Bent Oak Winery - Cedar Park, Texas

What a pleasure it was to enjoy the grand opening  day of this winery on October 10!  It's great to be able to capture that first day's energy and enthusiasm from the staff.  Winemaker, John Catalano, is very knowledgeable about grapes and winemaking.  He has 15 years of wine making experience under his belt.  In just a few short moments after talking with him, it doesn't take long to see his enthusiasm and passion for what he is doing.  John also started out planting vines in his own backyard.  On the wall of the tasting room, you can see cuttings of Syrah vines that lasted about six seasons.  They add nice decor to the tasting area.  Currently, he now has a couple of rows of Tempranillo that he's nurturing in his backyard.  At the winery, grapes are sourced from both California and Texas with a focus on small batch wine production in house.  For opening day, there were four wines available for tasting.  There are nicely written notes about each wine on 8 x 11 cards for you to reference during your tasting session.  The first white was a 2014 Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley.  It's very crisp with notes of citrus - an excellent chilled wine!  The other white is a 2015 Blanc du Bois.  Sourced from Palacios Vineyards near Brenham, Texas, this dry Blanc du Bois will make you love this often over looked varietal.  Aging this wine in both stainless steel and American Oak has given this floral wine the best of both worlds.  You'll love the apricot and vanilla notes in the Blanc du Bois as well.  For the reds, there is a Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma, which is a nice light, easy drinking cabernet that most would enjoy.  The other red is a Zinfandel with 15% Petite Sirah added, which is also from Sonoma. The addition of the Petite Sirah gives what would have been a mild Zinfandel a little extra boldness.  It's still smooth and easy to drink.  In the winery, John has a bin of Tempranillo and Sangiovese from the Texas High Plains that he's currently fermenting.  We were able to barrel taste some 2015 Merlot sourced from East Texas.  Although it's early, that Merlot  really holds promise for good flavors and aromas. It's good to see a winery return to Cedar Park after a long dry spell.  Area wine lovers should be pleased to have one close by to get a good winery fix!

www.bentoakwinery.com

Chardonnay -2008; Cakebread Cellars; Rutherford, California

Sometimes you come across a nice surprise in the wine cellar...something you don't recall buying and cannot recall where you got it from or when. As you study the label and try to contemplate how the wine fairy dropped it off, you get excited about what lies in store for the tasting adventure.  Well, we’ll take those pleasant treats however they come! When we poured the first glass of this aged white wine, we noted the depth of its yellow color, which was exciting! Inhaling the aroma we noted lemon and pear. On the palate an elegant medley of melon and apple delight the taste buds. There is a light oakiness with just a hint of vanilla. It’s a nicely crisp chardonnay when chilled that tapers off with some acidity on the finish. Enjoy this lovely wine all on its own or pair with vegetable,  shellfish, or poultry dishes. Relish it if you can find this vintage. Until the next surprise wine find…

www.cakebread.com

Strawberry Wine - NV; Maydelle Country Wines; Rusk, Texas

What a pleasant after dinner treat.  This strawberry wine is both elegant and delightful.  With a brilliant raspberry color that pops in the glass it is likewise a pleasure to admire. The bright, fresh strawberry flavors shine in this wine, really highlighting the ripe fruit's finest notes. Sip once, twice, and thrice to indulge your senses and enjoy the ruby fruit of summer past. The optimum refreshing  experience seems to be chilled at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This wine is great to enjoy on its own as dessert, but also pairs nicely with homemade vanilla ice cream.  Enjoy this one on the back porch and indulge in the beauty of mother nature's fruitful blessings!

www.maydellewines.com

Wild Thing Old Vine Zinfandel – 2013; Carol Shelton Wines; Sonoma County, California

Oh man!  Are you in for a real treat with this Zinfandel.  First of all, you’re getting a Zinfandel from Mendocino and Sonoma County.  Already, the expectations are up a few notches.  Second of all, this “old vine” variety is pretty old by American standards – 50 years! The expectations of good, quality, concentrated flavors are even higher. Lastly, just open it and enjoy the cherry and raspberry aroma of this superb wine.  What all could be in this Zinfandel bottle, you ponder?  It’s actually mix of 80% Zinfandel,14% Carignane, 5% Petite Sirah, 1% Alicante Bouschet sourced from 75% Mendocino County, 24% Sonoma County, 1% Lodi.  Now that you have the full disclosure, start sipping and enjoying the intense flavors and great mouth feel of this well structured wine.  You’ll get some initial cracked pepper senses along with hints of vanilla. You’ll note moderate tannins with a lingering spiciness that enjoys sticking around a while. Like it? Have some more as this one may actually make you a Zin lover in case you haven’t found that right Zinfandel blend to meet your high expectations. You'll even note the bottle looks very cool and is quite fitting for Fall's celebrations with the old gnarly vine painted on it in lovely Autumnal shades. Sip, Enjoy...Repeat!

