2023 Thanksgiving Special

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

Thanksgiving Special

#44-2023

Suggestions for Thanksgiving Dinner:

2022 Charles Krug Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

2020 Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2021 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay

2021 The Four Graces Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

2022 Acrobat Pinot Grigio

2022 Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc

2019 La Crema Russian River Valley Chardonnay

2021 Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling

2021 King Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

2021 J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay

2019 Simi Russian River Reserve Pinot Noir

2021 Caves D' Esclans Whispering Angel Rose

score: 89 and up

price : $15 - $50

Happy Thanksgiving !

Norm

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ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

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Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

2019 Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2019 Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret

#43-2023

The Coppola Claret is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot. and a touch of Petite Sirah, for a rich, lush wine, perfect for a medium rare steak hot off the grill.  The Claret is the flagship of the Diamond Collection, and always a trusty companion for grilled meat.

The nose is heady with a burst of cherries and berries, sure to excite the senses!  The flavors are blackberry, cherry, and a touch of plum.  The finish lingers but is not overly oaked.  The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 89.

We enjoyed the Claret with good friends and good steaks from the barbie.  While great with grilled meat, this wine would be an awesome choice for Veal Masala. 

score: 89

price: $14 - $20

Norm

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normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

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ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine – God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2021 Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d' Abruzzo Podere

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2021 Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d' Abruzzo Podere

#42-2023

If there is a better everyday wine more suited for Lasagna during the week, I have not found it.  Montepulciano is my first choice for a week day Italian dinner, and this one from Umani Ronchi certainly fit the bill!

The color is a lavender shade of ruby red, with a nose of violets and plums.  The opening salvo to the taste buds is plum and currant, with a touch of cherry..  There is a hint of spice in a finish which lingers on the palate.  The alcohol content is 13%. and Norm's score is 89.

This wine was meant for spaghetti and other similar pasta dishes, and would also make a good choice for Italian sausage with peppers and onions.

score: 89

price : $12 - $16

Norm

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AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

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ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

2020 Predator Old Vine Zinfandel

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2020 Predator Old Vine Zinfandel

#41-2023

As I have lamented in the past. " oh Lord, stuck in Lodi again".  The song was good, and so are the wines from Lodi, especially old vine Zins, like this 2020 vintage from Predator.  It is a big Zin. and goes with food which has big flavor!

The predator is a deep red purple in color with an explosive nose of dark fruit, which fills your senses with its presence.  It has jammy flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, and black cherry, with a hint of the peppery taste I like so much in a Zin.  The wine has a firm backbone of mild tannins, and a finish which lingers with a smooth mouth feel, which belies the 15% alcohol.  Norm's score is 91.

I usually give my own food suggestions. but this quote from the Los Angles Wine Company was too good not to pass along.  "Ladybugs would suggest pairing this Old Vine Zinfandel with fresh aphids or mites - but we recommend short ribs, or a delicious cheeseburger.  This wine can also be enjoyed with grilled veggies and a savory mushroom risotto."

score: 91

price : $14 - $17

Norm

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normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

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ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

2020 Francis Ford Coppola Cabernet Sauvignon

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2020 Francis Ford Coppola Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon

#40-2023

Once again, we paired a thick fillet with a California Cab, this time a selection from the Coppola Diamond Collection, and it was a good choice.

There is a most fragrant nose, with the scent of ripe berries, and a heady whiff of black cherry in the mix.  The flavors swirl in the glass, with pronounced tastes of blackberry and black cherry.  The presence of vanilla and spice are also there, with a bit of polished oak at the end.  The alcohol content is 13.5% and Norm's score is 88.

The winemaker describes this as a "just because" wine suitable for any occasion.  I would say start with steak, then pasta, and then just because you would enjoy a glass of wine!

score: 88

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

2021 Erath Oregon Pinot Noir

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2021 Erath Oregon Pinot Noir

#39-2023

The Pinot Noir vineyards in Oregon have established themselves as a quality growing area producing good wine, and in the case of the 2021 Erath, an excellent value as well.  The climate and terrain are similar to France's Burgundy and the wines are also comparable.

The Erath has a fresh and fragrant nose, broadcasting the scents of plums and cherries.  The flavors are raspberry, cherry and a little strawberry.  There is a slight earthy flavor with a dust of cinnamon leading to a most pleasing finish.  The alcohol content is 13% and Norm's score is 89.

Great with salmon or prime rib, this wine would also be perfect for a big platter of soft cheeses and ripe fruit! 

score: 89

price : $15 - $19

Norm

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Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

2019 Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

2019 Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvginon

#38-2023

Fall is here, which means it is time for football, the World Series, and need I say it, a "Slab and a Cab".  I prefer a California Cab, and in this case, a one and a half inch Porterhouse steak from the grill, done a perfect medium rare.  The Cab is from the folks at Rodney Strong, and a great way to kick off the season!

This 2019 vintage from Sonoma County is big, bold and beautiful, and an excellent California Cab for under twenty dollars.  The nose is heady, with a berry patch appeal, and the flavors range from cherry to plum, with currant and spice in between.  The finish sails off into the night, with a lingering taste of delight.  The alcohol content is 14.5%, and Norm's score is 91.

A perfect wine for steak, all you need to go with this California Cab, is a hot grill and a nice thick Slab!

score: 91

price : $14 - $19

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