Behold, exceptional fruit from the mighty Mason County area is here! Sourced from Tallent Vineyards, this Cab speaks out quite well to your bold taste buds. Cherry and blackberry are the partners in crime for this red beast. The color is semi opaque with tannins on the softer side. It is quite approachable for anyone and should pair quite nicely with any fine protein dish. Savor this one for the long run!
This estate-grown Aglianico marks its first release for the
winery. Grown along the HWY 290 wine corridor of the Texas Hill Country AVA, it
offers a slightly lighter color than the traditional red Aglianico but does
show off those plum and dark cherry notes quite well. Let’s also mention it has
some great acidity to every glass that just further adds to freshness and
balance in every sip. These vibrant flavors plus a touch of pepper make
for an engaging and memorable Texas varietal experience. Cheers!
Tallent Vineyards, situated within the Texas Hill Country AVA, grows some incredible grapes that Mason County has become known for. This Rosé vintage made from Fly Gap is a notably bright and fruit-forward version of Barbera from that vineyard. After pouring the first glass of this bad boy, prominent notes of cherries and melons are highlighted that help start off your lively sipping experience. There are also a little bit of spice sensations and a touch of strawberry, adding complexity and depth to the overall profile. These vibrant flavors and character of this wine reflect the county’s unique terroir and make a standout choice for those seeking fresh and expressive Texas wines. Cheers!
Welcome to 12 Fires! Nestled
among live oak trees in a country setting, the rustic scene immediately helps
you relax before even entering the tasting room. College friends and co-owners
Duke Meadows, Mike Nance, and Zach Huyge have embarked on this new venture
together along HWY 290's winery road. Each brings unique strengths to the
table; all focused on creating memorable experiences for wine fans who visit.
The winery’s name and logo are meaningful tributes—they reference the tragic
A&M bonfire and symbolize renewal, resonating deeply with A&M alumni.
The newly completed grand tasting room is spacious yet cozy, offering tranquil
views and ample opportunity to engage with their team and fellow winery
visitors. You can see the estate vineyard right out front, too. Their
commitment to producing 100% Texas wine remains unwavering.
Co-owner, Mike, has been the principal winemaker for the winery. With the help of production facilities from Hilmy Cellars, there is a great selection of wines to choose from: light to full bodied to sweet. First to sample was the 2021 Trebbiano. Sourced from Pepper Jack Vineyards (Texas High Plains AVA), this white wine was aged in stainless steel and expresses some light refreshing tropical notes. Following that was the 2023 vintage of the same wine. The newer one has a bit more of an oak feel to it and good depth with 13% Marsanne. The next white wine to sample was the 2023 Colibri. This white blend of 46% Sémillon, 41% Albariño, and 15% Orange Muscat is dry, but expresses itself with a slight sweet sensation and has a good balance with lots of tropical fruit notes. Transitioning into the Rosé next was something completely funky, their Tempranillo Rosé. It has a good grip after that first sip coupled with medium acidity and lots of berry flavors. You might try to pair that Rosé with some pork belly to bring out its best. Following that one with another Rosé, was their 2021 Prudence. This Counoise based Rosé has more of a Provence feel with nice acidity and a good “ahh” feeling after each sip. For something extra special, do try the Whoop! (it’s an Aggie thing, FYI). This wine is a sparkling bubbly Rosé crafted from 75% Blanc Du Bois and 25% Black Spanish that has great citrus accents, just the right amount of fizz, and good fruit flavors for your enjoyment. Moving on to the red wines, the 2022 Dolcetto was the first red sampled. This vintage was also sourced from Pepper Jack Vineyards and is a light red wine that is an easy sipper with notes of cherry accented with a bit of pepper. The 2023 Sangiovese is a red wine enthusiast must have. Sourced from White Rock Vineyards (High Plains), it is very reminiscent of a Chianti style red wine. It has moderate acidity with a savory depth yet a very fine finish. Texas and Mourvèdre have pretty much become synonymous over the last decade. Their 2023 Mourvèdre release from Canted County Vineyards is dry with some raisins and plums, plus a nice light finish. Grenache lovers will be satisfied with the 2021 vintage. Throw in a “splash” of Sangiovese and Aglianico and you have a great nose to geek out on along with good minerality and a touch of smoke. Proceeding on to the next wine was the 2022 Aglianico. This Pepper Jack sourced fruit checks the box on excellent dark berries and good tannins no matter how you may pronounce the wine name. Lastly, the Saw’em Off blend was sampled. This bold red wine is a classic blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Grenache, and 10% Cabernet Franc. It presents strong notes of berries and plum rounded out with a touch of spice.
