Michael Franz wrote
“Robert Whitley, 1950 - 2021
We are saddened to report that Robert Whitley, publisher of Wine Review Online, passed away on February 3 after a brief bout with cancer. Robert was also the author of “Wine Talk,” a column syndicated nationally by the Creators Syndicate, a monthly contributor to the Reuters “Vine Talk” column, and director of four major international wine competitions: San Diego International Wine and Spirits Challenge, Critics Challenge, Sommelier Challenge and Winemaker Challenge.
Robert became a friend to countless journalists, members of the wine trade, competition judges and volunteers over the years.”
I met him a couple of times in Bordeaux and NY. Lovely man. The wine community will miss him.