Over the past weekend, I, along with many colleagues from various facets of the wine industry, evaluated nearly 5,000 wine entries at the 34th annual San Francisco International Wine Competition, run by longtime wine journalist Anthony Dias Blue.

My panel alone tasted more than 300 wines. This may seem a daunting task, and indeed it is for many, if not most, wine enthusiasts.

That's why Anthony, and those of us who also operate major international wine competitions, choose wine judges carefully, recruiting wine professionals who not only have a good palate but also broad experience tasting multiple wines on an everyday basis.

Sommeliers certainly fit the mold, so of course San Francisco-based Master Sommelier Fred Dame was on hand to lend his expertise. Winemakers, too, routinely taste multiple wines, often from barrel, over the course of their workday, so it was no surprise to see Heidi Peterson Barrett of Screaming Eagle (among others) on one of the judging panels as well.

Journalists, wine retailers, wine buyers for major beverage chains and wine marketers also have the knack.

The quality and integrity of wine competition judges is critical, for it is their endorsements and medals that consumers often rely upon when they choose a wine.

Visit almost any winery website and you are likely to find a button to click to view awards and accolades for the wines being offered. Medals are also an important factor for consumers in winery tasting rooms, where customers frequently encounter wines they've never even seen on a retail shelf. The medal is one indication that a panel of experts has given a wine its stamp of approval.

While I take great pride in the quality of the judging at the four wine competitions I manage — the San Diego International and the Critics, Winemaker and Sommelier Challenges — I know firsthand there are other wine competitions you can certainly trust for a tout on the best wines, because I know the caliber of the judging panels they assemble.

The TexSom International Wine Competition in Dallas, for example, is among the best. This was formerly the Dallas Morning News wine competition and it has long been one of the benchmark wine competitions in the industry. Find a wine that won a gold at TexSom (run by a group of professional sommeliers based in Texas) and you know you will have a very good wine.

The Sunset Magazine International wine competition falls into the same category. That's because it is run by Rebecca Murphy, formerly the director of the Dallas Morning News competition until she sold it to Texas sommeliers.

And then there is the San Francisco International (as opposed to the San Francisco Chronicle competition, which is in Cloverdale) wine competition towered over by Anthony Blue. Gold medal wines from any of these three wine competitions will not disappoint you.

To get a gold at any one of these three, a wine must stand out in a sea of very good wine. The vetting process is rigorous. If you happen to find a gold from one of these three, you not only have a precious metal, you have a gem.

Tasting Notes

Wines are rated on a 100-point scale. Wines are chosen for review because they represent outstanding quality or value, and the scores are simply a measure of this reviewer's enthusiasm for the recommended wine.

V. Sattui 2011 Paradiso, Napa Valley ($75) — Close your eyes and imagine you've just taken a sip of First Growth Bordeaux at about $1,000 a bottle. Then open your eyes and realize it's the 2011 V. Sattui Paradiso, a red Bordeaux-style blend from a so-called off vintage. If you are the sort of person who overspends on high-end Bordeaux, this could be the steal of the century. Paradiso incorporates all five of the red Bordeaux grape varieties, but cabernet sauvignon is dominant. This vintage exhibits aromas of cassis and ripe blackberry, with the very Bordeaux-like note of lead pencil and cedar. Platinum award winner at the 2015 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition. Rating: 97.

Moet & Chandon 2006 Grand Vintage Brut Rose, Champagne, France ($90) — Moet's Grand Vintage Brut Rose is an inspired bubbly, showing a note of cola and strawberry, with a touch of spice and citrus. From the excellent 2006 vintage, serve this superb rose Champagne with roast duck breast or white meats. Platinum award winner at the 2015 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition. Rating: 95.

Barboursville Vineyards 2012 Nebbiolo Reserve, Virginia ($35) — America's finest nebbiolo is made in Virginia. Indeed, the Barboursville Reserve nebbiolo could give the finest Barolos a run for their money, at about half the price. The 2012 exhibits a classic nose of cherry and tar, while on the palate the wine is tight and firm, with fine tannins. This wine will benefit from additional cellar time, with peak maturity still five to eight years off. Platinum award winner at the 2015 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition. Rating: 94.

Estate 1856 Duvall's Prospect, Tzabaco Rancho Vineyards, Sonoma County ($38) — Rich and ripe, with power to spare, the Estate 1856 Duvall's Prospect shows impressive layers of black fruits, ample tannins and remarkably good balance considering the obvious ripeness of the fruit. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, malbec and petit verdot. Platinum award winner at the 2015 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition. Rating: 93.

Follow Robert on Twitter at @wineguru. To find out more about Robert Whitley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.