The hospitality provided by
Duke and the staff is quite amazing.
Situated in a discreet location off the main highway, the venue allows guests
to enjoy both natural surroundings and a curated selection of wines. There is
ample seating inside at the bar or side tables, as well as on their patio or
out at their picnic tables amid the trees if you’re looking to really soak in
the nature vibes as you enjoy your wine. The establishment offers a relaxed
environment suitable for unwinding. In addition to an assortment of wines,
there are various food options available, including some amazing pizzas. For those seeking a destination, that’s all about
the customer experience, this location checks the box. Cheers!
This special first release for founding members features top quality Cabernet-dominated estate fruit blend has pronounced dark fruit notes, especially blackberry and plum. The wine also expresses some floral highlights along with a little bit of earthiness. It also reveals good tannins and balanced acidity to help keep that satisfying mouthfeel going. Let’s just say this lovely beast sits somewhere between medium and full bodied – you get the best of both worlds! It is a great way to show off how well Texas Hill Country AVA wine really is. Cheers!
This well-known Rosé label has long delivered classic Provance-style wines made from Texas grapes to enjoy. For this vintage, the blend is given a new twist by mixing in Sangiovese with the usual Cinsault. The first full chilled glass reveals a deeper peach shade, rather than the typical salmon hue of earlier releases. Take in the aroma—raspberry and melon leap out, followed by subtle hints of rose petals. Swirling is optional, but taking a sip brings forth a gentle tropical sensation backed by some cherry notes. The acidity is softer than expected from earlier releases, yet the finish remains pleasant. Hard core Hensell fans might be surprised at first, but all long time Rosé lovers will likely find plenty to appreciate in this satisfying bottle. Cheers!
Harvested from the Colchagua Valley wine region of Chili,
this red wine pours a beautiful deep purple hue with notes of paprika and dried
red fruit to fulfill your aroma sensation.
Keep gazing at this jewel and you’ll also pick up some accents of pepper
and a little bit of vanilla, too. That first sip reveals some delicious
blueberries and cranberries that are present for the enhanced
tasting experience. This well crafted Carménère also has a bit of
Tempranillo (9%) and Petit Verdot (6%) added to it as well for a refined
experience. It is one to be thoroughly enjoyed for sure. ¡Salud!
With an enticing aromatic sensation and deep golden hue,
there is much to enjoy from this distinguished
Roussanne. Sourced from One Way Vineyard of the Texas High Plains AVA, it
has an alluring aromatic profile of
pear and honey notes to start off your wine senses journey followed by elements
of citrus. Sip, swirl, and repeat and you’ll have an added sensation of apple
to help satisfy your wine tastebud appeal. The only question for you would be
to hold that extra bottle for a future sipper or go ahead and share with
friends and family. Enjoy well!
A fine refreshing Riesling is always a delightful indulgence to have. Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA, this super delicious wine will initially come across as quite aromatic and leave your tastebuds feeling quite satisfied. Notes of apple, lemon, and honeysuckle are just a sample of the tantalizing feeling you get from the tasting experience. The wine also features a subtle petrol note and lively acidity to help give this Riesling and thumbs up. Enjoy this one well. Cheers!
Although thousands of miles (or kilometers) from Bordeaux, Texas can yield some remarkable Rive Droite wines made from local grapes. Yes, for real! Crafted with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a touch of Petit Verdot—sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA—this right bank style wine is aged for 34 months in French oak barrels. Pouring your first glass reveals a medium translucent cherry color, with aromas of white pepper and some tobacco on the nose. As you sip and swirl, flavors of blackberries and a bit of eucalyptus emerge to enhance your experience. With a relatively high alcohol content at 14.8%, the taste remains smooth without any hot sensation. Both acidity and tannins are moderate, creating a silky, well-balanced and rounded wine. After five years of aging, this impressive red continues to improve, promising even more delights with time. Santé!
