Sunset Wine Awards 2009

TOP 50 BOTTLES TO BUY

How the best was won: Our panel of wine pros nominated more than 200 wines, tasted them blind, and found a red and a white winner in each of our five categories, with 40 runners-up.

Steals // $15 or less (our people’s choice awards, tasted by Sunset wine club members) 

White:  Edna Valley Vineyard Paragon Chardonnay 2007 (San Luis Obispo County; $12) Why we chose it: All the apple, spice, and lemon brûlée a good Chard needs. Runners up: Bogle Chardonnay 2007 (Clarksburg and Monterey County; $9) // Evesham Wood Chardonnay 2008 (Willamette Valley; $13) // Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (California; $12) // Justin Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Paso Robles; $15) // Sokol Blosser “Evolution” White Blend Nonvintage (United States; $15) // Uvaggio Vermentino 2008 (Lodi; $14)

Red:  Cycles Gladiator Syrah 2007 (Central Coast; $9.99) Why we chose it: Juicy blueberries spiked with white pepper make your mouth water. Runners up: Big Ass Zin 2006 (Sonoma County; $15) // Columbia Crest “H3” Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Horse Heaven Hills; $15) // Easton “H” House Red Blend 2005 (California; $10) // Four Vines “Old Vine Cuvee” Zinfandel 2006 (California; $14)

Good Values // $16 to $30

White:  Geyser Peak “Block Collection” River Ranches Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Russian River Valley; $19) Why we chose it: Fresh herbs and pink grapefruit add up to a vibrant sip.Runners up: Anne Amie Pinot Gris 2008 (Willamette Valley; $19) // Chateau Ste. Michelle “Indian Wells” Chardonnay 2007 (Columbia Valley; $18) // Morgan “Metallico” Unoaked Chardonnay 2007 (Monterey; $20) // Schramsberg “Mirabelle” Brut Multivintage (North Coast; $23) // Tsillan Cellars Estate Riesling 2007 (Columbia Valley; $22)

Red:  Hahn Meritage 2007 (Central Coast; $16) Why we chose it: Sweet black cherry and cedar with a touch of espresso. Runners up: Brandborg “Bench Lands” Pinot Noir 2006 (Umpqua Valley; $22) // Cadence “Coda” Cabernet Blend 2006 (Columbia Valley; $25) // Monte Volpe Sangiovese 2005 (Mendocino County; $17) // Pellegrini Family Cloverdale Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Alexander Valley; $28) // Siduri Pinot Noir 2007 (Willamette Valley; $20)

Special occasion bottles // $31 to $50

White:  Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs 2005 (North Coast; $36) Why we chose it: Complex toast and tart apple with tiny lemon-honey bubbles. Runners up: Landmark “Damaris Reserve” Chardonnay 2006 (Sonoma County; $40) // Rusack Reserve Chardonnay 2007 (Santa Maria Valley; $32) // St. Supéry Dollarhide Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Napa Valley; $35)

Red:  Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Columbia Valley; $42) Why we chose it: Rich, long black- berry fruit over velvety tannins. Runners up: Cadaretta Syrah 2006 (Columbia Valley; $35) // JC Cellars Caldwell Vineyards Syrah 2005 (Napa Valley; $45) // Kutch McDougall Ranch Pinot Noir 2007 (Sonoma Coast; $48) // Morgan “Twelve Clones” Pinot Noir 2007 (Santa Lucia Highlands; $32) // Neyers Old Lakeville Road Syrah 2007 (Sonoma Coast; $33) // Snows Lake “Two” Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc 2005 (Red Hills, Lake County; $45) // Tantara Bien Nacido Vineyard–Adobe Pinot Noir 2006 (Santa Maria Valley; $48)

Deep Pocket Wines // More than $50

White:  Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnay 2006 (Santa Cruz Mountains; $60) Why we chose it: Lively citrus brightens classic golden apple. Runners up: Lynmar “La Sereinité” Chardonnay 2006 (Russian River Valley; $70) // Schramsberg “J. Schram” Brut Rosé 2000 (North Coast; $130)

Red:  Continuum Cabernet Sauvignon blend 2006 (Oakville, Napa Valley; $134) Why we chose it: Ripe black cherries, a hint of licorice, and great structure. Runners up: Boudreaux Cellars Champoux and Loess Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Washington; $100) // Kapcsándy State Lane Vineyard “Estate Cuvée” Cabernet/Merlot Blend 2006 (Yountville; $135) // Mazzocco Maple Vineyard Reserve Zinfandel 2006 (Dry Creek Valley; $60) // O’Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Howell Mountain; $75) // Quintessa Cabernet Blend 2005 (Rutherford; $145) // Realm Cellars Farella Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Napa Valley; $85) // Shafer “One Point Five” Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Stags Leap District; $70) // Testarossa “Cuvée Niclaire” Pinot Noir 2005 (California; $75)

Critics’ Choice Award // Hard to FIND, but our judges were impressed

White:  J. Rochioli Rachael’s Vineyard Chardonnay 2007 (Russian River Valley; $70; limited release) Why we chose it: Perfect balance of bright apple and lemon cream.

Red: Evening Land “Celebration” Gamay Noir 2007 (Eola-Amity Hills; $20) Why we chose it: Unusual, spicy red with minerals and dried flowers.

Next: Best Wine Region and Bar