Esperanza Winery – Blanco, Texas

Blanco has many local, historic, and natural charms to this little town in the Hill Country.  Now, it has something people will talk about more when they go to Blanco…a charming winery! Opened since this past April, owner Judith Raven is no stranger to the Texas grape and wine world. For almost 20 years, she has been experimenting with grape growing in the Hill Country near Spring Branch.  The estate has about 6 acres of grape vines planted and is known for Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, and Merlot. The logo on the bottles, a raven, is a nod to the owner’s last name. When we visited, there were six wines featured on their tasting menu. The 2018 Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from Sierra Foothills AVA until the Texas Sauvignon Blanc grapes are ready. It is quite crisp with some distinct peach notes. The 2017 Hill Country Tannat is quite smooth with ripe strawberry and jam flavors. The 2017 Texas High Plains Tempranillo features more spice with a smooth finish. You’ll be delighted and quite happy with the 2014 Petite Syrah/Sangiovese blend.  Sourced from Reddy Vineyards, it is still drinking quite well. It is bold with nice tannic structure and is well balanced.  The last Esperanza wine is a sweet Orange Muscat. Source from the Texas High Plains, it hits the spot when temperatures heat up during the last three months of the year!  There is also a wine from Fly Gap that you can try called Cowboy Way.  It is for those who enjoy something bold and strong in a red.  We enjoyed visiting with Judith’s daughter and hearing how they came up with the name for the winery. The name Esperanza comes from Judith’s childhood and relates to many good things that came with that name on her life’s journey, starting with living on a street named such. Now, Blanco has more good things going for it with the addition of this winery in the area. Inside the tasting room one will find tables and assorted cozy areas to sit and sip and relax as they enjoy their visit. There are also tables and chairs outside to enjoy the lovely warm fall temperatures of late.  There is new artwork on the walls for sale by local artists making the space even more inviting and interesting. All in all, the space makes you feel right at home. Stop by and check it out for yourself. You just might find some new wines you enjoy and make sure to keep checking in from time to time, because there are more wines planned to be released.  Cheers!

www.esperanzavineyard.com

Texas Rosé – 2013; Lewis Wines; Johnson City, Texas

There is much to be said for Texas Rosés.  They seem to be that perfect pairing during the infamous Texas summer heat. This six-year-old Rosé is a testament that they can age well too. It’s a Mourvedre based Rosé that was sourced from Parr Vineyards in Mason County. The deep pink color has faded a bit to a mellower hue with age, but the wine is still quite bold. It’s medium acidity and herbaceous notes still bring out character in this wine. Flavors of plums and raspberries still dance around after the first sip or two. For 2019, The Texas summer has gone well into Fall! So, it is safe to say one can continue to keep sipping away with your favorite Lewis Rosé!

www.lewiswines.com

Pinot Noir – 2013; Faiveley; Nuits-Saint-Georges, France

Yes, there is greatness from Burgundy and this wine reflects but a fraction of what the region has to offer. The lovely bright red and semi translucent colors beguile and entice of what is to come. An hour-long decanting is a must, but your patience will be worth the wait. The intense earthy aroma married with slight herbal notes build the anticipation. From the first few sips, you taste cherry, watermelon, and some strawberry as the fruit notes unfold. The longer you sip and savor this one, it just continues to delight and evolve for this medium bodied red pleaser. The bold tannins on the finish are to die for as they round out the flavor profile! Surprisingly, it still comes across as a relatively young wine. This bottle can still cellar for a few more years and continue to develop. We look forward to seeing what greatness comes with continued aging! Santé!

www.domaine-faiveley.com

Fion Dearg – 2014; Torr Na Lochs; Burnet, Texas

This first release vintage from Torr Na Lochs demonstrates the merits in the ability to age and still retain wonderful qualities in Texas wines. Mourvedre and Carignan compliment this Tempranillo blend by rounding it out and adding a richer depth and structure. Cherries and leather with a touch of spice are what this five-year-old wine exhibits today. It’s smooth with light tannins. The touch of spice might surprise you after the first taste or two, but surprises are a good thing when you let a beautiful wine like this sit a while. There are no signs of turning in this wine and it could easily mature for a while longer. It is a fine example of why it is fun to buy multiple bottles and try them over a few years to see how the wines mature and evolve over time. Cheers!

www.torrnalochs.com