2008 Isabel Mondavi Pinot Noir

Norm's Tasting Notes By: Norm Bentley North Georgia Wine Advisor normwine@bellsouth.net     2008 Isabel Mondavi Willamette Valley Pinot Noir #nb-19-13     This past week, the "Chardonnay Queen" and I celebrated our wedding anniversary with a visit to La Grotta, our favorite Atlanta Italian Restaurant, where we dined on a feast of Veal Marsala for me, and pan-seared sea scallops for her. My choice for a wine for both veal and scallops, was the 2008 Isabel Mondavi Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. It turned out to be a great match for both of our delicious Italian creations.   This Oregon Pinot Noir, at five years old, has really come into its own. It was a touch on the light side, which made it perfect for both veal and shellfish. There was nothing light about the impact of this wine on our senses. The nose was fragrant with the presence of cherries and spice which led into robust flavors of plum and cherry, with just a hint of strawberry. The finish was clean and subtle, with lingering reminders of its ten months in French oak. The alcohol content is 13.9%, and Norm's score is 93.   La Grotta is a fabulous restaurant with a wonderful array of Italian delights on its menu. The Isabel Mondavi Pinot Noir would have been a good match for most of them. Next to my Veal Marsala it might be best with the salmon. The "Chardonnay Queen" found it to be delightful with her Italian scallop selection.      Score: 93   Price: $25 - $30 Norm Norm’s Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/ Norm’s Tasting Notes available online at either: http://cumminghome.com/ http://dawsontimes.com/ http://pineisland-eagle.com/ WINE – God’s Proof of his love for humanity