The 2006 VIP reserve at Boulder Creek Winery won a Jefferson Cup from esteemed critic Doug Frost this year. The invitational competition featured 700 wines from around the U.S., and just 10 received this distinction including this 50/50 Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon mix.
To say owners Mike and Jackie (the winemaker) Thompson are proud of being the first Colorado wine to receive such kudos is an understatement. It’s distinctions such as these that continue to grow the Colorado wine industry. The winemaking couple will also be pouring the Reserve at the U.S. Embassy in Paris in March to be tasted by French critics.“This could be Colorado’s version of Bottle Shock,” Mike said.
The winery itself opened in Gunbarrel in 2003 and has been producing Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, reserve selections and more to accolades in Boulder County.
Thompson focuses on an old-world style, so be sure to sample some of the bigger reds on the wine list. A majority of the grapes are sourced from Palisade in the Grand Valley AVA.
“A lifetime love of wine lead us to Colorado to become a part of a growing wine industry,” Mike said.
Boulder Creek offers a small tasting room, and impromptu self-guided tours are encouraged (you can bring your tasting glass!). The winery is also just one mile away from the Celestial Seasonings factory if you’re interested in trying some teas before or after a wine tasting.
Best bottle from the winemaker’s perspective: The 2006 VIP Reserve. If Doug Frost loves it, who is to complain?
Award highlights:
- 2006 VIP Reserve: Jefferson Cup (Doug Frost Competition)
- 2003 Chardonnay: Double gold medal, best of show 2004 Colorado Mountain Wine Festival
- 2005 Syrah: Double gold medal, best of show 2008 Colorado Mountain Wine
- 2006 Merlot: Double gold medal 2009 Colorado Mountain Wine Festival
Prices: $15-$35
Wine club: Sign up to receive three ($50-$65) or six ($100-$130) bottles twice a year. Shipping extra. Order more than a case a year to be eligible for discounts of up to 25% and to get invited to exclusive events.
Tasting room: Wine tasting is free ($3 for reserve selections)
Hours: 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday
Self-guided tour of Winery is available (no charge)
6440 Odell Place
Boulder, CO 80301
303.516.9031
Twitter: BoulderCrekWine
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Photos courtesy of Boulder Creek Winery
The Bottle Shock trailer: Maybe the Jefferson Cup is a clue that Colorado is heading in this direction:
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