Sunset Western Wine Awards

Oregon wine has earned some serious bragging rights from one of the most treasured magazines on the West Coast … and it’s not Wine Spectator. In the November issue of Sunset Magazine, you will find more than a few Oregon accolades in the Sunset Western Wine Awards.

Out of 32 wine finalists, six from Oregon were named: $16 to $25 White: King Estate 2009 Domaine Pinot Gris; $26 to $40 White: Ponzi 2008 Reserve Chardonnay, Willamette Valley; $26 to $40 Red: St. Innocent 2009 Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills; $41 to $60 Red: Chehalem 2008 Reserve Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge; $61 and over White: Bergström 2009 “Sigrid” Chardonnay, Willamette Valley; $61 and over Red: Domaine Drouhin 2007 “Laurène” Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills. Colene Clemens, located outside of Newberg, was a finalist in the category “Winery Tasting Room of the Year;” and Isabelle Meunier, winemaker for Evening Land Vineyards in Salem, was a finalist for “Winemaker of the Year.”

In the end, St. Innocent and Meunier came home winners; although for St. Innocent owner Mark Vlossak, he believes Oregon wine, in general, is the real victor. He says he’s excited about his award, but he’s also impressed by Oregon’s showing in a competition that was simply broken down by red or white and price.

“You think about how little wine we make in Oregon — 1 percent of California’s production — and we had six wines from Oregon that were finalists. Out of 32 wines, that’s ridiculous. It’s wonderful for our industry.”

For a complete list of finalists and winners, visit www.sunset.com.