This Mourvèdre Rosé from Peter’s Prairie Vineyard captures
the magic of Mason County fruit. It displays a beautiful salmon hue in the
glass and on the nose reveals vibrant notes of melon, strawberry, and a touch
of peach. The wine’s crisp and refreshing character has good acidity and
minerality, delivering depth and structure. With just the right amount of
lingering sensation, each sip offers a satisfying finish that lures you back
for more. A definite crowd pleaser for the holidays and pairs splendidly with
food. Cheers!
Owner and winemaker, Joshua Fritsche, is no stranger to the
Texas wine world. Many know him from his days at a number of wineries, most
notably William Chris and Ron Yates. He launched his own wine brand after the
birth of his daughter in 2012, Tatum Rose – and thus began the next chapter in
his winemaking career. With a focus on single-vineyard and Rhône varietals,
Joshua has become well recognized for his quality wine production. Many long-time
Texas wine fans will also remember the 2012 Hotspur, with the gorgeous wine
label - just might have a bottle or two left in the cellar library! In the
beginning, you could find Josh’s wines at a few pop-up events which were great
to attend and chat with the winemaker as you sampled his small batch produced
wines. It has been a very long time coming, but the small boutique winery
tasting room in Johnson City is a great addition to this journey. What was once
a barbershop (which still has some of that décor) has now become the go-to
tasting room for Tatum Cellars in this quaint vintage building in the downtown
Johnson City square.
There are currently five wines to sample. All wines on the
list are currently single vineyard, plus all Texas Hill Country fruit. Production
is just around 1000 cases per year, so the hands-on and personal quality checks
are all there. The first bottle sampled was the 2023 Trois Étoiles. This
classic Rhône style blend was crafted from Uplift Vineyard fruit and is a blend
of 63% Marsanne, 21% Viognier and 16% Roussanne. It is well balanced and quite
refreshing with notes of stone fruit, good acids, and a bit of minerality. Next
to sample, was the 2024 Rosé of Carignane. This newbie on the list was whole
cluster pressed from Spicewood Vineyards with a very beautiful nose followed by
a crisp and refreshing wine. An ecxcellent wine for warm weather days. Moving
to the red wines, the first to sample was the 2020 GSM. Oh my… this mighty
beast is loaded with robust flavors, good acids and is very well balanced. The Grenache
(60%) was sourced from Uplift Vineyard and the Syrah and Mourvèdre (20% each)
came from Salt Lick Vineyards for this super fine GSM. The next red wine
sampled was the 2020 Syrah. For this vintage, the fruit was left hanging on the
vines longer than normal and it underwent extra maceration and had a “splash”
of Mourvèdre added to it. It has very nice smoky notes to it along with natural
tannins to dance across your palate for that big mouthfeel satisfaction.
Rounding out this fantastic tasting experience was the 2020 Mourvèdre sourced
from Salt Lick Vineyards. Sitting at 15.4% abv, this high alcohol wine is well
integrated with spicey notes and a touch of nuttiness on the finish. This wine was made with Montepulciano skins
as part of the process for a little extra full feel and color for this wine.
Everything on the tasting menu is take home worthy. You
might also notice the collection of vinyl records in the corner and LP player
as you sip and savor both the wines and the music collection. This small
tasting room has a well shaded backyard area for that little feel of Hill
Country outdoors enjoyment to compliment the classically cool inside décor. As
a bonus, they are open till 8pm! You will get the vibe of how this place fits
in well with the small town feel that still lingers in Johnson City when you
stop in and enjoy a visit. The team is friendly, and the space is hip. It’s a
great place to sip, relax, and enjoy your favorite record music and wine
pairing. Cheers!
Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA, this Newsom
Vineyards sourced fruit is a robust red wine offering a complex and inviting
sipping sensation. It leads with notes of plum and cherries with a hint of cola
and subtle touches of currant. A little bit of cinnamon adds to the noteworthy
experience, as well. This bold wine culminates in a nice velvety finish,
showcasing both its depth and texture. Cheers!
Behold…everything that his great about Texas Hill Country
estate fruit can be sampled all in this one bottle. Plus, everything that shows
dedication in a family owned crafted wine with love. This rising star label brand from Adega Vinho
has quickly risen the ladder as a top notch go-to red wine blend from Texas.
Comprised of 60% Mourvèdre and 40% Tempranillo, lots of red fruit and floral
notes will come out to say “hello”. You'll
notice a touch of pepper on the nose, accompanied by hints of smoke. Each sip offers a rich, smooth texture and subtle earthy
undertones, making it a truly enjoyable wine to savor. A great sipper for sure. Saúde!
There is nothing like a clean refreshing Rosé for those infamous summer days during Fall in Texas. Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA (Lilli of the Vine Vineyard), this Cinsault Rosé features a delicate copper hue and presents aromatic notes of lemon, strawberry, and subtle herbs. Sip, swirl, taste and repeat….those same savory flavors are really enticing and will be sure to put that big satisfying smile on your wine face. The acidity is spot on, and the versatile dry finish is amazing. Given how crazy the weather can be, you might be drinking this distinguished Rosé on the next unseasonably warm New Year’s Day. Cheers!
Try finding a single varietal of Petit Verdot from the old
world that is drinkable…good luck. Find one from Texas….wow! Racing in at 15.4
ABV, this Texas High Plains fruit has many layers of enjoyment and great
complexity. Just gaze at the deep violet hue after pouring your first glass and
soak up those notes of blackberries and dark berries. As you sip, swirl, and
savor every moment, you might also pick up on subtle earthiness and minerality,
as well. That smooth texture and velvety finish lingers around to tease you for
more. Relish every moment of this little beast well. Santé!
Just one sip of this single-vineyard made wine will convert
you to love Chardonnays forever. This extra special Miner Chardonnay wine was
sourced from Genny's Vineyard within the Napa Valley AVA. After one pour,
you’ll be enticed by the slight golden hue it has developed and mesmerized by
the bouquet of tropical sensations
filling the room. Notes of apples and pears can be easily discerned along with
some apricots to compliment. It has good minerality and acidity to it, plus a
light creamy texture. You should definitely enjoy this medium bodied
masterpiece with your favorite grilled chicken (and don’t hold back). Cheers!
Although not originally
intended to be held this long, after six years this special Six Generations red
blend remains quite drinkable and enjoyable. It presents as somewhat
light and fruity with just a touch of smoke. This wine still has just enough umph
(sure, that’s a word) to it to slide in at medium bodied. Sip and swirl and
you’ll pick up on some raspberries, plums and cherries. The wine feels like it
has medium acidity and mild tannins for a pleasant sipping experience. It’s a well-crafted wine to appreciate after
all these years! Cheers!
Milestones merit
commemoration and special recognition. This ten year anniversary blend
is no exception. Sourced from La Pradera Vineyard of the Texas High Plains AVA,
this go-to vineyard for the winery has
consistently contributed to their distinguished selection of fine wines. This special anniversary blend is crafted
with 33% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 20% Cinsaut, 18% Carignan, and 9% Petit
Verdot. It pours a light violet hue and delivers a nice fruit forward
sensation. The Grenache and Mourvèdre play off of each other quite well for your
delicious palate pleasing experience. It is a well balanced, easy drinking, and
food friendly pairing treat to have. Cheers!
Sitting in at 14.3% ABV, this mighty Sagrantino vintage sourced
from the Texas High Plains AVA deserves a well crafted artisan style pizza for
company. It definitely has some firm tannins going for it with notes of
cherries and plums along with a touch of blackberry. Let’s call this red sipper
about around medium bodied for this dry jewel. Best
enjoyed slowly over the course of a long evening. Salute!
This
second release of a Bordeaux style white wine from the winery is sure to appeal to your palate. The 2022 vintage was sourced from way out far
West Texas near the Guadalupe
Mountains at Dell Valley Vineyards. This “rising star” vineyard, so to
speak, has been an increasingly go-to spot for producing high quality
wines. For 2022, you have equal parts of Sauvignon
Blanc and Semillon, presenting
initial aromas of grapefruit, lemon, with lovely floral notes to compliment the
fruit. Take another sip and you may also discern some apples and
pears. The
acidity is somewhat lighter compared to the previous vintage, yet the wine
retains a dry and quite refreshing character. It is a nicely balanced medium
bodied white to savor all day. A pleaser for sure. Santé!
This Texas High Plains AVA estate wine is a fine example of how
new world style wines can be. On the nose, it is quite aromatic, offering
vibrant notes of melons and citrus that immediately draw your attention. Upon
sipping and swirling, you’ll notice some good minerality and pronounced
acidity, giving the wine some lively character. Light bodied, it is an easy
sipper that beautifully balances its fruity elements with a crisp finish,
making it a great choice for those who appreciate bright and expressive white
wines. Cheers!
This light and easy drinking Italian bubbly hits the spot
quite well. It
presents appealing floral aromas on the initial pour, inviting a relaxed
experience. Notes of fresh
grapefruit and some apples come out as you gaze at those fine bubbles. There is
also just a hint of rose petals to add
to the tasting experience. A fine Spumante to enjoy for sure. Cin Cin!
Sourced from the
Texas High Plains AVA, this Rhone-style blend expresses primarily
Viognier and displays a stunning deep golden hue after six years. The wine’s
expressive floral character is immediately apparent, with notes of flowers and
honeysuckle mingling back and forth with additions of peach, and some apricot.
These elements come together to create an excellent white wine that reflects
very well the meaning of the label. Cheers!
The Chaparral Red of 2020 from Peters Prairie Vineyard in
Mason County, Texas, showcases the lush locally sourced fruit of the Texas Hill
Country AVA. This approachable red blend—featuring Malbec and Barbera—offers a
touch of sweetness with a fruit forward profile, making it a perfect choice for
warm-weather sipping. Best served chilled, its vibrant notes and gentle
sweetness reflect the perfect pairing for Hill Country summers. Cheers!
If you’re looking
for some well-crafted small batch Sonoma wines, look no further than this local
boutique family winery in Dripping Springs. Owner and winemaker, Tom Parmeson’s,
journey to this second part of his career may have been different, but passion
and hard work have paid off. Tom was a techie in the software development
industry when he had one of those epiphany things happen on trips to California
wineries in the 2000s. Like a great piece of software code that just pops into
your head in the middle of the night, that sparked a new motivation in Tom for
what he wanted to do with the next chapter of his life. After moving to
California and learning the trade, as well as obtaining a UC Davis degree, a
new adventure was launched in making wines in 2013. Eventually, he moved back
to Texas and opened his own winery in 2019. The tasting room building is
adjacent to a long-time stone sculpture garden. Inside the building, it is
quite quaint and cozy. Staff are more than happy to help guide you through your
wine tasting. The wine tasting building is also loaded with relics and the
history of Texas, as well, including some granite from the State Capitol. There
is ample space inside in a separate room to sit and enjoy your wines with a
view of the nearby stone sculptures as well as space outside to sit and enjoy
the scenic and quiet setting.
Tom emphasizes cultivating high-quality grapes and employs hands-off (aka don’t mess with the
grapes) approach to winemaking. The
current tasting menu predominantly features selections from Alexander Valley
and Russian River Valley. Tasting flights are available for both white and red
wines, making it an ideal opportunity for guests to sample a comprehensive
range. During the visit, the first to taste
was the 2022 Sparkling Albariño which was an ideal way to ease into the mood.
Notes of citrus and pear predominated along with a delightful refreshing feeling.
This was followed by the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, which was quite aromatic with a
bouquet of key lime and grapefruit with good acids complimented by a crisp
finish. The subsequent white, the
2023 Albariño, presented robust aromas of grapefruit complemented by hints of
apple and lime. The final white wine, the 2022 Chardonnay, offered a
lighter profile compared to typical Chardonnays.
