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Chateau LaFayette Reneau 2010 Dry Riesling was named "New World Grand Champion" of all wines entered, winning Best New World White Wine, Best New World Riesling, Best of Varietal, Best of Class, and Double Gold on its way to the ultimate award at the New World International Wine Competition (NWIWC) held recently in San Bernardino, CA. Veteran winemaker Tim Miller (a Dundee native) has a long list of "Best of..., Double Gold, and Gold medals but this one is certainly right at the top of his many accomplishments.
Chateau Frank 2006 Blanc de Noirs too Best New World Sparkling Wine, Best of Varietal, best of Class, and Double Gold on its way to the top in that category..
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2010 Chardonnay rated Best New World Chardonnay--in the land of chardonnay, judged by nearly all California judges.
These were certainly the top three, but other New York wines scored high as well, including Dr. Frank 2010 Gruner Veltliner (Best of Class, and Gold); Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Vidal Ice Wine (Best of Varietal, Best of Class, Double Gold), Merritt Estate Bella Rosa (Best of Class, Gold), Sparkling Pointe 2006 Blanc de Blancs (Best of Class, Duble Gold); Swedish Hill Winery 2010 Vignoles 25th Anniversary Reserve (Best of Varietal, Best of Class, Gold) and Riesling Cuvee (Best of Class, Double Gold).
In addition, Gold medals went to Belhurst Estate Winery 2010 Chardonnay, Dr. Frank 2010 Pinot Gris (Double Gold), Dr. Frank 2011 Dry Riesling, Sparkling Pointe Cuvee Carnaval, and Swedish Hill Winery 2010 Riesling.
The NWIWC was created by the late, great Jerry Mead, the self-described "wine curmudgeon" who in his publications loved railing against bumbling bureaucracies and ridiculous regulations. He also was one who discouraged his judges from "viticultural racism" and judge the wines on their own merits.
The fact that New York wines won the very top price, and two of the best of category (White, and Sparkling) reflects his legacy.
Our "wine competitions" program helps New York wineries reduce their costs of entering major international wine competitions like this, where they often shine and case light on all New York wines.
Jim Trezise of Penn Yan has been the President of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation since 1985 and President of the International Riesling Foundation since 2011.
