2017 Acrobat Pinot Gris

Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2017 Acrobat Pinot Gris

#30-19

I first reviewed the 2013 Acrobat Pinot Gris back in 2015 when the label was a secondary one from King Estate in Oregon.  I liked the wine very much, and scored it a 92.  It has now come to my attention that the label is now a part of the Foley Family Wine Group.  So I decided that it was time to take another look at the Acrobat Pinot Gris, which is now the 2017 vintage.  This vintage has already received some pretty good reviews from publications much more prestigious than my own.

The wine opens with noticeable aromas of apples and stone fruit.  The flavors are apple and peach, with an over-riding presence of citrus, which is a little lime and a little grapefruit.  The finish is very crisp and clean, with little aftertaste.  The wine is not as powerful as the 2013 was, but it is still quite pleasant.  The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 87.  The Chardonnay Queen gave it an 88.

We had a fabulous dinner to go with this Pinot Gris, which was Mango Tango Shrimp, accompanied by an avocado salad.  The Mango Tango Shrimp was a homemade copy of one of our favorite Thai dishes, and was as good as the best restaurant!

score: 87

price: $11 - $15

Norm

www.facebook.com/Norm'sTastingNotes

www.normwine.blogspot.com/

Available online at:

Pine Island Eagle.com

Cumming Home.com

Dawson Times.com

Also Available at AOL”s Dunwoody Patch:

Dunwoody, GA Patch

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

2017 Josh Cellars California Merlot

Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2017 Josh Cellars Merlot

#29-19

Bright cherry red color and bright cherry red taste, makes this affordable California Merlot most enjoyable.  The 2017 Josh Cellars California Merlot is definitely a winner!  The blend is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and most of the grapes come from Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.

The nose is fragrant, with the aroma of a basket of freshly picked fruit.  The flavors are intertwined, but are mostly cherry and plum, with just a little red raspberry for character.  The finish is fresh and fruity, with a touch of oak to dry it out, as it lingers on the palate.  The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 89.

We enjoyed this California Merlot with a big plate of Fettuccine and Meatballs with Marinara Sauce, sided by a fresh avocado, tomato and romaine salad.

score: 89

price: $12 - $16

Norm

www.facebook.com/Norm'sTastingNotes

www.normwine.blogspot.com/

Available online at:

Pine Island Eagle.com

Cumming Home.com

Dawson Times.com

Also Available at AOL”s Dunwoody Patch:

Dunwoody, GA Patch

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

2017 Carneros Creek Reserve chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2017 Carneros Creek Reserve Chardonnay

#28-19

This week's selection is a bit of a sentimental favorite, in that the grapes in this Chardonnay were grown on land once owned by my Great Grandfather.  Of course in his day, there were no vines there, just an apricot orchard.  I believe the winery is now owned by Michael Mondavi.  I first tasted the Carneros Creek Chardonnay back in the late 80's, and have always been a fan, for more than just the sentimental reasons.

This is a real solid California Chardonnay with a fragrant nose full of fresh fruit, and all the basic flavors associated with Chardonnay.  It is assertive, with green apple, ripe pear, and just a touch of citrus in the background.  The texture is creamy, (The Chardonnay Queen said buttery), and the finish is strong and clean with a little toasty oak which sails off into the night.  This one definitely begs for another sip!  The alcohol content is 13.9%, and Norm's score is 90.

It was wonderful when paired with scallops and shrimp in a creamy Alfredo sauce, laced with garlic, over pasta, and sided next to a fresh avocado salad.  It brought back great memories!

score: 90

price: $18 - $22

Norm

www.facebook.com/Norm'sTastingNotes

www.normwine.blogspot.com/

Available online at:

Pine Island Eagle.com

Cumming Home.com

Dawson Times.com

Also Available at AOL”s Dunwoody Patch:

Dunwoody, GA Patch

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

2017 Root One Cabernet Sauvignon

Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2017 Root One Cabernet Sauvignon

#27-19

Wines from Chile are among the best values in the market place, and Root One produces some of the better values in red wine.  I have written about their Carmenere several times in the past, but the other night we opened a bottle of 2017 Root One Cab to pair with our steak.  It was a good choice.

This Cab has a pretty ruby red color and an inviting nose. The flavor is black cherry, and currant, with a hint of Plum. The wine has some oak aging, and displays the presence of mild toasty tannins, which lead to a lingering finish.  The wine is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 11% Syrah, and 4% Petit Verdot.  The alcohol content is 13%, and Norm's score is 87.

I always say there is nothing like a Slab and a Cab, so we put this one next to an inch and a half thick New York Strip burned to a perfect medium rare.  Hard to beat for a ten dollar red!

score: 87

price: $10 - $14

Norm

www.facebook.com/Norm'sTastingNotes

www.normwine.blogspot.com/

Available online at:

Pine Island Eagle.com

Cumming Home.com

Dawson Times.com

Also Available at AOL”s Dunwoody Patch:

Dunwoody, GA Patch

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity