Best Buy! The most widely available Chardonnay to earn a 2023 Platinum also goes down as one of the best values of the judging. Fruit from a handful of historic vineyards — including Gamache and Olsen Brothers — undergoes stainless steel fermentation (67%) and neutral oak fermentation (33%) to make for a style that Rob Griffin has built a nationwide audience for, referring to … [Read more...] about Barnard Griffin Winery 2022 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley $15
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Brandborg Vineyard and Winery 2022 Pinot Gris, Elkton Oregon $20
Best Buy! It was more than 20 years ago when Bay Area native Terry Brandborg was encouraged by Abacela founder Earl Jones to explore the potential surrounding the Umpqua River community of Elkton. More than a dozen Platinums for work with cool-climate varieties have followed under the Brandborg brand, and he’s produced other Platinums for his clients. Here’s a classic example … [Read more...] about Brandborg Vineyard and Winery 2022 Pinot Gris, Elkton Oregon $20
Cellardoor Winery 2018 The Buoy Special Release Red Wine, American $18
Best Buy! In the past five years, our judging gained interest in the state of Maine because of the 20 Platinum medals won by Aaron Peet, who burnished his skills by going through the Walla Walla Community College winemaking program. That time in Washington helped him identify some of the top vineyards he would work with on behalf of winery owner Bettina Doulton. This unique … [Read more...] about Cellardoor Winery 2018 The Buoy Special Release Red Wine, American $18
Intrigue Wines 2022 Social Sparkling Wine, Okanagan Valley $24.95
Best Buy! Kerner, a German cross of Riesling and Trollinger, has a legacy at two historic British Columbia wineries that Roger Wong worked at — Gray Monk and Tinhorn Creek — and it takes a significant role in this blend with Riesling and Gewürztraminer and Muscat Canelli. For the fourth time, Wong earned a Platinum with his Social program, and the conversation begins with notes … [Read more...] about Intrigue Wines 2022 Social Sparkling Wine, Okanagan Valley $24.95
Iris Vineyards 2020 House Call Red Blend, Oregon $19.99
Best Buy! For the second straight vintage, Aaron Lieberman picks up a Platinum for his House Call proprietary red that’s a tribute to co-owner Richard Boyles’ grandfather. It’s a remarkable value that leans Right Bank Bordeaux with Merlot (37%), Cabernet Franc (36%), Malbec (14%) and Cabernet Sauvignon with grapes from across the state — Folin and Pheasant Hill in the Rogue … [Read more...] about Iris Vineyards 2020 House Call Red Blend, Oregon $19.99