Work with Syrah and other Rhône varieties from the Pacific Northwest corner of the New World rose to the top Down Under at the latest Global Fine Wine Challenge — the Australia judging formerly known as the Six Nations Wine Challenge.
Herb Quady of Quady North in Southern Oregon was the Trophy Winner as best of class and a double gold medal recipient at the Sydney competition for the 2021 Pistoleta, a $20 blend of Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne. Devison Vintners in Walla Walla was a Trophy Winner for Peter Devison’s 2020 Above the Flood – a $54 blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre from vaunted Boushey Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. And Burrowing Owl Estate Winery in Oliver, British Columbia earned a BOC and double gold for its 2019 Syrah.
There were six “Trophy Winners” from the Northwest, a showing that included the L’Ecole N° 41 2019 Perigee – a Left Bank-inspired Bordeaux blend via Seven Hills Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley, and a pair from British Columbia — the Gray Monk Estate Winery 2021 Odyssey Pinot Gris and the Mission Hill Family Estate 2020 Terroir Collection Vista’s Edge Cabernet Franc.
Burrowing Owl, the destination winery along the Okanagan Valley’s sultry Black Sage Bench, also earned a double gold medal and “trophy finalist” acclaim for its 2019 Malbec. The Wyse family, who purchased Wild Goose Vineyards in 2021, also merited a gold medal for a 2019 Cabernet Franc.
King Estate Winery in Eugene, Ore., received a trio of double gold medals, a showing led by Brent Stone’s 2018 Weinbau Vineyard Cabernet Franc, which nearly won best of class. The other double golds went to the 2018 Brut Cuvée and North by Northwest 2016 Syrah.
Mission Hill in West Kelowna, British Columbia, also was awarded three double gold medals — the 2020 Jagged Rock Vineyard Syrah and 2017 Quatrain Red Blend, both finalists, and the 2017 Compendium.
Marty Clubb’s program at L’Ecole — which also received gold medals for its 2019 Apogee and 2021 Sèmillon — took top honors at the Australian event in 2016 with the 2013 Ferguson.
The Walla Walla Valley planting behind the L’Ecole Apogee is Pepper Bridge Vineyard, and winery brand Pepper Bridge also received three gold medals, led by a double gold for the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Quady North also was awarded a gold medal for the 2018 Mae’s Vineyard Estate Syrah from the Applegate Valley. Terravista Vineyards on the Okanagan Valley’s Naramata Bench, nearly won a best-of-class award for its 2020 FIGARO, a blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier. The Penticton producer’s 2021 Albariño picked up a gold.
Among those producers who earned two gold medals were Co Dinn Cellars in Sunnyside, Wash., DeLille Cellars in Woodinville, Wash., Elk Cove Vineyards in Forest Grove, Ore., Prospice Wines in Walla Walla, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Two Vintners in Woodinville.
Critics select entrants for Global Fine Wine Challenge
The Global Fine Wine Challenge began in 2003 as the Tri-Nations Wine Challenge among Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, with entries going through a selection process by the judging team. United States wines were first invited in 2013 via Sonoma County columnist Dan Berger. Two former Wine Enthusiast contributors — Sean Sullivan in Seattle and Sonoma’s Virginie Boone — served as the 2022 selecting judges of U.S. wines. Christopher Waters, columnist for the Toronto Globe and Mail, represents Canada. Previous U.S. judges also included author Jon Bonné and Patrick Comiskey, a critic for Wine & Spirits magazine.
Northwest producers made a delicious impression upon the panel in Australia as soon as they were allowed to enter, with Maryhill Winery in Goldendale, Wash., using its 2011 Winemaker’s Red to win the 2013 trophy for the best non-Bordeaux red blend.
In 2015, Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards in Southern Oregon used the 2012 Estate Masada Bloc Syrah to post a remarkable upset by winning the crown for Best New World Syrah. In 2022, Stephen Reustle’s 2019 Estate Winemaker’s Reserve Syrah earned a double gold from the three-person judging panel of Masters of Wine in Australia — Andrew Caillard, Toni Paterson and Andrea Pritzker.
The judging is staged in November, and results are announced in December. During the 2022 event, Australia won the most trophies (6), followed by Canada (4), USA (4), New Zealand (4) and South Africa (2). Australia and Canada each had seven runners-up. Australia dominated in the double gold category (29), followed by New Zealand and South Africa (17). The U.S. had 14 double golds and 25 gold medals. Canada recorded 11 and 17, respectively.