www.carolshelton.com

Hahne Estates Winery – Johnson City, Texas

If you’ve never met owner Gary Hahne before, then you’re in for a real treat. Besides his wine making history, he always has great stories to tell about the Hill Country and LBJ Ranch.  His family has good history to one of the states famous politicians, Lyndon B. Johnson.  Gary has many tall and true tales that makes a good story telling experience while sipping his wines. You can also view much of his family’s history with the Johnsons as can be seen with some unique photographs that are displayed on the wall.  Besides the family history, he has a good selection of wine to try out.  Right now, he’s getting his grapes from just about anywhere he can.  In Stonewall, he is planning on planting a vineyard starting with an acre of Nero d’Avola.  This is one of the hot and dry Italian varietals that has a potential to do well in the Hill County’s climate.  There are currently five wines available in his new tasting room that opened up back in July.  For the whites, you’ll start off with the Blanco.  It’s a Viognier blend with nice intense favors.  The Blanco River artwork on the label is quite spectacular.  The Opa is a dry Rose` that is a blend of Riesling, Thurgaw, and Spatburgunder (aka Pinot Noir).  A very nice chilled Rose` to have for those extended summer fall months in Texas.  The label depiction is a pencil drawing version of Gary’s grandfather on a horse.  The actually picture is on the wall.  Yes, his “Opa” actually did what you see on the label and, of course, there’s a good story Gary will tell you about that one as well.  The Texanti is Gary’s take on Chianti style wines - good fruit flavors for this Sangiovese blend.  Gary’s take on a Bordeaux style wine is called Texas Tapestry.  It’s a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Nero d’Avola.  It’s quite bold, has good tannins, and well balanced.  The addition of Nero d’Avola is his unique take on this classic red blend.  He might be on to something here.  The last wine is Armadillo WH.  The WH stands for World Headquarters.  It’s a sweet Cab, but with only 1% residual sugar - quite nice to have in the afternoon.  It’s a real treat to have a true local making wine in the Texas Hill Country.  The great and interesting stories Gary tells just adds to that unique experience that you won’t find elsewhere.  Stop by his shop along Johnson City’s square on your next wine trek thru these parts. You’ll have a pleasant time here sipping and chatting with Gary. Enjoy!

www.hahneestateswinery.com

Viviano Superiore Rosso - 2010; Llano Estacado Winery; Lubbock, Texas

Welcome, welcome, welcome!  Greatness has come from this wonderful 2010 vintage.  Long time Texas wine drinkers are probably quite familiar with the Viviano lines.  For others not so familiar, you probably know about Chianti style blends.  Well, this wine is a reverse twist on Tuscany style blends.  Blended with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Sangiovese, this blend perhaps brings out the best of what the Texas High Plains can do for these style of wines.  First of all, you get a fantastic deep ruby color in the glass.  It just looks fantastic!  Take a few sniffs and you'll definitely  pick up some very strong cherry aromas. Nice, isn't it? The tasting experience is equally pleasant.  You'll note rich raspberry flavors that you'll want to swish and swirl in your mouth.  And yes, there is some smokiness with a touch of cedar and spice just to add more pleasure for your senses.  You'll be very engaged in the finish.  It starts out with the strong fruit, followed by the oak, then it lets go to the acids to do their magic at the finish.  Yes, if the wine could stand on its own, it would probably take a bow at this point. This has to be the best of the Viviano brands.  It should last quite a long time in the cellar and has potential to hit that high 90s score in 10 years.  Enjoy well, our wine friends and cheers!

www.llanowine.com

 

Super Texan – 2011; Flat Creek Estate; Marble Falls, Texas

These 2011 Texas red wines have not been disappointing. A great year for Texas wines! The rich and intense flavors from that year add proof that there is gold in the Texas wine industry.  This Sangiovese blend (78% Sangiovese, 13% Syrah 5%, Montepulciano, 4% Tempranillo) lives up to the reputation of one of Flat Creek’s flag ship wines and a great tasting Texas wine, too.  This wine has a good light color for a Sangiovese. On the nose you will enjoy aromas of cherry, blackberry, and plum.  The intense flavors of this vintage are major factor in wanting to stock pile this vintage. The medium bodied, low acidity wine melds bold fruit and nut notes, followed by a relatively long finish that tapers off with a nice spice and tobacco finish. It is a simply pleasant wine to enjoy with pasta dishes and at the end of a long day. Praise the Texas wine gods for blessing Texas with such a jewel.  Cheers!

