Norm's Tasting Notes

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Friday, May 25, 2018

2015 Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@charter.net

2015 Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir

#nb-20-18

I had a chance to sample the Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir from Marlborough, New Zealand the other day, and found it to be quite delightful. New Zealand is best known for their Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, and this one is a great example of the latter.

As soon as I opened the bottle, there was an explosion of the fragrance of strawberries, which seemed to fill the room, even before I filled my glass. The wine is bright cherry red in color, and has pronounced flavors of cherry mixed with plum. There is also a suggestion of strawberry and a trace of blackberry in its succulent taste, which leads to a finish with mild tannins and a pleasant lingering aftertaste.

This wine would be perfect for rare prime rib, or cedar planked salmon, and would make an excellent companion for a platter of fruit and soft cheeses.

The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 90.

price : $19 - $24

score: 90

Norm

Available online at:

http://cumminghome.com/

http://dawsontimes.com/

Also available at AOL's Dunwoody Patch:

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

Friday, May 18, 2018

2016 King Estate Pinot Gris

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@charter.net

2016 King Estate Pinot Gris

#nb-19-18

I have written about the King Estate Pinot Gris in the past, but it has been several vintages now since I have sampled one. True to form, this 2016 Pinot Gris measures up nicely.

The wine has a fragrant nose which drifts through the air like a basket full of fresh stone fruits. The flavors are lush with peach, apple and a citrusy lime taste, underscored with a crisp minerality. The texture is smooth and creamy with a crisp lingering aftertaste. The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 91.

We enjoyed the King Estate with grilled pork chops and a fresh garden salad, but I kept thinking that it would be even better with Shrimp Scampi of Chicken Piccata. The Chardonnay Queen thought it was one of the better Pinot Grigios, or Pinot Gris, she had sampled in the last several years.

price : $12 - $17

score: 91

Norm

Available online at:

http://cumminghome.com/

http"//dawsontimes.com/

Also available at AOL's Dunwoody Patch:

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

Friday, May 11, 2018

2016 Black Opal Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@charter.net

2016 Black Opal Chardonnay

#nb-18-18

I have always been a fan of the "Chardonnay Queen", and often defer to her opinion on Chardonnay, so this review is mostly hers.

"It has been many years since I last tasted Black Opal Chardonnay, This vintage has the wonderful "sunny" nose of melon and peach, and the color of bright straw, which are characteristics that I recall from previous vintages. The taste is citrusy apple, which lingers, giving the wine a more rounded mouth-feel. The lingering flavor plays well against most shellfish, and would pair well with chicken also."(Chardonnay Queen)

The alcohol content is 13%, and the Queen's score is 90. This a beautiful Chardonnay with excellent character at a reasonable price, which should please any true Chardonnay lover, as evidenced by the accolades from the Chardonnay Queen!

price : $10 - $14

score: 90

Norm

Available online at:

http://cumminghome.com/

http"//dawsontimes.com/

Also available at AOL's Dunwoody Patch:

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

Thursday, May 3, 2018

2015 Louis Latour Grand Ardeche Chardonnay Reserve

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@charter.net

2015 Louis Latour Grand Ardeche Chardonnay Reserve

#nb-17-18

I have always been a fan of the wines presented by the Louis Latour label, which is one of France's best "negociants". The Grand Ardeche is an excellent example of French Chardonnay without the exorbitant price point.

The Grand Ardeche has good color and clarity with an appealing nose full of apple, spice and citrus. The flavor is fruity, yet dry with the pronounced presence of apple, pineapple, and citrus. There is a complex spicy nature to the wine which leads to a crisp, clean finish which begs for another sip. The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 90.

We served the French Chardonnay with Shrimp Scampi, warm bread and chilled garden salad, for a delightful meal. This a beautiful Chardonnay with excellent character at a reasonable price, which should please any true Chardonnay lover, as evidenced by the accolades from the Chardonnay Queen!

price : $12 - $17

score: 90

Norm

Available online at:

http://cumminghome.com/

http"//dawsontimes.com/

Also available at AOL's Dunwoody Patch: