2023 Year End Special

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2023 Year End Special

#48-2023

It has been a long time since I have sampled a wine which I would rate as a 95 score, probably more than five years.  This year the Chardonnay Queen and I had just such an experience.  As a companion to our medium rare roasted tenderloin for Christmas dinner we indulged in her favorite red, Chateauneuf du Pape!  This was to be specific, Domaine Vielle Julienne Chateauneuf du Pape les Trois Sources 2020.  This one is a typical blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and a couple of others.  It is a well structured wine which reeks of blackberries and cassis, with swirling flavors of black cherries and plums, with a spicy mineral finish.  To say that this one begs for another sip would be a gross understatement, when in fact, it demands it!  The alcohol content is 15%. and Norm's score is 95.  (prices range from $55 to $ 75)

Since it is almost New Year's, below are a few suggestions for sparkling wine

Louis Roederer "Collection 243" NV Champagne

Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label NV Champagne

Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs 2020 Sparkling Wine

Moet $ Chandon White Star NV Champagne

Mumm Napa Brut Rose NV Sparkling Wine

Korbel Natural Brut NV Sparkling Wine

La Marca Prosecco NV Sparkling Wine

Happy New Year !

Norm

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normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

Pine Island Eagle.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

20232 Baker's Dozen

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

Baker's Dozen Top Wines for 2023

The following list contains thirteen wines which I scored 91 or above.

2020 Dry Creek Heritage Zinfandel - 91

2021 Decoy California Sauvignon Blanc – 91

2019 La Crema Russian River Valley Chardonnay – 92

2021 Ferrari-Carano Sonoma County Chardonnay – 91

2018 E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Rouge – 91

2021 The Four Graces Willamette Valley Pinot Gris – 91

2018 Marques de Caceres Rioja Crianza – 91

2021 Chalk Hill Sonoma Coast Chardonnay – 92

2019 Rodney Strong Knights Valley Estates Cabernet Sauvignon – 91

2020 Predator Old Vine Zinfandel – 91

2019 Louis Latour Grand Ardeche Chardonnay – 92

2020 Fleur de Mer Rose – 91

2019 La Crema Russian River Pinot Noir - 92

score: 91+

price: $15 - $75

Merry Christmas ! And Happy New Year !

Norm

Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes

normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

Pine Island Eagle.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2020 Fleur de Mer Rose

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2020 Fleur de Mer Rose

#47-2023

Sometimes Rose is the perfect choice for a diverse dinner table.  We recently joined friends for a holiday dinner at a nice restaurant, where the entrees varied from shellfish to heavy salads.  Our choice of this French sweetheart was "spot-on" with the variety of presentations on our plates!  This "Flower of the Sea" was a real bouquet on our table.

The color is a pale, peachy pink, but the nose in anything but pale, with heady aromas of peach. wild flowers, and a mild citrus breeze.  The flavor spectrum is dominated with stone fruit, but has additional swirls of strawberry and watermelon.  The finish is crisp and lingering with a summons to hasten back for another renewal of the encounter!  The alcohol content is 13%. and Norm's score is 91.

In the summertime this French Rose would be the perfect companion for a picnic basket of cold fried chicken.  At the restaurant, try it with Shrimp Scampi or a chilled seafood salad.

score: 91

price : $16 - $20

Norm

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normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

Pine Island Eagle.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

2019 Louis Latour Grand Ardeche Chardonnay

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2019 Louis Latour Grand Ardeche Chardonnay

#46-2023

This French Chardonnay is a favorite from years gone by, which I have not sampled in quite some time.  It is even better than what I remembered!  This is a classic French style Chardonnay with a lot of character, in addition to big flavor, and a small investment required to enjoy it.

The Grand Ardeche opens with the fragrance of a bouquet of fresh flowers coupled with citrus highlights, and a spicy background.  The flavors swirl in the glass with the essence of pear and apple, backed by a finish coated with toasty oak and a slight mineral presence.  The finish is crisp and lingers on the palate.  The alcohol content is 14%. and Norm's score is 92.

We paired this charmer with grilled salmon, but I believe it would be better with Shrimp Scampi or Broiled Lobster, or any seafood involving butter and garlic!

score: 92

price : $16 - $19

Norm

Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes

normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

Pine Island Eagle.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

2017 Marques de Caceres Rioja Reserva

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2017 Marques de Caceres Rioja Reserva

#45-2023

Most Spanish Rioja wines are quite drinkable, and the Reserva Riojas are usually a step up from that.  This one certainly fits the bill!  I don't think I have ever sampled a red wine from Marques de Caceres that I did not enjoy.  This 2017 Rioja Reserva was quite delightful.  Riojas also pair well with everything from grilled meats to spaghetti.

This one is mostly Tempranillo, and has the typical dark garnet color.  The nose is bright and inviting, with the scent of dark berries wafting from the bottle.  The flavors swirl in the glass with the emphasis on black raspberry, cherry and plum.  The finish lingers, as it begs for the next sip. The alcohol content is 14%. and Norm's score is 91.

We enjoyed our sample with a grilled steak, but I would suggest you try this one with either Cioppino, or Paella for a real treat!

score: 91

price : $16 - $19

Norm

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normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

Pine Island Eagle.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

2023 Thanksgiving Special

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

Thanksgiving Special

#44-2023

Suggestions for Thanksgiving Dinner:

2022 Charles Krug Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

2020 Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2021 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay

2021 The Four Graces Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

2022 Acrobat Pinot Grigio

2022 Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc

2019 La Crema Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2021 Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling

2021 King Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

2021 J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay

2019 Simi Russian River Reserve Pinot Noir

2021 Caves D' Esclans Whispering Angel Rose

score: 89 and up

price : $15 - $50

Happy Thanksgiving !

Norm

Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes

normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

Pine Island Eagle.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

2019 Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2019 Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret

#43-2023

The Coppola Claret is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot. and a touch of Petite Sirah, for a rich, lush wine, perfect for a medium rare steak 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.

We enjoyed the Claret with good friends and good steaks from the barbie.  While great with grilled meat, this wine would be an awesome choice for Veal Masala. 

score: 89

price: $14 - $20

Norm

Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes

normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

Pine Island Eagle.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity