|
ROBERT WHITLEY CRITICS CHALLENGE
2004 |
| << BACK |
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| Katnook Estate | ||||||
| Critics Gold |
2000
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Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon | Coonawarra, Australia |
$22.00
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Great
complex structure, will eventually be very fine -- NP
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| Critics Award |
2001
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Katnook Estate Merlot | Coonawarra, Australia |
$22.00
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Exceptionally
serious and deep. Arguable over-extraction but great muscle - MF
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| Critics Gold |
2002
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Katnook Estate Sauvignon Blanc | Coonawarra, Australia |
$15.00
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Aromas
of fresh herbs, grassy, plenty of flesh and a long finish -- LS
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| Critics Award |
2001
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Katnook Estate Shiraz | Coonawarra, Australia |
$22.00
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Roasted
coffee nose, quite pleasant... excellent concentration of fruit -- EM
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| Kendall-Jackson Vineyards & Winery | ||||||
| Critics Award |
2000
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Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon | California |
$16.00
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Very
ripe with black fruits... supple, lush, easy to like -- MA
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| Critics Award |
2001
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Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon | Mendocino/Sonoma/Napa |
$26.00
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Exotic
nose, long and lovely. This is good! -- MA
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| Critics Award |
2002
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Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Pinot Noir | California |
$14.00
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Smooth
and silky, with a sweet fruit finish -- MT
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| Critics Award |
2002
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Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Sauvignon Blanc | California |
$10.00
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Elegant,
polished, complex -- NP
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| Critics Gold |
2001
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Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Syrah | California |
$12.00
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Round,
jammy and seductive -- NP
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| Critics Award |
2002
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Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay | California |
$12.00
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Excellent
richness and complexity -- RW
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| Critics Award |
2002
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Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay | Mendocino/Sonoma/Napa |
$20.00
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Exceptional
length and persistence -- RW
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| Kenwood Vineyards | ||||||
| Critics Award |
2000
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Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon, Jack London Vineyard | Sonoma Valley |
$30.00
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Tannic
but well-balanced -- EM
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| Critics Award |
2001
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Kenwood Merlot | Sonoma County |
$17.00
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Nicely
balanced with a lovely finish -- MA
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| Critics Award |
2001
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Kenwood Pinot Noir | Russian River Valley |
$17.00
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Elegant
but powerful -- BS
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| Critics Award |
2001
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Kenwood Reserve Pinot Noir Olivet Vineyard | Russian River Valley |
$30.00
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Tight
and powerful, but should evolve nicely -- RW
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| Critics Gold |
2001
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Kenwood Zinfandel Jack London Vineyard | Sonoma Valley |
$20.00
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Raspberry
flavors... BS
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| Kim Crawford | ||||||
| Critics Gold |
2003
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Kim Crawford Pansy Rose | Gisborne, New Zealand |
$17.00
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A
rose that is almost a red wine in color and texture -- MT
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| Critics Gold |
2003
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Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay | Marlborough, New Zealand |
$18.00
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Great
manners for a chardonnay! -- BS
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| King Estate Winery | ||||||
| Critics Gold |
2001
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King Estate Pinot Noir | Oregon |
$22.00
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Good
intensity of fruit, complex and long on the finish -- RW
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| Critics Award |
2002
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King Estate Pinot Gris | Oregon |
$15.00
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Notes
of ginger with good balance and length -- GB
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| Kitfox Vineyards | ||||||
| Critics Award |
2002
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Kitfox Cabernet Sauvignon, The Sunflower Vineyard | California |
$14.00
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Attractive
herbal aromas... elegant -- MA
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| Korbel Champagne Cellars | ||||||
| Critics Award |
NV
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Korbel Chardonnay Champagne | California |
$12.00
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Ripe
but fresh, with zesty acidity -- MF
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| Critics Award |
NV
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Korbel Brut Rose | California |
$12.00
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Rich
but still elegant -- MF
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| Critics Award |
NV
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Korbel Extra Dry | California |
$12.00
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Clean
fruit and finish -- MF
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| Laeticia Vineyard & Winery | ||||||
| Critics Gold |
2001
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Laeticia Pinot Noir | Arroyo Grande Valley |
$25.00
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Smoky,
exotic with power and elegance -- MA
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| Critics Award |
2002
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Laeticia Pinot Noir | Arroyo Grande Valley |
$25.00
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Deep
and fairly dark, with bright black cherry flavors -- PL
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| Critics Award |
2002
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Laeticia Chardonnay | Arroyo Grande Valley |
$18.00
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Oaky
style... tart -- GB
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| Lake Sonoma Winery | ||||||
| Critics Award |
2001
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Lake Sonoma Winery Zinfandel | Dry Creek Valley |
$16.00
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Ripe
but balanced... read plenty of fruit -- BS
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| Lava Cap Winery | ||||||
