Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Picpoul Blanc – 2020; French Connection Wines; Hye, Texas

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 


www.frenchconnectionhye.com

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!


www.slatetheory.com

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!


www.siboneycellars.com

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!



www.calaiswinery.com


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!


www.sanpasqualwinery.com

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!


www.heathsparkling.com

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!


www.abastriswinery.com

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!


www.kuhlmancellars.com

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!


www.williamchriswines.com

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!


www.bendingbranchwinery.com