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Houston International Wine Competition Winners

The results are in from the sixth annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo International Wine Competition. More than 1,800 entries from 585 wineries from Texas, U. S. and abroad were judged recently at the Reliant Center in Houston. Here are the Super-Award winners:

* Grand Champion Best of Show: 2006 Vina Robles, Suendero Paso Robles

* Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show: 2007 McManis Family Vineyards Petite Sirah

* Top Texas Wine: Piney Woods Texas Moon Magnolia NV

* Top Red Wine: 2005 Robledo Family Winery Merlot Los Carneros Rancho Emiliano

* Top White Wine: 2006 Friedrich Fendel "Friedrich" Riesling Kabinett

* Top Sweet Wine: 2006 d’Arenberg "The Noble" Chardonnay-Semillon McLaren Vale

* Top Sparkling Wine: Simonnet-Febvre Cremant de Bourgogne Rose Brut NV

* Top Value Wine: 2007 McManis Family Vineyards Zinfandel

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

Dry Creek Vineyard 2007 Fume Blanc

The Award-Winning Wine:
Dry Creek Vineyard 2007 Fume Blanc

Reason for Reviewing:
Dry Creek Vineyard 2007 Fume Blanc won the Sweepstakes Award for Best White Wine and the Best of Class Award at the 2008 Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition, held recently right here in Santa Rosa.

Noteworthy:
Dry Creek Vineyard's inspiration for the winery’s flagship varietal can be directly attributed to the Loire Valley. Traveling through the vineyards of France, winery founder David Stare was beguiled by the classic wines of the region--refreshingly grassy and herbaceous Sancerre, subtle and evocative Pouilly Fume, the charming wines of Vouvray. He vowed that his future winery's white wines would be fashioned according to this traditional standard. He coined the term Fume Blanc to describe this flagship wine -- a dry Sauvignon Blanc crafted in the classic Loire Valley style.

Winery Notes:
At first swirl, the 2007 vintage of our Sonoma County Fume Blanc presents intense aromas of lemon-lime, ruby grapefruit and fresh cut grass. After a couple of minutes in the glass, more subtle hints of kiwi and guava begin to reveal a complex wine. On the palate, this wine is truly delicious with excellent viscosity and length showing more fresh fruit flavors and very balanced acidity.

AlaWine Notes:
Dry Creek Vineyard 2007 Fume Blanc pours as a very pale straw-yellow color in the glass. Grapefruit, mown grass, and green apple aromas predominate in a floral context. On the palate, grapefruit carries over, along with other citrus highlights, in a full fruit, smooth mouth, leading to a crisp, yet lingering finish.

Bottom Line:
Dry Creek Vineyard 2007 Fume Blanc is a very flavorful, quaffable Sauvignon Blanc with interesting layers of fruit and complexity. It is very well integrated and can be enjoyed entirely on its own, or pair with fish or other seafood, aged cheeses, or spicy grilled chicken. At a suggested retail price of $14.50, Dry Creek Vineyard 2007 Fume Blanc represents a very good value. Overall composite score: 96 points.

Adobe Road Winery 2005 Zinfandel

The Award-Winning Wine:
Adobe Road Winery 2005 Zinfandel

Reason for Reviewing:
Adobe Road Winery 2005 Zinfandel won the Sweepstakes Award for Best Red Wine at the 2008 Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition, held recently right here in Santa Rosa.

Noteworthy:
In addition to the winery, founder and proprietor Kevin Buckler also owns professional sportscar and NASCAR racing teams, with multiple championships and victories at the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Winery Notes:
A hedonistically rich wine with all of the sumptuous, berry-forward aromas, and spicy, black and white pepper flavors you could hope for in a Zinfandel. This wine is packed with flavor and richness, yet it is extremely balanced—a delicious expression of the Zinfandel grape. The fruit is a briary bowl of cherry and raspberry with a hint of chocolate and a light zing of spices in the finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Adobe Road Winery 2005 Zinfandel shows as a dark, clear ruby color on pouring. Brambleberry aromas radiate from the glass in an herbal context. Ripe wild berries, raspberry and cherry flavor predominate on first taste and sustain through a long, smooth, light pepper finish.

Bottom Line:
Adobe Road Winery 2005 Zinfandel is a very quaffable Zin with plenty of rich berry and cherry flavors. Round, luscious and well integrated, it can be served on its own, or pair with red meats, barbeque, or Asian chicken dishes. Suggested retail price is $34. Overall composite score: 97 points.

