2020 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2020 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Chardonnay

#09-2022

Salmon from the grill, fresh avocado salad, a warm baguette, and a bottle of Chardonnay, not bad for a Tuesday!  The salmon was from Scotland, the Chardonnay from Washington State, and the grilling was done in Georgia.

The Chardonnay from Indian Wells is a little on the tropical side with flavors of pineapple and mango supporting the more traditional presence of apple and citrus.  The wine is pleasant and clean with very little lingering effect.  The alcohol content is 14%, and Norm's score is 87.

This wine from Chateau Ste. Michelle is a good choice for summer seafood salad, or baked lemon chicken.

score: 87

price: $15 - $18

Norm

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Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2018 Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2018 Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

#08-2022

We don't always get the opportunity to indulge in the upper tier wines, so when friends share a special bottle, it is meaningful to say the least!  We had that opportunity recently,

when our host opened a bottle of Cakebread Cab, one of my favorites, and a real treat!

Long famous for their Cabs, the 2018 Cakebread Napa Valley Cab is, of course, another winner!  It is a classic style showcasing flavors of black cherry, cassis, blackberry, and maybe a hint of plum.  The finish is long lasting, with subtle tannins and a beckoning call to come back for more.  The alcohol content is 14.8%, and Norm's score is 92.

Of course, any good Cab is great with a slab of beef, but you might want to pair it with just you and a glass!  You might also want to age it for a few more years to experience its full potential, and then again, maybe not.

score: 92

price: $75 - $90

Norm

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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

2019 Jean Louis Grande Reserve Cotes-du-Rhone

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2019 Jean Louis Grande Reserve Cotes-du-Rhone

#07-2022

On a recent cold winter night we enjoyed a delicious Hungarian Goulash, made from prime beef and good organic paprika.  On the table next to it was a bottle of Cotes-du-Rhone, one of my long time favorites.  Most Cotes-du-Rhones are a blend of Syrah and Grenache, and a cousin to their better known Chateauneuf du Pape wines.  This one from Jean Louis can look their cousin straight in the eye and not blink!

Pulling the cork releases the aroma of a basket of fresh red and black berries.  The flavors swirl in the glass with an abundance of black cherry and raspberry, with an underlying tone of earthy spice.  The finish is complex and lingering, and pulls you back for more.  The alcohol content is 15%, and Norm's score is 90.

This wine is a true bargain at less than fifteen dollars per bottle, and in addition to hearty meat stews, if would be great with Veal Parmesan.

score: 90

price: $10 - $15

Norm

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normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

Pine Island Eagle.com

Cumming Home .com

Dawson Times.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

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Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2019 Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Label Sauvignon Blanc

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2019 Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Label Sauvignon Blanc

#06-2022

It's always a treat when the Chardonnay Queen whips up a new recipe, and this time it was Chicken Cordon Bleu.  We paired it with the 2019 Coppola Sauvignon Blanc for a most enjoyable repast.  You might say it was a Blanc and Bleu Evening!

This entry from the Coppola Diamond Collection is an every day wine with gourmet connections.  The nose is bright and inviting with a mix of grapefruit citrus mingled with the floral scent of jasmine.  The flavors combine well with melon, stone fruit, and citrus all present.  The finish is crisp and cleansing.  The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 88.

This Sauvignon Blanc would be a good match for oysters on the half shell as well as clams or mussels in wine sauce.

score: 88

price: $12 - $16

Norm

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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