2018 Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2018 Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret

#26-2022

The Coppola Claret is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (85%), Petit Verdot (13%). and a smattering of others, for a rich, lush wine, perfect for a medium rare slab hot off the grill.  The Claret is the flagship of the Diamond Collection, and always a trusty companion for grilled meat.

The nose is heady with a burst of cherries and berries, sure to excite the senses!  The flavors are blackberry, cherry, and a touch of plum.  The finish lingers but is not overly oaked.  The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 89.

While great with grilled meat, this wine would be an awesome choice for Veal Masala, one of my favorites. 

score: 89

price: $14 - $20

Norm

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ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

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Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2019 J. Lohr Arroyo Secco Riverstone Chardonnay (Monterey)

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2019 J. Lohr Arroyo Secco Riverstone Chardonnay (Monterey)

#25-2022

We enjoyed a newer vintage of an old favorite, the 2019 J.Lohr Chardonnay, alongside a delicious Chardonnay Queen creation of "Lemon Chicken".  This vintage of the J.Lohr is like others in the past, in that it is most enjoyable, but of course, the 2019 vintage has its own personality.

The nose is very fragrant, with aromas of fresh apple, a little tangerine. and a faint scent of lemon.  The flavors are lush with the presence of apple, pear, and stone fruit.  The finish lingers with a touch of butter in the texture.  The alcohol content is 13.9%, and Norm's score is 88.

We enjoyed the wine with our "Lemon Chicken", but would also suggest it as a companion for broiled fish or Fettuccini Alfredo.

score: 88

price: $11 - $16

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

2018 Bogle Petite Sirah

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2018 Bogle Petite Sirah

#24-2022

It's hard to believe that you can get a wine of this quality in this price range, but just as with their Chardonnay, the folks at Bogle really deliver!  I would like to slip this Petite Sirah into a French wine competition and watch some heads spin.

A number of reviewers have described this wine as "jammy", which is right on point.  There are lush flavors of blueberry and blackberry, with subtle notes of spice and earthiness.  The finish is a little oaky, which underscores the complex array of fruit and acidity, for a near perfect balance.  The alcohol content is 13.7%, and Norm's score is 90.

We had our Petite Sirah with a grilled pork loin chop, which is only one option for this "real winner"!  Try it with lasagna or bouillabaisse, you can't go wrong.

score: 90

price: $11 - $15

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 100 Nails Ranch Chardonnay

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2019 100 Nails Ranch Sonoma Chardonnay

#23-2022

I had lunch a few weeks ago with an old friend from the wine business, and he brought me a bottle of wine for the Chardonnay Queen.  The wine was a Chardonnay from 100 Nails Ranch in Sonoma County, California, and we enjoyed it on her birthday.  This winery is owned by the Zonin family, who has been making wine in Northern Italy since 1821.

There is a lot of citrus and apple in the nose, with strong Chardonnay flavors of apple and pear, with that strong citrus breeze wafting through.  There is a little oak in the finish which helps cleanse the palate for the next sip.  The alcohol content is 14.2%, and Norm's score is 89.

We enjoyed the wine with a snack plate of cheeses before dinner, but it was obvious that this Chardonnay was a perfect match for a chilled seafood salad.

score: 89

price: $19 - $24

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