It expressed itself as easy drinking with zesty apples and peaches hitting the
senses in all the right places. Transitioning
to red wines, the 2022 Pinot Noir showcased the varietal’s hallmark qualities,
featuring abundant currant, a touch of vanilla, and balanced acidity with a
refined finish. The next red
was the 2022 Syrah. It was quite dry with a profile of cedar and berries and medium
acidity. That was followed by the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon. It had a very opaque
hue and lots of bright cherries on the palate. The wine had good structure and
a bit of pepper at the finish. Wrapping up the tasting experience was the 2018 Zinfandel (produced from old vines) and featured an
opaque hue with depth, herbaceous undertones, plum notes, and robust acidity
and tannins.
This winery is a
great addition to the Dripping Springs area with plenty of outdoor seating
under the oak trees. There is much to just soak up and enjoy at this spot with
a great glass of handmade wine and good company. When you follow your dreams,
great things are possible. Voila!
If you are ready
for one sensational Sangiovese, this
bottle presents an excellent choice.
Harvested from the Texas High Plains AVA, this wine offers some vibrant bright
aromas of red fruit complimented by notes of berries with a touch of spice. Sip
and swirl and yes, there is a bit of vanilla that is perceptible, as well. It has some decent minerality to it along
with medium tannins and a notch above light acidity. Let’s just call this
classic varietal medium bodied and savor all day. Salute!
Clocking in at 14.8 abv, this vintage is a blend of 39%
Malbec, 36% Petite Sirah, 20% Tempranillo, and 5% Petit Verdot. Pouring a deep,
inky red hue, this wine invites you to enjoy that initial sip with aromatic
notes of plums, blackberry, and a hint of spice. On the palate, the rich
flavors of dark fruits are complimented with subtle oak and well-defined
tannins. This member’s favorite
blend stands out as an excellent example of the wineries’ ability to craft
outstanding and creative red blends. Cheers!
Behold the Dão
wine region of Portugal. Probably best to just pour a glass, turn on the music
and just shut up. But if you must know,
here are some highlights. This vintage
is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Jaen, Tinto Pinheira, and Alfrocheiro. Yes, all
great Portuguese grapes. The
wine presents a bouquet featuring spicy notes, complemented by dark cherry,
plum, and fig. Sip, swirl, and
savor every moment of this wine as you uncover some leather and a hint of balsamic.
The wine comes across medium bodied, but after one bottle, you’re still listening
to the music and trying to find where you stashed the other bottle. Saúde!
What a fantastic
bottle of estate Mourvèdre to savor all day! This Annie’s block wine from the
Hye Estate sits in at 14.6 abv and really rocks on that impressive mouthful and
balance. Notes of black currant and spice reign supreme on this bad baby along
with compliments of cocoa and berries. It serves as compelling evidence of the quality wines
produced in Texas Hill Country AVA.
Cheers!
Wow, oh wow! The Super Texan brand from Flat Creek has always been a serious go-to Italian style Sangiovese blend to have on hand. Most of the grapes for this vintage were sourced from the Texas Hill Country AVA. This mix of 75% Sangiovese, 16% Montepulciano, 6% Petite Sirah, and 3% Primitivo patiently sat three years in the barrel before being bottled. The result is a very well balanced, favorable, and satisfying wine to thoroughly enjoy. It exhibits a deep ruby red hue with a bouquet of raspberries and cherries to greet you. Sip and savor and some notes of pepper and mesquite will help add to the satisfying sipping session. It still maintains a vibrant fruit sensation even after eight years. Let’s call this one medium bodied with a plus on the acids and just a notch below medium for the tannins. Enjoy this jewel well. Cin Cin!
Behold, the queen
of Provence style Texas Rosé
wine! What one word could describe it….masterpiece, magnificent, superb, second
to none (ok three words there)? Pick
your own or make up one, but this Rosé has it all. Sourced from Desert Willow
Vineyards of the Texas High Plains AVA, those floral sensations plus that dry
and refreshing “ah” moment will captivate you for life. It has that classic pale
salmon hue for visual effects followed by luscious floral and palate pleasers
that you would expect from a Provence Rosé. You’ve got
strawberries, raspberries and a bit of pepper to round things out, too. Plus,
those acids are just spot on,…no….perfect! It also has that thirst quenching
feeling that is oh-so soothing so that nothing will wipe that wine smile off
your face. Enjoy this one well. Santé!
Perissos has demonstrated expertise with Aglianico, which
has become a hallmark varietal produced from their Texas Hill Country AVA
estate. The 2020 vintage underwent extended malolactic fermentation and
aging right in the barrel. What might one get from this? A rich and intense
luscious wine that is worth savoring all day. Those black cherries and
cranberries play off each other quite well in adding harmonious fruit flavors.
The tannins are on the plus side of medium and the acidity has a vibrant kick
to it. Let’s just say having extra bottles for repeat enjoyment is a must for
this vintage jewel. What a treat. Delicious!
A single sip of this distinguished wine demonstrates the
appeal of the 'Rosé all day' mantra. The Hensell label has always been
rock solid on delivering excellent Provence style wines and 2022 upholds that reputation. Harvested from the Texas High Plains AVA,
this vintage comprises a blend of 51% Cinsault, 39% Sangiovese and 10% Grenache.
You will notice the enticing salmon hue on the initial pour plus those ever so
vibrant citrus and zesty aromas that greet you. This is followed by some
strawberries and melons to help round out that first sipping experience. On
subsequent sip and savor repeats, you might discern subtle
hints of cherry as well. It is a well-crafted Rosé that is hard to beat.
Santé!
Ah…wine from the Colli Piacentini wine region of
Italy can be quite remarkable. This Sauvignon
Blanc is certainly no exception. It displays
a straw-yellow hue and exhibits very pronounced tropical aromatics - what a
delightful nose on this one. Notable tasting notes include lots of lemon, along
with passion fruit, and mango. Your palate can certainly feel those
concentrated flavors complemented by some good minerality for balance. The wine
is clean and bright, with refined structure and clarity. Cin Cin!
Peter’s
Prairie is already well known for producing some incredible Mason County red
wines, including Syrah. Their Rosé selections
maintain this standard of excellence. Add sparkling wine to the mix and
you have icing on the cake. As more wineries are expanding their menus to
include a sparkling option on their menus, excitement builds when they are so
delightful to sip and enjoy. Sourced from the Hill Country estate, this sparkling Rosé features a salmon hue, fine bubbles,
and is simply refreshing on the palate. There is a satisfying crisp
mouthfeel combined with a fruity and lively sensation that those beautiful
bubbles provide. It is a great one to have for those Texas dog days of summer.
If you have yet to sample this one, then head over to their comfortable tasting
room and give it a try! Cheers!
This
extra special wine label offers a refined experience
suitable for extended enjoyment. Its
name is derived from a combination of the owner’s wife and husband names,
reflecting a personal touch behind this Zinfandel/Cabernet Sauvignon blend.
Sourced from the Texas High Plains
AVA, this wine features a robust 14.5% ABV and presents a moderate ruby color on
that first pour in the glass and an every so pleasant fruit forward sensation. Aromas
of raspberries and some cherries are alive and well, while subsequent sip and
swirl sessions reveal some current. It is a crafty wine to enjoy that
has a well balanced finish along with just the right amount of tannins. Enjoy!
Behold…a
Texas cabernet that went through many different ways to get to the glass.
Primarily sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA for the Cab, there is also 20%
Petite Sirah mixed in from the Texas Hill Country AVA. With both Flash Détente
and cryo maceration processing methods used for the fruit (along with regular
fermentation), you have what is surprisingly a notably well crafted wine. You
will definitely pick up some blackberries and cherries from your wine senses,
along with some vanilla. The color looks great along with balanced
acidity. It is a great palate pleaser
for sure. Cheers!
