Champagne vs. Sparkling Wine

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






Champagne vs. Sparkling Wine
#nb-45-11



Break out the bubbly its almost New Year's!

Over the years I have heard many make the comment, "I don't really like champagne, so I don't think that I will get any this year for the 31st." When asked what kind of champagne they have had in the past, the answer is often Andre. Well Andre really is not champagne, its just inexpensive sparkling wine.

So what's the difference? Well Champagne is made in the Champagne Region of France and is fermented in the bottle , which is called Methode Champenoise, or in English "Champagne Method". Andre and other inexpensive sparkling wines are not fermented in the bottle using the Champagne Method, but rather they are fermented in bulk, which is often using the Charmat Method. This is a process which produces a usually much inferior sparkling wine. So if you don't want to pay French Champagne prices, look for the words "Champagne Method" on the bottle. There are some really good sparkling wines out there that don't come from France, and can't be called Champagne, but are still very enjoyable. You might find that you actually do like "Champagne".

Below are a few of my favorites:

Schramsberg from California - $30 to $36 per bottle
Mumm's Napa Cellars from California - $16 to $20 per bottle
Domaine Chandon from California - $16 to $20 per bottle
Korbel from California - $11 to $15 per bottle
Codorniu Cava from Spain - $8 to $11 per bottle


HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!


Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2011 Christmas Special

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net





Christmas Special
#nb-45-11


First let me say MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY DINING!...To make this happen you will need to make some good choices for your holiday meals. Below is a list of suggestions for which wines go best with which foods, that I put together several years ago. I hope this will help you with your holiday planning.

Grilled Steak or Beef Tenderloin - Cabernet Sauvignon
Lamb Chops or Pork Loin Chops - Merlot
Barbecued Ribs or Spaghetti - Zinfandel
Prime Rib or Roast Duck - Pinot Noir
Lobster, King Crab, Half Shell Oysters - Chardonnay
Oysters Rockefeller or Broiled Fish - Sauvignon Blanc
Shrimp Alfredo or Clams Marinara - Pinot Grigio
Baked Fish, Poached Flounder - Riesling or Pinot Grigio
Cornish Game Hens - Chardonnay or Pinot Noir
Grilled or Baked Salmon - Chardonnay, or Pinot Noir

The following is a list of some of the wines I have written about earlier this year which I would recommend as good choices for some of the above.

2009 B Side Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - 92 score
2007 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot - 91 score
2008 Bogel Old Vines Zinfandel - 91 score
2009 La Crema Russian River Pinot Noir - 95 score
2008 Rodney Strong Reserve Chardonnay - 92 score
2009 St. Supery Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc - 90 score
2010 Kris Pinot Grigio - 90 score
"Wild Card" - Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico -scores are almost always 90+ - Great with veal or any other Italian dish!

Whatever special dinner or wine you enjoy this year, I hope you have a:

Merry Christmas - Norm's Score - 100!


Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2010 Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2010 Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel
#nb-44-11


There is nothing like a big plate of spaghetti on a cold winter's night, and if you can't have a bottle of Dago Red alongside, try my American favorite for spaghetti, which is Zinfandel. The 2010 Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel is the best of what have been some pretty good vintages over the last few years, and was made for spaghetti. The wine is made from old Zinfandel vines between 35 and 80 years old from the Lodi area of California.

This is a dark purple wine with a heady nose of jammy dark berries, which flow into robust flavors of black raspberry, blackberry and black cherry. The finish has an oak signature and comes in at 14.5% alcohol. This wine has the power and structure to stand up to any heavily spiced dish, especially anything in a tomato based sauce.

This wine was great with spaghetti, and would also go well with pizza or barbecue. Norm's score is 88.


Price: $8 to $11
Score: 88

Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2008 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2008 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay
#nb-43-11


There is something to be said for consistency, and both Robert Parker's "Wine Advocate" and the "Wine Spectator" scored the 2008 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay an 88. I am afraid I have to disagree and be inconsistent, and raise the score of this delightful bottle of wine to a 91. Perhaps I sampled this Chardonnay after a little more bottle age than the the two premier wine magazines, but I found this to be one of the best under twenty dollar Chardonnays I have ever tasted!

The other night my wife prepared her famous "Special Shrimp Scampi"(recipe location below), which is one of my most favorite shrimp dishes. The 2008 Indian Wells Chardonnay made it even better! This is a rich and smooth Chardonnay which abounds in flavors of melon and ripe pear, with Golden Delicious apple flavors swirling all about, and on into the finish. The finish is buttery with a strong crisp oak signature. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation to enhance the fruit and buttery character, and was aged sur lie for seven months in both French and American oak. The alcohol content is a perfect 13.5%.

Shrimp Scampi blasts you with butter and garlic (which is why I like it so much), and this wine is the perfect complement to this wonderful dish! I can't think of any seafood dish that this wine would not pair well with. It would also be great with duck a l'orange, or "Emeril's Favorite Roast Pheasant". Norm's score is 91.

If you would like the recipe for Miss Mary's Special Shrimp Scampi, it is on her blogsite at:
http://frommissmaryskitchen.blogspot.com/

Price: $15 to $19

Score: 91


Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Pinot Noir

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2010 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Pinot Noir
#nb-42-11


We had broiled salmon the other night and a bottle of the 2010 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Pinot Noir. This Pinot Noir is a blend of 90% Pinot Noir, 6% Petite Sirah, 3% Syrah and 1% Merlot. Most of the grapes were grown in the Central Coast region of California, where the days are sunny and warm, and the nights are cool, with refreshing evening breezes coming in from the Pacific Ocean. The wine was oak aged, and has an alcohol content of 13.5%.

This is a very pleasant Pinot Noir, and a real bargain in the ten dollar price range. Most Pinot Noirs in this category don't even taste like Pinot Noir, but this one is a definite exception. The nose offers the aromas of black cherry and other dark fruits, which lead into a pronounced cherry flavor with a hint of black raspberry jam. The finish is clean with mild oak tones, and a lasting cherry presence at the end.

This wine was excellent with our salmon, and would also be great with prime rib, or chicken cacciatore. Norm's score is 87.


Price: $9 to $12
Score: 87

Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2007 Trimbach Alsace Lorraine Gewurztraminer

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2007 Trimbach Alsace Lorraine Gewurztraminer
#nb-41-11


We had a slight departure from our usual Thanksgiving Dinner. First we had roasted chicken rather than turkey, which was cooked in an orange glaze and was delicious! We also chose a bottle of Gewurztraminer from Alsace Lorraine which is a region of France along the German border, whose ownership has been disputed for centuries by both countries. The Gewurztraminer grape is a pinkish red-skined grape which is often described as having the bouquet of lychees. The wine is white and is usually off dry with a crisp and lingering finish.

Gewurztraminer has always been a difficult taste for me to describe, but it is a wine which I have enjoyed for many years. The Trimbach Gewurztraminer has long been hailed as a prime example of this variety, and I once remarked that you could almost taste the sunshine in the glass! The 2007 vintage opens with a fragrant bouquet which transfers into a spicy flavored wine with a tangy finish. The flavor reminds one of cinnamon and ginger with a slight nuance of grapefruit toward the end. This is a dry wine rather than off-dry, and cuts a clean swath through the array of flavors at the Thanksgiving table.

The Trimbach is an excellent choice for dominate flavored dishes, and is always a great paring with hot and spicy Asian dishes such as hot mango shrimp or Thai basil chicken. We loved it with our Thanksgiving dinner and would highly recommend it for a variety of foods. Norm's score is 89.

Price: $20 to $25
Score: 89

Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2011 Thanksgiving Special

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2011 Thanksgiving Special


Thanksgiving is the one day of the year when people who do not normally drink wine have at least one glass with their traditional Thanksgiving Feast. If you are going to have a glass of wine only once per year, make it a good one, since it is a long time between now and the next Thanksgiving Dinner! It is always difficult to select the perfect wine for this occasion, because the table offers such an array of aromas and flavors, but there are a few guidelines which will make this dinner more memorable than ever.

