2021 WINE COMPETITION
bursting with as much flavor as ever
in 2021, there were over sixty-five judges, representing various North American wine regions, evaluating nearly 6,700 wines from over 1,000 wineries for the 2021 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
For the past 21 years, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition has been devoted to wine — from what’s within the bottles to the people and places beyond them.
Since its inception, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (SFCWC) has grown to become one of the world’s most highly publicized and well-respected wine competitions, offering both large-scale and boutique wineries the opportunity to showcase their wines on a larger level. Two decades later, the competition continues to garner international attention and bring award-winning wines to more and more consumer glasses.
The individuals behind these bottles are more than just winemakers – they’re artisans – who seamlessly blend advanced winemaking technology with traditional approaches. And we believe they need to be recognized. This year, over 5,700 wines from more than 1,100 wineries throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico were entered with the hopes of bringing home recognition as one of North America’s finest wines of the year. Over 48 wine professionals representing media, trade, winemaking, education, and restaurant/hospitality industries – including The Chronicle’s very own Wine Critic, Esther Mobley – gathered in Cloverdale on March 5th to taste and evaluate the submissions.
The Chronicle’s event organizers worked closely with the City of Cloverdale and County of Sonoma to ensure all participants were following COVID-19 protocols and working in a safe, socially distanced environment.
2021 WINE COMPETITION AT A GLANCE
48
JUDGES
5.7k
WINES ENTERED
1k
NORTH AMERICA WINERIES
21y
Bay Area Tradition
EXPLORE
2021 SFCWC SWEEPSTAKE
MEDAL WINNERS
Gruet
2012 Blanc De Blanc
AMERICAN
$46.00
Gruet Winery
2012 Blanc de Blanc American
This classic Blanc de Blancs is refined and elegant, and is a reflection of the Gruet style perfected at Gruet et Fils, our original winery in Champagne. Our Blanc de Blancs vintages have consistently received accolades and awards from international wine competitions around the world. Aged for a minimum of 3 years en tirage, this world-class Blanc de Blancs achieves a quality unmatched by any other vintage Blanc de Blancs in its class.
Winemaker's notes:
Vintage: 2012
Varietal: Blanc de Blanc American
Appellation: New Mexico
Flavors of apple, pear, and candied lemon peel dominate the nose. Nicely balanced with nutty and complex bread dough aromas. Enjoy with mushrooms, seafood, and smoked salmon.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2015
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Monticello
Price: $55.00
Trump Winery
2015 Blanc de Noir Monticello
This Viognier is crisp, refreshing and slightly sweet with a beautiful mouthfeel. Balanced acidity and fresh fruit flavors of pear and guava complete the palate. Great accompaniment to any food or enjoy on its own!
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2019
Varietal: 100% Viognier
Appellation: Catie's Corner, Russian River Valley
Price: $38.00
Darjean Jones
2019 Viognier EnVie
The color of this wine entices with its pale pink hues. On the nose, aromas of floral jasmine and Alpine Strawberry aboutnd. After the wine eases over the palate, flavors of ripe strawberries and Bartlett pears become readily apparent. The finish boasts notes of clover honey accented by a refreshing minerality. Much in the French style, this Rosé delivers just a suggestion of color, but follows with an abundance of complexity and flavor.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2020
Varietal: 83% Syrah, 17% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Kelsey Bench AVA, Lake County CA
Price: $17.99
Dancing Crow Vineyards
2020 Rosé of Syrah Lake County
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Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Syrah
Appellation: Paso Robles
Price: $30.00
Jeff Runquist
2018 Syrah Three Way Vineyards
Breathe in the aromatic ripeness of black cherry, cassis and boysenberry. This full-bodied wine integrates (an ample/a vast) amount of ripe black fruit with vanilla, cinnamon spice, sweet tobacco and savory notes of leather with hints of cedar. The 2018 Cabernet Reserve is rich and complex wine supported by velvety soft smooth tannins, making this wine easy to drink upon release but will offer even more rewards after a few years in your cellar. Simply put – just a classic awesome Cabernet!
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Paso Robles
Price: $55.00
Lightpost Winery
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
EXPLORE
2021 SFCWC Partners
+
"Take Home the Gold" Virtual Wine Tasting
2016
Solstice Blend
$47.00
2018
$20.00
Cabernet Sauvignon
2015
$85.00
Tribute Blend
The San Francisco Chronicle is proud to partner with the Cloverdale Citrus Fair on the Wine Competition. For complete judging details, history, and list of award winners, visit WineJudging.com.
2021 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Winners
NEW MEXICO
Trump Winery
MONTICELLO
VIRGINIA
$55.00
2015 BLANC DE NOIR
Darjean Jones
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
CALIFORNIA
$38.00
2019 VIOGNIER ENVIE
CATIE'S CORNER VINEYARD
Dancing Crow
Vineyards
LAKE COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
$17.99
2020 rosé of Syrah
Jeff Runquist
PASO ROBLES
CALIFORNIA
$30.00
2018 SYRAH THREE WAY
VINEYARDS
Join us for a virtual tasting of gold medal winners from the recent 2021 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Learn about this unique selection of California wines with Chronicle wine critic and SFCW judge Esther Mobley and special guests (to be announced). RSVP today - space is limited.
We recommend (but do not require) that participants purchase these three bottles in advance of the event so that they can taste along with Esther. Links to purchase are provided below.
Wine to be tasted include:
Skinner Vineyards Grenache Blanc El Dorado County (buy it from the winery)
Bargetto Winery Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains (buy it from the winery)
Lichen Estate Pinot Gris Anderson Valley
(buy it from the winery)
Lightpost Winery
PASO ROBLES
CALIFORNIA
$55.00
2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVE
This Late Harvest Chardonnay expresses all the classic elegance and character of Sonoma-Cutrer in a rich and succulent wine. This wine is incredibly lush and viscous with sweet richness and buttercream feel that is balanced by Sonoma-Cutrer’s classic crisp acidity. Fruit flavors of bright peach, pear and apricot mingle with notes of brown sugar and pure honey.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Chardonnay
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Price: $36.00
Sonoma Cutrer Vineyards
2018 Late Harvest Chardonnay
Showcasing a deep cardinal red hue, our bold Reserve Pinot offers delightfully cool earthy scents at first swirl. Star anise and menthol tobacco present the cool side to start, while subtle under-tones of cola and clove warm it back up again. The palate does not disappoint, with sharp cherry, balanced baking spice, and a little horehound candy rolled in to round off the flavor profile. Slightly earthy tones of mushroom come forward as it opens. Full of surprises, this wine offers the best of both worlds, starting strongly and finishing with a lovely mildness lingering on the palate.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Appellation: Carneros
Price: $62.00
Ammons Horn
2018 Pinot Noir
Sonoma Cutrer Vineyards
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
CALIFORNIA
$36.00
2018 LATE HARVEST CHARDONNAY
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"Come home, you coward" was Antonia Bartholomew's message to her husband Frank, a war correspondent for the United Press during WWII. While he was under enemy fire in the Pacific, she was working to establish their first vineyards, and she had no doubt which of these was the most perilous. He probably had a different view. This wine is our tribute to him, an expression of the best that their historic property, now ours to nurture, has to offer. This inaugural vintage is richly textured. It has a complex nose, with of notes of vanilla and sandalwood. The palate is bursting with ripe blueberry and cassis flavors, leading to a long, elegant finish.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: 70% Syrah + 30% Cabernet
Appellation: Sonoma Valley
Price: $70.00
Bartholomew Estate Winery
2018 Press Release
