2016 Thanksgiving Special

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

normwine@bellsouth.net

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2016 Thanksgiving Special

#nb-46-16

It is always difficult to select the perfect wine for Thanksgiving, because the table offers such an array of aromas and flavors, but here are a few guidelines which will make this dinner more memorable than ever. 

If you like Chardonnay, choose one which is not bone dry, but rather one with a strong fruit presence. Sauvignon Blanc is also a good choice if you like dry white wine with your meal.  The fruity, but dry finish of a good Pinot Grigio is perfect for that dry white meat turkey which did not turn out as juicy as you had hoped for. If you like red wine with your meal, choose a lighter style Pinot Noir.  Other choices are Riesling and Viognier, both excellent with turkey.

Below is a list of wines which I have written about during the last year which would be good choices for your Thanksgiving Dinner.

2014 Au Contraire Pinot Gris - score 90

2014 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay - score 90

2013 Chalone Monterey County Pinot Noir - score 90

2014 Ferrari Carono Pinot Grigio - score 90

2014 Wild Horse Viognier - score 92

2014 St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc - score 92

I hope each and everyone of you has a happy and enjoyable Thanksgiving!

Score: 100
Price:- Priceless

Norm

https://www.facebook.com/NormsTastingNotes

http://normwine.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/normswine

Available online at:

http://pineisland-eagle.com/

http://cumminghome.com/

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

2014 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

normwine@bellsouth.net

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2014 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Chardonnay

#nb-45-16

After sampling a few value priced Cabs, I felt it was time to review some affordable Chardonnay for the approaching holidays. The first sample is an old reliable from Washington State, the 2014 vintage of Columbia Crest's Grand Estates Chardonnay. Year after year, it just never seems to let you down.

The nose is fragrant with the essence of apple mingled with tropical fruit.  The flavor is apple, with touches of melon and a little vanilla, which flow into a crisp and lingering finish   The alcohol content is 13.5 %, and Norm's score is 89.

This wine is well suited for chicken or fish and a variety of other foods as well.  The clean taste also makes it a likely candidate for a "Back Porch Sipper".  The combination of value and quality make it a true "winner".

price : $9- $12

score:  88

Norm

https://www.facebook.com/NormsTastingNotes

http://normwine.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/normswine

Available online at:

http://pineisland-eagle.com/

http://cumminghome.com/

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

2014 Newman's own California Cabernet Sauvignon

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

normwine@bellsouth.net

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2014 Newman's Own California Cabernet Sauvignon

#nb-44-16

Following last week's comparison of two modest priced Cabs, we just sampled another value priced California Cabernet Sauvignon alongside another thick juicy steak.  This one was the 2014 Newman's Own California Cabernet Sauvignon and it was a very good choice for our steak dinner.

The wine is a bright ruby red in color with a fragrant nose highlighting  red berries and spice.. The wine is subtle on initial taste, but a few minutes in the glass cause it to open up into a rich and robust Cab featuring  black cherry, a little cassis,  and an undercurrent of vanilla and spice.  The finish is clean and sails on into the night. The alcohol content is 13.5 %, and Norm's score is 89.

A good choice for steak or other grilled meats, this Cab would also pair well with a red-sauced pasta, or a rich and hearty beef or venison stew.

price : $10- $13

score:  89

Norm

https://www.facebook.com/NormsTastingNotes

http://normwine.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/normswine

Available online at:

http://pineisland-eagle.com/

http://cumminghome.com/

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity