2018 Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Chardonnay

2018 Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Chardonnay

#53-2020

The 2018 Russian River Chardonnay from Gary Farrell, might be called a "cross-breed" in that it seems to share some of the characteristics of both a Northern California Chardonnay, as well as some attributes normally associated with French White Burgundies.  It does not have the big fruit of a lot of California wines, nor does it have the more austere qualities usually found in the big white Burgundies.  However, it does have good fruit mixed with a somewhat mineral backed dryness.  It is both complex and classy.

The nose is bright and inviting with the scent of apples escorted by a slight citrus breeze.  The flavors are apple, pear, and a little vanilla, with a chalky, mineral background.  The finish is clean, and does not compete with the flavors of the food.  The alcohol content is 13.3%, and Norm's score is 90.

A bottle of Gary Farrell Chardonnay was a good companion for a dinner with friends, which featured bay scallops, combined with linguini and Alfredo Sauce.

score: 90

price: $28 - $35

Norm

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

The Best of 2020

2020 Wines with a 90, or above, Score from Norm

2017 Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Louis Martini Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Sterling Napa Merlot

2017 Oak Farm Lodi Zinfandel

2016 Rodney Strong Russian River Pinot Noir

2018 Cakebread Napa Valley Chardonnay

2018 Landmark Overlook Chardonnay

2018 Fritz Zimmer Piesporter Goldtropfchen Spatlese

2018 Cline North Coast Viognier

2018 Honig Sauvignon Blanc

2017 Joel Gott Oregon Pinot Gris

2016 Ruffino Modus Toscana

2016 Francis Ford Coppola Black Label Claret

2019 Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc

2019 J Vineyards California Pinot Gris

2018 Napa Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay

2016 Rodney Strong Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2018 Coppola Director's Cut Cabernet Sauvignon

" i hope all of your holidays are wonderful!"

Norm

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

Norm's favorite above 90 score for the year 2020

Of all the wines that I reviewed in 2020, which received a score of 90 or above, this one was my favorite.

I have always liked a Slab and a Cab, plus this one is a sentimental favorite.

2016 Louis Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

#20-2020

In the late 1970's, I spent the better part of a year in Northern California, and one of my most pleasant memories was going to the Safeway with a five dollar bill and coming home with an eight ounce fillet and a bottle of Louis Martini Napa Cab.  Man, those were the days!  The 2016 Louis Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon might be a tad better, and it is definitely a tad more expensive, but it is a high quality Napa Cab, and still great with a juicy, thick fillet!

This is a big, bold, and yet sophisticated California Cab with a rich heritage, and a rich taste to match.  The flavors are black currant and dark cherry, with a bit of spice mixed in.  The oak gives it a long and luxurious finish which sails off into the night.  The alcohol content is 15.1%, and Norm's score is 92.

A bottle of Louis Martini Cab and a fat steak are a good reminder of the good old days in the Northern California Wine Country!

score: 92

price: $32 - $37

Norm

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

The Chardonnay Queen's Favorite for 2020

This is the Chardonnay Queen's favorite wine, of those  reviewed by Norm in 2020.

Of course, its a Chardonnay!

2018 Cakebread Napa Valley Chardonnay

#23-2020

In my life there have been many great cooks, including my mother who became famous at the Church Suppers for her version of Chicken Divan, which she advertised as "Chicken Divine".  For our Wedding Anniversary, another great cook, The Chardonnay Queen, adapted this recipe for shrimp, and it became "Shrimp Divine".  For a divine dinner, we had to have a divine Chardonnay, so we chose a bottle of 2018 Cakebread Chardonnay, and the result was Heavenly!

This is a classic, old style California Chardonnay which does just about everything right, from the nose, to the balance between the fruit and acidity, and finishing with a crisp finish, which highlights the oak, without over-powering you with it.   The nose broadcasts its array of aromas throughout the room with the scent of a bushel of ripe apples.  The flavor is Granny Smith, with a sidecar of Bartlett Pear.  The finish has a bit of citrus breeze and a touch of toasty vanilla.  The alcohol content is 13.7%, and Norm's score is 92.

