Meritage – NV; Rancho Ponte; Fredericksburg, Texas

Wow, what can you say about this one.  This was one of first bottles we purchased in 2009 back in the early years after they opened their winery in Fredericksburg. Rancho Ponte had made some pretty good reds, but this one outshines them all! Originally pitched as a Bordeaux style blend, the exact mixture is not known, however it does have a strong sense of Syrah and Cabernet notes. The dark ruby color still holds well for its age.  A few swirls and a few sips, and you’ll still sense some jam, strawberry, and blackberry notes. There is some smokiness to the wine and it has a pleasant light finish. This red blend is worthy of a nice thick protein pairing!  Sadly, their Fredericksburg location is closed.  So, cherish this one with great friends if you have any bottles lingering in your cellar.  Cheers!

www.ranchoponte.com

Barn Red – NV; Saddlehorn Winery; Burton, Texas

Non-vintage…yes.  But thanks to classic tech (post-it notes), we know this bottle was purchased back in 2010.  This was one of the first releases for Saddlehorn Winery.  We were impressed back then when we tasted the wine in the winery and still impressed that this red wine blend cellared so nicely! It has held up quite well over the years, and we are happy to report it still has nice fruit flavor!  There was no information on what comprised the blend, but it did present notes of Syrah and Cabernet. This medium bodied wine is well balanced and will please most palates.  The one surprise is that there is a delayed finish…or maybe that’s just the senses playing catchup!  Tasting is one part of the enjoyment of this wine.  Do take a trip to Saddlehorn Winery when you are out there way.  You’ll be very welcomed there and may find a bottle or two for your own cellars!

www.saddlehornwinery.com

Bridal Bliss – 2012; Wedding Oak Winery; San Saba, Texas

What a great way to end off a long week! This Muscat Canelli sparkling blend has held up well in our wine cellar and still delivers a lovely pop of the top and lots of lovely bubbles of joy dancing in the glass.    With grapefruit notes, this smooth and slightly sweet sparkler delights and thrills as you enjoy every sip. The aged golden tone just adds to the visual sensation as you watch the ascension of bubbles rising. We were very pleased with this bottle when we initially tasted it and are delighted with its ability to cellar age. We think you will find similar enjoyment in sampling a chilled bottle to help put you in the right wine zen! Fantastic option for celebrations, special occasions, brunch and just because you’re worth it and shouldn’t every day be worth celebrating anyway? To many more years of happiness and Bridal Bliss! Cheers! 

www.weddingoakwinery.com

Lucy – 2011; Perissos Vineyard & Winery; Burnet, Texas

This 2013 Texas Lone Star International Wine Competition Bronze Medal winning wine still holds its own after all these years!  The white wine is a blend of Roussanne (44%), Viognier (44%) and Muscat (12%).  It offers just a touch of sweetness on the palate and is an extremely gratifying chilled white wine treat. Aromas of apricot are still strong. Some of the fruit notes have mellowed with time, yet the wine is still quite pleasant and has held up nicely.  Pair with a stir fry spicy dish and you’ll be in heaven. Enjoy!

www.perissosvineyards.com