2023 Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2023 Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret

Dos July - 2026

There is nothing like a medium rare fillet and good bottle of red wine to make your Saturday night dinner a feast and a party all in one.  The Coppola Claret is not a Cab, but it is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, and that's enough for me to say, "There's nothing like a Slab and a Cab!".  We have been to this Rodeo before!

The nose is inviting with a burst of Cherries and Berries to call the senses to attention!  The flavors feature Cherry, Plum, and a hint of blueberry, which lead to a mellow, lingering finish.  The alcohol content is 14.5% and Norm's score is 91.

For a rare treat, pair this one up with a thick slice of rare Prime Rib.

score: 91

price : $16 - $21

Now, that's just the way I see it, and you can tell them I said so!

Here's looking at you Kid!

Norm

normwine@bellsouth.net

Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes

normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: The Pine Island Eagle

Pine Island Eagle

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

2023 Domaine St. Laurent Rogue Valley Pinot Noir

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2023 Domaine St. Laurent Rogue Valley Pinot Noir

Uno July - 2026

The Rogue River Valley is in Southwestern Oregon, near the town of Medford. and it appears they have established a pretty good wine producing region, if this Pinot Noir is a fair example of the areas capabilities.  This Domaine St. Laurent Pinot Noir, at around twenty dollars, is certainly a gem!

This is an enticing Pinot Noir, with a pretty ruby red hue and a fragrant nose, which invites one to further inspection.  The wine is medium-bodied with juicy flavors of strawberry, red raspberry and a little plum. The balance is in perfect harmony with mild tannins in the finish.

The alcohol content is 13.3%, and Norm's score is 92.

Th1s is a definite competitor in the twenty dollar Pinot price range, and was a fine companion for our New Orleans style Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo, on a stormy Saturday night!

score: 92

price : $18 - $22

Now, that's just the way I see it, and you can tell them I said so!

Here's looking at you Kid!

Norm

normwine@bellsouth.net

Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes

normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: The Pine Island Eagle

Pine Island Eagle

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

2024 Ferrari-Carano Fruili Grave Italy Pinot Grigio

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2024 Ferrari-Carano Friuli Grave, Italy Pinot Grigio

Dos June - 2026

We have enjoyed many vintages of Chardonnay and Fume Blanc from Ferrari-Carano, Sonoma, California, but in a bow to their Italian heritage, they are now offering a Pinot Grigio from the acclaimed Friuli Grave Region of Italy where wines have been made since the days of the Romans.

This is a light and crisp Pinot Grigio, whose classic character sets it apart from many wines of this variety.  The nose grabs your attention with the fragrance of ripe pear and wild flowers.  The flavors are clean and expressive, with peach, pear, and lime being the most abundant.  The finish is crisp and clean, and begs for another sip!  The alcohol content is 12.5%. and Norm's score is 91.

In a departure for us, we enjoyed this Pinot Grigio with Sushi and a side of Cesare Salad  I would recommend it as a companion for almost any seafood dish, as well as most summer salads.

score: 91

price : $18 - $23

Now, that's just the way I see it, and you can tell them I said so!

Here's looking at you Kid!

Norm

normwine@bellsouth.net

Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes

normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: The Pine Island Eagle

Pine Island Eagle

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

2024 Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2024 Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec

Uno June - 2026

If you are looking for a Good, Week-Day Wine to go with your Wednesday night Spaghetti, you might want to pick up a bottle of this very good, and inexpensive, Malbec from Argentina.  We have chosen it many times in the past to accompany our Week-Day Spaghetti, and it has never let us down!

The 2024 Trapiche is rich in color, aroma and taste!  The flavors showcase black cherry, and a touch of plum. with an underlying current of pepper and spice.  The finish lingers on the palate with mellow oak and a satisfying boldness which is just right.  The alcohol content is 13.5%. and Norm's score is 90.

Th1s is a good companion for pasta, stew, or grilled meat!

score: 90

price : $10- $14

Now, that's just the way I see it, and you can tell them I said so!

Here's looking at you Kid!

Norm

normwine@bellsouth.net

Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes

normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: The Pine Island Eagle

Pine Island Eagle

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

2021 7 Deadly Cabernet Sauvignon Lodi

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2021  7 Deadly Cabernet Sauvignon Lodi

Uno May - 2026

We enjoyed Coq Au Vin, (Sorta) for dinner the other night with a good bottle of  Red wine.  The dish was actually boneless chicken thighs cooked in red wine, garlic and butter, and the wine was a Cab from 7 Deadly Cabernet Sauvignon in Lodi, California.  Not French Fare, but it certainly tasted like it!

This tasty Cab opens with the aroma of Dark Berries and Coca.  The flavor spectrum encompasses Black Cherry, Plum, and Cassis, with mild tannins, and a sturdy, rewarding finish.  The alcohol content is 14.1%. and Norm's score is 90.

Th1s Lodi Cab is a good choice for red meats, especially in wine or red sauces, and can stand up to spicy flavors as well.

score: 90

price : $16 - $21

Now, that's just the way I see it, and you can tell them I said so!

Here's looking at you Kid!

Norm

normwine@bellsouth.net

Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes

normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

Pine Island Eagle

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

2023 Louis Jadot Rose

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2023 Louis Jadot Rose

Uno April - 2026

Spring is here, and for Easter Ham, think Pink, for the meat and the wine.  We went Pink with a spiral sliced Ham and a bottle of Louis Jadot, 100% Gamay, Rose from Burgundy.  Perfect for a springtime feast.  And, since spring also means picnics, I will remind you that there is nothing better in your picnic basket than cold fried chicken and a bottle of chilled Rose!

In my opinion, Louis Jadot is the premier Negociant from Burgundy, with an array of fine wines and value prices, which include this very appealing Rose.  The nose is fresh and inviting, with nuances of orange blossoms and red berries.  The flavors showcase strawberries, raspberries, and a touch of orange citrus, rushing towards a pleasing finish.  The alcohol content is 13%. and Norm's score is 90.

Th1s tasty Rose would be great for your Cobb Salad, or alongside a plater of chilled,

 Boiled Shrimp!

score: 90

price : $13- $18

Now, that's just the way I see it, and you can tell them I said so!

Here's looking at you Kid!

Norm

normwine@bellsouth.net

Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes

normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: The Pine Island Eagle

Pine Island Eagle

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

2023 Josh Cellars California Pinot Grigio

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2023 Josh Cellars California Pinot Grigio

Dos March - 2026

Spring is here!. Put some Shrimp on the Barbie, toss up a salad, and open a bottle of Josh Pinot Grigio.  Celebrate the Season and enjoy a real Treat!

This Josh Pinot Grigio is just the right taste for grilled seafood, with flavors of citrus, melon, and a touch of apricot.  The nose has a bright, and fragrant burst of energy and a clean, fruit packed finish.  The alcohol content is 12%. and Norm's score is 90.

Try this one with a chilled shellfish salad, or oysters on the half shell, or any other seafood favorite, and you won't be disappointed! 

score: 90

price : $13 - $16

Now, that's just the way I see it, and you can tell them I said so!

Here's looking at you Kid!

Norm

normwine@bellsouth.net

Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes

normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: The Pine Island Eagle

Pine Island Eagle

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity