Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/155925
Scene at: 2013 Rock Wall Wine Company zinfandel takes top honor cast of highly respected female wine professionals gathered July 9-10 in Santa Rosa, Calif., to judge the 2013 International Women's Wine Competition (IWWC), organized by Vineyard & Winery Management. More than 900 wines were entered in this year's competition. Judges awarded a total of 26 double gold medals, 100 gold medals, 311 silver medals, 225 bronze medals and 37 Best of Class awards. IWWC's overall winner was the Rock Wall Wine Company Harris Kratka Vineyard 2010 Zinfandel from Alexander Valley. The Harris Kratka Zinfandel, made Best of Show by Shauna Rosenblum, also won the award for best wine made by a female winemaker. Of the wines that made it to the Sweepstakes round – the round that determines the overall best wine of the competition – 50% were made by female winemakers. Judges recognize not only the best wines submitted in the competition, but also those they feel will appeal to female wine buyers and consumers. This year Vineyard & Winery Management welcomed Women for WineSense as IWWC's media partner. Additional sponsors included Penta Water, Riedel Glassware, Wine Country Shipping, Alsco, Graber Olives, Sonoma Wine Country Hilton, Costeaux French Bakery and Lagunitas Brewing Company. Best Red: Rock Wall Wine Company 2010 Harris Kratka Vineyard Zinfandel, Alexander Valley ($35) Best White: Inman Family Wines 2011 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley ($35) Best Rosé: Mey Icki Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S. 2012 Kayra Vintage Blush, Turkey ($5.85) Best Sparkling: Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards 2005 Royal Cuvée, Carneros ($32) Best Dessert Wine: Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery 2011 Cabernet Franc "Icebox" Wine, Pennsylvania ($42) Best Fruit Wine: Galena Cellars 2012 Red Raspberry Wine ($13.99) Full competition results are posted at www.winecompetitions.com and www.enofileonline.com. 94 V I N E YARD & WINERY MANAGEMENT | Sept - Oct 2013 w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m