Carignan – 2018; Bingham Family Vineyards; Meadow, Texas

The estate vineyard of Bingham has been a long-time popular grower of top-quality fruit in Texas for numerous wineries.  Though you may tend to find this grape as a blending varietal elsewhere, it does make a great single varietal to enjoy. Grown in the Texas High Plains AVA, this 2018 estate vintage has lovely floral notes with a touch of rose petals. Add to that, some cranberry and blackberry notes along with a bit of smoke. Sip a few times, and you might discern a bit of pepper in there along with a touch of vanilla. This red wine jewel has medium tannins and about the same for acidity. It’s a finely crafted Carignan, so enjoy. Cheers!

www.binghamfamilyvineyards.com

Charbono – 2016; Bending Branch Winery; Comfort, Texas

You may not come across this varietal often, but when you do it can be super delicious. Sourced from the Sierra Foothills AVA, this vintage of Charbono from Bending Branch was harvested from Zentner Vineyards. Upon that first pour, you will likely notice some intense violet aromas followed by spicey notes.  Hints of rich cherries and subtle leather are there as well. Swish and swirl for another sip, and those rich plum flavors will certainly excite your wine senses.  It has a nice round feel to it for this medium bodied red wine, as well. There are some noteworthy bragging rights to add as this was a 2021 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition gold medal winner. Pair well, feast well, enjoy well! A stunning wine that is still drinking very well.

www.bendingbranchwinery.com

Montepulciano – 2019; Solaro Estate Winery; Dripping Springs, Texas

This estate wine from the Texas Hill Country AVA pours a light cherry hue and will envelop your senses with rich red fruit. Sip and swirl and you will notice some enticing tobacco notes coupled with a bit of earthiness. There is also a touch of smokiness for added character that can be enjoyed on the finish.  This barrel reserve wine has a nice smooth texture that is ideal to be paired with food.  As a San Francisco Gold medal winner, it does not hurt to show off the label as well when serving. Salute!

www.solaroestate.com

Uplift Blanc – 2021; Lost Draw Cellars; Johnson City, Texas

This jewel from Uplift Vineyards is a must have for showing off some fine Texas Hill Country AVA white wine. It is a classic Rhône Valley style white of 62% Viognier, 19% Marsanne, and 19% Roussanne. How does that please your wine senses, you say? Well, to say it is aromatic galore with essence of floral notes is an understatement.  It gets even better with that first sip as those ripe peaches really shine.  You might also pick up a bit of citrus in there, as well. On repeat sipping, that lovely honeysuckle note compliments everything else. The acids are balanced and there is rich minerality.  Add some Provence seasoning to your next cuisine pairing with this one and indulge. Simply lovely. Cheers!

www.lostdraw.com

Sangiovese – 2018; William Chris Vineyards; Hye, Texas

Wow! This wine is one pretty darn good Sangiovese! Sourced from Alta Loma Vineyard of the Texas High Plains AVA, this light bodied red is well rounded with some wonderful cherries on the nose and palate. There is some white pepper and luscious blueberry to add to the aromatic sensation of this fine wine. It has solid acids and just the right tannins to help you enjoy this wine as a lovely sipper or paired with your favorite Mediterranean meal. As you repeat sipping, you may also discern some plums and cola. This elegantly styled Sangiovese just might rival any fine Chianti style wine.  Salute!

www.williamchriswines.com

Estate Mourvèdre – 2019; Adega Vinho Winery; Stonewall, Texas

The journey these vines have made to make this wonderful estate fruit may have been a long one, but patience and blessings from mother nature have paid off.  Behold, Mourvèdre from Bilger Family Vineyards is ready for your “wine down” celebration.  This Texas Hill Country AVA fruit just explodes with notes of black cherry and pepper followed by some plums. Take a few sips and repeat and be prepared to be bedazzled by rich raspberries, as well. This red wine has a great balance between the acids and tannins so your wine dreams and expectations will be fulfilled. Alone or with a meal, you will be fully satisfied with this bottle of estate wine. Enjoy!

www.adegavinho.com

Trebbiano – 2022; Vinovium; Johnson City, Texas

Sourced from Newsom Vineyards in Texas High Plains AVA, this refreshing white wine is not only a real treat to have for summer, but also for those unexpected warm winter days that arrive in Texas. Apples and lemons will be the main notes to greet your palate. This bottle has good acids, a touch of minerality and a nice crisp finish. Wine in a growler is truly the way to go these days – a delightful white wine! Cheers!

www.vinovium.wine

Tempranillo – 2017; Perissos Vineyard and Winery; Burnet, Texas

This special Doro collection from Perissos features their 2017 Tempranillo. The discovery of a unique image at the bottom of the tank in the lees just naturally led to this incredible wine release, with such a beautifully artistic label.  Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA and aged for three years in French oak, this bold and luscious red wine is full of rich flavors along with a big satisfying mouthfeel.  Cranberry and plum will be your main notes for this nearly seven-year-old jewel followed by some cherries. Let’s call this wine medium plus acidity with some nice firm tannins hanging in there. Of course, proper justice is due by pairing this special bottle with a great fatty meal food pairing. Enjoy well!

www.perissosvineyards.com

Tannat – 2018; Bending Branch Winery; Comfort, Texas

Behold, this first vintage release of Estate Tannat from Bending Branch is quite stunning. Sourced from their estate Lost Pirogue Vineyard in the Texas Hill Country AVA, this rich, bold, and beautiful red wine is not only super delicious on its own but is also fantastic to pair with some protein dishes or your best dark chocolate.  Cherry and cinnamon notes really shine in this red jewel. The acids seem to be at the “sweet” spot for this Tannat along with palatable tannins. Sip and swirl and you might also pick up a hint of clove and maybe some currant. The technical details on the back of the label will certainly be a joy for hard core wine geeks. Savor every aspect of this red wine and enjoy it well. A true delight in the glass. Cheers!

www.bendingbranchwinery.com