Mourvèdre – 2019; RE:Rooted 210; San Antonio, Texas

To say Mourvèdre is the Pinot Noir of Texas is an understatement with this red wine.  This delicious red wine was poured from a lovely reusable growler.  Just looking at this wine while you pour that first glass might “trick” you into thinking a Pinot is served. It has a very light ruby shade and is quite fruit forward.  Raspberries will dominate the notes on this Texas High Plains AVA sourced fruit.  There are some blueberries as well with a touch of cream.  The acids are about a notch above light and the finish is elegant and smooth. And just like in the old country, you will want to “walk back” periodically to refill your growler. Great wine and storage idea.  Cheers!

www.rerootedwine.com

Lucy – 2019; Perissos Vineyard and Winery; Burnet, Texas

This Texas Hill Country AVA estate fruit white wine could be your next “go-to” summer sipper. Blended with Viognier 45%, Muscat Canelli 29%, and Roussanne 26%, the floral aromas and light golden color will quickly transport you to your happy Zen state of mind.  You will get some lemon on the nose before that first big sip of fresh peach flavors comes shining through along with a bit of pineapple.  The acids are moderate, and a bit of butter rounds out the finish.  Cook up that inspiring chicken, fish or salad dish you have been waiting to try out and enjoy with this lovely seasonal white and enjoy!

www.perissosvineyards.com

7 Deadly Zins – 2017; 7 Deadly Wines; Livermore, California

Sourced from the Lodi AVA, this old vine Zinfandel does yield some good wine. The 2017 vintage is a deep garnet shade with aromas of plum and blackberry.  It is medium bodied with flavors of raspberries and cherries followed by a bit of fresh fig. This red wine comes off a bit hot, but not so much that it districts from the gorgeous fruit flavors.  There is a subtle smoky vanilla finish to this beauty. Overall, the wine is smooth with a light silky texture, making this quite enjoyable. Cheers!

www.7deadlywines.com

Albariño – 2019; Slate Mill Wine Collective; Fredericksburg, Texas

Just sit back and enjoy this refreshing dry white wine on a warm afternoon.  This Texas High Plains AVA sourced fruit has bright acids and nice tropical notes. It also has a slight green tinted color to entice your imagination.  The refreshing citrus flavors along with a touch of saltiness might crave you for a chilled seafood appetizer.   Not a bad sipper, as well, if you just want to be laid back. Enjoy!

www.slatemillwinecollective.com

Barbera – 2015; Solaro Estate Winery; Dripping Springs, Texas

Having one of these last remaining estate Barberas is a blessing in of itself. This Texas Hill Country AVA fruit is dark in color with a slight smoky nose. There is a hint of eucalyptus, as well.  The acids are bold with rich cherry fruit all around the palate. This winner of the 2018 San Francisco International Wine competition provides a moderate finish that leaves you craving for more.  This wine deserves to be enjoyed with food, so enjoy with your best Italian style dish or lovely cheese.  Salud!

www.solaroestate.com

Syrah – 2016; Adega Vinho Winery; Stonewall, Texas

What a pleasure it is to finally try out a whole bottle of one for the first releases from Adega Vinho Winery. Sourced from Mesa Vineyards of West Texas, the light garnet colored pour and the fruit forward aromas indicate that this red wine is still alive and strong!  This lovely wine will delight you with notes of blackberries followed by a touch of mint. The tannins are medium with moderate acids. You will also discern some chocolate in there. This red wine jewel is well balanced and has great depth to its drinking profile. Still many years left in this one, so you will have more opportunities to enjoy again in the future if you have multiple bottles in the cellar. Cheers!

www.adegavinho.com

Chardonnay – 2018; Miner Family Winery; Oakville, California

This bold and well-balanced Napa Valley white wine hits the spot.  Served chilled, notes of almonds shine through along with a bit of herbaceous notes on the nose. There are crisp ripe apple and melon flavors that will greet you on the initial sip. Lemon will also eventually envelope your palate along with soft buttery notes giving you a full mouthfeel experience that is pleasing.  This is an excellent Chardonnay that will remind you why you find such pleasure in sipping a well-crafted Chard.  Cheers!

www.minerwines.com

Cabernet Sauvignon – 2017; William & Chris Wines; Hye, Texas

It’s interesting to see how well certain wines did in different regions of Texas during the fantastic 2017 year.  This Cab was sourced from Marallan Oak Vineyard which is in the eastern part of the Texas Hill Country AVA. After that initial pour, you will note a bit of spice on the nose in addition to rich dark fruit. After doing a swirl, sip and repeat, those notes of blueberries and cherries start to envelop your taste buds.  Yes, there is a little bit of plum in there too for this medium bodied red wine.  The tannins are about a half notch below moderate, and the finish is smooth. Very nicely done. Cheers!

www.williamchriswines.com

Rosé – 2019; Reddy Vineyards; Brownfield, Texas

Many Texas wine fans have probably noticed Reddy Vineyards as the source fruit for a few Texas wineries.  The 3305 feet elevation and quality soil has been yielding some fabulous fruit for the Texas wine industry. This dry Rosé is one of their own wines produced by the vineyard.  It is a blend of 73% Cinsault, 19% Mourvèdre, and 8% Merlot.  This pours beautifully with a touch of herbal notes on the nose.  After taking a sip or two, you will discern grapefruit with a bit of raspberry followed by some strawberries. This Gold Medal winner of the Lone Star International Wine Competition has a medium finish to round things out.  Add this beauty to your arsenal of summer sippers. It will sure help take the edge off the blistering summer heat. Cheers!

www.reddyvineyards.com

Andean White – 2020; Safari Winery; Fredericksburg, Texas

Chilled, this light sweet white wine is an excellent way to enjoy a summer afternoon. Sourced from the Curico Valley of Chile, this proprietary white blend explodes with heavenly tropical notes. Fresh honeysuckle and grapefruit will round out that sensory experience along with some peach notes.  Speaking of peaches, sip this with some lovely peach cobbler for your pairing and really kick things up. A luscious, lovely wine to enhance your summer parties and evenings. Dessert should be this good! Cheers.

www.safariwinery.com