The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey in Cañon City, Colorado, recently garnered significant recognition at the Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition in San Diego, California, securing gold medals for several of its 2022 wines. The 2022 Syrah (92 points), 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (90 points), 2022 Divinity (90 points), 2022 Merlot (90 points), and 2022 Merlot Reserve (90 points) all earned top honors in the prestigious event.
Abbey Winery’s winemaker, Jeff Stultz, expressed pride in the accolades, noting, “This competition differs from others because the judges are fellow winemakers. To receive such high awards, judged under much scrutiny, is definitely an honor.”
In a press release, The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey detailed the unique qualities of its award-winning wines:
- 2022 Syrah: Features aromas of white pepper, violets, and dark berries, with flavors of ripe plums, blueberries, and black cherries balanced by supple tannins and a subtle hint of toasty oak.
- 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve: A full-bodied wine offering dark cherry, black currant, ripe plum, and blackberry notes, complemented by tones of vanilla, mocha, and toasted oak. It finishes with rich tannins and a long, smooth aftertaste.
- 2022 Divinity: A classic dessert wine blending Merlot with the Portuguese varietal Souzao. It offers berry fruit and subtle chocolate nuances, marrying old-world Portuguese winemaking techniques with American innovations.
- 2022 Merlot Reserve: This wine is described as big, bold, and robust, with toasty oak, vanilla, and spice, along with bright notes of black cherry and raspberry.
- 2022 Merlot: Featuring a blend of black cherry and raspberry fruit flavors with hints of cocoa powder, cedar, and toasty oak, followed by a finish marked by spice and vanilla.
Additionally, several of the Abbey’s wines earned silver medals. These included the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, and the 2023 Viognier.
The Winemaker Challenge, founded fourteen years ago by sommelier and wine columnist Robert Whitely, continues to honor exceptional wines. Whitely, who passed away in 2021, was known for his weekly column, “Wine Talk,” and his monthly contributions to Reuters’ Vine Talk.
The award-winning wines from The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey are available for tasting at the winery’s Cañon City location and at select wine shops across Colorado’s Front Range.
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