Bluestone Vineyard’s 2023 Pinot Meunier has clinched the prestigious title of “Best of the Best” at the 2024 International Eastern Wine Competition, held in Windsor, California. The wine secured top honors during the final edition of the renowned East Meets West Competition, which pits the finest wines from the East Coast against their West Coast counterparts.
The East Meets West contest follows a two-part process. Initially, wines compete in the separate International Eastern Wine Competition and West Coast Wine Competition. The standout selections from each region then face off in a final taste test, judged by experts well-versed in the unique styles and varietals of their respective regions. Wines from across the United States and the world are eligible for entry, with assessments made based on flavor, aroma, color, and overall quality.
Bluestone’s 2023 Pinot Meunier, scoring an impressive 99 points, captivated the judging panel with its exceptional craftsmanship. Described as “seductive” with notes of “rich, lush, wild cherry,” the wine was praised for its “impeccable winemaking.” With fewer than 100 cases produced, this one-time bottling is a pioneering effort in Virginia, where winemaker Lee Hartman aged the wine in third-use barrels for nine months.
Bluestone Vineyard Dominates with Multiple Awards
In addition to its Best of the Best accolade, Bluestone Vineyard saw five other entries take home gold awards or better at the competition.
The vineyard’s Beau, a Vidal Blanc-Traminette blend, earned a score of 97 and was crowned the best white wine of the competition. Known for its sweet, golden flavor with 3% residual sugar, the wine is named after a golden retriever who graces the label, making it one of Bluestone’s signature offerings.
In the Dessert/Late Harvest category, Bluestone’s 2022 Moscato achieved a double gold with 96 points. Produced from one of the most vigorous vines on the estate, the wine is known for its bold flavors of peaches, honey, and sour apple. Bluestone Vineyard is one of the few producers of Moscato in Virginia, setting it apart in the state’s wine scene.
Other gold medal winners included the 2023 Vidal Blanc, which was awarded Best of Class with a score of 98. This estate-grown vintage, aged in stainless steel, boasts a light, crisp flavor. Similarly, the 2023 Petit Manseng also received Best of Class honors, scoring 97 points. This vintage remains unreleased but is highly anticipated once current stock sells out.
Finally, Bluestone’s 2021 Merlot added to the vineyard’s accolades. The wine has garnered widespread praise, including a stellar review in The Washington Post, which lauded it as a “stylish Merlot with plum and tobacco aromas and a sweet-tart berry note.” The 2021 Merlot was also recognized as one of the top seven wines in the 2023 Shenandoah Cup, a competition highlighting the Shenandoah Valley’s growing prominence as a wine-producing region.
Bluestone Vineyard’s impressive success at the 2024 International Eastern Wine Competition underscores its commitment to crafting world-class wines and further solidifies Virginia’s reputation as a key player in the U.S. wine industry.
