Friday, October 27, 2017

2016 Louis Latour Ardeche Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes
Image may contain: 1 person, sunglasses and outdoor
The North Georgia Wine Advisor  
normwine@charter.net
normwine@bellsouth.net

#nb-41-17
2016 Louis Latour Ardeche Chardonnay

Often times French Chardonnay differs somewhat from California offerings in that the French are usually a little less fruit-forward and a little more austere in the finish.  Such is the case with the Ardeche Chardonnay from Louis Latour.  The 2016 vintage represents a history of value priced Chardonnay with decent quality year after year.

This is an un-oaked Chardonnay with a fragrant nose, and representative flavors of apple and pear.  The mouth-feel is smooth, and the wine is mellow, yet complex, with a good balance between fruit and acidity.  The finish is crisp and clean with very little lingering effect, but just perhaps a faint hint of pear at the end.  Norm's score is 87.

Louis Latour wines offer an excellent lineage of dependable quality at a reasonable price.  The Ardeche Chardonnay can be enjoyed with a variety of foods, and would be an excellent companion for grilled Salmon, or Veal Piccata.

score: 87
price: $8- $11
.
Norm

Friday, October 20, 2017

2014 Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Norm's Tasting Notes
Image may contain: 1 person, sunglasses and outdoor
The North Georgia Wine Advisor  
normwine@charter.net
normwine@bellsouth.net

#nb-40-17
2014 Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Finding a decent Pinot Noir for twenty dollars or less can be a daunting task.  To find one which repeats itself in quality year after year is even more difficult!  The Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is just such a wine!  We enjoyed a bottle of the 2014 vintage the other night with Chateaubriand, and what a wonderful meal it was!

The nose reeks of red fruit, ripe and succulent.  The flavor smacks you in the mouth with a burst of cherry, and then doubles down with plum and red raspberry for a wonderful taste sensation.  The wine is clean and well rounded with a lingering finish which only has a kiss of tannin at the end.  The alcohol content is 14.5% and Norm's score is 90.

 This is a versatile wine which pairs well with beef, pasta, and a host of other dishes.  It also would be excellent with grilled salmon, but my personal favorite for Pinot Noir has always been Prime Rib. 

score: 90
price: $17- $21
.
Norm