Alderbrook Scores Big in Harvest Fair Wine Competition
9 Medals Awarded
HEALDSBURG, Calif., (Sept 25th) - Alderbrook Vineyards and Winery came away a big winner in judging at the prestigious 2004 Sonoma County Harvest Fair wine competition this past weekend, winning a remarkable nine medals. Not surprisingly, the winery's top award was earned by its flagship wine, the Old Vine Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley.
The 2002 Old Vine Zinfandel, which retails for $19, earned gold in the under-$25 Zinfandel category. It was just one of six wines to earn top honors in the category, which included more than 50 entrants.
Alderbrook's two 2002 Reserve Zinfandels - from Dry Creek and from Russian River, respectively - also were favorites of the judges, earning silver medals in the over-$25 category.
"These results show that our vision of Zinfandel - beautiful, ripe fruit, but with the balance you need to be a great companion to food at the table - is one that Zin lovers appreciate," Alderbrook Winemaker Bryan Parker said. "We're very grateful and honored."
Other winners for Alderbrook included silver medals for the winery's 2002 Syrah, a variety taking firm root in Zin-friendly Dry Creek; its 2002 Carignane, a longtime tasting-room-only favorite; and the estate-grown 2003 Sauvignon Blanc. Bronze medals went to the 2003 Rosé; 2002 Pinot Noir Reserve; and 2002 Pinot Noir.
In all, the panel of 20 judges awarded 713 medals: 136 gold, 338 silver, and 239 bronze. A record 873 wines were entered in this prestigious regional competition, up 9.8 % from last year's record of 855 wine submissions. The Sonoma County Harvest Fair wine judging is open to any winery that makes wine from Sonoma County grapes. The panel of twenty judges included local and national wine journalists, winemakers and members of the wine trade.
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2002 Syrah
 receives "Exceptional" from Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences more...
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