2017 Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley
The North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net
normwine@charter.net

2017 Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro
#22-2022

If I had to choose a favorite winery, it would have to be Ruffino in Tuscany.  My favorite Ruffino is the Chianti Classico, Riserva Ducale Oro, which I chose for my birthday dinner at a great little neighborhood Italian restaurant in Columbus, Georgia, where I grew up after leaving Napa, California.

I have been in love with Ruffino Chianti since long before I can remember!  Maybe its because when I was a little boy in Napa, California, the family's favorite Italian restaurant was a place called Ruffino's, in downtown Napa, where I occasionally got a "sip" of Chianti with my spaghetti.  I last visited Ruffino's in Napa in 2000, but I do not believe it is still there.  Later when I was about twelve, we used to visit Spano's Italian-Seafood Restaurant in downtown Columbus, Georgia.  Spano's was opened in the 1880's and lasted until the 1990's. Visits there for a Saturday plate of spaghetti often included a three ounce glass of Ruffino Chianti to accompany my lunch.  So you might understand that I am well acquainted with Ruffino Chianti.  Ruffino has been  making wine in Tuscany, Italy, for more than 145 years since their founding by Liario Ruffino in 1877. They produced their first reserve Chianti in 1947.

The Riserva Ducale Oro is typical of predominately Sangiovese wines, with a heady nose of violets and cherries.  This is a big, lush wine with lots of cherry, red berry, and plum flavors sailing into a dry, pleasing finish, with enough oak to help cleanse the palate for the next bite of food.  The alcohol content is 14.2%, and Norm's score is 93.

We enjoyed the Ruffino with our dinner of Veal Marsala, and Eggplant Parmesan, but this wine is also an excellent companion for any dinner fare asking for red wine!

score: 93
price: $33 - $40

Norm
Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes
normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:
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Dawson Times.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch
Dunwoody, GA Patch


Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2019 Decoy Red

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2019 Decoy Red

#21-2022

A beautiful blend, featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel, the 2019 Decoy Red from Duckhorn was an excellent companion for our Italian Steak and Pasta dinner!  This one might be described as a "Field Blend" since there are at least six varieties in the mix, and the result is quite tasty.

This wine has so many flavor nuances, that all would be hard to list.  Suffice it to say that the complex structure is highlighted by the presence of both red and black berries and a subtle but toasty finish which lingers on the palate.  The alcohol content is 13.9%, and Norm's score is 89.

Italian Steak is merely a grilled steak which has been marinated in Italian spices and served with a side of Pasta Marinara, but with the addition of the right wine, it can make for quite an Italian Feast!  Oh, and I forgot to mention, "the right "Grill Chef".

score: 89

price: $19 - $25

Norm

Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes

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 Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2019 Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc

#20-2022

We recently visited a Georgia resort for the weekend, where we enjoyed afternoon hors d'oeuvres and a bottle of Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc before dinner, for a real treat.  I always feel that Sauvignon Blanc is best in springtime, whether at a picnic, or brunch.

The 2019 Geyser Peak is refreshing and fills the air with a citrusy aroma, opening into some juicy flavors of lime, melon, and a bit of stone fruit.  The finish is clean with a good balance of acidity against the big fruit.  The alcohol content is 13.2%, and Norm's score is 88.

The Geyser Peak is a good choice for seafood salad, or just a big platter of cheese and crackers.

score: 88

price: $9 - $12

Norm

Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes

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 St. Francis Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2019 St Francis Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

#19-2022

It's hot outside and so is the grill, so its time, once again, for a "Slab and a Cab".  Of course that is a thick cut of beef cooked just right, and a bottle of California Cabernet Sauvignon.  This time the wine is from St Francis, and Sonoma County.

The 2019 St Francis Cab. is big and rich with enticing flavors of cherry, cassis, and a trace of ripe dark berries, which lead to toasty tannins and a lingering presence.  The wine certainly beckons for additional attention.  The alcohol content is 14.8%, and Norm's score is 89.

Whether its grilled meat or lasagna, you will want this one on your dinner table!

score: 89

price: $16 - $20

Norm

Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes

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