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Medford newcomers net winery gold Fences owners David and Jody Lennon sip their 2014 cabernet sauvignon, which earned Best of Class recognition in a major San Francisco competition. [Mail Tribune / Andy Atkinson] Monday Jan 29, 2018 at 5:41 PM Jan 29, 2018 at 5:41 PM Greg Stiles Mail Tribune @GregMTBusiness One newcomer to the Jackson County wine scene and one old hand claimed Best of Class showings in the 2018 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Fences released its first vintages in November 2016, but it didn't take long for the west Medford winery to become a favorite with tasting judges. After scoring a silver medal at last year's Oregon Wine Experience with its $25 2014 cabernet sauvignon, Fences took a home run swing and connected in San Francisco, receiving Best of Class acclaim in the $23 to $26.99 range. "We didn't expect that in a million years," said Jody Lennon, who operates eight planted acres off Bellinger Lane with her husband, David. "With all those entries we didn't expect anything." Fences's 2014 cabernet sauvignon reserve earned a silver in the competition, which overall drew nearly 7,000 entries from 35 states. "In a market saturated with wines, it's not enough to tell people your wine is delicious," Lennon said. "It helps if other people say it. Obviously, the Oregon Wine Experience was near and dear to our heart, but San Francisco is the biggest and most prestigious event — that's the one where you want to see results." Rock Point, a new line from Gold Hill's Del Rio Vineyards, grabbed Best of Class for its pinot gris/grigio in the under $15 category.  Two more Rogue Valley wineries — Augustino and Deer Creek Vineyards — along with Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards and Spangler Vineyards in Douglas County were among nine Oregon wineries carting off Best of Class awards. In essence the Chronicle event is a buyer's guide for wine drinkers of varying budgets, breaking off categories at multiple price points. Judging was held earlier this month and medal winners are eligible to pour at the public tasting Feb. 17 at Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion in San Francisco. Winemaker John Quinones produced Fences' 2014 vintage at Naumes Custom Crush & Fermentation. In lieu of a tasting room, the Lennons have hosted a series of summer events, attended by as many as 150 people. Jody Lennon has also done tastings at Harry & David Country Village, Old 99 Road Beer & Wine Shop, Rogue Valley Country Club and Market of Choice. "We had zero expectations, this is so incredible to us," Lennon said. "We couldn't believe we won a medal at Oregon Wine Experience so new out of the gate. We've entered two competitions and got results in both." Even better, she said, Fences outscored a $24 bottle of cabernet sauvignon from the Trump Winery, in Virginia. "He can afford the best," Lennon said. "But he wasn't the best, we were." Since 2007, Del Rio has piled up a lot of gold in the annual Bay Area event. "We found the San Francisco Chronicle competition was a good one for submission, because it's one of the largest — and because Southern Oregon does pretty well," said Del Rio Vineyard spokesperson Lindsey Zagar. The burgeoning Del Rio operation, with plantings on both sides of the Rogue River near Gold Hill, distributes its vintages to 18 states, but not California. "We focus on entering wines we have in distribution," Zagar said. "While sales in the tasting room are about the personal connection, judging scores and awards really help with sales in stores. When you can't be in front of people, you've got to use the tools you've got." Several years ago Del Rio extended beyond its estate limited-production wines with its Jolee brand rose, and more recently introduced Rock Point, aimed at lower-price buyers. Del Rio's $28 pinot noir scored a double gold, while it collected two more golds and a silver. Rock Point's River Rock White captured a double-gold last year, while its viognier was acclaimed Best of Class in 2009 and 2010, while adding double-gold in 2011. Del Rio also packed off double-gold awards for cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay in 2007 and earned double-gold for its 2014 pinot gris. — Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 541-776-4463 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GregMTBusiness or www.facebook.com/greg.stiles.31.