2020 Antinori Santa Cristina Toscana Rosso

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2020 Antinori Santa Cristina Toscana Rosso

#35-2023

The House of Antinori has been making wine in Italy since 1385, and produces some of the best, and most expensive wines from the country, known for both its history and its wine.  Some years back. Antinori introduced the Santa Cristina label, which showcases wines in the value price category.  The ones which I have sampled in the past have been among the best in that category.

The wine is dark red in color with a nose full of cherries and dark berries..  The flavor is both subtle and complex, with generous helpings of blackberry, black cherries, and a hint of strawberry.  The finish is mellow and smooth, with a modest amount of tannin toward the end.  The alcohol content is 12.5%, and Norm's score is 89.

This wine is an excellent choice for weekday pasta, or weekend steak.  It would also be a great companion for Cioppino.

score: 89

price : $12 - $16

Norm

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ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

2020 J Vineyards California Pinot Gris

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2020 J Vineyards California Pinot Gris

#34-2023

Labor Day Special!  Shrimp on the Barbie and a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio.  In this case the Pinot Grigio was the 2020 Pinot Gris from J Vineyards, with shrimp on skewers marinated in a Hawaiian style  sauce, and it was wonderful!

This Pinot Gris from J Vineyards is a little dryer in style than most other Pinot Grigio wines. The nose is bright and inviting, and the flavors range from apple to melon, with intermingled bits of peach and citrus leading to a crisp finish.  The alcohol content is 13.6% and Norm's score is 91.

This wine is versatile, and would be great in the dining room with lobster, or out on the porch with cheese and fruit.  As a refreshing summer beverage, it is a good "back porch sipper", or as we enjoyed it, with a platter of "Shrimp from the Barbie".

score: 91

price : $16 - $20

Norm

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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 J Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2021 J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay

#33-2023

Yet another good vintage for the 2021 J. Lohr Chardonnay, following a parade of good years for this Monterey, California Chardonnay!  This latest edition is once again, a real "winner" in the value priced category for California Chardonnay.

The is a hint of citrus in the nose, which leads to flavors of peach, apple; and perhaps a touch of Meyer Lemon.  There is a bit of vanilla, and a good acidic backbone, which lead to a pleasing and lingering finish.  The alcohol content is 14% and Norm's score is 90

This is a well-balanced Chardonnay which is a good companion for both fowl and seafood.  We enjoyed ours with a piece of grilled salmon and a fresh garden salad.

score: 90

price : $13 - $17

Norm

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AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

Pine Island Eagle.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

2019 Rutherford Hill Merlot

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2019 Rutherford Hill Merlot

#32-2023

The Merlot from Rutherford Hill has been a good choice year after year for quite some time, and the 2019 vintage is an extension of the line, with most scoring 90 and above.  This one, however, only gets an 89 from me, because at 15% alcohol, I find it a touch "hot".  The fruit and acidity, however, are in balance, and this is a most enjoyable "food" wine!

It has a Bordeaux style nose, with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and cassis blending seamlessly into a lingering finish, which especially compliments grilled meats. The alcohol content is 15% and Norm's score is 89.

Great with a medium rare steak, this would make a good companion for Veal Osso Buco as well as Rack of Lamb.

score: 89

price : $25 - $32

Norm

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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 Chalk Hill Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2021 Chalk Hill Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

#31-2023

We enjoyed an exquisite Chardonnay the other night with our grilled salmon.  It was the 2021 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay from the Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards and Winery.  It was an instant hit with the Chardonnay Queen, as well as myself!

This is a wine with a compelling aroma, and a well-balanced array of flavors which scream for more and more sips!  The flavors are basic Chardonnay, with green apple and ripe pear, which are complemented by lemon, vanilla, and a slight touch of oak.  The alcohol content is 14.3% and Norm's score is 92.

This is a good choice for salmon or any other fish, but  it would also make a great companion for either Veal, or Chicken Piccata.

score: 92

price : $16 - $20

Norm

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AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

Pine Island Eagle.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

2019 Joel Gott No. 815 (California) Cabernet Sauvignon

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2019 Joel Gott (California) No. 815 Cabernet Sauvignon

#30-2023

Last Saturday we enjoyed a bottle of Joel Gott Cab with our meal of tenderloin cooked on skewers, on the grill with a spicy marinade.  This was the 2019 vintage, and like some from past years, we enjoyed it quite a bit.  It is juicy but not sweet, and perfect for grilled meat.

There is an inviting nose, leading to flavors of cherry and blackberry with a hint of tannin in the finish, which begs for another sip!  The alcohol content is 13.9% and Norm's score is 90.

Great with grilled meat, it would also be a nice companion for Chicken Cacciatore or any other spicy, sauced meat dishes.

score: 90

price : $13 - $17

Norm

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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 Villa Maria Marlborough Pinot Noir

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2020 Villa Maria Marlborough Pinot Noir

#28-2023

The Pinot Noir grape does well in the Marlborough region of New Zealand.  So much so. that we have come to expect good wine from that section of the world.  The 2020 offering from Villa Maria lives up to expectations, with a flourish of spice in the background of its flavor spectrum.

The nose is possessive, with lots of fresh fruit in its aroma, and the flavors showcase cherries, red berries and a touch of cranberry in the background.  The spiciness give it depth and a lingering taste on the palate.  The alcohol content is 13.5% and Norm's score is 89.

This New Zealand Pinot Noir would be an excellent choice for either salmon off the grill, or a nice thick slice of medium rare prime rib!

score: 89

price : $15 - $18

Norm

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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