March 24, 2012

             Big time wins in California, great reviews in Wine Spectator, and New York Gold from IEWC in Sonoma  (I'm off to judge at the Finger Lakes Internation Wine Competition this weekend, which almost certainly will yield even more Gold!)

             Cheers!          

             Jim Trezise

           Chateau LaFayette Reneau 2010 Dry Riesling was named "New World Grand Champion" of all wines entered, winning Best New World White Wine, Best New World Riesling, Best of Varietal, Best of Class, and Double Gold on its way to the ultimate award at the New World International Wine Competition (NWIWC) held recently in San Bernardino, CA. Veteran winemaker Tim Miller has a long list of "Best of..., Double Gold, and Gold medals but this one is certainly right at the top of his many accomplishments.

            Chateau Frank 2006 Blanc de Noirs too Best New World Sparkling Wine, Best of Varietal, best of Class, and Double Gold on its way to the top in that category..

             Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2010 Chardonnay rated Best New World Chardonnay--in the land of chardonnay, judged by nearly all California judges.

             These were certainly the top three, but other New York wines scored high as well, including Dr. Frank 2010 Gruner Veltliner (Best of Class, and Gold); Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Vidal Ice Wine (Best of Varietal, Best of Class, Double Gold), Merritt Estate Bella Rosa (Best of Class, Gold), Sparkling Pointe 2006 Blanc de Blancs (Best of Class, Duble Gold); Swedish Hill Winery 2010 Vignoles 25th Anniversary Reserve (Best of Varietal, Best of Class, Gold) and Riesling Cuvee (Best of Class, Double Gold).

              In addition, Gold medals went to Belhurst Estate Winery 2010 Chardonnay, Dr. Frank 2010 Pinot Gris (Double Gold), Dr. Frank 2011 Dry Riesling, Sparkling Pointe Cuvee Carnaval, and Swedish Hill Winery 2010 Riesling.

              The NWIWC was created by the late, great Jerry Mead, the self-described "wine curmudgeon" who in his publications loved railing against bumbling bureaucracies and ridiculous regulations.  He also was one who discouraged his judges from "viticultural racism" and judge the wines on their own merits.

               The fact that New York wines won the very top price, and two of the best of category (White, and Sparkling) reflects his legacy.

                Our "wine competitions" program helps New York wineries reduce their costs of entering major international wine competitions like this, where they often shine and case light on all New York wines.

                The International Eastern Wine Competition held in Sonoma a couple weeks ago yielded yet more New York Gold, headed by "Best of Class" honors for Anthony Road 2009 Riesling Art Series and 2010 Gewurztraminer, along with Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2010 Chardonnay and Swedish Hill Winery Viking Red.

                     Double Gold medals went to Casa Larga Vineyards 2008 Vidal Ice Wine and Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2010 Vidal Ice Wine (clearly a New York specialty).

                     Gold medals were also awarded to Anyela's Vineyard 2010 Riesling; Chateau Frank 2006 Blanc de Blancs; Dr. Frank 2010 Rkatsiteli and 2010 Pinot Gris; Glenora Wine Cellars 2011 Pinot Noir Rose; Heron Hill Winery 2010 Riesling; Knapp Winery 2011 Riesling; Mazza Chautauqua Cellars 2010 Icewine of Vidal Blanc; Swedish Hill 2007 Optimus and Spumante Blush; and Wagner Vineyards 2009 Dry Riesling.

                     Overall, New York wines took four "Best of Class" honors, two Double Golds, 15 Golds, 65 Silvers, and 50 Bronze medals--more than 130 awards total.

                     We also applaud our friendly competitors from other states or provinces, especially Wollesheim Winery (Wisconson) which won Best of Show of the entire competition with its nonvintage American Dry Riesling along with Best Rose with its 2011 Prairie Blush.  Magnotta Winery in Ontario took Best Red Wine with its 2010 Niagara Peninsula Shiraz, and Mazza Vineyards from Pennsylvania earned Best Sweet/Late Harves Wine with its 2010 Vidal Blanc Ice Wine (Mazza Chautauqua Cellars in New York is a different winery under the same ownership.)

                     The IEWC is sponsored by Vineyard & Winery Management Magazine, which holds its annual Wineries Unlimited conference and trade show next week in Richmond, VA.

   "Nothing more excellent or valuable than wine has ever been granted by the gods to man."

               --Plato