's Reserve California $12.00
 Silver 2006 Chardonnay, Vintner's Reserve, Jackson Estates Grown California $12.00
 Gold 2006 Chardonnay, Grand Reserve, Jackson Estates Grown Monterey County/Santa Barbara County $21.00
 Silver 2006 Chardonnay, Highland Estates, Camelot Highlands Santa Maria Valley $25.00
 Silver 2006 Chardonnay, Highland Estates, Seco Highlands Arroyo Seco $30.00
 Bronze 2006 Chardonnay, Highland Estates, Piner Hills Russian River Valley $30.00
Lindemans
 Gold, Sweeps 2007 Shiraz, Bin 50 South Eastern  Australia $8.00
Mouton Cadet 
 Silver 2005 Bordeaux Rouge, Baron Philippe de Rothschild Bordeaux $8.99
 Silver 2006 Bordeaux Blanc, Baron Philippe de Rothschild Bordeaux $8.99
Mumm Napa Valley
 Silver 2003 Blanc de Blancs Napa Valley $26.00
 Silver NV Blanc de Noirs Napa Valley $19.00
 Gold NV Brut Prestige Napa Valley $19.00
 Silver NV Brut, Reserve Napa Valley $26.00
 Silver 2000 DVX Napa Valley $55.00
 Gold 2001 Grand Annee Napa Valley $30.00
 Silver NV Demi-Sec Napa Valley $30.00
 Bronze NV Cuvée, M Napa Valley $19.00

PHOTO: Jess Jackson

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SAN DIEGO RESULTS

April 26, 2008

Mendocino Quality on Display

Posted by Robert Whitley at 12:48 PM

I can remember a time when wines from California's Mendocino County were little more than a big yawn. I can't quite pinpoint the exact moment the tide turned, but Mendo wines are boring no more.

Bonterra, for example, has led the charge in California toward organic, biodynamic and sustainable agriculture. And Bonterra, a division of the Fetzer family of wines, was out front on the issue long before it became fashionable.

Then there's Mendocino County's Anderson Valley gang. In this snippet of highlights from the 2008 San Diego International Wine Competition, staged April 19-20 at the Westgate Hotel in downtown San Diego's Gaslamp District, I've focused on Greenwood Ridge, Handley and Husch only because I'm tackling analysis of the impressive performances somewhat in alphabetical order

Greenwood Ridge took five medals, including two Golds and a Best of Show for its late harvest White Riesling, which is one of the best-smelling wines I've ever encountered. It's well-made, too, with tremendous length and stunning complexity.

Handley, which is probably best known for its wonderful Anderson Valley Pinots and Chardonnays, took a Gold for its 2003 Anderson Valley Brut. Handley wouldn't generally be my first choice in California bubbly, but there you have it. This is a very nice sparkler that wouldn't be out of place in the company of top-notch Champagne.

Husch won six medals, including two Golds, and demonstrated the consistent quality across a range of wines that I've come to expect from this meticulous family run winery.

I also must give a tip of the cap to the Napa Valley's Frank Family Vineyards, which entered three wines and won three medals, including Gold for its Cabernet Sauvignon and a particularly beguiling Carneros Chardonnay.

Then there was Jeff Runquist, who makes nothing but superb wines in small quantities and makes off with a bag full of medals every year. This year he claimed seven. Big Kudos to Jeff for maintaining a stellar record of accomplishment.

I could say the same for Hook & Ladder, Cecil DeLoach's reincarnation following the sale of his beloved DeLoach Vineyards. Hook & Ladder (Cecil was a San Francisco fireman in a former life) also bagged seven medals.

