AlaWine.com: Super Award Winning Wines

Sweepstakes Winners, International Eastern Wine Competition

The four Best of Category winners were selected from the 44 Double Gold medalists that advanced to the final round after earning unanimous gold votes from judging panels in the previous "medal round". They are:

Best White Wine
Chateau Ste Michelle and Dr. Loosen, 08 Eroica Riesling, Columbia Valley (AVA), $24

Best Red Wine
Napa Ridge Winery, 07 Petite Sirah, Napa Valley (AVA), $12.99

Best Dessert Wine
Dr. Konstantin Frank, 08 Riesling, Finger Lakes (AVA), Bunch Select Late Harvest, $69.99

Best Fruit Wine
Ackerman Winery, 09 Raspberry, Iowa (State Appellation), $9.95

Best of Varietal winners include:
Bogle, 08 Chardonnay, California (State Appellation), $9
Ferrante Winery, 08 Gewurztraminer, Grand River Valley (AVA), $15
Dr. Konstantin Frank, 08 Riesling, Finger Lakes (AVA), Bunch Select Late Harvest, $69.99
Oliver Winery, 09 Pinot Grigio, America (Lodi and Columbia Gorge AVAs) $12.50
Domaine Laurier Winery, 07 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County (County Appellation), Reserve, $9.99
Trecini Winery, 07 Merlot, Russian River Valley (AVA), $28
Cross Keys Vineyards, 08 Cabernet Franc, Shenandoah Valley (AVA), $21
Napa Ridge Winery, 07 Petite Sirah, Napa Valley (AVA), $12.99
Jeff Runquist Wines, 08 Primitivo, Amador County (County Appellation), Nostro Vino Vineyard, $26
Balistreri Vineyards, 08 Sangiovese, Grand Valley (AVA), Talbott Vineyard, $22
Lost Bars, 07 Icewine, Okanagan Valley (DVA), VQA, $38

For more information, click here.

Best of Show, 2010 California State Fair Wine Competition

The 2010 California State Fair Wine Competition winners have been posted, and the Best of Show award-winning wines (and Best Value wine) include:

Best of Show, Red
Double Gold, 98
Red Rock Winery
2008 California Malbec

Best of Show, White
Gold, 95
Cypress Vineyards
2009 Central Coast Sauvignon Blanc

Best of Show, Dessert
Gold, 95
R. A. Harrison Family Cellars
2007 Napa County Nobility

Best Value
Double Gold, 98
Sterling Vineyards
2008 Central Coast Meritage

For more information, click here.

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2008 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine

The Award-Winning Wine:
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2008 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine

Reason for Reviewing:
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2008 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine earned a top-honor Double Gold Medal award at the 2010 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
This year, Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards is celebrating twenty-five years of winemaking in the Finger Lakes region. The Winery is rated one of America’s Top 25 Tasting Rooms by Wine Enthusiast magazine and is home to the ever-popular Red Cat (Red Catawba and Baco Noir).

Winery Notes:
Created in the method of the rare German eiswein. This Vidal wine offers the alluring flavors of peach, apricot and honey balanced by the fine refreshing acidity and a silky finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2008 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine shows as a light honey-yellow color in the glass. Peach and tropical fruit aromas lift to the nose. Peach pie flavors in a smooth, viscous mouth, with balanced acidity, and a long finish.

Bottom Line:
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2008 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine is a delicious and refreshing dessert wine from start to finish. Suggested retail price is $40 per 375ml. Overall composite score: 95 points.

NextGen Wine Competition Gold

Results are in from the NextGen Wine Competition for Millennial Wine Drinkers. All of the judges were young people, ages 21-35, in the wine industry, including "sommeliers, wine educators, hot young chefs, bloggers and media who can fairly represent what they like to their colleagues and consumers," according to Lea Pierce, Founder and Managing Director of Wine Competition Management. The following 23 wines were awarded top-honor Gold Medals:

