This light and easy drinking Italian bubbly hits the spot
quite well. It
presents appealing floral aromas on the initial pour, inviting a relaxed
experience. Notes of fresh
grapefruit and some apples come out as you gaze at those fine bubbles. There is
also just a hint of rose petals to add
to the tasting experience. A fine Spumante to enjoy for sure. Cin Cin!
Sourced from the
Texas High Plains AVA, this Rhone-style blend expresses primarily
Viognier and displays a stunning deep golden hue after six years. The wine’s
expressive floral character is immediately apparent, with notes of flowers and
honeysuckle mingling back and forth with additions of peach, and some apricot.
These elements come together to create an excellent white wine that reflects
very well the meaning of the label. Cheers!
The Chaparral Red of 2020 from Peters Prairie Vineyard in
Mason County, Texas, showcases the lush locally sourced fruit of the Texas Hill
Country AVA. This approachable red blend—featuring Malbec and Barbera—offers a
touch of sweetness with a fruit forward profile, making it a perfect choice for
warm-weather sipping. Best served chilled, its vibrant notes and gentle
sweetness reflect the perfect pairing for Hill Country summers. Cheers!
If you’re looking
for some well-crafted small batch Sonoma wines, look no further than this local
boutique family winery in Dripping Springs. Owner and winemaker, Tom Parmeson’s,
journey to this second part of his career may have been different, but passion
and hard work have paid off. Tom was a techie in the software development
industry when he had one of those epiphany things happen on trips to California
wineries in the 2000s. Like a great piece of software code that just pops into
your head in the middle of the night, that sparked a new motivation in Tom for
what he wanted to do with the next chapter of his life. After moving to
California and learning the trade, as well as obtaining a UC Davis degree, a
new adventure was launched in making wines in 2013. Eventually, he moved back
to Texas and opened his own winery in 2019. The tasting room building is
adjacent to a long-time stone sculpture garden. Inside the building, it is
quite quaint and cozy. Staff are more than happy to help guide you through your
wine tasting. The wine tasting building is also loaded with relics and the
history of Texas, as well, including some granite from the State Capitol. There
is ample space inside in a separate room to sit and enjoy your wines with a
view of the nearby stone sculptures as well as space outside to sit and enjoy
the scenic and quiet setting.
Tom emphasizes cultivating high-quality grapes and employs hands-off (aka don’t mess with the
grapes) approach to winemaking. The
current tasting menu predominantly features selections from Alexander Valley
and Russian River Valley. Tasting flights are available for both white and red
wines, making it an ideal opportunity for guests to sample a comprehensive
range. During the visit, the first to taste
was the 2022 Sparkling Albariño which was an ideal way to ease into the mood.
Notes of citrus and pear predominated along with a delightful refreshing feeling.
This was followed by the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, which was quite aromatic with a
bouquet of key lime and grapefruit with good acids complimented by a crisp
finish. The subsequent white, the
2023 Albariño, presented robust aromas of grapefruit complemented by hints of
apple and lime. The final white wine, the 2022 Chardonnay, offered a
lighter profile compared to typical Chardonnays.
It expressed itself as easy drinking with zesty apples and peaches hitting the
senses in all the right places. Transitioning
to red wines, the 2022 Pinot Noir showcased the varietal’s hallmark qualities,
featuring abundant currant, a touch of vanilla, and balanced acidity with a
refined finish. The next red
was the 2022 Syrah. It was quite dry with a profile of cedar and berries and medium
acidity. That was followed by the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon. It had a very opaque
hue and lots of bright cherries on the palate. The wine had good structure and
a bit of pepper at the finish. Wrapping up the tasting experience was the 2018 Zinfandel (produced from old vines) and featured an
opaque hue with depth, herbaceous undertones, plum notes, and robust acidity
and tannins.
This winery is a
great addition to the Dripping Springs area with plenty of outdoor seating
under the oak trees. There is much to just soak up and enjoy at this spot with
a great glass of handmade wine and good company. When you follow your dreams,
great things are possible. Voila!
If you are ready
for one sensational Sangiovese, this
bottle presents an excellent choice.
Harvested from the Texas High Plains AVA, this wine offers some vibrant bright
aromas of red fruit complimented by notes of berries with a touch of spice. Sip
and swirl and yes, there is a bit of vanilla that is perceptible, as well. It has some decent minerality to it along
with medium tannins and a notch above light acidity. Let’s just call this
classic varietal medium bodied and savor all day. Salute!
Clocking in at 14.8 abv, this vintage is a blend of 39%
Malbec, 36% Petite Sirah, 20% Tempranillo, and 5% Petit Verdot. Pouring a deep,
inky red hue, this wine invites you to enjoy that initial sip with aromatic
notes of plums, blackberry, and a hint of spice. On the palate, the rich
flavors of dark fruits are complimented with subtle oak and well-defined
tannins. This member’s favorite
blend stands out as an excellent example of the wineries’ ability to craft
outstanding and creative red blends. Cheers!
Behold the Dão
wine region of Portugal. Probably best to just pour a glass, turn on the music
and just shut up. But if you must know,
here are some highlights. This vintage
is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Jaen, Tinto Pinheira, and Alfrocheiro. Yes, all
great Portuguese grapes. The
wine presents a bouquet featuring spicy notes, complemented by dark cherry,
plum, and fig. Sip, swirl, and
savor every moment of this wine as you uncover some leather and a hint of balsamic.
The wine comes across medium bodied, but after one bottle, you’re still listening
to the music and trying to find where you stashed the other bottle. Saúde!
What a fantastic
bottle of estate Mourvèdre to savor all day! This Annie’s block wine from the
Hye Estate sits in at 14.6 abv and really rocks on that impressive mouthful and
balance. Notes of black currant and spice reign supreme on this bad baby along
with compliments of cocoa and berries. It serves as compelling evidence of the quality wines
produced in Texas Hill Country AVA.
Cheers!
Wow, oh wow! The Super Texan brand from Flat Creek has always been a serious go-to Italian style Sangiovese blend to have on hand. Most of the grapes for this vintage were sourced from the Texas Hill Country AVA. This mix of 75% Sangiovese, 16% Montepulciano, 6% Petite Sirah, and 3% Primitivo patiently sat three years in the barrel before being bottled. The result is a very well balanced, favorable, and satisfying wine to thoroughly enjoy. It exhibits a deep ruby red hue with a bouquet of raspberries and cherries to greet you. Sip and savor and some notes of pepper and mesquite will help add to the satisfying sipping session. It still maintains a vibrant fruit sensation even after eight years. Let’s call this one medium bodied with a plus on the acids and just a notch below medium for the tannins. Enjoy this jewel well. Cin Cin!
Behold, the queen
of Provence style Texas Rosé
wine! What one word could describe it….masterpiece, magnificent, superb, second
to none (ok three words there)? Pick
your own or make up one, but this Rosé has it all. Sourced from Desert Willow
Vineyards of the Texas High Plains AVA, those floral sensations plus that dry
and refreshing “ah” moment will captivate you for life. It has that classic pale
salmon hue for visual effects followed by luscious floral and palate pleasers
that you would expect from a Provence Rosé. You’ve got
strawberries, raspberries and a bit of pepper to round things out, too. Plus,
those acids are just spot on,…no….perfect! It also has that thirst quenching
feeling that is oh-so soothing so that nothing will wipe that wine smile off
your face. Enjoy this one well. Santé!
Perissos has demonstrated expertise with Aglianico, which
has become a hallmark varietal produced from their Texas Hill Country AVA
estate. The 2020 vintage underwent extended malolactic fermentation and
aging right in the barrel. What might one get from this? A rich and intense
luscious wine that is worth savoring all day. Those black cherries and
cranberries play off each other quite well in adding harmonious fruit flavors.
The tannins are on the plus side of medium and the acidity has a vibrant kick
to it. Let’s just say having extra bottles for repeat enjoyment is a must for
this vintage jewel. What a treat. Delicious!
A single sip of this distinguished wine demonstrates the
appeal of the 'Rosé all day' mantra. The Hensell label has always been
rock solid on delivering excellent Provence style wines and 2022 upholds that reputation. Harvested from the Texas High Plains AVA,
this vintage comprises a blend of 51% Cinsault, 39% Sangiovese and 10% Grenache.
You will notice the enticing salmon hue on the initial pour plus those ever so
vibrant citrus and zesty aromas that greet you. This is followed by some
strawberries and melons to help round out that first sipping experience. On
subsequent sip and savor repeats, you might discern subtle
hints of cherry as well. It is a well-crafted Rosé that is hard to beat.
Santé!
