Kaj Ahlmann, owner of Six Sigma Ranch in Lower Lake, Calif., is celebrating the awards and recognition for his 2005 and 2006 Tempranillo vintages. Photo courtesy of Six Sigma Ranch.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Six Sigma Ranch is celebrating a double win from the second annual People’s Choice Wine Awards of Lake County.

On Sept. 26, Six Sigma Ranch received the best Tempranillo award for its 2005 Tempranillo at the People’s Choice consumer blind tasting event held at Six Sigma Ranch.

In August, a panel of 10 professional wine judges declared Six Sigma Ranch’s 2005 Tempranillo the overall Best Red Wine of Lake County.

“The timing of these awards makes the recognition even more special,” said Six Sigma owner Kaj Ahlmann. “These awards were announced exactly five years after our 2005 Tempranillo was picked and crushed. A signature varietal of Six Sigma Ranch, it has aged beautifully. We couldn’t be more proud.”

The wine has many admirers. In February 2008, Wine Enthusiast’s Steve Heimoff wrote, “This is the best California Tempranillo in this critic’s experience.” Heimoff gave the wine 91 points.

Ahlmann said guests often come to his ranch specifically to taste the Tempranillo.

Only 296 cases of the 2005 vintage were produced. In celebration of the awards, winemaker Matt Hughes said Six Sigma Ranch will release 25 cases from its library reserves.

“Drinking this wine is like going to Spain for under $50,” added Hughes.

Ahlmann has received more good news about his beloved Tempranillo.

Wine Enthusiast magazine announced that the 2006 Six Sigma Tempranillo had been awarded 90 points, on a 100-point scale.

“That’s a pretty good start for our first two vintages of Tempranillo,” said Ahlmann.

The wines can be purchased online at www.sixsigmaranch.com or at the Six Sigma tasting room.

The tasting room is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information call 707-994-4068.

Six Sigma Ranch is a 4,300-acre estate located at 13372 Spruce Grove Road in Lower Lake. About 50 acres of the land is planted to vineyards; the remaining acreage is dedicated as a nature preserve through a conservation easement donated to the Golden State Land Conservancy.

The Ahlmanns chose the Six Sigma name to show their commitment to quality and consistency. A statistical tool and management process, the six sigma methodology was developed by engineers.