2021 Head High Sonoma County Chardonnay

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2021 Head High Sonoma County Chardonnay

#31-2022

Once in a while I describe a wine as a "Classic California Chardonnay" such as this 2021 Head High Chard from Sonoma County.  So what does that mean?  To start with, it means that all of the components are in their proper place.  The fruit is well rounded, and in balance with the acidity level.  There is a crispness in the finish, with no sweet aftertaste. And finally, there should be at least two key flavors in its spectrum, which would be apple and pear for a classic taste.

The Head High has all of these characteristics and more.  It has a robust nose, and additional flavor highlights including, citrus and tropical fruit.  The finish is clean, and begs for another sip!  The alcohol content is 14.5%, and Norm's score is 91.

We enjoyed our Head High Chardonnay with a chilled Shrimp Salad, but it would also stand up well to broiled lobster in drawn butter.

p>s> This one has the "Chardonnay Queen" stamp of approval!

score: 91

price: $17 - $22

Norm

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Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2021 Caves D' Esclans Whispering Angel Rose

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2021 Caves D' Esclans Whispering Angel Rose

#30-2022

We had friends over for dinner recently during a hot summer night, and served a chilled seafood salad featuring shrimp and lobster.  They brought with them the perfect companion for our chilled salad, which was a delightful bottle of French Rose.

The wine was Whispering Angel from Provence, and was a classic example of French Rose.  Pale pink in color, with the aroma of a bouquet of fresh flowers, surrounded by strawberries, the flavor was accentuated by the presence of cherries and other red berries, with a clean refreshing finish.  The alcohol content is 13%, and Norm's score is 89.

We enjoyed it immensely, and of course like most Rose wine, it would be perfect in the picnic basket next to the cold fried chicken.

score: 89

price: $18 - $23

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

2021 La Crema Monterey Pinot Gris

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2021 La Crema Monterey Pinot Gris

#29-2022

We had company join us for dinner out, so before departing for the restaurant, we had a before dinner glass of wine along with a few hors d'oeuvres.  We chose a bottle of La Crema  Pinot Gris, which is one which I wrote about a few years back.  This was the 2021 vintage which was even better than the 2019 I wrote about earlier.

The 2021 vintage from Monterey has a wonderful nose of pear and citrus, which awakens the senses to the flavors of apple, Meyer lemon and a touch of melon.  The finish is clean and crisp, and the alcohol content is 13.5%, with Norm's score being 90.

A good choice for hors d' oeuvres, or as a "Back Porch Sipper", this one will also pair well with Seafood Chowder, or a crisp shellfish salad.

score: 90

price: $15 - $20

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 Rutherford Hill Napa Merlot

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2019 Rutherford Hill Napa Merlot

#28-2022

One way to beat a "Slab and a Cab", would be a Slab and a Napa Merlot, almost the same, but only different.  The Slab was a thick, medium rare, New York Strip, hot off the grill, and the Merlot was the 2019 Rutherford Hill, which has a few other Bordeaux varieties blended in with the Merlot.  The two were a great summertime grill success!

This is a really good merlot with a powerful nose, and rich complex flavors.  Cherry, blackberry, currant, and blueberry abound, with a richly textured finish, bespeaking of a little spice and a touch of oak.  The alcohol content is 14.5%, and Norm's score is 91.

Great with steak, like any good merlot, this would pair well with lamb, and would also make a good companion for Tournedos of Beef in a mushroom sauce.

score: 91

price: $21 - $26

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

2016 Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2016 Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay

#27-2022

Good Chardonnay is sometimes hard to find, but sometimes you just have to look under the right label.  The Chalk Hill Chardonnay from Rodney Strong has been a consistent "winner" for many vintages, so when we found a 2016 vintage recently, we knew it would be good.  Of course, it doesn't hurt to know that Rodney Strong is the Chardonnay Queen's favorite label for Chardonnay.

A nose that will knock your socks off, followed up by a one, two punch of Golden Apple and Bartlett Pear, that leads to a lush and creamy textured finish, is all you need to be in the ring with this Blue Label wine.  The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 91.

This is the perfect wine for grilled or baked salmon, and for a summertime treat, crumble the salmon up and sprinkle it on top of your Cobb Salad in place of the chicken, and serve alongside a bottle of Rodney Strong Chalk Hill.

score: 91

price: $15 - $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