2013 Fall Fishing Trip

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

 

2013 Fall Fishing Trip to Matlacha

#nb-32-13

 

 

The "Chardonnay Queen" and I are heading for our little cottage by the sea, in Matlacha, FL, for a couple of weeks, so there will be no Norm's Tasting Notes for the next few weeks, but on our return I will post the results of our fishing, seafood and wine events. Meanwhile, here is something to look at while we are gone.

 

The Isle of Matlacha

Our Backyard in Matlacha

 

 

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 Oconee, Dunwoody and others:

oconee.patch.com/

WINE – God’s Proof of his love for humanity

2011 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

 

 

 

 

 

2011 Ferrari-Carano Sonoma Chardonnay

#nb-31-13

 

 

 

Always a favorite at our house, Ferrari-Carano wines hail from the Dry Creek Valley, where their estate winery is located in the heart of the Sonoma wine country.  This 2011 vintage Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay is definitely one to bank on, and contains grapes from several vineyards within Sonoma County, including Alexander Valley, and Russian River.  We have enjoyed many vintages in the past, and this one lives up to its reputation. 

This is a crisp and clean Chardonnay with a nose bursting with  apple and peach, leading into big fruit flavors of green apple, underscored with citrus, and a touch of pear and tropical fruit.  The finish keeps coming sip after sip, each begging for one more.  The “Wine Spectator” scored this one an 89, but Norm’s score is 91. 

If you really enjoy Chardonnay, like the "Chardonnay Queen", just cuddle up in a comfortable chair with just you and the wine.  If you must pair it with food, try a big platter of shrimp scampi and a baguette of warm French bread.

 

 

Score: 91

Price: $19 - $24

 

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 Oconee, Dunwoody and others:

oconee.patch.com/

WINE – God’s Proof of his love for humanity

"Questions and Answers"

"Questions and Answers"

Posted by Norm Bentley , August 12, 2013 at 05:43 PM

Flag as Inappropriate  

Norm Bentley "North Georgia Wine Advisor"

 

Norm's Tasting Notes

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

"Question" (from Mr. William Johnson follower of the Brookhaven Patch)

It interests me that wine writers generally ignore the under $5 wines, which are the ones I am most interested in. For an everyday wine, it really has to be that cheap for most of us. And, it seems that most blind tastings that I have read about show that there is little correlation between price and perceived goodness. In the CR article it looks like there is almost a negative correlation. I suggest that a column about the cheaper wines might be of general interest. Also, it might be useful to know what a professional wine critic thinks about the methodology used by CR and others who conduct blind taste tests.

Cordially,

William Johnson
Brookhaven, Georgia

"Answer"

Mr. Johnson,

Thanks for the comments and the interest in Norm's Tasting Notes.  Charles Shaw blends juices from wineries which do not normally make their own wines.  His efforts have been very successful and he made a reputation selling wines through Trader Joe's under the label Two Buck Chuck.  He has a number of other labels, of which one is Crane Lake.

Blind judging is often used to determine a wine's value, and I have been such a judge on many occasions including the Atlanta International Wine Festival.  The success of these competitions often depends on the knowledge and the experience of those doing the judging.

My advice has always been, and still is, that you are the best judge of which wines are pleasing to you, and that is the most important criteria in making your choice.

Norm

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

2010 Bodega Norton Malbec Reserva

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

 

 

 

 

 

2010 Bodega Norton Malbec Reserva

#nb-30-13

 

 

 

I have enjoyed wines from Bodega Norton for many years, and they have been making fine wines from Argentina since the early 1900's.  They are well known for their Malbec, which has received much acclaim in this country, for a number of years now.  My latest sampling was the 2010 Norton Malbec Reserva from Mendoza, Argentina.  If you like big reds, this one will knock your socks off!

 

The first impression is just that, very impressive!  The color is a deep, dark purple, and has legs that would make Tina Turner jealous.  The aroma is over-powering, with hints of the gobs of rich dark fruit flavors to come.  The taste explodes in your mouth with intense jammy blackberry and plum, highlighted by the earthy undertones that I love in Malbec.  The finish is long and luxurious, while begging for another sip, with an innocence which belies its 14.5% alcohol content.

 

This is a rich, hearty red which was perfect with our two inch thick medium rare fillet, but if you enjoy "Big Reds", you will savor this one all by itself.  Norm's score is 93.

 

 

Score: 93

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:

http://pineisland-eagle.com/

http://cumminghome.com/

http://dawsontimes.com/

Also on "The Patch" at Oconee, Dunwoody and others:

oconee.patch.com/

WINE – God’s Proof of his love for humanity

2012 Hardys Nottage Hill Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

 

 

 

 

 

2012 Hardy's Nottage Hill Chardonnay

#nb-29-13

"Tasting Talker attached"

 

 

 

How good is an eight dollar Chardonnay?  Well according to my wife the "Queen of Chardonnay",  the 2012 Hardy's Nottage Hill Chardonnay was so good that she raved about it on and on.  So I decided that this week we would have a guest commentary, and let the "Chardonnay Queen" herself, tell what you she thought.  The following are the "Chardonnay Queen's" comments:

 

"I never thought I would find a rival to my day-in, day-out favorite in the under $15 chardonnay category (Chateau Ste. Michelle), but the 2012 Hardy’s Nottage Hill Chardonnay stepped up to the plate quite nicely!  The nose is heady with the aroma of melons and peaches with just a spark of a citrusy note.  With the first taste came slight acidity and butter with peach fruit and soft oak undertones.  As the meal progressed, that creamy mouth feel I love in chardonnays became quite distinct but did not rise to dominate the taste.  It paired well with the broiled steelhead filet, and remained tasteful with our salad dressed with white Balsamic vinaigrette."

 

 

Well there you have it friends, the score from a Chardonnay expert.  By the way, I thought it was pretty good also. (nb)

 

 

 

Score: 89

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:

http://cumminghome.com/

http://pineisland-eagle.com/

Also on "The Patch" at Oconee, Dunwoody and others:

oconee.patch.com/

WINE – God’s Proof of his love for humanity