Roche Winery Wins Best of Class – North Coast Wine Challenge
We are celebrating again! A BIG congratulations to our winemaker, Michael Carr, for more award-winning wines in 2025!!
Four of our wines won a gold or better at the 2025 North Coast Wine Challenge, hosted by The Press Democrat; a wine competition celebrating wines exclusively produced and bottled in California’s North Coast wine regions. We consider it an honor for our wines to stand up against our peers in the local and neighboring AVAs: Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Lake, Solano and Marin counties. In true form, Michael’s wines held strong in 2025 receiving a gold, double gold and two Best of Class designations – one in an entirely new class added to the competition!
The North Coast Wine Challenge added new wine categories this year for judging including a Nouveau Style Red Wine class. We proudly announce our 2023 Nouveau Pinot Noir won BEST OF CLASS in this new category! Currently a trend among consumers, Nouveau style red wines bounce with fruit flavors and a light body with low tannins creating an easy-drinking wine for those who prefer a lighter style red. Our 2023 Nouveau doesn’t disappoint described by the judges as “yummylicious, sassy and very pretty.” We think the wine tastes best slightly chilled to enjoy the gentle floral qualities and smooth finish.
We also received a BEST OF CLASS for our 2023 Reserve Pinot Noir Tipperary Vineyard. The judges consider this wine “fresh, bright and elegant.” We wholeheartedly agree!
Below are our tasting notes and descriptions for the award-winners. We hope you can stop by soon to experience these award-winning wines firsthand at our Downtown Sonoma or Sonoma Winery tasting room. Or enjoy the wine shipped to your doorstep! Get in touch with us to make your order!
tasting notes
BEST OF CLASS - 2023 Nouveau Pinot Noir
With a bright aroma bursting with raspberry and floral notes of fresh roses, this light red wine is perfect to start the evening off especially with its smooth cherry flavors and a soft tannin rich with a blood orange citrus acidity. The judges deemed the Nouveau Pinot Noir aromatic with a gentle floral finish.
BEST OF CLASS - 2022 Tipperary Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir
available to wine club members only
Our vineyard designated Tipperary Reserve Pinot Noir is packed with aromas and flavors of berry earning a “fresh, bright and elegant” descriptor from the judges. Dried strawberries and black cherry abound in the nose with a light toast from the French Oak barrels, complimented by the strawberry and cooked cherry pie in the bright and juicy acidity.
DOUBLE GOLD - 2023 Saprkling Brut Rosé
available to wine club members only
Always a great party starter! Pop open our sparkling Brut Rosé to enjoy its floral, jasmine and rose aromas and flavors of peach and melon. Our favorite description from the judges is “cerebral with lovely acidity and a long finish.”
GOLD - 2023 American Oak Reserve Chardonnay
One of our customer’s favorites for its smoothness, the American Oak Chardonnay has a nice crisp red apple and apricot aroma with hints of smooth butterscotch and spice; expect flavors of tropical fruit, apple pie and the toffee bite of American Oak barrels. The judges described it as having a bright long lasting finish, with one judge writing “Bring on the oysters!”