Southern Hemisphere producers swept the sweepstakes, with the best-of-show award going to Australia’s House of Arras 2001 Museum Release Blanc de Blanc Sparkling and the Best White award also staying the country thanks to the Deep Woods 2021 Estate Reserve Chardonnay. New Zealand’s Akarua 2020 Bannockburn Pinot Noir was the Best Red.
Best of class from the Pacific Northwest
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2019 Syrah
Devison Vintners 2020 Above the Flood
Gray Monk Estate Winery 2021 Odyssey Pinot Gris
L’Ecole N° 41 Winery 2019 Perigee
Mission Hill Family Estate 2020 Terroir Collection Vista’s Edge Cabernet Franc
Quady North 2021 Pistoleta
Trophy finalists / double gold
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2019 Malbec
King Estate Winery 2018 Weinbau Vineyard Cabernet Franc
Mission Hill Family Estate 2020 Terroir Collection Jagged Rock Vineyard Syrah
Mission Hill Family Estate 2017 Quatrain Red Wine
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates 2018 Col Solare Cabernet Sauvignon
Terravista Vineyards 2020 FIGARO Roussanne Marsanne Viognier
Double gold
Black Hills Estate Winery 2019 Per Se
Brooks Wine 2021 Ara Riesling
Château Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen 2020 Eroica Riesling
Co Dinn Cellars 2016 Elephant Mountain Vineyard Red Wine
DeLille Cellars 2019 Chaleur Estate
Elk Cove Vineyards 2019 Reserve Pinot Noir
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery 2021 Private Reserve Dry Riesling
King Estate Winery 2018 Brut Cuvée
King Estate Winery 2016 North by Northwest Syrah
Mission Hill Family Estate 2017 Compendium
Pepper Bridge Winery 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Quails’ Gate Estate Winery 2020 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards 2019 Winemaker’s Reserve Syrah
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2021 Pinot Gris
Willamette Valley Vineyards 2018 Méthode Traditionelle Brut Sparkling
Gold medal
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2019 Cabernet Franc 2019
Co Dinn Cellars 2016 Elephant Mountain Vineyard Block Five Syrah
DAMA Wines 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
DeLille Cellars 2019 Le Colosse Merlot
Devona 2018 Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir
Elk Cove Vineyards 2019 La Bohème Pinot Noir 2019
Fort Berens Estate Winery 2021 Riesling
Hester Creek Estate Winery 2021 Pinot Gris Viognier
Intersection Estate Winery 2017 Alluvia Unfiltered Merlot
J. Christopher Wines 2018 Volcanique Pinot Noir
L’Ecole N° 41 Winery 2019 Apogee Red Wine
L’Ecole N° 41 Winery 2021 Sèmillon
Le Vieux Pin Winery 2020 Cuvée Violette Syrah
Martin’s Lane 2021 Simes Vineyard Riesling
Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery 2018 The Pink One Sparkling
Pepper Bridge Winery 2018 Seven Hills Vineyard
Pepper Bridge Winery 2018 Trine
Phantom Creek Estates 2018 Syrah
Prospice Wines 2019 Cabernet Franc
Prospice Wines 2021 Viognier
Quady North 2018 Mae’s Vineyard Flagship Syrah
Stag’s Hollow Winery 2020 Renaissance Pinot Noir
Terravista Vineyards 2021 Albariño
Tightrope Winery 2021 Fleet Road Vineyard Riesling
Two Vintners 2019 Gayle
Two Vintners 2019 The Waiting List Syrah
Upper Bench Estate Winery 2018 Estate Altitude Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon
Judges Selections for Washington/Oregon
Amavi Cellars Syrah 2019
Brooks Wine Extended Tirage Sparkling Riesling 2017
Brooks Wine Rastaban Pinot Noir 2019
Brooks Wine Totality Riesling 2017
DAMA Wines Grenache Syrah Mourvedre 2019
DAMA Wines Syrah 2018
DAMA Wines Tempranillo 2018
Devison Vintners Phantom Lamb Shiraz 2020
Devison Vintners Pocket Full of Shells Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Devona Bacchus Vineyard Merlot 2018
Elk Cove Vineyards Goodrich Blanc de Blanc Sparkling 2018
Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Blanc 2021
Evening Land Vineyards La Source Chardonnay 2019
Evening Land Vineyards La Source Pinot Noir 2021
Evening Land Vineyards Summum Chardonnay 2019
Evening Land Vineyards Summum Pinot Noir 2021
Iris Vineyards Areté Brut Blanc de Blancs Sparkling 2019
J. Christopher Wines Cuvée Lunatique Chardonnay 2019
J. Christopher Wines Estate Rock Blocks Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018
J. Christopher Wines Estate Single Barrel Block 5 Pinot Noir 2018
King Estate Winery Domaine Pinot Noir 2018
King Estate Winery Pinot Gris 2021
King Estate Winery Rosé Pinot Noir 2021
King Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2021
L’Ecole N° 41 Winery Ferguson 2019
L’Ecole N° 41 Winery Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2021
Montinore Estate Pinot Gris 2020
Phelps Creek Vineyards Regina Pinot Noir 2018
Phelps Creek Vineyards Ziegler Riesling 2019
Phelps Creek Vineyards Syrah 2019
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards Estate Selection Syrah 2020
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards Estate Green Lizard Grüner Veltliner 2021
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards Rojo Dulce 2015
Reustle – Prayer Rock Vineyards Winemakers Reserve Pinot Noir 2019
Two Vintners Claire Grenache 2020
Two Vintners Merlot 2018
Willamette Valley Vineyards Griffin Creek Cabernet Franc 2018
Judges Selections for British Columbia
50th Parallel Estate Winery Unparalleled Pinot Noir 2019
Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery Reserve Pinot Noir 2019
Black Hills Estate Winery Viognier 2020
CedarCreek Estate Winery Aspect Block 3 Riesling 2020
CedarCreek Estate Winery Aspect Block 4 Pinot Noir 2019
CedarCreek Estate Winery Platinum Home Block Riesling 2021
CheckMate Artisanal Winery End Game Merlot 2018
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Knight’s Challenge Chardonnay 2019
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Opening Gambit Merlot 2018
Covert Farms Family Estate Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2020
Covert Farms Family Estate Grand Reserve Merlot 2019
Covert Farms Family Estate Grand Reserve Syrah 2019
Culmina Family Estate Winery Hypothesis 2017
Culmina Family Estate Winery Malbec 2017
Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards Blanc de Blancs Sparkling 2018
Fort Berens Estate Winery Reserve Cabernet Franc 2019
Fort Berens Estate Winery Reserve Meritage 2019
Fort Berens Estate Winery Reserve Pinot Noir 2020
Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery Dry Rock Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Gray Monk Estate Winery Odyssey Cabernet Franc 2018
Gray Monk Estate Winery Odyssey White Brut Sparkling 2019
Hester Creek Estate Winery Old Vine Trebbiano 2021
Hillside Winery | Bistro Heritage Pinot Gris 2021
Hillside Winery | Bistro Mosaic 2015
Hillside Winery | Bistro Single Vineyard Hidden Valley Merlot 2018
Inniskillin Riesling Icewine 2021
LaStella Winery Fortissimo 2019
Laughing Stock Vineyards Portfolio 2019
Martin’s Lane DeHart Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018
Martin’s Lane Fritzi’s Vineyard “Missing Ear” Pinot Noir 2018
Martin’s Lane Fritzi’s Vineyard Riesling 2018
Mission Hill Family Estate Perpetua Chardonnay 2020
Mission Hill Family Estate Terroir Collection Jagged Rock Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Sèmillon 2020
Nk’Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay 2020
Nk’Mip Dreamcatcher Riesling Ehrenfelser Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Blanc 2021
Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery Reserve Chardonnay 2020
Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery The Crown 2016
Peak Cellars Block Eleven Riesling 2020
Peak Cellars O’Rourke’s Chardonnay 2018
Peak Cellars Terraces Dry Riesling 2020
Peak Cellars Pinot Gris 2020
Phantom Creek Estates Cuvée 2018
Phantom Creek Estates Pinot Gris 2020
Sandhill Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Sandhill Estate Single Vineyard TWO Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Syrah 2019
Sandhill Rosé 2021
Stag’s Hollow Winery Renaissance Meritage 2018
Stag’s Hollow Winery Dolcetto 2019
Stratus Vineyards Limited Cabernet Franc 2017
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Cipes Blanc de Blanc Sparkling 2012
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Cipes Brut Rosé Sparkling NV
Terravista Vineyards FANDANGO Albarino Verdelho 2021
Thirty Bench Small Lot Triangle Vineyard Riesling 2019
Thirty Bench Winemakers Blend Riesling 2020
Tightrope Winery Merlot 2019
Tinhorn Creek Reserve Chardonnay 2020
Township 7 Vineyards & Winery NBO Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2019
Township 7 Vineyards & Winery Reserve 7 2019
Township 7 Vineyards & Winery Seven Stars Polaris Sparkling Chardonnay 2018
Upper Bench Estate Winery & Creamery Estate Chardonnay 2019
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