| "We’ve created Equus to
showcase Rhone varietals grown primarily in the Paso Robles area
of California's central coast," says Wildhorse winemaker and
founder Ken Volk. “The Central Coast in general (San Luis Obispo
County in particular) has been the quantitative and qualitative
leader in the Rhone inspired wine movement in California.”
Equus, Viognier, Central Coast, 2000
Price $18.99
Rating 90
The nose has aromas of strong herbs. This is a more masculine
style. There is a hint of dried peach, but not as much peach floral
as in other Californian viogniers. Additional flavors of lemon
and delicate tropical fruit bring this white wine to a complex
conclusion. There are some hotter flavors from the wine's higher
14.5% alcohol level.
"We pick at higher grape sugar levels to capture more aromatics
in the wine, thus the higher alcohol level," explains Volk.
Viognier (vee-OHN-yea) is prized for its alluring aromatics and
hedonistic flavors. The Equus Viognier is a beautiful expression
of this Northern Rhône grape variety.
Equus, Rousanne, Paso Robles, 1999
Price $18.99
Rating 90
"There is a fair amount of flinty minerality in both the
roussanne and the viognier that we make," says Volk. A sip
reveals delicate flavors of mango, other melon, lemon, fig, and
a piquant bit of radish in the finish. This lean, well structured
white wine could meld beautifully with roasted poultry, influenced
by fresh herbs.
Rousanne is described by Jancis Robinson, editor of The Oxford
Companion to Wine, as the "nerviest, most elegant white Rhone
grape." The Equus Roussanne is a fine example. This big,
white wine has clear aromas of nectarine, guava and acacia with
full flavors of peach, honey and fig and a long, persistent, mineral
finish. This is perfect match to shellfish or pasta.
Equus, Mourvedre, Paso Robles 1998
Price $18.99
Rating 90
Imagine aromas and flavors of freshly tilled earth, mulberry and
plum. This red is unique. The grape Mourvedre is the principal
component in Bandol red and rose wines of the Provence region
and a key component in Chateauneuf-du-Pape blends of the Southern
Rhone. “While the variety is sometimes described as having
a gamy-like or meaty flavor, the Equus Mourvedre accentuates the
earthiness and fruit, giving flavors of tart cherry, plum and
mulberry," observes Volk. “True to its varietal profile,
Mourvedre's structure allows it to play well as a companion to
wild game and smoked foods. We recommend roast duck.”
Equus Syrah, Paso Robles 1997
Price $18.99
Rating 91
A sip reveals red cherry, toasted nuts, raspberry, black pepper
and sweet tobacco. “Full bodied and robust, our syrah offers
up intense aromas and flavors which are constantly developing
in the glass. At first, notes of cherry and blueberry fruits,
then white pepper and smoked meat character,” suggests Volk.
“This is a beautifully complex wine.”
Wild Horse, Pinot Noir, Central Coast 1999
Price $19.99
Rating 92
"This offers a hedonistic value," says Volk, “as
pinot noir, that is good pinot noir, tends to be costly. Pinot
noir is all about aromatics, texture and spice. Ours has vibrant
aromas and flavors of cherry, pomegranate, cola, and Oriental
spices, our Pinot Noirs are consistently praised for their complexity
and good value. They are, without a doubt, the most food-friendly
red wines we produce.”
There are flavors of bright cherry, intriguing spice, a hint
of leather, a drop of bright orange/citrus, closing out with a
nifty raspberry. This red is bright, beautiful and flavorful.
Wild Horse was named for the wild mustangs that roam east of their
estate. These horses are descendants of the first Spanish horses
introduced to California. For more information on all of
these wines, visit www.wildhorsewinery.com.
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