Sweepstakes Grand Winner – Best of Show – Best of Class – Double Gold
KENWOOD, CA – (April 6, 2023) – One of Sonoma County’s top destinations and home to some of the region’s highest-scoring wines, Ledson Winery & Vineyards is thrilled to have won Grand Sweepstakes – Best of Show – Best of Class – Double Gold for their 2019 Ledson Moon Mountain District ‘Sonoma County’ Cabernet Franc at the 4th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition (People’s Choice Judging).
“We are truly grateful for this outstanding recognition,” commented winemaker Steve Ledson. “I’ve always had a passion for growing and making Cabernet Franc. It was intentionally planted on our small one-acre piece of vineyard to showcase this magnificent appellation and to create the perfect wine. We have been following this prestigious Cabernet Franc competition for the last several years, and this year we decided to enter. These accolades are the result of our distinctive world-class property formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, combined with our meticulous farming practices and no-holds barred commitment to the highest level of winemaking. We continue to evolve in our boundless pursuit of excellence; stay tuned for more of these mountain releases.”
The 2019 Moon Mountain District Cabernet Franc ($98) is a masterpiece and stellar example of a meticulously crafted wine. The fruit was sourced from Ledson’s Mountain Terraces Vineyard, a world-class mountain estate vineyard located on the western slopes of the Mayacamas Mountain Range in the tiny Moon Mountain District appellation. Defined by its striking combination of location, soils, climate and farming, the site’s extreme elevation, smaller day to night temperature swings, with meticulous vine-by-vine sustainable farming practices, the grapes reach true optimal ripeness, bringing on concentrated fruit flavors.
“Mountain Terraces is unique due to climate, soil and management,” affirmed Dr. Daniel Roberts, Soil Scientist and Viticulture Expert. “The human factor, management, is actually just as important as the climate and soil. Steve Ledson’s unrelenting quest for perfection is very prominent at Mountain Terraces and is proven in every bottle of wine from this incredible vineyard site.”
Tinted in deep purple, concentrated aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant are immediately present. Massive layers of black plum, graphite, melted dark chocolate and a hint of baking spice coat the palate leading to a stunningly complex finish with flavors of savory blackberry, chocolate and spice, framed by silky tannins that linger long after the last sip.
About Ledson Winery & Vineyards
In the heart of Sonoma Valley, fifth generation winemaker & viticulturist Steve Ledson consistently produces highly coveted, small-lot, handcrafted wines from his estate vineyards, growing some of the most sought-after grapes in the wine country. Most recently, 16 of Ledson’s wines have scored between 95 and 99 points; three of them having achieved recognition as ‘Wine of the Year’ at prestigious international wine competitions. Ledson is known for showcasing absolutely some of the best wines Sonoma County has to offer. Ledson Winery, an architectural showpiece designed and built by Steve himself and known throughout the world as the ‘Castle,’ is nestled among acres of rolling vineyards with a backdrop of 100-year-old oak trees. Vine Pair called it, “One of the twelve most impressive wineries in the world” and the Boston Globe said, “This castle is a must see.” Ledson Winery & Vineyards is open daily by appointment, 10am – 5pm. Learn more at www.ledson.com.
