Silvara Vineyards’ Malbec best in North Central Washington

WENATCHEE, Wash. – For the second time in four years, a small winery near Leavenworth has captured the top prize at the Wenatchee Wine & Food Festival wine competition.

Silvara Vineyards, a small producer just east of the Bavarian-themed community, won best of show at the competition with its 2014 Malbec. In 2013, the winery owned by Gary Seidler won best of show for its 2010 Quartette, a Malbec-based blend.

The award was announced Saturday evening at the annual public festival in Wenatchee.

Silvara also won two unanimous double gold medals for its 2014 Merlot and 2014 Meritage. These were the only three wines Seidler entered in the competition.

Jones of Washington also took several top awards, including best white wine for its 2015 Riesling and best rosé for its 2015 Rosé of Syrah. Jones, led by winemaker Victor Palencia, has tasting rooms in Quincy and Wenatchee. Jones also won a double gold and best of class for its 2014 Chardonnay and a double gold for its 2015 Sauvignon Blanc.

A year ago, Jones’ 2014 Sauvignon Blanc won best of show at the competition.

Rocky Pond Winery in Orondo won best dessert wine for its 2013 Late Harvest Riesling.

Malaga Springs Winery, which is southeast of Wenatchee, earned gold medals with four wines – 2013 Cabernet Franc, 2015 Chenin Blanc, 2014 Al y Kat Red Blend and 2013 Syrah.

The competition is staged by Foothills Magazine in Wenatchee and is conducted by Great Northwest Wine. All wines are from North Central Washington, and they are judged blind by three panels of wine professionals. This year, 235 wines were entered.

The judges for the sixth annual competition were:

• Barb Robertson, wine reviewer for Foothills Magazine.
• Heather Unwin, a wine marketing professional and past executive director of the Red Mountain AVA Alliance.
• Doug Charles, owner of Compass Wines in Anacortes.
• Yashar Shayan, owner of Impulse Wine in Seattle and certified sommelier.
• Richard Larsen, research winemaker for Washington State University.
• Ken Robertson, columnist for Wine Press Northwest magazine.
• Mark Takagi, wine buyer for Metropolitan Market in Seattle.
• Dan Carr, co-owner of Visconti’s Italian Restaurants in Wenatchee and Leavenworth.
• Rick Steigmeyer, wine writer for World Publishing in Seattle.

The moderators were Marco Martinez, editor of Foothills Magazine; Eric Degerman, president and CEO of Great Northwest Wine; and Andy Perdue, editor and publisher of Great Northwest Wine.

Here are the complete results:

Best of show/best red

Silvara Vineyards 2014 Malbec, Walla Walla Valley, $42

Best white

Jones of Washington 2015 Riesling, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $10

Best rosé

Jones of Washington 2015 Rosé of Syrah, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $14

Best dessert

Rocky Pond Winery 2013 Late Harvest Riesling, Lake Chelan, $24

Double gold/best of class

Cairdeas Winery 2013 Tri, Yakima Valley, $36

Eagle Creek Winery 2014 Gewürtztraminer, Columbia Valley, $19

Jones of Washington 2014 Chardonnay, Wahluke Slope, $14

Gold/best of class

Cave B Estate Winery 2012 XXVII Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $48

Chelan Estate Winery 2010 Pinot Noir, Lake Chelan, $25

Lost River Winery 2012 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $25

Plain Cellars 2013 Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, $28

Rio Vista Wines 2015 Viognier, Columbia Valley, $25

Tsillan Cellars 2013 Estate Syrah, Lake Chelan, $30

Double gold

Jones of Washington 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $17

Lost River Winery 2014 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $18

Silvara Vineyards 2014 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $32

Silvara Vineyards 2013 Meritage, Columbia Valley, $42

Tsillan Cellars 2013 Estate Reserve Syrah, Lake Chelan, $35

Tunnel Hill Winery 2014 Syrah, Lake Chelan, $30

Gold

Beaumont Cellars 2014 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $32

Brender Canyon Vineyard 2012 Merlot, Washington, $28

Cave B Estate Winery 2015 Roussanne, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $25

Chateau Faire Le Pont 2012 Elerding Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $46

Crayelle Cellars 2015 Neve’s Blanc Sauvignon Blanc, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $21

