Lake County Cabs Rock at SF Chronicle Competition
SAN FRANCISCO – Lake County cabernets were among the county’s varietals capturing several top honors at this year’s San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the Lake County Winery Association (LCWA) announced following the release of the 2012 contest’s results.
The annual San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is touted as the “largest competition of American wines in the world.” The 2012 results were announced earlier this month following five days of tasting and evaluating more than 5,500 entries, a world record number, according to the event’s website.
“Lake County wines and wineries once again made a sensational showing at the SF Chronicle’s annual event. They truly stood out among the more than 5,500 entries,” said Monica Rosenthal, executive director of the Lake County Winery Association. “Our association members’ vintners can proudly say they are among the best. Every year they score top honors at this competition, helping to distinguish Lake County as a premier wine grape producing region. How fantastic it is to be recognized by the San Francisco competition’s professional judges who awarded numerous medals to Lake County varietals.”
Lake County’s lead varietals, cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc, did especially well, with gold and double gold awards going to county wineries. Shannon Ridge Vineyards and Obsidian Ridge Vineyards each garnered double gold with their 2009 Cabernet Sauvignons.
"Lake County cabernets have evolved nicely over the past few years, and it is great to see the multitude of awards and recognition these high elevation cabernet wines are receiving from renown contests such as the SF Chronicle Wine Competition,” said Shannon Ridge owner and Association chair Clay Shannon. “At Shannon Ridge, we take pride in producing wines that reflect the true character of this elevated region. Our winemaker Mike Wood has lots of experience with Lake County cabernet – when to pick it and how to ferment it. That makes all the difference in the world. We grow cabernet grapes at 2,100 – 2,400 feet using eco-friendly farming practices. We farm with passion. We make wines with true Lake County flavor, and we are stoked that our Shannon Ridge 2009 Cabernet received a double gold."
Read the complete article on Lake County Wine Competition results (PDF)...
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Find LCWA ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER!
www.facebook.com/LakeCountyWineries
twitter.com/LAKECOUNTYWINES
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Langtry Estate & Vineyards
21000 Butts Canyon Road, Middletown, CA
2011 People's Choice Awards (PDF)
Award-winning Lake County wines, food, music and friends will once again be present at the 4th Annual People's Choice Wine Awards event to be held at the beautiful scenic Langtry Estate and Vineryards on Nov. 3, 2012 from 1 - 5 pm.
Thank you to our 2011 sponsors for making this fabulous event possible: Calpine Geothermal, Shannon Ranches, Vintage 99 Label, Jonas Oil, M.A. Silva USA, Lake County Winegrape Growers, Hawk and Horse Vineyards, Trilogy Glass & Packaging, Cork Supply USA, Rosenthal Vineyards, Jeff & Jean Gleaves, Umpqua Bank, Pacini Wines, American Ag Credit, Ag Unlimited, All American Containers, Bella Vista Farming, Redwood Valley Cellars and Ciatti Company.
THANK YOU to Langtry Estate for hosting the 4th annual People's Choice Wine Awards.
supported by the wineries of the Lake County Winery Association
For information call 707-355-2762
Lake County Wine Awards Competition Announces
Sweepstakes, Best of Class & Gold Wines
On July 27 – 29, 2011, a panel of expert judges convened at Brassfield Estate Winery in Clearlake Oaks, California to judge more than 180 Lake County wines during the Third Annual Lake County Wine Awards Competition.
In order to qualify for the competition, wines must have a minimum of 75 per cent Lake County grapes with a Lake County AVA on the label.
Ray Johnson, Director of Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute and Assistant Director of the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition served as director of the competition.
“A wine competition like this one helps to shed light on the great wine being produced in Lake County,” says Johnson. “It introduces the consumer to a variety of wines they may not yet be aware of.”
.......panel judge Deborah Parker Wong remarked that Lake County wines are worthy of worldwide recognition.
“I think more people should know about the value and quality of the wines produced here in Lake County. The wines here are certainly not well enough known across the United States and the world,” said Wong.
All entries were blind-tasted and evaluated using a tri-level medal system. The judges’ top picks (up to three winners per varietal/category) will advance to the public wine judging, the People’s Choice Wine Competition, which will take place on November 5, 2011 at Langtry Estate & Vineyards in Middletown, California.
The competition committee would like to recognize key sponsors who made this event possible--the Lake County Winegrape Growers, American Ag Credit and Ag Unlimited—and thank numerous wineries, businesses and individuals for their support of the 2011 competition.
A total of 105 wines were honored with Sweepstakes, Best of Class, Gold or Silver medals at the close of the 2011 Lake County Wine Awards Competition.
For complete competition results and more information on the competition director, judges and venues at which to taste these award winning Lake County wines, visit www.lakecowineawards.org.
