Whitley on Wine

ROBERT WHITLEY

CRITICS CHALLENGE 2004
COMPETITION RESULTS, Pg. 4

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Palm Bay Imports
	Critics Gold	2002	Mont Gras Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah	Colchagua Valley, Chile	$12.00	Ultrasmooth and complex and slightly herbal. Nice! -- LS
	Critics Award	1999	Sella & Mosca Tanca Farra	Sardinia	$18.00	Lovely leathery woody characteristics, high acid. Will be great with food -- NP
	Critics Award	2002	Remy Pannier Vouvray		$18.00	Great fruit flavor with good acidity ... delicious! -- EM
	Critics Gold	1995	Faustino I Gran Reserva Rioja	Rioja, Spain	$36.00	Give it more time -- BS
	Critics Award	2000	Col d'Orcia Banditella	Montalcino, Tuscany	$24.00	Will develop more complexity with age -- RW
	Critics Gold	1999	Rocca delle Macie Servioveto	Toscana	$30.00	Young, tannic, needs time -- EM

Palmer Vineyards
	Critics Award	2003	Palmer Vineyards Gewurztraminer	North Fork Of Long Island	$16.99	Utterly food friendly -- BS
	Critics Award	2003	Palmer Vineyards Pinot Blanc	North Fork Of Long Island	$12.99	Lovely delivery, lovely fruit, and focused -- MA

Paraiso Springs Vineyards
	Critics Award	2001	Paraiso Syrah	Santa Lucia Highlands	$18.00	Rhone style... peppery but also deep, bright fruit -- PL

Peconic Bay Winery
	Critics Award	2001	Peconic Bay Merlot	North Fork, Long Island	$24.00	Aromas of cedar and berry, light, tart -- GB

Pedroncelli Winery
	Critics Award	2000	Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Morrisfay Vineyard	Alexander Valley	$16.00	Aromas of cigar box and burnt leaves, a very easy wine to like -- NP
	Critics Award	2001	Pedroncelli Zinfandel, Mother Clone	Dry Creek Valley	$14.00	Gorgeous Zin! Briary, wild berry nose. Big, fleshy, pure, classic Zin -- LS
	Critics Award	2003	Pedroncelli Sauvignon Blanc	Dry Creek Valley	$10.00	Fresh, lively citrus flavors ... yum! -- LS

Pepi
	Critics Award	2002	Pepi Cabernet Sauvignon	California	$8.00	Lovely balance and elegance -- MA
	Critics Award	2002	Pepi Merlot	California	$8.00	Toasted oak nose, with medium fruit, a balanced wine -- GB
	Critics Award	2003	Pepi Sauvignon Blanc	California	$8.00	Simple, clean everyday Sauvignon Blanc -- NP
	Critics Award	2003	Pepi Pinot Grigio	Oregon	$11.00	Fine varietal notes of smoke and nuts with good balance -- MF

Punters Corner
	Critics Platinum	2001	Punters Corner Triple Crown	Coonawarra, Australia	$20.00	Minty and earthy ... very distinctive -- MT

Q Napa
	Critics Award	2001	Q Napa Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa Valley	$19.99	Slightly herbal with bright fruit, and good length and structure -- GB

Quady Winery
	Critics Gold	1996	Quady Starboard Vintage Port	Amador County	$29.00	Sweet, lush, likeable -- BS

R. H. Phillips
	Critics Award	2001	EXP Syrah	Dunnigan Hills	$14.00	Very ripe, but well structured... great BBQ wine -- PL
	Critics Gold	2003	EXP Viognier	Dunnigan Hills	$14.00	Very fruity and floral... rich -- PL

Rancho Zabaco Winery
	Critics Gold	2002	Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel "Dancing Bull"	California	$10.00	Rustic style, "naughty" and untamed, but I like it -- LS
	Critics Award	2001	Rancho Zabaco Reserve Zinfandel	Dry Creek Valley	$20.00	Gorgeous! Floral, peppery,blackberry aromas, and licorice. Sleek, YUM! -- LS
	Critics Gold	2001	Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel "Stefani Vineyard"	Dry Creek Valley	$28.00	Juicy, with supple tannins... uncomplicated and easy drinking -- LS
	Critics Gold	2002	Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel "Chiotti Vineyard"	Dry Creek Valley	$28.00	Huge and complex, with licorice and blackberry. Stylish... "James Bond"! -- LS
	Critics Gold	2002	Rancho Zabaco Reserve Sauvignon Blanc	Russian River Valley	$18.00	Ripe pink grapefruit, herbs on the nose, succulent fruit in the mouth -- LS
	Critics Gold	2003	Rancho Zabaco Sauvignon Blanc "Dancing Bull"	California	$10.00	A nose of vanilla cream, sweet fruit and a touch of herbs ... Delish!! -- LS

Ravenswood
	Critics Award	2001	Ravenswood Zinfandel	Sonoma County	$16.00	Lots of ripe fruit, but nicely balanced -- MT
	Critics Gold	2002	Ravenswood Vintners Blend Shiraz	Southeastern Australia	$10.00	Rich and ripe, Down Under style... spicy -- PL

Raymond Vineyard & Cellar, Inc.
	Critics Gold	2001	Raymond Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa Valley	$28.00	Try this well-balanced wine with roast beef -- EM
	Critics Award	2001	Raymond Reserve Merlot	Napa Valley	$18.00	Gamey and ripe, a lovely finish, and beautifully balanced -- MA

Reynolds
	Critics Award	2001	Reynolds Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon	Orange, Australia	$15.00	Earthy nose followed by a tangy strawberry palate -- NP

Richard L. Graeser Winery
	Critics Award	2000	Graeser Coeur de Leon	Diamond Mountain District	$28.50	Complex but well integrated, with black plums and light oak -- MF

Richardson Vineyards
	Critics Award	2002	Richardson Pinot Noir, Sangiacomo Vineyards	Carneros	$20.00	Great nose with bright fruit and a long, persistant finish -- MA
	Critics Gold	2002	Richardson Estate Pinot Noir	Carneros	$25.00	Ripe black fruit with an exotic nose... delicious finish... a classy wine -- MA

Rideau Vineyard
	Critics Award	2002	Rideau Vineyard Chateau Duplantier Cuvee	Santa Barbara County	$36.00	Deep cherry/berry fruit, and good depth and length -- GB

Robert Craig Wine Cellars
	Critics Award	2001	Robert Craig "Affinity" Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa Valley	$40.00	Smoky, meaty aromas and a silky mouthfeel -- LS
	Critics Award	2001	Robert Craig Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa Valley	$40.00	Young and full-bodied with smooth tannins -- LS

Robert Young Estate
	Critics Award	2000	Robert Young Scion	Alexander Valley	$50.00	Fleshy and ripe with impressive complexity and balance -- MF

Rodney Strong Vineyards
	Critics Award	1999	Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon	Sonoma County	$40.00	Ripe, big wine, chocolatey with good structure. Lay this wine down -- MA
	Critics Award	2001	Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon	Sonoma County	$18.00	Exotic, herbal, well balanced with plenty of structure -- MA
	Critics Award	1999	Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Merlot	Sonoma County	$26.00	Great nose, good length, mild tannins with nice cherry fruit -- MA
	Critics Award	2001	Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir	Russian River Valley	$18.00	Well balanced -- BS
	Critics Award	2000	Rodney Strong Knotty Vines Zinfandel	Sonoma County	$18.00	More like a Rioja than a Zin, but lovely -- BS
	Critics Award	2002	Rodney Strong Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc	Sonoma County	$12.00	Solid and well balanced -- EM
	Critics Award	2002	Rodney Strong Chardonnay	Chalk Hill	$18.00	Well balanced, clean and long -- PL

Roederer U.S., Inc.
	Critics Award	NV	Roederer Estate Brut	Anderson Valley	$20.00	Intricate fruit flavors, excellent balance, tasteful toastiness -- MF

