Norm's Tasting Notes: May 2014

Thursday, May 8, 2014

2013 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2013 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc

#nb-19-14

This will be the fifth or sixth vintage of Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc that I have sampled in the last decade, and it is a good wine, although not as good as some of the previous vintages. Of course, we all have our favorite characteristics, which influence our opinions. Five to seven years ago the winemakers in New Zealand began to highlight the grapefruit flavors in their Sauvignon Blanc wines. This is not my favorite taste in white wine, but it is extremely popular, and if it is in your wheelhouse, you might up my score from an 87, to an 89 or 90. It is a quality wine, but I prefer grassy and lemon zest over grapefruit, for my choice in a Sauvignon Blanc.

That being said, the wine is clean, crisp, and flavorful with a nice lingering finish. The nose has a fair amount of grapefruit with herbal undertones. The flavors showcase the grapefruit with a bit of spicy blueberry, that trails off into a pleasant finish. The alcohol content is 13%.

The Whitehaven would pair well with summer salads, and poultry dishes. If you enjoy oysters on the half shell, you might choose this Sauvignon Blanc to accompany your dozen, rather than beer. Norm's score is 87.

Score: 87

Price: $13 - $17

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Thursday, May 1, 2014

2011 Columbia Crest Grant Estates Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2011 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Chardonnay

#nb-18-14

I like Columbia Crest Grand Estates Chardonnay, and it has been a "go to" wine at our house for many years. A quality wine in the "everyday drinker" price range, it is consistently good year after year. The wine is 100% Chardonnay and has the qualities of wines costing much more.

The nose is pungent with fruit basket aromas, and a hint of honey. The flavors abound with the presence of apple and pear, and just a touch of melon. The finish is clean and crisp, with a suggestion of buttery oak in the end. The wine begs for another sip! The alcohol content is 13.5%

This one pairs well with most fish and fowl dishes, but is excellent as a "back porch sipper". It is also perfect for that picnic basket of cold fried chicken with fruit and soft cheeses. Norm's score is 88.

Score: 88

Price: $9 - $11