Belle Fiore, Pebblestone, and Red Lily win Best of Show honors
The 2015 Oregon Wine Experience announced this evening the winners of its wine competition, which featured 224 wines from 50 wineries. Best of Show honors went to Pebblestone Cellars for its 2014 Viognier, to Belle Fiore Winery for its 2012 “Numinos” red Bordeaux blend, and to Red Lily Vineyards for its 2013 “Night School” red dessert wine.
A total of 27 gold medals were awarded this year, including six “double” gold medals, meaning that all three judges unanimously agreed on the award. A total of 87 silver medals were also awarded.
The awards were announced at a special Medal Celebration and Live Barrel Auction held at the Bigham Knoll campus in Jacksonville on Wednesday evening, August 19th. The medal awarded wines were served to guests and the event also unveiled 99 Pieces of Art on the Wall that allowed guests to purchase from a selection of 99 pieces of original art from local artists. The wall of art will continue to be available at the festival’s upcoming Saturday and Sunday events, or until all of the 99 pieces are sold.
“The wine industry in Southern Oregon continues to rapidly grow, as reflected in the record number of entries in the wine competition this year. The judges were clearly impressed by both the variety and overall quality of the wines they tasted which, given the caliber of these judges, certainly bodes well for the future” noted Bruce Nicholson, Chairman of the Wine Competition.
The wine competition was judged by two panels of acclaimed wine experts, including one judge holding the titles of Masters of Wine and Master Sommelier. The prestigious Master of Wine (MW) title is bestowed by the Institute of Masters of Wine in London, and is considered the highest level of achievement for the wine industry. The Master Sommelier (MS) title is the highest level of achievement in the sommelier trade and is presented by the Court of Master Sommeliers.
This year’s judges included Doug Frost, MS, MW, wine consultant and writer; Michele Anderson, MW, COO/Managing Director of Activate; Randy Caparoso, wine consultant and journalist devoted to managing, judging, speaking, producing, and writing about wine since 1978; Mary Orlin, staff wine writer for the Bay Area News Group and Certified Sommelier; and Erin James, Editor-in-Chief of Sip Northwest magazine, which focuses on wine, beer, spirits and ciders. The annual wine competition has repeatedly succeeded in attracting high profile wine judges, including 14 Masters of Wine over the past six years.
The Wednesday night event also presented guests with an opportunity to bid in a live auction on Southern Oregon’s first vintner barrel auction featuring custom crush wine futures. Prior to the auction, guests had an opportunity to taste wine from five different vintner barrels especially prepared and presented for the auction. The guests later bid in a live auction for future case lots from the featured barrels. The wineries donating custom crush barrels were Plaisance Ranch, 2104 Tempranillo, “Papa Joe’s Private Stash;” Serra Vineyards, 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon; Irvine Family Vineyards, 2013 Southern Oregon Viognier; DANCIN Vineyards, 2014 Southern Oregon “Danseur” Syrah; and Schmidt Family Vineyards, 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon.
The 2015 Oregon Wine Experience features multiple events including Oregon Wine University sensory classes, the aforementioned Medal Celebration and Barrel Auction, Ultimate Vintner Dinners, the Miracle Auction and Salmon Bake, and culminates with the Grand Tasting, which takes place on Sunday afternoon, August 23.
The Cause
The Oregon Wine Experience benefits the Children’s Miracle Network, which is just one beneficiary of the Asante Foundation. Founded in 1973, The Asante Foundation is dedicated to furthering the objectives of Asante–the cornerstone of health care in the region. As a Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospital serving Southern Oregon and Northern California, Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center is one of 170 CMN Hospitals in the country providing pediatric care treating 17 million children annually. In 2014 the Event raised almost $300, 000 and 100 percent of those proceeds went to Children’s Miracle Network and other Asante healthcare programs including the purchase of training mannequins for birth and delivery.
Best of Show
White – Pebblestone Cellars, 2014 Viognier, Winemaker Bryan Wilson: Retail $20
Red – Belle Fiore, 2012 Numinos Bordeaux Blend, Winemaker: Kathe Kaigas, Retail $36
Other* – Red Lily Vineyards, 2013 Night School Red Dessert Wine, Winemaker: Rachael Martin, Retail $38
*Other includes the categories Rosé, Sparkling wines, White Dessert wines, and Red Dessert wines
Double Gold Medal
Requires unanimous gold medal scores by all three judges Winemaker and retail price listed with each medalist
Belle Fiore Winery 2013 Belle Esprit Muscat Canelli, Kathe Kaigas, $24
Belle Fiore Winery 2012 Numinos Bordeaux Blend, Kathe Kaigas, $36
Cuckoo’s Nest Cellars 2014 Aromatique White Blend, Bryan Wilson, $15
Pebblestone Cellars 2014 Ellis Vineyards Block 9 Viognier, Bryan Wilson, $20
Red Lily Vineyards 2013 Night School Red Dessert, Rachael Martin, $38
Season Cellars 2014 Transparency White Blend, Scott & Jennifer Henry, $18
Gold Medal
Winemaker and retail price listed with each medalist
Abacela 2014 Albariño, Andrew Wenzl, $21
Brandborg Vineyard & Winery 2014 Treats Sweet Style Riesling, Terry Brandborg, $20
Cliff Creek Cellars 2014 MRV White Blend, Herb Quady, $22
Daisy Creek Vineyard 2014 Rousanne, Brian Denner, $24
DANCIN Vineyards 2012 Adagio Pinot Noir, Eric Weisinger, $36
Foris Vineyards 2014 Pinot Blanc, Bryan Wilson, $14
Grizzly Peak Winery 2012 Syrah, Linda Donovan, $24
Harry & David Vineyards 2012 Pinot Noir, Linda Donovan, $30
Jaxon Vineyards 2012 Forté Red Blend, Rob Folin, $28
Kriselle Cellars 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Scott Steingraber, $32
Ledger David Cellars 2013 Malbec, Rob Folin, $30
Plaisance Ranch 2012 Rouge Prestige Papa Joe’s Private Stash, Joe Ginet, $30
Red Lily Vineyards 2014 Verdejo Stargaze Lily, Rachael Martin, $22
RoxyAnn Winery 2012 Pinot Noir, John Quinnones, $34
Schmidt Family Vineyards 2012 Pinot Noir, Cal Schmidt, $38
Schultz Wines 2013 Homeward Chardonnay, Linda Donovan, $20
Season Cellars 2014 Viognier, Scott & Jennifer Henry $22
Serra Vineyards 2011 Merlot, Scott Fernandes, $50
Simple Machine 2012 Vector Red Blend, Brian Denner, $32
Tesoaria Vineyard & Winery 2013 Zinfandel, John Olson, $42
Troon Vineyard 2013 Zinfandel, Steve Hall, $15
Silver Medal
Winemaker and retail price listed with each medalist
30 Brix Winery 2014 Pastle 13 Orange Muscat, Chateau Roberts, $20
Abacela 2013 Grenache, Andrew Wenzl, $29
Abacela 2012 Jasper Block Reserve Syrah, Andrew Wenzl, $42
Abacela 2014 Grenache Rosé, Andrew Wenzl, $18
Agate Ridge Vineyard 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Brian Denner, $18
Agate Ridge Vineyard 2013 Semllion Sauvignon Blanc, Brian Denner, $20
Agate Ridge Vineyard 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Kiley Evans, $28
Agate Ridge Vineyard 2011 DK Reserve Red Blend, Brian Denner, $60
Agate Ridge Vineyard 2012 Weeknight Red, Brian Denner, $13
Belle Fiore Winery 2014 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Kathe Kaigas, $29
Belle Fiore Winery 2013 Belle Esprit Malbec, Kathe Kaigas, $29
Brandborg Vineyard and Winery 2014 Pinot Gris, Terry Brandborg, $16
Brandborg Vineyard and Winery 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Terry Brandborg, $20
Caprice Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, John Quinnones, $30
Cliff Creek Cellars 2011 Cabernet Franc, Joe Dobbes, $28
Cliff Creek Cellars 2009 Claret, Joe Dobbes, $25
Cuckoo’s Nest Cellars 2012 Two Birds Red Blend, Bryan Wilson, $15
Cuckoo’s Nest Cellars 2014 Fizzé Early Muscat, Bryan Wilson, $15
Daisy Creek Vineyard 2014 Viognier, Brian Denner, $22
DANCIN Vineyards 2013 Capriccio Chardonnay, Brian Denner, $32
DANCIN Vineyards 2013 Plie 65 Pinot Noir, Eric Weisinger, $34
DANCIN Vineyards 2013 Adagio Pinot Noir, Eric Weisinger, $34
DANCIN Vineyards 2013 Septette Pinot Noir, Eric Weisinger, $34
Deer Creek Vineyards 2014 Chardonnay, Herb Quady, $16
Del Rio Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Jean Michel Jussiume, $28
Del Rio Vineyards 2013 Merlot, Jean Michel Jussiume, $28
Del Rio Vineyards NV Semi Sparkling Jolee Rosé, Jean Michel Jussiume, $15
Edenvale 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Ashley Campanella, $65
Foris Vineyards 2014 Dry Gewürztraminer, Bryan Wilson, $14
Girardet 2012 Chardonnay, Marc Girardet, $20
God King Slave Wines 2013 Kinfolk White Blend, Chris Jiron, $24
Grizzly Peak Winery 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Linda Donovan, $28
Grizzly Peak Winery 2012 Merlot, Linda Donovan, $24
Harry & David Vineyards 2013 Chardonnay, Linda Donovan, $15
Henry Estate Winery 2014 Müller-Thurgau, Greg Sothras, $15
Henry Estate Winery 2013 Bordeaux Blend, Greg Sothras, $25
Irvine Family Vineyards 2013 Chardonnay, Irvine Vineyards, $30
Irvine Family Vineyards 2012 Pinot Noir, Irvine Vineyards, $35
Jaxon Vineyards 2012 Syrah, Rob Folin, $28
Kriselle Cellars 2012 Di’Tani Red Blend, Scott Steingraber, $26
LaBrasseur Vineyard 2012 Reserve Merlot, Fred LaBrasseur, $26
LaBrasseur Vineyard 2012 Petite Sirah Port-Style, Fred LaBrasseur, $26
Ledger David Cellars 2014 Primoris Chenin Blanc, Kiley Evans, $22
Ledger David Cellars 2013 Petit Verdot, Rob Folin, $35
Misty Oaks Vineyard 2014 Constitution Ridge Pinot Blanc, Steve Simmons, $18
Misty Oaks Vineyard 2014 Julio’s Hill Pinot Gris, Steve Simmons, $18
Pebblestone Cellars 2011 Ellis Vineyards Block 2 Merlot, Bryan Wilson, $21
Pebblestone Cellars 2014 Rose of Syrah Ellis Vineyards Block 7 Rosé, Jonathan Oberlander, $16
Plaisance Ranch 2011 Merlot, Joe Ginet, $25
Plaisance Ranch 2012 Petite Sirah, Joe Ginet, $30
Plaisance Ranch 2012 Pinot Noir, Joe Ginet, $30
Platt Anderson Cellars 2013 Ashland Artist Series Merlot, Gill Anderson, $20
Platt Anderson Cellars 2013 Ashland Artist Series Bordeaux Blend, Gill Anderson, $20
Quady North 2014 Grenache Blanc, Herb Quady, $21
Quady North 2014 Pistoleta White Blend, Herb Quady, $19
Quady North 2013 4-2-A Syrah, Herb Quady, $25
Quady North 2014 Rosé, Herb Quady, $15
Red Lily Vineyards 2012 Tempranillo, Rachael Martin, $35
Rocky Knoll 2009 Dunbar Ranch Bordeaux Blend, John Quinnones, $22
RoxyAnn Winery 2013 Chardonnay, John Quinnones, $26
RoxyAnn Winery 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Kent Barthmann, $20
Schmidt Family Vineyards 2014 Albariño, Cal Schmidt, $24
Schmidt Family Vineyards 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Cal Schmidt, $23
Schmidt Family Vineyards 2012 Syrah, Cal Schmidt, $36
Schmidt Family Vineyards 2012 Tempranillo, Cal Schmidt, $36
Season Cellars 2013 Marsanne Roussanne Viognier Blend, Scott & Jennifer Henry, $24
Season Cellars 2012 Syrah, Scott & Jennifer Henry, $30
Serra Vineyards 2013 Rosé, Scott Fernandes, $28
Slagle Ceek Vineyards 2010 Pini Red Dessert, Greg Paneitz, $22
Slagle Creek Vineyards 2012 Pini Red Blend, Steve Anderson, $20
Soloro Vineyard 2013 Emerald Isle White Blend, Linda Donovan, $20
Soloro Vineyard 2011 Reserve Killdear Syrah, Steve Anderson, $28
South Stage Cellars 2013 Riesling, Joe Dobbes, $20
South Stage Cellars 2012 Malbec, Linda Donovan, $28
South Stage Cellars 2011 Pinot Noir, Joe Dobbes, $30
Spangler Vineyards 2012 Claret Bordeaux Blend, Pat Spangler, $28
Tesoaria Vineyard & Winery 2012 Baco Noir, John Olson, $35
Tesoaria Vineyard & Winery 2011 Arany Szarvas, John Olson, $65
Tesoaria Vineyard & Winery 2012 Attila, John Olson, $52
Tesoaria Vineyard & Winery 2013 Sangiovese, John Olson, $45
Tesoaria Vineyard & Winery 2012 Dolcetto, John Olson, $22
Tesoaria Vineyard & Winery 2012 Coeur Noir Red Blend, John Olson, $45
Troon Vineyard 2013 Chardonnay, Steve Hall, $20
Troon Vineyard 2012 M*T Reserve Red Blend, Steve Hall, $40
Valley View Winery 2013 Anna Maria Sauvignon Blanc, John Guerrero, $24
Valley View Winery 2012 Anna Maria Syrah, John Guerrero, $24
Weisinger Family Winery 2012 Malbec, Eric Weisinger, $28