The 46th annual Mendocino Wine Competition took place on August 17 in Hopland, showcasing a unique blend of public and professional judges tasting the same wines. This format proved effective in aligning preferences, as significant agreement was found between industry experts and consumers on their favorite selections.

Among the standout winners, the NV Roederer Brut Rosé claimed the People’s Choice in the sparkling wine category, with the 2011 Terra Savia Blanc de Blanc closely following. Conversely, the industry judges awarded Best of Class to the Terra Savia.

For chardonnay enthusiasts, the 2024 Kalpela Chardonnay won over the public, while the industry favored the 2023 Barra Reserve Chardonnay, demonstrating some divergence in taste preferences yet still a shared admiration for quality wines.

From nine entries in the sauvignon blanc category, the 2024 Husch Vineyards was designated Best in Class by industry judges, while consumers opted for the 2024 Bonterra Organic Estate. This trend of nearly identical preferences continued in the pinot noir category, where both groups recognized the 2023 Girasole Vineyards Pinot Noir as Best of Class.

The rosé section saw the Handley Cellars 2024 Pinot Noir Rosé awarded Best of Class by industry judges, while the People’s Choice was the 2024 Navarro Vineyards Rosé of Sangiovese. A noteworthy consensus also emerged with the 2023 Rustic Ridge Zinfandel earning Best of Class recognition across both categories.

In the Syrah category, the People’s Choice was awarded to the 2021 Handley Cellars Syrah, Kazmet Vineyard, while the industry judges chose the 2024 Omen Syrah for Best of Class. The Petite Sirah category reflected close results as well, with the 2021 Graziano Petite Sirah being favored by consumers, but industry judges awarded the 2022 Barra Petite Sirah as Best of Class.

In dessert wines, both judges aligned, selecting the 2024 Husch Vineyards Late Harvest Gewurztraminer and recognizing the 2018 Terragena Riesling and 2018 Nelson Family Vineyards Ice Riesling with Gold medals.

As harvest season commenced, vineyards in the area, such as Alamitos in San Jose and Madson in Santa Cruz, began reaping the rewards of their labor with the anticipation of additional grapes coming in due to warm weather.

In the local wine scene, Melanie Bauer’s long-awaited Winston Champagne Bar opened in downtown Los Gatos, and longtime Testarossa winemaker Bill Brosseau officially launched his Brosseau Wines Studio in Marina. He invites wine lovers to experience his family’s vineyard offerings and his own unique creations. For a tasting experience, reservations can be made at Brosseau Wines with an upcoming Harvest Party scheduled for October 25.