GUIDE TO THE BEST OF
See Inside! LIST OF AWARD WINNING WINES CRAFT BEERS OLIVE OILS CHEESES
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR
2019 COMMERCIAL COMPETITIONS
California is the nation’s #1 Agriculture State, and the world’s #5 leading supplier of food, with more than $47 billion in annual agricultural production! California is the home of nine of the 10 most productive agriculture counties in America, and for more than 165 years the California State Fair has been called upon to select and showcase the best that the Golden State has to offer. If it’s made, raised or grown in California, you’ll likely find it competing for recognition at the California State Fair. Consequently, when competing alongside quality food and beverage products of the world’s 5th leading supplier of food, it’s a tremendous honor to be selected as the “Best of California.” Of the thousands of commercially available products that competed this year at the California State Fair, only the top award winners make it into our “Best of California” magazine. The Best of California provides key benchmarks for millions of consumers. To ensure prestige and credibility in our competitions, hundreds of esteemed expert judges came together to preside over the California State Fair’s contests in four key commercial product categories: Wines, Cheeses, Craft Beers, and Extra Virgin Olive Oils. With more than 20,000 competitive entries, respected judges sorted, sniffed, and tasted top products, intending to award Gold Medals, Blue Ribbons and the Best of Show honors - coveted symbols of excellence in California. As the California State Fair, we take pride in helping to make connections between the people who enjoy these uniquely California products and the creative artisans that bring them to life. Our top award-winners are highlighted on the following pages, and many other winners can be found at our website, CAStateFair. org. Our searchable database system helps consumers find their favorite Wine by regions or price point, or search for the best Cheese by type. We believe the more information consumers have about a specific style of Beer or the more they know about the qualities that make California Extra Virgin Olive Oil some of the best in the world, the more pleasure they will get from these uniquely California products. We invite you to use this magazine as a guide all year long to fill your table with the best that California has to offer. As you savor these award-winning products, you are enjoying the richness of our Golden State, its pristine water, fertile soils, abundant sunshine, rich technology, pioneering spirit, and the collective artistry of Californians that are showcased every year during your California State Fair.
Enjoy! - Rick K. Pickering CEO, California State Fair
GUIDE TO THE BEST OF
2019 COMMERCIAL
COMPETITIONS
GOVERNOR
Gavin Newsom
CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair Rina V. DiMare, Clarksburg Vice Chair Jess Durfee, San Diego Rima Barkett, Stockton Sonney Chong, Sacramento Rex S. Hime, Loomis David Mallel, Calabasas Tony Ortiz, Camarillo
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Senator Richard Pan M.D.
Senator Cathleen Galgiani Assembly Member Kevin McCarty Assembly Member Susan Eggman
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Rick K. Pickering
PUBLISHER
California State Fair
1600 Exposition Boulevard Sacramento, CA 95815 CAStateFair.org (916) 263-FAIR (877) CAL-EXPO
Contents
6 Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil 8 Best of Show: Extra Virgin Olive Oil Bondolio Olive Oil When Olive Oil is Real Love 10 Best of Show: Flavored Olive Oil Calivirgin Olive Oil Co-Milling High Quality 14 Commercial Cheese 16 Best of Show: Cheese - Cow Milk Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co., Gouda, Gouda, Gouda! 18 Best of Show: Cheese-other Milk Type Laura Chenel: “Make a (Delicious) Statement” 22 Commercial Wine 26 California Vineyard of the Year Dick Cooper Ranch 30 golden State Winery of the Year Jeff Runquist Wines 36 Best of Show: Red Wine Concannon Stampmaker Red GSM Reserve 40 Best of Show: White Wine Las Positas Vineyards Verdelho Livermore Valley 44 Best Value Wine Trader Moon Velvet Moon Cabernet Sauvignon 66 Commercial Craft Beer 70 Brewery Of The Year Morgan Territory Brewing: Dark Reckoning 72 Best of Show: Craft Beer Angel City Brewery: California Common
2019 California State Fair Competition Facts Commercial Cheese
126 Cheeses entered 20 Cheese producers awarded 91 Medals 30 Gold Medals 37 Silver Medals 24 Bronze Medals
Commercial Olive Oil
128 39 93 39 33 21
4
Olive Oils entered Olive Oil producers awarded Medals Gold Medals Silver Medals Bronze Medals
2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
Commercial Craft Beer
1237 Craft Beers entered 101 Breweries awarded 179 Medals 59 Gold Medals 60 Silver Medals 60 Bronze Medals
Commercial Wine
2811 673 2538 129 325 1117 967
Wines entered Wine companies awarded Medals Double Gold Medals Gold Medals Silver Medals Bronze Medals
10
Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil
T
he California State Fair Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition features two shows: Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Flavored Olive Oil. The Extra Virgin Olive Oil Show has divisions for varying intensities of single varieties and blends of olive oil, and classes in varietals of olives. The Flavored Olive Oil Show has divisions in co-milled and infused olive oil, and classes for flavor varieties. Three special awards honor olive oil producers of each production level: Best of California Extra Virgin Olive Oil by a Large Producer (over 5,000 gallons), an Artisan Producer (500-5,000 gallons) and a Microproducer (less than 500 gallons). This year, 12 Judges awarded, 39 Gold, 33 Silver, and 21 Bronze awards, as well as 9 Best of Class ribbons and 9 Best of California plaques. Two Best of Show Golden Bear trophies are awarded each year, one for Best of Show Extra Virgin Olive Oil and one for Best of Show Flavored Olive Oil.
STATISTICS: California’s extra virgin olive oil business is booming. The 2018 harvest has been estimated to have produced 2.8 million gallons of extra virgin olive oil. As of January 2019, over 41,000 acres of olive groves were in production in California specifically for olive oil, and it is estimated that 15,000 new acres will be planted in California by 2020. There are over 400 growers/ producers utilizing over 45 mills in California, with more under construction and/or expansion. Source: California Olive Oil Council
California is the sole U.S. exporter of olive oil. Almost 40% of California-produced olives and olive oil are exported. Not surprisingly, our neighbors, Canada & Mexico are the biggest importers. Source: CDFA 2017
Competition
Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Winners
Best of Show Best of California & Best of Class Medium Blend Estate Blend
Co-Milled Flavored Olive Oil Chili-based Flavored
Bondolio Olive Oil Estate Blend bondolio.com
Calivirgin Olive Oil Hot Virgin Jalapeno calivirgin.com
Best of California & Best of Class Single Variety Robust Any Other Cultivar
Infused Flavored Olive Oil Any Other Flavored Oil
McEvoy Ranch Certified Organic, Limited Edition mcevoyranch.com
Rancho Azul y Oro Smoked Olive Oil ranchoazulyoro.com
Best of California & Best of Class Artisan Producer Robust Blend Any Other Cultivar
Microproducer Delicate Blend Any Other Cultivar
Large Producer Robust Blend Arbosana
Cobram Estate Halter Ranch Tres Osos Organic Extra Virgin Estate Mediterannean Everyday Range Robust cobramestate.com Blend Olive Oil halterranch.com tresososoliveoil.com
Best of Class Co-Milled Flavored Olive Oil Co-Milled Flavored Olive Oil Garlic Flavored Oil Citrus Flavored Oil Calivirgin Olive Oil Guilty Garlic calivirgin.com
IL Fiorello Olive Oil Company Kaffir Lime Co-Milled Olive Oil ilfiorellooliveoilcompany.com
Commercial Olive Oil, cheese, Wine, & Craft Beer competitions CAStateFair.org/competitions
7
Best of Show: Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Bondolio Olive Oil When olive oil is real love By Orietta Gianjorio
I
f you were to meet Karen and her husband Malcolm, you would understand immediately what real love is. Not only real love for olive oil, but also for one another. When I met Karen the first time, she was giving a speech at the UC Davis Olive Center during a conference. I was impressed by her knowledge and ability to speak in front of an audience. I learned later that her career in healthcare technology spanned more than 30 years. It is safe to say, she is used to giving presentations. I met Malcolm just recently at the California Olive Oil Council annual meeting in Monterey. It was easy to connect with him since he speaks Italian as a result of living in Italy for a year during his post-doctorate studies. Our connection got even tighter when I learned that Karen and Malcolm’s son lives in Elba, an island that brings back childhood memories for me as it is very close to Rome (where I am from), and it is the destination of many weekends for Romans trying to escape the heat of the city. In Monterey, I had the chance to see them together, and I realized I was in front of real love. Their eyes sparkle for one another, and the more I learn about them, the more I feel the Bondolio story is the story of Malcom’s real love for his wife. But let me start from the beginning.
8
In 2002, Karen and Malcom took a holiday in sunny Italy. During their stay, they visited cultural attractions as well as scenic orchards, with trees that were hundreds of years old and with trunks multiple meters in diameter. They ate amazing food and tasted great olive oil. In fact, it was after an olive oil tasting, that Karen turned to Malcolm with a big satisfied and enchanting smile. There was no Karen and Malcolm Bond turning back. Malcolm had to pursue that moment in time. Once they returned to California, the 10-acre almond farm they had purchased in 1986 had lost all the appeal. Almonds did not make Karen smile as the olive oil in Italy did. Over the next couple of years, they made several additional trips to Italy. They discovered that Karen likes specific cultivars mainly planted in Sicily and, at that time, not available in America: Biancolilla, Cerasuola, and Nocellara. They also discovered that the rich soil surrounding the base of Mt. Etna and the warm summers and semi-arid conditions of Sicily are similar to those of the San Joaquin Valley. After several trials and tribulations to import from different nurseries, finally the trees were planted, grew and produced olives. The next challenge was to take those olives and make olive oil, and as anybody in this industry will tell you, it is not as
2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
easy as it sounds, especially if you are aiming for quality. But Malcolm had a bigger challenge: recreate Karen’s smile. Finally, in 2009, the first drop of Bondolio oil came out of the centrifuge. Karen tasted it, Malcolm at her side. And there it was, Karen’s big satisfied and enchanting smile. Today, Bondolio is a well-recognized olive oil company with a large following and loyal customers from San Francisco to Washington D.C. They have many medals under their belt, and even two Best of Show Golden Bears from the California State Fair Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition (2017, 2019). Karen takes care of marketing and Malcolm keeps taking care of Karen’s smile. Like many husbands, that’s his job! So, congratulations to this wonderful couple for their well deserved 2019 Best of Show Award for the Bondolio Estate Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil. As the rules indicate, the olives are California grown and the oil is a very unique blend of Biancolilla, Cerasuola, and Nocellara. Judges described the oil as having, “A great aroma. Well balanced and well made.” Bondolio extra virgin olive oil is available at bondolio.com and at Corti Brothers in Sacramento, the Food CO-OP in Davis, Yummy Foods in Palo Alto, and We Olive among other stores all over the state. And if you want to see sparkles and the “famous smile,” Karen and Malcolm also offer tours by appointment.
Competition
Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Best of Show Extra Virgin Olive Oil Bondolio Olive Oil Estate Blend
bondolio.com
Best of Show Flavored Olive Oil Calivirgin Olive Oil Hot Virgin Jalapeno
calivirgin.com
Best of California Halter Ranch
Microproducer: Estate halterranch.com Mediterranean Blend Tres Osos Artisan Producer: Organic tresososoliveoil.com Extra Virgin Olive Oil Cobram Estate Large Producer: Everyday cobramestate.com Range Robust McEvoy Ranch Single Variety Delicate: mcevoyranch.com Certified Organic, Limited Edition Halter Ranch Delicate Blend: Estate halterranch.com Mediterranean Blend Bondolio Olive Oil Medium Blend: Estate Blend bondolio.com Cobram Estate Robust Blend: Everyday cobramestate.com Range Robust Calivirgin Olive Oil Co-Milled Flavored Olive Oil: calivirgin.com Hot Virgin Jalapeno Rancho Azul y Oro Infused Flavored Olive Oil: ranchoazulyoro.com Smoked Olive Oil
Best of Class McEvoy Ranch Halter Ranch Bondolio Olive Oil Cobram Estate Tres Osos IL Fiorello Olive Oil Company Calivirgin Olive Oil Calivirgin Olive Oil Rancho Azul y Oro
Single Variety Robust, mcevoyranch.com Any Other Cultivar: Certified Organic, Limited Edition Delicate Blend, Any Other halterranch.com Cultivar: Estate Mediterannean Blend Medium Blend, Any Other bondolio.com Cultivar: Estate Blend Robust Blend, Arbosana: cobramestate.com Everyday Range Robust Robust Blend, Any Other tresososoliveoil.com Cultivar: Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Co-Milled Flavored ilfiorello.com Olive Oil, Citrus Flavored Oil: Kaffir Lime Co-Milled Flavored Olive Oil, calivirgin.com Chili-based Hot Virgin Jalapeno Co-Milled Flavored Olive Oil, calivirgin.com Garlic Guilty Garlic Infused Flavored Olive Oil, ranchoazulyoro.com Any Other Smoked Olive Oil
Commercial Olive Oil, cheese, Wine, & Craft Beer competitions CAStateFair.org/competitions
9
Best of Show: Flavored Olive Oil
Calivirgin Olive Oil
Co-milling high quality By Orietta Gianjorio
I
admit it. I am one of those. One of those people who goes to the restaurant with her olive oil. Why do I do it? We pay for everything in restaurants, but we expect high-quality extra virgin olive oil to be free. It can’t. And it shouldn’t. Recently, before leaving the house to go to the Great Wine of Italy Tasting by James Suckling in San Francisco, I grabbed a small sample of Calivirgin Jalapeño Flavored Olive Oil. A few days before the event, I had spoken with Nick Kern at Calivirgin, and he very kindly sent me some samples. After the wonderful tasting, and still with the Calivirgin olive oil sample in my purse, my husband and I decided to go for dinner at a local restaurant. I ordered a Baked Cod with Scallions and Olives, and he went for a simple Rigatoni al Pomodoro e Basilico. When the dishes arrived, and as I reached in my purse and drizzled the olive oil, my embarrassed husband pretended not to know me. At least bringing my own bottle is better than “grilling” the waiter: “What olive oil do you use in the kitchen? Can I see the bottle? You present wine bottles; I should be able to see the olive oil bottle.” Our meals were phenomenal. In fact, after my first bite and so many compliments, even my husband decided to drizzle some of my Calivirgin olive oil sample on his pasta. The Calivirgin Jalapeño Flavored Olive Oil added such a great component to both
dishes. It was the perfect combination of spicy and real chili pepper flavors. It felt as if I was biting on a real Jalapeño, and here is why: Calivirgin actually crushes real Jalapeño with the olives. The only way to ensure high quality. This technique is called co-milling and the result is naturally flavored oil with no additives. There is a perceivable difference between olive oils made with an extract and those that are co-milled. Not only does this Julie Coldani and Nick Kern technique preserve the quality of the olives (and consequently, the olive oil), but it also creates a well-balanced and flavorful product. All the olives at Calivirgin are estate grown, without pesticides, and organically and sustainably produced from a family owned and operated farm. As Julie Coldani (part of the Coldani family that owns Calivirgin) told me when we met at the California Olive Oil Council annual meeting in Monterey: “With co-milled flavored oils, you get one chance to do it right!” What a commitment to high quality. The highest quality, with unique and distinct aromas and flavors, definitely worth an “Olive Oil List.” In fact, very much like I do, at Calivirgin, they believe restaurants should have a list for olive oil. And I can guarantee you, we are not the only industry experts thinking that olive oil is as special as wine! A few days later, the winners for the fifth annual California State Fair Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition were announced. I was ecstatic to hear that the
10 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
same olive oil that accompanied my San Francisco dinner was nominated Best of Show. Their second Best of Show win. In fact, in 2017, they took home the Best of Show Golden Bear for their Lusty Lemon Flavored Olive Oil. Another remarkable oil my husband uses to marinate chicken. Even if olive oil does not have its own list in restaurants, there is a place where these wonderful gifts of nature, crafted with the help of dedicated individuals, are equally prized and very much intertwined: Lodi, California. So, next time you are in town, take a break from wine tasting and go taste some high-quality extra virgin olive oil. And since you are there, grab some of the iconic Calivirgin bottles. The original and the latest version with the protective UVA white coating. If you are looking for a present, all these bottles need is a pretty red bow! Yes, I am also one of those who likes to gift high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
Calivirgin’s Olive Oil with UVA white coating proectivte
Best of Show: Flavored Olive Oil
89
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
POINTS
In wine, tradition often tempers creativity. At Imagery, an unconventional approach inspires richly, expressive wines that entice you to broaden your palate. Artists dream up the unique wine labels on display at our Sonoma estate, inspiring our painter’s drip design. Our Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are no ordinary wines, they are imaginative.
