Gloria Ferrer 2014 Los Carneros Royal Cuvée Brut: Sparkling-wine judges at the 2022 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition had to be super-human to keep from swallowing this wine instead of abiding by the usual practice of spitting, the Royal Cuvee is that commanding in its nobility, assertiveness, captivating suggestions of apples and mandarins, and tenacity. Vino Godfather 2019 North Coast Blanc de Blancs: Feathery in feel and steadfast in its expression of snappy apple fruit, the Vino Godfather 2019 North Coast Blanc de Blancs rose to the top of its class with an offer no wine enthusiast could refuse (somebody had to say it): A sparkling wine with the grace and confidence to savor on its own and the backbone and endurance to pair with lighter seafood dishes, oysters in particular.īattle Creek Cellars Yamhill-Carlton Yamhela Vineyard Blanc de Noir: This sparkler's light brassy tone only hints at the many facets the wine delivers - a flute brimming with fresh fruit, toasty highlights and prolonged finish.
This year, Dunne shares his insights and tasting notes for 162 Best of Class winners, giving wine consumers an inside look at why these wines were named the best of each category. Mike Dunne is a longtime SFCWC wine judge and the former food editor, wine columnist, and restaurant critic.