| Critics Award |
1999
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Lava Cap Syrah | El Dorado |
$40.00
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Round,
jammy and seductive with hints of pepper -- NP
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| Le Bonheur | ||||||
| Critics Award |
1999
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Le Bonheur Cabernet Sauvignon | Stellenbosch, South Africa |
$25.00
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A
bit tannic but will be fine with a few years in the cellar -- EM
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| Critics Gold |
2003
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Le Bonheur Sauvignon Blanc | Stellenbosch, South Africa |
$11.00
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Substantial,
with lots of character and well balanced -- EM
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| Leelanau Wine Cellars | ||||||
| Critics Award |
2002
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Leelanau Meritage | Leelanau Peninsula |
$22.00
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Earthy
and distinctive -- PL
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| Lincourt Vineyards | ||||||
| Critics Award |
2002
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Lincourt Syrah | Santa Barbara County |
$20.00
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Deeply
flavored... quite profound -- EM
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| Llanos Estacado Winery | ||||||
| Critics Award |
2000
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Llanos Estacado Viviano | Texas |
$36.99
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Great
fruit... complex... quite delicious -- EM
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| Louis M. Martini | ||||||
| Critics Award |
2001
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Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon | Sonoma County |
$17.00
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A
stunner, very evolved, with elegant, supple tannins -- LS
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| Critics Gold |
2001
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Louis M. Martini Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley |
$26.00
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Elegant
and stylish, like a Chanel suit -- LS
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| Critics Gold |
2000
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Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon, Monte Rosso Vineyard | Sonoma Valley |
$55.00
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Gorgeous
fruit! Rich and supple, a lovely wine. A cabernet stud! -- LS
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| Magnotta Winery | ||||||
| Critics Award |
2002
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Magnotta Special Reserve Merlot | Niagara Peninsula |
$10.74
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A
bit simple, but with lots of supple, ripe, accessible fruit -- SB
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| Critics Gold |
2002
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Magnotta Riesling Icewine, Limited Edition | Niagara Peninsula |
$28.71
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Creamy,
opulent, gorgeous fruit and fine acidity -- SB
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| Critics Gold |
2002
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Magnotta Special Reserve Cabernet Franc | Niagara Peninsula |
$8.59
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Excellent
structure and persistence -- RW
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| Mariah Vineyards | ||||||
| Critics Award |
2000
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Mariah Vineyards Zinfandel | Mendocino Ridge |
$30.00
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Fills
every corner of the palate... wish I had some lamb chops -- MT
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| Critics Award |
2001
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Mariah Vineyards Zinfandel | Mendocino Ridge |
$30.00
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Not
for the faint of heart, but Zin addicts will like it -- MT
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| Critics Award |
2001
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Mariah Vineyards Zinfandel, Poor Ranch | Mendocino County |
$30.00
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Soft
and pleasant -- MT
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| Martin & Weyrich Winery | ||||||
| Critics Award |
2000
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Martin & Weyrich Sangiovese Il Palio | Paso Robles |
$18.00
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Sweet,
ripe cherry nose ... smoky ... fresh, zesty, delicious and long -- SB
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| Critics Award |
2001
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Martin & Weyrich Pinot Grigio | Central Coast |
$15.00
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Expressive
pear fruit with fine balance and length -- MF
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| Critics Award |
2003
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Martin & Weyrich Moscato Allegro | California |
$10.00
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Good
citrus flavors, floral aromas, well balanced with a kick of spice --
LS
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| Matua | ||||||
| Critics Gold |
2003
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Matua Chardonnay | Gisborne, New Zealand |
$11.00
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Crisp,
clean and fresh -- PL
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| McWilliams Wines | ||||||
| Critics Award |
1999
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McWilliams of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon | Coonawarra, Australia |
$30.00
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Smoky
meaty aromas, a rich, luscious mouthfeel ... unique -- LS
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| Critics Award |
2000
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McWilliams Shiraz | Coonawarra, Australia |
$30.00
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Excellent
fruit and enjoyable now -- EM
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| Meridian Vineyards | ||||||
| Critics Award |
1998
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Meridian Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon | Monterey County |
$28.00
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Great
balance but it needs time -- EM
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| Critics Award |
2002
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Meridian Gewurztraminer | Santa Barbara County |
$8.00
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Sweet
but not cloying -- BS
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| Critics Award |
2001
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Meridian Merlot | California |
$12.00
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Big,
attractive, gamey with layered complexity and nicely structured -- MA
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| Critics Award |
2002
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Meridian Pinot Noir | Santa Barbara County |
$12.00
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New
World pinot with soft red fruit -- BS
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| Critics Award |
2001
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Meridian Sangiovese | Paso Robles |
$15.00
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Smoky,
with coffee notes ... good fruit -- SB
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| Merryvale Vineyards | ||||||
| Critics Gold |
2002
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Merryvale Starmont Chardonnay | Napa Valley |
$20.00
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Elegantly
styled, with finesse -- PL
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| Critics Award |
2001
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Merryvale Reserve Chardonnay | Carneros |
$29.50
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Big
and rich, but nicely balanced -- PL
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| Michel-Schlumberger Winery | ||||||
