Wow! I really got behind. 2 months to catch up on and another one due this weekend.
Norton - not a grape you hear about or see one a wine list if you live outside of Virginia. Why is that? Well, Norton is a truly American grape and is ideally suited to the soil and climates of Virginia.
On a funny note, it is the state grape of Missouri. I know, who knew Missouri made wine?! Apparently, they take it very seriously too. Next time you are in those parts, try a glass and let me know what you think.
On a funny note, it is the state grape of Missouri. I know, who knew Missouri made wine?! Apparently, they take it very seriously too. Next time you are in those parts, try a glass and let me know what you think.
We are talking about a red wine here. Medium to full body, depending on how it is handled by the wine maker. Gorgeous ruby to plum coloring and a nice nose.
If it weren't for the pricing of Virginia wines (and I live in the Commonwealth), I would keep them on hand more. Despite the fact that there are so many good Virginia wines available, their price points of over $20 keep them from being an everyday kind of wine for me.
Okay, on with the yummy-ness...
We have tasted this gem before and it did not disappoint this time. This bottle is the reason why we did a Norton tasting (see the Virginia tasting notes). This is $17.99 at Wegman's and is a lovely example of the Norton grape.
Sorry for the freaky picture. I don't know what happened. This was a really tall bottle of wine (aptly named "The Tower Series"). From Horton Vineyard, this bottle cost $14.99 at Total Wine and was okay at the start, but it faded really quickly on the palate. Disappointing, is the best description for it.
Horton Norton! The funny thing about this wine is that it is better than its counterpart. This was cheaper ($12.99) and had a bigger flavor that held up longer. I picked this up at Wegman's.
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Cooper Vineyards finished the night with their Norton Reserve 2010. It was okay. At $21.99 from Total Wine, we expected much more. I will stick with Chrysalis for all my future Norton desires as they seem to have figured out how to make it work and how to do right all the time.
Norton grape wines don't normally do well as a grocery store purchase today, ~ drink tonight wine. Better examples of this wine as Cooper, DuCard, Chrysalis, etc. only mature after five or more years. For instance, a case of Georgia 2007 Crane Creek Hellbender Norton is just now coming into its own, but will be even better two years from now. We are opening lots of 2003-2005 Missouri Nortons now and the wait has been worth it. Only two notable 'drink now' Norton wines have we enjoyed, ~ Missouri's Westphalia sulfite free Norton and Texas'Stone House 'Claros'. Hmmm, thanks for the reminder . . . . . , we've got a few 2003 Horton Norton downstairs that needs a visitation.
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