Congratulations are in order for the local wine industry, as the results of the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition are in. This is the first wine-judging event of the year and with more than 6,400 entries, this is the largest judging of American wines in the world. This year 86 awards went to wineries in Santa Clara and San Benito counties. Our wineries won 35 bronze, 37 silver, 11 gold, two double gold and one Best of Class.
Martin Ranch Winery in Gilroy was the biggest local winner at the competition, with 14 awards. In addition to the Best of Class for the 2012 Thérèse Vineyards Malbec, it also took four of the 11 gold medals for its 2011 Syrah, 2011 Merlot, 2011 Sangiovese and 2012 Viognier.
Double gold is awarded when all judges unanimously decide a wine deserves gold. One local winery won two of these designations; Guerra Cellars in Hollister won double gold with its 2011 Malbec and its 2009 Rhone Blend.
Kirigin Cellars in Gilroy won one gold. Though usually noted for its Vino de Mocca, this award went to its 2012 Zinfandel. Gilroy’s Sarah’s Vineyard won for its 2011 Cote de Madonne, a red Rhone style blend named after Mount Madonna—and one of my favorites. Pietra Santa Winery in Hollister took gold for its 2013 Estate Pinot Noir. Satori Cellars in Gilroy makes luscious Petite Sirahs, and it won gold for the 2011 Estate Petite Sirah and the 2012 Harmonic Convergence. Sycamore Creek in Morgan Hill was awarded gold for the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2012 Flagship Reserve.
All gold, double gold and Best of Class winners have the chance to pour wine at a public tasting event Feb. 14 at Fort Mason in San Francisco. For more information, visit winejudging.com. Or visit the tasting rooms and don’t forget to congratulate them. Cheers to award-winning wines!
