2016 Ford Coppola Black Label Claret

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2016 Francis Coppola Black Label Claret

#10-19

Lip Smacking Good! Once again the Coppola Claret proves to be a winner!  The 2016 Coppola Black Label Claret is another superb vintage from a winery that knows how to produce a quality red blend in the Bordeaux style, without breaking the bank.

The wine has a big nose, big robust flavors, and a finish which begs for another sip!  The flavors of juicy black cherry and jammy blackberry flow through a complex array of cocoa, vanilla, and a touch of toasty oak.  The alcohol content is 13.5%, and  Norm's score is 90.

This is definitely a wine for steak, but don't stop there, for it will also pair well with the full spectrum of grilled meats, and would make a great companion for a dish like prime rib.  Bring on the beef!

score: 90

price: $14 - $18

Norm

https://www.facebook.com/NormsTastingNotes

http://normwine.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/normswine

Available online at:

http://pineisland-eagle.com/

http://cumminghome.com/

http://dawsontimes.com/

Also available at AOL's Dunwoody Patch:

Dunwoody, GA Patch

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

2015 Red Diamond Merlot

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2015 Red Diamond Merlot

#09-19

What do you look for in an under ten dollar bottle of wine?  I used to tell customers in my retail shop that " the best quality in an in-expensive wine, is an absence of bad qualities".  However, I look for a little more than that. The wine needs to be balanced between fruit and acidity, and it should at least resemble the grape variety that it represents.  Also it needs to be enjoyable for me to drink!  At nine dollars a bottle, the Red Diamond Merlot fits the bill.

The 2015 Red Diamond Merlot is a pretty, deep red color, with a big fruit nose, and flavors that are juicy and tasty.  The primary taste is raspberry and cherry with a bit of blackberry mixed in.  The finish is clean with a little bit of oak at the end.  The alcohol content is 14.5%.  Norm's score is 87.

This is a good everyday wine for steak or burgers, and if Chianti is not your favorite, it pairs up well with a big plate of spaghetti.

score: 87

price: $9 - $11

Norm

https://www.facebook.com/NormsTastingNotes

http://normwine.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/normswine

Available online at:

http://pineisland-eagle.com/

http://cumminghome.com/

http://dawsontimes.com/

Also available at AOL's Dunwoody Patch:

Dunwoody, GA Patch

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity