2023 Geyser Peak California Sauvignon Blanc

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2023 Geyser Peak California Sauvignon Blanc

#19-2024

I always feel that Sauvignon Blanc is best in springtime, whether at a picnic, or brunch.  The 2023 Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc was also a good companion for our grilled salmon the other night.

The 2023 Geyser Peak is refreshing and fills the air with a citrusy aroma, opening into some juicy flavors of lime, apple, and a bit of stone fruit.  The finish is clean with a good balance of acidity against the fruit.  The alcohol content is 12.5%, and Norm's score is 88.

The Geyser Peak is a good choice for seafood salad, or just a big platter of cheese and crackers.

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

2022 Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2022 Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec

#18-2024

Whether you are grilling meat on the grill, or preparing a hearty stew, you can't go wrong by pairing the meal with a bottle of Argentinian Malbec.  One which I have commented on several times in the past, and bring to your attention once again, is the Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec, this one, a 2022 vintage.  It remains as one of the best values in the market place for more than a decade now.  The current vintage is in the eleven to fifteen dollar range.

The flavors showcase black cherry, currants and a touch of plum, with an undertone of peppery spice.  The finish lingers on the palate, with mellow oak, and a complex and satisfying boldness which is just right.  The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 89.

If you would like another dinner suggestion rather that meat, try it with Eggplant Parmesan and Angel Hair Pasta.

score: 89

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 Z. Alexander Brown Uncaged Pinot Noir

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2021 Z. Alexander Brown Uncaged Pinot Noir

#17-2024

This 2021 Uncaged Pinot Noir is from Z. Alexander Brown, also known as Zac Brown, a three time Grammy Award winner, who offers up this Pinot Noir from Monterey, Napa, and Sonoma counties for your dining pleasure.  It is a great choice in the under twenty category for California Pinot Noir.

It has an enticing nose full of cherries and berries.  The delightful aroma leads to big flavors of black cherry, black plum, and a hint of strawberry.  The finish lingers with the memory of silky tannins and succulent fruit,  The alcohol content is 14.5%. and Norm's score is 90.

This is a good Pinot Noir for grilled salmon, or medium rare Prime Rib.  If you would enjoy an after-dinner treat, pair it with some blue-veined cheese and a few grapes!

score: 90

price : $14 - $18

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

2020 Toad Hollow Francine's Selection Chardonnay

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2020 Toad Hollow Francine's Selection Chardonnay

#16-2024

Last night we enjoyed a sautéed shrimp and scallop salad, with avocado, and a bottle of un-oaked Chardonnay from Toad Hollow of Mendocino County, California.  We have had some warm spring weather, and a chilled salad with a good Chard really hit the spot.

The Toad Hollow has a fresh and attractive nose, with citrus and apple aromas.  The flavors are citrus with a lemony touch, and a bold presence of Granny Smith apples for a stout backbone.  It has a very crisp and clean finish, which begs for another sip!  The alcohol content is 13.8%. and Norm's score is 90.

Pair this one up with seafood, hot or cold, and you have just what the doctor ordered!

score: 90

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

2021 Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2021 Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

#15-2024

Quite some time back, I learned that you could usually count on Pinot Noir from Sonoma County's Russian River Valley to be dependably good. The 2021 selection from Rodney Strong fits the bill.  This is a classy Pinot Noir for a fairly mundane price.

The scent waifs across the room as you uncork the bottle, a harbinger of good things to come.  The initial flavor is cherry, backed up by dark plum.  The nuances in the background are a bit of earthy spice and a mellow toasty oak for the finish.  The alcohol content is 14.5% and Norm's score is 89.

I usually recommend Pinot Noir for Prime Rib, or Grilled Salmon, however. I would suggest you pair this one with Lamb Osso Buco for a real treat!

score: 89

price : $17 - $21

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 R. Stuart Big Fire Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2021 R. Stuart Big Fire Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

#14-2024

With our Easter Ham this year we served the 2021 Big Fire Pinot Gris from R. Stuart in Oregon.  This delightful wine certainly enhanced our Easter Feast.  The wine complimented an array of flavors at the table, with a certain pizzazz, befitting the occasion!

This is a multi-faceted wine with an inviting bouquet and a complex array of flavors.  The initial taste is stone fruit backed by melon and a touch of citrus.  The finish is of a spicy, herbal tone, with a lingering finish.  The alcohol content is 12.9%. and Norm's score is 90.

This Willamette Valley standout is a good choice for most seafood fare, and a delightful companion for summer salads!

score: 90

price : $17 - $22

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 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