Cuvée du Chêne Reserve – 2018; Calias Winery; Hye, Texas

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!

www.calaiswinery.com

Chardonnay – 2020; Miner Family Winery; Oakville, California

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!

www.minerwines.com

Six Generation Red Blend – 2019; Pedernales Cellars; Stonewall, Texas

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!

www.pedernalescellars.com

10 Blend – 2020; William Chris Vineyards; Hye, Texas

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!

www.williamchriswines.com

Sagrantino – 2018; Bending Branch Winery; Comfort, Texas

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!

www.bendingbranchwinery.com

TX Blanc – 2022; Calias Winery; Hye, Texas

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!

www.calaiswinery.com

Petals & Clay – 2022; Reddy Vineyards; Brownfield, Texas

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!

www.reddyvineyards.com

Vino Spumante Rosato Brut – NV; Borgo Fulvia; Piacenza, Italy

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!

www.borgofulvia.it

Gratis White – 2019; Perissos Vineyard and Winery; Burnet, Texas

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!

www.perissosvineyards.com