www.flatcreekestate.com

Cyser – NV; Texas Mead Works; Seguin, Texas

This nice tasting mead is a blend of apples and honey.  Initial impressions are that there is a good balance between the two as each compliments the other.  You’ll definitely pick up the apple and honey aromas when you first open the bottle. When sipping this deep golden orange mead, you’ll note the cinnamon and nutmeg spices.  This particular mead was actually aged in oak, so hints of vanilla and slight buttery notes round out the spices for a lovely fall medley of flavors. Texas Mead Works is at the same location as Blue Lotus Winery.  Check out their mead selection when you are in the area. It’s a cool way to toast to the onset of fall as you bid adieu to the long hot Texas summer.

www.texasmeadworks.com

Three Daughters – 2003; Delaney Vineyards & Winery; Grapevine, Texas

Discovering a 10+ year old bottle of wine in the cellar is always an interesting surprise. Opening it up and discovering it still tastes great is better than a gold sprinkled ice cream sundae!  This particular 12 year old red wine has certainly aged well. The silver and bronze medal winner from Delaney is a bold blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.  The light dusty red color is enticing to watch for us wine geeks during the first pour.  Some color fading is noticeable, but not unexpected for this well matured wine.  It’s still quite dry and medium bodied with nice smooth softened tannins that linger. You'll note pleasant vanilla notes with well balanced fruit flavors making this red quite enjoyable to swirl and sip again and again. This is just beyond excellent wine for its age.  If you told your wine friends you paid $100 for this bottle, they would probably believe you.  Impressions are always good, so impress well with this one.  Cheers!

www.delaneyvineyards.com

Longshot Winery – New Braunfels, Texas

Located in the oldest house of New Braunfels, this newest winery is bringing some nice wines to locals and newcomers of the area.  Yes, it actually is the oldest house!  Check out the historical marker out front of the renovated 18^th century Meriwether homestead, where you can read up on the historical placard out front about the history of this homestead which is now the current location of the winery.  The inside renovations thankfully retained some of the original charm and exposed beams from the original architecture of the period home. Part of the experience of this winery is appreciating the space as you sip and enjoy the lineup. This is the dream come true of owner Jasper McDonald. Opened in November of 2014, this winery has a great location for foot traffic as it is in the heart of commuters and those seeking refuge from tubing adventures. Jasper has a vineyard out near Brownfield where he has been growing his own grapes for the past few years.  Most of his grapes are sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA and California. In the tasting room, you get three free tastings from the wine list available.  At the time of our visit, 8/15/2015, there were eight wines listed (three whites and 5 reds) plus the unlisted Malbec. We had six of them during our visit.  The two sweet white wines, Jo Ann Semi-Sweet and Cactus Sweet, are great summer time treats. The Jo Ann is more sweet than semi-sweet, so just be prepared.  It has some lovely orange notes. The Cactus sweet comes off as fairly crisp with some tropical notes.  For the reds, the Tempranillo is a gold medal winner.  Berries, coconuts, and vanilla meld in the tasting profile for this wine, which is a pretty good one to try. The Sangiovese has medium tannins and a nice long smoky flavor on the finish. The Malbec has great earthiness that we loved. Lastly, the Sweet Red was a nice treat for this hot August afternoon.  It was a great refreshing drink at the end the day’s visit. Although it is sweet, it is not as sweet as the two whites and was quite easy to sip and enjoy as a refreshing afternoon wine.  This winery is a great addition to the New Braunfels area.  You’ll naturally feel relaxed and comfortable sipping your wine while surrounded by some great scenery.  It’s a cool place to visit and we recommend you stop in and check it out. There's a lovely outdoor sitting area in the front too, which should be great to check out in the coming cooler months of fall.

www.longshotwines.com

Aglianico – 2011; Duchman Family Winery; Driftwood, Texas

Wow!  You can sense nice intense and sensational fruit with that first sip. You’ll praise this medium bodied wine and admire its good balance and structure.  There are some hints of tobacco with a floral note to the finish. Swish and swirl all you want, because you definitely want that full "mouth feel" experience in this moderate tannin Aglianico. This vintage has many, many good years left in it and should be even more delightful in the future.  Add this varietal to what does well in Texas.  Enjoy with your wine friends, as this one is something to talk about!

