Catoctin Breeze Vineyard takes top honors with an Estate Cabernet Franc for second year
(BALTIMORE, MD) – Following the success of their 2016 Cabernet Franc, Catoctin Breeze Vineyard in Thurmont has won the 2019 Comptroller’s Cup with their 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.
2019 Maryland Wine Comptroller’s Cup Results
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
- 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 2017
- 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.
About the Competition. The Maryland Comptroller’s Cup Competition awards high quality Maryland wines entered into nearly three dozen varying style categories. This annual competition is organized by the Maryland Wineries Association.
About the Maryland Wineries Association. The Maryland Wineries Association (MWA), formed in 1984, is the non-profit trade association that represents more than 85 member wineries in Maryland. MWA’s mission is to develop and expand the grape and wine industry in Maryland – through education and promotion.
