Bubbly Syrah Rose – 2022; Peters Prairie Vineyard; Mason, Texas

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!

www.petersprairievineyard.com

Rox-E – 2019; Lost Oak Winery; Burleson, Texas

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!

www.lostoakwinery.com

Texas Cabernet Sauvignon - 2019; Bending Branch Winery; Comfort, Texas

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!

www.bendingbranchwinery.com

The Iliad – 2019; Miner Family Winery; Oakville, California

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!

www.minerwines.com

Merlot – 2018; William Chris Vineyards; Hye, Texas

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!

www.williamchriswines.com

Alvarinho – 2022; Adega Vinho Winery; Stonewall, Texas

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!

www.adegavinho.com

Roussanne Reserve – 2020; French Connection Wines; Hye, Texas

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!

www.frenchconnectionhye.com