This year, one of the most highly anticipated competitions of 2021 took place. After much planning and preparation, many worried that COVID would put a stop to the festivities before they even began. But with an abundance of caution, the fun and games went off without a hitch. Records were broken. Medals were given. Drama filled the air. And the glasses. No, we’re not talking about that other competition, the Olympic Games. This was the 12th annual Idaho Wine Competition, a celebration of Idaho wines and winemakers.The competition, which is organized jointly by Great Northwest Wine and the Idaho Wine Commission, took place on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 and was supported by a judging panel of respected writers, sommeliers, winemaking consultants, wine buyers and industry experts—each determined to find and recognize the very best of the best on offer in the Gem State.
“We look forward to the Idaho Wine Competition each year because it allows us to showcase the incredible winemakers in our state on a national level,” said Moya Dolsby, executive director of the Idaho Wine Commission. “By partnering with Great Northwest Wine, it allows us to bring in some of the most influential wine experts to experience our region and taste our wines—and ultimately produce more ambassadors for Idaho’s wine industry.”
This year’s competition was the largest one yet, with exactly 180 Idaho wines representing 37 wineries from across the state. “It feels like each year we host the Idaho Wine Competition the wines just get better and better—and with the highest number of entries this year, you can really feel the strength of this growing wine region,” said Eric Degerman, Great Northwest Wine president and CEO, and Idaho Wine Competition director.
As always, the judges evaluated each wine blind, meaning there were no labels, corks or other clues to influence their judgement. Each wine was evaluated on the wine’s appearance, aroma, taste, texture and overall quality. And like last year, they tasted at a socially safe distance from their fellow judges. It helps that the venue was once again held at the spacious (and luxurious) Koenig Vineyards, which also set the stage for 2020’s competition.
Here are this year’s champions...
Best of Show/Best Red/Double Gold medal: Hat Ranch Winery 2018 Rivaura Vineyards Cabernet Franc, Lewis-Clark Valley $34
Best White Wine/Double Gold medal: Cinder Wines 2020 Dry Viognier, Snake River Valley $25
Best Rosé: Cinder Wines 2020 Cinsault Rosé, Snake River Valley $23
Best Sparkling/Double Gold medal: Coiled Wines 2018 Rizza, Washington $30
Best Sweet Wine/Double Gold medal: Roghani Vineyards 2015 Riesling Late Harvest, Snake River Valley $30.40
Best of Class/Double Gold medal:
Best of Class/Gold medal:
Double Gold medal:
Gold medal:
Since the competition started in 2010, the Idaho wine industry has added two more American Viticulture Areas (AVAs), increased the number of Idaho wineries by 60 percent, and annually contributed more than $210 million to the Idaho economy. The competition also serves as a fundraiser for the Idaho Wine scholarship program.
If you to take a stab at judging and taste these award-winning wines for yourself, check out the Idaho Wine Commission’s Taste Idaho Gold promotion going on now until September 21, 2021 (or until they sell out!). The curated full and half-case options of this year’s Gold Medal winners are offered at 10% off the retail price — allowing you to experience the best-of-the-best wines that Idaho has to offer while simultaneously supporting Idaho wineries. Also, conveniently available for pickup or delivery starting in October.
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