Normans

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Normans 1999 Chais Clarendon Cabernet Sauvignon (Adelaide Hills)

Price $30

Call it what you want—big-boned, broad-chested, varón—but this is a manly, sizeable wine, and laudable because it doesn't have some of the cloying, messy richness that big Cabs can sometimes have. Smells of black pepper, and cola or root beer. There's mixed plum fruit, lively acids and gripping tannins on the palate and the finish. Does let up with air, but still… — D.T. (12/31/2004)

points

Normans 2001 Chais Clarendon Shiraz (McLaren Vale)

Price $30

Both 2001 Chais Claredons are excellent this vintage. This Shiraz's fluffy, soft tannins make it feel approachable but it's still a substantial wine. Juciy black cherry and plum fruit wears a dusty, chalky jacket. With air, toffee notes start coming on. Finishes with bold beefy, meaty flavors. Drink now and over the next three years. — D.T. (12/31/2004)

points

Normans 2002 Chais Clarendon Cabernet Sauvignon

Price $30

This is one good Cabernet with all its pieces in place: fruit-sweet and nutty on the nose, with a juicy blackberry and black cherry core and a gravelly, minerally texture. It’s not as mouthfilling and plush as it has been in recent vintages, but it’s still an enjoyable wine. Imported by Xanadu Normans Wine Group. — D.T. (10/1/2005)

points

Normans 2002 Old Vine Grenache (McLaren Vale)

Price $15

Vanilla and pepper aromas lead to sexy, vanilla and black cherry flavors on the palate and finish. A very good effort and an enjoyable wine, though a little heavy on the vanilla. — D.T. (3/1/2005)

points

Normans 2002 Old Vine Shiraz

Price $15

Starts off beautifully, with earthy-meaty aromas and vibrant, juicy fruit on palate entry. Midway through, someone drops a barrel on your tongue, which holds on until the last swallow. Very pretty at first; maybe next vintage won't be quite as woody. — D.T. (3/1/2005)

points

Normans 2001 Encounter Bay Shiraz

Best Buy

Price $10

A sweeter, more forward style of Shiraz, with jammy berry and peanut aromas, and ripe plum and cherries on the palate. Soft on the palate; finishes with a light grip of tannins. — D.T. (3/1/2005)

points

Normans 2003 Encounter Bay Chardonnay (South Eastern Australia)

Best Buy

Price $10

A straight-shooting, easy-quaffing Chard. Offers yellow stone fruit and mustard seed aromas and flavors, with moderate oak on the palate. Medium-bodied; a good, please-everyone choice for large groups. — D.T. (3/1/2005)

points

Normans 2001 Encounter Bay Cabernet Sauvignon

Best Buy

Price $10

There's a sweet, candied whiff on the nose, plus a nice gumtree accent. In the mouth, earth and black cherry get a dusting of a Sweet Tart confection, which rides through the finish. — D.T. (3/1/2005)

Most Reviewed Designations

Chais Clarendon Encounter Bay Old Vine

Most Reviewed Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Grenache Shiraz

2009 Mira Hyde Vineyard

The esteemed Hyde Vineyard is in Carneros, and is the source for some…

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