Wild Child – 2019; Parr Vineyards; Mason, Texas

Parr Vineyards has been well known for producing some top-quality Mason County fruit. This blend from the estate vineyard is one way to show the many different aspects of what is grown there in addition to getting very creative with your grapes and wine production. Wild Child is a mix of six different varieties comprised of Touriga, Tempranillo, Cabernet, Graciano, Mourvèdre, and Viognier. Interesting, right? Many of you will like this wine simply because of the Texas Touriga in it!  This wine does have a touch of effervescence at first, but that dissipates after an hour or so. It is quite well balanced with just about every aroma and flavor hitting those wine senses.  The acids and tannins are still firm, but nothing a good food pairing can’t balance out.  Chilled, this melding is a great afternoon sipper as it is not too bold and fruit flavors still linger. Enjoy!

www.parrvineyards.com

“Hotspur” Mourvèdre – 2012; Tatum Cellars; Texas Hill Country, Texas

Behold…a first release from Josh Fritsche!  Even better is how well it is holding up after all these years. Sourced from Lost Draw Vineyards, this Mourvèdre will just enlighten you once again about how well this grape can do in Texas as well as the great wine making of Josh.  The initial pour has a light rusty color with smoky notes filling the air. It has a great depth of flavor with chocolate and cherries being prominent now.  There is just a touch of leather in this delicious red wine and the finish is extra special.  You will want to save this bottle or label to frame it as the artwork is simply exquisite. This wine is a golden jewel and so happy we were able to get some bottles when they initially were released. Cheers!

www.tatum-cellars.com

Cinsault Rosé – 2019; Slate Mill Wine Collective; Fredericksburg, Texas

Cinsault it is!  Sourced from the Texas High Plains, this blend of 97% Cinsault, 3% Grenache really shines as a hot afternoon wine pleaser. Looking for a tasty thirst quencher that pairs nicely with numerous things and sips just fine on its own, well look no further. Take a deep breath as you inhale the enticing citrus aromas of lime and orange. This helps set the stage for what lies ahead on that initial sip. Flavors of melons and apples meld with the citrus to wrap your taste buds in lovely summer flavors followed by a clean crisp finish. When it is nearly Fall in Texas, summer wine and food pairings are still going strong to help cope with the heat. Serve this one chilled for a great refreshing sipper. Cheers!

www.slatemillwinecollective.com

Estoy Aqui – 2017; Cellar Rat; Fredericksburg, Texas

Yes…just by the name alone, this wine is telling you that it is here and ready to drink.  This Texas High Plains fruit has been sourced from both Narra Vineyards and Letkeman Family Vineyard.  You will be in for an extra special treat for this 66% Primitivo, 34% Sangiovese red wine blend.  Between the light ruby red color and the intense fruit flavors, this medium bodied wine deserves some quiet time for you to savor.  So, enjoy the sounds of the pour, the refreshing bouquet on the nose, and side to side mouthfeel as you sip and swirl this lovely.  It is everything that embodies that saying, “Life is good.” Enjoy!

www.cellarratwinetours.com

Bending Branch Brut – NV; Bending Branch Winery; Comfort, Texas

There’s nothing like a refreshing brut to help end the day!  This blend of Chardonnay/Pinot Noir made in the traditional French way, packs some good flavor and zest all in one sip.  Pear and apple notes come alive in this sparkling bottle along with a bit of cream. Acids are moderate for this treat, so pair with what you like.  The added toasty finish and lingering effervescence is just what you need to sweep away your cares and the stress of the day. This cannot help but boost your mood.  Cheers!

www.bendingbranchwinery.com

Sangiovese – 2018; Pebble Rock Cellars; Johnson City, Texas

With “magic” grapes from Narra Vineyards, this Sangiovese red wine is something extra special. The light red translucent color is just the start of the spell this wine casts as you dive into this delicious treat.   Some raisins and dried fruit are discernable notes, but those rich cherry flavors really help this one shine. There is just a slight sense of herbaceous notes to round things out as you get ready for another pour. This is a very good and lovely Sangiovese to enjoy with your favorite Mediterranean style meal. The wine is drinking very nicely now, so if you have a bottle, you should give it a try and enjoy it. Salute!

www.pebblerockcellars.wine

Tannat Revenant – 2017; Crowson Wines; Johnson City, Texas

This Texas High Plains sourced fruit is something to be savored. The nature of this full-bodied red wine has some rich intense flavors and aromas to fill body and soul with goodness and replenish your spirit after a long day’s work. Gazing at the intense garnet hue during the initial pour will only entice your imagination to pre-ignite those tasting senses. Your reward will be beautiful earthy notes with a hint of smoke on the nose and rich aroma of spice. The cherry and plums will envelope your taste buds with tantalizing flavors and the excitement continues with well-balanced acids. The tannins will remind you that this is a full A-Z wine experience, so pick your favorite fatty dish for this one and feast like there is no tomorrow. Texas Tannat wine has such depth and character. This is a fabulous red wine that is progressing nicely. Enjoy!

www.crowsonwines.com

Cabernet Franc – 2011; Junction Rivers Winery; Junction, Texas

“Clocking” in at 14.78% alcohol, this Texas Cab Franc is not only holding well after 10 years but tasting wonderful too.  2011 was certainly one of those unique years for Texas grapes as it was the infamous “great drought” but seems to have yielded intense concentration of flavors that benefited the wines produced that year.  Pouring this decade old wine, one sees little aging based on the color and the floral bouquet is still intact.  There is just a hint of currant and fig on the nose. Cherry and plum flavors are dominating the tasting profile at this point with some lingering black pepper.  The acids have certainly dropped down since we first tasted it in 2013, so we will say about moderate acids at this time.  The tannins tend to be on the mild side.  It is always a pleasure to pull out an older Texas wine to see how it has progressed. Sadly, this winery is no more, but the memories of our visit and some bottles still live on. Cheers!

Sauvignon Blanc – 2019; Star Trek Wines; Earth, UFP

You should be quite pleased with this theme-based wine.  Sourced from northern California coast grapes and made by E2 Family Winery, this Sauvignon Blanc hits those tropical notes quite well.  You will taste some peach and pear followed by a strong citrus finish. The elegant bottle design is an eye catcher, as well, so definitely save it. Not often a wine comes in a rectangular shaped bottle. Star Trek fans will be pleased with the “symbol” on the edge of the cork, too as it is quite predominantly displayed. Overall, it is a pretty good white wine to fit the day. Peace out!

www.startrekwines.com

Petite Sirah – 2017; Perissos Vineyard and Winery; Burnet, Texas

This 100% Estate Grown really explodes with some big flavors.  A lot of that may be attributed to the great 2017 vintage year for Texas wines. This means if you have any of these bottles for that year, savor them! You will first notice the nice inky pour followed by some big black aromatic fruit.  There is a touch of tobacco in the air for tease.  The flavor profile comes out big on cherries and plums with a touch of vanilla. There is also a hint of chocolate for an extra surprise.  The medium acidity seems to hold well for this Hill Country red wine. The firm tannins will remind you how bold this wine can be. There is a lot going for this medium bodied red, so you still have many years of enjoyment to repeat over and over if you hold on to them and cellar a while longer. Cheers!

www.perissosvineyards.com