Press Release Archives

Nov

15

2013

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Wins “USA Wine Producer of the Year” and “Best Cabernet Sauvignon” at 2013 International Wine & Spirit Competitions in London and Hong Kong

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates’ Luxury Wines Awarded 47 Top Medals

Woodinville, Wash.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars was named “United States Wine Producer of the Year” and Columbia Crest H3 Merlot took home the Merlot Trophy at the prestigious 2013 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) in London the same night Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 2010 CASK 23 was awarded “Best Cabernet Sauvignon” at the Cathay Pacific International Wine & Spirits Competition in Hong Kong. In addition to these three Trophies, the luxury wineries of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates received 47 top medals at these two global competitions.

Ted Baseler, President and CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, was extremely pleased by the results. “For Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars to be named USA Producer of the Year and Best Cabernet Sauvignon for its CASK 23, and for Columbia Crest to be recognized with a Merlot Trophy on an international stage is a true honor,” he said. “Our focus is to become the premier fine wine company in the world. These awards demonstrate the progress we are making toward our goal.”

Founded in 1969, the IWSC is considered to be the oldest and most prestigious competition of its kind for recognizing quality in the industry. Judging includes a blind tasting consisting of panels selected from over 300 experienced industry judges from around the world. The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition is run in partnership with the London-based IWSC and was created specifically for the Asian market.

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The following international trophies and medals were awarded at the IWSC Banquet on November 13 at the City of London Guildhall and at an awards ceremony the same night in Hong Kong.

The International Wine and Spirits Competition London Summary of Awards

    TROPHY:
  • USA Wine Producer of the Year – Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
  • Merlot Trophy – Columbia Crest Horse Heaven Hills (H3) Merlot 2010
    GOLD OUTSTANDING:
  • Stag's Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay 2010
  • Columbia Crest Horse Heaven Hills Merlot 2010
  • Erath Estate Selection Pinot Noir 2010
    GOLD:
  • Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars CASK 23 Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
  • Conn Creek Anthology 2009
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica Riesling 2011
    SILVER OUTSTANDING:
  • Stag's Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay 2010
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Meritage Artist Series 2009
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Merlot 2010
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot 2010
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
  • Conn Creek Napa Valley Herrick Red Wine 2009
    SILVER:
  • Stag's Leap Wine Cellars ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
  • Columbia Crest Horse Heaven Hills (H3) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
  • Columbia Crest Walter Clore Private Reserve Red Wine 2009
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling 2011
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Ethos Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling 2011
  • Domaine Ste Michelle Brut NV
  • Domaine Ste. Michelle Extra Dry Brut NV

The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Competition Summary of Awards

    TROPHY:
  • Best Cabernet Sauvignon – Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 2010 CASK 23 Cabernet Sauvignon
    GOLD:
  • Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars CASK 23 Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
  • Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars FAY Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
    SILVER:
  • Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
  • 14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
  • Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica Riesling 2012
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Merlot 2011
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
  • Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Merlot 2011
    BRONZE:
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay 2011
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay 2011
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Artist Series 2010
  • Col Solare 2008
  • Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2011
  • Columbia Crest Grand Estates Syrah 2011
  • Columbia Crest H3 Les Chevaux 2011
  • Columbia Crest Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
  • Conn Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
  • Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut NV
  • Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut Rosé NV
  • Erath Estate Selection Pinot Noir 2011
  • Erath Prince Hill Pinot Noir 2010
  • Stag's Leap ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

About Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Ste. Michelle Wine Estates has become the most prominent wine company in Washington State, known for its pioneering spirit and world-class wines. Its wineries include Chateau Ste. Michelle (founded in 1934), Columbia Crest, Northstar, Col Solare (in partnership with Antinori) and Spring Valley Vineyards in Washington State; Erath Winery in Oregon; and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (in partnership with Antinori), Conn Creek and Villa Mt. Eden wineries in Napa Valley, California. In addition, the company is the exclusive importer for all Antinori wines in the U.S. and manages sales for Antica Napa Valley, an Antinori family estate. www.smwe.com

For more information on The International Wine and Spirits Competition and Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition please visit:
http://www.iwsc.net/home http://www.hkiwsc.com/about-the-competition

© Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Woodinville, WA

Media Contact: Jennifer Scott, Director of Communications, Import & Luxury Wines

425-415-3354 or Jennifer.j.scott@smwe.com

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