Jamie Benziger 2nd Generation Winemaker
Commercial Olive Oil, cheese, Wine, & Craft Beer competitions CAStateFair.org/competitions
11
© 2 0 1 9 I M A G E R Y E S T A T E W I N E R Y, G L E N E L L E N , C A
19
We’re challenging tradition and it’s delicious.
Competition
Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil : Gold Winners Boccabella 100% Estate Arbequina Single Variety Medium: Arbequina Field Blend Medium Blend: Mission Winemakers Blend Medium Blend: Any Other Cultivar
ENZO Olive Oil Company Gold 87
Organic Basil Crush Gold 89 Co-Milled Flavored Olive Oil: Herbal Flavored Oil
Gold 87
Fandango Olive Oil
Gold 89
“Fiesta” Arbequina-Koroneiki Blend Organic Robust Blend: Koroneiki
Frog Hollow Farm
Bondolio Olive Oil Estate Blend Medium Blend: Any Other Cultivar
Gold 95
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Medium Blend: Frantoio
Calivirgin Olive Oil
Great Bear Vineyards
Guilty Garlic Gold 94 Co-Milled Flavored Olive Oil: Garlic Flavored Oil Hot Virgin Jalapeno Gold 96 Co-Milled Flavored Olive Oil: Chili-based Flavored Oil Extreme Heat Habanero Gold 94 Co-Milled Flavored Olive Oil: Chili-based Flavored Oil
Grumpy Goats Farm
Canto Sol Koroneiki Single Variety Robust: Koroneiki
Gold 86
Gold 86 Gold 89 Gold 87
Estate Mediterannean Blend Delicate Blend: Any Other Cultivar Kaffir Lime Co-Milled Olive Oil Co-Milled Flavored Olive Oil: Citrus Flavored Oil Pendolino Single Variety Medium: Any Other Cultivar Lemon Co-Milled Olive Oil Co-Milled Flavored Olive Oil: Citrus Flavored Oil Certified Organic, Limited Edition Single Variety Robust: Any Other Cultivar
Gold 87
Molefina Pink Lemon Co-Milled Flavored Olive Oil: Citrus Flavored Oil
Gold 95
Olivaia’s OLA
Gold 87
Block X Blend Delicate Blend: Sevillano
Gold 86
Corto Olive Co. Koroneiki Single Variety Medium: Koroneiki
Gold 89
Halter Ranch
Gold 86
Cobram Estate Everyday Range Robust Robust Blend: Arbosana California Select Medium Blend: Mission Everyday Range Classic Medium Blend: Arbequina
Organic Picual Single Variety Robust: Any Other Cultivar
Gold 87
Gold 94
Gold 94 Gold 86 Gold 87
McEvoy Ranch
Ciarlo Fruit and Nut, LLC The ‘Hood Medium Blend: Frantoio Ciarlo Estate Robust Blend: Koroneiki
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Medium Blend: Any Other Cultivar
Gold 86
IL Fiorello Olive Oil Company
Capay Gold Olive Oil Picudo Single Variety Medium: Any Other Cultivar Hojiblanca Single Variety Robust: Any Other Cultivar Yolo Crush Medium Blend: Any Other Cultivar
Gold 86
Gold 87
Gold 94
Gold 86
Gold 90
Rancho Azul y Oro Smoked Olive Oil Gold 94 Infused Flavored Olive Oil: Any Other Flavored Oil Estate Gold 87 Medium Blend: Any Other Cultivar
12 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
Competition
Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil : Gold Winners Rio Bravo Ranch
Tres Osos
Coratina Single Variety Robust: Any Other Cultivar
Gold 89
Sierra Orchards
Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Robust Blend: Any Other Cultivar
Gold 97
Wild Groves
Mission Single Variety Robust: Mission
Gold 86
The Olive Press Italian Blend Robust Blend: Frantoio Limonato (Lemon) Co-Milled Flavored Olive Oil: Citrus Flavored Oil Sevillano Single Variety Delicate: Sevillano
Gold 86
Ascolano Single Variety Medium: Ascolano Wild Poppies Tuscan Blend Medium Blend: Any Other Cultivar
Gold 87
Gold 90
Gold 86 Gold 86
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Judges and Volunteers Thank you to all!
Head Judge: Paul Vossen. Judges: Alexandra Devarenne, Amy Bridge Day, Arden Kremer, Astrid Lorig, Franco Dunn, Glenn SÂ Weddell, Julie Poe Menge, Logan James Jennings, Maria Farr, Nancy Lilly, Sandy Sonnenfelt, Thom Curry III. Apprentice Judges: Elaine Corn, Roger Leclercq, Mark Priestley, Mary Mori. Volunteers: Pam Howard, Dave McLanahan, Andrew McDuffie, Angie Beard, Claire Fisher, Mike Zeri, Andrea Slavin, Sharon Simas, Will Carlton. Staff: Michelle Johnson, Melissa Jones.
Commercial Olive Oil, cheese, Wine, & Craft Beer competitions CAStateFair.org/competitions 13
Commercial Cheese
O
n Wednesday, May 8, 2019, 126 California cheeses were evaluated by twelve qualified judges at Cal Expo. Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company took the Best of Show Award in cow’s milk for their Aged Gouda, a classic Dutch-style Gouda aged for 24 months. This is their second year in a row winning the Best of Show honor for their Gouda, and their fourth year in a row winning Best of Show for cow’s milk. The Best of Show Award in other milk type was awarded to Laura Chenel for their Ash Rind Buchette. This is the producer’s first time winning Best of Show! Their Ash Rind Buchette is made with vegetable ash and geotrichum, giving the cheese its distinctive color, texture, and rind. The number of California cheese companies entering the competition totaled 20. The companies range from small artisan producers to large scale production. The cheeses are entered by division and class with each entry evaluated for Appearance, Aroma, Texture, and Taste. Cheese judges are selected from respected cheese merchants, writers, promoters, and educators.
Statistics: California has been the nation’s largest milk producer for more than 20 years and is also the #1 producer of butter, ice cream, and nonfat dry milk—the 2nd largest cheese and yogurt producer. Approximately 46% percent of the state’s milk supply goes to cheese production with over 250+ varieties & styles of cheese produced by California cow’s milk cheesemakers, thus resulting in 2.5 billion pounds of cheese annually. California is the #1 producer of Monterey Jack cheese. Monterey Jack is a “California Original,” a descendant of a type of cheese produced in the California missions more than 200 years ago. Source: All data provide by the California Milk Advisory Board, except as noted. Updated May 2018, CDFA 2017
Competition
Commercial Cheese
Best of Show & Best of California Hard Cheese Cow Milk Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company Point Reyes Aged Gouda pointreyescheese.com
Best of California
Semi-Soft Cheese Goat Milk
Soft Cheese Cow Milk
Cottage Cheese Cow Milk
Laura Chenel Ash Rind Buchette laurachenel.com
Bellwether Farms Whole Milk Ricotta bellwetherfarms.com
Cowgirl Creamery Cottage Cheese cowgirlcreamery.com
Best of California Cultured Cheese Cow Milk
Soft Cheese Goat Milk
California Originals Goat Milk
Semi-Hard Cheese Cow Milk
Cowgirl Creamery Fromage Blanc cowgirlcreamery.com
Cypress Grove Purple Haze cypressgrovecheese.com
Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog Grande cypressgrovecheese.com
Joseph Farms Pepper Jack josephfarms.com
Best of California
California Originals Cow Milk
Semi-Soft Cheese Cow Milk
Hard Cheese Mixed Milk
Marin French Petite Breakfast marinfrenchcheese.com
Nicasio Valley Cheese Co. San Geronimo nicasiocheese.com
Pennyroyal Farm Boont Corners Reserve pennyroyalfarm.com
Commercial Olive Oil, cheese, Wine, & Craft Beer competitions CAStateFair.org/competitions 15
Best of Show: Cheese - Cow Milk
Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.
Gouda, Gouda, Gouda!
K
nown for being consistently good from the cheesemongers perspective, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company has done what no other cheesemaker has done at the California State Fair Cheese Competition. It has won back-to-back four years in a row! For 2019, the California State Fair cheese judges have awarded their tasty beauty the highest honor of “Best of Show” in the cow’s milk category to their Library Collection Gouda, aged 18 months! Can we say Awesome? In 2016 & 2017 Bay Blue Cheese won the Best of Show, and now the Library Collection Gouda wins Best of Show 2018 & 2019. Last year in 2018, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company first introduced the Gouda, aged 24 months, from their Library Collection as the newest addition to their line of expertly made California Farmstead Cheeses. It won the “Best of Show” title and was its first time showing at the California State Fair Cheese Competition.
The 2019 Library Collection Gouda is aged 18 months and follows the same traditions of handcrafted cheese making that Point Reyes is known for in the artisan cheesemaking world. These same standards of quality and freshness are what customers expect when picking up their cheese. For example, they only use RBST-Free, Grade “A” organic milk from their herd of happy Holsteins. The cows graze daily on 720 acres of certified organic ryegrasses with an abundance of fresh salty coastal sea air. Their fourth generational farm
By Mary Dedrick
Giacomini Family: Bob, Dean, Karen, Diana, Lynn, & Jill is sustainable, and they continue to be a leader in the field of sustainability. Their whole line of cheeses are certified gluten-free, and the use of vegetarian rennet makes all those who are vegetarians even happier when they buy their award-winning cheese. Gouda is a cheese style that hails from Holland, and it can be made from the milk of a cow, goat, or sheep. Born a California beauty, this cow’s milk cheese is golden colored, and its flavor makes your mouth water with its complete deliciousness. Kuba Hemmerling, the longtime head cheesemaker and affineur wanted to create something new for the Giacomini sisters, the owners of Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese. The expansion required for advancement to their line of cheese. This expansion meant the facility had to be large enough to make, age, rotate and store wheels of cheese that need to be cellared for 18-30 months and possibly beyond. The hunt was on, and the perfect fit was found in the downtown area of Petaluma, CA. The building they chose has a classic style and could be retrofitted from the inside, and so construction started in in May 2017.
16 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
continued...
Competition
Commercial Cheese : Gold Winners Cow Milk Bellwether Farms Whole Milk Ricotta: Soft Cheese Bellwether Farms Creme Fraiche: Cultured Cheese Cowgirl Creamery Fromage Blanc: Cultured Cheese Cowgirl Creamery Cottage Cheese: Cottage Cheese Cowgirl Creamery Hop Along: California Originals Crystal Creamery Crystal Creamery Small Curd: Cottage Cheese El Mexicano Enchilado Aged Cotija Cheese: Hard Cheese El Mexicano Requeson: Soft Cheese Joseph Farms Pepper Jack: Semi-Hard Cheese Los Altos Food Products Panela: Semi-Soft Cheese Marin French Cheese Petite Breakfast: California Originals Marin French Cheese Petite Mustard: Semi-Soft Cheese Nicasio Valley Cheese Co. Nicasio Square: Semi-Soft Cheese Nicasio Valley Cheese Co. Tomino: California Originals Nicasio Valley Cheese Co. Formagella: Semi-Soft Cheese Nicasio Valley Cheese Co. San Geronimo: Semi-Soft Cheese
Gold 99 Gold 96 Gold 98 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 99
Orland Farmstead Creamery Ricottage Garlic Dill: Cottage Cheese Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company Point Reyes Toma Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company Point Reyes Aged Gouda Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company Point Reyes Bay Blue Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company Point Reyes Original Blue Rumiano Crafted Dry Jack Rumiano Cheese Smoked Mozzarella
Gold 95
Goat Milk
Gold 95
Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog Grande: California Originals Cypress Grove Ms. Natural: Soft Cheese Cypress Grove Truffle Tremor: Semi-Soft Cheese Cypress Grove Purple Haze: Soft Cheese Cypress Grove Sgt. Pepper: Soft Cheese Laura Chenel Ash Rind Buchette: Semi-Soft Cheese
Gold 96 Gold 99 Gold 98 Gold 98 Gold 98 Gold 96
Mixed Milk
Gold 96
Pennyroyal Farm Boont Corners Reserve
Gold 98 Gold 99 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 98 Gold 96
Gold 97 Gold 97 Gold 97 Gold 96 Gold 95 Gold 100
Gold 96
Gouda, Gouda, Gouda! (continued) Its location is convenient for production, distribution, and staffing, and conveniently, just 22 miles from the family farm. Check out your local cheese shops for these award-winning and fabulous tasting cheeses that will make your home cheese drawer the envy of your friends. Tell them to bring a couple of bottles of award-winning California State Fair red or white wines when they come over for that awards party. What a great idea! The best paired with the best!
Commercial Olive Oil, cheese, Wine, & Craft Beer competitions CAStateFair.org/competitions 17
Best of Show: Cheese-other Milk Type
Laura Chenel
“Make a (delicious) statement”
O
By Mary Dedrick
n its first debut at the California State Fair Competition, the Ash-Rind Buchette has won this year’s “Best of Show” title in the Other Udder Category! Laura Chenel’s four-word description of their newest creation captures the momentum from Laura Chenel’s team, and best describes their latest addition to their line of exceptional goat’s milk cheeses.
of Sonoma County, California. Next up was her love of goats and its wonderful tasting byproduct called milk. She jumped right in at trying her hand at cheesemaking on the farm but found that she needed some guidance. Laura then traveled to France to learn the fine art of cheesemaking, animal husbandry and went through a few apprenticeships, for the science behind it all. “Buchette” is a French word used After she returned from to describe the smaller sized Stephanie Rovey, one of our family farmers who provide goat milk France, she bought her first format of a log of goat cheese. goat to begin making cheese Their size determines the aging times of cheese in Sebastopol. As her skills improved, she bought logs, and that amount of time for this particular more goats until she had a full farm. She started cheese ranges between 7-12 days. The outside of placing her fresh chevre in the newly evolving this cheese has a light sprinkling of vegetable ash foodie restaurant scene where she prominently which covers and fills the Geotrichum-layered stayed year after year. As the love of chevre became edible rind — what a delicate beauty for any cheese more mainstream, she branched out and bought platter! The buyer has about a month to enjoy milk from other farmers in California and seven the cheese after their purchase. One might suggest other states. buying two of these Ash-Rind Buchette’s treats to compare at home. Enjoy one at its freshest state and the second two weeks later for a more fullflavored version. You might find the riper one with its cream line near the rind as your favorite. They would be best served smeared on a warm fresh crusty baguette and enjoyed with a Northern California Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc. As the Ash-Rind Buchette ages, each stage promises to be a winner on any palette. Forty years in the making, the legacy of Laura Chenel is known by all. She has a passion for beauty, which she has found in the countryside
Farmer Mike Alves with his family - one of the handful Laura Chenel Creamery Sources
18 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
Competition
Commercial Cheese Winners Best of Show - Cow Milk Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company Point Reyes Aged Gouda: Cow Milk
pointreyescheese.com
Best of Show - Other Milk Type Laura Chenel Ash Rind Buchette: Other Milk Type The consistency in her products has her selling seven million pounds of chevre a year and everyone keeps coming back for more.
Best of California – Cow Milk
Laura Chenel as a business has expanded dramatically since her start in 1979; it reaches far past the personal delivery to neighbors, restaurants, private chefs, and local markets that got her started. She set the standard for fresh chevre. Her products are a staple in grocery stores, gourmet food stores, independent cheese shops, and restaurants in America. Need I say more other than “Thanks and Congratulations, Laura!”
laurachenel.com
Bellwether Farms Whole Milk Ricotta: Soft Cheese
bellwetherfarms.com
Cowgirl Creamery Cottage Cheese: Cottage Cheese
cowgirlcreamery.com
Cowgirl Creamery Fromage Blanc: Cultured Chees
cowgirlcreamery.com
Joseph Farms Pepper Jack: Semi-Hard Cheese
josephfarms.com
Marin French Petite Breakfast: California Originals
marinfrenchcheese.com
Nicasio Valley Cheese Co. San Geronimo: Semi-Soft Cheese
nicasiocheese.com
Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company Point Reyes Aged Gouda: Hard Cheese
pointreyescheese.com
Best of California - Other Milk Type Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog Grande: California Originals
cypressgrovecheese.com
Cypress Grove Purple Haze: Soft Cheese
cypressgrovecheese.com
Laura Chenel Ash Rind Buchette: Semi-Soft Cheese
laurachenel.com
Pennyroyal Farm Boont Corners Reserve: Hard Cheese
pennyroyalfarm.com
Commercial Olive Oil, cheese, Wine, & Craft Beer competitions CAStateFair.org/competitions 19
ChEESE Judges and Volunteers Thank you to all!
Judges: Alma Avalos, Laura Conrow, Mary Dedrick (Head Judge), Kiri Fisher, Sean Gregg, Jody Lagorio, January Arbo Littleton, Noreen Mayer, Julissa Nord (Guest Judge), Roxanne O’Brien, Christina Strategos, Trevor Thomas, & Les Wood
Volunteers: Marilyn Langhorst (Competition Coordinator), Angela Beard (Assistant Competition Coordinator), Rachel Finkes (Competition Software Support), Claire Fisher, Dave McLanahan, Gary Rose, Wendy Wood, & Darlene Yennie
20 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
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Commercial Wine
T
he California State Fair has a long history of showcasing agricultural excellence and innovative technology in winemaking. Dating back to 1854, the State Fair Commercial Wine Competition is America’s oldest wine judging. Only wines made with fruit grown and produced in the eleven growing regions across the state may be judged in the competition. Fair wine judges are committed to the integrity of the results, and the competition coordinators take special care to ensure the wines are judged fairly. Wines are evaluated by class, varietal, style, and region based upon the source of the grapes. These wines continue to impress the judges with their diversity and quality. On May 29, 30, and 31, 2019, 2,811 wines were evaluated by California State Fair wine judges. The Best of Show Red wine was awarded to Concannon Reserve for their 2016 Stampmaker’s GSM, Livermore Valley Appellation. The Best of Show White was awarded to Las Positas Vineyards, 2018 Verdelho Estate also from the Livermore Valley Appellation. This year the Golden State Winery of the Year Award went to Jeff Runquist. This year is the second win for Jeff Runquist winning this award for the first time in 2011.
Statistics: California is America’s #1 wine producer - California makes 81% of U.S. wine and is the world’s 4th largest producer. In annual economic activity, California wine generates $57.6 billion for the state and $114 billion in the United States. There are 5,900 wine grape growers in California – wine grapes are grown in 49 of California’s 58 counties. Attracting 23.6 million tourist visit California wineries each year. There are 241 million cases of California wine in the U.S. market. The estimated retail value of all California wine sales in the U.S. is $35.2 billion. California wine employs 325,000 Californians and 786,000 Americans. Source: wineinstitute.org/resources/statistics
Competition
Commercial Wine Best of the Best
Best of Show Pink
Best of Show Dessert Double Gold 99
Double Gold 99
Buttonwood Winery & Vineyard 2018 Syrah Rose, Estate Grown Santa Ynez Valley
Lewis Grace 2018 Fashionably Late Late Harvest White Wine El Dorado
Trader Moon Wine 2017 Velvet Moon, Cabernet Sauvignon California
Double Gold 98
Best of Show Red Best of Region
Best of Show White
Double Gold 99
Concannon Reserve 2016 Rhone Red Varietal Blend, Stampmaker’s GSM Livermore Valley
Double Gold 99 Las Positas Vineyards 2018 Verdelho Estate Livermore Valley
Best Value
Best of Show Sparkling Double Gold 99
Korbel Blanc de Noirs Methode Champenoise California
Commercial Olive Oil, cheese, Wine, & Craft Beer competitions CAStateFair.org/competitions 23
1
California Vineyard of the Year
Vineyard of the year
Dick Cooper Ranch By Fred Swan
D
ick Cooper is known as the “Godfather of Barbera” a fitting title. Dick Cooper Ranch helped turn Barbera into one of Amador County’s two hallmark varieties. And, for several years, Cooper Vineyards hosted the Barbera Festival.
Cooper first decided to plant Barbera, in 1979, on advice from California Vintners’ Hall of Fame inductee Darrell Corti of Corti Brothers. At the time, it was a relatively new variety to Amador County, introduced just eight years before at neighboring Montevina Vineyard. Cooper used cuttings from that vineyard to begin his own. The initial five acres was formerly a walnut and prune orchard and eventually expanded to more than 30. One of the secrets to Cooper’s success with Barbera has been head-trained, vertical spur-pruned vines, rather than trellising. The variety thrives in the warmth of the Sierra Foothills, producing velvety tannins while maintaining juicy acidity. But the shade of head-trained canopies is important to providing soft dappled light and protecting the fruit from sunburn. While Barbera is still their primary variety, Cooper Vineyards grows many others on the 100 planted acres of the 158-acre estate. The vines include five white varieties: Marsanne, Roussanne,
Viognier, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc. The reds are Alicante Bouschet, Carignane, Charbono, Grenache, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Primitivo, Syrah, two clones of Sangiovese (Brunello and Sangioveto), and two clones of Zinfandel (Deaver and St. Peter’s Church). The family produces their wines from the estate fruit, and also sells grapes to many wineries throughout the Sierra Foothills American Viticultural Area Dick Cooper (AVA). They even sell to wineries as far away as Colorado. At least half-adozen wineries have won top competition medals with Cooper fruit, including Jeff Runquist, this year’s California State Fair Winery of the Year. Over the years, Dick Cooper has been more than just a grower. He’s been a pioneer, a mentor, and an author. His book, “Vineyard Development and Maintenance in Amador County” is a wide-ranging book, but focuses on methods for producing quality fruit, even if that means reducing yields. An Amador County native, Dick Cooper’s family settled there in 1919. He worked for the Amador County Department of Agriculture starting in 1960 and was the manager of the Amador County Fair for many years. He was recognized as
26 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
California Vineyard of the Year Business Person of the Year by the Amador County Chamber of Commerce and honored by the Amador County Crop and Livestock Report in 2014. For his commitment to responsible farming and preservation of agricultural lands, the USDA once named him Soil Conservationist of the Year. A dedicated, lifetime agriculturalist, Dick Cooper
says, “Products from the soil are still the greatest industry in the world.” Cooper Vineyards remains a family business. Dick’s four daughters, Jeri, Christine, Rochelle, and Jennifer all work at the winery. Jennifer’s daughter, Rose, works there too, making it three-generations of dedication to the vine.
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Please drink responsibly. © 2019 Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Geyserville, Sonoma County, CA
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Golden State Winery of the Year
Winery of the Year
Jeff Runquist Wines By Fred Swan
J
Jeff Runquist began his career at Montevina in Amador County’s Shenandoah Valley. But, after his three years stay there ended in 1987, he headed to Napa Valley. A few years later, he went to work for J. Lohr winery in San Jose. In 1995, while still winemaker for J. Lohr, he launched his own label. The first solo project was 700 cases of 1995 “Z” Zinfandel from Massoni Ranch in Amador County. He returned to Amador County to establish a vineyard for himself in 2006. Two years later, Jeff Runquist Wines opened its tasting room. Not long after, construction on a production winery began. Its first vintage was 2011. Up until then, Runquist had been making his wines at other wineries’ facilities, primarily the McManis Family Vineyard Winery in Ripon. He also served as a winemaker and helped design their winery. He’s no longer their winemaker but continues to have an excellent, multi-faceted relationship with them. When it comes to his own wines, Runquist says, “We work very hard to produce balanced wines. Wines that will age and become more complex with time, but wines that can also be enjoyed in their youth.” Runquist himself likes drinking them young preferring “his wines to have zest and vibrant flavors.”
Margie & Jeff Runquist
Today, Jeff Runquist makes few estate wines. Instead, they source excellent fruit from respected growers in nine different California regions. That also allows him to work with 22 or more different varieties. The wines include everything from Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon to Paso Robles Syrah and, of course, Massoni Ranch Zinfandel. With the exceptions of Verdelho, Viognier, and Muscat Canelli, all the wines are red.
Runquist says his “wines are characterized by a fruit-forward nature to both the aroma and flavor that provides a good representation of the grape used to make the wine. This is followed by a depth, richness, and complexity that is enhanced by aging in small oak barrels. Our wines finish with a smooth aftertaste where the tannins are soft and mature. We want to pack as much flavor into the wine as we can, without taking it over the edge.” The wines have won more awards than you could count. Runquist told me, “It’s very gratifying to have won this award twice now, first in 2011 and again this year. It’s just as gratifying today as it was then. And it’s nice to have a pause along the journey to reflect on what we do and our successes.”
30 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
Jeff Runquist Wines’ tasting room is open to the public Thursday through Monday, 11 am to 5 pm. It’s located on Shenandoah Road, a short drive north from the town of Plymouth. Appointments aren’t necessary, except for large groups and limos.
