2011 Santa Cristina Toscana

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

  

 

 

 

2011 Santa Cristina Toscana

#nb-45-13

 

 

The House of Antinori has been making wine in Italy since 1385, and produces some of the best, and most expensive wines from the country known for its history, and its wine.  Some years back, Antinori introduced its Santa Cristina label which showcased wines in the value priced category.  The ones which I have sampled in the past have been leaders in their segment of the wine industry.

I looked forward to tasting the 2011 Santa Cristina Toscana, and was not disappointed.  Like most Toscana, the Santa Cristina is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, with the Sangiovese making up 60% of the mix, and the other two grapes being 40% each. The alcohol content is 13%.

The wine is dark red in color with a nose full of dark berries and cherries.  The flavor is both subtle and complex, with generous samplings of black cherries, blackberry, and a slight hint of strawberry.  The finish is mellow and smooth, with a modest amount of soft tannin toward the end.

This is a great choice for weekday pasta, or weekend grilled steaks.  This is also a wonderful wintertime "back porch sipper", or a good companion for the hot tub, and some late night music.  Santa Cristina Toscana is a winner in the value price range!  Norm's score is 88.

 

 

Score: 88

Price: $8-$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:

http://pineisland-eagle.com/

http://cumminghome.com/

http://dawsontimes.com/

 

Also on "The Patch" at Dunwoody, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and others:

dunwoody.patch.com/‎

 

 

WINE – God’s Proof of his love for humanity

2012 Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

 

 

 

 

 

2012 Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel

#nb-44-13

TASTING TALKER ATTACHED

 

 

Old Vine Zinfandels usually make reference to grapes from vines in excess of twenty five years old.  The 2012 Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel is produced from Contra Costa County, California's Oakley vineyards, where the age of the vines is between eighty and one hundred years old.  When it comes to Zinfandel, older is almost always better, and this is a good example.  I normally prefer Zin with pasta or steak, but if you like wine with hamburgers, this would be a great choice!

The color is a dark reddish purple.  The nose is big and aggressive, with aromas of dark berries, which lead you to flavors of black raspberry, intermingled with black cherry and a kiss of strawberry.  There is a presence of vanilla oak imparted by the wine's eight months in American oak barrels.    The finish is mellow and lingering, with soft tannins which suggest another sip.  The alcohol content is 14.5%.

In addition to pasta, steak, and burgers, this wine would also make a great companion for Duck a l' Orange with wild rice!  Norm's score is 91.

 

 

Score: 91

Price: $12 - $17

 

Norm

 

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

Norm’s Tasting Notes available online at either:

http://pineisland-eagle.com/

http://cumminghome.com/

http://dawsontimes.com/

 

 

Also on "The Patch" at Dunwoody, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and others:

dunwoody.patch.com/‎

 

 

WINE – God’s Proof of his love for humanity

2011 Conundrum White

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

 

 

 

 

 

2011 Conundrum White

#nb-43-13

 

 

We were in a conundrum as to which wine to serve for our Thanksgiving feast, so that's what we paired with our turkey.  That's right, we chose the 2011 Conundrum White for our Thanksgiving dinner.  The first Conundrum was created by Caymus Vineyards in 1989, and by 2001 it was launched as a separate label, making both blended white as well as blended red wine.  Caymus and Conundrum have created a new niche in the wine arena, where they reign as the king of blended wines.

The Conundrum White is a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier, and Muscat Canelli,  and is quite an ensemble of taste sensations. The nose is floral, with hints of honeysuckle and apricot.  The flavors are a unique blend of pear, melon and tropical fruit, with a light kiss of orange.  This is a big fruit wine with a dry finish, which lingers on into the night.  The alcohol content is 13.5%.

This was a great choice for Thanksgiving, which was a little different for us, and most enjoyable!  This wine would serve well with a variety of other meals also, and would make a really good "Back Porch Sipper"!

 

Norm's score is 89.

 

 

Score: 89

Price: $18 - $23

 

Norm

 

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

Norm’s Tasting Notes available online at either:

http://pineisland-eagle.com/

http://cumminghome.com/

http://dawsontimes.com/

 

 

 

Also on "The Patch" at Dunwoody, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and others:

dunwoody.patch.com/‎

 

 

WINE – God’s Proof of his love for humanity

Thanksgiving Special - 2013

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

 

 

 

 

 

2013 Thanksgiving Special

#nb-42-13

 

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.

Robert Mondavi Napa Chardonnay (California)

Ferrari-Carano Sonoma County Chardonnay (California)

Whitehaven Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
St. Supery Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc (California)

Leonard Kreusch Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Spatlese (Germany)

Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling (Washington State)
Maso Canali Pinot Grigio (Italy)
King Estate Pinot Gris (Oregon)
Rodney Strong Russian River Pinot Noir (California)
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot (Washington State)

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

Score: 100
Price:- Priceless

Norm

 

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

Norm’s Tasting Notes available online at either:

http://pineisland-eagle.com/

http://cumminghome.com/

http://dawsontimes.com/

 

 

Also on "The Patch" at Dunwoody, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and others:

dunwoody.patch.com/‎

 

 

WINE – God’s Proof of his love for humanity

2012 A to Z Pinot Gris

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

 

 

 

 

 

2012 A to Z Pinot Gris

#nb-41-13

 

Pinot Gris, like Pinot Grigio is a clone of the Pinot Noir grape which originated in Burgundy.  My experience has been that Pinot Gris is usually a little drier than Pinot Grigio, and the ones from Oregon are some of the best available. A to Z Winery has been producing some good Oregon wines since 2002, and this 2012 vintage is a good example of their ability.  This is a good wine for seafood, so we decided to pair it with grilled salmon, another Oregon treat.

The nose is bright and fanciful with aromas of melon and mango, tempered with a light citrus presence.  The flavors abound with melon, peach and apple with a touch of honey.  The finish is crisp, with good acidity and a fresh, rich aftertaste, which smacks of apples and a bit of mineral.  It begs for another sip!

This was an excellent choice for our grilled salmon, and would pair well with a host of other seafood dishes.  You also might try it with steamed mussels or clams in a wine, garlic, and butter broth.. Norm's score is 88.

 

 

Score: 88

Price: $13 - $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:

http://pineisland-eagle.com/

http://cumminghome.com/

http://dawsontimes.com/

 

 

Also on "The Patch" at Dunwoody, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and others:

dunwoody.patch.com/‎

 

 

WINE – God’s Proof of his love for humanity