“At the Winemaker Challenge, we have judges who not only know but appreciate native grapes. They showed their appreciation for this Cynthiana — also known as Norton — by tagging it with a Platinum award. Aromas of black fruit and clay entice, and the black fruit carries the palate with good grip and notes of citrus and brown spice. One of the best wines I’ve tasted from this variety. It sounds like a road trip is in order. A Platinum Award winner at the 2018 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition.”
– Rich Cook | 2018 Winemaker Challenge Judge | Jan 30, 2018
“North Carolina’s Jolo Winery 2016 Pilot Fog was named Best Native American Red (the grape is Norton). I might prefer the V. Sattui 2013 Morisoli Vineyard cabernet sauvignon, the wine of the year, but the far less expensive Norton from the obscure Yadkin River Valley of North Carolina could hold its own in just about any company.”
– Robert Whitley | “Lessons From the 2018 Winemaker Challenge” | February 13, 2018
James Suckling Rating- 90 Points
Gold Medal Award- 2021 Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition
Best of Class- 2021 Santé International Wine and Spirits Competition
Gold Medal Award- 2021 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Double Gold Medal Award- 2021 Carolina Classic Fair
Gold Medal Award- 2022 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Gold Medal Award 90 POINTS- 2021 Harvest Challenge Sonoma California
Gold Medal Award- 2021 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
James Suckling Rating- 90 Points
Jefferson Cup Winner – 2021 Jefferson Cup Invitational | Kansas City, MO
Jefferson Cup Winner – 2019 Jefferson Cup Invitational | Kansas City, MO
Best of Class- 2021 Santé International Wine and Spirits Competition
Gold Medal Winner- 93 Points 2021 International Wine Makers Challenge
Gold Medal Winner 2021 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Double Gold Medal Award- 2021 Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition
Gold Medal Award- 2021 Carolina Classic Fair
JOLO Vineyards, Yadkin Valley (North Carolina) “Cuvee Selection” 2018:
“I love what’s happening at JOLO, and I hope this award brings them some wider recognition. Yadkin Valley, North Carolina might not be on the tip of your tongue when it comes to favorite AVA’s, but there’s great fruit being produced there, and it’s being made into great wine – some from varieties you may not know. This wine blends 25% Cynthiana (aka Norton) with 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Petit Verdot into a gorgeous glass. Mixed red berry and cherry, a dash of dill, soft fall spice and easy oak toast all dancing together through a long finish that’s extended by supple grip. Spring this on your California wine snob friends and spin them around a bit! A Platinum Award winner at the 2020 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition.”
— 94 Rich Cook Jan 28, 2020
“The hybrid grape varietals wildly planted in the eastern and midwestern United States may not be well known, but the wines they produce are increasingly well made. JOLO’s blend of Vidal Blanc and Traminette from JOLO offers bright citrus and tropical aromas, is well balanced, bone dry and long on the palate. Platinum Award Winner at the 2019 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition.”
94 Points
Robert Whitley – January 22, 2019
Gold Medal Award- 93 Points- 2022 International Winemakers Challenge San Diego CA
James Suckling Rating- 90 Points
Gold Medal Award- 2021 Carolina Classic Fair
Gold Medal Winner- 92 Points 2021 International Wine Makers Challenge
James Suckling Rating- 90 Points
BEST OF SHOW ROSÉ
2020 International Winemaker’s Challenge
Gold Medal Award- 2021 Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition
James Suckling Rating- 90 points