French Connections Wines – Hye, Texas

Nestled on top of one of the best views of the Pedernales Valley is an emerging top-notch Rhone style winery. Yes, a very top-notch one at that! Is this believable….yes. Can you go everyday….not yet. Will you need a bigger wine budget…most likely, but just think how happy your wine cellar will be!  Sheri and Pat Pattillo have teamed up with Ben Calais (Calais Winery) and Victoria Gimino to bring this newest shining star of Texas wineries to the Texas Hill Country. The wines are the only thing that exceeds the view that you get here, so let’s get right down to it.  There are seven wines to choose from for tasting. Many Calais fans will remember the Cinsault Rose’ Ben first made. This FCW 2018 release builds on that top quality rich and dry Rose’ that is sure to sell out quickly.  Their other 2018 Rose’ is Mourvedre based and is full of color and bit more bold than the Cinsault one. Yes, their dry whites are absolutely wonderful, and you will be fully immersed in the 2018 La Connection White. It’s a blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier. This unique white blend was both barrel fermented AND barrel aged and shows absolute pleasant aromas and flavors.  The 2015 Roussanne Reserve was barrel fermented and aged for not 2, nor 3, but….yes, 4 years!! It’s amazing how Ben can do his magic.  The color and texture balance out quite well for a rich a full tasting experience.   You will be equally pleased with their reds. For starters, the 2017 La Connection Red is a 50/50 blend of Syrah and Mourvedre. Aged for two years in French oak, it has a great full mouth feel and beautiful lasting finish that just might make you fall in love with this and only this wine.  The 2017 Syrah is sourced from Newsome vineyards from their older low yielding vines.  You can definitely tell the richness and flavor that is packed into every sip.  Not to be outdone by the dry 2015 Roussanne, but there is also a 2015 port-style version. Fortified and aged for four years, the golden color plus the pleasant linger after-taste is full bliss in of itself!  Not to be outdone by their fine wines, but they also have delicious French eclairs and some superb camembert cheese plates to compliment your visit.   Greatness, right? Have fun and thoroughly enjoy this place on your next Texas Hill Country trip. Santé! 

www.frenchconnectionhye.com