2022 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2022 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon

#13-2024

When you are speaking of everyday Cabs, the entry from Concha y Toro in Chile has to be on the list.  The consistency of these wines labeled "House of the Devil", is at times astonishing. The 2022 Cassillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon is yet another in the long line of winners from this winery.  By the way, in its early days, the winery's cellar was a cave named "House of the Devil", to scare off superstitious, "would-be" thieves who were afraid of that sign post.

The color is ruby red, and the bouquet is powerful enough to grab you by the nose when you pull the cork.  The flavors are dark cherry with plum and a hint of cassis.  This is a medium-bodied wine with a lingering finish. The alcohol content is 13.5%. and Norm's score is 88.

Try this one with grilled meats or marinated kabobs for a real treat!

score: 88

price : $11 - $15

Norm

normwine@bellsouth.net

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 Gnarly Head Old Vines Zinfandel

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2021 Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel

#12-2024

We invited an old friend to dinner the other night, to sit alongside our thick grilled center-cut pork chop.  We set the 2021 Gnarly Head Zin next to our grilled chop for a mid-week  delight!  I wrote about Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin more than a decade ago, and quoted the old song lyric, "Oh Lord stuck in Lodi again."  Well these days, Lodi, California has become center stage for these noble old Italian Zinfandel vines, and the wines they produce!

The wine is still intense and lip-smacking good, with jammy flavors of blackberry, along with other dark berries, leading to a spicy finish, which only improves the food.  The alcohol content is 14.5%. and Norm's score is 89.

This is a versatile wine which goes well with grilled meat, but is especially good with spicy food, such as Barbecue, Spaghetti, and even Mexican or Southwest fare.

score: 89

price : $10 - $13

Norm

normwine@bellsouth.net

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 Clemente VII Rosso di Toscana Settimo

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2019 Clemente VII Rosso di Toscana Settimo

#11-2024

I don't always pair steak with Cabernet Sauvignon, since I like most red wines, I often choose others for my grilled delights.  One of my favorites is the Italian Tuscan blends, which are usually Sangiovese, with added Merlot, and guess what, Cabernet Sauvignon (sometimes Syrah).  This IGT Toscana was wonderful with my medium-rare fillet hot off the grill!

The wine is dark red in the glass, with a nose full of cherries and dark berries.  The flavor spectrum is a marvelous blend of cherry, blackberry, and a touch of plum.  There is a strong and mellow finish, which lingers until the next sip. The alcohol content is 14%. and Norm's score is 89.

I would recommend this Tuscan with almost any red-sauced pasta dish, and of course, with a variety of grilled meats.

score: 91

price : $14 - $17

Norm

normwine@bellsouth.net

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

2022 Hess Select Monterey Chardonnay

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2022 Hess Select Monterey Chardonnay

#10-2024

If you are looking for an everyday Chardonnay at a decent price, which is consistent in quality year after year, you might want to try the Hess Select Monterey Chardonnay.  The 2022 vintage got the stamp of approval from the Chardonnay Queen, as we enjoyed a bottle the other night with a cheesy seafood casserole.

The wine has an aromatic nose, suggesting fresh pear scents coupled with a generous dose of lemony citrus.  The flavors are apple, pear and a touch of pineapple flowing toward a clean finish.  The alcohol content is 13.5%. and Norm's score is 88.

This one is great as a "back porch sipper", or paired with most seafood, especially chilled shellfish salads.

score: 88

price : $10 - $14

Norm

normwine@bellsouth.net

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

Leap Year Special

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2024 Leap Year Special

#09-2024

From the Archives: Leap Year 2020 - Advice for pairing Food and Wine

2020 Wine and Food

Grilled Steak or Beef Tenderloin - Cabernet Sauvignon

Lamb Chops or Pork Loin Chops - Merlot or Malbec

Barbequed Ribs or Spaghetti - Zinfandel or Sangiovese

Prime Rib or Roast Duck - Pinot Noir or Syrah

Lobster, King Crab, Half Shell Oysters - Chardonnay or Viognier

Oysters Rockefeller or Broiled Fish - Sauvignon Blanc

Shrimp Alfredo or Clams Marinara - Pinot Grigio or Orvieto

Baked Fish or Poached Flounder - Riesling or Pinot Grigio

Cornish Game Hen - Chardonnay or Pinot Noir

Grilled or Baked Salmon - Pinot Noir or Chardonnay

Roasted Turkey - Pinot Grigio, Riesling, or Sauvignon Blanc

Chilled Seafood Salad - Chardonnay or Rose

Bon Appetite! 

score: 100+

price : $10 - $100

Norm

normwine@bellsouth.net

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