* ADS Wines, Heavy Weight White Chardonnay 2008 $12.99
* Jekel Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 $14.99
* Castoro Cellars Reserve Tempranillo 2006 $21.95
* DnA Vintners Chocolate Paradise $14
* Pepperwood Grove Wines, The Big Green Box Chardonnay $19.99
* Barefoot Moscato $6.99
* Grady Family Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel 2008 $14
* Hagafen Cellars Don Ernesto Vin Gris 2009 $15
* Dante Dusi Vineyard Zinfandel 2008 $32
* Jus Soli Winery Roots Red 2007 $20
* The Magnificent Wine Co Syrah 2007 $21.99
* R & B Cellars Swingsville Zinfandel 2007 $12
* Reynoso Family Vineyards Long Gamma Red Wine 2007 $10
* Ricardus Corculum ClandestZin Zinfandel 2007 $40
* Rock Wall Wine Co Holbrook Mitchell Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2008 $25
* Sky Saddle Zinfandel 2007 $22
* Tapiz Winery Zolo Torrontes 2009 $11
* Van Ruiten Family Vineyards Petite Sirah 2008 $19.99
* Walter Dacon C'est Syrah Beaux, Syrah 2007 $38
* Wilson Winery Estate Dorothy's Vineyard Syrah 2007 $30
* Charter Oak Winery Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel 2007 $42
* Prairie Creek Vineyards Sweet Ass White $15
* Two Mountain Winery Washington State, Yakima $22 Valley 7066 Merlot 2006
For more information, click here.

Grand Star Award-Winners, Lone Star International Wine Competition

The Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association recently hosted the 27th Annual Lone Star International Wine Competition. Nearly 600 wines from around the world were judged in 30+ categories by a panel of restaurant owners, sommeliers, chefs and other wine experts. Forty-four gold, 162 silver and 238 bronze medals were awarded to entries from fourteen U.S. states and ten foreign countries.

The 2010 Lone Star International Wine Competition Grand Star Award-Winning wines are:

Fortified Wine
Quady Winery Elysium California Black Muscat 2008

Red Table Wine
Bodegas Paso Robles Viva Yo 2005

Rose' & Blush Wine
McPherson Cellars 2009 Rose of Syrah 2009

White Table Wine
Dr. Konstantin Frank Riesling Semi-Dry 2009

For more information, click here.

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Lake Chelan Winery 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

The Award-Winning Wine:
Lake Chelan Winery 2005 Rivers bend Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Reason for Reviewing:
Lake Chelan Winery 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon earned a Double Gold Medal award from the 2010 Tasters Guild International Wine Judging.

Winery Notes:
The color is a beautiful purple-red. The aromas and flavors are focused, and plentiful, with rich blackberries, purple plum, dried herbs and vanilla bean leading the way. The body is definitely medium with the finish persisting... The tannins are moderate yet in sufficient quantities. This wine is so well structured that it may be enjoyed alone, however, it would be a shame not to marry it with grilled red meats or richly seasoned pasta dishes.

AlaWine Notes:
Lake Chelan Winery 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon pours as a dark ruby color. Rich, abundant aromas of berries rise to the nose. Ripe blackberry and whole plum flavors fill the palate in a smooth opening and linger through a long, toasty finish.

Bottom Line:
Lake Chelan Winery 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon is a flavorful, quaffable cab with a satisfying finish. Suggested retail price is $30. Overall composite score: 93 points.

Dutcher Crossing Winery 2008 Chardonnay

The Award-Winning Wine:
Dutcher Crossing Winery 2008 Chardonnay, Stuhlmuller Vineyard, Alexander Valley

Reason for Reviewing:
Dutcher Crossing Winery 2008 Chardonnay won the top award for Best Chardonnay at the 2010 San Diego International Wine Competition. Dutcher Crossing has also won numerous other super awards on this and other wines this year, as you can see here.

Noteworthy:
The winery's logo is a vintage high-wheel bicycle, based on a treasured gift from proprietor Debra Mathy's father, and "represents Dutcher Crossing's pursuit of quality small-lot winemaking..."

Winery Notes:
This wine is complex, rich and layered. The signature Stuhlmuller light straw color with a greenish hue defines the wine's color. The aromas have this long layered effect with lovely toasted nut with creamy pear and apple subtleties, each adding to the sum of enjoyment. On the palate, the flavors are broad with texture and depth. There is a sense of freshness in every sip that marries well with the long length of the finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Dutcher Crossing Winery 2008 Chardonnay shows as a pale straw yellow color on pouring. Delicate apple-pear aromas lift to the nose. And, flavors of apple and pear carry onto the palate, along with apricot in creamy mouth, which lingers gracefully through a refreshing finish.