Here are a few suggestions for the standard Thanksgiving Dinner. If you like Chardonnay, choose one which is not bone dry, but rather one with a strong fruit presence. This will serve well with the white meat turkey, which can sometimes be a little on the dry side. Sauvignon Blanc is also a good choice if you like dry white wine with your meal. If you like red wine with your meal, choose a lighter style Pinot Noir, or one of the softer Merlots. For myself, I always go for a German Riesling, or one of the good domestic ones from New York State, or Washington State. The fruity, but dry finish of a good Riesling is perfect for that dry white meat turkey, which did not turn out as juicy as you had hoped for. Italian Pinot Grigio would also be a good choice for the same reason.

There is only one rule to adhere to: "The best wine to serve is the one which you like best." However, be prepared to have something different for those whose tastes may differ from yours. Also, please don't forget to consume large quantities of water with the feast, as it compliments both the food and the wine, and aids in digestion.

Below is a list of wines which I have written about during this past year, which would be good choices for your Thanksgiving Dinner.

Rodney Strong Russian River Reserve Chardonnay (California)
Louis Latour Grand Ardeche Chardonnay (France)
St. Supery Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc (California)
Ferrari-Carano Sonoma Fume Blanc (California)
Kris Pinot Grigio (Italy)
Brotherhood Riesling (New York State)
La Crema Russian River Pinot Noir (California)
Santa Cristina Sangiovese (Italy)

I hope each and everyone of you has a happy and enjoyable Thanksgiving!

Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2009 La Crema Russian River Pinot Noir

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2009 La Crema Russian River Pinot Noir
#nb-40-11


It's always great to get together with old friends, and I had the pleasure to have dinner this week with two of my very best friends at The Palm restaurant in Washington, DC. We have been friends for a very long time, so this was a special occasion which called for a special bottle of wine. One had grilled lamb chops, the other a thick rib steak, and I chose the large cold water lobster tail. The wine we chose was the 2009 La Crema Russian River Pinot Noir, which was perfect with all three of our entrees.

The "Wine Enthusiast" has scored this wine with a 93 point - "Cellar Selection" rating, and I have had several previous vintages, and knew that this would be an excellent bottle of wine to go with our special dinner together. Wow! This was a knockout choice, and since I normally drink white wine with seafood, I just could not believe how good it was with my lobster!

The 2009 Russian River Pinot Noir is 100% Pinot Noir. It was aged in 100% French oak for ten months, and comes in at 14.6% alcohol. I love wines from the Russian River Appellation, and this was no exception! The nose is heady and drags you into intense flavors of black cherry and plum, with a small hint of blackberry. The finish is strong with rich tannins that create a pleasant lingering effect, which almost makes you want to gulp it down, but it is way too good not to savor every drop.

The Palm is a great restaurant well known for its steaks and lobster, and this wine certainly went well with all of our entrees. I think if you like grilled salmon or roast duck, you would have to search long and hard to find a better companion than this one as well! Norm's score is 95.


Price: $37 to $45
Score: 95

Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2010 Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2010 Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay
#nb-39-11


Quite often I am asked to recommend a good Chardonnay, for a decent price, to be served at weddings or other social gatherings. During the past five years this has been an easy question to answer because regardless of vintage, the Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay from the Columbia Valley In Washington has been a great answer! Its scores have been consistently in the high eighties and low nineties year after year.

The 2010 Chateau Ste. Michelle is an in-between style, which is somewhat classic French, and a little bit California, and is neither too fruit forward, nor too steely in nature. It has the true Chardonnay flavors of apple and pear which are accented by a hint of oak. This vintage was aged Surlie for about six months in both French and American oak. The finish is clean and crisp, with a little toasty oak and a slight citrus breeze, as it reminds the palate of the need for just one more sip. The alcohol content is 14%.

This is one Chardonnay which is so consistant that I bought several bottles of this 2010 vintage without even tasting it, because I new it would be good! We enjoyed this bottle with broiled Cod fillets accompanied by pasta Alfredo, and a fresh garden salad. It was wonderful! This wine will be excellent with almost any fish or fowl dish, or just by itself.  Norm's score is 89.

Price: $11 to $14
Score: 89

Norm


Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2010 R. Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2010 R. Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon
#nb-38-11


The 2010 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon is big, rich and smooth, with a lot of character, and was a great choice for our two inch thick, medium rare, fillet mignon! The Private Selection label is a secondary one for the winery, but with this Cab, it doesn't have to stand in line behind anyone.

