Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Stone Hill Norton

On a recent trip to Branson, I was able to taste and purchase the Branson-grown Norton from the Stone Hill wineries. It had a gentle fruit-forward taste that  evolved into a subtle dark berry flavor with a touch of smoke and a smooth, dry finish. This is a nice dry red wine that is suitable for sipping as well as pairing with red meats, smoky cheeses, and chocolate. Reasonably priced, this Norton is a nice purchase and a pleasant sipping wine.


Saturday, August 20, 2011

The Quest for a Great Norton

I love Norton wines. They have heart and complexity.  They vary greatly from one vineyard to another. Some more full-bodied; some more spicy. Some with a smooth finish; some with an uncomfortably bite on the end. Dark cherry, berry tones, fruit forward, oakiness?

Where can I find a good Norton?  I found one this weekend at Chaumette Winery in Ste. Gen. Made from a blend of 2008 and 2009 grapes, the Chaumette Norton has great body, flavor, and finish. Selling for $28.00 may seem a little pricy, but for this quality, I think it is a reasonable cost.

Where have you found a great Norton lately?