Comparing the approaches and profiles of different
wineries’ craftmanship of Rhone-style blends is always a fun task. This
wine from the well-known Miner family is a blend of 57% Marsanne, 38%
Roussanne, and 5% Viognier. Primarily sourced from the Napa Valley AVA, this
white wine is solid after six years and what a special treat to enjoy now as it
is drinking quite well. It just shows a little “deepening” of the color with good
floral aromas. Notes of apricots and pears are still pronounced with a bit of nuttiness
to round out the palate. You might feel some earthy undertones, as well, but
one thing for certain is the bright acidity still shines through. The finish is also still quite spectacular!
Everything in this wine will put you in that nice Mediterranean relaxing mood. A
gem of a white Rhone-style blend that is worth savoring. Cheers!
Ah…behold,
wine made with grapes from Granite Hill Vineyards! Though this once highly
sought after fruit of Bell Mountain AVA is no more, it is still a special treat
to taste some of that greatness in a glass. This vintage,
crafted by William Chris, maintains the high standards of the grapes associated
with their origin. It is holding up quite well after seven years with robust
flavors and aromas. The wine displays a subtle cherry hue on
the initial pour, accompanied by nuanced notes of plum and blueberry.
Sip and swirl and relish every harmonious note on the palate and bouquet to the
fullest. The wine is well rounded, full of flavor, and will hook you with that
fine smooth finish. It is an exceptional and well-crafted masterpiece. If you
have any lingering in your cellar, enjoy this one. Cheers!
Call
it Albariño if you’d like, but this bold white wine is full of satisfaction.
Harvested from the Texas High Plains AVA, it exhibits a darker pale straw color
on the first pour along with some nice floral sensations. Sip, taste, repeat
and be mesmerized by the notes of apples and lemons of this lovely beast, along
with some great minerality going for it. One might say this crafted wine pays
great honor to one of Portugal’s finest grapes. Saúde!
Displaying a deep golden hue, this High Plains sourced
Roussanne (Bingham Family Vineyards) draws you in with hints of tropical fruit
and a subtle touch of pineapple. This baby was also the product of being on the
lees for 14 months! Rich and
full-bodied, it offers a well-balanced profile with an excellent, lingering
finish. The layers of flavor invite you to savor each sip and relish its
impressive complexity. With plenty of aging potential, there is truly much to
explore with this wine over time for a memorable tasting experience. Santé!
This French-style Rosé, crafted from Texas-grown grapes, holds
nothing back. Exhibiting a delicate pink hue upon
pouring, your aromatic senses will be immediately enveloped with notes
of citrus and peaches. Relish that bright acidity on the initial taste
complimented by some cherry sensations. The wine comes across as very well
balanced, well rounded, and quite refreshing. This is definitely one of the
finest Rosé wines made since the new owners took over. Santé!
This Italian varietal blend, sourced from the Texas High
Plains AVA, delights the senses with its refined structure and flavors. It
presents an inviting bouquet and promising character on the palate with notes
of cherries and raspberries. The tasting
experience is both vibrant and elegantly balanced even after six years of age
for this Rosé. The fruit forward aromas remain prominent, offering a truly
pleasant and memorable tasting journey. It’s a lovely bottle to still be able
to happily enjoy all these years later. Cheers!
Welcome
to some mighty fine Campy Lucy wine! This Texas Hill Country vineyard produces
some incredibly great fruit for Bending Branch. The 2019 vintage is a blend of 67%
Mourvèdre and 33% Petit Verdot and reveals some light floral notes complimented
by its light red hue. The distinct characteristics of this wine are some lovely
raspberry and blackberry notes with a little bit of cedar. This wine retains a great
lingering finish to entice you back for another sip and savor moment on repeat.
There is a whole lot more that could be said but just go try for yourself and appreciate its refined qualities. Cheers!
When
a well crafted Cabernet Franc comes knocking at your door, you cannot resist.
Sitting in at 14.7 abv, this bad boy adds an extra special twist from being
barrel fermented. Say what? Barrel fermented, you say? Say yes and just enjoy
this very drinkable Cab Franc. Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA, it is super
delicious to say the least, offers a rich,
full-bodied profile and comes across as reasonably smooth. Big surprises
can come with a crafty way of making this varietal stand out elegantly. Santé!
