Winners of the 2015 Arizona Republic Wine Competition (The Republic | azcentral.com)
Richard Ruelas, The Republic | azcentral.com Published 9:45 p.m. MT Nov. 20, 2015 | Updated 1:58 p.m. MT Nov. 23, 2015
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Celebrating the best wines made in Arizona
For the second year in a row, Kent Callaghan of Callaghan Vineyards in Elgin has taken home the Best in Show award in the Arizona Republic Wine Competition.
Last year, he won for a red wine. This year, he wins for a white, Ann's, a 2014 vintage of Arizona-grown Malvasia Bianca.
The wine is named for Ann Buhl, the wife of Al Buhl, an Arizona wine pioneer who passed away in 2013. The grapes are sourced from the Buhl Memorial Vineyard, owned by Maynard James Keenan of Caduceus Cellars.
That grape is becoming one of the state's signature plantings. Another Malvasia Bianca, from Sand-Reckoner Vineyards near Willcox, made it to the final round, as did a white blend from Page Springs Cellars that features the grape.
Callaghan won top honors last year with a 2013 Tannat, another grape varietal that appears uniquely suited for Arizona's wine-growing regions.
The best rose in the contest — which received numerous votes for Best in Show — was from Sand-Reckoner, owned by Rob and Sarah Hammelman.
The best red wine was a 2013 Page Springs Cellars Grenache aged on staves made from Arizona white oak trees. The best dessert wine was a 2014 Arizona Stronghold Vineyards Muscat made with grapes grown at Bonita Springs Vineyard near Willcox. Page Springs Cellars and Arizona Stronghold Vineyards are both owned by Eric Glomski.
Judges met at Tarbell's restaurant on Oct. 26 for the judging. The 20 judges — sommeliers, food and beverage managers, chefs and other wine professionals — were divided into five panels. Each panel tasted a selection of the more than 220 entries.
Each panel was encouraged to discuss and debate the wines they tasted and select two to advance to the final round. Those 10 wines were tasted by all 20 judges. That round determined the top prizes, including Best in Show. The Growers Cup awards are given to wines that are made in Arizona from at least 75 percent Arizona-grown grapes. The Winemakers Medal is awarded to wines made in Arizona with grapes that could be grown anywhere.
Best in Show
Callaghan Vineyards, Ann's, 2014.
Growers Cup Red
First place: Page Springs Cellars, Grenache AZ White Oak, 2013.
Second place: Gallifant Cellars, Rone Ranger, 2014.
Third place: Chateau Tumbleweed, Dr. Ron Bot, 2013.
Growers Cup White
First place: Callaghan Vineyards, Ann's, 2014.
Second place: Sand-Reckoner, Malvasia Bianca, 2014.
Third place: Page Springs Cellars, 2014. Vino del Barrio Blanca, 2014.
Growers Cup Rose
First place: Sand-Reckoner, Rose, 2014.
Second place: Page Springs Cellars, Counoise Rose House Mountain Vineyard, 2014.
Third place (tie): Chateau Tumbleweed, Rose, 2013. Dos Cabezas WineWorks, Sparkling Pink, 2014.
Growers Cup Dessert
First place: Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Bonita Springs Vineyard Muscat, 2014.
Second place: Carlson Creek Vineyard, Sweet Adeline Riesling, 2013.
Third place: Coronado Vineyards, Riesling, 2013.
The Top 10
Judges selected these wines for the final round of tasting:
Callaghan Vineyards, Ann's, 2014.
Chateau Tumbleweed, Dr. Ron Bot, 2013.
Dos Cabezas WineWorks, El Campo Blanco, 2013.
Gallifant Cellars, Rone Ranger, 2014.
Pillsbury Wine Co, Diva, 2013.
Page Springs Cellars, Grenache AZ White Oak, 2013.
Page Springs Cellars, Vino del Barrio Blanca, 2014.
Rune, Grenache, 2013.
Sand-Reckoner, Malvasia Bianca, 2014.
Sand-Reckoner, Rose, 2014.
Winemakers Red
First place: Burning Tree Cellars, Jespersen Ranch Syrah, Edna Valley, Calif., 2013.
Second place: Caduceus Cellars, Le Cortigiane Oneste, Luna County, N.M., 2013.
Third place: Caduceus Cellars, Velvet Slippers Club: Aglianico, Luna County, N.M., 2013.
Winemakers White
First place: Passion Cellars, Malvasia Bianca, N.M., 2014.
Second place: Burning Tree Cellars, Spanish Springs Chardonnay, Edna Valley, Calif., 2012.
Third place: Rune, Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley, Calif., 2013.
Best Cabernet Sauvignon
First place: Golden Rule Vineyards, Black Diamond, 2013.
Second place: Saeculum Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013.
Third place: Gallifant Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012.
Best Grenache
First place (tie): Page Springs Cellars, Grenache AZ White Oak, 2013. Flying Leap Vineyards, Grenache FLV - Block1, 2013. Rune, Grenache, 2013.
Second place: Callaghan Vineyards, Grenache, 2014.
Best Merlot
First place: Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Bonita Springs Merlot Pick 1 Free Run, 2014.
Best Petite Sirah
First place: Pillsbury Wine Co., Petite Sirah, 2013.
Second place: Keeling Schaefer Vineyards, Little Block Petite Sirah, 2013.
Third place: Bodega Pierce, Petite Sirah, 2014.
Best Sangiovese
First place: Freitas Vineyard, Bellocchio, 2012.
Second place: Golden Rule Vineyards, Sangiovese, 2013.
Third place: Caduceus Cellars, Kitsuné, 2013.
Best Syrah
First place: Rune, Wild Syrah, 2013.
Second place: Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Buhl Memorial Vineyard Syrah Clone 383, 2014.
Third place (tie): Rune, Classic Syrah, 2013. Zarpara Vineyard, Syrah, 2013.
Best Rhone Blend
First place: Gallifant Cellars, Rone Ranger, 2014.
Second place: Zarpara Vineyard, Origen, 2013.
Third place: Chateau Tumbleweed, Dr. Ron Bot, 2013.
Best Bordeaux blend
First place: Callaghan Vineyards, Ruth's, 2014.
Second place: Callaghan Vineyards, Caitlin's, 2013.
Third place: Javelina Leap Vineyards & Winery, Rock Slide, 2013.
Best Super Tuscan blend
First place: Bodega Pierce, Emotiva, 2014.
Second place: Caduceus Cellars, Nagual del Marzo, 2013.
Third place: Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Mangus,2013.
Best non-traditional red blend
First place: Pillsbury Wine Co, Diva, 2013.
Second place: Dos Cabezas WineWorks, Red, 2013.
Third place: Javelina Leap Vineyards & Winery, Prospectors Blend, 2014.
Best Chardonnay
First place: Bodega Pierce, Chardonnay, 2014.
Second place: Gallifant Cellars, Chardonnay, 2013.
Third place: Pillsbury Wine Co., Chardonnay Reserve, 2014.
Best Malvasia Bianca
First place (tie): Callaghan Vineyards, Ann's, 2014. Sand-Reckoner, Malvasia Bianca, 2014.
Second place (tie): Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Bonita Springs Vineyard Malvasia Bianca, 2014. Bodega Pierce, Malvasia Bianca, 2014.
Best Viogner
First place: Rune, Viognier, 2013.
Second place: Pillsbury Wine Co., Viognier, 2014.
Third place: Zarpara Vineyard, Viogner, 2014.
Best White blend
First place:Dos Cabezas WineWorks, El Campo Blanco, 2013.
Second place: Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, DIYA, 2014.
Third place: Merkin Vineyards, Chupacabra Blanca, 2014.
Best Rose varietal
First place: Page Springs Cellars, Counoise Rose House Mountain Vineyard, 2014.
Second place: Caduceus Cellars, Marzo Rose, 2014.
Third place (tie): Callaghan Vineyards, Dry Grenache Rose, 2014. Deep Sky Vineyard, Nebula, 2014.
Best Rose blend
First place:Sand-Reckoner, Rose, 2014.
Second place: Chateau Tumbleweed, Rose, 2013.
Third place: Dos Cabezas WineWorks, Sparkling Pink, 2014.
Judges
These are the judges and the wines they scored the highest. Some judges awarded multiple wines the same high score.
Cornelius Cover, sommelier, Core Kitchen & Wine Bar, Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain: Rune, Viognier, 2013.
Alex Davis, beverage manager, J&G Steakhouse, The Phoenician: Sand-Reckoner, Malvasia Bianca, 2014.
Bill Dunphy, owner, Trocadero Wine School: Pillsbury Wine Co., Diva, 2013.
Blaise Faber, Pizzeria Bianco, Town and Country: Rune, Viognier, 2013.
Regan Jasper, sommelier, Fox Restaurant Concepts: Golden Rule Vineyards, Black Diamond, 2013.
Sarah Joubert, supervisor, Province, Westin Phoenix Downtown: Callaghan Vineyards, Grenache, 2014. Page Springs Cellars, Grenache AZ White Oak, 2013.
Kevin Lewis, sommelier, wine director, Kai: Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Buhl Memorial Vineyard Syrah Clone 383, 2014.
Patrick Norton, general manager, J&G Steakhouse: Sand-Reckoner, Rose, 2014.
Jenna Rousseau, owner, Central Wine: Chateau Tumbleweed, Arneis, 2014. Bodega Pierce, Chardonnay, 2014. Callaghan Vineyards, Tannat, 2013.
Jay Soloff, co-founder, DeLille Cellars, Wash.: Sand-Reckoner, Malvasia Bianca, 2014.
Jared Sowinski, director of beverage, The Phoenician: Chateau Tumbleweed, Dr. Ron Bot, 2013. Deep Sky Vineyard, Orbit, 2013. Gallifant Cellars, Rone Ranger, 2014.
Katie Stephens, co-owner, Beckett’s Table and Southern Rail: Page Springs Cellars, Vino del Barrio Blanca. 2014. Javelina Leap Vineyards & Winery, Cabernet Franc, 2014.
T. Scott Stephens, co-owner, Southern Rail and Beckett’s Table: Flying Leap Vineyards, Petit Verdot, 2013. Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Bonita Springs Vineyard Muscat, 2014.
Ryan Swanson, chef de cuisine, Kai: Javelina Leap Vineyards & Winery, Cabernet Franc, 2014.
Mark Tarbell, owner and chef, Tarbell’s Restaurant: Sand-Reckoner, Malvasia Bianca, 2014.
Greg Tresner, sommelier, The Phoenician, Court of Master Sommeliers: Rune, Viognier, 2013.
Alec van Dobben, beverage manager, El Chorro Lodge: Passion Cellars, Malvasia Bianca, New Mexico, 2014. Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Bonita Springs Vineyard Muscat, 2014.
Noelle Waite, division manager, Southern Wine & Spirits of Arizona: Dos Cabezas WineWorks, El Campo Blanco, 2013. Gallifant Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012. Pillsbury Wine Co, Diva, 2013.
Michael West, restaurant manager, wine director, Core Kitchen & Wine Bar, Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain: Javelina Leap Vineyards & Winery, Cabernet Franc, 2014.
Cortney Wilson, assistant F&B manager, resident mixologist, District American Kitchen and Wine Bar, Sheraton: Callaghan Vineyards, Ann's, 2014.
Medals
Judges awarded gold, silver and bronze medals, either through a table consensus or through an average of individual judges' scores.
Gold Medals
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Buhl Memorial Vineyard Syrah Clone 383, 2014.
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, DIYA, 2014.
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Tazi, 2013.
Bodega Pierce, Pandora, 2014.
Callaghan Vineyards, Ann's, 2014.
Callaghan Vineyards, Tannat, 2013.
Dos Cabezas WineWorks, El Campo Blanco, 2013.
Dos Cabezas WineWorks, Red, 2013.
Flying Leap Vineyards, Grenache FLV-Block 1, 2013.
Freitas Vineyard, Bellocchio, 2012.
Gallifant Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012.
Golden Rule Vineyards, Black Diamond, 2013.
Javelina Leap Vineyards & Winery, Cabernet Franc, 2014.
Javelina Leap Vineyards & Winery, Prospectors Blend, 2014.
Merkin Vineyards, Chupacabra Blanca, 2014.
Page Springs Cellars, Counoise Rose House Mountain Vineyard, 2014.
Page Springs Cellars, Grenache AZ White Oak, 2013.
Page Springs Cellars, Vino del Barrio Blanca, 2014..
Pillsbury Wine Co., Diva, 2013.
Pillsbury Wine Co., Viognier, 2014.
Rune, Classic Syrah, 2013.
Rune, Grenache, 2013.
Rune, Viognier, 2013.
Rune, Wild Syrah, 2013.
Saeculum Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013. Sand-Reckoner, Malvasia Bianca, 2014.
Sand-Reckoner, Rosé, 2014.
Zarpara Vineyard, Syrah, 2013.
Zarpara Vineyard, Viognier, 2014.
Silver Medals
Alcantara Vineyards and Winery, Sauvignon Blanc, 2014.
Alcantara Vineyards and Winery, Syrah, 2012.
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Dayden, 2014.
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Bonita Springs Vineyard Muscat, 2014..
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Bonita Springs Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Pick 4 Free Run, 2014.
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Bonita Springs Merlot Pick 1 Free Run, 2014.
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Bonita Springs Vineyard Malvasia Bianca, 2014.
Bodega Pierce, Emotiva, 2014.
Bodega Pierce, Chardonnay, 2014.
Bodega Pierce, Malvasia Bianca, 2014.
Burning Tree Cellars, Jespersen Ranch Syrah, 2013.
Caduceus Cellars, Dos Ladrones, 2014.
Caduceus Cellars, Kitsuné, 2013.
Caduceus Cellars, Le Cortigiane Oneste, 2013.
Caduceus Cellars,Velvet Slippers Club: Viognier, 2014.
Caduceus Cellars, Marzo Rosé, 2014.
Callaghan Vineyards, Grenache, 2014.
Callaghan Vineyards, Grenache, 2013.
Carlson Creek Vineyard, Grenache, 2013.
Carlson Creek Vineyard, Syrah, 2012
Carlson Creek Vineyard, Riesling, 2013.
Chateau Tumbleweed, Rose, 2013.
Chateau Tumbleweed, Arneis, 2014.
Chateau Tumbleweed, Dr. Ron Bot, 2013.
Chateau Tumbleweed, Syrah, 2013.
Coronado Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013.
Coronado Vineyards, Syrah, 2013.
Deep Sky Vineyard, Constellation, 2013.
Deep Sky Vineyard, Aurora, 2014.
Dos Cabezas WineWorks, Sparkling Pink, 2014.
Dos Cabezas WineWorks, La Montaña, 2012.
Dos Cabezas WineWorks, Pink, 2014.
Dos Cabezas WineWorks, Aguileon, 2012.
Flying Leap Vineyards, Petit Verdot, 2013.
Four Eight Wineworks, Four Eight Red, 2013.
Four Tails Vineyard, Big Paw Syrah, 2013.
Freitas Vineyard, Mesa, 2010.
Gallifant Cellars, Rone Ranger, 2014.
Golden Rule Vineyards, Eureka, 2013.
Golden Rule Vineyards, Manzora Red, 2013.
Golden Rule Vineyards, Sangiovese, 2013.
Golden Rule Vineyards, Commonwealth, 2013.
Golden Rule Vineyards, Cobra Loma, 2013.
Golden Rule Vineyards, Lucky Prospector, 2013.
Javelina Leap Vineyards & Winery, Syrah, 2014.
Keeling Schaefer Vineyards, Three Sisters Syrah, 2012.
Keeling Schaefer Vineyards, Best Friends Viognier, 2013.
Kief-Joshua Vineyards, Magdelena, 2013.
Lawrence Dunham Vineyards, Syrah, 2012.
Page Springs Cellars ̧ Grenache Neutral Oak
Page Springs Vineyard, 2013.
Page Springs Cellars, Syrah Clone 470 Dos Padres Vineyard, 2014.
Passion Cellars, Malvasia Bianca, 2014.
Passion Cellars, Sauvignon Blanc, 2014.
Pillsbury Wine Co., WildChild White, 2013.
Pillsbury Wine Co., Petite Sirah, 2013.
Provisioner Wines, Provisioner Red, 2014.
Provisioner Wines, Provisioner White, 2014.
Saeculum Cellars, Viognier, 2014.
Salvatore Vineyards, Viognier, 2014.
Sand-Reckoner, Picpoul Blanc, 2014.
Sand-Reckoner, "7", 2012.
Sierra Bonita Vineyards, Hacienda, 2012.
Southwest Wine Center at Yavapai College, Viognier, 2014.
Southwest Wine Center at Yavapai College, Grenache, 2014.
Zarpara Vineyard, Origen, 2013.
Bronze Medals
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Bonita Springs Vineyard Gewurztraminer, 2014.
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Mangus, 2013.
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Nachise, 2014.
Bodega Pierce, Petite Sirah, 2014.
Burning Tree Cellars, Spanish Springs Chardonnay, 2012
Caduceus Cellars, Velvet Slippers Club: Aglianico, 2013.
Caduceus Cellars, Nagual del Marzo, 2013.
Caduceus Cellars, Velvet Slippers Club: Malvasia Bianca, 2014.
Callaghan Vineyards, Ruth's, 2014.
Callaghan Vineyards, Caitlin's, 2013.
Callaghan Vineyards, Dry Grenache Rose, 2014.
Carlson Creek Vineyard, Rule Of Three, 2012.
Coronado Vineyards, Riesling, 2013.
Coronado Vineyards, Conquistador Red, NV.
Coronado Vineyards, Two Heads Red, NV.
Deep Sky Vineyard, Orbit, 2013.
Deep Sky Vineyard, Nebula, 2014.
Dos Cabezas WineWorks, El Norte, 2012.
Flying Leap Vineyards, Solo, 2014.
Gallifant Cellars, Chardonnay, 2013.
Javelina Leap Vineyards & Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013.
Javelina Leap Vineyards & Winery, Legacy Zinfandel, 2014.
Javelina Leap Vineyards & Winery, Rock Slide, 2013.
Keeling Schaefer Vineyards, Little Block Petite Sirah, 2013.
Keeling Schaefer Vineyards, Two Reds Grenache, 2012.
Keeling Schaefer Vineyards, Keeling Brothers Shiraz, 2012.
Lawrence Dunham Vineyards, Petite Sirah, 2012.
Lawrence Dunham Vineyards, The Signature Petite Sirah, 2012.
Merkin Vineyards, Chupacabra, 2014.
Page Springs Cellars, Mertis Ap, 2013.
Passion Cellars, Heaven's Half Acre, 2013.
Pillsbury Wine Co., Symphony, 2014.
Pillsbury Wine Co., Chardonnay Reserve, 2014.
Pillsbury Wine Co., Symphony Sweet Lies Reserve, 2014.
Pillsbury Wine Co., Shiraz Guns and Kisses, 2013.
Pillsbury Wine Co., Chardonnay, 2014.
Rune, Chardonnay, 2013.
Salvatore Vineyards, Lacrime di Risate, 2013.
Sierra Bonita Vineyards, Hacienda Blanca, 2012.
Sierra Bonita Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012.
Sonoita Vineyards, Sonora Blanca, NV.
Sonoita Vineyards, Petite Sirah, 2012.
Southwest Wine Center at Yavapai College, Syrah, 2014.
Southwest Wine Center at Yavapai College, Petite Sirah, 2014.
Su Vino Winery, Chardonnay, NV.