Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA, this decade old
Mourvèdre is drinking really well right now. The color has changed only
slightly, while the fruit sensations still have a respectable presence,
bringing inviting notes of strawberry and black cherry to each sip. Holding in
at medium-bodied, it offers a great mouthfeel with wonderfully silky tannins
that make each drink smooth and enjoyable. Cheers!
This vintage of Syrah is crafted from estate fruit of the
Texas Hill Country AVA and blended with 93% Syrah and 7% Petite Sirah. Even
after all these years, it still maintains a deep ruby red color and carries a
bold feel in the glass. The wine is very smooth on the palate, with a touch of
tobacco adding a bit of extra character to the overall experience. Cheers!
The magic 16 anniversary year has arrived, and Texas wine
continues to show exciting momentum. Seems like Teroldego and Picpoul Blanc have
been on the rise, while lesser-known varietals like Fiano are appearing and
providing some pleasant surprises of their own. We pulled out a few classic
“oldies” this past year that are aging quite nicely, offering even more proof
that Texas wines can age well—especially a 2016 Picpoul Blanc that was a
surprise standout winner. Looking ahead to year 17, keep an eye out for Petit
Manseng, around-the-world comparisons on the horizon, and a resurgence of Texas
Cabernet Franc making waves. With late Spring frost affecting some vineyards
and hail sadly hitting a few favorites, it will be interesting to see how the
second budding vintages play out for 2026. Here’s hoping the rains have ceased
for the summer so 2026 can become another great Texas harvest. Cheers!
Harvested from the Texas High Plains AVA, this 2023 Albariño
Reserve pours a pale straw color and opens with an enticing aromatic profile.
Notes of peach and apricot lead the way, complemented by a touch of minerality
that leads to a strong refreshing and balanced wine. It is one savory white
wine to enjoy. Cheers!
This 2024 Sangiovese Rosé from Kalasi Cellars is a fun and
refreshing sipper made from their High Plains estate fruit at Narra Vineyards.
Part of the Heritage Collection, it shows off a warm pink-orange color in the
glass and brings enticing notes of cherry and strawberry right up front. With
bright acidity and a clean, refreshing finish, this one is just right for
kicking back on a warm day. Cheers!
To say that one trip changed a lot for owners Craig Stevens and
Chesney Castleberry is an understatement. During a safari, they witnessed the
tragedy of rhino poaching firsthand, an experience that inspired them to get
involved in conservation and eventually create a sanctuary in the Texas Hill
Country. Their 55-acre property west of Stonewall became an ideal home for
Blake, their Texas-born rhino resident. Building a sanctuary and relocating a
rhino was no small task, but Craig and Chesney’s determination made it happen.
Oh yes, and there is a winery here, too! Since opening in 2022, it has become a
natural extension of their passion for fine wine and a meaningful way to
support their conservation efforts. Originally a peach farm, the estate now
includes nearly 10 acres of Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Merlot, and Malbec. With
most vines in their fourth leaf, estate-grown Texas wines are still on the way,
but visitors can already enjoy excellent Texas wines made from High Plains
fruit along with standout South African selections. The McPhersons have helped
craft many of the Texas wines, while Dr. Bob Young has contributed red wines
aged in Texas oak. A top-notch team of South African winemakers helps support
wines made from the Stellenbosch district, Elgin ward, and the coastal region.
The tasting room and back patio offer spacious seating, beautiful views of the
Pedernales River Valley, and direct views of Blake. The north-facing wine
tasting patio is an extra plus design to have, especially with the infamous
Texas summer heat.
For your testing selection, you’ll have a great list to
choose from so your only issue is picking which flight to enjoy. For this
tasting session a mix of South African and Texas (both reds and whites) were
sampled. Starting off with the Sumatran Sparkles, this South African sourced
bubbly is Pinot Grigio based with notes of honeysuckle, citrus, and some good
minerality. Next from the same country
was their Wijde Sparkling. This white bubbly was blended with 53% Chardonnay,
46% Pinot Noir, and 1% Pinot Meunier. It expressed itself with an elegant
floral aroma coupled with bright acidity and a touch of pear. Following these were
two of the Crash label brands. Both Pinotage based, with the dry version a nice
and light easy drinking wine featuring notes of strawberries with bright
acidity. The sweet Pinotage bubbly version (though more lightly sweet) exhibited
more of a cream sensation with a touch of cherries. Moving on to the white
wines, the first sipped was the 2024 Albariño. This Texas white wine has
some good pineapple notes giving a pleasant tropical finish. The next white was
the Texas High Plains 2025 Viognier. Sourced from Lahey Vineyards, this one was
quite impressive with apricot and lemon to tease your wine senses. The next
Texas red to dive into was the 2024 Horn Red Blend. This High Plains sourced
fruit comprised of 40% Malbec, 25% Dolcetto, 25% Sangiovese, and 10% Petite
Sirah had notes of clove and cherry going for it with balanced tannins and
acidity. Texas Mourvèdre has been making big waves in the Texas wine industry,
and their 2023 vintage has Grenache blended with it to yield an intense fruit
forward wine with blackberry to satisfy the nose and palate. The final Texas
red wine sampled was the 2024 Sangiovese. With cherry, raspberry, and a touch
of spice, this classic Italian varietal was quite satisfying. For the South
African red wines, the 2022 Cabernet Franc was the first to sip and swirl. Part
of the winery’s Keras collection, this big bold wine was loaded with great
tannins and had a firm mouth gripper for sure! Following that were two 2022
Cabernet Sauvignons. One was also from the Keras collection with deep cocoa and
raspberry notes and a fine tannic finish. Not quite as bold, but still big, the
other Cabernet wine displayed more blackberry and plum notes with a bit of
leather at the finish. Rounding out the tasting adventure was the 2023 Five
Species. This Bordeaux style red blend had Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc,
Malbec, and some Petit Verdot blended to craft a well-balanced, smooth, and
elegant wine to savor all evening.
