Sweet Ruby Cabernet - 2005; Lone Star Wine Cellars; McKinney, Texas

More off-sweet, than sweet, this medium-bodied Ruby Cabernet is a delightful treat. It has a strong violet color which is a pretty cool looking hue.  It is definitely fruit forward with some blueberry and raspberry notes.  Even the "expert"  may initially mistake this nicely aged wine for a berry fruit wine. It is smooth and balanced making it both an easy to enjoy sipping wine, as well as something to pair nicely with cheese and crackers, spicy food or desserts.  It's a  keeper for a special dessert evening all its own too!

www.lonestarwinecellars.com

McReynolds Winery - Cypress Mill, Texas

This small family owned winery has been opened since 2000 and have been cranking out Texas wines every since.  Founded by Mac and Maureen McReynolds, their winemaking beginnings actually started off in California.  After visiting, learning, and working at various wineries,  they purchased their own five acre estate in 1989 and thus began their small part in the Texas wine making pioneer history.  They have had some success with their own personal vintages in the 1990's as medal winners before opening.  The tasting room is located in a decorative small log cabin style home.  With views of their surrounding vineyard, it makes a peaceful place to sip and relax.   Earlier visitors may remember their tasting room located in the metal frame building which is used to produce their wines.  Today, you can sample four wines when you visit the tasting room plus you get to take your glass with you as a souvenir.  Their Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from California and is a smooth and enjoyable wine that can be paired with food or enjoyed on its own. They have a ten year old Merlot (2004) made from grapes sourced in the Hill Country.  Keep in mind, a wine that old may be a bit "strong" for some as this is not overly oaked, yet has some acidity to it. They have a 2008 Syrah made with Washington grapes - "steak material" wine.  Lastly, is their red blend made from estate Ruby Cabernet, Syrah, and Sangiovese varietals.  The folks here are pretty cool and enjoy chatting with you when you stop in to enjoy a glass. Say hello to Sangria when you step in, too, who is the official wine dog who likes to lay in front of the doorway.  She may give you the official sniff inspection when you come in, but it's just her way to happily greet you.

www.mcreynoldswines.com

Pinot Grigio – NV; Bernhardt Winery; Plantersville, Texas

This wine has been resting in the cellar for a few years and has its deep golden spectacular color to prove it.   Try not to stare at this one too long before the oxygen demons have had their way with it.  This Pinot actually has a bit of a nutty flavor to it with hints of banana flavor.  The acidity level is a bit higher in this wine, yet is still "sippable" for most.  Some aromas of grape fruit are noticeable at first, as well as a light alcohol note.  Serve this one up with some light spicy fish or fruit.

 

www.bernhardtwinery.com

Orange Muscat – 2009; Duchman Family Winery; Driftwood, Texas

Yes, this is a really, really good sweet dessert wine!  It’s probably one of the better vintages for Orange Muscats from Texas.  It has just enough sweetness and just the right citrus balance to make this a great sipping wine.  It has a bit of an amber color along with honey suckle and peach aromas.  The fruity taste pleasantly lingers leaving you wanting more.  The rich character of this full bodied sweet white wine is quite amazing.  Plus, the artwork on the bottle is pretty cool as well!  Impress your friends and family with this one and share with all.

www.duchmanwinery.com

Maui Winery - Kula, Hawaii

Yes, wine lovers there is a genuine, real winery on Maui! It should be one of your top must see places on the island. Working with the Ulupalakua Ranch, they started growing grapes in the early 1970’s along the slopes of the mighty Haleakala.  As the vines were maturing and the wine making process was improving, they also started making wines from pineapple which turned out to be a huge hit. There are about twenty-five acres of vines currently at Tedeschi Vineyards. Varietals include: Syrah, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Malbec and Viognier. The vineyards sit at an average elevation of 1800 feet. With the inclined slope, rows can vary in elevation significantly enough that grapes from the lower elevation can have different characteristics than those from the slightly higher elevation. The average temperature on the vineyard ranges from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit year round and they do have a very long growing season. For the pineapple wines, they have a semi-dry and sweet wine. The more unique pineapple version offered is the Pineapple Sparkling Wine called Hula O’Maui. It is quite delicious, refreshing, and well balanced. It is made using the traditional “methode champenoise”. This sparkling wine is already a gold medal winner at the Los Angeles Wine Competition. It is plane trip worthy, so save room in your luggage for a few bottles! The grape varietals include the Upcountry Gold (Viognier, Muscat, and Chardonnay blend) and the Ulupalakua (Red Syrah, Merlot, and Malbec blend). If available, you should also check out the 2011 Plantation Red (Syrah). The grape wines are all fermented in steel tanks and are easy on the palate for all. They have good aromas and color. Not a bad wine to have in paradise. About 25,000 cases of pineapple wines are produced yearly and about 2000 cases of grape wines. Take notice at some of the unique artwork on their labels which reflect the work of local artists. So after your Haleakala sunrise visit, head back down the mountain roads and make a stop here. Enjoy their wines and hospitality along with one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the islands of Lanai, Molokini and Kahoolawe while sampling and sipping the wines of the island. There are tour times twice daily, so plan your trip accordingly and you can also enjoy some interesting information about the winery and get to see things up close, personal and behind the scenes.  Wines are currently available to ship to the US mainland as well, so if you are so inclined, you can order a case or two and have it shipped home if you cannot make it to the winery. As a side note, do check out the general store across the street, too. They have the best Elk burgers in the Pacific and super friendly staff!

www.mauiwine.com