MORE INFORMATION:

1/11/11

Elise Barnard Griffin:    509-627-0266

UNPRECEDENTED!

BARNARD GRIFFIN ROSÉ OF SANGIOVESE WINS BEST OF

THE BEST ROSÉ IN SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE Wine Competition

JUDGES SELECTED BARNARD GRIFFIN 2010 ROSÉ OF SANGIOVESE

AS THE BEST IN ITS CATEGORY

RICHLAND, WA: Barnard Griffin has won the Sweepstake award, Gold and Best of Class for best rosé in the SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE Wine Competition:

BARNARD GRIFFIN 2010 ROSÉ of SANGIOVESE, COLUMBIA VALLEY:

• SWEEPSTAKE AWARD
• GOLD
• BEST of CLASS

Only six wines (in six different categories) get the Sweepstake awards – the best of the best.  This year’s success again underscores Barnard Griffin Co-owner Rob Griffin’s mastery of this varietal, among others, as his interpretation of Rosé of Sangiovese has won a gold medal or better for the sixth year in a row:

2010 SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE Wine Competition:

Rosé of Sangiovese – 2009        GOLD

2009 SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE Wine Competition:

Rosé of Sangiovese – 2008        GOLD

2008 SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE Wine Competition:

Rosé of Sangiovese – 2007        BEST OF CLASS

2007 SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE Wine Competition:
Rosé of Sangiovese – 2006        GOLD

2006 SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE Wine Competition:

Rosé of Sangiovese – 2005        BEST OF CLASS, DOUBLE GOLD

The influential SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE Wine Competition is the largest competition for American wines in the world and features all significant types and styles of wine, from each major wine-producing region in the United States.

The judging took place in January, 2011.  Judges representing trade, education, media, retail, and restaurants throughout the United States evaluated a record 5,050 entries from 3,300 wineries up from 4,913 entries last year.

Winemaker Rob Griffin says of his latest Limited Production releases:  “Some say the smaller the quantity made, the better the wine. These reds were certainly made in true ‘Garagiste’ fashion.  It is exciting to make small batch artisan wines that are generating such recognition, proving once again Washington state is one of the great wine-producing regions in the world.”

About Barnard Griffin

Barnard Griffin is a family-owned winery in Richland, WA and the tenth largest in the state by volume. Co-owners Rob Griffin and Deborah Barnard have been garnering international acclaim under the Barnard Griffin label since 1983, and Rob Griffin has been making exceptional wines in Washington State since 1977.  Barnard Griffin produces more than 70,000 cases per year including Barbera, Cabernet-Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Ciel du Cheval Merlot, Fume Blanc, Late Harvest Muscat Canelli, Malbec, Merlot, Orange Muscat, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Rosé of Sangiovese, Semillon, Syrah, Syrah Port, Viognier, and Zinfandel.

Barnard Griffin produces two labels; both available through retail stores, wine clubs and online wine venues.  The Reserve Label wines are crafted in very limited quantities from the best vineyard lots in the region, using European, French and American oak.  Barnard Griffin’s signature Tulip Label wine, one of Washington State’s most recognized wines, is available across the country.

Barnard Griffin selects its grapes from throughout Washington’s Columbia Valley including Wahluke Slope, Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain, Columbia Gorge and other AVA’s.  Barnard Griffin works with small family growers and favors long-term contracts with dedicated acreage for vineyard continuity and quality. The winery is a strong supporter of wine tourism (Oenotourism) in the state, and is an important stop on any tour of Washington’s best wineries.

Barnard Griffin is the only winery in the United States that contains a glass arts studio producing artisan works of fused glass.  The glass artist is Deborah Barnard co-owner of the winery.  Glass works are on display in the tasting room.

The winery, tasting room and glass arts studio are located at 878 Tulip Lane in Richland, WA. For more information, clink on the link: www.BarnardGriffin.com, email: info@BarnardGriffin.com or call:   (509) 627-0266.

Clink on the Link: Barnard Griffin Newsroom for background information

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© 2011, Barnard Griffin™ Winery, Richland, WA  99352

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