The August issue of Seattle Magazine is the annual wine issue, including the 2012 Washington Wine Awards. I was on the survey panel which nominated the candidates for each award. So I was interested to learn the final winners. I did not vote for all of the winners, but have no problems with the outcomes. All the winners are truly deserving of the awards bestowed upon them. Here are my comments on each category.

White Wine of the Year: Dowsett Family 2010 Celilo Vineyard Gewurztraminer, Columbia Gorge ($22) - Chris Dowsett makes some of the best Gewurztraminers in the state, and his 2010 is exceptional (19/20 points, August 2011 issue of the Review of Washington Wines). The 2010 is sold out, but the 2011 vintage is even better. It will be reviewed in the August issue (19.5 points).

Red Wine of the Year: Betz Family Winery 2009 Pere de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley ($65) - I missed reviewing this wine; it sold out quickly. But Bob Betz is an outstanding winemaker, and all his wines that I have reviewed have scored 19 or more points.

Best Emerging Winery: Reynvaan Family Vineyards - The Reynvaans (Mike, Gale, son, Matt, and daughters Amanda and Angela Reynvaan Garatt) have been going from strength to strength with each vintage since 2007. See the February 2012 issue for reviews of the winery's 2010's.

Winemaker of the Year: Ben Smith, Cadence - There is no doubt that Ben Smith (and partner, wife Gaye McNutt) have produced outstanding wines that add luster to the Red Mountain AVA. There will be reviews of Cadence's four 2008's in the August issue of the Review.

Winemaker to Watch: Anna Schafer, àMaurice - Anna Schafer has been crafting distinctive wines, from the winery's estate vineyard and other sources. Malbec is a specialty, having worked at Paul Hobbes's Vina Cobos winery in Argentina. See the July issue for reviews of the current àMaurice releases.

Sommelier of the Year: Erik Liedholm, John Howie Restaurants - We don't eat out often, so I don't know Erik Liedholm personally, but his reputation and credentials are impeccable.

Emerging Varietal: Mourvèdre - I voted for Petit Verdot as the emerging varietal, but agree that Mourvèdre is an up and coming variety. A couple of noteworthy Mourvèdres reviewed recently are the 2010 Rasa Vineyards "Vox Populi" (19/20 points - July) and the 2009 Hollywood Hills Vineyards (18.5 points - January).

Community Service Award: Rick Small & Darcey Fugman-Small, Woodward Canyon - Rick and Darcey have supported numerous organizatons and served on numerous boards. Their support means a lot to so many.

Coolest Wine Label: Stevens Winery - No doubt about it, the ghost-like vines hanging on lines on the winery's "424" Red blend is cool creativity.

Vineyard of the Year: Champoux Vineyards - Paul Champoux's grapes, planted starting in 1972, are the backbone of some stellar wines, including Andrew Will's Sorella and Woodward Canyon's Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon.

Red Wines Winners in the Review of Washington Wines:

Merlot over $20: Abeja 2009 Columbia Valley (19 points - December 2011)

Cabernet Franc, all prices: Walla Walla Vintners 2009 Columbia Valley (18.5 points - June 2011)

Cabernet Sauvignon over $20: Abeja 2008 Columbia Valley (19+ points - December 2011)

Red Rhone style wine, all prices: Betz Family Winery 2009 Besoleil (19+ points - May 2011)

Red Bordeaux style blend, all prices:  Betz Family Winery 2009 Clos de Betz (19 points - May 2012)

White Wines Winners in the Review of Washington Wines:

Chardonnay over $20: Tranche Cellars 2006 Columbia Gorge. The 2006 is sold out, but the exceptional 2008 was reviewed in the March 2012 issue (19 points).

Viognier, all prices: William Church 2010 Columbia Valleu (18.5 points - August 2011)

White Bordeaux-style, all prices: Cadaretta 2010 SBS (18+ points - July 2011). The 2010 is sold out, but the 2011 vintage scored 18.5 points in the June 2012 issue.