Jeff and his many awards from the California State Fair
Golden State Winery of the Year
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Golden State Winery of the Year
GOLDEN STATE WINERY OF THE YEAR
Jeff Runquist Wines
Recognizing the winery that has the greatest number of wines winning the most and the highest awards Best of Region - Red, Best of California, & Best of Class of Appellation 2017 Syrah
Double Gold 99 Best of Class of Appellation
2017 Primitivo, Nostro Vino Vineyard 2018 Viognier 2017 Tempranillo, Liberty Oaks Vineyard 2017 Syrah, Three Way Vineyard 2017 Barbera 2017 Tempranillo, Shake Ridge Ranch 2017 Charbono 2018 Verdelho 2016 Sangiovese, The Hill 2017 Dolcetto 2017 Zinfandel, Massoni Ranch 2017 Barbera, Cooper Vineyard 2017 Tannat, Silvaspoons Vineyard 2017 Zinfandel, Peroni Ranch 2017 Teroldego, Creekside Vineyard 2017 Zinfandel, Cooper Vineyard
Gold 96 Gold 96 Gold 95 Gold 96 Gold 96 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 94 Gold, 94 Silver 93 Silver 93 Silver 91 Silver 91 Silver 91 Silver 91
2017 Petit Verdot 2017 Cabernet Franc, Salman Vineyard 2018 Muscat Canelli 2017 Barbera 2017 Sangiovese, Pioneer Hill Vineyard 2017 Zinfandel, Esola Vineyard 2017 Petit Verdot, Damir Ranch 2017 Touriga, Silvaspoons Vineyard 2017 Petite Sirah, Salman Vineyard 2017 Alicante Bouschet, Dutchman Vineyard 2017 Carignane, Aparicio Vineyard 2018 Sangiovese RosĂŠ 2016 1448 2017 Graciano, Three Way Vineyard 2018 Grenache, Silvaspoons Vineyard 2017 Malbec, Fiddlehead Vineyard
Gold 94 Silver 88 Silver 88 Silver 91 Silver 88 Silver 88 Silver 88 Bronze 86 Bronze 86 Bronze 86 Bronze 86 Bronze 86 Bronze 84 Bronze 84 Bronze 84 Bronze 84
Commercial Olive Oil, cheese, Wine, & Craft Beer competitions CAStateFair.org/competitions 33
Competition
Commercial Wine & RED: Best of Region Best Of North Coast Red
Best Of North Coast White
Best Of Sonoma Red
Best Of Sonoma White
Carol Shelton Wines 2016 Mendocino County Cox Reserve Zinfandel
Husch 2018 Mendocino Renegade Sauvignon Blanc
Manzanita Creek 2016 Alexander Valley Zinfandel
Quivira Vineyards 2017 Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Double Gold 99
Best Of Napa Red Double Gold 98
Peju 2015 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Best Of NorthCentral Coast Red Double Gold 100
Fog Head 2017 San Bernabe Syrah
Double Gold 99
Double Gold 100
Double Gold 99
Best Of Napa White
Best Of Greater Bay Red
Best Of Greater Bay White
Stateland 2018 Napa County Sauvignon Blanc
Concannon Reserve 2016 Livermore Valley Stampmaker’s Gsm Rhone Red Varietal Blend
Las Positas Vineyards 2018 Livermore Valley Verdelho Estate
Double Gold 99
Double Gold 99
Double Gold 99
Best Of North-Central Coast White
Best Of South-Central Coast Red
Best Of South-Central Coast White
J. Lohr Estates 2018 Monterey County Bay Mist Riesling
Jeff Runquist 2017 Paso Robles Syrah
Robert Hall 2018 Paso Robles Roussanne
Double Gold 99
34 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
Double Gold 99
Double Gold 99
Competition
Commercial Wine & RED: Best of Region Best Of South Coast Red
Best Of South Coast White
Best Of Sierra Foothills Red
Best Of Sierra Foothills White
Monte De Oro Winery 2015 Temecula Valley Petite Sirah
Falkner Winery 2018 Temecula Valley Viognier
Nello Olivo Wine 2016 El Dorado County Sagrantino
School Street 2018 Sierra Foothills Pinot Grigio
Best Of Lodi White
Best Of Other California Red
Best Of Other California White
Sand Point Family Vineyards 2018 Lodi (San Joaquin) Sauvignon Blanc
Black’s Station 2017 Yolo County Cabernet Sauvignon
McManis Family Vineyards 2018 River Junction (Stanislaus) Chardonnay
Double Gold 98
Best Of Lodi Red Double Gold 99 Bold Vine 2017 Lodi (San Joaquin) Zinfandel
Double Gold 98
Double Gold 99
Double Gold 99
Best Of California State Red
Best Of California State White
Cellar Box 2017 California Merlot
Adorada 2017 California Pinot Gris
Double Gold 99
Double Gold 99
Double Gold 99
Double Gold 99
Double Gold 99
Commercial Olive Oil, cheese, Wine, & Craft Beer competitions CAStateFair.org/competitions 35
Best of Show: Red Wine
Concannon Stampmaker
Red GSM Reserve
By Fred Swan
C
oncannon Stampmaker’s Red GSM Reserve, Livermore Valley 2016 ($32) is a wine in the style of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. In this village located, in the southern Rhone Valley of France, the red wines are almost always blends and can include up to nine different varieties. The mostplanted are, in descending order of acreage, Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre. Grenache provides rich, red fruit aromas and flavors with generous body and light, soft texture. Syrah is dark in color, and more firmly structured, with black cherry and plum flavors, plus savory notes such as black pepper, bacon fat, and olive. Mourvedre is also dark and firm, but with blackberry, leather, and spice flavors. The weather in Livermore Valley (Alameda County) is similar to that of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The growing season is long, with warm, sunny days. Nights can be quite cold, due to chilly winds rushing inland from the bay. This dynamic allows grapes to achieve excellent ripeness slowly, but remain fresh and juicy. Concannon’s richly flavorful blend includes Grenache (54%), Syrah (37%), and Mourvedre (9%). Harvest took place in late September through early October. After fermentation, the wine
matured for 19 months in American and French oak barrels. Judges were impressed not just by the wine’s “complex and delicious” palate, silky tannins and “succulent, lingering finish, but also it’s an accurate representation of the southern Rhone style. One judge summed up the consensus well, calling it “a classic Rhone blend with elegance, finesse, and great flavors.” The judges suggest you’ll find flavors of ripe cherry, James & John Concannon cranberry, tart blackberry, bacon fat, black pepper, and subtle oak. The name “Stampmaker” is a reference to James Concannon. Before founding Concannon Vineyards in 1883, with a contract to produce sacramental wine, he had traveled the western United States producing and selling rubber stamps. In that era, rubber stamps were essential, time-saving innovation. Because Concannon Vineyards was a maker of sacramental wine, the U.S. government allowed it to continue operations through Prohibition. The vast majority of this country’s wineries were forced to close. Today, Concannon Vineyards remains the oldest, continuously operated, own-branded, wine producer in the United States.
36 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
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Competition
Commercial Wine: Best of California Best Barbera Double Gold 99
Montevina 2016 Barbera Amador County
Best Chardonnay Double Gold 99
McManis Family Vineyards 2018 Chardonnay River Junction (Stanislaus)
Best Bordeaux Red Varietal Blend Double Gold 98
Dry Creek Vineyard 2016 Meritage Dry Creek Valley
Best Generic Rose Double Gold 99
Bread & Butter 2018 Rose California
Best Cabernet Franc
Best Cabernet Sauvignon
Kautz & Kramer 2015 Cabernet Franc Lodi (Sacramento)
Peju 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Double Gold 99
Best Malbec
Best Merlot
Steele 2016 Malbec Lake County
Cellar Box 2017 Merlot California
Double Gold 98
Best Other Red Varietal
Best Other Red Varietal Blend
Double Gold 99
Double Gold 98
Best Other White Varietal
Nello Olivo Wine 2016 Sagrantino El Dorado County
Cass Winery 2016 Vintage Ted Paso Robles Geneseo District
Bella Grace 2018 Grenache Blanc Amador County
38 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
Double Gold 98
Double Gold 98
Double Gold 99
Best Petite Sirah Double Gold 98
Monte De Oro Winery 2015 Petite Sirah Temecula Valley
Competition
Commercial Wine: Best of California Best Pinot Grigio Double Gold 99
Navarro Vineyards 2018 Pinot Grigio Anderson Valley
Best Sangiovese Double Gold 99
Imagery Estate Winery 2016 Sangiovese Sonoma County
Best Tempranillo Double Gold 99 Las Positas Vineyards 2016 Tempranillo Livermore Valley
Best Pinot Noir
Double Gold 99 Picchetti Winery 2017 Pinot Noir Los Carneros (Napa)
Best Sauvignon Blanc Double Gold 99
Stateland 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Napa County
Best Varietal Rose Double Gold 99
Imagery Estate Winery 2018 Aleatico Rose Sonoma Valley
Best Red Generic Double Gold 99
Peltier 2016 Triomphe Lodi (San Joaquin)
Best Sauvignon Blanc Double Gold 99
Wente Vineyards 2017 Louis Mel Sauvignon Blanc Livermore Valley
Best Rhone Red Varietal Blend Double Gold 99
Concannon Reserve 2016 Stampmaker’s GSM Livermore Valley
Best Syrah
Double Gold 99 Jeff Runquist 2017 Syrah Paso Robles
Best Viognier
Best Zinfandel
Bella Grace 2018 Viognier Amador County
Helwig Winery 2016 Gold Country Zinfandel Sierra Foothills
Double Gold 98
Double Gold 100
Commercial Olive Oil, cheese, Wine, & Craft Beer competitions CAStateFair.org/competitions 39
Best of Show: White Wine
Las Positas Vineyards
Verdelho Livermore Valley By Fred Swan
T
he Las Positas Vineyards Verdelho Livermore Valley 2018 ($30) is a great example of a delicious trend in California white wines. It’s bursting with flavor and juicy in the mouth, but moderate in alcohol. The Las Positas Vineyards Verdelho is wonderfully intense. Judges enthused over the “super nose” and refer to aromas of nectarine, pear, yuzu grapefruit, white flowers, and honey. The palate starts with a “bright burst of acidity,” leading to “a surprisingly creamy mouthfeel and lingering finish.” One judge dubbed it “a stunning example of California Verdelho.” Another called it “floral perfection, a clean and refreshing wine that is ideal for California summers.” Verdelho is a Portuguese grape variety. It’s primarily grown on the country’s island of Madeira. There, it’s used for making fortified wines. Elsewhere in Portugal, including the mainland and the Canary Islands, Verdelho appears both as a varietal, table wine and in white blends. The climate in parts of Portugal is similar to that of some California wine growing regions, such as Livermore and Lodi. The fruit ripens beautifully in these places, yet maintains the acidity necessary for the wine to be refreshing and food-friendly. Lisa and Lothar Maier founded Los Positas Vineyards in 2006. Their focus is on small lots made from estate-grown fruit. They started with a 20acre vineyard, located in southwestern Livermore, which they almost immediately replanted to opti-
Owner Lisa Maier & Winemaker Brent Amos
mize quality and varietal mix. In 2010, they bought an additional property which included a winery building and another 20-acre vineyard. They updated that plot and then sold their initial vineyard. The 2018 Las Positas Verdelho is the first wine made from the new vines. The Verdelho cuttings came from the Silvaspoons Vineyard in Lodi, which is well-known for its Portuguese varieties, sourced directly from Madeira. For years, Livermore wineries made wines grown on the Lodi vineyard. According to Las Positas winemaker Brent Amos, this California State Fair award-winning wine is probably the first Verdelho ever produced from Livermore Valley fruit. It is 100% Verdelho. Amos fermented and aged 95% of the juice in stainless steel tanks. The other 5% was in acacia-wood barrels. He inhibited malo-lactic conversion to preserve the wine’s vibrant acidity and fresh fruit flavors. The result is a gorgeous wine that speaks directly from the vineyard.
40 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
Competition
Best of Micro Wineries
Many small, boutique or micro-wineries in California produce incredible wines, and the California State Fair continues to recognize them and offer a micro-winery category to include these smaller wineries. The California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition is one of the few competitions providing this platform to assist small wineries in
Best Microwinery Red Double Gold 100
Rodrigue Molyneaux Estate Winery & Vineyard 2016 Sangiovese Livermore Valley
reaching a broader market by recognizing them in conjunction with the larger companies that enter this competition. Wines entered in the micro-winery classes are eligible for Best Micro Winery Red, White and Other as well as Double Gold, Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.
Best Microwinery White Double Gold 99 Halleck Vineyard 2018 Gewurztraminer Russian River Valley
Best Microwinery Other Double Gold 99
Rancho de Philo Triple Cream Sherry Cucamonga Valley (San Bernadino)
Commercial Olive Oil, cheese, Wine, & Craft Beer competitions CAStateFair.org/competitions 41
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learn more at
R obert M ondavi P rivate S election . com
Please enjoy our wines responsibly. Š 2019 Robert Mondavi, Acampo, CA
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Best Value Wine
Trader Moon Velvet Moon
Cabernet Sauvignon By Fred Swan
T
rader Moon Velvet Moon Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 is a Trader Joe’s wine. They offer several different varietals and blends under that name. Judges at the California State Fair found it offers exceptional value. Trader Moon first offered varietal Cabernet Sauvignon in 2009. Since it’s a varietal label, at least 75% of the grapes used to make it must be Cabernet Sauvignon. Using fruit from a number of sources allows the winery to achieve a great balance of quality, high volume, and low price. The fruit in 2017 came from various vineyards in good growing regions within the Central Coast and north-central California. Cabernet Sauvignon is perhaps the red variety for which California is best known. It certainly produces the state’s most expensive and sought-after wines. But Cabernet Sauvignon is also a variety which can be very satisfying, and distinctly itself, even at affordable prices. The California State Fair judges were won over by the 2017 Trader Moon
Velvet Moon Cabernet Sauvignon’s varietally correct dark berry flavors and long finish. Mark Chandler, Chief Judge for the competition, summed up their opinions. ”This delicious, varietally expressive Cabernet Sauvignon retails for $5.99 per bottle. The average bottle price for wines judged in this class is $30. For this wine to achieve a score equivalent to wines priced at five times its price is the very definition of Best Value Wine, and it is from a producer who has won it multiple times in the past. Congratulations!”
44 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
Competition
Double Gold & Gold Winners Commercial Wine Dry White Wines Albariño
Intercoastal Vineyards 2017 Albarino, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation Imagery Estate Winery 2018 Albarino, Sonoma Valley Best of Class of Appellation Las Positas Vineyards 2018 Albarino, Livermore Valley Best of Class of Appellation
Gold 96 Gold 95 Gold 95
Bordeaux White Varietal Blends NAPA by N.A.P.A. 2015 Bianca’s White Napa Valley
Gold 96
Chardonnay Bogle Vineyards Double Gold 99 2017 Phantom, Chardonnay, Clarksburg (Yolo) Best of Class of Appellation Bump City Wine Co Double Gold 99 2016 Chardonnay, Sonoma County Best of Class of Appellation Castle Rock Double Gold 99 2018 Chardonnay, Central Coast Best of Class of Appellation Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Double Gold 99 2017 Pavilion, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County Best of Class of Appellation McManis Family Vineyards Double Gold 99 2018 Chardonnay, River Junction (Stanislaus) Best of Region - White, Best of California, & Best of Class of Appellation Navarro Vineyards Double Gold 99 2017 Chardonnay, Anderson Valley Best of Class of Appellation Queens Peak Double Gold 99 2018 Chardonnay, California Best of Class of Appellation Raeburn Double Gold 99 2017 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley Best of Class of Appellation Sterling Vintner’s Collection Double Gold 99 2017 Chardonnay, California Best of Class of Appellation Willowbrook Double Gold 99 2017 Chardonnay, Napa Valley Best of Class of Appellation Woodbridge Double Gold 99 2017 Chardonnay, California Best of Class of Appellation
Beringer Brothers Gold 96 2016 Chardonnay, California Cache Creek Vineyards Gold 96 2017 Chardonnay, Lake County Challis Lane Gold 96 2017 Chardonnay, California Irony Gold 96 2016 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley The Dreaming Tree Gold 96 2017 Chardonnay, California Anthony’s Hill Gold 95 NV Chardonnay, California Avalon Gold 95 2017 Chardonnay, California Baileyana Gold 95 2017 Firepeak, Chardonnay, Edna Valley Box Wize Gold 95 NV Chardonnay, California Cartlidge & Browne Gold 95 2017 Chardonnay, California Chateau St. Jean Gold 95 2016 Creamy Chardonnay, California CK Mondavi Gold 95 2018 Chardonnay, California Cru Winery Gold 95 2017 Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley (Santa Barbara) Cupcake Vineyards Gold 95 2017 Chardonnay, Monterey County Custard Gold 95 2017 Chardonnay, California D & L Carinalli Vineyards Gold 95 2017 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley Four Vines Gold 95 2017 The Willing Chardonnay, California Francis Ford Coppola Director’s Cut Gold 95 2017 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley Hatcher Winery Gold 95 2018 Chardonnay, Calaveras County Best of Class of Appellation Highway 12 Gold 95 2017 Chardonnay, California La Storia Gold 95 2018 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley Montevina Gold 95 2017 Chardonnay, California Navarro Vineyards Gold 95 2017 Chardonnay, Mendocino Pomelo Gold 95 2016 Chardonnay, California Robert Mondavi Private Select Gold 95 2017 Chardonnay, Monterey County
46 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
Competition
Double Gold & Gold Winners Commercial Wine Chardonnay (continued) Sand Point Family Vineyards 2017 Chardonnay, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation Storrs 2017 Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains Best of Class of Appellation Storrs 2018 Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains Best of Class of Appellation The Collection 2017 Chardonnay, California
Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95
Chenin Blanc In 2018 CHEN(IN), Chenin Blanc, California Best of Class of Appellation Rendez-vous 2018 Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg (Yolo) Best of Class of Appellation Rucksack Cellars 2018 Chenin Blanc, Sierra Foothills
Double Gold 99 Double Gold 99 Gold 95
Gewurztraminer Halleck Vineyard Double Gold 99 2018 Gewurztraminer, Russian River Valley Best Micro White Husch Gold 95 2018 Gewurztraminer, Anderson Valley
Grenache Blanc Bella Grace Double Gold 98 2018 Garnacha Blanca, Amador County Best of California & Best of Class of Appellation Bokisch Vineyards Gold 96 2018 Grenache Blanc, Borden Ranch Best of Class of Appellation Halter Ranch Gold 95 2017 Grenache Blanc, Adelaida District Best of Class of Appellation Moniz Family Wines Gold 95 2018 Grenache Blanc, California Best of Class of Appellation
Other Dry White Varietal Blends Menage a Trois Gold 95 2017 White Blend, California Best of Class of Appellation Rodney Strong Vineyards Gold 95 2018 Upshot, White Wine Blend California Best of Class of Appellation Terra d’Oro Gold 95 2018 Chenin Blanc & Viognier, Clarksburg (Sacramento) Best of Class of Appellation
Other White Varietals Las Positas Vineyards Double Gold 99 2018 Verdelho Estate, Livermore Valley Best of Show - White, Best of Region - White, & Best of Class of Appellation Scotto Family Cellars Gold 96 2018 Verdelho, Alta Mesa Best of Class of Appellation Wise Villa Winery Gold 96 2017 Torrontes, Alta Mesa Best of Class of Appellation Bella Grace Gold 95 2018 Vermentino, Amador County Jeff Runquist Gold 95 2018 Verdelho, Amador County ARTEVINO Gold 94 2016 Flora, Yorkville Highlands Best of Class of Appellation Rancho Sisquoc Gold 94 2018 Sylvaner, Santa Barbara County
Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris Adorada Double Gold 99 2017 Pinot Gris, California Best of Region - White & Best of Class of Appellation Baron Herzog Double Gold 99 2018 Pinot Grigio, California Best of Class of Appellation Collier Creek Double Gold 99 2018 Midnight Owl, Pinot Grigio, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation Navarro Vineyards Double Gold 99 2018 Pinot Gris, Anderson Valley Best of California & Best of Class of Appellation School Street Double Gold 99 2018 Pinot Grigio, Sierra Foothills Best of Region - White & Best of Class of Appellation California Dream Gold 96 2017 Pinot Grigio, California California Roots Gold 96 2017 Pinot Grigio, California GoodMills Family Winery Gold 96 2018 Pinot Grigio, Lodi (San Joaquin) Menage a Trois Gold 96 2017 Pinot Grigio, California Montevina Gold 95 2017 Pinot Grigio, California Navarro Vineyards Gold 95 2018 Pinot Gris, Anderson Valley Three Thieves Gold 95 Bieler Gott Scommes, 2017 Pinot Grigio, California
Commercial Olive Oil, cheese, Wine, & Craft Beer competitions CAStateFair.org/competitions 47
Competition
Double Gold & Gold Winners Commercial Wine Rhone White Varietal Blends Batia Vineyards 2017 Melange Blanc, Sierra Foothills
Gold 95
Riesling J. Lohr Estates 2018 Bay Mist, Riesling, Monterey County Best of Region - White Navarro Vineyards 2018 Riesling, Anderson Valley Santa Barbara Winery 2017 RIESLING 2.3, Santa Rita Hills Guardsmen Wines 2017 Riesling, El Dorado County
Double Gold 99 Double Gold 99 Gold 96 Gold 95
Roussanne Robert Hall 2018 Roussanne, Paso Robles Best of Region - White
Double Gold 99
Sauvignon Blanc Bogle Vineyards Double Gold 99 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, California Best of Class of Appellation Husch Double Gold 99 2018 Renegade Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino Best of Region - White & Best of Class of Appellation Quivira Vineyards Double Gold 99 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley Best of Region - White & Best of Class of Appellation Sand Point Family Vineyards Double Gold 99 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Region - White & Best of Class of Appellation Stateland Double Gold 99 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa County Best of Region - White, Best of California, & Best of Class of Appellation Tangent Double Gold 99 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, Edna Valley Best of Class of Appellation Wente Vineyards Double Gold 99 2017 Sauvignon Louis Mel Blanc, Livermore Valley Best of California & Best of Class of Appellation Amador Cellars Gold 96 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Amador County Best of Class of Appellation Barefoot Gold 96 NV Sauvignon Blanc, California Hatcher Winery Gold 96 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Sierra Foothills Best of Class of Appellation Peltier Gold 96 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, Lodi (San Joaquin)
Pomelo Gold 96 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, California SEAGLASS Gold 96 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Barbara County Shannon Ridge Gold 96 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County Shooting Star Gold 96 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County Stephen & Walker Gold 96 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, Green Valley of Russian River Valley Storrs Gold 96 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, Monterey Best of Class of Appellation Akash Winery Gold 95 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Temecula Valley Best of Class of Appellation Highway 12 Gold 95 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Valley Navarro Vineyards Gold 95 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Anderson Valley  Oak Farm Vineyards Gold 95 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Lodi (San Joaquin) Pope Valley Winery Gold 95 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley The Crusher Gold 95 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, California
Viognier Bella Grace Double Gold 98 2018 Viognier, Amador County Best of California Falkner Winery Double Gold 96 2018 Viognier, Temecula Valley Best of Region - White & Best of Class of Appellation Feist Gold 96 2017 Viognier, Fair Play Best of Class of Appellation Jeff Runquist Gold 96 2018 Viognier, River Junction (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation Starfield Vineyards Gold 96 2017 Viognier, El Dorado Best of Class of Appellation
Red Table Wines Barbera
Bella Grace Double Gold 99 2016 Barbera, Amador County Best of Class of Appellation Montevina Double Gold 99 2016 Barbera, Amador County Best of California & Best of Class of Appellation
48 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
A FAMILY SUCCESS STORY, THIRTY VINTAGES AND COUNTING. J. LOHR ESTATES MONTERE Y
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Competition
Double Gold & Gold Winners Commercial Wine Barbera (continued) Campos Family Vineyards 2016 Gabriel Barbera, Contra Costa County Best of Class of Appellation Jeff Runquist 2017 Barbera, Amador County Las Positas Vineyards 2015 Barbera, Livermore Valley Scott Harvey 2016 J & S Reserve Barbera, Amador County Scott Harvey 2016 Barbera, Mountain Selection Amador County Sobon Estate 2017 Barbera, Amador County
Gold 95
Rucksack Cellars 2016 Cabernet Franc, Sierra Foothills Best of Class of Appellation Gray Pine 2016 Cabernet Franc, Sierra Foothills Gwinllan Estate 2016 Cabernet Franc, Fair Play Lewis Grace 2016 Cabernet Franc, El Dorado Pear Valley 2016 Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles Best of Class of Appellation
Gold 95
Cabernet Sauvignon
Gold 96 Gold 96 Gold 95 Gold 95
Bordeaux Red Varietal Blends Dry Creek Vineyard Double Gold 98 2016 Meritage, Dry Creek Valley Best of California & Best of Class of Appellation Lyeth Estate Gold 96 2016 Red Blend, Sonoma County Dry Creek Vineyard Gold 95 2014 The Mariner, Dry Creek Valley Oakstone Winery Gold 95 2016 Meritage, Fair Play Best of Class of Appellation Wise Villa Winery Gold 95 2017 Red Blend, California Best of Class of Appellation Pear Valley Gold 94 2015 Distraction, Paso Robles Best of Class of Appellation
Cabernet Franc Baily Vineyard & Winery Double Gold 99 2015 Cabernet Franc, Temecula Valley Best of Class of Appellation Imagery Estate Winery Double Gold 99 2016 Cabernet Franc, Sonoma County Best of Class of Appellation Kautz & Kramer Double Gold 99 2015 Cabernet Franc, Lodi (Sacramento) Best of California & Best of Class of Appellation Meadow View Winery Double Gold 99 2016 Cabernet Franc, Lamorinda Rodrigue Molyneaux Estate Double Gold 99 Winery & Vineyard 2016 Chateau Molyneaux, Cabernet Franc, Livermore Valley Wise Villa Winery Double Gold 99 2016 Cabernet Franc, Alta Mesa Best of Class of Appellation
Gold 96 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95
Avalon Double Gold 99 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa County Best of Class of Appellation Black’s Station Double Gold 99 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Yolo County Best of Region - Red & Best of Class of Appellation Gnarly Head Double Gold 99 2017 1924 Double Black, Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation Havens Double Gold 99 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford Best of Class of Appellation NAPA GLEN Double Gold 99 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Best of Class of Appellation Spiral Cellars Double Gold 99 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Best of Class of Appellation The Collection Double Gold 99 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, California Best of Class of Appellation Trader Moon Double Gold 99 2017 Velvet Moon, Cabernet Sauvignon, California Best Value & Best of Class of Appellation Woodbridge Double Gold 99 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, California Best of Class of Appellation Peju Double Gold 98 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Best of Region - Red & Best of California Brian Arden Winery Gold 96 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Bump City Wine Co Gold 96 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma) Best of Class of Appellation Ca’ Momi Heartcraft Gold 96 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
50 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
Please enjoy our wines responsibly. © 2019 7 Moons Wine Co., Geyserville, CA
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Competition
Double Gold & Gold Winners Commercial Wine Cabernet Sauvignon (continued) Dry Creek Vineyard 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley Best of Class of Appellation Encore 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi (San Joaquin) Freelander 2017 District One Cabernet Sauvignon, California Halter Ranch 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Adelaida District Best of Class of Appellation Iter 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley J. Lohr Signature 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles Best of Class of Appellation Line 39 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, California Rodney Strong Vineyards 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Knights Valley Best of Class of Appellation
Gold 96 Gold 96 Gold 96 Gold 96 Gold 96 Gold 96 Gold 96 Gold 96
USA Cabernet 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, California Yokayo 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rockpile Best of Class of Appellation Z. Alexander Brown 2017 Uncaged, Cabernet Sauvignon, California 1000 Stories 2017 Prospectors’ Proof, Cabernet Sauvignon, California 719 West 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, California Buck Shack 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lake County Best of Class of Appellation Castle Rock 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Francis Coppola Diamond Collection 2017 Claret, Cabernet Sauvignon, California Harmony Cellars 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles Hess Collection 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mt. Veeder
Gold 96 Gold 96 Gold 96 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95
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Competition
Double Gold & Gold Winners Commercial Wine Cabernet Sauvignon (continued) Ironstone Vineyards Gold 95 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi (Sacramento) Joel Gott Gold 95 2016 815, Cabernet Sauvignon, California Laetitia Winery Gold 95 2017 NADIA, Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Barbara County Long Valley Ranch Gold 95 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Monterey Best of Class of Appellation Matchbook Gold 95 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dunnigan Hills Mettler Family Vineyards Gold 95 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi (San Joaquin) Montevina Gold 95 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, California Retzlaff Gold 95 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Livermore Valley Best of Class of Appellation Rodney Strong Vineyards Gold 95 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley Sean Minor Gold 95 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles Shed Horn Cellars Gold 95 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lake County Best of Class of Appellation St. Amant Winery Gold 95 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi (San Joaquin) STONEHEDGE Gold 95 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley The Recipient Gold 95 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles Three Thieves Gold 95 2017 Bieler· Gott· Scommes, Cabernet Sauvignon, California Treana Gold 95 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles Bonterra Organic Vineyards Gold 94 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, California Cache Creek Vineyards Gold 94 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lake County
Grenache Amador Cellars Gold 95 2016 Grenache, California Shenandoah Valley (Amador) Best of Class of Appellation Red Soles Winery Gold 95 2016 Garnacha, Paso Robles Willow Creek District Best of Class of Appellation Shadow Ranch Vineyard Gold 95 2017 Grenache, El Dorado Best of Class of Appellation
Trevor Grace 2017 Grenache, El Dorado Best of Class of Appellation Vina Moda 2016 Grenache, Sierra Foothills Best of Class of Appellation
Gold 95 Gold 95
Italian Red Varietal Blend Imagery Estate Winery 2016 Tusca Brava, Sonoma County Best of Class of Appellation La Storia 2016 Cuvee 32, Alexander Valley
Double Gold 99 Gold 95
Malbec D’Artagnan Vineyards Double Gold 99 2015 Malbec, El Dorado County Steele Double Gold 98 2016 Malbec, Lake County Best of California; Best of Class of Appellation Concannon Gold 95 2016 Malbec, Livermore Valley Best of Class of Appellation Findleton Estate Winery Gold 95 2016 Malbec, El Dorado Best of Class of Appellation Imagery Estate Winery Gold 95 2016 Malbec, Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak (Sonoma) Best of Class of Appellation Pear Valley Gold 95 2016 Malbec, Paso Robles Best of Class of Appellation
Merlot Cellar Box 2017 Merlot, California Best of Region - Red, Best of California, & Best of Class of Appellation Thorn Hill Vineyards 2015 Merlot, Napa Valley Best of Class of Appellation Huntington 2017 Merlot, Napa Valley Silver Creek 2017 Merlot, California Trefethen Family Vineyards 2016 Merlot, Oak Knoll District Beringer Founders Estate 2017 Merlot, California CK Mondavi 2016 Merlot, California
Double Gold 99
Double Gold 99 Gold 96 Gold 96 Gold 96 Gold 95 Gold 95
Commercial Olive Oil, cheese, Wine, & Craft Beer competitions CAStateFair.org/competitions 53
Competition
Double Gold & Gold Winners Commercial Wine Mourvèdre
Other Red Varietal Blends
Oakstone Winery Double Gold 99 2017 Mourvedre, Fair Play Best of Class of Appellation Los Portales Double Gold 98 2015 Monastrell, Mourvedre, California Shenandoah Valley (Amador) Cass Winery Gold 96 2017 Mourvedre, Paso Robles Geneseo District Best of Class of Appellation Mount Saint Joseph Wines Gold 94 2016 Mourvedre, Sierra Foothills
Herzog Special Reserve Double Gold 99 2015 Quartet, Red Blend, California Best of Class of Appellation Stony Ridge Double Gold 99 2016 Trifecta, Livermore Valley Best of Class of Appellation Cass Winery Double Gold 98 2016 Vintage Ted, Paso Robles Geneseo District Best of California; Best of Class of Appellation Crystal Basin Cellars Gold 96 2016 Xpealidocious, El Dorado Best of Class of Appellation Klinker Brick Winery Gold 96 2016 Red Blend, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation Las Positas Vineyards Gold 96 2015 Coccineous, Livermore Valley The Hess Collection Gold 96 2016 Lion Tamer, Red Blend, Napa Valley Best of Class of Appellation Vina Moda Gold 96 2016 Phoenix, Stanislaus County Best of Class of Appellation 7 Moons Gold 95 2017 Dark Side Red Blend, California Cass Winery Gold 95 2016 Red Blend, Paso Robles Geneseo District Collier Falls Gold 95 2016 Cascata, Red Blend, Dry Creek Valley Best of Class of Appellation Crystal Basin Cellars Gold 95 2016 Quijote, El Dorado La Chertosa Old World Wines Gold 95 2016 Samuele’s Quarry, Red Wine Blend, California Las Positas Vineyards Gold 95 2016 Coccineous, Livermore Valley Thorn Hill Vineyards Gold 95 2017 Big Magic, Lake County
Other Red Varietals Nello Olivo Wine Double Gold 99 2016 Sagrantino, El Dorado County Best of Region - Red, Best of California, & Best of Class of Appellation Renegade Double Gold 99 2016 Pinotage, Jahant (San Joaquin) Black Sheep Winery Gold 95 2015 Dusty Lane, Cinsaut, Calaveras County Gianelli Vineyards Gold 95 2016 Montepulciano, Tuolumne County Imagery Estate Winery Gold 95 2016 Lagrein, Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak (Sonoma) Best of Class of Appellation Jeff Runquist Gold 95 2017 Charbono, Sierra Foothills Michael David Gold 95 2017 Cinsaut, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation Opaque Gold 95 2015 Petit Vedot, Paso Robles Best of Class of Appellation St. Amant Winery Gold 95 2017 The Little Bastardo, Trousseau, Amador County Steele Gold 95 2015 Petit Verdot, Lake County Best of Class of Appellation Trentadue Gold 95 Old Orchard, 2016 Montepulciano, Alexander Valley Best of Class of Appellation Jeff Runquist Gold 94 2017 Petit Verdot, Stanislaus County Best of Class of Appellation Jeff Runquist Gold 94 2017 Dolcetto, Sierra Foothills Lewis Grace Gold 94 2016 Petit Verdot El Dorado Secret Ravine Gold 94 2016 Teroldego, Placer County
Petite Sirah Oak Grove Double Gold 99 2017 Petite Sirah, California Best of Class of Appellation Steiner Family Vineyards Double Gold 99 2015 Petite Sirah, El Dorado Monte De Oro Winery Double Gold 98 2015 Petite Sirah, Temecula Valley Best of Region - Red, Best of California, & Best of Class of Appellation Bray Vineyards Gold 96 2016 Petite Sirah, California Shenandoah Valley (Amador)
54 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
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Competition
Double Gold & Gold Winners Commercial Wine Petite Sirah (continued) Foppiano Vineyards 2015 Petite Sirah, Russian River Valley Best of Class of Appellation GoodMills Family Winery 2015 Petite Sirah, Lodi (San Joaquin) Mettler Family Vineyards 2016 Petite Sirah, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation Miro 2017 Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Valley Wise Villa Winery 2016 Petite Sirah, Sierra Foothills Best of Class of Appellation Wolff Vineyards 2017 Petite Sirah, Edna Valley Best of Class of Appellation Concannon 2016 Captain Joe’s, Petite Sirah, Livermore Valley Best of Class of Appellation Crooked Vine 2016 Petite Sirah, Livermore Valley Best of Class of Appellation d’Art Wines 2016 Petite Sirah, Lodi (San Joaquin) The Crusher 2016 Petite Sirah, California Heringer Estates 2014 Petite Sirah, Clarksburg (Yolo) Best of Class of Appellation Shannon Ridge 2017 Petite Sirah, Lake County Best of Class of Appellation Wilson Vineyards 2016 Petite Sirah, Clarksburg (Yolo)
Gold 96 Gold 96 Gold 96 Gold 96 Gold 96 Gold 96 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 94 Gold 94 Gold 94
Pinot Noir Tulocay Double Gold 100 2016 Pinot Noir, Napa Valley Benziger Family Winery Double Gold 99 2017 Signaterra, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma) Best of Class of Appellation Buena Vista Winery Double Gold 99 2016 Pinot Noir, North Coast Best of Class of Appellation En Garde Double Gold 99 2016 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley Halleck Vineyard Double Gold 99 2016 Haas Vineryard, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Mountain Picchetti Winery Double Gold 99 2017 Pinot Noir, Los Carneros (Napa) Best of California & Best of Class of Appellation
River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Double Gold 99 2016 Pinot Noir, California Best of Class of Appellation Woodenhead Double Gold 99 2014 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley Best of Class of Appellation DeLoach Vineyards Double Gold 98 2017 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley En Garde Double Gold 98 2016 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 1849 Wine Gold 96 2016 Iris, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma) B Side Gold 96 2017 Pinot Noir, North Coast Black Stallion Estate Winery Gold 96 2017 Pinot Noir, Los Carneros (Napa) Blue Quail Gold 96 2017 Pinot Noir, Potter Valley Brassfield Estate Winery Gold 96 2016 Pinot Noir, High Valley Chamisal Vineyards Gold 96 2017 Pinot Noir, Edna Valley Best of Class of Appellation Cru Winery Gold 96 2017 Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley (Santa Barbara) Best of Class of Appellation Davis Bynum Winery Gold 96 2017 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley Encore Gold 96 2017 Pinot Noir, Monterey Best of Class of Appellation Fork in the Road Vineyard Gold 96 2015 Pinot Noir, Los Carneros (Napa) Halleck Vineyard Gold 96 2015 Hillside Curve, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma) Ledson Gold 96 2017 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma) Milliaire Vineyard Selections Gold 96 2016 Pinot Noir, Mokelumne River Best of Class of Appellation South Coast Winery Gold 96 2017 Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands Best of Class of Appellation The Crusher Gold 96 2017 Pinot Noir, California Benziger Family Winery Gold 95 2016 Signaterra, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley Bogle Vineyards Gold 95 2016 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley Bread & Butter Gold 95 2017 Pinot Noir, California
Commercial Olive Oil, cheese, Wine, & Craft Beer competitions CAStateFair.org/competitions 57
Competition
Double Gold & Gold Winners Commercial Wine Pinot Noir (continued) Carmenet 2016 Pinot Noir, California Castle Rock 2017 Pinot Noir, Mendocino County E18hteen Vines 2017 Pinot Noir, Los Carneros (Napa) Francis Ford Coppola Director’s Cut 2017 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley Laetitia Winery 2017 Pinot Noir, Arroyo Grande Valley Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2017 County Cuvee Pinot Noir, California Muirwood 2016 Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco SEAGLASS 2017 Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County Husch 2016 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley
Gold 95
Menage a Trois 2017 Midnight, Red Blend, California Best of Class of Appellation ONEHOPEWINE 2016 Red Blend, California Best of Class of Appellation RB Rare 2015 Purple Blend, California Best of Class of Appellation Encore 2017 Dark Red, California Marietta Cellars OVR, NV, California Z. Alexander Brow 2017 Uncaged, California Buck Shack 2017 Red Generic, Lake County
Gold 94
Rhone Red Varietal Blends
Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95
Primitivo Drytown Cellars Gold 96 2015 Primitivo, Amador County Best of Class of Appellation Helwig Winery Gold 96 2016 Primitivo, California Shenandoah Valley (Amador) Best of Class of Appellation Jeff Runquist Gold 96 2017 Primitivo, Amador County Best of Class of Appellation Oak Farm Vineyards Gold 96 2017 Primitivo, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation Imagery Estate Winery Gold 94 2017 Primitivo, Sonoma County Best of Class of Appellation
Red Generic Peltier Double Gold 99 2016 Red Generic, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of California & Best of Class of Appellation Brassfield Estate Winery Gold 96 2016 Eruption, High Valley Best of Class of Appellation Crystal Basin Cellars Gold 96 2016 Renegade Red, El Dorado Best of Class of Appellation Las Positas Vineyards Gold 96 2015 Obscurus, Livermore Valley Best of Class of Appellation
Gold 96 Gold 96 Gold 96 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 94
Concannon Reserve Double Gold 99 Stampmaker’s GSM, 2016 Stampmaker’s GSM, Livermore Valley Best of Region - Red, Best of California, Best of Show - Red, & Best of Class of Appellation Helwig Winery Gold 96 2016 G.S.M., California Shenandoah Valley (Amador) Best of Class of Appellation Cass Winery Gold 95 2016 Rockin’ One, Paso Robles Geneseo District Best of Class of Appellation Legendre Cellars Gold 95 2016 Tailrace, Amador County Monte De Oro Winery Gold 95 2015 Cuvee De Oro, Temecula County Best of Class of Appellation Sarahs Vineyard Gold 95 2015 Madonne, Santa Clara Valley Batia Vineyards Gold 94 2016 Cuatro Rojo, Sierra Foothills
Sangiovese Rodrigue Molyneaux Estate Winery & Vineyard 2016 Sangiovese, Livermore Valley Best Micro Red Bonitata Boutique Wine The Naked Botle, Sangiovese, Lodi (Sacramento) Best of Class of Appellation Bottle Jack Cellars 2016 Sangiovese, Santa Clara Valley
58 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
Double Gold 100
Double Gold 99
Double Gold 99
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Please Enjoy Responsibly. ©2019 Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, Stamford, CT 06901
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Competition
Double Gold & Gold Winners Commercial Wine Sangiovese (continued) d’Art Wines 2016 Sangiovese, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation Eberle 2017 Sangiovese, Paso Robles Best of Class of Appellation Imagery Estate Winery 2016 Sangiovese, Sonoma County Best of California; Best of Class of Appellation Dillian Wines 2017 Sangiovese, Amador County Best of Class of Appellation Dillian Wines 2017 Sangiovese, Amador County Crystal Basin Cellars 2016 Sangiovese, El Dorado Martin Ranch 2015 Sangiovese, Santa Clara Valley Best of Class of Appellation Scotto Family Cellars 2016 Sangiovese, Lodi (San Joaquin) Story Winery 2017 Sangiovese, California Shenandoah Valley (Amador) Jeff Runquist 2016 Sangiovese, Amador County
Double Gold 99 Double Gold 99 Double Gold 99 Double Gold 98 Gold 96 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 94
Syrah/ShiRaz Fog Head Double Gold 100 2017 Syrah, San Bernabe Best of Region - Red & Best of Class of Appellation DeWitt Vineyard Double Gold 99 2016 Syrah, Amador County Frog’s Tooth Winery Double Gold 99 2016 Syrah, Sierra Foothills Best of Class of Appellation Jeff Runquist Double Gold 99 2017 Syrah, Paso Robles Best of Region - Red, Best of California, & Best of Class of Appellation Milliaire Vineyard Selections Double Gold 99 2016 Syrah, Sierra Foothills Best of Class of Appellation Red Soles Winery Double Gold 99 2016 Syrah, Paso Robles Willowcreek District Best of Class of Appellation Halter Ranch Gold 96 2016 Syrah, Adelaida District Jeff Runquist Gold 96 2017 Syrah, Paso Robles
Renegade 2017 Syrah, El Dorado County Lawer Estates 2016 Syrah, Knights Valley Best of Class of Appellation Lewis Grace 2015 Syrah, Sierra Foothills Seka Hills 2015 Syrah, Capay Valley Best of Class of Appellation
Gold 96 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95
Tempranillo Las Positas Vineyards Double Gold 99 2016 Tempranillo, Livermore Valley Best of California; Best of Class of Appellation Revolution Wines Double Gold 99 2017 Tempranillo, Clarksburg (Yolo) Amador Cellars Gold 96 2015 Tempranillo, California Shenandoah Valley (Amador) Best of Class of Appellation Avensole Winery Gold 95 2015 Solea, Tempranillo, California Best of Class of Appellation Gali Vineyards Gold 95 2016 Tempranillo, Santa Cruz Mountains Inner Sanctum Cellars Gold 95 2017 Torro7, Tempranillo, Tuolumne County Jeff Runquist Gold 95 2017 Tempranillo, Jahant (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation Jeff Runquist Gold 95 2017 Tempranillo, Amador County Las Positas Vineyards Gold 95 2015 Tempranillo, Livermore Valley Sonnet Wine Cellars Gold 95 2016 Tempranillo, Santa Cruz Mountains Starfield Vineyards Gold 95 2016 Tempranillo, El Dorado Tinto Rey Gold 95 2015 Tempranillo, Dunnigan Hills Best of Class of Appellation
Zinfandel Helwig Winery Double Gold 100 2016 Gold Country, Zinfandel, Sierra Foothills Best of California & Best of Class of Appellation Manzanita Creek Double Gold 100 2016 Zinfandel, Alexander Valley Best of Region - Red & Best of Class of Appellation Batia Vineyards Double Gold 99 2016 Zinfandel, California Shenandoah Valley (Amador)
60 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
Competition
