Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net
2008 Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Claret
#nb-04-11
Hundreds of years ago the British were the number one fans of French Clarets, so much so, that they coined the term "Claret" to refer to the wonderful blended wines of Bordeaux. The word came from the French "clairet" which originally referred to a dark hued rose. In this country it is used by some winemakers to describe blends of Bordeaux grapes in the style of the great Chateaus of Bordeaux. Another term for these blended wines is "Meritage".
The 2008 Coppola Claret is true in style and taste to those great wines of Bordeaux. The makeup is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Verdot, 5% Malbec, 3% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Winemakers vary the percentage of varieties each year to obtain the balance of flavors which make a really good "Claret". This one is right on the money!
The 2008 Coppola Claret has big rich flavors of cherries and dark berries, but it also possesses the earthy undertones of the Malbec and Cabernet Franc. This is a complex, but easy to drink red wine, with layers of fruit cascading into mellow tannins, and a lingering finish. The wine has spent sixteen months in French oak and comes in at 13.5% alcohol. It is elegant, yet simple, and most of all, very enjoyable.
It will pair well with beef or veal, and would also be a great accompaniment to most pasta dishes. Norm's score is an 88.
Price - $15 - $19
Score - 88
Norm
Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/
Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
dawsontimes.com or
pineisland-eagle.com
No comments:
Post a Comment