A bottle of Cakebread Napa Chardonnay, and a dish involving shrimp, which is called "Divine", can have no other effect than to create memories, as well as recall dreamy ones from the past!

score: 92

price: $37 - $43

Norm

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2019 Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc

2019 Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc

#49-2020

The first time I remember seeing a wine get a perfect score of 100, was back in the eighties, and it was Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc, on the cover of the The Wine Spectator.  The winery was new on the scene, and hit with full impact. We have enjoyed many bottles over the years, and this year, we chose the 2019 vintage to pair with the magnificent 

Thanksgiving Day Feast prepared by the Chardonnay Queen.

This wine has a floral nose, accompanied by a slight kiss of citrus.  The flavors are big and juicy, with suggestions of stone fruit, melon, and green apple, with a touch of citrus.  The finish is crisp and clean, and begs for another sip!  The wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, and has an alcohol content is 13.8%.  Norm's score is 91.

We had Cornish Game Hen for Thanksgiving this year and the Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc was a great companion.  I also know from past experience, that this wine will also pair well with Shrimp or Crab.

score: 91

price: $12 - $16

Norm

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2019 J Vineyards California Pinto Gris

2019 J Vineyards California Pinot Gris

#48-2020

We sampled a bottle of the J Pinot Gris the other night with grilled salmon and a few pieces of sushi, and it was a great combination.  J Vineyards has been producing some good wines for a few decades now, and this is another fine example of their skill!

The nose is full of tropical fruit with a slight citrus breeze wafting through.  The flavors are a mix of pineapple, peach and lemon zest, with a touch of spicy mineral at the end.  The finish is clean and crisp with the taste of tropical fruit lingering on the palate.  The alcohol content is 13.6%, and Norm's score is 90.

The J Pinot Gris was a great pair for our sushi and salmon, and would make a good companion for almost any seafood dish.  If you like Pinot Grigio, you will enjoy this one!

score: 90

price: $14 - $18

Norm

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2016 Edna Valley Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Edna Valley Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon

#47-2020

We had a bottle of the 2016 Edna Valley Cab the other night with our thick grilled rib eye steak, and it was most enjoyable.  Of course, I do enjoy a Slab and a Cab!

The nose is delightful with a mix of blueberry and cherries.  The flavors swirl in the glass with cassis, cherry, and a little plum.  The wine is full and rich, and has a lingering finish.   The alcohol content is 13.9%, and Norm's score is 89.

A bottle of Edna Valley Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon would be a good companion for a variety of foods, so if steak is not your choice, try it with veal, or even duck.

score: 89

price: $12 - $17

Norm

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2018 Napa Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay

2018 Napa Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay

#45-2020

When the Chardonnay Queen prepares her famous "Special Shrimp Scampi", we usually have a pretty good bottle of Chardonnay to side with it.  During dinner the other night, I asked her to tell me what she thought of the wine.  Her comment was, "this is a good 'Ladies Luncheon Chardonnay' ".

The nose on the Napa Cellars Chardonnay is very fragrant with an appealing floral quality which reminds one of a warm summer night and the scent of gardenias in the air, backed by the sweet smell of Meyer lemon.  The flavor is a mix of apple, pear, and lemon combined in a crusty cobbler.  It finishes strong with a crisp acidity that lingers until the next sip.  The alcohol content is 14.1%, and Norm's score is 90.

A bottle of Chardonnay is always great with the "Special Shrimp Scampi".  However, the Napa Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay is also a candidate for most seafood dishes, including a fresh salad of shellfish on a bed of romaine.

score: 90

price: $16 - $21

Norm

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2016 Rodney Strong Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Rodney Strong Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

#44-2020

Some years back, the Chardonnay Queen and I were visiting wineries in both Sonoma and Napa California.  We spent the night in Healdsberg after a day of wine tasting in Sonoma County.  The next day we had appointments in St Helena and Rutherford over in Napa County, but we had four hours to get there, so we took the road less travelled. ( California #128 )  Before we crossed into Napa County around Calistoga, we drove through the Knights Valley.  I remembered a Cab I really enjoyed back in the 80's which was grown there, so we paused and snapped a few pics, in what might be the prettiest valley in the state.  And, now I have just sampled a Cab from Knights Valley produced by the folks at Rodney Strong, and all of those beautiful memories came flooding back!

