Local wineries win awards at the Indy International Wine Competition

Barrister, Maryhill and Cougar Crest Estate wineries and Nodland Cellars all won awards for their wines at the recent Indy International Wine Competition, the largest scientifically organized and independent wine competition in the U.S.

Nodland Cellars, a members-only winery located in Spokane Valley, won wine of the year for its 2014 malbec. The same wine won best in class and a double gold medal.

Barrister Winery, located in downtown Spokane, won red wine of the year for the second year in a row for its petit verdot. The 2013 vintage won last year; the 2014 vintage won this year. It also won double-gold.

And Richard Batchelor of Maryhill Winery won winemaker of the year.

Maryhill, which makes wine in Goldendale and operates a tasting room in Spokane’s Kendall Yards, won more than 50 medals in the competition, taking home the following top honors:

Best of Class, 2015 Proprietor’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Double Gold, 2015 Proprietor’s Reserve Cabernet Franc

Double Gold, 2015 Malbec

Double Gold, 2015 Painted Hills Dolcetto

Double Gold, 2016 Winemaker’s Red

Maryhill was also honored with 12 gold, 30 silver and six bronze medals, winning 53 medals in all.

Nearly 2,000 wines from around the world were judged during the contest, recently held at Purdue University.

Nodland was also recognized for its 2014 Reserve cabernet sauvignon and 2015 syrah. And Barrister was also recognized for its 2015 sangiovese.

Cougar Crest, which is based in Walla Walla and runs a tasting room in downtown Spokane, was recognized for its 2014 merlot, 2014 cabernet franc and 2014 cabernet sauvignon.

On the web: www.indyinternational.org/.