WINEMAKERS CHALLENGE WINE COMPETITION
BEST BARBERA AND PLATINUM MEDAL
2020 Barbera, Cooper Vineyard, Amador County, 95 points
“Jeff Runquist’s team has a way with this grape, particularly when it comes to this vineyard source. The 2020 iteration is made in a big style, and it’s managed in a way that maintains the grapes signature acidity that makes the bold cherry fruit pop with rich oak spice adding layers. A zesty kiss finishes things off nicely. You can go full saucy on an Italian dinner with this as a pairing and be completely satisfied.”
BEST SYRAH AND PLATINUM MEDAL
2020 Syrah, Three Way Vineyard, Paso Robles, 94 points
“This Syrah leans into its ripe fruit, showing black and blue berry aromas and flavors, and it’s balanced with bright acidity that helps secondary and tertiary layers to show themselves clearly. Vanilla, cinnamon, and a touch of oak char accent the fruit and extend the finish where things get a peppery push. This is built for something on the gamey side of the menu and will also work with medium to strong cheeses.”
PLATINUM MEDAL
“Here’s a completely different take on Dolcetto over what you’d expect from an Italian version. Well, we’re not in Italy here – we’re in the Sierra Foothills of California, where big diurnal temperature swings can make ripeness a factor. That factor is embraced here, and it brings a savory element into the mix that’s very attractive. Blackberry, brown spice, and supple tannic structure work well together.”
GOLD MEDAL
2020 Barbera, Amador County, 93 points – Order Online
2019 Sangiovese, The Hill Vineyard, Amador County, 92 points – Order Online
2021 Verdelho, Estate Grown, Amador County, 92 points – Order Online
2019 Reserve Barbera, Amador County, 91 points
2020 Touriga, Silvaspoons Vineyard, Alta Mesa, 91 points
2020 “Z” Zinfandel, Massoni Ranch, Amador County, 91 points – Order Online
2020 Alicante Bouschet, Dutchman Vineyard, San Joaquin County, 90 points – Order Online
2021 Viognier, River Junction, 90 points – Order Online
SILVER MEDAL
2020 Grenache, Three Way Vineyard, Paso Robles
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Way Vineyard, Paso Robles
2020 Petit Verdot, San Joaquin County – Order Online
2020 Petite Sirah, Salman Vineyard, Clarksburg – Order Online
2021 Rosé of Primitivo, Amador County – Order Online
2021 Muscat Canelli, River Junction – Order Online
2020 Sisney, Estate Grown, Peroni Ranch, Amador County
MORE WINE COMPETITION RESULTS
