Cabernet Sauvignon – 2004; Pillar Bluff Vineyards; Lampasas, Texas

What were you doing in 2004?  Waiting for this posting?  Well then, patience has paid off!  This 14-year-old Cabernet has aged well.  First, you will notice some fantastic custom artwork on the label. Second, you get the lovely aged ruby color of this beautiful red wine as you pour the first glass. Third, you wait a while longer before trying it because if you’ve waited this long to open it, you can wait another hour for it to “oxygenate”.  Forth, with the glass if ready, you take a big breath to inhale those well-preserved fruit aromas.  “Still good” says the nose.  Fifth, you finally take that first taste and savor its smoothness, the blackberry and blueberry notes and the well-balanced acids. Finally, you embrace your inner “ahhh” afterward when you realize how delightful that was. Pour another glass and do it all over again!  This red wine will make you a believer in Texas aged wines. Salute!

www.pillarbluff.com

Rosé Sec – 2014; Narrow Path Winery; Stonewall, Texas

First impressions are important, and this Rosé makes a superb one! This wine was one of the first releases for Narrow Path. It is 100% estate grown fruit from Fredericksburg and is a blend of 80% Merlot, 20% Pinot Gris.  The ever so elegant red berry aromas shine through on this one providing an enticing bouquet on the nose. The fruit flavors still balance out well for its age and there is a slight residual sugar to this one that just adds to the beauty of this wine.  A nice early release that demonstrates the care and love that went into the production. Sante’!

www.narrowpathwinery.com

Farmhouse Vineyard – Johnson City, Texas

Owners Nicholas and Katy Jane Seaton and Anthony and Traci Furgeson helped Farmhouse Vineyard realize its next natural step in its evolution, which is making wine! Their 122-acre vineyard is located near Brownfield in Texas High Plains AVA. With 16 plus varietals, it has been the grape source for many well-established Texas wineries that we have all come to know and love. We were fortunate to visit their “new-new” location in Johnson City at their house on highway 290. The previous location was at a trailer located near the 290 Vinery. The newest locale is right on Main street in a renovated classic home. Location, location, location is everything to a business and this place is spot on!  The owners do have plans to relocate the trailer to this new site soon.

Their expanded tasting menu consists of two flights, one has the full range of sparkling to dessert wines and the other focuses on dry Rosé, Whites, and Reds. As one of the first vineyards that helped establish Malvasia Bianca as a viable Texas grape, they have made a sparkling version called Boyfriend. The 2017 vintage has lemon grass and apricot notes that just “bubble” all over your palate. Their 2017 Revolution is a dry Rosé sparkling made from Counoise. With strong raspberry notes, it is crisp with a nice finish making this wine quite enjoyable on warm Texas days. For the 2017 Bloom Rosé, you get to enjoy a 100% Mourvedre Rosé that is light and refreshing with plenty of strawberry and melon notes. You will be in for a treat with their Marché. Made from a blend of Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Tempranillo, this Saignee style wine may be different than most Rosé’s you’ve tried, but it is equally pleasing for the upcoming hot summer. There is a lovely red blend called, Ramble on which is a melding of Tempranillo, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. It is smooth and fruit forward and we believe most red wine lovers will readily enjoy. Wine tasting at Farmhouse, will also provide you with a rare opportunity and special treat!  In their selection is one of Tim Drake’s legendary wines called Assistant. This House of Drake greatness blends 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 9% Syrah sourced from Columbia Valley AVA in Washington.  It is a superb dry red wine blend with a beautiful fruit finish that will leave you craving for more!  Their semi-sweet dry white called Housewife is a Malvasia Bianca with nice melon and pear notes with just enough sweetness to boot. Lastly, you will get to enjoy their 2017 Sweet. This blend of Malvasia Bianca and Orange Muscat combines a bit of citrus and vanilla notes for something quite enjoyable and their sweetest dessert style wine.

If you have visited the trailer before, now you have a new excuse to revisit and enjoy their expanded wine selection.  The staff and owners are quite friendly and will make you feel very comfortable as they chat with you about the wines. We strongly encourage you to stop in and visit their new location and wish them well as they kick off this new phase in their journey.

www.farmhousevineyard.com

Tannat – 2012; Santiago Queirolo; Lima, Peru

This Intipalka line of wines is quite a pleaser for a single varietal Tannat wine. The deep garnet hue on the initial pour is quite an eye catcher! The aroma can be complex for this Ica Valley sourced grape, but you can distinguish both a little balsamic and cocoa note. The flavors of blackberries and herbs are pronounced, and the finish satisfies with balanced tannins. Yes, Tannat has found another home for itself and deserves to stand out for the quality wine grape that it is. Cheers!!

www.santiagoqueirolo.com

Hula o Maui – NV; Maui Wines; Kula, Hawaii

Some of your favorite brut quality champagnes just might have to take a backseat to this pineapple sparkling. Say, what?  Seriously folks! This specialty fruit wine is made in the Traditional Méthode Champenoise. Yes, it is legit!  This long painstaking process along with top quality Maui Gold Pineapple yields a brut quality sparkling that just might be your new go-to celebration bubbly.  It has a light pale-yellow color with tiny bubbles and a nice crisp refreshing taste to go along with the long-lasting effervescence. The pineapple notes are mild yet distinct on the nose and give this an awesome tropical aroma that does not overwhelm. The balance between pineapple flavors and acidity is perfect. Someone did their homework and paid close attention to detail with this luscious creation. This full-bodied sparkling will be a for sure crowd pleaser at your next party. You can order bottles directly from the winery in Maui and they can ship to Texas or wherever you may wish. We have done so, and they arrived in fine fashion without issue - highly recommend you give them a try.  Cheers and happy rest of this year to you and yours!

www.mauiwine.com