Handley Cellars 2006 Mendocino Pinot Noir

The Award-Winning Wine:
Handley Cellars 2006 Mendocino Pinot Noir

Reason for Reviewing:
Handley Cellars 2006 Mendocino Pinot Noir earned Best of Class honors for Red Wines at the 2008 West Coast Wine Competition held here in Santa Rosa, California.

Winery Notes:
Handley’s 2006 Mendocino Pinot Noir offers aromas of violets and raspberries. Subtle oak adds depth and complexity to bright cherry flavors.

AlaWine Notes:
Handley Cellars 2006 Mendocino Pinot Noir pours as a bright cherry red color in the glass. Ripe berry aromas waft to the nose in a light floral context. Red berry and cherry flavors fill the palate and hold through a long oak finish and moderate tannins.

Bottom Line:
Handley Cellars 2006 Mendocino Pinot Noir is a highly quaffable, medium-bodied, Pinot with interesting layers of complementary flavors. This wine would pair well with Asian and Indian dishes. Suggested retail price is $25. Overall composite score: 94 points.

Denver International Top-Honor Gold Medal Winners

The results are in from last month's 2008 Denver International Wine Competition and here are the top-honor Gold Medal Winning Wines:

SPARKLING WINE
Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards Blanc De Noirs NV, Pinot Noir, United States California - Sonoma

PROSECCO
La Cantina Pizzolato, La Cantina Pizzolato 2006, Italy-Veneto

LATE HARVEST/SWEET
Marlargo Wines Botrytis Semillon 2007 Semillon, Australia-West Australia

PINOT GRIGIO/GRIS
Bianchi Winery Signature Selection 2007, Pinot Grigio United States California - Arroyo Grande Valley

SAUVIGNON BLANC-UNDER $15
Snoqualmie Winery 2007, Snoqualmie Sauvignon Blanc, United States-Washington

SAUVIGNON BLANC-OVER $15
Spy Valley Winery, Spy Valley 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand-Marlborough

CHARDONNAY UNDER $15
Michael David Winery, Windmill 2007 Chardonnay, United States California - Lodi

CHARDONNAY OVER $15
Rodney Strong Vineyards, Rodney Strong Vineyards 2007 Chardonnay, United States California -Sonoma

VIOGNIER UNDER $15
Loredona Wine Cellars, Lodi 2006 Viognier, United States California - Lodi

VIOGNIER OVER $15
Maryhill Winery, Maryhill Winery 2007 Viognier. United States-Columbia Valley
Michael David Winery, Incognito 2007, United States- Lodi

RIESLING DRY
Dunham Cellars, Lewis Estate Vineyard 2007 Riesling, United States Washington Columbia Valley

RIESLING SEMI-DRY
Pindar Vineyards, Johannisberg Riesling 2007, United States- North Fork

GEWURTZTRAMINER
Guadalupe Vineyards, 2007 Gewurztraminer, United States-New Mexico
Ventana Vineyards, 2007 Gewurztraminer, United States, California - Arroyo Seco

ROSE DRY STYLE
Cave la Romaine, 2007 Grenache/Syrah, France-Cotes du Ventoux

ROSE BLUSH STYLE
Maryhill Winery, 2007 Sangiovese Rose, United States-Columbia Valley

TEMPRANILO
Ventana Vineyards, La Danza 2005 Tempranillo, United States. California-Arroyo Seco

SANGIOVESE
Deerfield Ranch Winery, 2004 Sangiovese, United States, California-Sonoma

PINOT NOIR UNDER $15
Mendocino Wine Company, Parducci 2007 Pinot Noir, United States, California - Mendocino & Lake County

PINOT NOIR OVER $15
Willamette Valley Vineyards, Tualatin Estate Vineyards 2006 Pinot Noir, United States, Oregon

MERLOT UNDER $15
Sonoma Vineyards Wines, 2004 Merlot, United States California - Sonoma

MERLOT OVER $15
Merry Cellars, Stillwater Creek Vineyards 2006 Merlot, United States, Columbia Valley

CABERNET FRANC
R&B Cellars, Counterpoint 2006 Cabernet Franc, United States California - El Dorado

CABERNET SAUVIGNON UNDER $15
Black Swan, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Australia-South Australia

CABERNET SAUVIGNON $15 to $30
Rodney Strong Vineyards, Alexander Valley Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, USA California - Alexander Valley

CABERNET SAUVIGNON $30 to $50
Trinchero Family Estates, Main Street Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, United States California - NAPA

CABERNET SAUVIGNON $50 plus!
R & B Cellars, Napa Valley 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, United States, California - NAPA

