The August Gold Medal Mini-tasting was held at 10 sites (members’ homes) across the county, with 165 people enjoying 10 wines that had each been awarded a Double Gold Medal paired with dishes prepared by the attendees. The wines were served in five blind flights of two wines each and the attendees judged each wine and voted for their favorites. Since there were eight different varietals in the line-up, the attendees also were asked to name the varietal for each wine (a brief description of the varietals was provided on the back of the scoresheet).
Since the Gold Medal Mini-Tasting always features a number of different varietals, all very highly rated, the overall scoring likely has more to do with personal taste and the food being paired than an actual comparison of the wines.
The featured wines started with two Grenache Noirs – Carol Shelton’s and an unusual white wine from Dubost called “White Heart.” The White Heart was 100% Grenache Noir, but had no color from the skins, making it look like a Grenache Blanc. Overall, the two Grenache wines tied for 7th place across the 10 sites.
The overall winner also was the highest-rated wine in this year’s Commercial Competition – the Runquist 2021 Charbono, which earned 98 points and Best of Class. The wine placed in the top four at eight of the 10 sites.
Second and third overall were a pair of Petite Sirahs. Second place went to the Macchia “Rebellious” and third place went to the Bushong “Unknown Pleasures.” Fourth was the Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel from Hawley.
The four favorite wines across the seven host sites:
| Place | Wine & Winery | YR | PRICE | DESCRIPTION |
|
1st
|
Jeff Runquist
Charbono
Sierra Foothills AVA Amador County
98 Double Gold Best of Class |
2021 | $29.00 | The 2021 Charbono has a deep, purple-black color with youthful magenta hues. Brairy blue black fruits; boysenberry, marionberry and mulberry provide the foundation of this wine’s aroma. Notes of crushed pine needles and forest floor transition to a bouquet of deeply toasted oak. Flavors of ripe blackberries and savory oak precede those of creamy mocha and dark chocolate. |
|
2nd
|
Macchia
Rebellious Petite Sirah
Lodi AVA
93 Double Gold |
2021 | $28.00 | Petite Sirah got its name from the small size of the berries and not the wine that is produced from it. It is one of the biggest, boldest and tannic wines produced in America. These Rebellious grapes wanted to stand on their own to show the world just how good they could be. The rich ripe berry flavors are highlighted with a subtle hint of soft vanilla oak making it a very food-worthy wine. |
|
3rd
|
Bushong
Unknown Pleasures Petite Sirah
Paso Robles AVA 95 Double Gold |
2020 | $55.00 | The Bushong website says 100% Petite
Sirah. Sona Vineyard Willow Creek 75% New French Oak Blueberry. Cola. Burnt Sugar. Slate Minerality. |
|
4th
|
Hawley
Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley AVA
95 Double Gold |
2021 | $52.00 | Aromas of raspberry preserves, nutmeg and rose petal. Brimming with strawberry and blueberry fruit backed by structured tannins and bright acidity. |
In addition, attendees brought a delicious dish to share and then voted on a Chef of the Evening. The results of the Chef of the Evening at each host site are:
- Hosts Chris & Hank Bruce:
Kim & Steve Rizzuto – Blackberry Mousse Cheesecake
- Host Carolyn & Damian Christian:
Mary Ann & Don Meyer – Berry Pavlova with Lemon Whipped Cream
- Hosts Kim & Kristyn Grime:
Mark & Alison Godleski – Salmon
- Hosts Kathy Krieger & Lynda Edwards:
Linda Downey – Pork Tenderloin Crustini with Apricot Horseradish Chutney
- Hosts Rochelle Randel & Leslie Hodawanec:
Pam Oneida – Bacon-wrapped Feta Figs
Hosts Greg & Cathy Risling:
Janet Peal – Shrimp, Bean & Leek Stew
- Hosts: Rob & Germaine Romano
Kevin Donnelly – Lime Meringue Pie
- Hosts: Craig & Ronna Rowe
Debbie Renne & Ed Reyes – Nectarine Tart
- Hosts Frank & Pat Solis:
Denise Scandura – Chicken Pot Pie
- Hosts Dave & Barb White:
Tie – Dave Donated a bottle from his cellar rather than break the tie
Deb Webber – Portobello Penne
Brenda & Robert Scott – Eggplant Parmesan
Congratulations to all the winners! A big thank you to the hosts!
—George Cravens, OCWS Director