Ah…wine from the Colli Piacentini wine region of
Italy can be quite remarkable. This Sauvignon
Blanc is certainly no exception. It displays
a straw-yellow hue and exhibits very pronounced tropical aromatics - what a
delightful nose on this one. Notable tasting notes include lots of lemon, along
with passion fruit, and mango. Your palate can certainly feel those
concentrated flavors complemented by some good minerality for balance. The wine
is clean and bright, with refined structure and clarity. Cin Cin!
Peter’s
Prairie is already well known for producing some incredible Mason County red
wines, including Syrah. Their Rosé selections
maintain this standard of excellence. Add sparkling wine to the mix and
you have icing on the cake. As more wineries are expanding their menus to
include a sparkling option on their menus, excitement builds when they are so
delightful to sip and enjoy. Sourced from the Hill Country estate, this sparkling Rosé features a salmon hue, fine bubbles,
and is simply refreshing on the palate. There is a satisfying crisp
mouthfeel combined with a fruity and lively sensation that those beautiful
bubbles provide. It is a great one to have for those Texas dog days of summer.
If you have yet to sample this one, then head over to their comfortable tasting
room and give it a try! Cheers!
This
extra special wine label offers a refined experience
suitable for extended enjoyment. Its
name is derived from a combination of the owner’s wife and husband names,
reflecting a personal touch behind this Zinfandel/Cabernet Sauvignon blend.
Sourced from the Texas High Plains
AVA, this wine features a robust 14.5% ABV and presents a moderate ruby color on
that first pour in the glass and an every so pleasant fruit forward sensation. Aromas
of raspberries and some cherries are alive and well, while subsequent sip and
swirl sessions reveal some current. It is a crafty wine to enjoy that
has a well balanced finish along with just the right amount of tannins. Enjoy!
Behold…a
Texas cabernet that went through many different ways to get to the glass.
Primarily sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA for the Cab, there is also 20%
Petite Sirah mixed in from the Texas Hill Country AVA. With both Flash Détente
and cryo maceration processing methods used for the fruit (along with regular
fermentation), you have what is surprisingly a notably well crafted wine. You
will definitely pick up some blackberries and cherries from your wine senses,
along with some vanilla. The color looks great along with balanced
acidity. It is a great palate pleaser
for sure. Cheers!
Comparing the approaches and profiles of different
wineries’ craftmanship of Rhone-style blends is always a fun task. This
wine from the well-known Miner family is a blend of 57% Marsanne, 38%
Roussanne, and 5% Viognier. Primarily sourced from the Napa Valley AVA, this
white wine is solid after six years and what a special treat to enjoy now as it
is drinking quite well. It just shows a little “deepening” of the color with good
floral aromas. Notes of apricots and pears are still pronounced with a bit of nuttiness
to round out the palate. You might feel some earthy undertones, as well, but
one thing for certain is the bright acidity still shines through. The finish is also still quite spectacular!
Everything in this wine will put you in that nice Mediterranean relaxing mood. A
gem of a white Rhone-style blend that is worth savoring. Cheers!
Ah…behold,
wine made with grapes from Granite Hill Vineyards! Though this once highly
sought after fruit of Bell Mountain AVA is no more, it is still a special treat
to taste some of that greatness in a glass. This vintage,
crafted by William Chris, maintains the high standards of the grapes associated
with their origin. It is holding up quite well after seven years with robust
flavors and aromas. The wine displays a subtle cherry hue on
the initial pour, accompanied by nuanced notes of plum and blueberry.
Sip and swirl and relish every harmonious note on the palate and bouquet to the
fullest. The wine is well rounded, full of flavor, and will hook you with that
fine smooth finish. It is an exceptional and well-crafted masterpiece. If you
have any lingering in your cellar, enjoy this one. Cheers!
Call
it Albariño if you’d like, but this bold white wine is full of satisfaction.
Harvested from the Texas High Plains AVA, it exhibits a darker pale straw color
on the first pour along with some nice floral sensations. Sip, taste, repeat
and be mesmerized by the notes of apples and lemons of this lovely beast, along
with some great minerality going for it. One might say this crafted wine pays
great honor to one of Portugal’s finest grapes. Saúde!
Displaying a deep golden hue, this High Plains sourced
Roussanne (Bingham Family Vineyards) draws you in with hints of tropical fruit
and a subtle touch of pineapple. This baby was also the product of being on the
lees for 14 months! Rich and
full-bodied, it offers a well-balanced profile with an excellent, lingering
finish. The layers of flavor invite you to savor each sip and relish its
impressive complexity. With plenty of aging potential, there is truly much to
explore with this wine over time for a memorable tasting experience. Santé!
This French-style Rosé, crafted from Texas-grown grapes, holds
nothing back. Exhibiting a delicate pink hue upon
pouring, your aromatic senses will be immediately enveloped with notes
of citrus and peaches. Relish that bright acidity on the initial taste
complimented by some cherry sensations. The wine comes across as very well
balanced, well rounded, and quite refreshing. This is definitely one of the
finest Rosé wines made since the new owners took over. Santé!
This Italian varietal blend, sourced from the Texas High
Plains AVA, delights the senses with its refined structure and flavors. It
presents an inviting bouquet and promising character on the palate with notes
of cherries and raspberries. The tasting
experience is both vibrant and elegantly balanced even after six years of age
for this Rosé. The fruit forward aromas remain prominent, offering a truly
pleasant and memorable tasting journey. It’s a lovely bottle to still be able
to happily enjoy all these years later. Cheers!
Welcome
to some mighty fine Campy Lucy wine! This Texas Hill Country vineyard produces
some incredibly great fruit for Bending Branch. The 2019 vintage is a blend of 67%
Mourvèdre and 33% Petit Verdot and reveals some light floral notes complimented
by its light red hue. The distinct characteristics of this wine are some lovely
raspberry and blackberry notes with a little bit of cedar. This wine retains a great
lingering finish to entice you back for another sip and savor moment on repeat.
There is a whole lot more that could be said but just go try for yourself and appreciate its refined qualities. Cheers!
When
a well crafted Cabernet Franc comes knocking at your door, you cannot resist.
Sitting in at 14.7 abv, this bad boy adds an extra special twist from being
barrel fermented. Say what? Barrel fermented, you say? Say yes and just enjoy
this very drinkable Cab Franc. Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA, it is super
delicious to say the least, offers a rich,
full-bodied profile and comes across as reasonably smooth. Big surprises
can come with a crafty way of making this varietal stand out elegantly. Santé!
Invention
Vineyards – Fredericksburg, Texas
It
goes without saying that the legacy and history of this property goes way, way
back to the Guenther Mill days and a bit more. Its mark on the history of the Fredericksburg
area makes it a special site to appreciate. Before Invention Vineyards, two
other wineries were at this locale. 1851 for starters followed by Slate Mill,
each adding their own footprint and history to the rolling landscape. Much has
been updated, renovated, and expanded on the property since October of 2022
when the Heath family took over the site. For those new to the Texas wine
world, The Heath family brand also includes the long-standing Grape Creek
winery, Heath Sparkling, and now Kuhlman Cellars. This newest location is a 25000 square foot
facility with 35 acres of gorgeous looking vines. The focus for Invention is single
varietal wines as well as a modern feel to the tasting room and outside
patio. With a focus on old world grapes
for wine making, they have embraced a ‘crafted by imagination’ approach for
this brand.
Several
different white and red wines were sampled for this visit, all of which were
quite impressive. Starting off with the 2023 Mourvèdre Rosé, this wine featured
cherries and strawberries as the predominant notes for this summer sipper. For
the whites, the 2023 Viognier was tasted. Sourced from Lahey Vineyards of Texas
High plains AVA, the word is that these grapes were whole cluster fermented and
present a full bodied, clean, crisp wine with some excellent minerality. For a
take on a Bordeaux style white, try the 2023 Captivating. It is a blend of primarily Sauvignon Blanc
with some Viognier for added complexity. It shines with its yellowish hue quite
well and is equally pleasing with aromas of grapefruit and a bit of kiwi. Shifting
to the reds, was the 2021 RB. This French “right-bank” style red wine blend has
70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. It is an elegant wine that shows off those
blueberry and cherry notes quite well with just a touch of oak to pull things
together. Next, the 2022 Conflation was sampled. This inaugural Rhone style red
wine was quite nice. As primarily a 90% Mourvèdre with some Syrah blended in,
one can’t help but notice those intense fresh strawberry aromas that greet you along
with a bit of spice. It has bright acidity, and a refreshing soothing feel making
this a suitable red wine for food pairings during the warm days of Texas summer.
One of the newer wines in the lineup was the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon. This High
Plains sourced fruit is full of blackberry notes complimented by its deep
garnet color and full-bodied texture. Not to leave the other Bordeaux style bank
out, the 2022 LB was tasted as well. This “lefty” shows off its Cabernet Sauvignon
characteristics with lots of dark fruit flavors and a great balance between the
tannins and acidity, plus a soothing and long-lasting finish.
