Critics Challenge Int'l Wine Competition

CRITICS CHALLENGE 2006 WINE COMPETITION RESULTS A - E		By winery: A-E F-J K-P	Q-T U-Z	_
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*WINERY*	*AWARD*	*VINTAGE*	*WINE*	*APPELLATION*	SUGG. RETAIL	*CRITICS' COMMENTS:*
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	Critics Award	2004	Cabernet Sauvignon	Lodi	$14.99	Fresh blackberry fruit. -- Stephen Brook

Acorn Winery
	Critics Award	2004	Sangiovese, Alegria Vineyards	Russian River Valley	$24.00	Soft and agreeable cherry fruit with plum on the palate--round and plump. -- Patrick Comiskey
	Critics Gold	2004	Zinfandel 'Heritage Vines', Alegria Vineyards	Russian River Valley	$32.00	Powerfully rich and full but with supple tannins and a hint of sweetness--complex and classy. -- Leslie Sbrocco

Anam Cara Cellars
	Critics Gold	2004	Pinot Noir, Nicholas Estate	Willamette Valley, OR	$29.00	Delicate raspberry aromas. An etherial, poised style with fragrance and charm. -- Stephen Brook

Andeluna Cellars
	Critics Platinum	2003	'Pasionado' Grand Reserve	Mendoza, Argentina	$49.99	Rich, beautiful texture in the mouth. Exceptional depth and lovely notes of chocolate and currants. -- Robert Whitley
	Critics Gold	2003	Cabernet Franc Limited Reserve	Mendoza, Argentina	$49.99	Inky, deep color with very port-like aromas. Dense and powerful with a long finish. -- Patrick Comiskey
	Critics Award	2004	Cabernet Sauvignon Winemaker's Selection	Mendoza, Argentina	$12.99	Easy-drinking with good fruit. -- Ed McCarthy.
	Critics Gold	2003	Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve	Mendoza, Argentina	$22.99	Slightly herbal and elegant--very much a Bordeaux-style cabernet. -- Linda Murphy
	Critics Platinum	2004	Malbec Winemaker's Selection	Mendoza, Argentina	$12.99	An intense concentration of color and flavor. What more could you ask for in a malbec? -- Marguerite Thomas
	Critics Gold	2003	Merlot Winemaker's Selection	Mendoza, Argentina	$12.99	Big, bold berry flavors with smokey supple oak and thick but smooth tannins. -- Jamal Rayyis
	Critics Gold	2003	Merlot Reserve	Mendoza, Argentina	$22.99	Rich in berry and spice. -- Jamal Rayyis
	Critics Gold	2003	Chardonnay Reserve	Mendoza, Argentina	$22.99	Complex with good flavor. -- Ed McCarthy

Anglim Winery
	Critics Platinum	2003	Grenache, Vista Creek Vineyard	Paso Robles	$22.00	An absolute delight brimming with lush, red fruit flavors. -- Nick Passmore
	Critics Platinum	2003	Syrah 'Best Barrel Blend'	Paso Robles	$40.00	Red hot syrah! Old-World elegance with earthy complexity, a peppery kick and fresh red berry fruit notes. Drink now or cellar. -- Leslie Sbrocco
	Critics Gold	2003	Syrah, French Camp Vineyard	Paso Robles	$30.00	Smoky, juicy, layered and supple. Great with grilled lamb. -- Leslie Sbrocco
	Critics Award	2004	Roussanne, Fralich Vineyard	Paso Robles	$22.00	Rich but balanced and lively. -- Paul Lukacs
	Critics Award	2004	Viognier, Fralich Vineyard	Paso Robles	$30.00	Oak predominates but with plenty of peachy fruit and honeysuckle notes. -- Linda Murphy

Anselmi
	Critics Award	2004	Capitel Foscarino	Veneto, Italy	$17.50	Rounded texture set off by nice mineral notes and soft acidity. -- Michael Franz

Aquinas
	Critics Award	2003	Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa Valley	$13.00	Lovely red fruit character and long in the mouth. -- Robert Whitley
	Critics Award	2004	Chardonnay	Napa Valley	$13.00	Like biting into a golden apple--crisp and bright. -- Linda Murphy

Armida Winery
	Critics Gold	2004	Pinot Noir, Bacigalupi Vineyard	Russian River Valley	$39.00	A spice box in a bottle. Vivid black fruit flavors on an elegant frame. -- Linda Murphy
	Critics Gold	2004	Pinot Noir, Castelli-Knight Vineyard	Russian River Valley	$36.00	Solid, weighty pinot fruit. -- Ed McCarthy
	Critics Award	2004	Zinfandel, Tre Torrrente Vineyard	Dry Creek Valley	$35.00	Very ripe and bright cherry. -- Gerald Boyd
	Critics Award	2004	Zinfandel, Maple Vineyard	Dry Creek Valley	$36.00	Lots of black currants and raspberries. -- Marguerite Thomas

