2011 Franciscan Estate Napa Valley Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes by:Norm Bentley North Georgia Wine Advisor normwine@bellsouth.net 2011 Franciscan Estate Napa Valley Chardonnay #nb-46-12   It is always pleasing to find a bottle of wine that tastes like it costs more than its actual retail price, and this was the case with the 2011 Franciscan Estate Napa Valley Chardonnay.  If you did not know better, you would think that this is a twenty dollar plus bottle of Chardonnay, when it can actually be purchased for around fifteen dollars. The nose is fresh with aromas of apple and melon which burst above the rim of the glass. The opening flavors are definitely Chardonnay with pronounced green apple, a nuance of pear, and a generous serving of ripe melon.  These flavors transcend into a big mouth-feel of creamy and buttery tones, wrapped up in a slight citrus breeze.  The finish is crisp with a nod toward the wine's barrel fermentation, and seven months of oak aging. This wine is in perfect harmony, with a pleasing balance between the fruit and acidity, and the mild oak undertones.  We enjoyed this wine with a chilled shellfish salad of lobster, shrimp, and king crab, which was magnificent with the Franciscan as a companion.  Norm's score is 91. Score: 91 Price: $13 - $18 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

"2012 Christmas Special"

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



Christmas Special
#nb-45-12


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 top ten list of some of the wines that I have written about earlier this year, which I would recommend as good choices for some of the above.

2009 Francis Coppola Director's Cabernet Sauvignon - 91 score
2007 Barba Vignafranca Momtepulciano - 92 score
2010 Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay - 90 score
2010 Robert Mondavi Carneros Pinot Noir - 91 score
2009 Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon - 92 score
2009 Edna Valley Paragon Chardonnay - 90 score
2006 Three Sisters Cabernet Franc - 93 score
2005 Sargrantino di Montefalco Collepiano - 93 score
2010 Dry Creek Fume Blanc - 91 score
2009 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - 93 score

This year's Wild Card selection would be any vintage you can find of Rodney Strong
Russian River Chardonnay, which would be the pick from the "Chardonnay Queen" to
accompany her famous "Christmas Eve Seafood Salad".

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

Merry Christmas  - Norm's Score - 100!

Norm

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2010 Robert Mondavi Carneros Pinot Noir

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





2010 Robert Mondavi Carneros Pinot Noir
#nb-44-12


Just in time for the holidays, especially if you intend to serve prime rib, or another beef dish during the season, the 2010 Robert Mondavi Caneros Pinot Noir is arriving in the nick of time! This is one really good bottle of Pinot Noir, and I hope you can get a bottle for your holiday feast!

We sampled a bottle last night with my famous Beef Bourguignon and all the "Chardonnay Queen" could say was, "I think we better write this one down"! That is high praise indeed. The nose leaps out of the glass and grabs your attention with an array of aromas, ranging from blackberry to plum. The flavors swirl, with an abundance of plum and blueberry, and a trailing hint of strawberry. The finish is long and clean, and makes an eloquent statement so smooth, that it denies an alcohol content of 14.8%,, which is normally a little high for a Pinot Noir.

Pinot Noir and Beef Burgundy are a natural, but not as much so, as when paired with my favorite, prime rib! This wine would also be an excellent companion for broiled salmon. Norm's score is 91.

Score: 91
Price: $24 - $28

Norm

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2009 Liberty School Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon

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






2009 Liberty School Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
#nb-43-12


Located in Paso Robles, in San Louis Obispo County, California, the Hope family has been producing Liberty School wines since 1990. Paso Robles is a warm inland climate shielded from Pacific Ocean breezes by the coastal mountain ranges. The Liberty School wines have been consistent in quality for the last two decades and are marked by their traditional style, at a value price.

This is a re-taste of the 2009 Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon, and once again after more time in the bottle, I am going to raise my score from the previous sampling. I first tasted this wine in February of this year and scored it an 87, even though the "Wine Enthusiast" had rated it at 90. Today, after an additional ten months in the bottle, I am going to agree with that 90 rating.. In Feburary, this is what I had to say:

"The wine has abundant fruit which smacks of black currant and black cherries, which flow into a lengthy finish, showcasing sweet and mild tannins, which sail on into the night. The Liberty School Cabernet would pair well with any grilled meat, or would be excellent after dinner, with fruit and extra sharp Vermont white cheddar cheese!

Some ten months later, the wine shows much more complexity and depth. The black cherry flavor now dominates the taste, and the mild tannins now develop into a more pronounced vanilla oak finish. It is hard to beat time when it comes to bringing out the rich flavors in a hearty red wine. Usually three years of age is just the beginning for a good Cabernet, and most hit their peak at five to seven years old, if we could just wait!


Score: 90
Price: $16 - $20

Norm

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2012 Thanksgiving Special

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





Happy Thanksgiving!

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 would be good choices for your Thanksgiving Dinner.

Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Reserve Chardonnay (California)
Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Chardonnay (Washington)
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)
Three Sisters Cabernet Franc (Georgia)

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

Score: 100
Price:- Priceless

Norm

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2009 Ruffino Il Ducale Tuscana

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





2009 Ruffino Il Ducale Tuscana IGT
#nb-41-12


First let me say that my love affair with Ruffino wines goes back to my childhood days in Napa. Second, let me say that I have been in love with Sangiovese since my first glass of Chianti with a plate of spaghetti at age ten. And, finally let me confess that the wines from Tuscany rival my favorites from anywhere in the world. With all of that said, I must tell you that the 2009 Ruffino Il Ducale Tuscana IGT is just one more addition to my list of praise worthy wines from Ruffino. Labeled by some a Super Tuscan, this is a blend of 60% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot, and 20% Syrah, and is almost too good for a plate of spaghetti, but not quite.

Of course when you are talking about my homemade marinara sauce, you are not just talking about a plain old plate of spaghetti. It takes a sturdy bottle of wine to stand up to all that tomato and garlic, and this one does the job. The nose is bright and clear and suggests cassis and spice. The flavors highlight cherry and a tinge of dark berry jam. The finish is spicy with a hint of pepper from the Syrah, and just enough acidity to cut through the tomato sauce.

While I don't know why you would not like this bottle of wine with spaghetti, you might like it even better with eggplant parmesan. Norm's score is 90.

Score: 90
Price: $16 - $20

Norm

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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2010 Wild Horse Central Coast Merlot

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




2010 Wild Horse Central Coast Merlot
#nb-40-12


The 2010 Wild Horse Merlot formerly know as Paso Robles Merlot, now goes by the label Wild Horse Central Coast Merlot. Since 90% of the grapes in this new vintage were grown in Paso Robles, one might ask, "so what's in a name?" Not much more than a broader horizon. The Wild Horse Merlot has always been a good solid bottle of wine, and this one is no exception, and since it is 90% the same, then you might say it is just about the same wine. The only difference I noticed, was a touch on the lighter side.

At two years old "The Wine Spectator" scored the 2006 Wild Horse Merlot an 85 with the following comments; "Ripe and zesty, with plum and roasted herb aromas and red currant and exotic Asian spice flavors. Drink now." A lot of you did. However I tasted a 2006 vintage in 2010, and had the following to say:

"We just had a bottle last night with some wonderful Beef Stroganoff, and my score would be a 90 at this point in its life. It is dark red in color with a nose of black cherry and currant. The flavors are complex with maturity, but have not lost any of their bright fruit zest. The combination of cherry and cassis swril together with the slight presence of spice, and flow into a well rounded finish of mild toasty tannin. So often we consume wine at too early an age, but four years old may be the perfect place in time to enjoy this Merlot."

The flavors are still pretty much the same in the current vintage, with a lot of cherry and dark berries, and the finish is a mellow toasty oak, after fourteen months in the barrel. We enjoyed a bottle of the 2010 Wild Horse Merlot the other night with a two inch thick, medium rare, New York strip, and it was quite good, but I couldn't help thinking what it would be like in two more years. Norm's score now is 87, but it might be higher in two years, if you can wait..

Score: 87
Price: $16 - $19


Norm

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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2010 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Chardonnay

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






2010 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Chardonnay
#nb-39-12


"Napa Valley - where wine is bottled poetry". A slogan from the 70's which still rings true today. During that time Robert Mondavi was the "Napa Valley Wine King', and the 2010 Napa Valley Chardonnay is a good representation of that heritage. The Winery quotes Robert Mondavi as saying, "wine should be restrained...should whisper, not shout.". This Chardonnay is pleasing but not overbearing, which echos the sentiments of the old "King".

