VT - 2011; Bodegas y Viñedos Valtravieso; Valladolid, Spain

Yes!  An absolutely wonderful Tinta Fina from Espana!  It pours with such beautiful cherry red color against the light. Swirl and enjoy the cocoa and balsamic aromas.  The mouth feel is not harsh or overwhelming. This has a good balance between the tannins and the acidity. You'll love the nice long mellow finish on each sip. This is a beautiful wine to enjoy on its own or pair with food. Strawberries really bring out some of the beauty in the tasting notes on this one.  Cheers!

www.valtravieso.com

Round Mountain Estate Blend - 2011; Lewis Wines; Johnson City, Texas

Meticulous detail to vineyard care and the great Texas drought of 2011 has produced some of the best quality Texas grapes which can be found in this wine. This blend of Tempranillo (82%) and Touriga Nacional (18%) is a testament to that and more.  Aging for 24 months just enabled the richness of the developed flavors that the Texas Hill Country has to offer. You’ll pick up notes of cherries and a bit of cocoa in this savory blend as well as some great earthiness.  The acids are still strong in this wine, so it will likely evolve more over time.  The tannins are moderate and provide a nice long and lingering finish.  Not that we’re in the points rating business, but we’ll go out on a limb on this one and give it 95 points! We suggest obtaining multiple bottles as this one is definitely able to lay down for a while. Maybe we’ll open the next bottle in 2020, so stay tuned our wine fans! Double Cheers!!

www.lewiswines.com

Nero d'Avola – 2013; Abbazia Santa Anastasia; Sicily, Italy

Let’s talk strong wine. Never had Nero d'Avola?  Then, you’re in for a treat.  This red wine from Sicily has everything “S” about it.  Strong tart acids, strong fruit aromas, strong and bright ruby red color, and strong gripping tannins on the sides. You’ll also pick up ripe berry and some black pepper notes.  As anticipated, there is also a bit of earthiness as well!   If you’re red wine palate feels up to the challenge, then you should do your wine senses a favor and try this varietal out as deep earthy red wine drinkers should enjoy this one. Get a couple of nice fatty dishes for pairing and you’ll be one happy wine lover.  Cheers!

abbaziasantanastasia.com