Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/620640
Est. 1990 TM Out of nearly 1,500 entries judged at Vineyard & Winery M a n a g e m e n t 's 2 5 t h A n n u a l Grand Harvest Awards (GHA), Balletto Vineyards & Winery took the top prize for its 2012 Zinfan- del from Russian River Valley. The competition was held Nov. 17-18 at the Sonoma County Fair- grounds in Santa Rosa, Calif. Wines were evaluated by some of the industry's most respected winemakers, wine buyers, distributors, educators, media and other wine profes- sionals. Judges awarded 48 Best of Class, 44 double gold, 183 gold and 574 silver medals. Established in 1990, GHA was created to recognize and celebrate common character- istics among wines from the same AVAs. "Our judges not only recog- nized the best wine submis- sions, but possessed the level of knowledge and expertise needed to evaluate the wines within the context of their regions," noted Debra Del Fiorentino, Vineyard & Winery Management's director of wine competitions. Christopher Sawyer, som- melier and GHA spokesperson, added, "It's exciting to see how terroir makes a difference in the flavor profiles of grapes planted in special regions across the nation." GHA sponsors included Hilton Sonoma Wine Country, Penta U l t r a - P u r i f i e d Wa t e r, G r a b e r Olives, Wine Country Shipping, Alsco, Costeaux French Bakery, Lagunitas Brewing Company and Sonoma Cider. Balletto Vineyards Russian River Valley Zinfandel Wins Best of Show + Best of Show/Best Red: Balletto Vineyards 2012 Zinfandel, Russian River Valley ($24) + Best White: EdenVale Winery 2014 Midsummer's Cuvée, Rogue Valley ($23) + Best Rosé: Lawer Estates 2014 Betsy's Vineyard Rosé, Knights Valley ($18.99) + Best Sparkling: Gloria Ferrer 2004 Carneros Cuvée, Carneros ($70) + Best Fruit Wine: Bishops Orchards Winery NV Apple Raspberry Blush, New England ($14.99) + Best Late Harvest/Dessert Wine: Navarro Vineyards 2014 Cluster Select Riesling, Anderson Valley ($69) + Best Cider: Bold Rock Hard Cider, NV Carolina Apple, North Carolina ($10.99/6 pack) BEST OF SHOW Scene at: + Best of Show/Best Red: Balletto Vineyards 2012 Zinfandel, Russian River Valley ($24) + Best White: EdenVale Winery 2014 Midsummer's Cuvée, Rogue Valley ($23) + Best Rosé: Lawer Estates 2014 Betsy's Vineyard Rosé, Knights Valley ($18.99) + Best Sparkling: Gloria Ferrer 2004 Carneros Cuvée, Carneros ($70) + Best Fruit Wine: Bishops Orchards Winery NV Apple Raspberry Blush, New England ($14.99) + Best Late Harvest/Dessert Wine: Navarro Vineyards 2014 Cluster Select Riesling, Anderson Valley ($69) + Best Cider: Bold Rock Hard Cider, NV Carolina Apple, North Carolina ($10.99/6 pack) + Best of Show/Best Red: Balletto Vineyards 2012 Zinfandel, Russian River Valley ($24) + Best White: EdenVale Winery 2014 Midsummer's Cuvée, Rogue Valley ($23) + Best Rosé: Lawer Estates 2014 Betsy's Vineyard Rosé, Knights Valley ($18.99) + Best Sparkling: Gloria Ferrer 2004 Carneros Cuvée, Carneros ($70) + Best Fruit Wine: Bishops Orchards Winery NV Apple Raspberry Blush, New England ($14.99) + Best Late Harvest/Dessert Wine: Navarro Vineyards 2014 Cluster Select Riesling, Anderson Valley ($69) + Best Cider: Bold Rock Hard Cider, NV Carolina Apple, North Carolina ($10.99/6 pack) 1 5 0 V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T | J a n - F e b 2 0 16 w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m