Norm's Tasting Notes

normwine@charter.net

2016 Cline North Coast Viognier

#nb-29-18

I had a friend ask me the other day what system I used for scoring wine, since most of my scores are between 87 and 94. My system, like most other wine writers is a 100 point scale. However, since there are so many good wines on the market these days, I never write about a wine that I can't score at least an 85. Sadly, the exceptional wines which would score 95 and above are more scarce than ever before, especially those in the market place for less than $50 per bottle. The average wine buyer spends between $10 and $30 per bottle, so these are the majority of the wines which I write about, although I occasionally write about more expensive wines, if they are worthy.

This 2016 Cline Viognier is a perfect choice for a good, value priced white wine which will please a large majority of white wine lovers. It is fresh, crisp, and clean, and makes a good companion for a variety of foods, especially summer fare. The nose is bright and alluring which leads to flavors of fresh stonefruit with a spicy background, and a finish which hints of apple and honeysuckle. Almost anty Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio drinker will enjoy this Viognier. The alcohol content is 14%, and Norm's score is 87.

We enjoyed our Cline Viognier with grilled chicken tenders marinated in wine, with sauteed mushrooms, and a fresh garden salad.

price : $11 - $15

score: 87

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, July 20, 2018

2015 Bodega Norton Reserva Malbec

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@charter.net

2015 Bodega Norton Reserva Malbec

#nb-28-18

I like wine! In fact I like most varieties of wine, but I love red wine made from grapes which got their origin from the soil in Bordeaux, France. That list includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carmenere. I have found that when having one of these with dinner, if the wine is really good, I keep re-filling my glass, even though I do not consume as much wine as I once did. Last night with my steak, I kept re-filling my glass with this delicious Malbec from Argentina.

The 2015 Norton Reserva Malbec is not as intense as the 2010 vintage I reviewed a few years back, but my score is going to be the same, since this wine makes up the difference in finesse. The color is a deep red, with a big nose reeking of dark berries on the vine. The flavor explodes in your mouth with red raspberry and black cherry leading the way. The fruit is big, ripe and succulent, with hints of blackberry and peppery spice in the background. The finish is lingering, with subtle tannins sailing off into the night without leaving an oaky aftertaste. The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 93.

Hard to beat with a good grilled steak, but this wonderful Malbec would pair well with a host of other foods, which might include home-made Lasagna.

price : $12 - $17

score: 93

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, July 13, 2018

2016 Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@charter.net

2016 Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc

#nb-27-18

We enjoyed a seafood feast last night featuring sauteed shrimp and salmon, and a garden salad, replete with fresh, from the farm tomatoes. The wine of choice was the 2016 Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc. This is a true California Sauvignon Blanc in the style of French white Bordeauxs. A perfect complement for our inland shore dinner!

The wine has the aroma of fresh stone fruit with a touch of citrus breeze. The flavors are peach, melon, and green apple, with a bit of grassy citrus, and a mineral backbone. The finish is refreshing, with just a touch of oak to add a little complexity to this big fruit wine. The alcohol content is 13.8%, and Norm's score is 89.

The wine was great with our salmon and shrimp, and would also make an excellent companion for Chicken Piccata.

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

Saturday, July 7, 2018

2016 Chateau Ste. Michelle Pinot Gris

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@charter.net

2016 Chateau Ste. Michelle Pinot Gris

#nb-26-18

We enjoyed a great Fourth of July with friends, and I hope you did also. One of our good friends really likes Pinot Grigio, so we all sampled a bottle of Ste. Michelle Pinot Gris and asked for her opinion. She liked it and gave it an 89. I might have even bumped it up to a 90.

The wine has a good fresh bouquet which smacks of pear and melon, with a spicy aroma in the background. The flavors are assertive spicy pear, with under currents of peach and melon. The finish is clean and crisp with just a touch of tangy spice toward the end. The alcohol content is 13.5%, and the "Pinot Grigio Lady's" score is 89.

We enjoyed the 2016 Pinot Gris with an array of appetizers before dinner, but this one is definitely a candidate for a summer time "Back Porch Sipper". It would also pair well with your choice of chilled summer salads!

price : $9 - $12

score: 89

Norm

Available online at:

http://cumminghome.com/

http://dawsontimes.com/

Also available at AOL's Dunwoody Patch: