Comptroller’s Cup Results
Catoctin Cabernet Franc Takes Best in Show
The 2017 Estate Cabernet Franc from Catoctin Breeze Vineyard won Best in Show at the 2019 Comptroller’s Cup competition.
By Grow & Fortify
Following the success of its 2016 Cabernet Franc, Catoctin Breeze Vineyard in Thurmont has won the 2019 Comptroller’s Cup with its 2017 Estate Cabernet Franc. Standing out from 165 competing wines from 31 wineries, this Cabernet Franc took top honors in its own style category before being selected as “Best in Show.”
“We feel incredibly honored to have won the Comptroller’s Cup again,” says Voytek Fizyta, Partner at Catoctin Breeze Vineyard. “Being recognized two years in a row with our Estate Cabernet Franc leaves us very proud and humbled, especially when there are so many great producers here in Maryland.”
Other high honors were awarded to wines that earned the “Best in Class” designation. These winning entries are indicative of the quality wines being produced in Maryland and showcase the care and intent of the state’s wine makers.
Fizyta said, “this 2017 Cabernet Franc truly started in the vineyard and is a representation of a great growing season in harmony with our goal to produce high quality terroir-driven wines. It was produced with minimal intervention and our unique cellar practices.”
The 2019 Comptroller’s Cup Competition was hosted in Towson on Wednesday, May 22, 2019. Each year, wineries from throughout Maryland submit wines for review by a panel of judges. Local radio and television host, Al Spoler of WYPR’s Cellar Notes directs the competition.
Prize Winners
BEST IN SHOW
Comptroller’s Cup: Catoctin Breeze Vineyards • Estate Cabernet Franc 2017
BEST IN CLASS
White: Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards • Legacy 2017
White Blend: Big Cork Vineyards • Russian Kiss 2018
Big Cork Vineyard’s 2018 French Kiss won best in class for white blends. Pictured, a bottle from the 2017 vintage.
Rosé: Port of Leonardtown Winery • Chaptico Rosé
Red: Catoctin Breeze Vineyard • Estate Cabernet Franc 2017
Red Blend: Port of Leonardtown Winery • Captain’s Table 2016
Off-Dry: Big Cork Vineyards • Vidal Blanc 2018
Sweet: Far Eastern Shore Winery • Ruby NV
Dessert: Janemark Winery & Vineyard • Sweet Heidi 2017
Mead Blend: Loew Vineyards • Honey & Grape NV
Fruit: Red Heifer Winery • Blueberry NV
GOLD MEDALS
Big Cork Vineyards • Black Label Vintner Select Cabernet Franc 2016
Big Cork Vineyards • Cabernet Franc 201
Big Cork Vineyards • Meritage 2017
Big Cork Vineyards • Muscat Cannelli 2018
Big Cork Vineyards • Russian Kiss 2018
Big Cork Vineyards • Russian Kiss 2017
Big Cork Vineyards • Saignee Rosé 2018
Big Cork Vineyards • Vidal Blanc 2018
Boordy Vineyards • Chardonnay 2017
Cabin Vineyard • Cabin Vineyard Red 2016
Cabin Vineyard • Guest 2014
Catoctin Breeze Vineyard • Estate Cabernet Franc 2017
Crow Vineyard & Winery • Crow Club Select NV
Far Eastern Shore Winery • Ruby NV
Janemark Winery & Vineyard • Sweet Heidi 2017
Knob Hall Winery • Prestige 2015
Loew Vineyards • Honey & Grape NV
Port of Leonardtown Winery • Captain’s Table 2016
Port of Leonardtown Winery • Chaptico Rosé
Port of Leonardtown Winery • Red Lot 16 NV
Red Heifer Winery • Blueberry NV
Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards • Legacy 2017
Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard • Comus 2016
Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard • Pinot Grigio 2017
See the entire list of medalists on MarylandWine.com.