The nose is pleasant with only nuances of melon and spring flowers, which lead into muted flavors of pear and melon, and a slight citrus breeze. There is a tangy background which suggests the skins themselves, but with very little acidity. The finish is clean and fresh with just a small kiss of the oak. All together this is a very approachable and easy to drink Chardonnay, with a light, but embracing personality.

We enjoyed this bottle of wine with salmon teriyaki and fresh asparagus and it was delightful, but I would have probably preferred a little more acidity to pair with the salmon. A better selection might be a mild poached white fish with lemon, or a selection of mild white cheeses.   Norm's score is 87.

Score: 87
Price: $18 - $22

Norm

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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2006 Three Sisters Cabernet Franc

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





2006 Three Sisters Cabernet Franc
#nb-38-12


Can you find good wine in North Georgia? You bet you can! Whether it be the French Bordeaux style, "Meritage", or the smooth blended red, "Fat Boy Red", a local favorite. The wines from Three Sisters Vineyards are all pleasing to the palate, and provide choices for almost any range of tastes. We tasted a dozen different wines last weekend at Three Sisters Vineyards and Winery, near Dahlonega, Georgia, and I found them all to be delightful. I would have no problem putting these wines up against any in the world. My favorite white was the 2008 Pinot Blanc, a bargain at only $16.

Now, let me clear up any confusion as to what Fat Boy Red is. It is a blend of Cynthiana, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Like many of its blended California counterparts, or even a big fruit Zinfandel, it is marvelous with barbecue or hamburgers. It would be great with a big plate of spaghetti, or just some fruit and cheese. It is also their best seller.

While every wine we tasted was pleasing, and some outstanding, my favorite overall, was the 2006 Three Sisters Cabernet Franc. Now, I must confess that Cabernet Franc is a personal favorite of mine. Until just a few years back, it was hard to find as a single varietal. It is a Bordeaux grape which decades ago, was used mostly in France to blend with Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, to add complexity and earthy undertones to the wine. The earthy background flavors are what I like the best.

The 2006 Three Sisters Cabernet Franc is a brilliant shade of red in color, with a nose that smacks of cherries and raspberries. The flavors are intense, yet smooth, and highlight the cherry taste with the aforementioned earthy undertones. The finish is splendid with a hint of the oak, and a lingering aftertaste which begs for another sip. I liked the wine so much that I could drink glass after glass by itself, but you would probably prefer it with rack of lamb, or any Italian style veal dish.. Norm's score is 93.

The weather for the next four to six weeks is perfect for a trip to the North Georgia Mountains, and the drive up to Three Sisters is only about an hour from Atlanta, so do yourself a favor and have a wonderful time in the North Georgia Wine Country!

Score: 93
Price: $22 - $25

Norm

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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2009 Rodney Strong Knotty Vines Zinfandel

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





2010 Rodney Strong Knotty Vines Zinfandel
#nb-36-12


Always one of my favorites with pasta, the Rodney Strong Knotty Vines Zinfandel was so good with my steak the other night, it almost made me forget about Cabernet Sauvignon and fillet mignon. The 2009 Knotty Vines is another solid bottle from a long parade of good vintages of this Rodney Strong offering from vineyards in Northern Sonoma County, California. Called "Knotty Vines", because old zinfandel vines become gnarled and twisted with age, this has been one of my favorites for many years.

The wine is dark and heady with its color and its fragrance. It sports jammy flavors of blackberry and dark cherries with herbal undertones. Like most good zinfandels, there is a peppery taste which lingers through to the finish. The alcohol level is 15%, but the wine is not hot, but rather smooth and also intense at the same time. If you don't know what a good old vines zinfandel should taste like, this one would be a good yardstick to measure others by.

As I said, I usually like the Knotty Vines with pasta or grilled game, but it was wonderful with our two inch thick medium rare fillet mignon. Norm's score is 89.


Score: 89

Price: $15 - $19

Norm

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2011 Saladini Plastri Pecorino

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net





2011 Saladini Pilastri Pecorino
#nb-35-12


Once in awhile you receive an unexpected surprise, which makes enjoying life all the more pleasant. I received a sample wine to taste recently which I knew nothing about.  The grape and the vineyard were new to me so I had some reservations before tasting the wine. That is what makes the world of wine so wonderful. There is always something new just around the corner, and this round world has some pretty smooth corners.