Your wine senses should be quite satisfied with everything on the tasting menu. In the future they plan to release a new 100% Mourvèdre that should be worth checking out. The enhanced interior tasting room and expanded outdoor patio seating provides guests with an open and relaxed vibe during their tasting session, plus you just can’t beat those sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards. With a nice breeze, a great view and wonderful wine in your glass, there is much to appreciate and enjoy at this location…can’t wait to stop by again. Cheers!
Nothing
like a well crafted Chenin Blanc to save the day! This lovely jewel was
harvested from Phillips Vineyards of the Texas High Plains AVA. It presents a nice
pale golden hue and reveals immediate floral notes of peach and citrus. Sip and
swirl, and you’ll be delighted with a bit of ginger, as well, for added profile.
Let’s call this white wine treat well balanced with moderate acidity. It’s a
savory one, indeed. Cheers!
This
beautifully well crafted Portuguese red wine blend is well structured and quite
stunning. Grown in the Vinho Regional Alentejano, it is a blend of 40% Alicante
Bouschet, 20% Trincadeira, 20% Touriga Nacional, and 20% Syrah. The wine's
enticing purple hue is complemented by an array of ripe fruit aromas that
contribute to its appeal. Upon that next sip and swirl sensation, you’ll also
pick up some additional sensory notes of violet, cocoa and a bit of cigar.
You’ll love the full bodied nature of this big red wine as well as its round
tannins. A savory one for sure. Saúde!
reynoldswinegrowers.com
Hard to believe, but our blog is still going after 15
years. So much has changed and evolved in the wine industry over this timeframe,
especially in Texas. Within just the last
year, the rise of Texas sparkling wine has taken off like a rocket. It is not just the number of wineries moving
into sparkling wine production, but the quality of the bubblies being made is
quite remarkable. Additionally, when we look back over the rapid changes in
weather for the growing season from 2024 to 2025 it seems like night and day.
One thing for sure is that 2025 will be a unique vintage for Texas. Just over
this decade and a half of wine writing has shown that Texas wines can age quite
well. A few 10-plus year old vintages have been pulled out of the cellar for
this past wine blogging year and have been thrilled to enjoy them. We are looking
forward to featuring 15 and maybe even a couple of 20-year-old Texas wines in
the future, so stay tuned. We continue to have fun and find it enjoyable
to be able to share with others as we sample each “Wine of the Moment.” Thank
you for joining us on this journey and making this such a wonderful way to
connect with other fellow wine fans. Cheers to another great wine year!
This
wine is one mighty and exceptionally savory Mourvèdre to have! Sourced from the
Texas High Plains AVA, it exhibits a deep garnet color on that first pour with
initial notes of plum and raspberry to greet your wine senses. Sip and swirl
and relish those extra flavors of dark cherries and some blackberry. It comes
across nice and smooth and seems to Integrate well with the oak. Take another
sip and you will pick up on a bit of spice, too. This wine could be comparable
to a full bodied Pinot Noir, so enjoy every sip to your heart’s content.
Cheers!
A
couple of extra years in the bottle have unfolded much in this wine. Harvested
from the Texas High Plains AVA, it presents pronounced floral aromas that are
immediately perceptible. Lemon and a bit of apple are the predominate notes
along with distinct minerality that are evident after the initial sip. Just
enough acids are present to add to that refreshing character feeling, as well.
It is well balanced and leaves nothing to despair. Cheers!
When
your passion for traditional style champagne methods is just itching at you,
one can’t help but seek the opportunity to pursue those dreams and make them a
reality. The Hill Country, as well as Texas, has been blessed with this unique
winery’s focus on making quality sparkling wines. This new venture by owners
Elisa and Chris Jones started with 2020 wine vintages (Merlot and Aglianico)
and about nine tons of fruit. Since then, they have acquired property near
Johnson City in 2022, and it has been full steam ahead since. The current
location sits on 43 acres with a current “tiny” tasting room opened in the
Summer of 2022. No worries, there is still plenty of room for shaded outdoor
seating under a side patio or beneath large shady trees overlooking their
tasting room entrance. Using French specialized champagne equipment, Elisa
honors the traditions of méthode champenoise in every bottle of their sparkling
wine. Although they are a boutique winery, they have set up an impressive full-scale
production for producing Texas sparkling wine.
There are plans for future expansion and a vineyard too, for estate sparkling
wines. About 12 acres are planned and you can look forward to Chardonnay being
grown there for a future bubbly to savor. The soil does need some rehab, so
they have planted some ryegrass and clovers, helping to bring that nutrient
magic back to the site.
