Food & Wine Picks Top American Wines

Napa Valley continues to dominate the American wine market; Washington and Oregon make a strong showing

New York, NY (September 15, 2003) – Dana Cowin, Editor in Chief of Food & Wines magazine, announces the winners of the Food & Wine’s seventh annual American Wine Awards. A panel of editors, writers, restaurateurs and past Award winners honored the best wines both under and over $20.

Dana Cowin says, "Food & Wine celebrates all things American, including wine, and I’m proud to say that this list of winners is one of the strongest we’ve ever compiled, with some terrific discoveries, some new plaudits for established stars and lots of amazing bottlings at a wide range of prices."

Best Cabernet Sauvignon over $20

1999 Quilceda Creek Washington ($70)

One of only two repeat winners from 2002, this family-owned (three generations of Golitzins) red wine specialist near Seattle keeps making well-layered, rich-but-oh-so-graceful wines. The 1999 is a textbook example of the Golitzin style: ripe grapes, dense texture, and elegant, soft tannins.

Food & Wine magazine, October 2003