Frank Family Vineyards
 Gold 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley $45.00
 Bronze 2006 Chardonnay Napa Valley $32.50
 Gold, Sweeps 2006 Chardonnay Carneros $40.00
Greenwood Ridge Vineyards
 Gold 2006 MendoVino Red Table Wine Mendocino Ridge $20.00
 Bronze 2006 White Riesling Mendocino Ridge $16.00
 Bronze 2006 Pinot Noir Mendocino Ridge $27.00
 Silver 2006 Zinfandel, Scherrer Vineyards Sonoma County $25.00
 
 Best of Show Dessert 
 Gold  2006 White Riesling, Late Harvest Mendocino Ridge $25.00
Handley Cellars
 Bronze 2006 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley $32.00
 Gold 2003 Brut Anderson Valley $38.00
 Bronze 2006 Chardonnay Dry Creek Valley $20.00
 Gold, Sweeps 2006 Gewürztraminer Anderson Valley $18.00
 Bronze 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley $15.00
 Bronze 2006 Viognier Dry Creek Valley $20.00
Henry Estate Winery
 Silver 2006 White Riesling, Select Harvest Umpqua Valley $12.00
 Silver 2006 Pinot Noir Umpqua Valley $18.00
 Bronze 2004 Pinot Noir, Barrel Select Umpqua Valley $30.00
 Gold 2007 Muller Thurgau Umpqua Valley $12.00
Hook & Ladder Winery
 Silver 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County/Russian River $24.00
 Silver 2006 Pinot Noir, Estate Bottled Russian River Valley $25.00
 Silver 2006 Pinot Noir, Third Alarm Reserve, Estate Bottled Russian River Valley $30.00
 Bronze 2005 Zinfandel, Third Alarm, Gambogi Ranch, Reserve Russian River Valley $30.00
 Bronze 2006 Chardonnay, Estate Bottled Russian River Valley $17.00
 Bronze 2007 Gewürztraminer Russian River Valley $16.00
 Silver 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Estate Bottled Russian River Valley $22.00
Husch Vineyards
 Gold 2007 Chenin Blanc, La Ribera Vineyards Mendocino $11.00
 Bronze 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Mendocino $21.00
 Silver 2006 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley $23.00
 Gold, Sweeps 2007 Muscat Canelli, La Ribera Vineyards Mendocino $14.00
 Silver 2006 Chardonnay Mendocino $15.00
 Bronze 2006 Gewürztraminer Anderson Valley $14.00
Jeff Runquist Winery
 Gold 2006 R Barbera, Cooper Vineyard Amador County $24.00
 Silver 2006 R Cabernet Franc, Salman Vineyard Clarksburg $20.00
 Bronze 2006 R Primitivo, Nostro Vino Vineyard Amador County $26.00
 Bronze 2005 R Syrah Paso Robles $24.00
 Bronze 2004 R Syrah, Reserve, Three Way Vineyard Paso Robles $40.00
 Gold, Sweeps 2006 Z Zinfandel, Massoni Ranch Amador County $24.00
 Bronze 2005 R Zinfandel, Nostro Vino Vineyard Amador County $24.00

PHOTO: Milla Handley

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SAN DIEGO RESULTS

April 25, 2008

Eberle's Competition Courage Pays Off with Nine Medals

Posted by Robert Whitley at 10:05 AM

I know from years of experience that Gary Eberle, the Godfather of Paso Robles wine, enthusiastically embraces competitions. But it wasn't always so. After I founded the Monterey Wine Competition in 1994, it was a good five years before an entry form from the Eberle Winery crossed my desk.

And Gary was someone I considered a friend (as much as a Maryland football fan can befriend a former Penn State gridiron star), But he came around because he recognized a hard truth: not every wine, not every winery, can count on a review from Robert Parker or the Wine Spectator.

Eberle is one of them that can't and doesn't. Gary knows he makes good wines, and he enters a bunch of wine competitions every year confident the medals will come. If not this week, then the next, or the next.

Last weekend at the 25th San Diego International Wine Competition Eberle walked off with nine medals, including a Gold for his Rhone blend Cotes du Robles. This is only fitting because Eberle is the man who introduced the Syrah grape to the Paso Robles region more than 25 years ago.

And how would you like to bat a thousand in your first stab at a wine competiton? The great Burgundy house of Domaine Bouchard entered one wine, a premier cru Meursault, and scored a Gold. Bingo!

Gotta like what's happening in Dry Creek Valley. Dutcher Crossing and Dry Creek Vineyards made out like bandits. What I loved was the consistency across a broad range of wines -- and remarkably affordable pricing given the quality.

