2019 Rutherford Hill Merlot

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2019 Rutherford Hill Merlot

#32-2023

The Merlot from Rutherford Hill has been a good choice year after year for quite some time, and the 2019 vintage is an extension of the line, with most scoring 90 and above.  This one, however, only gets an 89 from me, because at 15% alcohol, I find it a touch "hot".  The fruit and acidity, however, are in balance, and this is a most enjoyable "food" wine!

It has a Bordeaux style nose, with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and cassis blending seamlessly into a lingering finish, which especially compliments grilled meats. The alcohol content is 15% and Norm's score is 89.

Great with a medium rare steak, this would make a good companion for Veal Osso Buco as well as Rack of Lamb.

score: 89

price : $25 - $32

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

2021 Chalk Hill Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2021 Chalk Hill Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

#31-2023

We enjoyed an exquisite Chardonnay the other night with our grilled salmon.  It was the 2021 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay from the Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards and Winery.  It was an instant hit with the Chardonnay Queen, as well as myself!

This is a wine with a compelling aroma, and a well-balanced array of flavors which scream for more and more sips!  The flavors are basic Chardonnay, with green apple and ripe pear, which are complemented by lemon, vanilla, and a slight touch of oak.  The alcohol content is 14.3% and Norm's score is 92.

This is a good choice for salmon or any other fish, but  it would also make a great companion for either Veal, or Chicken Piccata.

score: 92

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 Joel Gott No. 815 (California) Cabernet Sauvignon

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2019 Joel Gott (California) No. 815 Cabernet Sauvignon

#30-2023

Last Saturday we enjoyed a bottle of Joel Gott Cab with our meal of tenderloin cooked on skewers, on the grill with a spicy marinade.  This was the 2019 vintage, and like some from past years, we enjoyed it quite a bit.  It is juicy but not sweet, and perfect for grilled meat.

There is an inviting nose, leading to flavors of cherry and blackberry with a hint of tannin in the finish, which begs for another sip!  The alcohol content is 13.9% and Norm's score is 90.

Great with grilled meat, it would also be a nice companion for Chicken Cacciatore or any other spicy, sauced meat dishes.

score: 90

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

2020 Villa Maria Marlborough Pinot Noir

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2020 Villa Maria Marlborough Pinot Noir

#28-2023

The Pinot Noir grape does well in the Marlborough region of New Zealand.  So much so. that we have come to expect good wine from that section of the world.  The 2020 offering from Villa Maria lives up to expectations, with a flourish of spice in the background of its flavor spectrum.

The nose is possessive, with lots of fresh fruit in its aroma, and the flavors showcase cherries, red berries and a touch of cranberry in the background.  The spiciness give it depth and a lingering taste on the palate.  The alcohol content is 13.5% and Norm's score is 89.

This New Zealand Pinot Noir would be an excellent choice for either salmon off the grill, or a nice thick slice of medium rare prime rib!

score: 89

price : $15 - $18

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