2018 Francis Coppola Diamond Label Chardonnay

2018 Francis Coppola Diamond Label Chardonnay

#26-2021

One of our "Go To" Chardonnays is the Gold Diamond Label from Coppola.  We have enjoyed several vintages in the last few years, and the 2018 is following tradition, and is quite nice.  Like Goldie Locks' Porridge it is not too sweet, not too dry, but just right.  It is also easy to find from a variety of retailers in the market place, at a most reasonable price.

The flavor is mellow apple, with a little melon, and a touch of tropical fruit, with a good balance between the fruit and acidity, to make it finish with a clean, but lingering quality, causing you to be in pursuit of the next sip.  The alcohol content is 14.1%, and Norm's score is 89.

This Chardonnay  will pair well with salad, chicken, or seafood.  It also qualifies as a good "Back Porch Sipper!

score: 89

price: $11 - $15

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2018 Oberon Napa County Cabernet Sauvignon

2018 Oberon Napa County Cabernet Sauvignon

#25-2021

It's not always easy to find a good Cab without paying a premium price these days, but there are some good buys out there.  The 2018 Napa Cab from Oberon is a good value in the low twenties, and yet has the finesse and polish of those costing much more.

The flavors are black cherry, blueberry, and blackberry jam.  There are mild tannins in the finish, and the rich texture and big fruit flavors sail off into the night.  The alcohol content is 13.7%, and Norm's score is 90.  

A bottle of Oberon Cab and a steak from the grill might be your best dinner during the upcoming summer, after all it is grilling season!  You would also find this one to be delightful with red-sauced Italian fare if steak is not on the menu.

score: 90

price: $20 - $25

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2019 Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc

2019 Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc

#24-2021

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 last year, we chose the 2019 vintage to pair with the magnificent Thanksgiving Day Feast prepared by the Chardonnay Queen.  We have tasted it again, recently, with grilled salmon.  It is as good or better now, than seven months ago.

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 92 (+ 1 from seven months ago).

We had Cornish Game Hen for Thanksgiving last year and the Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc was a great companion, as it was the other night with our salmon hot off the grill.  You know, the Chardonnay Queen has her own great recipe for "Special Shrimp Scampi", so I may be going back for another bottle of this "Special Fume Blanc"!

score: 92

price: $12 - $16

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2019 The Paring Sauvignon Blanc

2019 The Paring Sauvignon Blanc

#23-2021

I recently received a sample which was so enjoyable that the Chardonnay Queen suggested that I write a review immediately, and no, it was not a Chardonnay.  It was a Bordeaux style Sauvignon Blanc from Santa Barbara County, California.  When I review samples, I try to make sure that they are available in the local market area, and the 2019 The Paring Sauvignon Blanc can be found on the shelves of a least one major retailer in Georgia, and Florida.

When I say White Bordeaux style, I mean there is a good balance between fruit and acidity, and a mineral background, with some oak aging.  The flavors are green apple, lemon, and a hint of peach with an earthy quality showcasing its mineral backbone.  The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 90.  

The Paring (named for the chef's paring knife) Sauvignon Blanc, is a great choice to "Pair" with most shellfish, and especially at Brunch with Crab Quiché!

score: 90

price: $19 - $22

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity