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

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







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

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







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

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