About 500 wineries, mostly from California, were represented in our 2003 competition. Here are the 25 my tasters rated highest, along with wines that impressed.
Rank
Winery
25th
-
Domaine Trimbach, Alsace, World-class Rieslings
24th
-
Camellia Cellars, Sangiovese
23rd
-
Cinnabar Vineyards, Merlot
22nd
-
Geyser Peak Winery, Chardonnay
21st
-
Columbia Winery, Washington State, Riesling
20th
-
Rutz Cellars, Pinot Noir
19th
-
Sterling Vineyards, Merlot
18th
-
Byron Vineyards and Winery, Pinot Noir
17th
-
Bargetto Winery, La Vita (Italian varietals)
16th
-
Guenoc Winery, Langtry Red Meritage
15th
-
Sattui Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon
14th
-
Bonny Doon Vineyard, Malvasia Bianca
13th
-
King Estate, Oregon, Pinot Noir
12th
-
Deaver Vineyards, Port Dessert Wines
11th
-
Folie à Deux Winery, Zinfandels
10th
-
Sobon Estate and Shenandoah Vineyards, Zinfandels
9th
-
Rosenblum Cellars, Zinfandels
8th
-
Robert Mondavi Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon
7th
-
Corison Wines, Cabernet Sauvignon
6th
-
Gary Farrell Wines, Pinot Noir
5th
-
Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon
4th
-
Silkwood, Petite Sirah
3rd
-
Steele Wines, Chardonnay
2nd
-
Quady Winery, Muscat Dessert Wines
And "We're Number One!"
1st
-
Jarvis, Cabernet Sauvignon
Comment
Farrell, Phelps and Jarvis were also at or near the top last year.
They must be doing something right!
About the Writer
Fred McMillin, a veteran wine writer, has taught wine history for 30 years on three continents. For information about the wine courses he teaches every month at either San Francisco State University or San Francisco City College (Fort Mason Division), please fax him at (415) 567-4468.