Ginkgo Forest Winery 2013 Cabernet Franc, Wahluke Slope, $30

Horan Estates Winery 2013 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $24

Malaga Springs Winery 2013 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $22

Malaga Springs Winery 2015 Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley, $16

Malaga Springs Winery 2014 Al y Kat Red Blend, Columbia Valley, $24

Malaga Springs Winery 2013 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $24

Martin Scott Winery 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $28

Milbrandt Vineyards 2013 Estates Northridge Syrah, Wahluke Slope, $42

MVP Vintners 2014 Vino Secreto Syrah, Columbia Valley, $55

Plain Cellars 2014 Chardonnay, Snipes Mountain, $26

Rio Vista Wines 2014 Pinot Noir, Columbia Valley, $42

Rio Vista Wines 2015 Pinot Noir Rose, Columbia Valley, $25

Ryan Patrick Wines 2013 Rock Island Red, Columbia Valley, $20

Ryan Patrick Wines 2015 Rose, Columbia Valley, $12

Silver

Baroness Cellars 2012 Nebbiolo, Columbia Valley, $30

Baroness Cellars NV Huntress, Washington

Baroness Cellars NV Sunshine Sangria, Washington, $16

Beaumont Cellars 2013 Reserve Merlot, Wahluke Slope, $39

Beaumont Cellars 2013 Reserve Petit Verdot, Wahluke Slope, $39

Beaumont Cellars 2015 Tempranillo, Wahluke Slope, $32

Beaumont Cellars 2013 Reserve Syrah, Wahluke Slope, $39

Benson Vineyards 2015 Chardonnay, Lake Chelan

Benson Vineyards 2015 Viognier, Lake Chelan

Bergdorf Cellars 2010 Mourvèdre, Red Mountain, $36

Bergdorf Cellars 2013 Pinot Noir, Columbia Valley, $30

Bergdorf Cellars 2012 Double Cabernet, Columbia Valley, $36

Cairdeas Winery 2015 Grenache Blanc, Yakima Valley, $24

Cairdeas Winery 2013 Syrah, Lake Chelan, $45

Cave B Estate Winery 2013 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $33

Cave B Estate Winery 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $35

Cave B Estate Winery 2013 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $38

Cave B Estate Winery 2012 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $30

Cave B Estate Winery 2012 XXVII Merlot, Columbia Valley, $43

Cave B Estate Winery 2013 Tempranillo, Columbia Valley, $33

Cave B Estate Winery 2015 Gewürtztraminer, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $22

Cave B Estate Winery 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $25

Cave B Estate Winery 2013 Caveman Red, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $19

Cave B Estate Winery 2012 Cuvee du Soleil, Columbia Valley, $50

Cave B Estate Winery 2015 Dry Rose, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $18

Cave B Estate Winery 2015 Viognier, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $25

Chateau Faire Le Pont 2012 Confluence, Washington, $48

Chelan Estate Winery 2013 Merlot, Lake Chelan, $25

Chelan Estate Winery 2013 Petit Verdot, Columbia Valley, $40

Chelan Estate Winery 2013 Reserve Red, Columbia Valley, $30

Crayelle Cellars 2014 Bishop’s Block, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $29

Crayelle Cellars 2014 Gabriel’s Horn (Red Blend), Columbia Valley, $25

Crayelle Cellars 2015 Rosé, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $21

Eagle Creek Winery 2014 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $24

Eagle Creek Winery 2014 Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley, $19

Eagle Creek Winery 2014 Montage Blend Merlot & Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $25

Eagle Creek Winery 2014 Alder Weiss, Columbia Valley, $22

Errant Cellars 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $22

Errant Cellars 2014 Sangiovese, Columbia Valley, $22

Errant Cellars 2014 8/05 Red, Columbia Valley, $24

Errant Cellars 2014 Henry’s Red, Columbia Valley, $22

Errant Cellars 2014 Raven’s Red, Columbia Valley, $22

Errant Cellars 2013 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $22

Errant Cellars 2015 Patio White, Columbia Valley, $17

Esther Briques Winery 2014 Pinot Noir, Washington, $25

Esther Briques Winery 2015 Syrah Rosé, Washington, $15

Ginkgo Forest Winery 2012 Raspberry Sensation, Lot 2, Wahluke Slope, $22

Ginkgo Forest Winery 2012 Carménère, Wahluke Slope, $30

Ginkgo Forest Winery 2013 Intrigue, Wahluke Slope, $30

Horan Estates Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $24

Horan Estates Winery 2013 HVH, Columbia Valley, $24

Horan Estates Winery 2012 Reserve Syrah, Columbia Valley, $34

Horan Estates Winery 2013 CWM Syrah, Columbia Valley, $24

Jones of Washington 2012 Jack’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $30

