Thursday, December 30, 2021

Cuvée du Sentier – 2017; Calais Winery; Hye Texas

The rich, full bodied Tannat may be one of those secret wines in your stash that you will have a difficult time not blabbing about to others. Sourced from Narra Vineyards of The Texas High Plains AVA, it is game on for that full mouth feel experience! Aromas of cherry and tobacco will initially greet you for this complex, bold wine. Do have patience and let it sit for an hour or so to breathe for full enjoyment. You will then be rewarded with some flavors of blackberry and raspberry with a hint of spice. The acids are medium for this fine jewel, and it is relatively smooth for a Tannat. “Another, please!” is what you will be saying all night as you enjoy glass by glass of this amazing red. Santé



Friday, December 17, 2021

Alicante Bouschet – 2017; 7 Creeks Vineyard; Burnet, Texas

This Texas High Plains sourced varietal makes a nice wine to enjoy any time of day. It has a lovely garnet color that entices you as you reach for that initial sip. The fruit froward red wine expresses cranberry notes with a touch of cedar underneath and a nice lingering leather note on the finish. The smooth tannins are equally pleasing for this lovely one. It is a great wine pleaser and is drinking well right now, so do enjoy if you have any cellared. Cheers!



Friday, December 10, 2021

Viognier – 2017; Perissos Vineyard and Winery; Burnet, Texas

2017 Texas wines have not disappointed. Even 4-year-old whites are still holding much of their fresh profiles. This estate Viognier from the Texas Hill Country AVA beholds much appreciation. The golden hue and very fruit forward notes are a blessing for the wine afficionado’s nose. Apricots and some citrus will fill the air upon that initial pour. Even at 15.7% ABV, the alcohol seems well integrated with the rich flavors of peach and pineapple. It is very well balanced with a medium bodied, acids and finish. Perhaps, it is the magic of the hickory sands for this vineyard, but this could be a fairly close proximity to what a crisp refreshing wine would have been like in Eden. Loving this Viognier. Cheers!



Monday, December 6, 2021

Mourvèdre – 2017; William and Chris Vineyards; Hye, Texas

This 2017 vintage, sourced from Bingham Family Vineyards, really captures the essence of Mourvèdre. The ruby red color pour and the big burst of plums and raisins you get on the nose will make you 100% certain that you’ve found the right wine for the day. Clocking in at 14.8% ABV, this medium body dry red wine has some blueberry flavors and a touch of jam here and there. This Texas version is great on its own, but find your favorite local meat store for a supper pairing enjoyment.  Cheers!


www.williamchriswines.com

Saturday, December 4, 2021

Le Baron – 2017; Barons Creek Vineyards; Fredericksburg, Texas

This red wine blend of 70% Petit Verdot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon packs some bold flavors with a smooth finish. Aromas of blueberry will greet you on the first pour and a touch of tobacco will linger on the nose. The velvet sensation is lovely with a little jam here and there. The acids are light, and the finish is smooth leaving you wanting another sip. A great choice for the changing cooler season and a sheer delight to sip and savor with charcuterie or some great meaty dishes. Cheers!



Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Tannat – 2012; Bending Branch Winery; Comfort, Texas

It is a special treat being able to open one of the early bottles of Texas Tannat from Bending Branch. As a testament to good winemaking and fruit, this almost decade old wine is still holding up quite well. The color shows little change which can be a good sign. It takes a while for this wine to really shine once uncorked, so have patience before indulging in that first sip. The aromas of earthiness and smoke will entice you as you wait. There may be some dustiness from that first drop, but afterwards dried plums and sage shine through. Yes, there is a bit of chalk here and there, as well. The acids are just a notch below medium, and the tannins are still holding firm. Although this big red wine can be sipped on its own, we found that enjoying this with a favorite hard cheese or dark chocolate was a fantastic way to pair this beauty. Enjoy!



Saturday, November 27, 2021

Provencal Rosé – 2017; Becker Vineyards; Fredericksburg, Texas

This Provence-style Rosé seems to hit the right marks for a Rosé tasting experience. Being a 2017 Texas wine, just adds that extra “plus” to it. This vintage is a blend of Carignan, Tempranillo, Mourvèdre, Counoiuse, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. A lovely bouquet of lavender notes will initially greet you followed by the aroma of pears. Flavors of strawberries are prominent on the palate followed by bit of pomegranate. It has a lovely clean finish with a satisfying “ahhh” at the end. You really cannot go wrong with this nice dry Rosé. As a bonus, this was a special 25th year vintage too. A truly delightful bottle. Cheers!



Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Barrel Aged Rosé – 2019; French Connection Wines; Hye, Texas

Texas Rosés have been making a fine showing in recent years. This barrel aged version takes it up a notch as a rich, intensely flavorful, and very enjoyable treat. Aged in puncheons for 8 months (yes, aged!), this Texas High Plains sourced Mourvèdre fruit has some great depth of character. Citrus notes will pop initially followed by tantalizing rich strawberries. The acids are just a notch above medium to give that clean satisfying feeling you want in a Rosé.  It’s good for anytime of day, with a meal and for pairing with your cheese, fruit, veggies, and charcuterie “snacks”. Santé!



Saturday, November 20, 2021

Cabernet Franc – 2016; Topping and Legnon; Santa Rose, CA

This bold, dry red wine is a refreshing treat for Sonoma Valley sourced fruit. The herbaceous notes greet you along with the eye catching deep red hue.  The detailed specs for this wine on the label are for the wine geek at heart! You will also note on the label that it is 82% Cab Franc, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Malbec. The raspberry notes along with the added flavors of blackberries and blueberries are a delight. The wine is about medium acidity and still has a tight finish. Keep it for a while longer if you would like, this one will surely be a pleaser for many years to come. Cheers!


www.toppinglegnon.com

Monday, November 15, 2021

Merlot – NV; Fall Creek Vineyards; Tow, Texas

This easy drinking smooth Merlot is a simple treat to reach for on any day. Although non-vintage, we picked this one up in 2012.  The color has some brown color on the edges and is now a bit more translucent however, nothing on the nose hints at anything from deterring a good sip. Black fruit dominates the aromas along with some pepper. The acids and tannins are quite mild and at nine years old you can still discern some lovely melon and cherry notes. This soft easy-drinking wine is a nice one to enjoy for any occasion. Santé!


www.fcv.com

Friday, November 12, 2021

Viognier – 2019; Kuhlman Cellars; Stonewall, Texas

At the end of your first glass, astonishment will be just the beginning of your reaction.  Between the straw-yellow color and floral aromas, the first impressions of this white wine are amazing. Tucked in there are notes of lemons and apples to dazzle your taste buds. Crisp…yes, refreshing…definitely!   That lingering sensation you feel is just telling you that there is more to experience on the next sip. At 14.8% ABV, the balancing act of this white wine and the big flavors are quite amazing. Well done and cheers!



Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Tannat – 2016; William and Chris Vineyards; Hye, Texas

Having some Hye Estate wine is a special treat. Grown on the estate winery property in the Texas Hill Country AVA, this fruit forward bold red wine is an A-to-Z delight.  Wonderful aromas of plums and blackberries initially greet your nose. This full-bodied red also packs some delicious cherry and jam flavors. There is a touch of tobacco for added depth of character and you will be pleased with the subtle earthiness on this one. Overall, it is a beautifully smooth Tannat that softens after a couple of hours. Savor this one so you can continue to experience the loveliness of how this wine unfolds and experience the full enjoyment of sipping a lovely Tannat brings. Cheers!



Thursday, November 4, 2021

Il Mostro – 2013; James Cole Winery; Napa, California

There is no drop to waste with this Napa Valley Petite Sirah wine blend! Crafted from fruit from 100-year-old vines, this blend of 70% Petite Sirah, 20% Zinfandel, and 10% Carignane is a bold one to relish with a melding of wonderful flavors. At just a mere 8 years old, it is still quite young.  Before starting the first sip, decant for a good ninety minutes and then some to allow this beauty to unfold. There is an elegant garnet color pour for this fruit forward treat. A bit of herbs will greet you on the nose along with moderate oak notes. The flavor is bold with tart cherries blended with strawberries and blueberries. It is still a bit tight, and the acids and tannins are still showing their strength.  There is a little vanilla lingering around to round out that full flavor profile. This big bold red wine blend is a keeper for sure.  If you have multiple bottles, it is worth continuing to cellar and open another one in a few more years to see how this lovely one continues to evolve. Definitely worth enjoying again. Cheers!



Monday, November 1, 2021

Sauvignon Blanc – 2018; Esperanza Winery; Blanco, Texas

Need a yummy crisp chilled white for those summery Fall days?  This Sauvignon Blanc by Esperanza can certainly hit that spot. Sourced from the Sierra Foothills AVA, the aromas of fresh grapefruit are quite pronounced.  There are some distinct peach notes that blend in along with a hint of lemongrass. There is just a lingering touch of nutmeg as well to meld things nicely and add an additional dimension to this lovely white sipper. It is quite crisp and refreshing to drink on its own or enjoy paired with fish, fowl, salad, cheese, and veggie dishes.  Enjoy well and feel refreshed!



Thursday, October 28, 2021

Wild Child – 2019; Parr Vineyards; Mason, Texas

Parr Vineyards has been well known for producing some top-quality Mason County fruit. This blend from the estate vineyard is one way to show the many different aspects of what is grown there in addition to getting very creative with your grapes and wine production. Wild Child is a mix of six different varieties comprised of Touriga, Tempranillo, Cabernet, Graciano, Mourvèdre, and Viognier. Interesting, right? Many of you will like this wine simply because of the Texas Touriga in it!  This wine does have a touch of effervescence at first, but that dissipates after an hour or so. It is quite well balanced with just about every aroma and flavor hitting those wine senses.  The acids and tannins are still firm, but nothing a good food pairing can’t balance out.  Chilled, this melding is a great afternoon sipper as it is not too bold and fruit flavors still linger. Enjoy!



Monday, October 25, 2021

“Hotspur” Mourvèdre – 2012; Tatum Cellars; Texas Hill Country, Texas

Behold…a first release from Josh Fritsche!  Even better is how well it is holding up after all these years. Sourced from Lost Draw Vineyards, this Mourvèdre will just enlighten you once again about how well this grape can do in Texas as well as the great wine making of Josh.  The initial pour has a light rusty color with smoky notes filling the air. It has a great depth of flavor with chocolate and cherries being prominent now.  There is just a touch of leather in this delicious red wine and the finish is extra special.  You will want to save this bottle or label to frame it as the artwork is simply exquisite. This wine is a golden jewel and so happy we were able to get some bottles when they initially were released. Cheers!


www.tatum-cellars.com

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Cinsault Rosé – 2019; Slate Mill Wine Collective; Fredericksburg, Texas

Cinsault it is!  Sourced from the Texas High Plains, this blend of 97% Cinsault, 3% Grenache really shines as a hot afternoon wine pleaser. Looking for a tasty thirst quencher that pairs nicely with numerous things and sips just fine on its own, well look no further. Take a deep breath as you inhale the enticing citrus aromas of lime and orange. This helps set the stage for what lies ahead on that initial sip. Flavors of melons and apples meld with the citrus to wrap your taste buds in lovely summer flavors followed by a clean crisp finish. When it is nearly Fall in Texas, summer wine and food pairings are still going strong to help cope with the heat. Serve this one chilled for a great refreshing sipper. Cheers!



Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Estoy Aqui – 2017; Cellar Rat; Fredericksburg, Texas

Yes…just by the name alone, this wine is telling you that it is here and ready to drink.  This Texas High Plains fruit has been sourced from both Narra Vineyards and Letkeman Family Vineyard.  You will be in for an extra special treat for this 66% Primitivo, 34% Sangiovese red wine blend.  Between the light ruby red color and the intense fruit flavors, this medium bodied wine deserves some quiet time for you to savor.  So, enjoy the sounds of the pour, the refreshing bouquet on the nose, and side to side mouthfeel as you sip and swirl this lovely.  It is everything that embodies that saying, “Life is good.” Enjoy!



Saturday, October 16, 2021

Bending Branch Brut – NV; Bending Branch Winery; Comfort, Texas

There’s nothing like a refreshing brut to help end the day!  This blend of Chardonnay/Pinot Noir made in the traditional French way, packs some good flavor and zest all in one sip.  Pear and apple notes come alive in this sparkling bottle along with a bit of cream. Acids are moderate for this treat, so pair with what you like.  The added toasty finish and lingering effervescence is just what you need to sweep away your cares and the stress of the day. This cannot help but boost your mood.  Cheers!



Thursday, October 14, 2021

Sangiovese – 2018; Pebble Rock Cellars; Johnson City, Texas

With “magic” grapes from Narra Vineyards, this Sangiovese red wine is something extra special. The light red translucent color is just the start of the spell this wine casts as you dive into this delicious treat.   Some raisins and dried fruit are discernable notes, but those rich cherry flavors really help this one shine. There is just a slight sense of herbaceous notes to round things out as you get ready for another pour. This is a very good and lovely Sangiovese to enjoy with your favorite Mediterranean style meal. The wine is drinking very nicely now, so if you have a bottle, you should give it a try and enjoy it. Salute!


www.pebblerockcellars.wine

Monday, October 11, 2021

Tannat Revenant – 2017; Crowson Wines; Johnson City, Texas

This Texas High Plains sourced fruit is something to be savored. The nature of this full-bodied red wine has some rich intense flavors and aromas to fill body and soul with goodness and replenish your spirit after a long day’s work. Gazing at the intense garnet hue during the initial pour will only entice your imagination to pre-ignite those tasting senses. Your reward will be beautiful earthy notes with a hint of smoke on the nose and rich aroma of spice. The cherry and plums will envelope your taste buds with tantalizing flavors and the excitement continues with well-balanced acids. The tannins will remind you that this is a full A-Z wine experience, so pick your favorite fatty dish for this one and feast like there is no tomorrow. Texas Tannat wine has such depth and character. This is a fabulous red wine that is progressing nicely. Enjoy!



Friday, October 8, 2021

Cabernet Franc – 2011; Junction Rivers Winery; Junction, Texas

“Clocking” in at 14.78% alcohol, this Texas Cab Franc is not only holding well after 10 years but tasting wonderful too.  2011 was certainly one of those unique years for Texas grapes as it was the infamous “great drought” but seems to have yielded intense concentration of flavors that benefited the wines produced that year.  Pouring this decade old wine, one sees little aging based on the color and the floral bouquet is still intact.  There is just a hint of currant and fig on the nose. Cherry and plum flavors are dominating the tasting profile at this point with some lingering black pepper.  The acids have certainly dropped down since we first tasted it in 2013, so we will say about moderate acids at this time.  The tannins tend to be on the mild side.  It is always a pleasure to pull out an older Texas wine to see how it has progressed. Sadly, this winery is no more, but the memories of our visit and some bottles still live on. Cheers!



Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Sauvignon Blanc – 2019; Star Trek Wines; Earth, UFP

You should be quite pleased with this theme-based wine.  Sourced from northern California coast grapes and made by E2 Family Winery, this Sauvignon Blanc hits those tropical notes quite well.  You will taste some peach and pear followed by a strong citrus finish. The elegant bottle design is an eye catcher, as well, so definitely save it. Not often a wine comes in a rectangular shaped bottle. Star Trek fans will be pleased with the “symbol” on the edge of the cork, too as it is quite predominantly displayed. Overall, it is a pretty good white wine to fit the day. Peace out!



Friday, October 1, 2021

Petite Sirah – 2017; Perissos Vineyard and Winery; Burnet, Texas

This 100% Estate Grown really explodes with some big flavors.  A lot of that may be attributed to the great 2017 vintage year for Texas wines. This means if you have any of these bottles for that year, savor them! You will first notice the nice inky pour followed by some big black aromatic fruit.  There is a touch of tobacco in the air for tease.  The flavor profile comes out big on cherries and plums with a touch of vanilla. There is also a hint of chocolate for an extra surprise.  The medium acidity seems to hold well for this Hill Country red wine. The firm tannins will remind you how bold this wine can be. There is a lot going for this medium bodied red, so you still have many years of enjoyment to repeat over and over if you hold on to them and cellar a while longer. Cheers!



Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Tempranillo – 2018; Lewis Wines; Johnson City, Texas

The wonderful fruit harvested from Klein Vineyard Ranch in Blanco County proudly demonstrates the many dynamic aspects of the Texas Hill Country AVA. We recommend letting this one sit for a couple of hours before sipping, but feel free to sample every 30 minutes or so and experience its profile unfolding.  Initially, it is the bright acids upfront that greet you, followed by a mild chalk and fruit. Blackberry flavors will dominate the palate for this medium bodied red wine.  Eat well and drink well. Cheers!


www.lewiswines.com

Sunday, September 26, 2021

Montepulciano – 2010 - Duchman Family Winery; Dripping Springs, Texas

Behold…another finely aged Texas red wine!  Holding on to this one did test our patience, but the reward was well worth it.  Let’s just say savoring every drop is an understatement for this jewel.  Those rich blackberry notes with hints of tobacco are still quite amazing. This red wine has a very nice and rich velvet like feel to it.  The smooth texture is incredible and those acids balance things out perfectly.  You will still want juicy meats to pair with those lingering tannins to make your mouth happy, so load up! If you have any bottles left in your cellar, consider yourself lucky. Feel free to enjoy one now as it is drinking nicely. Cin Cin!



Thursday, September 23, 2021

Petite Sirah – 2016; Bending Branch Winery; Comfort, Texas

Nothing like a rich deep flavor of a good Petite Sirah to end the day!  This 2016 vintage from 40+ year old vines is big, bold, and beautiful. Sourced from Shell Creek Vineyard near Pasa Robles, the opaque purple color and rich black cherry aromas will quickly ease you into that relaxed sipping mood.  Notes of pepper and smoke are present, but it is the berry fruit that will greet you in the most pleasant way. This full-bodied red wine has solid tannins to incite that perfect pucker and sensational mouthfeel.  This bottle has everything to help strengthen body and soul. Delightful. Cheers!



Monday, September 20, 2021

Live Oak White – 2019; Slate Mill Wine Collective; Fredericksburg, Texas

This 1851 label white wine blend really helps bring out that much needed tropical sensation to help ease the stressful tensions.  What’s not to like about this blend of 35% Orange Muscat, 33% Malvasia Bianca, 32% Muscat Canelli?  Tantalizing citrus aromas are everywhere!  Grapefruit and orange flavors will just relish your taste buds. There is just the right balance of acids in this Texas High Plains fruit to keep the enjoyment going.  To good health of mind and body!



Friday, September 17, 2021

Maximus – 2016; Ab Astris Winery; Stonewall, Texas

This dark hued red wine blend packs maximum depth and flavor. Sourced from the Texas High Plains, the mixture of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Tannat, and 14% Petit Verdot really embodies the “big and bold” in red wine blends. Chocolate will certainly fill the air after the first pour.  It is relatively medium bodied and rewards your palate in blackberry and cherry notes with a little bit of fig.  The tannins still hold firm, so be prepared for that grippy and puckering finish.  There is just a touch of vanilla and a mild chalky sensation to round out the finish. Meat, cheese, nuts and more will pair nicely with this big bold red blend. Cheers!



Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Miscela – 2015; Solaro Estate Winery; Dripping Springs, Texas

This lovely estate blend is a delightful treat to enjoy now and is drinking nicely. For the 2015 vintage, the 50/50 mix of Barbera and Montepulciano balances out well. Tobacco and chocolate notes will be the first note you pick up as the aroma envelopes your nose. Cherries and raspberries will dominate the fruit flavors in this beauty.  It is smooth and finishes quite elegantly. There is just a touch of oak as well to round out your sipping pleasure. This is a fantastic wine on its own, but pairs well with food too.  So nice to have a Texas wine with Barbera grapes in it. Salute!


www.solaroestate.com

Friday, September 10, 2021

La Connection – 2017; French Connection Wines; Hye, Texas

Finally, we get to try out the last of their first releases. Yes, it is a 2017…a fabulous year for Texas wines!  This High Plains sourced fruit is a 50/50 blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre. Kind of a purple to garnet in color, this two year old French Oak aged wine has a lot to show for it. Some delightful floral notes unfold upon the initial pour.  There are rich dark fruit flavors along with some red apple notes. Revealing after the first sip or two is a great mouth feel as well as an elegant finish. The tannins are a bit softer, and the acids are about moderate for this jewel.  There is still a lot of love to share about this wine, but instead of going on and on, drink them if you got them! You will not be disappointed. Santé!



Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Mourvèdre – 2017; William Chris Vineyards; Hye, Texas

Mark this one down as another shining star of Texas 2017 vintage. Sourced from Lost Draw Vineyards, this red wine just might mark the high point of Mourvèdre from William Chris Vineyards. Ironically, it looks like a Zinfandel when pouring but don’t let that fool you. The aromas of big black cherries and blackberries really come out to greet you with this beast.  Flavors of plums and raspberries also fill your mouth full of joy for this light bodied red wine. There is a bit of leather and smokiness to it, as well.  This release should make a Mourvèdre lover out of you if you have not already jumped on that bandwagon.  Cheers!



Monday, September 6, 2021

Cuvée De L'Exposition – 2017; Calais Winery; Hye, Texas

Get ready for a big Cab to smack you silly.  Sourced from Narra Vineyards of the Texas High Plains, this beauty is worthy of your attention. At 15.9% alcohol, you might think this Cabernet Sauvignon would be too much of a “hottie”.  Alas, the magic of the winemaker as integrated this high alcohol wine quite well.  There is no doubt that the black cherry notes will dominate your senses from A to Z.  Those cocoa notes fill in some of the gaps and that licorice will hit just the right taste buds for a pleasing surprise. There is also a silky feel to this wine making it very enjoyable. The tantalizing acids are good, and those tannins are at just the right level for that jaw puckering finish. It is drinking really well now, but this wine could sit a bit longer if you want to see how to evolve. Santé!



Friday, September 3, 2021

Safari Winery – Fredericksburg, Texas

Well, you are in for a unique treat with this latest HWY 290 winery in the Texas Hill Country! Opened two years ago by owner Clayton Itz, this family run winery has been bringing some quality crafted wines from South America and South Africa to Central Texas. The fabulous high ceiling architecture in the tasting room and impressive quality woodwork is all thanks to Clayton and his personal handy work. The Itz family uses their personal relationship with key vineyards and winemakers from south of the equator to bring their own great tasting creations for you to enjoy. Wines are sourced primarily from the Western Cape area of South Africa, Mendoza region of Argentina, and the Lontue and Curico Valleys of Chile.  Pretty cool wine areas, right?  Just wait until you dive into the many selections of wines available for tasting. Starting off with the Chilean 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, your senses will be enveloped with great citrus aromas and light pineapple flavors. The next white we tried was the 2020 Tres Cielos. This white blend of 59% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Sauvignon Gris and 6% Sauvignon Ver will more than likely set off your spicy senses with the well-balanced nature of these three whites (this one has a bit of Jalapeno on the nose and palate, too). Next up, was the 2020 Chardonnay which was filled with papaya notes, some slight buttery sensation, and finished off refreshing and clean. Like Torrontes?  This Argentinian white from the Mendoza region will please you in countless ways. Full of wonderful floral notes and hints of citrus and pears, what’s not to like about this wine?  For the reds, we enjoyed the 2019 Carménère. This “lost grape” will fill your palate with rich plums, a touch of pepper, and a clean silky finish.  Get ready for a big tasting Cabernet Sauvignon with their 2019 release. With rich red fruit and a heady aroma, this wine is nice with a smooth texture.  For South African wines, we tried the 2017 Pinotage. Garnet in color, the rich black fruit with a smoky texture demands that mouthwatering BBQ you’ve been craving for. For the Chilean Malbec, this 2019 vintage had rich raspberries that lingered along with a savory tobacco finish. Watching the pouring of the ruby red 2018 Cabernet Franc was a vision of delight. Those herbaceous notes teased the nose along with a big firm tannin grip, making this wine not for the lighthearted, but for serious dry red wine drinkers. On the sweeter side, check out the 2019 Moscato. The honeysuckle and floral notes with a hint of citrus helps bring that refreshed feeling on warm summer afternoons. But wait!  Try the 2020 Andean White. This proprietary blend explodes with very rich honeysuckle and grapefruit to round out that tropical sensation. There are more delicious wines to try, so do come check them out and see for yourself. In addition to the inside tasting room, there is a large gorgeous back area that is filled with shady sitting places and juvenile tress plus great views to help put you in that relaxed wine sipping state of mind. This is a great opportunity to try wines with different terroir and varietals not grown in Texas. This should be a safari trip you plan on your next Texas Hill Country adventure.  Salud!



Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Rilassato – 2015; Zero 815 Winery; Hye, Texas

It’s always a pleasure to try out one of the first wines made by a winery.  This first release Malbec blend of 50% Malbec, 25% Mourvedre, and 25% Petite Sirah is light in color and full of cherry aromas.  Though smoother than when we first tasted, berry flavors are still holding strong, and the tannins are light.  There is an ever so slight hint of leather that still lingers for a tease. Although a treat to have, sadly the winery has since closed.  We will see what unfolds here from the new future owners.



www.zero815winery.com


Sunday, August 29, 2021

Vin Gris Rosé – 2019; French Connection Wines; Hye, Texas

Whichever spelling you prefer (Cinsault or Cinsaut), this Rosé is a great summer refresher. The pink tint and strawberry scents with a bit of grapefruit might just put you in that relaxed tropical mindset that you have desired. While sipping this masterful creation, you will also discern some watermelon flavors and good acids.  It definitely hits that mouthfeel in all the right places. That clean refreshing feeling you get after the first sip is why you will want to continue enjoying this wine. Find your favorite back porch and sip away the hot afternoon in style. Santé



Friday, August 27, 2021

Cabernet Sauvignon – 2016; Slate Mill Wine Collective; Fredericksburg, Texas

This early version of 1851 Vineyards red wine packs some great flavors in this Texas High Plains sourced fruit. The aromas are filled with big and rich blackberries that are a delight to taste. Taking a sip or two, you will discern a bit of pepper and tantalizing cherries. This full-bodied Cabernet has good tannins and a nice lingering leather finish. Pick your favorite meat or cheese and plan to enjoy your wine pairing as you will find this bottle is worthy of pairing for optimal enjoyment. Cheers!



Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Inverno – 2003; Becker Vineyards; Fredericksburg, Texas

Well, this is certainly a treat to open! A mere 18 years later, this Becker blend of 50/50 Nebbiolo and Merlot still has some great things to entice your wine senses. That brick red color may have something to say about its age, but those aromas of berry and dried plum will certainly intrigue your nose. It has some blueberry flavors with a touch of smokiness throughout. This medium bodied red wine has just enough earthy undertones to give it some surprisingly good character even after all these years. The acids are light, and the tannins are still holding moderately well.  You will still be pleased at the lingering fine finish this lovely wine provides. Enjoy over a few hours to see how it unfolds. The only sad part is that you might have wished you had more. None the less, Cheers!



Sunday, August 22, 2021

Malbec – 2012; William & Chris Vineyards; Hye, Texas

If you’ve ever wondered how well your William & Chris wine stash would hold up over the years, then this one will please you.  The plum color pour and smoky cherry aromas really unfold in this 9-year-old wine.  Blackberry and cranberry flavors are still intact with touch of pepper on the finish. No signs of downturn on this beauty. With medium acidity and some earthy elements to add to your tasting enjoyment, you can certainly open a bottle now, or continue to keep this one a while longer. It is still showing to be a pleaser after all these years. Cheers!



Friday, August 20, 2021

Speechless – 2015; Mitchell Katz Winery; Livermore, California

First, just open the bottle and let it sit there for 90 minutes to breathe…preferably two hours.  Then, just gaze at the majestic design of the bottle as your imagination runs wild of what great wine sipping is about to unfold. Yes, those big black cherry aromas will reach out and permeate the air creating some fruitful aromatic sensations in the room.  This rich and bold Cabernet Sauvignon blend will tickle your taste buds with cocoa and a touch of spice wrapped around those dark cherry and even blueberry flavors.  Those firm tannins are there just to grip your mouth a bit but not too tightly. Then there is the smooth and fine lingering finish that just lasts and lasts…” ah”!  Speechless is quite appropriate for this wine.  A beauty in the bottle that may just take your breath away, leaving you speechless. Cheers!



Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Montepulciano Barrel Reserve – 2015; Solaro Estate; Dripping Springs, Texas

This estate wine will surprise you in many ways. At just 11.78% alcohol, you might get trapped into “pre-thinking” what characteristics this wine might have, but it is packed with some rich flavors and has aged quite nicely over the last six years. The light ruby red color and fruit forward sensation of this New York International Wine Competition gold winner is quite lovely. With medium acids and moderate tannins, this should pair well with a wide variety of your favorite Mediterranean dishes.  Raspberry flavors seem to dominate with a medium finish and a slight smoky finish that lingers to let you know that a repeat is necessary. Sip and repeat are highly recommended. Cin Cin!



Sunday, August 15, 2021

Non-Vintage Brut – NV; Digby Fine English; England, United Kingdom

Using the four-letter word like “fine” to describe this brut is not enough. Add a five-letter word like “extra” to emphasize how good this English sparkling really is. Sourced from Sussex and Hampshire, this blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, and 25% Pinot Meunier will quickly pique your interest with its fresh fruity aromas.  The tiny bubbles are a sight for something great in this sparkling. Apples, melons, and honey are just a few of the notes to excite your wine palate. The acids and fizz complement each other quite well and the dry finish is the crescendo you will crave to repeat. This GOLD 2017 Texsom winner will be a blast to have in your cellar. Well done and Cheers!



Thursday, August 12, 2021

Gran Reserva Malbec – 2009; El Gaucho Winery; Spicewood, Texas

Hello Argentinian Malbec!  The owners of El Gaucho have been able to bring their fine wines from Familia Sewell to Texas. Sourced from the Mendoza region, everything that is bold and beautiful in Argentinian wines shines thru in this one.  You will be amazed at the quality and texture of this Malbec. Plums and cherries will delight the nose and invite you to take a sip. Your palate will be intrigued with lots of dark fruit with a touch of leather that will envelope your senses. This sipping pleasure will be followed by a bit of smokiness and pepper on the finish. It is well balanced and smooth, making this one a perfect sipper.  This 12-year-old wine is holding its own and is drinking nicely right now. Enjoy!

www.elgauchowinery.com


Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Carménère – 2017; Kalasi Cellars, Fredericksburg, Texas

It has been a pleasure watching this “lost” grape making that slow climb back up the wine repertoire list.  Many may be familiar with the Chilean Carménère, but this estate Carménère from Kalasi does deserve its respect. Let the deep rich color entice your wine imagination into what is about to unfold.  Initially, the air will be filled with beautiful berry and plum aromas.  This will be followed by equally pleasing cherry and chocolate notes. The flavors are a big delight for this medium bodied red wine.  Was that a touch of paprika as well for a little spicy kick?  The surprises of this wine are quite amazing.  The acids are strong enough for a nice pairing with a nice fatty dish. Serve slightly more chilled than other red wines for a great tasting experience and do give this pleasing red varietal a try. Well done Kalasi and Cheers!


www.kalasicellars.com

Sunday, August 8, 2021

Bingham Family Vineyards – Texas

Bingham is certainly no stranger to the Texas wine industry.  Having supplied many wineries with their quality grapes, it is not uncommon to see Bingham as the source vineyard on Texas wine labels.  This multigenerational family has roots in Texas farming that goes back to the early 1900s.  Cotton, peanuts, black-eyed peas, and sesame seeds have and continue to be part of their agricultural heritage. They started the process in the 1990s to be certified organic.  In 2003 they planted their first grapevines of Viognier and Gewürztraminer. That has since grown to over 200 acres of 25+ varieties of grapes. About seventy five percent of their grape harvest goes to various wineries throughout Texas. It is interesting to see how different winemakers at wineries make their wine, even with the same source and vintage, ultimately still tasting uniquely their own, which is a nod to the ever-diverse creativity going on among wineries. Bingham Vineyards keeps about 10% of the grape harvest for their own wine production, with the rest going out for sale as bulk wine. Wine production is kept small to craft quality boutique wines. They made their first Bingham bottle in 2014 and in 2015 they opened a tasting room in Grapevine, Texas.  In 2018, they opened another tasting room on the eastern outskirts of Fredericksburg.  We visited the Fredericksburg location and were quite impressed with both the rustic decor and the wines. A lot of reclaimed wood was used in the building construction and with the high ceilings it gives a more inviting and relaxed feel. So, what about their estate wines? Well, they do have an impressive selection that you can choose from. Pick your favorite flight style and you cannot go wrong.  There is literally something for everyone here. For the white wine flight, we started off with the 2019 Trebbiano. The citrus and lemon notes along with light acids really highlighted some of the best flavors of this wine. Roussanne has certainly been making a great strong showing in Texas white wines. Their 2019 vintage has that rich feel and balanced acids that will make you love this sipper. But wait! There is also a 2018 Reserve Roussanne that you must try. With a touch of oak and good vanilla notes combined with that rich, full mouthfeel, we think you might fall in love with this one. Many long time Texas wine fans know how Viognier helped make a strong showing for Texas whites and their 2019 wine is right on the mark. It is a bit softer than some other Texas Viogniers, with a light creaminess. We can see why this 2020 San Francisco Viognier winner stood out. Marsanne is another up and coming white wine in the state and their 2019 release has just the right floral notes combined with the flavors of lemon and pineapple.  Texas Rosé wines are also seeing increased interest over the last few years and their 2019 Sunset Rosé is no exception. Made from Mourvèdre and Carignan, this smooth drinking Rosé is a great Texas chiller to refresh your palate with on warm summer days. You will be equally pleased with their reds and the 2018 Turnrow is a great starter. Made with Mourvèdre, Dolcetto, Carignan, and Tempranillo, you might be asking where is that artisan pizza at to pair with it. Like Carignan?  They have great 2018 vintage that is both smooth with a hint of spice. Tempranillo is certainly the “big” red grape that helped put Texas on the wine map and their 2018 release is on par with good Texas Temps. It is full bodied with lots of rich plums to envelope your palate. Their 2017 reserve Tempranillio as some earthy undertones, is rich in blackberry fruit and has a great long finish. The single varietal 2018 Dolcetto is bold with big intense fruit aromas. They also have a good Bordeaux style blend made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. This 2017 Bordeaux style blend called Dugout, named after their family’s original homestead heritage, is quite well balanced, has a smooth feel, rich berries, moderate acids, and a good lingering finish. It made a great showing at the 2020 San Francisco as a gold medal winner!  For the sweets, do checkout the 2019 Moscato Giallo It has just the right lushness on the nose and that silky, citrus feel that puts the yum in every drop. You should not leave without trying the Fine ‘n Dandy sweet red. As a nod to Eddie Bingham, this light red wine has some pecan flavors to it for that added delight.  This is a great tasting room to visit. The staff will make you feel warm and welcomed.  Additionally, the team in the tasting room are quite knowledgeable and will even have some excellent pairing suggestions. The price points on the wines are quite affordable, so stock up. Visit, stay, and enjoy!



Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Nebbiolo – 2017; Siboney Cellars; Johnson City, Texas

This single vineyard varietal sourced from Lahey Vineyards in The High Plains still has some youth to it yet expresses itself with lots of full flavors. You will enjoy the lovely light ruby color that packs rich cherry and herbaceous notes. For a Texas grown Nebbiolo, it expresses itself with qualities of a Pinot Noir which can be a challenge to grow in Texas. There is also a touch of spice and raspberry notes to add to your sipping enjoyment. The moderate tannins and lingering finish are just a bonus to this 2017 jewel. A neat find that you should try if you have not already. Salute!



Monday, August 2, 2021

Barrel Blend – 2017; Crowson Wines; Johnson City, Texas

This 50/50 blend of Malbec and Tannat will pair nicely with a meaty dish any day of the week.  It is bold, rich, and has a big mouthfeel which is everything one could ask for from a rich red wine. The mostly opaque color will make your wine imagination crazy guessing what this wine is all about, until you give it that initial sip to see. The bright acids are perfect for a nice fatty dish and that lush dark fruit packs a delightful aroma on the nose.  You can certainly serve chicken with this one (skins on of course), but do not be a chicken to drink this beauty on its own either. What a lovely red wine and kudos to the wine maker for another great wine for our recent dinner. Enjoy!



Friday, July 30, 2021

11-year Anniversary!

Yes, it is an understatement to say, “What a year”!  Although the pandemic had curtailed our typical wine travels, it did open the door to trying out a good number of unique wines from our wine cellar that we might not have pulled out yet. Trying the 2006 Inwood Estates Magellan was a big treat and thrill! The last year was also an opportunity to try out Picpoul Blanc from several different Texas wineries. All the wines were quite fantastic, and that variety shows a lot of promise for the state.  We also sipped some British bubblies which were quite remarkable. It was fun to try something new.  And let’s not forget some top-notch Cava from Gramona. 😊  We do have a very nice 2007 Cava from there yet to be “sampled” and who knows what next year will bring. 😉  Hands down, it was the year of 2017 for Texas wine sampling and sipping at our place. Probably most of the wines posted were that vintage and all were excellent. Maybe we should setup a dedicated 2017 Texas wine blog…hmmm.  Fortune did favor the wine travelers and we were able to visit a few new wineries as things got back to “sort of” normal. It’s a much better and happier experience to engage with owners and staff once again.  There is no substitute for meeting new people and hearing their stories one-on-one while sipping their hand-crafted creations. Thanks for all the comments, shares, and suggestions.  Regardless of the trials, tribulations and challenges that Mother Nature and Global Pandemic throw in our way, we still have a lot of wine bottles to taste, write about and share with you.  We are truly in this together. Cheers to a better year to come!

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Pinot Noir – NV; Cork House Winery; Waxahachie, Texas

This easy drinking Pinot Noir from Cork House Winery is a nice treat to have in your wine cellar when you want to enjoy a Pinot Noir. It is soft and smooth with good fruity aromas of blackberries on the nose. The medium bodied red wine will also throw in some rich cherries and a touch of spice to the merriment of your palate.  We would suggest chilling this one just a tad bit as it will make for a very enjoyable sipper to enjoy on a warm afternoon, as well. A nice find and hope you will give it a try. Cheers!



Monday, July 26, 2021

Chloe Cuvée – NV; Bending Branch Winery; Comfort, Texas

Named after the owner’s granddaughter, this undisclosed blend will delight all your wine senses in just the right ways. The unique glass stopper on the bottles is the first clue that this bottle has had a special attention to detail that top quality deserves. As you pour the first glass, you notice a deep rich garnet color that is exceptionally pleasing. This special family blend really entices and rewards with big dark fruit, leather, and jam. Oh yes, there is a hint of coca that lingers on the end, as well.  At 15% alcohol, the wine does seem well balanced without any “hot” sensation. This full-bodied red beauty shines with firm tannins to let you know that it is still maturating well. A simply lovely and well crafted wine to enjoy. Well done and Cheers!