Norm's Tasting Notes

normwine@charter.net

2016 Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier

#nb-25-18

One of the big secrets in the wine world is Viognier. With the popularity of Pinot Grigio, and the long time history of Chardonnay's success, this is a crossover wine which is appealing to to a wide range of palates. The Viognier grape once only grown in France, is now cultivated in many parts of the world, including California and Australia. The Yalumba, from Eden Valley in Australia, is so tasty that it makes a good example of what the wine should taste like!

The nose is like a big basket of over ripe peaches and apricots, with a spicy undercurrent. The flavor is a great combination of apple and stone fruit with a spicy, peppery finish. The wine is refreshing, and lingers on the palate waiting for the next sip. The alcohol content is 13%, and Norm's score is 91.

Drink this wine with any fare that you enjoy with either Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, and for a real taste sensation, pair it up with a spicy Asian dish like Mango Tango Shrimp.

price : $17 - $20

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, June 22, 2018

2015 San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Carmenere

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@charter.net

2015 San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Carmenere

#nb-24-18

This is some good stuff! Oh, sorry, you wanted an expert review. OK, here goes. The wine is from Maule Valley, and is an excellent representative of the Carmenere Grape, once grown in Bordeaux, but which now flourishes in Chile.

The wine is complex, with a heady aroma of ripe an juicy black fruit. The flavor seems to be dominated by blackberry but also has the presence of black cherry, and a touch of black raspberry. There are also nuances of bell pepper and spicy pepper in the thick and juicy finish. The flavor lingers on the palate and begs for another sip. The alcohol content is 14.5%, and Norm's score is 91.

This a great wine for steak, or any red-sauced pasta dish. We enjoyed ours with a thick medium rare New York Strip, grilled to perfection. You would also love it with rack of lamb!

price : $15 - $19

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, June 15, 2018

2015 Hess Select Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@charter.net

2015 Hess Select Chardonnay

#nb-23-18

One of my favorite Chardonnay's during the last decade has been the Hess Select from Monterey, California. The 2016 vintage is as consistent as those in the last few years, in that it is a decent Chardonnay at a decent price, which always scores in the high 80's and low 90's.

The wine has an aromatic nose with fresh pear and a heady dose of lemon being most prevalent. The flavor spectrum is dominated by pear with some pineapple, and nuances of apple, and lemon zest. The finish is refreshing and suggests another sip. The alcohol content is 13.8%, and Norm's score is 88.

This wine is perfect for summer salads, particularly a seafood salad with shrimp and crab.

price : $10 - $13

score: 88

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, June 8, 2018

2016 Trapiche Broquel Malbec

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@charter.net

2016 Trapiche Broquel Malbec

#nb-22-18

Malbec from Argentina continues to gain in popularity, and the Trapiche Broquel is a fine example of how this lessor known Bordeaux Grape has thrived in the Southern Hemisphere. Malbec is a different twist from Cabernet and Merlot, and while having similar taste characteristics, it has a personality all its own.

The 2016 Broquel Malbec has a beautiful, deep red color, with a nose which is just as vibrant, having aromas of dark berries and a touch of blueberry. The flavors swirl through the glass with rich black cherry in concert with black raspberry, and a hint of mellow plum. It has good intensity in the finish without being over-powering. The alcohol content is 14.5%, and Norm's score is 89.

We were fortunate to pair this rich Malbec with a thick juicy New York Strip, grilled medium rare, with a fresh salad alongside, brimming over with "straight from the farm" ripe tomatoes. There is nothing better in the summertime than a thick juicy steak, farm fresh tomatoes, and a bottle of really good red wine!

price : $12 - $16

score: 89

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, June 1, 2018

2015 Rodney Strong Sonoma Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@charter.net

2015 Rodney Strong Sonoma Chardonnay

#nb-21-18

We have always enjoyed the wines from Rodney Strong, especially the various Chardonnays produced under that label. After all, the gentleman himself, from days gone by, was heralded in his time as the "Sonoma King of Chardonnay", and his wines have always been high on the list for our own "Chardonnay Queen". Her comment on this Sonoma Chardonnay was that it was easily an 88 and probably higher.

The wine opens with an aromatic nose leading to a symphony of "smacky-mouth" flavors ending in a waterfall of refreshing tastes, sailing off into the night. This big fruit Chardonnay consists of tart green apple, tangy pineapple, and a kiss of sweet peach. There is also a creamy texture stiffened with a slight lemony citrus breeze. The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 89.

This Chardonnay was quite the perfect companion for our Shrimp Scampi, miniature crab cakes, and grilled zucchini. Just goes to show, you don't have to be on the coast to enjoy a great seafood dinner!

price : $11 - $14

score: 89

Norm

Available online at:

http://cumminghome.com/

http://dawsontimes.com/

Also available at AOL's Dunwoody Patch: