Winners Chosen by Industry Peers in Blind Tasting
June 15, 2016 (Baltimore, MD)- Old Westminster Winery’s Malbec 2014 was awarded the “Best in Show” at the 2016 Maryland Comptroller’s Cup Wine Competition (formerly Winemasters Choice Competition), held in Timonium on June 8, 2016, Maryland Wineries Association Executive Director Kevin Atticks announced today. In addition, eight wines from across the state were named “Best in Class” in their respective categories. For more information or a list of winners, log onto www.marylandwine.com.
The Annual Comptroller’s Cup Competition is directed by Al Spoler, host of WYPR’s Cellar Notes, and brings together wine makers from across the state for the opportunity to taste and evaluate each other’s wine. The competition is blind– judges only know the composition of the wine, not the label, price, intended market or any other details. Panels of five judges are given a flight of wine spanning a single category, and then are asked to evaluate the wines within the category.
“Our team has set out to craft delicious wines that are uniquely Maryland. Everything we do in the vineyard and cellar is directed towards this goal. Winning the Comptroller’s Cup is a great honor and evidence that we’re onto something special,” said Drew Baker, Founder of Old Westminster Winery.
Old Westminster is a family owned and operated winery located at 1550 Old Westminster Rd, Westminster, MD 21157. Featuring seven reds and five whites, Old Westminster Winery is guided by four principles: Done by hand, grown in Maryland, thoughtful farming and sustainability, and meticulous attention to detail. For more information visit www.oldwestminster.com
“The results of this competition further prove the consistent quality of Maryland Wine,” said Kevin Atticks, Executive Director of the Maryland Wineries Association
2016 “Best in Class” Winners are:
- BEST WHITE: Boordy Vineyards • Landmark Reserve Albariño 2015 (Baltimore Co.)
- BEST WHITE BLEND: Old Westminster Winery • Greenstone, Third Edition (Carroll Co.)
- BEST ROSÉ: Crow Vineyard • Rosé 2015 (Kent Co.)
- BEST RED: Old Westminster Winery • Malbec 2014 (Carroll Co.)
- BEST RED BLEND: Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard • Evoe 2013 (Montgomery Co.)
- BEST CIDER: Great Shoals Winery • Hard Blackberry (Montgomery Co.)
- BEST FRUIT: Linganore Winecellars • Mango Sangria (Frederick Co.)
- BEST MEAD: Charm City Meadworks • Sweet Blossom (Baltimore City)
- BEST DESSERT: Linganore Winecellars • Indulgence (Frederick Co.)
2016 “Double Gold” Medalists are:
- Boordy Vineyards • Landmark Reserve Albariño 2015 (Baltimore Co.)
- Boordy Vineyards • Landmark Reserve Viognier 2015 (Baltimore Co.)
- Crow Vineyard • Rosé 2015 (Kent Co.)
- Crow Vineyard • Rosé 2015 (Kent Co.)
- Linganore Winecellars • Indulgence (Frederick Co.)
- Linganore Winecellars • Mango Sangria (Frederick Co.)
- Old Westminster Winery • Greenstone, Third Edition (Carroll Co.)
- Old Westminster Winery • Malbec 2014 (Carroll Co.)
- Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard • Evoe 2013 (Montgomery Co.)
A double gold is awarded to a wine that earns two gold medals – once in the first round of judging, and then again in the semi-final round
ABOUT MARYLAND WINERIES ASSOCIATION
The Maryland Wineries Association is a non-profit trade organization representing Maryland’s 70+ wineries. Founded in 1984, the MWA’s mission is to develop and expand the grape and wine industry in Maryland through events, education and promotion. From the Eastern Shore to Deep Creek Lake, wine is growing throughout Maryland.
