We’re thrilled to announce that our 2018 Beresini Pinot Noir (Carneros) has been awarded a Gold Medal at the prestigious 2025 Sunset International Wine Competition—scoring 90 points and earning accolades for its juicy black cherry character, clean structure, and elegant finish.
Gold Medal, 90 Points | “Juicy black cherry; well structured and clean”
What a Sunset Gold Medal Means
A Gold Medal is awarded only to wines scoring 90 points or higher—those that deliver exceptional quality, balance, and typicity.
The Sunset International Wine Competition is one of the most respected and internationally recognized wine judging events in the world. With over 2,000 wines submitted this year, earning a medal is no small feat. Wines are evaluated by a panel of professional judges, hand-selected for their experience, integrity, and extraordinary palates.
So yes—this is a big deal.
About the Wine
Our 2018 Beresini Pinot Noir hails from our family estate vineyard in the Los Carneros AVA, where cool-climate conditions and marine breezes create the perfect environment for expressive, site-driven Pinot Noir. Planted to heritage clones including Pommard, Calera, and Swan, this vintage showcases everything we love about Carneros Pinot:
- Aromas of ripe black cherry and baking spice
- Silky tannins and a graceful, medium-bodied structure
- Clean, elegant finish that speaks of both place and purpose
This vintage was crafted with care and minimal intervention, allowing the fruit and vineyard to shine—just the way Steve Beresini has done it for decades.
A Legacy in Every Glass
At Black Dog Ranch, we believe in legacy, loyalty, and letting the vineyard speak. This award is a testament to that philosophy, and to the people (and paws) who make it possible—from the vines to the barrel, and from the cellar to your table.
We invite you to raise a glass of our 2018 Pinot and taste what 90 points of passion, heritage, and heart truly means.
Cheers to the journey—and to the Gold!
—The Beresini Wines Family
