Wines Featured on McNees.org WineSite Journal

Featured Producer & Wine (s) on Rick's WineSite Journal

Producer:	Robert Craig Vineyards



Appellations:	(CS) Napa Valley, Howell Mtn, Mtn Veeder, Atlas Peak


Featured Wine (s):	Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux style blend, Syrah, Chardonnay, Zinfandel


Winemaker (s):	Robert Craig, Rudy Zedema


Website:	http://robertcraigwine.com

Journal entries: Date, Wine, Rating, Price, Comments

Robert spent several years as vineyard manager and general manager of the Hess Collection Winery on Mt. Veeder which he championed to gain its own appellation district in 1990. Robert Craig Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon debuted in 1992 joined in 1993 by his now legendary Mt Veeder and Howell Mountain selections. We discovered Robert Craig wine beginning with the 1994 vintage and were honored when Robert, his wife Lynn, and associate winemaker Rudy Z were featured quests at our Napa Wine Experience 98 and again in 1999. Having roots back in Chicago where he studied at U of C, Robert is a perennial favorite producer and cellar selection. Perhaps his best work was the outstanding 1997 vintage - one of our favorites - (see review). We were fortunate to get some of his early limited releases when as few as 38 cases were produced (first year Chardonnay). We're all fortunate to have greater access to Robert Craig product as he continues to increase production. Thankfully, and to his credit, we applaud Robert for holding the line on prices. Today his flagship Affinity is a great value in quality Napa Cabernets. Enjoy.

July 18, 2008 - Robert Craig Napa Valley Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 - RM 91 - A perennial favorite wines from a featured winemaker from our Napa Wine Experiences. Nice balance of fruit and pronounced oak - black cherry, black berry, subtle well integrated tannins. Tasted w/ ENA and Kathy - tasty complement to grilled steak at their place.

Jan 22, 2004 - Robert Craig Affinity Napa Valley 1996 WS 92 RM 92 $40 Cellar Selection Beautiful deep purple color, delicious smooth polished taste of sweet currant, strawberry pear and sweet apple berry with a nice balance. A Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Robert Craig is one of our favorite producers with three fabulous offerings in his flagship Affinity blend and his Howell Mountain and Mount Veeder cabernets.

Nov 27, 2003 - Robert Craig Amador Country Zinfandel 2000 RM 88 $22 Limited release from this producer, . Full ripe berry with a hint of cassis.

Apr 16, 2003 - Robert Craig Affinity Napa Valley 1999 WS88 RM/RC90 $48 Complex currant, black cherry, cedar and spice flavors, mocha finish turning smooth and polished. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Robert Craig Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 1996 RM/RC91 WS91 $48 Smooth, focused currant, black cherry, tar and anise lingering on the finish. Tasted w/ RC and Gordon Leigh, Manager, Sommelier @ Capital Grill in Tyson's Corner.

November 22, 2001 - Thanksgiving dinner - what do you server on this special day? 1997 Robert Craig Amador County Zinfandel.

Sept 22, 2001 - 1997 Robert Craig Mt Veeder Cabernet WS Cellar Selection (RM 94 WS 94) (WSCS); 1997 Robert Craig Howell Mountain Cabernet (RM 92 WS 92). A tribute to Robert Craig at its best. A great duel of two fruit bombs from a spectacular vintage. Enjoy these while you can. Huge full berry flavor, full rich balanced yet soft on the finish cherry, berry, and spicy chocolate. The Howell is only slightly behind. They're both on the great winelist at Sullivan's here in Naperville; with Rick C, DRH, and S.

August 2, 2001 - 1997 Robert Craig Paso Robles Syrah; $24 WS 89 RM 90 Rich, tasty, plum and berry, with a hint of oak and cedar and spice on the finish.1997 Robert Craig Chardonnay - $25 WS 93 RM 92 No doubt you dont think on Robert Craig and Chardonnay but perhaps you should If you can find this limited production release (200 cases), its a great bargain. WS says it this way... smooth and creamy, with a pretty toasty oak and vanilla-scented edge. The rich core of pear, fig, apple and melon is bright, rich and concentrated, turning enormously complex. I don't do enough whites be adept at verbalizing the experience. Find this if you can!

May 8, 2001 - Robert Craig 1997 Paso Robles Syrah $24 (WS 87 RM 92!) This is a new release from Robert. Only 200 cases are available - its delicious and a good value. Hopefully, production will increase! Cherry, plum & hint of smoke with a smooth mocha finish. What fun! See earlier review & links. In Vegas w/ TR & PP

March 19, 2001 - 1997 Robert Craig Mt Veeder CS (RM 92WS 94) (WSCS); 1997 Rosemount Balmoral Syrah; 1997 BV Tapestry - (see my earlier reviews below of these - some of my favorite wines.) - What a trio of great wines from T Cook's WS Award of Excellence wine list! The Craig was over-powered early by the dueling fruit bombs but opened up eventually to reveal full rich tight but soft on the finish cherry, berry, and spicy chocolate. Tasted w/ TRR, Lloyd M., and Tom L. at T Cooks, Phoenix.