2022 Best of California by CA State Fair

AWA R D W I N N I N G WINE CHEESE OLIVE OIL CRAFT BEER

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE 2022 CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR COMMERCIAL COMPETITIONS

CalExpoStateFair.com

BESTof GOVERNOR Governor Gavin Newsom

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jess Durfee (Chair) Rex S. Hime (Vice Chair) Rima Barkett Erin M. Choi Sonney Chong Rina DiMare Hannah Gbeh David Mallel Brian May Che Salinas

EX OFFICIO MEMBERS Governor Gavin Newsom Senator Dr. Richard Pan Senator Andreas Borgeas Assemblymember Kevin McCarty Assemblymember Robert Rivas

CALIFORNIA EXPOSITION & STATE FAIR EXECUTIVE STAFF Rick K. Pickering Chief Executive Officer Tom Martinez Chief Deputy General Manager Marcia Shell Assistant General Manager Administration & Operations Mitchell (Mitch) Pryor Chief of Plant Operations Craig Walton Chief of Police Sue O’Brien Executive Secretary

PUBLISHER California State Fair

1600 Exposition Boulevard Sacramento, CA 95815 (916) 263-FAIR | (877) CAL-EXPO CAStateFair.org

The California State Fair & Food Festival is bringing our State back together!

e 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. Of the thousands of commercially available products that competed this year, 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 the prestige and credibility in our competitions, hundreds of esteemed expert judges came together to preside over the State Fair’s contests in four key commercial product categories: Wines, Cheeses, Extra Virgin Olive Oils, and Craft Beers. With more than 3,000 competitive commercial entries, respected judges sorted, sniffed, and tasted top products intending to award Gold Medals, Blue Ribbons, and the Best of Show honors. The State Fair’s top award-winners are highlighted on the following pages, and many other winners can be found at our website, CalExpoStateFair.com. The California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate the best the state has to offer in agriculture, science, technology, the diversity of its people, traditions, and trends that shape the Golden State's future. 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 ten most productive agriculture counties in America, and its agricultural abundance includes more than 400 commodities. With all that California has to offer, it’s amazing that 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.” Historically, for more than 165 years, the State Fair has been known as a showcase of the best that our Golden State has to offer. This rich tradition was placed on hold the past two years so that the State Fair facilities could provide emergency support and much-needed aid to Californians during the COVID Pandemic. From medical testing to vaccinations, from sheltering the unhoused with COVID to housing thousands of National Guard personnel, from serving as emergency shelter for victims of fires to feeding those working the front lines, the State Fairgrounds answered the call of duty to serve as a vital emergency resource for the State and the community. Having helped overcome the worst of the Pandemic, more than ever we appreciate the ability to celebrate our great state and come back together.

CalExpoStateFair.com

6 COMMERCIAL WINE

8 GOLDEN STATE WINERY OF THE YEAR South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

18 BEST OF SHOW | RED Las Positas Vineyards | 2019 Sangiovese

20 BEST OF SHOW | WHITE Fellow | 2021 Chenin Blanc

22 BEST OF SHOW | PINK Alexander Valley Vineyards | 2021 Sangiovese

24 BEST OF SHOW | SPARKLING Korbel | 2017 Blanc de Noirs

26 BEST OF SHOW | DESSERT Navarro Vineyards | 2019 Riesling

28 BEST VALUE WINE Dark Horse | 2020 Sauvignon Blanc

COMMERCIAL CHEESE

50 BEST OF SHOW | Cow Milk Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company Point Reyes Bay Blue

52 BEST OF SHOW | Other Milk Type Central Coast Creamery | Goat Gouda

COMMERCIAL EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

58 BEST OF SHOW | Extra Virgin Olive Oil Olive Truck | Tuscan Blend

60 BEST OF SHOW | Flavored Olive Oil IL Fiorello | Kaffir Lime

66 COMMERCIAL CRAFT BEER

70 BREWERY OF THE YEAR Dust Bowl Brewing Company

72 Enjoy! - Rick K. Pickering

contents

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE 2022 CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR COMMERCIAL COMPETITIONS

COMPETITION FACTS Commercial Wine

1,953 443 1817 99 257 878 583

Wines Entered Wine Companies Awarded Medals Double Gold Medals Gold Medals Silver Medals Bronze Medals

Commercial Olive Oil

117 45 96 38 37 21

Olive Oils Entered Olive Oil Producers Awarded Medals Gold Medals Silver Medals Bronze Medals

Commercial Cheese

100 16 63 21 26 16

Cheeses Entered Cheeses Producers Awarded Medals Gold Medals Silver Medals Bronze Medals

Commercial Craft Beer

867 86 133 44 45 44

Craft Beers Entered Breweries Awarded Medals Gold Silver Bronze

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE 2022 CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR COMMERCIAL COMPETITIONS

2022 COMMERCIAL WINE | BEST OF THE BEST COMMERCIAL WINE

n June 1, 2, and 3, 2022, a panel of 44 State Fair wine judges led by Chief Judge Mark Chandler tasted and evaluated 1,953 California wines from 443 California wineries. State 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. The 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. The competition, which had been on a 2 year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, celebrates the wine growing and wine producing industry in California. It is open only to wines made with fruit grown and produced in the eleven growing regions across the State of California. Wines are evaluated by class, varietal, style, and region based upon the source of the grapes. This year a 2019 Sangiovese from Las Positas Vineyards in Livermore Valley collected Best of Show Red honors. The Best of Show White title was given to Ogilvie Merwin Ventures’ Fellow’s Brand 2021 Chenin Blanc from Clarksburg. There were a total of 21 Best of Region Awards, 18 Best of California Awards, 1 Best Value Award, 3 Best of Micro Winery Awards, and the coveted Golden State Winery of the Year Award. A huge congratulations to South Coast Winery on winning the Golden State Winery of the Year Award! South Coast has won the Golden State Winery of the Year Award in 2008, 2009, 2013, and 2016, making 2022 their fifth win. Total medals awarded were 99 Double Gold, 257 Gold, 878 Silver, and 583 Bronze.

CALIFORNIA WINE FACTS California is America’s #1 wine producer, makes 81% of all U.S. wine and is the world’s 4th leading wine producer after France, Italy and Spain. There are 4,200 bonded wineries, mainly family-owned businesses, many multi-generational. Wine sales in the U.S. are steady at 242 million cases. Retail value of California wine sales in the U.S. reached an estimated value of $43.6 billion. Export revenue is $1.36 billion of which 95% is from California. California exports 41 million nine-liter cases to 142 countries. Three of every five bottles sold in the U.S. is a California wine. Source: wineinstitute.org/resources/statistics

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE 2022 CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR COMMERCIAL COMPETITIONS

BEST OF SHOW RED

BEST OF SHOW WHITE

Double Gold 99

BEST OF SHOW SPARKLING

Las Positas Vineyard 2019 Sangiovese Livermore Valley

Double Gold 99

BEST OF SHOW PINK

Korbel 2017 Blanc de Noirs Masters Reserve Sonoma Coast

Double Gold

Fellow Wines 2021 Chenin Blanc Clarksburg (Yolo)

BEST OF SHOW DESSERT

Double Gold 99

Double Gold 100

Alexander Valley Vineyards 2021 Dry Rosé of Sangiovese Sonoma County

Navarro Vineyards 2019 Late Harvest Riesling, Cluster Select Anderson Valley

WINE | CHEESE | COMMERCIAL OLIVE OIL | CRAFT BEER COMPETITIONS | CalExpoStateFair.com/competitions

BESTof 2022 GOLDEN STATE WINERY OF THE YEAR

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa By Mike Dunne

t South Coast Winery Resort & Spa in Temecula Valley at California’s southern reaches, you can get married, get a massage with warm stones, get entertained at a concert, and get a charcuterie board called “4X Golden Bear.” You also can get wine, a lot of it, and a lot of it especially well made by longtime resident winemakers Jon McPherson and Javier Flores. Because of their steady expertise, the winery’s charcuterie board needs to be renamed “5X Golden Bear.”

of which are awarded when all judges on a panel agree that an entry deserves gold.

Judges immediately awarded one of South Coast’s double-gold wines – its 2020 Temecula Valley Estate Pinot Blanc –a rare 100 points. Judges then named the Pinot Blanc the best white wine among all entries from appellations within the fair’s South Coast region, which in addition to Temecula Valley includes Cucamonga Valley, San Pasqual Valley and Malibu.

Jim Carter, who founded South Coast in 1995, arrived in southern California from Ohio in the early 1990s and bought a spread in Temecula Valley with the intent of developing it into a campground for recreational vehicles. When that project didn’t pencil out, he began to plant vines on the site, inspired by Temecula’s nascent wine trade. Today, Carter Hospitality Group tends 220 acres of vines in Temecula Valley, owns another 180 acres in Monterey County, farms 30 more acres at its winery in Texas Hill Country – Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa – and produces between 40,000 and 50,000 cases of wine annually at South Coast.

After South Coast won its first Golden State Winery bear in 2008, Jim Carter wanted something more bearish to display at the winery than the small statue that came with the honor. He subsequently bought and installed at the winery a life-size bear sculpture just like ones on the Cal Expo fairgrounds in Sacramento. He now has two of them, acquiring The story behind that curious name on the menu of the second from Robert Hall Winery at Paso Robles, the resort’s restaurant: “4X Golden Bear” stands for which won the award in 2010 and subsequently the four times South Coast Winery Resort & Spa has changed hands. been anointed the California State Fair Commercial When Jon McPherson is asked why California State Wine Competition’s Golden State Winery, the Fair wine judges so consistently give South Coast recipient of which receives a small shiny statue wines so many awards, his one-word reply invariably of a California grizzly bear, the state’s officially is “drinkability.” designated state animal, though extinct. (Quick, what is a gathering of bears called? Sleuth.) “Balance and extraction are two things that make up South Coast has won the honor an unprecedented the core of a drinkable wine. Astringency or tannins four times. Four times, that is, until this year, when need to be soft and velvety, acidity and residual South Coast again won a golden bear as the sugar must go hand in hand so the balance of competition’s Golden State Winery. sweet/ tart/bitter are all in harmony. Alcohol levels The award is based on a complicated formula involving need to be moderate,” McPherson explains. the number, stature and percentage of awards a winery receives in the competition. To contend for the honor, a winery must enter at least 10 wines.

South Coast entered 29 wines. Every one won at least a bronze medal. The winery’s awards included six gold medals and two double-gold medals, the latter

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE 2022 CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR COMMERCIAL COMPETITIONS

“This all adds up to the consumer having a second glass or buying several bottles and drinking the wine time and time again. Making good wine is hard work, but drinking wine should be a pleasure. No one should have to work at drinking a glass of wine. That’s drinkability,” McPherson says. ■

WINE | CHEESE | COMMERCIAL OLIVE OIL | CRAFT BEER COMPETITIONS | CalExpoStateFair.com/competitions

2022 COMMERCIAL WINE | BEST OF REGION BEST OF NORTH COAST RED

BEST OF NORTH COAST WHITE

Double Gold 99 B Side 2018 Pinot Noir North Coast

BEST OF SONOMA RED

Double Gold 99 Husch Vineyards 2021 Chenin Blanc Mendocino

BEST OF NAPA WHITE

BEST OF NORTH CENTRAL COAST RED

Double Gold 98 Bargetto Winery 2018 La Vita Italian Red Regan Vineyards Central Coast

Double Gold 99 Dry Creek Vineyard 2019 Old Vine Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley

BEST OF GREATER BAY RED

Double Gold 99 Thorn Hill Vineyards 2019 Chardonnay Napa Valley

BEST OF SONOMA WHITE

Double Gold 99 SEAGLASS 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Central Coast

BEST OF SOUTH CENTRAL COAST RED

Double Gold 99 J. Lohr Vineyard Series 2019 Tower Road Petite Sirah Paso Robles

BEST OF SOUTH COAST WHITE

Double Gold 99 Monte De Oro Winery 2018 Syrah Temecula Valley

BEST OF GREATER BAY WHITE

Double Gold 99 Las Positas Vineyards 2019 Sangiovese Livermore Valley

BEST OF NORTH CENTRAL COAST WHITE

Double Gold 99 Alexander Valley Vineyards 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Alexander Valley

BEST OF SOUTH COAST RED

BEST OF LODI RED

Double Gold 99 Hook or Crook Cellars 2018 Zinfandel Lodi (San Joaquin)

Double Gold 99 Picchetti Winery 2020 Chardonnay Leslie's Estate Santa Cruz Mountains

BEST OF SOUTH CENTRAL COAST WHITE

Double Gold 99 Victor Hugo Winery 2020 Viognier Templeton Gap District

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Double Gold 100 South Coast Winery 2020 Pinot Blanc Temecula Valley

BEST OF OTHER CALIFORNIA RED

Double Gold 99 Heringer Estates 2018 Cabernet Franc Clarksburg (Yolo)

BEST OF OTHER CALIFORNIA WHITE

Double Gold 99 Fellow Wines of Clarksburg 2021 Chenin Blanc Clarksburg (Yolo)

BEST OF SIERRA FOOTHILLS RED

BEST OF SIERRA FOOTHILLS WHITE

Double Gold 99 Jeff Runquist Wines 2020 Dolcetto Logan's Rock Wall Vineyard Amador County

Double Gold 99 Batia Vineyards 2019 Marsanne El Dorado County

BEST OF LODI WHITE

Double Gold 99 Oak Farm Vineyards 2021 Fiano Mokelumne River

BEST OF CALIFORNIA STATE RED

Double Gold 99 Joel Gott 2020 Pinot Noir California

BEST OF CALIFORNIA STATE WHITE

Double Gold 99 Dark Horse 2020 Sauvignon Blanc California

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2022 COMMERCIAL WINE | BEST OF CALIFORNIA BEST BARBERA

Double Gold 99 Amador Cellars 2019 Barbera Shenandoah Valley (Amador)

BEST CHARDONNAY

Double Gold 99 Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve 2019 Chardonnay California

BEST OTHER RED VARIETAL BLEND

Double Gold 98 Mènage á Trois 2020 Red Blend California

BEST BORDEAUX RED VARIETAL BLEND

Double Gold 99 Silver Mountain Vineyards 2013 Bordeaux Alloy Red Varietal Blend Bates Ranch Santa Cruz Mountains

BEST MALBEC

Double Gold 99 Milliaire Winery 2019 Malbec Calaveras County

BEST OTHER WHITE VARIETAL

Double Gold 99 Navarro Vineyards 2021 Grüner Veltliner Anderson Valley

BEST CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Double Gold 99 J. Lohr Signature 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles

BEST OTHER RED VARIETAL

Double Gold 98 Milliaire Winery 2019 Touriga Calaveras County

BEST PETITE SIRAH

Double Gold 99 St. Amant Winery 2019 Petite Sirah Mohr-Fry Ranch Lodi (San Joaquin)

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE 2022 CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR COMMERCIAL COMPETITIONS

BEST PINOT GRIGIO

Double Gold 99 SEAGLASS 2021 Pinot Grigio Central Coast

BEST SANGIOVESE

Double Gold 99 Las Positas Vineyard 2019 Sangiovese Livermore Valley

BEST TEMPRANILLO

Double Gold 99 Heringer Estates 2016 Tempranillo Clarksburg (Yolo)

BEST PINOT NOIR

Double Gold 99 B Side 2018 Pinot Noir North Coast

BEST SAUVIGNON BLANC

Double Gold 99 SEAGLASS 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Central Coast

BEST VIOGNIER

Double Gold 99 New Clairvaux Vineyard 2021 Viognier St James Block Tehama County

BEST RED GENERIC

Double Gold 99 Soquel Vineyards 2020 Red Generic Trinity Rosso California

BEST SYRAH

Double Gold 99 Monte De Oro Winery 2018 Syrah Temecula Valley

BEST ZINFANDEL

Double Gold 99 Hook or Crook Cellars 2018 Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi (San Joaquin)

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DISCOVER A TASTE LIKE NO OTHER™

SCA N TO E X PLORE OUR W INES

BEST 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 with the goal to assist small wineries in reaching a larger 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 MICRO RED

BEST MICRO WHITE

Double Gold 99 Steiner Family Vineyards 2020 Barbera Amador County

BEST MICRO OTHER

Double Gold 99 Rodrigue Molyneaux Estate Winery and Vineyard 2021 Pinot Grigio Livermore Valley

Double Gold 100 Rancho de Philo NV Triple Cream Sherry Cucamonga Valley (San Bernardino) Mission Grape

MEDALS

PLEASE ENJOY RESPONSIBLY.

11/1/21

10/12/21

5/1/22

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE 2022 CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR COMMERCIAL COMPETITIONS

COMMERCIAL OLIVE OIL | CHEESE | WINE | CRAFT BEER COMPETITIONS | CAStateFair.org/competition Vintage indicated may not be available. Please check bottle.©2022 Josh Cellars, www.JoshCellars.com. Please enjoy responsibly.

BESTof BEST OF SHOW | RED WINE

Las Positas Vineyards 2019 Sangiovese Livermore Valley

By Mike Dunne

ivermore Valley, celebrated early in its wine history for the clarity and precision of white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Gray Riesling and Semillon, today is principally red-wine country, reflecting shifts in both a wider appreciation of terroir among vintners and the tastes of consumers. Of the 3000 acres planted to wine grapes in Alameda County, home to Livermore Valley, two-thirds are given over to black grapes, largely Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah. Sangiovese, the black grape associated most closely with the Chianti Classicos of Italy’s Tuscany, accounts for just 19 acres in Alameda. That could change as word gets around that a Livermore Valley vineyard produced the Sangiovese to be voted the best-of-show red wine at the 2022 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition. The wine is the sleek Las Positas Vineyards 2019 Livermore Valley Estate Sangiovese, just the third vintage of the varietal that the winery has released. The Sangiovese’s cherry/berry flavor is shored up with a firmness that while supportive does not interfere with the wine’s sunny and enduring fruit. It is not Chianti Classico, but as it strides across the palate it nevertheless suggests with its freshness, angularity and flexibility that it would be at home in a stony Tuscan hill town. But how did Sangiovese end up at Las Positas? In 2015, explains Las Positas winemaker Brent Amos, he began to reimagine the winery’s 20-acre estate vineyard, grafting vines supporting several of the valley’s usual suspects – Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Chardonnay and the like – to grapes he had a hunch would do well in Livermore Valley while also diversifying the winery’s lineup. The vineyard now is planted to 17 varieties, including Sangiovese. “Sangiovese was working well at other vineyards in the valley. We were impressed with the potential here for the grape. We are fairly well known for

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Barbera here, so Sangiovese was an obvious complement,” Amos says. (Like Sangiovese, Barbera is a staple of the northern Italy wine trade.) In 2019, Amos was helped along in his aspirations for commendable Sangiovese by a fairly favorable growing season. “It was a Goldilocks year, just right, with not too many heat spikes, and rain wasn’t an issue. The crop load was a little lower, so we saw more concentration in some of the varieties,” recalls Amos. In the cellar, his only divergence from standard procedure in making Sangiovese was to age about half the wine in French oak puncheons, which hold about three times as much wine as a typical wine barrel. “Sangiovese has a tendency to oxidize easily, so we have to be careful in exposing it to oxygen,” Amos says. With less of the Sangiovese up against wood, the less likely it would be influenced by any intrusive oxygen. The upshot, says Amos, is that puncheons better facilitate the retention of Sangiovese’s fresh fruit aroma and flavor as the wine ages. This was the second straight California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition in which Las Positas Vineyards won one of the exposition’s top honors. In both competitions, Las Positas won best-of-show awards with a varietal wine not widely identified with Livermore Valley. In 2019, the Las Positas Vineyards 2018 Livermore Valley Verdelho was elected best-of-show white wine on the power of its layered, varied and zesty fruit. Then, as now, Amos took a somewhat unconventional tack in making the wine by aging a portion of the Verdelho in acacia barrels. For wine enthusiasts, the only drawback about the Las Positas Sangiovese is that just 125 cases were made, pretty much limiting distribution to the winery tasting room and website. However, the wine also is to be available at the California State Fair’s wine garden. ■

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BESTof BEST OF SHOW | WHITE WINE

Fellow 2021 Chenin Blanc Clarksburg (Yolo)

By Mike Dunne

avid Ogilvie has been a brewer, and someday again may be a brewer. But nowadays, he is the vineyard manager and winemaker for Ogilvie Merwin Vintners of Clarksburg in the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta just south of Sacramento, California’s capital city. Ogilvie Merwin Vintners releases wines under three brands – Muddy Boot, Silt and Fellow. In the concluding sweepstakes round of the 2022 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition, the Fellow 2021 Clarksburg Chenin Blanc beat out 10 other finalists to be elected best-of-show white wine. Judges, who did not know identities of the wines going into the vote, were won over by the Chenin Blanc’s streamlined structure, dry delivery, and sweetly refreshing fruit, which runs to the pear and apple end of the Chenin Blanc spectrum. David Ogilvie credits his brewing background as much as his viticultural and enological training for the Chenin Blanc’s esteem and popularity. From his brewing studies under the revered Charles Bamforth of the University of California, Davis, as well as from subsequent stints with the high-profile brewers Anheuser-Busch and Walker-Firestone, Ogilvie gained an abiding appreciation for beers dry, lean, clean and crisp, more pilsner than heavy, malty and sweet IPAs. As he segued into winemaking, Ogilvie transferred his fondness for clean-and-crisp beers to wines, with the focused, balanced and invigorating Fellow 2021 Clarksburg Chenin Blanc his most affirming success story so far.

David Ogilvie, vineyard manager and winemaker

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As a winemaking company, Ogilvie Merwin Vintners is less than a decade old, but its roots in agriculture, including the farming of wine grapes, run deep in the Delta’s rich soils. Ogilvie Merwin is the latest chapter in a saga that began with George and Isabella Wilson a century ago. The couple was living at Shingle Springs in

El Dorado County in 1922 when the urge to move seized them. They hitched a team of horses to a wagon, drove it through Sacramento, and ended up at Clarksburg. Since then, generations of Wilsons have grown asparagus, corn, alfalfa, tomatoes and wine grapes on their Delta spread. In 2014, twins David and Phil Ogilvie, greatgrandsons of George and Isabella Wilson, teamed up with Delta neighbor and longtime buddy Tom Merwin to launch the first of their wine brands, the value-focused Muddy Boot, whose name was inspired by a childhood prank that ruined a brandnew pair of cowboy boots David was wearing. Muddy Boot – the brand, not the boot – soon was followed by the brands Silt and Fellow, both intended to accommodate higher price niches, with Silt wines typically priced $30 to $45 and Fellow wines about $20. Distribution of Fellow wines primarily is done via subscription, though they also are available at retail outlets. Aside from his brewing grounding and his grape-growing and winemaking degree, also from the University of California, Davis, David Ogilvie credits the frankness and equilibrium of the Fellow Chenin Blanc to a dry but relatively cool growing year in the Delta, yielding grapes small, concentrated and pointed with the ticklish acidity that helps account for the friskiness and stature of the variety when grown at Clarksburg. “I knew it was going to be a good Chenin Blanc from the get-go. Tasting it from the tank, I loved it. It was very Chenin Blanc on the nose, with a bit more weight in the body than in previous years. Its great acidity made my mouth water. I just kept going back to it,” Ogilvie says. He is not sure whether he will go back to brewing, but he has not entirely ruled out the possibility that the Ogilvie Merwin umbrella someday could include beers. “If the right opportunity strikes, it might happen,” he says. ■

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BESTof BEST OF SHOW | PINK

Alexander Valley Vineyards 2021 Dry Rosé of Sangiovese Sonoma County

ifteen years ago, the folks at Alexander Valley Vineyards just outside Healdsburg in northern Sonoma County had a good thing going with Sangiovese, the black grape and red wine most closely identified with the noble Chianti Classicos of Italy’s Tuscany. Their 2004 vintage of Sangiovese won a gold medal at the 2006 California State Fair, and to top that the 2007 vintage won not only a gold medal but best-of-class at the 2011 Sonoma Harvest Fair.

By Mike Dunne

The 2007 Sangiovese, however, was the last time they would use the variety to make a traditional dark red table wine. Their reasoning: Let’s make a good thing even better. Subsequently, they have been transforming Sangiovese into one of the more robust interpretations of rosé to come out of California. The confidence that the winery’s Wetzel family and their longtime winemaker Kevin Hall had in reimagining Sangiovese was affirmed when judges of the 2022 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition crowned the Alexander Valley Vineyards 2021 Sonoma County Dry Rosé of Sangiovese the exposition’s best-of-show pink wine. It was one of 114 pink entries at the outset. The Wetzels and Hall were early adapters to what

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The Alexander Valley Vineyards rosé departs from other members of the genre by forthrightly capturing all the fruity richness that California’s soils, sunshine and sizzling heat can produce in wine grapes. It does not attempt to emulate the pale, lean and dry model of rosé popularized by the pink wines of France’s Provence. In its brashness, the Alexander Valley Vineyards Sangiovese rosé is fresh, frisky and friendly, its brilliant color and inviting suggestions of strawberries and raspberries adding up to an ideal sunset wine, whether as aperitif or as a companion to a salad of mixed greens with balsamic-drizzled burrata cheese, a Thai curry not at all shy with coconut milk, or tacos of grilled shrimp dabbed with spicy salsa. The Sangiovese carries .6 residual sugar, a level that amplifies its refreshing fruit without leaving the wine tasting sweet, thanks to offsetting acidity.

Kevin Hall, winemaker

other California vintners gradually are recognizing: Sangiovese just might release a more satisfying wine as a rosé than as a red. The grape’s acidity has a lot to do with convincing winemakers that Sangiovese can provide a pink wine with enough acid to lift its bright fruit flavors.

If the 2021 vintage tastes a bit richer than earlier vintages, that’s because it is, owing to California’s continuing drought, which reduced vineyard yield and berry size. Of the grapes that went into the wine, 82 percent were grown on the winery’s estate vineyard in Alexander Valley. The rest were grown in nearby Dry Creek Valley. The 2021 harvest in both appellations, however, was down significantly because of the state’s series of relatively dry winters. While Alexander Valley Vineyards made 5200 cases of the Sangiovese rosé, that total was down 25 percent from the previous vintage. Still, 5200 cases should assure an ample supply of the wine through summer for consumers who like their pink wines hefty with radiant and refreshing fruit. But if supplies run short, fans of the winery’s way of making distinctive wines can look instead for another release to win a high honor at the 2022 California State Fair – the Alexander Valley Vineyards 2021 Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($24), judged the best white wine of all Sonoma County appellations in the contest. ■

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BESTof BEST OF SHOW | SPARKLING

Korbel 2017 Blanc de Noirs Masters Reserve Sonoma County

By Mike Dunne

mericans look to have turned a corner in their fondness for Champagne and other forms of sparkling wine. Not so long ago, sparklers were broken out mostly for special occasions – launchings of ships, marriages, another year of life and similar milestones. Nowadays, however, sparkling wines take their place at the table and on a patio most any day of this week, with no special occasion needed to ease out the cork on a bottle of bubbly. Sales of sparkling wine in the United States are surging, up between 13 percent and 28 percent the past year, according to various industry sources. The sparkling-wine segment is attracting scores of new producers, and increasingly rare is the winery tasting room that does not have on hand its own bubbly. Meanwhile, one of the country’s more enduring and respected producers of sparkling wine continues to perk along doing what it has been doing since the 1880s – turning out sparkling wines of tradition, imagination, reliability and high value. That would be Korbel Champagne Cellars just outside Guerneville in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. Korbel frequently wins high honors at the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition, and this year was no exception. The Korbel Champagne Cellars 2017 Sonoma County Masters Reserve Blanc de Noirs was crowned the competition’s best-of-show sparkling wine for its uncanny combination of authority and levity. While exceptionally perfumey, animated, layered and rich for any style of sparkling wine, it also adheres to Korbel’s high expectation that its sparkling wines be accessible, focused and, above all, refreshing. Winemaker Paul Ahvenainen, who has been with Korbel for 37 years, typically oversees the making of 10 or so sparkling wines each vintage, including two versions of Blanc de Noirs. His non-vintage Blanc de Noirs was the California State Fair’s best-of-show sparkling wine in 2015 and the State Fair’s best-of-show white wine in 2013, before fair

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officials created a best-of-show award specifically for sparkling wines. This year’s best-of-show sparkler is Ahvenainen’s vintage-dated (2017) higher-end ($31) Masters Reserve Blanc de Noirs, an interpretation conceived to emulate more closely premium Champagne. Masters Reserve is a bit drier and a bit higher in acid than the non-vintage Blanc de Noirs. It was made with 80 percent Pinot Noir grown mostly in Russian River Valley. Pinot Noir provides a traditional foundation for sparkling wine. Sangiovese, on the other hand, does not, though Ahvenainen likes it so much for its flavor and structure he added 20 percent Sangiovese to the Masters Reserve. Ahvenainen long has appreciated the suggestions of blackberry, raspberry and cherry that California brings out in dark wine grapes. (The non-vintage Blanc de Noir is even more radical in composition than the Masters Reserve. The non-vintage typically is made with the likes of Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Gamay as well as Pinot Noir, with Russian River Valley fruit supplemented with grapes from Lodi and the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta.) Another significant difference with the two wines is that while the non-vintage Blanc de Noirs is distributed nationwide, the vintage Masters Reserve Blanc de Noirs is available only direct-to-consumer, principally at the winery’s on-site wine shop. Thousands of cases of the non-vintage Blanc de Noir are produced yearly, while only about 1400 cases of the Masters Reserve are made. Another reason the Masters Reserve is not widely distributed is that the folks at Korbel like to reward people who make the trek to the winery with a sparkling wine they will not find elsewhere. Before jumping in the car and heading for Guerneville, however, be aware that the 2017 Masters Reserve is sold out, though the 2018 version of the wine should be released any day now. In line with dawning realization among Americans that they can relish sparkling wine any night of the week and on any occasion, Ahvenainen likes to savor the Masters Reserve with simply prepared dishes, such as grilled salmon or chicken. ■

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BESTof BEST OF SHOW | DESSERT

Navarro Vineyards 2019 Cluster Select Late Harvest Riesling Anderson Valley

By Mike Dunne

uper-star baseball players get their uniform number retired after they retire, meaning no other player on the team ever again can use that number.

