Friday, February 24, 2023

2019 J. Lohr Falcon's Perch Monterey Pinot Noir

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net


2019 J. Lohr Estates Falcon's Perch Monterey Pinot Noir
#07-2023


I have sampled and enjoyed numerous Cabernets and Chardonnays from J. Lohr over the years, but this was my first taste of a Pinot Noir from their winery, and it was quite delightful.  This 2019 vintage was designated "Falcon's Perch" from Monterey, and was a good companion for our steak, peppers, and onions kabobs hot off the grill.

There are succulent flavors of cherry, blackberry and strawberry which assault your palate, proclaiming a solid fruit structure, backed by mild tannins and a wisp of sage. The finish lingers, and was most suitable for the spicy flavors of our kabobs.  The alcohol content is 13.9% and Norm's score is 88.

Great for most grilled meats, this Pinot Noir would highlight salmon, or would be a good companion for lasagna and other pasta dishes.

score: 88
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

Friday, February 17, 2023

2019 La Crema Russian River Valley Chardonnay

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net


2019 La Crema Russian River Valley Chardonnay
#06-2023


For Valentine's Day the Chardonnay Queen and I feasted on a wonderful dish of shrimp and scallops with peppers, onions, and mushrooms tossed with marinara sauce, and served over fettuccini.  To crown the event we uncorked an exquisite Chardonnay from the hallowed Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, California.

I can't think of a better term than "exquisite" to describe the 2019 La Crema Russian River Valley Chardonnay!  It romances your palate with the abundant flavors of apple, pear, lemon zest, and a crisp finish with a mineral note, and a hint of mellow oak.  The alcohol content is 14.2% and Norm's score is 92.

Great with our seafood dinner, this is a wine which excels in any Chardonnay situation, including Chicken Piccata, or Grouper Oscar.  Wines from Russian River are almost always good, but this one is Primo!

score: 92
price : $23 - $28

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

Friday, February 10, 2023

2021 Decoy California Sauvignon Blanc

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net


2021 Decoy California Sauvignon Blanc
#05-2023


This is not the first vintage we have sampled from Decoy, which is a secondary label of Duckhorn Vineyards, but like a previous vintage of their Sauvignon Blanc, it is a big, lush and juicy wine with an enveloping presence.

The flavors abound with the presence of green apple, Myer lemon, and melon, rounded out with a bright and crisp citrus rush at the end.  The wine is bursting with flavor, and begs for another sip!  The alcohol content is 13.9% and Norm's score is 91.

Great with almost any seafood or fowl, we enjoyed our sample with sautéed shrimp in Garlic-Alfredo sauce over Angle Hair pasta, plated alongside a fresh avocado and tomato salad tossed in Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette,

score: 91
price : $16 - $21

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

Friday, February 3, 2023

2021 Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net


2021 Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling
#05-2023


When folks are first introduced to wine, they often enjoy the taste of a refreshing Riesling.  Known for its big fruit flavor and off dry character, Riesling is great with cheese and grapes for an afternoon tea or a prelude to the dinner meal.  It is also a great "Back Porch Sipper", and a fine companion for the picnic basket!

I once described the taste of Riesling to be like eating a ripe grape.  This one goes a little farther than that, with peach and melon in the mix, and a slight citrus breeze in the finish.  It is clean and enjoyable.  The alcohol content is 12% and Norm's score is 88.

Great  with fried chicken or Waldorf Salad, it is best when served with soft cheeses and fresh fruit out on the veranda!

score: 88
price : $10 - $12

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