(Originally published April 2002)

Few wineries have as spotless a track record and reputation as Robert Craig Wine Cellars. From its 1992 founding and 1995 debut release (the 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon), Robert Craig Wine Cellars has enjoyed resounding critical and consumer success.

Robert Craig himself has a long history of Napa Valley success. During the 1980s he focused on developing Mt. Veeder as a source for premium-quality grapes and was later instrumental in having Mt. Veeder designated as a special appellation district. Craig served as president and general manager of The Hess Collection winery, which quickly became known for its distinctive Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon.

Mr. Craig brought his personal commitment to small-lot, handcrafted wines to the founding of Robert Craig Wine Cellars. The wines are concentrated, rich and distinctive. Branching out from Mt. Veeder and including other Napa Valley appellations, the winery endeavors to create wines that reflect a unique personality of each district.

In December 2001, we reviewed a handful of wines:

1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Howell Mountain ($44). Concentrated, ripe fruit is lush and subtly accented with spice, toasty oak, and hints of fennel and smoke. A sophisticated wine, rather than a powerhouse. Smooth finish. Ready to drink now and over the next five years.

1999 Zinfandel Amador County ($28). Effusive, with bright jammy fruit and plenty of spice and oak that pick up a sweet, creamy note on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four years.

1999 Syrah Paso Robles ($28). I thought this was a wonderfully tasty wine. Showing a complex and full-bodied style, it is ripe with concentrated berry fruit, exotic spice notes, smoke, and well-integrated rich oak. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years.

Now here are a few more brand new releases!

1999 Affinity Napa Valley ($48). This is a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), Merlot (18%) and Cabernet Franc (5%). It is a beautiful deep red and offers a heady bouquet of spicy plum and sweet black cherry. Concentrated cherry and berry fruit are layered with earthy notes, savory herbs, and subtle caramelized oak. This wine manages to be quite full-bodied and rich, but still elegant. Lush, generous finish. Very good now and over the next four or five years.

2000 Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros ($24). Complex and deliciously well balanced, with juicy pear, nutmeg-spiked apple, and a touch of citrus fruit on the one hand, combined with rich vanilla oak on the other. A wildflower honey note emerges on the creamy lingering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years.

2000 Chardonnay Russian River Valley ($24). Ripe pear is jazzed-up with opulent tropical fruits, including mango and creamy pineapple, and accented with orange peel and toasty oak. Very nice acidity and balance. Quite a flavor punch that continues through to the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years.

To learn more about Robert Craig Wine Cellars, visit their website at www.robertcraigwine.com.