Norm's Tasting Notes

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2013 Kirkland Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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A friend brought us a bottle of Kirkland Cab, which is a label sold at Cosco, and asked our opinion of the wine. We decided to taste it with a thick juicy steak alongside a bottle of J. Lohr Cab which we have enjoyed in the past. Both sell in the ten to twelve dollar range, so what we are talking about is a value Cab for a week night steak dinner. The comparison was close although the wines were somewhat different in style. The Chardonnay Queen edged toward the Kirkland, while I had a slight preference for the J. Lohr. Our scores ranged between 87 and 89 for the pair.

The Kirkland Signature Series Wines have received mixed reviews in the past, and this Alexander Valley Cab may be a little better than some previous vintages. The wine is dark purple in color with a decent nose suggesting dried cherries and blackberries. The fruit is strong with flavors of cherry, plum and a bit of undercurrent hinting of coffee. The finish is a bit oaky and has a trace of bitterness which did not dissipate as the wine opened up.

The Kirkland was good with the steak, and would also pair well with other grilled meats. Overall its a decent bottle of wine for a modest price, where good inexpensive Cabs are hard to come by.

Norm's score is 88.

price : $10- $12

score: 88

Norm

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WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

Friday, October 21, 2016

2014 Toad Hollow Francine's Selection Un-Oaked Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2014 Toad Hollow Francine's Selection Un-Oaked Chardonnay

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The Chardonnay Queen usually likes a rich, buttery, oaky Chardonnay to go with her world famous "Special Shrimp Scampi", but this time things were a little different, since I made the Shrimp Scampi and the Chardonnay was un-oaked. My Shrimp Scampi was, of course, not as good as hers, but it wasn't bad either, and the Toad Hollow Un-oaked Chardonnay was buttery, and it was excellent , even without any oak!

The Toad Hollow opens with a fragrant nose suggesting pear and honeysuckle. The flavors are rich and round, with a strong presence of apple, pear and a touch of pineapple backed by a slight hint of vanilla and a rich buttery texture. With no oak, the finish is clean and crisp with a signature of rounded fruit and very little clinging aftertaste. The alcohol content is 14%, and Norm's score is 89.

This is a quality Chardonnay at an affordable price, and is a great companion for most seafood dishes, and would also rate highly as a "Back Porch Sipper".

price : $12- $16

score: 89

Norm

Available online at:

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

Friday, October 14, 2016

2015 Attems Pinot Grigio

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2015 Attems Pinot Grigio

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We had a fabulous meal the other night of shrimp, scallops and Portobello Mushrooms sauteed in butter and garlic and served over fettuccine topped with Alfredo sauce. The wine was the 2015 Attems Pinot Grigio, and the combination was a huge success! This Italian Pinot Grigio was a perfect companion for shellfish and pasta in a rich sauce.

The wine has a sweet floral bouquet and a pale straw color somewhat tinged with gold. The flavor is vivacious and abundant with a crisp lemony presence and a generous dose of stone fruit. The texture is smooth and creamy with a clean finish, with just a hint of vanilla. The wine simply begs for another sip! The alcohol content is 12.5% and Norm's score is 92.

This is a clean and refreshing wine with good balance, which would be enjoyable by itself, but is best matched with seafood, especially in a rich cream or cheese sauce. As noted wine critic Wilfred Wong stated, "Some wines are meant to be served with food...this is the kind of experience that could easily turn the uninitiated into a real foodie."

price : $14 - $19

score: 92

Norm

Available online at:

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

Friday, October 7, 2016

2013 Villa Antinori Toscana

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2013 Villa Antinori Toscana

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Even in paradise at the"Little Cottage by the Sea", there are sometimes thunderstorms which put a damper on the fishing, as well as the tranquility. At times when the skies are grey and the wind and rain are at the door, I find solace in a plate of pasta and a bottle of "dago red". So we cooked up a pot of marinara sauce and some spaghetti, tossed a salad and open a bottle of Antinori Toscana which comes from one of the oldest and best wineries in Italy. This one is what you might call an entry level Super Tuscan, at less than twenty dollars per bottle.

The Antinori is mostly Sangeovese with small additions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which combine for a delightful rich and smooth bottle of red. The color is ruby red with an aroma of dried cherries. The flavor has an array of cherries, spice and a little background touch of black raspberry. The finish is smooth and clean with a hint of tannin. The alcohol content is 13.5% and Norm's score is 91.

While the Toscana was terrific with our spaghetti, it is more than just spaghetti wine and would be an excellent companion for Veal Marsala, or a thick juicy steak off the grill.

price : $16 - $20

score: 91

Norm

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