Semillon – 2018; Parr Vineyards; Mason, Texas

Who does not like a good Semillon to brighten the day?  The magic of Mason county soils and climates certainly adds to the vibrant nature of this wine. Even at just two and half years in the bottle, it still has some good fruit forward notes to relish. The light amber color looks lovely in the glass while the rich aromas of apple and lemons waft up to greet you. That is soon followed by exciting tropical fruit notes with pear and a touch of lime tart. This is all beautifully crafted with good balanced acids to boot. The wine is a cool refreshing jewel to enjoy all afternoon. Enjoy!

www.parrvineyards.com

Coral – 2018; Siboney Cellars; Johnson City, Texas

The perfect refreshing chilled Rosé can certainly help put you in the right mood for the rest of the day.  This 100% Mourvèdre Rosé sourced from Lahey Vineyards certainly hits that magic wine satisfaction spot.  The darker coral hue and dark fruit flavors are a great combo for your sensory experience.  The hint of toasted pecan plus a light crisp finish is more than pleasing on the palate. Moderate acids make it just the right Rosé wine for many food pairings. Breakfast with a Rosé?  Why not!  This bottle will certainly carry you from your Brunch to dinner enjoyment. A lovely bottle indeed. Cheers!

www.siboneycellars.com

Mourvèdre Concrete – 2017; Crowson Wine; Johnson City, Texas

Henry Crowson has been pushing the envelope of crafting quality natural wines in Texas. This concrete fermented wine is a testament to not only that, but to others in the state exploring and incorporating different techniques into their craft. Winemakers are rediscovering the benefits and unique character that concrete brings to a wine’s profile. Sourced from Buena Suerte Vineyards in the Texas High Plains, the color is a moderate ruby red color, and you will initially notice a very heavy fruit forwardness on the nose. There is also a touch of citrus aroma to add to the depth of this wine. Flavors of cherry and cigar will dance all around your mouth, but perhaps the biggest impact are those big bright acids that will hit all over your palate. Coupled that with some bold earthy undertones.  You will have quite a jewel to pair with that meaty dish.  At 15.9% alcohol, it does pack a hot punch, but without overpowering the flavor profile.  This is a very well made Mourvèdre and shows how time, patience and sticking to the natural craft has produced a top-notch wine.  Well done! We look forward to enjoying more wines from this young winemaker.

www.crowsonwines.com

Cuvée de l'Exposition – 2016; Calais Winery; Hye, Texas

Behold…a Texas Cab at its best! Not just because of the magic work that winemaker Ben Calais does, but also having this fruit sourced from the Texas Davis Mountains AVA is a big plus. As one of the highest elevation areas in Texas, this middle of nowhere location can certainly be a prime location to grow quality grapes in Texas…minus the ongoing threat of hail and lightning. This Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from Blue Mountain Trail Vineyard. Aged in French oak for 30 months, the full-bodied nature of this wine is something to be cherished and thoroughly enjoyed with every sip.  Just the sound of pouring this wine is a sensory sensation in of itself. Relish those aromas of black cherries and blackberry as you prepare for that initial sip.  Blueberry and cocoa will dance around your palate enticing you back for more. The incredible balance of acids and tannins makes this a great pairing with many different foods.  This bottle may still be relatively young, so we will certainly give this one a try in a few years. Well done Calais Winery. Santé!

www.calaiswinery.com

California Sparkling Rosé – NV; Mitchell Katz Winery; Livermore, California

Nothing like a good sparkling to help refresh your day. This bubbly treat has some great body and color to it.  With fruity aromas and just the right “fizz”, the initial Zen is set for you. Cherry aromas will be the first note to greet you amid the bubbly sensation. This is soon followed by rich cherries and a hint of brioche. The tantalizing finish will lead to that “ah” moment, so pour and repeat….you won’t get bored with this crowd pleaser.  Cheers!

www.mitchellkatzwinery.com

Primitivo – 2016; Flat Creek Estate Winery & Vineyard; Marble Falls, Texas

Ah…Primitivo!  This Italian Zinfandel wine is certainly a pleaser in the old world and has also found a special place in the hearts of many new world wine lovers too. In Texas, this soft fruity wine lends itself to many tasteful pleasures.  The cranberry and dark cherry flavors will certainly dance around your palate in an enticing way.  This bottle has a touch of herbaceous notes just to mix things up a bit.  That surprisingly light leathery feeling towards the end is icing on the cake.  You will be pleased with this one with many different pairings. A delight to pair with food. Cin Cin!

www.flatcreekestate.com

Blanc de Blanc – 2014; 7 Creeks Vineyard; Burnet, Texas

Nothing like a moderately aged bubbly to put that “ahhh” in every sip! Sourced from Lodi AVA, this Chardonnay based sparkling has all that you would expect from a quality sparkling wine.  From the tiny bubbles to the light pale straw color and the crisp mouthfeel, this bottle aims to please. Made in the Méthode Champenoise style, this labor-intensive product has certainly earned its marks. On the nose you get those toasty brioche notes while on the palate you sense bright citrus and tart granny smith apples with the toasty baked brioche on the finish.  Pop the cork and celebrated well with this one. A very crisp and clean finishing bubbly to enjoy with food pairings or alone. Cheers!

www.7creeksvineyard.com

Cabernet Franc – 2016; Lewis Wines; Johnson City, Texas

Wow!  What a special treat his one is to have. Sourced from Newsom Vineyards of the Texas High Plains AVA, this Cab Franc explodes with big bright flavors all around.  A good 90-minute decanting is a must to bring out all that this fine wine has to offer…maybe more.  It is unfiltered, as it should be, for this spectacular creation. The rich red berry and jam aromas are quite enticing. The bright acids and intense tannins demand that quality cheese or fatty dish for pairing. The pleasing finish is not justified without another repeat.  Man oh man, that is a great wine. Enjoy well!

www.lewiswines.com

Tempranillo – 2015; Ab Astris Winery; Stonewall, Texas

First impressions are everything for the wines at any new winery. This first release by Ab Astris is certainly a winner.  Sourced from the magical grapes grown at Newsom Vineyards, this Texas High Plains AVA fruit makes for a rock-solid Texas Tempranillio.  The deep purple color is enticing just to watch as you swirl.  Do breathe in those wonderful sensations of dark fruit to help get your taste buds warmed up. The flavors of fig and plums will quickly envelope your mouth followed by a sensational kick of leather and tobacco. It has great balanced acids and a genuinely nice long finish.  The wine is aging quite nicely and has many years still left to go. This bottle is one that can easily be enjoyed on its own or paired with food. Salud!

www.abastriswinery.com

Mourvèdre – 2015; Parr Vineyards; Mason, Texas

Give it to Mason county for growing some fantastic grapes!  Parr Vineyards strives to set the bar high and has a great reputation when it comes to growing fruit and producing their own Mourvèdre release.  This 6-year-old vintage has that elegant transparent red hue that is eye catching with a burst of black pepper aromas that draw you in with interest.  Follow that up with rich fruit notes of blackberry and plums.  This wine has good acids and big tannins for that savory meaty dish to pair this one with for maximum enjoyment. The finish lingers just long enough for you to relish the next sip. Though we enjoyed our bottle paired with lovely lamb chops, this beautiful wine can be enjoyed just as readily on its own too. An absolutely perfect bottle. Cheers!

www.parrvineyards.com