Round Hill Cellars
	Critics Award	2003	Round Hill White Zinfandel	California	$5.00	Ultradelicate, would make a refreshing quaffer on a warm summer evening -- MT
	Critics Award	2002	Round Hill Shiraz	California	$8.99	Aromatic with good balance, but fairly light -- EM

Rusack Vineyards
	Critics Award	2002	Rusack Pinot Noir	Santa Maria Valley	$25.00	Sweet fruit aromas, with a hint of black olives -- MT
	Critics Award	2002	Rusack Reserve Pinot Noir	Santa Rita Hills	$32.00	Aromas of black cherries and plums! -- MT
	Critics Gold	2002	Rusack Syrah	Santa Barbara County	$25.00	Packed with mouth-filling fruit... easy to drink -- NP
	Critics Gold	2002	Rusack Chardonnay	Santa Barbara County	$18.00	Good fruit, good acidity ... good wine! -- EM

Sakonnet Vineyards
	Critics Gold	2002	Sakonnet Chardonnay	SE New England	$10.95	Bright floral and honeyed aromas, finishes crisp and clean -- GB
	Critics Gold	2003	Sakonnet Vidal Blanc	SE New England	$8.95	Aromatic nose, quite flowery, fresh and grapefruity -- SB

Schramsberg Vineyards Company
	Critics Gold	1999	Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs	North Coast	$32.50	Soft and deeply flavored with broad creamy texture -- MF
	Critics Award	2000	Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs	North Coast	$32.50	Lovely strawberry fruit with strong yeast notes -- MF
	Critics Award	1998	J. Schram	California	$80.00	Rich, complex and deeply flavored -- MF

Schug Carneros Estate
	Critics Award	2001	Schug Carneros Estate Cabernet Sauvignon	Sonoma Valley	$20.00	Great earthy barnyard nose -- NP

Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery
	Critics Award	1999	Sebastiani Sonoma County Merlot	Sonoma County	$17.00	Attractive, with mild tannins and good length -- MA
	Critics Award	2002	Sebastiani Pinot Noir	Sonoma Coast	$15.00	Big for a pinot noir, but pulls it off -- BS
	Critics Award	2001	Sebastiani Sonoma Valley Barbera	Sonoma Valley	$15.00	Fresh with an acid lift... drinkable, nice with food -- BS
	Critics Award	2000	Sebastiani Sonoma County Zinfandel	Sonoma County	$15.00	Fruity, almost flowery but with good structure -- BS
	Critics Award	2001	Sebastiani Sonoma County Chardonnay	Sonoma County	$13.00	Rich oily nose...burly...overblown, but has personality -- SB

Segura Viudas
	Critics Gold	2000	Segura Viudas Mas d'Aranyo Reserva	Penedes, Spain	$15.00	Concentrated, powerful red destined for a long life -- RW
	Critics Gold	2002	Segura Viudas Creu de Lavit	Penedes, Spain	$15.00	Aromas of honey and spice... dry finish with good length -- GB

Silver Rose Cellars
	Critics Gold	2000	Silver Rose Cellars "Dentelle"	Napa Valley	$48.00	Well blanced, medium weight and very food friendly -- PL

Smith & Hook
	Critics Award	2001	Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve	Santa Lucia Highlands	$20.00	Blackberry nose, with a slightly herbaceous edge, but vigorous and long -- SB

Smith-Madrone Vineyards
	Critics Award	2003	Smith-Madrone Riesling	Napa Valley	$17.00	Floral, bright with good structure -- GB
	Best of Show White	2001	Smith-Madrone Chardonnay	Napa Valley	$25.00	Toasty and nutty with excellent acidity... well balanced and delicious -- MA

Sobon Estate
	Critics Gold	2002	Sobon Estate Zinfandel, Rocky Top	Shenandoah Valley	$15.00	Chocolate aromas, dark berry fruit... full-bodied, a "big boy" -- LS
	Critics Award	2001	Sobon Estate Reserve Syrah	Shenandoah Valley	$24.00	Well balanced, enjoyable for drinking even now -- EM

Southcorp Wines
	Critics Award	2003	Rosemount Cabernet Merlot	South Eastern Australia	$7.00	Very well balanced, lush and long -- PL
	Critics Award	2002	Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet	South Australia	$11.00	Black fruit notes with smooth tannins, silky mouthfeel, hints of herbs -- LS
	Critics Gold	2003	Rosemount Estates Diamond Shiraz Cabernet	Australia	$9.00	Smooth and silky with balanced oak, acid and fruit. Ready to drink -- LS
	Critics Gold	2001	Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz Merlot	Coonawarra, Australia	$13.00	On the earthy side, well-balanced and appealing -- MT
	Critics Gold	2002	Rosemount Estates Diamond Grenache Shiraz	Australia	$9.00	Ripe berry aroma, with big fruit... smooth and balanced -- GB
	Critics Gold	2003	Rosemount Estates Diamond Traminer Riesling	Australia	$9.00	Round but well balanced -- SB
	Critics Gold	2003	Lindemans Bin 45 Cabernet Sauvignon	Southeastern Australia	$9.00	Dense, concentrated and well balanced -- SB
	Critics Award	2001	Rosemount Show Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon	Coonawarra, Australia	$24.00	Rich, has power and intensity -- SB
	Critics Gold	2002	Rosemount Estates Diamond Merlot	Australia	$11.00	Plump and full bodied, with black fruits... weighty but not too extracted -- SB
	Critics Award	2003	Rosemount Estates Diamond Sauvignon Blanc	Australia	$10.00	Round and rich for a sauvignon blanc -- NP
	Critics Award	2003	Lindemans Bin 50 Shiraz	Southeastern Australia	$8.00	Chocolate tinged, rich but balanced -- PL
	Critics Gold	2002	Lindemans Reserve Shiraz	South Australia	$15.00	Very well structured and balanced -- PL
	Critics Gold	2002	Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz	South Australia	$15.00	Richly fruited, layered flavors, excellent length... deep and lush -- PL
	Critics Award	2002	Rosemount Estates Diamond Shiraz	Australia	$12.00	Peppery and bright in a light, fresh style -- PL
	Critics Award	2003	Lindemans Chardonnay, Bin 65	Southeastern Australia	$9.00	Rich, long lasting flavors -- MT
	Critics Award	2003	Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay	Southeastern Australia	$10.00	Big, ripe fruit -- MT
	Critics Award	2003	Rosemount Estates Diamond Chardonnay	Australia	$10.00	Elegance and structure -- MT
	Critics Award	2002	Rosemount Show Reserve Chardonnay	Hunter Valley, Australia	$19.00	Full and rich mouthfilling flavor -- MT
	Critics Award	2003	Wynns Coonawarra Estate Chardonnay	Coonawarra, Australia	$13.00	Ripe melon and other summer fruits -- MT

St. James Winery
	Critics Award	2002	St. James Chardonel	Ozark Highlands	$11.99	Brisk... good fruit and length -- GB

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
	Critics Award	2001	Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, "Artemis"	Napa Valley	$45.00	Racy ... very stylish and long -- SB

Sterling Vineyards
	Critics Platinum	2001	Sterling Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa Valley	$25.00	Lush ripe red fruits, easy to like -- NP
	Critics Award	2000	Sterling Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa Valley	$75.00	Bright red fruit characteristics -- NP
	Critics Award	2002	Sterling Chardonnay, Winery Lake Vineyard	Carneros	$28.00	Delicate aromatics, crisp finish -- GB
	Critics Award	2001	Sterling Reserve Chardonnay	Napa Valley	$40.00	Honeyed nose with good length -- GB

Stone Hill Winery
	Critics Award	2001	Stone Hill Port	Hermann	$19.99	Light style, but fragrant and exotic -- BS
	Best of Show Rose	NV	Stone Hill Pink Catawba	Missouri	$7.99	Distinctive, hybrid Catawba flavor... refreshing -- MT
	Critics Award	2001	Stone Hill Norton	Hermann	$17.99	Characteristic Norton acidity makes this dark red wine refreshing -- MT
	Critics Gold	2002	Stone Hill Norton	Hermann	$17.99	Superior Norton with pronounced blueberry flavor and good structure -- MT
	Critics Award	2002	Stone Hill Late Harvest Vignoles	Hermann	$25.99	Packed with essence of ripe strawberries -- NP

Stonehaven (Banfi)
	Critics Award	2002	Stonehaven Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon	South Eastern Australia	$6.00	Pleasant and fun to sip -- LS
	Critics Award	2001	Stonehaven Cabernet Sauvignon	Limestone Coast, Australia	$13.00	Supple and juicy -- SB
	Critics Award	2003	Stonehaven Chardonnay	South Eastern Australia	$6.00	Nicely integrated fruit -- MT

Stuart Cellars
	Critics Award	2000	Stuart Cellars Zinfandel Vintage Port	Temecula	$46.00	Spicy coconut, forward, clean plump fruit -- GB
	Critics Award	2002	Stuart Cellars Zinfandel	Temecula	$30.00	Cassis and other sweet fruit, but major tannins... requires food -- MT
	Critics Award	2002	Stuart Cellars Chardonnay	Temecula	$21.00	A nice drinking wine -- BS
	Critics Award	2002	Stuart Cellars Viognier	California	$21.00	Well balanced, especially for this varietal -- PL

Sullivan Birney Winery & Vineyards
	Critics Award	2002	Sullivan Birney Pinot Noir	Sonoma Coast	$28.00	Delicious and earthy, full of personality -- MT
	Critics Award	2002	Sullivan Birney Chardonnay	Sonoma Coast	$27.00	Rich, sappy, opulent style -- SB
	Critics Award	2002	Sullivan Birney Winery Chardonnay	Sonoma Mountain	$30.00	Has finesse...ripe, supple, stylish and long -- SB

Summerwood
	Critics Challenge Grand Award	2001	Summerwood Sentio III	Central Coast	$50.00	Pretty mouthfeel with full fruit -- PL
	Critics Award	2002	Summerwood Diosa	Paso Robles	$50.00	Forward American oak, ripe berry aromas and well structured -- GB
	Critics Gold	2001	Summerwood Diosa	Paso Robles	$50.00	Forward American oak, with big tannins and good length -- GB

Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery
	Critics Gold	2000	Summit Lake Zinfandel	Howell Mountain	$20.00	Almost Pinot-like with cherry fruit, but good Zin structure -- BS

Sunce Winery
	Critics Award	2002	Sunce Merlot, Hedin Vineyard	Russian River Valley	$35.00	Ripe and deeply flavored, but fresh and softly textured -- MF

Surprise Valley Ranch
	Critics Gold	2002	Surprise Valley Ranch Pinot Noir, Shandel's Oppenlander Vineyard	Mendocino	$30.00	Bright Pinot Noir fruit -- MA

Sutter Home Winery, Inc.
	Critics Award	2003	Sutter Home Johannisberg Riesling	California	$5.99	Aromas of pineapple and honey, with a viscous mouthfeel -- MT

Swedish Hill Vineyard
	Critics Gold	2003	Swedish Hill Riesling	Finger Lakes	$10.99	Delicate and crisp -- MT
	Critics Award	2002	Swedish Hill Cabernet Franc	Finger Lakes	$15.99	Pretty red fruit aromas -- RW
	Critics Award	1999	Swedish Hill Brut	Finger Lakes	$19.99	Reserved, even austere, but very classy -- MF
	Critics Award	2003	Swedish Hill Cayuga White	Finger Lakes	$6.99	Aromatic, sweet/tart, a little simple but pleasant -- GB

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