Lake County winemakers survived the tumult of swirling, sipping and spitting at the 2015 San Francisco Wine Competition. Not only did they survive, many returned with honors from the coveted event.
In all, 27 labels produced by Lake County wineries recorded a total of 111 awards.
Bottles from the area earned four Best of Class awards, four Double Golds and seven Golds, to go along with a slew of other medals when results were reported on Friday afternoon. And this from a field of almost 6,500 wines from 25 states.
“If you want a comprehensive tasting, that’s it,” observed Gregory Graham. “It’s a good panel.”
The Lower Lake area winemaker picked up a Double Gold for his 2013 Viognier and Gold for the 2010 Cinder Cone Reserve, a red blend. Graham was awarded five medals in all.
Best of Class awards were presented for the following Lake County wines: Guenoc 2013 Lake County Sauvignon Blanc; Shannon Ridge 2013 Lake County Single Vineyard Collection Chardonnay; Brassfield Estate 2013 High Valley Eruption; and Chacewater 2012 Sierra Foothills Merlot. In addition, 17 wineries located outside of Lake County but bottling wines with a Lake County appellation on the label took home a total of 25 awards including a Best of Class for Matchbook 2012 Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon.
The list of honored wines reads like a who’s who of Lake County. Guenoc, Cache Creek, Wildhurst, Six Sigma and Chacewater appear four times each. Obsidian Ridge, Lajour and Shed Horn caught the attention of judges three times apiece. More than 20 medals went to a number of other producers, from Don Angel to Moore Family. But the biggest winners might be Steele and Shannon Ridge.
Steele drags seven medals back from San Franciso, including a Double Gold for their 2013 Chardonnay. In addition, other labels from the winery came off well. Writer’s Block made the list three times.
Shannon Ridge, which neighbors Gregory Graham, earned six medals on their main label. The winery’s finely honed 2013 Chardonnay from their Single Vineyard line, was named Best of Class. They Sauvignon Blanc High Elevation from the same vintage doubled up on gold. In addition, labels such as Vigilance, part of the Shannon Ridge family, brought home multiple medals.
“We might be small, but we make damned fine wines,” said Lake County Winery Association Director Terry Dereniuk in a press statement. “I am so proud of the wineries here in Lake County. This year’s showing in the awards are a wonderful testament to the reputation for high quality wines and cap the results from the 2014 Chronicle Wine Competition when 17 wineries took home just over 100 awards.”
Lake County wineries proved strong in several varietal categories. A dozen examples filled out the Sauvignon Blanc list, for example. Guenoc’s 2013 version top the mid-priced category. Wildhurst’s 2013 earned gold, while Cache Creek, Shed Horn, Gregory Graham, Six Sigma and others walked away with Silver — all for stellar 2013s.
The panel named four Chardonnays in the $20 to $25 price range worthy of silver: Chacewater, Shannon Ridge, Shed Horn and Vigilance — again all from 2013. Chacewater added another bit of precious metal for the 2012 Chardonnay.
County labels also dominated in Petite Sirah, with six wineries represented. Hawk and Horse, for instance, captured silver from their 2011 Red Hills version.
Not surprisingly, Cabernet was a successful category. Fifteen different labels from a dozen vineyards made the list. Lajour Estate won two silvers.
“Lake County winegrowers have been committed to delivering high-quality, high-elevation fruit for many years, and the impressive results we have seen from this prestigious competition over the past few years demonstrate that the industry recognizes this dedication,” said Debra Sommerfield, President of the Lake County Winegrape Growers, in a statement following the announcement of results.
Even in a few of the less popular varietals, Lake County names popped up — Don Angel’s bronze in Montepulciano, for example.
The list was rolled out late Friday afternoon, with a few asterisks. A more complete account will appear next week.
The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is the largest competition for American Wines in the world, breaking a record with 6,418 entries this year. Noted wine journalist and judge for the 2014 competition Ellen Landis reported, “At this prestigious, well run national competition that amasses more than 5,000 entries, a wide range of stimulating wines are evaluated. Boutique wineries, mid-sized properties, and large brand producers collectively vie for the Golden prize, and award winners reap rewards for years.”
Dave Faries can be reached at 900-2016.
