Horton Vineyards

The Tower Series Orange County Cabernet Franc

8.78 ratings
-no pro ratings
Orange County, Central Region, Virginia, USA
Cabernet Franc
Exotic Spices, Baking Spices, Hard Cheese, Blue Cheese, Chili & Hot Spicy, Pungent Cheese, Potato, White Rice, Herbs, Tomato-Based, Pasta, Mushrooms, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Salami & Prosciutto, Beef, Soft Cheese, Chicken, Lamb, Turkey, Pork, Duck, Venison
Top Notes For
Pat Carroll

Salty, meaty, medium bodied, pretty fun

Salty, meaty, medium bodied, pretty fun

Jul 29th, 2018
Matthee Curtis

Very drinkable. No structure at all. Was basically juice the second night withNO mouthfeel.

Very drinkable. No structure at all. Was basically juice the second night withNO mouthfeel.

Sep 10th, 2016
Zachary Price

This bottle is a long way from home, having been picked up at the local Total Wine. Horton vineyards, established in 1988, specializes in Bordeaux and Rhône varietals but is still experimenting on novel vines that may suit the VA climate. The vineyard is located either in or near the Monticello AVA with the most notable grapes grown being Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Viognier. Wine was first grown in this area back in the 1770s, but the AVA didn't become official until 1984. The AVA is a granite-based clay soil situated in the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge mountains with humid Summer's that test the patience and skill of winemakers. Paired this with a late summer soba noodle stir-fry. ~$14 | #hortonvineyard #cabernetfranc #virginawine

On the eyes: Medium clarity, deep ruby-red, med stain, med legs, no gas, floc present.

On the nose: Blackberry briar, sandalwood, a bit of pepper, med alcohol.

On the tongue: med tannin, med+acid, med alcohol, med body, a bit sharp on the tongue. Juicy fruit upfront, blackberry, currants, cedar, and nutmeg. A bit of oak on the end but the acid is a bit high preventing a smoother finish.

This bottle is a long way from home, having been picked up at the local Total Wine. Horton vineyards, established in 1988, specializes in Bordeaux and Rhône varietals but is still experimenting on novel vines that may suit the VA climate. The vineyard is located either in or near the Monticello AVA with the most notable grapes grown being Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Viognier. Wine was first grown in this area back in the 1770s, but the AVA didn't become official until 1984. The AVA is a granite-based clay soil situated in the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge mountains with humid Summer's that test the patience and skill of winemakers. Paired this with a late summer soba noodle stir-fry. ~$14 | #hortonvineyard #cabernetfranc #virginawine

On the eyes: Medium clarity, deep ruby-red, med stain, med legs, no gas, floc present.

On the nose: Blackberry briar, sandalwood, a bit of pepper, med alcohol.

On the tongue: med tannin, med+acid, med alcohol, med body, a bit sharp on the tongue. Juicy fruit upfront, blackberry, currants, cedar, and nutmeg. A bit of oak on the end but the acid is a bit high preventing a smoother finish.

Sep 10th, 2016
Garrett Parker

Very smoky and a bit spicy but a nice cab franc.

Very smoky and a bit spicy but a nice cab franc.

May 22nd, 2016
MaJ CappS

Barnyard, funk, forest floor. A good Cab Franc expression. This varietal is known to do well in VA, and these folks do it well, at a very reasonable price. The wine opens up to a bit of deep thick fruit, Slightly cloying at the end. More acid than oak. Still enjoyable.

Barnyard, funk, forest floor. A good Cab Franc expression. This varietal is known to do well in VA, and these folks do it well, at a very reasonable price. The wine opens up to a bit of deep thick fruit, Slightly cloying at the end. More acid than oak. Still enjoyable.

Feb 29th, 2016
Patricia Brauer

Nice, smooth. Good price for a decent cab franc.

Nice, smooth. Good price for a decent cab franc.

Oct 14th, 2015
John O'Neill

A little sharp at first, but once it opened it was great with a real nice pepper/spice note. Paired great with steak and a cigar.

A little sharp at first, but once it opened it was great with a real nice pepper/spice note. Paired great with steak and a cigar.

Jul 6th, 2015
Michael Amoruso

Medium body. Spicy smokey cherry. Good finish.

Medium body. Spicy smokey cherry. Good finish.

May 27th, 2015