F&W Selects Best American Wines

FOOD & WINE MAGAZINE SELECTS BEST AMERICAN WINES
IN PRESTIGIOUS ANNUAL AWARDS

New York, NY (September 5, 2007) – Long Shadows in Washington State was named Winery of the Year in Food & Wine magazine’s 10th annual American Wine Awards, Editor in Chief Dana Cowin announced today. Every year, F&W editors and a panel of wine experts select the best American wines from under and over $20 in eight categories, from Sauvignon Blanc to Syrah. This year’s list of winners, which is featured in the October 2007 issue, is packed with many unexpected choices, including a top Chardonnay from Oregon.  

“Food & Wine’s American Wine Award list is an invaluable wine-buying resource,” says Cowin. “I use it to know what to buy in a store, as well as to stay on top of the emerging trends.”

Cowin adds, “This year, we noticed three major trends. More and more winemakers are using purchased grapes rather than estate-grown fruit for more flexibility and greater value; for the first time ever an unoaked Chardonnay came out on top; and Napa and Sonoma continue to see more competition from up-and-coming wine regions like Santa Inez.”

       

FOOD & WINE AMERICAN WINE AWARDS 2007

WINERY OF THE YEAR:  Long Shadows in Walla Walla, Washington

WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR:  Robert Foley at Robert Foley Vineyards in Napa, California

WINE IMPORTER OF THE YEAR:  Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant in Berkeley, California

BEST WINES $20 AND UNDER:                        
·        Sauvignon Blanc:  2006 Westerly Vineyards ($19)
·        Chardonnay: 2006 Chehalem Inox ($19)
·        Pinot Noir: 2005 Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara Country ($20)
·        Merlot: 2004 Praxis ($15)
·        Cabernet Sauvignon: 2004 Edge ($20)
·        Zinfandel: 2005 Joel Gott California ($17)
·        Syrah: 2005 Andrew Murray Vineyards Tous Les Jours ($16)
       
BEST WINES OVER $20:
·        Sauvignon Blanc:  2006 Rochioli ($35)
·        Chardonnay: 2004 hdv Carneros ($55)
·        Pinot Noir: 2003 Calera Selleck ($60)
·        Merlot: 2004 Shafer Napa Valley ($45)
·        Cabernet Sauvignon: 2004 Shafer Vineyards One Point Five  ($65)
·        Zinfandel: 2005 Robert Biale Vineyards Black Chicken ($40)
·        Syrah: 2005 Alban Vineyards Reva ($74)
·        Bordeaux-Style Blend: 2003 Rubicon Estate Rubicon ($115)

The winners will be celebrated at a party at the de Young Museum in San Francisco on October 10.