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

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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 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

2021 Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d' Abruzzo Podere

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2021 Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d' Abruzzo Podere

#42-2023

If there is a better everyday wine more suited for Lasagna during the week, I have not found it.  Montepulciano is my first choice for a week day Italian dinner, and this one from Umani Ronchi certainly fit the bill!

The color is a lavender shade of ruby red, with a nose of violets and plums.  The opening salvo to the taste buds is plum and currant, with a touch of cherry..  There is a hint of spice in a finish which lingers on the palate.  The alcohol content is 13%. and Norm's score is 89.

This wine was meant for spaghetti and other similar pasta dishes, and would also make a good choice for Italian sausage with peppers and onions.

score: 89

price : $12 - $16

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 Predator Old Vine Zinfandel

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2020 Predator Old Vine Zinfandel

#41-2023

As I have lamented in the past. " oh Lord, stuck in Lodi again".  The song was good, and so are the wines from Lodi, especially old vine Zins, like this 2020 vintage from Predator.  It is a big Zin. and goes with food which has big flavor!

The predator is a deep red purple in color with an explosive nose of dark fruit, which fills your senses with its presence.  It has jammy flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, and black cherry, with a hint of the peppery taste I like so much in a Zin.  The wine has a firm backbone of mild tannins, and a finish which lingers with a smooth mouth feel, which belies the 15% alcohol.  Norm's score is 91.

I usually give my own food suggestions. but this quote from the Los Angles Wine Company was too good not to pass along.  "Ladybugs would suggest pairing this Old Vine Zinfandel with fresh aphids or mites - but we recommend short ribs, or a delicious cheeseburger.  This wine can also be enjoyed with grilled veggies and a savory mushroom risotto."

score: 91

price : $14 - $17

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