Awards season runs strong from January through February, and each year we anxiously await the results. Every year seems to take us by surprise in one way or another. These awards would not be possible without you, and we want you to know we are grateful for your constant support.
Every day we set out to craft wines and provide memorable experiences for our loyal members, annual visitors, and newest fans — These awards are for you.
Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition
We are extremely excited to announce that we have been voted Winery of the Year for the third consecutive year in the Annual Winemaker Challenge! To our hospitality staff, Brooks Painter, and our talented winemaking and viticulture teams, bravo!
Along with Winery of the Year, we are thrilled to score over 90 points and “Best Of Class” on a few of your favorite wines. The 2016 Gilsson Vineyard Zinfandel ($42) earned 96 points. This young, yet bold Zinfandel displays berry fruit aromas and depth. Robert Whitley calls Gilsson Vineyard one of “V. Sattui’s zin treasures” (and he is not wrong).
The 2017 Dry Gewurztraminer ($29) from Anderson Valley scored 94 points. This wine is exotic and complex, to say the least. Flavors of orange zest, pineapple, and lychee hit the palate immediately and will likely have you booking your next vacation before hitting the second glass.
Finally, scoring 92 points, we have our 2016 Napa Valley Malbec ($44). This vintage was a gorgeous one, and this wine clearly shows it. It’s decadent with notes of blackberry, blueberry, and spice and pays homage to our history through the vineyard in which its grapes are grown — our 27-acre estate Carsi Vineyard in Yountville, named after the Italian village Vittorio Sattui emigrated from.
“Sattui Scores a Hat Trick – The Napa Valley winery V. Sattui is famous for its picnic grounds, perhaps the most inviting and comfortable winery picnic grounds in all of California. It gets attention, too, for its unique marketing plan. V. Sattui wines are sold only at the winery or through its website. Then there are the wines. V. Sattui has achieved an enviable record of excellence on the wine competition circuit with an array of wines. And V. Sattui is nothing if not consistent. For the third consecutive year it has been named domestic Winery of the Year at the Winemaker Challenge, staged January 19-20 in San Diego. Not only did V. Sattui amass 36 medals from 40 wines entered, it claimed four best-of-class Directors awards with its 2017 Collina d’Oro Chardonnay, 2016 Grenache, 2016 Malbec and 2016 Gilsson Vineyard Zinfandel. Among V. Sattui’s 36 medals, three were awarded platinum and 14 gold.” – Robert Whitley
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
We’re thrilled to have six double gold medal-winning wines in the 2019 SF Chronicle Wine Competition! One we’d love to highlight from our latest vintage is the 2017 Rosato Di Sangiovese ($29). Red cherry, ripe strawberry, and juicy watermelon hit your lips and will have you daydreaming of warmer days that are just around the corner. Pair this refreshing, crisp wine with a variety of charcuterie and cheeses from our artisan deli for an afternoon on our property.
In addition to the six double gold, 13 wines received gold medals — and these wines have something to say! We’re particularly thrilled about the 2015 Napa Valley Merlot ($40) gold medal. This dark ruby-colored, smooth Merlot is fruity and balanced with a powerful, lingering finish to it and will surely leave you wanting more. Pair it with duck breast, pork tenderloin, or braised veil for a harmonious combination.
Of course, a fan favorite for guests and our staff is the 2016 Entanglement ($40). This is a beautifully made, unique Rhône style GSM blend. All three varietals (Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre) are de-stemmed and fermented together in a steel tank in order to increase color stability of the blend and marry all the characteristics into one.
If you’re in the area, we will be showcasing our top award winners at the 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Public Tasting – this Saturday, February 16, 2019, from 1 pm to 4 pm. The event will be at the Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco. Tickets available in advance for $70 here: https://fortmason.org/box-office/?eid=30475 or at the door for $90. Come say hello!
Over the next few months, we hope you plan a visit to Napa Valley and celebrate with us at the 2019 Winery of the Year! Because for us, there would be nothing to celebrate without our fans. We raise a glass to our team, awards season, and all of you! Cheers!