Monthly Archives: April 2018

Judging, Sommelier, Wine

Experience the North Coast Wine Challenge 2018!

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Last week I spent a few days in the midst of Northern California’s best wines.  Results have been posted and this article in the Press Democrat talks about the selection.  I have shared some pictures and the list below, however there is a much more thorough list of Gold Medal Winners in the D-section of Wednesday’s PD print version.  Peruse, pontificate and plan to attend the North Coast Wine & Food Festival on June 9, to try out these fabulous wines!

North Coast Wine Challenge Winners

Best of the Best: Kokomo 2016 Pinot Noir Gopher Hills Block Peters Vineyard Sonoma Coast

Best of Show Red: Kokomo 2016 Pinot Noir Gopher Hills Block Peters Vineyard Sonoma Coast

Best of Sonoma County: Kokomo 2016 Pinot Noir Gopher Hills Block Peters Vineyard Sonoma Coast

Best of Show White: J. Rickards Winery 2017 Sauvignon Blanc Croft Vineyard Alexander Valley

Best of Show Rose: Rodney Strong Vineyards 2017 Rosé of Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

Best of Show Sparkling: Domaine Carneros 2013 Brut

Best of Show Dessert Wine: Sonoma Cutrer Vineyards 2015 Late Harvest Chardonnay

Best of Lake County: Cache Creek Vineyards 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Lake County

Best of Marin County: DeLoach Vineyards 2015 Pinot Noir Marin County

Best of Mendocino: Soda Rock 2016 Chardonnay Mendocino

Best of Napa County: Mudita 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Circle S Ranch Atlas Peak Napa

Best of Sonoma County: Kokomo 2016 Pinot Noir Gopher Hill Block Peters Vineyard Sonoma Coast

SAVE THE DATE! June 9th

#PDNCWC

Travels, Varietal, Wine

Last minute tickets! Hospice du Rhône on April 26-28

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Just a short note to say online ticket sales ends this Friday April 20th!   I will be there enjoying the stellar wines and company.  Some availability already SOLD OUT so get them while you can.  If not sold out, tickets to the Opening and Closing Tastings will be available at the door for $10 more. All other tickets must be purchased in advance.

GET YOUR TICKETS!

Judging, Travels, Wine

CA State Fair: Wine Competition Winners Announced

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Just a little trek to the State Capital over spring break and guess what we did?  While the fam was out exploring Old Town Sacramento and William Land Park, I participated in this amazing competition! Here are some highlights, with links to more winners at the bottom as well as your chance to taste them for yourself. CHEERS!

Top right photo, at the Sugar Mill in Clarskburg: El Dorado winery owners Greg and Susan Boeger were honored for their family’s achievements in the California wine industry.  In the background is our Chief Judge, Mark Chandler.  www.boegerwinery.com; Other photos showing professional wine judges at work & play!

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Best of Show Red: Double Gold 99
St. Amant Winery
2016 Touriga, The Old Soldier
Amador County

Best of Show White: Double Gold 99
Picchetti Winery
2017 Sauvignon Blanc
Cedar Lane Vineyard
Arroyo Seco

Best of Show Sparkling: Double Gold 99
Gwinllan Estate
2016, Pinot Noir Rose, Brut Sparkling Wine
El Dorado

Best of Show Pink: Double Gold 99
Malene
2017 Rosé
Santa Barbara County

Best of Show Dessert: Double Gold 98
Stephen & Walker
2012 Botrytis Chardonnay, Late Harvest
Mendocino Ridge

Golden State Winery of the Year
Imagery Estate Winery

Golden State Vineyard of the Year Award
Paraiso Springs Vineyard

Wine Lifetime Achievement Awards
Greg Boeger
The Bogle Family

California All Stars Awards
Ken Fugelsang
Dennis Martin

Here is a  searchable list of the 2018 CA State Fair Commercial Wine Competition winners.  Several opportunities to try these wines upcoming include the Best of California Tasting Event on June 21, or through Taste of California Experience Classes from July 13-29.