www.duchmanwinery.com

Magellan – 2008; Inwood Estates Vineyards; Fredericksburg, Texas

Every drop from this magnificent wine is like a drop from the wine gods.  Every waft of the intoxicating aroma and sip is worth savoring from this bottle. It may just be that you’ve found a new best friend.  This Bordeaux style wine from Inwood is a melding of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and a touch of Tempranillo.  The tint is a beautiful rich crimson. On the nose you will detect intense smokiness.  As you enjoy each sip as you'll be greeted with cherry and plum notes. Simply soul satisfying, isn’t it?  That will be followed by some of those peppery notes and spice. That long lasting smooth finish has to be one of the best “icing on the cake” experiences you can have.  Its medium bodied and has a bit of earthiness that complements the excellent complexity.  Have extra bottles?  Good!  Everything in this wine is holding up quite well and those extra bottles should still last a bit longer. One of the added benefits of savoring this wine is knowing that it is not something that Inwood makes every year. If the grapes aren't just right, the winemaker waits...until a year when the fruit will do a new vintage justice...and that my friends is how high quality wines are born! Have one at some unexpected evening just for yourself, because you deserve it.  Savor and enjoy!

www.inwoodwines.com

Roussanne Blend – 2007; Perissos Vineyard & Winery; Burnet, Texas

This was one of the first sets of wines released by the winery back in 2009.  This Mediterranean style blend of Roussannne, Chenin Blanc, Viognier,  and Muscat exemplifies the great start that Perissos had. As a Bronze medal winner from the 2009 Texas Lone Star International Wine Competition, it still holds its own after all these years.   The initial sight of that deep golden yellow well aged white is a sign that patience and extreme care can pay off in the end.  It is still pleasantly dry with some good minerality.  You’ll definitely detect strong aromas of lemon and apricots with a bit of honeysuckle in addition to the herbs and flower notes that round out the sensory experience. Vintages like this one are best tasted in sip spurts. You’ll get a better taste of some of the fruit that has held on over the years as well as some spiciness towards the end. This wine still has great complexity and if you’ve a) managed to hold on to a bottle from those first days, and b) maintained that bottle in good cellar conditions, then you’ll be rewarded with a good tasting wine that brings back those pleasant first days when Perissos first opened.  Enjoy wine friends!

www.perissosvineyards.com

Pineapple Express - NV; Maydelle Country Wines; Rusk, Texas

Are you stuck in the endless summer heat that is lingering into fall without a vacation in sight right now? Has your supply of Rosé run dry?  Well, this fruit blend wine may be just your cure. This fruit blend of 60% Pear and 40% Pineapple seems to have just the right sweetness and fruity appeal to satisfy those longing for a sweet tropical treat. There is good balance between the two fruits in this wine, with the pineapple notes a little more pronounced yet not too overpowering. It's great to enjoy on the back porch as you dream about Hawaii or some other tropical destination. Enjoy this one chilled to appreciate it's tropical notes of paradise.  Don't be afraid to try the 'Pineapple Express' ..... you just might find a great new wine destination to enjoy!

www.maydellewines.com

The Thirsty Mule - Liberty Hill, Texas

Up along the countryside stretch of U.S. Highway 183, you'll find one of the newer wineries in Texas.  Located just north of Liberty Hill, this location has a very unique side to it --- the fact that the tasting room is underground.  What a great idea! Especially under the infamous Texas summer heat.  The Marek's from Georgetown Winery have been working on this site for the last several years.  Built on an old 40 year old home site, they've constructed their winery  from an old underground house.  Seems the former owner decided they wanted to carve their home out of the limestone hillside and seek some cooler shade and temperatures over the years, so fast forward a number of years and the derelict underground former residence is slowly remodeled into one of the newest and more unique tasting rooms in the state. The tasting room and bar is quite spacious and a COOL area of about 3400 square feet. Take a look at the back where they have windows with views to the cave area as they left a few spots for you to view the sides of the cave the place is built into. Their eight acre estate is not only the location of the new tasting room, but also houses their winemaking facility which doubles as the facility for Georgetown Winery too.  However at this site, the wine selection is different.  They've been open since May and have a well rounded list of wines from white, to red, to sweet.  There are eleven wines currently available for tasting of which you can select four in a regular tasting.  A number of them have already won awards from the Lone Star competition.  For the whites, they have a Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay.  Good chilled whites to have in the afternoon.  For the reds, you'll get to try a nice range from Tempranillo, Malbec, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon.  For the sweets, you might get wrapped up with the Sweet Blush which is rich with strawberry flavors.  It's better than iced summer time lemonade!  There is also a sweet red to enjoy, and a white with hints of pear as well as a Muscat. Lastly, there is a pretty darn good Sweet mule port. No need to fortify this port as it's quite tasty on its own.  Dan can be found running things around the site engaging with customers.  With picnic tables out front and lots of great big shade trees, you get the feeling of a nice relaxed country setting to help you unwind and escape into your wine sipping mood. Although they get a number of their grapes from their Rockdale vineyard site, there are plans to put a vineyard on the front of the property.  Check this place out on your next 183 wine trekking adventure.

