"Time off, or is it Time out?"

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

Time Off

July 15, 2024

Dear Readers and Friends,

After fifteen years of writing Norm's Tasting Notes, and reviewing more than 700 wines during that span, I have decided to take a break.  While this may lead to retirement, it also may not.  I have decided to take a few weeks and mull over the options available to me.  You may wish to review some of my past reviews over the years at my blogsite:

Norm's Tasting Notes

Norm's Tasting Notes

While the vintages may not be current, most of the wines are "Proven Winners" over the years and most current vintages would, for the most part, be good choices.

I will keep you posted as the future becomes more clear.  Thanks for all of the support over the years.

As Bogart said in one of the most memorable Toasts ever...

"Here's looking at you kid!"

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 Josh Cellars Merlot (Joseph Carr, Napa Valley)

 

Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2022 Josh Cellars Merlot (Joseph Carr, Napa Valley)

#28-2024

I like Merlot with steak almost as much as I like Cab.  So we paired a bottle of Josh Merlot with our medium rare fillet hot off the grill, and enhanced the meal with a salad made with fresh vine-ripe tomatoes from a nearby farm.  It was excellent! 

The nose on this Merlot suggests blackberries and sweet cherries, and the flavors affirm the aroma, with a touch of vanilla and a mellow finish.  The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 88.  

The Josh Merlot was a good choice for our fillet, and would be an excellent companion for almost anything coming off your summertime grill!

score: 88

price : $12 - $16

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 Ferrari-Carano Dry Sangiovese Rose (Sonoma County)

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2022 Ferrari-Carano Dry Sangiovese Rose (Sonoma County)

#27-2024

Happy Birthday America!  We celebrated the 4th with a traditional mid-day meal of Hot Dogs and Beer.  Our evening meal, however, was not quite as traditional, as we enjoyed Peel and Eat Shrimp with a tasty bottle of chilled Rose, which also was not traditional, since it was my first experience with a Rose made from the Italian Chianti grape, Sangiovese.  This one from Ferrari-Carano of Sonoma County, and I really liked it!

The wine is dark pink, with a fruit blossom aroma, which leaps from the bottle.  The flavors are soft but compelling with the essence of cherries, red raspberry and a whiff of orange peel, and maybe a hint of mellow apple.  The finish is bright and clean, and certainly begs for another sip!  The alcohol content is 13.9%. and Norm's score is 91.

This Sangiovese Rose was wonderful with the shrimp, but I can't wait for the weather to cool, so we can get it into the basket with the fried chicken and head for the Picnic Grounds!

score: 91

price : $16 - $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