ZINFANDEL UNDER $15
R&B Cellars, Swingsville Zin 2006 Zinfandel, United States California

ZINFANDEL $15 to $30
Trentadue Winery, La Storia 2005 Zinfandel, United States California - Alexander Valley

ZINFANDEL OVER $30
Balistreri Vineyards, Talbots Vineyards (178-179) 2006 Zinfandel. United States-Colorado

PETITE SIRAH
Brassfield Estate Winery, Volcano Ridge 2005 Petite Sirah, United States California - High Valley

PETIT VERDOT
Marlargo Wines, 2006 Petit Verdot, Australia-Heathcote

SYRAH/SHIRAZ UNDER $15
Two Rivers Vineyards, 2006 Syrah, United States-Colorado

SYRAH/SHIRAZ $15 to $30
Maryhill Winery, 2005 Syrah, United States Columbia Valley

SYRAH/SHIRAZ OVER $30
Cakebread Cellars, Carneros Napa Valley 2005 Syrah, United States California - Carneros Napa Valley
Cinquain Cellars, Nagengast Estate 2006 Syrah, United States, California - Paso Robles

PINOTAGE
Sebeka, 2007 Pinotage/Shiraz, South Africa Western Cape

OTHER FRENCH REDS
Domaine De La Rectorie, Cote Mer 2005 Grenache, France-Collioure

OTHER ITALIAN REDS
Azienda Agricola Zaccagnini, Morro d'Alba 2006, Lacrima di Morro d'alba, Italy-Marche

OTHER REDS NEW WORLD
Cinquain Cellars, Nagengast Estate Vineyards 2006 Red Blend, United States California - Paso Robles

LATE HARVEST REDS
Quady Winery, Elysiun 2007 Black Muscat, United States, California

BORDEAUX/MERITAGE STYLE BLENDS UNDER $20
Jason's Vineyards, 2000 Red Blend, United States New York - North Fork Long Island

BORDEAUX/MERITAGE STYLE BLENDS OVER $20
Conn Creek, Anthology 2004, United States California - NAPA

GSM BLENDS
Ventana Vineyards, Rubystone 2006 Red, United States California - Arroyo Seco

RED RHONE STYLE BLENDS
Michael David Winery, Incognito 2005 Red, United States California -Lodi

WHITE ICE WINE
Jackson-Triggs, Vidal Ice wine 2006, Canada Niagara

PORT STYLE WINE
Quady Winery, Batch 88 Starboard NV, United States, California

ORGANIC RED
Chateau Maris, La Touge 2005 Syrah, France-Minervois La Liviniere

Even though this list is long, not all categories of wine are represented here as not all catagories had a gold medal winning wine. For a complete list of all categories and all other medal-winning wines, click here.

North Carolina Best of Class Winners

The 9th Annual North Carolina State Fair Wine Competition, held earlier this month in Raleigh, had 307 wines submitted by 41 N.C. wineries. Childress Vineyards took home the N.C. Winegrowers Cup and Best of Show honors with their 2006 Cabernet Franc and led the medal count with 33 awards. Old Stone Winery’s Sweet Muscadine took the N.C. Muscadine Cup for best Muscadine wine.

Other Best of Class wines include:
* Best White Vinifera, Shelton Vineyards, Yadkin Valley Riesling 2007
* Best Fruit Wine, Buck Shoals Vineyard, Apple Mead
* Best Sparkling Wine, Biltmore Winery, Ch. Reserve Blanc de Blanc NC 2006
* Best White Native American, Old Stone Vineyards, Sweet Muscadine
* Best Red Native American, Cypress Bend Vineyards, Autumn
* Best Muscadine Rose/Blush, Rock of Ages Winery, Bushy Fork Red
* Best Vinifera Rose/Blush, Iron Gate Vineyards, Dixie Dawn

For a complete list of winners, click here.

Viansa Winery 2006 Syrah

The Award-Winning Wine:
Viansa Winery 2006 Syrah

Reason for Reviewing:
Viansa Winery 2006 Syrah earned Best of Class honors at the recently completed West Coast Wine Competition here in Santa Rosa. This was one of two Best of Class red wine awards Viansa Winery won at the competition. This wine also won a Best of Class award earlier this year at the Pacific Rim International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
At Viansa, wetlands conservation is more than concept, it is a commitment. Their beautiful Tuscan-style Villa sits atop a rolling hill above 90 acres of native plants, wetlands animals and a pristine environment they are dedicated to preserving.

Winery Notes:
Our 2006 Syrah is spicy and rich with lots of wild berry and blackberry aromas.

AlaWine Notes:
Viansa Winery 2006 Syrah displays as a dark garnet color in the glass. Ripe dark berry aromas waft to the nose. Blackberry and plum flavors fill the palate and include an anise highlight. The long finish features savory spices and moderate tannins.

Bottom Line:
Viansa Winery 2006 Syrah is an intriguing wine with complementary layers of flavor complexities. Well balanced, well integrated, this quaffable wine will pair well with grilled meats and hardy dinner fare. Suggested retail price is $28. Overall composite score: 95 points.

2008 Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Wine Competition Winners

Medals have been awarded in the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Wine Competition which is open to wines from North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, West Virginia and Tennessee. The super-award winners include:

BEST IN SHOW
Shelton Vineyards 2005 Family Reserve Chardonnay

BEST WHITE WINE
Shelton Vineyards 2005 Family Reserve Chardonnay

BEST RED WINE
Round Peak Vineyards 2005 Sangiovese

BEST DESSERT WINE
Shelton Vineyards Yadkin Valley 2005 Port

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

Sonoma County Harvest Fair Best of Class

The results are in for the 2008 Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition, held recently right here in Santa Rosa, and the 30 Best of Class award-wining wines are listed here by winery. Adobe Road Winery, Buena Vista Carneros, and Pellegrini Family Vineyards each earned two Best of Class awards. Adobe Road Winery also won the Sweepstakes Award for Best Red Wine for its 2005 Zinfandel, and Dry Creek Vineyard won the Sweepstakes Award for Best White Wine for its 2007 Fume Blanc.

* Adobe Road Winery 2005 Zinfandel $34 (Red Wine Sweepstakes)
* Adobe Road Winery 2005 Cabernet Franc $38
* Alexander Valley Vineyards 2006 Redemption Zin $24
* Buena Vista Carneros 2007 Pinot Gris $25
* Buena Vista Carneros 2005 Syrah $22.99
* Buena Vista Carneros 2006 Pinot Noir $24.99
* Calstar Cellars 2006 Pinot Noir $28.50
* Clos du Bois 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon $19.99
* Dry Creek Vineyard 2007 Fume Blanc $14.50 (White Wine Sweepstakes)
* Harts Desire Wines 2006 Late Harvest Zinfandel $26
* Hauck Cellars 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon $48
* Hook & Ladder Winery 2006 Third Alarm Pinot Noir $35
* Huntington Wine Cellars 2004 Merlot $28
* Jus Soli Winery 2006 Roots Red $24
* La Crema Winery 2007 Chardonnay $30
* Longboard Vineyards 2005 Syrah $45
* Mayo Family Winery 2003 Brut $35
* Mazzocco Sonoma 2006 Zinfandel $40
* Paradise Ridge Winery 2007 Ode to Joy Late Harvest Sauvig $37
* Pedroncelli Winery 2003 Vintage Port $18
* Pellegrini Family Vineyards 2005 Merlot $24
* Pellegrini Family Vineyards 2005 Chardonnay Reserve Cuvee $40
* Ramazzotti Wines 2005 Raffinto $30
* Selby Winery 2003 Malbec $28
* Speedy Creek 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon $34
* Taft Street Winery 2007 Rose of Pinot Noir $16
* Thumbprint Cellars 2007 Viognier $29
* Trentadue Winery 2005 Old Patch Red $14
* Valley Of The Moon Winery 2007 Chardonnay $18
* Williamson Wines 2005 Meritage Allure $47

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

Willamette Valley Vineyards 2006 Pinot Noir

The Award-Winning Wine:
Willamette Valley Vineyards 2006 Pinot Noir

Reason for Reviewing:
Willamette Valley Vineyards 2006 Pinot Noir is one of just 17 select red wines, out of 2,614 total wines evaluated, that earned a top-honor Chairman's Award at the 2008 Riverside International Wine Competition.

Noteworthy:
Since the winery founding, stewardship of the land has been a key principle in their winemaking. Jim Bernau, Founder/President says, "...we treasure our environment and use sustainable practices in growing and vinifying our winegrapes."

Winery Notes:
The 2006 Pinot Noir has sweet, delicate aromas of raspberry, licorice and violets, with a juicy entry and silky mouthfeel. The sweet and tart flavors of ripe, red cherry and cranberry are accented by hints of vanilla, earth and spice. Lingering notes of cinnamon and clove spice round out the finish.

AlaWine Notes:
Willamette Valley Vineyards 2006 Pinot Noir pours as a medium, bright ruby color in the glass. Ripe raspberry aromas lift to the nose in a musky floral context. Raspberry and red cherry flavors fill the palate in a smooth mouthfeel and linger through a long dry light-tannin finish.