The wine is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah, 3% Merlot, with hints of Petite Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. It was aged in oak for twelve months, and the alcohol content is 13.5%. This is not just a bottle of cheap juice, but has all the finesse and character of a Cab costing a lot more than ten dollars a bottle.

The aroma of dark berries and plums transcends into flavors of black cherry complimented by swirls of blackberry, rounding into a smooth and lingering finish backed up by sturdy tannins. This is a complex wine with simple manners, and a taste which begs for another sip! In the past this label has been an excellent choice for a value priced Cabernet, but the 2010 vintage is a good choice regardless of the price tag. Norm's score is 89.


Price: $9 to $12
Score: 89

Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2009 Sterling Vintner's Collection Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2009 Sterling Vintner's Collection Chardonnay
#nb-37-11



Sterling Vineyards was founded in 1964 near Calistoga, California by Englishman Peter Newton. The first plantings were Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot, and these varieties still represent some of the winery's best efforts. At the northern end of the Napa Valley, the view from the winery offers some of the most scenic views in the entire valley.

In the year 2000 the winery introduced their Vintner's Collection series from the Central Coast region, and offered a more value priced selection to their extensive presentations.  The latest vintage of Chardonnay in the Sterling Vintner's Collection is the 2009 Central Coast Chardonnay.

This is a delicate and pleasant Chardonnay with a pale straw color and a nose of fresh flowers and a hint of honeysuckle. The flavors feature tropical fruit such as pineapple and mango with swirls of peach and pear. The finish is mild and pleasant with just a suggestion of oak. The alcohol content is 13.5%.

We enjoyed this bottle of wine with a dish best described as Mexican style Shrimp Creole served with fresh asparagus and jasmine rice. This wine would also be a good companion for Chicken Alfredo or Flounder Florentine. Norm's score is 85.


Price: $10 to $14
Score: 85

Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2009 B Side Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2009 B Side Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
#nb-36-11


When I first got in the wine business, I loved Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California so much, that I hardly ever drank any other red wine. After a few decades in the wine business, I have learned to enjoy wonderful wines from all over the world. However, when I open a really good bottle of Napa Cabernet, its like coming home. After all, I was born there many long years ago, back when there were more fruit orchards than grape vineyards in the Napa. Valley.

The history of the Sabastiani family also goes back quite aways in California, and the winery of Don Sabastiani and Sons has continued a fine family tradition. The 2009 B Side Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is an extension of that tradition in its finest. I have sampled a few of the previous vintages and have enjoyed them all. The 2009 is a big tasting Cab for a reasonable price, and I enjoyed this one as well.

This wine is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Malbec, and all of the grapes were grown in the Napa Valley. The Malbec and some of the Cabernet comes from Rutherford, while the balance of the Cabernet is from the Stags Leap District. The wine is 14.7% alcohol and was aged in French oak.

B Side opens up with a nose as dark and intense as its vibrant deep purple color. The aromas of black cherry and currants lead into flavors of dark cherry and plum with a strong over-riding blackberry influence. There are gobs of fruit accompanied by a slight chocolate whisper, which finish with sturdy tannins for a refined oak finish. This is the real deal, we ain't in Kansas Toto! I love Napa Cabs and this is a very good example of Napa's "Bottled Poetry", and at around twenty dollars it is comparable to a lot of Cabs costing twice as much.

We enjoyed this wonderful bottle of wine with a two inch thick New York strip cooked a perfect medium rare. I don't know what could be better! Norm's score is 92.


Price: $19 to $24
Score: 92

Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2007 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2007 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot
#nb-35-11


Anytime you can get a quality bottle of wine for around ten dollars, you know you are going to have a successful dinner even if you are not the world's greatest cook. Just get a bottle of the 2007 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot, and throw a couple of steaks on the grill, and you are in business.

"The Grand Estates Merlot holds center court in the vast Columbia Crest portfolio. This new release, which has received extra bottle age, is seamless, smoky, supple and seductive. Exotic sandalwood and Asian spices weave from the nose into the palate, wrapped around broad black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors. A darker streak of black olive and licorice runs into a finish replete with tannins that are tight and hint at stem." 88 Points - The Wine Enthusiast

We have enjoyed many vintages of the Grand Estates Merlot in the past, and the 2007 ranks right up there with some of the best from years gone by. The wine has an excellent nose with aromas of cherry and dark berries assaulting your senses. The flavors abound with the same cherry and blackberry flavors, coupled with subtle hints of oak which lead into a clean and lingering finish. This Merlot is actually a blend containing small amounts of Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon to balance out its complex taste. The alcohol content is 13.5%.

This a good sturdy bottle of wine which will make an able companion to almost any grilled meat, or spicy sauced meat or pasta dish. If you love sipping red wine, this would be a favorite to be enjoyed with a hearty Vermont white cheddar cheese. Norm's score is 91.

Price: $11 to $15
Score: 91

Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2009 d'Arenberg The Stump Jump Red

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2009 d' Arenberg The Stump Jump Red
#nb-34-11


Making wine since 1927, the d' Arenberg Winery near McLaren Vale, Australia, has not only grown some pretty good grapes, they have grown themselves a pretty good reputation for making good wines as well. The 2009 The Stump Jump Red is a blend of 42% Grenache, 33% Shiraz and 25% Mourvedre and has the finesse of wines costing two or three times as much!

The wine opens with the aromas of red berries and plums, which become quite heady the longer the wine remains in the glass. The flavors suggest the plums plus blackberries, and a slight peppery undertone, supplied, no doubt, from the Shiraz. The wine has a firm grasp of your senses which lingers on into a smooth and mild finish of tannin and toasty oak, which serve to clean the palate and require closer examination in the next sip.

This is a wonderful bottle of wine, for not a lot of money, and is delightful with almost any grilled meat or spicy dish. The Stump Jump Red would be a perfect companion for venison stew with fresh warm sourdough bread. If the Fall weather gets you out to your grill, then take a bottle of The Stump Jump with you to consume while you are cooking. That is, of course, if you have another bottle available for the dinner. Norm's score is 89.

Price: $10 to $14
Score: 89

Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2010 Kris Pinot Grigio

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2010 Kris Pinot Grigio
#nb-33-11


A bouquet of flowers burst upon your senses like magnolias and gardenias on a hot southern night. The warm aromas of this Pinot Grigio descend to your taste buds with a blanket of rich fruit, suggesting peaches and melon. The 2010 Kris Pinot Grigio is full of flavor and creates a pleasant assault on your taste buds which continues on into a delightful clean finish, with faint memories of flowers and fruit.

Kris is a secondary label for the wines of Franz Haas, whose family-run estate has been producing wine from Italy since 1880. The Kris is 100% Pinot Grigio, and is made from grapes grown in the Delle Venezie, near Friuli, Italy. These grapes were harvested in September of 2010, and were fermented in stainless steel tanks to produce an un-altered Pinot Grigio taste which is clean and crisp. This wine will be best drunk in the next eighteen months. The alcohol content is 12.5%.

We enjoyed this delightful Pinot Grigio with a lemon-pepper roasted chicken, accompanied by fresh yellow crook-neck squash and baked potato. This wine would also be excellent with Pasta Alfredo, or a mild seafood dish like broiled flounder, with white clam sauce. This is also a top candidate for a "back porch sipper". Norm's score is 90.

Price: $12 to $15
Score: 90

Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2009 Frescobaldi Remole Toscana

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2009 Frescobaldi Remole Toscana
#nb-32-11


Tuscany, Italy conjures up visions of sun-bathed rolling hills covered with grape vines, and smothered with romance. This area of Italy has been producing wine for more than 2000 years, and the Marchesi de' Frescobaldi has been making wine in Tuscany for more than 700 of those years. The 2009 Remole Toscana is a fine example of these wonderful wines, and is in the value priced category. This is a blend of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and comes in at 12.5% alcohol.

The Remole is a pretty ruby red in color, with a nose of cassis and blackberry. The flavors swirl in the glass with hints of blackberry, currant, and cherry, which sail into a clean, yet lingering finish. This is an easy drinking wine which is still young, and opens up considerably in the glass, so breathing it for a half hour before drinking would be suggested.

We enjoyed this Tuscan Blend with a big plate of spaghetti marinara with meat, and a green garden salad. This wine would pair well with almost any pasta dish, and would be a good substitute for Chianti. It would also be perfect with Chicken Caccciatore. Norm's score is 87.

