2026 Special "Go To List"

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2026 Special "Go To List"

Uno September - 2026

This "Go to List" is wines which have been consistently good over the years regardless of vintage or price, and will provide a good choice for any occasion.

La Crema Russian River Pinot Noir

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel

Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc

Fritz Zimmer Piesporter Goldtrofpchen Riesling Spatlese

Ruffino Riserva Ducale (Gold Label)

Root 1 Carmenere

B Side Cabernet Sauvignon

Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvigon

Coppola Diamond Collection Claret

Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Hills Sauvignon Blanc

Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc

Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec

Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Fume Blanc

Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay

 J. Lohr Riverstone Arroyo Seco Chardonnay

Acrobat Pinot Gris

R. Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Louis Jadot Macon-Villages

Trimbach Gewurtztraminer

Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Best Choices regardless of Vintage or Price!

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

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

The Pine Island Eagle

ALSO AVAILABLE at: AOL Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

A I Description of Norm's Tasting Notes

AI Describes Norm's Tasting Notes

September 1, 2026

AI Overview

Norm's Tasting Notes is a wine review column authored by Norm Bentley, who has been sharing insights on various wines for over a decade. The column features detailed tasting notes, recommendations, and personal experiences related to wine tasting and pairings.

Overview of Norm's Tasting Notes

Norm's Tasting Notes provides valuable insights into wine tasting.

• Experience — Norm Bentley has reviewed over 700 wines in his column, showcasing a wide range of styles and regions.

• Focus — The column often highlights specific wines suitable for various occasions, such as holiday celebrations.

• Pairing Suggestions — Norm frequently suggests food pairings, enhancing the wine tasting experience��4】.

• Personal Touch — The reviews include personal anecdotes and reflections, making them relatable to read

Norm’s Tasting Notes is a popular wine and food column written by Norm Bentley, also known as the North Georgia Wine Advisor. He provides approachable, conversational wine reviews, often pairing them with delicious everyday recipes and home-cooked meals. 

www.pineisland-eagle.com +3

His reviews span a wide variety of varietals, regions, and price points. You can find his published articles on local publications and social media: 

• Dunwoody Patch: Read his latest local columns, including reviews on bold Cabernets and seasonal pairings.

• Pine Island Eagle: Discover his most recent long-form wine and food features.

• Norm's Tasting Notes Facebook: Follow his page for direct access to his advice on food and wine.

• Norm Bentley X / Twitter: Check out his quick updates on bottle finds. 

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Are you looking for a specific wine recommendation, or would you like to find a pairing for a particular meal you are cooking tonight?

2024 J Lohr Riverstone Arroyo Seco Chardonnay (Monterey)

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2024 J Lohr Riverstone Arroyo Seco Chardonnay (Monterey)

Dos August - 2026

Last night the "Chardonnay Queen" prepared a Seafood Feast that could have been featured on the "Queen Elizabeth" for first class passengers!  On board for the cruise were Shrimp Cocktails, Matlacha's Best Crabcakes. Fried Flounder, and an Avocado-Tomato Salad.  An appropriate wine for such a feast was the 2024 J Lohr Riverstone Arroyo Seco Chardonnay from Monterey.  Even the Ship's Captain was impressed!

This is a lush and fragrant Chardonnay, with a slight buttery texture and a solid finishing presence.  The flavors are Golden Delicious Apple, Myer Lemon, Bartlett Pear, and a bit of Apricot.  The alcohol content is 13.9%. and Norm's score is 92.

Th1s is definitely a "Food-Friendly" wine, and pairs well with seafood, fowl, and a variety of full-meal salads.

score: 92

price : $12 - $17

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

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:

Pine Island Eagle

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

Norm's Tasting Notes "The Story"

  Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

Norm's Tasting Notes is posted here on a bi-monthly basis, and usually is available every other Friday.

I have been reviewing wine online for nearly twenty years, and before that I was a retail wine merchant, and on numerous occasions I judged wines at International Wine Festivals, and hosted private wine tastings as well.

My motto is :The best wine is the one you like!

Also; "I taste bad wines so that you don't have to"

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

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: The Pine Island Eagle

Pine Island Eagle

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

2023 Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Sonoma Chardonnay

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2023 Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Sonoma Chardonnay

Uno August - 2026

The "Chardonnay Queen's" favorite purveyor of Chardonnay has always been Rodney Strong, so of course she was pleased with the 2023 Chalk Hill, as was I!  We indulged ourselves with a pairing of this one with Grilled Salmon and Ravioli stuffed with Spinach and Asiago, along with Garlic Alfredo sauce and warm French bread.  Oh La La!

This bright, crisp Chardonnay tastes the way Chardonnay is supposed to, with flavors of apple and pear, and a light kiss of lemon.  The finish is smooth and clean, and begs for another sip!  The alcohol content is 13.5%. and Norm's score is 91.

Th1s is a perfect white wine for summer fare, ranging from salad, to salmon, to shellfish, or even your favorite version of "Yard Bird".

score: 91

price : $15- $20

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

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: The Pine Island Eagle

Pine Island Eagle

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity

2023 Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret

 Norm's Tasting Notes

by Norm Bentley

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2023 Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret

Dos July - 2026

There is nothing like a medium rare fillet and good bottle of red wine to make your Saturday night dinner a feast and a party all in one.  The Coppola Claret is not a Cab, but it is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, and that's enough for me to say, "There's nothing like a Slab and a Cab!".  We have been to this Rodeo before!

The nose is inviting with a burst of Cherries and Berries to call the senses to attention!  The flavors feature Cherry, Plum, and a hint of blueberry, which lead to a mellow, lingering finish.  The alcohol content is 14.5% and Norm's score is 91.

For a rare treat, pair this one up with a thick slice of rare Prime Rib.

score: 91

price : $16 - $21

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

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: The Pine Island Eagle

Pine Island Eagle

ALSO AVAILABLE at: Dunwoody Patch

Dunwoody, GA Patch

Wine - God's Proof of his Love for Humanity