The 2011 Saladini Pilastri Pecorino is an organic white from the Marches region of eastern central Italy, which is where and old favorite of mine, the Verdicchio grape hails from. The Pecorino grape is a light skinned white noted for its dry and mineral qualities. The Pilastri family dates back many centuries, and have been associated with wine through-out their history in central Italy

This is a dry and crisp wine with big fruit and a pleasing earthy finish. The nose is a brilliant bouquet of flowers and tropical fruit which transcend into complex flavors of mango, pineapple and a strong citrus presence. The finish lingers with a strong suggestion of the citrus backed by a dry mineral and spice tanginess. This is a good wine with fish or fowl, and is most pleasing as a back porch sipper accompanied by a bowl of grapes, and soft cheeses. Norm's score is 87.

Score: 87
Price: $11 - $14

Norm

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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

We are back from our little cottage by the sea, and paradise! The seafood was great and the fishing was pretty good, so we were able to enjoy a dinner of fresh caught Speckled Sea Trout, my favorite fish behind salmon and grouper. While we sampled several good bottles of wine during our stay in paradise, my favorite was an old standby, the 2010 Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Chardonnay. I wrote about this wine about ten months ago and had this to say:

"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."

I had scored this one an 89 last November, when it had just come into the marketplace, and I am sure that now the vintage is probably running out, as the 2011 should be arriving pretty soon. However if you can find any of this wonderful 2010 still on the shelf, buy some, I would now score it a 90, and I believe it will drink well for the next couple of years, and it is great with trout and other mild white fish.

Score: 90
Price: $10 - $14

Norm

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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2007 Barba Vignafranca Montepulciano

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





2007 Barba Vignafranca Montepulciano
#nb-33-12


We are getting ready to head down to our little cottage by the sea on the island of Matlacha, Florida, so there will not be any tasting notes for the next couple of weeks. But, before we go, I have a little treat for you which may last for a few weeks, since the wine is so good, that you might want to read about it again next week!

This 2007 Barba Montepulciano d' Abruzzo is just what you have been looking for as a companion to your Italian style veal dishes. This Vignafranco Montepulciano from Barba has all of the qualities I look for in a Montepulciano, which are big cherry flavors backed up by a firm structure of mellow toasty oak in the finish. My wife, the "Chardonnay Queen', makes the best Veal Marsala this side of Florence, Italy, and the other night we paired her Veal Marsala with a bottle of this wonderful Montepulciano. Oh, Mama Mia, what a delight!

The nose is heady with swirling fragrances of fresh flowers and dark cherries. The flavor can best be described as "cherries and spice and everything nice". The finish sails on and on, with spice and mellow oak, which begs for another sip! The wine was aged in French oak for fourteen months, and comes in at an alcohol level of 13.5%.

Now, you don't have to enjoy this wine with veal, it would pair well with a host of other entrees, but why not go all the way? This is a perfect choice for veal, whether you like parmesan, scaloppini, marsala, or even saltimbocca. If you don't like veal, just fix a big plate of spaghetti, and dive in! Norm's score is 92.

Score: 92
Price: $16 - $20

Norm

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

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

2011 Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Sauvignon Blanc

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






2011 Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Sauvignon Blanc
#nb-32-12


The high ridge up above the Columbia River, in Washington State is named Horse Heaven for the wild horses that used to roam there. It could be named Wine Heaven, for the wines which come from there. We just sampled our fourth consecutive vintage of the Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Sauvignon Blanc, which is the 2011, and just like the previous three, it is a stand out bottle of wine.

I had this to say about the 2009 vintage: "The wine starts with a little lime citrus aroma which melts into the taste of a little citrus, a little grassy, and a lot of ripe pear. The finish is clean and crisp, and sails on into the night. This wine is so tasty, you could sit on the back porch and consume the whole bottle by yourself!" The 2011 vintage is similar in taste, with a little less citrus and a hint of tropical fruit combining with the pear flavor. The 2009 was a score of 89, and I find this one to be the same. Alcohol is a mild 13%, and the 6% Semillon added to the Sauvignon Blanc provides a little extra crispness to the finish.

This ia wonderful wine with shellfish, and also would be great with any summer salad. We enjoyed it with grilled chicken tenders marinated in a spicy lemon-lime sauce, with a garden salad on the side, highlighted by "home-grown" tomatoes. Norm's score is 89.


