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