The 2016 Knights Valley Cab from R. Strong is just as wonderful as my memories!  It is a blend, with a little Malbec and Cab Franc, but it is 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 100% delightful.  The nose drags you out into a dark berry patch where the scent of ripe fruit is most tantalizing.  The flavors are rich and robust, with cassis, blackberry, plum and a little black cherry.  The finish is clean, with a touch of oak, which begs for another sip!   The alcohol content is 14.5%, and Norm's score is 92.

A bottle of Knights Valley Cab, and a thick slab of New York Strip, were all it took for a wonderful, warm fall evening on the Veranda.

score: 92

price: $21 - $27

Norm

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2018 Francis Ford Coppola Director's Cut Cabernet Sauvignon

2018 Coppola Director's Cut Cabernet Sauvignon

#42-2020

We had the pleasure to visit old friends at their place on the beach last week.  While there we celebrated a gorgeous sunset with a bottle of Francis Ford Coppola Director's Cut Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley in Sonoma County, California.  In addition to the fabulous sunset and the wonderful bottle of wine, we added a platter of Smoked Gouda Cheese to round out the celebration. Memories last forever!

This Cab has a beautiful purplish red color, excellent clarity, and a nose that beckons with the scent of the berry patch.  The flavors are rich and full with dark cherry and blackberry tones up front, and traces of blueberry and plum toward the end. The finish sails off into the night, while begging for another sip.  The wine is still a bit young, and is just now appearing in the market place.  It should be even better in a couple of years!  The alcohol content is 14.5%, and Norm's score is 91.

A bottle Director's Cut Cab and a medium rare steak would be hard to beat, but I am willing to bet that this one would make an excellent companion for Rack of Lamb.

score: 91

price: $20 - $26

Norm

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2020 Wine and Food

2020 Wine and Food

#41-2020

The Holiday season is fast approaching, and this year will be a little different from days gone by.  Due to prevailing conditions, more meals will be prepared and enjoyed at home, than in quite a while.  So, here is a head start in wine and food pairings, as well as specific wine suggestions.  Make a copy for future reference.

Grilled Steak or Beef Tenderloin - Cabernet Sauvignon

 
Lamb Chops or Pork Loin Chops - Merlot

Barbecued Ribs or Spaghetti - Zinfandel

 
Prime Rib or Roast Duck - Pinot Noir 

Lobster, King Crab, Half Shell Oysters - Chardonnay or Viognier

Oysters Rockefeller or Broiled Fish - Sauvignon Blanc 

Shrimp Alfredo or Clams Marinara - Pinot Grigio 

Baked Fish, Poached Flounder - Riesling or Pinot Grigio

 
Cornish Game Hens - Chardonnay or Pinot Noir 

Grilled or Baked Salmon - Chardonnay, or Pinot Noir

Roasted Turkey - Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

The  baker's dozen wines listed below are wines which I have written about in the last year, or so, which were scored 90 or above.

2017 Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 Louis Martini Napa Cabernet Sauvifnon

2016 Sterling Napa Merlot

2017 Oak Farm Lodi Zinfandel

2016 Rodney Strong Russian River Pinot Noir

2018 Cakebread Napa Valley Chardonnay

2018 Landmark Overlook Chardonnay

2018 Fritz Zimmer Piesporter Goldtropfchen Spatlese

2018 Cline North Coast Viognier

2018 Honig Sauvignon Blanc

2017 Joel Gott Oregon Pinot Gris

2016 Ruffino Modus Toscana

2016 Francis Ford Coppola Black Label Claret

" i hope all of your holidays are wonderful!"

