2018 Joel Gott California Sauvignon Blanc

Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2018 Joel Gott California Sauvignon Blanc

#44-19

I like Sauvignon Blanc quite a bit, and when it is fermented in stainless steel instead of oak, it can be a really refreshing wine with its clean and crisp finish.  The 2018 Joel Gott is a flavorful wine with that clean crisp finish which I like.  The Chardonnay Queen's comment was, "Good Stuff!"

The nose is fresh and bright with the scent of apples and melon with a citrus breeze in the background.  The apple flavor comes through with a little grassiness and a hint of lime. The finish lingers with a good balance between the fruit and acidity.  The alcohol content is 13.9%, and Norm's score is 90.

We enjoyed this California Sauvignon Blanc with spinach and cheese ravioli smothered in shrimp and bay scallops, and covered with Alfredo Sauce.  Alongside was a fresh avocado and tomato salad.

score: 90

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

2017 Concha y Toro Del Diablo Carmenere

Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2017 Concha y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Carmenere

#43-19

"Historically,  Carmenere has been, and continues to be a difficult grape variety in the marketplace.  While enlightened wine folks understand its subtlety, consumers can't figure out if it is supposed to be closer to Merlot -- it was mistaken on the vine as Merlot -- or Cabernet."  ( 90 - Wilfred Wong, Wine.com)  It has also been called the "forgotten grape" of Bordeaux.

The Concha y Toro Carmenere is one which I have enjoyed in the past, and I was eager to sample the 2017 vintage since I really like Carmenere.  This one is both subtle and intense at the same time.  The color is intense with shades of purple-red, while the nose also broadcasts an array of intense aromas, from dark berries to cedar shavings.  The flavors are both intense, with jammy black fruit, as well as subtle hints of dried cherries and herbs.  The finish is long and clean with mellow tannins, which linger until the next sip.  The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 89.

We enjoyed this Carmenere with cheese and spinach tortellini in a marinara sauce alongside a fresh avocado salad, with warm sourdough bread.  Quite enchanting!

score: 89

price: $9 - $12

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