Roussanne Port Style – 2015; French Connection Wines; Hye, Texas

There actually is gold in Hye!  The kind carefully crafted by Ben Calais himself. This port style white will ensure long lasting health for many years to come and satisfy that after dinner longing for something luscious and soul satisfying. Fortified and aged for four years, the deep golden amber color of this dessert wine will draw you into its trance. Notes of vanilla and toffee will envelop your olfactory senses as you anticipate that first sip. The rich flavors of apples, pears and honey all dance together across your tongue making you one happy wine drinker. Best of all, it does not have that “hot” sensation as some port style dessert wines impart. That rich creamy texture makes this wine a golden gem for sure. Savor this one well and enjoy for more years to come.  This lovely one does not disappoint. Santé! 

www.frenchconnectionhye.com

Roussanne – 2017; Tatum Cellars; Texas Hill Country

Josh Fritsche is certainly no stranger to the Texas wine industry.  Having done stints at William Chris Vineyards and now at Slate Mill Wine Collective has certainly benefited his own wine making goals.  His private label, Tatum Cellars, is a testament to how he sees wine done in Texas.  Sourced from La Pradera Vineyards of the Texas High Plains AVA, this white wine has rich flavors and lovely aromas.    The notes of honeysuckle and lemon will ease you into the right sensory mode as you anticipate the wine with your initial pour.  This full-bodied wine hits all the right taste buds with luscious tropical notes of mango and pineapple melded with a touch of vanilla. That is soon followed with a rich creamy and buttery texture making this a top notch Roussanne to savor. The finish on this beauty is silky leaving you craving that next pour and sip. We think you will definitely enjoy this one!  Cheers!

www.tatum-cellars.com

Montepulciano Barrel Reserve – 2016; Solaro Estate Winery; Dripping Springs, Texas

The ruby color and rich intense flavors of this special barrel reserve is certainly a lovely beauty to behold. This estate grown fruit shines with bright acids and unfolds with ripe tantalizing raspberry and vanilla. These are followed with smoky notes that add to the dimensions of this pleasant medium bodied dry red wine.  With moderate tannins, you should have no problem preparing that classic meaty and fatty dish to compliment this wine. The touch of tobacco to the medium finish completes this wine sipping journey.  Cin Cin!

www.solaroestate.com

Italian Stallion Rosé – 2018; Perissos Vineyard and Winery; Burnet, Texas

This Italian Stallion red wine sibling does not disappoint. Blended with the same mixture of Aglianico 25%, Dolcetto 25%, Montepulciano 25%, and Sangiovese 25%, the wonderful mouthfeel experience as a Rosé is still a delight.  There is fantastic watermelon and strawberry notes on the nose followed by some rich plum flavors.  The crisp and refreshing aftertaste is icing on the cake for this medium acid Rosé.  It is well balanced and easy drinking. Salute!

www.perissosvineyards.com

Dog Days Rosé – 2017; Cicada Cellars; Stonewall, Texas

In Texas, summer temperatures can simply pop up any time of year. This deep pinkish-orange-tinged Rosé might just hit the spot on such a warm weather day. Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA, this blend of Mourvèdre, Tannat, Montepulciano, and Sagrantino will envelope your nose in the delicate scent of strawberry and cranberry. This is soon followed by the delicious flavors of watermelon and raspberry to excite your tastebuds.  The off-dry sensation and nice acids make this a well-balanced wine. The silky finish is a great ending to that first sip. This Rosé has a lot of character going for it, so enjoy it paired with food or on its own. Cheers!

www.cicadacellars.com

Chenin Blanc – 2018; Pebble Rock Cellars; Johnson City, Texas

Winemaker Robert Nida is certainly no stranger to Texas winemaking.  He has helped make some fantastic wines for a few of your favorite Hill Country wineries over the years. Chenin Blanc has been one fruit that he does especially well at crafting into a fabulous white wine. This Texas High Plains sourced fruit shows off its enticing pale-yellow hue. The bright aromatic floral notes of this beautiful wine set the tone for your senses that something fantastic awaits your palate. The first few sips are dominated by apple and pear yet there is such a softness and somewhat buttery side that balances the fruit. It also has a nice lingering finish that you expect from a great Chenin Blanc.  Rob has been setting the bar for Texas Chenin Blanc and this vintage certainly demonstrates his prowess with this varietal. Enjoy!

 www.pebblerockcellars.wine

Merlot – 2016; William & Chris Vineyards; Hye, Texas

Granite Hill Vineyards has historically been the staple of fine wine behind a few William & Chris labels.  Located in the Bell Mountain AVA, the 30-acre plot of decomposed granite land has been an ideal location for growing quality grapes in the Texas Hill Country.  This vintage of Merlot continues to exude those outstanding qualities and then some. A good hour of breathing is a must before you begin to soak up those luscious herbaceous notes.  Flavors of plums and berries will wrap all around your palate for an exceptional sensory experience. This deep rich red has minerality and great depth, with moderate acids contributing to a very pleasurable sipper. There is still much life left in this moderately tannic wine so keep enjoying the good life if you have bottles left in the cellar. Simply delightful drinking now. Cheers!

www.williamchriswines.com

Imperial Gran Reserva Brut – 2013; Gramona; Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, Spain

Extraordinary Cava is a great find and this jewel from Spain is a lovely treat to have. The straw color and fine bubbles are tantalizing to gaze at and admire as you begin your tasting journey. This blend of 50% Xarello, 40% Macabeo, with 10% Chardonnay just explodes with deep aromas of apples and lemons.   That first sip has a touch of creaminess followed by mango and other rich citrus flavors. Coupled with good minerality, medium acidity, and a touch of earthy undertones, you will not be disappointed. This is a nice crisp bubbly that is fabulous on its own or paired with food. Enjoy this fully satisfying Cava well…Salud!

www.gramona.com

Petit Syrah/Sangiovese – 2014; Esperanza Winery; Blanco, Texas

Just the presence of this bottle from Esperanza’s early days is a blessing in of itself in the cellar. Sourced from Reddy Vineyards of the Texas High Plains AVA, the expressions of this 50/50 red blend are phenomenal.  The ruby/garnet color is just a sign of the long aging potential that this red wine has begun. It sits at 15.1% alcohol (wow, right?), but has been made well enough as to not be overpowering. The nose is big with black fruit, licorice, and a touch of spice.  Once you have inhaled all these great aromatics, it is on to some wonderful tasting notes of raspberries, black cherries, and plums.  This is a full-bodied wine with some earthy undertones.  There is certainly a big full mouthfeel experience with this one!  Once you are done soaking up those medium acids and moderate tannins, it is time to repeat. We thoroughly loved this bottle paired with some delicious filet mignons, but whether you enjoy with food or without, we do believe this is a bold wine pleaser. Enjoy!

www.esperanzawinery.com

Albarino – 2018; Saint Tryphon; Boerne, Texas

At just two years old, this Newsom Vineyards sourced fruit is drinking well now.  The color looks great and the aromas of citrus and refreshing floral notes envelope your senses in the most irresistible way. The melon and peach flavors are predominant in this Texas High Plains fruit. This wine also has some great acidity to it and excellent structure to make this a wonderful white wine pleaser for everyone.  Enjoy them if you have got them still lying in your cellars! Definitely a nice treat. 

www.sainttryphon.com