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California State Fair: Winning Wines
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Raise a glass to a few standout sips from this year’s California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition! Among the best of the best, these fine wines not only won gold, but double gold in each of their categories. Even better, you can find them in our adult beverage department!
Raise a glass to a few standout sips from this year’s California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition! Among the best of the best, these fine wines not only won gold, but double gold in each of their categories. Even better, you can find them in our adult beverage department!
Balverne 2016 Sauvignon Blanc – Double Gold Medal, Best Micro Winery White Wine: This winning wine is made with fruit grown in the cool Russian River Appellation, where the grapes enjoy a long time on the vines before harvesting, leading to a very aromatic, crisp style of wine. A classic California Sauvignon Blanc, it has lemon citrus notes balanced by tropical fruit flavors.
Coppola 2015 Diamond Chardonnay – Double Gold Medal, Best Chardonnay & Best North Central Coast White Wine: The 2015 reflects the distinctive personality of Monterey Vineyards, which lends tropical guava, melon and green apple flavors to the wine. Barrel aging adds a creamy texture and caramel finish, all bound nicely together by the bright acidity of the Monterey fruit.
Andis 2013 Painted Fields Red Blend – Double Gold Medal, Best Bordeaux Red Blend: Made from the traditional red grapes of Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec, this is a big full-bodied wine that is elegant and complex at the same time. Red fruits dominate on the palate with hints of chocolate, pepper spice and cedar on the long-lasting finish.
Chacewater 2013 Malbec – Double Gold Medal, Best Malbec: This certified organic wine is made from Malbec grapes grown in the Red Hills area in Lake County, California. The region’s warm daytime temperatures ripen the grapes to perfection with blackberry and dark currant flavors, while the Iron-rich soil imparts a solid structure, keeping the ripe, juicy fruit from coming across as too sweet. A touch of toasted French oak adds a creamy texture and spicy finish.
Robert Hall 2014 Merlot – Double Gold Medal, Best Merlot: The Merlot grape really seems to take well to the Paso Robles region of Central California, and this is a beautiful example of the resulting wines made from them. Not only is it a terrific wine, this merlot is a great value, as well. Ripe black cherry fruits wash over the palate, and while there are enough tannins in the wine to provide a nice, full mouthfeel, they are soft and silky on the finish.