If the same tradition were applied to wine competitions, the phrase “Cluster Select Late Harvest Riesling” would be retired whenever Ted Bennett, Deborah Cahn and Jim Klein retire from the wine game.

In recent years, the weather cooperated, but in complicating ways, with botrytis affecting some grapes but not all on each bunch. This compelled the picking crew to pass through the vineyard more than once, each time looking carefully for and tediously harvesting only botrytis-affected grapes, leaving the unaffected berries to be picked later for the winery’s dry Riesling.

Together, they have established a solid reputation for whatever style of wine they put their mind to making, from Pinot Noir to Alsatian varietal wines like Gewurztraminer and Riesling.

Though Klein credits vineyard and weather for the character of Cluster Select Late Harvest Riesling, his skills can be challenged in the cellar. For one, botrytis-affected grapes are not far removed in look and substance from raisins, and to squeeze from them the juice he needs requires an unusually long and patient press. A press of regular grapes ordinarily may take no more than a couple of hours, but with botrytis-affected berries it can take up to 24 hours.

Ted Bennett and Deborah Cahn are the husband and wife who established Navarro Vineyards in Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley in 1974. Jim Klein is their winemaker, approaching his 31st harvest at Navarro.

Their magical way with all sorts of wine was reinforced at the 2022 California State Fair when commercial-wine judges elected the Navarro Vineyards 2019 Anderson Valley Cluster Select Late Harvest Riesling best-of-show dessert wine. And it wasn’t like the Navarro had the field to itself; it vied with 57 other sweet wines at the outset. This was the fourth time over the past decade that a vintage of the wine won that high honor, an unprecedented string of accomplishment at the State Fair. As at earlier competitions, the wine stood out for its lush, sunny and concentrated suggestions of tropical fruit, its honeycombed sweetness, its uplifting acidity and its resolute finish. Jim Klein is the first to attribute Anderson Valley’s rare blend of rain, heat, wind, fog and humidity for that kind of consistency. Late-harvest wines of the magnitude and complexity of the Navarro Riesling do not materialize without an intricate dance of weather in the vineyard. When the timing is right, they all come together to form on grapes a kind of mold called botrytis cinerea, more poetically known as “noble rot.” The mold perforates the grape skin and shrivels and dehydrates the berries, concentrating sugars,

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acid and flavor.

When all that work is finished, however, and a bottle of Cluster Select Late Harvest Riesling is ready to be opened and savored, Klein is especially keen on enjoying the wine with a blue cheese, especially when the cheese is accompanied with walnuts on a lightly dressed salad of butter lettuce. The wine carries just 10 percent alcohol but 21.2 percent residual sugar. While delighted with the best-of-show dessert-wine acclaim at the State Fair, Klein also was elated by the high award given a rookie, the Navarro Vineyards 2020 Anderson Valley Gruner Veltliner, declared the “best other white varietal” in the state. The 2020 was just the second vintage for Navarro to produce Gruner Veltliner. Gruner Veltliner is a variety most closely identified historically with Austria, where it yields dry, lean and crisp white wines with suggestions of peach and white pepper. People other than the State Fair’s wine judges quickly developed an appreciation for the Navarro interpretation, however, and it is sold out. On the other hand, Navarro made 474 cases of the Cluster Select Late Harvest Riesling, so it should remain readily available through the summer. ■

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BESTof BEST VALUE WINE

Dark Horse 2020 California Sauvignon Blanc Anderson Valley

n wine competitions, Sauvignon Blanc is the perpetual dark horse for a high honor when it runs against noble Chardonnay, flamboyant Viognier and teasing Vermentino in the concluding sweepstakes round.

And yet, by its flashy fruit, snappy acidity and striding finish, Sauvignon Blanc so often ends up in the winner’s circle as best-of-show that the varietal no longer can be relegated to the paddock of dark-horse candidates during a competition’s final deliberations.

By Mike Dunne

medal. A double-gold medal is given when all judges of a panel concur that a wine deserves gold, a feat relatively rare on the competition circuit because of all the varied backgrounds, experiences and values of judges. In subsequent balloting, the Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc went on to be elected the best white wine marketed under the broad “California” appellation, a huge congregation, given how popular “California” is on a wine label. Dark Horse is one of dozens of brands owned by E. & J. Gallo Winery of Modesto, which built its early standing on inexpensive, aesthetically pleasing wines in the Dark Horse vein. Gallo introduced the Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc with the 2014 vintage. Grapes for the wine come from Lodi and the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta, which by Central Valley standards are cool, thanks to chilly maritime breezes blowing across the area from Pacific Ocean bays just to the west.

Beth Liston, the Dark Horse winemaker

Sauvignon Blanc’s stature for wines of impressive character continued to rise at the 2022 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition when judges declared the aptly branded Dark Horse 2020 California Sauvignon Blanc the best value to emerge from the judging. The Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc sells for around $10, though it often can be found at retail outlets for less than that.

The grapes were harvested at night to help preserve their freshness, the juice was held in contact with the skins of the grapes for a few hours before pressing, and then inoculated with a yeast known to heighten the variety’s tropical aromas, Liston recalls.

At the California State Fair, the best-value award goes to the wine that ends up with the highest honors when compared with similarly priced entries. In the early going, judges initially awarded the Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc a double-gold

Away from her working cellar, Liston enjoys the Sauvignon Blanc with salads, chilled vegetables, sourdough pizza with pesto, fresh mozzarella and prosciutto, and her “front porch.” ■

The Dark Horse won the tribute for its vivid citric fruit and abiding balance. Sauvignon Blanc at its best is a wine direct, lively, refreshing, readily pleasing in an unchallenging way and versatile at the table. The Dark Horse, despite its bargain price, is all that.

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Beth Liston, the Dark Horse winemaker, attributes the authority of the wine to several factors, though 2020 was a challenging year to grow grapes in California. The previous winter was relatively dry, and while spring and early summer were easy going weather-wise, late summer included heat spikes and the intrusion of overhead smoke from wildland fires, which did not affect the fruit other than to slow the accumulation of sugar in berries, an unexpected benefit that allowed her to bring in fruit fully but not overly ripe.

If the Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc in its suggestion of lime and jalapeño chile pepper evokes hugely popular New Zealand interpretations of the variety, that could be because Liston in 2017 huddled with Kiwi colleagues to grasp a better understanding of how to squeeze from the variety all the zesty charm it has the potential to deliver.

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DOUBLE GOLD AND GOLD WINNERS DRY WHITE WINES ALBARIÑO Great Bear Vineyards Gold 96 2021 Albarino, Yolo County Las Positas Vineyards Gold 96 2021 Albarino, Livermore Valley Oak Farm Vineyards Gold 96 2021 Albarino, Mokelumne River Brecon Estate Gold 95 2021 True Acacia Head Albariño, Central Coast Brecon Estate Gold 95 2021 Albarino, Central Coast CHARDONNAY J. Lohr Estates Double Gold 99 2020 Riverstone Chardonnay Arroyo Seco Best of Class of Appellation Kendall-Jackson Double Gold 99 2019 Chardonnay, California Best of California, Best of Class of Appellation Metz Road Double Gold 99 2020 Chardonnay, Riverview Vineyard, Monterey Best of Class of Appellation Picchetti Winery Double Gold 99 2020 Chardonnay, Leslie's Estate, Santa Cruz Mountains Best of Region White, Best of Class of Appellation Rescue Dog Wines Double Gold 99 2021 Chardonnay, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation Thorn Hill Vineyards Double Gold 99 2019 Chardonnay, Napa Valley Best of Region White, Best of Class of Appellation Tribute Double Gold 99 2020 Chardonnay, Monterey County Best of Class of Appellation Carmel Road Gold 96 2020 Chardonnay, Monterey Carmenet Gold 96 2021 Chardonnay, California Clos LaChance Gold 96 2020 Chardonnay, Monterey County Eberle Gold 96 2021 Chardonnay, Eberle Estate Vineyard, Paso Robles Best of Class of Appellation Hook or Crook Cellars Gold 96 2020 Chardonnay, Lodi (San Joaquin) J. Lohr Vineyard Series Gold 96 2020 Arroyo Vista Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco Joel Gott Gold 96 2021 Chardonnay, California La Crema Gold 96 2020 Chardonnay, Monterey County Rivino Gold 96 2021 Chardonnay, Schrader Ranch, Mendocino Rocklin Ranch Gold 96 2020 Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco

Broadside Gold 95 2020 Chardonnay, Central Coast Chateau Souverain Gold 95 2019 Chardonnay, California Cycles Gladiator Gold 95 2020 Chardonnay, California Munselle Vineyards Gold 95 2017 Chardonnay, Coin Flip Ranch, Alexander Valley Ranch 32 Gold 95 2020 Chardonnay, Monterey Silt Wine Company Gold 95 2020 Chardonnay, Clarksburg (Yolo) Best of Class of Appellation Black Stallion Estate Winery Gold 94 2020 Chardonnay, Napa Valley Davis Family Vineyards Gold 96 2019 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley Best of Class of Appellation Fellow Wines of Clarksburg Gold 94 2021 Chardonnay, Clarksburg (Yolo) Glenbrook Vineyard Gold 94 2020 Chardonnay, California Talbott Gold 96 2019 Chardonnay, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard, Estate Grown, Santa Lucia Highlands

Great Wines COME FROM CALIFORNIA

CHENIN BLANC Fellow Wines of Clarksburg Double Gold 99 2021 Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg (Yolo) Best of Show White, Best of Region White Rendez-vous Gold 96 2021 Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg (Yolo) Silt Wine Company Gold 95 2021 Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg (Yolo) GEWURZTRAMINER South Coast Winery Gold 96 2021 Gewürztraminer, Carter Estate, Temecula Valley Blue Quail Gold 95 2021 Gewürztraminer, McFadden Farm, Potter Valley Navarro Vineyards Gold 95 2021 Gewürztraminer, Anderson Valley Navarro Vineyards Gold 94 2021 Gewürztraminer, Deep End, Anderson Valley GRENACHE BLANC Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards 2021 Grenache Blanc, Mokelumne River Klinker Brick Winery 2021 Grenache Blanc, Lodi (San Joaquin)

Gold 96 Gold 96

GRÜNER VELTLINER Navarro Vineyards Double Gold 99 2021 Grüner Veltliner, Anderson Valley Best of California, Best of Class of Appellation Alloy Wine Works Gold 95 2020 Grüner Veltliner, Central Coast Best of Class of Appellation ©2022 Treasury Wine Estates Americas, Napa, CA

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MUSCAT, DRY Navarro Vineyards 2021 Muscat, Anderson Valley MUSCAT, MEDIUM DRY Cara Mello NV Moscato, California Tiny Umbrellas NV Pink Moscato, California

Gold 94

Double Gold 99 Gold 96

OTHER DRY WHITE VARIETAL BLENDS Pennyroyal Farm Gold 96 2020 Anyhow Blanc, Anderson Valley Pennyroyal Farm Gold 96 2021 Pinotrio, Anderson Valley OTHER WHITE VARIETALS Batia Vineyards Double Gold 99 2019 Marsanne, El Dorado County Best of Region White, Best of Class of Appellation Lewis Grace Double Gold 99 2021 Verdelho, Alta Mesa Best of Class of Appellation Oak Farm Vineyards Double Gold 99 2021 Fiano, Mokelumne River Best of Region White, Best of Class of Appellation Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards Gold 96 2021 Picpoul Blanc, Mokelumne River Lewis Grace Gold 96 2021 Torrontés, Alta Mesa Wise Villa Winery Gold 96 2021 Torrontés, Alta Mesa New Clairvaux Vineyard Gold 95 2021 Assyrtiko, St. James Block, Tehama County Best of Class of Appellation New Clairvaux Vineyard Gold 95 2021 Moschofilero, St. James Block, Tehama County Best of Class of Appellation St. Amant Winery Gold 95 2021 Miss Independent, Verdelho, Amador County PINOT BLANC South Coast Winery Double Gold 100 2020 Pinot Blanc, Sur Lie, Temecula Valley Best of Region White PINOT GRIGIO/PINOT GRIS Rodrigue Molyneaux Estate Winery and Vineyard Double Gold 99 2021 Pinot Grigio, Livermore Valley Best Micro White SEAGLASS Double Gold 99 2021 Pinot Grigio, Central Coast Best of California, Best of Class of Appellation Blue Quail Gold 95 2021 Pinot Gris, McFadden Farm, Potter Valley Best of Class of Appellation D & L Carinalli Vineyards Gold 95 2020 Pinot Grigio, Russian River Valley Best of Class of Appellation J Vineyards Gold 95 2021 Pinot Gris, California Best of Class of Appellation RHONE WHITE VARIETAL BLENDS Cass Winery Gold 96 2021 MR BLANC, Rhone White Blend, Paso Robles Geneseo District

RIESLING Black Box Double Gold 98 2020 Riesling, California Kendall-Jackson Gold 96 2020 Riesling, Monterey County Baily Vineyard & Winery Gold 95 2021 Riesling, Temecula Valley Blue Quail Gold 95 2021 Riesling, McFadden Farm, Potter Valley South Coast Winery Gold 94 2020 Riesling, Carter Estate, Temecula Valley ROUSSANNE Clothesline Double Gold 99 2020 Roussanne, Lodi (San Joaquin) Cass Winery Gold 96 2021 Roussanne, Paso Robles Geneseo District Steiner Family Vineyards Gold 95 2020 Roussanne, Amador County SAUVIGNON BLANC Alexander Valley Vineyards Double Gold 99 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, Alexander Valley Best of Region White, Best of Class of Appellation Bogle Vineyards Double Gold 99 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, California Best of Class of Appellation Dancing Crow Vineyards Double Gold 99 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County Best of Class of Appellation Dark Horse Double Gold 99 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, California Best of Region White, Best Value, Best of Class of Appellation Fieldbrook Winery Double Gold 99 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, Elizabeth Vineyard, Mendocino County Best of Class of Appellation Husch Vineyards Double Gold 99 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino Best of Class of Appellation SEAGLASS Double Gold 99 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, Central Coast Best of Region White, Best of California, Best of Class of Appellation Artesa Gold 96 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa County Best of Class of Appellation Black Box Gold 96 2021 Tart & Tangy, Sauvignon Blanc, California Bloomfield Vineyards Gold 96 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, Contra Costa County Best of Class of Appellation Rescue Dog Wines Gold 96 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, Clements Hills Best of Class of Appellation San Simeon Gold 96 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, Paso Robles Best of Class of Appellation Silt Wine Company Gold 96 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, Clarksburg (Yolo) Best of Class of Appellation Wise Villa Winery Gold 96 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, Sierra Foothills Best of Class of Appellation

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SAUVIGNON BLANC continued Edna Valley Gold 95 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, California Marcelais Vineyard Gold 95 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, El Dorado Oak Grove Gold 95 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, California Psyche Gold 95 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, California Usual Gold 95 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, North Coast Line 39 Gold 94 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, California Martin Ranch Winery Gold 94 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, Arroyo Seco, Griva Vineyards Retzlaff Gold 94 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, Livermore Valley Scribner Bend Vineyards Gold 94 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, Clarksburg (Sacramento) SEMILLON Nichelini Family Winery 2021 Caterina, Semillon, Napa Valley

Gold 96

VIOGNIER Cline Cellars Double Gold 99 2021 Viognier, North Coast New Clairvaux Vineyard Double Gold 99 2021 Viognier, St. James Block, Tehama County Best of California, Best of Class of Appellation

Victor Hugo Double Gold 99 2020 Viognier, Templeton Gap District Best of Region White, Best of Class of Appellation Jeff Runquist Gold 96 2021 Viognier, River Junction (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation South Coast Winery Gold 96 2019 Viognier, Carter Estate, Temecula Valley Best of Class of Appellation Nicholson Vineyards Gold 94 2020 Viognier, Sierra Foothills

RED TABLE WINES BARBERA Amador Cellars Double Gold 2019 Barbera, Shenandoah Valley (Amador) Best of California, Best of Class of Appellation Jeff Runquist Double Gold 2020 Barbera, Amador County Best of Class of Appellation Lewis Grace Double Gold 2020 Barbera, Amador County Best of Class of Appellation Nicholson Vineyards Double Gold 2019 Barbera, Amador County Steiner Family Vineyards Double Gold 2020 Barbera, Amador County Best Micro Red

99 99

A FAMILY SUCCESS STORY, THIRTY VINTAGES AND COUNTING

MEDALS

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Borjon Gold 2018 Reposado Barbera, Amador County Cooper Vineyards LLC Gold 2019 Barbera, Shenandoah Valley (Amador) Helwig Winery Gold 2019 Gold Country Barbera, Amador County Jeff Runquist Gold 2020 Barbera, Amador County New Clairvaux Vineyard Gold 2020 Barbera, Poor Soul's Block, Tehama County Best of Class of Appellation Oak Farm Vineyards Gold 2019 Barbera, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation Vina Moda Gold 2018 Barbera, Sierra Foothills

96 96 96 96 96

BORDEAUX RED VARIETAL BLENDS Silver Mountain Vineyards Double Gold 99 2013 Alloy, Santa Cruz Mountains Best of California, Best of Class of Appellation Brecon Estate Gold 96 2019 Meritage, Adelaida District Best of Class of Appellation J. Lohr Cuvee Series Gold 96 2018 Cuvee PAU Bordeaux Blend, Paso Robles Best of Class of Appellation J. Lohr Cuvee Series Gold 96 2017 Cuvee ST. E Bordeaux Blend, Paso Robles Best of Class of Appellation Matchbook Gold 96 2018 The Arsonist Bordeaux Blend, California Best of Class of Appellation Oak Mountain Winery Gold 96 2017 Steve Wine, Bordeaux Blend, Temecula Valley Best of Class of Appellation Retzlaff Gold 96 2019 Bordeaux Blend, Livermore Valley Best of Class of Appellation Robert Hall Gold 96 2019 Bordeaux Blend, Paso Robles Best of Class of Appellation Silt Wine Company Gold 96 2019 Reclamation Bordeaux Blend, Clarksburg (Yolo) Best of Class of Appellation Soquel Vineyards Gold 96 2016 Intreccio Bordeaux Blend, Napa Valley Best of Class of Appellation South Coast Winery Gold 96 2018 Meritage, South Coast Best of Class of Appellation CABERNET FRANC Heringer Estates Double Gold 2018 Cabernet Franc, Clarksburg (Yolo) Best of Region Red, Best of Class of Appellation Monte De Oro Winery Double Gold 2018 Cabernet Franc, Temecula Valley Best of Class of Appellation Black Sheep Winery Gold 2019 Cabernet Franc, Calaveras County Best of Class of Appellation Marcelais Vineyard Gold 2019 Cabernet Franc, El Dorado County

Silt Wine Company 2019 Cabernet Franc, Clarksburg (Yolo) Windwalker Vineyard 2019 Cabernet Franc, Fair Play Best of Class of Appellation

Gold 96 Gold 96

CABERNET SAUVIGNON Aphelion Double Gold 99 NV Cabernet Sauvignon, Livermore Valley Best of Class of Appellation J. Lohr Signature Double Gold 99 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles Best of California, Best of Class of Appellation Joel Gott Double Gold 99 2019 815 Cabernet Sauvignon, California Best of Class of Appellation Picchetti Winery Double Gold 99 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Arastradero Vineyard, Santa Clara County Best of Class of Appellation Aphelion Gold 96 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Livermore Valley Brassfield Estate Winery Gold 96 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, High Valley Best of Class of Appellation Chambray Gold 96 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, California Eberle Gold 96 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles Freakshow Gold 96 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation J. McClelland Cellars Gold 96 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Best of Class of Appellation Kendall-Jackson Gold 96 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Vintner’s Reserve, Sonoma County Best of Class of Appellation Line 39 Gold 96 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, California McGrail Vineyards Gold 96 2018 Patriot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Livermore Valley Robert Hall Gold 96 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles Willowcreek District Robert Hall Gold 96 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles Silver Creek Gold 96 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, California Benziger Family Winery Gold 95 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sunny Slope Vineyard, Sonoma Valley Burlington Chandler Gold 95 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi (San Joaquin) Carol Shelton Wines Gold 95 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, King Ridge Vineyard, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma) Cass Winery Gold 95 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles Geneseo District Di Arie Gold 95 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, El Dorado Best of Class of Appellation

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CARIGNANE Carol Shelton Wines Gold 95 2018 Carignane, Oat Valley Vineyard, Alexander Valley GRENACHE Amador Cellars Gold 96 2019 Grenache Noir, Amador County Hoyt Family Vineyards Gold 96 2018 Grenache, Paso Robles Willowcreek District Imagery Estate Winery Gold 95 2019 Grenache, Sonoma County Carol Shelton Wines Gold 94 2021 Grenache Noir, Contra Costa County ITALIAN RED VARIETAL BLEND Nello Olivo Wines Double Gold 100 2018 Super Tuscan, El Dorado Amador Cellars Double Gold 99 2018 Miscela Italiana, Amador County Convergence Vineyards Double Gold 99 2019 The Italian Job Red Wine, Amador County Bargetto Winery Double Gold 98 2018 La Vita, Santa Cruz Mountains Best of Region Red MALBEC Milliaire Winery Double Gold 99 2019 Malbec, Calaveras County Best of California, Best of Class of Appellation Nello Olivo Wines Double Gold 99 2019 Malbec, El Dorado Best of Class of Appellation Barefoot Gold 96 NV Malbec, California Best of Class of Appellation Viaggio On The River Estate and Winery Gold 96 2016 Majestic, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation Victor Hugo Gold 96 2019 Malbec, Templeton Gap District Best of Class of Appellation Le Mulet Rouge Vineyard and Winery Gold 95 2017 Malbec, Fiddletown Mount Saint Joseph Wines Gold 95 2019 Malbec, Sierra Foothills MERLOT Nunn 2017 Merlot, Contra Costa County

Double Gold 100

MOURVÈDRE Lewis Grace Double Gold 100 2019 Mourvèdre, El Dorado Bella Grace Vineyards Double Gold 99 2018 Mourvèdre, Amador County Temecula Hills Winery Double Gold 99 2019 Vintage 19 Mourvèdre, Temecula Valley Los Portales Double Gold 98 2016 Monastrell, Shenandoah Valley (Amador) Cass Winery Gold 95 2020 Mourvèdre, Paso Robles Geneseo District OTHER RED VARIETALS Jeff Runquist Double Gold 99 2020 Dolcetto, Logan's Rock Wall Vineyard, Amador County Best of Region Red, Best of Class of Appellation Montoliva Vineyard & Winery Double Gold 99 2019 Dolcetto, Nevada County Lewis Grace Double Gold 99 2019 Graciano, El Dorado Best of Class of Appellation Trevor Grace Double Gold 99 2020 Petit Verdot, El Dorado Best of Class of Appellation Ursa Vineyards Double Gold 99 2018 Tannat, Ferrel Ranch, El Dorado Best of Class of Appellation Milliaire Winery Double Gold 98 2019 Touriga, Calaveras County Best of California Michael David Gold 96 2020 Cinsaut, Ancient Vine Bechthold Vineyard, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation St Jorge Winery Gold 96 2019 Alicante Bouschet, Vierra Estate Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation Trevor Grace Gold 96 2020 Touriga, El Dorado Victor Hugo Gold 96 2019 Tannat, Templeton Gap District Best of Class of Appellation Windwalker Vineyard Gold 96 2020 Alicante Bouschet, Sierra Foothills Wise Villa Winery Gold 96 2019 Tannat, Alta Mesa Best of Class of Appellation Black Sheep Winery Gold 95 2019 Touriga, Calaveras County Lewis Grace Gold 95 2019 Souzão, El Dorado Michael Gill Cellars Gold 95 2020 The Tenor Tannat, Paso Robles Rendez-vous Gold 95 2017 Petit Verdot, Clarksburg (Yolo) Best of Class of Appellation Sobon Estate Gold 95 2019 Tannat, Amador County Wise Villa Winery Gold 95 2019 Touriga Nacional, Sierra Foothills

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NEW

RELEASE

CABERNET SAUVIGNON continued Louis M. Martini Gold 95 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley One Hope Wine Gold 95 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, California Soquel Vineyards Gold 95 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stagecoach Vineyard, Atlas Peak Stanton Vineyards Gold 95 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville William Hill Estate Winery Gold 95 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve Gold 94 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley

Behind every bottle of Rodney Strong Red Blend is a group of talented people dedicated to crafting premium wine and great experiences. Our Red Blend represents the culmination of the knowledge and experience of our entire team—from our winemakers to winegrowers, bottling and cellar teams.

MEDALS

The 2019 Rodney Strong Red Blend is juicy and bright, a wine about finesse and suppleness, supported with vibrant freshness and acidity. A Red Blend that caresses the palate with black cherry and pomegranate flavors buttressed by notes of vanilla, oak, and baking spices. It’s a wine that you want to reach for over and over again. Learn more at www.rodneystrong.com

COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY SINCE 1959

OTHER RED VARIETAL BLENDS Mènage á Trois Double Gold 99 2020 Red Wine, California Best of California, Best of Class of Appellation Husch Vineyards Gold 95 2020 Old Vines Heritage, Mendocino Best of Class of Appellation Las Positas Vineyards Gold 95 2019 Coccineous, Livermore Valley Best of Class of Appellation PETITE SIRAH Harney Lane Double Gold 99 2019 Petite Sirah, Home Ranch, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation J. Lohr Vineyard Series Double Gold 99 2019 Tower Road Petite Sirah, Paso Robles Best of Region Red, Best of Class of Appellation St. Amant Winery Double Gold 99 2019 Petite Sirah, Mohr-Fry Ranch, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of California, Best of Class of Appellation Vina Moda Double Gold 98 2019 Petite Sirah, Sierra Foothills Best of Class of Appellation Bottle Jack Winery Gold 96 2017 Petite Sirah, Santa Cruz Mountains Inkblot Gold 96 2019 Petite Sirah, Lodi (San Joaquin) Macchia Gold 96 2020 Rebellious Petite Sirah, Lodi (San Joaquin)

Pescatore Vineyard & Winery Gold 96 2021 Petit Sirah, Sierra Foothills Robert Hall Gold 96 2019 Petite Sirah, Templeton Gap District Wilson Family Winery Gold 96 2019 Dark Water Petite Petit, Lodi (San Joaquin) Cache Creek Vineyards & Winery Gold 95 2019 Petite Sirah, Lake County Best of Class of Appellation Fenestra Gold 95 2017 Petite Sirah, Livermore Valley Best of Class of Appellation Ledson Gold 95 2019 Petite Sirah, Redwood Valley Best of Class of Appellation PINOT NOIR B Side Double Gold 99 2018 Pinot Noir, North Coast Best of Region Red, Best of California, Best of Class of Appellation Bar Dog Double Gold 99 2020 Pinot Noir, California Best of Class of Appellation Chloe Wine Collection Double Gold 99 2020 Pinot Noir, Monterey County Best of Class of Appellation Davis Family Vineyards Double Gold 99 2019 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley Best of Class of Appellation

Joel Gott Double Gold 99 2020 Pinot Noir, California Best of Region Red, Best of Class of Appellation Juggernaut Double Gold 98 2019 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley Anthony & Dominic Gold 96 2019 Pinot Noir, Los Carneros (Napa) Best of Class of Appellation Bent Coast Gold 96 2020 Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County Best of Class of Appellation Bogle Vineyards Gold 96 2020 Pinot Noir, California Carmel Road Gold 96 2019 Pinot Noir, Chalone (Monterey County) Chambray Gold 96 2020 Bluejean Chef Pinot Noir, California J. Lohr Vineyard Series Gold 96 2019 Fog's Reach Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco Jeff Runquist Gold 96 2021 Pinot Noir, Clarksburg (Sacramento) Best of Class of Appellation Lafond Gold 96 2018 Clone 777 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills Best of Class of Appellation McIlroy Cellars Gold 96 2019 Pinot Noir, Vines & Roses Vineyard, Russian River Valley McManis Family Vineyards Gold 96 2021Fair Pinot Noir, State Ad-2022 FNLLodi P.pdf(San 1 Joaquin) 5/5/22 10:20 AM Best of Class of Appellation

One Hope Wine Gold 96 2020 Pinot Noir, California Sonnet Wine Cellars Gold 96 2018 Pinot Noir, Muns Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains Talbott Gold 96 2019 Pinot Noir, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands Fork in the Road Vineyard Gold 95 2019 Pinot Noir, Los Carneros (Napa) La Crema Gold 95 2019 Pinot Noir, Monterey Line 39 Gold 95 2019 Pinot Noir, California Woodenhead Gold 95 2017 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley Oak Grove Gold 94 2020 Pinot Noir, California PRIMITIVO Cooper Vineyards LLC Double Gold 99 2018 Primitivo, Shenandoah Valley (Amador) Macchia Double Gold 99 2020 Devious Primitivo, California Windwalker Vineyard Gold 95 2019 Shady Lady Primitivo, Sierra Foothills RED GENERIC Soquel Vineyards Double Gold 99 2020 Trinity Rosso, California Best of California, Best of Class of Appellation

