CRITICS CHALLENGE
2006 WINE COMPETITION RESULTS

K - P

 

By winery:

A-E

F-J

K-P

 _
   
WINERY
AWARD
VINTAGE
WINE
APPELLATION
SUGG. RETAIL
 CRITICS' COMMENTS:
Kathy Lynskey Vineyards    
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2005 Gewurztraminer 'Single Vineyard'
Marlborough, New Zealand
$24.00
Beautiful rose petal nose and a rich, complex palate. -- Robert Whitley
  Critics Award 2005 Sauvignon Blanc Vineyard Select
Marlborough, New Zealand
$19.00
Expressive in a friendly sort of way--with green beans, lemon, grass and mango. -- Jamal Rayyis
       
 
 
  
Kent Rasmussen Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2003 Pinot Noir
Carneros
$30.00
True to the varietal--a fun wine. -- Paul Lukacs
  Critics Award 2001 Petite Sirah, Chavez / Leeds Vineyards
Rutherford
$30.00
Restrained and refined. -- Nick Passmore
       
 
 
  
Kenwood Vineyards    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma County
$18.00
Pepper and dried herbs on the nose followed by fruitiness on the palate. -- Marguerite Thomas
  Critics Platinum 2005 Sauvignon Blanc
Sonoma County
$13.00
Intensly grassy and fleshy with a soft finish. -- Marguerite Thomas
       
 
 
  
Killer Juice      
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
Central Coast
$17.99
Balance in a box; bright and well made. -- Linda Murphy
  Critics Award 2004 Chardonnay
Central Coast
$17.99
Not complex but certainly fun to drink. -- Paul Lukacs
       
 
 
  
King Fish      
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 Shiraz
California
$5.99
A lighter, easy-drinking style for the barbecue. -- Linda Murphy
  Critics Gold 2005 Chardonnay
California
$5.99
A very ripe style but generous and fruity with generous pear flavors. -- Patrick Comiskey
       
 
 
  
Kirkland Ranch Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2001 Merlot
Napa Valley
$25.00
Well-balanced and nicely structured--it cries out for lamb. -- Marguerite Thomas
  Critics Award 2003 Chardonnay
Napa Valley
$25.00
Well-integrated; serve with fish and poultry. -- Ed McCarthy
       
 
 
  
Kit Fox Vineyards    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2003 'Foxy'
California
$11.99
Deep flavors with fine-grained tannins. -- Paul Lukacs
       
 
 
  
Kunde Estate Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Valley
$60.00
Well-integrated. -- Paul Lukacs
  Critics Award 2002 Century Vines Zinfandel, Shaw Vineyard
Sonoma Valley
$30.00
A great big bond of luscious, juicy fruit. -- Jordan Mackay
  Critics Award 2003 Chardonnay Reserve
Sonoma Valley
$16.00
Earthy and intriguing, great with mushrooms. -- Jordan Mackay
       
 
 
  
L'Aventure Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2003 'Optimus'
Paso Robles
$45.00
Robust blackberry, a hint of exotic spice. -- Jamal Rayyis
  Critics Platinum 2003 'Estate Cuvee'
Paso Robles
$75.00
Luxurious wine saturated with dark fruit, bitter chocolate, light herbs and anise. -- Beautifully balanced. Jamal Rayyis
       
 
 
  
La Cereza      
 
 
  
  Critics Platinum 2005 Viognier
Temecula Valley
$24.95
Has everything a viognier needs; honeysuckle, peach and some spice--full of ripeness yet balanced. -- Linda Murphy
       
 
 
  
La Mira      
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 Pinot Noir
Oregon
$16.99
Ripe, red fruits with a hint of tomato. Easy-going but not profound but clean and spicy. -- Stephen Brook
  Critics Award 2004 Pinot Noir
Monterey County
$16.99
Aromas of grilled meat and black cherry. Intense fruit but dry and fresh. -- Patrick Comiskey
  Critics Award 2004 Chardonnay
Monterey County
$16.99
Fresh chardonnay aromas. Plump and rounded with a straightforward fruity style. -- Stephen Brook
       
 
 
  
Labour Roi      
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2003 Meursault
Meursault, France
$41.00
A refreshingly subtle and elegant style of chardonnay you could drink throughout the meal. -- Michael Apstein
       
 
 
  
Laeticia Vineyard & Winery  
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 Pinot Noir 'Les Galets'
Arroyo Grande Valley
$60.00
Sweet, citrusy fruit draws complexity from spicy wood notes. -- Michael Franz
  Critics Award 2004 Chardonnay
Arroyo Grande Valley
$16.00
Firmly structured with subtle toastiness and mouthfiling texture. -- Linda Murphy
       
 
 
  
Lafond Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 Pinot Noir 'SRH'
Santa Rita Hills
$24.00
Rich and powerful, though elegance is lacking. -- Robert Whitley
  Critics Gold 2004 Syrah 'SRH'
Santa Rita Hills
$18.00
The Black Bart of wine--dark, deep and delicious. -- Linda Murphy
  Critics Gold 2004 Chardonnay 'SRH'
Santa Rita Hills
$20.00
Lots of flavor concentration and a long finish. -- Ed McCarthy
       
 
 
  
Lake Sonoma Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley
$22.00
Quite power with ripe fruit. -- Marguerite Thomas
  Critics Award 2003 Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley
$16.00
A savory, mouthwatering wine filled with herbs and black fruit. -- Jordan Mackay
  Critics Award 2004 Chardonnay
Russian River Valley
$16.00
Rich without being overdone. -- Michael Apstein
       
 
 
  
Lava Cap Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
El Dorado
$20.00
Succulent and juicy, ready to drink now. -- Robert Whitley
  Critics Gold 2003 Merlot Reserve
El Dorado
$20.00
Velvety in texture, plush in flavor. -- Jamal Rayyis
  Critics Award 2003 Petite Sirah Reserve, Granite Hill
El Dorado
$30.00
Lush and fruity. -- Nick Passmore
  Critics Award 2003 Sangiovese, Matagrano
El Dorado
$20.00
Simple, balanced red fruit; a great pour for a party. -- Patrick Comiskey
  Critics Gold 2003 Syrah Reserve
El Dorado
$20.00
A wonderful balance of ripe berry fruit, firm tannins and brisk acidity. -- Linda Murphy
  Critics Award 2003 Zinfandel Reserve
El Dorado
$20.00
Soft and saturated with berry fruit. -- Marguerite Thomas
  Critics Award 2004 Viognier
El Dorado
$20.00
Sweet and floral on the nose. -- Linda Murphy
       
 
 
  
Le Bon Vin De La Napa Valley  
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
$9.99
Beautiful black fruit aroma, ultra-smooth on the palate. -- Robert Whitley
       
 
 
  
Louis Jadot      
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2003 Pommard-Rugiens 'Ist Cru'
Pommard, France
$75.00
A little spice layered over strawberry. -- Marguerite Thomas
       
 
 
  
Lynfred Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
American
$16.00
An easy-drinking and smooth cabernet. A crowd pleaser. -- Leslie Sbrocco
       
 
 
  
MacRostie Winery & Vineyards  
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2004 Pinot Noir, Wildcat Mountain Vineyard
Sonoma Coast
$40.00
Rich and luscious with lovely texture and body. -- Jordan Mackay
  Critics Gold 2003 Syrah, Wildcat Mountain Vineyard
Carneros
$32.00
Smoky black olive scents--powerful and rich blackberry. Formidable! -- Patrick Comiskey
  Critics Award 2004 Chardonnay,Wildcat Mountain Vineyard
Sonoma Coast
$32.00
A creamy, buttery style. Good, balanced acid reigns in the fullness. -- Leslie Sbrocco
       
 
 
  
Madrona Vineyards    
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2001 'Quintet' Reserve Estate Grown
El Dorado
$25.00
Deep, soft flavors of soft berries with solid structure but rounded texture. -- Michael Franz
       
 
 
  
Mankas Hills Vineyards    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 'Amelie'
Suisan Valley
$14.90
Good fruit intensity, soft and forward. Very drinkable now. -- Robert Whitley
       
 
 
  
MARQ      
 
 
  
  Critics Platinum 2004 Pinot Noir 'The Mossed Grove'
Monterey County
$14.99
Rich oaky black cherry aromas and flavors. Has spice and flair. Stephen Brook
  Critics Gold 2005 Sauvignon Blanc 'The Sculpted Stone'
Monterey County
$12.99
Excellent balance with beautiful complexity in the bouquet. -- Robert Whitley
       
 
 
  
Mary Michelle Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2004 Cynthiana
Illinois
$9.99
Very well made with deep, intense blackberry fruit but a soft, rounded texture. -- Michael Franz
  Critics Award 2005 Norton
Illinois
$12.00
Soft and remarkably civilized for the variety with good integration of fruit and structure. -- Michael Franz
  Critics Award 2002 Chardonel
Greene County, Illinois
$9.99
Toasty, spicy oak notes show nicely with ripe fruit. -- Michael Franz
  Critics Award 2004 Chardonel
Greene County, Illinois
$9.99
Shows good freshness and balance. -- Robert Whitley
       
 
 
  
Masi      
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2001 Valpolicella 'Serego Aligheri'
Valpolicella, Italy
$25.00
Elegant with lavander and rose aromas with delicate red fruit flavors. -- Linda Murphy
  Critics Gold 2003 'Campofiorin'
Veronese IGT, Italy
$15.00
Well-integrated and structured--a very pretty and nuanced wine. -- Paul Lukacs
  Critics Award 2000 Brolo di Campofiorin
Veronese IGT, Italy
$25.00
Medium-bodied and very food friendly. -- Paul Lukacs
  Critics Platinum 2001 Amarone 'Costasera'
Valpolicella, Italy
$55.00
Exactly what Amarone should be--fantastic depth of flavor without being heavy or hot. Wow! -- Paul Lukacs
       
 
 
  
Maurice Carrie Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2005 Muscat Canelli
Temecula Valley
$12.95
Florally aromatic and nicely balanced in sweetened and juicy fruit. -- Linda Murphy
  Critics Award 2005 Sauvignon Blanc
Temecula Valley
 A bit sweet but true to the variety and quite pleasant. -- Michael Franz
       
 
 
  
McCray Ridge    
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, Two Moon Vineyard
Dry Creek Valley
$32.00
Beautiful integration of fruit and wood. -- Paul Lukacs
       
 
 
  
McWilliam's Hanwood Estate  
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 Merlot
South Eastern Australia
$12.00
Bright fruit with a silky texture. -- Paul Lukacs
  Critics Award 2004 Shiraz
South Eastern Australia
$12.00
Flinty and dry with cherry aromas and deeper flint flavors. -- Patrick Comiskey
  Critics Award 2004 Chardonnay
South Eastern Australia
$12.00
A fruit-driven, fresh style to pair with turkey burgers or fish taco. -- Leslie Sbrocco
  Critics Gold 2005 Riesling
South Eastern Australia
$12.00
Lovely balance and freshness, very elegant. -- Robert Whitley
       
 
 
  
McWilliams Of Coonawarra  
 
 
  
  Critics Platinum 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, Brand's Laira Vineyards
Coonawarra, Australia
$28.00
A gorgeously pure and expressive nose and a tightly structured but concentrated palate. -- Jordan Mackay
  Critics Award 2001 Shiraz
Coonawarra, Australia
$28.00
Slightly jammy with an easy-going style for everyday drinking. -- Stephen Brook
       
 
 
  
Merryvale Vineyards    
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2003 'Profile'
Napa Valley
$90.00
Excellent! A wine of depth and power with complex aromas and a long stylish finish. -- Robert Whitley
  Critics Gold 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon 'Starmount'
Napa Valley
$24.99
Pure but powerful with deep, dark fruit notes and ripe tannins. -- Michael Franz
  Critics Gold 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Napa Valley
$39.99
Rich, ripe and luscious--a beautiful wine. -- Robert Whitley
  Critics Award 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, Beckstoffer / X Vineyards
Oakville
$74.95
Well structured with seriously dark fruit and very robust tannins. -- Michael Franz
  Critics Award 2003 Chardonnay 'Silhoutte'
Napa Valley
$49.95
Complete, with juicy citrus, apple and hazelnut. Some mineral with good acidity. -- Linda Murphy
  Critics Award 2005 Sauvignon Blanc 'Starmount'
Napa Valley
$17.99
Very clean, lively and fresh. -- Paul Lukacs
       
 
 
  
Mia's Playground    
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley
$16.00
Ripe and soft but still serious thanks to very pure fruit and very low oak. -- Michael Franz
       
 
 
  
Miner Family Vineyards    
 
 
  
  Critics Platinum 2002 'The Oracle'
Napa Valley
$60.00
A well put together blockbuster. -- Robert Whitley
  Critics Award 2005 Viognier, Simpson Vineyard
California
$20.00
Unctuous and decadent with textbook varietal character and enough acid to carry the fruit. -- Linda Murphy
       
 
 
  
Miramonte Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2002 'Rhapsody' Private Reserve
Temecula Valley
$31.95
A ragbag of jammy fruit, tannin and acidity but has some personality. -- Stephen Brook
       
 
 
  
Mirassou Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
California
$11.00
A succulent, mouth-filling wine. -- Jordan Mackay
  Critics Award 2003 Merlot
California
$11.00
Herbal berries with good fruit. -- Gerald Boyd
  Critics Award 2004 Pinot Noir
California
$11.00
A balanced and measured wine with great texture and finish. -- Jordan Mackay
  Critics Award 2004 Chardonnay
Monterey County
$11.00
Oaky but with fine, zesty acidity. -- Nick Passmore
  Critics Award 2005 Reisling
Monterey County
$11.00
Pleasant baked apple aromas and flavors with nice balance and acidity. -- Michael Franz
  Critics Award 2004 Sauvignon Blanc
California
$11.00
A hint of fruit with a brisk finish. -- Marguerite Thomas
       
 
 
  
Mont Gras      
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 Syrah 'Antu Ninaen', Mountain Vineyard
Colchagua Valley, Chile
$19.00
Dusty, earthy, cigar box flavors. -- Nick Passmore
       
 
 
  
Monterra Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
Monterey County
$8.99
Ripe and easy-going but has plenty of tannin in the finish. -- Stephen Brook
  Critics Award 2004 Merlot
Monterey County
$8.99
Pleasing herbal notes. -- Robert Whitley
  Critics Award 2004 Shiraz
Monterey County
$8.99
Ripe and fruit driven; great for barbecues. -- Ed McCarthy
       
 
 
  
Montevina Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2005 Pinot Grigio
California
$10.00
Charming tastes of fresh fruit and just-picked flowers. -- Jordan Mackay
       
 
 
  
Bodegas Montecillo    
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2000 Rioja Reserva
Rioja, Spain
$19.00
Marked by a powerful, earthy richness. -- Nick Passmore
       
 
 
  
Montpellier Vineyards    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
California
$6.99
Light and well balanced; a great food wine. -- Ed McCarthy
  Critics Award 2005 White Zinfandel
California
$6.99
Pretty dried-cherry aromas. -- Robert Whitley
  Critics Award 2003 Syrah
California
$6.99
An easy-going outdoor dining wine. -- Ed McCarthy
  Critics Award 2004 Chardonnay
California
$6.99
Vanilla, tropical fruit and a crisp finish--what's not to like. -- Linda Murphy
  Critics Award 2005 Viognier
California
$6.99
Flavor plus acidity; well-balanced. -- Ed McCarthy
       
 
 
  
Moon Mountain Vineyard    
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2004 Chardonnay
Sonoma County
$12.99
This wine has the structure, acidity and balance lacking in so many chardonnays. -- Linda Murphy
       
 
 
  
Mumm Napa Valley