Best of Show Awarded to Trentadue Cellars’ 2022 Montepulciano
June 4, 2024 (Santa Rosa, Calif.) — Winners have been announced for the 2024 Sunset International Wine Competition, which took place in May in Santa Rosa, Calif. Taking the top spot this year is Trentadue Winery’s 2022 Montepulciano, which was named Best of the Best and Best Red Wine. Judges described it as “Velvety, with cardamon, coriander, cocoa powder and tobacco”; “Varietally correct”; “Beautiful color.”
“I’m often one of the judges for the Sunset and a few other competitions, and it is a great feeling being appreciated and valued by fellow judges,” said winning winemaker Miro Tcholakov from Trentadue. “The fact that the Trentadue Montepulciano won the Sweepstakes is showing, perhaps, a turning point when Sonoma County is proving capable of making great wine from other than the usual suspects grape varieties.”
Montepulciano, an important grape variety from Central Italy, makes wine that is deeply colored, with intense blueberry and plum aromas, solid tannins and firm acidity. There are currently less than 10 tons harvested of this variety in Sonoma County each year. This Montepulciano is a truly winemaker’s blend of all handpicked barrels all made from the young vines.
“While all entries were outstanding, the overall winner did stand out in a remarkable way. I wouldn’t say I was surprised, but rather delighted by the choice,” said Jennifer “JB” Kelly, this year’s honorary head judge. “This wine exhibited a perfect balance of flavor, complexity and elegance. Its unique blend of aromas and tastes set it apart from the rest, creating an unforgettable experience for the palate. The winemaker’s skill and passion were evident in every sip, making it a deserving winner of this year’s competition.”
“At Sunset, celebrating great wine and the good people who make it is an essential part of our mission to help people live their best possible life in the West,” said Hugh Garvey, editor-in-chief at Sunset Publishing. “This year’s annual wine competition, yet again, saw a record number of entrants submitting their fine bottlings and reflects the ongoing diversity and vitality of the wine industry. It’s a pleasure to share the winners with our audience. Congratulations to one and all!”
“This year’s competition showcased an impressive array of wines, both in terms of quantity and quality,” continued Kelly. “The diversity of wines entered, ranging from well-established vineyards to emerging wineries, provided a rich and varied tasting experience. Overall, the competition was a testament to the high standards and innovation present in the industry today.”
This year’s winner topped nearly 2,500 other entered wines to take the top spot. After two days of judging, the sweepstakes round featured 25 stellar contestants (listed below).
The Sunset International Wine Competition is judged by fellow winemakers, qualified members of the media, educators, researchers, sommeliers and retail buyers. This mix of experts gives the results professional weight and increases marketing opportunities for medal winners. A full list of medal-winning wines can be found at sunsetcompetitions.com/sunset-international-wine-competition/.
2024 Sunset International Wine Competition Sweepstakes Winners
Best of the Best, Best Red Wine
Trentadue Winery 2022 Montepulciano (BOC, GG, 98 pts.)
Judges: “Velvety, with cardamon, coriander, cocoa powder and tobacco”; “Varietally correct”; “Beautiful color.”
Best White Wine
Navarro Vineyards 2023 Deep End Riesling (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Lemon grass”; “Great flavor”; “True to varietal.”
Best Sparkling Wine
Piper Sonoma NV Brut (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Great acidity”; “White flowers, citrusy, lychee, pear notes”; “Balanced.”
Best Rosé Wine
Silt Wine Company 2023 Rose of Valdiguie (BOC, GG, 99)
Judges: “Lovely intensity”; “French in style.”
Best Dessert/Late Harvest Wine
Husch Vineyards 2023 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Honeysuckle, apricot”; “Beautiful mouthfeel”; “Elegant and honeyed.”
Best Boxed Wine
Black Box NV Pinot Grigio (BOC, GG, 95)
Judges: “Complex”; “Wonderful acidity”; “Peach, apricot, white sage”; “Classic pinot gris, pretty florals.”
Best Canned Wine
Just Enough Wines 2022 Red Blend (BOC, GG, 99)
Judges: “Beautiful wine, well done.”
Additional Sweepstakes Wines
Saint-Hilaire 2021 Cremant Rose Sparkling Wine (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Lemon, marzipan, pear notes, light grapefruit”; “Great mouthfeel.”
Berryessa Gap Vineyards 2023 Albariño (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Honeysuckle, citrus, minerality, nice fruit”; “Very inviting from nose to finish”; “Approachable.”
King Estate 2023 Pinot Gris (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Wet meadow, nectarine, sweet apple, key lime, creamy chive undertones”; “Well made, delicious.”
Juggernaut 2023 Sauvignon Blanc (BOC, GG, 96)
Judges: “Classic Marlborough: juicy, clean, gooseberry, guava.”
Grit Cellars 2023 Semillon (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Green apple”; “Very tasty, good mid-palate, great weight, classic oily flavor.”
La Storia 2022 Chardonnay (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Pretty aromas”; “Lots of acidity”; “Lovely lingering finish”; “Hello summer!”
Husch Vineyards 2023 Chenin Blanc (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Intense grapefruit aroma and flavor”; “Crisp finish”; “Well made.”
Hive & Honey 2022 Gewurztraminer (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Elegant and sophisticated”; “True to varietal.”
Woodenhead 2021 Pinot Noir (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Delicate”; “Black cherry, rose”; “Authentic.”
Brecon Estate 2022 Grenache (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Dark, broody, yummy.”
Brick Barn Wine Estate 2021 Rhone Blend (BOC, GG, 97)
Judges: “Earthy”; “Cranberry, spicy finish”; “Crowd pleaser.”
Zina Hyde Cunningham 2021 Veola (BOC, GG 97)
Judges: “Meaty, beaty, big and bouncy.”
Villa Pereire 2020 L’eclat (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Cherry pit, fruit skin”; “Delightful, complex nose”; “Smooth finish.”
Peltier Winery & Vineyards 2021 Triomphe (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Deep, dark brooding style”; “Subtle tannins”; “Spicy, herbaceous”; “Opulent.”
Dellatorri 2019 Chianti Riserva (BOC, GG, 98)
Judges: “Beautiful tart, dark cherry”; “Good tannins”; “Citrus.”
Imagery Estate Winery 2021 Cabernet Franc (BOC, GG, 95)
Judges: “Dried herbs, soft tannins, toasty oak”; “Juicy blackberry”; “Approachable easy drinker.”
