Ten-Year Norton Vertical Wine Tasting. Here is the Inside Scoop.

Wine Appraiser

I had never done a ten-year vertical wine-tasting and didn’t know what to expect. A vertical tasting is done with the same wine variety from the same winery and maybe even from the same vineyards, but for different years.

However, if you get the chance, take it. I was very impressed. You can taste how the wine changes over time, and with information regarding the growing conditions for each year, you can also taste how the weather affects the wine.

Stone Hill Winery in Hermann, Missouri, is one of the best in the state. Norton is the Missouri State Grape. Norton is also called Cynthiana which is the State Grape in Arkansas.

Because of its acid and tannins, Norton wine can age well. It is known for its flavors of plum, tart cherries, blackberries, and earthiness and spice.

Tonight, we talk about the Ten-Year Norton Vertical Wine Tasting that we did at Stone Hill Winery.

Next week we are hunting for a great Trader Joe’s wine. We will try to describe the three wines we taste and help you decide which wine you need to try next. We will be tasting:

1. 2023 Emma Reichart Dry Riesling, purchased for $5.99. Aromas of apricot and grapefruit. It is crisp and dry with notes of mineral, almonds, and herbs. This wine comes from Germany. 11.5% alcohol.
2. 2022 Roustabout Meritage from Paso Robles. Trader Joe’s had this wine for $7.99. Meritage is a Bordeaux Red Blend made up of 44% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, and 2% Cabernet Franc. The bottle says silky tannins. Notes of black cherries, blueberries, and cigar box. Some hints of dark chocolate and expresso. 13.6% alcohol.
3. 2022 Epicuro Nero D’Avola from Sicilia DOC. Purchased for $5.99. Aromas of blackberry, black currant, forest floor, and pepper. RWS gives it a 7.0 rating and recommends BUY.