HILTON HEAD, S.C. – Chapter 24 Vineyards, one of Oregon’s youngest cult Pinot Noir producers, brought home the title of best red wine at the Hilton Head Island International Wine Judging.

Maison L’Envoye 2013 Two Messengers Pinot Noir, one of several brands within Mark Tarlov’s young Chapter 24 project, earned one of the three superlatives in the field of 418 entries.

Max Marriott and renowned Burgundy producer Louis-Michel Liger-Belair collaborated on the 2013 Messengers, a blend of eight vineyards in the Willamette Valley. Heading up vineyard relations on the project is Australian viticulturist Ryan Hannaford, who left Seven Springs Vineyard to rejoin Evening Lands founder Tarlov at Chapter 24.

The 23-judge panel in South Carolina, dominated by sommeliers and wine educators, was headlined by Brett Davis, a master sommelier from Louisville, Ky. They awarded 163 medals.

“This is a wonderful accolade. It’s been great to see the momentum continue for Maison L’Envoye,” Gavin Speight, co-founder of Maison L’Envoye, said in a news release. “Crafting regional Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, Burgundy and Tasmania has definitely struck a chord with the wine trade. We’re  happy being the messengers who make this Pinot driven fellowship of grapegrower and winemaker talent happen.”

Union Wine Co. brings home 2 golds

Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley particularly wowed the judges. Patricia Green Cellars in Oregon’s Ribbon Ridge matched the Two Messengers with a coveted double gold. Ryan Harms and his Union Wine Company received gold medals for two Pinot Noirs from the 2014 vintage.

Gård Vintners, the Lawrence family’s estate winery on the Royal Slope in Washington’s Columbia Valley, merited a gold medal for its 2014 Freyja, a white Rhône blend.

The Hilton Head competition is a centerpiece of the 31st annual Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and it serves as a scholarship fundraiser for college students studying tourism, hospitality and the culinary arts.

Jeff Gerber, executive director for the Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, said, “We can say many things about our festival and judging. Hilton Head is beautiful. We are one of the oldest on the East Coast. It is one of the largest wine events in the South. The field is very open, with winners from all over. However, what we are most proud of is that our event has created dozens of opportunities for students in the last decade.”

This year’s wine festival will span March 7-12, highlighted by tasting events during the final two days at The Sea Pines. Award winners will be featured at special events and consumer seminars throughout the week.

Best red/double gold

Maison L’Envoyé 2013 Two Messengers Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $30

Best white

Chalk Hill 2013 Estate Chardonnay, Chalk Hill, $42

Best dessert

Barboursville Vineyards 2012 Paxxito Passito, Virginia, $32

Pacific Northwest award winners

Double gold

Patricia Green Cellars 2014 Estate Old Vine Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge, $42

Gold

Gård Vintners 2014 Freyja White Wine, Columbia Valley, $14
Union Wine Co. 2014 Alchemist Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $28
Union Wine Co. 2014 Kings Ridge Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $18

Silver

Barrage Cellars 2011 Double Barrel
Barrage Cellars 2011 AKA Merlot
Barrage Cellars 2012 AKA Merlot
Gård Vintners 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
Gård Vintners 2013 Vaucluse
Gård Vintners 2013 Don Isidro
King Estate 2014 Pinot Gris
Patricia Green Cellars 2014 Volcanic Pinot Noir
Union Wine Company 2013 Kings Ridge Riesling, Willamette Valley, $14