Friday, May 26, 2017

2015 Charles Smith Boom Boom Syrah

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
normwine@charter.net


The North Georgia Wine Advisor


2015 Charles Smith Boom Boom Syrah
#nb-19-17

For some, names like Boom Boom Syrah sound really cool, and draw them to the wine itself, but for me, having been involved with wine since the days of the famous Paris Wine Competition of 1976, when American wine first became recognized as a "winner", I need more than a name to attract my interest.  This wine is in itself interesting and very drinkable.  I am told that the goal at Charles Smith Wines is to make everyday wines for everyday people.  This one meets the criteria.

This Syrah comes from the Columbia Valley in Washington State, and upholds the standard for wines from that region which I am particularly fond of, and besides that, I really like Syrah.  The color is a dark purple-red and has good clarity.  The nose bursts with fruit suggesting dark berries and a hint of plum, with a spicy and peppery background, which has an earthy quality to it.  The finish showcases sturdy tannins, but, unfortunately the taste fades a little too quickly.  This may improve with an extra year in the bottle.  Still, a very nice everyday wine for the everyday person. 
 
This "everyday guy" enjoyed this one on a weekday with an everyday plate of pasta, very nice!  The alcohol content is 13.5% and Norm's score is 87.


price : $12 - $16
score:  87

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Friday, May 19, 2017

2015 Ruffino Aziano Chianti Classico

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
normwine@charter.net 

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2015 Ruffino Chianti Classico
#nb-18-17

For me, a weekday treat is a plate of Italian food with a good bottle of Chianti.  It doesn't really matter what kind of Italian dish is served, or even what label the Chianti might be.  I love Sangiovese, the primary grape in Chianti, and as long as the label says "Chianti Classico", I know the wine will be better that the average bottle of cheap red.  I don't want to be considered a "Wine Snob", so let me also say that I have enjoyed many a plate of spaghetti with a bottle of "cheap red", and a hunk of bread.  However, enjoying a bottle of Chianti Classico with your meal, can be the difference between "eating" and "dining".

In 2007 Ruffino celebrated its 130th anniversary of making wine in Tuscany, Italy, after their founding by Liario Ruffino in 1877.  They produced their first reserve Chianti in 1947.  They now produce several different levels of Chianti, including Aziano, which is one of my favorites in the value priced range. I have been in love with Ruffino Chianti since long before I can remember!  Maybe its because when I was a little boy in Napa, California, the family's favorite Italian restaurant was a place called Ruffino's, in downtown Napa, where I occasionally got a "sip" of Chianti with my spaghetti.  I last visited Ruffino's in Napa in 2000, but I do not believe it is still there.  I have enjoyed quite a few glasses of Ruffino over the years.

My last glass of Ruffino was this past Wednesday night, with a big plate of Spaghetti.  The wine was the 2015 Ruffino Chianti Classico Aziano, and as expected, it was delightful!  The color is a deep ruby red with good clarity, and just looks tempting as you pour it.  The fragrance is a blend of red berries and cherries which transition into flavors of berries and herbs with a trace of spiciness.  The finish has mellow tannins and a lingering aftertaste which begs for another sip!

This is a rich tasting Chianti with a value price, and will complement any pasta dish, and would be especially good with veal Marsala, but it would be hard to beat with Eggplant Parmesan. 



price : $14 - $18
score:  89

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