2019 R. Stuart Big Fire Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2019 R. Stuart Big Fire Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

#35-2022

We had dinner the other night at a great "little Italian place" which was out of my favorite Italian wine, so we switched gears, and ordered an Oregon Pinot Noir t0 go with our Eggplant Parmesan and Lobster Ravioli.  The wine was the 2019 Big Fire Pinot Noir, and it was a great partner for the Italian cuisine!

Lots of big, red fruit in the nose, with a touch of strawberry.  The flavors are mostly cherry and plum, with a lingering finish, which is both satisfying and seductive.  The alcohol content is 13%, and Norm's score is 89.

We enjoyed the Big Fire with our Italian fare, and would also find it a good match for salmon from the grill.

score: 89

price: $19 - $24

Norm

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2015 Vina Ardanza RiojaReserva

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2015 Vina Ardanza Rioja Reserva

#34-2022

I have enjoyed Rioja red wines from Spain for many long years, and have always liked the flavor of the Tempranillo grape, which is the foundation for the wines made in this region.  However, I have never sampled one which I felt was outstanding, until now.  The 2015 Vina Ardanza Rioja Reserva is so good, that I could hardly wait to write about it!

When uncorked the nose is so fresh and invigorating, that you can hardly move on to the array of aromas which engulf your senses, with highlights of sweet spices and lush red fruit.  The flavors are complex with dark cherry and cocoa blended with a sweet balsamic spice to carry you into a satisfying finish, which sails off into the night!  The alcohol content is 14.5%, and Norm's score is 94.

We enjoyed the wine with rare beef, but this one cries out for sauce and complexity, so pair it with Cioppino or Bouillabaisse.

score: 94

price: $31 - $36

Norm

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normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

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Dawson Times.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

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Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2018 Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2018 Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon

#33-2022

I have sampled the Hess Select Cab in the past, and have found it to be a dependable choice, in the moderate price range, for a California Cabernet Sauvignon.  The 2018 vintage, however, is more than dependable, it is a very nice Cab regardless of price, and of course, pairs well with a slab of medium rare beef!

It contains an elegant burst of black cherry, backed by currant and black raspberry, and surrounded by notes of cassis and mellow oak.  The finish lingers, and begs for another sip!  The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 91.

We like Cab with steak for sure, but this wine would also be a great match for lamb or veal as well.

score: 91

price: $14 - $18

Norm

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Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2021 Chateau Ste. Michelle Late Harvest Riesling

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2021 Chateau Ste. Michelle Late Harvest Riesling

#32-2022

I like dry dinner wines, but they don't always suit everyone.  Some enjoy a wine with a little more fruit and sweetness than the typical "dinner wine".  The Chateau Ste. Michelle Late Harvest (or sweet) Riesling is just such a wine.  So, that is what we served to our next door neighbor the other night when we celebrated her birthday.

This Late Harvest Riesling is picked later in the season when the grapes contain a little more sugar.  The flavors are a combination of ripe apple with a mix of peaches and other stone fruit.  There is a crisp acidity in the finish to balance out the sweetness.  The wine maker describes it as, "the taste of a bowl of fruit in a glass", and I agree!   The alcohol content is 10.5%, and Norm's score is 88.

This one is "lip smacking good", and most enjoyable!  Serve it next to a bowl of grapes, or a platter of soft cheeses.

score: 88

price: $10 - $13

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