| Critics Award |
2001
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Michel-Schlumberger Cabernet Sauvignon | Dry Creek Valley |
$32.00
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Lovely
nose, well balanced with good acidity -- GB
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| Critics Award |
2001
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Michel-Schlumberger Pinot Noir | Dry Creek Valley |
$38.00
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On
the light side, but very pleasant -- MT
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| Critics Award |
2003
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Michel-Schlumberger Pinot Blanc | Dry Creek Valley |
$21.00
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Clean,
focused, simple but very good -- MA
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| Mirassou Vineyards | ||||||
| Critics Award |
2001
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Mirassou Cabernet Sauvignon | California |
$10.00
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Spice
aromas, rich mouthfeel, supple tannins. May need more time -- LS
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| Montevina Winery | ||||||
| Critics Gold |
2001
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Montevina Syrah "Terra D'oro" | Amador County |
$20.00
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This
wine has good concentration -- EM
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| Critics Award |
2003
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Montevino Pinot Grigio | California |
$10.00
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Gentle
amounts of ripe fruit with rounded acidity -- MF
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| Morlanda | ||||||
| Critics Award |
2001
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Morlanda Crianca | Priorat, Spain |
$46.00
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Dry,
with good fruit... balanced with tannin -- EM
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| Mumm Napa | ||||||
| Critics Gold |
NV
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Mumm Napa Reserve Brut "25th Anniversary" | Napa Valley |
$25.00
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Fresh,
with fine tart apple fruit ... well balanced -- MF
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| Critics Award |
NV
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Mumm Napa Brut Prestige | Napa Valley |
$18.00
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Fresh
fruit counterbalanced by zesty acidity -- MF
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| Best of Show Sparkling |
1998
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Mumm Napa DVX | Napa Valley |
$45.00
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Deeply
flavored, with an interesting interplay of fruit and yeast notes --
MF
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| Napa Ridge Winery | ||||||
| Critics Gold |
2000
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Napa Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley |
$12.99
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Herbal,
lovely balance, ready now -- MA
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| Critics Gold |
2000
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Napa Ridge Merlot | Napa Valley |
$12.99
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Medium
bodied, with aromas of cherry/berry, and balanced fruit and tannins
-- GB
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| Critics Award |
2002
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Napa Ridge Zinfandel | Lodi |
$8.99
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Honest,
true Zin... even elegant -- BS
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| Navarro Vineyards | ||||||
| Critics Gold |
2002
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Navarro White Riesling | Anderson Valley |
$15.00
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A
honey nose, dry with good length -- GB
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| Critics Award |
2002
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Navarro Zinfandel | Mendocino |
$20.00
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Peppey
nose, ripe, an elegantly styled Zin. A food wine -- LS
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| Critics Award |
2002
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Navarro Premium Reserve Chardonnay | Anderson Valley |
$19.50
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Balanced,
with good length -- GB
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| Newton Vineyard | ||||||
| Critics Gold |
2001
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Newton "The Puzzle" | Napa Valley |
$60.00
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Rich,
ripe, opulent New World style -- PL
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| Critics Award |
2001
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Newton Unfiltered Chardonnay | Napa Valley |
$50.00
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Lovely
nutty flavors -- MT
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| Norman Vineyards | ||||||
| Critics Award |
2001
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Norman Meritage "No Nonsense Red" | Paso Robles |
$19.00
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Spicy
and sexy ... lusciously long! -- PL
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| Critics Award |
2002
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Norman Reserve Chardonnay | Edna Valley |
$15.00
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Bright
apple nose, balanced with good length -- GB
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| Oakville Ranch Vineyards | ||||||
| Critics Platinum |
2000
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Oakville Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley |
$50.00
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Attractive,
herbal, supple, ready now -- MA
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| Orfila Vineyards | ||||||
| Critics Award |
2000
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Orfila Edna Valley Pinot Noir | San Luis Obispo County |
$35.00
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Combines
power and elegance -- RW
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| Critics Award |
2001
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Orfila "Val de la Mer" Syrah | San Pasqual Valley |
$25.00
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Robust
and earthy -- NP
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| Origin | ||||||
| Critics Gold |
2002
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Origin Riesling | Rheingau, Germany |
$10.99
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Excellent
minerality with a refreshing lime aftertaste -- MT
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| Critics Award |
2002
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Origin Tempranillo | Castilla |
$9.99
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Ripe
black fruit flavors are not typical, but they are flavorful -- RW
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| Osborne/Bodegas Montecillo | ||||||
| Critics Gold |
2001
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Osborne "Solaz" | Tierra De Castilla |
$7.00
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A
wine with a future -- BS
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| Critics Award |
1999
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Osborne Late Bottled Vintage Port | Portugal |
$16.00
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Very
deep nose, plummy flavors and good balance -- GB
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| Critics Award |
1995
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Monticello Gran Reserva, Bodegas Montecillo | Rioja, Spain |
$23.00
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Classic
gran reserva character! -- BS
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| Critics Award |
NV
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Osborne 10RF Medium Oloroso Sherry, Bodegas Osborne | Jerez, Spain |
$14.00
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Good
acidity to balance the sweetness... great with nuts and olives -- EM
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