Score: 89
Price: $13 - $17

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

2009 Francis Coppola Director's Cabernet Sauvignon

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






2009 Francis Coppola Director's Cabernet Sauvignon
#nb-31-12

Many California wineries now produce blended wines with multiple grape varieties in an effort to produce a particular taste which will appeal to a broad range of palates The Coppola winery has produced a variety of wines which represent various growing areas within Sonoma County, but only represent one varietal. The 2009 Director's Cabernet Sauvignon from Francis Coppola is a blended wine, but is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, and represents a number of distinct growing areas within Sonoma County. The purpose is to achieve a specific style and taste of Cabernet Sauvignon. Their efforts are to be commended.

The Coppola family established their new home over 35 years ago on the old Niebaum estate in Rutherford California, and now make wine from several counties including Napa and Sonoma, with this wine being a Sonoma product. The wine has been barrel aged in both French and American oak and comes in at an alcohol level of 13.5%, and it is delicious!

The wine is bold with good structure, and begins with a pleasant bouquet of cherries, casiss, and dark berries. The flavors develop into a juicy taste of cherries mixed with the predominate taste of blackberries, which flow into a finish which is toasty with mild tannins, and a lingering aftertaste that calls for further attention. This is a lush Cabernet, big on fruit and long on the finish, which makes it a leader in its class.

We dined on fillet mignon grilled outside, combined with potato, salad, and bread. paired delightfully with this succulent Cabernet. This would also be a good companion for other grilled meats, or an Italian veal dish. Norm's score is 91.

Score: 91
Price: $18 - $22

Norm

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

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

2010 Rodney Strong Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc

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






2010 Rodney Strong Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc
#nb-30-12

I have to confess that Rodney Strong wines have been a favorite at our house since 1988, when the "Chardonnay Queen" and I met Rodney, and spent a few hours chatting with him about wine, his vineyards, and himself. I must also confess that I enjoy Sauvignon Blanc more than Chardonnay, but it is not hard to get the "Chardonnay Queen" to drink anything with a Rodney Strong label. Such is the case with the 2010 Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc, which will be the latest in a long line of vintages we have sampled from this vineyard.

This wine has consistently scored in the high 80's and low 90's for quite a number of years, and the 2010 gets an 87 from the "Wine Enthusiast" with the following quote. "Nice and easy to drink with sweetened orange tea, lime, vanilla, honey and white pepper flavors, brightened with zesty acidity'" I have no problem agreeing with those comments, except for the white pepper part, which I did not notice.

The part I agree with most is, "nice and easy to drink", which is something I look for in the hot summertime. The nose is fragrant and transfers to flavors of apple and melon with a slight citrus ripple which compliments, but is not overbearing. There is a hint of the typical Sauvignon Blanc grassiness, but it also is not overbearing, and leads to a clean dry finish. The alcohol content is 13.5%.

This is a good choice for summertime salads or light fare, but we enjoyed just sipping it out on the back porch! Norm's score is also 87.

Score: 87
Price: $10 - $15

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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pineisland-eagle.com
thecherokeeconnection.com







WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2011 Kris Pinot Grigio

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






2011 Kris Pinot Grigio
#nb-29-12

I like Pinot Grigio in the summertime because it is so easy to drink, and works well with a lot of summertime foods. The other night we paired a bottle of 2011 Kris Pinot Grigio with a summer menu of shrimp scampi, grilled zucchini and basil infused jasmine rice. It was a great combination! The Kris is light and crisp, but with solid charecteristics which make it a best buy, year in and year out, in the below fifteen dollar range.

We had a lot of different flavors going on in our meal, and the Kris had the backbone to stand up to the entire array without trying to take center stage. The bouquet is floral with citrus highlights, which flow into flavors of peach and melon, with a hint of honeysuckle The finish is typical Pinot Grigio, which is light and crisp, with a lingering fruit flavor that is off-dry at the end. The alcohol level is 12.5%.

A perfect match with shrimp scampi, it would also be wonderful with salmon or grilled chicken salad. Make no mistake, this wine is so easy to drink that you could sip it all night long, and never get around to dinner. Norm's score is 88.


Score: 88
Price: $10 - $15


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 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon

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





2010 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon
#nb-28-12


The pedigree for this wine for the last five years, has been scores of 90 and above. I see no need to change that trend. This is a very drinkable Cabernet from the folks at Chateau Ste. Michelle, and will continue to drink well for the next three or four years.

The Ste. Michelle Indian Wells vineyard is located in the Columbia Valley in the southeast portion of Washington, where it enjoys long warm growing days. The Indian Wells Cabernet is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, with small amounts of Syrah, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc added to balance its flavor spectrum. Fifteen months of oak aging also helped smooth out its edges, and added a little toasty vanilla oak to the finish. The alcohol content is 14.5%.

The nose is heady with the fragrance of cherries, which drift into jammy flavors of dark berries and black cherry. The finish has the subtle untertones of oak which allow the concentrated fruit flavors to sail on into the night. The touch of Syrah adds a hint of pepper to this verry approachable Cabernet. The style is modern but sturdy enough to stand up to any full flavored grilled meat, especially steak.

We skewered some chunks of tenderloin with peppers and onions, and slathered on a thick teriyaki sauce, and cooked them on the grill. We added a salad and a bottle of the Indian Wells Cabernet and had ourselves a feast. That's summer living in hot Atlanta!

Score: 90
Price: $15 - $19

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
thecherokeeconnection.com







WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2010 Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon

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





2010 Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon
#nb-27-12


How about a bottle of Bordeaux from Chile? Well its really not Bordeaux, but it is from the Los Vascos estate owned by Bordeaux giant Domaines Barons de Rothschild-Lafite since 1988. The 2010 Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent example of the superior wines coming out of Chile with a French Flair.

The wine has a deep red color and a fragrant bouquet of cherry, plum, and cassis. The flavors develop in concert with the nose of the wine, and feature big dark berry delights accented by cherry and plum. The finish is full of fruit, with a background of mild tannins, and continues on until the next sip. The alcohol content is a sturdy, but mild 14%.

We enjoyed the Los Vacos Cabernet with a two inch thick fillet mignon, grilled outdoors to a perfect medium rare. It was great with our steak, and would pair well with any other grilled meats, and at less than half the price of a decent Bordeaux, we could enjoy two bottles with our meal. Norm's score is 88.

Score: 88
Price: $10 - $12

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 Biltmore Estates Century White Wine

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





2010 Biltmore Estates Century White Wine
#nb-26-12


We decided to do something different for the Fourth of July this year, but still keep American history in focus. Instead of our normal barbecue, we had a New England Boil featuring Lobster Claws, and a bottle of 2010 Biltmore Estates Century White Wine, both a part of tradition and American history. New England boiled dinners go back to the beginning of the country, and the Biltmore Century White celebrates the one hundred year birthday of Biltmore House in Asheville, NC.

The Biltmore Century White is a blended wine with Gewurztraminer, Muscat Canelli, Riesling, and Symphony. It is a big fruit wine with an off dry finish. The nose is floral with a bit citrus and floods the senses with its bouquet. The flavors are folded together in harmony, and contain green apple, melon, a touch of tropical fruit, and a hint of orange peel. The finish is clean and crisp, with just a suggestion of the big fruit flavors lingering on.

Our New England boil contained corn on the cob, new potatoes, lobster claws and lots of seasoning, and the Biltmore White was a perfect fit It would go great with summer salads, or just as a "Back Porch Sipper". Norm's score is 89.


Score: 89
Price: $12 - $16

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

2011 Cupra Ramato Attems Pinot Grigio

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





2011 Cupra Ramato Attems Pinot Grigio
#nb-25-12


This is a different type of Pinot Grigio, and although different, it is excellent with its distinctive color and flavor. The 2011 Cupra Ramato Attems Pinot Grigio hails from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia area of Northeastern Italy. The wineries from Friuli have become well known for Pinot Grigio. This one though, stands out because of its coppery color and its well rounded flavor tones. The color is achieved by a lenghtened contact with the must and the skins to take on an almost orange hue, which also brings out flavors not always found in Pinot Grigio.

We had a real summer time meal the other night of salmon and zucchini grilled on the barbecue, and paired with the Attems Pinot Grigio. What a delightful combination! The nose of this wine is floral and opens into a fruit bowl of flavors. There was pineapple and strawberry swirling around with tart cherry and a hint of apricot. The finish was mellow and lingering, with the presence of the apricot at the end. The alcohol level is 12.5%

This is definetitly a summer wine, and would be great with shrimp or fish on the grill, paired with grilled vegetables or peppers, and of course, it was spot on with grilled salmon. Norm's score is 88.


Score: 88
Price: $14 - $19


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

Mondavi Private Selection Zinfandel

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






2010 Robert Mondavi Private Selection California Zinfandel
#nb-24-12


Zinfandel is excellent with barbecued chicken, and I make great barbecue chicken, featuring my own homemade BBQ sauce. We tried this the other night with a bottle of 2010 Robert Mondaviv Private Selection California Zinfandel, and I knew that summer had arrived. This is a value priced Zinfandel which is easy to drink and goes well with a variety of foods.

The nose is bright and full of lush berry aromas. The flavors are spicy with a little pepper, and a pronounced black raspberry presence. The wine finishes well with a lingering aftertaste of spice and tangy fruit. The alcohol level is 13.5%. The grapes are from the Central Coast region, and the wine was aged in oak for eleven months.

I always like Zinfandel with spaghetti, but this one was really good with our barbecued chicken, and would also be great for backyard hamburgers. Norm's score is 86.


Score: 86
Price: $8 - $10

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 Santa Rita Reserva Carmenere

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






2009 Santa Rita Reserva Carmenere
#nb-23-12



A quality wine does not have to cost quality bucks, and this one is quality, plus its great with lamb! From the Rapel Valley in Chile, the 2009 Santa Rita Reserva Carmenere is terrific with lamb and not hard on the pocket book. The price is less than fifteen dollars, and if you shop around, you may find it for eleven or twelve.

We marinated some lamb chops in red wine with garlic, and cooked them a perfect medium rare on a hot grill. The Santa Rita was an excellent companion for our lamb chops. The flavors of dark berries and spice surrounded the garlic flavored lamb and took it into a mildly oaked finish which begged for another sip. The "Wine Spectator" liked it for 87 points, and described it as,"smoky and fleshy, with good briar, raspberry sauce and tobacco notes that hang on nicely through the lightly grippy finish." I don't know what a "grippy finish" is, but it sure made me want more of this delightful Carmenere!

I have always liked Merlot with lamb, but Carmenere is rapidly challenging that status, and if you don't like lamb, it would serve well with any other grilled chops, or even salmon. Norm's score is 88.


Score: 88
Price: $11 - $14


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 Hess Select Monterey Chardonnay

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






2010 Hess Select Monterey Chardonnay
#nb-22-12



It was hard to leave paradise (Matlacha, FL) and all of the great seafood and beautiful sunsets, but even Cinderella had to go home after the ball. Our best meal while on the island was oysters on the half-shell, a bucket of steamed Pine Island clams, a mountain of fried shrimp, and a bottle of 2010 Hess Select Monterey Chardonnay. Paradise doesn't get any better than that, especially after you add in the gorgeous sunset.

The Hess has been a favorite for several years and the 2010 vintage was true to form. There are flavors of pear and green apple with a touch of pineapple, and a hint of citrus. The finish is clean and crisp with a mild touch of oak which lingers until the next sip. This is a true Chardonnay in the value price range, and would pair well with dinner or just some fruit and cheese.

While we can't be in paradise every day, we can enjoy a good seafood dinner and a bottle of Hess Select Chardonnay almost any day. It would be great with Shrimp Scampi. Norm's score is 88.


Score: 88
Price: $10 - $12

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 Fire and Erath Oregon Pinot Noir

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





2009 Big Fire and Erath Oregon Pinot Noir
#nb-19-12



We had friends over for dinner last weekend for grilled salmon, and my favorite with salmon, Pinot Noir. We selected two bottles of similar wine from Oregon for comparison, but could not decide which was the best, so I have decided to write about both. This week's Tasting Notes is a "Two for One".

Both Pinot Noirs are from Oregon, both are a little on the light side (perfect for salmon), and both are of the 2009 vintage. They also are very close to the same price. First is the 2009 Erath Oregon Pinot Noir which is from various vineyards in the Willamette Valley. The 2009 Big Fire Oregon Pinot Noir is also sourced from a variety of Oregon vineyards.  Both wines are a ruby red in color, with the Erath being a touch darker. Both have juicy fruit flavors of cherry and raspberry, with the Big Fire having a little nuance of plum, while the Erath is a touch on the earthy side. They both have a moderate amount of oak aging to add character to the finish.

The bottom line is that they were both so good, we could not decide which was best, so I suggest you get a bottle of each and some fresh salmon, and decide for yourself. Norm's score for both is 89.

Score: 89
Price: $18 - $21

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