Jones of Washington 2012 Reiman Simmons House Red Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $17

Jones of Washington 2015 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, $14

Jones of Washington 2015 Pinot Gris, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $14

Jones of Washington 2012 Barrel Select Red, Wahluke Slope, $30

Jones of Washington 2013 Syrah, Wahluke Slope, $17

Jones of Washington 2015 Viognier, Wahluke Slope, $17

Malaga Springs Winery 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $32

Malaga Springs Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $32

Malaga Springs Winery 2014 Zin’s Best Port Style Desert Wine, Columbia Valley, $38

Malaga Springs Winery 2015 Blanc de Noir, Columbia Valley, $17

Malaga Springs Winery 2015 Viognier, Columbia Valley, $17

Martin Scott Winery 2013 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $24

Martin Scott Winery 2013 Montepulciano, Columbia Valley, $28

Martin Scott Winery 2013 Gewürtzraminer, Columbia Valley, $14

Martin Scott Winery 2015 Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley, $14

Martin Scott Winery 2015 Rosé of Sangiovese, Columbia Valley, $16

Milbrandt Vineyards 2014 Traditions Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $17

Milbrandt Vineyards 2014 The Estates Evergreen Vineyard Chardonnay, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley

Milbrandt Vineyards 2014 Traditions Riesling, Columbia Valley, $13

MVP Vintners 2014 Vino Secreto Malbec, Columbia Valley, $50

Plain Cellars 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $35

Plain Cellars 2013 Malbec, Yakima Valley, $28

Plain Cellars 2013 Tempranillo, Yakima Valley, $28

Plain Cellars 2013 Eclipse Red Blend, Columbia Valley, $35

Plain Cellars 2013 Just Plain Red, Columbia Valley, $28

Plain Cellars 2013 Summer Solstice Red, Columbia Valley, $30

Rio Vista Wines 2013 Cabin Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $25

Rio Vista Wines 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $32

Rio Vista Wines 2013 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $32

Rio Vista Wines 2013 Tempranillo, Lake Chelan, $34

Rio Vista Wines 2014 River View Red, Columbia Valley, $38

Rio Vista Wines 2014 Sunset on the River, Columbia Valley, $20

Rio Vista Wines 2015 Wacky White, Columbia Valley, $20

Rocky Pond Winery 2014 VSPN Late Harvest, Lake Chelan, $21

Rocky Pond Winery 2014 Stratastone, Columbia Valley, $35

Rocky Pond Winery 2013 Glacial Treasure, Lake Chelan, $13

Ryan Patrick Wines 2013 Reserve Grenache, Wahluke Slope, $30

Ryan Patrick Wines 2013 Reserve Syrah, Red Mountain, $30

Snowgrass Winery 2014 Silver Falls Syrah, Red Mountain, $30

Stemilt Creek Winery 2011 A Day’s Work Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $26

Stemilt Creek Winery 2011 Caring Passion Merlot, Columbia Valley, $17

Stemilt Creek Winery NV Sweet Adelaide, Columbia Valley, $13

Stemilt Creek Winery NV Nettie Rosé, Columbia Valley, $12

Tsillan Cellars 2013 Estate Malbec, Lake Chelan, $30

Tsillan Cellars 2015 Estate Dry Riesling, Lake Chelan, $18

Tsillan Cellars 2015 Estate Riesling, Lake Chelan, $18

Tunnel Hill Winery 2014 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $30

Tunnel Hill Winery 2014 Estate Pinot Noir, Lake Chelan, $25

Tunnel Hill Winery NV Sacrilege, Lake Chelan, $25

Villa Monaco Winery 2013 Corner Store Cab, Columbia Valley, $25

Villa Monaco Winery 2013 Merlot, Columbia Valley, $24

Villa Monaco Winery 2013 Ruthie’s Reserve, Columbia Valley, $24

Wedge Mountain Winery 2014 Cabernet Franc, Wahluke Slope, $28

Wedge Mountain Winery 2014 Chardonnay, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $25

Bronze

37 Cellars 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $30

37 Cellars 2015 Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, $16

37 Cellars 2013 Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $30

Baroness Cellars 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, $27

Beaumont Cellars 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $39

Beaumont Cellars 2014 Zinfandel, Wahluke Slope, $32

Beaumont Cellars 2015 Riesling, Columbia Valley, $19

Benson Vineyards 2015 Curiosity, Lake Chelan

Brender Canyon Vineyard 2014 Brender Canyon Vineyard Clusterphobia, Washington, $22

Cairdeas Winery 2013 Consonance, Yakima Valley, $39

Cairdeas Winery 2015 Nellie Mae, Columbia Valley, $24

Cairdeas Winery 2015 Northern White, Columbia Valley, $24

Cave B Estate Winery 2013 Barbera, Columbia Valley, $35

Cave B Estate Winery 2013 Sangiovese, Columbia Valley, $33

Cave B Estate Winery 2013 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $30

Cave B Estate Winery 2015 Cuvee Blanc, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $25

Chateau Faire Le Pont 2012 Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills, $46

Eagle Creek Winery 2014 D. LoVarco Super Tuscan Blend, Columbia Valley, $29

Errant Cellars 2014 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley

Errant Cellars 2014 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $22

Errant Cellars 2013 Merlot, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $22

Errant Cellars 2014 Syrah, Horse Heaven Hills, $22

Errant Cellars 2015 Wanderer’s White, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, $18

Ginkgo Forest Winery 2012 Malbec, Wahluke Slope, $24

Ginkgo Forest Winery 2012 Merlot, Wahluke Slope, $24

Ginkgo Forest Winery 2013 Barbera, Wahluke Slope, $24

Ginkgo Forest Winery 2015 Gewürtztraminer, Wahluke Slope, $16

Horan Estates Winery 2014 Viognier, Columbia Valley, $20

Icicle Ridge Winery 2015 The Blondes Gewurztraminer, Washington, $35

Icicle Ridge Winery 2015 Syrah, Washington, $45

Jones of Washington 2012 Pybus Market Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $17

Jones of Washington 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope, $15

Jones of Washington 2012 Merlot, Wahluke Slope, $15

Jones of Washington 2013 Carménère, Wahluke Slope, $30

Jones of Washington 2012 Sangiovese, Columbia Valley, $17

Leony’s Cellars 2014 Ascendance Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley, $24

Leony’s Cellars 2014 Gewürtztraminer, Columbia Valley, $22

Lost River Winery 2012 Syrah, Walla Walla Valley, $26

Malaga Springs Winery 2014 Zinfandel, Columbia Valley, $28

Martin Scott Winery NV Tempranillo, Columbia Valley, $28

Martin Scott Winery 2014 Muscat Canelli, Columbia Valley, $12

Martin Scott Winery 2011 Coles Collage, Columbia Valley, $22

Martin Scott Winery 2014 Viognier, Columbia Valley, $18

Martin Scott Winery 2014 Peddler’s White, Columbia Valley, $14

Milbrandt Vineyards 2013 Estates Malbec, Wahluke Slope, $26

MVP Vintners 2013 Chateau Picard ‘Kokomo’ Viognier, Columbia Valley, $25

Plain Cellars 2013 Petite Sirah, Yakima Valley, $35

Rio Vista Wines 2013 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $36

Rio Vista Wines 2012 Loony Red, Columbia Valley, $28

Rocky Pond Winery 2014 Viognier, Lake Chelan, $23

Ryan Patrick Wines 2015 Riesling, Yakima Valley, $12

Stemilt Creek Winery 2011 Boss Lady Red Blend, Columbia Valley, $24

Tsillan Cellars 2015 Estate Nudo Chardonnay, Lake Chelan, $16

Tunnel Hill Winery 2015 Estate Riesling, Lake Chelan, $17

Tunnel Hill Winery 2015 Estate Pinoit Noir Rosé, Lake Chelan, $20

Tunnel Hill Winery 2015 Estate Viognier, Lake Chelan, $19

Wedge Mountain Winery 2014 Lemberger, Washington, $26

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