Mourvèdre – 2020; Kuhlman Cellars; Stonewall, Texas

This red varietal has quickly become synonymous with fine Texas wine in recent years. It is also a treat to try a winery’s own unique take on this grape, providing an exceptional opportunity to experience different styles. It is an extra special treat to not only try an estate wine, but this vintage just happens to be their first estate Mourvèdre release. Grown on their wine tasting property in Stonewall, this medium bodied five year old wine is still fruit forward, maintains good acids, excellent palate satisfaction and wait…wait….just wait…also boasts in at 15.3 abv! It is not only an impressively well integrated high alcohol wine, but well balanced. The proof is in the full glass that there are vineyards along HWY 290 of the Texas Hill Country AVA that can not only make great red wines, but a pretty tasty Mourvèdre as well. Santé!

www.visit.kuhlmancellars.com

Cabernet Sauvignon – 2012; Bending Branch Winery; Comfort, Texas

What a surprise and what a treat to have! This “old” Texas red wine is not only drinking well but still has a lot of life left to it.  Sourced from Newsom Vineyards of the Texas High Plains AVA, it features prominent notes of black cherries and currant, accompanied by some raspberries and plums. There is some “lightening” of the color, but honestly it is not really significant. Sip and savor this beast for every drop it’s worth and relish those hints of smoke and tobacco. As you sip this bottle through the night, it does open up to more wonderful flavors to excite your tastebuds. Yes, Texas red wines can age well, and this fabulous vintage is a testament to that. Cheers!

www.bendingbranchwinery.com

Cuvée de Cantegral – 2016; Calais Winery; Hye, Texas

Behold, presenting an exceptional and world class Cabernet Franc that is sure to captivate any connoisseur with just one sip. Racing in at 15.4 abv, this Newsom Vineyards sourced fruit from the Texas High Plains AVA comes across as very well balanced for a high alcohol wine. At nearly nine years of age, it exhibits a smooth profile with notes of raspberry and white pepper, accompanied by an earthy quality and a hint of dark cherry.  That “black stuff” you might see in the bottle is just the tell tale sign of greatness at work. The wine has some great acidity to it so make sure to bring some good fat to your protein feast. If other Cab Francs haven’t been your thing, this one should win you over. Santé!

www.calaiswinery.com

Getaway – 2020; Ladrón Cellars; Englewood, Colorado

Relish every drop of this fabulous red wine blend! Sourced from the Pasa Robles AVA, this deep red hue treat is a blend of 57% Zinfandel, 24% Graciano, and 19% Syrah. It has a very balanced mix of cherry blackberry and plum notes to help entice your wine senses. That big mouthfeel will definitely pucker you up for that big bold red wine sensation you’ve been expecting. Hats off to the well craftsmanship, because even at 15.5 ABV, there is little to no hot sensation. End this baby off with some smoky notes and a touch of oak and you have on masterful red wine to enjoy. Pair up well, wine friends. Cheers!

www.ladroncellars.com

Uncle Aubrey -2020; Rustic Spur Vineyards; Fredericksburg, Texas

Just pouring this deep golden colored estate Semillon is an impressive experience for starters.  The immediate floral perception is a nice awakening to something great to be had. The presence of apple and pear notes will surely captivate your senses, followed by subtle hints of honeysuckle. You might also pick up on a hint of whisky sensation for an added surprise. The Texas Hill Country AVA does grow great wonders. Cheers!

www.rusticspurvineyards.com

Adoration – 2020; Heath Sparkling Wines; Fredericksburg, Texas

This light and dry sparkling Rosé is ideal for enjoyment. Crafted in the brut style, this Pinot Noir bubbly has 9% Chenin Blanc added to it for that added finishing touch to this beauty. Upon the initial pour, notes of strawberry and cranberry are prominent, followed by subtle melon undertones.  There is an abundance of bubbles for this sparkler, so be prepared for some extra celebratory “cheers” along with the delight of extra fizz.  The acids seem just right plus, it does have a nice clean finish. Rosé bubbly to sip all day it is!

www.heathsparkling.com

Pinot Noir Rose – NV; Amalie Robert Estate; Dallas, Oregon

This estate Rosé made from Pinot Noir is quite a fruity and refreshing treat to have. Sourced from the Willamette Valley, the floral sensation is quite a delight, complimented by notes of cherry and strawberry just add to the sensational tasting experience. Sip and swirl and you might detect a hint of grapefruit, as well. The wine expresses a mid-palate sensation for this medium bodied treat. This “Pinot in Pink” is truly remarkable. Cheers!

www.amalierobert.com

Teroldego – 2020; Limestone Terrace Vineyard; Wimberley, Texas

When a good Teroldego graces your presence, there is nothing left to waste from a good bottle of this finely crafted red wine.  Sourced from Pepperjack Vineyards of the Texas High Plains AVA, this fantastic full bodied red wine displays a deep dark plum color with an enticing fruity character. It has rich dark berry flavors and a lingering finish that you will “ahh” over. There might be a touch of spice in there, as well, so sip and repeat to reveal more of what this wine has to offer.  This next “batter-up” of Texas reds can definitely score on its own. Cheers!

www.limestoneterrace.com