2019 LaCrema Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc

2019 LaCrema Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc

#32-2020

Easy to drink, and lip smacking good, may be the best way to describe the initial offering of Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc from LaCrema.  This 2019 Sauvignon Blance is another good choice for a "Smooth Operator", summertime wine.

The nose is quite fragrant with a fresh apple scent accompanied by a brisk citrus breeze.  The flavors are ripe golden delicious apple, with a little melon and a tangy lemon backbone.  The finish is clean and pleasant, although it fades a little bit at the end.  The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 89.

A bottle of the 2019 LaCrema was a great choice for our broiled salmon and zucchini- yellow squash medley.  This one would also be a great choice for a chilled shrimp salad.  Bring on the Dog Days of summer, we are ready for it!

score: 89

price: $18 - $23

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2017 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Chardonnay

2017 Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Chardonnay

#30-2020

I have enjoyed Robert Mondavi wines for several decades, and it was one of the highlights of my career in the wine business, to have met the "Wine King of Napa" some years back at a tasting dinner in Atlanta.  I am glad to see by this latest offering of Chardonnay, that the winery has been able to continue the tradition.  I must confess that my favorite white from these folks, is their Napa Fume Blanc, but the 2017 Napa Chardonnay does not have to take a backseat to any other offering.

The wine has a heady nose, which opens the door to a burst of flavors, ranging from ripe pear, to crisp apple, peach, and a kiss of lemon peel.  The finish is clean and lingering, with a slight oak accent.  The alcohol content is 14.5%, and Norm's score is 88.

A bottle of Mondavi Napa Valley Chardonnay would make a good companion at any table, from exquisite gourmet cuisine, to the most simple fare.  We enjoyed it with Chicken Piccata.

score: 88

price: $19 - $24

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2018 Cakebread Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

2018 Cakebread Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

#29-2020

In the realm of white wine sales, Sauvignon Blanc is a distant third when compared to Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio.  However, for me, it may be my favorite, especially when it is one from California in the style of this 2018 Cakebread offering.

The nose is wonderfully fragrant with aromas of white flowers and stone fruit.  The flavors abound, with peach, melon and apple in the forefront.  There is a slight citrus breeze, supported by a hint of grassiness leading to a satisfying and refreshing finish, which begs for another sip.  The alcohol content is 13.4%, and Norm's score is 89.

A bottle of Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc and a plate of Sauteed Shrimp and Scallops, with Angle Hair Pasta, was almost good enough to make the Chardonnay Queen forget about Chardonnay, but not quite.

score: 89

price: $27 - $33

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2018 Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel

2018 Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel

#28-2020

In a couple of days we will be celebrating perhaps the biggest outdoor BBQ of the year during the Fourth of July Weekend.  And, in my opinion, there is no better wine to pair with BBQ than Zinfandel, preferably an "Old Vine" Zin like Gnarly Head from Lodi, California.  This is a big fruit wine, which is rich and jammy, with highlights of blackberry and plum.

The aroma is full of hot sweet blackberry juice, which represents the blackberry flavor imparted by these thirty to eighty year old vines.  The flavor is stout and full, as it  is prepared to do battle with your best, bold and spicy barbecue sauce.  In addition to the blackberry, there is pepper, spice and a little black raspberry.  The alcohol content is 14.5%, and Norm's score is 89.

You can pair this Zinfandel up with Barbecued Baby Back Ribs, or a slow cooked Boston Butt from the rotisserie, dripping in sauce, or even your best Beef Brisket, and this hearty , jammy wine will stand up to them all.

score: 89

price: $9 - $12

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity