| Award Categories Judges will award Critics Silver honors to wines that demonstrate above average character for the wine type and place of origin. Critics Gold honors will be awarded to wines that rise above a straightforward recommendation.
Critics Platinum awards will be reserved for wines nominated for Best of Show in these categories: sparkling, rose, white, red and dessert. All judges will participate in the tasting evaluation and vote for Best of Show and Wine of the Year.
Judges will taste all wines blind, but may ask for information about place of origin or grape varieties included in a blend. Producer, price and vintage will not be disclosed until the close of the competition. The Director may, at his discretion, recognize outstanding performances by an individual winery or importer following tabulation of all results. Awards will be announced at www.CriticsChallenge.com and by regular mail.
Entering A complete wine entry is comprised of six (6) 750ml bottles, or the equivalent. Grape varieties, residual sugar, appellation, vineyard designation, proprietary names and retail price must be listed on the entry form with each entry. For spirits entries such as brandy, Cognac or grappa, the requirement is three (3) 750ml bottles of the equivalent. Please fill out the wine competition entry form completely and accurately. The winery's telephone number, email address and contact person are important. Winners will be notified shortly after the end of the wine competition by email, telephone or regular U.S. mail. IMPORTANT: Be sure to enter each wine in the proper category. If a category does not exist for your wine, leave the category field blank and the Director will assign the wine to the correct category or create a new category, if necessary, using the varietal composition and residual sugar level as a guide. Wines entered in the wrong category will be moved to the correct category by the Director. Enter the wine's name as it appears on the label. The wine's label will determine how the wine is identified to consumers and industry when awards are announced.
Entry Fees and Dates $80 per entry received by March 30, 2012
$90 per entry after March 30, 2012
Final Entry Deadline: April 20, 2012
Wine Deadline: May 4, 2012 Make checks payable to Critics Challenge.
Payment can also be made by Visa, Master Card and American Express. Credit card charges will appear on yourstatement as "Wine Cellar Productions". Mail Entry Form and fees (not wine) to:
Critics Challenge
302 Washington St. #139
San Diego, CA 92103
Alternative Entry Methods:
Enter by fax: 619-294-4878
Attention: Robert Whitley Enter by email: Critics_Challenge@yahoo.com Ship WINES ONLY to: Critics Challenge
1735 Hancock St
San Diego, CA 92101-1118 (Do not include payment with wine shipment) Wines must be received by May 4, 2012, however you are encouraged to ship it at your earliest convenience to allow time for processing it and to resolve any issues or shipping errors. Please keep a copy of your entry form for your records. A copy should also be enclosed with your wine shipment. If credit card information is on the entry form, delete it on the shipping copy.
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