Price: $10 to $12
Score: 87


Norm


Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2010 Big House Unchained "Naked" Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2010 Big House Unchained "Naked" Chardonnay
#nb-30-11


The weather forecast said hot and humid for the next three days, and the Chardonnay Queen said, "might as well be, that's the way its been for the last three months." The "dog days" are upon us and have been for it seems, forever. Because of the heat, we have been eating a lot of salads for dinner, which are better than hot meals these days.

Last night we had a chilled seafood salad and a bottle of 2010 Big House Unchained "Naked" Chardonnay. This is a 100% Chardonnay which was fermented in stainless steel tanks with no oak, and no malolactic fermentation. It showcases the fruit, and is clean and refreshing, and a good companion for cold salad on a hot night.

The aroma is fresh and fruity, as is the taste of the wine, with tropical fruit overtones. The finish is crisp with a hint of citrus and literally fades away into the heat of the night. The alcohol content is 13%. I would not choose this wine for a heavy dinner like lobster and drawn butter, but it goes well with lighter fare such as our chilled salad. Norm's score is 84.

Price: $9 to $12
Score: 84

Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
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cumminghome.com
pineisland-eagle.com
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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2010 Bodegas Callia Alta Malbec

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2010 Bodegas Callia Alta Malbec
#nb-28-11


Over the last five or six years, I have sampled some pretty nice Malbec wines from Chile, but last night we tried a Malbec from Argentina, and liked it quite a lot. It was the 2010 Bodegas Callia Alta Malbec from the Tulum Valley in Argentina.

Malbec is one of the original Bordeaux grapes from France and has a history of being blended with other grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, to add an earthy backbone to some of the great Chateau wines. The grape seems to thrive in the mountains and valleys below the equator and is becoming a single variety wine of some stature on its own.

This wine hails from the province of San Juan where the Tulum Valley is located. The climate is moderate with low rainfall, and rich soil which produces grapes with intense juicy flavors. The Callia Malbec opens with a fragrant aroma of plums and currants which transition into big flavors of plum and currant, with undertones of cherry. The wine feels good in your mouth with long legs of glycerin, leading to a lingering finish suggesting a slight vanilla oak presence. The alcohol level is 13.5%

I had sampled a previous vintage of Callia a couple of years ago, but had not found it to be as outstanding as this 2010 vintage. We enjoyed this bottle of wine with braised beef tips in a rich brown mushroom gravey, and found it to be delightful. It would pair well with most any grilled meat or spicy sauced pasta dish. Norm's score is 89.


Price: $9 to $12
Score: 89


Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
dawsontimes.com
cumminghome.com
pineisland-eagle.com
thecherokeeconnection.com






WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2009 Danzante Pinot Grigio

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2009 Danzante Pinot Grigio
#nb-28-11


My wife Mary (the "Chardonnay Queen") and I, have several wines which we call "house favorites". These are wines which we have enjoyed over several years, and several vintages, and are consistent winners for taste and value. Our house favorite Pinot Grigio is Danzante, whether for light fare meals, or just back porch sipping.

The 2009 Danzante Pinot Grigio comes from grapes grown in the northeastern region of Italy know as Le Venezie. The climate is a little cool in the summer and produces some of the best Pinot Grigio in the world. This Danzante is a light yellow in color with an aroma of flowers and citrus. The flavors are typical of Pinot Grigio with pronounced swirls of pineapple, mixed with citrus and tropical fruit. The alcohol level is 12%.

As I said before this wine pairs well with light fare from seafood to Santa Fe chicken salad. We enjoy it often as a before dinner glass of wine, or as an evening refresher with a bowl of grapes. Its clean crisp finish is perfect for these hot summer evenings. Norm's score is 87.


Price: $7 to $10
Score: 87

Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
dawsontimes.com
cumminghome.com
pineisland-eagle.com
thecherokeeconnection.com







WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2008 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2008 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
#nb-27-11



Over the years I have been fortunate to have consumed many wonderful vintages of the Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. There is nothing like a steak hot off the grill and a bottle of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon The 2008 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon certainly fits that bill, as we found out just the other night. This was a terrific bottle of wine with our steak dinner!

The following quotes are from The Wine Spectator and The Wine Advocate, which each scored this wine with an 89. I enjoyed this vintage enough to increase those scores to a 90.

"Notably herbal, showing bay leaf and mint notes, along with plenty of currant, earth, mineral and dried berry flavors to fill in the gaps. Full-bodied and firmly tannic, ending with complex black licorice and wet stone flavors. Best from 2012 through 2020. 93,000 cases made." - 89 Points - Wine Spectator

"The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa, Mondavi's least expensive Cabernet Sauvignon, is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and other grapes. It has a healthy deep ruby/purple color, with a pleasant nose of black fruits intermixed with hints of charcoal and spice, delicious, sweet fruit, medium body, and nice suppleness and flesh. Given that discounters will probably price this wine in the low twenties, this could be an outstanding bargain. It is no doubt a tribute to the talents of their director of winemaking, Genevieve Janssens. Drink it over the next decade. " - 89 Points - The Wine Advocate.

Our steak was a perfect medium rare, and the 2008 Napa Cab stood right up to it with fragrant aromas of dark berries and cassis, which transfered into flavors of cherry, plum and cassis. The flavors intermingled, and then flowed into a full-bodied finish with subtle tannins, and a dry whisper, which denied the 15% alcohol content. If you like Cab and steak, you would have to search long and hard to find a better pair than this! From Napa, where "wine is bottled poetry".   Norm's score is 90.


Price: $20 to $25
Score: 90


Norm
Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
dawsontimes.com
cumminghome.com
pineisland-eagle.com
thecherokeeconnection.com







WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2009 Irony Monterey County Pinot Noir

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2009 Irony Monterey County Pinot Noir
#NB-26-11



Grilled salmon and Pinot Noir, what a combo! Now, I will drink white wine with salmon at the drop of a hat, but as far as I am concerned, nothing beats Pinot Noir with salmon. Last night we opened a bottle of 2009 Irony Monterey County Pinot Noir to accompany our grilled salmon, and it was a great match.

Monterey is a good area to grow Pinot Noir, with warm days and cool Pacific breeze nights to nourish the delicate Pinot Noir grapes. The Irony opens up with a light nose of jammy berries and hints of cherry. The flavor starts out with a slight strawberry nuance, a favorite of mine in a Pinot Noir. It continues into a pronounced cherry flavor which remains solid into the finish, which lingers with a bit of vanilla. The wine was aged in oak for three months, which was just enough to impart a little of the oak into the finish.

The Irony is 89% Pinot Noir, 5% Petite Sirah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% other. The alcohol content is 13.5%. This is not an over-powering Pinot Noir and is a touch on the light side, which to me makes it the right style for salmon. It made our grilled salmon a wonderful meal, and I would pair these two any time. Norm's score is 87.


Price: $12 to $15
Score: 87


Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
dawsontimes.com
cumminghome.com
pineisland-eagle.com
thecherokeeconnection.com







WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2009 Hess Select Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net





2009 Hess Select Monterey Chardonnay
#nb-25-11


The 2009 Hess Select Chardonnay, from Monterey, California, is a continuation of a long line of impressive vintages from the folks at Hess. It is 100% Chardonnay, which has been aged in French oak for nine months, and comes in at 13.4% alcohol. The connerstone for the grapes in this bottle come from the Shirttail Creek Vineyard in Monterey.

Flavor highlights include pear, apple, and a touch of pineapple. The nine months in oak show through in the finish, which is clean and crisp. Fruit and acidity are well-balanced, making the finish mindful of another sip. This is a true Chardonnay in the value price range, and would pair well with a full meal, or just a bowl of fruit.

We enjoyed our 2009 Hess Select Chardonnay with a chicken pasta dish loaded with cheese and garlic. It was delightful!. This wine would also be a great companion with almost any lighter seafood dish, including Shrimp Alfredo. Norm's score is 88.


Price: $9 to $12
Score: 88

Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
dawsontimes.com
cumminghome.com
pineisland-eagle.com
thecherokeeconnection.com







WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2009 St. Supery Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net




2009 St. Supery Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
#nb-24-11


I recently had lunch with an old friend of mine who is in the wine business. We have known each other in the wine trade for over twenty years, and he is one of the good guys, an "honest salesman". We met for lunch at Ray's On The River, which is right on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. The heat was in the nineties and that river sure looked inviting on such a hot day.

