Vermentino -2014; William and Chris Vineyards; Hye, Texas

This Texas Vermentino packs quite a floral punch and delivers a full mouth feel. The medium pale-yellow color only signifies how gracefully it has aged. This lovely white still retains strong notes of apricot melded with bright lime and peach flavors that linger. There is just enough acidity left to dance around your taste buds, too. If you have any of these bottles still left, you should pop the cork and savor it. Enjoy well!

www.williamchriswines.com

Tempranillo – 2014; 1851 Vineyards; Fredericksburg, Texas

Just the name Tempranillo brings a certain level of expectation. Your “wine brain” may even be pre-wired for certain sensations.  Well wine friends, this fabulous Tempranillo from 1851 will not disappoint.  As one of the first releases by the 1851 Winery, this first impression IS everything. The fruity, berry flavors are still quite pronounced. The leather and tobacco notes give this lovely red both the “ooohh” and “ahhh” factor that you’re looking for in a quality Tempranillo. Tannic, yes…beautiful mouthfeel…most definitely!  Bring on those fatty and meaty dishes, because this wine has come to the table to please. Simple Lovely. Enjoy!

www.1851vineyards.com

Sauvignon Blanc -2015; il Poggiarello; Travo, Italy

There is something about the Emilia Appellation of France that brings out the true essence in all things wine. This Perticato Il Quadri designated Sauvignon Blanc is rich in minerality with bright acids and bold flavors. The dark green-yellow hue comes with age, but we see that as a compliment to your visual enjoyment of this beauty. Your palate will discern many different tropical notes including kiwi, pineapple, and lime. The tropical flavors are complimented with a touch of beeswax and grass notes Quite a delight to sip on its own or to pair with a lovely meal. A great choice for an A to Z Sauvignon Blanc sensation!

ilpoggiarello.fpwinegroup.it

Texas Red – 2011; Lewis Wines; Johnson City, Texas

What 2011 did for Texas wine was a) create fruit with great concentrated flavors and b) create an opportunity for longer age worthy reds.  For those that may have been preaching, “water less yields better quality grapes” beforehand, 2011 was the opportunity to put that practice to the test during the great drought year. This blend of Mourvèdre 56%, Tempranillo 26%, Cabernet Sauvignon 9%, Cabernet Franc 9% is still retaining some good acids and great flavors. It’s moderately dark red color pours like a Mourvèdre and the notes and profiles still touch just about every fruit flavor in just the right proportions. It has a medium mouthfeel and good minerality that rounds out a fantastic sipping session.  How are the tannins you ask? Well, still holding up well for a very pleasant finish. Keep holding, because this great balanced red blend still has more to show in the years to come. Cheers!

www.lewiswines.com

Cicada Cellars – Stonewall, Texas

Before and after the 55mph speed limit sign in Stonewall, you can find wineries galore popping up east and west. Now, “downtown” Stonewall has its own winery that should be on your list of places to visit.  Having worked in the real estate business for many years, owner Jeff Williams has made many great contacts during his career including a few wineries.  Those contacts have paid off and now Jeff and his wife Barbra have set their own course in the Texas Hill Country winery universe.  They picked the name Cicada from its historical reference to good luck. They’ve put that good luck to use by renovating the former Stonewall volunteer fire department building into their wine tasting and storage facility. It’s quite spacious with just over 4600 square feet to “play”.  The interior is quite bright and is decorated with some interesting modern art on the walls.  Grapes are sourced from Texas and California with a focus on small batch production.  Bending Branch Winery and Kuhlman Cellars have been helping Jeff with his initial wine production. The tasting room has only been opened to the public for about eight months.  There are several wines for tasting of which you can pick five.  We started off with the 2017 Rosé.  Sourced from the Texas High Plains, this blend of Mourvèdre, Tannat, Montepulciano and Sagrantino is dry and smooth with a pleasant lingering fruit finish. We then moved on to the 2017 Texas High Plains Tempranillo.  It is fruit forward with bright acids, cherry flavors, and some slight peppery notes.  Like Tannat?  Their 2017 vintage has a very dark rich color, strong tannins and super long-lasting finish.  The 2017 High Plains Malbec/Merlot blend has great balance and ripe blackberry flavors. Lastly, we sampled the 2015 Ruby-Eye Red. Aged in whisky barrels from Garrison Brothers, this California sourced blend of Sagrantino, Tinta Cão, and Petite Sirah packs quite of punch of intensely diversified flavors and aromas. Future releases in the works include another Tannat, a Cabernet/Tannat blend, and Sagratino blend. The causal and comfortable atmosphere compliments the great hospitality you’ll enjoy here.  Yes, there is now a good reason to slow down in Stonewall, besides the speed limit. Next time you are passing through, stop in and give Cicada a try. Enjoy!

www.cicadacellars.com

Chansa Sangiovese – 2010; McPherson Cellars; Lubbock, Texas

This specialty label from McPherson Cellars is a treat to have, look at, and finally taste! We picked this bottle up during the grand opening of 4.0 Cellars. We were excited when offered the opportunity to sample it and then also purchase a bottle as well. Of course, we wanted the special bottle! Though technically a wine club exclusive bottle, if you ask with a Texas wine enthusiast’s smile sometimes good things will happen, and you may get that lucky break to take home something truly special and unique. Tasting this wine, will put an even bigger smile on your face. Age has made this semi-translucent wine an enjoyable experience.  Its luscious black licorice flavors married with a touch of pecan will have you giving this one a few swirls on the tongue. Surprisingly, the acids are still holding well, and the tannins are moderate.  A great one to keep cellared longer if you like or nice to share this lovely wine find with friends now. Cheers!

www.mcphersoncellars.com

Winemaker’s Choice – NV; Brennan Vineyards; Comanche, Texas

Circa 2014 and 4.0 Cellars had just been opened a couple of years. A special event was being held on a cold drizzly September day featuring some great wines on display for tasting.  However, in the “back” room (before the great expansion) there was a lone bottle on a long table. The front label had a big W printed on it along with two wine guards on either side of it (ok, they were just the staff pouring samples, but guards makes it sound more dramatic). You just barely got an ounce of pouring for tasting (yes, they really were rationing samples). What you experienced was nothing short of greatness. Fast forward six years and that bottle is still holding up well. This time, you pour a whole glass and indulge as your reward for patience. The profile is a full bodied and well-balanced red wine blend. You will notice notes of plums, blackberry, and some cherries. A touch of licorice helps round things out.  It is smooth with light tannins and a bit of smokiness to liven things up on the finish. We forgot to mention what is in it, you say? If memory serves us right, some Cabernet both the Sauvignon and Franc varietals and a touch of something else.  Bottom line, it’s damn good. So if you have been patient enough to hold on to any bottles, open one and enjoy!

www.brennanvineyards.com