Sunset Wine Issue 2023

ANNUAL WINE AWARDS

THE

NEW WAY WINE TO

Top Tasting Rooms Wine Country Travel High-Low Happy Hour

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold

Gold

The patio at Sonoma’s Valley Bar and Bottle offers shade, local sips, and excellent food.

4

Editor’s Letter Keep wine weird and wonderful.

The Best of the West

6

Sip, Snack, Savor We all know red wine with

meat and white wine with

fish are outdated rules for

CONTENTS WINE ISSUE 2023

wine pairing. But did you

know that Champagne and Cheez-Its is a transcendent

match? We break down what wines to serve with your favorite salty snacks.

12 A Tale of Two Tastings

THOMAS J. STORY

A pair of storied Napa Valley wineries have reimagined what the wine tasting experience can be. Take a tour of Chandon’s stunning upgrade of its indoor-outdoor Yountville property and the new ultra luxurious lobby at Jordan.

Coastal Wine 18 ACountry Road Trip With a spectacular car and an open mind, we hit the

road to take a freewheeling, slightly unconventional food and wine-focused road trip up the California coast.

24 Peaks and Valley

With a fresh take on new California cooking and a come-as-you-are vinous vibe, Valley is the kind of all-day restaurant wine country needed.

30 Award-Winning Wine Country Whether you’re planning a trip to Napa, Sonoma, or the Central Coast, here are the top travel award winners in wine country to put on your itinerary.

37 2022 Award Winners

A list of the top honorees in this year’s International Wine Competition.

ON THE COVER

Our favorite high-low wine pairings Photograph by TH O MAS J. STO RY

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

1

EDITOR’S NOTE

CHAIRMAN & PUBLISHER

Michael A. Reinstein

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Hugh Garvey DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Wine and chips is one of the most unconventional and sublime culinary pairings.

Sarah Yang

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Michael Wilson ART DIRECTOR

Vanessa Morsse

Keep Wine Weird We’re living in the golden era of wine in the West. I had that thought on a recent road trip up the California coast where at nearly every stop along the way I was delighted by exceptional wine everywhere I went: at all day cafes with short smart wine lists, at hotel restaurants that featured wines from local producers who rarely sell outside of their region, at shops specializing in zerozero wines made with no added sulfur or yeasts. I realized on my way up to wine country that all of the West has become wine country, whether there are vines or not.

It’s all part of a loosening of the rules: Wine is more diverse and abundant than ever, labels are becoming less ponderous and self important and far more whimsical, grapes are fermented with other fruits, there’s decent boxed and canned wine, and crown caps rather than corks secure bubbly that rivals Champagne. It used to be a serious wine list could only be found at what we used to call a “fancy” restaurant with a thickly bound leather tome that could sprain your wrist. Nowadays exciting wine lists full of excellent bottlings are scribbled on butcher paper and chalkboards and are to be found at casual pizza joints and sandwich shops. Wine shops are breaking rules and becoming relaxed spots to hang out and sip and maybe even get a snack or a meal from a food truck. Wineries are pulling out the stops with experiences that go way beyond the expected counter with tasting flights and a dump bucket.

And wine experts are pushing for pairings that are the ultimate in high-low: the formerly insider-only knowledge that Champagne goes well with potato chips has gone mainstream and now there are sommeliers and winemakers suggesting the best varietals to sip with Cheez-Its or sour cream and onion Ruffles. Weird? Yes, but in the most wonderful way. We explore these trends and more in our annual wine issue. We also celebrate the delicious diversity of the winners of the most recent Sunset International Wine Competition. Every one of them is pushing the world of wine forward, both in the West and beyond. Cheers to the winners!

PHOTO EDITOR

Christine Bobbish STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Thomas J. Story

TRAVEL EDITOR

Krista Simmons

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

Kristin Guy

CONTRIBUTING HOME & DESIGN EDITOR

Christine Lennon

VICE PRESIDENT, DIGITAL INITIATIVES

Matt Gross

DIGITAL PRODUCER/NEWSLETTER EDITOR

Nicole Clausing

LIFESTYLE CONTRIBUTOR

Camille Styles

SENIOR DIRECTOR, PRODUCTION

Jamie Elliott

Sales & Marketing SVP, MEDIA SOLUTIONS

Mort Greenberg

VP, SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Daniel McIntyre VP, PARTNERSHIPS

Kathleen Craven HEAD OF TRAVEL

Pamela Coffey HEAD OF OUTDOOR

Kristi Rummel

SVP, REVENUE OPERATIONS

Kelly Facer

DIRECTOR OF AD OPERATIONS

Mindy Morgan

HEAD OF CUSTOM EVENTS

Tracy Seng

—Hugh Garvey, E D ITO R-I N - CH I E F

Sunset Media International Corporation BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

@sunsetmag

@Sunset

pinterest.com/SunsetMag

S. MEDIA INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION • P.O. BOX 15688, BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90209 • SUNSET.COM

Copyright ©2023 S. Media International Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. No responsibility is assumed for unsolicited submissions. Manuscripts, photographs, and other material submitted to P.O. Box 15688 Beverly Hills, CA 90209 can be acknowledged or returned only if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

For assistance with your Sunset subscription, call 1-800-777-0117. sunset@omeda.com

2

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Tom Griffiths Graydon Sheinberg THOMAS J. STORY

SunsetMagazine

E X P LO R E T H E U N E X P E C T E D 2 0 2 3 S U N S E T I N T E R NAT I O NA L W I N E C O M P E T I T I O N

94 POINTS

GOLD M E DA L

98 POINTS

BEST OF CLASS

es tat e wi n e ry 14 3 3 5 H W Y 1 2 , G L E N E L L E N , C A 8 7 7. 5 5 0.4 2 7 8 | I M A G E R Y W I N E R Y.C O M

1

High-Low Happy Hour

From pairing potato chips and Pinot Noir to matching Cheez-Its and Chardonnay, the high-low combo of salty snacks and wine is having a moment. Here’s how to pair them properly.

Story by KRI STA S I M M O N S Photograph by TH O MAS J. STO RY

4

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

2

3

4

While the trend of TikTok influencers pairing chips and wine is a relatively new one, this high-low combo has been on the minds (and plates) of snackers for some time. Italians have been serving potato chips with wine at aperitivo hour for years, usually alongside vermouth or spritzes.

But it turns out chips taste just as excellent with some of our favorite wine varietals, too.

We spoke to Paul Sloan, the owner and winemaker at Small Vines on Sonoma Coast, and Mathew Bruno who owns an eponymous wine brand based out of Napa Valley, to get some of their recommendations on what chips to pair with a variety of bottles. The California-based winemakers thoughtfully put together some pairings with readily available chips whose ingredients lists we can thankfully pronounce, and we added some of our favorites in to boot. Here are the pairings we recommend serving up for guests at your next happy hour.

takes on chips and dip being topped with caviar or salmon roe. It’s truly the ultimate high-low indulgence. And that’s where pet nat can really shine.

Designed to be consumed fresh and young, softly fizzy pet nats, which unlike traditional Champagne only go through one fermentation that finishes in the bottle, have a delightful, gentle effervescence. That scrubbing bubbles effect really pops off when paired with ridged chips and creamy caramelized onion dip, especially if said dip is topped with briney, luxuriously oily fish roe.

It’s a true playground on the palate.

3

CHENIN BLANC AND SOUR CREAM AND ONION CHIPS

Chenin blanc is known for both its acidity and adaptability, and AVAs with the most significant amount of plantings include the Clarksburg, Napa Valley, and Mendocino in California, and the Washington wine regions of the Yakima and Columbia Valley, where the cooler climate is hospitable for this high acid grape.

Down in the Santa Ynez Valley, some of our favorite producers include Lo-Fi, Field Recordings, and Habit, all of which get their fruit from the famous Jurassic Vineyard, where the grape’s quintessential bright minerality and citrus notes makes it a wonderful foil to sour cream and onion chips.

4

5

6

A great barbeque chip is bursting with seasoning—think onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and tomato powder—so rather than totally assaulting the palate with something equally as complex, opt for a wine with just the right amount of ripe, brambly fruit without being too sweet. Enter grenache. This Southern Rhone variety has found a great home here in the West, especially in in California’s Central Coast regions, as well as the Columbia Valley in Washington, where its delicate profile, balanced acidity, and refined leathery characteristics play nicely together.

Bruno believes that his Cabernet Sauvignon, which is smoky, savory and has some herbaceous notes, would also be excellent, especially if you up the ante and pair with barbequed pork rinds or chicharrones. This pairing “creates a symphony of flavors—the rich, bold notes of the wine perfectly complement the smoky, savory crunch of the pork rinds,” says Bruno. He suggests his Mathew Bruno Cabernet with 4505 Meats Smokehouse BBQ Pork Rinds, which are made with responsibly raised meats.

5 1

PINOT NOIR AND TORRES TRUFFLE CHIPS

The aforementioned idea of pairing like with like also applies here, with the earthiness and umami factor of Small Vines’ Pinot Noir matching up perfectly with the true truffle flavor of Torres chips. Torres chips are the most authentic-tasting truffle chips on the market, free of the fake truffle-oil taste that you find in a lot of truffle-flavored items.

“The Torres, I think, are a little more pure to the flavor and just a touch more subtle, and natural tasting. I’ll say more true to the truffle-like mushroom flavors that you would get shaved on a dish at a restaurant,” he says. “It’s a really, really good Pinot Noir combination.”

2

PET NAT AND RUFFLES

Orange wine and pet nat have captured the zeitgeist as of late, and these admittedly wily wines can actually be really versatile. If you’ve dined at spots like Crude e Nudo or Lemon Grove in LA or Pacific Standard in Portland, you’ve likely noticed elevated

GRENACHE AND BBQ CHIPS OR BBQ PORK RINDS

SPARKLING WINE AND NACHO CHEESE CHIPS

Sparkling wines are some of the most versatile when it comes to pairing with food. The same goes for chips, it seems, as Bruno has several suggestions to match up with his blanc de blancs sparkling wine. While many default to the classic pairing of simply salted potato chip and sparkling wine, he opts for nacho cheese.

“The wine’s robust profile enhances the cheesy goodness of these chips, making it a delightful duo for any occasion.” He also suggests Kettle Brand Sea Salt and Vinegar Kettle Potato Chips as an alternative. “The crisp acidity of the wine beautifully balances the tangy zing of these chips.” Barbara’s Original Cheese Puffs would be another awesome pairing, according to Bruno. “The wine’s effervescence enhances the creamy cheese flavor, making it an exquisite pairing.”

6

CHARDONNAY AND CHEEZ-ITS OR AGED CHEDDAR PUFFS

Cheez-Its and Chardonnay are a combo that have saved many an airplane ride over the years. And there’s good reason.

Sloan, who started his career as a sommelier in the ’90s, likes taking a twofold approach when it comes to matching wine with food.

“There’s two different directions to do with pairing. You’ve got the yin-yang, in that the opposites attract, or you’ve got pairing like elements with like elements. So I think that the cheddar works beautifully with this wine,” he says. Sloan loves Pirate’s Booty white cheddar puffs with his crisp, almost briny organically farmed Chardonnay. “It makes me think about a high-end cheese and charcuterie board with some nice shaved white cheddar on there, but this is obviously much more casual, so it’s a really fun, really nice pairing.”

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

5

TALE of TWO

6

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

CHRISTOPHER STARK

A

CHANDON

TASTINGS A PAIR OF STORIED NAPA VALLEY WINERIES HAVE REIMAGINED WHAT THE WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE CAN BE. TAKE A TOUR OF CHANDON’S STUNNING UPGRADE OF ITS INDOOR-OUTDOOR YOUNTVILLE PROPERTY AND THE NEW ULTRA LUXURIOUS LOBBY AT JORDAN. WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

7

MOD MAXIMALISM What is the future of wine tasting in Napa Valley? If Chandon’s new multi-million dollar renovation is any clue, it’s going to be organic, luxurious, and true to terroir.

Yountville Terrace

“We approached the project as a continuation of the [original] design, almost as if we were building on an archaeological site,” says Linda Taalman. “The structural integrity of the cast-in-place concrete brutalist foundation and the barrel-vaulted wood structure formed as much a part of the site as the majestic oaks they so carefully avoided.” The barrel-shaped ceilings are a striking structural element that refererences the winemaking process.

8

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

winery’s original indoor-outdoor design and now boasts multiple zones for dining and tasting for both visitors and club members.

Taking its cues from the surrounding landscape, the property is all soothing earth tones, natural materials, and has an organic and biophilic appeal that embodies the relaxed but refined essence of the brand and the Valley itself.

Sailcloth Cabanas

Dramatic swooping sailcloth cabanas offer breezy shelter and private dining experiences for groups of up to 12. Here guests can sip on spritzes made with housemade orange bitters before a lunch of dishes such as mushroom pizzette, beef carpaccio, and macarons paired with Chandon’s seasonal bottlings, including their organic sparkling rosé.

CHANDON

Sparkling wine powerhouse Chandon has been making exquisite bubbly in Napa Valley since 1973 and its California hospitality center has just completed an ambitious top-to-bottom renovation that makes it easily one of the most exquisite new tasting experiences in California wine country. Designed by L.A. firm Taalman Architecture, the new space builds upon the

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

9

Exclusively accessible to members of Club Chandon, Club Chandon Lounge is a well-appointed indoor-outdoor space with comfortable sofas, low tables, and a bar where members can create customizable wine shipments, experience exclusive cuvées and tasting flights, and enjoy special events while taking advantage of discounts. Members can also access private patios and other seating areas throughout the property.

10

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Galleria

The on-site store is one of the most luxe wine shops to open in Napa in years. This jewel of a space features all of Chandon’s bottlings, including limited edition cuvées, as well as products made by local artisans, further connecting Chandon Home to the terroir it calls home.

CHANDON

Club Chandon Lounge

The Gardens

The Chandon Home’s gardens are landscaped with trees and flowing grasses that border paths and seating areas dotted throughout the property where guests can enjoy wines and picnic boxes underneath the native California Valley oaks. There’s also a kitchen garden growing seasonal produce and herbs that can be booked for private tastings.

CHANDON

Epicurean Hub

Wine was made to go with food and here’s where the sparkling wines and Champagnes of Chandon are showcased in four distinct culinary settings under one barrel-vaulted roof: Tasting menus featuring locally sourced ingredients like Tomales Bay mussels and Snake River Farm short rib, the aforementioned Yountville Terrace, the Micro Bar offering wines by the glass and small plates, and the Cove, an intimate space for private events.

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

11

LUXE LOBBY Jordan Winery’s newly redesigned lobby is a masterclass in refined interior design, wine country style.

Nestled in a sprawling 1,200-acre property of vineyards and wildlands, the chateau at Jordan Winery is a luxurious expression of the refined side of the Napa Valley lifestyle and takes its cues from European architecture and history— the better to pair with Jordan’s wines that are made in the European tradition that emphasizes finesse over raw power. The stunningly renovated new chateau lobby fittingly exudes classic French sophistication. This project was masterfully brought to life by San Francisco’s renowned interior designer, Maria Khouri

Haidamus, the same talent behind the 2021 makeover of the Jordan Chateau Guest Suites.

Bespoke wall panels, graced with a delicate robin’s egg blue and aged gold detailing, establish a lavish ambiance. Throughout the entry hall, grand salon, corridor, and retail boutique, visitors are treated to the finest materials, timeless antiques, and exquisite art pieces. Handmade wooden floors in a captivating chevron design unify these areas.

Haute Entry Hall

The redesigned entry hall instantly immerses visitors into the Jordan ethos, highlighted by a bespoke reception desk crafted from Ponte Vecchio-honed marble, echoing the George V Hotel in Paris. A 17th-century Aubusson tapestry portrays a serene French forest, complemented by a quaint windowpane pendant featuring a dual-arm candelabrum.

Adjacent to the entry is the grand salon, which serves as a lounge for guests who are checking in to one of the chateau’s suites or waiting to embark on one of the winery’s daily activities. Expertly crafted O. Henry House sofas and rugs from Tony Kitz Gallery harmoniously coexist with exquisite antiques: Napoleon III era armchairs reupholstered with contemporary fabric; treasured 18thcentury sketches from Paris’s esteemed Galerie Marie-Pierre Jaudel Antiquités; a specially designed Louis XVI-influenced walnut console; and meticulously curated decorative items from Paris, Provence, and American antique shops. The room’s grandeur is crowned by Fisher Weisman chandeliers, boasting 14 candelabras and sweeping curves.

12

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

CHRISTOPHER STARK

A Swellegant Salon

CHRISTOPHER STARK

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

13

Opposite the entry hall lies a dual-purpose retail boutique and reception area. This inviting space offers guests a curated selection of Jordan merchandise and a visual journey through Jordan’s heritage via a 19-piece art ensemble. This captivating array features three unique pieces that narrate Jordan’s storied past, accompanied by 16 French prints and etchings spanning the 17th to 19th centuries. A standout piece is a dynamic portrait of John Jordan by celebrated illustrator Sharif Tarabay, notably his inaugural video portrait on a digital canvas. The room showcases elegant wooden furnishings, from a statement walnut table and tailored walnut wine cabinet to a 19th-century French display unit hailing from the Napoleon III era. An ornate Chippendale mirror, adorned with an acanthus motif and bathed in antique gold leaf, hearkens back to the Rococo era of the 18th century, while a chandelier inspired by cascading palm leaves introduces a contemporary flair. The space is further enhanced with Louis XVI-style seating and newly installed French doors, ushering guests into Jordan’s Bacchus Courtyard. Here, a bee-friendly garden and elegant marble fountain create a serene retreat.

14

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

CHRISTOPHER STARK

The Belle Boutique and Reception

Building a Better Bath

CHRISTOPHER STARK

For the lobby bathrooms, Jordan commissioned Gracie, a storied family business specializing in hand-painted wall decorations since 1898. They tailormade a unique mural of the property’s beloved Linda’s Garden for the ladies’ restroom. The mural features oak and citrus trees, blossoming dogwood, kites, and an egret—all species native to the vast 1,200-acre Jordan Estate. Gracie devoted roughly 500 hours to perfecting this handcrafted mural. In contrast, the men’s restroom features a subtle monochromatic mural of a forested landscape

by Susan Harter. Both restrooms are complemented with exquisite marble flooring and countertops from Ann Sacks and fixtures and sconces from Waterworks.

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

15

A

16

COASTAL

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

WINE

COUNTRY With a spectacular car and an open mind, we hit the road to take a freewheeling, slightly unconventional food and wine-focused road trip up the California coast Story by H U G H GARVE Y Photograph by TH O MAS J. STO RY

ROAD

TRIP

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

17

we’re spoiled by proximity to some of the most vibrant, varied, and beautiful wine growing regions in the world.

From the verdant Willamette Valley with its misty mornings and spectacular Pinots, to Walla Walla Washington’s gently rolling hills and stunning Syrahs, to the Valle de Guadalupe’s dramatic landscape and ingenious blends. Any one of them is a worthy road trip that will reward a tour of its vineyards and landscape and responsible tasting. But California in its enormity and diversity, and beauty is the location I chose to explore on a recent three day blast up the coast to experience some pinnacle wine and food experiences. It was an itinerary that blended new and classic stops with the goal of ditching the wine country cliches and maximizing

18

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

satisfaction along the way: lots of intown exploration. No official tasting flights. I’d rather get the flavor of a town or a region as a traveler first, drinker second. Evenings were the time to sit down and enjoy wine, ideally with a meal.

To ensure a speedy and equally superlative driving experience I was fortunate enough to be able to secure a loan of one the world’s greatest touring vehicles, the Aston Martin DBS. Touring cars at this level blend road trip worthy creature comforts such as adjustable seats, suspension settings that favor comfort (though sport modes are always a button push away), and an aesthetic that matched the beauty of the stops along the way.

The idea: Instead of plunking down in one AVA or wine growing district I decided to hug the coast northward and dip into stops along the way in perpendicular pursuit of food, hotel, and wine experiences, covering ground and racking up miles and smiles. My southern launching point was Los Angeles, a car Valhalla in its own right, with stops on the central coast in Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Sonoma County, and Napa Valley.

Long tastings were out for obvious

reasons. You can always responsibly taste at your hotel, an Ubered restaurant, or at home.

The car: The Aston Martin DBS. In a subdued gray tone on the outside with alcantara trim on the inside and 12 cylinders under the hood I had a vehicle that made the trip a delight in between stops. The engine (with the charming plaque on its block reading: “Hand built by Luke Wembley”) is a marvel, throwing down silky smooth power on those stretches of the 1, the 101 and 5. It’s an objet d’art as much as a supercar, its fiberglass cladding elegantly draped over the frame with ingenious scoops shuttling air through the wheel wells to hold it down and cool the brakes. Everywhere I stopped, from a Shell station on the 101 to the town square in Sonoma, car fans would pepper me with questions and ask for a peek under the hood. I kept it in touring mode which soaked up the road and kept me at a confident clip as I carved my way up the coast.

OJAI Clockwise

from top left (this page): The Aston Martin DBS outside the Dutchess; Saw Naing grills; The dining room at the Dutchess.

THOMAS J. STORY

LIVING IN THE WEST

OJAI

Clockwise from top left (this page): Burmese skewers at the Dutchess; Pointe de Chen wines; The farmer’s market; Bart’s Books.

THOMAS J. STORY

J

ust two hours north of Los Angeles sits Ojai, one of the most charming little towns in Southern California. Surrounded by ranches and citrus groves and a handful of wineries, it’s the closest thing I’ve ever seen to one of those fantasy farmscapes of California you see on the side of vintage fruit crates. The boho enclave has in recent years seen an influx in visitors drawn by its charms (a city law prevents large scale development and as a result it’s blissfully free of tall buildings, big box stores, and big chains). In the past few years its dining scene has been elevated by a number of new restaurants rounding out its hippie-hipster-ranchy vibes.

I’m a big fan of the new restaurant Rory’s Place, which is a must-visit for its wood fired meat and fish, breads and pizzas, and a wine list featuring local bottlings. Since opening last year it’s become a buzzy spot attracting locals and bold-faced names alike who linger on its patio sipping wines

and nibbling on crudo. But I arrived in Ojai mid-morning and swung by the Dutchess, the other most talked about new restaurant that serves as a culinary community hub of sorts.

Partner and baker Zoe Nathan is also behind Santa Monica’s Rustic Canyon, Huckleberry, and other fine establishments. It’s an all-day restaurant and cafe with a wide ranging menu of pastries, sandwiches, grain bowls, and breakfast items. It also has an extensive Burmese menu thanks to chef Saw Naing, who channels his childhood in curries, rice dishes, and a weekly skewer night on the patio. The bar is always open and has an expert selection of non-alcoholic cocktails if you’re not imbibing, but I have a quick coffee before strolling around the town. I browse the stacks at Bart’s Books, the preposterously charming open-air used bookstore that’s been a long-standing national treasure to inthe-know bibliophiles, and then head to Ojai Tortilla House for hearty al

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

19

MONTECITO

Rosewood Miramar Beach offers a sprawling luxury retreat with expansive grounds and well-appointed rooms.

20

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

entrance. I settle into my suite and head over to the Manor Bar, the resort’s excellent cocktail bar, with its wood paneling, dim lights, and low slung lounge areas. While it’s known for its extensive top shelf cocktail program, I decide to have a taste of something grown and made not far from the resort so order a glass of Donnachadh Pinot Noir from the Santa Rita Hills just inland. With its medium body, berry fruit, and long elegant finish it’s the perfect aperitif to precede my dinner at Caruso’s, the Michelin-starred restaurant that offers views of the Pacific and precisely prepared local seafood. I opt for the tasting menu which featured local Channel Island spiny lobster to taste the terroir of the ocean.

T

he next morning I take the 101 up the coast, the DBS anchored securely on its 21 inch tires, the 12-cylinder engine thrumming gently as I surge northward into Sonoma. In record time I get to the southern end of the county and arrive at Scribe, the winery that expanded the idea of what a tasting experience can be with its hacienda and its gracious patio, open fire cooking, tasty CaliforniaMediterranean menu, and low-intervention wines that possessed a balance that delightfully offered a fresh alternative to the bigger more traditional winery experiences in the area.

People joined the Scribe Viticultural Society club in droves and it’s now some 10 years old and still a uniquely refined and relaxed experience that sets the standard for Sonoma. We photograph a story for the magazine with Scribe head farmer Stephen Carter and culinary director Kelly Mariani, who runs the winery with her brothers Andrew and Adam. From there I go to the town of Sonoma for lunch at Valley Bar and Bottle, the restaurant and bottle shop of your dreams. You can get coffee and a breakfast sandwich in the morning, a bowl of crispy rice with Dungeness crab and furikake for lunch, or lamb with garlic yogurt and a glass of

THOMAS J. STORY

pastor tacos (get the loaded “specialty” version) rolled with handmade rosemary-scented tortillas and wrapped in foil that I eat in nearby Libbey Park. After lunch I pop into the boutique In the Field. If the Ojai boho chic look had a starter kit, this is where you’d find it: Perfectly picked, locally made surf wear, jewelry, caftans, hats, and home goods make this the top lifestyle shop in Ojai.

From Ojai it’s a short drive to my final stop for the day: the Rosewood Miramar Beach, the sprawling coastal resort that’s the crown jewel of Montecito. Dotted with bungalows, multiple pools, and a stretch of private beach, it offers a refined escape from the moment you arrive at the cobblestone roundabout at the grand

OJAI

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: MACARTHUR PLACE (2); THOMAS J. STORY (2)

Left: Rory and Maeve McAuliffe at Rory’s Place; Channon Roe at In the Field.

SONOMA

Left: Kelly Mariani and Stephen Carter at Scribe.

Above: A patio room and outdoor dining at MacArthur Place

gamay at night (read our feature on Valley Bar and Bottle in this issue for recipes and more!).

That night I settle into MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa in the town of Sonoma, which recently completed a multi-year refresh that has turned the property into an immersive retreat that offers an expanded spa, an artist’s cottage with artists in residence who create work on property, upgraded rooms with fireplaces and outdoor showers, and Friday evening “pours on the porch” featuring tastings of local wines for guests.

Napa Valley is next and here I head straight to Stanly Ranch, a brand new Auberge property that has taken the modern farmhouse concept and applied it at the highest level to this resort that’s planted with vines and ambles over gently sloping hills. It’s a luxurious evolution of a wine country resort: there’s a gift shop stocked with California brands, books, and

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

21

NAPA VALLEY

Stanly Ranch boasts lovely grounds, a wellcurated shop, and excellent farm to table food.

housewares that could easily be transplanted in a trend-aware neighborhood like Silver Lake; and you won’t see any pseudo Tuscan flourishes that used to proliferate in the wine country. It’s luxe California-pride. I dine at Bear, where the menu perfectly encapsulates the possibilities of wine country cooking, all in a soothing Scandinavian-inspired space with soaring ceilings and an open kitchen.

Dishes are fire roasted, carefully assembled, often featuring flavor packed international ingredients like nudja and nuoc chuam, and serranos.

Things are pickled to add vibrant pops. So I have ember roasted tiger prawns, chicken with harissa, and possibly the most beautiful farm vegetable crudite with dip I’ve ever seen.

22

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

THOMAS J. STORY

H

aving reached the northern tip of my trip, the next day I wend south toward home, stopping in Santa Cruz, the funky beach town turned tech haven where you can hit the vintage boardwalk, watch the longboarders, hike the redwoods, and experience a timeless California coastal vibe year round. I head to Apéro Club, one of California’s best natural wine bars and bottle shops. It’s a groovy little shop specializing in zero-zero wines, which means no added yeast and no added sulfur. It’s a highwire way of making wine that results in vibrant bottlings that are the truest expression of the grape. I pick up bottles of earthy funky Pinot Noir from local organic winery Madson to take back home. I walk around the corner to Bantam, one of Santa Cruz’s best restaurants that serves killer pizzas, wood-fired meats, and seasonal specialties, like chicory caesar salad, an insane gluten-free fried chicken with crackling crust and served with autumn squash, and, of course, a smart list of wines, including local bottlings.

Pro tip to score a great seat: do like the locals and line up right before they open in the evening and you’ll get the pick of the patio or the cavernous main dining room. To close out my trip I book at Dream Inn on the waterfront right next to the

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: ELLE BENNETT; THOMAS J. STORY; PAUL DYER (2)

boardwalk with its old school carnival rides and a Ferris Wheel. Here I pay extra to park the precious DBS in the private lot by the lobby. The Dream Inn is a legendary spot that hosts concerts by the pool, once was the temporary home of Patti Smith who wrote poetry and a memoir here, and is the preferred spot for any traveler who wants to soak up the funky vibes of the town. I head out onto my patio with its view of the spinning Ferris wheel and the rolling waves and decide to uncork a bottle of the Madson I scored at Apéro Club. I sip it watching the evening sky turn shades of a purple, violet, and orange until the sun sets completely. It’s a serene and vivid end to a vinous road trip that shows you can experience the best of wine country where it comes to life the most: in the cities, the towns, and the tables of the California coast.

SANTA CRUZ

Upper left: Seaside suites at the Dream Hotel.

Above: the chill tasting room at Apero Club.

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

23

WITH A FRESH TAKE ON NEW CALIFORNIA COOKING AND A COME-AS-YOU-ARE VINOUS VIBE, VALLEY IS THE KIND OF ALL-DAY RESTAURANT WINE COUNTRY NEEDED. Story by H U G H GARVE Y Photographs by TH O MAS J. STO RY

PEAKS AND VALLEY 24

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

25

A

After several visits to wine country, you eventually learn you don’t need to go to a vineyard or a winery to have a quintessential wine country experience. In a humble space on Sonoma’s old town square, the restaurant Valley embodies many of the things city dwellers seek when they venture out of their urban enclaves and settle into the rhythms of a place where one of the most romantic versions of agriculture is practiced. Valley is not unlike the valleys that surround it, charming in a dressed-down sort of way, expressing the terroir in wines and food and an ethos that bridges Alice Waters–like farm-to-table obsession with seasonal and local ingredients, but bringing in global tweaks and influences that jump borders. Valley is as much a gathering place for the community as it is a restaurant and excellent bottle shop: There’s a bar out front where folks can order espresso or an orange wine any time of day, or pick up a bottle or two; there’s a come-as-you-are vibe that attracts both folks with their dogs and food-savvy tourists. The food is as good as any you’ll get in the city, all the while avoiding wine country clichés like roast duck and Cabernetbraised this and that; actual winemakers and chefs frequent the place, along with locals on the patio in the shade or perched by little café tables in the sun out front. The fact that it’s in the center of Sonoma, which has long been the civic heart of the vast county, is what gives it

26

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

a bit of a pulse—albeit a restful 65 bpm. Town square in Sonoma is the kind of old-timey place that feels like throwback wine country: a shaded park with town hall at the center, a Franciscan mission at one end. Valley slow walks the evolution of the city and surrounding fields forward. It’s a restaurant that’s simultaneously simple and ambitious and above all the kind of place you want to go to again and again.

This sweet spot is the result of the vision of Emma Lipp and Stephanie Reagor, partners in work and in life who met while working together at nearby Scribe Winery. Lipp has a culinary education that explains the Chez Panisse through line of the place: She worked at New York’s seminal Prune on the Lower East Side and as the assistant to David Tanis, longtime executive chef at Chez Panisse. Reagor’s résumé includes other restaurants grounded in a local-produce-first philosophy, such as the Spotted Pig and Marlow & Daughters. Along with partners Tanner Walle and Lauren Feldman, they’ve created something they say is not “the French country Tuscan Pinterest fantasy pastoral countryside sophistication” you’ll see elsewhere in the region.

They use ingredients not traditionally associated with wine, like fish sauce and spice, but without ever losing focus of where they are.

“This is a wine-focused restaurant,” says Reagor. “We love spicy food, so we’re going to cook it, but we’re not going to blow the wine out of the water with the spice. The emphasis is on freshness and everything working together.” And you’ll experience that in this celebratory late-summer menu that takes full advantage of ingredients that are at their best right now. Like Valley, the dishes embody wine country as it’s evolving in real time, at just the right pace.

Peach Cooler Make this super-simple peach drink from the reduced liquid

leftover from roasting the fruit for the feta with roasted peaches.

S E R V ES 4 Roasted peach syrup Sparkling water

Fresh mint for garnish

1. Spoon about 1 Tbsp. leftover juices from the roasted

peaches into a rocks glass,

top with sparkling water, stir,

add ice cubes, garnish with a mint sprig, and serve.

Feta With Roasted Peaches This dish is a great alternative to

super-sweet desserts. If you can’t

find Turkish Urfa biber, which have a lovely sweet and smoky flavor,

substitute red chili flakes. Bonus:

The leftover syrup makes the base for the peach cooler!

S E R V ES 4

4 ripe peaches

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. If you are

bitters, combine 1 qt. Angostura

1 cup red wine

cut in half lengthwise. If your

in a sealable container. Let sit for

1 Tbsp. sugar vinegar

1 cup red or white wine

1 dried bay leaf

8 oz. block of feta Olive oil

Black pepper

½ tsp. ground urfa biber chilies

working with freestone peaches, peaches are clingstone, cut as best you can into nice large

bitters and ½ cup cinnamon chips 24 hours, then strain into a sealable bottle or container.

wedges. Put cut pieces into a

2. Cut the feta into four squares,

the peaches with the sugar, then

3. Place the peach halves or pieces

baking dish, cut sides up. Sprinkle pour the vinegar and wine over.

Add the bay leaf to the liquid.

Roast peaches in the oven until

the fruit is tender, about 20 minutes. To make the cinnamon

then place in individual bowls.

around the feta. Spoon some of

the roasting juices over the peach pieces and feta. Drizzle olive oil

over the top. Sprinkle with black

pepper and Urfa biber and serve.

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

27

Zucchini with Basil and Butter Sweet summer squash needs little more than butter and basil.

S E R V ES 4 5 lbs. zucchini or summer squash

¼ cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling

Salt

6 garlic cloves

4 sprigs fresh basil, divided 3 Tbsp. cultured butter Black pepper

1. Cut the zucchini into fat

coins, roughly 13-inch thick.

2. Set a heavy-bottomed pot

over medium heat and add ¼ cup olive oil. Add all the

zucchini, a heavy pinch of

salt, garlic, and 3 sprigs of basil. Put a lid on the pot

and let the zucchini slowly

cook, steaming itself out. If you are worried about it

drying out and sticking, add a little bit of water. The goal is not to get a lot of color or char, but a little bit is okay.

Take care not to stir, as it will start to break.

3. When the zucchini is uni-

formly tender, take it off the

heat. Remove the basil and discard. Add the cultured

butter to the pot and gently stir to integrate it into the

soft zucchini. At this point

some pieces may fall apart, and that’s okay.

4. Taste. Does it need more salt? There should be

enough acid from the cul-

tured butter, but make sure you used enough butter to give it that rich silky bite.

5. To serve, scoop into a bowl,

drizzle a little olive oil, sprinkle with black pepper and tear fresh basil sprigs to garnish.

28

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Cod with Tomato Curry and Corn This party-worthy main course is one of the best uses of peak-season to-

mato and corn we’ve ever tried. It’s a

bit cheffy to make corn broth with leftover corn cobs, but it adds a layer of

flavor you can’t get otherwise. If that’s one step too many, feel free to skip!

You can make the curry the morning of your party or a day ahead.

S E R V ES 4

½ tsp. black peppercorns ½ Tbsp. coriander seeds

½ tsp. fenugreek or white peppercorns ½ tsp. cumin seeds 2 Tbsp. neutral oil

1 large white onion, sliced thinly

1 knob peeled ginger, about 2 oz., chopped

4 garlic cloves, chopped ½ Tbsp. ground turmeric ½ tsp. cinnamon

½ Tbsp. kosher salt

1 Tbsp. tomato paste

1 stick plus 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1 red jalapeño, sliced thinly

3 lbs. beefsteak tomatoes, chopped ½ cup crème fraîche

4 ears of corn, shucked

Freshly ground black pepper

1½ lb. cod or other thick-fleshed white fish

Olive oil

1. In a large pot over medium heat,

combine the black peppercorns, coriander, and fenugreek or white peppercorns, and toast for 30 seconds

or until fragrant but not burnt. Grind the spices with a mortar and pestle or spice grinder and set aside.

2. In the same pot over medium heat,

add neutral oil and let heat for 1 min-

ute. Add the onion, ginger, and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender but not brown, about 4 min-

utes. Add the ground toasted spices,

plus the turmeric, cinnamon, salt, tomato paste, and the stick of butter and stir. Add the tomatoes and jalapeños.

3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until everything is fully soft, 15–20 minutes.

Take off the heat. Stir in the crème

fraîche. Let cool a bit, then blend in

batches in a blender. Return to pot.

Adjust salt if needed. Set aside.

4. Char the corn on a grill or in a cast-iron pan.

Sprinkle with salt and a drizzle of olive oil.

Cut the corn off the cob, set aside, and re-

8. When you are ready to serve the dish, put in

5. Cover the cobs with 4 cups water in a medi-

cooked and tender, 7–10 minutes. The cod

serve the cobs.

um pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30

minutes. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer, reserve, then discard the cobs.

6. Return the charred corn kernels to the pot,

and cover with the corn broth. Cook until tender. Season with salt, pepper, and remaining 2 Tbsp. butter. Keep warm in pot for dish assembly.

7. For the cod: Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut the cod into four equal pieces. Remove any bones. Set the cod in a parchment-lined baking dish.

the oven. Roast the cod in the oven until fully should flake when squeezed, indicating it is

fully cooked. You can also check for doneness by inserting a metal skewer into the center or thickest part of the fish. There should be no

resistance, and the skewer should be hot to the touch from the fish.

9. To assemble the dish, rewarm the tomato curry. Set the cooked pieces of fish into individual serving bowls. Spoon the corn kernels on top of the fish. Scoop the tomato curry on top of the corn and fish. Drizzle olive oil to finish.

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

29

30

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Melon Salad with Pickled Chilies You can use any melon that’s at peak ripeness, but the salad is prettier and tastier if you use multiple varieties.

S E R V ES 4

1 cup red wine vinegar

6 cups various melons, cut into

2 Tbsp. sugar

¼ tsp. ground Marash or Aleppo

1 cup water

2 Tbsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste

¼ cup thinly sliced onions

2 Tbsp. thinly sliced Fresno chiles

1-inch cubes chilies

2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice, plus more to taste

Olive oil

3 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint leaves

1. Pickle the onions and chilies: In a small pan over medium heat, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a simmer. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Add onions and Fresno chilies. Remove from heat and let cool.

2. Assemble the salad: Put melon cubes into a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt to taste, ground chilies, and lime juice. Remove Fresnos

and onions from the pickling mixture, and add to salad. Add a nice drizzle of olive oil, and toss to combine. Taste and add more lime juice or salt if needed. Add the mint, toss once more lightly, and serve.

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

31

Wine Country

TRAVEL PLANNER WINE COUNTRY TRAVEL ALWAYS INDEXES BIG IN SUNSET’S ANNUAL TRAVEL AWARDS AND IN 2023 IT WAS A BANNER YEAR FOR HOTELS, RESTAURANTS, AND TASTING EXPERIENCES IN OUR FAVORITE VINOUS CALIFORNIA DESTINATIONS. WHETHER YOU’RE PLANNING A TRIP TO NAPA, SONOMA, OR THE CENTRAL COAST, HERE ARE THE TOP TRAVEL AWARD WINNERS IN WINE COUNTRY TO PUT ON YOUR ITINERARY. Story by H U G H GARVE Y and KRI STA S I M M O N S

32

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

© DON RIDDLE/FOUR SEASONS

Four Seasons Resort and Residences vineyard near Calistoga

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

33

Hotel Ynez

Hotels and Resorts From sprawling luxury resorts to your private manor, here’s where to book a room among the vines.

Meadowood Napa Valley

Four Seasons Resort and

cottages nestled in wine

Located on a working vine-

country has literally risen

from the ashes after the res-

taurant and other parts of the property were destroyed by

the Glass Fire in 2020. And it’s

better than ever, with Howard Backen–designed restaurant Forum, expanded wellness

and tennis programs, and revived Wine Center.

Residences

yard near Calistoga, the Four Seasons is a refined experi-

ence thanks to its suites, villas, and private residences that raise the bar on rustic

luxury. Add multiple restau-

rants, pools, and holistic spa treatments and the wine

country retreat gets more refined.

Hotel Ynez

Francis House

cape is situated on two acres

manor in the Napa Valley and

This charming Santa Ynez esstudded with live oak trees,

gardens, and bonfire pits. With plush bedding, DIY BBQ kits delivered to your door, and

vintage touches throughout,

it’s the definitive spot to spend your time in wine country.

The Genevieve

Elegant and polished yet unstuffy, this Victorian-style

boutique inn in Santa Ynez

Imagine you had a private you’re close to envisioning

what Francis House in Calis-

toga is all about. This sevenroom hotel offers luxury ac-

commodations for travelers looking for a communal experience with daily shared

meals, an on-site spa, and

expansive grounds allowing for a serene, right-sized respite.

has an incredibly impressive

The Landsby

ing for a break from vino. The

its throwback Danish heri-

whiskey library for those lookstay is first-class from the start, with champagne at

check-in, a candy station for

noshing, and a gourmet restaurant with top-notch brekkie to fuel you for a day of tasting.

Stanly Ranch

In Solvang, a town known for tage, Scandinavian modernism is alive and well at this

boutique hotel. All the rooms

are well appointed, but try to book a suite with a patio on

the restaurant courtyard for a lovely indoor-outdoor experience.

Napa Valley’s latest luxe re-

Skyview Los Alamos

country resort with modern

the Santa Ynez Valley and the

treat improves upon the wine cabins surrounded by vines, multiple pools, a Scandi-

meets-California-cuisine restaurant with a top-shelf bar and an on-site vegetable

garden. Add bespoke local

outings and this property encapsulates all that we love about wine country.

34

With views of the vineyards of foodie town of Los Alamos,

this revived hilltop motel offers private patios, a pool,

and a restaurant featuring local produce and wines and

craft cocktails. It’s the perfect balance of a groovy mid-

century modern aesthetic and country charm.

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

COURTESY OF HOTEL YNEZ

This iconic, exclusive resort of

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: MICHAEL HOSPELT; KARYN MILLET/COURTESY OF SKYVIEW LOS ALAMOS; DAVID TSAY; THOMAS J. STORY

The Francis House

Stanly Ranch Skyview Los Alamos

The Landsby

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

35

Bar Le Côte

Restaurants, Shops, and Tasting Rooms These eating establishments, bakeries, wineries, and

more prove that Western wine country is even more of a delicious destination than ever before.

made from naturally leav-

With stylish design and a

ened dough, croissants, and

duce and seafood of the

from Northern California’s

menu that marries the proCentral Coast, this is the

coolest new restaurant to open in Los Olivos. The

unique desserts crafted

finest produce, dairy, and game.

whole fish is a must-order,

Troubadour Bread

cludes gems from wineries

Just up the street from its

and the wine list always inin the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley.

Hitching Post 2

Fans of Sideways will recognize this famed Pinot purveyor, which serves up

some of the best Santa Maria–style barbecue in the

region. Grab a glass of Cork

Dancer, a whole grilled artichoke, and a cut of the valley’s finest beef and enjoy

and Bistro

sister bakery Quail & Con-

dor is this one stop culinary shop. You’ll find coffee and fresh baked bread in the

morning, francophile sand-

wiches for lunch, and a prixfixe French bistro at night at

this unassuming boulangerie. Don’t miss out on the perfectly done canelés,

which will whisk you right back to France.

the view.

Bob’s Well Bread

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern

ley, Bob’s bakes up the val-

A newcomer to Los Olivos,

this upscale inn is also home to some of the Santa Ynez

Valley’s most delightful dining experiences (all housed in a converted 1886 stagecoach stop): wood-fired

A hub of the Santa Ynez Valley’s best boules each

morning for its two indooroutdoor cafés serving the

area—the original in Los Alamos and a second in Ballard.

meat and produce at the

Marin French Cheese Co.

the cozy Bar, and craft cof-

company produces excep-

Tavern, classic cocktails at fee at Felix Feed & Coffee.

Quail & Condor

Run by Michelin-pedigreed chefs Melissa Yanc and

Sean McGaughey, this thrilling bakery serves goods

36

Hitching Post 2

The country’s oldest cheese tional cheese but is also a

community hub and desti-

nation in and of itself, with a property home to myriad

farm animals, a vegetable garden, an elementary

school, and a fire station.

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

FROM TOP: THOMAS J. STORY; ROB STARK

Bar Le Côte

Troubadour Bread and Bistro

Quail & Condor

Marin French Cheese Co.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: EMMA K. MORRIS (2); MARIN FRENCH CHEESE; SILAS FALLSTICH

Bob’s Well Bread

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

37

Presqu’ile Winery

The Salon at Heitz Cellar

Restaurants, Shops, and Tasting Rooms (CONTINUED)

Alma Rosa Winery

the full range of award-win-

nia industry pioneer Richard

the rolling hills of Marin

Sanford, the first vintner to plant Pinot Noir in the region, Alma Rosa is now

known not only for its stun-

ning Santa Rita wines but for its unique programming.

ning oils while gazing out at County. Guests can also

tour the property, including orchards and the olive oil

mill, and visit the shop for

wine and pantry essentials.

This year, the winery

Frank Family Vineyards

tours and tasting experi-

net scene, the yellow

launched two new hiking ences for visitors at its his-

toric El Jabali estate, the first certified-organic vineyard in the country.

The Salon at Heitz Cellar

Located at the original St. Helena property that Joe

and Alice Heitz purchased in 1961, the salon consists of a grand tasting room, a pri-

An old faithful in the CaberCraftsman tasting room is one of Napa Valley’s most recognizable buildings.

Adding to a storied reputa-

tion, this year they opened a new Howard Backen–de-

signed space for tastings

and food pairings, including a small-bites program by

chef Christina Machamer.

vate tasting room, the

Presqu’ile Winery

randa, and a chef’s larder

not Noir is your jam, this

Quartz Creek garden, a vedesigned by renowned architect Peter Fleming.

McEvoy Ranch

To taste olive oil at this 550acre, family-owned farm in

Petaluma is to taste Califor-

nia food history. A pioneer in the olive oil industry, McEvoy invites visitors to experience

38

Alma Rosa Winery

If nuanced, cold-climate Pifamily-owned winery in the Santa Maria Valley is a

must. For the quintessential bucolic-vineyard experi-

ence, pull off the 101 to their hilltop lounge, where you’ll

nibble on mezze made from

their on-site organic garden while tasting world-class wines.

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: TREVOR GORDON; HEITZ CELLAR; ZACH BROWN/ATLAS IMAGERY

Founded in 2005 by Califor-

McEvoy Ranch

FAR RIGHT, FROM TOP: DONALD S. HICKS III; TUBAY YABUT

Frank Family Vineyards

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

39

ADVERTISEMENT

Country chic Peltzer.

Spanish fare at Altísima.

Balloon rides over the Valley.

The tasting room at Akash.

The Temecula Valley’s Seriously So Cal Wine

Situated midway between the desert and the ocean, the Temecula Valley is the epitome of Southern California Wine Country.

TIME YOUR TRIP

The heart of the Temecula Valley experience can be found in the tasting rooms of its nearly 50 wineries.

Weekends are wonderful but they can be busy, so many local wine insiders suggest visiting mid week for a more relaxed, less crowded experience, with more time to learn about the wines from the tasting rooms’ knowledgeable staff. In fact, it may even be the winemaker or winery owner pouring for you, sharing stories and pro tips while you sip.

SIP OLD AND NEW

Experience what dedication to the craft tastes like at Carter Estate where Javier Flores (who moved from Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe 25 years ago) and Jon McPherson make sparkling wine in the painstaking méthode traditionnelle used in Champagne, along with other exceptional bottlings.

For forward-looking reds and whites from a UC Davis-trained winemaker, hit Masia de la Vinya on bucolic De Portola Road. The Verdelho is a standout.

Poolside sips at Bottaia.

he server asks “Is the Cab Franc treating you well?” It is indeed. I’m at the restaurant at Ponte Vineyard Inn in Temecula Valley, sipping a tasty glass of Cabernet Franc— one of the nearly two-dozen grapes that thrive here—reflecting on a two-day trip during which I’ve tasted zippy whites, hearty Rhône-style reds, and other award-winning wines. Temecula Valley is a beautiful wine growing region that’s a convenient hour and half from Los Angeles and an hour from Palm Springs and San Diego. Yes, the climate and rolling hills remind people of the Mediterranean, but the Temecula Valley is uniquely Southern Californian. There’s are experiences for everyone, with welcoming tasting rooms, live music, wellness and adventure activities, and an exciting culinary scene. Local talent and winemakers from other well-known regions, including the nearby Valle de Guadalupe, are seeing the promise of Temecula Valley and raising the bar on the area’s bottlings. Here are six ways to build a perfect itinerary in this vibrant wine region that’s seriously So Cal.

GO FAMILY FIRST

Instagram your heart out at the rustic yet refined Peltzer Winery where expertly crafted wines are poured against the backdrop of an Americana farm fantasy. At Akash Winery, the Patel family’s modernist refuge offers views, pop-up pizza, yoga, and, of course, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and crushable rosé. Pioneering Palumbo Family Vineyards pours high quality estate reds in a setting that embodies the Valley’s farm-toglass experience.

EXPERIENCE WINE WITH A VIEW

At Doffo Winery, Argentinian varieties and a collection of gorgeously restored vintage motorcycles are in full effect. Sleek Bottaia offers an interactive wine blending lab, a charcuterie and wine pairing experience, and a pool with private cabanas that visitors can rent.

Altísima serves local bottlings at a luxurious facility with a modern Spanish restaurant and spectacular views.

DINE FINELY

Cap off your day with an exquisite Spanish meal at Bolero Restaurante at the sprawling Europa Village, where the affable and talented Egyptian-born chef Hany Ali oversees an expertly cooked menu of classic paella, modern tapas, and wines to match. The Restaurant at Leoness Cellars is an incredible upscale dining experience, with ultra-talented Chef Ben Diaz at the helm. The french fries here deserve a mention— they are life changing.

JOIN THE CLUB

Wines from Temecula don’t have wide distribution beyond the region, so be sure to sign up for one of the many wine club memberships offered throughout the Valley.

Not ready to commit?

Just about all wineries ship to most U.S. states.

A toast to Temecula

M AY Y O U A LWAY S BE WELCOMED

WITH OPEN ARMS, OPEN MINDS, AND AN OPEN BOTTLE OF WINE

T E M E C U L AW I N E S . O R G

Distinctive Wines from the Sierra Highlands

97

POINTS

El Dorado AVA | Placerville, Ca | Open Daily | www.starfieldvineyards.com | 530.748.3085

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold

Congratulations to This Year’s Sunset Wine Award Winners

It’s a wonderful wide, wide world of wine, and each year we host the Sunset International Wine Competition to steer you to bottles worth seeking out. We assembled an esteemed panel of judges and tasted our way through hundreds of bottles that collectively represent what’s being produced throughout the West and beyond. And then we awarded the medals.

The wines and wineries listed here deliver incredible flavor, the highest production standards, and, above all, deliciousness in the glass. Cheers to the deserving winners who have earned their place in this directory of exceptional wines!

THE COMPETITION JUDGES Andre DuVigneaud, Owner and Winemaker, Bee Hunter Anna Marie Dos Remedios, Winemaker, Idle Hour Winery Carol Shelton, Owner and Winemaker, Carol Shelton Wines David Sundberg, Winemaker, Hans Fahden Vineyards David Vergari, Winemaker Kerry Damskey, Wine Consultant and Winemaker Luke Goldschmidt, Enologist, Dutton Goldfield Matt Reid, Winemaker, Benessere Vineyards & PWR Wines Miro Tcholakov “Chief Judge” and Winemaker, Miro & Trentdue Penny Gadd-Coster, Winemaker, Breathless Wines Rick Davis, Owner and Winemaker, Calstar Cellars Stephanie Trotter, Owner and Winemaker, Trotter 1/16, D.O.S. at Tedeschi Family Winery

Ali DuVigneaud, Winery Owner, Bee Hunter Bekah Schloss, Wine Wall Supervisor, The Matheson Bridget Newcome, Wine Educator Cathy Vicini, Owner, Trecini Charles Mara, Winery Owner, Educator Corey Lester, Sommelier David Sandri, Educator Dawne Sacchetti, Consultant, River House Consulting Debbie Zachareas, Wine Expert, International Judge, and Lecturer Denise Gill, Educator and Consultant Emily Edeen, Sommelier Greg Richtarek, Wine and Spirits Manager Jai Wilson, Sommelier Jay Baili, Wine Judge and Educator Jessica Main, GM, Buyer, Sommelier Mary Beth Vierra, Wine and Spirits Educator, Consultant

Christopher Sawyer, Wine Writer and “Sommelier to the Stars”

Rebecca Fletcher, VIP and Trade Coordinator, Raymond Vineyards

Dan Berger, Wine Journalist

Sunny Yang Liao, Co-founder and CEO, Vinusclub

Ellen Landis, Wine Writer, Certified Wine Specialist Larry Van Aalst, Radio Host of “The Sonoma Wine Report,” CRN Digital Talk Radio Laura Ness, Food and Wine Writer

Traci Dutton, Educator, Sommelier, Wine and Beverage Judge, Public Wine and Beverage Studies, Culinary Institute of America Wilfred Wong, Chief Story Teller, Buyer / Educator

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

43

2023 SUNSET INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION 2022 Brecon Estate Wines Last Sandwich

Albariño

True Acacia Head Albariño

PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA BRECONESTATE.COM | 805.239.2200 | TASTING ROOM OPEN DAILY 11-5

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

DOUBLE GOLD, BEST OF CLASS, PLATINUM

DOUBLE GOLD, BEST OF CLASS, BEST OF SHOW

PAPAPIETRO PERRY WINERY

HUSCH VINEYARDS

Papapietro Perry 2020 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Barrel Aged

Category: Muscat Varietals 0.0 - 5.0% rs Award: Double Gold, Best of Class; Best of Show Dessert/ Late Harvest Score: 97 Appellation: Mendocino Price: $18 Tasting Notes: Sugar; tartness in harmony. Well made; balanced; very clean.

Elegant. www.huschvineyards.com

Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class; Platinum Score: 100 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $61 Tasting Notes: Abundance of purple floral aromatics; perfectly ripe raspberry; savory green and cola; balances sweet fruit. www.papapietro-perry.com

DOUBLE GOLD, BEST OF CLASS, BEST OF SHOW, BEST OF THE BEST

BRECON ESTATE 2022 Albariño Category: Spanish White Award: Double Gold, Best of Class; Best of Show White Wine; Best of the Best Score: 98 Appellation: Central Coast Price: $43 Tasting Notes: fresh and bright; honeysuckle; lingering finish. Very well made wine. www.breconestate.com

2022 Muscat Canelli Sustainably Farmed

SOJOURN CELLARS Sojourn Cellars NV Brut Sparkling Methode Champenoise

Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Double Gold, Best of Class; Best of Show Sparkling Wine Score: 97 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $54 Tasting Notes: Elegant; cherry; hints of earth; golden delicious apple; traditional sparkling; tiny beads. www.sojourncellars.com

TRENTADUE WINERY La Storia 2020 Merlot Estate Bottled & Produced

Category: Merlot > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class; Best of Show Red Wine Score: 98 Appellation: Alexander Valley Price: $26 Tasting Notes: True to varietal; good fruit. Made by a real pro! www.trentadue.com

Score: 97 Appellation: Lodi; Mokelumne River Price: $32 Tasting Notes: Lemongrass; rosé petals; firm palate. www.whitewinewinery.com

TRINCHERO FAMILY ESTATES

2021 Chardonnay Sonoma County Sustainably Farmed Grapes

Seaglass 2021 Rosé Category: Pinot Noir Rosés Award: Double Gold, Best of Class; Best of Show Rosé Wine Score: 98 Appellation: Monterey County Price: $12 Tasting Notes: Light delicate; pale blush complex and lively. www.tfewines.com

DOUBLE GOLD, BEST OF CLASS

ACQUIESCE WINERY & VINEYARDS 2022 Cinsaut Rosé Lodi Rules Estate Produced and Bottled Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Double Gold, Best of Class

ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Alexander Valley; Sonoma County Price: $22 Tasting Notes: Baked apple and powdered ginger.

Gooseberry tones. avvwine.com

ANCIENT PEAKS WINERY 2020 Renegade Santa Margarita Ranch AVA; SIP Certified; Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Other Red Blends Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $26 Tasting Notes: Coffee; cola; bacon; maple syrup; some dark fruit. www.ancientpeaks.com

APSARA CELLARS 2021 Whole Cluster Syrah Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Sonoma Mountain Price: $80 Tasting Notes: Bright; less weighty; black fruit and good balance. Nimble. www.apsaracellars.com

BARGETTO WINERY/ CHAUCERS CELLARS NV Chaucer’s Raspberry Mead Category: Meads Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains Price: $16 Tasting Notes: Strawberry blossom; noise; good funk; nicely balanced; raspberry. www.bargetto.com; www. chaucerswine.com

BELTANE RANCH 2022 Drummond Block Estate Sauvignon Blanc Estate Grown Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Sonoma Valley Price: $34

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

45

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Tasting Notes: nice acidity; tart white peach and Eureka lemon; lime grass; green apple; intense fruit continues on finish www.beltaneranch.com

Appellation: Petaluma Gap Price: $85 Tasting Notes: Wild strawberries; mandarin peel; fresh raspberry; spice www.bluefarmwines.com

Appellation: Ohio Price: $13.1 Tasting Notes: Precisely Catawba; beautifully expressive; palate pleasing. www.breitenbachwine.com

BENZIGER FAMILY WINERY

2020 Laceroni Vineyard Single Vineyard; Estate Grown Estate Grown

Breitenbach NV Roadhouse Red

2021 West Rows Chardonnay Estate Produced and Bottled Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Los Carneros Price: $37 Tasting Notes: Lovely; crisp; clean; pretty; balanced; sweet floral; dandelions. www.benziger.com

BIG DOG VINEYARDS 2019 Cabernet Franc Estate Grown; Unfiltered Category: Cabernet Franc Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: San Francisco Bay Price: $45 Tasting Notes: Well balanced; tobacco and fruit.

Long powerful finish.

Layered black fruit. Definitely Cab Franc; well made. bigdogvineyards.com

BLUE FARM 2021 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Estate Farmed Single Vineyard Reserve Category: Pinot Noir > $75.01 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 99

46

Category: Chardonnay $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $75 Tasting Notes: Tropical fruit; creamy; tart vanilla oak. Very well put together. www.bluefarmwines.com

BOGLE FAMILY WINE COLLECTION Phantom 2020 Chardonnay Barrel Fermented Category: Chardonnay =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Clarksburg (Yolo) Price: $18 Tasting Notes: Key Lime pie; sophisticated www.boglewinery.com

Category: Native American Hybrid Blends Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Ohio Price: $1 Tasting Notes: Spicy; true to varietal; with balance to mid-palate to finish.

Excellent. www.breitenbachwine.com

CAROL SHELTON WINES

CLINE CELLARS

2021 Coquille Blanc Category: White Rhone Blends Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $27.99 Tasting Notes: Honey; peach; integrated oak; layers; clean finish;layered fruit www.carolshelton.com

CELLAR BEAST WINEHOUSE

NV Brut Rosé

2021 The Dark Angel Pontin Del Roza Winemaker’s Reserve Blend

Category: Sparkling Rosé <2.5% rs Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $60 Tasting Notes: Nose is tantalizingly; red cherry; tangerine; with notes of spice box; vibrancy. www.bricoleurvineyards.com

CARBOY WINERY NV Grand Cuvee Colorado Sparkling Wine Sparkling Wine Traditional Method

Breitenbach NV First Crush

Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Grand Valley Price: $57 Tasting Notes: Bright citrus;

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Tasting Notes: Plummy; cohesive; well balanced www.cinderwines.com

BRICOLEUR VINEYARDS LLC

BREITENBACH WINE CELLARS Category: White Hybrid Varietals Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96

intriguing; floral notes; stunning. carboywinery.com

Category: Other Red Bordeaux Type Varietals > $20.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Yakima Valley Price: $65 Tasting Notes: Italian Combination Pizza (olive & sausage) Wood Verdant www.CellarBeastWine.com

CINDER WINES Laissez Faire 2022 Red Wine Category: Proprietary (House) Red Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Snake River Valley Price: $24

2022 Viognier Category: Viognier Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: North Coast Price: $15 Tasting Notes: fusel aromatics; coastal; lemon tart candies. A lovely wine. www.clinecellars.com

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards 2021 Malvasia Bianca Category: Italian White Varietals Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation: Lodi Price: $26.99 Tasting Notes: Apple pie; spicy; good acidity www.clinecellars.com

DANCIN VINEYARDS Dancin 2021 Tribute Barrel Aged Category: Barbera Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Rogue Valley Price: $55 Tasting Notes: Bold; sophisticated notes of red and black fruits. A finish that keeps on giving.

DELICATO FAMILY WINES Stoneleigh 2022 Sauvignon Blanc

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 99 Appellation: Marlborough Price: $17 Tasting Notes: slate; key lime pie; meringue; pronounced flint stone and mango; graham cracker crust. www.delicato.com

DUBOST 2019 Jacob’s Ladder Category: Other Red Blends Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Adelaida District Price: $25 Tasting Notes: Juicy full rich boysenberry. Lovely Rhone wine. www.dubostwine.com

2022 Rosé Wert Hill Vineyard Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Adelaida District Price: $75 Tasting Notes: Great color.

Berries; beautiful balance; strawberry; crisp; balanced; mouth watering www.dubostwine.com

DUTCHER CROSSING WINERY Dutcher Crossing 2022 Dutcher Crossing Sauvignon Blanc Barrel Aged Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01

Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $56 Tasting Notes: gravely; Asian pear; boxwood; beautifully long finish without heat. www.dutchercrossing winery.com

Dutcher Crossing 2018 Cooney Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Aged Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Alexander Valley Price: $40 Tasting Notes: Bold; rich; lush; textured; yummy; excellent. www.dutchercrossing winery.com

EFESTE 2020 Grenache Estate Grown and Produced Category: Grenache Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 99 Appellation: Red Mountain Price: $45 Tasting Notes: High acid; bright; precise; elegant; aromatics; southern Rhone; electric. www.efeste.com

ENKIDU WINE Enkidu 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon; Sonoma County; “ANSAR” Reserve Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class

Score: 99 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $95 Tasting Notes: Nice touch of cassis; classic Cab; nice acidity; food friendly. www.enkiduwines.com

Enkidu 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Aged Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $38 Tasting Notes: Cassis; nice balance; blueberries; boysenberry; nice spice; age worthy. www.enkiduwines.com

FAITH HOPE AND CHARITY WINERY Faith Hope and Charity Vineyards 2018 Marechal Foch Estate Category: Red Hybrid Varietals Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Oregon Price: $45 Tasting Notes: Excellent varietal character; spicy; generous fruit; well balanced. www.faithhopeand charityevents.com

FOLEY FAMILY WINES Ferrari-Carano 2022 Fumé Blanc

Appellation: North Coast Price: $17 Tasting Notes: Candy; gingered; salty melon. www.foleyfamilywines.com

FOUR LANTERNS WINERY 2017 Merlot Reserva Reserva aged 3 yrs in barrel and one in bottle before released

Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Merlot > $75.01 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Paso Robles; Templeton Gap District Price: $112 Tasting Notes: Pair with rack of lamb/w mint jelly.

Herbaceous; everything a good merlot should have! www.fourlanternswinery.com

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold DANCIN Vineyards DANCIN 2021 Tribute Barrel Aged Category: Barbera Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Rogue Valley Price: $65 Tasting Notes: Bold; sophisticated notes of red and black fruits. A finish that keeps on giving. www.dancin.com

Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

47

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

FURTHERMORE WINES 2019 Nevina’s Vineyard Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Estate Grown Produced and Bottled Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Sonoma Coast Price: $75 Tasting Notes: Good value;

ruby color; solid tasting Pinot Noir. www.furthermorepinot noir.com

2019 Sierra Mar Vineyard Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Estate Bottled and Produced Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold Gainey Vineyard 2021 Estate Pinot Noir Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills Price: $ 35 Tasting Notes: Cherry cola; light style; blood orange; nice acid. www.gaineyvineyard.com

Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands Price: $55 Tasting Notes: Rhubarb; nice follow through. Very round and earthy. www.furthermorepinotnoir. com

GAINEY VINEYARD 2021 Estate Pinot Noir Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills Price: $35 Tasting Notes: Cherry cola; light style; blood orange; nice acid. www.gaineyvineyard.com

GRINDSTONE WINES Grindstone 2019 Petit Verdot Estate Grown Category: Petit Verdot Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: California Price: $32 Tasting Notes: Earthy; sage aromas; Bing cherry; ripeness; long finish; well balanced. www.grindstonewines.com

HAHN FAMILY WINES Hahn SLH 2021 Pinot Noir Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 95

48

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands Price: $30 Tasting Notes: Dry earthy.

Hint of blood orange www.hahnwines.com

HALF MOON BAY WINERY 2021 Mavericks Sauvignon Blanc 100% Stainless Steel Fermented and Aged Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Central Coast Price: $16.99 Tasting Notes: Sage; lemon grass; nice nose; well balanced. www.halfmoonbaywinery. com

HAMILTON CELLARS 2019 Bona Vita Family owned; barrel aged Estate Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Red Mountain Price: $40 Tasting Notes: thick; dusty; coats the tongue; graphite www.hamiltoncellars.com

HEAVEN’S GATE VINEYARD 2019 HGV Mourvedre Category: Other Red Varietals Award: Double Gold, Best of Class

Score: 96 Appellation: Borden Ranch Price: $29 Tasting Notes: Fresh strawberry jam; boysenberry; fruity; delicious; spice box; sweet tobacco.

HEDGES FAMILY ESTATE DLD 2020 Descendants Liegeois Dupont - Syrah Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Red Mountain Price: $40 Tasting Notes: Showcases savory side of Syrah. Black pepper; dense; syrupy tart.

Roasty; cherry and oak. www.hedgesfamilyestate. com

HERTELENDY VINEYARDS Hertelendy 2019 Woolsey Road Vineyard Chardonnay Barrel Aged Category: Chardonnay > $75.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $85 Tasting Notes: Banana cream pie; hazelnut; honey; pineapple; very balanced and luscious. www.hertelendy.com

PHOTO BY MICHAEL DESMOND

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold

Best of Class

Double Gold

Gold

Gold

93 POINTS 96 POINTS

93 POINTS 96 POINTS

ESTATE GROWN WINES IN BEAUTIFUL PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA. WE’RE HONORED TO RECEIVE GOLD, DOUBLE GOLD, AND BEST OF CL ASS FROM SUNSET MAGAZINE.

FOURL ANTERNSWINERY

FOURL ANTERNSWINERY.COM

2485 WEST HIGHWAY 46, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

HOOT OWL CREEK WINERY

IMAGERY ESTATE WINERY

Hoot Owl Creek Vineyards 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon

2020 Cabernet Franc Estate Produced and Bottled

Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Alexander Valley; Sonoma County Price: $65 Tasting Notes: Notes of dark chocolate drinking perfectly.

Pink peppercorn; currants. hootowlcreekvineyards.com

Category: Cabernet Franc Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $55 Tasting Notes: Nice uniform structure. Bell pepper; jalapeno. An elegant wine. www.imagerywinery.com

HOUSE OF BROWN Brown Estate 2022 House of Brown Rosé Direct press; limited skin contact; Vegan Friendly; Certified Sustainable Category: Rosé Blends Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Lodi Price: $19.99 Tasting Notes: Fun blend; highly aromatic; floral; peaches and cream; well made. WOW! Houseofbrown.wine

IDLE CELLARS 2016 Merlot Category: Merlot > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Sonoma Valley Price: $32 Tasting Notes: Structure; good finish; bright fruit with depth. idlecellars.com

50

Class Score: 96 Appellation: Mendocino Price: $28 Tasting Notes: Rich; vanilla cream soda; good texture; honey. www.jaxonkeys.com

JESSIE’S GROVE WINERY 2020 Alicante Bouschet Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled

Category: Pinot Gris/ Grigio Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Willamette Valley Price: $17.99 Tasting Notes: Nice apple.

Really good wine. www.irisvineyards.com

Category: Other Red Varietals Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Lodi (San Joaquin) Price: $14 Tasting Notes: Mouthwatering concentrated fruit; old leather goods; substantial in fruit expression and mouthfeel; enjoyable without overpowering. www.jessiesgrovewinery.com

J. RICKARDS WINERY

JØYUS

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Serpentine Ridge Reserve Estate

NV Sparkling Wine Non-Alcoholic

IRIS VINEYARDS 2022 Pinot Gris

Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Alexander Valley; Sonoma County Price: $62 Tasting Notes: Lovely; inky; luscious. www.jrwinery.com

JAXON KEYS NV Jaxon Keys Brandy Conerstone Barrel Aged Category: Brandy Award: Double Gold, Best of

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Category: No alcohol Sparkling White Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Washington Price: $32 Tasting Notes: Very enjoyable; apple; nice texture and finish. drinkjoyus.com

KING ESTATE WINERY King Estate 2022 Pinot Gris Category: Pinot Gris/ Grigio

Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Willamette Valley Price: $19 Tasting Notes: Floral;pear; spice; perfect balance; white pepper; lemon peel. kingestate.com

LEDSON WINERY AND VINEYARDS Ledson 2019 Tiamo Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends > $75.01 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 99 Appellation: Sonoma Valley Price: $110 Tasting Notes: Well balanced; elegant for linen table; special wine. www.ledson.com

LIONSTONE INTERNATIONAL Capital Z 2021 Zinfandel Category: Zinfandel =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Lodi Price: $15.99 Tasting Notes: Black cherry cola; floral; lifted aromatics; passion fruit.

Left Of Ordinary 2021 Tannat Category: Other Red Varietals Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: California Price: $18.99

Tasting Notes: Tame tannins; refined expression; red current; strawberry rhubarb pie; black Satsuma plum.

LINDSAY CREEK VINEYARDS 2022 Riesling Category: Riesling semisweet 2.1 - 4.0% rs Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $17 Tasting Notes: Well balanced and structured; creamy finish. Nice mouth feel. Good standalone. lcvineyards.com

LUCID WINERY Lucid Wine 2021 Memorial Malbec Estate Produced and Bottled Category: Malbec Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Sierra Foothills Price: $38 Tasting Notes: Very pretty wine; Intense; spicy; plum; cedar box. www.lucidwinery.com

MACCHIA 2021 Amorous Category: Sangiovese Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Lodi Price: $35 Tasting Notes: Tobacco; chewy; nice oak; vanilla; lots of fruit; great for aging; nice tannins. www.macchiawines.com

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

2021 Superlicious Barrel Aged Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Lodi Price: $24 Tasting Notes: Stylish varietal fruit; soft tannins; rich and perfectly balanced; charming quaffer. www.macchiawines.com

2020 Dangerous Listneadt Vineyard Barrel Aged Category: Port Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation: Amador County; Sierra Foothills Price: $28 Tasting Notes: Minty and fresh; chocolate covered cherries. www.macchiawines.com

MAKER WINE COMPANY 2022 Verdelho Category: White Wines Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Lodi Price: $8 Tasting Notes: Pretty; peach; citrus; tropical; nose is stellar; musk melon. www.makerwine.com

MATRIX WINERY 2021 Rockpile Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class

52

Score: 98 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $56 Tasting Notes: Grippy quality; tight; still young.

Bright. www.matrixwinery.com

MAZZOCCO SONOMA WINERY Mazzocco Sonoma 2020 Petite Sirah Maria Category: Petite Sirah Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $38 Tasting Notes: Great acidity.

Spicy. Trace of earth; complex. Blackberry. Big; Balanced. www.mazzocco.com

MCPRICE MYERS WINES 2021 Right Hand Man Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $25 Tasting Notes: Floral; raspberry-white pepper.

Stewed tomato chutney; very concentrated. https://www.mcpricemyers. com/

MIRO CELLARS

Class Score: 98 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $28 Tasting Notes: Huge wine; big and bold; fennel and cassis; molasses; meaty. mirocellars.com

Miro 2021 Miro Zinfandel Bastoni Bastoni Vineyard Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Fountaingrove District Price: $28 Tasting Notes: Balanced; nice and smooth; full mouth; succulent; nice vanilla bean; perfectly ripe fruit; cocoa. mirocellars.com

MONSERATE VINEYARDS AND WINERY 2021 Negroamaro Estate Grown Produced and Bottled Category: Italian Red Varietals Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: San Diego County Price: $40 Tasting Notes: Bursts of flavor; food friendly; well balanced; wild berries; cherry; whisper of herbs; fantastic finish.

Miro 2021 Petite Sirah Coyote Ridge Vineyard

MY ITALIAN COUSIN

Category: Petite Sirah Award: Double Gold, Best of

Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $40.01 - $75.00

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

My Italian Cousin - Eugenio - 2019

Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $60 Tasting Notes: Nice fruit; round rich; Bing Cherry; meaty dark fruit; great structure & length; chewy tannins. http://myitaliancousin.com/

O’NEILL VINTNERS & DISTILLERS Robert Hall 2020 Merlot - Artisan Collection Category: Merlot =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $19.99 Tasting Notes: Dried herbs; coco powder; ripe cherry and plum; sweet tobacco. www.ONeillWine.com

PARADISE RIDGE WINERY Paradise Ridge 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Estate Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $32 Tasting Notes: Bright; racy; lemon; minerality. Blossoms on the nose; delicacy. www.prwinery.com

PENNYROYAL FARM 2022 PinoTrio

Estate Grown & Bottled Category: Other White Blends Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Anderson Valley Price: $33 Tasting Notes: taste of place; really nice wine; good fruit; clean; apple www.PennyroyalFarm.com

PEZZI KING VINEYARDS Pezzi King 2020 Serracino Zinfandel Reserve Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $62 Tasting Notes: Classic zin; blacktea; hints of black pepper. Ripe red fruit; wilh herbs. www.pezziking.com

Pezzi King 2020 Rockpile Reserve Zinfandel Single Vineyard Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Rockpile Price: $50 Tasting Notes: Figgy; aromatic; expansive; structure; texture. www.pezziking.com

PICCHETTI WINERY 2021 Leslie’s Estate Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Score: 98 Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains Price: $39.95 Tasting Notes: Peanut butter cookies; true fruit; Burgundian style. Excellant! www.picchetti.com

POPE VALLEY WINERY 2022 Rosé Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $36 Tasting Notes: Strawberry; pretty; delicate. www.popevalleywinery.com

PURPLE BRANDS Four Vines 2021 The Maverick Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir = <$20.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation: Monterey County Price: $17.99 Tasting Notes: Charming varietal character. Cherry fruit; spice; earth. Elegant finish. Balanced and juicy purplebrands.com

PWR WINES 2021 Tempranillo Barrel Aged Category: Tempranillo Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Clarksburg Price: $19 Tasting Notes: Medium body; gorgeous Bing cherry; great nose; elegant.

pwrwines.com

RIVINO ESTATE VINEYARDS & WINERY Rivino 2022 Pinot Blanc RIVINO Ranch Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Other White Varietals Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation: Mendocino Price: $27 Tasting Notes: Stone fruits; white peach; white flowers; vanilla confections; citrus pith. www.rivino.com

ROBERT YOUNG ESTATE WINERY 2019 Bob’s Burn Pile Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled

Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $60 Tasting Notes: Moca and black tea. Dark plumsblackberry. Very swell balanced; long finish. www.sequoiagrove.com

SIDEREUS VINEYARD & WINERY Sidereus 2022 Riesling Laurelwood District Estate Grown Category: Riesling semi-dry 0.91 - 2.0% rs Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Chehalem Mountains Price: $22 Tasting Notes: Finish is stunning; classic Riesling.

Bright summer fruit. www.sidereuswinery.com

SIPWELL WINE CO.

Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Alexander Valley; Sonoma County Price: $105 Tasting Notes: Cedar; black cherry; anise; cocoa dusted; long juicy finish. www.ryew.com

2022 Perfect Day

SEQUOIA GROVE WINERY

SONORAN WINES

2019 Napa Valley Malbec Category: Malbec

Category: Rosé Wines Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $6 Tasting Notes: Pretty white flowers; melon; saline; nice mouthfeel; white stone fruit; mandarins. www.sipwell.co

2018 Real de Terrenate Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Double Gold, Best of

Class Score: 97 Appellation: Arizona; Cochise County Price: $39 Tasting Notes: Aged; pretty & earthy; just tastes good. www.sonoranwines.com

Score: 97 Appellation: California Price: $20 Tasting Notes: Good finish; juicy round pleasing finish; nice complexity. www.thewinegroup.com

STARFIELD VINEYARDS TRINCHERO FAMILY ESTATES 2020 Bronson Bros.

Estate Grown

Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: El Dorado Price: $46 Tasting Notes: Minty quality; balanced black fruit; robust varietal typicality - crowd pleaser. www.starfieldvineyards.com

STE MICHELLE WINE ESTATES Tormaresca 2022 Calafuria Rosato Category: Rosé Blends Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Salento IGT Price: $22 Tasting Notes: Stone fruit & cream; juicy; balanced; pleasant acidity; crowd pleaser. www.ste-michelle-wineestates.com

THE WINE GROUP Imagery 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class

Fre NV Sparkling Brut Category: No alcohol white Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: California Price: $12 Tasting Notes: Floral; bright with lime. www.tfewines.com

Menage a Trois 2021 Midnight Dark Red Blend Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: California Price: $14 Tasting Notes: Good herbal notes; plummy; layers. www.tfewines.com

Seaglass 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Santa Barbara County Price: $12 Tasting Notes: Bright; vibrant; tart and tangy; gets better in the glass. www.tfewines.com

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

53

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

VINA ROBLES VINEYARDS & WINERY Vina Robles 2019 Mountain Road Reserve Estate Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Paso Robles; Adelaida District Price: $62 Tasting Notes: Opulent; nice oak; plush; rich black fruits. www.VinaRobles.com

WENTE FAMILY ESTATES Wente Vineyards 2019 Artiest Series Duetto Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Livermore Valley Price: $60 Tasting Notes: Chocolaty; oak; built to last; has structure. www.wentevineyards.com

WESTBROOK WINE FARM Fait Accompli 2011 Fait Accompli October Harvest Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Madera County

54

Price: $75 Tasting Notes: Magnificent and mature. Leather; earthy character. Walnut. www.westbrookwinefarm. com

WILLIAM HERITAGE WINERY Jersey NV Jersey Red Category: Native American Vinifera Blends Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation: American Price: $119 Tasting Notes: Elegant; expressive; smooth; very textured; great with a meal. www.heritagewinenj.com

WILSON CREEK WINERY & VINEYARDS, INC.

Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $45 Tasting Notes: Black sesame; chocolate; blackberry cobbler; truffle; explosive. www.wilsonwinery.com

WISE VILLA WINERY 2022 Stainless steel Chardonnay Estate Produced and Bottled Category: Unoaked Chardonnay Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Lodi; Clements Hills Price: $35 Tasting Notes: great texture from concrete; harmony of sweet; sour; bitterness. www.wisevillawinery.com

DOUBLE GOLD

2020 Vardande Estate Grown

ABACELA

Category: Other Red Blends Award: Double Gold, Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Temecula Valley Price: $46.99 Tasting Notes: Fruit driven; opens at mid palate.

Aromatic www.wilsoncreekwinery.com

2020 Tempranillo Fiesta Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled

WILSON WINERY OF DRY CREEK 2021 Primitivo / McClain Single Vineyard Selection Category: Primitivo

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Category: Tempranillo Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Umpqua Valley Price: $27 Tasting Notes: Good earthy notes; juicy; crowd pleaser; juniper; black fruit; dried plum. www.abacela.com

ACQUIESCE WINERY & VINEYARDS

2022 Jolie Lodi Rules Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: White Rhone Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Lodi; Mokelumne River Price: $34 Tasting Notes: Deep minerality; orange blossom; meyer lemon; lovely mouth feel; juicy. www.whitewinewinery.com

FOLEY FAMILY WINES Acrobat 2022 Rosé Category: Pinot Noir Rosés Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Oregon Price: $15.99 Tasting Notes: Juicy; balanced; right acidity.

Crisp; good varietal character www.foleyfamilywines.com

ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS 2019 Sin Zin Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $24 Tasting Notes: Sweet juicy blackberry; nice lingering finish; Earthiness. avvwine.com

AMMONS HORN WINES Ammons Horn 2020 Pinot Noir

Clone 777 Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Carneros Price: $44 Tasting Notes: Bing cherry; balanced; very good color. ammonshornwines.com

ASCENSION CELLARS 2022 Siren Rosé Category: Rosé Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Paso Robles Geneseo District Price: $32 Tasting Notes: WOW Aromatics; chutney; raspberry; beautiful acidity; captures every varietal. www.ascensioncellars.com

BARGETTO WINERY/ CHAUCERS CELLARS Bargetto Winery 2019 Dolcetto Estate Vineyard Category: Italian Red Varietals Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains Price: $35 Tasting Notes: Juicy; purity; spice; sour cherries; raspberry; dried herbs; aromatics; tannins and acid; well balanced. www.bargetto.com; www. chaucerswine.com

Bargetto Winery 2020 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir Barrel Aged Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains Price: $35 Tasting Notes: Bitter chocolate; dipped cherries. www.bargetto.com; www. chaucerswine.com

BARLOW VINEYARDS Barlow 2018 Barrouge Estate Single Vineyard Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Napa Valley; Calistoga Price: $55 Tasting Notes: Roasty oak; integrated fruit; long finish; good example of oak. www.barlowvineyards.com

BARRISTER WINERY 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Pepper Bridge Vineyard Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Walla Walla Valley Price: $41 Tasting Notes: Herbal cherry; toasty oak; pleasant; dusty tannins; red fruit. barristerwinery.com

2019 Sangiovese Kiona Estate Category: Sangiovese Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Red Mountain Price: $37 Tasting Notes: Big oak; lots of fruit; cherry; good balance between oak and fruit; good food wine; vanilla.

barristerwinery.com

BELLAGRACE VINEYARDS 2020 Amador Barbera Category: Barbera Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Amador County Price: $32 Tasting Notes: Licorice; tobacco; lavish flavors of crushed blackberry and raspberry. www.BellaGraceVineyards. com

BENZIGER FAMILY WINERY 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon; Sunny Slope Vineyard Estate Bottled Estate Grown and Produced Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Sonoma County; Sonoma Valley Price: $65 Tasting Notes: Cocoa; sweet red fruit; cranberry; long finish. www.benziger.com

BIG OAK RANCH LLC DBA LIGHTPOST WINERY Lightpost Winery 2021 2021 Pinot Noir SCM Vintner’s Reserve Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold

Score: 96 Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains Price: $58 Tasting Notes: Tart red fruit; cranberry; classic Pinot. lightpostwinery.com

BIG OAK RANCH LLC DBA LIGHTPOST WINERY Lightpost Winery 2021 2021 Pinot Noir Saveria Vintage Reserve Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains Price: $58 Tasting Notes: Beautiful terroir notes. Rich; good spice; ripe berry fruit; cherry cola. lightpostwinery.com

BLUE FARM 2021 Anne Katherina Vineyard Single Vineyard; Estate Grown Single Vineyard Category: Pinot Noir > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Carneros Price: $85 Tasting Notes: Blue fruit; pomegranate; blueberry.

Opulent. www.bluefarmwines.com

2021 King Ridge Vineyard Single Vineyard; Estate Grown Estate Grown Category: Pinot Noir > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Fort Ross

- Seaview Price: $95 Tasting Notes: Red plum; dark cherry; sea smoke. www.bluefarmwines.com

BOGLE FAMILY WINE COLLECTION Phantom 2019 Red Blend Barrel Aged Category: Proprietary (House) Red Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: California Price: $18 Tasting Notes: Upfront blackberry Pepper (red); balanced. www.boglewinery.com

BOKISCH VINEYARDS NV Sparkling Albariño Estate Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Clements Hills Price: $36.5 Tasting Notes: Citrusy; lemon-lime; tropical fruit; mango; great food wine. www.bokischvineyards.com

BREATHLESS WINES Breathless NV Blanc de Blancs Methode Champenoise Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $39 Tasting Notes: Bright finish; citrus; lovely tropical notes;

yeasty. www.breathlesswines.com

BRICOLEUR VINEYARDS LLC 2021 Grenache Kick Ranch Estate Category: Grenache Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Fountain Grove Price: $65 Tasting Notes: Floral; spiced cherry; delicate; red cherry; cinnamon; cardamon. www.bricoleurvineyards.com

2021 RRV Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $85 Tasting Notes: Deep color; pretty; age worthy; lots of umami. www.bricoleurvineyards.com

2021 Special Selection Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $70 Tasting Notes: Lively notes of violet; pomegranate; black raspberry. www.bricoleurvineyards.com

CA’ MOMI 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Napa Valley

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

55

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Price: $24.99 Tasting Notes: Toasty cherry cola; big fruit; rich; nice wine; nice acidity. www.camomi.com

CACTUS STAR VINEYARD Scaredy Cat Ranch 2020 Petit Verdot Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Petit Verdot Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Ramona Valley Price: $42 Tasting Notes: Cocoa/ mocha tones; toasted nuts; olive tapenade. scaredycatranch.com

CAMARADERIE CELLARS 2020 Grenache Category: Grenache Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $31.5 Tasting Notes: Nice mouth feel; red plum; spicy; balanced. www.camaraderiecellars.com

CAROL SHELTON WINES 2022 Wild Thing Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $21.99 Tasting Notes: Bright apple; lemon zest; good acid; food wine. www.carolshelton.com

56

CASS WINERY 2022 Viognier Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Viognier Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Paso Robles Geneseo District Price: $38 Tasting Notes: baking spices; white pepper; peach and apricot; magnolia/orange blossom. www.casswines.com

CELLAR 13 WINERY 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Livermore Valley Price: $43 Tasting Notes: Rich; soft; full; round; dark; ull body; provocative; spice; complexity. http://www.Cellar13Winery. com

CINNABAR VINEYARDS & WINERY 2021 Mercury Rising Red Blend Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: California Price: $26 Tasting Notes: nice oak; great opaque color; ponderous. cinnabarwinery.com

CLINE CELLARS Jacuzzi Family Vineyards

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

2020 Giocondo

Estate Single Vineyard

Category: Grenache Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation: Carneros Price: $52 Tasting Notes: Blackberry; rosémary; complex smooth; refreshing on palate; complex. www.clinecellars.com

Category: Malbec Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Mendocino County Price: $40 Tasting Notes: Elegant; lovely layers. BIG wine; clean nose. coxfamilyvineyards.com

CLOS DU VAL WINERY Clos du Val 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Aged Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $60 Tasting Notes: Textural.

Classic Bordeaux style; well balanced. www.closduval.com

CORUCE VINEYARDS AND WINERY 2020 Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Antelope Valley of the California High Desert (Los Angeles) Price: $29 Tasting Notes: Chocolate; mushroom; white chocolate; and blood orange peel. www.corucevineyards andwinery.com

COX VINEYARDS JLC 2020 Malbec Cox Family Vineyards

CRU WINERY 2019 Sierra Madre Vineyard Chardonnay Single Vineyard Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Santa Maria Valley Price: $25 Tasting Notes: Lemon chiffon; hazelnuts; bright hints of pomelo and papaya. www.cruwinery.com

2021 SLH Pinot Noir Smith & Lindley Vineyard Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands Price: $40 Tasting Notes: Great representation; balanced; shows promise; delicate. www.cruwinery.com

D & L CARINALLI VINEYARDS 2021 Chardonnay D & L Carinalli Vineyards Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold

Score: 96 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $25 Tasting Notes: Bright; fresh and lively. Well made. www.dlcarinallivineyards.com

DANCIN VINEYARDS Dancin 2021 Adagio Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Rogue Valley Price: $42 Tasting Notes: Pleasantly chubby on palate; brightness; a lot of cherry; Wildberry; Huckleberry; mulberry; raspberry; lovely savory character.

Dancin 2021 En Croix;Barrel Fermented Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Rogue Valley Price: $33 Tasting Notes: Golden apple; star fruit. Peachy lemonade.

Butterscotch notes.

DAVIS FAMILY VINEYARDS 2020 Sangiovese Category: Sangiovese Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $48 Tasting Notes: Supple; nice wine; lots of spice; vanilla; mature fruit; cherry. www.daviswines.com

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

www.dotwinery.com

DEL RIO VINEYARD ESTATE 2022 Grenache Rosé Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Rogue Valley Price: $17.99 Tasting Notes: Floral ;citrus; pale sunset; white stone fruit; mouth watering; balanced. www.delriovineyards.com

DRY CREEK VINEYARD 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $25 Tasting Notes: New Zealand style from Dry Creek. Floral ripe fruit; refreshing. www.drycreekvineyard.com

ECO TERRENO WINES DOMAINE DE BROGLIE & VINEYARDS 2019 Cuvée Pinot Noir Barrel Aged Estate Grown Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Dundee Hills Price: $44 Tasting Notes: Soft and tight tannin; concentrated and intense on palate and finish; texture; silky. www.domainedebroglie.com

DOT WINES LLC Dot Wine 2022 Nalu Sauvignon Blanc Certified Sustainable Single Vineyard Selection Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $28 Tasting Notes: Yum! Wet stone minerality; chalky; summer rain; long finish; hint of Mandarin orange.

2019 Cuvée Tierra Red Wine Biodynamically farmed Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Alexander Valley; Sonoma County Price: $27 Tasting Notes: Aromatic; nice finish; pretty; earthy; smooth; purple rosé. https://www.ecoterreno.com/

ENKIDU WINE

FOLEY FAMILY WINES

Enkidu 2019 Pinot Noir; Russian River Valley; Tina Marie Vineyard

Acrobat 2022 Rosé

Single Vineyard Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Sonoma County; Russian River Valley; Green Valley Price: $68 Tasting Notes: Cola; age worthy; rhubarb pie; nice wine; nice balance. www.enkiduwines.com

FAITH; HOPE AND CHARITY WINERY 2021 La Crescent Estate Grown

EHRET FAMILY WINERY

Category: White Hybrid Varietals Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Oregon Price: $45 Tasting Notes: True to varietal; floral; honeysuckle; tropical plumeria; aromatic. www.faithhopeand charityevents.com

2019 Hillside Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Bavarian Lion Vineyards

FLAMBEAUX WINE

Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Knights Valley Price: $125 Tasting Notes: Old world meets new world; fruity; well balanced; beautiful cassis; great oak. www.ehretwinery.com

Flambeaux 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $70 Tasting Notes: Soft floral notes with ripening blackberry. www.flambeauxwine.com

Category: Pinot Noir Rosés Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Oregon Price: $15.99 Tasting Notes: Juicy; balanced; right acidity.

Crisp; good varietal character

www.foleyfamilywines.com

FORIS VINEYARDS WINERY Foris 2022 Pinot Gris Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Pinot Gris/ Grigio Award: Double Gold Score: 96

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold D & L Carinalli Vineyards 2021 Chardonnay D & L Carinalli Vineyards Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 25 Tasting Notes: Bright; fresh and lively. Well made. www.dlcarinallivineyards.com

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

57

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Appellation: Rogue Valley Price: $17 Tasting Notes: Energetic wine. Rosé petals; well made. www.foriswine.com

FORTUNATI VINEYARDS 2020 Malbec Category: Malbec Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Oak Knoll District Price: $65 Tasting Notes: Pretty regal; ruby rich and lean. www.fortunativineyards.com

2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Napa Price: $175 Tasting Notes: Elegant; black currant; tobacco leaf; leather; fresh cinnamon; cassis; classic Cab. www.fortunativineyards.com

FOUR LANTERNS WINERY 2022 House Rosé Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Rosé Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Paso Robles; Templeton Gap District Price: $36 Tasting Notes: Pretty wine; inviting nose; great color; nice balance; beautiful clarity; raspberry and rosé petal.

58

www.fourlanternswinery.com

FOUR SISTERS RANCH 2018 Sacheen Red Wine Bordeaux Style Red Wine Barrel Aged Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $56 Tasting Notes: sweet red fruit; cherry; very pretty. www.foursistersranch.com

2019 Serena’s Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Aged Estate Bottled Reserve Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Paso Robles Estrella District Price: $44 Tasting Notes: Generous helping of blue fruit. Wild berries; bayleaf. www.foursistersranch.com

GARRÉ VINEYARD AND WINERY 2019 Primitivo Estate Category: Primitivo Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Livermore Valley Price: $36 Tasting Notes: Bright flavors; wild strawberries; dark plum.

GREENWOOD RIDGE VINEYARDS

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

2021 ZINFANDEL RUSSIAN RIVER Grown; Produced and Bottled

VINEYARDS

Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Sonoma County; Russian River Valley Price: $40 Tasting Notes: Rich; earthy; black cherry soda; expansive; layers. www.greenwoodridge.com

2019 Malbec Shayna Vista Vineyard Single Vineyard

GWINLLAN ESTATE 2019 Rosé Sparkling Wine Methode Champenoise Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Sparkling Rosé <2.5% rs Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Fair Play Price: $42 Tasting Notes: Purity; elegance in a glass; pretty fruit; hint of herbs; complex with touch of tangerine. gwinllanestate.com

Category: Malbec Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Sonoma Valley Price: $65 Tasting Notes: Ripe; intense; good wine. Chocolate tones; baking spice. www.hansfahden.com

HARNEY LANE WINERY Harney Lane 2022 Albarino Category: Spanish White Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Lodi; Mokelumne River Price: $18 Tasting Notes: summer flowers; delightful mouth feel; well-balanced. www.harneylane.com

HALTER RANCH VINEYARD

HERTELENDY VINEYARDS

Halter Ranch 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown & Bottled

Hertelendy 2019 Audere Red Blend Barrel Aged

Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Adelaida District Price: $55 Tasting Notes: Deep; broad and pretty. www.halterranch.com

Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $75 Tasting Notes: Charming varietal character; black olives green tea. www.hertelendy.com

HANS FAHDEN

HOLESINSKY WINERY 2020 Idawine Red Blend

Category: Other Red Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Snake River Valley Price: $14 Tasting Notes: Big full fruity “”Beast”” Lovable; deep fruit. www.holesinsky.com

2020 100% Pinot Noir Barrel Select Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Snake River Valley Price: $65 Tasting Notes: Bold; full body; long finish. www.holesinsky.com

IRIS VINEYARDS 2020 House Call Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Oregon Price: $19.99 Tasting Notes: Red fruit; smooth; subtle. www.irisvineyards.com

IRONSTONE VINEYARDS Kautz & Kramer 2019 Sheldon Ranch; Block 72 Cabernet Franc Single Vineyard Category: Cabernet Franc Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Lodi Price: $32 Tasting Notes: Generous; yet graceful; power and oak.

Tobacco with rich sweet fruit and ripe black plum.

Exuberant; opulent; winemaker’s wine. www.ironstonevineyards.com

2 0 2 3 S U N S E T I N T E R NAT I O NA L W I N E C O M P E T I T I O N

95

POINTS

98

DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL

BEST OF CLASS

POINTS

good for the earth, great in the glass 18 8 3 L ON D ON R A NC H ROA D, G L E N E L L E N, C A 8 8 8.49 0.27 3 9 | W W W. B E N Z IG E R .C OM

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

J. LOHR VINEYARDS & WINES 2021 J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $35 Tasting Notes: Vanilla; dark chocolate; lead pencil; very nice wine; good black. https://www.jlohr.com

J. RICKARDS WINERY 2020 Old Vine Zinfandel 1908 Brignole Reserve Estate Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Sonoma County; Alexander Valley Price: $47 Tasting Notes: Cocoa; notes of sarsaparilla and allspice. www.jrwinery.com

J WRIGLEY VINEYARDS 2021 Proposal Block Pinot Noir Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: McMinnville Price: $68 Tasting Notes: Grapey; very yummy; youthful. www.wrigleywines.com

60

JAXON KEYS NV Jaxon Keys Brandy Private Stock Barrel Aged Category: Brandy Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Mendocino Price: $40 Tasting Notes: Fresh; green apple; balanced. www.jaxonkeys.com

2021 Primitivo Michael’s Reserve Category: Primitivo Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Mendocino Price: $349 Tasting Notes: Big bright; luscious; velvety www.jaxonkeys.com

JL WOOD 2021 Premier Winery and farming practices certified sustainable (CSWA) Single Vineyard Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Arroyo Seco Price: $32 Tasting Notes: Minerality; orange peel; wet stone; white pepper; intriguing. jlwoodwine.com

JUSTIN VINEYARDS & WINERY Landmark 2021 Overlook Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Monterery

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

County/Santa Barbara County/Sonoma County Price: $27 Tasting Notes: Abundance of blue fruit; forest floor; cherry cola; black raspberry. www.justinwine.com

KINGS MOUNTAIN WINERY Kings Mountain Vineyards 2019 Bacchus Pinot Noir Estate Grown Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation Price: $65 Tasting Notes: Lean; juicy fruit & fruit forward. Brandy cherry & long finish. www.kingsmountain vineyards.com

LA PRENDA WINES Fifth Hill 2021 Pinot Noir Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Carneros Price: $45 Tasting Notes: Fresh floral; juicy cherry; fruit driven; easy to drink. www.laprendawines.com

LANGETWINS FAMILY WINERY 2022 Aglianico Rosé River Ranch Vineyard Single Vineyard

Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Jahant Price: $25 Tasting Notes: Soft tannin; attractive nose; pleasing finish. Lovely! www.langetwins.com

LIONSTONE INTERNATIONAL Domare 2021 Barbera Category: Barbera Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Piemonte DOC Price: $19.99 Tasting Notes: Classic; medium to full body. Black fruits and mineral; long finish.

GFF Lodi 2021 Zinfandel Category: Zinfandel =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Lodi Price: $18.99 Tasting Notes: Sweet spice; nutmeg; allspice; cinnamon.

Long Bay 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: WO Western Cape Price: $16.99 Tasting Notes: Roasted pine nut; poached pears; wild herbs.

Portinho do Covo 2021 Red blend Category: Other Red Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Vinho Regional Beiras Price: $15.99 Tasting Notes: Outstanding wine. Well integrated fruit spice. Charcuterie and friends wine.

LUCID WINERY Lucid Wine 2021 Forestbed Grenache Estate Produced and Bottled Category: Grenache Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Sierra Foothills Price: $48 Tasting Notes: Raspberry; strawberry; balanced; good acid; expansive on palate. www.lucidwinery.com

LULA CELLARS 2020 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Anderson Valley Price: $60 Tasting Notes: Dry finish; velvety; plumy; figgy; classic Pinot character. www.lulacellars.com

2019 Rescue Block Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Anderson Valley Price: $45 Tasting Notes: Big; dynamic ; grip in mouth; lasting fruit. www.lulacellars.com

Over 40 years of excellence in Central Coast Pinot Noir

California Table Wine, ©2024 Hahn Estate, Modesto, CA. All rights reserved. 24-5907590-HAN-820-110075427

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

MACCHIA 2021 Generous Mohr Fry Ranch Barrel Aged Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Lodi Price: $28 Tasting Notes: Balanced; dry cherries; bright layered. www.macchiawines.com

2021 Infamous Cooper Ranch Barrel Aged Category: Barbera Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Amador County; Sierra Foothills Price: $28 Tasting Notes: Deep savory texture; generous hints of black fruit. Volcanic ash; gracious. www.macchiawines.com

2021 Meticulous Luna Vista Vineyard Barrel Aged Category: Primitivo Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Lodi Price: $30 Tasting Notes: Hickory; cedar notes of violet; boysenberry; and roasted almonds. www.macchiawines.com

MAGITO & COMPANY Meadowcroft Wines 2022 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Anderson Valley

62

Price: $38 Tasting Notes: Boysenberry; expensive oak; sexy.

Meadowcroft Wines 2020 River Trace GSM Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: California Price: $50 Tasting Notes: Jammy; lush; dry finish; nice floral bouquet.

MARIETTA CELLARS 2021 Angeli Zinfandel Estate Grown & Bottled Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $38.5 Tasting Notes: Juicy; fresh; attractive. www.mariettacellars.com

MATRIX WINERY 2022 Shiloh Rosé Category: Pinot Noir Rosés Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $34 Tasting Notes: Juicy; no edges; delicate great wine; lots of character. www.matrixwinery.com

MAZZOCCO SONOMA WINERY Mazzocco Sonoma 2020 Zinfandel Serracino Reserve Category: Zinfandel > $20.01

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

- $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $60 Tasting Notes: Olallieberry; savory; brilliantly balanced; great finish. www.mazzocco.com

MCPRICE MYERS WINES Mac & Billy Cellars 2021 M Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $35 Tasting Notes: Spice; lead pencil; rich; black licorice; very refined. www.mcpricemyers.com

MENDOCINO WINE COMPANY Parducci 2021 True Grit Petite Sirah Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Petite Sirah Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Mendocino County Price: $30 Tasting Notes: Very well balanced. Charming. intensity. www.mendocinowineco.com

MERRIAM VINEYARDS 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Gloeckner-Turner Ranch Single Vineyard Estate Bottled & Produced

Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Rockpile Price: $88 Tasting Notes: Bright; great acidity; white pepper; cassis; classic. www.merriamvineyards.com

2022 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Estate Produced and Bottled Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Sonoma Coast (Sonoma) Price: $30 Tasting Notes: Lime peel and pineapple. Passion fruitgood minerality. www.merriamvineyards.com

METTLER FAMILY VINEYARDS 2019 Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel Estate Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Lodi Price: $24.99 Tasting Notes: WOW! Lovely dark berries; addition of Petite Sirah adds incredible complexity; velvety texture; so well crafted. www.mettlerwine.com

MI SUENO WINERY 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Aged Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 97

Appellation: Napa Price: $85 Tasting Notes: Deep dark aromas; cinnamon; graphite; dark black cherry; long finish. misuenowinery.com

2019 Lynne’s Vineyard Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Aged Single Vineyard Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Napa Valley; Mt. Veeder Price: $105 Tasting Notes: Tobacco aromas; cigar box; slight anise flavor; black raspberry. misuenowinery.com

2019 Mama Ester Vineyard Barrel Aged Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Coombsville Price: $105 Tasting Notes: Very floral; dried herbs; roasted pine nuts; mocha; great dustiness; long finish. misuenowinery.com

MIRA WINERY 2017 Hyde Vineyard Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Category: Pinot Noir > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Carneros Price: $95 Tasting Notes: Aromatic wonder blueberry; raspberry; blackberry www.miranapa.com

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

2016 Hyde Vineyard Merlot Single Vineyard Category: Merlot > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Carneros Price: $95 Tasting Notes: Sweet Fruit; nice chalky; tannins; classic; CA style merlot. www.miranapa.com

MONSERATE WINERY Monserate Vineyards and Winery 2022 Fiore Estate Grown Produced and Bottled Category: Other White Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: San Diego County Price: $29 Tasting Notes: nice mid palate; well done; delivery from start to finish.

Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $34 Tasting Notes: Nice orange; lime; tangerine. www.nicheliniwinery.com

NOTRE VUE ESTATE WINE GROUP Balverne 2021 Chardonnay Certified Sustainable Grown Produced and Bottled Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $35 Tasting Notes: Quince; flatbreads brioche; caramel butter popcorn; long finish; www.notrevueestate.com

NAPA DE ORO WINERY OKAPI 2021 Chardonnay Barrel Fermented Category: Chardonnay $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $45 Tasting Notes: Hazelnut; lemon curd; long lingering finish; butter cream. napadeoro.com

NICHELINI FAMILY WINERY 2022 Roman Press White Estate Bottled Category: Other White Blends

64

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Jungle Love Vineyard Estate Vineyard Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Napa Valley; Oak Knoll Price: $121 Tasting Notes: Deep dark fruits; purity of variety; tannins; fruit and acid in perfect balance. okapiwine.com

OLIVIA BRION WINES Cantadora 2019 The Sage Organically farmed; not certified

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Barrel Aged Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Amador County; Sierra Foothills Price: $50 Tasting Notes: Elegant. old world construction. Delicate; silkiness. www.oliviabrion.com & www.cantadora.wine

O’NEILL VINTNERS & DISTILLERS Robert Hall 2020 Merlot Category: Merlot =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $19.99 Tasting Notes: Dried herbs; tobacco; mocha; super red plum skins. www.ONeillWine.com

OPOLO WINES Opolo 2021 Summit Creek Zinfandel Barrel Aged Category: Zinfandel =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $20 Tasting Notes: Ripe; dried red fruit; leathery. www.opolo.com

PAPAPIETRO PERRY WINERY Papapietro Perry 2020 Charles Vineyard Pinot Noir

Single Vineyard Barrel Aged Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Anderson Valley Price: $66 Tasting Notes: Deep; rich; inviting; juicy; delicious. www.papapietro-perry.com

PARADISE RIDGE WINERY Paradise Ridge 2022 Rosé Wine Brides Blush Category: Rosé Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $32 Tasting Notes: Aromatic; lean; clean; fresh; well balanced; charcuterie notes; raspberry. www.prwinery.com

PELTIER WINERY Peltier 2018 Triomphe Premium Red Blend Lodi Rules Sustainable Winegrowing Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Other Red Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Lodi Price: $40 Tasting Notes: Tasting oak; round; easy. peltierwinery.com

PELTZER FAMILY CELLARS 2019 Meritage

Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: California Price: $60 Tasting Notes: Nice harmony; pepper; nicely balanced; nice tannins; great medium body. peltzerwinery.com

PENNYROYAL FARM 2020 Pinot Noir Eye of the Needle Vineyard Estate Grown & Bottled Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Anderson Valley Price: $59 Tasting Notes: Nice oak; vanilla; consumer friendly; balanced. www.PennyroyalFarm.com

2019 Blanc de Noir Traditional Method Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Anderson Valley Price: $49 Tasting Notes: Elegant; mouthwatering; honors Pinot fruit; Ranier cherry; pink grapefruit; citrus blossom. www.PennyroyalFarm.com

PERNOD RICARD USA PRW Kenwood Vineyards 2020 Kenwood Vineyards “Six Ridges” Chardonnay Barrel Fermented Category: Chardonnay =< $20.00

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $16.99 Tasting Notes: Oak well integrated; real tropical; balanced; meyer lemon; nice length. kenwoodvineyards.com

Kenwood Vineyards 2019 Rugged Elements Green Valley Vineyard Chardonnay Barrel Fermented Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Green Valley of Russian River Valley Price: $40 Tasting Notes: Creamy buttery tones. Pineapple and guava. Rich creamy baked ripe apple. kenwoodvineyards.com

QUIXOTE WINERY Panza 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Stags Leap District Price: $75 Tasting Notes: Luscious; lush & rich; gripping black fruit. www.quixotewinery.com

PICCHETTI WINERY 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Arroyo Seco Price: $24.95

Tasting Notes: Salty sweet melon; complex and dynamic finish. www.picchetti.com

POPE VALLEY WINERY 2019 Faultline Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $72 Tasting Notes: Good acidity red cherry fruit; spicy; rich mid palate; leather; earthy character; walnut. www.popevalleywinery.com

R. STUART AND CO. 2021 Love; Oregon Pinot Noir;Reserve Cuvee Reserve Cuvee Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Willamette Valley Price: $35 Tasting Notes: Big fruit; balanced; bright; black and red fruit. www.rstuartandco.com

RAGTAG WINE CO.

PRESSLEY VINEYARDS

2022 Rosé Single Vineyard

2019 Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Aged

Category: Pinot Noir Rosés Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Edna Valley Price: $28 Tasting Notes: Yeasty biscuity character; fig forward fruit with Jolly Rancher taste. www.RAGTAGWINECO.com

Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Napa County; Coombsville Price: $55 Tasting Notes: Soft fruit; great velocity; softer mouth feel; long finish.

PRUETT FARMS 2021 Reverie Reserve Chardonnay Barrel fermented and aged Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Livermore Valley Price: $35 Tasting Notes: Tropical fruit; California style; creamy; oaky. Nice. www.pruettwine.com

RANGELAND WINES 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Unfined; Unfiltered Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Adelaida District Price: $45 Tasting Notes: Black Fruit; dense; silky; smooth tannins; hint of vanilla; elegant. www.rangelandwines.com

2021 Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Central Coast Price: $35 Tasting Notes: Nicely integrated oak; good acid; great mouth feel. www.rescuedogwines.com

REUSTLE PRAYER

ROCK VINEYARDS 2021 Syrah Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Umpqua Valley Price: $38 Tasting Notes: Cinnamon and cherry tones. Juicy and balanced. Fennel seed.

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold Rescue Dog Wines 2021 Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Central Coast Price: $33.99 Tasting Notes: Nicely integrated oak; good acid; great mouth feel. www.rescuedog wines.com

RESCUE DOG WINES WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

65

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

www.reustlevineyards.com

RM WINERIES Rhody 2022 Rosé Estate Grown Category: Rosé Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Ancient Lakes Price: $18.99 Tasting Notes: Pretty pink; floral; lovely.

RMWINERIES.COM

ROCKY POND ESTATE WINERY 2020 Malbec Rocky Reach AVA Category: Malbec Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $60 Tasting Notes: Elegant; standout wine; ripe plums. www.rockypondwinery.com

RODNEY STRONG WINE ESTATES Rodney Strong Vineyards 2020 Chalk Hill Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Chalk Hill Price: $22 Tasting Notes: Peppery; big bright; long sultry finish. www.rodneystrong.com

Rodney Strong Vineyards 2018 Symmetry Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $40.01 - $75.00

66

Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Sonoma County; Alexander Valley Price: $60 Tasting Notes: Fine; delicate; still precise varietal character; blackberry; spice; round tannins; soft; supple. www.rodneystrong.com

ROSS RANCH VINEYARDS Ross Ranch 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Single Vineyard Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Knights Valley Price: $25 Tasting Notes: Zippy; minerality; delicate. www.rossranchwine.com

SALVESTRIN WINERY 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: St. Helena Price: $35 Tasting Notes: Gooseberry and rich; well made from start to finish. salvestrinwinery.com

SANTORI WINES 2020 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Aged Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Howell

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Mountain Price: $140 Tasting Notes: Earthy; pencil lead; cider; cigar; bread; blueberry pie; baked fruits. www.santoriwines.com

SCOTT HARVEY WINES Scott Harvey 2020 Barbera Mountain Selection Category: Barbera Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Amador County Price: $30 Tasting Notes: Bright red fruits; notes of black cherry; roasty-toasty well balanced; fruit integrated; sensitive on the finish. www.scottharveywines.com

SEAN MINOR WINES Sean Minor 2021 Grenache - Rossi Ranch Invited Series Category: Grenache Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation: Sonoma Valley Price: $65 Tasting Notes: Raspberry sorbet; balanced floral; spicy. www.seanminorwines.com

Sean Minor 2021 Chardonnay; Signature Series Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Sonoma Coast (Sonoma) Price: $28 Tasting Notes: Bright tangerine; ginger; good acid; California style. www.seanminorwines.com

SERRES RANCH WINE Serres Ranch 2019 Watriss Estate Grown Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Sonoma Valley Price: $85 Tasting Notes: Lively red fruit; in control tannins. www.serresranchwine.com

SODA ROCK WINERY Soda Rock 2020 Boar D’eaux Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $40 Tasting Notes: balanced; perfumey; rich; lengthy dry finish. www.sodarockwinery.com

Soda Rock 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon; Mercantile Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $46 Tasting Notes: Big tasting Cab; bright; ripe; tasty; lush; likeable. www.sodarockwinery.com

Soda Rock 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon; Spur Hill Spur Hill Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Alexander

Valley Price: $46 Tasting Notes: Chocolaty Oak; dense; powerful; chocolate covered cranberry; raspberry; bran. www.sodarockwinery.com

Soda Rock 2019 Malbec; Reserve Runway Reserve Category: Malbec Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $49 Tasting Notes: Pretty; oak; spice; pomegranate; eucalyptus; sweet spices. www.sodarockwinery.com

Soda Rock 2020 Zinfandel Wentworth Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $40 Tasting Notes: Under-ripe blueberry; good acidity; personality. www.sodarockwinery.com

Soda Rock 2020 Zinfandel Wedding Cake Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Alexander Valley; Sonoma County Price: $36 Tasting Notes: Black currant; volcanic ash. Blue notes of un-sugared cocoa. Dried blueberries. www.sodarockwinery.com

96

98

95

v. 2 0 2 2

v. 2 0 2 0

v. 2 0 2 1

POINTS

POINTS

POINTS

F A M I LY O W N E D S I N C E 1 9 8 2 • S U S T A I N A B LY F A R M E D • M A D E T O S A V O R , P R I C E D T O A F F O R D clinefamilycellars.com |

@clinecellars

jacuzziwines.com |

@jacuzziwines

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

SONOMA-CUTRER VINEYARD 2021 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $23 Tasting Notes: Golden apple; magnolia blossoms; fruit citrus. www.sonomacutrer.com

STE MICHELLE WINE ESTATES Spring Valley Vineyard 2019 Katherine Corkrum Cabernet Franc Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Cabernet Franc Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Walla Walla Valley Price: $60 Tasting Notes: Structured classic Bordeaux style balanced. Nice tannin; dark

68

fruit; long finish. www.ste-michelle-wineestates.com

ST. ANNE’S CROSSING 2020 Angelo Zinfandel Angelo Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $46 Tasting Notes: Bursting with flavors. Awesome Wine! stannescrossing.com

STONEHOUSE CELLARS 2019 Cabernet Savignon; Mimulus Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Lake County Price: $95 Tasting Notes: Nice balance; soft tannins; classic; beautiful oak integration; notes of spice. www.stonehousecellars.com

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon;

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Extra Sticky Monkey Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Lake County Price: $120 Tasting Notes: Intensity; cassis; nice fruit; leather; cigar box; well balanced; everything a Cab should be. www.stonehousecellars.com

STORRS WINERY & VINEYARDS; LTD. Storrs 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Monterey Price: $24 Tasting Notes: Total package as a Sauv Blanc. Limey; tart; flavorful finish; concentration of fruit. storrswine.com

SUMMERLAND WINE BRANDS Summerland 2021 Fiddlestix Pinot Noir “Clone 115” Fiddlestix Vineyard Winemaker’s Reserve Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills Price: $65 Tasting Notes: Raspberry luminescence; fruity; garnet color; wild berry. www. summerlandwinebrands. com

SYCAMORE RANCH VINEYARD & WINERY LLC 2021 Grenache Tierra Alta Vineyard Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Grenache Award: Double Gold

Score: 97 Appellation: Ballard Canyon Price: $45 Tasting Notes: Crowd pleasing; spicy; strawberries; honey. www.sycamoreranch.com

2021 Primitivo Barrel aged Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Primitivo Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Paso Robles; El Pomar District Price: $45 Tasting Notes: Great depth; richness. Deep, rich and complex. www.sycamoreranch.com

TALISMAN WINE 2018 Gunsalus Vineyard Pinot Noir Gunsalus Vineyard Single Vineyard Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $65 Tasting Notes: Well

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

integrated oak; pleasant and intriguing; great salinity; coastal influence. www.talismanwine.com

THE WINE GROUP Imagery 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: California Price: $19.99 Tasting Notes: Sweet and savory with long dry finish. www.thewinegroup.com

TRUJILLO WINES LLC 2022 Madelyn Rosé Category: Rosé Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $24 Tasting Notes: Juicy; raspberry; star fruit; citrus; spicy; well balanced; floral with little touch of spice. www.trujillowines.com

2019 Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Aged

Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Napa Price: $90 Tasting Notes: Cherry pit; tomato stew; coffee grinds; juniper; pencil shavings; graphite. www.trujillowines.com

VANZ WINES 2018 Cabernet Barrel Aged Reserve Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Napa Valley; St. Helena Price: $120 Tasting Notes: Elegant; floral notes; cassis; tobacco; soft and easy on the mouth. vanzwines.com

VARA WINERY & DISTILLERY Vara 2020 Gold Tempranillo

Category: Tempranillo Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Spain Price: $30 Tasting Notes: Rioja; expansive medium body; layered; cerebral. varawines.com

WAITS-MAST FAMILY CELLARS Waits-Mast 2019 Pinot Noir Mariah Vineyard Single Vineyard Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Mendocino Ridge Price: $47 Tasting Notes: Lengthy finish; coppery after a rain; very pretty; floral. www.waitsmast.com

WASHINGTON WINE GROUP

Milbrandt Family 2022 Rosé Sustainable Farming Methods; Vegan; Gluten-Free Estate Grown Category: Rosé Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $14.99 Tasting Notes: Beautiful porch pounders; great acid. https://washingtonwine group.com/

WILLIAM HERITAGE WINERY William Heritage 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Estate Reserve Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Outer Coastal Plain Price: $38 Tasting Notes: lemon balm and a hint of meringue; boxwood; bright acidity; nice viscosity and mouth feel www.heritagewinenj.com

WILSON CREEK WINERY & VINEYARDS INC. 2020 Double Dog Red Estate Grown & Bottled Category: Other Red Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Temecula Valley Price: $69.99 Tasting Notes: Rich fruit; dense mouth coat. Lingering finish. Earthy. www.wilsoncreekwinery.com

WILSON WINERY OF DRY CREEK 2021 Zinfandel/Ellie’s Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $42 Tasting Notes: Hickory; huckleberry; wild and untamed. Black tea. www.wilsonwinery.com

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

69

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

GOLD, BEST OF CLASS

BRONCO WINE COMPANY Orogeny 2021 Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir =< $20.00 Award: Gold, Best of Class Score: 91 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 45.99 Tasting Notes: Bright; fresh; clean; nice balance; tart ripe raspberries; full mouth; nice finish. classicwinesofcalifornia.com

CINDER WINES Cinder 2022 Dry Riesling Category: Riesling dry 0.0 0.9% rs Award: Gold, Best of Class Score: 94 Appellation: Snake River Valley Price: $ 23 Tasting Notes: nice fruit-pronounced; balanced; seamless; nice finish. www.cinderwines.com

Tasting Notes: Good beginning; middle and finish; crisp. www.ejgallo.com

FOLEY FAMILY WINES Ferrari-Carano 2021 Sonoma County Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold, Best of Class Score: 91 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $ 27 Tasting Notes: Ripe apples; pear; toast; little spice note. www.foleyfamilywines.com

FORIS VINEYARDS WINERY Foris 2022 Moscato Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Muscat Varietals >5.1% rs Award: Gold, Best of Class Score: 94 Appellation: Rogue Valley Price: $ 15 Tasting Notes: Floral; gardenias; carnations. Tropical fruit-guava. Spritzy. www.foriswine.com

E&J GALLO WINERY

HEDGES FAMILY ESTATE

Black Box NV Chardonnay

CMS 2020 CMS Cabernet Sauvignon

Category: Chardonnay =< $20.00 Award: Gold, Best of Class Score: 90 Appellation: California Price: $ 19.99

70

Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Gold, Best of Class Score: 91 Appellation: Columbia Valley

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Price: $ 20 Tasting Notes: Coffee; pepper. Well integrated. www.hedgesfamilyestate. com

complex. Cherry; spice.

Fascinating blend. www.ironstonevineyards.com

HUSCH VINEYARDS

J. LOHR VINEYARDS & WINES

2022 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer Estate Bottled

2021 J. Lohr Estates South Ridge Syrah

Category: LH White Varietals Award: Gold, Best of Class Score: 94 Appellation: Anderson Valley Price: $ 30 Tasting Notes: Well made; pops fruit; balanced. www.huschvineyards.com

IDLE HOUR WINERY & KITCHEN Idle Hour 2022 Grenache Blanc La Presa Vineyard Category: Other White Varietals Award: Gold, Best of Class Score: 94 Appellation: Santa Ynez Price: $ 34 Tasting Notes: Succulent mouthfeel; floral; vanilla and rosé petals. www.idlehourwinery.com

IRONSTONE VINEYARDS Granite Hill 2022 Granite Hill Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir =< $20.00 Award: Gold, Best of Class Score: 92 Appellation: Lodi Price: $ 15.99 Tasting Notes: Nose is

Category: Syrah/ Shiraz =< $20.00 Award: Gold, Best of Class Score: 90 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 15 Tasting Notes: Plumy; dried apricot; earthy; bold. https://www.jlohr.com

LONE OAK WINERY 2021 Marquette Star Port style dessert wine Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Other Award: Gold, Best of Class Score: 91 Appellation: Minnesota Price: $ 20 Tasting Notes: Spicy and pleasant. www.LoneOakWinery.org

PENROSÉ HILL Weelderige Velde 2022 100% Chenin Blanc Sur lie Old Vines Category: Chenin Blanc Award: Gold, Best of Class Score: 94 Appellation: Paarl Price: $ 47 Tasting Notes: Classic varietal; tealeaf; sweet earth.

PORTLAND CIDER COMPANY NV Original Gold Hard Cider Category: Hard Cider Award: Gold, Best of Class Score: 91 Appellation: Yamhill County Price: $ 12.99 Tasting Notes: Wax; seed; honeysuckle; fresh; sweet apple. www.portlandcider.com

SEAN MINOR WINES Sean Minor 2021 Red Blend; Nicole Marie; Signature Series Category: Other Red Blends Award: Gold, Best of Class Score: 93 Appellation: North Coast Price: $ 28 Tasting Notes: Juicy; complex and spicy. Chocolate; blackberries. www.seanminorwines.com

THE WINE GROUP Chloe Wine Collection NV Prosécco Category: Prosécco Award: Gold, Best of Class Score: 92 Appellation: Italy Price: $ 17.99 Tasting Notes: Tropical; fun bubbles; dried peaches; nicely balanced with nice lingering finish. www.thewinegroup.com

W I N E M A K E R P H I L S TA E H L E

Every bottle captures the exceptional character of Sonoma.

2018 ANSAR Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County 99 pts, Best of Class

2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County 97pts, Best of Class

2019 Pinot Noir, Tina Marie Vineyard, Russian River Valley 95pts, Double Gold

enkiduwines.com

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

THE WINE GROUP Franzia NV Dark Red Blend Vintner Select Category: Boxed Red Wines Award: Gold, Best of Class Score: 92 Appellation: American Price: $ 6.99 Tasting Notes: Appealing; medium body; fruity red wine. www.thewinegroup.com

VEGAS VALLEY WINERY 2022 Subtle Blonde Category: Riesling sweet >4.1% rs Award: Gold, Best of Class Score: 92 Appellation: Suisun Valley Price: $ 24 Tasting Notes: Good varietal; lengthy finish; lemon verbena. www.vegasvalleywinery.com

GOLD

ABACELA 2022 Albarino Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Spanish White Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Umpqua Valley Price: $ 22 Tasting Notes: nice mouth feel; crisp acid. www.abacela.com

72

ACQUIESCE WINERY & VINEYARDS

ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS

2021 Belle Blanc Lodi Rules Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled

2019 Alexander School Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Category: White Rhone Blends Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Lodi; Mokelumne River Price: $ 36 Tasting Notes: Minerally; full mouth feel; lush palate; ripe pineapple. www.whitewinewinery.com

ADRICE WINES 2020 J2 Barrel Aged Category: Cabernet Franc Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Walla Walla Valley Price: $ 39 Tasting Notes: Pleasant and rich with redeeming acidity.

Red fruit with a little pepper. www.Adricewines.wine

AIMEE 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $ 28 Tasting Notes: Concentrated fruit rounded palate; brightness green fruit and citrus. aimeewines.com

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Alexander Valley; Sonoma County Price: $ 60 Tasting Notes: Heavy fruit; licorice; ripe; lingering finish. avvwine.com

ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS 2022 Dry Rosé of Sangiovese Sonoma County Sustainably Farmed Grapes Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $ 22 Tasting Notes: Rosé petal; bright fruit; long finish. avvwine.com

2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma County Sustainably Farmed Grapes Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Alexander Valley; Sonoma County Price: $ 34 Tasting Notes: Well balanced; blue fruit and black cherry notes. avvwine.com

2022 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $ 22 Tasting Notes: spice box and earthiness; ripe expression. avvwine.com

ALEXANDRIA NICOLE CELLARS 2019 Jet Black Syrah Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Horse Heaven Hills Price: $ 32 Tasting Notes: Big bold bad ass. Restraint and finesse; sharp tannins; pleasing finish. www.alexandrianicole cellars.com/

AMADOR CELLARS 2020 Syrah Unfined & Unfiltered Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Amador County Price: $ 35 Tasting Notes: Spicy note; peppery; opens nicely to true self. www.amadorcellars.com

2019 Tempranillo Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Tempranillo Award: Gold Score: 90

Appellation: Amador County Price: $ 35 Tasting Notes: Complex; chalky; balanced; black fruit. www.amadorcellars.com

AMATERRA WINES 2019 Amaterra Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Willamette Valley Price: $ 45 Tasting Notes: Ranier cherry; watermelon; ripe plum; good mouth feel.

AMI AMI NV vin blanc Category: Boxed White Wines Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Limoux AOC Price: $ 32 Tasting Notes: Nice acid; honey; refresh; lemongrass.

AMPHORA WINERY 2019 Cabernet Franc Category: Cabernet Franc Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $ 50 Tasting Notes: Spicy; cigar box; herbaceous; pepper; nice balance. www.amphorawines.com

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

ANAM CARA CELLARS 2021 Riesling; Nicholas Estate Estate Category: Ice Wine Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Chehalem Mountains Price: $ 32 Tasting Notes: Honey; good acid; aromatics are good. www.anamcaracellars.com

ANAYA VINEYARDS 2019 Albariño Barrel Aged for 12 months and 12 months on bottle Category: Spanish White Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Clements Hills Price: $ 32 Tasting Notes: Great nose; floral; soft creamy finish. www.anayavineyards.com

Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 72 Tasting Notes: Rich; dynamic; well made. www.ancientpeaks.com

ANDANTE VINEYARD 2019 Estate Chardonnay Van Duzer Corridor AVA; LIVE Certified vineyard Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Willamette Valley Price: $ 32 Tasting Notes: Well integrated oak; light. https://www.andantevineyard.com

ANCIENT PEAKS WINERY

ARATAS WINE

2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Margarita Ranch AVA; SIP Certified Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled

Category: Petite Sirah Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Amador County Price: $ 58 Tasting Notes: Blackberries and blueberries; cinnamon and cedar; brown sugar, maple. www.AratasWine.com

Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 25 Tasting Notes: Big tannin; rich; hint of herbal notes. www.ancientpeaks.com

2020 Pearl Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Margarita Ranch AVA; SIP Certified Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled

74

2018 Shake Ridge Ranch Single Vineyard

ASCENSION CELLARS 2018 Trinity GSM Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Paso Robles

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Geneseo District Price: $ 59 Tasting Notes: Silky tannins; red fruit focused - grenache dominant; herbalious – delightful. www.ascensioncellars.com

AVINODOS WINES 2018 AvinoDos Cabernet Sauvignon - Diamond Mountain District Founder’s Reserve Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Diamond Mountain District Price: $ 125 Tasting Notes: Deep dark and delicious; nice elegant nose; nice acidity; black currant. www.AvinoDos.com

AVINODOS WINES 2018 AvinoDos Cabernet Sauvignon - Atlas Peak Single Vineyard Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Atlas Peak Price: $ 95 Tasting Notes: Engaging aroma; cassis; earthy notes; integrated tannins; great fruit. www.AvinoDos.com

BAILY VINEYARD & WINERY 2022 Riesling Estate Bottled

Category: Riesling semisweet 2.1 - 4.0% rs Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Temecula Valley Price: $ 35 Tasting Notes: Lemon meringue pie; very well made. bailywinery.com

BALDACCHINO CELLARS 2019 Cugini Sangiovese Category: Sangiovese Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 48 Tasting Notes: Wild berries; spicy; approachable; good structure. www.baldacchinocellars.com

BALDASSARI WINES 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Barrel Fermented Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Knights Valley Price: $ 30 Tasting Notes: very true to style; nice viscosity; lingering finish. www.baldassariwines.com

BALISTRERI VINEYARDS 2021 Cabernet Franc Category: Cabernet Franc Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: American Price: $ 30

Tasting Notes: Great deep fruit; solid middle; explosive finish.

BalistreriWine.com

BALLETTO VINEYARDS, INC. 2020 Chardonnay Burnside Road Vineyard Burnside Road Vineyard Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Chardonnay $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 42 Tasting Notes: Opulent creamy lemon curd. Butterscotch; soft integrated oak. www.Ballettovineyards.com

2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Pinot Noir Rosés Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 25 Tasting Notes: Good nose; delicate wine; pretty aroma; strawberry and cream. www.Ballettovineyards.com

2020 RRV - Pinot Noir Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 32 Tasting Notes: Nicely balanced. Good fruit. www.Ballettovineyards.com

2023 SUNSET INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION

2021 Pinot Noir STA. RITA HILLS

2021 Pinot Noir SAVERIA VINEYARDS

2021 Pinot Noir SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS

2021 Jules DE BRUT Blanc de Blanc

lightpostwinery.com / 408-762-7225 / Tasting room open Wed-Sun 11am-6pm in Morgan Hill, CA

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

BARLOW VINEYARDS 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Single Vineyard Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Napa Valley; Calistoga Price: $ 60 Tasting Notes: Lovely balance of fruit & tannin. www.barlowvineyards.com

BARRA OF MENDOCINO Barra 2021 Pinot Noir Estate Grown / Made With Organic Grapes Reserve Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Mendocino Price: $ 26 Tasting Notes: Pomegranate; feminine; voluptuous. www.barraofmendocino. com; www.girasolevineyards.com

Girasole Vineyards 2021 Charlie’s Blend Made with organically grown grapes/Vegan friendly Estate Grown Category: Other Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Mendocino County Price: $ 18 Tasting Notes: Vanilla; berry; sweet cherry; crowd pleaser. www.barraofmendocino. com; www.girasolevineyards. com

76

BARTHOLOMEW ESTATE WINERY 2021 Zinfandel Garden Block Estate Grown Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Sonoma Valley Price: $ 48 Tasting Notes: Deep fruit; long finish; chocolatey; mocha. www.bartholomewestate. com

BAYERNMOOR CELLARS 2022 Rosé Category: Rosé Blends Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Horse Heaven Hills Price: $ 25 Tasting Notes: Strawberry & fig notes. https://bayernmoor.com/

2022 White Pinot Noir Clone Precoce Estate Grown; Estate Bottled Category: Other White Varietals Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Puget Sound Price: $ 40 Tasting Notes: Mineral; wet stone; lovely food wine; balanced acid; nice finish. https://bayernmoor.com/

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

BEE HUNTER WINE 2019 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Anderson Valley Price: $ 48 Tasting Notes: Big; fat burgundy taste. Bright cherry. www.beehunterwine.com

2018 Perli Vineyard Zinfandel Category: Zinfandel >$75.01 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Anderson Valley Price: $ 80 Tasting Notes: Purple grape.

Generous notes. www.beehunterwine.com

BELLAGRACE VINEYARDS 2021 Amador Zinfandel Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Amador County Price: $ 28 Tasting Notes: Blue fruit; boysenberry; ripe blackberry. Allspice. www.BellaGraceVineyards. com

2022 Estate Vermentino Estate Category: Italian White Varietals Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Amador County Price: $ 30 Tasting Notes: Pretty; peach melon; stone fruits; floral. www.BellaGraceVineyards. com

BELLA LUNA ESTATE WINERY 2019 Estate Riserva Unfined & Unfiltered Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Italian Type Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Templeton Gap District Price: $ 58 Tasting Notes: Balanced; cherry; strawberry; creamy; good acidity; soft tannins. www.bellalunawine.com

BELTANE RANCH 2021 Zinfandel Heins Block Estate Grown Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Sonoma Valley Price: $ 54 Tasting Notes: Ripe blackberry & black cherry; dense color; graceful finish. www.beltaneranch.com

BERRYESSA GAP VINEYARDS 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Yolo County Price: $ 24 Tasting Notes: Round; full; zippy. Citrus finish. www.berryessagap.com

BIG OAK RANCH LLC DBA LIGHTPOST WINERY Lightpost Winery 2019 Sparkling Jules de Brut Reserve Brut Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: San Luis Obispo County Price: $ 42 Tasting Notes: Well balanced; warm pastry; nice acidity; length extended; great for a wedding. lightpostwinery.com

Lightpost Winery 2021 Pinot Noir SRH Vintage Reserve Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills Price: $ 58 Tasting Notes: Spice; citrus; red raspberry. lightpostwinery.com

BLUEBIRD HILL CELLARS 2021 Chardonnay Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Willamette Valley Price: $ 35 Tasting Notes: Light; crisp; good food wine; oysters. www.bluebirdhillcellars.wine

c r a ft ing a w ard winning wines

v. 2021

v.2 02 2

v.20 21

v.2020

v.2021

v.2021

2 0 2 3 I N T E R N AT I O N A L W I N E C O M P E T I T I O N MARKETD BY B RONCO WINE CO. | BRONCOWINE.COM

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

BOGLE FAMILY WINE COLLECTION

Price: $ 25 Tasting Notes: Bright fruit; very quaffable; crisp. www.boissetcollection.com

Bogle Family Vineyards 2020 Petite Sirah Barrel Aged

Raymond Vineyards 2020 Reserve Selection Merlot

Category: Petite Sirah Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: California Price: $ 11 Tasting Notes: Blackberry; spice. full bodied; well balanced. www.boglewinery.com

Category: Merlot > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $ 24 Tasting Notes: Smooth; fruit juicy; tannins tight but will age well. www.boissetcollection.com

BOISSET COLLECTION

BOKISCH VINEYARDS

American Vintage 2020 Chardonnay

2022 Albariño Terra Alta Vineyard Estate Bottled & Produced

Category: Chardonnay =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $ 13 Tasting Notes: Sweet floral fruit; lemon. Well balanced. www.boissetcollection.com

LVE: Legend Vineyard Exclusive 2019 Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: North Coast Price: $ 20 Tasting Notes: Good food wine; good acid; long finish. www.boissetcollection.com

LVE: Legend Vineyard Exclusive 2021 Rosé Category: Rosé Blends Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Languedoc AOC

78

Category: Spanish White Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Clements Hills Price: $ 24 Tasting Notes: Good spice; fruit-driven; enticing; crisp acidity; good finish. www.bokischvineyards.com

BOYD FAMILY VINEYARDS 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon; Moulds Family Vineyard Single Vineyard Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Napa Valley; Oak Knoll District Price: $ 180 Tasting Notes: Classic; cocoa; cassis; finished elegantly. www.boydwine.com

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

2018 Cabernet Sauvignon; Oak Knoll District Single Vineyard Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Napa Valley; Oak Knoll District Price: $ 95 Tasting Notes: Bright fruit; deeply layered with spice; intense herbal notes; perfect oak integration; fabulous. www.boydwine.com

BREATHLESS WINES NV Breathless Late Disgorged Brut Methode Champenoise Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $ 75 Tasting Notes: Lovely example of late disgorged; intriguing and complex. www.breathlesswines.com

BRECON ESTATE 2022 Last Sandwich Category: Other White Blends Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Central Coast Price: $ 42 Tasting Notes: Floral; aromatic. www.breconestate.com

2022 True Acacia Head Albariño Category: Spanish White Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Central Coast

Price: $ 43 Tasting Notes: Rosé water; balanced; seamless finish. www.breconestate.com

BRIAN CARTER CELLARS 2022 Abracadabra Rosé Category: Rosé Blends Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $ 25 Tasting Notes: Good citrus; excellent color. briancartercellars.com

2018 Solesce Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $ 60 Tasting Notes: Black Cherry; spice; medium bodied; well balanced; lovely finish. briancartercellars.com

2018 Trentenaire Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $ 50 Tasting Notes: Blackberry; spice; oak; balanced. briancartercellars.com

BRONCO WINE COMPANY Big Guy Wine Cellars 2021 Red Wine

Paws for Purple Hearts Category: Other Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: California Price: $ 15.99 Tasting Notes: Easy drinking wine; nice fruit and finish. classicwinesofcalifornia.com

Montpellier Vineyards 2020 Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: California Price: $ 6.99 Tasting Notes: Bright cherry; licorice; easy on palate; food friendly; great with charcuterie plate. classicwinesofcalifornia.com

Picket Fence 2022 Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 21.99 Tasting Notes: Mineral driven; smooth; youthful; balanced. classicwinesofcalifornia.com

Rare Earth Organic Winery 2021 Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: California Price: $ 14.99 Tasting Notes: Well integrated; balanced fruit. classicwinesofcalifornia.com

SILVER METAL WINNER

SILVER METAL WINNER

DOUBLE GOLD METAL WINNER

SILVER METAL WINNER

96 POINTS

SUSTAINABLY GROWN WINES THAT CELEBRATE EVERYDAY PROUDLY GROWN IN THE BEAUTIFUL CALIFORNIA DELTA.

pressleyvineyards.com | @pressleyvineyards

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Rosénblum Cellars NV Vintner’s Cuvee Zinfandel Vintner’s Cuvee Lot No. 42 Category: Zinfandel =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: California Price: $ 15.99 Tasting Notes: Nice and dry. classicwinesofcalifornia.com

CAMARADERIE CELLARS 2020 Grace Winemaker Select Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $ 45 Tasting Notes: Blackberry; black currant; smoke; balanced; rich tannins; long finish. www.camaraderiecellars.com

CARBOY WINERY 2020 Teroldego Category: Other Red Varietals Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Grand Valley Price: $ 39 Tasting Notes: Great notes; great body; great texture; clean and vivid; juicy fruit. carboywinery.com

CAROL SHELTON WINES 2021 Coquille Rouge Category: Rhone Type Red Blends

80

Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Central Coast Price: $ 27.99 Tasting Notes: Juicy; rich; fruity and full. Undeniable delicious character. Balancing spices. www.carolshelton.com

2020 Wild Thing Zin Organically grown Old Vine Category: Zinfandel =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Mendocino County Price: $ 19.99 Tasting Notes: Fruity; prunes; dark cherry. www.carolshelton.com

CASINO MINE RANCH 2021 Vermentino Estate Grown Category: Italian White Varietals Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Shenandoah Valley (Amador) Price: $ 26 Tasting Notes: Grassy; apple-pear; lime zest. Nice minerality. www.casinomineranch.com

CASITA DE BRAVO WINES 2019 Sangiovese Category: Sangiovese Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Santa Ynez Valley Price: $ 40

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Tasting Notes: Big plum cake; bright fruit; refreshing tartness; baking spices. www.casitadebravo.com

CASQUE WINES Le Casque 2020 Adrian Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Sierra Foothills Price: $ 36 Tasting Notes: Sweet earthy character; dark chocolate; medium roast coffee. www.casquewines.com

Le Casque 2020 Petite Sirah Category: Petite Sirah Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Sierra Foothills Price: $ 35 Tasting Notes: Fruit. complexity; slight jamminess.

Very approachable. www.casquewines.com

Le Casque 2020 Syrah Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Sierra Foothills Price: $ 32 Tasting Notes: Carmel flavor with vibrant fruit; well integrated; subtle. www.casquewines.com

CASS WINERY 2019 C*A*B Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $20.01 - $40.00

Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Paso Robles Geneseo District Price: $ 29 Tasting Notes: Black pepper and cassis; black currant; age worthy. www.casswines.com

2022 Marsanne Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Other White Varietals Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Paso Robles Geneseo District Price: $ 38 Tasting Notes: Honeysuckle; guava; melon; granite; minerality. www.casswines.com

2022 Oasis Mouvedre/Grenche Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Paso Robles Geneseo District Price: $ 32 Tasting Notes: Aromatic; red fruit; fresh; balanced. www.casswines.com

CAZADERO WINERY 2021 Chardonnay Catie’s Corner Vineyard Barrel Fermented Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 38.99 Tasting Notes: Deep broad and complex; grapefruit; peach and melon. www.cazaderowinery.com

CBC BEVCO Twisted Cedar 2021 Moscato Certified Sustainable through Lodi Rules; Vegan.

Category: Muscat Varietals 0.0 - 5.0% rs Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Clarksburg Price: $ 15 Tasting Notes: Juicy; honey flavor. http://twistedcedarwines .com/

CASTLE ROCK WINERY CELLAR 13 WINERY 2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir Rosés Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Monterey County Price: $ 11 Tasting Notes: Good acid; highly aromatic delicate balance; melon with thyme. www.castlerockwinery.com

2018 Chardonnay

Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Livermore Valley Price: $ 26 Tasting Notes: Butterscotch; apple pie; great food wine. http://www.Cellar13Winery. com

Best of Class 96 Double Gold

Isla Rose Brut Rosé

96 Double Gold

97 Double Gold

98 Double Gold

2021 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2021 Kick Ranch Grenache

2021 Special Selection Pinot Noir

In addition to being an award winning wine, our Isla Rose Brut Rosé represents our newest campaign - Sip With Purpose. For each bottle of Isla Rose purchased we will donate $5 to the V Foundation in support of cancer research. Scan the QR code to learn more and get involved!

www.bricoleurvineyards.com | 7394 starr road, windsor, ca

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

CHATEAU LILL Lill Family Wines 2020 Baron de Massy Category: Other Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Columbia Valley; Horse Heaven Hills Price: $ 50 Tasting Notes: Classic

Meritage; powerhouse with depth. www.chateaulill.com

CHRONIC CELLARS INC. 2021 Suite Petit Category: Petite Sirah Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Paso Robles

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold Clif Family Winery 2021 Sonoma Valley Grenache Category: Grenache Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Sonoma Valley Price: $ 42 Tasting Notes: Stewed notes; cranberries. www.cliffamily.com

Price: $ 16.99 Tasting Notes: Lavendar and violets. White pepper; graphite. www.chroniccellars.com

CINDER WINES 2021 Malbec Category: Malbec Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Snake River Valley Price: $ 37 Tasting Notes: Figgy; lactic rich; creamy. www.cinderwines.com

CINNABAR VINEYARDS & WINERY 2020 Chardonnay Barrel Fermented Category: Chardonnay $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains Price: $ 44 Tasting Notes: Creamy butterscotch; soft oak integration. Meyer lemon. cinnabarwinery.com

CLIF FAMILY WINERY 2021 Sonoma Valley Grenache Category: Grenache Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Sonoma Valley Price: $ 42 Tasting Notes: Stewed notes; cranberries. www.cliffamily.com

2022 Rosé of Grenache Category: All other Varietal

82

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Rosés Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Mendocino Price: $ 30 Tasting Notes: Melon. great mouth feeling; long finish. www.cliffamily.com

CLOS DE LA TECH 2016 Domaine Lois Louise “Cote Sud” Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Pinot Noir > $75.01 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains Price: $ 95 Tasting Notes: Earthy notes of espresso; wild berry; Asian Fusion flare. www.closdelatech.com

2016 Domaine Valeta “Sunny Slope” Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Pinot Noir > $75.01 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains Price: $ 95 Tasting Notes: Earthy fruit tones with fresh herbs. www.closdelatech.com

CLOS DU VAL WINERY 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $ 55 Tasting Notes: Typical Sauv Blanc. Grassy; complexity with full palate. www.closduval.com

2019 Yettalil Estate Grown and Produced Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends > $75.01 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Stags Leap District Price: $ 200 Tasting Notes: Good tannins; nice dry finish. www.closduval.com

COMSTOCK WINES 2020 Sauvignon Blanc / Dry Creek Valley Estate Grown & Bottled Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $ 28 Tasting Notes: Cut and dried grass; gooseberry nice minerality. comstockwines.com

2020 Blanc de Blanc Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $ 55 Tasting Notes: Nice minerality; full bodied. comstockwines.com

2018 Merlot / Dry Creek Valley Estate Grown & Bottled Category: Merlot > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $ 50 Tasting Notes: Great wine; leathery; smooth delivery of fruit. comstockwines.com

Savor the Essence of the Sonoran Desert

award winning wines for every palate 2018 REAL DE TERRENATE - DOUBLE GOLD/BEST OF CLASS/97 POINTS 2021 ROSÉ OF GRENACHE - SILVER 2020 MOURVÈDRE - BRONZE 2016 PETITE SIRAH – SILVER 2018 REAL DE SAN BERNARDINO - SILVER 2020 REAL DE SANTA CATARINA - SILVER

www.SONORANWINES.com

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

COOPER-GARROD ESTATE VINEYARDS 2021 Chardonnay French Oak aged; 10 months Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Chardonnay $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation Price: $ 43 Tasting Notes: Tropical fruit; integrated oak; creamy and soft. http://www.cgv.com

COOPER’S RIDGE 2021 2021 Cooper’s Ridge Syrah Barrel Aged Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: California Price: $ 32 Tasting Notes: Pleasant oak notes; appropriate use of oak; rich tannins; plummy. www.camarillocustom crush.com

COVENTINA VINEYARDS 2016 Tempranillo Reserve Estate Grown Category: Tempranillo Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Rogue Valley Price: $ 45 Tasting Notes: Complex; juicy. https://www.coventinavineyards.com

84

COX VINEYARDS

2022 Life is a Rosé Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled

Boeket 2022 Rosé of Carignane Cox Family Vineyards Estate Grown; Old Vine

Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Horse Heaven Hills Price: $ 21 Tasting Notes: Juicy; well balanced; great finish. coyotecanyonwinery.com

Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Mendocino County Price: $ 16 Tasting Notes: Great balance of fruit. Nice finish. coxfamilyvineyards.com

COYOTE CANYON WINERY Coyote Canyon 2022 Roussanne Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Other White Varietals Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Horse Heaven Hills Price: $ 25 Tasting Notes: Apricot and jasmine tones; apple seeds and Anjou pear; clean and crisp. coyotecanyonwinery.com

Coyote Canyon 2022 Albarino Category: Spanish White Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Horse Heaven Hills Price: $ 25 Tasting Notes: Fruit sweet entry. coyotecanyonwinery.com

Coyote Canyon

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

CRU WINERY 2020 GSM Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 25 Tasting Notes: Sweet red fruit; red pepper; pineapple pizza. www.cruwinery.com

D & L CARINALLI VINEYARDS 2021 Pinot Noir Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 35 Tasting Notes: Dried strawberry. Well made. www.dlcarinallivineyards. com

D’ARGENZIO WINERY 2019 Sagiovese De Natale Vineyard Reserve

Category: Sangiovese Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 52 Tasting Notes: Rich; smells like Tuscany; nice texture; pretty nose. www.dargenziowine.com

DANCING CROW VINEYARDS 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Big Valley District Price: $ 19.99 Tasting Notes: Honeydew melon; herbal; lemon; mandarin orange. www.dancingcrow.com

DANZA DEL SOL WINERY 2019 Barbera Category: Barbera Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Temecula Valley Price: $ 42 Tasting Notes: Flavors of red and black fruits. Pink peppercorn. www.danzadelsolwinery.com

2022 Grenache Blanc Category: Other White Varietals Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Temecula Valley Price: $ 37

Tasting Notes: Lemon citrus note; creamy mouth feel; pleasing finish; nutty aroma. www.danzadelsolwinery.com

DAVIS FAMILY VINEYARDS 2020 Syrah - Soul Patch Soul Patch Vineyard Estate Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 42 Tasting Notes: Bright red fruit. Pleasing finish. Well made. Nice oak and fruit. www.daviswines.com

2019 Throne Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 48 Tasting Notes: Spicy; sweet pepper. www.daviswines.com

DAYLIGHT WINE AND SPIRITS Alpine Rift 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Marlborough Price: $ 20 Tasting Notes: Grapefruit; green bell pepper; grassiness; lemon grass; long finish.

Nestled in the stunning Central Oregon landscape, Faith Hope & Charity Winery is a must-visit destination. Our outdoor music venue hosts weekly live music events, drawing locals from Bend and Redmond. Families can explore our welcoming vineyard, while adults savor wine tastings on our spacious patio. Plus, our picturesque winery serves as an exquisite wedding venue, showcasing Oregon's natural beauty.

Faith Hope & Charity is honored to be awarded multiple medals from the Sunset International Wine Competition.

Visit us in person or order from our website to try our unique offerings for yourself.

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

DELICATO FAMILY WINES Diora 2022 La Belle Fête Rosé Category: Pinot Noir Rosés Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: San Bernabe Price: $ 19.99 Tasting Notes: Character from Syrah and Grenache whimsical; good blend from both grapes. www.delicato.com

Noble Vines 2022 515 Rosé Category: Rosé Blends Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Central Coast Price: $ 12 Tasting Notes: Nice quaffing wine; delicate; watermelon notes; pretty. www.delicato.com

Noble Vines 2022 152 Pinot Grigio Category: Pinot Gris/ Grigio Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Monterey County Price: $ 12 Tasting Notes: Lovely aromas floral. www.delicato.com

RELAX 2021 QbA Riesling Category: Riesling semisweet 2.1 - 4.0% rs Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Germany Price: $ 12 Tasting Notes: Sunshine in a glass; classic. www.delicato.com

86

DENIER-HANDAL VINEYARDS 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $ 45 Tasting Notes: Tamari; miso; caramel; dark chocolate; Lovely finish. www.denier-handal.com

2020 Family Blend Special Selection Category: Proprietary (House) Red Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: North Coast Price: $ 33 Tasting Notes: Grippy; bright. www.denier-handal.com

DNA VINEYARDS 2019 Coro Category: Other Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Mendocino County Price: $ 39.99 Tasting Notes: Nice sweet fruit; soft tannins. www.dnavineyards.com

DOMAINE DE BROGLIE 2018 Block H - Pommard Clone Méthode Champenoise Brut Rosé Estate Grown; Single Clone Methode Champenoise Category: Sparkling Rosé <2.5% rs

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Dundee Hills Price: $ 65 Tasting Notes: Beautiful pale pink hue; red cherry; raspberry; blood orange; brilliant acidity; vibrant throughout. www.domainedebroglie.com

DOUBLE FORTE WINE The Magistrate 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Adelaida District Price: $ 16.88 Tasting Notes: Ripe berries; easy drinking; soft tannins; fab.

Myles & Moore 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 19.88 Tasting Notes: Classic California Cab; excellent.

The Recipient 2020 Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Russian River Price: $ 24.88 Tasting Notes: Wet rocks; smooth; dry strawberry; earthy on nose; balanced.

Storyteller 2021 Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00

Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $ 21.88 Tasting Notes: Earthy; smooth.

www.drycreekvineyard.com

The Magistrate 2020 Chardonnay

2020 Zinfandel

Category: Chardonnay =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Santa Barbara County Price: $ 16.88 Tasting Notes: Grassy; lovely tropical fruit.

DRYTOWN CELLARS WINERY Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Amador County; Sierra Foothills Price: $ 21 Tasting Notes: Viscous; raspberry; plush; lush.

Drytowncellars.com

DRY CREEK VINEYARD E&J GALLO WINERY 2022 Petite Zin Rosé Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $ 30 Tasting Notes: Dusty strawberries; pixie sticks; sunset color; tart red fruit; well made. www.drycreekvineyard.com

2022 Dry Chenin Blanc Category: Chenin Blanc Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Clarksburg Price: $ 17 Tasting Notes: Lots on the nose; vibrant fragrance. www.drycreekvineyard.com

2022 Fumé Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $ 20 Tasting Notes: Spice; citrus; granite; nice wine.

Alamos 2021 Malbec Category: Malbec Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Mendoza Price: $ 13 Tasting Notes: Lavender rosémary. Chestnut red plum. www.ejgallo.com

Barefoot Cellars NV Riesling Category: Riesling dry 0.0 0.9% rs Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: California Price: $ 6.99 Tasting Notes: sweet fruit; honey www.ejgallo.com

Barefoot Fruitscato NV Lemonade Category: Fruitscato Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: American Price: $ 6.99

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Tasting Notes: lemon sorbet; palate cleansing; refreshing; lemon drop. www.ejgallo.com

Black Box 2021 Riesling Category: Riesling dry 0.0 0.9% rs Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: California Price: $ 19.99 Tasting Notes: Bright floral apricot; structured honeysuckle. www.ejgallo.com

Dark Horse 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: California Price: $ 7.99 Tasting Notes: Nice nose; long; rich. www.ejgallo.com

Dark Horse 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: California Price: $ 9.99 Tasting Notes: White pepper; kumquat; bright flavors of fresh squeezed pomelo. www.ejgallo.com

Whitehaven 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Marlborough Price: $ 20 Tasting Notes: Classic Marlborough; grapefruit peel

gooseberry; amped up citrus. www.ejgallo.com

EBERLE WINERY, LTD. 2021 Vineyard Selection Vineyard Selection Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 28 Tasting Notes: Ripe rich cherries; anise; hints of vanilla; hint of baking spices. www.eberlewinery.com

2021 Sangiovese Category: Sangiovese Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 40 Tasting Notes: Sweet ripe berries; cherry cola; very petty wine. www.eberlewinery.com

2021 Barbera Category: Barbera Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 40 Tasting Notes: Lush mouth feel. Black fruit and roast fig. www.eberlewinery.com

2022 Chardonnay Estate Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 30 Tasting Notes: Balanced; good oak; young; bright.

Excellent. www.eberlewinery.com

EDIO VINEYARDS AT DELFINO FARMS 2020 Frank’s Blend Barrel Fermented and Aged; low intervention winemaking; sustainable farming; Estate Blended Barrel Fermented Reserve Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: El Dorado County Price: $ 62 Tasting Notes: Captures rhone funkiness with fresh cut rubber hose and balanced minerality. delfinofarms.com

EFESTE 2022 Evergreen Riesling Category: Riesling dry 0.0 0.9% rs Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Columbia Valley; Ancient Lakes Price: $ 24 Tasting Notes: Floral fragrant aromas; peachy. www.efeste.com

EHRET FAMILY WINERY 2019 Merlot Bavarian Lion Vineyards Category: Merlot > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Knights Valley Price: $ 65 Tasting Notes: Rich; good red fruit; nice finish. www.ehretwinery.com

2022 Sauvignon Blanc Bavarian Lion Vineyards

2021 Chardonnay

Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Knights Valley Price: $ 42 Tasting Notes: Lemon blossom; puts a smile on my face; linear and pure; nice green classic expression of SB character. www.ehretwinery.com

ELK COVE VINEYARDS 2022 Rosé Estate Category: Pinot Noir Rosés Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Willamette Valley Price: $ 20 Tasting Notes: Lovely fruit; perfumed nose; strawberries and cream. www.elkcove.com

FATHERS + DAUGHTERS CELLARS 2019 Ella’s Reserve Ferrington Vineyard Estate Grown Reserve Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Anderson Valley Price: $ 55 Tasting Notes: Cherry color; light red berries; nice palate. www.FandDCellars.com

FIOR DI SOLE

Category: Chardonnay =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: California Price: $ 12.99 Tasting Notes: Bright; citrus; banana cream pie. www.fiordisole.com

Iter NV Sparkling Rosé Category: Sparkling Rosé <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: California Price: $ 11.99 Tasting Notes: Lively; crisp green apple; strawberry underlay; wakes up the palate. www.fiordisole.com

Iter NV Sparkling White Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: California Price: $ 11.99 Tasting Notes: Christmas; tropical fruit notes; good structure and balance. www.fiordisole.com

Long Barn 2021 Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: California Price: $ 11.99 Tasting Notes: Nice cherry; full mouth; well balanced; spice; great value. www.fiordisole.com

Iter

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

87

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

FLAMBEAUX WINE 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Alexander Valley; Sonoma County Price: $ 75 Tasting Notes: Explosive

nose; richness; sweet fruit; elegant. www.flambeauxwine.com

2020 Chardonnay San Giacomo Vineyard Category: Chardonnay $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Sonoma Coast (Sonoma)

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold Piper Sonoma NV Piper Sonoma Brut; Methode Traditionnelle Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $ 23 Tasting Notes: Fresh; lively; slightly spicy; lovely, luscious strawberry; nice mouthfeel. www.foliowine.com

Price: $ 50 Tasting Notes: Long finish; flirty; Burgundian; buttery. www.flambeauxwine.com

FOLEY FAMILY WINES Ferrari-Carano 2021 Dry Sangiovese Rosé Category: Rosé Blends Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $ 24 Tasting Notes: Very floral; pomegranate; honeysuckle; well balanced. www.foleyfamilywines.com

Banshee NV Ten of Cups Brut Methode Champenoise Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: California Price: $ 24.99 Tasting Notes: Citrus; yeasty; long crisp finish; toasty. www.foleyfamilywines.com

Banshee 2021 Sonoma County Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $ 24.99 Tasting Notes: Lively fresh; loaded with blue fruit; lavender; floral. www.foleyfamilywines.com

Chalk Hill 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Sonoma Coast

88

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

(Sonoma) Price: $ 29 Tasting Notes: Big round and delightful. www.foleyfamilywines.com

Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery 2019 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Sonoma County; Alexander Valley Price: $ 30 Tasting Notes: Nice expression of fruit. Textbook California cab. Silkiness; green fruit; cassis. www.foleyfamilywines.com

FOLIO FINE WINE PARTNERS Piper Sonoma NV Piper Sonoma Brut Methode Traditionnelle Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $ 23 Tasting Notes: Fresh; lively; slightly spicy; lovely, luscious strawberry; nice mouthfeel. www.foliowine.com

FOUR LANTERNS WINERY 2018 Kharis Willow Creek District for Syrah Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Other Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 93

Appellation: Paso Robles; Templeton Gap District Price: $ 67 Tasting Notes: Soft; easy; great richness; juicy. www.fourlanternswinery.com

2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Paso Robles; Templeton Gap District Price: $ 68 Tasting Notes: Black licorice; dark fruit; berries; cinnamon and spice on the finish. www.fourlanternswinery.com

FREIXENET MIONETTO USA Gloria Ferrer 2015 Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvée Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Carneros; Sonoma Price: $ 72 Tasting Notes: Lovely nose; citrus; fresh bread; floral notes. www.freixenetmionetto usa.com/

Gloria Ferrer 2013 Gloria Ferrer Carneros Cuvée Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Carneros; Sonoma Price: $ 94 Tasting Notes: Citrus; fresh bread; matchstick. www.freixenetmionetto usa.com/

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Gloria Ferrer NV Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut

Chardonnay Barrel Select

Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Carneros; Sonoma Price: $ 28 Tasting Notes: Bursting tropical flavors; almond nut. www.freixenetmionetto usa.com/

Category: Chardonnay $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Russian River Price: $ 50 Tasting Notes: Golden delicious; nice balance; Great acidity. www.fritzwinery.com

FRESH VINE WINE NV Sparkling Brut Rosé Category: Sparkling Rosé <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Central Coast Price: $ 24.95 Tasting Notes: Honeycrisp apple; thread of minerality; very pretty wine. freshvinewine.com

FREY VINEYARDS Frey Biodynamic 2021 Syrah Estate Grown and Bottled; Gluten Free; No Sulfites Added

FULLDRAW VINEYARD 2018 Fulldraw Vineyard FD2 Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Paso Robles Willowcreek District Price: $ 55 Tasting Notes: Smells like chocolate cake batter with soft tannins; dark fruit and baking spices. fulldrawvineyard.com

GAINEY VINEYARD 2022 Estate Sauvignon Blanc Estate Bottled & Produced

Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Mendocino Price: $ 25 Tasting Notes: Blueberry; tangy; long finish; classic for varietal. www.freywine.com

Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Santa Ynez Valley Price: $ 18 Tasting Notes: Fresh mellow; mouth feeling; sensation. www.gaineyvineyard.com

FRITZ UNDERGROUND WINERY

GALI VINEYARDS

2021 Russian River Reserve

Category: Pinot Noir Rosés

2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir Estate Grown

Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains Price: $ 35 Tasting Notes: Immediate grapefruit thru nose; full mouth flow; rosé aromatic on nose. galivineyards.com

GIVICH VINEYARDS, INC. 2019 Zinfandel Vintage Selection Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $ 30 Tasting Notes: Medley of wild herbs. Very bright; sassafras. Licorice. www.givichvineyards.com

GRAFTED CELLARS 2022 Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Santa Maria Valley Price: $ 36 Tasting Notes: Lively flavors of fresh peach papaya and nutmeg with bright acidity at the end. www.graftedcellars.com

- $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $ 40 Tasting Notes: Lovely texture.

Floral aromas. Sweet fruit. www.greenwoodridge.com

2021 Zinfandel Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled

- $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 38 Tasting Notes: Raisins; balanced. Long finish. www.greenwoodridge.com

Category: Zinfandel > $20.01

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold Gloria Ferrer 2015 Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvée Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Carneros; Sonoma Price: $ 72 Tasting Notes: Lovely nose; citrus; fresh bread; floral notes. www.GloriaFerrer.com

GREENWOOD RIDGE VINEYARDS 2021 Dragon Reserve Zinfandel Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Zinfandel > $20.01

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

89

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

2022 Pinot Noir Rosé Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Pinot Noir Rosés Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 34 Tasting Notes: Lush floral; refreshing with finish of sweet fruit. www.greenwoodridge.com

2021 Pinot Noir Temptation Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Mendocino County Price: $ 38 Tasting Notes: Floral & complex. Palate live & rich. www.greenwoodridge.com

GWINLLAN ESTATE 2017 Blanc de Noirs Methode Champenoise Estate Grown Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Fair Play Price: $ 40 Tasting Notes: Honeysuckle aromatics; raspberry and brioche; bright with great length. gwinllanestate.com

HALTER RANCH VINEYARD 2020 CDP Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Rhone Type Red

90

Blends Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Adelaida District Price: $ 50 Tasting Notes: Cardamom; clove; soy sauce. www.halterranch.com

HAMILTON CELLARS 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Family owned; barrel aged Estate Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Red Mountain Price: $ 42 Tasting Notes: Likeable; high tone earth tone; pretty; tastes very good; very well made. www.hamiltoncellars.com

2019 Cabernet Franc Family owned; barrel aged Estate Category: Cabernet Franc Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Red Mountain Price: $ 40 Tasting Notes: Bell pepper; red cherry; faint tint of gunpowder tea. www.hamiltoncellars.com

HANDLEY CELLARS 2019 Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Anderson Valley Price: $ 40 Tasting Notes: Sweet corn.

Well Balanced. www.handleycellars.com

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

HANNAH NICOLE VINEYARDS 2019 Grenache Barrel Aged Category: Grenache Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Contra Costa County Price: $ 42 Tasting Notes: Big red cherry; fruity; nicely evolved. www.hnvwines.com

HARNEY LANE WINERY 2020 Tempranillo Home Ranch Category: Tempranillo Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Lodi; Mokelumne River Price: $ 34 Tasting Notes: Dried plum; smooth; long finish; dried sage. www.harneylane.com

2020 Zinfandel; Scottsdale Vineyard Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Lodi Price: $ 40 Tasting Notes: Ceylon cinnamon; lots of ripe fruit; big; rich; balanced; savory. www.harneylane.com

HEAVEN’S GATE VINEYARD Van Vliet Vineyards

2020 Anna Marie’s Blend Estate Grown and Produced Category: Other Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Borden Ranch Price: $ 49 Tasting Notes: Delightful mouth. Bright lively; nice finish.

Van Vliet Vineyards 2020 Teroldego Estate Grown and Produced Category: Italian Type Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Borden Ranch Price: $ 49 Tasting Notes: Soft meaty fruit. Violets; inky; dense; floral; cherry.

HERTELENDY VINEYARDS 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Aged Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $ 150 Tasting Notes: Dark fruit; nutmeg; smoked paprika; pepper. www.hertelendy.com

HERZOG WINE CELLARS Baron Herzog 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: California Price: $ 13

Tasting Notes: Outstanding nose; well integrated; oak on finish. www.herzogwinecellars.com

Herzog Lineage 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 19.99 Tasting Notes: Jolly Rancher; light herbs. www.herzogwinecellars.com

Herzog Special Reserve NV Méthode Champenoise Brut Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 60 Tasting Notes: Juicy; pretty; nice everyday wine; nice citrus profile; touch of nectarine; nice finish. www.herzogwinecellars.com

Herzog Special Reserve 2020 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Alexander Valley; Sonoma County Price: $ 44 Tasting Notes: Nice; lively; minerally; graphite; excellent. www.herzogwinecellars.com

HIGH CAMP WINES 2021 High Camp Wines 2021 Estate Petit Et Grand Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Category: Other Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Paso Robles Estrella District Price: $ 40 Tasting Notes: Deep black fruit; jammy. highcampwines.com

- $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $ 70 Tasting Notes: Touch of quince; oaky from tannins. www.housefamilyvineyards. com

HOLESINSKY WINERY

HUSCH VINEYARDS

2022 Stainless Steel Chardonnay Estate Grown and Produced

2022 Sauvignon Blanc Sustainably Farmed

Category: Unoaked Chardonnay Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Snake River Valley Price: $ 18 Tasting Notes: quite elegant and complex; light sulfur matchstick; Chablis style; Meyer lemon; classic characteristic Burgundian. www.holesinsky.com

Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Mendocino Price: $ 18 Tasting Notes: Well balanced; herbal; lemon lime zest. www.huschvineyards.com

HOLLY’S HILL VINEYARDS NV Rockbound Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: El Dorado Price: $ 20 Tasting Notes: Nice mix of red & black fruit. www.hollyshill.com

HOUSE FAMILY VINEYARDS 2019 Saltonstall Vineyard Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Category: Pinot Noir $40.01

IMAGERY ESTATE WINERY 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Produced and Bottled Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Sonoma Valley Price: $ 65 Tasting Notes: Blackberry; sweet fruit; nicely balanced; well done. www.imagerywinery.com

2020 Barbera; Upper Ridge Estate Produced and Bottled Category: Barbera Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Pine MountainCloverdale Peak (Sonoma) Price: $ 49 Tasting Notes: Long dry; lavish; black fruits. Bittersweet

cocoa. www.imagerywinery.com

INDIAN LEAP WINERY 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Single Vineyard Estate Grown Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Sonoma Valley Price: $ 55 Tasting Notes: Peppery; upfront fruit; great velocity lingerer. www.indianleapwinery.com

INTERCOASTAL WINE COMPANY Intercoastal Vineyards 2021 Pinot Grigio Lodi Rules Category: Pinot Gris/ Grigio Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Clarksburg (Sacramento) Price: $ 27 Tasting Notes: Classic; Herbaceous; savory herbs; crisp finish. intercoastalwine.com

Intercoastal Vineyards 2022 Vermentino Category: Italian White Varietals Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Lodi Price: $ 27 Tasting Notes: Apricot blossom; honeysuckle. Long finish; nice viscosity. intercoastalwine.com

Intercoastal Vineyards

2019 Petite Sirah Estate Grown Category: Petite Sirah Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Lodi Price: $ 38 Tasting Notes: Spicy. Jammy; rich. Great structure.

Balanced. intercoastalwine.com

IRONSTONE VINEYARDS Obsession Wines 2021 Obsession Symphony Category: Other White Varietals Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Lodi Price: $ 14 Tasting Notes: White pepper and nectarine; agave and orange bloom tones. www.ironstonevineyards.com

J. LOHR VINEYARDS & WINES 2020 J. Lohr Carol’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: St. Helena Price: $ 60 Tasting Notes: Lovely; dark fruit; black plum; weighty texture. https://www.jlohr.com

2020 J. Lohr Pure Paso Proprietary Red Wine Category: Other Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 27

Tasting Notes: Berry nose; cherry; cola; firm tannins. https://www.jlohr.com

2019 J. Lohr Shotwell Vineyard Malbec Category: Malbec Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 60 Tasting Notes: Ripe; youthful; citrusy. www.jlohr.com

J. RICKARDS WINERY 2020 Malbec - Zanzi Curve Estate Category: Malbec Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Sonoma County; Alexander Valley Price: $ 38 Tasting Notes: Blueberry Pie. Very nice. Spice bath. www.jrwinery.com

2020 Petite Sirah Brown Barn Estate Category: Petite Sirah Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Sonoma County; Alexander Valley Price: $ 38 Tasting Notes: Plum; Boysenberry; Chocolate. www.jrwinery.com

2019 Syrah Furlong Vineyard Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Alexander Valley; Sonoma County Price: $ 35 Tasting Notes: Meaty; savory; cola; mouth-watering; great tannins. www.jrwinery.com

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

91

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

2021 Grenache - One Lone Row One Lone Row Estate Category: Grenache Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Sonoma County; Alexander Valley Price: $ 37 Tasting Notes: Balanced; lush; soft midpalate; shaved coconut. www.jrwinery.com

2022 Rosé of Grenache - Ava Rae Unoaked Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Alexander Valley; Sonoma County Price: $ 29 Tasting Notes: Aromatic; fresh fruit. well balanced. www.jrwinery.com

JAXON KEYS 2021 Grenache; Jon Vincent Category: Grenache Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Mendocino Price: $ 34 Tasting Notes: Big; smooth; long finish; black currant. www.jaxonkeys.com

NV JaxZin Reserve Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Mendocino Price: $ 45 Tasting Notes: Food friendly style. Notes of licorice; Blue fruit; floral old school. www.jaxonkeys.com

92

JULIETTA WINERY 2018 Tempranillo Barrel Aged Category: Tempranillo Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Clarksburg (Yolo) Price: $ 50 Tasting Notes: Earthy; menthol. juliettawinery.com

2021 Grenache Estate Category: Grenache Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Clarksburg Price: $ 40 Tasting Notes: Aromatic; bright raspberry; fresh; blood orange. juliettawinery.com

JUSTIN VINEYARDS & WINERY Justin 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 30 Tasting Notes: Classic clean style of cabernet; not overdone; controlled; ripeness. www.justinwine.com

Landmark 2022 Demaris Reserve Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Sonoma Coast

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Price: $ 40 Tasting Notes: Crisp and Clean. Classic apple and pear www.justinwine.com

KARAMOOR ESTATE 2017 Meritage Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Pennsylvania Price: $ 32 Tasting Notes: Oak driven; pretty red fruit. www.karamoorwines.com

KELSEY SEE CANYON VINEYARDS 2021 Zinfandel Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 38 Tasting Notes: Ripe; big; extract. www.kelseywine.com

2021 Improvisation Category: Other White Varietals Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 39 Tasting Notes: Intense citrus bloom; guava notes; slight petrol in nose. www.kelseywine.com

KING ESTATE WINERY Inscription 2021 Pinot Noir

Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Willamette Valley Price: $ 20 Tasting Notes: Lovely; fresh; elegant; violet. kingestate.com

2021 Domaine Pinot Gris Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Pinot Gris/ Grigio Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Willamette Valley Price: $ 30 Tasting Notes: Minerally; floral; crisp; a classic; honeydew melon. kingestate.com

2021 Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Willamette Valley Price: $ 22 Tasting Notes: Chablis style;notes of peach and melon. Bright lean and perky. kingestate.com

2018 Brut Cuvée Estate grown Methode Champenoise Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Willamette Valley Price: $ 40 Tasting Notes: Beautiful apple flavors; complex. kingestate.com

KOBRAND

CORPORATION Caposaldo 2022 Pinot Grigio Category: Pinot Gris/ Grigio Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Delle Venezie DOC Price: $ 12 Tasting Notes: Honeysuckle; crisp; well balanced; creamy. http://www.kobrandwineandspirits.com/

KOEHLER WINERY 2022 Rosé of Grenache Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Santa Ynez Valley Price: $ 30 Tasting Notes: Lemon grass; quince. Balanced. koehlerwinery.com

KUKERI WINES 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $ 59 Tasting Notes: Dark fruits mixed with red berries. Elegant; sophisticated. Napa Valley style; great! www.kukeriwines.com

Petar 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Oak Knoll

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

District Price: $ 59 Tasting Notes: Young; bright; fresh. Drinkable now. www.kukeriwines.com

LA PRENDA WINES 2021 Malbec Category: Malbec Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Sonoma Coast Price: $ 34 Tasting Notes: Smooth finish.

Cranberry and plum. Great texture. www.laprendawines.com

Fifth Hill 2021 Syrah Parmelee-Hill Vineyard- Durell Clone Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Sonoma Valley Price: $ 45 Tasting Notes: Easy drinker; good varietal flavor. www.laprendawines.com

LACEWING CELLARS NV Scruffy Head Rosé Category: Rosé Blends Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $ 18 Tasting Notes: Smooth fun floral; rich mouth feel. lacewingcellars.com

LAKE CHELAN WINERY 2020 Malbec Bell Barrel Aged

Category: Malbec Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $ 49 Tasting Notes: Meaty (grilled) pepper; smokey. www.lakechelanwinery.com

2020 Tempranillo Hill Vineyard Estate Grown & Bottled Category: Tempranillo Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Chelan Price: $ 48 Tasting Notes: Very caramel; generous oak; smooth. www.lakechelanwinery.com

LANGETWINS FAMILY WINERY 2022 Chenin Blanc Merrill Vineyard Single Vineyard Category: Chenin Blanc Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Clarksburg Price: $ 25 Tasting Notes: Blossomy; well balanced; pleasant finish. www.langetwins.com

Ivory & Burt 2021 Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Lodi Price: $ 16 Tasting Notes: Golden straw color; nice reduction. www.langetwins.com

Ivory & Burt

2020 Old Vine Zinfandel Category: Zinfandel =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Lodi Price: $ 16 Tasting Notes: Stewed prunes; Milk Duds. www.langetwins.com

LAWER FAMILY WINES

Lingering finish. www.levignewinery.com

LEDSON WINERY AND VINEYARDS

Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Howell Mountain Price: $ 68 Tasting Notes: Nice aromatics; yummy; chunky. www.ledson.com

2019 Zinfandel Estate Grown; Old Vine Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00

Lawer Estates 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon; V600 Vineyard 600 Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Calistoga Price: $ 80 Tasting Notes: Minty; veggie stew; earthy; bramble berries. www.lawerfamilywines.com

LE VIGNE WINERY 2022 Rosé of Sangiovese Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 24 Tasting Notes: Great aromatics. Work well with food or not. www.levignewinery.com

Le Vigne Estate 2019 Petite Sirah Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold Fifth Hill 2021 Syrah Parmelee-Hill Vineyard- Durell Clone Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Sonoma Valley Price: $45 Tasting Notes: Easy drinker; good varietal flavor. laprendawines.com

Category: Petite Sirah Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 51 Tasting Notes: Blackberry.

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

93

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

LETO CELLARS 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $ 75 Tasting Notes: Tastes like Cab; pepper; hazelnut; age worthy. letocellars.com

LIONSTONE INTERNATIONAL Avera 2020 Touriga Nacional Category: Other Red Varietals Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Lodi Price: $ 23.99 Tasting Notes: Minty-ness; earthiness; blue fruit & toasted nuts.

Boule 2022 Brut Sparkling Wine Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Yakima Valley Price: $ 29.99 Tasting Notes: Perfect example of Chardonnay; apple notes; easy quaffable wine.

Deeply Rooted 2021 Merlot Category: Merlot =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Lodi Price: $ 17.99 Tasting Notes: Juicy; nutmeg; dried orange peel;

94

velvety tannins; balanced and bright.

CA-BEAR-NAY 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: California Price: $ 17.99 Tasting Notes: Rich; jammy; serve with friends at poolside or whenever.

Drawbridge 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: California Price: $ 15.99 Tasting Notes: Good crowd pleaser; easy drinking; fab.

Hayrick 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: California Price: $ 15.99 Tasting Notes: Frank; fresh, zippy; melon with notes of key lime pie.

Seleccion Numerada 49 Navarra 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Navarra DO Price: $ 16.99 Tasting Notes: Dark fruit; cocoa powder; delivers what the nose promises.

Silver Puffs 2021 Sauvignon Blanc

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 0 Appellation: California Price: $ 15.99 Tasting Notes: Aromatic notes of jasmine and spring flowers; papaya.

Paterson Point 2020 Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 29 Tasting Notes: Grapefruit; peaches and melon

The Assist 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: California Price: $ 16.99 Tasting Notes: Bright; juicy; good fruit; lingering finish.

The Clink 2021 Red Blend Category: Other Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: California Price: $ 16.99 Tasting Notes: Chewy and dense.

LITTLE VINEYARDS FAMILY WINERY NV Band Blend Track 14 Category: Other Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Sonoma

County; Sonoma Valley Price: $ 36 Tasting Notes: Balanced smooth crowd pleaser.

Good BBQ. Seamless littlevineyards.com

Price: $ 38 Tasting Notes: Lovely fruit; likeable wine; typical of grape; pleasant; cherry jolly rancher. www.lucidwinery.com

2020 Syrah

2022 Flying Lesson Albarino Estate Produced and Bottled

Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Sonoma Valley Price: $ 45 Tasting Notes: Elegant; dark fruit; dusty quality; seamless. littlevineyards.com

Category: Spanish White Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Lodi Price: $ 28 Tasting Notes: Balanced; delightfully refreshing; hazelnut component. www.lucidwinery.com

LONE OAK WINERY

LULA CELLARS

2022 Rosé’ Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled

2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir

Category: Hybrid Rosé Blend Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Minnesota Price: $ 16 Tasting Notes: Expresses the Marquette; spicy; well balanced. www.LoneOakWinery.org

LUCID WINERY 2022 The Sower Tannat Category: Other Red Varietals Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Sierra Foothills Price: $ 48 Tasting Notes: Character & personality; fig compote. www.lucidwinery.com

2022 Mourvedre Category: Other Red Varietals Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Sierra Foothills

Category: Pinot Noir Rosés Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Anderson Valley Price: $ 26 Tasting Notes: Brilliant fruit; crisp; very well balanced. www.lulacellars.com

LUMOS WINE CO. Lumos 2017 Double Barrel Barrel Select Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Eola-Amity Hills Price: $ 65 Tasting Notes: Late season tarte; smooth; long finish. www.lumoswine.com

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

M2 WINES 2021 Old Vine Zinfandel Soucie Vineyard Old Vine Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Mokelumne River Price: $ 34 Tasting Notes: Juicy; jammy; true to varietal; nicely balanced. www.m2wines.com

MACCHIA 2021 Adventurous Linsteadt Vineyard Barrel Aged Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Amador County Price: $ 28 Tasting Notes: Pretty; focused with textural quality; beautiful fruit; pleases every palate. www.macchiawines.com

2021 Devious Barrel Aged Category: Primitivo Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: California Price: $ 26 Tasting Notes: Big ripe with juicy red fruit. www.macchiawines.com

2021 Righteous Linsteadt Vineyard Barrel Aged Category: Barbera Award: Gold Score: 92

96

Appellation: Amador County Price: $ 26 Tasting Notes: Big ripe and grapy. www.macchiawines.com

2021 Tremendous Teroldego Barrel Aged Category: Italian Red Varietals Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Lodi Price: $ 25 Tasting Notes: Great fruit; earthiness; warm spice; bright; hint of strawberry; consumer friendly. www.macchiawines.com

2021 Sumptuous West Side Barrel Aged Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Lodi Price: $ 28 Tasting Notes: Violets; Elegant & still spicy. www.macchiawines.com

2021 Voluptuous Maley Vineyard Barrel Aged Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Lodi Price: $ 27 Tasting Notes: Elegant; well structured; great varietal flavor; spicy; great fruit. www.macchiawines.com

2021 Oblivious Barrel Aged Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Score: 94 Appellation: Lodi Price: $ 27 Tasting Notes: Blueberry; cherry; bright; slightly jammy; lovely lingering finish. www.macchiawines.com

MAISON JUSSIAUME WINES

2021 Rebellious Barrel Aged

Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Rogue Valley Price: $ 65 Tasting Notes: Honeycrisp apple; hint of lemon; lingering flavors last beyond the final sip. www.MaisonJussiaume.com

Category: Petite Sirah Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Lodi Price: $ 28 Tasting Notes: Blackberry and blueberry; juicy; black tea; graphite aromas; soft tannins. www.macchiawines.com

MAGITO & COMPANY Meadowcroft Wines 2020 Sangiovese; Speedy Creek Vineyard Single Vineyard Selection Category: Sangiovese Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Knights Valley Price: $ 55 Tasting Notes: Sweet fruit; good tannins; cherry cordial; spicy; rich; nice acid.

Meadowcroft Wines 2022 Napa Carneros Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Napa Valley; Carneros Price: $ 35 Tasting Notes: Clean; crisp; good acid; nice nose; floral.

2019 Maison Jussiaume Blanc de Blancs Methode Traditionnelle

MARCHESI VINEYARDS 2021 Primitivo Riserva Riserva Category: Primitivo Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $ 42 Tasting Notes: Savory; spices; cherries. Fantastic balance. www.marchesivineyards.com

MATCHBOOK WINE COMPANY 2020 The Arsonist Red Blend Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Dunnigan Hills Price: $ 22 Tasting Notes: cherries; pine nuts; woody. www.matchbookwines.com

MATRIX WINERY 2021 Six Hands Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Sonoma Coast Price: $ 65 Tasting Notes: Layered tart fruit; integrated www.matrixwinery.com

2021 Bacigalupi PN Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 56 Tasting Notes: Upfront fruit; extremely well integrated; very well balanced. www.matrixwinery.com

2021 Matrix Estate Reserve Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 65 Tasting Notes: Wood is present. Long and lingering finish; fruity. www.matrixwinery.com

MAZZOCCO SONOMA WINERY 2020 Zinfandel Maria Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $ 42 Tasting Notes: Ripe; fun; big fruit. Well balanced. www.mazzocco.com

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

2020 Zinfandel Aguilera Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $ 32 Tasting Notes: Rich; earthy; plum; great example. www.mazzocco.com

MCFADDEN FARM Blue Quail 2022 Sauvignon Blanc North Coast; Ca. Mendocino County Estate Vineyards Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Potter Valley Price: $ 16 Tasting Notes: Fresh; pretty and elegant. www.bluequail.com

Blue Quail 2022 Pinot Gris North Coast; Ca. Mendocino County Estate Vineyards Category: Pinot Gris/ Grigio Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Potter Valley Price: $ 18 Tasting Notes: Floral; sour melon; Crisp mineral; crunchy; mouthwatering finish. www.bluequail.com

Blue Quail 2021 Dry Riesling Estate Grown Category: Riesling dry 0.0 0.9% rs Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Potter Valley Price: $ 19

Tasting Notes: Finishes so well; spicy Asian food wine. www.bluequail.com

NV Sparkling Cuvee Brut Rosé Methode Champenoise Category: Sparkling Rosé <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Potter Valley Price: $ 35 Tasting Notes: Consumer friendly; true to variety; raspberry/strawberry notes. www.bluequail.com

NV Cuvee Brut Methode Champenoise Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Mendocino County; Potter Valley Price: $ 35 Tasting Notes: Pretty nose; easy yummy on the palate; nice kick of lemon. www.bluequail.com

MCGRAIL VINEYARDS AND WINERY 2020 Shamus Patrick Red Blend Lucky 8 Vineyard Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Livermore Valley Price: $ 46 Tasting Notes: Violets; rich dark fruit. Long finish. www.mcgrailvineyards.com

MCKENZIE-MUELLER VINEYARDS AND WINERY

elegant nose; soft tannins; mouthwatering sensation; concentrated flavors on palate; pleasant long finish; ideal for food pairing. http://www.middleridge.com

MONSERATE VINEYARDS AND WINERY

2018 Napa Jazz Cabernet Sauvignon Unfiltered Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled

MIRAFLORES WINERY

2021 Montepulciano Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled

Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $ 50 Tasting Notes: Nice fruit upfront; pepper; herbal; lingering finish. www.mckenziemueller.com

2019 Estate Grenache Estate Category: Grenache Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: El Dorado Price: $ 30 Tasting Notes: Raw fruit; good structure; black plum; pepper. mirafloreswinery.com

MERRIAM VINEYARDS MIRAFLORES WINERY 2018 Windacre Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Single Vineyard Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 60 Tasting Notes: Tight; pretty; elegant; with long finish. www.merriamvineyards.com

MIDDLE RIDGE WINERY 2017 Mourvedre Category: Other Red Varietals Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Temecula Valley Price: $ 45 Tasting Notes: Very clean

2020 Mision 1853 Category: Other Red Varietals Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Sierra Foothills Price: $ 34 Tasting Notes: Concentrated favor; deft winemaker; red cherry; Chambord; blueberry cream pie. mirafloreswinery.com

MIRO CELLARS 2021 Cuvee Sasha Chevalier Vineyard Category: Grenache Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Mendocino Price: $ 24 Tasting Notes: Dried cranberry; strawberries; perfume; simple. mirocellars.com

Category: Italian Red Varietals Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: San Diego County Price: $ 50 Tasting Notes: Well made; firm tannin; earthy; well balanced. monseratewinery.com

MONTE FERRO WINERY 2021 Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Umpqua Valley Price: $ 35 Tasting Notes: Juicy; caramel; structured; pretty; strawberry. winesbymonteferro.com

NAPA DE ORO WINERY 2019 Red Blend Barrel Aged Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends > $75.01 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $ 85 Tasting Notes: Substance with backbone; oaky; nice blend; cooling sensation. napadeoro.com

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

97

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

NATIVE FLORA 2021 Strawberry Blonde Estate Category: Rosé Blends Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Dundee Hills Price: $ 36 Tasting Notes: Vibrant; zippy mouth feel. www.nativeflora.com

NEW CLAIRVAUX VINEYARD 2022 Moschofilero St. James Block Single Vineyard Category: Other White Varietals Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Tehama County Price: $ 20 Tasting Notes: Perfume; fragrant; good acidity; floral; lemon cream. newclairvauxvineyard.com

2022 Syrah Rosé St. James Block Single Vineyard Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Tehama County Price: $ 22 Tasting Notes: Alpine strawberries; white pepper; dark coral color. newclairvauxvineyard.com

2022 Albarino St. James Block Single Vineyard Category: Spanish White Award: Gold

98

Score: 93 Appellation: Tehama County Price: $ 19 Tasting Notes: floral-tuber rosé; lemon blossom. newclairvauxvineyard.com

2022 Assyrtiko St. James Block Single Vineyard Category: Other White Varietals Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Tehama County Price: $ 21 Tasting Notes: Nice finish; great nose aromas. newclairvauxvineyard.com

2022 Barbera Rosé Poor Souls Block Single Vineyard Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Tehama County Price: $ 22 Tasting Notes: Watermelon; juicy; lively; bright. newclairvauxvineyard.com

NICHELINI FAMILY WINERY 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Estate Bottled Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $ 34 Tasting Notes: Sharp with bitterness; perfumed nose; sweet fruit. Full body rich. www.nicheliniwinery.com

NV Chiles Valley Red

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Estate Bottled Category: Proprietary (House) Red Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $ 44 Tasting Notes: Very green; fennel; anise; forest floor. www.nicheliniwinery.com

NOTRE VUE ESTATE WINE GROUP 2019 Estate Red Certified Sustainable Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends > $75.01 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Chalk Hill Price: $ 85 Tasting Notes: Toasty yet tight; some softness. www.notrevueestate.com

O’CONNELL VINEYARDS 2021 Chardonnay Pratt Vineyard Single Vineyard Category: Chardonnay $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 45 Tasting Notes: Butter; lemon; clean; apples; stone fruit finish.

O’NEILL VINTNERS & DISTILLERS Instigator 2021 Instigator Chardonnay

Category: Chardonnay =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Lodi Price: $ 12.99 Tasting Notes: Guava; ripe tropical fruits; nice. www.ONeillWine.com

Rabble 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 17.99 Tasting Notes: Lots of citrus; little spice; apple; cherry. www.ONeillWine.com

OAK FARM VINEYARDS 2022 Grenache Rosé Certified Green & Sustainable under Lodi Rules Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Lodi; Mokelumne River Price: $ 19 Tasting Notes: Strawberry; watermelon; sweet. lingering finish. www.oakfarmvineyards.com

2022 Fiano Certified Green & Sustainable under Lodi Rules Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Italian White Varietals Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Lodi; Mokelumne River Price: $ 28 Tasting Notes: Store fruit; floral; lemon zest; mandarin

blossoms and good length. www.oakfarmvineyards.com

OAK RIDGE WINERY Blazon 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Lodi Price: $ 16 Tasting Notes: Soft delivery; chocolate; cherries; finishes wonderful. www.oakridgewinery.com

OLD YORK CELLARS 2021 Vidal Blanc Category: White Hybrid Varietals Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: New York State Price: $ 22 Tasting Notes: Clean; nice wine; well-balanced florals; citrus blossom; pear. www.oldyorkcellars.com

OLIVIA BRION WINES Cantadora 2019 The Healer Organically farmed; not certified Barrel Aged Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Amador County; Sierra Foothills Price: $ 50 Tasting Notes: Forest floor; wet moss; nice blue fruit from Mourvèdre. Syrah is nice compliment. www.oliviabrion.com, www. cantadora.wine

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

P HARRELL WINES 2021 P.J. Rosé Category: Pinot Noir Rosés Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: California Price: $ 24 Tasting Notes: Honey and fruit; slight edges at finish; salted cantaloupe rind. https://www.pharrellwines. com/

PALAZZO WINE 2018 Cuvée Blanc Reserve Reserve Cuvee Category: White Bordeaux Type Blends Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $ 65 Tasting Notes: Pretty; bright; nice nose. www.palazzowine.com

PALAZZO WINE 2019 ‘Left Bank’ Master Blend Red Cuvee Winemaker Select Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $ 50 Tasting Notes: Lingering finish; balanced; plush tannins; nice mouth feel. www.palazzowine.com

2019 Right Bank’ Reserve Proprietary Red Blend Special Reserve Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends > $75.01 Award: Gold

Score: 92 Appellation: Napa County; Carneros Price: $ 90 Tasting Notes: Show of tannins. www.palazzowine.com

PAPAPIETRO AND PERRY, INC. DBA PAPAPIETRO PERRY WINERY 2020 Papapietro Perry Leras Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Barrel Aged Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 66 Tasting Notes: Steak sauce; black cherry; nice palate. www.papapietro-perry.com

2020 Papapietro Perry Nunes Vineyards Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Barrel Aged Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 66 Tasting Notes: Big fruit; cola; bit of plum; good soil. www.papapietro-perry.com

2020 Papapietro Perry Peters Vineyard Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Barrel Aged

Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 66 Tasting Notes: Tomato vine; funk on nose; fresh cherry; forest floor; medium; pleasant acidity. www.papapietro-perry.com

PARADISE RIDGE WINERY 2019 Sparkling Wine 100% Chardonnay Reserve Brut Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 65 Tasting Notes: Pretty; lemon lime notes; green apple. www.prwinery.com

PEACHY CANYON WINERY 2020 Westside Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 24 Tasting Notes: Jammy; well balanced; consumer friendly. peachycanyon.com

PELIO VINEYARDS 2018 Chardonnay Estate

Category: Chardonnay $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Monterey Price: $ 52 Tasting Notes: Granny smith apple; lemon bright acidity; clean finish.

2019 Pinot Noir Estate Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Monterey County Price: $ 57 Tasting Notes: Dark fruit without being heavy; plummy; earthy.

2021 Pinot Noir Rosé Category: Pinot Noir Rosés Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Carmel Valley Price: $ 32 Tasting Notes: Light blossoms on nose; delicate grapefruit.

PELTIER WINERY 2022 Vermentino Lodi Rules Sustainable Winegrowing Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Italian White Varietals Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Lodi Price: $ 18 Tasting Notes: Crisp apple; clean; meyer lemon; quince. peltierwinery.com

PELTZER FAMILY CELLARS

2019 Syrah Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: California Price: $ 50 Tasting Notes: Good aromas; good oak and barrel. Sexy with a pleasing finish. peltzerwinery.com

PENNYROYAL FARM 2022 Pinot Noir Rosé Estate Grown & Bottled Category: Pinot Noir Rosés Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Anderson Valley Price: $ 28 Tasting Notes: Full; good varietal characteristics.

Juicy; good length. www.PennyroyalFarm.com

PENROSÉ HILL Firth & Vale 2021 Shiraz Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: McLaren Vale Price: $ 52 Tasting Notes: Pleasing clove aroma; well integrated; long finish; minty.

Kuier 2020 Shiraz Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Western Cape Price: $ 23 Tasting Notes: Cocoa powder; well made; full body; husky.

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

99

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Padrino Viengracia 2021 Tempranillo Category: Tempranillo Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Spain Price: $ 43 Tasting Notes: Broody; black fruity; clean; day drinking; spice box.

PERNOD RICARD USA PRW Kenwood Vineyards 2019 Kenwood Vineyards “Jack London” Dry Farmed Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Farmed Single Vineyard Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Sonoma Mountain Price: $ 55 Tasting Notes: Blackberry; sweet fruit; nicely balanced.

Kenwood Vineyards 2019 Rugged Elements “Yoakim Bridge” Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel aged Single Vineyard Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $ 52 Tasting Notes: Meaty in mouth; juicy; delicious with anything off the grill; or alone.

Kenwood Vineyards 2019 Kenwood Vineyards “Six Ridges” Cabernet Sauvignon 100

Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Alexander Valley Price: $ 21.99 Tasting Notes: Warm red fruit; supple tannins; good wine making.

PEZZI KING VINEYARDS 2020 Century Vine Zinfandel Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $ 44 Tasting Notes: Big fruit; oak; texture. Well integrated. www.pezziking.com

PIANETTA WINERY 2020 Petite Sirah Barrel Aged Category: Petite Sirah Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: El Pomar District Price: $ 40 Tasting Notes: Spicy. Big ripe fruit. www.pianettawinery.com

PICCHETTI WINERY 2022 Mattie Rosé Category: Rosé Blends Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: California Price: $ 16.95 Tasting Notes: Captures the varietals; great acidity; dried cherry; well balanced; aromatics draws you in. www.picchetti.com

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

PUR NOIRE URBAN WINERIES

PWR WINES

2013 Reservere Merlot Reserve

Category: Grenache Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Capay Valley Price: $ 19 Tasting Notes: Chalky; good mouthfeel; earthy; juicy. pwrwines.com

Category: Merlot > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $ 64 Tasting Notes: Peppery notes; violet; floral. www.purnoirewines.com

PURPLE BRANDS Four Vines 2021 The Biker Zinfandel Category: Zinfandel =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 17.99 Tasting Notes: Black caviar; salty. purplebrands.com

PURPLE HANDS WINERY 2021 Haakon/Lenai Vineyard Pinot Noir Barrel Aged; Barrel Select; Estate Vineyard; Single Vineyard; Unfined & Unfiltered; Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Dundee Hills Price: $ 70 Tasting Notes: Nice aroma; unfiltered; meaty; sweet. www.purplehandswine.com

2021 Grenache Barrel Aged

QUINTESSENTIAL Ironstone Vineyards 2020 Old Vine Zinfandel Barrel Aged Category: Zinfandel =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Lodi Price: $ 13.99 Tasting Notes: Ripe Bing cherry; sweet oak; nutty. www.quintessentialwines. com

Ironstone Vineyards 2021 Petite Sirah Barrel Aged Category: Petite Sirah Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Lodi Price: $ 13.99 Tasting Notes: Spectacular fruit; velvety; supple texture. www.quintessentialwines.com

RAFFALDINI VINEYARDS & WINERY LLC 2021 La Dolce Vita Category: Sparkling White over 5% RS

Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Swan Creek Price: $ 25 Tasting Notes: Floral. Minerality. Pineapple. Herbal tea. www.raffaldini.com

RAGING BULL VINEYARD 2021 The Matador Barrel aged; Winemaker select Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Tehama County Price: $ 40 Tasting Notes: Cocoa; dark plum; menthol; woody. ragingbullvineyard.com

2021 Malbec Barrel aged Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Malbec Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Tehama County Price: $ 35 Tasting Notes: Black tea, french bread. ragingbullvineyard.com

RAMONA RANCH WINERY 2019 Tannat Certified Sustainable Vineyard & Winery Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Other Red Varietals Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Ramona Valley

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Price: $ 48 Tasting Notes: Concentrated raspberry; strawberry & rosé; soft velvety texture; beautiful long finish. www.ramonaranchwines.com

Appellation: Rogue Valley Price: $ 32 Tasting Notes: Ripe red fruit; chocolate; grape; malty. www.rellikwinery;com

RATHBONE WINE GROUP

Category: Tempranillo Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Rogue Valley Price: $ 33 Tasting Notes: Broad midpalate; fruit forward. www.rellikwinery;com

Mount Langi Ghiran 2020 Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Grampians Price: $ 24.99 Tasting Notes: Minty nose; bright fruit; slight dill on the finish.

RED THREAD WINES 2021 Red Thread - Chardonnay Starscape Vineyard Barrel Aged Category: Chardonnay $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 56 Tasting Notes: Creamy vanilla; elegant texture; refined classic Chardonnay. www.redthreadwines.com

RELLIK WINERY 2020 Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 93

2020 Tempranillo

REUSTLE PRAYER ROCK VINEYARDS 2022 Grüner Veltliner Estate Selection Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Other White Varietals Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Umpqua Valley Price: $ 34 Tasting Notes: Mineral note; rich flavors; grippy. www.reustlevineyards.com

2022 Grüner Veltliner Green Lizard Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Other White Varietals Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Umpqua Valley Price: $ 38 Tasting Notes: Classic grapefruit Muscat tones; green almond; very floral. www.reustlevineyards.com

2019 Tempranillo Winemaker’s Reserve Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Tempranillo Award: Gold

Score: 94 Appellation: Umpqua Valley Price: $ 45 Tasting Notes: Super traditional; tropical notes. www.reustlevineyards.com

RIOS WINE COMPANY 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Single Vineyard Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Napa Valley; Stags Leap District Price: $ 75 Tasting Notes: Sweet palate; chocolate covered cherry; baking chocolate; lovely! rioswinecompany.com

2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Single Vineyard Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Napa Valley; Stags Leap District Price: $ 100 Tasting Notes: Amazing; incredible texture; true varietal example; perfect oak integration. rioswinecompany.com

RM WINERIES Caliche 2022 Albariño Estate Grown Category: Spanish White Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Ancient Lakes

Price: $ 18.99 Tasting Notes: Sweet fruit; honey; pleasant mouth feel.

RMWineries.com

ROCK AND CLAY WINES LLC 2020 Tannat Single Vineyard Category: Other Red Varietals Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Alexander Valley; Sonoma County Price: $ 35 Tasting Notes: Fruitcake & roasted nuts; beautiful velvety tannins; ripe bordelaise aromas. www.rockandclaywines.com

RODNEY STRONG WINE ESTATES Rodney Strong Vineyards 2022 Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir Rosés Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Sonoma Coast Price: $ 25 Tasting Notes: Taste of rosé pedals; pinot came through; crushed seashells; minerality. www.rodneystrong.com

Rodney Strong Vineyards 2021 Sonoma County Merlot

refreshing; black currants; bread fruit. www.rodneystrong.com

Rowen Wine Company 2018 Rowen; Red Blend Category: Other Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $ 60 Tasting Notes: Mouth filling; well balanced. www.rodneystrong.com

ROLLING HILLS VINEYARD AND WINERY 2020 Sangiovese Barrel Fermented Category: Sangiovese Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Idaho; Snake River Valley Price: $ 35 Tasting Notes: Nice berry notes; cherry cola; resolved tannins.

Rolling Hills Vineyard and Winery 2020 Tempranillo Barrel Fermented Category: Tempranillo Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Idaho; Snake River Valley Price: $ 40 Tasting Notes: Spicy; balanced; smooth; age well.

Category: Merlot > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $ 22 Tasting Notes: Juicy;

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

101

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

RUSSIAN RIVER VINEYARDS 2019 Austin Estate Estate Category: Pinot Noir > $75.01 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Russian River

Valley Price: $ 85 Tasting Notes: Dark fruit; very complex; some forest floor; clean; very well balanced. www.russianrivervineyards. com

ST. ANNE’S CROSSING 2020 Bacigalupi Zinfandel

Bacigalupi Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Russian River Price: $ 44 Tasting Notes: Black pepper; youth; energetic. Filled with spice. stannescrossing.com

2020 Zinfandel Harris Kratka Harris Kratka

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold St. Francis Winery & Vineyards 2020 Old Vines Zinfandel Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $22 Tasting Notes: Good use of oak. www.stfranciswinery. com

Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Alexander Valley; Sonoma County Price: $ 46 Tasting Notes: Juicy; jammy; varietally correct; berries; supple hint of spice. stannescrossing.com

2019 Este Cabernet Sauvignon Este Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Sonoma Valley Price: $ 47 Tasting Notes: Classic Sonoma Valley style. Cherries and mineral notes. Long finish. stannescrossing.com

2020 Sonoma County Zinfandel Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $ 34 Tasting Notes: Raspberry/ blackberry; nice spice; consumer friendly. stannescrossing.com

2020 Old Vine Zinfandel

102

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $ 40 Tasting Notes: Red raisins; plum; earth. stannescrossing.com

ST. FRANCIS WINERY & VINEYARDS 2020 Old Vines Zinfandel Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $ 22 Tasting Notes: Good use of oak; vanilla creme. www.stfranciswinery.com

2019 Lagomarsino Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 72 Tasting Notes: Fabulous nose; Forceful; bittersweet chocolate; red fruit. www.stfranciswinery.com

SAKURA VINEYARD AND WINERY Sakura Winery’s Aphelion NV Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Livermore Valley Price: $ 45

Tasting Notes: Young; elegant and vibrant. www.sakurawinery.com

Sakura Winery’s Aphelion 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Livermore Valley Price: $ 50 Tasting Notes: Pretty; young and easy to please; lovely finish. www.sakurawinery.com

Sakura Winery’s Aphelion 2018 Tempranillo Estate Category: Tempranillo Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Livermore Valley Price: $ 50 Tasting Notes: Dark and broody; plum; nice oak; coconut. www.sakurawinery.com

SAN JOAQUIN WINE COMPANY Aunar 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Aged Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: California Price: $ 20 Tasting Notes: Balanced; drinkable; bright fruit; great value. www.sjwineco.com

Aunar

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

2022 Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: California Price: $ 20 Tasting Notes: Banana; bright aromatics. www.sjwineco.com

SANDAR & HEM WINES 2022 Bates Ranch Grenache Rosé Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation Price: $ 24 Tasting Notes: Balanced; good acid; earthy; delicate. www.sandarandhem.com

2021 Mountain Winery Vineyard Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation Price: $ 52 Tasting Notes: Apple; lemon; vanilla; balanced oak. www.sandarandhem.com

SARACINA VINEYARDS 2019 Pick & Shovel Zinfandel Estate Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Mendocino County Price: $ 32 Tasting Notes: Nice spice character; blackberry; blueberry; medium body; Good

finish. www.saracina.com

SASS WINERY 2022 Gamay Noir Rosé Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Willamette Valley Price: $ 24 Tasting Notes: White pepper; dry cherries; aromatic wine; good.

SassWinery.com

SCARLETT WINES 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Napa Valley; Rutherford Price: $ 85 Tasting Notes: Lavendar/ rosé; rosémary; herbal; rich finish. scarlettwines.com

2022 Sauvignon Blanc Estate Grown Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Napa Valley; Rutherford Price: $ 32 Tasting Notes: Citrus; grapefruit. Phenolic finish. scarlettwines.com

2019 Petit Verdot Estate Grown Category: Petit Verdot Award: Gold Score: 94

Appellation: Napa Valley; Rutherford Price: $ 50 Tasting Notes: Black pepper; piney aromas; stone fruit; full throated tannins. scarlettwines.com

SENTIVO VINEYARDS AND WINERY 2017 Syrah Estate Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: El Dorado; Fair Play Price: $ 44 Tasting Notes: Oil cured olives; blackberry leaf; black pepper. Tomato skins. sentivovineyards.com

2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Fair Play Price: $ 42 Tasting Notes: Fruit balanced; compote; excellent. sentivovineyards.com

SEVEN BRIDGES WINERY 2018 Quintessence Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Barrel Reserve Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Red Mountain Price: $ 58

Tasting Notes: Upfront fruit; weighty velocity; crisp finish. www.sevenbridgeswinery. com

SODA ROCK WINERY 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon; Five Star General Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Sonoma County; Alexander Valley Price: $ 68 Tasting Notes: Rich & round; lots of fruit; lifted with cherry; long finish. www.sodarockwinery.com

2020 Chardonnay; Mendocino Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Mendocino County Price: $ 36 Tasting Notes: Very floralwhite peach. Clean and focused. Rich; creamy; finish. www.sodarockwinery.com

2017 Rockpile Cabernet Sauvignon RSV Single Vineyard Reserve Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Rockpile Price: $ 60 Tasting Notes: Tasty; elegant; long lingering finish; great nose. www.sodarockwinery.com

Twisted Rail Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Alexander Valley Price: $ 54 Tasting Notes: Smoky bacon; big; full; rich; concentrated. www.sodarockwinery.com

SONOMA-CUTRER VINEYARD 2020 The Cutrer Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 36 Tasting Notes: Deep rich flavors of Mango and Peach.

Nice finish. www.sonomacutrer.com

2020 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Grown; Vinted and Bottled Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $ 36 Tasting Notes: Woody; bright; red fruit. www.sonomacutrer.com

2020 Cabernet Sauvignon; Twisted Rail

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

103

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

SOUTH COAST WINERY 2022 Grenache Noir Rosé Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: South Coast Price: $ 22 Tasting Notes: Watermelon; nicely balanced. www.southcoastwinery.com

2021 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Temecula Valley Price: $ 19 Tasting Notes: cantaloupe; peach. www.southcoastwinery.com

STAGE PASS ESTATE 2021 Pinot Noir Estate Grown Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Rogue Valley Price: $ 42 Tasting Notes: Spice rack; Ranier cherry; tomato leaf; blackberry; boysenberry yogurt; bramble; long finish.

STARFIELD VINEYARDS 2022 Che Moscato!

Estate Grown Category: Muscat Varietals 0.0 - 5.0% rs Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: El Dorado Price: $ 28 Tasting Notes: Stone fruit;

104

lanolin. www.starfieldvineyards.com

STE MICHELLE WINE ESTATES Liquid Light 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Washington State Price: $ 16 Tasting Notes: Apple; pear; soft; nice acid balance; pretty nose. www.ste-michelle-wineestates.com

Northstar 2020 Columbia Valley Merlot Category: Merlot > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $ 45 Tasting Notes: Big mouth feel but still soft; lush; fruity. www.ste-michelle-wineestates.com

STEINER FAMILY VINEYARDS 2021 Barbera “Cooper Ranch” Category: Barbera Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Amador County Price: $ 32 Tasting Notes: Big ripe and voluptuous. Notes of blue fruits and clove. Blood orange peel. red19wine.com

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

2022 Rosé “Cooper Ranch” Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Amador County Price: $ 24 Tasting Notes: Wildflower; red cherry; balanced; aromatic. red19wine.com

Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Ribbon Ridge Price: $ 35 Tasting Notes: Balanced and lovely; saturated; abundance of red and dry notes.

STONEHOUSE CELLARS

SYCAMORE RANCH VINEYARD & WINERY, LLC

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon; Hella Sticky Monkey Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled

2021 GSM Barrel aged Estate Bottled & Produced

Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Lake County Price: $ 95 Tasting Notes: Elegant; beautiful tannin; beautiful oak. www.stonehousecellars.com

STORRS WINERY & VINEYARDS; LTD. 2021 Grenache Category: Grenache Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Central Coast Price: $ 34 Tasting Notes: Woody; well made; hearty; big fruit; spice. storrswine.com

STYRING VINEYARDS Styring Signature 2018 Styring Signature Estate Estate Grown and Produced

Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Ballard Canyon Price: $ 45 Tasting Notes: Plum cherry; Bing cherry cola. www.sycamoreranch.com

THE MEEKER VINEYARD 2019 Cabernet Franc Pedroni Vineyard Reserve Category: Cabernet Franc Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $ 65 Tasting Notes: Mineral-iron ore. Blended Tannins; well done. www.meekerwine.com

THE MILL KEEPER 2019 Red Wine Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold

Score: 94 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $ 30 Tasting Notes: garnet; sweet cedar; walnuts. https://themillkeeper.com/

THE WINE GROUP Benziger Family Winery 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: California Price: $ 20 Tasting Notes: Pretty fruit; blueberry aroma. Nice winemaking. www.thewinegroup.com

Charles Smith 2021 Boom Boom Syrah Category: Syrah/ Shiraz =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Washington Price: $ 14.99 Tasting Notes: True to it’s name; Great Flavor; lingering finish. www.thewinegroup.com

Chloe Wine Collection 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: North Coast Price: $ 17.99 Tasting Notes: Smooth; licorice; cherry; good complexity. www.thewinegroup.com

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Chloe Wine Collection 2021 Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Monterey County Price: $ 16.99 Tasting Notes: Pineapple; lemony; bright acidity. Long creamy finish. www.thewinegroup.com

Chloe Wine Collection 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Martinborough Price: $ 16.99 Tasting Notes: Gooseberry; smooth; great acid; new world classic. Lemon verbena lime. www.thewinegroup.com

Concannon Vineyard 2019 Clone 7 Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 7 Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Livermore Valley Price: $ 95 Tasting Notes: Pure and elegant; pleases any palate; depth to this wine; long finish. www.thewinegroup.com

Franzia NV Rich & Buttery Chardonnay Vintner Select Category: Boxed White Wines Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Australia Price: $ 11.99

Tasting Notes: Caramelized; nice oak integration; balanced. www.thewinegroup.com

Chloe Wine Collection 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: North Coast Price: $ 17.99 Tasting Notes: Smooth; licorice; cherry; good complexity. www.thewinegroup.com

Chloe Wine Collection 2021 Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Monterey County Price: $ 16.99 Tasting Notes: Pineapple; lemony; bright acidity. Long creamy finish. www.thewinegroup.com

Chloe Wine Collection 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Martinborough Price: $ 16.99 Tasting Notes: Gooseberry; smooth; great acid; new world classic. Lemon verbena lime. www.thewinegroup.com

THE WINERY AT HOLY CROSS ABBEY As Above So Below NV The Theurigist

Category: Red Hybrid Vinifera Blends Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: American Price: $ 16 Tasting Notes: Ripe fruit; raspberry; nice balance; nice underlying oak. www.abbeywinery.com

2022 Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Monterey Price: $ 22 Tasting Notes: Clean fresh apple; orange blossom; nice lengthy finish. www.abbeywinery.com

NV Sangre de Cristo Nouveau Category: Native American Vinifera Blends Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: American Price: $ 20 Tasting Notes: Juicy; true to varietal; nice floral notes with a touch of black pepper. www.abbeywinery.com

As Above So Below NV The Theurigist Category: Red Hybrid Vinifera Blends Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: American Price: $ 16 Tasting Notes: Ripe fruit; raspberry; nice balance; nice underlying oak. www.abbeywinery.com

2022 Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Monterey

Price: $ 22 Tasting Notes: Clean fresh apple; orange blossom; nice lengthy finish. www.abbeywinery.com

NV Sangre de Cristo Nouveau Category: Native American Vinifera Blends Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: American Price: $ 20 Tasting Notes: Juicy; true to varietal; nice floral notes with a touch of black pepper. www.abbeywinery.com

THEOPOLIS VINEYARDS 2021 Cortada Alta Vineyard; Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands Price: $ 50 Tasting Notes: Chalky cocoa tannins; dark fruit; dried sour cherry. http://theopolisvineyards. com

THIBIDO WINERY 2021 The Bedfellow Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Willow Creek Price: $ 58 Tasting Notes: Intense flavors-ripe; plummy; cocoa and vanilla. https://thibidowinery.com/

TINTE CELLARS

2022 Viognier Category: Viognier Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $ 38 Tasting Notes: Green papaya; very floral; orange blossom; honeysuckle. https://tintecellars.com/

2020 Irish Eyes Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $ 48 Tasting Notes: Very pretty; volatile; woody. https://tintecellars.com/

2020 Syrah Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $ 45 Tasting Notes: Berry compote; pleasing fruit; good acid with balance. https://tintecellars.com/

TOAD HOLLOW VINEYARD 2021 Chardonnay Francines Selection Unoaked Category: Unoaked Chardonnay Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Mendocino County Price: $ 15 Tasting Notes: Golden apple; mace; medium bodied.

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

105

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

www.toadhollow.com

TONGUE DANCER WINES The Departure 2020 Red Blend Winemaker Select Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $ 49 Tasting Notes: Nice color-garnet & chocolate; coffee; big wine. tonguedancerwines.com

TOWNSHIP 7 VINEYARD & WINERY 2019 seven stars Polaris Methode Traditionnelle Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: British Columbia; Okanagan VQA Price: $ 39.97 Tasting Notes: Honeycomb notes; bright fresh lemon; silky texture. www.township7.com

TRECINI WINERY 2016 Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Barrel Aged Category: Italian Type Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOCG Price: $ 30

106

Tasting Notes: Red fruits; good minerality; well balanced; plush tannins. www.trecini.com

FAMILY ESTATES

Sutter Home NV Cabernet Sauvignon

2020 Late Harvest Tannat Clarksburg Estate Grown; Late Harvest

SEAGLASS 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 12.99 Tasting Notes: Menthol aroma; blueberry; pleasant finish; good winemaking. www.tfewines.com

Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: California Price: $ 6 Tasting Notes: Boysenberry; flavorful spicy note. www.tfewines.com

Category: LH Red Varietals Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Yolo County Price: $ 40 Tasting Notes: True to varietal. Elegant; well balanced; long finish. www.trecini.com

TRENTADUE WINERY La Storia 2020 La Storia Petite Sirah Estate Category: Petite Sirah Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Alexander Valley; Sonoma County Price: $ 28 Tasting Notes: Cassis; Wildberry; inky; peppery; briary; intense fruit; juicy. www.trentadue.com

La Storia 2021 Zinfandel Block 303 Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Alexander Valley; Sonoma County Price: $ 26 Tasting Notes: Spice box; cocoa; velvety; blackberry notes. www.trentadue.com

TRINCHERO

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

SEAGLASS 2021 Pinot Grigio Category: Pinot Gris/ Grigio Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Santa Barbara County Price: $ 12 Tasting Notes: Tropical fruit.

Long finish. www.tfewines.com

SEAGLASS 2021 Riesling Category: Riesling semisweet 2.1 - 4.0% rs Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Monterey County Price: $ 12 Tasting Notes: Key lime pie; great balance between acidity and sweetness. www.tfewines.com

Sutter Home NV Sweet Red Category: Other Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: California Price: $ 6 Tasting Notes: Lilac; blossom. Floral; bright fruit. www.tfewines.com

Fre NV Chardonnay Category: No alcohol white Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: California Price: $ 6 Tasting Notes: White peach; asparagus. www.tfewines.com

Menage a Trois 2021 Silk Soft Red Category: Other Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: California Price: $ 12 Tasting Notes: Elegant; balanced. Lingering. www.tfewines.com

TRUJILLO WINES LLC 2022 2022 Madelyn White Cuvee Category: Other White Blends Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Mendocino Price: $ 24 Tasting Notes: Edgy and bold; lemongrass. www.trujillowines.com

TWO MOUNTAIN WINERY

Brothers 2018 Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon Copeland Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Yakima Valley Price: $ 75 Tasting Notes: Smooth; elegant and sophisticated; excellent. www.twomountainwinery. com

VARA WINERY & DISTILLERY NV Silverhead Brut Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Ancient Lakes Price: $ 25 Tasting Notes: Great job of capturing varietal; green apple; expressive; Meyer lemon. varawines.com

2020 Gold Garnacha Category: Grenache Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Spain Price: $ 28 Tasting Notes: Warm cherry pie; raspberry jam; long finish. varawines.com

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

VEGAS VALLEY WINERY 2022 Mist Category: Muscat Varietals 0.0 - 5.0% rs Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Suisun Valley Price: $ 24 Tasting Notes: Sweet; yellow rosé; tupalo honey.

Www.vegasvalleywinery.com

2022 La Rosa Category: All other Varietal Rosés Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Suisun Valley Price: $ 24 Tasting Notes: Peachy; white flowers; good balance. Bright acidity.

Www.vegasvalleywinery.com

VEZER FAMILY VINEYARD LLC 2022 Verdelho / Franci Estate Category: Other White Varietals Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Suisun Valley Price: $ 45 Tasting Notes: Honeycomb; summer in a glass. www.vezerfamilyvineyard. com

VILLA CREEK CELLARS Cherry House Wines 2022 Cherry House Rosé Barrel Aged Category: Rosé Blends

Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 20 Tasting Notes: Raspberries and cream; nice wine; well rounded. http://www.villacreekwine. com/

VILLA VALLECITO VINEYARDS INC. 2020 Cabernet Franc Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Cabernet Franc Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Calaveras County Price: $ 45 Tasting Notes: Nice cassis; long finish. Suede texture on palette. Herbaceous finish integrated with black fruit. villavallecitovineyards.com

2019 El Rey Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Other Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Calaveras County Price: $ 45 Tasting Notes: Big; ripe red fruit; cherry coke; spice cake; crowd pleaser; very approachable. villavallecitovineyards.com

VINA MODA 2020 Grenache Category: Grenache Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Sierra Foothills Price: $ 40 Tasting Notes: Chunky; bright balanced subtle oak.

www.vinamoda.com

VINA ROBLES VINEYARDS & WINERY 2022 Rosé Grown; produced and bottled Estate Category: Rosé Blends Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Paso Robles Geneseo District Price: $ 26 Tasting Notes: Melon aroma; floral; nice mouth feel. www.VinaRobles.com

VINO VARGAS Vargas 2020 Tres Bien Barrel Aged Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 34 Tasting Notes: Petrol; floral; racy. www.vinovargas.com

Vargas 2022 Aha Single Vineyard Category: Spanish White Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 29 Tasting Notes: kiwi flavor; balanced; well made; fruit to varietal. www.vinovargas.com

Vargas 2020 Si Single Vineyard

Category: Petite Sirah Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $ 39 Tasting Notes: Astounding fruit. sweet berry fruit. rich. www.vinovargas.com

VINTAGE WINE ESTATES Clos Pegase 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: California Price: $ 24.99 Tasting Notes: Good finish; softness on palate.

Cosentino 2022 Moscato Category: Muscat Varietals 0.0 - 5.0% rs Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: California Price: $ 24.99 Tasting Notes: Very drinkable. Juicy fruity character.

Girard 2022 Meritage Category: Other Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: California Price: $ 24.99 Tasting Notes: Dusky; bramble; blueberry.

WASHINGTON WINE GROUP

Sustainable Farming Methods; Vegan; Gluten-Free; Estate Grown Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Washington State Price: $ 14.99 Tasting Notes: Fun; wild apple blossom; peach; Absolutely delightful; enjoyable. https://washingtonwinegroup.com/

Lulu 2022 Rosé Sustainable Farming Methods; Vegan; Gluten-Free; Estate Grown Category: Rosé Blends Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Washington State Price: $ 12.99 Tasting Notes: Juicy; hammock wine; vibrant nose. https://washingtonwinegroup.com/

Milbrandt Family 2021 Chardonnay Sustainable Farming Methods; Vegan; Gluten-Free; Estate Grown Category: Chardonnay =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $ 14.99 Tasting Notes: Juicy; thirst quenching guava; myer lemon; nice length. https://washingtonwinegroup.com/

Lulu NV Blanc de Blanc

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

107

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Ryan Patrick 2022 Rosé Sustainable Farming Methods; Vegan; Gluten-Free; Estate Grown Category: Rosé Blends Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $ 12.99 Tasting Notes: Fresh strawberry; excellent balance; pleasant acidity. https://washingtonwinegroup.com/

Simply...

2022 Riesling Sustainable Farming Methods; Vegan; Gluten-Free Estate Grown & Bottled Category: Riesling semi-dry 0.91 - 2.0% rs Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Washington State Price: $ 9.99 Tasting Notes: Floral fragrant; superb mouth feel; Tuber Rosé. https://washingtonwinegroup.com/

108

Simply...

2020 Red Blend Sustainable Farming Methods; Vegan; Gluten-Free Estate Grown Category: Other Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Washington State Price: $ 9.99 Tasting Notes: Spicy; nice fruit; soft tannins. https://washingtonwinegroup.com/

WENTE FAMILY ESTATES Wente Vineyards 2020 Wetmore Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Single Vineyard Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Livermore Valley Price: $ 35 Tasting Notes: Nice glass of Cab solid; cab sauv; good

SUNSET • WINE ISSUE 2023

wine making. www.wentevineyards.com

Wente Vineyards 2021 Riva Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay Estate Grown Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Arroyo Seco Price: $ 22 Tasting Notes: Autumn Chardonnay; pumpkin spice.

Lovely finish. www.wentevineyards.com

Wente Vineyards 2021 Morning Fog Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay =< $20.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Central Coast Price: $ 18 Tasting Notes: Butter popcorn; wet stone; tasty. www.wentevineyards.com

2018 Artiest Series Sonata Estate Grown and Produced Category: Other Red Blends Award: Gold

Score: 91 Appellation: Livermore Valley Price: $ 60 Tasting Notes: Spicy and fun; dark chocolate finish. www.wentevineyards.com

WESTERN DRIVE WINES; LLC Brockmeyer Family Wines 2022 Albariño Otis Vineyard Category: Spanish White Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Yakima Valley Price: $ 21 Tasting Notes: Wonderful nose; good acid; lemon zest. brockmeyerwines.com

WHITEHALL LANE WINERY 2019 Leonardini Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyard Single Vineyard

Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Napa Valley; St. Helena Price: $ 125 Tasting Notes: Espresso tones; toffee; black fruits; well done. whitehalllane.com

WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS 2022 Whole Cluster Rosé of Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir Rosés Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Willamette Valley Price: $ 19.99 Tasting Notes: Good color; floral perfume nose; honeysuckle. www.wvv.com

WILLIAM HERITAGE WINERY 2022 White Blend

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold GOLD MEDAL AND ABOVE WINNERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Estate Reserve Category: Other White Blends Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Outer Coastal Plain Price: $ 36 Tasting Notes: sweet; juicy; well-integrated www.heritagewinenj.com

2022 Grenache Syrah Rosé Estate Reserve Category: Rosé Blends Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Outer Coastal Plain Price: $ 36 Tasting Notes: Tuber rosé; long finish; pleasant. www.heritagewinenj.com

WILSON WINERY OF DRY CREEK 2021 Zinfandel/Snake Patch RSV Single Vineyard Reserve

2021 Zinfandel/Wedding Cake Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Alexander Valley Price: $ 45 Tasting Notes: Brazen red fruit. Lovely; energetic. www.wilsonwinery.com

2021 Zinfandel/Carl’s Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $ 42 Tasting Notes: Rich mouth feel; fresh; big. www.wilsonwinery.com

2021 Zinfandel/Buzz Single Vineyard Selection

Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $ 44 Tasting Notes: Sweet berry, chocolate flavors; medium bodied; rich; good balance. www.wilsonwinery.com

2021 Zinfandel/Conte Single Vineyard Selection Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 93 Appellation: Chalk Hill Price: $ 44 Tasting Notes: Beautifully textured; boysenberry; blackberry; classic; underlining herbs; great nose. www.wilsonwinery.com

WINEPLAYGROUND Fiftyrow 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Alice Block Single Vineyard Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Gold

Score: 92 Appellation: Napa Valley; Rutherford Price: $ 90 Tasting Notes: Very ripe and clean; chocolate covered cranberries; great fruit. www.fiftyrow.com

WISE VILLA WINERY 2020 Petite Sirah Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Petite Sirah Award: Gold Score: 94 Appellation: Sierra Foothills; Placer County Price: $ 37 Tasting Notes: Persistent fruit. Really good acidity.

Tannins very well managed. www.wisevillawinery.com

2021 Tempranillo Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Tempranillo Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Sierra Foothills Price: $ 45 Tasting Notes: Bright acidity; dried fruit. www.wisevillawinery.com

WOLFF VINEYARDS 2021 Teroldego Italian variety Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Italian Red Varietals Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: San Luis Obispo County; Edna Valley Price: $ 39 Tasting Notes: Intense; bold; blackberries; well balanced; backbone of tannins. www.wolffvineyards.com

YAMHILL VALLEY VINEYARDS 2021 Pinot Noir Estate Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: McMinnville Price: $ 30 Tasting Notes: Dry cherry; balanced. www.yamhill.com

GUTTER CREDIT

Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 92

Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $ 62 Tasting Notes: Floral nose; juicy; blackberry; pristine acids; nicely balanced; elegant. www.wilsonwinery.com

WINE ISSUE 2023 • SUNSET

109

The Essence of Place, Expertly Crafted Legendary J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon. Our very best vineyard blocks

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold 2020 J. LOHR CAROL’S VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON

and artisan craftsmanship result in one of the appellation’s flagship reds. Simply put, our Vineyard Series’ Hilltop release has, for twenty-six vintages, defined Cabernet from Paso Robles.

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Gold 2020 J. LOHR PURE PASO® PROPRIETARY RED WINE

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION

Double Gold

R NAT I ON IN T E WINE AL COMPETITION Best of Class

2021 J. LOHR ESTATES SOUTH RIDGE SYRAH

@JLohrWines | jlohr.com © 2023 J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines