Fine Whine is a fantastic route up an imposing line. The Gunnistoner old guard looked at that wall for years and day dreamed about a route up it. It took bolts and Robert's vision to complete. A little over half way up is a giant white crystal that plays an integral role in the ascent. A very cool route to be sure.
Location
This route is generally accessed from either Left Hand or Air Conditioner. I think the Left Hand start is more common. Either way you will want a standard rack to lead through the cruxes of those trad starts. Fine Whine runs straight up the beautiful overhanging wall between Left Hand and Air Conditioner.
Protection
Five bolts and gear to a 2 bolt belay. A standard rack would be appreciated to get to the start of the sportiness.
I really enjoyed this route though I didn't lead. A couple years back I was hanging around and met some nice folks up at the AC corner one day and they let me clean it. I thought it was a brilliant climb. The critical crystal is such a cool feature that is worth two stars all by itself. The free hanging rap to the ground let's you know how steep it is and explained why my arms were so pumped. This is a very worthy climb...for a sport route.
So Phil, does it go directly above Left Hand, or does it start further right in the middle of the Air Conditioner belay ledge? Does the 135 ft include getting to the start or does it go up 135 ft from there?
The 135 feet is from the ground to the anchor. It includes the first half of the approach route. Fine Whine goes straight (5 bolts) up the overhanging wall above the ledge that connects AC and LH.
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