Norm's Tasting Notes

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2014 Jacob's Creek Two Lands Chardonnay

#nb-24-15

New ventures are always fun to explore, so what is Jacob's Creek up to with their Two Lands label? California style Chardonnay from down under?; interesting. Chardonnay from Barossa is already acknowledged as quality juice, and is now in the bottle under the supervision of both Bernard Hickin of Jacob's Creek and Napa wine maker Ehren Jordan. The attempt is to produce a light, but elegant style of Chardonnay which will apparently remind one of both California and Australia.

Since we are already into a very hot summer, we decided to pair the Jacob's Creek with a picnic lunch consisting of cold chicken and an assortment of raw vegetables. It was a good match. The Two Lands opens with a fragrant nose displaying tropical fruits and a mild citrus breeze. The flavors are predominately pineapple and melon, and supported by a little apricot and a nice citrus tang, to lead into a crisp and clean finish, with just a mild suggestion of oak. The "Chardonnay Queen" noticed the presence of apple which I did not detect, and she also gave it a one point better score than did I. Norm's score is 88.

This is a nice entry into the market from Jacob's Creek, and would be excellent with most summertime salads, or a big platter of assorted cheeses and fruit.

score: 88

price: $ 11 - $15

Norm

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WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

Thursday, June 18, 2015

2013 Mark West Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2013 Mark West Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

#nb-23-15

Mark West Winery of Oakville, California has been making value priced Pinot Noir for a number of years now, and is a leader in the ten to sixteen dollar range for Pinot Noir. They have recently unveiled a new Pinot Noir from the esteemed Willamette Valley of Oregon, which will soon make them a leader in the 20 to 25 dollar range for Oregon Pinot Noir. This new contender is notable in any price range. This is a light style Pinot Noir, that is no lightweight when it comes to delivering a quality signature.

The color is a brilliant red with excellent clarity, and the bouquet leaps out of the glass to broadcast an array of aromas highlighting cherry and strawberry. The flavors swirl with cherry and plum, with an under-current of strawberry, and just a touch of cranberry. It is simply delicious! The alcohol content is 13.5%. Norm's score is 90.

We enjoyed this Oregon Pinot Noir with a grilled loin chop and squash casserole, accompanied by a crisp green garden salad. Since I like a lighter style Pinot Noir with salmon, I think this would be perfect. It would also be a great candidate for prime rib.

score: 90

price: $ 20 - $25

Norm

Available online at:

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

Friday, June 12, 2015

2012 Vanderbilt Reserve Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2012 Vanderbilt Reserve Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

#nb-22-15

Sometimes wine is best enjoyed by itself, either with friends, or as your own personal friend for the evening. Such was the case last week when the Chardonnay Queen and I had been out for a wonderful dinner at one of Atlanta's fine seafood restaurants with a couple of our best friends. Afterwards we adjourned to a comfy seat on the sofa, and opened a bottle of 2012 Vanderbilt Reserve Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. It was a perfect nightcap, and great companion for some relaxed conversation.

This is a nice bold Cab, but not too intense. It opens with a heady nose suggesting cherries and the briar patch, and maybe just a bit of spice. The flavors are abundant, with blackberry and cherry fighting for dominance, with a strong undercurrent of plum and little cassis. The finish is lingering with some oak in its character, but nothing overbearing. I usually enjoy Cabs with grilled meat, so this was a pleasant change, and a chance to enjoy the wine just by itself.

Of course this Cab would pair well with almost any grilled meat, especially steak. However, you might want to match it with veal parmesan, or perhaps a hearty venison stew. Norm's score is 89.

score: 89

price: $ 23 - $27

Norm

Available online at:

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

Thursday, June 4, 2015

2013 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Merlot

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2013 Concha y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Merlot

#nb-21-15

Last week I wrote about the white wine we served at a small reception for about thirty people at our house. We, of course, also served a red which was as well received as the white. We chose the 2013 Casillero Del Diablo Merlot from Concha y Toro, and neither I, nor our guests were disappointed. The Casillero Del Diablo line up of wines from Chile is like a trusted old friend who never lets you down.

This is a quality bottle of wine for a popular price, and was excellent as a companion to the assorted cheeses we had provided for our guests. The color is dark and intense, and the aroma is cherry with a hint of spice, which opens to flavors of cherry with a touch of blackberry. Underlying the basic flavors is a mild suggestion of currant which flows into a finish, which is well balanced between the fruit and acidity. It is a good choice for an informal gathering and would also make a good companion for most pasta dishes. Norm's score is 88.

score: 88

price: $ 8 - $11

Norm

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