NEW YORK GOLD flowed from Jerry Mead’s New World International Wine Competition in San Bernardino, CA a couple weeks ago, topped by the Goose Watch Winery Pinot Noir Brut Rosé rated Best New World Sparkling Wine (with Platinum, Best of Class, and Best of Varietal designations on its way to the top). Best of Class honors went to Anthony Road 2008 Riesling Martini-Reinhardt Selection Berry Select (Gold medal), Knapp Vineyards 2008 Vidal Blanc (Double Gold), and Penguin Bay Percussion (Gold). Anthony Road 2008 Semi-Sweet Riesling won a Double Gold, with Golds going to Dr. Konstantin Frank 2008 Semi-Dry Riesling, Swedish Hill Doobie Blues, and Ventosa Vineyards Vino Rosso.

MORE NEW YORK GOLD came from last weekend’s Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, led by Best of Class honors for both Prejean Winery 2007 Chardonnay Finger Lakes Estate Grown, and Anthony Road Winery 2008 Semi-Sweet Riesling Finger Lakes Martini Vineyards. New York won a total of 496 medals, with 10 Double Gold, 40 Gold, 178 Silver, and 268 Bronze, Double Gold medals went to Clovis Point Wines 2005 Merlot North Fork of Long Island; Fulkerson Winery 2008 Dry Riesling Finger Lakes; Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2008 Vidal Ice Wine Finger Lakes; Heron Will Winery 2008 Semi-Dry Riesling New York and 2008 Semi-Sweet Riesling New York; Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars 2007 Cabernet Franc Estate Bottled; Peconic Bay Winery 2006 Riesling North Fork Estate; Schulze Vineyards Semi-Dry Vidal Blanc Niagara County; Sheldrake Point Vineyard 2008 Late Harvest Riesling Finger Lakes; and Three Brothers Wineries and Estates 2008 Stony Riesling Finger Lakes Estate.

Unfortunately, I didn’t wine a medal this year. Maybe another time. – Andy