Risan White Wine Picard Edition – NV; Star Trek Wines; Risa, UFP

This Star Trek themed white wine has one cool looking bottle design and is also a pretty decent sipper, too.  Based on the Star Trek Picard series, the bottle design replicates what fans saw on the series. Being based on the planet Rise, it is also a nod to the Next Generation series when Picard first visited the paradise planet. Sourced from California for this themed wine series, it is predominantly Sauvignon Blanc with lovely notes of grapefruit and peaches being the first to greet you. Swirl and sip and savor that zesty lemon as well. The acids are good, and this bottle has that “ahh” crisp finish enticing you to come back for more. Pretty nice wine from the future to enjoy. Cheers!

www.startrekwines.com

Tempranillo – 2017; Brennan Vineyards; Comanche, Texas

Get ready for a fine Texas 2017 vintage of Tempranillo!  This 14.4 abv wine pours a garnet color with big aromas of raspberry and cherry.  Swirl, breathe and take a sip and let your palate relish notes of blackberry with a touch of tobacco.  Let’s clock the acidity on this wild beast at about medium along with a moderate dry finish.  After that first taste, you might also pick up some chalk and a bit of cedar. It’s a really great Tempranillo that exemplifies one of the state’s well-known wines. Enjoy!

www.brennanvineyards.com

Embudo Blanco – NV; La Chiripada Winery; Dixon, Texas

Check this out this discovery! Sourced from locally grown apples, this beauty has a natural light sweetness to it. This is not only a seasonal delight this time of year, but also a lovely option any time you are looking for a moderately sweet wine to sip or pair with food.  You will be very pleased with the fruit forward apple freshness and crisp texture of this fruit wine. The sipping experience from A to Z is quite pleasing.  It drinks quite well on its own as an after-dinner treat too. Nicely done.  Cheers!

lachiripada.com

The Antisocial – 2018; Slate Theory Winery; Fredericksburg, Texas

Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA, this blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese 26%, and Tannat 3% has great cherry aromas followed by notes of plums.  It pours a deep ruby red color for visual enticement and as your glass fills up along with added notes of strawberry to join the fruit medley. Most of the palate sensation is up front for this red wine with tantalizing acids and medium tannins.  It is a solid go-to wine for almost any occasion. Cheers!

www.slatetheory.com

Baco Noir – 2018; El Alamo Winery; Alcalde, New Mexico

This signature estate wine from El Alamo is one bold red wine to try that has good tannins, acids, and dark fruit to savor. It was aged in bourbon barrels that imparted an added depth to the overall flavor profile and richness.  Upon opening the wine, a bouquet of fresh flowers is evoked. This is followed by notes of plums with a touch of smoke as a bonus.  Some butterscotch and a touch of vanilla rounded out that first sipping session.  As one continues to savor this lovely bottle, it is reminiscent of a good Pinot Noir, so well worth your attention. A lovely discovery worth returning for more in the future. Enjoy!

www.elalamowinery.com

Roussanne Reserve – 2021; Perissos Vineyards and Winery; Burnet, Texas

Sourced from One Way Vineyards of the Texas High plains AVA, this Acacia barrel aged Roussanne has a lovely golden color and greets your nose with bright zesty citrus aromas. On the palate will be primarily apricot and peaches. This 14% abv white wine jewel is clocking in with medium acidity along with a touch of minerality. It’s an “A to Z” wine pleaser and should pair nicely with many dishes. Enjoy every drop of this beautiful white wine!

www.perissosvineyards.com

Texas Mourvèdre – 2013; Lewis Wines; Johnson City, Texas

Late frost is what you do not want in a vintage year, but this Texas Mourvèdre wine is a testament to great wine making and being a survivor. A decade later, this red wine jewel expresses some lovely strawberry and cranberry notes. It still packs a decent degree of acids with moderate tannins for this beauty. Additional tasting notes include a bit of black pepper at the finish for this medium bodied 2013 vintage. It is at its peak now, so enjoy it with a well-prepared feast if you have any remaining bottles in your cellar. Cheers!

www.lewiswines.com

Sagrantino – 2019; Bending Branch Winery; Comfort, Texas

This full-bodied red wine is not only cellar worthy, but a great hearty meal pairing wine as well.  Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA, the dark color and cherry aromas will help set the mood for an amazing tasting experience. Add to that some plums and touch of earthiness along with firm tannins, and you will be hooked on this Italian varietal. This jewel is worth trying again over the years and experiencing how it evolves over time.  A true delight to enjoy. Salute!

www.bendingbranchwinery.com

Mengsel – 2017; Kiepersol; Tyler, Texas

This rich estate sourced fruit is a Bordeaux-style blend that is worth savoring. It is a blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Cabernet Franc, and 12% Merlot with immediate notes of plum and cherry followed by some smokiness. Swirl, gaze, and sip and you might pick up some chocolate along with a touch of vanilla. This medium bodied East Texas wine has smooth tannins and decent acids.  The silky finish will have you sold on this Texas 2017 vintage.  Cheers!

www.kiepersol.com

Vouvray Brut Excellence – NV; De Chanceny; Loire Valley, France

There is everything to like about this brut Chenin Blanc from Loire Valley. From the pale-yellow color to the fine bubbles, and even the bright notes of pears and peaches, it shifts you into a pleasant mood.   The citrus scent will help round out the initial aromatic sensations and after those first few sips, you will be tantalized with almond notes and medium acidity. This is a great bubbly to enjoy. Santé!

www.dechanceny.com