Bottom Line:
Dutcher Crossing Winery 2008 Chardonnay is a beautiful and elegant wine, well balanced and finessed; truly delicious. Suggested retail price is $34. Overall composite score: 97 points.

Quady Winery 2008 Essensia

The Award-Winning Wine:
Quady Winery 2008 Essensia, California Orange Muscat

Reason for Reviewing:
Quady Winery 2008 Essensia California Orange Muscat earned a Platinum Medal award at the 2010 Monterey Wine Competition and several Gold Medals from various other wine competitions.

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.

Winery Notes:
From 100% Orange Muscat with an aroma reminiscent of Orange Blossom and Apricot, and a lingering refreshing aftertaste, Essensia is used as a dessert accompaniment or a dessert in itself.

AlaWine Notes:
Quady Winery 2008 Essensia pours as an orange honey color, and readily yields fragrant aromas of a citrus orchard on a warm summer day. Abundant sweet orange flavors coat the palate and linger lazily

Bottom Line:
Quady Winery 2008 Essensia, California Orange Muscat is a unique and delicious dessert wine with full fruit flavors and a refreshing finish. Pair with fresh fruits, nuts, chocolate. Suggested retail price is $16.99 per 375ml. Overall composite score: 94 points.

Super-Award-Winning Wines from the 2010 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition

Wine of the Year
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 Dry Riesling, Columbia Valley ($9)

Best of Show Sparkling
Perrier-Jouet 2002 Fleur de Champagne, France ($140)

Best of Show Red
Girard 2007 Petite Sirah, Napa Valley ($28)

Best of Show White
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 Dry Riesling, Columbia Valley ($9)

Best of Show Rose
Uptick Vineyards 2009 Hilda's Rose, Russian River Valley ($19)

Best of Show Dessert
V. Sattui Winery Angelica, Napa Valley ($30)

Best Chardonnay
Jordan Winery 2008 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley ($29)

Best Cabernet Sauvignon
Sawyer 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley ($48)

Best Bordeaux Blend
Dry Creek Vineyard 2006 The Mariner, Dry Creek Valley ($40)

Best Pinot Noir
Stoller 2006 Pinot Noir, Estate, Dundee Hills, Oregon ($40)

For more information, click here.

Sweepstakes Winners, 2010 West Coast Wine Competition

Best Sparkling Wine
Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Blanc de Noirs, Carneros, Los Carneros, $20

Best White Wine
Tsillan Cellars, 08 Riesling, Lake Chelan, Estate Dry, $20

Best Blush/Rosé Wine
Callaway Vineyard & Winery, 09 Special Selection Rose of Sangiovese, Temecula Valley, 100% Sangiovese, $18

Best Red Wine
Sycamore Creek, 07 Mosaico, Santa Clara Valley, $28.95

For more information, click here.

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Santa Barbara Winery 2007 Reserve Chardonnay

The Award-Winning Wine:
Santa Barbara Winery 2007 Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills

Reason for Reviewing:
Santa Barbara Winery 2007 Reserve Chardonnay earned a Platinum Medal at the 2010 Monterey Wine Festival and a Double Gold Medal award from the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Santa Barbara Winery was the first winery in Santa Barbara County after prohibition. It would be more than ten years before a second winery opened; today, there are more than 100.

Winery Notes:
"...full-bodied and richly textured with complexity of flavor further enhanced by barrel fermentation. More than half of the fruit used was from vines aged 30 years and older."

AlaWine Notes:
Santa Barbara Winery 2007 Reserve Chardonnay graces the glass as a medium straw-yellow color. Tropical and citrus aromas present to the nose. On the palate, rich flavors of passionfruit, apricot, and pineapple rush in in a smooth mouth, and sustain through a moderate acidity and buttery finish.

Bottom Line:
Santa Barbara Winery 2007 Reserve Chardonnay is a rich wine of some substance and substantial fruit. Smooth, flavorful, and fresh from start to finish. Both refreshing and satisfying. Suggested retail price is $22. Overall composite score: 95 points.

