The California State Fair Wine Competition,
”
the oldest, most prestigious wine competition in North
America,
”
according to the event’s website, has chosen its 2011
winners
– and local Gilroy wineries have some new bragging rights.
The California State Fair Wine Competition, “the oldest, most prestigious wine competition in North America,” according to the event’s website, has chosen its 2011 winners – and local Gilroy wineries have some new bragging rights.
According to a press release submitted by Solis Winery, five of its recognized wines received “Best in Class” awards, including the 2010 fiano, the 2008 sangiovese and the 2007 syrah.
The “Best in Class” designation signifies the highest scoring varietal within its respective region, of which there are 11, according to the event’s judging criteria. Solis’s 2007 estate merlot priced at $25 earned a gold medal, scoring 95 points out of a possible 100. Its 2007 meritage “Cara Mia” also won a bronze medal.
“With so many excellent wineries in California – and especially the Bay Area – we are especially thrilled to have been awarded three ‘Best in Class in Region’ awards in one year,” said Vic Vanni, co-owner of Solis Winery.
The 2008 J.D. Hurley merlot from Martin Ranch Winery on Redwood Retreat Rd. didn’t fare too shabby, either – nabbing a double gold medal and “Best of Class” with 98 points out of 100.
“It’s one of our most consistent varietals, and it’s been a consistent winner at the state fair for probably the last five years. This is the first double gold we’ve ever gotten on it,” said Therese Martin, who owns and operates Martin Ranch Winery with husband Dan Martin.
Satori Cellars on 2100 Buena Vista Ave. in Gilroy brought home a silver medal for their 2007 Harmonic Convergence Estate Reserve, along with a bronze for their 2007 Estate Petite Sirah Ha-Ha.
“It’s a little bit of a crapshoot,” said Tom Muller, who owns Satori with his wife and son. “But you just hope for the best.”
And the winners are …
– Martin Ranch Winery: ’08 J.D. Hurley Merlot, double gold; ’07 J.D. Hurley Cabernet Sauvignon, silver; ’10 J.D. Hurley Sauvignon Blanc, silver; ’07 Therese Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, silver; ’07 Therese Vineyards Sangiovese, bronze.
Located at 6675 Redwood Retreat Rd; visit martinranchwinery.com
– Solis Winery: ’07 estate merlot, gold; ’08 sangiovese, silver; ’07 syrah, silver; ’10 fiano, silver; ’07 meritage, bronze.
Located at 3920 Hecker Pass; visit soliswinery.com
– Satori Cellars: ’07 Harmonic Convergence Estate Reserve, silver; ’07 Estate Petite Sirah Ha-Ha, bronze.
Located at 2100 Buena Vista Ave; visit satoricellars.com