I have been to Ray's many times in the past, but not for several years. I am happy to report that the lunch was as good as in the good old days, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. I had grilled Georges Bank Scallops and they were terrific The wine also was a great choice for the scallops, it was the 2009 St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley.

St. Supery has been in operation for several decades, and produces highly renowned estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery is family owned by the Skalli's of France, who planted the vineyards in Bordeaux grapes in the early eighties. This Sauvignon Blanc is somewhat Bordeaux - like, although it is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, rather than a Bordeaux style blend, and possesses some of the California "grassy" characteristics found in Sauvignon Blancs from Napa.

The 2009 St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc opens with a heady bouquet, which transfers into mixed flavors of citrus and green apple, with the aforementioned grassy overtones. It is delighfully flavorful with a clean dry finish, and was an excellent accompaniment to my Georges Bank Scallops. The wine is well balanced between the fruit and the acidity and would be a good pair for almost any seafood dish.

I enjoyed my lunch with my old friend, and I enjoyed the wine so much, that I stopped on the way home to pick up a bottle to share with the "Chardonnay Queen" the next time we have Gulf Shrimp, which won't be too soon for me! (I really enjoy Sauvignon Blanc more than Chardonnay, but don't tell my wife.)

Norm's score is 90.


Price: $16 to $20
Score: 90

Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
dawsontimes.com
cumminghome.com
pineisland-eagle.com
thecherokeeconnection.com







WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2009 Big House Cardinal Zin

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net





2009 Big House Cardinal Zin
#nb-23-11


Happy Independence Day everyone! Its almost 4th of July weekend, and that means barbecue, and there is hardly any other wine that goes as well with barbecue as an old vine zinfandel. I just sampled the 2009 Big House Cardinal Zin, and I think it would make a great companion for almost anything you take off of the grill.

The Cardinal Zin is a blend of 80% Zinfandel, 10% Mourvedre, 5% Carignane, and 2% Petite Sirah. The alcohol content is 13%. This is a big tasting Zinfandel with a jammy array of dark fruit flavors dominated by blackberry. It is a little peppery, with spice and subtle tannins in the finish. The finish is "lip-smacking good".

This is definately a barbecue wine, but would also be great with anything from pasta to burgers. If you like ribs for your 4th of July, this is the one for you!  Norm's score is 87.


Price: $9 to $12
Score: 87


Norm


Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
dawsontimes.com
cumminghome.com
pineisland-eagle.com
thecherokeeconnection.com







WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2009 Root One Carmenere

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net




2009 Root One Carmenere
#nb-22-11



I really love spaghetti, and at our house that may mean many different styles and sauces. The traditional Marinara with meat is my favorite, and we usually open a bottle of Chianti. The other night however, we chose the 2009 Root One Carmenere from Chile to pair with our spaghetti dinner. We have enjoyed several vintages of this wine in the past, including a few which I have written about.

Carmenere is the "Lost Grape of Bordeaux", which was wiped out in France in the 1880's due to Phylloxera, and was thought lost to the world. Originally grown in the Medoc of France, cuttings had been taken to Chile in the mid 1800's and were growing along with Merlot, and thought to be a Merlot clone. A few decades ago the grape was re-identified in Chile as Carmenere rather than a strain of Merlot. Since then its popularity has continued to grow around the world.

This wine is a dark purplish red, with a heady nose and a solid backbone. The flavors suggest spice and plum, but are dominated with an intense blackberry presence which is absolutely delightful! The wine finishes strong with a peppery nuance sailing into mild vanilla flavored tannins. It is 90% Carmenere, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Syrah, and it comes in at 14% alcohol. This Carmenere was aged for ten months in a combination of French and American oak.

This wonderful bottle of wine could easily pass for a thirty dollar Bordeaux, and compliments almost any spicy meat or pasta dish. Norm's score is 89.


Price: $10 to $14
Score 89
Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
dawsontimes.com
cumminghome.com
pineisland-eagle.com
thecherokeeconnection.com

WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity