Cuvée du Sentier – 2017; Calais Winery; Hye Texas

The rich, full bodied Tannat may be one of those secret wines in your stash that you will have a difficult time not blabbing about to others. Sourced from Narra Vineyards of The Texas High Plains AVA, it is game on for that full mouth feel experience! Aromas of cherry and tobacco will initially greet you for this complex, bold wine. Do have patience and let it sit for an hour or so to breathe for full enjoyment. You will then be rewarded with some flavors of blackberry and raspberry with a hint of spice. The acids are medium for this fine jewel, and it is relatively smooth for a Tannat. “Another, please!” is what you will be saying all night as you enjoy glass by glass of this amazing red. Santé

www.calaiswinery.com

Alicante Bouschet – 2017; 7 Creeks Vineyard; Burnet, Texas

This Texas High Plains sourced varietal makes a nice wine to enjoy any time of day. It has a lovely garnet color that entices you as you reach for that initial sip. The fruit froward red wine expresses cranberry notes with a touch of cedar underneath and a nice lingering leather note on the finish. The smooth tannins are equally pleasing for this lovely one. It is a great wine pleaser and is drinking well right now, so do enjoy if you have any cellared. Cheers!

www.7creeksvineyard.com

Viognier – 2017; Perissos Vineyard and Winery; Burnet, Texas

2017 Texas wines have not disappointed. Even 4-year-old whites are still holding much of their fresh profiles. This estate Viognier from the Texas Hill Country AVA beholds much appreciation. The golden hue and very fruit forward notes are a blessing for the wine afficionado’s nose. Apricots and some citrus will fill the air upon that initial pour. Even at 15.7% ABV, the alcohol seems well integrated with the rich flavors of peach and pineapple. It is very well balanced with a medium bodied, acids and finish. Perhaps, it is the magic of the hickory sands for this vineyard, but this could be a fairly close proximity to what a crisp refreshing wine would have been like in Eden. Loving this Viognier. Cheers!

www.perissosvineyards.com

Mourvèdre – 2017; William and Chris Vineyards; Hye, Texas

This 2017 vintage, sourced from Bingham Family Vineyards, really captures the essence of Mourvèdre. The ruby red color pour and the big burst of plums and raisins you get on the nose will make you 100% certain that you’ve found the right wine for the day. Clocking in at 14.8% ABV, this medium body dry red wine has some blueberry flavors and a touch of jam here and there. This Texas version is great on its own, but find your favorite local meat store for a supper pairing enjoyment.  Cheers!

www.williamchriswines.com

Le Baron – 2017; Barons Creek Vineyards; Fredericksburg, Texas

This red wine blend of 70% Petit Verdot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon packs some bold flavors with a smooth finish. Aromas of blueberry will greet you on the first pour and a touch of tobacco will linger on the nose. The velvet sensation is lovely with a little jam here and there. The acids are light, and the finish is smooth leaving you wanting another sip. A great choice for the changing cooler season and a sheer delight to sip and savor with charcuterie or some great meaty dishes. Cheers!

www.baronscreekvineyards.com

Tannat – 2012; Bending Branch Winery; Comfort, Texas

It is a special treat being able to open one of the early bottles of Texas Tannat from Bending Branch. As a testament to good winemaking and fruit, this almost decade old wine is still holding up quite well. The color shows little change which can be a good sign. It takes a while for this wine to really shine once uncorked, so have patience before indulging in that first sip. The aromas of earthiness and smoke will entice you as you wait. There may be some dustiness from that first drop, but afterwards dried plums and sage shine through. Yes, there is a bit of chalk here and there, as well. The acids are just a notch below medium, and the tannins are still holding firm. Although this big red wine can be sipped on its own, we found that enjoying this with a favorite hard cheese or dark chocolate was a fantastic way to pair this beauty. Enjoy!

www.bendingbranchwinery.com