Mitch Cosentino's second label, Crystal Valley Cellars, produced a stunning cache of four Gold medals, including two wines that were put forward for the "Sweepstakes" round of voting for Best of Show. A tip of the hat to Mitch, if you will. Better yet, run out and scoop up a couple of those great buys.

Then there was Estraie. Two medals, two Golds. This winery wasn't even on my radar. But it is now!

Charles Krug Winery
 Silver 2004 Generations, Family Reserve, Peter Mondavi Family Napa Valley $51.00
 Gold, Sweeps 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Peter Mondavi Family Yountville / Napa Valley $26.00
 Silver 2006 Chardonnay, Peter Mondavi Family Carneros $20.00
 Bronze 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Peter Mondavi Family Napa Valley $18.00
Crystal Valley Cellars
 Bronze 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, The Cab California $18.00
 Gold 2006 Tannat Lodi $25.00
 Gold, Sweeps 2006 The Temp, Kirschenmann Vineyard Lodi $25.00
 Gold, Sweeps 2006 Zinfandel, The Zin, M. Cosentino California $30.00
 Gold 2006 Zinfandel, Ancient Vine, Estate, M. Cosentino Lodi $30.00
Domaine Bouchard Pere et Fils
 Gold 2004 Meursault Genevrieres, Premier Cru Burgundy $100.00
Dry Creek Vineyard
 Gold 2004 The Mariner Dry Creek Valley $40.00
 Silver 2006 Zinfandel, Heritage Sonoma County $17.00
 Silver 2005 Zinfandel, Old Vine Dry Creek Valley $28.00
 Bronze 2006 Dry Chenin Blanc Clarksburg $11.50
 Silver 2006 Fume Blanc Sonoma County $14.50
Dutcher Crossing Winery
 Silver 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Proprietors Reserve Dry Creek Valley $28.00
 Gold 2006 Zinfandel, Maple Vineyard Dry Creek Valley $39.00
 Silver 2006 Chardonnay, Stuhlmuller Vineyard Alexander Valley $32.00
 Silver 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley $21.00
Eberle Winery
 Bronze 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Paso Robles $28.00
 Gold 2006 Cotes du Robles Paso Robles $20.00
 Bronze 2006 Barbera, Steinbeck/ Christian Lazo Vineyards Paso Robles $22.00
 Silver 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Vineyard Selection Paso Robles $18.00
 Bronze 2005 Syrah, Steinbeck Vineyard Paso Robles $20.00
 Bronze 2006 Zinfandel, Steinbeck/Wine-Bush Vineyards Paso Robles $24.00
 Bronze 2007 Chardonnay, Estate Bottled Paso Robles $18.00
 Bronze 2006 Roussanne, Cass Vineyards Paso Robles $22.00
 Silver 2007 Viognier, Mill Road Vineyard Paso Robles $20.00
Estraie
 Gold 2005 Sortie North Coast $22.00
 Gold 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County $24.00

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SAN DIEGO RESULTS

April 24, 2008

San Diego Wine Competition: Impressive Performers

Posted by Robert Whitley at 10:49 AM

I plan to use this space over the next couple of weeks to highlight a number of the impressive performances I witnessed at the 2008 San Diego International Wine Competition.

One of the first to catch my eye was Alba Vineyard of New Jersey! Alba had the Best of Show Fruit wine, yes, but also took a silver for a dry Riesling. New Jersey wouldn't be the first state that comes to mind when I'm looking for a good Riesling.

And what can I say about the Killer B's, Bonterra and Bogle? My goodness, these guys are the Energizer Bunnies of California wine. Just keep on winning and winning and winning. And we love those low, low prices!

And based on their performances in my other competitions, I have to say Bernard Griffin (Washington) and Bianchi (California) are two potentially great wineries to watch.

