Harper’s Hill – NV; Maydelle Country Wines; Rusk, Texas

Chocolate Mint wine?  Why, yes!  If you love mint chocolate, you just might find yourself indulging in this wine.  This one is amber in color and definitely has strong mint aromas.  When tasting, neither the chocolate or mint flavors overpower each other.  Both the mint and chocolate notes seem to complement each other quite well.  Yes, it’s sweet and a savory sweet as well.  Pair this with your favorite sweet dish or enjoy on its own. It’s one unique way to show your appreciation to your sweetheart and indulge your chocolate and mint cravings!

www.maydellewines.com

Barons Creek Vineyards – Fredericksburg, Texas

It is as though a piece of Mediterranean winery architecture has materialized along the 290 wine corridor.  The look and feel of the Hill Country’s newest winery is quite breathtaking.  In addition to the main tasting rooms, are fantastic villas for overnight stays.  The interior of the tasting room is quite astonishing.  There are large vaulted ceilings, a spacious tasting room area, and smaller semi private tasting rooms. We think you’ll feel quite comfortable during your wine sipping session.  It certainly sets the mood for a great experience.  The Chase brothers (Mike, Chris, and Marc) opened their business in December 2015.  Just in time for the holidays!  Long time Texas wine fans are probably familiar with their winemaker, Russell Smith, who was also the winemaker at Becker Vineyards from 1999 – 2012.  Barons Creek is definitely in good winemaking hands!  Some of the wines are made on site and some are made in California.  Grapes are sourced from California and Washington.  You’ll have two flights to pick from for tasting.  So, if you come as a couple, that would be the best opportunity to try all of them.  Between the two flights, you’ll have about a dozen wines to sample.  Since we could write at length about each one, let’s focus on a few that will definitely peak your interest.  The 2014 Chardonnay from Sonoma is a nice buttery and not too oaky white. Quite refreshing!  You’ll be astonished by the neon-pink 2014 Rose! It’s got come crispness and it's dry for when it gets 80+ degrees in January.  The 2013 Hippo is a co-fermented blend of Grenache and Syrah.  You’ll be very pleased with the smooth and pleasant finish on this one. It’s a more than one bottle choice!  Now let’s talk Zin!  While Texas Zinfandel grapes may currently be a challenge for winemakers, look no further than Dry Creek Valley for this 2012 Zinfandel wine. It has great acids, good dark fruit flavors and just dances across your taste buds. Consider it another multiple bottle buy, so don’t walk out the door second guessing yourself. The best red has to be the 2012 Le Baron.  It has everything you ever wanted to enjoy in a red blend. Mixed with Cabernet, Malbec, Syrah, Barbera, you’ll savor the toasted oak aromas, appreciate its complex flavors, gasp at its full bodied texture and best of all you’ll want to repeat the everlasting long smooth finish.  Yes, it is that good. Walk out with a case of this one.  But wait...there's more! One red wine surprise is in store from winemaker Smith. His very own Montsant from Spain!  This 60/40 blend of Carignan and Grenache is why great wine deserves to be savored. You’ll pick out nutmeg, jam, and chocolate…oh my! With great body and a nice lingering finish, you’ll pack away more bottles than you thought you would.  The lone Texas wine is Sweet Dreams which is a port-style wine with good cherry and chocolate flavors.  You’ll be quite pleased with your wine tasting experience.  The staff is quite knowledgeable, very friendly, and easy to sip and chat with during your visit.  Do stroll around the grounds and admire the scenery.  If you get a chance, check out the tower that has great views of the property as well as the Pedernales Valley. Cheers!

www.baronscreekvineyards.com