Currently,
grapes for their sparkling and still wines are sourced from Texas Hill Country
AVA, Texas High Plains AVA, and the highly sought after vineyards near Dell
City. The winery has been under the incubator care of John Rivenburgh which has
been an added blessing for this new startup locale. Two main flights are on the list for tasting,
“Only the Reds” and “I Like It All”. No matter what flight you pick, everything
is very well balanced and super delicious. Let’s just dive right into the good
stuff for starters. Being initially treated to the 2023 Sparkling Trebbiano will
wet your appetite for what was to follow. It’s fruity, refreshing, and tingles
all the way to your toes. This was equally complimented by the 2023 bubbly
Grenache. A stunning introduction to their passion for sparkling wine proved
that their wines were spot on. Their still wines were equally well crafted. The
2023 Vermentino was a great follow up to the sparkling wines showcasing bright,
crisp, and refreshing citrus and floral honeysuckle notes. And who doesn’t like
a good Texas Mourvèdre Rosé wine? Their 2023 vintage was left on the skins
longer and is incredibly refreshing with lovely strawberry notes and good
acidity. Moving on to the reds was the 2022
Sangiovese. Aged for 18 months in a neutral oak, juicy cherries will dance across
your palate coupled with a soft touch of smoke for tease. Following the
Sangiovese was the 2022 Mourvèdre. Those plum and berry notes reigned supremely
paired with a medium acidity. Next in
the tasting lineup was their 2023 Amelia.
Oh my! This version of a Bordeaux style red wine blend was simply fabulous.
With a blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Malbec, and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, its
prominent notes of plum and cherry, plus that soft feel will be quite soothing for
red wine lovers. Malbec lovers should be equally pleased with their 2021
vintage. Black pepper, plum, and some smoke will delight your palate, leaving
you longing for a big juicy burger to pair with it in your future. The Tannat was
also impressive with a deep, big and bold full body feel. The 2022 Segno II was
the final wine sipped. This Tuscan style blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet
Sauvignon was very balanced with medium acidity, and a lovely finish that will put
a big smile on your wine face.
Having
already made their mark on the Texas wine industry in such a short period of
time is quite impressive. Proof that blood, sweat, and determination to pursue
your passion and dream can pay off. Their pioneer effort in producing top
quality sparkling wines in Texas is showing all the signs for a successful
future ahead. This is a small, hands-on, friendly family run operation, and you
should plan to chat and sip while you are there as the owners are happy to
share their story and passion for this endeavor with you when you visit. Being further off the HWY 290 traffic does
bring a bit of serenity and quite nature Zen to the tasting experience, which you
will find to be a bonus. This allows visitors to fully relax and get away from
the crowds to embrace the hill country’s bountiful beauty. Can’t wait to visit
again to sample future vintages. Santé!
Hello
Vinho Verde! Crafted from Texas High Plains fruit, this red blend of Graciano,
Tinta Cão, Tempranillo, and Touriga Nacional helps you reminisce everything
that is great about Portugal all in one bottle. It is well balanced with a
smooth texture and has a harmonious fruit flavor profile. Serve this one
slightly chilled for the best sipping experience. Saúde!
Presenting
wine from the super old wine country! This wine was crafted from Saperavi grapes
from the Kakheti wine region of Georgia. Do let it breathe and open up for optimal
enjoyment then soak up all those notes of blackberry and blueberry. The wine
exhibits a dark, inky color upon the first pour, almost like a Petit Verdot. Savor
and swirl to experience additional nuances of raspberry, complemented by a hint
of spice upon repeated tasting. It comes
across as full bodied with moderate acidity and a nice smooth finish. It’s
almost reminiscent of something between a Malbec and Aglianico. Enjoy well!
Ever
since the beginnings of their sparkling brands, Euphoria has always hit the
spot. This blend of 91.5% Chenin Blanc and 8.5% Trebbiano exhibits a lovely
pale straw hue with an upfront citrus profile of lemon and grapefruit. Take a
few extra sips and you’ll likely be treated to some pear, as well. It is crisp
and bold with an ever so smooth and exceptionally fresh feel. This wine is a lovely
refreshing bubbly to have. Cheers!
