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Armida Winery’s Poizin Takes Best of Show Medal
Armida Winery’s Poizin Zinfandel Sonoma County, California, 2008, took the Best of Show – Red ($15-29.99) at the 2010 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. Judged in May, many varietals and price ranges were respresented, with nearly 3,200 wines entered. Tasted by the 75-member panel comprised of international judges, ranging from Master Sommeliers to chefs, Armida Winery’s Poizin came ahead of its challengers. Boasting a 71-year history, the prestigious competition has awarded Armida medals in the past, including the top honor of Best of Show.
“We analyze thousands of wines so wine lovers don’t have to,” said long-time judge Leslie Sbrocco. “In the end, we hope this helps consumers pick a wine that they’ll love.”
Rounding out the best of show red winners are Villa San-Juliette, Petite Sirah, Paso Robles, 2008 ($14.99 and under) and Prime Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Midoriya Hills Vineyard, Napa Valley, 2007 ($30 and up).
Best of show white went to Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery, Pinot Blanc, Birch Canoe, Okanagan Valley VQA, 2008 ($14.99 and under); James Arthur Vineyards, Edelweiss, Nebraska, 2009 ($15 – 29.99); and Dutcher Crossing, Chardonnay, Stuhlmuller Vineyard, Alexander Valley, 2008 ($30 and up).
Best of show limited production was awarded to Kiona Vineyards & Winery, Ice Wine – Chenin Blanc, Red Mountain, 2008. Best of show Bordeaux went to Chateau Montet, Bordeaux Rouge AOC France, 2008 and best of show Bordeaux Superieur went to Chateau Marac, Pourquoi Pas Moi, Bordeaux Superieur Rouge AOC France, 2005.
In the spirits category, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve KSBW 15 years old Whiskey/Whisky Straight Bourbon $79.99 took best of show. In the beer category, Boston Beer Company, Samuel Adams Stony Brook Red.
In the special Wine World of Sports competition, which spotlights sports celebrities-turned-vintners, Dodger Blue turned to Dodger Red with Tommy Lasorda’s Chianti Classico, Tuscany DOCG, 2007 hitting a homerun.
Winning a medal at the LAIWSC can be an effective marketing tool, especially for small wineries. Plus, it confirms the efforts of the winemakers themselves, as Adam La Zarre points out. La Zarre, winemaker for Villa San-Juliette and multiple medal winner at the competition, said winning here validates his craft.
“When my wines come face to face with thousands of other wines for a battle of what’s the best wine, you really get a sense that you are doing a good job at the winery,” he said. “With the quality of the judges here, when you get a gold medal, it really means something.”
Below is a list of other award winners:
Best of division awards:
BEST SPARKLING WINE, LIMITED PRODUCTION
Terre Di San Venanzio Fortunato, Prosecco, Extra Dry, Valdobbiadene DOCG, 2009
BEST WHITE WINE, LIMITED PRODUCTION
Vignaioli Contra Soarda, Vespaiolo, Breganze DOC, 2009
BEST ROSÉ WINE, LIMITED PRODUCTION
D & L Carinalli Vineyards, Diane’s Delight, California, 2009
BEST RED, LIMITED PRODUCTION
Muscardini Cellars, Sangiovese, Monte Rosso Vineyards, Sonoma Valley, 2008
BEST SPARKLING WINE
Mumm Napa, Brut Rosé, Napa Valley
BEST ROSÉ
Callaway Vineyard & Winery, Rosé of Sangiovese, Special Selection, Temecula, 2009
BEST ICE WINE
Inniskillin, Vidal Ice Wine, Niagara Peninsula VQA, 2006
BEST ORGANIC WINE
Bonterra Vineyards, Merlot, Mendocino County, 2007
BEST FORTIFIED DESSERT WINE
Sonoma Valley Portworks, Tawny Port, Maduro, Australia
BEST SAKÉ
Manabito, Kimoto Junmai Ginjo, Akita, Japan
The public will get its first opportunity to taste the medal winners at Wine & Cars Under the Stars June 19, a fundraiser that benefits The Learning Centers at Fairplex. The wines will also be available for tasting at the L.A. County Fair, Sept. 4 – Oct. 3. The Fair features a complete wine education program taught by industry experts. For the full list of winners, please visit www.lawinecomp.com/2010winners. For additional news and information from the Competition, please follow us at www.twitter.com/lawinecomp or “like” us at www.facebook.com/lawinecomp.
About Fairplex
Under the direction of the Los Angeles County Fair Association, Fairplex is home to the L.A. County Fair, the largest county fair in the world, as well as The Learning Centers which encompasses Fairtime Learning, The Child Development Center, The Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC), the Junior Fair Board, and the Millard Sheets Center for the Arts. Fairplex also operates a diverse hospitality business with the Sheraton Fairplex, McKinley’s Grille, KOA RV Park, Finish Line Sports Grill, Cornucopia Foods, and the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center (opening 2011). The campus is also home to the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona; horse-racing and Barretts Equine Limited; as well as the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. For more information, please visit www.fairplex.com.
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