Cuvee 89 – NV; Gruet Winery; Albuquerque, New Mexico

This well-balanced Rosé sparkling is a super delightful treat to have, especially as the temperatures start heating up this summer. The “89“listed on the label signifies the date of the first sparkling wine that was released by the winery.  The initial pour will fill the room with wonderful floral aromas of ripe strawberries.  This bottle possesses some zesty acidity along with notes of apple and pear. There is a well-rounded finish on this lovely sparkling treat. It is an inexpensive quality sparkling that should be a regular in your summer sipping rotation for both special occasions and just for those moments to relax, unwind and celebrate the joy of living. Cheers!

www.gruetwinery.com

Windblown – 2021; Earth Vine Sky; Lubbock, Texas

As a collaborative effort lead by McPherson Cellars, this Rhone-style blend leverages the expertise of some Texas High Plains AVA winegrowers. As the “windy” name implies, it’s pretty much synonymous with the vast pan handle region. For the 2021 vintage, grapes were sourced from Farmhouse and Lahey Vineyards. The blend consists of 25% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 18% Petite Sirah, and 17% Grenache. Upon initial pour, the wine exhibits a medium garnet hue and expresses notes of red and black plum. It feels medium bodied and has a nice earthiness to it, as well. The wine does seem to have just the right amount of bright acidity and balance with gentle tannins. With a nice long smooth finish, this red wine is a great one to savor all evening. Cheers!

www.earthvinesky.com

Cabernet Franc – 2018; Lewis Wines; Johnson City, Texas

Presenting an exceptional Cabernet Franc, sourced from Newsom Vineyards in the Texas High Plains AVA. This remarkable wine displays a light red hue, with notes of black plum and fresh blackberries. Sip and repeat and you might pick up some raspberries, as well. It definitely has a deep mouthfeel for added enjoyment, but it is seeking that perfect pairing for an absolute bliss experience. Decant this fine wine for a good hour or so for optimal enjoyment. Cheers!

www.lewiswines.com

Sauvignon Blanc – 2020; Grgich Hills Estate; St. Helena, California

You know you can never go wrong with a Grgich wine, and this Sauvignon Blanc vintage ups the bar.  This Miljenko’s selection is skin fermented and marks the inaugural release of this method for them. It pours a solid golden shade with an immediate aroma of lychee and grapefruit. This Napa Valley AVA sourced estate fruit also boasts some apples and a little bit of minerality.  With zesty flavors and a nice long refreshing finish, there is everything to thoroughly enjoy this wine as a summer refresher. Cheers!

www.grgich.com

Meritage – 2017; Llano Estacado Winery; Lubbock, Texas

If you are seeking an affordable Bordeaux style wine, this Texas made one will hit the spot quite well. Though not disclosed, the blends from this winery Meritage labels have typically been Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. It definitely needs time to breathe for maximum enjoyment, so have patience. Dark fruit aromas come out the most for this red blend followed by a touch of plum and raspberry. It does express some good earthy tones and a bit of leather. It is well balanced and smooth, so this wine should be an enjoyable one for your protein feast. Enjoy!

www.llanowine.com

Branca Estate Reserve – 2022; Adega Vinho Winery; Stonewall, Texas

The enjoyment derived from estate wines of a small boutique winery is simply pure joy.  This Arinto/Alvarinho blend of the Texas Hill Country AVA is no exception.  When served chilled, it reveals fresh notes of lemon, complemented by hints of apples and pears. It has balanced acidity and an ever so addictive complex finish. For an A-to-Z white refreshing sensation, this is definitely a go to white wine for those long hot summer days. Saúde!

www.adegavinho.com

Counoise – 2022; French Connection Wines; Hye, Texas

This varietal could become your next go-to summer red. Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA, it is light-bodied and pours a captivating translucent ruby red hue.  It has an amazing nose of luscious cherries and strawberries and is complimented with a hint of smoke. The gentle acidity makes it pleasant for that warm day pairing. Serve this one a bit chilled for that enhanced experience. Santé!

www.frenchconnectionhye.com