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

2011 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

 

 

 

 

 

2011 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Chardonnay

#nb-40-13

 

I have enjoyed Robert Mondavi wines for several decades now, and it was one of the highlights of my wine career to have met him some years back at a tasting function in Atlanta.  I am glad to see that the tradition continues in his absence, as is exemplified by this latest Chardonnay offering from the winery.

The 2011 Napa Valley Chardonnay is one of the better ones in several years, perhaps due to the long and cool growing season experienced in the Napa Valley during 2011.  The harvest was late, yielding some juicy fruit, which was pressed, and then aged for about ten months, with 75% in oak, and the balance in stainless steel.  The result is a well balanced wine with big fruit and a lean finish.

The nose contains the aromas of pear and melon, with a slight citrus breeze.  The flavors swirl with apple and spice, intermingled with a touch of vanilla oak.  The finish is long and clean, with a lingering taste of mineral and oak, attached to that slight citrus appeal.  The alcohol content is 13.5%.

This is a great wine for seafood, and has just the right amount of acidity to cut through heavy flavors laced with butter and garlic, like the "Chardonnay Queen's" "Famous Shrimp Scampi".  This would also be a good companion for lobster with drawn butter.   Norm's score is 90.

 

 

Score: 90

Price: $17 - $20

 

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