Trefethen 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The Award-Winning Wine:
Trefethen 2006 Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District, Cabernet Sauvignon

Reason for Reviewing:
Trefethen 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon earned a Double-Gold Medal Award at the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
As one of Napa Valley’s few remaining family wine estates, Trefethen Vineyards has never purchased a single outside grape. Located in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, their estate vineyard is nestled in a verdant landscape of vines at the cooler, southern end of Napa Valley.

Winery Notes:
Aromas of coffee and black cherry with hints of bay leaf carry through onto the palate, lengthening the flavor profile. Firm tannins build alongside flavors of ripe plum fruit and walnut.

AlaWine Notes:
On pouring, Trefethen 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon presents as a dark purple-garnet color. Abundant aromas of ripe berries rise from the glass. Opening flavors of wild blackberries and dark cherries flood the palate, and carry through a long, dry toasty oak finish of fruit and light leather.

Bottom Line:
Trefethen 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is more than 90% Estate Cab, and less than 10% Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot combined. The wine is well integrated with interesting layers of complexity. Just in time for Summer grilling. Suggested retail price is $50. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Hagafen Cellars 2008 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc

The Award-Winning Wine:
Hagafen Cellars 2008 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc

Reason for Reviewing:
Hagafen Cellars 2008 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc earned a Platinum Medal award at the 2010 Monterey Wine Competition.

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

Winery Notes:
This Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc is made on the edges of the Sonoma Coast, where the mountain meets the sea, creating the perfect conditions for this rarely produced release. This tropically sweet wine is a prefect end-of-the-meal match for a wide range of cuisines.

AlaWine Notes:
Hagafen Cellars 2008 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc shows as a medium yellow, almost honey color in the glass. Rich aromas of banana and grapefruit arise to the nose in a light grassy context. Ripe tropical fruit flavors on the palate, smooth and sweet, but with a complementary bright acidity through a very long finish.

Bottom Line:
Hagafen Cellars 2008 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc is a delightful dessert wine that can be very well enjoyed on its own, or with a fresh rock fruit and cheese plate or with Danish. Suggested retail price is $30 per 375 mL. Overall composite score: 94 points.

Double Gold Medal Winners from 2010 Tasters Guild International Wine Judging

* Callaway Winery 2009 Rose' of Sangiovese
* Callaway Winery 2009 Muscat Canelli Special Select
* David Girard Vineyards 2007 Syrah El Dorado
* Deguello Wine 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Vyd
* Dr. Konstantin Frank 2008 Riesling L.H. Bunch Select
* Dutcher Crossing Winery 2006 Port-style
* Dutcher Crossing Winery 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Resv
* Forchini Winery 2007 Papa Nonno
* Gloria Ferrer 2009 Carneros Cuvee
* Keuka Spring Winery 2008 Riesling Semi Sweet
* Kiona Vineyards 2008 Chenin Blanc IW
* Kiona Vineyards 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Red MT
* Lake Chelan Winery 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Vly
* Montpelleer Vineyards 2008 Viognier
* Montpelleer Vineyards 2007 Syrah
* Rideau Vineyard 2007 Grenache Noir
* Tagaris Winery 2007 Mourvedre Wahluke Slope
* Tagaris Winery 2006 Petite Verdot Wahluke Slope
* V. Sattui Winery 2007 Cabernet Franc Alexander Vly
For more information click here.

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Renwood Winery 2007 Barbera

The Award-Winning Wine:
Renwood Winery 2007 Barbera

Reason for Reviewing:
Renwood Winery 2007 Barbera earned a Platinum Medal Award at the recently completed 2010 San Diego International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
The winery's flagship wine, Renwood Grandpère® Zinfandel comes from the oldest clone of Zinfandel in America dating back to the 1860’s. This variety, Barbera, has emerged as the noble Italian varietal of Amador County, and this wine has won more medals than any other Sierra Foothill wine.

AlaWine Notes:
On pouring, Renwood Winery 2007 Barbera, shows as a dark ruby color in the glass. Significant aromas of red fruit rise to the nose in a smoky context. Fruit forward, ripe berry flavors and whole plum flood the palate and persist through a long and toasty finish with modest tannins.

Bottom Line:
Renwood Winery 2007 Barbera is full bodied wine, rich in flavor, yet well balanced and well finished. Likely to pair well with a wide range of dinner menus. Suggested retail price is $23. Overall composite score: 93 points.