Artesa Winery
	Critics Award	2002	'Elements'	Sonoma / Napa	$20.00	Sweet fruit with balanced tannins. -- Marguerite Thomas
	Critics Gold	2002	Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa Valley	$40.00	Ripe, varietally-true flavors with no excess. -- Paul Lukacs
	Critics Gold	2004	Pinot Noir Estate	Carneros	$40.00	A well-composed melange of cherry and smoky mineral, spicy oak and fine tannins. -- Jamal Rayyis
	Critics Platinum	2003	Tempranillo	Alexander Valley	$25.00	Ripe, New-World style. Black and red licorice aromas laced with supple tannins and dark berry fruit. SEXY! -- Leslie Sbrocco

Atlas Peak
	Critics Award	2003	Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa Valley	$41.00	Intense, yet classy and balanced. -- Michael Apstein

Avila
	Critics Gold	2004	'Cote d'Avila'	Santa Barbara County	$12.00	Complex aromas of red cherry and beef stew. -- Patrick Comiskey
	Critics Award	2004	Cabernet Sauvignon	Santa Barbara County	$12.00	Refreshing acidity refines the palate with spicy black fruit up front. -- Linda Murphy
	Critics Gold	2004	Merlot	Santa Barbara County	$12.00	A lush, velvety, sexy wine--what merlot should be and so often isn't. -- Paul Lukacs
	Critics Award	2004	Syrah	Santa Barbara County	$12.00	A pleasant, easy-drinking style. -- Ed McCarthy

Baileyana Winery
	Critics Award	2004	Pinot Noir 'Grand Firepeak Cuvee', Firepeak Vineyard	Edna Valley	$38.00	Nicely balanced, fruity but delicate. -- Marguerite Thomas
	Critics Gold	2004	Chardonnay 'Grand Firepeak Cuvee', Firepeak Vineyard	Edna Valley	$30.00	Sublime balance of ripe apple and pear fruit; soft, creamy texture with fresh acidity. -- Linda Murphy

Ballatore Champagne Cellars
	Critics Award	NV	'Gran Spumante'	California	$6.00	Aromas of peaches in a sweet wine--the taste of summer. -- Marguerite Thomas
	Critics Award	NV	'Rosso Red Spumante'	California	$6.00	As sweet, pink and fleshy as a Reubens nude. -- Marguerite Thomas

Barboursville Vineyards
	Critics Gold	2004	'Octagon'	Virginia	$40.00	Black cherry and berry to start quickly go feral with barnyard and sweet juice flavors. -- Jamal Rayyis
	Critics Award	2004	Cabernet Franc Reserve	Virginia	$22.00	Pretty red berries. Clean and simple. -- Patrick Comiskey
	Critics Gold	2004	Nebbiolo Reserve	Virginia	$30.00	A great wine; complexly flavored--tannins plus acid plus strawberry. -- Ed McCarthy
	Critics Award	2005	Chardonnay	Virginia	$12.00	Soft and pleasing fruitiness--serve well-chilled with shrimp. -- Jordan Mackay

Barefoot Bubbly
	Critics Award	NV	Chardonnay Champagne 'Brut Cuvee'	California	$8.00	Soft and supple with clean, fresh flavors. -- Paul Lukacs
	Critics Award	NV	Chardonnay Champagne 'Extra Dry'	California	$8.00	Good acidity and balance of fruit. Well done. -- Ed McCarthy

Barefoot Cellars
	Critics Gold	2001	'Impression' Reserve	Alexander Valley	$15.00	Pleasantly earthy aromas work nicely with ripe soft, dark berry notes. -- Michael Franz
	Critics Platinum	2003	Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve	Dry Creek Valley	$15.00	Delicious!!
	Critics Award	2003	Merlot Reserve	Alexander Valley	$15.00	A nice, lingering, fruity finish. -- Marguerite Thomas
	Critics Award	NV	White Zinfandel	California	$6.00	The sweetness works nicely with the bright acidity from the red cherry fruit. -- Michael Franz
	Critics Award	NV	Zinfandel	California	$6.00	Not serious but seriously fun to sip! Fresh, balanced and zesty. Buy it by the case. -- Leslie Sbrocco
	Critics Gold	2004	Chardonnay Reserve	Russian River Valley	$15.00	Layered notes of pear, butterscotch and spice surrounded by smoothness and a kick of acidity. -- Leslie Sbrocco
	Critics Gold	NV	Chardonnay	California	$6.00	Fresh, lively fruit--a great bargain chardonnay. -- Nick Passmore
	Critics Award	NV	Sauvignon Blanc	California	$6.00	Tastes like a tart, green pippin apple. Marguerite Thomas

Bargetto Winery
	Critics Award	2004	Pinot Noir Reserve, Regan Vineyards	Santa Cruz Mountains	$30.00	Dry berries with chocolate notes. -- Gerald Boyd

Barnard Griffin Winery
	Critics Award	2004	Cabernet Sauvignon	Columbia Valley, WA	$16.99	A rich and sappy cocoa nose. Very ripe and lush. -- Patrick Comiskey
	Critics Award	2004	Merlot	Columbia Valley, WA	$16.99	Nice, open fruit with soft textures make this an uncomplicated crowd-pleaser. -- Michael Franz
	Critics Award	2004	Fume Blanc	Columbia Valley, WA		Soft but well-structured. -- Paul Lukacs

Barnwood Vineyards
	Critics Gold	2004	Cabernet Sauvignon ' 3200' '	Santa Barbara County	$22.00	Black is always in style--black cherry, black licorice, tar and peppery spice. -- Linda Murphy
	Critics Gold	2004	Petite Sirah 'Long Shadow'	Santa Barbara County	$22.00	A very balanced and elegant style. If you like stylish Syrah try this supple sipper. Leslie Sbrocco
	Critics Platinum	2004	Tempranillo 'Untamed'	San Luis Obispo County	$22.00	Rich, plush and seductive with a long spicy finish. -- Nick Passmore

Baron De Villacampa
	Critics Award	2001	Rioja Reserva	Rioja, Spain	$23.00	Bright berry aromas accented with dusty notes. Medium-bodied. -- Leslie Sbrocco

Barrister Winery
	Critics Platinum	2002	Barrister Merlot	Columbia Valley	$27.00	Lavish berry with spicy bourbon. -- Jamal Rayyis

Beaucanon Winery
	Critics Award	2002	Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa Valley	$21.99	Impressive depth. -- Paul Lukacs
	Critics Gold	2000	Cabernet Sauvignon 'Jacques de Coninck Reserve'	Napa Valley	$35.99	Lovely balance between red berry, earth and spice--good acidity. -- Jamal Rayyis

Beaulieu Vineyard
	Critics Gold	2004	Chardonnay	Carneros	$19.99	Vanillins and pear with lots of fruit flavor. Balanced with a long finish. -- Patrick Comiskey
	Critics Award	2004	Chardonnay	Coastal Estates	$10.99	Well-balanced with good acidity. -- Ed McCarthy

Bella Sera
	Critics Gold	2004	Cabernet Sauvignon	Delle Venezie, Italy	$8.00	Plump and supple. -- Michael Apstein
	Critics Award	2005	Pinot Grigio	Delle Venezie, Italy	$8.00	A wine with real character. -- Michael Apstein

Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves
	Critics Award	2003	Zinfandel, Big River Ranch	Alexander Valley	$34.00	Concentrated and deep--lots of fruit power. -- Jordan Mackay

Belle Brook
	Critics Gold	2003	Chardonnay	Central Coast	$15.99	Great aromas of vanilla and pear. Firm and clean with nice length. -- Patrick Comiskey

Belvedere Winery
	Critics Gold	2002	Merlot, Healdsburg Ranches	Sonoma County	$19.00	Bursting with black cherry flavors. -- Jamal Rayyis
	Critics Platinum	2004	Pinot Noir	Russian River Valley	$28.00	Gorgeously aromatic and velvet. Textured and entirely seductive. -- Linda Murphy
	Critics Gold	2004	Chardonnay	Russian River Valley	$20.00	Bright, pure fruit unmasked by oak. -- Linda Murphy
	Critics Award	2004	Chardonnay 'Healdsburg Ranches'	Sonoma County	$14.00	Simply mouthwatering. Linda Murphy

Benziger Family Winery
	Critics Gold	2004	Sauvignon Blanc	North Coast	$12.00	Impressive depth of flavor--especially for the varietal. Paul Lukacs

Bighorn Cellars
	Critics Award	2002	Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville Vineyard	Napa Valley	$30.00	Admirable restraint in a genuinely Bordeaux-styled wine. -- Paul Lukacs
	Critics Platinum	2003	Pinot Noir, Amity Hills Vineyard	Yamhill County, Oregon	$36.00	Really terrific with smoky mineral, powdery tannins and black, maple-scented berry. -- Jamal Rayyis
	Critics Gold	2003	Syrah, Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard	Napa Valley	$28.00	Structure and earthiness. -- Nick Passmore
	Critics Award	2004	Chardonnay, Camelback Vineyard	Los Carneros	$22.00	A toasty refined example of chardonnay. -- Michael Apstein

Biltmore Estate Wine Company
	Critics Gold	NV	'Century'	American	$10.99	A slightly sweet, aromatic and balanced wine. Greatly appealing. -- Marguerite Thomas
	Critics Gold	NV	Sangiovese	American	$14.99	Classic aromas of brick and dark cherry. A dry and balanced palate of cherry and plum. -- Patrick Comiskey
	Critics Gold	NV	Sparkling Wine	American	$19.99	Pleasingly clean and floral with great flavors on the palate. -- Patrick Comiskey
	Critics Gold	NV	'Pas de Deux'	American	$15.99	Subtley sweet and packed with flavor. Try with Thai food. -- Linda Murphy
	Critics Gold	NV	Chardonnay 'Sur Lies'	American	$9.99	A unique touch of minerality paired with ripe fruit and toasty oak. A food wine. -- Leslie Sbrocco
	Critics Gold	2004	Chardonnay 'Chateau Reserve'	North Carolina	$14.99	A chardonnay with elegance and depth. Balanced oak, alcohol and fruit come together in a stylish package. -- Leslie Sbrocco

Black Swan
	Critics Award	2004	Shiraz	South Eastern Australia	$8.00	A delicious, easy-drinking, weekday wine. -- Leslie Sbrocco
	Critics Gold	2004	Chardonnay	South Eastern Australia	$8.00	Light and easy with fine citrus accents. -- Nick Passmore

Blandy's
	Critics Gold	NV	5 Year Old Malmsey	Funchal, Madeira	$20.99	Rich, complex and long in the mouth. -- Robert Whitley

Blockheadia
	Critics Gold	2003	Petite Sirah 'Ringnosii'	Mendocino County	$30.00	Balanced fruit and alcohol. Can there be a pretty petite sirah? If so, this is it. -- Leslie Sbrocco
	Critics Gold	2004	Chardonnay 'All Tank Ringnossi'	Mendocino County	$28.00	An absolute delight! Pretty and charming. -- Nick Passmore

Bolla
	Critics Gold	2004	Chianti	Tuscany, Italy	$9.99	A lovely nose of wild cherry and earth with a firmly structured palate. -- Robert Whitley
	Critics Gold	2004	Valpolicella	Valpolicella, Italy	$7.99	A terrific balance of ripe red fruit, moderate tannnins and fresh acidity--delicious! -- Linda Murphy
	Critics Gold	2003	Amarone	Valpolicella, Italy	$40.00	Fantastic texture--on point! -- Paul Lukacs

Bonny Doon Vineyard
	Critics Award	2004	Big House Red' California $10.00 Satisfyingly rich. Paul Lukacs
	Critics Gold	2003	'Le Cigare Volant'	California	$32.00	Aromas of fruit pastries. Supple and sleek with enlivening acids and berry fruit. -- Stephen Brook
	Critics Award	2004	'Le Cigare Blanc'	California	$20.00	Lovely perfume of peaches followed by engaging smokiness. -- Michael Apstein
	Critics Gold	NV	Framboise	American	$12.00	Intense aromas of raspberries. -- Robert Whitley
	Best of Show Rose	2005	'Big House Pink'	California	$10.00	Remarkable character and length--and a great value to boot! -- Michael Apstein
	Critics Award	2005	'Vin Gris de Cigare'	California	$12.00	Pleasing and medium-bodies with great balance and lasting finish. -- Jordan Mackay
	Critics Gold	2004	Sangiovese, Ca del Solo'	Monterey County	$15.00	Ripe plum compote aromas; very ripe on the palate. -- Patrick Comiskey
	Critics Gold	2004	Syrah 'Le Pousseur'	Central Coast	$16.00	Combines fresh, spicy fruit with acidity. -- Ed McCarthy
	Critics Award	2004	Zinfandel 'Cardinal Zin' Beastly Old Vines	California	$20.00	Fragrance and berry. -- Gerald Boyd
	Critics Award	NV	Pacific Rim Chenin Blanc	California	$11.00	Supporting acidity balances the fruitiness of this wine. Perfect with Chinese or Asian food. -- Michael Apstein
	Critics Award	2005	Muscat 'Vin de Glaciere'	California	$17.00	Nectary and sweet with citrusy acidity to please the palate. -- Linda Murphy

Bonterra Vineyards
	Critics Gold	2003	Cabernet Sauvignon 'Organically Grown Grapes'	Mendocino County	$14.99	Delicious sweet, ripe flavors--not hot! -- Paul Lukacs
	Critics Award	2003	Syrah 'Organically Grown Grapes'	Mendocino County	$14.99	Concentrated fruit notes and a New-World juicy style. -- Leslie Sbrocco
	Critics Award	2004	Chardonnay 'Organically Grown Grapes'	Mendocino County