Friday, March 27, 2020

2018 Bonterra Organic California Sauvignon Blanc

Norm's Tasting Notes
by Norm Bentley 
The North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net
normwine@charter.net

2018 Bonterra Organic California Sauvignon Blanc

#13-2020

The Chardonnay Queen really liked this organically grown Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc.  It is an excellent example of a California style Sauvignon Blanc.

The Bonterra has a bright nose with aromas of melon and citrus inviting you in for a taste.  The flavors are bountiful, with melon and tropical fruit mixed in with citrus and a little grassiness.  The finish is crisp and refreshing and begs for another sip!  The alcohol content is 13.3% and Norm's score is 91. 

This was a great choice for our Shrimp and Artichoke Casserole, served with steamed Jasmine Rice and a fresh garden salad.

score: 91
price: $11 - $15

Norm

Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes
normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:
Pine Island Eagle.com
Cumming Home.com
Dawson Times.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch
Dunwoody,Ga Patch

Wine - God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

Friday, March 20, 2020

2017 Oak Farm Lodi Zinfandel

Norm's Tasting Notes
by Norm Bentley 
The North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net
normwine@charter.net

2017 Oak Farm Lodi Zinfandel

#12-2020

The Zinfandel wines from Lodi, California ("Oh Lord, stuck in Lodi again!") (CCR) are establishing quite a reputation for hearty red wines in the world market place.  The 2017 Oak Farm Lodi Zinfandel is an excellent example of a big, bold and juicy Zin.

The nose reeks of fresh dark berries, supporting jammy flavors of the same dark fruit.  The blackberry and black raspberry flavors are dominate, but are surrounded by suggestions of a multitude of others, such as, cherries and spice.  The finish features a good backbone of tannins, and a taste which lingers on the palate.  The alcohol content is 15% and Norm's score is 90. 

This is a great choice for Italian fare, or any grilled meat, including barbecue.  One of the best choices might be Lamb Osso Bucco.

score: 90
price: $19 - $23

Norm

Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes
normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:
Pine Island Eagle.com
Cumming Home.com
Dawson Times.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch
Dunwoody,Ga Patch

Wine - God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

Friday, March 13, 2020

2019 Charles Krug Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Norm's Tasting Notes
by Norm Bentley 
The North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net
normwine@charter.net

2019 Charles Krug Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

#11-2020

The wines from Charles Krug represent a long heritage of wine making consistency, and their Sauvignon Blanc has been a good choice for many years.  This one is stainless steel fermented, and is fresh and clean, with an appealing array of flavors.

The nose is fresh and fruity, and has the scent of peaches and melon, with a little grassiness in the air.  The flavors are succulent with peach, citrus, and melon being dominate against a background of minerality.  The fruit and acidity are in harmony and the finish is crisp and clean. The alcohol content is 13.4% and Norm's score is 89. 

The Chardonnay Queen and I enjoyed this wine on a chilly night alongside a steaming bowl of Seafood Bisque, paired with a fresh hot baguette.  However, the hot weather is just around the corner, when the best paring will be with a chilled Seafood Salad, and the same hot baguette.

score: 89
price: $15 - $18

Norm

Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes
normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:
Pine Island Eagle.com
Cumming Home.com
Dawson Times.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch
Dunwoody,Ga Patch

Wine - God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

Friday, March 6, 2020

2016 Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Norm's Tasting Notes
by Norm Bentley 
The North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net
normwine@charter.net

2016 Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

#10-2020

The wine from Russian River is usually quite good, and the Pinot Noir from Rodney Strong and that region have always been "winners".  The 2016 vintage is another example of good wine from good soil and climate, and is even better than the previous vintage, which was quite good.

The nose is fresh and pleasing like a basket of ripe fruit.  While cherry is the predominate flavor, there is a background of violets and spice, with a little raspberry as well.  The wine is rich and textured and leaves a lingering after-taste which begs for another sip.  The alcohol content is 14.5% and Norm's score is 91.

The 2016 Rodney Strong Pinot Noir is an excellent choice for most grilled meats, and would also pair well with prime rib, or cedar planked salmon. We enjoyed it before dinner with friends, and a wonderful four cheese pate prepared by the Chardonnay Queen.

score: 91
price: $18 - $21

Norm

Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes
normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:
Pine Island Eagle.com
Cumming Home.com
Dawson Times.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch
Dunwoody,Ga Patch

Wine - God's Proof of His Love for Humanity