Whitley on Wine

ROBERT WHITLEY

CRITICS CHALLENGE 2004
COMPETITION RESULTS, Pg. 2

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Falkner Winery
	Critics Award	2001	Falkner Reserve Chardonnay	Temecula	$16.95	Sweet fruit -- MT

Fallbrook Winery
	Critics Gold	2001	Fallbrook Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon	California	$16.00	Lovely Cabernet, supple and jammy with a long, classy finish -- MA
	Critics Award	2001	Fallbrook Reserve Merlot	California	$16.00	Deep aroma of cedar and berry, with ripe fruit... balanced -- GB
	Critics Award	2001	Fallbrook Reserve Chardonnay	California	$14.00	Well-integrated oak, fruit and acidity -- NP

Fetzer Vineyards
	Critics Award	2001	Fetzer Five Rivers Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon	Central Coast	$12.99	Bright acidity ... pleasant and drinkable -- SB
	Critics Gold	2001	Fetzer Five Rivers Ranch Merlot	Central Coast		Muscular, extracted style, but with good overall balance -- MF
	Critics Award	2001	Fetzer Barrel Select Pinot Noir	Sonoma County	$19.99	Lovely fruit... great nose, great length... wonderful Pinot Noir -- MA
	Critics Award	2003	Fetzer Valley Oaks Syrah Rose	California	$8.99	Cherry overtones, clean and bright -- MT
	Critics Award	2002	Fetzer Sundial Chardonnay	California	$9.99	A tropical fruit bowl! -- MT
	Critics Award	2002	Fetzer Barrel Select Chardonnay	Mendocino County	$13.99	Balanced ripe fruit flavors -- MT
	Critics Award	2002	Fetzer Five Rivers Ranch Chardonnay	Monterey County	$12.99	Aromas of Bartlett pears and figs ... a fine glass of wine -- MT

Ficklin Vineyards
	Critics Award	NV	Ficklin Old Vine Tinta Port	Madera	$15.00	Lean caramel nose, sleek and stylish... an attractive wine -- SB
	Critics Award	1991	Ficklin Vintage 1991 Port	Madera	$30.00	Soft, ready to drink. Very pleasant -- BS

Fiddlehead Cellars
	Critics Award	2001	Fiddlehead Seven Twenty Eight Pinot Noir, Fiddlestix Vineyard	Santa Ynez Valley	$38.00	A rich, expressive style, with a silky texture -- PL
	Critics Gold	2001	Fiddlehead Sauvignon Blanc, Happy Canyon Vineyard	Santa Ynez Valley	$22.00	Juicy and uncomplicated, but easy to sip! -- LS

Firesteed Cellars
	Critics Award	2001	Firesteed Pinot Noir	Willamette Valley	$18.00	Nicely balanced, will improve with age -- BS

Flora Springs Wine Company
	Critics Award	2002	Flora Springs "Soliloquy"	Napa Valley	$24.99	Clean and fine! -- NP
	Critics Award	2002	Flora Springs Select Cuvee Chardonnay	Napa Valley	$35.00	Lovely full mouthfeel and a long, spicy finish -- LS

Foley Estates Vineyard & Winery
	Critics Award	2002	Foley Estates Syrah, Rancho Santa Rosa	Santa Rita Hills	$35.00	Good fruit... well balanced, needs a few years -- EM

Foppiano Vineyards
	Critics Award	2000	Foppiano Cabernet Sauvignon	Russian River Valley	$17.50	Great nose... smoky and exotic. Delish! -- MA
	Critics Award	2001	Riverside by Foppiano Cabernet Sauvignon	California	$7.50	Good balance and good structure -- MA
	Critics Award	2000	Foppiano Pinot Noir	Russian River Valley	$23.00	Earthy elements, fruity finish -- MT
	Critics Gold	2002	Foppiano Petite Syrah, Bacigalupi Vineyard	Russian River Valley	$17.50	Wow! Rich and deep. Full, dark juicy fruit -- LS
	Critics Award	2001	Foppiano Petite Syrah	Russian River Valley	$23.00	Rich and fresh, with bright fruit -- LS
	Critics Award	2001	Foppiano Zinfandel	Dry Creek Valley	$15.00	Cassis and blackberry, well integrated -- MT
	Critics Award	2002	Riverside Chardonnay	California	$7.50	Nice summer quaffer -- RW

