The Only Wine Competition You Ever Need Pay Attention To

Anthony’s HomePort in Seattle was one of three final judging stations for this year’s Oyster Wine Competition, and our very own, the lovely Miss Adriana Grant was one of 40 judges who went through the daunting task of narrowing the field. From the release:

"Preliminary Judging at Anthony’s HomePort at Shilsole Bay in Seattle, five veteran Preliminary Judges consumed 1200 Kumamoto oysters in narrowing the contenders to 44 semi-finalists and then to 20 finalists. The finalists were judged, again with oysters, by 12-14 judge panels in the three cities."

This is one of the best white wine competitions because judges actually eat along with the tasting, a true test of the pairing.Taylor Shellfish Farms of Shelton, WA. sponsored the competition which is organized by man of the sea and all around nice guy Jon Rowley… and now your 2008 Oyster Award wines… (cue the Alan Parsons Project)...!!….

Amity Vineyards 06 Pinot Blanc (OR)
Chateau Ste. Michelle 06 Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc (WA)
Clayhouse Vineyard 06 Sauvignon Blanc (CA)
Clos du Bois Winery 06 Sauvignon Blanc (CA)
Covey Run Winery 06 Fume Blanc (WA)
Dry Creek Vineyard 06 Sonoma County Fume Blanc (CA)
Girard Winery 06 Sauvignon Blanc (CA)
Kathryn Kennedy Winery 07 Sauvignon Blanc (CA)
Robledo Family Winery 06 Sauvignon Blanc (CA)
Simi 06 Sauvignon Blanc (CA)
Van Duzer Vineyards 07 Pinot Gris (OR)
Willamette Valley Vineyards 07 Pinot Gris (OR)

I second that Amity Pinot Blanc. Get past the awful county fair label and you’ll find some unbelievable wine (at an equally say wha? price). Covey Run Fume Blanc is consistently one of the best buys you’ll ever find on your grocery store’s shelves, and when the hell is the Northwest going to start respecting the white grapes and realize that the future is see through? Huh? We should own this!

The coolest thing about this competition is that practically all of the winners are under $20, and most are closer to $15. (Except the Kathryn Kennedy, but good bloody luck finding that one). The wines are for the most part readily available allowing immediate, local validation of the results.

So tell us, Adriana... how many kumomotos did it take for you to make up your mind? (And what was your personal favorite??)