Norm's Tasting Notes: March 2026

Friday, March 13, 2026

2021 Beaulieu Vineyards Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2021 Beaulieu Vineyards Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Uno March - 2026

My love affair with California Cabs began at an early age, when I joined my first wine club (Les Amis du Vin), at the age of twenty. One of the first wines I purchased through the wine club, was one of the best Cabernets ever; the 1965 Beaulieu Vineyards George d Latour Cabernet Sauvignon. I still love BV Cabs, so I jumped at the opportunity to sample a 2021 BV Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. The Love Affair Rages on!

This is a Big. Bold, Beautiful Napa Cab! It has big fruit, and big taste in a complex and extremely satisfying example of what Cabs are supposed to be. The flavors are Black Cherry, Black Currant, and Ripe Plum. The finish is smooth and lingering, with sophisticated tannins requesting another sip! The alcohol content is 14.5%. and Norm's score is 95.

We feasted on steak kabobs with peppers and onions and, a fresh avocado and tomato salad, but the Star of the show was the BV Napa Cab!

Professional Ratings
94 - James Suckling
92 - Wine Enthusiast
91 - Wine Spectator
90 - Jeff Dunnuck

(and of course, Norm)

score: 95

price : $30 - $40

Now, that's just the way I see it, and you can tell them I said so!

Here's looking at you Kid!

Norm

normwine@bellsouth.net

Facebook/Norm's Tasting Notes

normwine.blogspot.com

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Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

Monday, March 2, 2026

2022 Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2022 Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay

Uno February - 2026

As many of you know, Rodney Strong is the favorite vineyard of the Chardonnay Queen, and over the years we have sampled many bottles of wine from this renowned winery. Below are a couple of professional reviews of one of our favorite Chardonnays from Rodney Strong, and after that is a review I wrote ten years ago. Some things don't change!

2022 Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay

Wine Enthusiast 91

The nose of this Chardonnay displays aromas of macerated apple, nectarine and cinnamon, with flavors of pithy lemon, barrel spice, white flowers and biscuit emerging on the richly textured but energetic palate. Drink now with crab cakes or grilled prawns.

Wine Spectator 90

Wine Spectator: 90 Points - Well-spiced, featuring concentrated lemon curd, apple tart and glazed pear flavors. Custardy midpalate, with a finish that lingers with minerally and buttery overtones.

2013 Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay
#nb-33-15
This is a classic Chardonnay for an everyday price. The bouquet reminds one of a basket of apples fresh from the orchard, accompanied by a spray of wildflowers. The flavors are abundant with apple being the most assertive, with a touch of tropical fruit, graced by a hint of citrus in the background. This is a well rounded Chardonnay which has the mineral backdrop characteristic of the chalky soil, and has a creamy mouth-feel leading into a crisp, but lingering finish. The alcohol content is 14%.
Adding the Rodney Strong Chalk Hill to a plate of Shrimp Scampi and fresh asparagus was delightful. This Chardonnay tastes like Chardonnay, which is not as common as it once was, and means that it would pair well with anything you enjoy with Chardonnay. Norm’s score is 93.
Norm