$1.99 Chardonnay Judged California's Best.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California's wine world turned upside down - pricewise - today when the Charles Shaw 2005 California Chardonnay (yes, the $1.99 "Two-Buck Chuck" made by Bronco Wine Company and sold through Trader Joe's) was judged the Best Chardonnay from California at the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition.

G.M. Pucilowski, Chief Judge and director of the competition, said, "Since we judge all wines totally by variety, without different brackets for price, this double-gold achievement by the Bronco winemakers is astounding." While the complete results are to be announced July 12, Renata Franzia of Bronco's Franzia family received the news today and the word is spreading. The Chardonnay received 98 points, a double gold, and the accolades of Best of California and Best of Class.

Dr. Richard Peterson, veteran winemaker and a State Fair judge for 20 years, said, "We have the most open judging I know. There is nothing to bias the judging: we get numbered glasses; we don't know region, brand or price; we evaluate the judges frequently to make sure they're tops in the field. Charles Shaw won because it is a fresh, fruity, well-balanced Chardonnay that people and judges, though maybe not wine critics, will like!"

Bronco president Fred Franzia said, "The customer has responded to our great values and now the judges to our quality - this is why we're in business: to put the best wine possible on the customers' tables at a reasonable price. I just wish some other retailers and restaurateurs had the courage and good sense to make these super-value wines available to more American wine consumers."

Charles Shaw Winery, with wines that changed drinking habits in America, is a brand of the owned by the Franzia family which has made wine in California for more than one hundred years. Bronco Wine Company and the Franzia family have no relationship to Franzia brand boxed wine. For more information on any of the Bronco Wine Company wines call [phone].

Journalists: For Artwork of Fred Franzia, Charles Shaw wines or to arrange interviews, please contact Lisa Walter at 707.996.1529 or [e-mail].