2011 Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Merlot

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

 

 

2011 Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Merlot

#nb-17-14

 

I like Merlot with lamb, so with our big feast last weekend, we chose a bottle of Indian Wells Merlot to pair with our lamb.  It was a good choice!  I have had several vintages in the past of the Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot, and it is amazing how consistent the winery is from year to year.  Those folks up in the state of Washington seem to really know what they are doing.

 

The Indian Wells is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Syrah.  The Syrah seems to bring out a few earth tones in the wine, which make it robust and smooth at the same time.  The nose is powerful, with aromas of cherry, blueberry, and plum.  The flavors are concentrated with a predominance of black cherry, highlighted by a touch of blackberry, and a bit of spice.  The finish is long with a trace of vanilla flavored oak.  The alcohol content is 13.5%.

 

We had a wonderful meal of medium-rare, grilled lamb chops served with rice and a fresh garden salad.  The Indian Wells Merlot was a great companion for this meal, and would also pair well with pasta, or other grilled meats.  Norm's score is 90.

 

Score: 90

Price: $12 - $15

Norm

 

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WINE – God’s Proof of his love for humanity

2011 Franciscan Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

 

 

 

 

2011 Franciscan Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

#nb-16-14

 

Br'er Rabbit once said, "Please Br'er Fox, whatever you do, please don't throw me in that briar patch!"  Well, after the first sip of this Franciscan Cab, I felt like I had been thrown into the briar patch.  The first sensation in both smell, and taste was wild berries, and I liked it!

 

The 2011 Franciscan Napa Cabernet is dark in color with tones of garnet and ruby cascading into the glass.  The nose is definitely dark berries with the scent of blackberries being the most noticeable.  The flavor is dominated by the taste of blackberries, but there are also black cherries and currants in the basket as well.  This Cab was aged for twenty months in oak, but only displays mild traces of tannin.  The finish is lingering with the berry flavors being kissed with a hint of vanilla at the end.  The alcohol content is 13.5%.

 

We paired the Franciscan with a nice thick New York strip steak, and a fresh garden salad.  Steak is always the best meal with a good Napa Valley Cab, but this wine would also be a good companion for veal, or most other grilled meats.  This wine is ready to drink now, but should continue to be good for several more years.   Norm's score is 90.

 

Score: 90

Price: $20 - $27

 

Norm

 

 

 

facebook.com/NormsTastingNotes

Look for Norm's Quick Takes on Twitter

http://normwine.blogspot.com/

  

Available online at:

http://pineisland-eagle.com/

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

2010 Columbia Crest H3 Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

 

 

 

 

 

2010 Columbia Crest H3 Chardonnay

#nb-15-14

 

 

Columbia Crest H3 wines are from the Horse Heaven Hills Vineyard over-looking the Columbia River in Washington State.  Horse Heaven Hills is named for the wild horses which once roamed there, and this is where the 2010 Columbia Crest H3 Chardonnay originates.  I have sampled several of these wines in the past and looked forward to tasting the 2010 vintage.

 

The nose opens with an aromatic display of fruits and flowers, with an underlying current of honeysuckle.  The flavors abound, with pear and melon being foremost.  The H3 has a strong presence of vanilla with a creamy texture, which makes it lip smacking good.  The wine was aged for eight months in both new and old barrels, which gives it the signature of oak without being overbearing.  It is 100% Chardonnay, and the alcohol content is 13.5%.

 

We paired this pleasant Chardonnay with chicken roasted in a spicy citrus sauce and served with fresh garden vegetables.  The H3 would also be an excellent companion for coq au vin or shrimp Alfredo.  Norm's score is 88.

 

Score: 88

Price: $11 -$15

Norm

 

facebook.com/NormsTastingNotes

Look for Norm's Quick Takes on Twitter

http://normwine.blogspot.com/

  

Available online at:

http://pineisland-eagle.com/

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