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.

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?

Sugar Creek is a Sweet Experience

Ken and Becky Miller are kind and thoughtful people.  Becky's son Chris Lorch is their vintner.  A person need only to get Chris into a discussion of his vines and wines to get a taste of his passion for wine-making.  His dedication translates to quality in Sugar Creek wines. 


Sugar Creek, located on Hwy 94 in Defiance, MO, has a red blend named after their grandfather. In 1912 Michael Belmoynte from Italy inspired the tradition of wine-making. Michael's Signature Red is a medium bodied dry red that has fruit forward berry tones to a touch of smoke and a slight spiciness, ending with a flavorful finish.

If you head out toward Augusta, make time for a visit to Sugar Creek.  Offering both good wines and a nice view, you will not be able to resist lingering on the patio with a bottle of Cynthiana and enjoying the live music and the Miller's hospitality.

Recently I went to a wonderful wedding in Carrollton, Illinois. At the reception, I was able to try a red wine blend called Dawg House Red from Alto Pass Winery. It was listed as a semi-dry and exhibited nice plum flavors with a touch of tobacco.  The finish was smooth and dry.

When I contacted the winery, I received a quick, friendly email reply.  I learned they had been producing Dawg House Red for a little over 3 years. The vintage I tried was a "blend of Chambourcin and Croix Noir grapes from Southern Illinois." However, they are currently working on a new vintage that will include several varieties of grapes including Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

This is a nice red wine from Southern Illinois.