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Aromas of white flowers such as gardenia and honeysuckle combine with fresh lemon scent. Upon first taste one is immediately pleased with the round, full texture that vibrantly displays the orange blossom and tangerine flavors found on the palate. A bright acidity and limestone minerality help to showcase all of the positive features of this Chardonnay while the clean finish is the bow that ties it all together.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2019
Varietal: Chardonnay
Appellation: Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
Price: $36.00
Materra - Cunat Family Vineyards
2019 Chardonnay
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Becoming a popular varietal on its own, Cabernet Franc produces alluring wines with generous mouthfeel and fruit. This wine is richly textured with signature cassis, spice, dark chocolate flavors and well-integrated tannins.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Sonoma County
Price: $49.00
Imagery Estate Winery
2018 Cabernet Franc
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In the glass, 2018 Marianna shows densely layered aromas of ripe black cherry, concentrated blackberry, and black plum. In the mouth, the wine shows black cherry, freshly ground espresso, and the darkest dark chocolate, layered among supple, well-structured tannins. The length finish offers a touch of pipe tobacco and barrel char. Enjoy this stunning red blend with pan roasted filet served with whipped mashed potatoes and balsamic glazed asparagus.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon (80%) Merlot (15%) Malbec (3%) Petit Verdot (2%)
Appellation: Napa Valley
Price: $50.00
Michael Pozzan Winery
Marianna 2018 Red Wine
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A classic brut sparkling wine, method traditionnelle, with fruit fall from the Central Coast Hints of pear and apple. Sophisticated Light, crisp and refreshing.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2019
Varietal: 57% Chard, 43% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Paso Robles, Willowcreek
Winemaker: Carol Hoyt
Price: $40.00
Hoyt Family Vineyards
2019 Hoyt 2 Hoyt Sparkling
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Grapes were picked by the Winemakers in Fallon, Nevada (Churchill Vineyards), Silver Springs, Nevada (Nevada Automotive Test Center Vineyard) and at the UNR Test Vineyard in Reno. Separately fermented at the Winery in Reno in Stainless Steel tanks then combined to create this bone dry Nevada Riesling. This wine is graceful, delicately balanced and classic with aromas of flowers and tropical fruit and flavors of citrus, peach, apricot and apple. Enjoy with fish and pork, as well as spicy Thai, Chinese and Indian cuisine.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2019
Varietal: Dry Riesling
Appellation: Nevada
Winemaker: Alynn Delisle and Mike Steedman
Nevada Sunset Winery
2019 Dry Riesling
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Gigi's Blend was created in honor of our granddaughter, Gianna," says Ric and Michelle Campos. "From the moment she was born, we knew she had a special purpose in life. She's the child our daughter Jamie was told she would never have. Truly, she's God's gift. Not everything comes easily or naturally to Gianna, who has Asperger's. Being Gianna comes with tall mountains and rough seas, but strong in spirit, she charges on. Full of excitement, love, and creativity, she charges on. Full of excitement, love, and creativity, she is bright and bold with an entrepreneurial spirit - just like Gigi's Blend, which is also complex, deep and rich. Full of a sweet aroma called love and acceptance, Gianna's laugh is infectious and her big hugs, unforgettable. She burst with endless knowledge and wisdom well beyond her age. To our family, 'special needs' really means 'World Changers!!' Gianna, also known as 'Gigi,' has changed our world for the better!" A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Gigi's Blend will be donated to the Temple Grandin Eustacia Cutler Autism Fund.
