Petite Sirah – 2020; French Connection Wines; Hye, Texas

A single vineyard-sourced varietal provides an excellent opportunity to appreciate both the winemaker's skill and the distinctive terroir of the vineyard. Harvested from La Pradera Vineyards of the Texas High Plains AVA, this beauty reveals some intense and enticing blackberry notes complimented with plums along with pepper and spicy sensations. And yes, that little darker than normal color is just an added bonus to your sipping experience. The wine also reveals some good acids and bold tannins to add to its fine structure. It can definitely age a bit longer, so no shame in keeping a few bottles tucked away for another day. Santé!

www.frenchconnectionhye.com

Primrose – 2022; Wildseed Farms Vineyard; Fredericksburg, Texas

This Texas Hill Country AVA Mourvèdre Rosé is quite a beauty. You'll notice rose aromas at first, accompanied by subtle sweetness in the bouquet. It has some savory strawberry notes on that first sip and repeat tasting followed some peaches. The wine will also tease some melon across the palate, as well. With lively acidity and a wonderfully refreshing feeling, there is much to enjoy in this Rosé. Cheers!

www.wildseedfarms.com

Carignan -2018; Slate Theory Winery; Fredericksburg, Texas

Sourced from Reddy Vineyards in the Texas High Plains AVA, this wine exhibits a moderate red cherry color that’s an eye catcher for sure. This Carignan profile highlights vibrant notes of raspberries and strawberries, accented by a pleasant spice and a subtle touch of plum. It also expresses a bold sensation with good acidity, complemented by a light finish that makes it a delight to enjoy. Altogether, these characteristics create an inviting experience to help ease your mind and soul. Cheers!

www.slatetheory.com

Vouvray – 2023; Champalou; Vouvray, France

When Vouvray calls, that expectation bar hits pretty high. Also called Chenin Blanc, this wine is a pretty decent go-to bottle to experience some appealing aromas and refreshing finish from the Loire Valley's Vouvray area. It is dry (aka Sec) with medium intensity and a lovely fragrance sensation. The wine presents a pale yellow color and features aromas of apple and peach, enhanced by hints of lemon and honey. Sip, swirl, and repeat and you’ll pick up on some pear and good minerality, as well. Acidity is around medium and it delivers a solid finish.  It’s a great quality wine to savor for sure. Santé!

www.champalou.com

Round Mountain Estate Blend – 2019; Lewis Wines; Johnson City, Texas

Crafted from nearly equal parts of 37% Touriga Nacional, 37% Tannat, and 26% Tempranillo, this bad-ass blend originates from the Round Mountain Vineyard located in the Texas Hill Country AVA. The wine reveals earthy and savory sensations, complemented by lively notes of raspberry and spice. Flavors of blackberry and a bit of chocolate add some additional character to the tasting profile, yielding a multiplex and memorable tasting experience. Cheers!

www.lewiswines.com

Sangiovese – 2017; William Chris Vineyards; Hye, Texas

This Sangiovese grape from Alta Loma Vineyard in the Texas High Plains AVA marks the first harvest of this varietal from the site. Displaying a light red color for sensory starters, it shows off mostly notes of cherries and peppers, with hints of blueberries. The wine also exhibits a very good and pleasant mouthfeel for extra enjoyment. The finish is light, making it an approachable style to enjoy. Look forward to trying their successive vintages from this vineyard. Cheers!

www.williamchriswines.com

Riesling Quarzit – 2021; Hexamer Winery; Meddersheim; Germany

This Riesling from the Nahe wine region will definitely help set your calibration sensors. Its deep golden color sighting will be the first thing you notice immediately followed by intense aromas of flowers and honeysuckle – yes, it is quite aromatic. Those additional notes of peach, apples, and melons have that “oh, so savory” feeling all over it for this light bodied treat. There is also a touch of what may be perceived as an effervescence feel, as well. With its slightly off-dry taste, pronounced acidity, and good minerality, this Riesling makes for a delightful sip at any time of day. Zum Wohl!

www.weingut-hexamer.com