Cabernet Sauvignon (sweet) – 2001; Chisholm Trail Winey; Fredericksburg, Texas

This sweet dessert wine combines all the aromas of a strong dry wine and the sweetness of a dessert wine.  This estate bottled wine packs quite a punch for its age.  It’s not for the timid wine drinker. It initially leads you to believe you are about to sip a very full bodied red wine with very rich berry flavors, but with one sip you realize the twist. This is a sweet dessert wine that should be sipped and savored. We suggest you aerate properly before enjoying to fully appreciate this wine.

www.chisholmtrailwinery.com

Pedernales Cellars – Stonewall, Texas

Just off of U.S. Hwy 290 and past the LBJ Ranch is a distinctly Texas style family run vineyard and winery.  Their 17 acre estate vineyard contains many of the “hot” varietals such as Tempranillo, Touriga, Mourvedre, and Genache.   These grape varietals have done well in Texas’s own unique and sometimes unpredictable climate.  Since the days when they first opened with just a handful of wines, you can now find a wide selection of whites and reds available with Texas grown grapes in the bottles.  The Vino Blanco and Grenache Rose are distinctly good as well as the Muscat Canelli.  The Texas Family Reserve really stands out as their quality red and if you’re lucky you may still find a few 2006 vintages around.  After you’ve indulged in the Tempranillo and Merlot, save yourself for the Ruby Port.  It packs a punch. Wow says it all!   We hear that their geothermal cooled cellar is worth checking out, too. The views from the high perch of this winery likewise provide a breathtaking opportunity to relax, soak in the beautiful surrounding Texas hill country and beckon you to stay a while.

www.pedernalescellars.com

Rosato di Sangiovese - 2004; Texas Hills Vineyards; Johnson City, Texas

This dry Rose' is derived from Sangiovese grapes. It exhibits some fruitiness with a touch of raspberry and cherry flavor. It should pair well with your favorite green or pasta dish. Served chilled, it delivers a more crisp finish.

http://www.texashillsvineyard.com/

Flat Creek Estate – Marble Falls, Texas

The windy road of 1431 from Cedar Park to Marble Falls has been known to be one of the more picturesque scenes of the Texas Hill County.  Situated just between the northern parts of Lake Travis and the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is a vineyard located on some pristine land.  The rolling hills, landscape, and architecture has a bit of a Tuscany feel to it.  You might think that you’ve stepped through a door way to a vineyard region of Italy!  Established at the beginning of the 21^st century, the 80 acre estate has about 20 acres of vines that blend nicely with the rolling hills.  Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Muscat Canelli, and Pinot Grigio are some of the varietals grown here.  From their quality wine selection, you’ll have the pleasure of tasting their famous Super Texas and their popular Blanco Brio.  Do try their Bucking Horse Red which is a Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah blend.  And while you’re at it, you’ll also want to try the Bucking Horse White (100% Viognier).  They’ve done a very nice job with their Rose and you certainly can’t leave without sipping their wonderful Sparkling Almond wine!  Feel free to roam the grounds and take lots of pictures.  The Flat Creek Bistro (original tasting room) is a great place to hold an event.  They often have wine pairing dinner events as well, so keep an eye out for those and give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.  The stone arches of the outside Pavilion also makes a great outside venue.  With friendly faces to serve you and good wine to keep your taste buds happy, this place is worth hanging out longer than expected.

www.flatcreekestate.com

Strawberry Sweet Reserve – Poteet Country Winery; Poteet, Texas

Made from the ripest and sweetest berries, this strawberry wine is definitely sweet and packed with some potent strawberry flavor.  The wine has the distinct strawberry bouquet and is full of jammy berry flavor. It is also quite soothing when you’re feeling like winter has drug along too long and you’re longing for spring flowers and sunshine. This will have you feeling a little cheerier in just a few sips.  Drink alone or add to your favorite berry dessert, you’ll enjoy this one as a good after dinner drink.

www.poteetwine.com

Mendelbaum Cellars – Fredericksburg, Texas

This winery is the latest addition to the growing Texas Hill Country “winery” Highway 290.  Owner, Nitzan Mendelbaum, has enlisted a well known wine maker of Texas, Dan Gattis of Inwood Estates, to help produce some good tasting wines.  Having opened just last November, there are currently seven Mendelbaum red and white wines to select from in addition to the Inwood and Florence Wines available.  The owner has put his own unique names to the wines, such as, "Puttin on the Ritz" (Bordeaux-style), "It's the Berries" (Pinot/Tempranillo), Flatbed Red (Syrah blend),  "In the Pink" (Merlot blend), "Hotsy-Totsy" (Chardonnay blend),    "Cat's Meow" (Sweet Riesling), and Sheba.  It won’t be hard to pick this winery out among the many along 290 as there is an old Ford Model A flatbed truck with wine barrels in the back with an “Open” banner. You’ll find the tasting room is spacious with lots of tables for various groups as well as two tasting bars on either side of the room. Every winery is different along Highway 290, so check this one out on your next visit to see what they offer and decide which your favorite wine is.

www.mendelbaumcellars.com