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THE Lake County WINE ADVENTURE is always GREAT FUN!!!
Fine wines of Lake County will be served with delicious hors d'oeuvres during the Wine Adventure Weekend--the two day event featuring music, art, wine and good times.
Mark you calendar for the 8th annual Wine Adventure July 28 & 29, 2012
Come explore Lake County!
2012 Tasting Room/Winery Listings & Map (PDF). __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lake County Winery Association
wishes to thank all the Local Businesses & Wineries
for donating choice items for the 2011 Wine Adventure Weekend
Bower Chiropractic, Barbara LeVasseur of Frozen in Fire Tiles
The Winery SF & Sol Rouge Winery, Hawk & Horse Vineyard, Twin Pine Casino, Emerald Tattoo, Tulip Hill Winery, Evans Auto Repair, Moore Family Winery, Studio 175, Gingerbread Cottages, Boar's Breath Restaurant, Langtry Estate & Vineyard, Bell Hill Winery, Norcal Motor, Indian Beach Resort, Tings Tai Restaurant, Natures Food Center, McDermaid Family Wines, Beulah's Restaurant, Mugshots Coffee, Lake County Wine Studio, Diego's Gallery & Gifts, Rob Roy Golf Course, Cougar's Leap Winery, Chic Le Fleur, Molly Brennan's Restaurant, Lakeview Market/Kenny Parlet, Kour Thai Restaurant, Country Time Gifts, Middletown Florist, Blue Wing Saloon Restaurant, Upper Lake Day-trip, Judy's Junction Restaurant, First and Main Museum, Gracious Ladies, Gregory Graham Wines, Moonwind Creations, Upper Cuts Hair Salon, Steele Wines, Hardesters Grocery Store, Donl's Occasion Station, Home Sweet Home, Country Carpets, Bunk House, Lake County Historical Marketing Program, Toni by Design, Noggle Vineyards & Winery, Brassfield Estate, The Virtuous Woman, and the Lightning Rod Gallery
Special thank you to the Lake County AODS & the Clearlake Police Department for sponsoring the Designated Driver buttons for the Wine Adventure event.
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The January 2011 issue of FOOD & WINE magazine reports on California's newest wine discoveries in Red Hills Lake County. Featured wines include: '08 Shannon Ridge Ranch Cabernet, '05 Snows Lake One Cabernet, '08 Steele Wines Cabernet, and '07 Obsidian Ridge Half Mile.
2011 People's Choice Wine Award Winners Announced-----The People will vote!
On Saturday, November 5th Lake County will hosted its 3rd annual People's Choice Wine Awards -- a comprehensive consumer blind tasting showcasing some of the best Lake County wines. The competition will feature wines previously nominated by a panel of professional judges. Held at Langtry Estate & Vineyards, from 1 - 5 pm on Saturday, Nov. 5, this conumer judging event promises to be a ton of fun and fine tasting.
Thanks!
The Lake County Winery Association salutes the following organizations for their generous support of the 2011 Lake County Wine Awards and the People' s Choice event:
High Elevation Sponsor: Lake County Winegrape Commission
Wine with Altitude Sponsor: American Ag Credit
Elevated Terroir Sponsor: Ag Unlimited and All American Containers
Ribbons Galore Sponsor: Ciatti Company
Sauvignon Blanc Sponsor: Bella Vista Farming
Viognier Sponsor: Rosenthal Vineyards
Pinot Noir Sponsor: Vintage 99 Label Mfg.
Barbera Sponsor: Shannon Ranches. inc.
Syrah Sponsor: Cork Supply US
Chardonnay Sponsor: Jeff & Jean Gleaves
Tempranillo Sponsor: Jonas Heating & Cooling
Merlot Sponsor: M.A. Silva, USA
Zinfandel Sponsor: Pacini Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon Sponsor: Hawk and Horse Vineryards
Petite Sirah Sponsor: Redwood Valley Cellars
Grenache Sponsor: Triology Glass & Packaging
Cabernet Franc Sponsor: Umpqua Bank
Additionally, the Association would like to extend a thank you to the following wineries for sponsoring the wine competition meals:
Brassfield Estate Winery
Ceago Vinegarden
Rosa d'Oro
Langtry Estate & Vineyards
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LAKE COUNTY RISING
NEWS...
PRESS DEMOCRAT- June 23, 2010 by Peg Melnik
"Lake County has turned out to be a place where great fruit can be purchased..." stated winemaker Randy Mason of Napa Valley's Mason Cellars in the Wine of the Week article featuring Mason Cellar's Pomelo 2009 Sauvignon Blanc made from Lake County fruit.
