2012 Simi Sonoma County Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

 

 

 

 

 

2012 Simi Sonoma Chardonnay

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The "Chardonnay Queen" and I both like Chardonnay from Sonoma County, California.  Sonoma County Chardonnays are hard to beat, much like Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley.  For a number of years the Simi Sonoma County Chardonnay has been a household favorite, and I believe one of the local big discount chains is selling it for just pennies above cost.  If you can find the 2012 vintage for less than $11.00 per bottle. I would suggest you grab several.

We recently sampled a bottle of the 2012 Simi, and found it to be delightful!  The nose opens with an invigorating sensation of green apples, with a touch of pineapple, and a hint of citrus.  The flavors swirl together in a cascade of fruit featuring the apples, with tinges of spice, tropical fruit, and that slight citrus breeze.  The finish contains a flirtation with oak and a touch of buttery mouth feel, that sails into the night on a crisp and clean river of flavors begging for another sip!

We enjoyed this wonderful bottle of wine with a hearty crab and tomato bisque soup accompanied by a large chilled shrimp salad, with warm fresh baked French bread.  It could not get much better, but you might try pairing it with Coq au vin, or Shrimp Alfredo.  Norm's score is 90.

 

Score: 90

Price: $11-$16

 

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://pineisland-eagle.com/

http://cumminghome.com/

http://dawsontimes.com/

 

Also on "The Patch" at Dunwoody, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and others:

dunwoody.patch.com/‎

 

 

WINE – God’s Proof of his love for humanity

2012 William Hardy Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012 William Hardy Chardonnay

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The "Chardonnay Queen" loves Chardonnay, and I like it quite a lot also.  Over the years we have sampled a variety of wines made from the same grape, with style differences that represent a pretty broad spectrum of taste.  The trend during the last decade among Chardonnays is to lessen the oak, and increase the fruit presence for a somewhat less dry wine.  For me the basic taste of Chardonnay has always been a blend of apple and pear, with subtle hints of tropical fruit, and or citrus.  I also like good acidity backed up by a little oak.

We recently sampled the 2012 William Hardy Chardonnay from Australia, which had very little of these flavors present in its makeup.  I read several different descriptions of this wine which included the words, honeydew melon, peach, apricot, and banana.  Now let me say that I found the wine to be quite pleasant, but very non-typical of what I have come to expect of a Chardonnay.

The nose was floral, and very fragrant, leading into flavors of peach and melon, with a touch of spice.  The finish was clean with a suggestion of vanilla.  The alcohol content was 13.5%.  As I said, the wine was not typical of Chardonnay, but very pleasant.  If Chardonnay is not your favorite wine, you might enjoy the different aspects of this one.  It would definitely be an enjoyable summertime wine.

Score: 85

Price: $11-$16

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://pineisland-eagle.com/

http://cumminghome.com/

http://dawsontimes.com/

 

 

Also on "The Patch" at Dunwoody, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and others:

dunwoody.patch.com/‎

 

 

WINE – God’s Proof of his love for humanity

2012 Louis Jadot Macon Villages

Norm's Tasting Notes

By: Norm Bentley

North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012 Louis Jadot Macon Villages

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French Chardonnays from Burgundy are wonderful and usually very expensive, and often not as good a value as those from California, or other parts of the globe.  With the 2012 Louis Jadot Macon Villages you get a taste of France for a decent price.

The nose is fragrant with the fresh scent of a basket of fruit from the orchard.  The predominate flavor is green apple with an underlying current of melon, and a touch of tropical fruit.  The wine has a clean and fresh finish, with no oak signature, since it was fermented in stainless steel.

If spring would only appear soon, this would be an appropriate toast for its arrival, as this would be a perfect picnic wine for a basket of fruit, cheese, and cold chicken.  The Macon Villages would also pair well with a chilled shrimp or crab cocktail.  Norm's score is 88.

 

Score: 88

Price: $11-$16

 

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://pineisland-eagle.com/

http://cumminghome.com/

http://dawsontimes.com/

 

 

Also on "The Patch" at Dunwoody, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and others:

dunwoody.patch.com/‎

 

 

WINE – God’s Proof of his love for humanity