June 19, 2023 (Paso Robles, Calif.) — Brecon Estate winery just joined the rather exclusive 100-point wine club, boasting the highest-scoring wine at the Prestigious 2023 L.A. International Wine Competition [now in its 88th year]. Judges determined that all three of Brecon’s wines submitted deserved at minimum, Best In Class [a phenomenal hit rate], and indeed the 2020 Malbec [Adelaida District] earned the elusive 100-point score. Incidentally, Brecon Estate’s 2019 Reserve Cabernet Franc [99pts] topped the same show the previous year.
With only a handful of perfect 100-point scores ever awarded in Paso’s history, this accolade tops a fantastic show season for Brecon. It follows hot on the heels of last week’s announcement; Brecon Estate Albarino topped the Sunset International Competition [99Pts], marking the first time an Albarino and a wine labeled as a San Luis Obispo Coast wine won the iconic lifestyle magazine’s International Wine Competition.
Founding Winemaker Damian Grindley makes Brecon’s Malbec in a Cahors style, where up to 30% Merlot or Tannat can be added to the wine. According to Grindley, “The fine folk in Cahors have been making delicious wine (locally called black wine) since the time of Julius Caesar. That’s why plucky little Brecon decided not to reinvent the chariot wheel, and mimic the region’s wine makeup.” Hence the bags of bright fruit, a solid backbone, lovely acid balance, and a certain softness of texture. All of this overlain with fine French oak, imparting warm cinnamon and nutmeg overtones with hints of vanilla candy.
“By topping L.A. International two years running, our characterful wines get exposed to way more wine fanatics than would normally have a chance to venture past our door or stumble across our little website,” says winemaker Damian Grindley. “It puts an international spotlight on both Brecon Estate and the Adelaida sub-district in Paso Robles.”
Brecon Estate is a boutique winery located in the rolling westside hills outside of Paso Robles, Calif. Their wines are sold exclusively on their website www.breconestate.com, through their tasting room, 805.239.2200, or by joining their wine club. A note that at the time of this publication, the 2020 Malbec has sold out, with the majority of the 202 cases produced going to wine club members. However, with so many high-scoring wines being poured, it’s seemingly the perfect time to visit Brecon.
