San Diego International Wine Competition 2015

We are proud to announce that the 2010 Fog Catcher and 2012 Estate Pinot Noir received Platinum medals and the 2012 Estate Reserve Syrah received Gold in the 2015 San Diego International Wine Competition.   Reviews of both Platinum wines by head judge Michael Franz: 

2010 Fog Catcher 96 Points: This wine was tasted blind by a panel at the San Diego International Wine Competition, sent forward to me with a score of 96--with which I can only concur. I’ve had limited experiences with wines from Niner Wine Estates, but those experiences have been uniformly impressive, and this is certainly no exception. The wine shows excellent color concentration with no hint of four years since vinification, followed by expressive aromatics and flavors that are centered on a core of intense blackberry fruit. Pure but very powerful, those fruit notes are accented with lovely little nuances of spices, vanilla, cocoa and tobacco leaf. The tannins are abundant but easily counterbalanced by the wine’s ripe, energetic fruit. Simply terrific, this wine serves as an official announcement of a new star in the California wine firmament. Platinum Award winner at the 2015 San Diego International Wine Competition.

2012 Estate Pinot Noir, Edna Valley 94 Points: This is hardly an inexpensive wine, but in global terms, it is a clearly outstanding Pinot Noir that is priced far below most of it qualitative peers. It shows good concentration by its appearance as well as its weight and depth, and yet these qualities were not purchased at the expense of the delicacy for which we turn to Pinot in the first place. Moderately expressive aromas recall black cherries above all, with very subtle undertones of spices and toast. The wine really shines on the palate, punching above its weight with very pure fruit notes that are seamlessly integrated with acidity, wood and tannin. Clearly this was made from excellent fruit, but the craftsmanship in the winery is equally impressive. Platinum award winner at the 2015 San Diego International Wine Competition.