WineWatch: Locals Dominate Food & Wine Awards Issue

Today, Food & Wine announced the winners for the October issue's 11th annual American Wine Awards, and naturally, Northern California represented very well. Napa's Celia Masyczek took home the biggest individual honor, the American Winemaker of the Year. Quoth F&W editor-in-chief Dana Cowin:

"Celia Masyczek is the talent behind a number of cult California Cabernets, including the new Scarecrow, one of the most sought-after wines in Napa Valley. She’s a winemaker’s winemaker. Her wines are famous, but she’s not. We aim to change that with this award.”

The other top prize, Best New Winery, was also snagged by a local: hotshot pinot noir producer Breggo Cellars in Mendocino's Anderson Valley. Complete list of winners, including the best wines under $20, follows:

FOOD & WINE 2008 AMERICAN WINE AWARD WINNERS
Winemaker of the Year Award: Celia Masyczek, Napa Valley, CA
Best New Winery: Breggo Cellars, Anderson Valley, CA
Best Importer: Neal Rosenthal of Rosenthal Wine Merchant, New York

BEST WINES UNDER $20
Chardonnay: 2007 FoxGlove ($15)
Sauvignon Blanc: 2007 Brander Santa Ynez Valley ($15)
Pinot Noir: 2006 A To Z Wineworks Oregon ($18)
Merlot: 2005 Raymond R Collection ($15)
Cabernet Sauvignon: 2005 Columbia Crest H3 ($15)
Zinfandel: 2006 Edmeades Mendocino County ($18)
Syrah: 2006 Qupé Central Coast ($16)

BEST WINES OVER $20
Chardonnay: 2005 Ramey Ritchie Vineyard ($65)
Sauvignon Blanc: 2007 Cliff Lede Napa Valley ($22)
Pinot Noir: 2005 Talley Vineyards Rosemary’s Vineyard ($38)
Merlot: 2005 Shafer Napa Valley ($45)
Syrah: 2006 Tensley Colson Canyon Vineyard ($38)
Zinfandel: 2005 Bella Lily Hill Estate ($36)
Cabernet Sauvignon: 2004 Harlan Estate ($600)
Bordeaux Blend: 2005 Dominus ($129)

Outstanding Sparkling Wine: 2004 Schramsberg Blanc De Blancs ($35)

· American Wine Awards 2008 [Food & Wine]

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