FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Woodward Canyon, one of Walla Walla’s iconic brands, and Ste. Michelle Wine Estates’ “String of Pearls” shined Friday at the Hyatt Pier 66 during the ninth annual American Fine Wine Competition gala.
Rick Small’s latest Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon from Woodward Canyon, the 2013 vintage of the Dedication Series, and his 2012 Erratic Red Wine each received double gold medals from the Florida judging staged in January. The Woodward Canyon 2013 Estate Chardonnay also picked up a gold medal.
The Ste. Michelle Wine Estates portfolio struck gold six times in the competition, which generated more than 750 entries.
Judges also were unanimous in twice lauding the work of Serge Laville, who makes intense reds for Ste. Michelle’s Spring Valley Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley. His 2012 Katherine Corkrum and 2012 Frederick red wines both earned double gold.
Col Solare and winemaker Darel Allwine earned a double gold for the 2012 Red Wine, a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and the vintage that marked the first time Red Mountain supplied 100 percent of the fruit.
Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Bertheau wins 3 golds
Bob Bertheau of Chateau Ste. Michelle garnered three gold medals, a pair for his annual collaboration with famed German Riesling producer Ernst Loosen — the 2013 Eroica Riesling Ice Wine and the 2013 Eroica Gold – and his 2012 Artist Series Meritage Red Wine, which features artwork by famed Dale Chihuly on the label.
The charity gala, which benefits the Miami Dolphins Cancer Challenge, featured winners and top wines from the competition. There were 622 medals were awarded.
Pacific Northwest medal winners
Double gold medal
Col Solare 2012 Red Wine, Red Mountain, $75
Spring Valley Vineyard 2012 Katherine Corkrum Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley, $50
Spring Valley Vineyard 2012 Frederick Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley, $50
Woodward Canyon Winery 2013 Dedication Series Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington, $99
Woodward Canyon Winery 2012 Erratic Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley, $66
Gold medal
Barrister Winery 2012 Sagemoor, Columbia Valley,$35
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2012 Artist Series Meritage Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $65
Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen 2013 Eroica Riesling Ice Wine, Horse Heaven Hills,$60
Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen 2013 Eroica Gold, Columbia Valley, $30
Woodward Canyon Winery 2013 Estate Chardonnay, Walla Walla, $66
Silver medal
Barrister Winery 2012 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $31
Barrister Winery 2013 Merlot, Red Mountain, $29
Barrister Winery NV Rough Justice Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $22
Blakeslee Vineyard 2014 Estate Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains, $32
EFESTE 2012 Ceidleigh Syrah, Red Mountain, $39
EFESTE Evergreen 2013 Riesling, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $20
Kestrel Vintners 2012 Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, $50
Kestrel Vintners 2010 Syrah, Yakima Valley, $50
Kestrel Vintners 2012 Olsen Vineyard Petit Verdot, Yakima Valley, $65
Kestrel Vintners 2012 Malbec, Yakima Valley, $50
Kestrel Vintners 2010 Mourvèdre, Yakima Valley, $50
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