10-year Anniversary!

A whole decade at this...wow! Who would have thought that just talking about wine from our cellar would still be going on this long? The 10th year is certainly one for the memory banks. While we made a few new winery visits earlier this year, the COVID-19 pandemic has unfortunately put the brakes on traveling for the near future. No worries, though, as we still have plenty of wine in stock for blogging. 🍷 And thank goodness for shipping! One way to keep those new wines from new wineries coming in for tasting. We have added an additional 350 bottle wine cellaring capacity, so things should be good no matter what. 😉 Good food is a must, so many of these wines we have posted especially this year have also been paired with some great locally sourced food or local takeout. Supporting our local businesses is a must during these times. This 10th year may just be the year to break open some of those wines we got a decade ago. 😁Although the near future may seem uncertain, keeping regular contact with our wine friends, many we consider extended family, is a must for good health and spirit, plus alcohol kills germs, right? We wish you all good health, responsible sipping and continued sense of humor and strength as we all take 2020 one day at a time. Cheers to being more than halfway through this year and to hopefully many more years of fantastic and fun wine blogging to come! Thanks for joining us on this journey through time and wine. 👍🍇🥂

Reserve Brut – 2010; Digby Fine English; England, United Kingdom

Wow!  This British sparkling hit the high mark on fine Brut. Pale gold in color, this Chardonnay blend of 65% Chardonnay, 18% Pinot Noir, 17% Pinot Meunier explodes with notes of very tart apples. The fine bubbles are a good visual indication of quality and age as you take that first inhale and sip. This bubbly packs bright citrus tartness that will envelop, then lingers for a while making this sparkler extra crisp.  On the finish you will find that slight touch of almond you would anticipate for that lasting finale.  This bubbly has a great balance on acidity and is a refreshing style to enjoy. This would also be a fabulous bottle to pair with your favorite fish or shellfish. Cheers to all!

www.digby-fine-english.com

Parr Tempranillo – 2013; Lewis Wines; Johnson City, Texas

When you hear Texas Tempranillio, you know you are getting something great.  When you hear Parr Vineyards Tempranillio, then you have hit a high mark!  Lewis Wines has taken this great vineyard fruit and turned it into a fantastic red wine. Little color change was noticed in just seven years, but even when pouring this beauty there was sheer joy in taking in that initial inhale with the great aromas of prunes with a touch of smokiness. Do let this one sit for an hour or two as it opens and evolves…aka “calm down.”  The first sip or two is an eye opener - bright acids followed by cranberry and plums.  The added blackberry notes are a plus. Still tannic for sure, but you know the right food pairing will really enhance this wine and bring out its full potential.  The dry lingering finish is quite nice, but that just means you get to sip and try the sensational experience all over again.  Still worthy of cellaring longer. Enjoy well!

www.lewiswines.com

Fitzrovia Rosé – NV; Ridgeview Wine Estate; Sussex, United Kingdom

If you are looking for a first-class Rosé bubbly to add to your brut stash, put this one on the list! The visual appeal of the fine bubbles and pink hue are just the start to your sensory experience. Even the “pop” sound when opening the cork is fun and gets you eager to experience that initial sip. After you are done admiring your pink bubbles dancing up the sides of the glass, take a few light breaths of those orange and raspberry aromas. Refined and enticing, right? Next you will note crisp flavors of red berry and strawberry followed by a hint of cream. This delightful blend of 41% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, 29% Chardonnay certainly packs a lot of aroma and flavor, so keep pouring! You will not want to stop sipping on this lovely bottle of delicious bubbles. Cheers to all!

www.ridgeview.co.uk

Pinot Noir – 2014; Ron Yates Wines; Hye, Texas

Craving a good Pinot Noir is not an addiction, it is a love for fine wine.  Ron Yates has certainly done a fine job with this Russian River Valley sourced grape. A side note, you will see that the label just says Yates.  A rarity to have before the winery name had to be changed. The translucent light red color is great to admire and sets the pace for what is to come. After this one sits a bit to really open, breath in those great aromas of cherries and blueberries.  A swirl or two, and your palate will be enveloped by some serious dark chocolate.  There is a tantalizing spicy sensation for that fine finish. This wine has great complexity and you should enjoy it well.  This 2017 Silver medal winner from the Houston Rodeo International Wine Competition is well deserving for a place or two in your cellar.  Cheers!

www.ronyateswines.com

Lagrein – 2015; Southold Farm+Cellar; Fredericksburg, Texas

“Trust the Pain” is the label name on this Italian varietal. One of the many unique wine labels created by the owner of this winery! This bottle was from their original location in New York state before relocating to the Texas Hill Country.  Sourced from North Fork of Long Island AVA, this very dark colored red wine is quite rich in berry aromas.  The flavors are dominated by plums and cherries with a touch of tangerine.  There is a leathery sensation that will envelop your palate followed by a hint of spice.  This full-bodied red wine has good acidity and a pleasant finish. A well made wine collection from New York and we hear that the Texas wines are also doing well, too.  Cheers!

www.southoldfarmandcellar.com

Texas Sparkler – NV; Whistling Duck Winery; Weimar, Texas

Made from Blanc du Bois grapes, this sparkling wine is quite refreshing.  It is light on the alcohol at 10%, but this seems to have worked out well for this off-dry bubbly.  The color is moderately pale straw with aromas of mango. The light bubbles will certainly dance around your palate at a fast pace and with conviction. You will discern tropical notes with delight in addition to peaches. Ironically, it has a bit of a Prosecco sensation to this fizzy treat which elevates this bottle to one deserving a special occasion.  A great warm weather treat to help you celebrate all the beauty of summer with friends and family and to toast to those special occasions. Enjoy!

www.whistlingduckwinery.com

P-4 – NV; Locations Wine; Portugal

There is something to be said about the richness of wines from Portugal.  A well-made wine from there can be quite addicting! This blend of Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira, and Touriga Franca can hit that mark. It is sourced from the Douro and Alentejo regions in Portugal. The deep violet color is complimented by the aromas of plums and blueberry on the nose. The enriched blackberry flavors continue to excite those taste buds for more. This is followed by some cocoa notes to further accentuate the berries and a bit of earthiness rounds things out on the finish. Dry, yes. Bold tannins, but of course…it is from Portugal!  Ironically, the finish has a touch of vanilla that lingers for a moment just to tease.  Nice job and Saúde!

www.locationswine.com

Jaquez – 2013; Compass Rose Cellars; Hye, Texas

Made from Black Spanish grapes (aka Lenoir), this fortified Port-style wine packs quite a punch for an after meal treat. The grapes were sourced from Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard which is near Longview, Texas, up in NE Texas country!  The plum aromas really rise to greet you on the nose. It is incredibly well-balanced with a sweetness that is luscious and rich with intense flavor. There are raisin and spice notes that linger on the exceptionally smooth finish of this dessert wine. A dark chocolate dessert pairing is a must with this one! Unless you have any of these bottles left in your cellar, it will be tough to acquire Compass Rose Cellars wines as this winery has closed. Yet we cannot sip without praising this as one of the better made Black Spanish wines we have had in a while. Well done and hats off to the wine maker for this wine!

Marsanne – 2016; Lost Draw Cellars; Fredericksburg, Texas

To say a Marsanne can be quite aromatic is an understatement. However, a good winemaker can turn those intense aromas into an enjoyable wine.  This 2016 Timmons Estate Vineyard sourced Marsanne from the Texas High Plains AVA seems to have the right balance between that strong aromatic feel and good flavor.  The deep golden pale color is just the sign of some aging, but the notes have been unhindered.  Citrus notes of lemon and lime are a given, but there is also some pear and peach.  The first flavors are a mouthful of honey and orange blossoms with a creamy texture throughout.  Just as your mouth gets acquainted with these initial tasting notes, the flavor of grapefruit kicks in to round things out. The acids are moderate, and this bottle still has a bit of crispness to it.  A great seafood pairing is a must with this white wine! If you want a great first impression on a Texas Marsanne, this is one of your “go-to” wines. Enjoy this awesome bottle and “Cheers”!

www.lostdrawcellars.com

Hunter – 2014; William Chris Vineyards; Hye, Texas

The Hunter wines from William Chris have always been a rock-solid blend. The Merlot is typically sourced from Hunter Vineyards of the Texas High Plains AVA.  There is a great story about that vineyard by co-owner Bill Blackmon, but you will have to hear it from him to get the authentic version. The 2014 release is a blend of Merlot 73% and Malbec 27%.  After opening the bottle and allowing it to breathe for a good hour or so, you will agree that this blend has a fantastic nose of vanilla bean and some herbaceous notes. There is still some great fruit in this six-year-old bottle and the acids are quite bright as the first few sips really hit you about mid-palate. The juicy fruit is quite intense featuring some delicious plum notes.  This wine has a dry feel to it and good tannins to round out the finish. Meat and cheese would pair well with this well-balanced red wine.  Cheers!

www.williamchriswines.com

Symphony – 2016; Hill Country Cellars Winery; Bandera, Texas

This UC inspired varietal has much to offer. A cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris, this grape can typically be a great compliment to a white blend but can also serve as an intense floral and fruit wine on its one. This wine version from Hill Country Cellars is quite floral. It has notes of pear that lead into a honeysuckle flavor. That eventually teases your palate that you are enjoying a light sweet and smooth white wine. There is just a touch of tartness to liven things up. This wine should be a great compliment to your next spicy Tex-Mex dish or a lovely lightly sweet easy sipper on the patio. You just cannot go wrong with this one for the sweet summertime. Enjoy!

hillcountrycellarswinery.com

Tannat – 2014; Slate Mill Wine Collective; Fredericksburg, Texas

Ah...Tannat! When it is a well-made single varietal, it can give a much-needed enrichment to body and soul.  Made under the original 1851 brand name, this first released wine’s Tannat grapes were sourced from Firefall Vineyards of the Sierra Foothills AVA. Opaque in color, it does entice you to find out what flavors are in there to unravel.  The richness of cherry and tobacco plus the bold berry flavors combine for a marvelous mouthful of am intense wine. The tannins are still strong with a super long and very pleasing finish. You will at least feel 5-10 years younger after the first glass. It is always a treat to go back and try out a first vintage release from a winery. This is for sure a perfect pairing with a high-quality aged steak. One glass is not enough to satisfy, and you will want to finish this bottle once opened, because it is just that good. So invite a good friend or loved one over and enjoy well and savor every drop!

www.slatemillwinecollective.com