Norm's Tasting Notes

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2014 Au Contraire Pinot Gris

#nb-26-16

We recently had friends join us for a seafood dinner, who are fans of Pinot Grigio. Since I had just received a highly recommended sample of a Pinot Gris, we paired it up with our fish and shellfish spread. Of course, since I had not tasted it previously, I had another bottle on hand, just in case. No backup was necessary! The 2014 Au Contraire Pinot Gris was delightful, and prompted a few comments about the difference between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris.

In the past, the general definition of Pinot Gris referred to a Pinot Grigio which had some oak aging and was slightly more dry, as opposed to those aged in stainless steel. However, the Au Contraire, like the last three Pino Gris wines which I have sampled has no oak. So just think of it in terms of two different names for the same grape. The same is true for California Sauvignon Blancs which go by the name Fume Blanc. At any rate, the Au Contraire is a good choice regardless of its grape name.

The Au Contraire opens with a fragrant bouquet of fresh flowers and a mild trace of citrus. The flavors abound with the presence of stone fruit backed by melon and a hint of citrus in the background. The finish is crisp, clean and very refreshing. Norm's score is 90.

We enjoyed the Au Contraire with a platter of fish and shellfish for a memorable repast. The wine would pair well with a variety of foods during all seasons. However, this style of wine really shines during the hot summer months, and would make an excellent "back porch sipper".

price : $14 - $19

score: 90

Norm

Available online at:

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

Friday, June 24, 2016

2013 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2013 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon

#nb-25-16

A few weeks back I wrote an article about Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay, and I enjoyed it so much, that when the Chardonnay Queen asked what I wanted for Father Day Dinner, I suggested the Cab and a thick steak. I got what I asked for and it was great! Of course, I must confess that the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery is one of my favorite wineries, mainly because of their consistency.

The 2013 Indian Wells Cab was a perfect choice for my two inch thick, medium rare New York Strip steak. The wine is a beautiful dark ruby red in color, with a bouquet which broadcasts an array of scents, ranging from ripe cherries to dark wild berries. The flavors abound in a collage of jammy fruits, highlighted by black cherry and a touch of plum to compliment the presence of dark raspberry and a touch of spice. The finish is long and clean with a lingering cherry aftertaste. The Cab is paired with 10% Syrah to produce an earthy close to a memorable trip. The alcohol content is 14.5%, and Norm's score is 89.

The wine will work well with a broad spectrum of foods, but it is perfect with steak, so why bother with anything else?

price : $14 - $19

score: 89

Norm

Available online at:

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

Thursday, June 16, 2016

2015 Estancia Pinot Grigio

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2015 Estancia Pinot Grigio

#nb-24-16

I had lunch a few days back with an old friend from the wine business, and we dined on shrimp, fish, and shrimp mac and cheese. The food was good, but the conversation was better, and both were paired with a bottle of Estancia Pinot Grigio. Food and wine are always best when enjoyed with old friends.

The Estancia is a good example of a sturdy California Pinot Grigiuo in the value price range. The wine opens with a nice bouquet of apples and citrus with a touch of honeysuckle. The flavor abounds with generous portions of apple and peach, with a hint of melon and a mild citrus breeze. The finish is crisp and clean with a slight citrus aftertaste. The alcohol content is 13%, and Norm's score is 87.

This Pinot Grigiuo is a good companion for seafood as well as chicken, or a big summer salad. The clean finish also makes it a good candidate for sipping on a hot summer night.

price : $10 - $14

score: 87

Norm

Available online at:

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

Friday, June 10, 2016

2014 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chrdonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2014 Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay

#nb-23-16

We recently had a Seafood Feast featuring Sea Trout, Florida Shrimp, and Stone Crab. Only a special bottle of wine could be paired with this extravaganza, so we chose the 2014 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay, which we knew from past experience would be good. It was great, and Norm's score is 90.

The bouquet of the Indian Wells suggests a basket of fresh, fruit featuring apples, mangoes and pineapple. The flavors swirl with apple, backed by pear, and a touch of pineapple. The wine is subtle, as well as complex, with hints of vanilla lying on top of a buttery, creamy texture leading to a crisp finish, which begs for another sip. The alcohol content is 14%.

This wine presents itself well with any seafood dish from cold to hot. If you are loohing for a good choice for lobster with drawn butter, this is it.

price : $14 - $18

score: 90

Norm

Available online at:

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

Friday, June 3, 2016

2014 Hess Select Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2014 Hess Select Chardonnay

#nb-22-16

We recently had dinner with friends at one of Atlanta's many good Thai restaurants, where there is always an array of different flavors at the table. We chose a bottle of Hess Select Chardonnay, which I knew from past experiences, would be a good choice for this kind of food. It paired well with Pad Thai, Coconut Shrimp, and the other spicy flavors set before us. Of course the best part of any meal, is enjoying it with friends, and this one was enjoyable enough to order a second bottle.

The Hess Chardonnay has a delicate bouquet suggesting apples and a mild tropical breeze, which leads to a crisp apple taste highlighted by a faint presence of melon backed by citrus zest. The lingering finish is crisp and clean and cleanses the most spicy food flavors. The wine has an alcohol content of 13.5% and Norm's score is 88.

If you prefer Italian fare to Thai food, you might match this one up with a plate of Chicken Piccata and Angle Hair pasta, or even Fettuccine Alfredo.

price : $8 - $11

score: 88

Norm

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