Tempranillo – 2017; C.L. Butaud Wines; Austin, Texas

With only 10 barrels made, winemaker Randy Hester has produced a quality gem from this Texas High Plains fruit. The garnet hue and silky texture are just the tip of the tasting experience with this pleasing wine. Cocoa notes unfold after the initial pour followed by a bit of blueberry. There is just a hint of tobacco on the nose of this one as well. Brace yourself for the bold taste of herbs and luscious red fruit along with a touch of vanilla with that first sip. Great, right? Your senses will also detect well-integrated acids and tannins making this bold beauty a very lovely wine for sipping on its own or pairing with a nice meal. Go big, go bold, go home happy with this fantastic Tempranillio. Cheers!

www.clbutaud.com

Mourvèdre Rosé – 2018; Parr Vineyards; Mason, Texas

Get ready to enjoy some fine Mason County Rosé.  This one from Parr Vineyards is made from the estate grown Mourvèdre.  It has a lovely raspberry light hue that has a great visual appeal. Even at three years old, it still fills the air with those fresh fruit aromas. The tasting profile goes from strawberry, to blackberry, with a hint of licorice.  Those tantalizing acids dance around your palate in just the right places making this a lip-smacking good sipper.  When Spring has arrived, Parr Vineyards can certainly deliver with the right Rosé. Cheers and thank you Parr Vineyards for another fine Mason county wine!

www.parrvineyards.com

Zinfandel Nouveau – 2018; Crowson Wines; Johnson City, Texas

This Nouveau style wine made by Henry Crowson really shines with zesty fruit forward notes. Sourced from Narra Vineyards of the Texas High Plains, there is no doubt that this natural wine started off growing the natural way. Light in color and body, this Zinfandel still explodes with bright aromatic fruits.  There is a little bit of effervescence on the edge of the tongue, but you can still discern nice jammy fruits. With mild acids and low tannins, this wine is a great pleaser and allows one to taste the essence of a good Zinfandel.  This vintage is probably at the edge of drinkability, but if more is made get some. Cheers!

www.crowsonwines.com

Magellan – 2006; Inwood Estates

Dan Gatlin has certainly been setting the bar high and demonstrating how Texas grapes can produce top quality and sought-after wines. This Pauillac Style Bordeaux Blend is no exception and is certainly worth its weight in gold with every drop.  It is blended with traditional Bordeaux grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.  There is also a touch of Tempranillo to give it that unique Texas character. So, what is it like?  At 15 years, its garnet color pretty much maintains consistency from rim to rim.   A lovely bouquet of black cherries and plums welcomes you on the nose. After an hour or so of unfolding, you will discern notes of leather and blackberries. It is a tad tight after the first sip, but after a long evening of enjoying this lovely red wine, herbal notes delight your taste buds in addition to a bit of cocoa.  It has great structure and still has wonderful complexity to it.  This wine retains great acids that pair perfectly with your favorite fatty dish and the tannins are still holding strong as well. Those bold earthy undertones are a nice addition to the tasting experience!   Would not hurt to compare with a 2006 Pauillac for kicks. Surprisingly, this ’06 Magellan wine still comes across relatively young for a Texas wine. Check again in another 10 years and enjoy once more. An outstanding wine. Cheers!

www.inwoodwines.com

Round Mountain Rosé – 2018; Lewis Wines; Johnson City, Texas

Nothing like a clean, fresh, and crisp Rosé to start or end the day off right.  This field blend of Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional, and Tannat from Round Mountain Vineyard certainly hits that spot.  The light pink hue along with those slight citrus notes and strawberry aromas will certainly please your nose. The rich red raspberry fruit will dominate your palate followed by those tantalizing acids for a tease.  There is just a touch of tart along with an “ahhh” finish. This wine is surely one that shines and delights. A crowd pleasing, easy sipping, and incredibly enjoyable wine that pairs nicely with many foods, and sips beautifully alone, though we absolutely suggest sharing it. Cheers!

www.lewiswines.com

Syrah – 2015; Perissos Vineyard and Winery; Burnet, Texas

Wines from Perissos estate fruit are just a phenomenal treat to experience.  This six-year-old Syrah is no exception.  With a splash of 7% Petite Sirah, it still has some of that fresh fruit character to it with the benefit of time. The deep purple color is consistent from one edge of the glass to the other.  It will not take long for you to notice those leather and cherry aromas enveloping your nasal senses.  Those first sips will certainly delight your palate with blueberries and plums followed by a bit of chocolate.  The acids are right for this medium bodied red wine, as well.  Like that smoky and tobacco finish towards the end? Simply amazing!  A jewel to have for anyone’s wine cellar.  We love Syrah from this winery and encourage you to stop by and give them a try as well. Cheers!

www.perissosvineyards.com

Chardonnay – 2017; Mitchell Katz Winery; Livermore, California

Sourced from Livermore Valley, this lovely Chardonnay will compliment a good meal yet also delight if sipped and enjoyed just on its own. As you hold this wine in the glass you see a light golden colored gem. On the nose’ you’ll breathe in luscious notes of pear and melon. Yes, this wine calls for your attention. The initial sip hints at apricot followed by a touch of caramel. This wine is silky smooth with a nice light finish bringing closed mouth smiles with every sip. A great California Chardonnay to enjoy for sure. Cheers!

www.mitchellkatzwinery.com

Malbec - Merlot – 2016; Kuhlman Cellars; Stonewall, Texas

This well-balanced blend of Malbec and Merlot is certainly a palate pleaser. You will want to give this red wine blend at a minimum, a half hour to fully open before serving. The pale ruby hue is a beauty to behold. The aromas of blueberry and raspberry entice the nose with the perfect come-hither invite. Your palate will sense rich cherry flavors and will appreciate the time and effort put into creating this bottle. This medium bodied wine has just a touch of pepper towards the end followed by a moderate finish.  It is a fantastic one to pair with a nice meaty dish. Enjoy and savor!

www.kuhlmancellars.com

imPETuous Petillant Naturel – 2018; Saint Tryphon; Boerne, Texas

Petillant Naturel (Pét-Nat) style sparkling wines have been making a comeback in recent years.  This ancient method of creating sparkling wines seems to have found its niche in the Texas wine industry.  Saint Tryphon used Orange Muscat for their 2018 Pét-Nat.  There is a cloudiness associated with this style of winemaking but do not let that dissuade you. This does not detract from the overall quality of any aromas or flavors.  Besides the unique cloudiness to the bubbly, the zesty aromas of orange peel do stand out on the nose. Tropical notes come through as enjoy your first sip.  There is also a “honey like” association to the tasting profile. Most enjoyable is that continuous fizzing of bubbles that will certainly excite your palate.  This is an easy wine to enjoy any time of day and is very refreshing. Cheers!

www.sainttryphon.com