Albariño – 2018; Longhorn Cellars; Fredericksburg, Texas

Texas Albariño is becoming a great go-to white these days. As a single varietal this one shines as a clean, bright, and refreshing summer sipper. The 2018 vintage from Longhorn Cellars really hits that soothing spot well on a hot day.  All the lovely notes of peach, apples, and lingering citrus awake your senses and provide a refreshing accompaniment to light summer meals and snacks. The acids are great and that “ahh” feeling is fantastically satisfying.   Try this one with your next shellfish dish. Cheers!

www.longhorncellars.com

Malbec – 2013; Perissos Vineyard and Winery; Burnet, Texas

As a survivor of the very late spring 2013 frost, this Malbec is drinking well and outshines several of its sibling vintages. The fruit rich and floral bouquet is quite literally breath taking. Blackberries and cherries are the prominent notes.  It’s smooth to the palate with hints of plum and a touch of vanilla to round out the flavor profile.  The acids and tannins have certainly mellowed making this quite enjoyable with many different foods or as a solitary sipper on its own. Simple lovely and lush. Cheers!

www.perissosvineyards.com

MukuZani – 2017; Silk Road Wines, Georgia

Hello wine from Georgia….the country that is! Considered the origin of wine grape growing, this Georgian wine has some unique characteristics to it.  This wine is crafted from the Saperavi grape.  The color seems very dark, almost Petit Verdot like, yet the notes and mouthfeel are reminiscence of a softer and more subtle Merlot.  You will discern some plum aromas on the nose initially followed by a bit of raspberry.  Add to that are notes of blackberry fruit followed by tobacco and spice as you sip and savor this beauty.  It is a very dry wine, with acids slightly below moderate. The finish is nice and smooth and very long, and the tannins are quite firm. This 2021 Texsom international winner is a nice wine to compliment your cellar rack.  Thoroughly enjoyed trying a new grape varietal and country of origin as we sipped and enjoyed this wine with our meal. If you can locate it, try it. You will not be disappointed. Enjoy!

www.silkroadwines.com

Riverwalk – NV; RE:Rooted 210; San Antonio, Texas

Re:Rooted has certainly made a big impact on bringing great Texas wine to Texans.  This red wine blend conveniently packaged in a growler bottle could certainly rival any traditionally bottled and corked wine. This year’s blend release is heavy on the Tempranillio side: 86% Tempranillo (a Texas 2017), 11% Sangiovese, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon.  The fruit forward notes of black cherries are quite pronounced along with a hint of cocoa. It is quite smooth, well balanced, and just super delicious!  A great job on this Texas High Plains sourced fruit and the winemaking.  Best part is, just bring your “jug” back for more. We plan to in the future return with our growler and request, “More please!”  Cheers!

www.rerootedwine.com

V - 2018; Casa Madero; Valle de Parras, Mexico

What a special treat it is to enjoy a wine from the oldest winery in North America. This 2018 Rosé was made from Cabernet Sauvignon. Those initial notes of strawberries and apricots really leave you anticipating a great wine for the summer months. There might be some peach in there as well for that added dimension, but you will no doubt experience the pleasure of sipping this refreshing fruity Rosé. There is a distinct minerality to this jewel, too, which adds to the complexity of this beauty. With moderate acidity and a touch of lemon, this chilled jewel is worth every sip on a sweltering afternoon and pairs well with cheese plates, salads, and spring and summer dishes. The longer the wine is in the glass the more those strawberry notes really come alive. Cheers!

www.madero.com

Merlot – 2015; Robert Clay Vineyards; Mason, Texas

Those with patience and endurance will be rewarded well. This Mason County fruit is a shining testament of that. Dan McLaughlin grown and nurtured, this three-year barrel aged, and three-year bottle aged Merlot is nothing short of fantastic! Pencil in yourself at least one more hour of waiting to let this beauty breathe before you plan to enjoy it.  In the meantime, catch a scent of the fruity aromas with a touch of herbs. This full-bodied red wine packs a deep and rich flavor profile of plums complimented by cherries.  The oak is well integrated in this fine Merlot along with bright acidity. That enticing super long dry finish is the grand finale you have been waiting to enjoy.  A smooth sipper, well worth your time that will make you say, “Dan, that is GOOD!” It is one top-notch Merlot, so savor every drop.  Cheers!

www.robertclayvineyards.com

Lisse – 2010; Solaro Estate Winery; Dripping Springs, Texas

Going “way back” to some of the early days of this winery, we pulled out a 2010 classic. Lisse, a red blend of 60% Mourvèdre and Merlot 40%, is showing signs of aging yet still holding its own. This one does deserve at least 90 minutes to “breathe” after popping the cork, but in the meantime, you can enjoy the evolving notes of dark fruit that fill the neck of the bottle. Color fading…yes, but this classic red wine still packs some good aromas and flavors of dark cherries.  There is a strong smoky note, and the acids are holding in at just a notch above moderate.  Let it swirl and swish a bit in your mouth and let the unfiltered texture of this beast unfold.  Go ahead and drink this one now, but it will not hurt to still let it sit in a quality cellar a bit longer if you can wait, but why should you?  Drink and enjoy!

www.solaroestate.com

Gioia Vineyard Pinot Noir – 2017; Furthermore Wines; Sebastopol, California

Hello Pinot Noir lovers!  Sourced from the Sonoma Coast AVA, this medium bodied beast is to die for.  The color on the first pour is a moderate garnet shade. You will pick up the aroma of dense ripe fruit during that first pour, as well.  Breathe in those black cherry notes as you let it sit a bit. There is a hint of leather in there, too, but those raspberry and strawberry flavors really shine with a touch of vanilla for tease. This Pinot Noir has solid acidity, a silky texture, and soft tannins that can seduce you into eternal sipping bliss. Not surprised that this Double Gold won at San Francisco Wine Competition…is there a triple? Savor every scent and every drop of this tantalizing taste….this one is a big winner. Cheers!

www.furthermorewines.com

Cabernet Franc – 2016; Scimitar Hills Vineyards; Center Point, Texas

Growing and making Cabernet Franc wine in the Texas Hill Country AVA is certainly an accomplishment in of itself.  This vintage of Cabernet Franc is quite delightful. Yes, it will need a good 90 minutes or so to breathe, but what lovely aromas and flavors it has to offer the wine sipper!  Call this one “extra dry” in the style. Those plum and strawberry notes balance out quite well. There are cherry notes as well that are holding up nicely and the wine has a bit of earthiness to it for added depth. Acids are medium and those tannins are still extra firm.  Find your favorite cheese or roasted meal for this rare find.  If you still have any bottle lingering in your cellar, they are still fine to continue to hold. Cheers!

www.scimitarhill.com

Malbec – 2017; Slate Theory Winery; Fredericksburg, Texas

What a lovely Malbec that has been blessed by the great Texas vintage of 2017 and sourced from Newsom Vineyards.  This Texas High Plains sourced fruit is big on everything.  Clocking in at 15.5% abv, everything is big and excellent from start to finish.  You will relish those juicy blueberry notes followed by luscious ripe blackberries.  Yes, it does come across as “hot’ at first, but do not confuse that with the touch of spice flavors this wine packs.  There are some lingering vanilla notes for an extra added dimension to your sipping experience.  This wine has a definite “ahh” finish with some pepper for the lingering final effect.  A nice big wine to enjoy with food. Cheers!  

www.slatetheory.com