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