Forest Glen
	Critics Award	2001	Forest Glen Oak Barrel Selection Cabernet Sauvignon	California	$9.99	Lovely nose, herbal/oak, balanced -- MA
	Critics Gold	2003	Forest Glen White Merlot	California		A bouquet of slightly sweet fruit flavors with a refreshing finish -- MT
	Critics Award	2001	Forest Glen Oak Barrel Selection Shiraz	California	$9.99	Lean and austere for a shiraz, but with fine balance -- NP
	Critics Award	2002	Forest Glen Oak Barrel Fermented Chardonnay	California	$9.99	Very dry, this wine would be great with fish -- EM

Franciscan Oakville Estate
	Critics Gold	2001	Franciscan Oakville Estates Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa Valley	$27.00	Rich and thick, with good fruit, and big tannins -- GB

Frederick Wildman And Sons
	Critics Award	2001	Potel-Aviron Morgon Chateau Gaillard	Morgon	$18.99	Its nice structure speaks of aging possibility -- BS
	Critics Gold	1999	Melini "La Selvanella" Chianti Classico Riserva	Chianti Classico, Italy	$23.99	Good fruit, great balance ... excellent Chianti! -- EM
	Critics Award	1999	Melini "Massovecchio" Chianti Classico Riserva	Chianti Classico, Italy	$29.99	This light style makes a good luncheon wine with pasta -- EM
	Critics Platinum	1998	Churchill's Late Bottled Vintage Port	Oporto	$23.99	Distinctive with a deep nose, rich texture, and good length and balance -- GB
	Critics Award	2001	El Coto de Rioja Crianza	Rioja, Spain	$12.99	Classic crianza! -- BS
	Critics Platinum	2002	Chateau Bela Riesling	Sturovo Region, Muzla	$18.99	Fruity and tropical with bright acidity... Tart -- GB
	Critics Platinum	2002	Broquel Malbec	Mendoza, Argentina	$14.99	Big and ambitious, with black fruits and spice -- BS
	Critics Award	NV	Pol Roger Brut Reserve	Champagne	$34.99	Rich, with gorgeous flavors! -- MF
	Critics Gold	1995	Pol Roger Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill	Champagne	$179.99	Nice clean style ... but with authority! -- MF
	Critics Award	2001	Jaboulet "La Petite Chapelle" Syrah	Hermitage	$79.99	Classic black pepper character... long and delicious -- PL
	Critics Award	2001	Chateau Fuisse "Vieilles Vignes" Pouilly-Fuisse	Pouilly-Fuisse, France	$49.99	The whole package, including restraint -- BS

Frei Brothers
	Critics Award	2001	Frei Brothers Reserve Merlot	Dry Creek Valley	$20.00	Ripe, juicy, expressive fruit... red berries and black plums -- MF
	Critics Gold	2002	Frei Brothers Reserve Pinot Noir	Russian River Valley	$24.00	Clean and lithe, with a dancer's grace -- PL

Gabbiano
	Critics Gold	2001	Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva	Chianti Classico, Italy	$17.00	This dry, full Chianti needs a few years -- EM
	Critics Award	2002	Gabbiano Chianti	Chianti, Italy	$10.00	Fruity, with nice hints of earth and cedar -- NP
	Critics Award	2001	Gabbiano Chianti Classico	Chianti Classico, Italy	$13.00	Intriguing hints of earth and wet leather -- NP
	Critics Award	1999	Gabbiano Alleanza	Toscana	$35.00	Powerful and young with complex flavors -- EM

Galleano Winery, Inc.
	Critics Award	NV	Galleano Angelica	Cucamonga Valley	$30.00	Coffee and figs on the nose, sweet and silky, fine acidity, a sleek finish -- SB
	Critics Award	1996	Galleano Aleatico Port	Cucamonga Valley	$14.95	Is this Port? Tastes like Pedro Ximenez -- BS
	Critics Award	2001	Galleano Zinfandel, Dos Rancheros	Cucamonga Valley	$18.00	Classy vino. Peppery, cherry aromas... vibrant acid. A food wine -- LS

Gallo Of Sonoma
	Critics Gold	1999	Gallo of Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon, Frei Ranch Vineyard	Dry Creek Valley	$28.00	Sleek, aromas of plum and a hint of herbs. I love this wine -- LS
	Critics Gold	1999	Gallo of Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon Estate	Northern Sonoma	$75.00	Huge! Tannic! Gorgeous! Could be stunning in a few years -- LS
	Critics Gold	2000	Gallo Zinfandel, Frei Ranch Vineyard	Dry Creek Valley	$22.00	Tightly wound with ultraripe fruit... spicy! -- LS
	Critics Platinum	2002	Gallo of Sonoma Reserve Syrah	Sonoma County	$11.00	Intensely flavored and quite exotic -- EM
	Critics Award	2000	Gallo Chardonnay, Laguna Ranch Vineyard	Russian River Valley	$22.00	Deep color with aromas of toasted oak... good structure and length -- GB

Gan Eden/Yayin Corp.
	Critics Award	1997	Gan Eden Limited Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon	Mendocino County	$40.00	Fresh, clean ... lean and lively -- SB

Gargiulo Vineyard
	Critics Gold	2001	Gargiulo "Aprile" Sangiovese	Oakville	$25.00	Rich, zesty nose ... tannic but concentrated and long -- SB

Geyser Peak Winery
	Critics Gold	2001	Geyser Peak Cabernet Sauvignon	Alexander Valley	$18.00	Tight, lean, wound up now but tannins, fruit are in balance -- LS
	Critics Gold	2001	Geyser Peak Block Collection Cabernet Sauvignon, Kuimelis Vineyard	Alexander Valley	$32.00	Ultra-smooth, velvety ... I love it! -- LS
	Critics Gold	2003	Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc	California	$12.00	Nose of ripe pear, citrus and exotic fruits, a long spicy finish, gorgeous! --LS
	Critics Award	2001	Geyser Peak Shiraz	Sonoma County	$18.00	Easy drinking... a good BBQ wine -- EM
	Critics Award	1999	Geyser Peak Reserve Shiraz	Sonoma County	$40.00	Spicy flavors with some bacon notes... tasty -- EM
	Critics Gold	2002	Geyser Peak Chardonnay	Sonoma County	$13.00	Apricot nose, medium bodied...juicy and very drinkable -- SB
	Critics Platinum	2002	Geyser Peak Reserve Chardonnay	Alexander Valley	$24.00	Rich tropical nose, powerful, long -- SB

Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves
	Critics Gold	2001	Gloria Ferrer Carneros Pinot Noir	Carneros	$26.00	Elegant Pinot Noir with plenty of flavor -- MA
	Critics Award	1995	Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvee	Carneros	$22.00	Open, expressive fruit with well balanced yeasty accents -- MF
	Critics Award	NV	Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs	Carneros	$18.00	Open, expressive red fruit flavors -- MF

Godwin Family Vineyards
	Critics Award	2000	Godwin "Moss Oak Vineyard"	Alexander Valley	$35.00	Black raspberry fruit with fine-grained tannins -- MF

Goose Watch Winery
	Critics Award	2002	Goose Watch Lemberger	Finger Lakes	$15.00	Very spicy aroma -- MT
	Critics Award	2002	Goose Watch Chambourcin	Finger Lakes	$13.00	Lush, plummy nose... rounded and fleshy with good acidity and balance -- SB
	Critics Award	2003	Goose Watch Traminette	Finger Lakes	$9.50	Lychee notes... dry, with good texture -- GB

Greg Norman
	Critics Award	2001	Greg Norman Estates Shiraz	Limestone Coast, Australia	$16.00	Unusual spicy mint flavors -- NP
	Critics Award	1999	Greg Norman Estates Reserve Shiraz	McClaren Vale, Australia	$40.00	Jammy ripe fruit, easy to like -- NP

Grgich Hills Cellar
	Critics Award	2000	Grgich Hills Merlot	Napa Valley	$38.00	Big, not an apperitif merlot, deliciously lush, but needs food -- MA
	Critics Award	2000	Grgich Hills Zinfandel	Napa Valley	$25.00	Food would pull it together -- BS
	Critics Award	2003	Grgich Hills Fume Blanc	Napa Valley	$21.00	Full bodied sauvignon blanc -- EM
	Critics Award	2001	Grgich Hills Chardonnay	Napa Valley	$33.00	The fruit is balanced by good acidity -- EM

Griffin Creek
	Critics Platinum	2000	Griffin Creek Syrah	Rogue Valley	$35.00	Round, soft, plush, zaftig wine -- NP

Grove Street Winery
	Critics Award	2001	Grove Street Cabernet Sauvignon	Alexander Valley	$18.00	Berryflavors with good length -- GB
	Critics Award	2001	Grove Street Cabernet Sauvignon	Sonoma County	$10.00	Bright berry nose, full tannins -- GB

Guenoc Winery
	Critics Award	1999	Guenoc Victorian Claret	North Coast	$20.50	Rich, robust and deeply flavored with flattering oak -- MF
	Critics Award	2001	Langtry Meritage White	Guenoc Valley	$21.00	Especially impressive length -- PL
	Critics Award	2001	Guenoc Cabernet Sauvignon	California	$11.50	Ripe fruit with good structure -- GB
	Critics Platinum	2000	Guenoc Port	Guenoc Valley	$31.00	So much going on... taste of clove, cardaman and blackberry -- BS
	Critics Gold	2000	Guenoc Petite Syrah	North Coast	$18.50	Big, full, very enjoyable! -- LS
	Critics Gold	2000	Guenoc Reserve Petite Syrah, Serpentine Meadow	Guenoc Valley	$36.00	Earthy, smoky, peppery aromas with strong tannins -- LS
	Critics Gold	2002	Guenoc Sauvignon Blanc	Lake County	$13.50	Tangy citrus acidity! -- NP
	Critics Award	2002	Guenoc Sauvignon Blanc	California	$9.50	Very decent and well balanced -- NP
	Critics Gold	2002	Guenoc Chardonnay	California	$11.50	Succulent, juicy fruit ... a pleasure to sip -- LS
	Critics Award	2002	Guenoc Chardonnay, Genevieve Magoon Reserve	Guenoc Valley	$27.00	Big and bold, lush, dripping with fruit -- LS

Gundlach Bundschu Winery
	Critics Award	2001	Gundlach Bundschu Cabernet Sauvignon, Rhinefarm Vineyard	Sonoma Valley		A lovely nose and rich fruit, but it needs time -- LS
	Critics Gold	2002	Gundlach Bundschu Pinot Noir, Rhinefarm Vineyard	Sonoma Valley		Earthy nose followed by sweet, bright fruit -- PL
	Critics Award	2002	Gundlach Bundchu Zinfandel, Rhinefarm Vineyard	Sonoma Valley		Lots of fruit, lots of tannin -- BS
	Critics Award	2002	Gundlach Bundschu Chardonnay, Rhinefarm Vineyard	Sonoma Valley		Lean appley nose, juicy and complex...has depth and a nutty finish -- SB

Hagafen Cellars
	Critics Award	2001	Hagafen Cabernet Sauvignon, Weir Family Estate	Napa Valley	$40.00	Great extract! -- EM
	Critics Award	2003	Hagafen Sauvignon Blanc, Juliana Vineyard	Napa Valley	$14.00	Love this wine ... balanced, with a long finish -- EM

Hahn Estates
	Critics Award	2002	Hahn Estates Cabernet Sauvignon	Central Coast	$14.00	Ripe, lucious, round and jammy -- SB
	Critics Gold	2002	Hahn Estates Merlot	Monterey	$14.00	Plump, concentrated, with a chocolately nose and notes of spice and plums -- SB
	Critics Award	2002	Hahn Estates Syrah	Central Coast	$12.00	Light and fruity... a pleasant wine -- EM
	Critics Gold	2002	Hahn Estates Chardonnay	Monterey	$14.00	Big but nicely integrated ripe fruit flavors -- MT

Harmony Cellars
	Critics Award	2001	Harmony Cellars Merlot	Paso Robles	$15.50	Spicy with big black cherry fruit -- GB
	Critics Award	2003	Harmony Cellars White Riesling	Paso Robles	$9.50	Lovely and refined, with a crisp finish -- MT
	Critics Award	2001	Harmony Cellars Zinfandel	Paso Robles	$16.50	Aromas of sundried tomato and a hint of pepper -- MT

Heron Hill Vineyards
	Critics Award	2001	Heron Hill Eclipse	New York	$15.99	All elements in place ... very pretty -- PL
	Critics Award	2001	Heron Hill Cabernet Franc, Ingle Vineyard	Finger Lakes	$20.99	Nice, pleasureable wine -- BS

