The San Francisco Wine Competition is the largest competition of American wines in the world. With a record-breaking 5,600 wine entries from 1,379 wineries from more than 25 states, 65 judges from many aspects of the wine industry met in Cloverdale, Calif., to determine the top wines of the year.

A quick look at the list of winners reveals another very strong showing for Washington wines. The highest recognition going to Barnard Griffin as the 2011 Rose of Sangiovese sweepstakes winner for that category. Other Washington wineries winning “Best in Class” are:

• Dry Riesling > 2010 Chateau St. Michelle Riesling $9
• All other white wine > Nicola’s Redmark 2009 Table wine $10
• Grenache > 2009 Maryhill Proprietors Reserve Grenache $19.95
• Cabernet $20-$25 > 2009 Milbrandt The Estates Cabernet $24.99
• All other reds up to $20 > Kiona 2009 Lemberger $11.99

One of our very own Nectar Tasting Room wineries scored well at the SFWC too! A huge congratulations to Walla Walla’s Skylite Cellars for the following recognition. Two of these wines are new to Nectar, so you better stop on by and give them a try.

• GOLD – 2008 Walla Walla Valley Soiree (Category: All Other Red Varietals/Blends – up to $19.99)
• SILVER – 2007 Yakima Valley Minnick Vineyard (Category: Syrah/Shiraz – $25.00 to $29.99)
• SILVER – 2007 Walla Walla Valley Estate (Category: Merlot – $25.00 to $29.99)

Skylite’s wine maker, Robert Smasne also received some top recognition in a very high quality category. Congrats Robert:

• GOLD – 2008 Owens Reserve (Category: Bordeaux – $50 and over)
• GOLD – 2008 Carmenere (Category: All other red – $20 and over)
• SILVER – 2009 Grenache (Category: Grenache)

See the complete list of award winners at winejudging.com