Drawing from the terroir of the Texas High Plains AVA, this
vintage of the La Pradera Vineyard blend consists of 33% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre,
20% Cinsault, 18% Carignan, and 9% Petit Verdot. It is a light red color as you
pour your first glass and will greet you with an aromatic fruit forward nose
sensation. This medium bodied beauty expresses flavors of ripe plum, juicy
blackberry, and a touch of bright cranberry. Each sip offers a balance of depth
and vibrancy, highlighting everything that is great about this vineyard. Raise
a glass and enjoy this lovely blend. Cheers!
Sometimes
small things deliver exceptional palate pleasers. This 187ml version of the
famous Calais Merlot is a testament to that.
Harvested from Newsom Vineyards of the Texas High Plains AVA, its rich
and smooth texture is something to truly be noteworthy. Initial notes of
blueberry come out on that first pour accompanied by some cherries. Sip and
swirl and you might pick up on a hint of tobacco and maybe even some spice.
That nice lingering finish is definitely something to remember this one
for. Lots of abundance of flavors to
enjoy in this little guy. Santé!
Enjoying
some Rubicone IGT Sangiovese is a treat, and this one is certainly a palate
pleaser. It is somewhat lighter than
most Sangiovese wines and is quite fruity with prominent cherry notes. There is
also a subtle hint of oak for added character plus a bit of earthy
undertones. Raspberry flavors are also present
to compliment the overall tasting experience. Salute!
Clocking
in at 15% ABV, this wine exhibits a light cherry hue on that initial pour for
your eyes to engage. This destemmed Mourvèdre version of this vintage has a bit
more pronounced fruit profile than the whole cluster version as well as a
notable softer texture. You will discern mostly notes of cherries and berries
from this Texas High Plains AVA fruit. It’s a great wine just to sip and savor
all evening. Santé!
Behold,
some remarkable fine Malbec! Sourced from Newsom Vineyards of the Texas High
Plains AVA, this super delicious Malbec will entice your nose with cherry
aromas as soon as you open the bottle. Upon taking that initial sip you will
get additional dark fruit notes that make your tastebuds shout, “Wow!” This
wine has balanced acidity and mild tannins contributing to the ease of sipping
and enjoying this lovely red even on a hot summer day. Sip and swirl and you
might notice a touch of herbs, as well. It is a lovely smooth wine to enjoy, so
savor that finish and repeat. Cheers!
This
amazing blend of equal parts of Aglianico, Dolcetto, Montepulciano, and
Sangiovese offers a well balanced fruity sensation and just the right moderate
finish. Sourced from the Texas High plains AVA, it presents a lovely translucent
red color to help start enticing your sipping sensation. The wine comes across
as light bodied and with prominent big cherry notes with some
blackberries. Let’s call this well
crafted wine medium plus for acidity and yet still hanging on to some of its
youthful character after all these years. Cheers!
Many
long time Texas wine fans may recognize Reddy Vineyards on the label as the
source for several quality Texas wines. It is no secret that great wine starts
with great grapes and Reddy Vineyards has been helping to pioneer that effort
in Texas since the 1997. With a family background in farming for many
generations, Vijay Reddy started out the tradition of farming in the Texas High
Plains. Though initially growing cotton and peanuts, Vijay had noticed that
quality wines were coming from grapes grown in Texas and the region where his
farm was located. An acquaintance, Neal Newsom of Newsom Vineyards, helped give
Mr. Reddy a “friendly nudge” towards growing grapes on his farm. Starting out
in a circular pattern, mainly due to the irrigation equipment at the time, this
first experimental field has since grown into almost 300 acres of an assortment
of many different varieties. The Reddy’s practice sustainable farming
techniques that not only ensure the soil gives life for generations to come but
also yields some fantastic quality fruit. The estate vineyard has its own
unique elevation of about 3000 feet, giving it an ideal locale for grapes that
need that nighttime cooling affect. 2015 marked their first wine and the
success has continued since. At about 5,000 cases of wine production per year,
this makes a sustainable estate wine output as well. The farm has had a tasting room at the Brownfield
location for a few years, but eyes had been set on a tasting room in the Texas
Hill Country. Since last February, visitors have been able to taste their wines
at their newest tasting room location in Stonewall, Texas.
