Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve – 2002; Travis Peak Select; Marble Falls, Texas

This incredible wine is a great way to end off the 2011 Thanksgiving holidays!  Produced by Flat Creek Estates, It has been aged at least two years in French oak followed buy one year in the bottle.  Bold, strong, aromatic….whatever quality term first comes to mind fits this wine perfectly.  The quality of the taste just gets better and better as you let it breath for a while.  Your palate will be pleased by what the nose has already sensed.  The wine is full bodied, with lovely tannins and a beautiful finish with a nice light smokiness. If you happen to still have this bottle around, don’t feel bad having this one just by yourself.  It was wonderful going into the bottle and has aged nicely. This wine could definitely go toe-to-toe with any world class wine.

www.flatcreekestate.com

Enoch's Stomp Vineyard & Winery - Harleton, Texas

Atop the rolling hills of East Texas is a winery tucked away and surrounded by a lovely vineyard landscape.  You’ll find some fine Blanc-du-Bois wines ranging from dry to sweet.  This winey also makes a quality Norton that you’ll want to add to your collection.  Your last tasting should definitely be the sweet Lenoir.  Wow!  You’ll be happy that you’ve found this place after tasting that one.  The evening is a great time to visit and watch the sunset over the rolling hills with a glass of their wine.  If you happen to be out and about at lunchtime or in the early afternoon, they also offer light snacks to complement your wine tasting. This tasting room is open late on the weekends, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for something to do after dinner.  So, have a glass under their trees, but don’t back your car into one!

www.enochsstomp.com

Dixie Wine Company - Mt. Selman, Texas

There’s something to be said about “wine-street” experience.  After self teaching himself for about 10 years, this wine maker is producing some great tasting fruit wines.  They are all natural with no preservatives, so don’t spend too much time watching the bottle on your counter sit and smile at you.  Drink it!  Ask for the special “love potion” wine.  It’ll make you feel country all over again.  The tasting room resembles a very eclectic cabin with many farming, antique and interesting “old” items hung up on the walls or hanging from the ceiling. It has its own unique charm that is well worth seeing!  Check this place out on your next Piney Woods Wine Trail journey.

www.dixiewine.com

Mead – Oberhof Wine Cellars, Fredericksburg, Texas

This mead is made from pure light amber honey.  It has a light yellow color with a slightly spicy aroma.  It  may not come across as your typical mead.  The flavor is sweet and herbal with a bit of a lemon taste.  The taste of honey tends to be secondary.   It is produced on the Edwards Plateau.  As a real Texas wildflower honey wine product, Texas mead lovers may want to do a special ritual before drinking it.  It’s great by itself or paired with your favorite dessert.  Either way, you’ll enjoy the sweetness of Central Texas.

www.bellmountainwine.com/oberhofwines.htm

Maydelle Country Wines - Rusk, Texas

Deep in the heart of East Texas, is the second largest fruit wine producer of the state.   Texas fruit wine lovers will definitely find something here that fits your taste buds.  With selections including Elderberry (yes, Elderberry!), Grapefruit, Blackberry, Lime, Peach, Lemon, Pear wine and more, there is something for everyone to try.  The award winning Grapefruit wine is wonderful and has been dubbed “Maydelle Margarita”.  You can find their wines at a few select Specs stores.  If your local store doesn’t carry it, keep pestering them until they do.  Don’t be put off by the inconsistent bottle styles or color as they are Texas green friendly at recycling wine bottles.  If you judge a book buy its cover or a dirt road on the other side of the railroad tracks in this case, you might miss one of the jewels of East Texas.   Don’t expect any fancy restaurant or Bed & Breakfast, just some good ol’southern hospitality this side of the Trinity River to make you feel warm and welcomed. Miss Daisy the hound might be waiting out front for you to welcome you too!

www.maydellewines.com

Riesling – 2006; Noble House Wines; Bernkastel-Kues, Germany

Missed Oktoberfest?  No Problem.  There’s nothing keeping you from whipping up your own German-style sausage and spaetzle to be accompanied by a lovely little Riesling.  Break open a bottle of this wine and your set!  It’s a light, semi-sweet wine with peach and apricot aromas.  There might be a slight minerality to it, but that’s likely due to the region where the grapes were grown. This makes a great wine for your typical German dishes or on its own.  Just make sure you have some extra wine glasses on hand, as you may be asked to share with friends and family once they see you have opened this bottle. Prosit!

www.noblehouse-wine.com

Texas Vineyard and Smokehaus – Palestine, Texas

Located along the winding roads of East Texas, is this small family run winery.  Pull up a stool to the bar and make yourself at home.  The owners will make you feel quite welcomed as you try each of their European style wines, plus two Sangrias that’ll make you glad stopped for a tasting. This cozy little winery is located on a lovely corner spot with ample front porch seating with tables and chairs for you to relax at as you enjoy the fall scenery.  Once you step inside, you will be delighted by the ample selection of wines, as well as the lovely décor that has been thoughtfully appointed to match the season. Make sure you stop in and visit, it is worth the trip.

www.texasvineyard.org

Cherry Wine – NV; Wimberley Valley Wines; Driftwood, Texas

This light bodied and rose colored wine has a nice balance of sweet and tart fruit flavors.  It definitely has a discernible cherry taste, yet it is not so overwhelming and is more a note in the taste spectrum. The wine has some lingering tartness but a nice finish. If you are seeking something different as we head into the holidays, this would make a nice after dinner wine to enjoy with those holiday cookies.

www.wimberleyvalleywinery.com