Double Gold & Gold Winners Commercial Wine Zinfandel (continued) Bold Vine Double Gold 99 2017 Zinfandel, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Region - Red & Best of Class of Appellation Carol Shelton Wines Double Gold 99 2016 Cox Reserve, Zinfandel, Mendocino County Best of Region - Red & Best of Class of Appellation Cigar Zin Double Gold 99 2017 Zinfandel, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation Fate Double Gold 99 2016 Zinfandel, Amador County Harney Lane Double Gold 99 2016 Zinfandel, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation Iron Hub Double Gold 99 2015 Zinfandel, Amador County La Storia Double Gold 99 2017 Zinfandel, Alexander Valley Ledson Double Gold 99 2015 Zinfandel, Redwood Valley Best of Class of Appellation Seghesio Family Vineyards Double Gold 99 2015 Cortina, Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley Unruly Double Gold 99 2017 SIN, Zinfandel, California Best of Class of Appellation Dry Creek Vineyard Gold 96 2016 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley Great Basin Winery Gold 96 2016 Zinfandel, Alexander Valley Manzanita Creek Gold 96 2016 Zinfandel, Rockpile McManis Family Vineyards Gold 96 2017 Zinfandel, Lodi (Sacramento) Russian Ridge Winery Gold 96 2016 Zinfandel, Amador County Stephen & Walker Gold 96 2017 PONYTAILS, Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley Stephen & Walker Gold 96 2017 LOS AMIGOS ROAD, Zinfandel, Russian River Valley Alexander Valley Vineyards Gold 95 2015 Sin Zin, Zinfandel, Alexander Valley Borjon Gold 95 2016 Reposado, Zinfandel, Amador County Carol Shelton Wines Gold 95 2017 Monga Zin, Zinfandel, Cucamonga Valley (Riverside) Best of Class of Appellation
District Eleven Barreled 2015 Zinfandel, Lodi (San Joaquin) James Bryant Hill 2015 Zinfandel, Monterey County Best of Class of Appellation Klinker Brick Winery 2016 Zinfandel, Lodi (San Joaquin) Lust 2016 Zinfandel, Lodi (San Joaquin) Macchia 2017 Victorious, Zinfandel, Lodi (San Joaquin) Macchia 2017 Superlicious, Zinfandel, Lodi (San Joaquin) Macchia 2017 Mischevious, Zinfandel, Lodi (San Joaquin) Peirano Estate Vineyards 2015 Zinfandel, Lodi (San Joaquin) Red Soles Winery 2016 Zinfandel, Paso Robles Willowcreek District Best of Class of Appellation River Road Family Vineyards & Winery 2017 Boschetti, Zinfandel, Russian River Valley Sobon Estate 2017 Zinfandel, Amador County South Coast Winery 2016 Zinfandel, South Coast Best of Class of Appellation Terra d’Oro 2017 Zinfandel, Amador County Tulocay 2017 Zinfandel, Napa Valley Wise Villa Winery 2016 Zinfandel, Sierra Foothills Martin Ranch 2017 J.D. Hurley, Zinfandel, Santa Clara Valley Best of Class of Appellation Rosenblum Cellars 2014 Rockpile Road, Zinfandel, Rockpile
Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 94 Gold 94
Rosé Pink and Blush Wines Varietal Rosé
Cache Creek Vineyards Double Gold 99 2017 Rose, Lake County Best of Class of Appellation Dancing Crow Vineyards Double Gold 99 2018 Rose, Napa Valley Best of Class of Appellation Imagery Estate Winery Double Gold 99 2018 Rose, Sonoma Valley Best of California; Best of Class of Appellation
Commercial Olive Oil, cheese, Wine, & Craft Beer competitions CAStateFair.org/competitions 61
Competition
Double Gold & Gold Winners Commercial Wine Varietal Rosé (continued)
Generic Rosé
Lawer Estates Double Gold 99 2018 Rose, Knights Valley Best of Class of Appellation Scotto Family Cellars Double Gold 99 2018 Rose, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation St. Amant Winery Double Gold 99 2018 Rose, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation Buttonwood Winery & Vineyard Double Gold 98 2018 Rose, Santa Ynez Valley Best of Show - Pink; Best of Class of Appellation Fresno State Winery Gold 96 2018 Grenache Rose, Lodi (San Joaquin) Inner Sanctum Cellars Gold 96 2018 Live & Love, Grenache Rose, Calaveras County School Street Gold 96 2018 Grenache Rose, Calaveras County Best of Class of Appellation Alexander Valley Vineyards Gold 95 2018 Dry Rose of Sangiovese, Alexander Valley Carol Shelton Wines Gold 95 2018 Wild Thing Rend, Renderous Rose, Mendocino County Castle Rock Gold 95 2018 Rose, Monterey County Best of Class of Appellation Concannon Reserve Gold 95 2018 Rose of Petite Sirah, Livermore Valley Best of Class of Appellation Pope Valley Winery Gold 95 2018 Rose, Napa Valley Sutter Home Gold 95 Merlot Rose, California Best of Class of Appellation South Coast Winery Gold 94 2018 Grenache Noir Rose, Temecula Valley Best of Class of Appellation
Bread & Butter Double Gold 99 2018 Rose, California Best of California & Best of Class of Appellation Chloe Wine Collection Double Gold 99 2018 Rose, Central Coast Best of Class of Appellation SEAGLASS Double Gold 99 2018 Rose, Monterey County Best of Class of Appellation Maddalena Double Gold 98 2018 Rose, Paso Robles Best of Class of Appellation 719 West Gold 96 2017 Rose, California Challis Lane Gold 96 2017 Rose, California The Collection Gold 96 2018 Rose, California Bold Vine Gold 95 2017 Rose, California Feist Gold 95 2018 Rose, Sierra Foothills Best of Class of Appellation Lava Cap Gold 95 2018 Rose, El Dorado Best of Class of Appellation Malene Gold 95 2018 Rose, San Luis Obispo County Picchetti Winery Gold 95 2018 Mattie Rose, Central Coast Smoking Loon Gold 95 2018 Steelbird, Rose, California Three Thieves Gold 95 2018 Bieler Gott Scommes, Rose, California Bandit Gold 94 Rose, California Hogwash Gold 94 2018 Hogwash Rose, California
Varietal Rosé Blends Bella Grace 2018 Bella Rose, Amador County Best of Class of Appellation Quivira Vineyard 2018 Rose Blend, Dry Creek Valley Best of Class of Appellation Robert Hall 2018 Rose de Robles, Paso Robles Best of Class of Appellation
Double Gold 99
Sparkling Wines Charmat Fermented Sparkling Wine
Double Gold 99 Gold 95
(Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs etc.) - Brut up to 1.5% rs Barefoot Gold 96 Brut Cuvee Champagne, California
Charmat Fermented Rosé, Pink, & Sparkling Red - Brut, up to 1.5% rs South Coast Winery Rose Sparkling, Temecula Valley
62 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
Gold 95
Competition
Double Gold & Gold Winners Commercial Wine Charmat Fermented Rose, Pink & Sparkling Red - Sweet, 3.1% and above rs South Coast Winery Gold 96 Ruby Cuvee, NV Sparkling Red Rose, Temecula Valley
Bottle Fermented Sparkling Wine (Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, etc.) - Natural , no dosage Rivino Double Gold 98 2015 Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine, Mendocino County
Bottle Fermented Sparkling Wine (Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, etc.) - Brut, up to 1.5% rs Korbel Double Gold 99 Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine, California Best of Show Sparkling; Best of Class of Appellation Cache Creek Vineyards Gold 96 Celebration Cuvee, 2016 Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Chardonnay, Lake County Best of Class of Appellation
Bottle Fermented Sparkling Wine (Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, etc.) - Extra Dry, 1.51 to 3% rs Korbel Gold 96 Sparkling wine; Extra Dry, California
Bottle Fermented Rose, Pink & Sparkling Red - Natural, no dosage Borjon 2017 Eliana, Sparkling Rose, Amador County
Gold 96
Bottle Fermented Rose, Pink & Sparkling Red - Brut, up to 1.5% rs McFadden Sparkling Cuvee Brut Rose, Potter Valley
Gold 94
Non-Traditional - Varietal fortified dessert wine (specific grape(s) named) Shenandoah Vineyards Double Gold 99 2016 Daphne, Dessert Wine, Amador County Barsetti Dolce Maria, Dessert Wiine, Lodi (San Joaquin)
Gold 96
Dobra Zemlja Winery Kikas, Dessert Wine, Amador County
Gold 96
Fate Elixir, Fortified Dessert Wine, Amador County
Gold 96
Pennyroyal Farm 2018 Vin Dooslsey, Muscat. Anderson Valley
Gold 95
Sweet White Wines Riesling, Medium Sweet
Fetzer Vineyards 2017 Goosefoot Road, Riesling, Monterey Rancho Sisquoc 2018 Riesling, Santa Barbra County
Gold 95 Gold 95
Riesling, Sweet/Late Harvest Navarro Vineyards 2018 Riesling Sweet, Anderson Valley
Gold 95
Gewurztraminer, Medium Sweet Roku 2018 Gewurztraminer, Monterey Navarro Vineyards 2018 Gewurztraminer, Anderson Valley
Traditional - Vintage Dated
St. Amant Winery Double Gold 99 2016 Spencer Family, Proprietary Port, Amador County Cabana Wines Double Gold 99 2008 Harbour, Traditional Portuguese Wine, Lodi (San Joaquin) Pedroncelli 2013 Four Grapes, Vintage Port, Dry Creek Valley
Gold 96
Traditional - Non-Vintage Dated
Rancho de Philo Double Gold 99 Triple Cream Sherry, Cucamonga Valley (San Bernardino) Best Micro Other
Gold 94
Gewurztraminer, Sweet/Late Harvest
Fortified Dessert Wines
St. Amant Winery Proprietary Tawny Port, Amador County
Sherry Sweet
Double Gold 99
Gold 96
Sweet White Generic Lewis Grace Double Gold 99 2018 Fashionably Late, Late Harvest Dessert Wine, El Dorado Best of Show Dessert
California Brandies Korbel Brandy, California
Gold 95
Honey Wines (Meads) Chaucer’s Cellars Raspberry Mead, California
Double Gold 98
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Commercial Wine Judges & Volunteers Thank you to all!
Mark Chandler Chief Judge California Exposition & State Fair; Chandler & Company Consulting Lodi, California Hope Alexander Industrial Engineer, Design & Construction Industry; Consultant/Educator Chicago, Illinois Lynae Anderson Hiley Sales & Marketing Coordinator; Seguin Moreau Napa Cooperage Vallejo, California Bryan Avila Winemaker, Pope Valley Winery; Consulting Winemaker; Winecraft, LTD.; former Professor of Enology Winemaking, Napa Valley College Napa, California Thomas Bender Wine Buyer/Wine Bar Manager, O’Brien’s Market Modesto, California Cathryn Brannan Winemaker & Vineyard Manager, Scribner Bend Vineyards Clarksburg, California Tina Caputo Wine, Beer, Food and Travel Writer, Producer of the Winemakers Drinking Beer podcast Copperopolis, California
Laura Chadwell Winemaker-New Product Development, Constellation Brands Lodi, California Tana Cole Assistant Winemaker, Jessie’s Grove Winery Lodi, California Debra Del Fiorentino, CWP, CSW Sommelier; President of Wine Competition Management & Productions Petaluma, California Patrick Dodd, CSS, CS, CWE Senior Director, Corporate Workforce Development, Gallo University Modesto, California Martha Dunne Author, Wait, What Do You Mean? Asperger’s Tell & Show Sacramento, California Mike Dunne Contributing Wine Columnist, The Sacramento Bee Sacramento, California Traci Dutton Beverage Manager & Sommelier, The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone Calistoga, California Gary Eberle Owner/Enologist, Eberle Winery Paso Robles, California
Mark Fowler Winemaker, Andis Wines Plymouth, California Orietta Gianjorio Sommelier/Educator, Sensory Evaluation Expert, Orietta, LLC Napa, California Todd Hafner Wine Educator/Consultant Stockton, California Scott Harvey Winemaker, Scott Harvey Wines St. Helena, California Julie Holme Winemaker, Ponte Winery; Holme Estate Cellars Temecula, California Sherrie Holzer Assistant Winemaker, Castoro Cellars Paso Robles, California Nicholas Karavidas Principal, Wine Concepts & Design, Intl. Woodbridge, California Mike Kerrigan Owner, Coming Attractions Sutter Creek, California Scott Klann Owner, Winemaker, Newsome-Harlow Wines Murphys, California
64 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
Rick Kushman NY Times bestselling author; award-winning journalist; Public Relations & Communications Consultant, Wine Commentator, Capital Public Radio; creator & co-host Bottle Talk with Rick and Paul Sacramento, California Martin Maxwell Consultant, Looking Glass Research Lodi, California Timothy McDonald Founder & President, Wine Spoken Here Napa, California Mark McKenna CEO, 72 Cookies Richmond, California Brian Miller Certified Specialist of Wine; Retailer; Wine Event Coordinator, Amador 360/Barbera Festival Fiddletown, California Brian Moore Certified Wine Judge Sacramento, California Mark Newman CEO, Winemaker, Accolade Brands Studio City, California
Markus Niggli Winemaker, Borra Vineyards & Markus Wine Co. Lodi, California M. Eleni Papadakis Winemaker, Domaine Serene Portland, Oregon Montgomery Paulsen Owner/Winemaker, Pat Paulsen Vineyards Oakland, California Nadia Pavlevska, CS, CSW, FWS, IWS Founder, NP Wine Consulting; Certified Sommelier Hermosa Beach, California Miguel Pedroza Villarreal, Ph.D Assistant Professor of Enology, Dept of Viticulture & Enology, CSU, Fresno Fresno, California Elyse Perry Winemaker, Bokish Vineyards Lodi, California
Richard Peterson Wine Consultant Napa, California Andy Podshadley Owner, Winemaker, General Manager, Trek Winery Novato, California David Rogers Senior Wine Consultant, Vintage Wine Estates Forestville, California David Sandri Instructor, Wine Studies Program, College of Marin Rohnert Park, California Meredith Sarboraria Winemaker/US Production Manager; Owner/Consultant, Barrel Down Wine Services Livermore, California Chris Sawyer Sommelier; Wine Educator, Journalist, Sawyersomm.com Petaluma, California
Alex Sexton Lead Hospitality Representative, Rodney Strong Wine Estates, Rodney Strong Vineyards & Davis Bynum Winery Healdsburg, California Carol Shelton Winemaker, Carol Shelton Wines Santa Rosa, California Andria Shirk Owner/Winemaker, D.O.G. Wines; Competition Consultant, Enofile Online Portland, Oregon Jeff Slankard Wine Director, Barons Market Carlsbad, California Clark Smith Winemaker; Consultant, WineSmith Santa Rosa, California Jackson Starr Winemaker, Grape Grower, Sierra Starr Vineyards Grass Valley, California
Timothy Teichgraeber Freelance Wine and Spirits Writer Oakland, California Ilona Thompson Editor-in-Chief, PalateXposure San Ramon, California Jim Twiford Consultant, Educator, Senior Technical Consultant, Cardno Fair Oaks, California Ron Washam HoseMaster of Wine Healdsburg, California Ernie Weir Owner & Winemaker, Hagafen Cellars Napa, California Evan Williams Owner, Restaurateur, Evan’s American Gourmet CafÊ, The Cantina Bar & Grill South Lake Tahoe, California
Volunteers: Marilyn Langhorst, Stacey Winton, Laura Allred, Dennis Azevedo, Virginia Baron, Jo Beck, Carolyn Beghin, James Beghin, Donna Bettencourt, Anne Brunette, Liz Bunting, Luis Caceres, Jennifer Caldwell, Carrie Camacho, Dennis Canevari, Sue Canevari, Will Carlton, Phyllis Carter, Dian Chun, Audrey Costa, Barbara Cummins, Bruce Currie, Martine Dowling, Ken Dressler, Kay Durkee, Chip Dyson, Trisha Edgerton, Laura Edwards, Dee Dee Eller, David Engles, Laura Fisher, Claire Fisher, Ann Fox Morgan, Cristina Gagnon, Stacy Gagnon, Dennis Gunvalson, Dean Halstead, Ronda Hanks, Leonard Hanks, Jean Herndon, Joey Herrera, Kathy Hicks, Susan Holding, Samuel Howard, Mary Huttner, Jane Huynh, Paul Huynh, Celeste Ingrid, Dixie Jew, Tara Johnson, Michael Jones, Marybeth Kavanagh, Diana Kelsay, Keri Kendall, Vince Kiley, Marylou Kiley, Debra Kloss, Lydia Konopka, Jim Konopka, Charles La Rosa, Christine Lang, Raymond Lang, Laura Laskowski, Joy Lavin-Jones, Michael Lee, Janet Lial, Jana Lim, Dave Litty, Vicki Lyman, Tina Marcum, Bob McCleary, Andrew McDuffie, David McLanahan, Mike McMahon, Mike Meinz, Troy Meza, Stacy Meza, Macell Millard, Glenn Mueller, Elliot Mulberg, Nancy Nichols, Kathy Nichols, Dee Orsburn, Norma Ortega, Alfred Ortiz. Alice Ortiz, Danita Palmer, Brad Parker, Vincent Pearson, Monique Pioli, Steven Price, Jeff Rabinovitz, Hope Rabinovitz, Tom Ramme, Rebecca Ramme, Allyson Rathkamp, Connie Read, Christine Redlon, Geeta Rezvani, Sally Riegelsberger, Jack Ritchie, Gary Rose, David Rycerz, Brad Sanborn, Dave Schaechtele, Russell Sehn, Jay Shepherd, Jill Shepherd, Sharon Simas, Clova Smith, William Smith, Thomas St.Charles, Jane Steele, Paulette Stokes, Rosemary Stuart, Mark Stuart, Jim Sutton, Eric Tober, Kathryn Tobias, Jason Treanor, Dan, Tschannen, Heidi Tschudin, Kathy Tschudin, Anne Vercelli, Joni Ward, Tom Ward, Terry White, Steven Winkel, Darlene Yennie, and Mike Zeri
Commercial Olive Oil, cheese, Wine, & Craft Beer competitions CAStateFair.org/competitions 65
Commercial Craft Beer
T
The 2019 California State Fair Commercial Beer Competition totaled 1,237 entries from 182 California breweries. Throughout a four-day closed judging session, with the help of 32 stewards and volunteers, 69 qualified judges sampled all of the beer entries. Beers are evaluated in numerous different classes and judged based on taste, color, and quality. Over the years, the prestige of the California State Fair’s Commercial Beer Competition has grown. Breweries that win Best of Show have seen a massive increase in demand for their products. Many of the top beers will be featured at the California State Fair during the Best of CA Brewfest on Saturday, July 20.
STATISTICS: California is the birthplace of the American craft brewing movement and at the forefront of the industry’s growth. Today, more breweries call California home than any other state in the nation. As of January 2019, more than 980 craft breweries are in operation across the state, more than any other state in the nation. In 2017, craft breweries contributed $8.2 billion to the state’s economy. The industry supports more than 54,028 jobs across the state. Source: California Craft Brewers Association
Competition
Commercial Craft Beer Best of the Show Angel City Brewery CA Common
angelcitybrewery.com
Brewery of the Year Morgan Territory Brewing
morganterritorybrewing.com
Best of Category Standard American Lager Arts District Brewing Company Memory Lane artsdistrictbrewing.com International Lager Eppig Brewing Eppig Special Lager eppigbrewing.com American/International Pilsner Morgan Territory Brewing Proud Pils morganterritorybrewing.com Bohemian-Style Pilsner 14 Cannons Brewing Co Patient Pilsner 14cannons.com Pale European Beer Fort Point Beer Company Export fortpointbeer.com Munich-Style Helles Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Co Mother’s Beach Blonde Lager threeforksnc.com Märzen 14 Cannons Brewing Co Marooner Marzen 14cannons.com Dark Lager Enegren Brewing Nighthawk enegrenbrewing.com Bock Rip Current Brewing Breakline Bock ripcurrentbrewing.com Doppelbock/Eisbock Morgan Territory Brewing Lubricator morganterritorybrewing.com Cream Ale The Stalking Horse Happy Hour thestalkinghorsepub.com Kölsch Kern River Brewing Company Pumps, Bumps, and Rollers kernriverbrewing.com Altbier Arts District Brewing Company Orale artsdistrictbrewing.com
California Common Angel City Brewery CA Common angelcitybrewery.com Baltic Porter Morgan Territory Brewing Dark Reckoning morganterritorybrewing.com American-Style Wheat Beer Mad Duck Brewing Hopical Paradise madduckcraft.com German-Style Wheat Ale Faultline Brewing Company Hefeweizen faultlinebrewing.com Berliner-Style Weisse Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company Microburst figmtnbrew.com Gose Gilman Brewing Company Pineapple Jardin gilmanbrew.com Rye beer Federation Brewing Utopia Planitia Red Rye federationbrewing.com American-Style Fruit Beer Yolo Brewing Company Die Hard is a Christmas Movie yolobrew.com Herb & Spice Beer Beachwood Brewing Coconudder beachwoodbrewing.com Honey & Alternative Sugar Beer Garage Brewing Co Green Tea-Bird garagebrewco.com Coffee Beer Morgan Territory Brewing Midnight Sea morganterritorybrewing.com Chocolate Beer Bartlett Brewing Co. Layer Bar bartletthall.com Smoked Beer Enegren Brewing The Big Meat enegrenbrewing.com Historical Beer Styles New Helvetia Brewing Co Thurston Adambier newhelvetiabrew.com Blonde or Golden Ale Rock Bottom Brewery La Jolla San Diego Sunset Blonde rockbottom.com British Mild & Bitters Amador Brewing Company Dirty Blonde amadorbrewing.com
Commercial Olive Oil, cheese, Wine, & Craft Beer competitions CAStateFair.org/competitions 67
Competition
Commercial Craft Beer Best of Category (continued) Standard British Ales Pizza Port - Bressi Ranch Chronic pizzaport.com British Strong Ales Eel River Brewing Triple Exultation eelriverbrewing.com Scottish Ale South Park Brewing Grassmarket southparkbrewing.com Irish Red Ale San Fernando Brewing Co. O’Melveny Red Ale sanfernandobrewingcompany.com Irish-Style Dry Stout Solid Ground Brewing Gneiss solidgroundbrewing.com Foreign Extra Stout East Brothers Beer Co. Oatmeal Stout eastbrotherbeer.com Sweet Stout Ferment.Drink.Repeat Brewing Company D’Yer Mak’er Tropical Stout fermentdrinkrepeat.com Imperial Stout Ritual Brewing Co. Big Deluxe ritualbrewing.com American Amber & Brown Ale Fort Rock Brewing Brown fortrockbrewing.com American Porter & Stout Hapa’s Brewing Company, LLC Little Angel hapasbrewing.com American Pale Ale Super Owl Brewing Bicycle Rights! superowlbrewing.com English-Style IPA Alaro Craft Brewery Castillo alarobrewing.com American-Style IPA Institution Ale Co. Scale the Walls institutionales.com New England-Style IPA (Hazy IPA) Burning Beard Wave of Phase burningbeardbrewing.com Imperial IPA El Segundo Brewing Company Ochos Locos DIPA elsegundobrewing.com Specialty IPA Lucky Devil Brewing Company Satan Is My Motor luckydevilbrewery.com
Strong American Ales Big Sexy Brewing Gifted Gunslinger bigsexybrewing.com Belgian-Style Witbier The Monk’s Cellar Biere Blanch3 monkscellar.com Classic Saison Gilman Brewing Company Gilman Farmhouse gilmanbrew.com Specialty Saison Three Mile Brewing Company I Like Big Beets threemilebrewing.com Belgian Table Beer Rock Bottom Brewery La Jolla Siren Island Golden Ale rockbottom.com Belgian Strong Ale Super Owl Brewing Lighten Up, Francis superowlbrewing.com Trappist Style Ale Burning Beard Panic at the Monastery burningbeardbrewing.com Lambic Beachwood Blendery Chaos is a Friend of Mine beachwoodbrewing.com Wild Ales Almanac Beer Co. Strawberry Hopcake almanacbeer.com Wood- and Barrel-Aged Solid Ground Brewing Devil’s Leap solidgroundbrewing.com Spirit Barrel Firestone Walker Brewing Co. Old Man Hattan firestonebeer.com Experimental Beer Fiftyfifty Brewing I Did It All For The Cookie fiftyfiftybrewing.com Session Beer Fall River Brewing Company Single Track Obsession fallriverbrewing.com Chili Beer Tortugo Brewing Company Cristobal Lager On Peppers instagram.com/tortugobrewing
68 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
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Proud purveyors of California’s Finest Wine, Spirits, and Beer
2 0 1 9
19 www.winewarehouse.com
BREWERY OF THE YEAR
Morgan Territory Brewing
Dark Reckoning
By Nickolas Evon
C
Chief Operating Officer, Michael LaCross, Brewmaster Craig Cauwels, and Head Brewer Kyle Manigold earned three other first places for the trophy shelf. In the Coffee category is their seasonal ‘Midnight Sea;’ the ‘Lubricator’ won the Doppelbock award; and ‘Proud Pils’ took the Pilsner column. ‘Proud Pils’ previously brought home a rather unusual trophy from another competition – the torso of a mannequin wearing golden Morgan Territory is proud of every spandex — proof that their one of their beers, but ‘Dark ReckPilsner has no flaw to hide. oning’ stands out in particular. Morgan Territory’s Bock, Craig Cauwels & Kyle Manigold This lager-fermented Baltic Porter ‘Lock’d, Bock’d, & Ready to Rock,’ is slightly less common but has no less earned took third place and rounded out their awards for plenty of recognition, bringing home medals from the California State Fair Brewery of the Year. the World Beer Cup, Great American Beer Festival, Morgan Territory’s recently expanded facility in and North American Beer Awards in addition to Tracy is a surefire stop for any beer enthusiast. this year’s first place at the California State Fair. Their scientific background is outmatched only Its flavor profile and smoothness would match well by their passion for perfect balance in the wide with a dark chocolate and raspberry ganache. variety of beers they love to make. ongratulations go to Morgan Territory Brewing for winning the 2019 Brewery of the Year award in the California State Fair Commercial Craft Beer Competition. Morgan Territory, formerly known as Schooners Grille and Brewery, previously earned this prestigious title in 2014. This year, an impressive selection of five beers — four of which took first place — helped Morgan Territory claim the title once more.
70 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
Best of Show: Craft Beer
Angel City Brewery California Common By Nickolas Evon
T
he 2019 California State Fair Commercial Craft Beer Competition Best of Show award goes to Angel City Brewery’s ‘California Common.’ In 2018, Angel City proudly placed in four different style categories, taking gold medals in two. This year, the Los Angeles-based brewery’s ‘California Common’ made its competitive debut, earning the judges’ favor out of nearly 1,250 rival beer entries. Brewed in appreciation of the Gold Rush era San Francisco steam beers, ‘California Common’ is an Amber Lager with a 5.5% ABV. Tasters can enjoy a slightly more malty flavor with a rustic hoppy counterbalance. Angel City’s head brewer, Layton Cutler, says that the ‘Common’ will pair happily with most everyday meals, but the maltier quality of the beverage will particularly boost roasted vegetables and meats (especially barbecue) that have undergone the Maillard reaction—the delicious texture and color that comes from amino acids in food cooking over a certain heat. As it happens, a barbecue is exactly how Angel City’s team plans on celebrating their victory.
Typically a monthly tradition, a rooftop grill-out is the brewing team’s preferred method of relaxing after their hard work. The brewery rests in the northern part of the Los Angeles Arts District, in a beautiful, historic brick building built in 1912, complemented with vibrant, angular art patterns. The inside is just as fetching, evoking a vintage art deco feel, complete with amustache bar and mezzanine. Though this year’s Best of Show is only brewed twice a year, there’s no doubt that a visit to Angel City Brewery would be well worth the trip. Angel City is honored to contribute to Los Angeles’ rising brewing community with this achievement from the California State Fair, that is anything but common.
72 2019 Guide to Winners of California State Fair Competition
Commercial Craft Beer Judges and Volunteers Thank you to all!
Head Judge: David Teckam Judges: Lisa Agoita Elan Alford Daniel Arismendi Joanna Arismendi Cory Barton Kyle Baumann Rory Bens Donna Bettencourt Sam Blackmon Liza Bodistow Dwight Bradish David Brattstrom
Jeffrey Calton Steven Christian David Cowling Calvin Crawford Craig Cummings Amber Dalske Tim Dozier Joseph Dutra Ian Elliott Jason Gilder Douglas Gonsier-Gerdin Peter Halldorf
Volunteers: Victoria Longmire (Steward Lead) Dave Arendt Nicole Genger Stuart Baker Joe Goss Manny Cardenas Jeremy Guthrie Linda Christian Blake Hedenland Allan Cooper Nick Ifurung Wayne Cunningham Alisha Johnson Kevin Finnell Tara Johnson
Ted Hausotter Mark Herzog Robert Horst Paul His Thomas Hughes Gabe Jackson Paul Keefer Rob Kent Cynthia Lee Rick Lee Beverly Lockhart Charles Lockhart
Al Lee Kelli Lorenz Monica Martinez Steve Martinez Moni Mauch Lynn Mayugba Jackie McGrath
David Mathis Rob McGormley Bert McNutt Dean Mensch Mike Miller Scott Mills Patrick Mulvaney Peter Munoz Josef Nairn Tim Otten Scott Owens Richard Perry
Phil Menzies Ashley Mooney Josef Nairn Stephanie Raines Michelle Reynolds Kimm Richwine Rose Robertson
Mik Persinger Daniel Petrie James Ponder David Pratt Jim Price Michael Raines Robert Rollins Ernest Sanders Jose Savedra Ellen Sherrill Cheryl Skare James Strong
Rob Rogers Mindy Rouillard Dave Schaechtele Ernst Schneidereit Kayla Simmons Bill Tachis Michelle Trueblood
William Tarchala Bud Tourville Hirendu Vaishnav John Watson Dave Weiss Jack Weldon Rebecca Wilkie Peter Wisham
Michael Vincent Marvin Williams Waiman Yip
Commercial Olive Oil, cheese, Wine, & Craft Beer competitions CAStateFair.org/competitions 73
GALA WINNERS & AG R I C U LT U R E AWA R D S Thank you to all the amazing men and women that generously supported the California State Fair Gala, June 27st, 2019 and helped raise funds for the Friends of the California State Fair student scholarships. Congratulations to all of the 2019 Gala and Agriculture Award winners who represent the Best of California. AGRICULTURALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD Karen Ross Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) AGRICULTURE PROGRESS AWARD Dr. Lloyd McCabe Retired Educator/Sheep Rancher
WINE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Merry Edwards & Joel Peterson VINEYARD OF THE YEAR Dick Cooper Ranch CALIFORNIA ALL STARS Kent Rosenblum & Robert Haas
GOLDEN BEAR AWARD Kaiser Permanente
Proceeds from the auction benefit the Friends of the California State Fair Scholarships.
OUD PR
ONSO
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