This
1851 line of Tannat puts the “B” in bold.
Sourced from Reddy Vineyards of the Texas High Plains AVA, notes of
plums and berry will certainly circle in the air around you as you open this
bottle. The big acids are well balanced, and notes of tobacco and cherry are
pronounced, as well. The tannins are quite firm for this Texas red wine. With a savory finish towards the end, your only
question may be what meaty dish to pair this big bold red wine with next. Enjoy!
Petillant
bubblies have been making great strides in Texas sparkling wines. Get ready for something “wicked”! Made from Alicante
Bouschet, this Texas Hill Country AVA fruit will continue to surprise you in
what it can do. As a bubbly made in the natural way, you get an excellent deep
raspberry hue and big fruit forward berries that go straight to your nostrils.
The flavor wraps around your mouth in cola and spices with a mix of moderate
acids to compliment the bubbly sensation. The flavors linger, so do not be surprised
if you crave for more. Do open outside
just in case some extra “fun” comes out of the bottle. An excellent little
sparkler for the summer. Enjoy!
The
Gaston label has been that rock solid Rosé that many Texas wine fans look
forward to every year. The 2019 release is a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. Strawberry and mango notes predominate in
this vintage along with a splash of watermelon. The wine has a pleasant acidic
finish giving it just the right amount of crispness without detracting from the
lovely fruit flavors. Sadly, there will be no 2020 vintage to share. Thus, we
look forward in hopeful anticipation that 2021 will bring better luck and allow
this lovely Rosé to once again be bottled and shared with its wine fans
everywhere. In the meantime, enjoy your 2019 stash of Gaston as long as you
can. Santé!
This
Portuguese variety demonstrates that it can hold its own and produce
surprisingly wonderful fruit in the Texas Hill Country climate. Earlier this
year, we posted our thoughts on the 2015 version of Parr Vineyard’s Touriga.
What a difference a year can do for a Texas wine! For the 2016 release, this
jewel seems smoother and more elegant than the 2015. There is a richer dark
fruit flavor with a kick of pepper on the finish. You will still get that
fantastic smile on your face after every sip, so do not be ashamed to let your
grin shine thru. This lovely red is aging nicely, so check back in a couple of
years to see how this wine progresses as we will be happy to share in the years
to come. Cheers!
Get ready for some big bold wine from this Texas High Plains fruit. Sourced from Narra Vineyards, you can easily breathe in those natural earthy sensations followed by some plum and a touch of smokiness. All that in just the first aromatic inhale, right? The opaque color may mask the light, but really unfolds with some fantastic flavors of black cherries and strawberries. It has good acids and firm tannins, so this wine pairs well with good food. You will relish that mouthfeel of this full-bodied red wine. Your only question is, have you stocked up well? Enjoy!
And
just like that, Picpoul Blanc has been “stealing” the show for Texas whites
recently. Add this to the list of fantastic white wine grapes that do well in
the state. Sourced from Timmons Estate Vineyard in the Texas High Plains, this light-colored
white wine envelopes your senses with aromas of lemon and mandarin. Equally
pleasing are the mixtures of papaya and apple flavors. With moderate acids and a clean crisp finish,
this rising star in Texas will be a cool-off pleaser for sure during the hot
Texas summer months. Raise your glass and ask for some Picpoul Blanc soon.
Cheers!
This
was one of the inaugural wine releases by 7 Creeks Vineyard when they opened.
Sourced from Texas High Plains, this vintage underwent cryo-maceration which is
reflected in the fabulously smooth flavor and texture of this great red wine. At five years old, there is a light purple translucence
against the backlight. The red fruit
aromas are quite intense. Those first
few sips are equally pleasing with a touch of spice, everything nice and some
earthy undertones. With moderate tannins and good acids, this easy drinking
Mourvèdre can be paired with a wide variety of great dishes. It is literally so
nice and smooth, that it is equally enjoyable on its own as well. Well done 7
Creeks Vineyard. Enjoy!
Coun-what? You could start with pronouncing it “Coon-wahz”
for starters, but once you get the hang of it, your attention will certainly be
focused on the wonderful delight this wine has to offer. This Rhône valley
grape is doing well in the Texas climate. Traditionally a blending grape, this
standalone Counoise will surprise you in many ways. Sourced from Farmhouse
Vineyards in the Texas High Plains, the ruby red translucence is such a
stunning beauty and an eye catcher. The bright red fruit on the nose is the
next pleaser that greets you. Flavors of cranberry and blueberry present
initially with that first sip followed by a slight smokiness. This well-balanced light to medium bodied red
wine is refreshing and soothing. This makes it a great option when you want a
red, but do not want a super heavy red wine. It pairs nicely with food and
light snacks, yet is quite enjoyable as a satisfying wind down sipper on its
own - a true delight for your wine soul. If you are unfamiliar with this
varietal, you now know where you can locate some in the future. Santé!
This
Cabernet Sauvignon proprietor’s blend is quite the treat. Sourced from Livermore
Valley AVA, this “young” wine has a surprisingly spicy aromatic nose with the
lovely scent of dark cherries. Most will discern raspberry, strawberry,
chocolate in the tasting profile and if you wait long enough on that first sip,
there is a hint of tobacco on the finish.
Some oak is there as well, but just enough to compliment all the great
fruit this wine offers. The acids are exactly right for this full-bodied red
wine along with a touch of tartness. Finally, you should appreciate the wonderful
tannins and the exceptionally long finish.
Bold and dry, this red cab is certainly a winner. “Oh, this is really good” will be what you
hear being said by those you choose to share this one with. Lovely, lovely red
Cab here, so enjoy. Cheers!
It
has been a treat watching these estate vines mature since they were planted in
2014. It only adds to the anticipation
of sipping the wine from that labor of love. This 2017 red blend of 43%
Alicante Bouschet, 27% Tannat, 17% Touriga National, 13% Tinta Cao certainly
expresses the quality of the estate fruit and great winemaking skills of this
talented young team. Upon the first
pour, those bright fruit aromas are quite inviting along with a touch of black
pepper. After a sip or two, bright acids enveloped every aspect of your mouth
followed by cacao and spices. The blend is quite well balanced, and the lingering
finish is equally enticing. Step up and be bold, this is a rare jewel to behold
and enjoy. Cheers!
Winemaker
Brock Estes has made some wicked and bold Tannat wine with this 2017 vintage.
Having some great quality fruit sourced from Reddy Vineyards certainly helped
get this deep red wine off to a good start.
After pouring the first glass of this nearly opaque red wine, you immediately
smell the blueberry aromas in addition to a bit of pepper. Those bold fruit
flavors readily greet you on the first sip along with a melding of chalk and a
hint of vanilla. The tannins are at just the right level to allow this lovely
wine to pair nicely with a quality fatty dish. Awesome job on this one. Enjoy!
This 2018 Hensell blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Carignan really characterizes that excellent Provence style dry Rosé we all know and love. The aromatic expression from this lovely wine just fills the room with endless roses. Try pouring this raspberry color jewel against the backdrop of a late spring sunset to soothe the hard workday nerves. Upon that initial sip, flavors of strawberry and cherry will envelop your palate only to be equally enticed by surprisingly luscious watermelon notes. Not to be outdone by the great flavors of that first sip, the finish is clean and bright which is just the icing on the cake for this memorable Rosé. Enjoy well and Santé!
