Meet our 2021 Gold Medal Wines
Did you hear? Larson Family Winery received not one… but FOUR Gold Medals in recent wine competitions! While we love all varietals, we know that both Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs thrive in our home AVA of Carneros. And who doesn’t love a California Cab? We’re so proud of our small-lot, estate wines. We take care in farming, crafting, and overseeing every part of the process from grape to glass! Meet our winners:
Larson Family 2018 Chardonnay
Gold, Sonoma County Harvest Fair 2021
Larson Family 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Gold, North of the Gate 2021
Gold, OC Fair 2021
Larson Family 2018 Pinot Noir
Gold, Sonoma County Harvest Fair 2021
In addition to the four gold medals, other delicious varietals like our Rosé of Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminers and Tempranillos also took home Silver and Bronze awards!
Read up on our winners below to learn about the vineyards they were grown in, production history and pairing notes.
We’d love you to enjoy our 2021 Winning Wines at home, so now through October 27th, we’re offering $20 Flat Rate Shipping on any size order when these winners are in your cart! Use code SHIPGOLD20 to redeem at checkout!
Larson Family Winery 2018 Chardonnay
Our estate vineyards that produce these award-winning grapes are located just south of our barn-turned-tasting room. Known as Erica’s Vineyard, this Chardonnay block thrives in the heart of the Carneros appellation (AVA). Carneros, renowned for fog and wind induced cool summers and shallow soils, makes the climate more moderate and attractive for the cultivation of cooler climate varietals and produces exceptional Chardonnay, like this oaky buttery winner.
This particular Chardonnay is aged in 100% new French Oak barrels for 14 months, enhancing the creamy mouthfeel that is present as a result of hand stirring yeast lees during production.
This Montrachet style Chardonnay has brilliant aromas of vanilla and toasty oak, with a hint of bacon. It’s flavors of ripe yellow peach, honey and a slight mineral component are well-balanced, with bright acidity and a long finish that is punctuated by a creamy mouthfeel. Around here, we’ll be pairing this bold cheeses, savory grilled chicken dishes, and butter-dipped seafood.
Larson Family Winery 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Our Cabernet Sauvignon is a Sonoma Valley favorite, showcasing the true quality of the Sonoma Mountain grape. The clay soils and volcanic matter have limited irrigation, producing concentrated flavors of cassis and dark cherry. Enjoy the toffee bouquets and lingering flavors of roasted coffee and caramel. This Cabernet Sauvignon’s long and deep finish will leave you wanting more.
The grapes were de-stemmed with the whole berries left intact, fermented with inoculated yeasts, and pumped over daily. Barrel aging proceeded in 100% French Oak for 22 months and the wine was racked 3 times per year during aging.
This Cabernet Sauvignon has intense aromas of cassis, dark cherry, and a hint of blue berry along with bouquets of toffee, clove, and nutmeg. Concentrated berry flavor quickly develops on the palate while delightful oak notes such as caramel and roasted coffee add depth and lead to its seductive, long finish. The suggested pairings with this Cab are a carnivore’s delight – grilled steak, roast lamb, or even a juicy cheeseburger compliment the features of this bold red.
Larson Family Winery 2018 Pinot Noir
Larson’s the name, and Pinot Noir is our game. This Pinot is part of a legacy of winning vintages – preceding years of this Family Pinot Noir have also won gold! South Sonoma’s proximity to the cool fog and breezes from the San Pablo Bay makes the climate cooler and more moderate than the wine regions farther north in Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, just the way Pinot Noir likes it. The silty Reyes loam soil also adds to the growth of the small intensely flavored berries. The climate combined with the state-of-the-art viticulture practices and our dedicated, experienced crew, produce exceptional fruit.
Ten percent of whole clusters were mixed with whole berries and the must went through cold soak for four days. During the fermentation, gentle extraction of grape flavors, tannins, and color were attained by the mixture of punch downs and pump overs twice daily. Following fermentation, the wine was aged in 100% François Frères French oak barrels with 40% new oak for 14 months.
When it comes to drinking, purity of the fruit and a savory, woodsy element appear upon aeration in the glass – be sure to swirl. It is a wine to cellar, or ready to drink now. Pairs well with lamb, mushroom risotto, and classic beef Bourguignon.