Tasting notes:
Campos Family Vineyards
Gigi's Blend
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Bogle’s “heritage” Petite Sirah is known for its concentration and jammy, luscious flavors. From the touches of mocha and cocoa on the nose, to the juicy boysenberry and blueberry fruit on the palate, this wine overdelivers after 15 months of American oak aging.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Petite Sirah
Price: $11.00
Bogle Vineyards
2018 Petite Sirah
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Medium deep red color with a garnet hue. The nose is exhibiting brambly notes integrated with black cherry and dried herbs. On the palate, the wine is full bodied, showing layers of ripe Zinfandel fruit flavors with a structure that carries the weight of the wine from the entry all the way through to the long finish.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Zinfandel
Appellation: Lodi
Mikami Vineyards
2018 Zinfandel
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Sourced from the Russian River Valley, our 2019 Bella Luna is an elegant Pinot Noir with rich aromas of black cherry cola, cinnamon, savory spice and tea. A well-integrated frame of soft tannins with a balanced acidity pleases the palate.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2019
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Appellation: Bella Luna Vineyard | Russian River Valley
Price: $49.00
Benziger Family Winery
2019 Bella Luna Pinot Noir
Ammons Horn
CARNEROS
CALIFORNIA
$62.00
2018 PINOT NOIR
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In 1999, longtime friends Roger Louer and Robert Young commenced efforts to establish a first-class wine brand, Roberts + Rogers. Our grapes are sourced from Howell Mountain, Louer Vineyards in St Helena, and world class vineyards in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. With the skill of our winemaker Barry Gnekow, Roberts + Rogers have been, and continues to be, a producer, of award winning, outstanding wines.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Zinfandel
Appellation: Lodi
Roberts + Rogers
2018 Howell Mountain
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Domenico Jr. and his wife, Lynda, have lovingly nurtured a beautiful vineyard of Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley. Domenico's father came to America in 1921. Today, this picture of his family's church in Germasino, Italia, remains a symbol of the Carinalli heritage - commitment to tradition, quality workmanship and love of the land. The Carinalli Pinot Noir represents exceptional consistency of balance, texture and elegance. Fermented and aged in American and French Oak barrels, this wine delivers dark fruit flavors with smoky vanilla undertones and a long, lingering finish. Domenico, Jr., Lynda and their family invite you to enjoy this fine wine with your family and friends. Salute A Tutti! (Good health to all)
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2019
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Appellation: Russian River Valley
D & L Carinalli Vineyards
2019 Estate Pinot Noir
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This rich cabernet has been said to be among the best in the region. It not only wins competitions and finds it's way to some of the most wonderful wine lists, but also gets high scores from reviewers, magazines,and influencers. You'll find flavors of dark chocolate, blackberry, cedar, sweet tobacco, vanilla and spiced oak with just a hint of vineyard dust on an otherwise silky finish.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2016
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Napa Valley
Price: $55.00
Smith Devereux
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
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Ken and his wife Diane started buying land in western Dry Creek Valley in the early 1980s, planting their first vines in 1988. Establishing himself further as a grower of quality wine grapes, Ken continued to acquire and plant more fruit in the 1990s and Diane Wilson began her acclaimed winemaking career with the 1994 vintage. Today, Ken and Diane farm vineyards in Dry Creek, Alexander and Russian River Valleys in Sonoma County, as well as in Mendocino County. It was Ken’s wisdom and vision that created the diversity of vineyard sources over the years. These vineyards provide the premium quality fruit that has brought notable recognition to the Wilson Artisan Wineries. Ken and his wife Diane now own eleven wineries offering exceptional wines, beautiful scenery and friendly, informative staff along with two Healdsburg Inns.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Zinfandel
Appellation: Lodi
Wilson Artisan Wines
2018 Howell Mountain
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This is a Natural Sparkling Brut Rose of Estate Pinot Noir from Lucca’s Vineyard at Rancho Coyote. Beautifully balanced with delicate aromas of rose petals and strawberry. All natural, low dosage (low sugar), dry with very little intervention, allowing the terroir to speak for itself. Pairs perfectly with a wide variety of food including seafood, pork and complements cheeses and spice.
Made in the traditional ”Méthode Champenoise”
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2019
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Price: $50.00
Rancho Coyote Vineyards
2019 Sparkling Brut Rosé
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"Delivers decadently ripe" dark fruits and is "full-bodied and super concentrated." Lisa Perotti-Brown. "Opulent." Bruce Devlin. Delivering a smokey value for a premium Napa Valley Cab since 1991.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Sirah
Appellation: Calistoga AVA-Napa Valley
Winemakers: Ric & Cheryl Henry
Price: $75.00
Karl Lawrence Cellars
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
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McConnell Estates Winery is a 6th generation farming family in Elk Grove, CA. This Petite Syrah embodies the bold characteristics of our wines. With its deep purple color, blackberry and plum flavors with a hint of toasted oak lingering on the palate, this Gold Medal wine truly gives a full-bodied wine experience. Being aged in French and American Oak for 22 months allowed the tannins to become smooth yet distinguishable and the clay soils of our Petite Syrah vineyard impart mineral notes into the wine, a unique characteristic of this terroir.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Petite Syrah
Appellation: Cosumnes River, Lodi
Price: $26.00
McConnell Estates Winery
2018 Petite Syrah
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