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[Duncan Garrett Photography]
Many of the women from that (admittedly truncated) list are still actively making wine—and winning awards. Among them at this year’s Women’s Wine Competition were Crane, who earned her master’s degree in the mid-1970s. After stints at Domaine Chandon and Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, she was named founding winemaker and CEO of Napa Valley’s Domaine Carneros in 1987, where her career continues today. Her 2015 Brut Rosé was awarded Best of Class and Best of Show Sparkling wine at this year’s competition, and her 2014 Estate Brut also scored a Best of Class award and 97 points.
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[Duncan Garrett Photography]
The above captures just a portion of the talented women winemakers who’ve broken through the glass ceiling over the years, and that list continues to expand in the 21st century. By this decade, nearly 50 percent of UC Davis wine studies graduates were women.
Women are making strides in the wine-judging arena as well, perhaps due to studies concluding that, compared to men, women possess a more evolved level of perception for aromas, flavors, and wine defects.
At the 2019 International Women’s Wine Competition, which took place in May in Sonoma County, Calif., 27 professional women judges swirled, sniffed, sipped, spit, and scored more than 1,035 wines. They awarded an impressive 44 Best of Class (BOC), 53 Double Gold (DG), and 171 Gold (G) medals. Wines judged were crafted by both women and men winemakers from around the globe.
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[Duncan Garrett Photography]
The Woman Winemaker of the Year award was bestowed on Jamie Benziger of Imagery Estate Winery in Glen Ellen, Calif. Imagery’s 2016 Barbera took Best of Class and Best of Show red wine awards (scoring 97 points), and her 2018 Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak Riesling captured Double Gold and 95 points. After achieving her degree in marketing and wine business, Benziger acquired a wealth of knowledge from her winemaker father, Joe Benziger (who established Imagery Estate Winery in 1986), gained valuable industry experience, and followed dad’s footsteps to become winemaker at this family winery in Sonoma County.
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[Duncan Garrett Photography]
ity keeps it vivacious, and the finish never seems to end! DG, BOC (97 points)
Here are some of the other top winners:
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[Duncan Garrett Photography]
Domaine Carneros 2015 Brut Rosé; Carneros, Calif. This sparkling gem, a savvy blend of pinot noir and chardonnay, is magnificently floral with enticing yeasty notes on the nose. Showcasing a pinpoint bead, it captures the eye and is bursting with flavor on the palate. Rainier cherries, brioche, quince paste, lime zest, crisp apples, and leesy notes intertwine—wow! Complex and dazzling through the long-lasting finish. BOS, BOC, DG (97 points)
Best of Show White
Navarro Vineyards 2018 Gewürztraminer; Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, Calif. Expressive aromas of florals and spice waft from the glass with this extraordinary Gewürz. Classic flavors of orange blossom, lychee, Crane melon, honeysuckle, and a hint of gingersnaps come together like a fine-tuned orchestra. Brilliantly crafted, complex, and nuanced, with an extended finish that transports you to another world. BOS, BOC, DG (97)
Best of Show Rosé
Rodney Strong Vineyards 2018 Rosé of Pinot Noir; Russian River Valley, Calif. A salmon colored hue and alluring aromas of summer berries capture the senses with this exquisite dry rosé. Vivid layers of fresh sun-ripened strawberries, a touch of spice, raspberry sherbet, and orange-scented berry compote; simply delectable on the palate. Bright and well balanced with a lip-smacking finish. BOS, BOC, DG (95)
Best of Show Red
2016 Imagery Estate Winery Barbera; Sonoma County, Calif. This provocative Barbera opens with a berry-scented aroma and juicy entry. Filling the mouth are rich and pure layers of Satsuma plum, boysenberry jam, baking spices, and integrated oak. The mouthfeel is velvety, tannins are gentle, and brisk acidity keeps it vital as it slides across the palate to a smooth and persistent close. BOS, BOC, G (97)
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[Duncan Garrett Photography]
Navarro Vineyards 2018 Late Harvest Riesling; Anderson Valley, Calif. The irresistible aroma is just the beginning of this spectacular late harvest wine. It’s all the dessert you’ll need! Mouth-coating flavors of honeyed apricots, peach sorbet, lemon curd, blanched almonds, and candied orange peel fill every corner of the palate. Richly textured with perfect balancing acidity from the engaging start to the glorious, dream-inducing finish. BOS, BOC, DG (98)
Best of Show Cider
Gowan’s Heirloom Ciders NV Heirloom Gravenstein Heirloom Cider; Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, Calif. Imagine sinking your teeth into a fresh, crunchy, Gravenstein apple: The truth is in this glass. Notes of citrus, subtle dried herbs, mountain strawberry, and Crenshaw melon join delicious lemon-flecked, juicy apple flavors invigorating the palate. Clean and satisfying with a creamy texture through the crisp finish. BOS, BOC, DG (95)
Congratulations to these winners and all the medal recipients of the 2019 Women’s International Wine Competition. View the complete list of award winners here.