2017 Domaine Anderson Estate Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley 

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2017 Domaine Anderson Estate Chardonnay

#18-2020

This is a classic Chardonnay in a Traditional style, which recalls some of the glory of Northern California Chardonnays from the past.  The 2017 Domaine Anderson is a great representative of some of the region's best Chardonnays, and goes them one better, in that even though it is oak aged, it is not overdone.

The nose is bright and inviting, while the predominate flavors are the traditional apple and pear, with interesting undertones.  There is just the hint of a citrus breeze, and the touch of toasty oak adds a lingering finish.  All in all, the fruit and acidity are in a near perfect balance,  The alcohol content is 13.3% and Norm's score is 91. 

We enjoyed this excellent Chardonnay with some of the Chardonnay Queen's famous Shrimp Scampi.

score: 91

price: $26 - $32

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

2019 M de Minuty Cotes de Provence Rose

Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley 

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2019 M de Minuty Cotes de Provence Rose

#17-2020

Our usual Easter Dinner is either Ham or Leg of Lamb.  Regardless of the choice, we almost always enjoy this special feast with a good bottle of Rose, which is a perfect welcome to Springtime.  This year however, we paired our Rose with a recipe from Emeril Legasse for Shrimp and Grits, and it was wonderful!

The French M de Minuty Rose is a perky peachy, pink color with a nose as bright as sunshine by the seashore.  This is a delicate and perfectly balanced Rose with the flavors of strawberry, cherry, peach, and a little citrus all swirling together in the glass.  It finishes crisp and clean, and begs for another sip!   The alcohol content is 13% and Norm's score is 89. 

Many thanks to a close friend for sending us Emeril's recipe for the Shrimp and Grits, which when combined with the Chardonnay Queen's home baked bread and the French Rose, made for a most memorable Easter Feast!

score: 89

price: $18 - $22

Norm

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normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

Pine Island Eagle.com

Cumming Home.com

Dawson Times.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody,Ga Patch

Wine - God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2016 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon

Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley 

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2016 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon

#15-2020

Around two years ago I wrote about the 2015 vintage of the Indian Wells Cab from Chateau Ste. Michelle and scored it a 90, with the comment, " the Indian Wells Cab is great with a Slab," and I think I like the 2016 vintage just a touch better!  We also enjoyed this one with a two inch Slab of New York Strip, grilled a perfect medium rare, and once again. I was a Happy Camper!

This is a rich, jammy wine, with a nose as big as the great outdoors, and a flavor spectrum which begs for another sip!  The predominate flavors are dark cherry and currant, with a little plum and spice in the background.  The finish is clean and lasting with just a touch of oak.  The alcohol content is 14.5% and Norm's score is 91. 

This Cab, while great with a Slab, is also a good candidate for veal or venison as well.  It is also a good value at under twenty dollars per bottle.

score: 91

price: $15 - $19

Norm

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normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

Pine Island Eagle.com

Cumming Home.com

Dawson Times.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody,Ga Patch

Wine - God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2017 Edna Valley Central Coast Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley 

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2017 Edna Valley Central Coast Chardonnay

#14-2020

The Chardonnay wines from Edna Valley Vineyards have been quality and value leaders for many years, and this 2017 Central Coast entry is no exception.

The nose is fresh, and as pleasing as a basket full of ripe apples and pears.  The flavor strongly suggests apples and pears, with a touch of stonefruit in the background.  There is a rich and creamy mouthfeel, leading into a crisp finish which sails off into the night.  The alcohol content is 13.7% and Norm's score is 89. 

I read another's review stating that this Chardonnay was a good pair for Chicken Pot Pie, so the Chardonnay Queen prepared a homemade Chicken Pot Pie from scratch, and we found the Edna Valley Chardonnay to be excellent alongside!

score: 89

price: $11 - $15

Norm

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normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

Pine Island Eagle.com

Cumming Home.com

Dawson Times.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody,Ga Patch

Wine - God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2018 Bonterra Organic California Sauvignon Blanc

Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley 

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2018 Bonterra Organic California Sauvignon Blanc

#13-2020

The Chardonnay Queen really liked this organically grown Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc.  It is an excellent example of a California style Sauvignon Blanc.

The Bonterra has a bright nose with aromas of melon and citrus inviting you in for a taste.  The flavors are bountiful, with melon and tropical fruit mixed in with citrus and a little grassiness.  The finish is crisp and refreshing and begs for another sip!  The alcohol content is 13.3% and Norm's score is 91. 

This was a great choice for our Shrimp and Artichoke Casserole, served with steamed Jasmine Rice and a fresh garden salad.

score: 91

price: $11 - $15

Norm

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normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

Pine Island Eagle.com

Cumming Home.com

Dawson Times.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody,Ga Patch

Wine - God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2017 Oak Farm Lodi Zinfandel

Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley 

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2017 Oak Farm Lodi Zinfandel

#12-2020

The Zinfandel wines from Lodi, California ("Oh Lord, stuck in Lodi again!") (CCR) are establishing quite a reputation for hearty red wines in the world market place.  The 2017 Oak Farm Lodi Zinfandel is an excellent example of a big, bold and juicy Zin.

The nose reeks of fresh dark berries, supporting jammy flavors of the same dark fruit.  The blackberry and black raspberry flavors are dominate, but are surrounded by suggestions of a multitude of others, such as, cherries and spice.  The finish features a good backbone of tannins, and a taste which lingers on the palate.  The alcohol content is 15% and Norm's score is 90. 

This is a great choice for Italian fare, or any grilled meat, including barbecue.  One of the best choices might be Lamb Osso Bucco.

score: 90

price: $19 - $23

Norm

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AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

Pine Island Eagle.com

Cumming Home.com

Dawson Times.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody,Ga Patch

Wine - God's Proof of His Love for Humanity

2019 Charles Krug Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley 

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

normwine@bellsouth.net

normwine@charter.net

2019 Charles Krug Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

#11-2020

The wines from Charles Krug represent a long heritage of wine making consistency, and their Sauvignon Blanc has been a good choice for many years.  This one is stainless steel fermented, and is fresh and clean, with an appealing array of flavors.

The nose is fresh and fruity, and has the scent of peaches and melon, with a little grassiness in the air.  The flavors are succulent with peach, citrus, and melon being dominate against a background of minerality.  The fruit and acidity are in harmony and the finish is crisp and clean. The alcohol content is 13.4% and Norm's score is 89. 

The Chardonnay Queen and I enjoyed this wine on a chilly night alongside a steaming bowl of Seafood Bisque, paired with a fresh hot baguette.  However, the hot weather is just around the corner, when the best paring will be with a chilled Seafood Salad, and the same hot baguette.

score: 89

price: $15 - $18

Norm

Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes

normwine.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

Pine Island Eagle.com

Cumming Home.com

Dawson Times.com

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody,Ga Patch

Wine - God's Proof of His Love for Humanity