Norm's Tasting Notes

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2014 Bigi Orvieto Classico

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The other night we were celebrating being back in Paradise at our "Little Cottage by the Sea", so we went to our favorite "Little Italian Place", Moretti's Italian Grill in Cape Coral, Florida. We have always had great meals there, and this time may have been the best ever. We gorged on Italian Pasta and seafood and washed it all down with a most pleasant bottle of Orvieto Classico, which we had not had before, but which we will not soon forget! The "Chardonnay Queen" indulged in Shrimp and Scallops in a white wine and garlic sauce which was stupendous, while I feasted on Fettuccini Frutti de Mar, which was more like Bouillabaisse than pasta and shellfish. We paired this with the 2014 Bigi Orvieto Classico for a terrific evening, which was capped off with the best cup of Cappuccino I have had in ages. What a celebration, and it was only a Wednesday night in paradise!

The Bigi Orvieto is a classic style from Umbria which assaults the senses with a bouquet broadcasting wild flowers and and tones of honeysuckle, surrounding a fruit basket of fragrant scents. The flavor is clean and crisp, with the presence of peach enveloped in a citrus breeze, backed by the taste of golden apples and a hint of pear. This is a great wine for seafood and can be had for a modest price. Norm's score is 89.

We have been huge fans of the culinary talents of Mr. Moretti for years, and our latest venture into his establishment in Cape Coral left us eager to come back soon. If you are visiting Southwest Florida anytime in the future, don't miss the opportunity for one of the best Italian meals of your life!

Moritti's Italian Grill score is 100+

price : $11 - $15

score: 89

Norm

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WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

Friday, August 19, 2016

2013 Matchbook Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2013 Matchbook Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon

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More and more California Cabernet Sauvignon's are in fact, blended wines, as is the case with the 2013 Matchbook from Lake County. This one is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petite Verdot and 9% Petite Sirah. The result is a polished and smooth, easy drinking Cab which made a good companion for my two inch thick, medium rare fillet.

The wine has excellent color and a fragrant bouquet of cherries and other dark fruit. The flavor has a bright cherry taste with underlying currents of blueberry, and a touch of chocolate which empties into a pleasant mild tannin finish, with a lingering presence of the clean fruit. The alcohol content is 13.9%, and Norm's score is 87.

A good choice for steak or other grilled meats, it would also pair well with a big plate of spaghetti or even a thick slice of rare prime rib. The wine should drink well for another three years.

price : $11 - $15

score: 87

Norm

Available online at:

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

Friday, August 12, 2016

2015 Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2015 Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc

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New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has become the flagship wine of that country, with a distinctive signature for most of its representatives. The Noblio Winery is one of the most prominent wineries in New Zealand, and the Icon Sauvignon Blanc is their flagship wine, with a distinctive kiss of citrusy grapefruit in both the aroma and on the palate.

The Icon has a nose which leaps from the glass with a heady dose of citrus and flowers, which fills your senses with anticipation of the first sip. The flavor is green apple, with grapefruit and lime, and a slight hint of peach. The finish is crisp and clean, with a lingering trace of grapefruit. The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 90.

This is a wonderful summer wine, which one of my friends described as "quite refreshing". The Icon would be an excellent companion for Cobb Salad, or a picnic basket full of cold fried chicken and potato salad.

price : $17 - $21

score: 90

Norm

Available online at:

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

Friday, August 5, 2016

2013 Le Volte dell' Ornellaia

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2013 Le Volte dell' Ornellaia

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I like Italian Reds, and I like the Tuscan blends which often contain a combination of Italian and Bordeaux grapes. The LeVolte dell' Ornellaia is Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sangiovese, and it is delightful. This is a complex wine which is intense, but does not over-power the palate.

The nose is a burst of cherries with violet undertones, which leads to a big fruit, big mouth-feel wine showcasing an array of flavors. Cherry is most prominent, with a strong suggestion of plum intermingled with notes of blackberry. There is a background of vanilla and spice which leads to a lingering finish which absolutely begs for another sip.

I tasted this wine with friends against a couple of other Italian Reds, and in my mind it was a clear winner. The Ornellaia would be a wonderful companion for your favorite Italian Veal dish, which in my case would be Veal Marsala, with a side of Spaghetti Marinara. It would also be an excellent choice for Chateaubriand. Norm's score is 91.

price : $22 - $27

score: 91

Norm

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