Gregory Graham Wines picked up two Best of Class awards at the 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
The winners of the annual event were announced on Friday afternoon, with Best of Class and Double Golds topping the list, culled from 6,850 entries. It is billed as the largest competition of American wines.
Graham’s 2013 pinot noir and 2012 Syrah picked up the Best of Class designation from judges. Joining Graham in the top awards class were Shed Horn Cellars for the 2014 Zinfandel, Brassfield Estate’s 2013 Eruption red blend and the Cabernet Franc from Steele Winery’s Writer’s Block label.
“I’ve been at this a long time,” Graham said, shrugging off any accolades. “I’m pretty down to earth, but it’s good promotion — that’s all I can ask for.”
Gregory Graham Wines routinely wins Gold, Double Gold and more at the San Francisco Chronicle competition, one of the few he enters. Shed Horn Cellars is another label that tallies medals on a regular basis.
“We’ve won lots of awards,” Shed Horn winemaker Michael Wood acknowledged. “But you’re up against a lot of competition — it’s awesome.”
The event divides varietals into several categories and subcategories. Judges — 63 in all — with expertise in wine rate each as Bronze, Silver, Gold or Double Gold, which is equivalent to a unanimous rating by all panel members. Best of Class is determined from these top finalists.
Steele Wines took home a Double Gold for their 2014 Pinot Noir. Obsidian Ridge added a double to their collection with their 2014 Syah. And the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from Cache Creek also earned Double Gold.
Several California wineries using grapes exclusively from Lake County also picked up top honors. Oak Cliff Cellars earned Best of Class with their Mourvedre. Marilyn Sauvignon Blonde was awarded Double Gold for a Sauvignon Blanc.
“There are a lot of great wines out there,” Graham observed.
Judging took place at Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds in Sonoma County. A full list of medalist, including Gold, will appear in Thursday’s Record-Bee.
