Be
prepared for a citrus experience, because this Texas High Plains fruit packs a
lot of lemon and grapefruit on the nose.
Sourced from Kubacak Vineyards, this white wine has balanced acids and a
good mouthfeel. On the finish, be prepared to indulge in some fresh guava and a
touch of honey. You might also discern a bit of minerality, too. You cannot go
wrong with pairing this lovely wine with fish or a bright salad. Simply lovely.
Santé
Wine Of The Moment is just that. A moment of trying out a new bottle of wine and sharing our thoughts and impressions. There is no planned wine bottle that is to be opened or set time that it will be tasted. It is what ever just happens to be opened...for the moment. On occasion, we may also post our feedback on new wineries that we have visited as well as unique cheeses. So, pull up your own plate of cheese, crackers, and fruit and enjoy these discussions.
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
Picpoul Blanc – 2020; French Connection Wines; Hye, Texas
Monday, November 28, 2022
The Narcoleptic – 2017; Slate Theory Winery; Fredericksburg, Texas
This
GSM style blend is a definite go-to for your favorite meaty Tex-Mex feast. It is a blend of 48% Syrah, 26% Grenache, 21%
Mourvèdre, and 5% Carignan. Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA, the pour is
a light red color and will quickly fill the air with scents of pepper, cherry,
and smoked bacon. Take a few sips and
relish those dark cherry flavors. There is a touch of earthiness in there, as
well. Smooth and delicious, this red
wine blend will set your body and soul at ease. A crowd pleaser for pairing and
for simply savoring every sip at the end of a long day. Enjoy!
Friday, November 25, 2022
Coral Estrellas Sparkling Rosé – 2019; Siboney Cellars; Johnson City, Texas
This
first bubbly by Siboney Cellars will not disappoint! Made in the “Pet-Nat”
style, they took Sangiovese grapes sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA and
using the oldest sparkling wine making methods, let nature take care of the
rest. Popping the crown-cap seal releases that ever so subtle “pop” that is
music to the ears followed by some fizzing bubbles that signal the party and
celebration is about to begin. No worries on any geysers opening this one,
served chilled and the only gusher will be how much you pour in your
glass. It is bright pink in color with light
acidity. The tantalizing little bubbles
will certainly entertain your palate, as well. Even at three years old, this
young style sparkling is drinking well. Pull up a chair as this wine is
certainly one worthy of both celebratory events as well as a casual evening star
watching parties and perfect for food pairings. Cheers!
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
Cuvée du Ruisseau – 2017; Calais Winery; Hye, Texas
Clocking
in at 15.1% ABV, this Texas High Plains sourced Merlot is extraordinary. Chalk
it up to the fantastic year that 2017 was for Texas grapes, but also for some
fantastic winemaking skills. The dark
ruby color is an eye catcher to watch when pouring but do let it sit about 45
minutes or so and just enjoy the ever-changing aromas of blackberry and
currant. Take some sips and let your
palate relish this medium plus mouthfeel jewel.
Those figs start to delight your tastebuds along with hints of vanilla
and spice. Acids may be a bit higher than most Merlots, but nothing a good
proper feast pairing can’t balance out.
The tannins are about a notch below moderate and yes, there is some
sediment in the bottle for you hard core red wine lovers! This beautiful red
wine is one to savor, so enjoy well. Santé!
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Malbec – 2013; San Pasqual Winery; La Mesa California
Sourced
from Hill Springs Farms Vineyard in San Diego County, this very dry and
well-aged Malbec is settling in quite nicely for your wine sipping
pleasure. At nine years old, it is
still quite opaque and most of the fruity notes are dominated by luscious
plums. Flavors of apricot will greet you
on that initial sip followed by a touch of oak.
Strong tannins are still holding on, so be prepared for a good mouth
gripping feel. You might also discern a little earthiness in there, too. It is a great pleasure trying out this Malbec
from the west coast. Enjoy!
Monday, November 14, 2022
Blanc de Blancs – 2018; Heath Sparkling Wines; Fredericksburg, Texas
Made
from Chardonnay, this brut style sparkling has a light golden shade with
moderate bubbles. The scent of this sparkler fills the air with notes of green
apples and pears as you prepare for that first sip. In addition to the aromatics,
you will be equally pleased with the subtle lemon zest on your palate. The
citrus finish is the final awe-inspiring expression to end off the first tasting
journey. No reason to stop there, just keep
sipping and enjoying with your favorite snack tray. Cheers!
Friday, November 11, 2022
Tannat – 2016; Ab Astris Winery; Stonewall, Texas
Breath
in this Newsom Vineyards sourced fruit and relish the ripe fruity aromas. This full-bodied red wine packs rich plum and
blueberry notes. As you sip, you will experience a little bit of smokiness as
well. The balance between the nose and
palate sensations is working well for this six-year-old beauty. The wine is
excellent for pairing with food, especially a hearty protein dish and there is
nothing but full enjoyment for the red wine lover with this bottle. Cheers!
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
Barranca – 2017; Kuhlman Cellars; Stonewall, Texas
Pour
up this lovely Texas 2017 and relish the different flavors this wine has. This
Texas High Plains sourced fruit is a blend of 32% Tempranillo, 26% Petite
Sirah, 18% Grenache, 13% Sangiovese, and 11% Mourvèdre. The color on that first pour looks garnet and
the air will quickly fill with aromas of blackberry and currant. You might also discern a bit of tobacco, as
well. Swirl and sip and let those flavors of cranberry sooth the palate with
hints of leather and some smoke. The
acids are about moderate for this full-bodied red wine with a medium
finish. As a gold winner from the Lone
Star International Wine Competition of 2021, you might have a little something
extra to brag about at your next wine friend’s get-together if you bring this
beauty with you. Cheers!
Sunday, November 6, 2022
Mourvèdre – 2016; William & Chris Vineyards; Hye, Texas
Sourced
from Lost Draw Vineyards of the High Plains, this Texas Mourvèdre is sitting
about the halfway mark between light and medium bodied. Light in color, the initial
pour will fill the air with inviting aromas of cherries and blackberries,
beguiling you to take a sip. The tannins
are well balanced for this dry, yet smooth red wine. You will discern a bit of
cocoa during that first sipping session along with a touch of smoke. It is a lovely sipper to compliment your best
Texas feast, or to enjoy on its own. Cheers!
Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Double Barrel Tannat – 2017; Bending Branch Winery; Comfort, Texas
Finished
in some of the finest Kentucky bourbon barrels, this double barrel aged red gives
you a smoother and more refined sipping experience. Clocking in at 15.7% ABV, the
fruit seems well integrated with this high alcohol beast. Plums and cherries
will greet your nose along with cedar notes.
There is some tobacco in there, as well.
This big, bold dark wine is heavy on the tannins and leaves a touch of
butter and vanilla to round out your wine senses. This is such a fantastic Tannat to have and
cherish. Sip and savor well!