accolades followed by awards

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Touring Foothill Wineries by  Richard Kornweibel, Profesor Emeritus, California State University, Sacramento
We tend to stock up in the late summer and early fall, finding case or half case specials usually available at many California wineries. Some of these specials are only for winery club members, but most are available to anyone. By mid-summer, wineries are worried about space when they begin harvesting and pressing grapes. Since a case of wine represents a considerable investment, we only buy if we can taste.
Whereas a great number of wineries today produce wines with alcohol over 15.5 percent plus left-over sugar, many
well established wineries have stayed away from high alcohol wines. I prefer dry reds (no residual sugar) and an alcohol 'level around 14 percent. Among my favorite wineries is Sierra Vista in the Pleasant Valley District of El Dorado County. We visit Sierra Vista at least three times between December and March, primarily to picnic. Imagine a typical winter day in Sacramento-foggy, damp, cold-perhaps the fifth such day in a row. Meanwhile, on the Sierra Vista lawn it might be a sunny 67 degrees with the best view of the Sierra Nevada to be found close to Sacramento! I can almost taste the cold fried chicken, pasta salad, and of course, a glass of wonderful wine. Cheers.

 Wine drinkers are starting to discover California's Sierra Foothills
Take a long weekend to explore seven wineries within a day's drive from Boise.
   
- Idaho Statesman
Published: 03/25/09

One of the 7 is:

SIERRA VISTA WINERY: A visitor has wonderful views of snow-capped mountains from outside the tasting room. Inside, you'll encounter many delicious tastings, standard Rhone varietals, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. I found a 50/50 blend of estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah very enjoyable. 

From the Sacramento Magazine, Oct. 2008, page 201 we have the following from Elaine Smith: 

2006 Sierra Vista Winery El Dorado Grenache ($20), www.sierravistawinery.com
With a silky mouthfeel, plenty of cherry/berry fruit flavor and 20 percent Syrah to
give it stuffing, this is a beautifully balanced Grenache at only 13.5 percent alcohol.
Drink now or lay away for a few years.

Sierra Vista Wines continue to be some of the most decorated and beloved wines in the world. Below you will find several dozens awards earned by our wines and winemaker at various shows.

7-7-08

Our FumeBlanc/Sauvignon Blanc has done it again.  The 2007 vintage is the third in a row that has won at least one Best White Wine at a wine competition.  This year it won a GOLD medal and Best White Wine  at the Amador commercial competition. .

It has also won a GOLD medal at one of the most respected competitions of them all, the Orange County Commercial competition

Our 2006 Fleur de Montagne has garnered 3 GOLD medals so far this year.

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SignOnSanDiego.com
by the San Diego Union
Monday, Sept. 24, 2007
Weekly Tasting
 

Rhône Whites

Tired of the same-old, same-old? Try a Viognier, Marsanne or Roussanne! These are all aromatic white wines from the Rhône Valley in France. There are a handful of California wineries that make these wonderful varietals and they are definitely worth trying.
Try pairing these spicy whites with grilled or smoked salmon, proscuitto with melon, sushi or Thai dishes, or try your own food pairings. The results may surprise you. Remember, wine is supposed to be fun!
My panel and I recently had the pleasure of tasting 13 Rhône Whites from all over
California. The following was among our favorites:

Sierra Vista Vineyards & Winery
2005 Viognier/Roussanne 60/40 Blend, El Dorado $28
Seductive scents of peach, green apple, cut hay, menthol tobacco and green herbs delight the nose. Richly textured in the mouth, with lingering flavors of apple, peach and herbs.

Classic Cabernet Sauvignons for Less Than $22
There are many highly rated and highly priced Cabs on the market, but not too many of us working stiffs can afford to enjoy them with any regularity. I don’t know about you, but anything over $100 for one bottle of wine is a bit steep for me. I am all about finding the best deals, and am happy to share my findings with you. The following wines that my panel and I reviewed are real gems, and very much worth their reasonable prices.
Cabernet Sauvignon tends to be rich, velvety and full bodied, and pairs well with roasted meats and vegetables, savory pasta dishes and hearty cheeses. It is also great with big, juicy hamburgers! Try your own food pairings with your Cabernet Sauvignon - you may be delighted with your results!
My panel and I enjoyed tasting 15 Cabernet Sauvignons from all over California. The following was one of our favorites.
Sierra Vista Winery
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, El Dorado $21
Seductive scents of dark chocolate, black cherry, anise and cigar box lure the taster into a sumptuous mouthful of mocha, cherry and spice flavors. Yum                                                                                                                                                                                                    

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Sierra Vista’s strong showing: Mike Dunn, Sacramento Bee, June 6, 2007

2006 Fume Blanc, Sweepstakes contender at three fairs

Best white wine, double gold El Dorado County Fair

Best white wine, double gold Calavares County fair

Best white wine,  gold Amador County fair

2006 Unoaked Chardonnay, Sweepstakes contender

Double Gold, El Dorado County Fair,

2005 Fleur de Montagne, Sweepstakes contender

Double gold, El Dorado County Fair, Sweepstakes contender

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Awards

2009