Judges Select 18 80-plus Temecula Wines

DON MCAULIFFE - DEC. 17
Many wine lovers in Southern California already know that Temecula is a premiere wine-making region. But last month, nearly two dozen Temecula Valley wineries took steps to ensure that the rest of the world gets the message as well. One out of three Temecula Valley wines that took part in a pioneering blind tasting in November were high enough quality to receive a good rating from the industry’s premiere trade publications, according to seven judges made up of winemakers and wine buyers. The panel concluded that 18 of 58 wines submitted for evaluation from 14 Temecula wineries were good enough to represent the region in future and be submitted to Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast for evaluation.

Wines were judged in five major categories: Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Sangiovese and blends, Syrah and blends, and Cabernet Sauvignon and blends. Judges included winemakers Mike Tingley, Don Reha, Steve Hagata, Doug Wiens, and Jon McPherson and wine buyers Jennifer Lofland from Pechanga Resort & Casino and Jeff Slankard from Barron’s. The judges were asked to determine which wines would receive at least an “80” rating from Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator. “I greatly appreciate the difficult work put in by these individuals and hope that their efforts will help us better promote the image of quality wines in Temecula Valley as well as provide us great, expert insight into what each of us can change to improve our wines even more,” said Ray Falkner, winery co-owner and president of the winegrowers association.

No medals were given. Wineries whose wines were not selected will receive wine notes so that they can read what independent wine experts thought about their wine. Wines receiving ratings of 80 or more included: Leonesse 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Maurice Carrie 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, South Coast 2006 Elevation Sauvignon Blanc, South Coast 2006 Musque Clone Sauvignon Blanc, Falkner 2006 Viognier, La Cereza 2006 Viognier, Falkner 2004 Amante Super Tuscan, Hart 2005 Sangiovese, Mount Palomar 2005 Castelletto, Palumbo 2005 Due Figli, South Coast 2005 Wild Horse Thunderbolt, Falkner 2004 Rockcreek Vineyard Syrah, Leonesse 2004 Syrah, South Coast 2005 Rolling Hills Syrah, South Coast 2005 Lone Bolder Ridge Syrah, Thornton 2005 Estate Syrah, Briar Rose 2005 Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and South Coast 2004 Wild Horse Peak Block 4 Cabernet Sauvignon.Oak Mountain Winery has become the newest member of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, which represents more than 60 wineries and growers. The winery and vineyard sit on 10 acres just off DePortola Road in the southern part of Wine Country between Keyways Winery and Leonesse Cellars.