WTN: Horton Mourvèdre Orange County Virginia.

[Bob Ross]

Horton used to date its Mourvèdre, but in recent years they seem to release only NV version. The price has remained around $12.00 since 1996 when Kathrine gave me a bottle of the 1993 vintage for Christmas.

My note from a bottle in 1998:

1993 Horton Mourvèdre Orange County Virginia. Wine Warehouse. $12. Label: The warm growing season of 1993 was ideal for the sun loving Mourvèdre. The Mourvèdre produces an intensely spicy wine with blackberry flavors. We blended in Syrah for a more tannic structure and a rich, smoky character.

Good red color; good fruit aroma; intense fruit flavor with some spice a soft tannins; full mouth feel; long complex finish. 4*.

A week ago we had our last bottle of the 1993 -- it was delicious -- the Syrah notes and tannins had softened a bit but the richness and smokiness was still there. Slight browning on the edges, Still fresh and complex and interesting. 4*.

We tasted the 1993 against a NV bottle purchased last year from Wine Warehouse for $11.00. Lovely red color, medium hue, intense fruit and spice aroma and taste, soft tannins, spicy, medium mouth feel, long complex finish. Lovely wine at a very good QPR. 4*.

Regards, Bob