Gaston – 2015; Calais Winery; Hye, Texas

What is so special about this Rosé?  Everything!  Texas Rosé wines have come a long way in the last few years and this is one of those wines that has put Texas Rosé on the map.  Let’s just get down to the nuts and bolts.  This is a dry Cinsault based Rosé that is superbly clean and crisp with a touch of herbal notes and good acids to balance things out. You will have a nice big smile after the first taste as you will see that there are still great strawberry and watermelon flavors, with the strawberry notes a bit more pronounced now.  There is also a touch of peach on the finish. Ultimately, this wine should stand out as a lovely and delightful one to enjoy. If you bought a case or two when it was released, then you are a very wise Rosé connoisseur.  It is still aging well and has respectable notes for the Rosé lover in you.  Ben Calais, owner and winemaker, has certainly contributed to setting high the benchmark for a great Texas Rosé.  Salut!

www.calaiswinery.com

Vintner’s Hideaway – Fredericksburg, Texas

Some of the best quality Texas wines are being produced by small (we’re taking very small) “boutique” wineries. The cost of owning and operating a tasting room can be an expensive and time-consuming undertaking for a winery owner. So, to help alleviate some of the pain associated with this problem, Vintner’s Hideaway is here to the rescue!  Having opened in April 2018, the owners, Jim and Ranae Mills, feature local hand-crafted wines from Texas. It’s a great opportunity for a consumer to taste a selection of top notch 100% Texas wines that they might not otherwise be able to find at large wine shops or bigger tasting rooms. It’s a very relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. The staff are not only friendly, but also quite knowledgeable about the different wines and wineries. The small batch wineries currently available are Rustic Spurs, Rivenburgh, Fly Gap, and Dandy, Buena Suerte Vineyards and 1851 Vineyards. When we visited, Vintner’s Hideaway was hosting a Holiday Winemaker Tasting event. The winemakers of Rivenburgh (John Rivenburgh), Fly Gap (Brock Estes), and Dandy (Rae Wilson) were present to talk about their wines with consumers individually at tables in very intimate small group settings. Bubblies, Rose’, Semillion, Trebbiano, Mourvedre, and Tannat Blends, to list a few were available for tasting. It was great to hear each winemaker express their unique approach and passion they have when crafting each wine.  You can discern their dedication and tell that their heart and soul is really into to what they create, like any true artist would feel about their work. This is a cool addition to the Texas wine tasting room experience and to what is available in Fredericksburg.  It’s a special opportunity to try great small batch wines all in one convenient and friendly location. We highly recommend you stop by and check them out and spend some quality wine time with everyone here! Cheers!!

www.vintnershideaway.com

Rancher’s Reserve – NV; Rancho Ponte; Fredericksburg, Texas

It’s non-vintage, but records show we got this back in 2011. Time has honored this Tempranillo blend quite well. The red blend is a nod to Bordeaux style wine. Aging has only enhanced the character of this well-balanced wine.  The fruit notes were still there with a bit of cherry and berry notes.  Some licorice lingers on the palate, as well.  The tannins have mellowed out for a smooth finish.  A touch of acidity does stand out, but it does not overpower. Rancho Ponte is no longer open, so savor those last bottles.  Enjoy!

www.ranchoponte.com