www.thirstymule.com

 

Kick Butt Cab - 2008; Texas Hills Vineyards; Johnson City, Texas

Yes, this is one of those wonderful Cabernet Sauvignons that has aged well and deserves to be savored to the last drop. Pat yourself on the back if you purchased extra bottles and tucked them into your cellar. This intensely ink dark, smooth and velvety soft red is just one of those lovely wines you want to linger over as you slowly enjoy each sip. It is full bodied and the fruit has held up well. With moderate tannins and cherry and blueberry notes, it's a great summer red.  It will likely hold up for a few more years if you've been storing this one properly.  The wine pairs nicely with steak and even compliments blueberry pie or cobblers. It's a top quality wine, so treat it that way when you enjoy it.  Keep cellaring this one well our wine thirsty friends!

 

www.texashillsvineyard.com

 

Calcaria - 2014; Kuhlman Cellars; Stonewall, Texas

Get ready for your new favorite summer white wine!  In Texas, summer can still go well into fall, so you're still good.  This blend of Trebbiano 75%, Roussanne 17%, Viognier 8% has some of the best white grapes that Texas has to offer.  This straw colored wine is crisp with a bit of effervescence. The lemon notes are pleasantly strong and complimented by the kiwi notes.  It is a medium bodied wine and quite zesty!  It has a nice light finish that leaves you thirsty for more.  A great complexity all around for this release.  Had you been to the tasting sessions at the winery, you may have heard "Bastrop pine forest" in the description, as well, since there is a hint of local pine that has also been detected on some palates.  Once you try the wine, you understand the reference.  We heard thru the grapevine that this wine can pair well with a little bit of heat.  So, find something spicy and pop the cork on one of these bottles for a fantastic pairing. Enjoy!

www.kuhlmancellars.com

 

El Guapo – 2011; Alamosa Wine Cellars, Bend, Texas

Yes, the last vintage of the famous El Guapo from Alamosa is coming to an end.  This lovely Rioja style red wine is a blend of Tempranillo (86%), Graciano (10%), and Garnacha (4%).  The 2011 vintage has to be winemaker Jim Johnson’s finest achievement.  There just aren’t enough good words to use to describe this wonderful work of art.  Here are some “to the point” buzz words to help get you excited.   It's dry, it's aromatic, it's tobaccoy, it's earthy, it's cherry, it's balanced, it has lovely medium tannins, and it's just super beautiful!  Care to add more? Please do! Your complimentary words will only enhance the pleasure as you sip and swirl.  Keep your remaining bottles in a good quality wine cellar and you will more than likely have some long lasting El Guapos until 2020….maybe even longer.  Perhaps over the remaining years, we’ll pull out a bottle from our stash on occasion and see how it progresses.  Something great to look forward to! Savor every last bottle, cherish every last sip, 2011 was a phenomenal year for grapes in spite of and due to the drought and Jim did an amazing job with this vintage. It's simply a beautiful red! Cheers everyone!

www.alamosawinecellars.com

Vines on the Rocks – Dunlay, Texas

Most Texans think of HWY 90 west of San Antonio as the get-a-way stretch to great spring fed rivers and country camping.  Along that same stretch of road between Castroville and Hondo is a small boutique winery run by Mike Brawley.  To say location is everything for a business is an understatement, but Mike seems to have found an ideal location for those Hill Country travelers.  This place has been open since December 2013 and has been serving up a wide variety of Texas wines as well as a couple of bottles of his own creation.  On the estate are about two acres of vines of mostly Tempranillo and Black Spanish.  For the estate bottles, there is the 2014 Pataki Panchanga red wine.  It’s a mix of Tempranillo, Black Spanish, and Syrah. It’s quite refreshing and an easy smooth drinking wine. The second bottle is the same varietal but was aged longer in oak for a couple of years, so it has an oaky flavor profile.   This is a great stop to make on your way out west on HYW 90. There is a nice little tasting room with seats for you to enjoy a glass or bottle.  It’s a great family friendly operation and you’ll feel more than welcomed.  Stop in to say hi, find some new wines to love and take something home to enjoy later. Have fun!

www.vinesontherocks.com

Buffalo Roam - 2011; Brennan Vineyards; Comanche, Texas

This take on Rhone style wine is quite stunning!  It is a very smooth drinking Syrah blend.  You'll sense floral aromas at the onset followed by sweet fruit notes prior to the first sip. Your mouth will be awash with flavors of leather and a touch of spice in a soft melding of fruit.  It really shines after about half an hour of being opened for this medium bodied red wine. It is an exceptional blend that highlights the velvety smooth  and soft lasting finish that beautiful fruit can yield. No doubt 2011, was a record breaking drought year for Texas grape growers.  Yet, the fruit that was yielded has demonstrated just how fabulous the Texas terroir can be for really deep, ripe and rich fruit complexities when put to the test.  Enjoy this wine with sliced summer sausages and cheese, or a savory dish. It is also absolutely fabulous on its own. Enjoy!

 

www.brennanvineyards.com

Cabernet Sauvignon - 2004; Texas Hills Vineyard; Johnson City, Texas

What a nice jewel to have discovered!  Texas Hills Vineyard has been producing consistent Cabernet Sauvignons for quite some time.   This eleven year old bottle is a testament that Texas cabs can age long term and still hold their quality.  Grapes for this vintage were sourced from Drew Tallent Vineyards located in Mason County.  With its higher elevation and great soil conditions, Mason County has proven itself has a wonderful place for quality Texas Hill Country vineyards.  Upon pouring, the color of this wine still looks really good. There is not as much fading and just a touch of separation starting to appear.  The aromas are still quite pleasant, although probably not as strong on the fruit senses as its younger version.  Taking a look at the cork and you'll just "ooh" and "ah" at the very dark color and crystals. Vanilla flavors are strong in this one as well as some peppery notes.   The tannins are still firm... so break out that hunk of red meat for pairing!  Even the sediments are tasty.  There are some early signs that it has starting its decline, but it is still quite suitable for devoted red wine drinkers.  If you've had this one in your well cared for cellar since day one, then it should still be good, but we would recommend you pop the cork and enjoy soon.  If you came across a bottle in a local wine shop yesterday, then you definitely have an interesting taste of Texas to enjoy .  Cheers!

www.texashillsvineyard.com

Syrah - 2010; Alamosa Wine Cellars; Bend, Texas

Well, let's just get right down to it.  By the time this gets posted, Alamosa will likely be closed.  Yes, it takes us some time to write, proof (as best we can), process the picture, and queue to posting.  Specifically, we drank this one on 8/5/2015.  But good wine and a good posting deserves patience. This Syrah is worth your time.  First of all, let it breathe for at least thirty minutes.  Why?  Because that's just one of the habits a good wine drinker does with this kind of wine.   And this wine certainly deserves that much time.  Tease yourself if you must between opening and the final pouring with sample sips as the flavors will change as the wine unfolds for the better. We know a good red wine drinker can wait just a bit longer for the first pour to ensure it is just right.  The "punchy" fruit aromas are there to greet you, but the best satisfaction is in the taste. You'll note some spiciness, followed by distinct peppery and some mild herbaceous notes.  As you linger over that first sip you realize you're enjoying a very long finish.....maybe a bit longer than normal. It's a beautiful red that is full bodied and definitely good to enjoy now, as well as one that will keep well in the cellar for a while. Cheers amigos and farewell to our friends at Alamosa! We have enjoyed your wines, your camaraderie, humor, creativity and most of all your impact made in helping to forge the expanding Texas wine industry.  You've made a lasting mark in the Texas wine journals and along the wine trail and we will forever be grateful to you for your role.  We raise our glass in your honor!