Bottom Line:
Willamette Valley Vineyards 2006 Pinot Noir is fruit forward, well balanced and well integrated. Interesting layers of complementary flavors and its smooth finish make this an elegant and very enjoyable wine. Suggested retail price is $25. Overall composite score: 97 points.

2008 Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition

The 4th Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition invited 800 Eastern wineries from Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia to compete. Super award-winning wines from the 2008 competition include:

Best of Show
2007 Riesling by Newport Vineyards & Winery, RI

30 Best of Category Winners
Bordeaux-Style Red Blends
2006 Le Renard Rouge by Fox Meadow Winery, VA
Cabernet Franc
2006 Cabernet Franc by Keswick Vineyards, VA
Cabernet Sauvignon
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon by Presque Isle Wine Cellars, PA
Chambourcin
NV Terre Rouge by Jefferson Vineyards, VA
Chardonnay
2007 Reserve Chardonnay by Jefferson Vineyards, VA
Gewurztraminer
2007 Gewurztraminer by Elk Run Vineyards, Inc., MD
Merlot
2005 Reserve Merlot by Ospreys Dominion Vineyards, NY
Norton
2004 Estate Bottled Norton Locksley by Chrysalis Vineyards, VA
Other Red Hybrid/NA Varietals
2007 Concord by Greendance Winery, PA
Other Red Vinifera Blends
2005 Touché by Frogtown Cellars, GA
Other Red Vinifera Varietals
2007 Touriga by Keswick Vineyards, VA
Other White Hybrid/NA Varietals
2007 Chardonel by Abingdon Vineyard & Winery, VA
Other White Vinifera Varietals
2007 Rkatsiteli by Horton Cellars Winery, VA
Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio
2007 Pinot Grigio by Barboursville Vineyards, VA
Pinot Noir
2006 Pinot Noir by Duck Walk Vineyards, NY
Red Interspecific Blends
NV Old Mill Red by Alba Vineyard, NJ
Riesling
2007 Riesling by Newport Vineyards & Winery, RI
Sauvignon Blanc
2006 Sauvignon Blanc by White Springs Farm Estate Winery, NY
Seyval Blanc
2007 Seyval Blanc by Rappahannock Cellars, VA
Sparkling Hybrid/NA Wines
NV Extra Dry Cayuga White by Lucas Vineyards, NY
Sparkling Vinifera Wines
2004 Reserve Blanc de Blanc Brut by Biltmore Estate Wine Co., NC
2004 Sparkling Rosé by Kluge Estate Winery & Vineyard, VA
Syrah/Shiraz
2005 Syrah by Cave Ridge Vineyard, VA
Traminette
2007 Traminette by Hiddencroft Vineyards, VA
Vidal Blanc
2006 Vidal Blanc by Sakonnet Vineyards, RI
Vinifera Blush/Rosé Wines
2007 Vintage Rosé by Barboursville Vineyards, VA
Viognier
2007 Viognier by Pearmund Cellars, VA
White Hybrid/NA Blends
2007 Cuvee Blanc by Winery at La Grange, VA
White Interspecific Blends
NV Totally White by Lake Anna Winery, VA
White Vinifera Blends
2007 Tranquility by Newport Vineyards & Winery, RI

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

Bianchi 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon

The Award-Winning Wine:
Bianchi 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon

Reason for Reviewing:
Bianchi 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of just 19 select red wines that earned Best of Class honors at the 2008 West Coast Wine Competition here in Santa Rosa, California, out of 1,700 wines entered from wineries in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Baja California, British Columbia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Noteworthy:
The Bianchi family has a long history of involvement in the wine Industry, dating back to 1974 when Glenn and his father, Joseph invested in a winery and vineyard on the banks of the San Joaquin river in the Central Valley of California

Winery Notes:
Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon is a synergy of well-structured grapes from Central and Western Paso Robles vineyards; a wine of many layers with coffee-berry flavors and a fine backbone of tactile tannins and oak spice.

AlaWine Notes:
Bianchi 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon displays as a dark garnet color on pouring. Loads of ripe berry aromas fill the nose. Rich black fruit flavors, blackberry, black currant and a black olive highlight, fill the palate. Finish is full and long with moderate tannins and oak.

Bottom Line:
Bianchi 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon is a well integrated, full-bodied Cab with rich flavors of ripe fruit and a very satisfying finish. Serve with grilled red meats or other hardy fare. Suggested retail price is $22. Overall composite score: 94 points.