Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Sparkling Tempranillo Rose – NV Carter Creek Winery; Johnson City, Texas

With bright acidity, and notes of watermelon, cranberry and strawberries, what’s not to like with this sensational sparkling wine? Sourced from Lahey Vineyards of the Texas High plains AVA, this big mouthfeel bubbly is quite refreshing. Have another sip and you might pick up on some pomegranate with a touch of citrus. A refreshing delight on a spring or summer day to enjoy on its own or with food pairings - what a treat! Cheers!


www.cartercreek.com

Saturday, May 11, 2024

Gravitas – 2018; Calais Winery; Hye, Texas

This much loved and revered wine from Calais is such a pleasure to enjoy. Some serious grapes went into this blend of…can’t exactly say that here 😉.  Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA, this secret blend is somewhat opaque and fills the glass with aromas of berries and hazelnuts. It is more robust on the palate, so those who are serious red wine drinkers will enjoy this one. Currants will dazzle that full mouthfeel and those acids will surely tantalize everything else. At 15% abv, the high alcohol integrates quite nicely with the tasting profile without the burning or hot sensation – a mark of fine craftsmanship. Tannins do linger a bit, but you would expect something firm to finish off this red wine jewel.  Enjoy every drop and leave no fine wine behind. Santé!



www.calaiswinery.com


Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Tempranillo – 2018; Slate Mill Wine Collective; Fredericksburg, Texas

Shortly after taking over 1851 Vineyards, Slate Mill kept the 1851 label brand for some of their wines. This Tempranillo was sourced from Reddy Vineyards of the Texas High plains AVA. It has a lot of fruit going for it on its nose and at just 6 years old, it is still drinking well. This full-bodied red wine has some fine earthy undertones coupled with blackberry and plum notes to add to the wonderful flavor profile. The tannins are still holding firm along with good acids for that optimal food pairing option with this one.   Sadly, neither winery is in existence any longer, but you never know when you just might find a few bottles here and there. Cheers!



Sunday, May 5, 2024

Mourvèdre – 2018; Bending Branch Winery; Comfort, Texas

This medium bodied Mourvèdre is some fine wine to have alongside an afternoon smoked barbeque plate.  Sourced from Desert Willow Vineyards in the Texas High Plains AVA, it pours a light garnet color with aromas of strawberry and raspberry. A bit of pepper notes dance across the tongue as well as on the nose. Sip and swirl and take in that wonderful taste of blackberry along with some plums. You might also discern a touch of vanilla in there, too. A very nice red wine that is so worth the enjoyment. Cheers!


www.bendingbranchwinery.com

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Graciano – 2019; Brennan Vineyards, Comanche, Texas

This underrated grape varietal seems to get overlooked at times, but in Texas it does make a mighty fine single varietal wine! This vintage from Brennan was sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA and has 13% Carménère and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon added to the blend. Dark berry aromas along with plum will be your initial notes followed by a touch of spice.  It’s bold and clocks in at 14.2% abv for this red wine beast. This lovely gem has an excellent smooth finish to round things out and will certainly top off your sipping enjoyment with big smiles. Enjoy, well. Cheers!


www.brennanvineyards.com