Thursday, March 27, 2014

2012 Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec

Norm's Tasting Notes
By: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
 
 
 
 
2012 Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec
#nb-13-14 
 
 
I have always been known as a fan of Cabernet Sauvignon, and I always felt like it was a special treat when I was invited to judge Cabs at wine festivals.  However, during the last ten years I have also become a big fan of Malbec, which is no surprise, since its origins are also from the Bordeaux.  The Malbecs from Argentina are especially attractive, since they showcase all of the wonderful qualities of Malbec, with an extremely attractive price range. This 2012 Oak Cask Malbec from Trapiche is an excellent example of quality and value in the same bottle.
 
This one grabs your nose as soon as you open the bottle with aromas of dark fruit and spice.  The color is rich and dark, more purple than red.  The flavors abound with blueberries and currants, and an underscore of cherry, highlighted by spicy, earthy nuances.  The finish is long and clean, with a little vanilla, mixed with mellow oak and mild tannins, imparted by the nine months spent in the barrel.  The alcohol content is 14%.
 
The Trapiche was a perfect companion for our thick fillet, seared medium rare, and matched with a crisp green salad.  This wine would be a great companion for almost any meat dish, and would complement red-sauced pastas as well.  Norm's score is 91.
 
Score: 91

Price: $10 -$14

Norm

 
 
Look for Norm's Quick Takes on Twitter
 
  
Available online at:
http://cumminghome.com/
http://dawsontimes.com/
 
Also AOL"The Patch" at:
Dunwoody, Buckhead, Sandy Springs,& others: dunwoody.patch.com/
 
 





WINE – God’s Proof of his love for humanity

Thursday, March 20, 2014

2012 Zenato Lugana di San Benedetto



Norm's Tasting Notes
By: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor

 

 

 
 

2012 Zenato Lugana di San Bennetto
#nb-12-14 

 
Trebbiano is not that well known in this country, but this white Italian grape has a proud history in  Europe, and its character almost speaks of warm sunny days.  The 2012 Zenato Lugana is a good representation of the variety, as the Lugana wine growing region is the heart and soul of the Trebbiano grape.  If you enjoy Pinot Grigio, this would be a good choice for you as well.
 
This is definitely a warm weather wine with a strong pungent fruit aroma, and flavors which are soft and round.  The nose and the initial taste remind one of bananas mixed with mango and peach.  There is also a slight hint of herbs and spice, with a soft pleasant finish.  The wine was fermented in stainless steel, and has an alcohol content of 13.1%.
 
The Zenato Lugana is a good choice for a summertime sipper, or would pair well with salads, or a picnic lunch.  Norm's score is 86.


 
Score: 86
Price: $10 -$14

Norm

 
 
Look for Norm's Quick Takes on Twitter
 

  
Available online at:
http://cumminghome.com/
http://dawsontimes.com/

Also AOL"The Patch" at:
Dunwoody, Buckhead, Sandy Springs,& others: dunwoody.patch.com/
 

 







WINE – God’s Proof of his love for humanity