Villa del Monte Winery is pleased to announce that the 2011 West Coast Wine Competition has awarded medals to three Villa del Monte wines:

Gold: 2009 Pinot Noir Reserve Santa Cruz Mountains Regan Vineyard
Gold: 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Cruz Mountains Villa Festa Vineyard  
Silver: 2009 Merlot Reserve Carneros Moon Vineyard  

The Pinot Noir Reserve Santa Cruz Mountains Regan Vineyard is produced from 100% Pinot grapes grown at 500’ overlooking Monterey Bay in the southern part of the Santa Cruz Mountains.  The morning fog and cool nights at this southwest-facing vineyard moderate the warm daytime temperatures, resulting in perfect Pinot ripening weather.  Spicy black pepper and cloves layered over warm red fruit jam flavors combine and linger luxuriously on your palate. 

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Cruz Mountains Villa Festa Vineyard is 100% Cabernet grapes grown on a small vineyard that we manage on Loma Prieta Avenue in the Santa Cruz Mountains in Northern California.  Black currants, medium tannins, and a beautiful deep red color combine for a full bodied wine that develops and matures on the palate.

The 2009 Merlot Reserve Carneros Moon Vineyard is 100% Merlot from the Moon Vineyard in the Los Carneros appellation in Napa, California.  It has a deep burgundy color, a delicious raspberry chewiness, and a smoky, sultry aroma.

About the 2011 West Coast Wine Competition
West Coast Wine CompetitionEstablished in 1982, the West Coast Wine Competition recognizes outstanding wines produced in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Australia, Baja California (Mexico), British Columbia (Canada), New Zealand, and the wine regions of South America.  Sponsored by Vineyard & Winery Management magazine, this competition is chaired by Bill Traverso, a 35-year veteran of the wine trade. Wines were evaluated by a prestigious panel of two dozen wine experts selected from wine media, wine/vineyard research, wine-making, wine education, and wine marketing.  Out of a field of more than 1200 entries, only about 120 wines were awarded Gold medals.  Judging took place over three days, April 26-28, in Healdsburg, California.  For more information, visit http://www.vwm-online.com/wine_competitions/west_coast/index.asp.