WINE SPECTATOR- June 15, 2010 by James Laube
"Lake County has its plusses. Yet it has never gotten its due as a winegrowing area, even as its wines keep improving. ... On the day he (Derenoncourt) poured his new wines, the one that surprised me most was the Cabernet from Lake County.... the wines are damn good."
DECANTER MAGAZINE- April. 2010 by Linda Murphy
"Lake County: future promise"-- "...the view from the top of the Mayacamas Mountains, looking over Lake County, quietly making a name for its Cabs." Excerpts from Decanter article titled, "CALIFORNIA'S OTHER CABS Napa may get all the plaudits, but for true Cabernet lovers, Sonoma and Lake County increasingly have as much to offer, says LINDA MURPHY."
WINE SPECTATOR- February. 2010 by James Laube
"The Cameron Hughes Cabernet is also a reminder of how the quality of Lake County reds are on the rise. You see the Lake County appellation on more wines these days..."
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, February 7, 2010, written by Tim Teichgraeber
"How do you get from Napa Valley to Lake County? Just follow the Mayacamas Mountains --and the smart money."
"Experienced Napa growers have been flocking to the region north of Napa in search of prime Cabernet Sauvignon-growing conditions at a much cheaper price. Since 1997 the number of wineries in Lake County has increased from four to 32, at least doubling in the past four years. Total vineyard plantings have gone from 5,000 acres to 8,800 acres - up by almost 80 percent. With quality high and cost low, you will be seeing more wines carrying the Lake County name."
WINE ENTHUSIAST, December 2009 by Steve Heimoff
DESTINATIION: Lake County "Lakeside views, classic cuisine and world-class red are the draw in this charming California region."
APPELLATION-the tasting panel, Sept. 2008 by Deborah Parker Wong
"Lake County has long been a source of fruit for some of California's oldest and most prestigious brands. Now, the county's growers and artisan winemakers are stepping out with new labels and a value proposition that warrants a closer look at this pristine region."
THE NEW YORK TIMES, September 2008 by Jaime Gross
"Today Lake County is one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the state, with more than 8,500 acres of vineyards, 5 distinct appellations and 25 wineries, compared to just 4 in 2002."
WINE NEWS, September 2008 by Tim Teichgraeber
"Lake County refines its Reds"--"If Lake County can routinely deliver this caliber of Cabernet, it may become one tof the finest Cabernet Sauvignon regions in the world."
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Check out the new Lake County in the following video provided by the Lake County Winegrape Growers
www.lakecountywinegrape.org/country/spotlight.php
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ABOUT LAKE COUNTY Lake County is one of the newest destinations for those looking to enjoy fine wines in a relaxed, down-to-earth, rural and breathtaking environment. This award-winning, yet unspoiled, and relatively undiscovered wine region is located just two hours by car from the San Francisco Bay area or the Pacific Coast. It surrounds Clear Lake, California’s largest natural freshwater lake, and sits at the foot of Mt. Konocti, a dormant, multiple volcano that forms a prominent and majestic landmark almost centered in Lake County. Mt. Konocti is responsible for crafting a wide range of elevations suitable for growing a wide selection of varietals.
Here in Lake County, it is the combination of the high elevation, rugged lands; the gentle slopping, rolling hillsides; the expansive fertile valley floor; and the spectacular and picturesque lake and lakeshore that provide the origin of Lake County’s highly acclaimed wines.
We invite you to explore Lake County vineyards and Lake County wineries...
The January 2011 issue of FOOD & WINE magazine reports on California's newest wine discoveries in Red Hills Lake County. Featured wines include: '08 Shannon Ridge Ranch Cabernet, '05 Snows Lake One Cabernet, '08 Steele Wines Cabernet, and '07 Obsidian Ridge Half Mile.
2011 People's Choice Wine Award Winners Announced-----The People will vote!
On Saturday, November 5th Lake County will hosted its 3rd annual People's Choice Wine Awards -- a comprehensive consumer blind tasting showcasing some of the best Lake County wines. The competition will feature wines previously nominated by a panel of professional judges. Held at Langtry Estate & Vineyards, from 1 - 5 pm on Saturday, Nov. 5, this conumer judging event promises to be a ton of fun and fine tasting.
Thanks!
The Lake County Winery Association salutes the following organizations for their generous support of the 2011 Lake County Wine Awards and the People' s Choice event:
High Elevation Sponsor: Lake County Winegrape Commission
Wine with Altitude Sponsor: American Ag Credit
Elevated Terroir Sponsor: Ag Unlimited and All American Containers
Ribbons Galore Sponsor: Ciatti Company
Sauvignon Blanc Sponsor: Bella Vista Farming 707-279-4220
Viognier Sponsor: Rosenthal Vineyards
Pinot Noir Sponsor: Vintage 99 Label Mfg.
Barbera Sponsor: Shannon Ranches. inc.