MEDALS

CMY

Unmatched Quality for Five Generations Family Owned. American Grown, Produced & Bottled Since Day One! First & Only Wines Made in USA Certified®

RED GENERIC continued The Buccaneer Gold 96 2019 Back From The Dead Red, California Freakshow Gold 95 2020 Red Generic, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation Picchetti Winery Gold 95 2018 Pavone, California The Buccaneer Gold 94 2019 Dead Drift Red, California RHONE RED VARIETAL BLENDS Vina Moda Gold 96 2019 Vinas Rhone Blend, Sierra Foothills SANGIOVESE Las Positas Vineyards Double Gold 99 2019 Sangiovese, Livermore Valley Best of Show Red, Best of Region Red, Best of California, Best of Class of Appellation Oak Farm Vineyards Gold 96 2019 Sangiovese, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation Bottle Jack Winery Gold 95 2018 Sangiovese, Santa Clara Valley SYRAH Monte De Oro Winery Double Gold 99 2018 Syrah, Temecula Valley Best of Region Red, Best of California, Best of Class of Appellation Le Mulet Rouge Vineyard and Winery Double Gold 98 2017 Syrah, Fiddletown Falkner Winery Gold 96 2020 Syrah, Temecula Valley Weibel Family Vineyards & Winery Gold 96 2020 Syrah, California Best of Class of Appellation Wilson Family Winery Gold 96 2019 Lusca Syrah, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation J. Lohr Estates Gold 95 2020 South Ridge Syrah, Paso Robles Best of Class of Appellation Lewis Grace Gold 95 2019 Syrah, Renner Vineyard, Sierra Foothills Best of Class of Appellation Milliaire Winery Gold 95 2019 Syrah, Calaveras County Best of Class of Appellation Ryder Estate Gold 95 2019 Syrah, Central Coast Best of Class of Appellation Wise Villa Winery Gold 95 2019 Syrah, Sierra Foothills Best of Class of Appellation Cooper Vineyards LLC Gold 94 2019 Syrah, Shenandoah Valley (Amador) Eberle Gold 94 2020 Syrah, Steinbeck Vineyard, Paso Robles

TEMPRANILLO Heringer Estates Double Gold 99 2016 Tempranillo, Clarksburg (Yolo) Best of California, Best of Class of Appellation Las Positas Vineyards Double Gold 99 2019 Tempranillo, Livermore Valley Best of Class of Appellation Tinto Rey Double Gold 98 2019 Tempranillo, Dunnigan Hills Uphill Vineyards Gold 96 2017 Tempranillo, Amador County Harney Lane Gold 95 2019 Tempranillo, Home Ranch, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Class of Appellation ZINFANDEL Amador Cellars Double Gold 99 2018 Zinfandel, Shenandoah Valley (Amador) Best of Class of Appellation Bota Box Double Gold 99 NV Old Vine Zinfandel, California Best of Class of Appellation Dry Creek Vineyard Double Gold 99 2019 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley Best of Region Red, Best of Class of Appellation Hook or Crook Cellars Double Gold 99 2018 Zinfandel, Lodi (San Joaquin) Best of Region Red, Best of California, Best of Class of Appellation Wilderotter Vineyard Double Gold 99 2019 Zinfandel, Amador County Best of Class of Appellation Felten Cellars Double Gold 98 2016 Zinfandel, Paso Robles Best of Class of Appellation Victor Hugo Double Gold 98 2019 Zinfandel, Templeton Gap District Best of Class of Appellation Carnivor Gold 96 2019 Zinfandel, California Carol Shelton Wines Gold 96 2019 Karma Zin, Bastoni Vineyard, Sonoma County Carol Shelton Wines Gold 96 2019 Wild Thing Zinfandel, Mendocino County Best of Class of Appellation Macchia Gold 96 2020 Prestigious Zinfandel, The Original Grandpère Vineyard, Amador County McManis Family Vineyards Gold 96 2020 Zinfandel, Lodi (San Joaquin) Peirano Estate Vineyards Gold 96 2019 Zinfandel, Lodi (San Joaquin) Scotto Family Cellars Gold 96 2017 Zinfandel, Lodi (San Joaquin) The Buccaneer Gold 96 2020 Zinfandel, California Wise Villa Winery Gold 96 2019 Zinfandel, Sierra Foothills Earthquake Gold 95 2019 Zinfandel, Lodi (San Joaquin) Macchia Gold 95 2020 Ambiguous Zinfandel, Lodi (San Joaquin)

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Quality, It's A Family Tradition

MEDALS

18700 East River Road | Ripon, California | 209.599.1186 | www.mcmanisfamilyvineyards.com

ZINFANDEL continued Milliaire Winery Gold 95 2018 Old Vine Zinfandel, Calaveras County Robert Hall Gold 95 2019 Zinfandel, Paso Robles Secret Ravine Gold 95 2019 Zinfandel, Placer County Storrs Gold 95 2018 Zinfandel, Central Coast Best of Class of Appellation Macchia Gold 94 2020 Superlicious Zinfandel, Lodi (San Joaquin)

ROSÉ, PINK AND BLUSH WINES VARIETAL ROSÉ Alexander Valley Vineyards Double Gold 99 2021 dry Rosé of Sangiovese, Sonoma County Best of Show Pink, Best of Class of Appellation Moiselle Double Gold 99 NV Pink Moscato, California Best of Class of Appellation Rodney Strong Vineyards Double Gold 99 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma) Best of Class of Appellation Santa Barbara Winery Double Gold 99 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills Best of Class of Appellation Brassfield Estate Winery Gold 96 2021 Serenity Rosé of Pinot Noir, High Valley Best of Class of Appellation VARIETAL ROSÉ BLENDS Carol Shelton Wines Double Gold 99 2021 Wild Thing Rendezvous Rosé Dry Rosé Wine, Mendocino County Mènage á Trois Gold 96 2020 Bouquet Rosé, California Cass Winery Gold 95 2021 Oasis Rosé Wine, Paso Robles Geneseo District Klinker Brick Winery Gold 95 2021 Bricks and Roses Rosé, Mokelumne River Oak Farm Vineyards Gold 95 2021 Rosé, Lodi (San Joaquin) GENERIC ROSE OR BLUSH Due Ragazze Vineyards Double Gold 99 2021 Albarosa Rosé, Sierra Foothills Barefoot Gold 95 NV Rosé, California Best of Class of Appellation Black Box Gold 95 2020 Rosé, California Best of Class of Appellation

SPARKLING WINES Charmat Fermented Sparkling Wine (Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, etc.) - Brut, up to 1.5% rs

Wachira Wines Double Gold 99 NV Sparkling Wine, California South Coast Winery Gold 96 NV Sparkling Brut, Temecula Valley Taralyn Gold 96 NV Brut Sparkling Wine, California

NEW

Charmat Fermented Rosé, Pink, & Sparkling Red - Brut, up to 1.5% rs

Dark Horse NV Brut Rosé, California Heringer Estates NV Bubbly Rosé, Clarksburg (Yolo) Barefoot Bubbly NV Brut Rosé, California Taralyn NV Sparkling Brut Rosé, California South Coast Winery NV Rosé Sparkling, Temecula Valley

Gold 96

READY-TO-DRINK

Gold 96

MARGARITA

Gold 95 Gold 95 Gold 94

Charmat Fermented Rose; Pink and Sparkling Red - Extra Dry; 1.51. to 3% rs

Barefoot Bubbly NV Sweet Rosé, California Apothic NV Sparkling Red, California Barefoot Bubbly NV Pink Moscato, California

WINE COCKTAIL

Gold 96 Gold 95 Gold 95

Charmat Fermented Sparkling Wine - Sweet; 3.1% and above rs with fruit flavor added

Earl Stevens Gold 96 NV Orangesicle Sparkling, California Weibel Family Gold 96 NV Peach Mango Sparkling Wine with Natural Flavor, California Bottle Fermented Sparkling Wine (Blanc de Blancs; Blanc de Noirs; etc.) - Natural; no dosage

Rivino 2018 Boujee Blanc de Blancs, Mendocino Korbel 2018 Natural', Russian River Valley

Gold 96

Gold 95 CY

Bottle Fermented Sparkling Wine (Blanc de Blancs; Blanc de Noirs; etc.) - Brut; up to 1.5% rs

CMY

Korbel Double Gold 99 2017 Blanc de Noirs, Masters Reserve, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma) Best of Show Sparkling Hoyt Family Vineyards Gold 96 2019 Hoyt 2 Hoyt Sparkling Brut, Central Coast Korbel Gold 96 NV Blanc de Noirs, California Korbel Gold 96 NV Brut, California Silt Wine Company Gold 96 NV Sparkling Brut, Clarksburg (Yolo) J Vineyards Gold 95 NV Cuvee 20 Sparkling Brut, Russian River Valley Bottle Fermented Sparkling Wine (Blanc de Blancs; Blanc de Noirs; etc.) - Sweet; 3.1% and above rs

Korbel NV Sweet Cuvée, California

Gold 95

Bottle Fermented Rose; Pink and Sparkling Red - Natural; no dosage

Rivino 2018 Boujee Sparkling Rosé, Mendocino

Gold 95

Bottle Fermented Rose; Pink and Sparkling Red - Sweet; 3.1% and above rs

Korbel NV Sweet Rosé, California

Double Gold 99

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE 2022 CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR COMMERCIAL COMPETITIONS

Fortified & Non-Fortified Dessert Wines. Non-Traditional Varietal Fortified Dessert Wine (Specific Grape(s) Named)

South Coast Winery Double Gold 99 NV Daybreak Library Selection Muscat, Signature Solera, South Coast Galleano Winery Gold 96 2005 Generaton III Port, Cucamonga Valley (Riverside) Lewis Grace Gold 95 2019 Late Harvest Primitivo, El Dorado OTHER MISC. FORTIFIED DESSERT WINE Quady Winery Double Gold 99 2019 Elysium Black Muscat, California Las Positas Vineyards Gold 95 NV Casimira Red Dessert Wine, Livermore Valley Quady Winery Gold 95 2018 Essensia Orange Muscat, California Natural Non-Fortified Dessert and Sweet Red Wines (includes Late Harvest)

Mènage á Trois Gold 96 NV Sweet Collection Dolce Sweet Red Blend, California SHERRY, SWEET Rancho de Philo Double Gold 100 NV Triple Cream Sherry Cucamonga Valley (San Bernardino) Best Micro Other

SWEET WHITE WINES CHENIN BLANC, SWEET Husch Vineyards 2021 Chenin Blanc, Mendocino Best of Region - White

Double Gold 99

RIESLING, MEDIUM SWEET Fetzer NV Riesling, California

Gold 96

RIESLING, SWEET/LATE HARVEST Navarro Vineyards Double Gold 100 2019 Late Harvest Riesling, Cluster Select, Anderson Valley Best of Show Dessert GEWURZTRAMINER, SWEET/LATE HARVEST Navarro Vineyards Gold 96 2019 Late Harvest Gewürztraminer, Anderson Valley MUSCAT, MEDIUM SWEET Eberle Gold 96 2021 Muscat Canelli, Eberle Estate Vineyard, Paso Robles Husch Vineyards Gold 96 2021 Muscat Canelli, Mendocino MUSCAT, LATE HARVEST Jeff Runquist Gold 96 2021 Muscat Canelli, River Junction (San Joaquin) Mènage á Trois Gold 96 NV Sweet Collection Moscato, Sweet White Blend, California

HONEY WINES (MEADS) Chaucer's Cellars Gold 96 NV Mead, Santa Cruz Mountains Chaucer's Cellars Gold 96 NV Pomegranate Mead, Santa Cruz Mountains Chaucer's Cellars Gold 96 NV Raspberry Mead, California WINE SPRITZER WITH NATURAL FLAVORS Barefoot Double Gold 99 NV Rosé Spritzer, California Barefoot Gold 96 NV Moscato Spritzer, California Barefoot Gold 96 NV Summer Red Spritzer, California VERMOUTH Quady Winery NV VYA Sweet Vermouth, California

Gold 96

Real Vineyards. Real Wineries. Real Wines.

CHALK HILL

2019 CHARDONNAY

TOP P

100

91 POINTS

FERRARI-CARANO

2021 FUMÉ BLANC

Gold 96

SWEET WHITE GENERIC Fashionably Late Double Gold 100 2021 Late Harvest White Wine, El Dorado

44 62

Gallo Family Vineyards Gold 95 NV Sweet Pineapple, California Brightlands Gold 96 NV Sweet Pineapple, California Best of Class of Appellation Sutter Home Gold 96 NV Fruit Infusions Tropical Pineapple, California Best of Class of Appellation

POINTS

ALL OTHER WHITE VARIETALS NOT OTHERWISE LISTED, MEDIUM SWEET

Obsession Wines 2020 Symphony, California

GRAPE WINE WITH FRUIT FLAVOR INCLUDING SANGRIA

* Wine Spectator, July 2021 | James Suckling, February 2022

THE THE OFFICIAL OFFICIAL MAGAZINE MAGAZINE OF OF THE THE 2022 2022 CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA STATE STATE FAIR FAIR COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL COMPETITIONS COMPETITIONS

MEDALS

COMMERCIAL WINE JUDGES AND VOLUNTEERS

COMMERCIAL WINE VOLUNTEERS

COMMERCIAL WINE JUDGES Mark Chandler, Chief Judge Lodi, California California Exposition & State Fair; Chandler & Company Consulting

David Akiyoshi

Acampo, California

Bradley Alderson

Acampo, California

Winemaker, Lange Twins Winery

Independent Advisor on Wine,

Winemaking and Winery Operations

Hope Alexander

Chicago, Illinois Wine Industry Consultant/Educator/Judge

Lynae Anderson Hiley

Vallejo, California

Sales & Marketing Coordinator; Seguin Moreau Napa Cooperage

Bryan Avila

Napa, California Winemaker, Educator and Research Facilitator; Co-Founder Vintners Institute; former Professor of Enology Winemaking, Napa Valley College

Thomas Bender

Sonora, California Wine Buyer/Wine Bar Manager, O'Brien's Market

Greg Burns

Woodbridge, California Winemaker/Vineyard Manager, Jessie’s Grove Winery; Professional Wine Judge

Tina Caputo

Petaluma, California Wine, Beer, Food and Travel Writer, Producer of the Winemakers Drinking Beer podcast

Kimberly Charles San Francisco, California Founder, Charles Communications Alison Crowe Napa, California Vice President Winemaking; Partner at Plata Wine Partners; Director of Winemaking; International Certified Wine Judge; Award-Winning Blogger Girl and the Grape Martha Dunne Sacramento, California Author, Wait, What Do You Mean? Asperger's Tell & Show Mike Dunne Sacramento, California Contributing Wine Columnist, The Sacramento Bee; Publisher Todd Hafner

Woodbridge, California

Wine Educator/Consultant

Scott Harvey

Sutter Creek, California Owner/Winemaker, Scott Harvey Wines

Peter Hirschfeld

Sonoma, California Freelance Wine Marketer; Wine Judge for Commercial & Amateur Competitions

Julie Holme

Napa, California Owner/Winemaker, Holme Estate Cellars; Director of Quality, Constellation Brands Nicholas Karavidas Woodbridge, California Principal, Wine Concepts & Design, Intl. Mike Kerrigan Ione, California Owner, Coming Attractions Jamie Knee Montecito, California AKA Petite Wine Traveler, Wine Writer, Wine Educator, Speaker, @petitewinetraveler Rick Kushman Sacramento, California NY Times bestselling author; award-winning journalist; Certified Wine Professional; Public Relations & Communications Consultant, Wine Commentator, Capital Public Radio; creator & co-host Bottle Talk with Rick and Paul, long time Sac Bee columnist Ellen M. Landis Windsor, California Wine Journalist; Certified Sommelier, Wine Educator Ken Landis Windsor, California Wine Judge; Chef Consultant, Landis Shores Oceanfront Inn, Windsor, CA Roxanne Langer Carmel, California Founder of LadySomm; Sommelier, Wine Writer/Author; International Wine Judge

Adam R. LaZarre

Paso Robles, California Winemaker/Owner LaZarre Wines; Director of Winemaking Wine Hooligans; Kevin Luther Sacramento, California Owner/Winemaker Voluptuary & Lucid Wines Martin Maxwell Lodi, California Owner, Looking Glass Research; Provides Research & Consulting Services to the Wine Community; Certified Wine Judge;

Timothy McDonald

Napa, California Founder & President, Wine Spoken Here

Brian Miller

Fiddletown, California Certified Specialist of Wine; Retailer; Wine Event Coordinator, Owner Amador 360 Marcella Newhouse Santa Cruz, California Wine Recommendations Manager at Wine.com; Wine Journalist; Wine Marketing Consultant

M. Eleni Papadakis

Portland, Oregon Winemaking & Strategy Consultant Montgomery Paulsen Oakland, California Owner/Winemaker, Pat Paulsen Vineyards

Miguel Pedroza Villarreal, Ph.D Fresno, California Assistant Professor of Enology, Dept of Viticulture & Enology, CSU, Fresno; Instructor of Wine Production & Analysis, Cellar Operations, Advanced Sensory Evaluation of Wines, Vine Grape & Yeast Biochemistry; International Wine Judge

Marilyn Langhorst, Stacey Winton, Virginia Baron, Doug Baumgarten, Carolyn Beghin, James Beghin, Donna Bettencourt, Payam Bozorgchami, Liz Bunting, Luis Caceres, Jennifer Caldwell, Carrie Camacho, Cathy Camacho, Nancy Campbell, Dennis Canevari, Sue Canevari, Will Carlton, Phyllis Carter, Dian Chun, Audrey Costa, Dorothy Cousins, Barbara Cummins, Chip Dyson, Laura Edwards, David Engles, Laura Fisher, Claire Fisher, Ann Fox Morgan, Stacy Gagnon, Cristina Gagnon, Dennis Gunvalson, Dean Halstead, Ronda Hanks, Leonard Hanks, Jean Herndon, Joey Herrera, Samuel Howard, Mary Huttner, Paul Huynh, Celeste Ingrid, Dixie Jew, Michael Jones, Marybeth Kavanagh, Diana Kelsay, Keri Kendall, Vince Kiley, Marylou Kiley, Jeff King, Lydia Konopka, Jim Konopka, Laura Laskowski, Joy Lavin-Jones, Michael Lee, Doug Lent, Jana Lim, David Litty, Maria Lucht, Bob McCleary, Andrew McDuffie, Melissa McKenzie, David McLanahan, Macell Millard, Laurie Mosher, Glenn Mueller, Elliot Mulberg, Dee Orsburn, Norma Ortega, Alfred Ortiz, Alice Ortiz, James Ozanich, Brad Parker, Monique Pioli, Mark Pratt, Steven Price, Sylvia Quick, Roy Quick, Jeff Rabinovitz, Hope Rabinovitz, Allyson Rathkamp, Connie Read, Christine Redlon, Sally Riegelsberger, Jack Ritchie, Gary Rose, David Rycerz, Russell Sehn, Jay Shepherd, Sharon Simas, Clova Smith, Wm Smith, Paulette Stokes, Jim Sutton, Eric Tober, Kathryn Tobias, Jason Treanor, Heidi Tschudin, Kathy Tschudin, Anne Vercelli, Joni Ward, Terry White, Steve Winkel, Mike Zeri

Andy Podshadley

Novato, California Owner, Winemaker, General Manager, Trek Winery David Sandri Rohnert Park, California Instructor, Wine Studies Program, College of Marin Certified Wine Educator (CWE); Wine Location Specialist (WLS) and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Meredith Sarboraria Livermore, California Winemaker, Rodrigue Molyneaux Winery; Owner/Consultant, Barrel Down Wine Services and Eat.Drink.Jet! travel club; Commercial & Amateur Wine Judge Chris Sawyer Petaluma, California Sommelier; Wine Educator & Consultant; Journalist, SawyerSomm.com

Jeff Slankard

Oceanside, California

Wine Director, Barons Market

Jackson Starr Grass Valley, California Winemaker, Grape Grower, Sierra Starr Vineyards Michael Taylor

Davis, California Director of Nugget Market’s Adult Beverage program; Certified Wine Educator (CWE) and Specialist of Spirits (CSS)

Timothy Teichgraeber

Oakland, California California Editor, Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book; Freelance Wine and Spirits Writer, Minneapolis Star Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, trade magazines, wine books.

Valery Uhl, MD

Lafayette, California Wine Educator, Viticulture Manager and Wine Competition Director

Paul Wagner

Napa, California Founder Balzac Communications & Marketing; Author; Instructor Napa Valley College Viticulture & Enology Department; Graduate Program Instructor, Culinary Institute of America at Greystone; Guest Lecturer; Hosts a popular podcast on wine called “Bottle Talk” with Rick Kushman of Capital Public Radio; International Wine Judge; Senior Advisor, Wine Tourism for Expedia Cruises

Evan Williams South Lake Tahoe, California Owner, Restaurateur, Evan's American Gourmet Café

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COMMERCIAL OLIVE OIL | CHEESE | WINE | CRAFT BEER COMPETITIONS | CAStateFair.org/competitions

2022 COMMERCIAL CHEESE COMMERCIAL CHEESE

fter a two year hiatus, the California State Fair Commercial Cheese Competition was held on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at Cal Expo. Nine qualified judges evaluated 100 cheese entries from producers throughout the state. The two Best of Show cheeses in California were awarded to: Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company for their Point Reyes Bay Blue (cow’s milk) and Central Coast Creamery for their Goat Gouda (other milk type), this producer’s first time winning the top award! Point Reyes Bay Blue is a rustic-style blue cheese with a natural rind. It is known for its mellow flavor and sweet, salted caramel finish. Bay Blue is made from pasteurized, rBST-free cow's milk with traditional rennet. It is gluten-free and aged for 90 days. This is their fifth time winning Best of Show for Cow’s Milk.

BEST OF SHOW & BEST OF CALIFORNIA SEMI-SOFT CHEESE - COW MILK

SEMI-HARD CHEESE - GOAT MILK

Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company Point Reyes Bay Blue pointreyescheese.com

Central Coast Creamery Goat Gouda centralcoastcreamery.com

BEST OF CALIFORNIA

Central Coast Creamery Goat Gouda is made from 100% whole goat milk and goat cream, aged on pine wood in a ripening room for at least 5 months. This semi-soft cheese is ivory colored with a smooth mouth feel and the slightly grainy texture of an aged cheese. Goat Gouda has a caramel scent with a slightly nutty and sweet flavor that makes this cheese an ideal choice for your cheese tray, picnic basket, or when pairing with your favorite wine or beer. The 16 California cheese companies entering the competition 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.

Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company Point Reyes Aged Gouda Hard Cheese (Cow) pointreyescheese.com

Laura Chenel Thyme & Rosemary Marinated Goat Cheese California Originals (Goat) laurachenel.com

Sierra Nevada Cheese Company Natural Creme Fraiche Cultured Cheese (Cow) sierranevadacheese.com

CALIFORNIA CHEESE FACTS California has been the nation’s largest milk producer since 1993 and is also the country’s leading producer of butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk. It is the second largest cheese and yogurt producer. Cheese is California’s fastest growing dairy product and over 46 percent of the state’s milk supply goes to cheese production. In the period between 1990 and 2017, California cheese production grew from 702 million to 2.5 billion pounds. California’s more than 50 cow’s milk cheesemakers make more than 250 different varieties and styles of cheese. Operations range from small producers famous for their handmade cheeses to some of the country’s largest cheese plants. California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE 2022 CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR COMMERCIAL COMPETITIONS

Sierra Nevada Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company Cheese Company Point Reyes TomaTruffle Gina Marie Cream Cheese Soft Cheese (Cow) Semi-Hard Cheese (Cow) sierranevadacheese.com pointreyescheese.com

Cypress Grove Point Reyes Farmstead Purple Haze Cheese Company Soft Cheese (Goat) Point Reyes Toma cypressgrovecheese.com California Originals (Cow) pointreyescheese.com

WINE | CHEESE | COMMERCIAL OLIVE OIL | CRAFT BEER COMPETITIONS | CalExpoStateFair.com/competitions

BESTof 2022 BEST OF SHOW | COW

2022 COMMERCIAL CHEESE WINNERS

Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company

BEST OF SHOW | COW MILK

Bay Blue A list of tasting notes on the Bay Blue cheese might say terms like… mild blue mold pungency, tropical fruit on the nose, a hint of minerality, earthy with notes of malty toasted grain, a sweet salted caramel finish, and one could simply state that it is a “mellow Blue”. Anyway you put it, it’s DELICIOUS!

Bay Blue is “Rocking” the cheese world again!

By Mary Dedrick

For options of pairings that require a glass, enjoy with a vintage Port, Barrel aged Scotch or a bold Zinfandel or Malbec. The option on food pairings would be endless but 4 favorites come to mind… stir some crumbled Bay Blue into the Mushroom Risotto with some cracked black pepper. Try adding a dollop or more in grilled peaches, shave on a worthy pork chop or steak and try a crumble of Bay Blue on a winter, spring, summer or fall salad, as that is always in fashion!

his is the 3rd time this hand-crafted, natural-rind, California Blue cheese called Bay Blue has hit the proverbial “cheeseball” out of the park! They have won the Best of Show title again in this year of 2022, and in the previous years of 2016 & 2017. This is another well-deserved win for the team of cheesemakers at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company. This Best of Show title exemplifies that it requires consistency, expertise and a little gumption to create and uphold the standards for hand-crafted and award winning cheese making. Luckily for all of us cheese lovers & Cheesemonger’s, they do it very well!

Introduction to the world of cheese lovers, Point Reyes Farmstead cheese was started over 22 years ago. Located near Tomales Bay, this artisan farmstead cheese company has certainly made a name for itself and then some. Bay Blue is produced all year round making it a very accessible California cheese and it has the appreciation of a world full of cheesemongers and cheese lovers. There are many reasons for their continued success in the cheese world. To start with, it is easily the 720 acres of rolling green pastures of certified organic rye grasses that the closed herd of happy cow’s get to graze on! The Holstein milking cows are born and raised on the farm & enjoy the perfectness of location, location, location.

Bay Blue is known to be a beautiful rustic style cheese. It has been said to have been created with the English Blue Stilton in mind. It has a natural rind and its center feels fudge-like, and will melt in your mouth. It stands out for its intriguing progression of flavors, and makes for a very tasty experience!

The milk they produce is RBST-free Grade ‘A’ milk. The Marin County farm bathes itself with foggy mornings and cool ocean breezes that coat the grasses with its saltiness, which makes for an extra special bonus. And speaking of a win-win … take the tour, meet the cow’s, checkout the farm, and enjoy the view as it is really breathtaking! ■

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE 2022 CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR COMMERCIAL COMPETITIONS

Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company

Point Reyes Bay Blue

pointreyescheese.com

BEST OF SHOW | OTHER MILK TYPE Central Coast Creamery

Goat Gouda

centralcoastcreamery.com

BEST OF CALIFORNIA | COW MILK Sierra Nevada Cheese Company

Natural Creme Fraiche Cultured Cheese

sierranevadacheese.com

Sierra Nevada Cheese Company

Gina Marie Cream Cheese Soft Cheese

sierranevadacheese.com

Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company

Point Reyes Bay Blue Semi-Soft Cheese

pointreyescheese.com

Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company

Point Reyes TomaTruffle Semi-Hard Cheese

pointreyescheese.com

Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company

Point Reyes Aged Gouda Hard Cheese

pointreyescheese.com

Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company

Point Reyes Toma California Originals

pointreyescheese.com

BEST OF CALIFORNIA | OTHER MILK TYPE Cypress Grove

Purple Haze Soft Cheese (Other)

cypressgrovecheese.com

Central Coast Creamery

Goat Gouda Goat Semi-Hard Cheese (Other)

centralcoastcreamery.com

Laura Chenel

Thyme & Rosemary Marinated Goat Cheese California Originals (Other)

laurachenel.com

WINE | CHEESE | COMMERCIAL OLIVE OIL | CRAFT BEER COMPETITIONS | CalExpoStateFair.com/competitions

BESTof GOLD

2022 BEST OF SHOW | OTHER

Central Coast Creamery

2022 COMMERCIAL CHEESE GOLD WINNERS

Goat Gouda

Central Coast Creamery captures The 2022 Best of Show title in the “other udder”category! This year’s award winning cheese is their outstanding Black Waxed – Goat Gouda, made in California! By Mary Dedrick

entral Coast Creamery is located in the rolling hills of Paso Robles, CA. The farm is home to Reggie & Kelly Jones, their family and of course their family of animals. After 25 years of working in the dairy industry, it was time for Reggie to branch out in a new direction! In 2008, Reggie became “the maker of the cheese”! He and the family set forth to build a small scale production facility, and his first attempt was to make the ever so popular style of cheese called “Gouda”, and his choice of milk has him using 100% goat’s milk from the farm. He followed a traditional Dutch recipe that he had saved over the years and “voilà” after a little tweaking and some aging in the cellars, he has now made his very first and award winning goat Gouda from California!

It surprised the cheese world with its flavor and consistency and since then, there was no stopping him! Now the farm has many herds of goats, cows & sheep. All of the cheeses are made with their milk, in small batches of 1000 pounds or less. Their animals graze on the farm’s grasses throughout the day and the cheesemakers turn their milk into award winning cheeses! What a happy combination this is. The family’s mission is to make great cheeses consistently and they do that very well already. Happily for all of us cheesemongers, & all of the cheese lovers out there, Central Coast Creamery is a tasty choice in the cheese world. It’s delicious and under their brand name they have many choices in which to expand your palette on! The black wax coating on the outside of this Best of Show cheese wheel is protecting the ivory colored goodness of the goat Gouda style of cheese on the inside. The wax is not edible, but it helps maintain the moisture while it ages, so nothing gets in or out of the wheel of cheese. This cheese has a nutty, sweet, and caramel taste profile that you will enjoy as it lingers on your tongue and in the air. Highly recommend grating over a plate of pasta! The family farm has herds of cows, goats and sheep, and happily for them, they are not new to winning top awards. They make this cheese in small batches with 100% goat’s milk and cream in. They age those cheeses in a ripening room on pinewood slats for about 5 months. The animals are not treated with hormones, and they use vegetarian rennet, which is a product of the USA. And when you walk the farm, it sure is nice to see the goats, cows and sheep all living together across the pastures! And if you are thirsty, his Gouda will pair nicely with a Riesling or Light Lager Beer! ■

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COW MILK Sierra Nevada Cheese Company

Gina Marie Cream Cheese

Gold 100

Sierra Nevada Cheese Company

Natural Crème Fraiche

Gold 100

Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company

Point Reyes Bay Blue

Gold 98.6

Cowgirl Creamery

Wagon Wheel

Gold 98.3

Marin French Cheese Co.

Petite Truffle

Gold 98.3

Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company

Point Reyes Toma

Gold 98

Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company

Point Reyes Quinta

Gold 98

Joseph Farms

Mozzarella Cheese Part Skim Gold 97.6

Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company

Point Reyes Toma Truffle

Gold 97.6

Nicasio Valley Cheese Co

Tomino

Gold 96

GOAT MILK Cypress Grove

Purple Haze

Gold 100

Cypress Grove

Humboldt Fog Grande

Gold 100

Laura Chenel

Thyme & Rosemary Marinated Goat Cheese

Gold 100

Laura Chenel

Original Log

Gold 99.3

Cypress Grove

Hatch Chile

Gold 97.3

Central Coast Creamery

Goat Gouda

Gold 97

Spenker Family Farm

Mt. Diablo’s Sunset

Gold 96.3

Laura Chenel

Fig & Grapefruit Log

Gold 95.3

Laura Chenel

Black Truffle Marinated Goat Cheese

Gold 95

Laura Chenel

Garlic & Chive Log

Gold 95

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CHEESE JUDGES AND VOLUNTEERS

MEDALS

ENTER HERE

for YOUR

CHANCE to WIN

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2022 CHEESE JUDGES Sara Arbabian Denise Billberg Mary Dedrick Chief Judge Robin Luke Jacqueline Neff Linda Nichols Reed Pattison Karen Sims Trevor Thomas 2022 CHEESE VOLUNTEERS Marilyn Langhorst Competition Coordinator Claire Fisher Dave McLanahan Gary Rose Sharon Simas

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COMMERCIAL OLIVE OIL | CHEESE | WINE | CRAFT BEER COMPETITIONS | CAStateFair.org/competitions

2022 COMMERCIAL EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL BEST OF SHOW COMMERCIAL EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

he California State Fair Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition was held on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at Cal Expo. This competition designates the best extra virgin olive oils which are grown, processed and packaged in California.

The 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.

California is the sole U.S. exporter of olive oil. 45% of California-produced olives and olive oil are exported. Not surprisingly, our neighbors, Canada and Mexico are the biggest importers. Source: California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) 2021

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Best of California Artisan Producer

Best of Class Medium Blend Frantoio

Best of California Co-Milled Flavored Best of Class Co-Milled Citrus Flavored

Fandango

Wild Groves

Elegante

Arbequina

Best of California Microproducer

Best of California Large Producer

Best of Class Single Variety Medium Arbequina

wildgroves.com

fandangooliveoil.com

• There are over 400 growers/producers of olive oil in California.

Source: The California Olive Oil Council (COOC)

Best of California Medium Blend

BEST OF CALIFORNIA | BEST OF CLASS

• There are more than 37,000 acres planted in California for the production of extra virgin olive oil.

• There are over 45 olive oil mills in California and growing.

Kaffir Lime

ilfiorello.com

CALIFORNIA EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL FACTS

• The California olive oil industry produces between 2 to 4 million gallons per harvest.

IL Fiorello

Tuscan Blend

olivetruck.com

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 Micro Producer (less than 500 gallons).

• Over 75 olive varieties are grown in California for olive oil production, resulting in blends that are unique to California.

Olive Truck

Olivaia’s OLA

43 Ranch

Estate Sevillano

Picual

Best of California Single Variety Delicate

Best of California Single Variety Robust

Best of Class Single Variety Delicate Sevillano

Best of Class Single Variety Robust Any Other

olivaiaolive.com

43ranch.com

43 Ranch

Mountain Springs Olive Ranch Koroneiki Best of California Single Variety Medium Best of Class Single Variety Medium Koroneiki mountainspringsoliveranch.com

Eyrie Olive Oil

Calivirgin Olive Oil

Organic Tuscan Blend

Jalapeño Garlic

Best of Class Single Variety Delicate Koroneiki

Best of Class Medium Blend Any Other

Best of Class Co-Milled Chili-Based Flavored

43ranch.com

eyrieoliveoil.com

calivirgin.com

Miller’s Choice

WINE | CHEESE | COMMERCIAL OLIVE OIL | CRAFT BEER COMPETITIONS | CalExpoStateFair.com/competitions

BESTof 2022 BEST OF SHOW | EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Olive Truck Tuscan Blend

By Orietta Gianjorio

From Turkey to California, Samir Bayraktar travels with a truck. An olive truck, that is!

ver since I moved to Napa, I have collaborated with wonderful wineries to help them make, blend and understand high-quality extra virgin olive oil. It is exactly in Napa, while working with a famous and very exclusive winery (as only Napa can offer and afford), that I learned about Samir Bayraktar, “Sam,” and his olive truck. I was always told he makes magnificent oils and I was not surprised to learn that he won the 2022 California State Fair Best of Show Extra Virgin Olive Oil with his Tuscan Blend.

to some of the Sommeliers in the winery I was working with in “The Valley,” I looked up Sam and invited him to the winery to harvest its olives and show the “wine people” how high-quality olive oil is made. How did Sam come up with the idea of an Olive Truck? Well, this is when destiny, entrepreneurial sense and the capacity to observe came together. Sam grew up eating table olives as part of his Turkish diet. Once he was part of the work force, he researched Turkish agricultural inclination. He learned that Turkey is a major producer, consumer and exporter of table olives.

But something was missing where the centuries-old olive trees flourished. Sam says of his realization, “I was in a city called Mardin in the southeastern part of Turkey. I saw a beautiful church surrounded by beautiful old olive trees and there was no oil production. I didn’t see any mill.” So, as many olive growers do all over the world, he harvested olives from the old trees in Mardin and drove to find an olive oil mill. The problem was that he had to drive for eight hours. Eight hours?! Olive oil is the freshly made juice of the olive fruit. So, if you have to wait eight hours to produce it, it will no longer be fresh, losing antioxidants and possible health benefits, and possibly becoming rancid, losing its good flavor and taste. It was at that point that Sam had an idea: he designed a mobile olive oil mill. At the beginning it was only a research project with university and government support. It was only when he visited California and became friends with other olive oil professionals that he realized his idea was worth a try. There was a part of this business that has not been filled…yet.

Samir Bayraktar, founder & CEO of the Olive Truck

I was already familiar with the concept of transporting your own mill and making custom olive oil on location. Thom Curry from Temecula Olive Oil Company was already having fun with a portable mill, working up and down Napa Valley a decade ago. But I was intrigued by Sam’s story and his idea to build the entire milling facility on a truck to offer a full service. In my ongoing efforts to teach extra virgin olive oil

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Sam registered the name: “Olive Truck,” and soon after he took off with his truck, up and down the state, discovering exceptional and old orchards. He started making high quality olive oil with several growers all over California, and over the years he has been invited to share his experience as an inspiration for many producers. So, if in the fall you see a white truck on the road of this wonderful State of California, it is Sam and his Olive Truck! Honk and give him your support! ■ From more information about Sam Bayraktar and The Olive Truck: olivetruck.com

WINE | CHEESE | COMMERCIAL OLIVE OIL | CRAFT BEER COMPETITIONS | CalExpoStateFair.com/competitions

BESTof

Follow Ann’s blog and you will be an expert in no time

BEST OF SHOW | FLAVORED OLIVE OIL

IL Fiorello Kaffir Lime By Orietta Gianjorio and Ann Sievers

his year’s California State Fair Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition winner for Best of Show Flavored Olive Oil is IL Fiorello Kaffir Lime. A wonderful co-milled extra virgin olive oil with fresh aromas of Kaffir Lime as well as a balanced and persistent taste. I was surprised to taste such a unique olive oil. That was a first for me, and it was an unforgettable tasting experience! Industry experts and consumers from all over the U.S. know IL Fiorello to be committed to growing healthy olives and trees, as well as milling high-quality olive oils. IL Fiorello is a family-owned company, with properties located in Green Valley and Suisun Valley, growing 13 different varieties of olives.

facility, from the kitchen to the tractor, she’s a woman who does it all. She even finds the time to write a blog, which is a special gift to guide consumers and experts through the art of making, selecting and storing the highest quality extra virgin olive oil. So this year, instead of just offering you, the reader, my words, I have asked Ann to share with us a small but important topic from her blog. And what better subject for our reader than learning how to store olive oil to prevent degradation and keep it fresh. “Heat, light, air, time and cold are the enemies of olive oil. Store the oil in a cool, dark cupboard, use it frequently, and buy in smaller quantities. Always buy certified extra virgin olive oil and pair it well with good food. Find a local purveyor. Find the variety of olive oil that you enjoy and pair it with the way you cook. “We have had three and four year old oil that still has fruit, bitterness, and pungency, but that was stored in perfect conditions. UC Davis Olive Center has an ongoing research study that is examining the degradation of olive oil varieties over time. This should provide very interesting results. More information to come as this study is released for publication.” HEAT – Degrades olive oil and the delicate flavor molecules which give the oil character. After you purchase oil do not leave it in a hot car. Cooking with olive oil is fine, just keep the temperature below about 350° F. LIGHT – Sunlight can turn the oil rancid; keep the oil in a dark, cool cupboard. This is similar to the process that occurs with “light struck” wine. AIR – Oxidation! “Air” degrades the oil by breaking down the naturally occurring antioxidants. The antioxidants, polyphenols, oleocanthal, and flavor molecules are why we use olive oil in the first place. Try covering the surface of the oil with a wine preserver. A little preservation goes a long way to protecting the oil.

Mark Sievers (Ann Sievers, not shown), owners of IL Fiorello

In addition to producing oil from their own certified organic groves, owners Ann and Mark Sievers custom mill olives for a few clients, which is how I met them for the first time. New to the area, I arrived at their facility hoping to mill some olives for a client in Napa. Well, not only did I get my oil milled, but I got some excellent education as well! Listening to Ann, I was able to learn more than I had in the last 12 years in the industry. A passionate and committed woman, with a pure heart and a warm soul, Ann never stops. From the tasting room in Fairfield to the milling

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TIME – If the oil is stored in the dark, at a constant temperature, (65° F), and not exposed to air, oil will remain good for up to three to four years. It will always degrade in intensity and flavor but not necessarily become “bad” or unpalatable. Fresh oil is always the best. Solidification of olive oil is a slow and gradual process that takes the consistency from liquid, to a soft butter state, to a solid state. The cooling process begins at 40-50° F. That is the temperature that oil will begin to become solid. If you leave your oil in the car or the garage overnight, it will turn solid. If you put it in your wine room, the same process begins.” ■

To plan your visit to Il Fiorello: ilfiorello.com/visit/

WINE | CHEESE | COMMERCIAL OLIVE OIL | CRAFT BEER COMPETITIONS | CalExpoStateFair.com/competitions

2022 COMMERCIAL OLIVE OIL WINNERS

OLIVE OIL JUDGES AND VOLUNTEERS

BEST OF SHOW EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL Olive Truck

olivetruck.com

Tuscan Blend

BEST OF SHOW FLAVORED OLIVE OIL IL Fiorello

ilfiorello.com

Kaffir Lime

BEST OF CALIFORNIA Fandango

Microproducer

fandangooliveoil.com

IL Fiorello

Artisan Producer

ilfiorello.com

Wild Groves

Large Producer

wildgroves.com

Olivaia’s OLA

Single Variety Delicate

olivaiaolive.com

Elegante

Kaffir Lime Arbequina

Estate Sevillano

Mountain Springs Olive Ranch

Single Variety Medium

mountainspringsoliveranch.com

43 Ranch

Single Variety Robust

43ranch.com

Olive Truck

Medium Blend

olivetruck.com

IL Fiorello

Co-Milled Flavored

ilfiorello.com

Koroneiki Picual

Tuscan Blend Kaffir Lime

APPRENTICE JUDGES

JUDGES Orietta Gianjorio Arden Kremer Head Judge Giulio Zavolta Thom Curry III Janell Pekkain Maria Farr Olga Orlova Mark Griffin David Garci-Aguirre Mark Priestley Monica Marin Nancy Ash Craig Hilliker

Shirley Li James Houghton Javier Fernandez-Salvador Ellis Delahousay

BEST OF CLASS Olivaia’s OLA

Single Variety Delicate Sevillano

olivaiaolive.com

43 Ranch

Single Variety Delicate Koroneiki

43ranch.com

Fandango Elegante

Single Variety Medium Arbequina

fandangooliveoil.com

Mountain Springs Olive Ranch

Single Variety Medium Koroneiki

mountainspringsoliveranch.com

43 Ranch

Single Variety Robust Any Other

43ranch.com

Olive Truck

Medium Blend Frantoio

olivetruck.com

Eyrie Olive Oil

Organic Tuscan Blend

Medium Blend Any Other

eyrieoliveoil.com

IL Fiorello

Co-Milled Citrus Flavored

ilfiorello.com

Estate Sevillano

Miller’s Choice

Koroneiki Picual

Tuscan Blend

Kaffir Lime

Calivirgin Olive Oil Co-Milled Chili-Based Flavored calivirgin.com Jalapeño Garlic

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE 2022 CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR COMMERCIAL COMPETITIONS

MEDALS

D RO P of I N S P I R AT I O N a

to broaden your palate Distinctive blends inspired by a legacy of artful winemaking at our Sonoma Estate. www.imagerywinery.com

VOLUNTEERS & STAFF Michelle Johnson

Dave McLanahan

Melissa Jones (staff) Pam Howard Sharon Simas Sarah Brule Nicholas Bourne

Jeff King Mike Zeri Andrea Slavin Will Carlton Terry White

Competition Coordinator Catherine Holzer

Organic Roots Olive Oil

GOLD 2022 COMMERCIAL EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL GOLD WINNERS Miller's Choice Picual