www.alamosawinecellars.com

Torr Na Lochs - Burnet, Texas

The stretch of state highway 29 between Burnet and Lake Buchanan is a wonderfully scenic area in the Texas Hill Country.  With the granite slopes and surrounding lakes, you might wonder how could someone put a winery out here with all this rocky terrain? Wouldn't it be nice if you could find something like that out in that area though, so you could have a lovely spot to sit and sip as you enjoy the last slip of sunset tucking in at night. Well someone has!  Owners Blake and Karen DeBerry purchased the 180 acre granite ponderosa about 11 years ago with the intent on retirement.  Well, one thing led to another and now they have staked out their claim in the expanding Texas wine industry.  Grape vines on granite you ask?  Why yes!  Some of the classic and great tasting old world wines in Europe come from vineyards on granite soils.  Although much of the property is solid granite, there are plots that have good decomposed granite soil suitable for starting a vineyard.  The 1250 foot elevation is just an added bonus for these young vines.  Planting began back in 2014 with three acres of Syrah, Petite Syrah, and Malbec with plans to expand in the future.  The building is quite beautiful and the tasting room is very spacious and open.  The winery building was inspired after visiting another winery in Australia and as an ode to that inspiration, they have a special bottle from that winery proudly on display and highlighted on their entrance way and front porch. They have a great perch high above the surrounding Hill Country with views of Inks Lake and Lake Buchanan that you can indulge in as you sip their great wines.  Plus, the roaming donkeys will be happy to great you as you drive in or out. (When you see the sign near the entrance about donkey crossing, take that literally - there are donkeys on the property and they like to roam across the area and may be taking a break on the road, so drive slowly and respect the animals.) Their inaugural selection of six wines are all made with Texas grapes. Currently, they are collaborating with winemakers from the Texas Hill Country and West Texas to help them get started with their wines.  For whites, you'll start off with the 2014 Fion Geal.  It's a six white blend that is quite clean and crisp.  The chilled  lemon-lime finish is refreshing during the Texas summer heat.  The next white is a 2014 Roussanne.  You'll definitely pick up the nice citrus flavors with a touch of oak.  The last white is a 2014 Sweet Sunset which is a 50/50 blend of Roussanne and Orange Muscat. This soft citrus wine is a sweet treat for the hot afternoons and would make a lovely addition to brunch.  Rosé lovers will be pleased with the 2014 Rosé  di Montepulciano.  It's a very nice, refreshing and smooth drinking Rosé that deserves to be served chilled to enhance the strawberry notes.  For their fine reds, you'll start with the Fion Dearg. This blend of Tempranillo, Mouvedre, and Carignan has spicy and smoky notes that meld with bold cherry flavors. You'll definitely  be pleased with the 2013 Sangiovese which rounds out the lineup. This last red has a nice balance of acids and tannins with subtle peppery notes in this dry wine.  Future wines currently in the barrel include a Montepulciano, Dolcetto, and a red blend.  Their grand opening will be September 12th, so mark you fall calendars and head out to welcome one of the newest wineries to the fold and check out all they have to offer. Their vineyard has great potential to show what the granite terroir of the Hill Country can do for the Texas grape growing industry.  The potential for bold flavor profiles, aromatic fruit, and well balanced acids are positive here.  We can't wait to try the estate grapes wines in the future.  This is a nice jewel to check out on your next Texas wine trekking trip. Congratulations to Blake and Karen on the start of something great in the Texas Hill Country! Cheers!

www.torrnalochs.com

El Guapo - 2010; Alamosa Wine Cellars; Bend, Texas

Yes, this vintage of El Guapo will make you sing.  This lovely Tempranillo blend is a great wine that leaves a lasting impression. Mixed with Tempranillo (72%), Graciano (20%, Garnacha (5%), you'll see a nice ruby color during the first pour.  Aromas of cherries and roses awaken your senses as you inhale the beautiful bouquet.  There are moderate tannins in this five year old lady with hints of tobacco to delight the palate.  A distinct earthiness is inherent in this long lasting dry finish, leaving you longing for more. It's quite a lovely wine to pair with rib-eye, burgers, and more.  Of course, you could just drink this one on its own to enjoy the full flavors this quality work of art. Savor every last bottle as if it was your last and know that popping the cork on this one was well worth it!  Enjoy!!

 

www.alamosawinecellars.com

 

Chardonnay Reserve - 2008; Los Pinos Ranch Vineyard; Pittsburg, Texas

What a great color for this aged white.  It's always nice when these older white wines turn out well in color and in taste . This Chardonnay from Los Pinos greets you with the scent of tropical fruit, citrus and lime.  This big white is dry with defined oaky character. There are strong flavors of vanilla with some butteriness. There is a distinct flavor profile that tastes like chardonnay aged in whiskey barrels, which is very nice. It's sophisticated enough for sipping, pairs beautifully with cheeses, yet is also quite delightful at the dinner table.  Raise a glass for this one and enjoy!

www.lospinosranchvineyards.com

 

Texacaia - 2010; Alamosa Wine Cellars; Bend, Texas

This delicious red wine treat is a blend of Sangiovese (64%), Tannat (25%), Petite Verdot (11%).   You'll pick up the lovely garnet color on the rim of the glass as you hold it up to the light.  Beautiful, isn't it?  Next, you'll indulged in aroma of plums mixed with a bit of leather.  That's just the prelude to the rich minerality with a hint of earthiness to follow.  Some pepper notes may initially greet you, but wait until you experience the full mouth swirl.  There are no misses on these moderate tannins as you experience the full dry textured feel across your palate.  This is a great example of a single vineyard blend from Alamosa's estate vineyard. You taste the richness in their style of wines and recognize what can be achieved in Texas vineyards.  This wonderful bottle pairs well with game and beef dishes. Viva la Texacaia !

www.alamosawinecellars.com

Lost Maples Winery – Vanderpool, Texas

You’re in for a real treat when you come to visit this place both in scenery and wines.  Bandera County is definitely one of the best places along the southern part of the Hill Country to swim and camp.  Now, you have a great winery to add to your get-a-way adventures.  Owners Tom and Glenda Slaughter starting growing grapes on the family land back in 2005/2006.  Their Polvadeau Vineyards stakes its claim as the first commercial vineyard in Bandera County.  Glenda’s family has been here for 175+ years and she is staying true to loving and tending the land.  Their 12 acre estate currently has about 2000 vines of Black Spanish grapes planted.   One look at the vines and you don’t need to be an expert to tell that they take good care of their plants.  That care and love for the land is also reflected in the wine that they make.  All wines are made at their estate facility.  They opened back in January 2015.  Currently, there are five wines to try out.  The 2013 Polvadeau Vin Blanc is a Sauvignon Blanc based wine which is quite crisp with bold citrus flavors.  The 2013 Polvadeau Vin Symphonique is made with the symphony grape.  Sourced from California, this hybrid grape is highly aromatic.  It has a sweet sense at first, but then quickly dissipates and leaves a refreshing feel on the palate.  The 2013 Lenoir (Polvadeau Vin Rouge) was oaked for two years. It is quite nice with good flavors and smooth finish.  Who knew a Lenoir could have this kind of quality taste!  The 2014 Polvadeau L’Inspiration is a blend of 80% Lenoir and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, which has a surprising Pinot Noir like taste. Lastly, the 2014 Polvadeau du Dieu is their Lenoir dessert wine. Fortified with cognac, this fortified wine at 18% alcohol is sure to be a nice pairing for your favorite dark chocolate.  We also got to taste their 60/40 Petite Sirah/Lenoir blend (Polvadeu Vin Rouge XL) which is expected to be released shortly.   The Slaughters have really hit the mark on this last wine and it's sure to be a top selling Lenoir blend .  If you want to taste what quality Lenoir wine is, then do come here. Plus, there’s nothing like checking out a brand new facility!   As it turns out, Tom was also a musician with Mickey Gilley back in the days.  Gilley’s will be re-opening again and will be featuring Lost Maples bottled wines.  What a way to come back with a Texas twist!  Tom and Glenda are really nice people and will take great care of you when you stop in to visit. They are very friendly and warm hosts with some fun tales to tell we're certain! Feel free to take your time and enjoy the fantastic surrounding scenery as it is a delightful drive on some of the most beautiful roads in Texas.  They are also conveniently located very close to the entrance of the Lost Maples park, so you might want to plan an extended outing to visit both as you enjoy getting lost in this little piece of mountainous paradise.  Have fun and enjoy!

www.lostmapleswinery.com

Jacques Lapin - 2013; Alamosa Wince Cellars; Bend, Texas

This is a 100% estate grown Verdelho varietal. This dry white wine initially greets you as crisp and light.  After opening and pouring your fist glass, you'll note the pleasant pear and passion fruit aromas on the nose.  With the first few sips, you'll definitely distinguish some lemony notes along with some slight soft oak. What better way to wrap up a hot summer week than a bottle of this and your favorite cheese and crackers.  This wine seems quite versatile and could easily pair with many lovely summer foods.  It equally stands alone as a great wine to share with friends and family when the temperatures get hotter outside and something crisp and refreshing is required. This could be the new standard for Texas seafood and white wine pairing. Enjoy and savor every sip!

www.alamosawinecellars.com

Radiance - 2007; Rancho Ponte; Fredericksburg, Texas

It's always nice to pour a good old white wine that has aged well.  The deep golden yellow color is always a pleasure to gaze at as one sizes up the vino before sipping.  Radiance is a slightly sweet Riesling made by Rancho Ponte.  It was one of their first wines released when they first opened. While you're lost in the depths of this wine's color, you're nose will detect the unmistakable citrus aromas in the glass. There are also honeydew notes as well.  Take a few sips and the melon and pear flavors unfold.  After sipping and smelling, you'll enjoy how the fruit notes lend themselves to a fruit salad like feel.  It's good served chilled, enjoyed both by itself as a great wine for warm summer days and likewise pairs nicely with your lighter summer dishes like salads and pastas.

www.ranchoponte.com

Rosato di Sangiovese - 2013; Alamosa Wine Cellars; Bend, Texas

You are definitely in for a wonderful treat!  This a very clean dry Rose' that just tantalizes your entire tongue as you sip and savor this one. With pleasant bright cherry notes with a hint of berry sweetness that enliven your taste buds on the sides, front and back of your palate, you end up finding yourself craving more and more. The color is also intoxicating and a sexy raspberry rose shade. Pour a second glass just to make sure and enjoy these great sensations all over again. The acidity gods approve of this work of art as the wine has a beautiful balance. Complimenting this wine with some pork chops or cheese is a sure way to get the full Rose' deal.  Chilled, this makes a perfect treat during the hot Texas summer heat.  Cheers!

 

www.alamosawinecellars.com