Alba Vineyard
 Best of Show Fruit Wine
 Gold NV Forbidden, Sweet Dessert Wine New Jersey $15.49
 
 Silver NV Blueberry Wine New Jersey $12.99
 Bronze NV Red Raspberry Wine New Jersey $12.99
 Silver 2006 Dry Riesling New Jersey $13.99
Artesa Winery
 Bronze 2004 Elements Napa/Sonoma $22.00
 Silver 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve Napa Valley $45.00
 Gold, Sweeps 2006 Pinot Noir Reserve, Estate Carneros $38.00
 Silver 2004 Tempranillo, Reserve Alexander Valley $25.00
 Silver 2006 Chardonnay, Reserve Carneros $26.00
Banrock Station 
 Gold 2007 Merlot South Eastern  Australia $6.99
 Bronze 2006 Shiraz South Eastern  Australia $6.99
 Gold 2007 Chardonnay South Eastern  Australia $6.99
Barnard Griffin Winery
 Silver 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley $17.00
 Silver 2005 Merlot, Reserve Columbia Valley $35.00
 Gold 2007 Rose of Sangiovese Columbia Valley $12.00
 Silver 2006 Syrah Columbia Valley $17.00
 Silver 2007 Viognier Columbia Valley $25.00
Bianchi Winery
 Bronze 2005 Pinot Noir, Signature Selection, Garey Vineyard Santa Maria Valley $25.00
 Silver 2005 Petite Sirah, Signature Selection, Rancho Tierra Rejada Paso Robles $24.00
 Bronze 2004 Syrah, Signature Selection Paso Robles $22.00
 Bronze 2005 Zinfandel, Heritage Selection, Zen Ranch Paso Robles $24.00
 Gold 2006 Chardonnay, Signature Selection, Edna Ranch Edna Valley  $19.00
Blackstone Winery 
 Gold 2005 Rubric, Sonoma Reserve Sonoma County $19.00
 Gold 2005 Merlot, Sonoma Reserve Sonoma County $16.00
 Silver 2006 Merlot California $12.00
Bogle Vineyards
 Bronze 2004 California Phantom California $17.00
 Bronze 2006 Chenin Blanc, California California $9.00
 Bronze 2005 Petite Sirah Port Clarksburg $18.00
 Bronze 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, California California $11.00
 Silver 2006 Merlot, California California $9.00
 Silver 2006 Petite Sirah California $11.00
 Bronze 2006 Zinfandel, Old Vine California $11.00
 Silver 2006 Chardonnay, California California $9.00
 Gold 2006 Sauvignon Blanc California $9.00

Bonterra 
 Silver 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Mendocino County $14.99
 Silver 2005 Merlot, Made With Organically Grown Grapes Mendocino County $14.99
 Silver 2007 Rose Mendocino County $13.99
 Gold 2006 Zinfandel, Mendocino County $14.99
 Bronze 2006 Muscat, Bartolucci Vineyard Lake County $15.99
 Gold, Sweeps 2006 Chardonnay Mendocino County $12.99
 Silver 2006 Viognier Mendocino County / Lake Co. $17.99

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RESULTS

April 22, 2008

San Diego Reveals Worldly Best of Show Winners

We concluded the 25th San Diego International Competition late Sunday afternoon with the judging session that determines the big prizes.

The "Sweepstakes" tasting for Best of Show wines is both grueling and exhilarating. Following each vote the wines are unveiled. It is the first glimpse of the wines the judges have been tasting "blind" through the long weekend.

The 2008 Best of Show winners in San Diego represent the world, and are a fair read on the state of play wines from Europe and the Southern Hemisphere have in the U.S. wine market today.

The envelope please:

Best of Show Sparkling -- Henriot Blanc Souverain Brut, Champagne, $33.

Best of Show White -- Nobilo 2007 East Coast Pinot Gris, New Zealand, $13.

Best of Show Red -- Cinnabar 2005 Limited Production, Exclusive Release Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, $35.

Best of Show Rose -- Bonny Doon 2006 Big House Pink, California, $10.

Best of Show Red Dessert -- Quinta do Vesuvio 2001 Vintage Port, Douro Valley, $55.

Best of Show White Dessert -- Greenwood Ridge 2006 White Riesling, Late Harvest, Mendocino Ridge, $25 (per .375ML bottle).

Best of Show Fruit Wine -- Alba Vineyard "Forbidden" Sweet Dessert Wine, New Jersey, $15.

It should be noted that the Greenwood Ridge Late Harvest Riesling took the overall vote for Best Dessert and the Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port received the most votes for any red dessert wine.