What winery took Central Coast competition honor? Modesto wine columnist on that & more
Judging for the 21st annual 2023 Central Coast Wine Competition was held in Paso Robles on June 13-15. The CCWC named Peachy Canyon Winery as the 2023 Winery of the Year.
The Paso Robles winery had 17 entries place this year with one best of class, one double gold, nine golds, six silver and one bronze. This is the first Winery of the Year honor for Peachy Canyon. Other top awards went to:
Best of Show/Best White Wine — Lucas & Lewellen Estate Vineyards, Buellton, 2022 Viognier, 98 points.
Best Rose Wine — Villa San Juliette. San Miguel, 2022 Grenache Rose Reserve, 96 points.
Best Dessert Wine — Glunz Family & Winery, Paso Robles, Mission Angelica California, 98 points.
Best Sparkling Wine — Broken Earth, Paso Robles, 2018 Sotto Voce 100% Verdelho, 98 points.
Best Red Wine — Pear Valley, Paso Robles, 2019 Merlot, 98 points.
More results will appear in the next Wine Line or check out www.centralcoastwinecompetition2023.com.
Barbera Festival returns
The Amador Vintners Association has announced the return of the Barbera Festival on Sept. 9 at the historic Terra d’Oro Winery. Barbera lovers can taste from 50-plus California wineries in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. In addition to the grand tasting, festivalgoers can enjoy gourmet food, live music, local artists and a new premiere access area with limo and bus parking. The premier access ticket also includes a section inside the winery with live music, special catering and where guests can relax and stay cool in the seated lounge. A portion of net proceeds will go to the Amador Community Foundation that provides funding to various projects, nonprofits and local organizations. The event historically sells out. Find more information and tickets at www.BarberaFestival.com.
CRU announces new vineyard partners
CRU Winery of Madera is expanding its single vineyard portfolio to include the Regan and Fiddlestix vineyards. CRU Winery sources Rhone and Burgundian varietals from the Santa Lucia Highlands, Edna Valley, Paso Robles and Santa Maria Valley. The new additions will expand their footprint into the Santa Cruz Mountains and Sta. Rita Hills AVAs. Good move CRU Winery.
What’s on our table
The 2020 Amayan Malbec from the Valle de Uco Mendoza in Argentina is the deal this week. Native yeast fermentation in concrete tanks produced a deep color, round tannins and a touch of minerality. It’s just $6.95 at the Grocery Outlet. Looking for a bargain Pinot Noir? Check out your supermarket for the 2021 Monterey Noble Vines 667. The SRP is just $12 and sale price is a few bucks less, and that’s a real steal. Cheers!
Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com.
