Just got around to looking up the identity of the the most interesting wines I gave Gold Medals to at the finger lakes international wine competition. Pretty similar to last year - wines from all over the place. forgot to write vintages since i can't get any of them anyway.
Oak Ridge Zin - Lodi (never gave any high marks to a Lodi wine before to my knowledge)
Villa Bellangelo Sparkling Valvin Muscat - Finger Lakes
Red Newt Viriscens - finger lakes
Grand Pre Leon Millot - Nova Scotia
Grape Creek (Cab Blend) - Texas - (i know this is the first texas wine i have even liked much less loved; and i'm a longhorn!)
Shady Lane Cellars Lemberger - Michigan
Rappahanock Cellars Norton - Virginia
Galen Glen Chambourcin - Pennsylvania
Cedar Creek Vidal - Wisconsin
South Coast GVR - Temecula
Patomic Meritage - Virginia
Tempus Two Pewter CS Australia
Zugibe CS Finger Lakes
Le Chanceaux CS Napa
Meriam Block 21 CS Dry Creek
Jefferson petit Verdot - Virginia
Keswick Cabernet Franc Virginia
Nepenthe Pinot Grigio Australia
I gave a few other gold or high silver medals; but these were the ones i was most excited about. some of them did not receive gold medals from the competition - as my fellow panel members weren't always excited by the same things i was. really wonderful competition that benefits a local charity - a camp for children with terminal illnesses. judges from all over the world many of whom have made frienships with other judges over the years. this year george tabor was a judge and i shared a ride with him to the airport after. very interesting fellow - not surprisingly. and any converstation with john and nellie salvi from bordeaux is always full of wit and information. 'pooch' pucholawski didn't make it from CA this year because of airline problems; but he is always interesting. there are many more.