Norm

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2017 Hess Select North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon

2017 Hess Select North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon

#39-2020

One of the things I like best about Coq au Vin is that it can be served with either white or red wine, as long as the wine has enough character to stand up to all those herbs and garlic.  The 2017 Hess Selection Cab we paired with our Coq au Vin the other night, was just such a wine.  Strong on character and long on taste, this Cab is still mellow enough to pair with a chicken dish such as this one, which was, by the way, cooked in Cabernet Sauvignon as well.

The color is ruby red with excellent clarity.  The Hess Cab has a bright nose which sparkles with aromas of cherry, dark berries, and a hint of cassis.  The flavors are complex but definitely cherry at the forefront, with an array of fruits backing it up, with red raspberry and currant in the mix.  This mellow and clean wine is certainly a Cabernet, even with several other grapes added in small amounts for finesse   The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 90.

A bottle of the Hess North Coast Cab is versatile enough to be enjoyed with grilled meats, pasta, or, of course Coq au Vin.  The recipe we used for our Coq au Vin was a slightly altered version of one published by Martha Stewart, and the result was heavenly, thanks to the culinary expertise of the Chardonnay Queen!

score: 90

price: $14 - $16

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2018 Marquis de Riscal Blanco Rueda

2018 Marquis de Riscal Blanco Rueda

#38-2020

In the past, Spanish White Wine has been only moderately successful in the U.S., but changes in wine making and other innovations during the last decade or so, have brought a new focus to the category.  This 2018 Marquis de Riscal Verdejo from Rueda, Spain is a bonafide competitor for Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio.  It is well balanced and quite enjoyable.

The fragrance is so intense, that it literally leaps out of the bottle and grabs you by the nose!  The aroma is a mixture of orange blossoms and honeysuckle.  The flavors are lush and rich, with highlights of tropical fruit and fresh cut grass.  There is a slight citrus breeze, followed by a crisp finish with good acidity.  The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 89.

A bottle of the Marquis de Riscal Blanco was a great companion for a platter of soft cheeses, highlighted by Havarti, during our Labor Day festivities.  This one would also be an excellent pair for either seafood salad, or seafood chowder.

score: 89

price: $10 - $14

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2017 Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

2017 Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

#35-2020

It's sometimes difficult to find a bottle of California Cab as good as this for less than twenty dollars.  But, once again the folks from Rodney Strong have come through with their 2017 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon.  A good Cab for a Slab, and I am just the man to pair them up!

The nose tickles the fancy with illusions of black and red berries mixed with a handful of cherries.  The flavor is strong on the cherry, with a background of the berries, and a little ripe plum.  There is mellow oak in the finish, which lingers on the palate in anticipation of the next sip.  The alcohol content is 14.5%, and Norm's score is 91.

A bottle of this Cab was the perfect match for our two inch thick New York Strip grilled to a perfect medium rare.  Who says life is tough when you have to stay at home?  All you need is a grill, a Slab, a Cab, and your favorite companion.

score: 91

price: $15 - $19

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2016 Marques de Caceres Rioja Crianza

2016 Marques de Caceres Rioja Crianza

#34-2020

Several decades ago when I was first introduced to Rioja Wines from Spain, I chose the Marques de Caceres Crianza as a sort of go to wine for a variety of  occasions.  The wine pairs just as well with a grilled steak as it does with spaghetti.  It is also terrific with fish chowder or Bouillabaisse.  This Rioja is a blend of, predominately Tempranillo, with a little Garnacha and Graciano.

The 2016 vintage is a beautiful medium red in color, with a bright nose expressing the scent of red raspberries.  The flavor is raspberry and black cherry.  It is a little jammy, with a touch of oak, which enables the finish to sail off into the night  The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 90.

Last night we sampled a bottle of the Marques de Caceres Crinza along with Mojo Chicken with Couscous, and some ripe tomatoes from our garden.  It was an excellent companion for our dinner.

score: 90

price: $11 - $15

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity