Lake County Cabs & SF Chronicle Wine Competition
Lake County Cabernet Sauvignons are awarded DOUBLE GOLDS and GOLDS at the recent San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay are also awarded the GOLD in addition to several red blends, Zinfandel, Primitivo, Merlot, and Tempranillo,
Double Golds were awarded to Shannon Ridge 2009 and Obsidian Ridge 2009 Cabernets, to Chacewater and Brassfield Estate for their 2008 & 2009 red blends, Rosa d'Oro for their Barbera and to Wildhurst for their 2010 Reserve Chardonnay.
Other Lake County Wineries making a huge mark in the competition results include: Shed Horn Cellars received a Gold for their 2010 Chardonnay; Shooting Star was honored with Gold for their 2010 Sauvignon Blanc; both Six Sigma and Writer's Block took Gold for their 2008 and 2009 Tempranillo's; Steele received a Gold for the 2009 Merlot; Gregory Graham received a Gold for the 2008 Cabernet and Wildhurst for their 2009 Home Ranch Zinfandel.
Many other Lake County wines received Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. Look for link to the News Release featured on the HOME page.
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What are you drinking? by MATT Mcginnis
Shannon Ridge Vineyards and Winery: quality without elevated prices
A friend of mine was serving Shannon Ridge Chardonnay at his holiday party. When I asked him why he chose it, he said, “I was looking for a Chardonnay with a traditional Napa Valley style, but without the Napa Valley price. The guy at the wine shop steered me to this Lake County wine.”
That’s exactly what Clay Shannon, founder of Shannon Ridge Vineyards and Winery, had in mind when he bought land in Lake County just north of Napa Valley – quality without the elevated price. The high elevation and cooler climate big are ideal for growing big tannic grapes like Cab and Zin. The well-drained, rich soils full of potash, calcium and good potassium levels allow the fruit to get ripe. Equally as important, the steep sloped vineyards were didn’t come with the king’s-ransom price tags of their Napa cousins. .......
Special gifts for wine lovers
Latigo 2006 Dessert Wine: Hawk and Horse makes an impressive Red Hills Lake County cabernet sauvignon, so it's no surprise they would excel with a port-style wine made from their same biodynamically farmed mountain grapes. Fortifying it with high-proof brandy, the lot is then aged 26 months in new French oak for aging. Owners Mitch and Tracey Hawkins clearly love horses and Latigo is a term for a supple leather strap that hangs off the left (or “port”) side of a Western saddle. Clever, eh? The wine is deliciously worthy of such a name, smelling sweetly of leather and spice and full of black chocolate, caramel and ripe cherry flavor. If you've got a cigar lover in your life, this would be a good match. Only 200 cases made. 16 percent alcohol and 13 percent residual sugar.
Enjoy Lake County Wineries
"Enjoy Lake County Wineries - Unique Inns Blog
With a deep history in wine making, Lake County Wineries are ideal for those looking to experience fine wine in a relaxed and breathtaking environment. ...
...Because of Lake County Wineries eco-friendly practices, high elevation, and fortunate climate, quality grape production is extremely high. There are also many strong efforts to improve environmental awareness and sustainabllity among the Lake County wineries. These wineries use fewer pesticides adn more low-risk crop protectants than any other winegrowing region in the country."
www.uniqueinns.com/blog/2011/.../enjoy-lake-county-winerie...
COURIER PRESS.COM reports on Cabernet Franc from Lake County
If you want a wine that manages to be rather humble and controlled, a Cabernet Franc might be it. Take Steele Wines' 2007 from Lake County, Calif., that's sold for less than $20 at Winetree on Washington Avenue. This wine won't muscle you to the floor, but it's got enough structure and spunk to keep you from even thinking about dumping your glass. Just breathe in this 2007 round red fruits, and then take a sip. You'll find it's smooth, earthy, light yet still full of body: the perfect wine to relax to, or to pair with chicken or fish. 13.5 percent alcohol.
WINE NEWS--The Red Lava Syrah from the infamous Red Hills appellation of Lake County received 89 points in a recent Wine Spectator tasting--March issue 2011
TOUR & TASTING wine, food and travel magazine encourages readers to visit Lake County
Spring Edition, 2011
"Around every turn you'll be treated to inspiring scenery, friendly locals, and remarkable wines."
FOOD & WINE MAGAZINE FEATURES RED HILLS WINES—
RAY ISLE –June 2010
Bottles to try... Cabernet grown in high-elevation rocky, volcanic soils in Lake County
2008 Shannon Ridge Ranch Collection Cabernet Sauvignon "full-flavored red"
2005 Snows Lake One Cabernet "balanced Cabernet"
2008 Steele Cabernet Sauvignon Red Hills Lake County, "focused Cabernet"
2007 Obsidian Ridge Half Mile Cabernet/Petit Verdot, "extremely compelling"
WINE SPECTATOR COMMENTS ON LAKE COUNTY CABERNET—
JAMES LAUBE –January 2011
"On the day he (Derenoncourt) poured his new wines, the one that surprised me the most was the Cabernet from Lake County. ... the wines are damn good."
WINE SPECTATOR COMMENTS ON LAKE COUNTY REDS—
JAMES LAUBE –February 2010
"This week's Tasting Highlights features very good California reds that represent excellent value from the Golden State. The quality of these wines, highlighted by the rather amazing 2006 Cameron Hughes Lake County Red Hills Cabernet Lot 168, reflects some producers' sustained emphasis on value and others downshifting a bit to sync with the market.
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..."
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."
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."
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE WINE COMPETITION—LAKE COUNTY RESULTS--February 2011
SAN FRANCISCO – Lake County Winery Association (LCWA) members are celebrating victories garnered at this year's San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, with several Lake County wines taking top medals at the prestigious event.
The annual San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is touted as the “largest competition of American wines in the world.” The 2011 results were announced earlier this month following five days of tasting and evaluating more than 5,000 entries, a world record number, according to the event's website.
“It is ultra cool that Lake County wines and wineries stood out among the 5,000 entries,” said Monica Rosenthal, executive director of the Lake County Winery Association. “Our members' wines are helping to distinguish Lake County as a premier winegrape producing region. It is especially nice be recognized by the San Francisco competition's professional judges who acknowledge our region's excellent grapes and wine by awarding several top honors."
Heading the list, Shannon Ridge Vineyards & Winery received a BEST OF CLASS on its single vineyard 2007 Cabernet and a DOUBLE GOLD on its 2008 Ranch Collection Cabernet Sauvignon. Double gold indicated unanimous gold choice by judges.
"As we go head-to-head with top producers from other well-known wine regions in competitions such as this, Shannon Ridge's Lake County wines are taking awards in the same varietal categories. Everyone involved in Shannon Ridge's wine production is thrilled to have captured one of the highest awards in the competition," said the winery's sale manager, Joey Luiz. The victories are also a credit to the farming style at Shannon Ridge. "Our earth friendly, all-sustainable practices are producing some amazing award-winning wines."
Shannon Ridge was awarded Silver medals for its 2009 Sauvignon Blanc and its 2009 Viognier and a bronze for its 2009 Roussane.
Also garnering high honors, Gregory Graham Wines earned a DOUBLE GOLD medal for Graham's Red Hills 2007 Syrah. "People are paying attention to Lake County," said winemaker Gregory Graham, who added that he is pleased with the competition results.
"Prior to purchasing vineyards in Lake County, I made a lot of wine from Napa and Carneros fruit," said Graham. "Since seting out to produce Lake County wines about 9 years ago, I've been highly impressed with the quality of the fruit and not surprised with the award-winning results. If I can borrow a comment made by James Laube, the wines of Lake County 'are damn good.'"
A gold medal was awarded for Graham's Red Hills 2008 Cider Cone Reserve, and his Red Hills 2009 Rose received a silver medal.
Association wineries taking gold medals at the competition include: Brassfield Estate (2009 Pinot Gregio), Ceago Vinegarden (2009 Clear Lake Muscat Canelli), Lantry Estate and Vineyards (2008) Petite Sirah), Shed Horn Cellars (2009 Sauvignon Blanc and 2009 Chardonnay), Six Sigma (2009 Sauvignon Blanc and 2009 Michael's Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc), and Tulip Hill Winery (2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon). In addition the LCWA wineries winning golds also earned additional medals (silver and bronze) for wines in various categories.
Other Association wineries receiving medals at the competition included Bell Hill, Dusinberre Wines, Red Lava, Rosa d'Oro, Robledo Family and Wildhurst Winery.
Lake County's own wine competition, now in its third year, is in the planning stages. Rosenthal said, "Watch for the 2011 sprintime 'call to action' to enter wines in this competition located in California's high elevation wine region. This competition is open to all producers of wines made from Lake County fruit." For more information, call Rosenthal at 707.355.2762.
Winning entries in each category can be found on the competition website, www.winejudging.com. Tickets for the public tasting portion of the event may be purchased online. The public’s opportunity to taste entries from the competition is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 19, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. Tickets are $65 per person in advance and $80 per person at the door.
For more information about the Lake County Winery Association, visit the association’s website, www.lakecountywineries.org or contact Monica Rosenthal at monica@lakecountywineries.org. Information about Lake County winegrapes and vineyards may be found at www.lakecountywinegrape.org. on the Lake County Winegrape Commission website or contact Shannon Gunier at shannong@lakecountywinegrape.org.
If you have a few minutes, I would invite you to see some of the new Lake County in the following video compliments of the Lake County Winegrape Commission
www.lakecountywinegrape.org/country/spotlight.php
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About the Lake County Wine Region
With a rich history of grape growing and winemaking, Lake County is one of California’s newest wine country destinations for those looking to enjoy fine wines in a relaxed, down-to-earth, rural and breathtaking environment. This award-winning, yet relatively undiscovered wine region is located just 20 miles north of the Napa Valley nestled in the heart of the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges. It surrounds Clear Lake, California’s largest natural fresh water lake and sits at the foot of Mt. Konocti, a dormant 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. The combination of high elevation, diverse soils, unique microclimates and sustainable farming practices produce the premium quality grapes that provide the origin of Lake County’s highly acclaimed wines.
About Lake County Winery Association
Formed in 2007, the Lake County Winery Association is a non-profit organization of wineries that aims to promote Lake County as a wine tour destination. The association hosts several wine events throughout the year that encourage visitors and locals to explore the wines of this up-and-coming region including the annual Lake County Wine Adventure which takes place the last weekend of July. For more information visit www.lakecountywineries.org
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Lake County Environmentally Friendly Practices....Excerpt from Mar/Apr 09 Practical Winery feature article--- Lake County Environmentally-friendly practices, high elevation, and favorable climate reduce pest pressures There are many noteworthy efforts to improve sustainability and environmental stewardship among different California winegrowing regions. Located in the mountains north of Napa County, Lake County winegrowers use fewer pesticides and more low-risk crop protectants than other winegrowing regions in the North Coast and California. The climate of lake County is very favorable for wine grape production but not for diseases and pests. The region has many new vineyards that are designed and managed by experienced growers...
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The other wine country
San Francisco Business Times - by Chris Rauber
Lake County has ambitions
Lake County is another fast growing region with 22 wineries (18 with tasting rooms), up from just four in the early 1990s.
Fredrikson said the standouts remain Steele Wines and Jim Fetzer's Ceago Vinegarden, which attracts a number of well-heeled visitors, some of whom fly in on seaplanes and land on Clear Lake to taste his wines and visit his bio-dynamic vineyards. (Plans at Ceago also call for a restaurant, hotel and spa and nearby condominiums.)
Fredrikson isn't the only observer paying attention to Lake County. Its Snows Lake Vineyard, in the Red Hills Lake County American Viticultural Area, won a "great gold" and three other golds in Bordeaux, France, this year at the 15th annual Concours Mondial de Bruxelles international wine competition, one of eight U.S. wineries to win a total of 14 medals -- and the only one to win a great gold.
"There's a pioneering element to this area, especially in the Red Hills appellation," said John Adriance, chief operating officer at Snows Lake and a former controller and vice president for Robert Mondavi Corp. "(Lake County) reminds me of Napa Valley in the late 1970s and early '80s, when it was new. There's an awareness that something's going on up here."
The vineyard produces its own wines and sells grapes to customers like Beringer, Stag's Leap, Rosenblum Cellars, Dynamite Vineyards and Cakebread Cellars for a premium about 40 percent higher than Lake County's $1,400 per ton average, according to Adriance. It has 810 planted acres, primarily with cabernet sauvignon, including one vineyard originally developed by Louis Martini, one of the first iconic Northern California wine producers to see the appeal of the county.
Many of the vines were planted 10 years ago and already have produced an equal number of vineyard-designated wines, said Snows Lake viticulturist Charlie Hossom, which he calls "quite an accomplishment for an area like Red Hills." That culminated last month in the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles' great gold for the 2005 Snows Lake "One," its premium home-grown cabernet.