2020 La Vieille Ferme Rouge

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2020 La Vieille Ferme Rouge

#23-2023

A long time ago when I first got into the wine business, there was a quest to find the best "value" wines for our customers.  One of the best red wine values from back then was an inexpensive red blend from the Rhone region of France.  It is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and a couple of other grapes, and La Vieille Ferme Rouge today is still a "best buy" in the under ten dollar range.

It is a deep purplish-red in color, with an outstanding nose, and big flavors of ripe red fruit.  The flavors showcase dark cherries with some blackberry, and a background of earthy spice, leading to a pleasing finish.  The alcohol content is 13% and Norm's score is 88.

This red Rhone has been a consistent "winner" for many years, and we enjoyed our sampling with Beef Stroganoff over Jasmine rice, plated next to a fresh garden salad featuring tomatoes and avocado. 

score: 88

price : $9 - $11

Norm

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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 Knotty Vines Cabernet Sauvignon

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2019 Knotty Vines Cabernet Sauvignon

#22-2023

This California Cab is a secondary label from the folks at Rodney Strong, and is a real winner in its price range.  In fact, I scored it a point or two higher because of its attractive price.  Good California Cabernet Sauvignons are hard to find in the below twenty dollar range, and certainly rare at fifteen or less.

This is a big, juicy Cab with a big nose, lots of flavor, and a satisfying finish.  The flavors range from black cherry to plum, with a little black raspberry and some spice mingled in.  There is a trace of oak in its lingering finish.  The alcohol content is 14.5% and Norm's score is 90.

Of course its good with steak, but it is also a good companion for Stroganoff, or a hearty stew.

score: 90

price : $11 - $15

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

2020 Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2020 Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

#21-2023

Opening a bottle of Rodney Strong Russian River Pinot Noir is a lot like sitting down with an old friend for a long chat.  You know each other well, but there are always a few pleasant surprises.  We have always enjoyed this old friend with salmon and grilled meats, however, this time we paired it with a special dish of meatloaf and spaghetti.  I also noticed a bit of plum in the wine which had not been there in the past.

Another good ending to another good meal!

The nose is bright and inviting, and the flavors showcase  black cherry, cranberry and a touch of the aforementioned plum.  The finish has a bit of spice, and an earthy quality to its lingering presence.  The alcohol content is 13.5% and Norm's score is 89.

Great choice for a Southern Favorite like Leftover Meatloaf over Spaghetti!

score: 89

price : $17 - $21

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

2020 Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2020 Francis Ford Coppola Diamond

Collection Claret

#20-2023

The Coppola Claret is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and traces 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 blueberry, cherry, and a touch of plum.  It is full-bodied, and the finish lingers, but is not overly oaked.  The alcohol content is 13.9%, and Norm's score is 89.

While great with any grilled meat, this wine would be an excellent choice for hearty stews, or perhaps the Italian taste-sensation, Ossobuco.

score: 89

price: $15 - $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

2021 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2021 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay

#19-2023

If you are looking for a Chardonnay which is a perfect match for seafood, hot or cold, then you need look no further than the 2021 Wente Morning Fog from the 140 year family run vineyards in the Central Coast of California.  The wine pairs equally well with Shrimp Scampi, as well as chilled Crab Salad.

This is a wine bursting with flavor, which is defiantly a "Food Wine".  It has waves of green apple and ripe pear, along with juicy peach and a mild citrus presence.  The finish is crisp and clean, and begs for another sip!  The alcohol content is 13.5% and Norm's score is 91.

Try this one with steamed clams, or chilled shrimp salad and you won't be disappointed.

 

score: 91

price : $13 - $17

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