KING CITY — The 2022 Monterey International Wine Competition wrapped up March 12 at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City.
Eighteen judges representing all aspects of the wine industry swirled and sipped through 743 entries, resulting in the selection of 58 Platinum Award winners, 223 Gold Award winners and 49 “Best of” award designations.
Platinum awards are reserved for wines scoring 94 points and above. Gold honors are awarded to wines scoring 90 to 93 points.
Special honors include Wine of the Year, 2019 Lightpost Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve of Paso Robles (97 points); and the Best of Monterey County, 2018 Furthermore Wines, Pinot Noir Sierra Mar Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands (96 points).
This year’s Winery of the Year is awarded to Macchia Wines of Acampo, Calif., and recognizes the fine quality of its entire portfolio of wines entered in the competition.
The Spirit of the Year Award went to Texas’ Garrison Brothers Distillery for their “Guadalupe” Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Cask with a score of 95 points.
“Over my 14-year association with the competition, entrants always show that their wines have a place on the world stage among the finest of their types and regions, and MIWC is proud to celebrate their achievements,” said Rich Cook, director and chief judge.
For a complete list of competition results, tasting notes on Platinum Wine winners as well as other items of interest, visit montereywinecompetition.com.
The Monterey International Wine Competition Grand Tasting will be held Thursday, May 12, the opening night of the Salinas Valley Fair. More than 400 guests are expected to taste award-winning wines from the competition.
For event information and tickets, go to SalinasValleyFair.com or call the Salinas Valley Fair office at 831-385-3243.
