San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition winners
More than 6,700 wines from wineries in North America were entered into the 2020 competition. Out of this enormous field of entries, the following wines stood out to be declared the best of the best, receiving the prestigious American AgCredit Sweepstake Award. Included with each sweepstakes winner are tasting notes by Mike Dunne, contributing wine writer to the Sacramento Bee.
Sonoma County Blanc de Noirs, $32
Penny GaddCoster, winemaker
“Breathless” is aptly named, taking away your breath just like your first visit to Yosemite did, thanks to its brassy twilight color, effusive mousse, suggestions of granite as well as wild fruit and almonds in flavor, and a finish as feathery and bracing as spray from Bridalveil Fall. 2019 Sonoma County Dry Sangiovese Rose, $15 Sarah Quider, winemaker
Virtually every year at the competition a pink wine based on Sangiovese wins bestofclass. This year it was FerrariCarano’s turn. Its 2019 rose is vivid with suggestions of advancing strawberry fruit, rousing acidity and teasing spice. 2016 Crazy Creek Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, $75
Diane Wilson, winemaker
The Crazy Creek packs unusual wallop for Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, but the region’s clean fruit, tempered tannins, sleek lines and incomparable balance still are present. Its overall elegance and assurance made it a winner. 2017 Grand River Valley Vidal Blanc Ice Wine, $30
Nick Ferrante, winemaker
For a comprehensive listing
No need to go all the way to Canada for ice wine rich and balanced; Ohio is close enough. This is pure honeycomb, layered and lasting.
New Mexico Viña Cardinal Rose Wine Label, $32
Rudi Backart, designer