Mourvedre – 2017; Crowson Wines; Johnson City, Texas

It is always a delight to try a Texas 2017! This Texas High Plains sourced fruit from Buena Suerte Vineyards is a testament to that.  When pouring this ruby color wine, those aromas of rose petals really come out along with a touch of citrus.  The cherry and tomato flavors are great plus some noteworthy earthy undertones. It has great acidity, some lingering cigar notes, and a bold impression after every sip. You would think at 15.9% alcohol it would pack a punch, but a good winemaker knows how to craft such high alcohol wine well. Cheers!

www.crowsonwines.com

Teroldego – 2017; Kalasi Cellars; Fredericksburg, Texas

Already a fan Teroldego wine?  Then your tastebuds have traveled well! This Italian grape is part of their Reincarnated Collection – rarer and lesser-known grapes that show much promise in Texas. It is certainly the first we have heard that is Texas sourced and bottled for consumers. We find it an absolute delight to try new grape varietals, especially within Texas to sample. So, what is it like?  Let us start off with the beautiful deep ruby red color immediately followed by those fantastic plum aromas on the nose. A good start is always a plus when you open a bottle. This is followed by flavors of blackberry and caramel on the palate, with just a touch of vanilla and some tobacco for extra character.  The bold tannins and high acids demand some serious fatty dishes to be served with this wine. Sounds yummy, right? This Italian varietal has certainly found a new home at Kalasi Cellars and they are making their mark in the ever-growing Texas wine industry. Cin Cin!

www.kalasicellars.com

Balfour Leslie's Reserve – NV; Hush Heath Estate; Kent, United Kingdom

British sparkling wines have certainly been getting the “cheers” attention. This bubbly from the UK is a lovely blend of 55% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, and 5% Pinot Meunier. The fine bubbles intertwined with the pale-yellow color is certainly an eye pleaser, but the impact of rich raspberries and strawberries with a touch of zesty lemon on the nose is quite a delight.  The fresh apple and red fruit notes will provide pleasure to your palate, as well.  With a touch of earthiness and well-balanced acids, this sparkling wine is very pleasant and refreshing. A true delight to sip and enjoy.  Cheers!

www.hushheath.com

Albarino – 2019; Pebble Rock Cellars; Johnson City, Texas

Albarino, what can we say? If you have never had one, then you should branch out as now is your time to try it. If you have never been to Pebble Rock Cellars, then you need to plan an outing and visit this boutique winery in Johnson City. This light and refreshing wine is a delightful treat to enjoy with a meal or on its own. With just a touch of lemon zest and grapefruit flavors, it is worth your wine sipping time.  There is just an ever so slight effervescence to this one to tease your taste buds and some subtle honeydew scents on the nose. This refreshing white has a nice clean finish enticing you back for more.  Enjoy!

www.pebblerockcellars.wine

For Play by Candlelight – 2016; Mitchell Katz Winery; Livermore, California

This Livermore Valley Zinfandel really rocks!  The initial fruitful aromas envelope your nose and let you know this is going to be an interesting wine, perfectly preparing you for that first sip.  The color is light red, and the wine has a lovely profile and is quite smooth.  Cola and black pepper dominate the tastebuds of this delightful wine. The mild finish just lures you back for more sipping!  A great wine to pair with spicy dishes, so feast well and “Cheers!”

www.mitchellkatzwinery.com

Syrah – 2017; French Connection Wines; Hye, Texas

When you have the trio combo of Newsom Vineyards fruit, 2017, plus Ben Calais as the winemaker, there is nothing short of high expectations and the anticipation of great things to come.  You certainly will not be disappointed with this vintage nor this lovely French Connection red wine. The deep garnet color and rich cherry aromas make an indelible positive initial impression. There is just a touch of truffle on the nose to tease your senses. You will also discern some raspberry and pepper notes, but those jammy flavors are just the bold bomb that shines thru on this lovely wine! It has a rich, smooth mouthfeel coupled with well-balanced acids and almost unnoticeable 14.9% alcohol.  There is also great smokiness on the finish just in case you need some extra satisfaction.  Keep an extra bottle on hand because this is one is worth enjoying more than once and making lasting memories with great bottles.  Food and friends are what wine enjoyment is all about anyway. Santé!

www.frenchconnectionhye.com

1851 Trebbiano – 2017; Slate Mill Wine Collective; Fredericksburg, Texas

A nicely chilled Trebbiano is one way to welcome lovely Springtime weather.  This Texas High Plains fruit from Lahey Vineyards is the wonderful product of the 2017 harvest which was a unique and fantastic year for Texas grapes.  Upon that initial pour, you will experience the wonderful intensity of tropical aromas and light floral notes. There may be a bit of a punch on the acids after the first sip, but those rich fruity flavors do come through.  This white wine has a clean crisp after taste as well as a zesty lemon finish. It is a delightful white sipper on a warm day, and we encourage you to chill this one for optimal drinking pleasure. Enjoy!

www.slatemillwinecollective.com

Tannat – 2015; Ab Astris Winery; Stonewall, Texas

This is a rock solid Tannat for your enjoyment! The deep purple color is enticing just to gaze at, but those blueberry aromas from this Texas High Plains sourced fruit are a simple pleasure at its best. If you let this one sit for a good hour or so, then patience will reward you. The rich dark fruit and cherry flavors really unfold and develop. The acids balance out nicely and there is just a touch of spiciness to this beauty. With medium tannins and a nice long velvety finish, life is getting darned good at this point. Although drinking well right now, there is still much to reveal by holding on to this one for a few more years and trying again later.  Cheers!

www.abastriswinery.com

Blanc du Bois – 2018; Bent Oak Winery; Cedar Park, Texas

Blanc du Bois has been making some good strides in recent years as more winemakers begin to express the best qualities of this grape. But do not be fooled into thinking it must be super sweet. Sourced from Palacios Vineyards near the Brenham area, this bright golden colored white wine does tantalize with intense grapefruit on the nose.  As you sip along, you’ll pick up some zesty lemon peel on the back of the tongue. This is somewhat reminiscent of a Sauvignon Blanc with hints of citrus.  The wine has a rich mouthfeel to it along with bold acids and a clean crisp finish. Bent Oak has done a great job on making a dry-style wine from this hybrid varietal.  A great sipper for that May transition from spring into summer.  Cheers!

www.bentoakwinery.com

Viognier – 2018; Lewis Wines; Johnson City, Texas

This has certainly got to be one of the top tier Texas Viognier wines we have enjoyed over the decades. Just the mention that this fruit being sourced from Robert Clay Vineyards in Mason puts high expectations on the winemaker’s final product.  First, it has just the right tint of that pale yellow color one is looking for in the wine. Second, are those intense floral aromas exploding on the nose of this wine.  Finally, the intense mouthfeel balances with all the right acids. You get the taste of luscious melons enveloping your palate, as well.  For the encore - wait for it…wait for it…wait for it…yes, that “ah” sensation followed by that big smile!  It almost has that full bodied Chardonnay style going for it, but it is a Texas Viognier at its finest. Thank you, Robert Clay Vineyards and Lewis Wines, for bringing the best of both of your worlds to this wine. Beautiful fruit and great growing practices beget beautiful wine. Cheers!

www.lewiswines.com

Angel Riesling – NV; Messina Hof Winery; Bryan, Texas

Late harvest Riesling packs a lot of flavors in every sip. This Texas blend of 75% Riesling, 15% Gewurztraminer, 5% Orange Muscat, 5% Blanc du Bois has a light sunny color and elegant floral aromas. There is some nectar on the nose as well harkening the senses to reminisce for springtime.  As a late harvest wine, you will discern rich fruit flavors of apples and pear.  This has just the right amount of sweetness that balances out the flavor profile.  Let the wine swirl in you mouth for a bit, and you will also sense a touch of melon followed by some honey.  This medium bodied Riesling has exceptionally light acidity and a clean mouthfeel after the first taste. Because you were that angel in your mother’s eye, bring on her favorite cheesecake for pairing and raise a glass or two to your mom and with her. A lovely wine for Mother’s Day. Cheers!

www.messinahof.com

Picpoul Blanc – 2019; Perissos Vineyard & Winery; Burnet, Texas

This ancient white wine of France just may have found a new home in Texas to fully express itself. Grown at Kubacak Vineyards of Lynn County in the Texas High Plains AVA, this rising star white grape is where Perissos sourced this amazing fruit from. Just gazing at the light straw color can be quite enchanting, but those big refreshingly floral aromas that waft across your nose are a true delight for your senses. This is followed by a bit of apple on the nose just to add to that fresh bright aroma. The initial sip may surprise you with a bit of a “lip sting”, but that is just part of the wine’s name reputation. Peach and citrus flavors surround the palate in the most elegant way. Yes, there is a touch of pear dancing around as well. For this medium bodied white wine, the acids are moderate, and it has a nicely refined clean fresh crisp texture. This is an excellent spring or summer sipper and pairs wonderfully with your favorite grilled fresh seafood.  Santé!

www.perissosvineyards.com