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:
dawsontimes.com
cumminghome.com
pineisland-eagle.com
thecherokeeconnection.com







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