Norm's Tasting Notes

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2014 Damalisco Roble

#nb-04-17

The Tempranillo grape reminds me somewhat of Sangiovese and makes for a good wine for food as well as just sipping. We opened a bottle of 2014 Damaliso Roble from Spain to sip as we watched the big game last week with friends. It was well received by all who were present.

The wine has good color and a fragrant nose suggesting dark red berries with a whiff of vanilla. The flavor is graceful and brings forth a basket of raspberries with a touch of strawberry, backed by a slight presence of oak and an undercurrent of cherry. The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 87.

This would be a good wine for pasta or grilled meats, or perhaps a big platter of cheeses.

price : $9- $12

score: 87

Norm

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Friday, January 20, 2017

2015 Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2015 Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvigon

#nb-03-17

The consistency of wines from the Concha y Toro Winery in Chile is at times astonishing. It seems that they almost never have a bad vintage, and that is quite a statement , since they have been making wine for more than one hundred years. I last sampled the Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvingnon a few years back, and found it quite good. A recent sampling of the 2015 vintage proved to be even better. and this is a wine that you can pick up at almost any supermarket for ten dollars or less.

The color is dark red with good clarity. The bouquet jumps out of the glass and grabs you by the nose as though you had just opened a jar of blackberry jam laced with cherries. The flavors abound with blackberry, black cherry and a little touch of plum.

The finish is long and smooth with a a mild taste of oak. The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 89.

We paired this "Cab" with a "Slab" of beef, and a fresh garden salad of avocados and tomatoes. The Casillero del Diablo was great with a nice thick juicy porterhouse, and re-affirmed my admiration for Concha y Toro.

price : $9- $12

score: 89

Norm

Available online at:

CummingHome.com | News and Events from Cumming and Forsyth County

Also available at AOL's Dunwoody Patch:

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

Friday, January 13, 2017

2015 Clean Slate Riesling

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2015 Clean Slate Riesling

#nb-02-17

The Clean Slate Riesling is a "clean" and refreshing wine which pairs well with a variety of foods, and is an enjoyable treat when served as an aperitif. The bottle contains 100% Riesling and is a modest 10.5% alcohol, which makes for an easy drinking wine which will appeal to a wide range of palates.

We sampled the Clean Slate with grilled pork loin and fresh vegetables with a side of Fettuccine Alfredo. The wine has a fragrant nose featuring apple and citrus. There is a good balance between fruit and acidity, with the flavors ranging between apple and peach, with an underscore of lemony citrus. As stated previously the wine is clean and refreshing with a bit of mineral character in its finish. Norm's score is 87.

price : $10- $13

score: 87

Norm

Available online at:

CummingHome.com | News and Events from Cumming and Forsyth County

Also available at AOL's Dunwoody Patch:

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

Friday, January 6, 2017

2012 Fontanafredda Barolo DOCG

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2012 Fontanafredda Barolo DOCG

#nb-01-17

They say you can smell roses in the nose of a good Nebbiolo wine, and while this Barolo broadcasts a beautiful bouquet of flowers, I was more mindful of violets, than roses. Most Barolos come with a hefty price tag, but the Fontanafredda is somewhat modest in price for its category, but not in the least modest in its appeal. We were fortunate to sample this wonderful wine during one of our holiday dinners, which featured a nice thick New York Strip grilled to a juicy, medium rare. The two made an excellent pair for a gourmet delight.

This Barolo as stated, has a strong nose, and broadcasts its scent around the room capturing the attention of all those nearby. The flavors swirl with a simple, yet complex, array of cherries backed by touches of chocolate and spice leading into a smooth landing, which is highlighted by mellow tannins and an intense lingering fruit finish. This is a sturdy wine with a lot of backbone which should age well for the next five to seven years. Norm's score is 92.

This wine was meant to be served with grilled meat, but would also make an excellent after dinner companion for a selection of strong cheeses, especially Stilton or Gorgonzola. Enjoy it now, or wait a few years for an even more mellow taste delight.

price : $35- $42

score: 92

Norm

Available online at:

CummingHome.com | News and Events from Cumming and Forsyth County

Also available at AOL's Dunwoody Patch: