Local wineries bring it on at this year's Chronicle competition
An eye-popping (and cork-popping) 5,500 wines from nearly 1,000 wineries were entered in the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Competition.
Wineries from the Santa Clara Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains showed their mettle, bringing home lots of medals, including the Golds highlighted here.
Atop the local roster is Alamitos Vineyards in San Jos's New Almaden. Their haul included a Double Gold for their Estate 2019 Santa Clara Valley Hawkeye Syrah ($65) and Gold for the 2021 Santa Clara Valley White Egret Sauvignon Blanc ($42). Their eye-catching label designs were also awarded.
Speaking of syrah, Cooper-garrod Estate Vineyards in Saratoga earned Gold for their 2018 Santa Cruz Mountains Syrah ($43) made with Certified Sustainable grapes.
Fellom Ranch Vineyards in Cupertino scored Gold for their 2019 Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon from Montebello Ridge ($65).
Gali Vineyards, whose tasting room is in Los Gatos, scored Double Gold for their estate 2021 Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay ($35) and a Gold for their 2017 Estate Tempranillo ($45).
J. Lohr Estates scored a Best of Class for their 2020 Arroyo Seco Fogs Reach Pinot Noir ($35) and Double Golds for the 2021 Arroyo Seco Arroyo Vista Chardonnay ($25) and the 2019 Paso Robles Signature Cabernet Sauvignon ($100). They also scored Golds for their 2020 Paso Robles Tower Road Petite Sirah ($35), 2020 Paso Robles Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon ($35), 2021 Monterey County Estates Falcons Perch Pinot Noir ($17), 2020 Paso Robles Estates South Ridge Syrah ($15), 2020 Paso Robles Los Osos Merlot ($15), 2022 Arroyo Seco Flume Crossing Sauvignon Blanc ($14), J. Lohr Monterey Roots
2021 Arroyo Seco Bay Mist Riesling ($13) and 2020 Paso Robles Pure Paso Proprietary Red Wine ($27).
Kirigin Cellars in Morgan Hill scored a Best of Class for the 2021 Malvasia Bianca Santa Clara Valley ($36.90), as well as a Best of Class for the NV Delight Blend ($9.90). They hauled in a Double Gold for their Opol Rosé ($22.90), and Golds for the 2021 sauvignon blanc $22.90) and 2018 Santa Clara Valley Syrah ($22.90).
La Honda Winery scored Double Gold for their 2021 Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay, a bargain at $26.
New kids on the block Little Uvas Vineyards in San Martin scored Double Golds for their 2021 Santa Clara Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($25) and their 2020 Santa Clara Valley Barbera ($50).
Martin Ranch in Gilroy scored Double Gold for their 2018 Santa Cruz Mountains J.D. Hurley Cabernet Sauvignon ($31.95), and Gold for their 2018 Santa Cruz Mountains Therese Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon ($69).
Picchetti Winery in Cupertino scored Gold for their 2019 Arroyo Seco Syrah ($28.95).
Silver Mountain Vineyards in Santa Cruz fetched Golds for their 2019 Santa Lucia Highlands Tondre Grapefield Chardonnay ($40), 2019 Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay ($40), 2015 Santa Lucia Highlands Tondre Grapefield Pinot Noir ($50) and 2015 Santa Cruz Mountains Syrah ($40).
Winemaker Tony Craig of Sonnet Wine Cellars in Los Gatos scored Gold for his 2018 Santa Cruz Mountains Gali Vineyard Pinot Noir ($50).
Satori Vineyards in Gilroy brought home Gold for their 2020 Santa Clara Valley Zazin ($34.99), while Solis Winery, also based in Gilroy, scored Double Gold for their 2018 Santa Clara Valley Syrah ($35), and Gold for both their 2021 Santa Clara Valley Fiano ($30) and 2018 Santa Clara Valley Cara Mia Cab-based blend ($40).
For a complete list of winners, visit winejudging.com.
• It's almost Valentine's Day, time to splurge on gorgeous sparkling wine you won't find in the grocery store. Caraccioli Cellars' (Carmel) Brut and Brut Rosé are sourced from the Santa Lucia Highlands and are truly exceptional. Frank Family Vineyards (Napa) offers two sure-toplease stunners: 2016 Blanc de Blancs and 2017 Brut Rosé, both sourced from the cool of Carneros. All sport superbly sophisticated bubbles.
Lightpost Cellars (Morgan Hill) offers well-priced sparkling wine made by Frenchman Christian Roguenant, who previously made sparkling at Deutz before it became Laetitia. Lightpost is hosting a four-course wine paired Valentine's Night dinner, Tuesday at 7 p.m. for $140 per person. Make reservations at https:// www.lightpostwinery.com.
The Tasting House (Los Gatos) offers a fine selection of Champagne, chocolates, fancy cheeses and Manresa Bread baguettes. They will hold a winemaker dinner with Patrimony Estate (Daou) on Feb. 21 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $300 at https:// www.tastinghouse.com.