Single Variety Delicate: Koroneiki Single Variety Robust: Any Other Cultivar

Jalapeño Garlic Lusty Lemon

Co-Milled Flavored: Chili-based Flavored Co-Milled Flavored: Citrus Flavored

Colomba Bianca

Extra Virgin

Delicate Blend: Frantoio

Coppetti Olive Oil

Fall Harvest

Single Variety Medium: Manzanillo

Organic Tuscan Blend

Medium Blend: Any Other Cultivar

"Elegante" Certified Organic Arbequina

Single Variety Medium: Arbequina

Frantoio Grove

Single Variety Medium: Frantoio

Organic Hojiblanca

Single Variety Medium: Any Other Cultivar

Estate Organic Picual Estate Organic Tuscan

Single Variety Medium: Any Other Cultivar Delicate Blend: Frantoio

43 Ranch Calivirgin Olive Oils

Eyrie Olive Oil Fandango Olive Oil Frantoio Grove Grumpy Goats Farm Halter Ranch IL Fiorello Olive Oil Co. Mangini Ranch Marcum Olive Oil McEvoy Ranch MoonShadow Grove Mountain Springs Olive Ranch Olivaia’s OLA Olive Crush Farms Olive Truck Olivewood Ranch

Arbequina

Single Variety Medium: Arbequina

Coratina

Single Variety Robust: Any Other Cultivar

Lemon

Co-Milled Flavored: Citrus Flavored

Arbequina Taggiasca Estate Grown

Single Variety Medium: Arbequina Single Variety Medium: Any Other Cultivar

Mission

Single Variety Robust: Mission

Garlic Herb

Infused Flavored: Any Other Flavored

Bella Di Cerignola

Single Variety Medium: Any Other Cultivar

Tres Osos

Taggiasca

Single Variety Medium: Any Other Cultivar

Wild Groves

Arbequina

Single Variety Delicate: Arbequina

Coratina

Single Variety Medium: Any Other Cultivar

Rio Bravo Ranch Sciabica's California Olive Oil Séka Hills Sierra Orchards Sutter Buttes Natural & Artisan Foods The Olive Plantation

Winters FFA EVOO

Kaffir Lime Co-Milled Co-Milled Flavored: Citrus Flavored Jalapeño-Lime Co-Milled Co-Milled Flavored: Chili-based Flavored Calaveras Reserve Mission

Medium Blend: Any Other Cultivar Single Variety Medium: Mission

Coratina

Single Variety Robust: Any Other Cultivar

Limited Edition

Robust Blend: Frantoio

Misceal Robusta

Single Variety Medium: Frantoio

Arbequina Koroneiki

Single Variety Medium: Arbequina Single Variety Medium: Koroneiki

Estate Sevillano

Single Variety Delicate: Sevillano

California Arbequina

Single Variety Medium: Arbequina

Coratina Taggiasca Tuscan Blend

Single Variety Robust: Any Other Cultivar Single Variety Delicate: Any Other Cultivar Medium Blend: Frantoio

Proud Sponsor of the California State Fair

MEDALS

Kumquat Mandarin Fusion Co-Milled Flavored: Citrus Flavored

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2022 COMMERCIAL CRAFT BEER BEST OF SHOW Angel City Brewery L.A. Blonde American-Style Cream Ale angelcitybrewery.com

COMMERCIAL CRAFT BEER

he California State Fair Commercial Craft Beer Competition was held June 22-26, 2022 at Cal Expo. In this competition, California craft brews are professionally judged in order to recognize the best commercially brewed beers in California.

Beers are evaluated in numerous classes and judged based on taste, color, and quality. Over the years, the prestige of the California State Fair’s Commercial Craft Beer Competition has grown. Breweries that win Best of Show and Brewery of the Year have seen massive increases in demand for their products. Many of the top beers will be featured at the 2022 Best of California Brewfest.

CALIFORNIA CRAFT BEER FACTS California is the birthplace of the American craft brewing movement and is at the forefront of the industry’s growth. Today, more breweries call California home than any other state in the nation. As of July 2021, more than 1,100 craft breweries are in operation across the state, more than any other state in the nation. CCBA’s brewery members and craft beer enthusiasts play an important role in supporting the economic engine in California. In 2020, craft breweries contributed $9.66 billion to the state’s economy. The industry supports more than 65,158 jobs across the state. Source: California Craft Brewers Association (CCBA)

BREWERY OF THE YEAR Dust Bowl Brewing Company dustbowlbrewing.com

BEST OF CATEGORY Standard American Light Lager

Bock

Seismic Brewing Co. Tremor California Light Lager

Black Hammer Brewing Bock Party

International Lager

American-Style Cream Ale

Dust Bowl Brewing Company Taco Truck

Angel City Brewery L.A. Blonde

American or International Style Pilsner

Kölsch

Dust Bowl Brewing Company Hobo

Bohemian-Style Pilsner Lawless Brewing Company Blacklight

Pale European Beer Device Brewing Company In the Afterglow

European Amber/Dark Lager Chapman Crafted Beer Blogger

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE 2022 CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR COMMERCIAL COMPETITIONS

Surfridge Brewing Company Gimme One Kölsch

Amber Mixed Brewyard Beer Company Jewel City

German-Style Wheat Ale Absolution Brewing Company Purgatory

Berliner-Style Weisse Second Chance Beer Company Velvet Boots

WINE | CHEESE | COMMERCIAL OLIVE OIL | CRAFT BEER COMPETITIONS | CalExpoStateFair.com/competitions

CRAFT BEER JUDGES AND VOLUNTEERS

GOLD 2022 COMMERCIAL CRAFT BEER WINNERS BEST OF CATEGORY Gose

American Amber & Brown Ales Belgian Strong Ale

Sudwerk Brewing Co. Funhouse

Calicraft Brewing Co. Oaktown Brown Ale

Super Owl Brewing Don't Call Me Francis

American-Style Fruit Beer

American Porter & Stout

Trappist Style Ale

Flatland Brewing Company Year 6

Antigua Brewing Company Pandemic

The Monk's Cellar St. Arnold

Herb & Spice Beer

American Pale Ale

Belgian Sour Ale

Far Field Beer Company Two Wheeler

1886 Brewing Company Oneders Vol: 3

The Monk's Cellar Fleur de Abricot

Coffee Beer

English-Style India Pale Ale

American Wild Ale

Hop Dogma Brewing Company Venti Is Large

Antigua Brewing Company Grand Hoppening

Sidellis Lake Tahoe Slow-ly Going Wild

Chocolate Beer

American-Style India Pale Ale

Wood and Barrel Aged

JUDGES

San Francisco Brewing Co. Black Plague Brewing Ghirardelli Chocolate Imperial Stout Hell In the Cellar

Island Brewing Company Bba Risistance

David Teckam

American Light Ales

New England-Style IPA (Hazy)

Alternative Fermentable Beer

Old Stump Brewing Co Pineapple Coast Hazy

Old Stump Brewing Co. Honey Blonde

American Imperial IPA

Experimental Beer

Waterman Brewing Company Thirsty Elk DIPA

Absolution Brewing Company Rector 2021

Specialty IPA

Session Beer

Paperback Brewing Company Satan Wears Pajamas

Karl Strauss Brewing Co. Mosaic IPA

Belgian-Style Witbier

Chili Beer

Hop Secret Brewing Company 8381 Wit

Four Sons Brewing Pineapples On Fire

Dust Bowl Brewing Company California Golden Ale

British Mild & Bitters 1886 Brewing Company Elleigh's Esb

Standard British Ales Flatland Brewing Company Tunnel Vision

Strong Ales Danville Brewing Company Granny's Tipple

Irish Red Ale San Fernando Brewing Company O'Melveny Red Ale

UK Stouts Bullmastiff Brewery Dog House Stout

Imperial Stouts Henhouse Brewing The Beer 2000

continued

Classic Saison Gilman Brewing Company Maison de Campagne

Specialty Saison Last Name Brewing Amelia Beerhart

Belgian & French-Style Ale Black Hammer Brewing Sparkle Pony

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE 2022 CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR COMMERCIAL COMPETITIONS

Lead Judge

Lisa Agoitia Tracy Bethune Donna Bettencourt Sam Blackman Mitchell Bosler Dwight Bradish David Brattstrom Ian Churchill Robert Colvin Craig Hilliker Robert Horst Paul Hsi Thomas Hughes Jeff Jacobs Beverly Lockhart Kristen Madigan Rob McGormley Christian Medina Dean Mench

Phil Menzies Mike Moore Anudeep Reddy Mutyala Berenice Oceguera Mike Ogden Richard Perry Trevor Pratt Jim Price David Sapsis Jose Savedra Mark Schindler Cheryl Skare James Strong Bud Tourville John Watson John Watson Rebecca Wilkie Peter Wisham Richard Wong Elizabeth Zangari

STEWARDS

CELLAR CREW

Kelli Lorenz

Steven Martinez

Lead Steward

Lead Cellar Crew Supervisor

Shirley Li James Houghton Javier Fernandez-Salvador Ellis Delahousay

Jeremy Guthrie

Cellar Crew Supervisor

Monica Martinez Josh Moreno Diana Vasilchuk Rob Rogers

Competition Coordinator Staff

Darby Flynn Sheri-Jean Rodrigues Mai Linh Tompkins Aurora Jimenez WINE | CHEESE | COMMERCIAL OLIVE OIL | CRAFT BEER COMPETITIONS | CalExpoStateFair.com/competitions

BESTof BREWERY OF THE YEAR

Dust Bowl Brewing Company By Ted Rozalski

Congratulations to Dust Bowl Brewing Company for winning the 2022 Brewery of the Year award in the California State Fair Commercial Craft Beer Competition.

A Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) Grand Master Judge and other respected craft beer industry professionals put together a team of 40 beer judges to evaluate the competitors. The judges evaluated 867 beers from 123 California breweries to recognize California's best commercially brewed beers.

By X

The range of winning styles is impressive. Taco Truck is a year-round beer at 4.7% ABV brewed with Two-Row pale malt with flaked oats and white wheat. Hobo is a 5.3% ABV year-round beer brewed with Pilsner malt with Magnum and Hallertau hops. California Golden Ale comes in at a sessionable 4.5% ABV and offers a subtle malt and hop presence. Therapist packs a hefty punch at 10.4% ABV and 100 IBUs with bold hop aromas and flavors of citrus, tropical fruits, and apricots. Dust Bowl's Brewmaster, Don Oliver, is honored for the recognition. “There is such a great depth of brewing expertise in California, and we have tried to learn from the brewers that inspire us,” Oliver says. “It is spectacular for the team here to see the hard work pay off.” Are you looking to visit one of Dust Bowl's locations? Oliver says, “Beer lovers can expect to see a broad range of beers and a welcoming environment when they go to our tap rooms in Monterey, Elk Grove, or visit our restaurant and brewery location in Turlock. We generally have 24-30 of our beverages on tap, hitting many beer and seltzer styles with something for just about every type of beer drinker.” Oliver isn't a stranger when it comes to winning prestigious awards. In 2006, as a homebrewer before starting with Dust Bowl, he won the Samuel Adams LongShot American Homebrew Competition.

Brett Tatedon (owner), Don Oliver (brewmaster), Brett Honoré (owner)

Dust Bowl Brewing Company secured the award by earning three Gold medals and one Silver medal for this year's competition with the following entries: • Taco Truck (Gold medal in the International Lager category) • Hobo (Gold medal for the American or International-Style Pilsner) • California Golden Ale (Gold medal for the American Light Ale category) • Therapist (Silver medal for the American Imperial IPA category)

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE 2022 CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR COMMERCIAL COMPETITIONS

Sam Adam's founder and brewer Jim Koch established this competition to recognize and support the homebrewing community. In fact, Dust Bowl's founder Brett Tate discovered Oliver from a newspaper article covering Oliver's award. Dust Bowl's first beer was produced in May 2009, and they haven't taken their foot off the gas since. Fast forward to recent times, the brewery produced 16,500 barrels of beer in 2020, allowing them to join 36 other California breweries categorized as a Regional Brewery. Current beer distribution includes California, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Arizona. Plans are underway for a fourth taproom in Northern California. ■ Visit dustbowlbrewing.com for details on all beers and taproom hours.

WINE | CHEESE | COMMERCIAL OLIVE OIL | CRAFT BEER COMPETITIONS | CalExpoStateFair.com/competitions

BESTof BEST OF SHOW | CRAFT BEER

Angel City Brewery L.A. Blonde Blonde Ale

By Ted Rozalski By X

he judges for the 2022 California State Fair Commercial Craft Beer Competition completed their tastings of 867 California craft beers on June 26 in Sacramento. In this competition, California craft brews are professionally judged in order to recognize the best commercially brewed beers in California. Out of the 867 competitors, only one stood out as the Best of Show: Angel City Brewery’s American-Style Cream Ale ‘L.A. Blonde.’ The L.A. Blonde weighs in at 5.0% ABV with 15 IBU and is self-described as a bright, golden-hued, easy-drinking ale that's sessionable.

honor again, now for our L.A. Blonde, is just mind-blowing. We love brewing quality beer in California, and getting this recognition for brewing a Best of Show-worthy beer is beyond our wildest dreams.” Layton attributes the win as a team effort from the brewers to the bar staff, where “everyone pitched in to make this happen.” As for the coveted Golden Bear trophy, “We also have a nice shelf above our laboratory that we will use to display another Golden Bear to anyone coming into our taproom.” If you have a chance to try the L.A. Blonde, Layton shares his pairing recommendations, “Since it's a light-tasting ale, it goes well with a lot of spicy food, tacos, and mild cheeses. Pairing with outdoor BBQs is a good idea too, and it's also a perfect base for making some micheladas.”

Angel City Brewery celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this year. When asked about what the future holds for the next ten years, Layton says, “Celebrating ten years in L.A. and California has been such a great experience, and we want to continue to brew fun experiments along with good old fashion beer flavored beer. One goal every year is to raise awareness for certain charities by donating time, money, and beer for them to use in their outreach and to continue making an impact in the community.” If you’re outside the Downtown Los Angeles area, your best bet to try this Best of Show beer is at the Best of California Brewfest at the California State Fair on Saturday, July 23, 2022. This is a consecutive Best of Show win for Angel City Brewery, as they earned this award in the 2019 competition for their ‘California Common.’ Angel City Brewery is the first brewery to win back-to-back Best of Show awards in the competition's history. Ecstatic about the consecutive Best of Show award, Head Brewer Layton Cutler says, “What an incredible feeling it is to win the Golden Bear for Best of Show again. We were thrilled to win it with our California Common in 2019, but to receive the

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Layton and the team are proud to be among the robust California craft brewing community because “California is the best beer state, no doubt about it.”

Luckily for us beer drinkers, the L.A. Blonde is available year-round at their taproom and to pick up to go. Their taproom is open various hours Tuesday through Sunday at 216 S. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. ■ Visit angelcitybrewery.com or @angelcitybeer for all the details.

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