2016 Castello di Gabbiano Dark Knight Toscana IGT

Norm's Tasting Notes

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2016 Castello di Gabbiano Dark Knight Toscana IGT

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If you are a fan of the red blends coming out of Tuscany, you are bound to like this one for its value, as well as taste.  The 2016 Gabbiano Dark Knight is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 20% Sangiovese, and is 100% big on flavor.  We sampled this one with spaghetti and homemade meat balls, and a side of zucchini prepared with tomatoes and garlic.

The Dark Knight has a powerful bouquet filled with red cherries and other ripe red berries.  This is a big juicy and fruit flavored wine showcasing red cherry, currant, and sweet spices, which lead into a rich and satisfying finish with a touch of oak.  The alcohol content is 13.5%, and Norm's score is 88.

Try the Gabbiano Toscana with a plate of pasta, or Chicken Cacciatore for a wonderful Italian meal!

price: $15 - $18

score -  88

Norm

https://www.facebook.com/NormsTastingNotes

http://normwine.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/normswine

http://pineisland-eagle.com/

CummingHome.com | News and Events from Cumming and Forsyth County

Dunwoody, GA Patch

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

2016 Charles Krug St. Helena Sauvignon Blanc

Norm's Tasting Notes

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2016 Charles Krug St. Helena Napa  Sauvignon Blanc

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If you are in a quandary about Sauvignon Blanc, never fear for you are not alone.  Sauvignon Blanc can be many things to many people,, and the style may vary from bone dry and acidic, to sweet and almost sticky.  A Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux may be austere and finish with a mineral dryness, while one from New Zealand may taste like a glass of grapefruit juice, and one from California may come across like the fresh cut grass stuck to your lawn mower blade.  The Charles Krug St. Helena Sauvignon Blanc from Napa just tastes good!

After all is said and done, let me say that the Krug has a floral bouquet, with an initial burst of big fruit in the flavor, followed by a suggestion of citrus and a touch of grassy minerality, with a crisp dry finish, and with just the right amount of acidity.  The wine tastes good and the style is all its own.  The alcohol content is 13.4%, and Norm's score is 88.

You can pair this wine with seafood, chicken salad, or a cheese and fruit platter.  My choice would be with a big plate of Fettuccine  Alfredo, and a baguette of warm French bread.

price: $16 - $19

score -  88

Norm

https://www.facebook.com/NormsTastingNotes

http://normwine.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/normswine

http://pineisland-eagle.com/

CummingHome.com | News and Events from Cumming and Forsyth County

Dunwoody, GA Patch

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity