Gypsum – 2017; Kuhlman Cellars; Stonewall, Texas

Crafted from a blend of 35% Grenache, 25% Tempranillo, 24% Merlot, 12% Mourvèdre, and 4% Carignan, this vintage of Gypsum was sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA and is still drinking decently after all these years. It pours a ruby red hue and shows mostly cherry and raspberry notes sticking aorund sticking around, with a little cranberry adding to the mix. Well rounded with a light texture and soft feel, this wine offers an easygoing sipping experience that continues to hold its charm. Cheers!

www.heathfamilybrands.com/k-estate

Italian Stallion – 2017; Perissos Vineyard and Winery; Burnet, Texas

Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA, this 2017 red wine is crafted with equal parts of Aglianico, Dolcetto, Montepulciano, and Sangiovese. It pours a translucent red hue, with black cherry and blackberry notes taking the lead. Medium acidity is solid along with just a notch below medium tannins to give it a smooth, easygoing feel, while a touch of vanilla and spice shows up toward the finish to round things out. Cheers!

www.perissosvineyards.com

Teroldego – 2020; Pebble Rock Cellars; Johnson City, Texas

Sourced from Pepper Jack Vineyards in the Texas High Plains AVA, this 2020 Teroldego pours a very opaque, dark hue and immediately shows off a rich, smooth feel. Full on raspberry and blackberry sensory sensations lead the way, followed by a touch of pepper and a little bit of minerality. Good acidity and moderate tannins keep the wine sipping experience happy, making this a vivid Texas red wine to enjoy. Cheers!

www.pebblerockcellars.wine

Adoration – 2021; Heath Sparkling Wines; Fredericksburg, Texas

This 2021 vintage of Adoration is a dry bubbly blend of 77% Pinot Noir, 17% Chardonnay, 3% Pinot Meunier, 2% Pinot Gris, and 1% Pinot Blanc that displays an enticing light pink hue on the first pour. Cherry and raspberry notes lead the way, with a little strawberry for extra charm. Larger bubbles give it a lively feel, while medium acidity keeps that good tantalizing mouthfeel going. Overall, it makes a great afternoon sipper choice and a very enjoyable sparkling wine. Cheers!

www.heathfamilybrands.com/heath-sparkling-wines

Alicante Bouschet – 2020; Bending Branch Winery; Comfort, Texas

Sourced from Newsom Vineyards in the Texas High Plains AVA, this 2020 Alicante Bouschet from clocks in at 15.3% ABV and brings plenty of character to each glass pour. Cherries and plums are the first notes to greet your wine senses, followed by a bit of leather. Bright acidity and good tannins round things out nicely, giving this wine a well-balanced feel from start to finish. Cheers!

www.bendingbranchwinery.com

County Line – 2018; Blackmon Wines; Mason, Texas

This is one of the earlier wines from Blackmon Wines, and this vintage red blend is still holding up quite nicely. Sourced from the Texas Hill Country AVA, this blend of 60% Malbec, 35% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon shows a garnet hue on that first pour, followed by raspberry and black pepper right up front. After that first sip, it has a nearly full body feel to it with notes of plum and cocoa coming through, complimented by good acidity and just the right lingering touch of tannins for that “ahhh” moment. Being very well crafted, this wine could keep aging for a few more years. Cheers!

www.blackmonwines.com

Cuvée de La Fourche – 2020 ; Calais Winery; Hye, Texas

This lively Carménère wine, sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA, has quite an inky appearance on that first pour followed by some enticing aromas. Dark berry fruits take the lead right away, joined by a little pepper, bright acidity, and just a touch of smoke to keep things interesting. Medium bodied and full of lively character, this is one of those Texas reds that feel worth every drop to savor. Cheers!

www.calaiswinery.com