Hess Collection Winery
	Critics Gold	2001	Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon	Mount Veeder	$40.00	Plush ripe fruit, very accessible -- NP
	Critics Gold	2001	Hess Collection Malbec	Mount Veeder	$32.00	Ripe and smoky... woodsy, full and fresh -- BS
	Critics Gold	2003	Hess Small Block Series Sauvignon Blanc	Lake County	$16.00	Sleek! Grapefruit, vanilla and cream aromas, balanced, with a long finish -- LS
	Critics Gold	2001	Hess Select Syrah	California	$12.50	Deep color, brooding, packed with fruit... intense flavors -- EM
	Critics Award	2002	Hess Collection Chardonnay	Napa Valley	$18.50	Nice toast... citrus finish, good elegance and length -- MA

Hogue Cellars
	Critics Award	2003	Hogue Johannisberg Riesling	Columbia Valley	$9.00	Beautiful rich aromas, beautiful balance. Yum! -- MT

HRM Rex Goliath
	Critics Gold	NV	HRM Rex Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon	Central Coast	$9.00	A bit light but with good, fresh acidity -- SB

Hunt Cellars
	Critics Gold	2001	Hunt Cellars Barbera, Starving Artist Vineyard	Paso Robles	$24.00	Sweet blueberry fruit, integrated tannins... a nice, complete wine -- BS
	Critics Gold	2001	Hunt Cellars "Hilltop Serenade", Destiny Vineyard	Paso Robles	$30.00	Another pleasing syrah -- NP

Huntington Wine Cellars
	Critics Award	2002	Huntington Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa Valley	$18.00	Concentrated, attractive and persistent -- SB
	Critics Gold	2001	Huntington Chardonnay	Russian River Valley	$15.00	Attractive nose, well integrated oak, balanced with delicacy. Lovely wine -- MA

J. Lohr Winery
	Critics Gold	1999	J. Lohr St. E	Paso Robles	$50.00	Classic cassis character ... very nice -- PL
	Critics Gold	1999	J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon, Hilltop Vineyard	Paso Robles	$32.00	Aromas of chocolate and berry, with good length and texture -- GB
	Critics Award	2001	J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon	Paso Robles	$15.00	Delicate, understated ... has finesse -- SB
	Critics Award	2001	J. Lohr Estates Los Osos Merlot	Paso Robles	$15.00	Jammy, rich and ripe, concentrated... has power and weight -- SB
	Critics Award	2003	J. Lohr Sauvignon Blanc, Carol's Vineyard	Napa Valley	$18.00	Complex and intriguing -- NP
	Critics Award	2001	J. Lohr Chardonnay, Arroyo Vista Vineyard	Arroyo Seco	$25.00	Fascinating wine -- BS
	Critics Award	2002	J. Lohr Chardonnay, Estates Riverstone	Arroyo Seco	$15.00	Creamy, sweet -- MT

Jacob's Creek
	Critics Award	2003	Jacob's Creek Grenache Shiraz	Southeastern Australia	$7.99	Aroma of deep black cherry, ripe fruit, good structure and length -- GB
	Critics Award	2001	Jacob's Creek Cabernet Sauvignon	Southeastern Australia	$8.99	Aromas of cloves and mint, ripe fruit with good length -- GB
	Critics Gold	2001	Jacob's Creek Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon	Southeastern Australia	$12.99	Raspberry/mint fruit, rich structure... Style! -- GB
	Critics Award	2003	Jacob's Creek Reserve Riesling	South Australia	$12.99	Floral aroma... dry and tart -- GB
	Critics Award	2001	Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraz	Southeastern Australia	$12.99	Fresh, fruity and fun -- PL
	Critics Award	2002	Jacob's Creek Shiraz	Southeastern Australia	$8.99	Firm, but with plenty of fruit -- PL
	Critics Gold	2002	Jacob's Creek Reserve Chardonnay	Southeastern Australia	$12.99	Nice acid, real chardonnay flavors not lost in oak -- BS
	Critics Award	2003	Jacob's Creek Chardonnay	Southeastern Australia	$7.99	Simple but not simplistic -- BS
	Critics Award	2001	Jacob's Creek Limited Release Chardonnay	Padthaway, Australia	$32.99	Rich, bold, upfront fruit...with good acidity and length -- SB

Jade Mountain
	Critics Award	2002	Jade Mountain "La Provencale"	California	$16.00	Aroma of deep black cherry with a dry finish