Mourvèdre Whole Cluster – 2019; French Connection Wines; Hye, Texas

Racing in at 15.2 abv, this whole cluster fermented wine shows a lot of great structure that you may not get otherwise. Sourced from Texas High Plains AVA, it pours a light ruby red color with notes of big black fruit that will grace your wine senses, plus a touch of pepper. Take a few more sips and savor the nice earthy notes that meld well with the tannins that round things out. This one is a great versatile wine to pair, so taste, pair with assorted food options to your heart’s delight, and repeat. Santé!

www.frenchconnectionhye.com

Viognier Reserve – 2021; Adega Vinho Winery; Stonewall, Texas

Viognier lovers, rejoice! Sourced from Veesart Vineyards of the Texas High Plains AVA, this mighty wine has a lot to offer for that A to Z sensation. Clocking in at 15% abv, you’ll notice the delightful tropical notes of citrus and lemon along with some apples. It has good minerality to it and the acidity seems to be just about right. As you sip and savor, you might also pick up a touch of honeysuckle, as well. Chilled, this Viognier also makes an excellent afternoon summer sipper, too. Enjoy!

www.adegavinho.com

Souzao – 2018; Bending Branch Winery; Comfort, Texas

You might see different variations in spelling of this varietal, but nonetheless it’s a unique grape that makes a satisfying tasting wine. This estate sourced fruit (Lost Pirogue Vineyard) is located near Center Point, TX, which has a limestone rubble terrain that adds its own character to the wine profile. Blueberry and plum are some of the predominant notes you will initially enjoy with this wine followed by a bit of licorice. There is a touch of spice to enhance the fruit flavors as well for this medium bodied Texas Hill Country red. The finish is quite smooth and satisfying for full palate and mouthfeel enjoyment. Saúde!

www.bendingbranchwinery.com

Petite Sirah – 2020; Pebble Rock Cellars; Johnson City, Texas

Behold, some mighty fine Petite Sirah to savor for sure!  Gossip has it that the grapes were sourced from Hoover Valley Vineyards (now Uplift) of the Texas Hill Country AVA.  Let’s claim this bottle of wine at about medium bodied with pronounced blueberries and some blackberries here and there.  The acids and tannins seemed to have struck a good balance.  As you relish every sip, you’ll be embraced by that rich mouthfeel, as well. You’ll cherish this one thoroughly, so enjoy every drop. Cheers!

www.pebblerockcellars.wine

Tempranillo – 2009; Fall Creek Vineyards; Tow, Texas

Behold this 15 year old Texas wine! Sourced from Salt Lick Vineyards of the Texas Hill Country AVA, this big red wine is a testament to how well Texas wines can age. Do let this mighty beast decant for a good 90 minutes so that you can savor every moment of this sipping sensation. Cherry and blackberry notes come out well on this Salt Lick Vineyard sourced fruit. Don’t be too surprised from the big acids as you pair with your best meaty feast. There is some earthiness to this red wine along with some smoke and leather plus a good grip on the finish. Enjoy it again if you have another bottle and savor every drop. Cheers!

www.fcv.com

4 Blend – 2017; Sister Creek Vineyards; Sisterdale, Texas

This Bordeaux/Meritage style blend is elegant, delicious, and quite satisfying. The blend is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon 61%, Merlot 16%, Petit Verdot 16%, and Syrah 8%. Your sip and swirl experience will pick up on some blackberries and cherries along with a touch of vanilla. Savor every sip and enjoy that fine finish and moderate tannins. As a silver medal winner of the San Francisco International Wine Competition, it does stand out as a gem to have. Cheers!

www.sistercreekvineyards.com

The Pharmacist – 2022; Slate Theory Winery; Fredericksburg, Texas

After pouring and soaking up those orange aromas of this white wine blend, one might anticipate sweetness to follow, but it actually comes across as fairly dry. Sourced from the Texas High plains AVA, each variety was aged separately, then blended together (60% Muscat Blanc, 40% Muscat Canelli) to yield this great warm weather sipper. The bright and citrus texture is quite pleasing and just might be the knock out you’re looking for to help ease the mind. It also has a slightly creamy texture for added character. Enjoy!

www.slatetheory.com