Press Releases

THORNTON WINERY ANNOUNCES 2006 AWARDS

TEMECULA  - Thornton Winery, the award-winning Temecula Valley producer of premium varietal wine and methodé Champenoise sparkling wine, achieved the honor of Chairman’s Best of from the Long Beach Grand Cru for their 2004 Late Harvest Zinfandel.  This special dessert style wine is a sweet and viscous Zinfandel with ultra-ripe dusty berry aromas, coating the palate with blueberry and white chocolate flavors.

“Not every vintage is ideal to make a late harvest style wine because you really need the perfect ripening conditions to remain at length until the fruit is at its optimum sugar level.  Fortunately, 2004 was such year.  This Late Harvest Zinfandel will surely have people praying to Mother Nature for the next perfect vintage!” said Don Reha, Winemaker.

Thornton’s 2004 Merlot was the recipient of a Silver medal from the Long Beach Grand Cru. This rich Merlot opens with hints of blackberry, spice and a unique trace of peppercorn character on the nose.  Abundant plum and cherry flavors coat the palate with undertones of anise and fig.

The Long Beach Grand Cru Wine Competition and Awards & Tasting fundraising benefit had its debut in 1995. The Competition continues to grow in size and prestige attracting wineries from around the world. It has gone from a one-day competition to two days. The Long Beach Grand Cru Competition has made its mark as one of the fastest growing professionally judged wine competitions on the West Coast. 

Thornton Winery achieved one of the highest honors when their 1996 Brut Reserve garnered the title of “Best of Class” at the Temecula Valley Wine Society held their Second Annual Temecula Valley Wine Competition on July 11, 2006.  During the competition, Thornton wines were awarded an exceptional three medals, including a Gold for the acclaimed 2002 Cabernet Merlot, and silver medals for the NV Blanc de Noir and 2004 Merlot.

Thornton winery, an elegant French-style chateau overlooking the graceful vineyards of the Temecula Valley, highlights Café Champagne, the 18th Annual Champagne Jazz concert series, a breathtaking Fountain Terrace, Herb Gardens, Gift Shop, and Champagne Lounge. Café Champagne's expertise and artfully designed menu, has won the Gold Award for Contemporary Cuisine for twelve consecutive years and two “Chef of the Year” awards (2003, 2005) from the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association. “Four Stars for Cuisine” and “Four Stars for the Wine List” were awarded by the California Restaurant Writers Association.

John M. and Sally B. Thornton founded Thornton Winery, located North of San Diego in Temecula, California, in 1988.  In the beginning, their focus was on sparkling wines, and in 1993, premium varietal still wines were added. Thornton Winery boasts more awards and medals for these products than any other American producer of Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Wine/Champagne. These European in style sparkling wines, have received some of the highest of praise and ratings for California Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Wine/Champagne.

For additional information, please call (951) 699-0099 or visit www.thorntonwine.com