2010 Cultivate Dream Walking Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

 

 

  

 

 

 

2010 Cultivate Dream Walking Chardonnay

#nb-09-14

 

 

We decided to follow a dream the other night and pair up a traditional French dish with a distinctly different American wine.  The French fare was Coq au vin, and the wine was the 2010 Cultivate Dream Walking Chardonnay from California, with the result being heavenly.

 

Cultivate is operated by Ali and Charles Banks, who achieved fame as the owners of Screaming Eagle.  Cultivate Wines is an attempt to give a little back, by contributing ten cents on the dollar to charitable endeavors to replenish the health of Mother Earth.

The Dream Walking Chardonnay opens up with a blast to the senses, featuring the combined aromas of a bouquet of fresh flowers, and a bowl of orchard fresh fruit. The flavors showcase green apples, with a touch of pineapple, and a slight gentle presence of citrus.  The finish is clean, and contains a hint of vanilla.  The alcohol content is 14.1%

 

This Dream Walking Chardonnay was excellent with our wine and garlic soaked chicken, and would make a good companion for most fish and fowl fare.  Norm's score is 88. .

Score: 88

Price: $17-$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:

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 Simi Sonoma County Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

 

 

 

 

 

2012 Simi Sonoma Chardonnay

#nb-08-14

 

 

The "Chardonnay Queen" and I both like Chardonnay from Sonoma County, California.  Sonoma County Chardonnays are hard to beat, much like Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley.  For a number of years the Simi Sonoma County Chardonnay has been a household favorite, and I believe one of the local big discount chains is selling it for just pennies above cost.  If you can find the 2012 vintage for less than $11.00 per bottle. I would suggest you grab several.

We recently sampled a bottle of the 2012 Simi, and found it to be delightful!  The nose opens with an invigorating sensation of green apples, with a touch of pineapple, and a hint of citrus.  The flavors swirl together in a cascade of fruit featuring the apples, with tinges of spice, tropical fruit, and that slight citrus breeze.  The finish contains a flirtation with oak and a touch of buttery mouth feel, that sails into the night on a crisp and clean river of flavors begging for another sip!

We enjoyed this wonderful bottle of wine with a hearty crab and tomato bisque soup accompanied by a large chilled shrimp salad, with warm fresh baked French bread.  It could not get much better, but you might try pairing it with Coq au vin, or Shrimp Alfredo.  Norm's score is 90.

 

Score: 90

Price: $11-$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