Syrah Sponsor: Cork Supply US
Chardonnay Sponsor: Jeff & Jean Gleaves
Tempranillo Sponsor: Jonas Heating & Cooling
Merlot Sponsor: M.A. Silva, USA
Zinfandel Sponsor: Pacini Wines 707-468-0950
Cabernet Sauvignon Sponsor: Hawk and Horse Vineryards
Petite Sirah Sponsor: Redwood Valley Cellars
Grenache Sponsor: Triology Glass & Packaging
Cabernet Franc Sponsor: Umpqua Bank
Additionally, the Association would like to extend a thank you to the following wineries for sponsoring the wine competition meals:
Brassfield Estate Winery
Ceago Vinegarden
Rosa d'Oro
Langtry Estate & Vineyards
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LCWA IS NOW ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER!
www.facebook.com/LakeCountyWineries
twitter.com/LAKECOUNTYWINES
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LAKE COUNTY RISING
NEWS...
PRESS DEMOCRAT- June 23, 2010 by Peg Melnik
"Lake County has turned out to be a place where great fruit can be purchased..." stated winemaker Randy Mason of Napa Valley's Mason Cellars in the Wine of the Week article featuring Mason Cellar's Pomelo 2009 Sauvignon Blanc made from Lake County fruit.
WINE SPECTATOR- June 15, 2010 by James Laube
"Lake County has its plusses. Yet it has never gotten its due as a winegrowing area, even as its wines keep improving. ... On the day he (Derenoncourt) poured his new wines, the one that surprised me most was the Cabernet from Lake County.... the wines are damn good."
DECANTER MAGAZINE- April. 2010 by Linda Murphy
"Lake County: future promise"-- "...the view from the top of the Mayacamas Mountains, looking over Lake County, quietly making a name for its Cabs." Excerpts from Decanter article titled, "CALIFORNIA'S OTHER CABS Napa may get all the plaudits, but for true Cabernet lovers, Sonoma and Lake County increasingly have as much to offer, says LINDA MURPHY."
WINE SPECTATOR- February. 2010 by James Laube
"The Cameron Hughes Cabernet is also a reminder of how the quality of Lake County reds are on the rise. You see the Lake County appellation on more wines these days..."
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, February 7, 2010, written by Tim Teichgraeber
"How do you get from Napa Valley to Lake County? Just follow the Mayacamas Mountains --and the smart money."
"Experienced Napa growers have been flocking to the region north of Napa in search of prime Cabernet Sauvignon-growing conditions at a much cheaper price. Since 1997 the number of wineries in Lake County has increased from four to 32, at least doubling in the past four years. Total vineyard plantings have gone from 5,000 acres to 8,800 acres - up by almost 80 percent. With quality high and cost low, you will be seeing more wines carrying the Lake County name."
WINE ENTHUSIAST, December 2009 by Steve Heimoff
DESTINATIION: Lake County "Lakeside views, classic cuisine and world-class red are the draw in this charming California region."
APPELLATION-the tasting panel, Sept. 2008 by Deborah Parker Wong
"Lake County has long been a source of fruit for some of California's oldest and most prestigious brands. Now, the county's growers and artisan winemakers are stepping out with new labels and a value proposition that warrants a closer look at this pristine region."
THE NEW YORK TIMES, September 2008 by Jaime Gross
"Today Lake County is one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the state, with more than 8,500 acres of vineyards, 5 distinct appellations and 25 wineries, compared to just 4 in 2002."
WINE NEWS, September 2008 by Tim Teichgraeber
"Lake County refines its Reds"--"If Lake County can routinely deliver this caliber of Cabernet, it may become one tof the finest Cabernet Sauvignon regions in the world."
____________________________________________________________________________
Check out the new Lake County in the following video provided by the Lake County Winegrape Growers
www.lakecountywinegrape.org/country/spotlight.php
_______________________________________________________
ABOUT LAKE COUNTY Lake County is one of the newest destinations for those looking to enjoy fine wines in a relaxed, down-to-earth, rural and breathtaking environment. This award-winning, yet unspoiled, and relatively undiscovered wine region is located just two hours by car from the San Francisco Bay area or the Pacific Coast. It surrounds Clear Lake, California’s largest natural freshwater lake, and sits at the foot of Mt. Konocti, a dormant, multiple volcano that forms a prominent and majestic landmark almost centered in Lake County. Mt. Konocti is responsible for crafting a wide range of elevations suitable for growing a wide selection of varietals.
Here in Lake County, it is the combination of the high elevation, rugged lands; the gentle slopping, rolling hillsides; the expansive fertile valley floor; and the spectacular and picturesque lake and lakeshore that provide the origin of Lake County’s highly acclaimed wines.
We invite you to explore Lake County vineyards and Lake County wineries...