2019 Z. Alexander Brown Uncaged Sauvignon Blanc

2019 Z. Alexander Brown Uncaged Sauvignon Blanc

#01-2022

Don't tell the Chardonnay Queen that I said this, but I usually prefer Sauvignon Blanc to Chardonnay, for most dinner fare.  Recently, we paired this offering from the North Coast of California with a Shrimp and Bay Scallop Casserole featuring Orzo, and it was a real hit!  Good effort from the leader of the Zac Brown Band!

This is a big fruit Sauvignon Blanc, with tropical aromas in its nose, and a strong dose of lemon and lime in its flavor spectrum, also a hint of honeysuckle and orange to complement its melon tendencies.  It finishes clean and crisp, and the alcohol content is 14.5%. Norm's score is 89.

I would pair this wine with a host of foods, including Chicken Piccata and Eggplant Parmesan.

score: 89

price: $15 - $20

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2021 List of Top Wines

Norm's List of the Top Scored Wines of 2021

The list below contains wines which I scored 90 or above during the year 2021.

2017 Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – 93

2018 J Lohr Riverstone Arroyo Secco  Chardonnay – 91

2018 King Estates Pinot Gris – 90

2017 Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon – 91

2018 Cambria Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay – 91

2019 Charles Krug Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc - 90

2017 Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon – 91

2017 Louis Martini Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – 92

2018 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay – 92

2019 Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc – 92

2018 Oberon Napa County Cabernet Sauvignon – 90

2019 Ferrari-Carano Sonoma County Pinot Grigio – 92

2018 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot – 90

2018 Conundrum Rose - 90

2018 Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay – 93

"I hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday with Good Food accompanied by Good Wine!"

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2016 Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva

2016 Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva

#50-2021

I like Sangiovese, the prominent grape in Chianti, from Italy.   I also like Tempranillo, the prominent grape in Rioja, from Spain, and of course, I like Spaghetti!  One day last week, we paired a bottle of Marques de Riscal Rioja with our Spaghetti dinner, and it was great!  You know Spaghetti is perfect for the next big meal after Thanksgiving.

A pretty garnet red in color, the wine smacks of cherries and plums, with a bit of spice to perk the flavor, and finishes strong, begging for another sip.  There is a mild presence of tannin, and the alcohol content is 14.3%.  Norm's score is 91.

This Rioja is also a good choice for a hearty stew, or most grilled meats, and would be perfect with Pork Shank Ossobuco.

score: 91

price: $15 - $20

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2019 Angeline California Cabernet Sauvignon

2019 Angeline California Cabernet Sauvignon

#49-2021

I rarely find a Cabernet Sauvignon from California for less than twenty dollars that I think is very good, so when I was in a wine store last week and saw a tag touting the Angeline, I decided to give it a try, even though the price was in the ten dollar range.  The 2019 Angeline California Cab is a second label for the Martin Ray Vineyards, and is a real value at this price.

The nose is inviting, leading to flavors of cherry, raspberry, and cassis.  The wine is well balanced with a big fruit taste leading to a fairly lean finish, which is clean and pleasing.  The alcohol content is 13.9%, and Norm's score is 88.

The Angeline Cab will pair well with most grilled meats, and would also be suitable alongside red sauced pasta dishes.

score: 88

price: $11 - $15

Norm

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity