Sunset's Western Wine Awards winners
Sunset wine editor Sara Schneider and our panel of experts whittled down over 250 nominees in this year's Western Wine Awards to eight supreme bottles. Here, by price, are the winners.
Best White Wine: $15 & under
Thistle 2009 Pinot Blanc Apple and lemon mix with tropical mango and papaya over rich dried apricot. (Dundee Hills; $15)
Best Red Wine: $15 & under
Townshend Non-vintage “Vortex Red” Mint, cedar, and savory herbs follow through with dark fruit on a long, tangy finish. (Columbia Valley; $15)
Best White Wine: $15 to $30
Saxon Brown 2007 Casa Santinamaria Vineyards Semillon Luscious and balanced, with honeyed fig, fresh white nectarine, bright melon, earthy pear,
and wet stones. (Sonoma Valley; $30)
Best Red Wine: $15 to $30
Rulo 2007 Syrah A punch of lush fruit—mulberry and plum—over dark, intriguing notes of leather, tobacco, meat, and herbs. (Columbia Valley; $20)
Best White Wine: $30 to $50
Ramey 2008 Chardonnay Spicy apple and pear with hints of floral aromas are brightened with a layer of gravelly Meyer lemon on a long, crisp finish. (Russian River Valley; $38)
Best Red Wine: $30 to $50
Signorello Estate 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Red plum and berry are spiced with anise and wrapped in cedar, tobacco, and chocolate. Structured and balanced. (Napa Valley; $50)
Best White Wine: Over $50
Stonestreet 2007 “Broken Road” Chardonnay Fresh lemon blossoms and a touch of butterscotch followed by spicy apple pie and a finish full of orange zest and minerals. (Alexander Valley; $55)
Best Red Wine: Over $50
Chehalem 2006 “Statement” Pinot Noir Slate under complex fruit—plum and dark berry layered with licorice, black pepper, herbs, and savory tannins. (Ribbon Ridge; $99)