The
new tasting room location has a modern jazzy décor (along with the jazz music)
and is quite spacious and easy to move around. There are a few flights you can
select from, but feel free to let the staff know what your wine interests are
so that their very knowledgeable and engaging team members can prepare the best
experience for you. We couldn’t have been more pleased with the staff who
chatted with us and assisted with our questions and tastings and found them to
be some of the most knowledgeable we have encountered. From white to red to
dessert wine, these are the wines sampled. To kick off the tasting adventure, a
2020 sparkling white blend (Méthode Champenoise) made from Pinot Noir and Pinot
Grigio was sampled. It was quite satisfying with just the right Brut like feel
and delightful finish. The first white wine sipped was the 2024 Sauvignon
Blanc. Notes of melon and citrus were pronounced with balanced acidity. For a
take on Rhône
style blends, the VMR 2019 hits the spot. Even at six years old, this Texas
white wine still expresses itself as quite fresh. Aged separately, then blended,
the VMR has notes of apples, good acidity, a nice long finish, and should pair
quite nicely with some seafood pasta. For the Rosé wine, you will love the 2019
Lifestyle Tempranillo. It is still quite fruit forward with hints of strawberries
and raspberries with a big mouthfeel and nice minerality. Moving on to the
reds, their 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is something stunning. With a splash of
Syrah blended in, this mouth puckering red wine has great dark fruit paired
with a smoky finish. Next up was the 2022 Syrah/Petite Verdot/Cabernet
Sauvignon. At roughly a third each in this blend, this trio boasts some rich
blueberries and excellent earthy undertones. For something even finer, sip the
2022 Winemaker’s Blend. This Proprietary blend is full bodied, well balanced,
and has good tannins making this wine worth savoring every sip. Cabernet Franc
lovers will enjoy the 2019 vintage. It is full-bodied, with some spice on the
finish, and is just a bit lighter than most Cab Francs you may have sampled
from Texas. For an extra special treat, a “taste” of the 25th
Anniversary blend was poured and oh, was it just amazing. Made from the best
varieties of 2020 and aged 18 months in new French oak, it packs a good
mouthfeel, balanced acids, and a super fine finish. Finally, their 2022 Muscat
Blanc dessert wine was sampled. Made in the Sauternes style, it’s full of flora
aromas with notes of lemon and peach. A rich and sweet finish to a fabulous
tasting experience.
Honestly, there is nothing that you can’t go wrong with on the wine menu. The staff are also super helpful and will guide you through each wine. If you get a chance, do try to get some bottles of the Circle field blend. Co-fermented and incredibly unique and delicious, it shows off the first expressions of the family’s hard work from those initial plantings. Vijay’s son, Akhil, has since taken over most of the reigns of operation and continues the family farming legacy. You will also notice the newest mascot on some of the newer wine labels, a Texas Bobcat. When visiting, do take a peek at their comfortable member’s lounge. There is also ample outdoor shaded seating, too, so you need not worry if you prefer to enjoy your wine outside. Not much to tweak with these perfected wines, so come enjoy and savor every sip! It is an outstanding new tasting room to visit and enjoy!
This
well-balanced Rosé sparkling is a super delightful treat to have, especially as
the temperatures start heating up this summer. The “89“listed on the label
signifies the date of the first sparkling wine that was released by the winery.
The initial pour will fill the room with
wonderful floral aromas of ripe strawberries.
This bottle possesses some zesty acidity along with notes of apple and
pear. There is a well-rounded finish on this lovely sparkling treat. It is an
inexpensive quality sparkling that should be a regular in your summer sipping
rotation for both special occasions and just for those moments to relax, unwind
and celebrate the joy of living. Cheers!
As
a collaborative effort lead by McPherson Cellars, this Rhone-style blend
leverages the expertise of some Texas High Plains AVA winegrowers. As the
“windy” name implies, it’s pretty much synonymous with the vast pan handle
region. For the 2021 vintage, grapes were sourced from Farmhouse and Lahey
Vineyards. The blend consists of 25% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 18%
Petite Sirah, and 17% Grenache. Upon initial pour, the wine exhibits a medium
garnet hue and expresses notes of red and black plum. It feels medium bodied
and has a nice earthiness to it, as well. The wine does seem to have just the
right amount of bright acidity and balance with gentle tannins. With a nice
long smooth finish, this red wine is a great one to savor all evening. Cheers!
Presenting
an exceptional Cabernet Franc, sourced from Newsom Vineyards in the Texas High
Plains AVA. This remarkable wine displays a light red hue, with notes of black
plum and fresh blackberries. Sip and repeat and you might pick up some
raspberries, as well. It definitely has a deep mouthfeel for added enjoyment,
but it is seeking that perfect pairing for an absolute bliss experience. Decant
this fine wine for a good hour or so for optimal enjoyment. Cheers!
