We concluded the 25th San Diego International Competition late Sunday afternoon with the judging session that determines the big prizes.
The “Sweepstakes” tasting for Best of Show wines is both grueling and exhilarating. Following each vote the wines are unveiled. It is the first glimpse of the wines the judges have been tasting “blind” through the long weekend.
The 2008 Best of Show winners in San Diego represent the world, and are a fair read on the state of play wines from Europe and the Southern Hemisphere have in the U.S. wine market today.
The envelope please:
Best of Show Sparkling — Henriot Blanc Souverain Brut, Champagne, $33.
Best of Show White — Nobilo 2007 East Coast Pinot Gris, New Zealand, $13.
Best of Show Red — Cinnabar 2005 Limited Production, Exclusive Release Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, $35.
Best of Show Rose — Bonny Doon 2006 Big House Pink, California, $10.
Best of Show Red Dessert — Quinta do Vesuvio 2001 Vintage Port, Douro Valley, $55.
Best of Show White Dessert — Greenwood Ridge 2006 White Riesling, Late Harvest, Mendocino Ridge, $25 (per .375ML bottle).
Best of Show Fruit Wine — Alba Vineyard “Forbidden” Sweet Dessert Wine, New Jersey, $15.
It should be noted that the Greenwood Ridge Late Harvest Riesling took the overall vote for Best Dessert and the Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port received the most votes for any red dessert wine.
Complete results will be posted here at Wine Review Online soon.
8