Retreat Hill Winery and Vineyard – Navasota, Texas

Located not too far from Washington-on-the-Brazos, this winey has a variety of wine selections as well as good panoramic views of the surrounding country side.  Owner Billy Cox started off with equipment from the former Lehmberg Winery in Giddings, Texas and the rest has been history in the making ever since for this entrepreneur.  The winery first opened in August of 2009, with just a few types of some great wines.  I think we still have a bottle of Cabriolo in the cellar.  We were fortunate to have stopped by at the right time to try their first public releases during our pre-blogging wino days. Today, they have a wide selection of red and white wines ranging from dry to sweet varieties.  For $10, you can choose five of the wines available for tasting.  Grapes for their wines come from Texas, California, and Washington.  They do have their own vineyard which was planted in 2009, but the person who greeted us that day didn’t know when those vines would be wine harvest ready.  This winery is also located on the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail.  Not only is that a good trail for Texas wineries in the area, but you can also get the added benefit of checking out some of the beautiful countryside scenery and important historical areas in the state.  Take your time when you come visit here, things move slower and there is no need to rush on these back country roads. Life is a journey…enjoy the wine trail ride!J

www.retreathill.com

Cabernet Sauvignon – 2002; Brushy Creek Vineyards; Alvord, Texas

This sweet cabernet packs quite a strong punch to the nose at first.  It has ruby red color with cloudy opaque textures.  It’s not as sweet as you may think, perhaps due in part to the particular age of this bottle, yet it bursts forward with full, berry fruit flavors from the onset. There is a tannin presence to the initial taste however it does not linger very long. Notes of cherry linger on the tongue. After a few more sips, you will begin to notice that the vines for this wine may have initially been a bit young.  Aging as helped overcome its relative young introduction.  The alcohol content is at 15%, but not to the point that it would taste like a strong well fortified port style wine.  Do let it breathe naturally before sipping.  Using an aerator will just not suffice.  Try it chilled and compare notes from the first sipping session. We found the wine to be even better served chilled. You might be surprised what you’ll discover!

www.brushycreekvineyards.com

Junction Rivers Winery – Junction, Texas

A warm welcome to one of the newest Texas Hill Country wineries!  Located where it can sometimes be considered the “edge” of the Hill Country, this small family run winery has been in business just over a year (Nov 2011), but is quickly making a name for itself as a winery destination along I-10.  Founders, Jeanie Brosius and Joe King, have had their long vision of making wines come true. Don Pullum has helped out as their wine maker. Many of you may recognize him as the wine maker from Sandstone cellars.  The winery released their first vintages in 2010 and they also have 2011’s currently available.  The one white, 2010 Bland du Bois, is a semi-sweet wine suitable for an afternoon treat. The three 2010 reds, Malbec, Lenoir (aka Black Spanish), and Petite Sirah represent a diverse palate of bold reds.  They all demonstrate the desire for the winery to provide an interesting array of options for customers to enjoy. The current 2011s (all red) are Ruby Cabernet (medal winner), Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc (medal winner), and Sangiovese.  Most Texas wine drinkers know that the 2011s are a good year for quality grapes due to the drought, yet lean on the volume that could be harvested that year. The first two cabs are deep reds with strong finishes. The Cabernet Franc is well balanced with little tannins.  The Sangiovese has a deep purple color and is soft, yet full bodied. The tasting room is expertly arranged for you to come, sit a while, and enjoy the wines and hopefully try something from their Bistro as well, where things are made onsite for your dining pleasure. Come hungry and thirsty and you will be taken care of and treated well!  The inside décor of their tasting room has a Tuscan feel, and is quit spacious with high ceilings.  There is a window through which you can observe their wine making area.  We’re not sure if they are the first, but definitely the most notable when it comes to a sustainable winery.  The building is equipped with rain barrels, solar panels, insulated panels, and wind generators.   Perhaps a “green” wine should be made!  This might be a long travel for most, but it is well worth the visit. The hosts are most hospitable and very happy to chat and visit with you about their wines and offer suggestions on Bistro items that might pair nicely with your selections. Come on out, bring some friends, sit a while and enjoy!

www.junctionriverswinery.com