With a long family history in the Hill Country spanning more
than a century, Craig and Chesney are adding their own chapter to the region’s evolving
story. The property offers one beautiful surrounding scenery, dedicated up-close
viewing sessions with Blake, and local artwork displayed throughout the tasting
room. At its heart, this place is a true rhino conservation effort,
strengthened by excellent wines from South Africa and Texas that help support
the mission. It is a unique gem in the Texas Hill Country. Cheers!
This classic white wine blend from Kuhlman has always been a
rock solid go to white wine blend. Crafted with 35% Roussanne, 34% Albariño,
16% Viognier, and 15% Trebbiano, this High Plains sourced fruit is holding up
very well. The wine shows off a moderate straw hue in the glass with bright
citrus notes for the initial greeting. It delivers great acidity that is
complimented by hints of pear and a pleasing touch of minerality. Altogether,
this is a well-balanced white with enough freshness and structure to suggest it
still has a few more years of life left. Cheers!
Get a load of this mighty creation! Harvested from Peter’s Prairie Vineyard of
the Texas Hill Country AVA, this Barbera-based Rosé is spot on for a perfect
warm weather season pairing. Unfiltered and naturally hazy, it bursts with
bright acidity and enticing notes of cherry and strawberry, finished with a
playful touch of spice. Wow, right? Crisp, refreshing, and a satisfying
mouthfeel, there is nothing wrong with savoring this bad-ass beast for an
all-day Rosé indulgent. Cheers!
Couldn’t resist opening this 14-year-old Tempranillo to see
how it was holding up. Sourced from Newsom Vineyards of the Texas High Plains
AVA, it really benefits from about 90 minutes in the decanter. Clocking in at
14.5% ABV, the acidity is still going strong, and the plum and cherry notes are
still respectfully present. The color is starting to show a little age, but not
nearly as much as you might expect. There’s also a bit of smoke and spice after
that first sip, and the finish is oh so fine. This vintage still has plenty of
life left and is a real pleasure to drink. And the best part? There’s also a
reserve version from the same year to try later, so stay tuned. Santé!
This Mourvèdre is a fun one for any celebration. Made from
estate fruit of the future Hickory Sands AVA and clocking in at a respectable 14.8%
ABV, it brings plenty of satisfying flavor without going over the top. Notes of
rich cherries and plums are the first to wake up your wine senses followed by a
little nutmeg spice, and just enough dark chocolate to keep things interesting.
It is medium-bodied, smooth, and has just enough tannins for a delightful
finish. Basically, the kind of red wine you keep going back to. Cheers!
This Rioja blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano shows
off a light garnet hue with moderate red berry notes that are still intact
after nearly 16 years. On the palate, it offers a lively mouthfeel, medium
acidity, and a long, lingering finish, with subtle leather and earthy
undertones adding depth and structure. This wine is still drinking really well for
its age and could easily cellar for a few more years. For the best experience
of this mighty red beast, decant for about 90 minutes before serving. ¡Salud!
Sourced from One Way Vineyard in the Texas High Plains AVA,
this classic Rhône varietal is highly aromatic, opening with notes of lemon and
herbs to help wake up your wine sensory attention. Whether half full or half
empty, the Marsanne shows an appealing pale straw color against the sunlight
that’s quite eye appealing. For that first sip, it offers noticeable
minerality, medium acidity, and a subtle hint of oak that adds extra character.
Overall, it is a refreshing, easy-drinking wine that is especially enjoyable on
a warm day. Cheers!
This HWY 290 estate white wine of the Texas Hill Country
AVA, a blend of 77% Marsanne and 23% Roussanne, shows off a light golden hue
and opens with strong aromas of sage and papaya. Sip and swirl and relish those
additional notes of pear and jasmine that add a little bit of elegance to your
wine tasting session. You’ll definitely fall in love with its refreshing
character and notice that it has just the right acidity to help tantalize that
mouthwatering feel. The wine finishes with lingering tropical sensations,
making it a vibrant and satisfying white to enjoy. Santé!
This estate white wine blend of Viognier and Sémillon displays
a pale straw hue and will impress your wine senses with initial notes of tropical
sensations. It also offers rich notes of apricot and lemon with a satisfying
mouthfeel sensation. A subtle hint of vanilla lingers through the finish,
adding just enough character to round out this fresh, well-composed white.
Cheers!
This Ramato-style bubbly, made from 82.5% Pinot Grigio and
17.5% Chenin Blanc, displays a lovely golden hue and offers bright acidity
followed by a rich mouthfeel. Notes of pear and pineapple lead the way,
followed by grapefruit and apple, with a pleasant hint of lemon zest towards
the end. Overall, it is a lively, refreshing sparkling wine to pair with your
afternoon Zen. Cheers!
Premonitions! of Sterling… this special estate wine is a
blend of 45% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot, and 15% Alicante
Bouschet. Grown in the Texas Hill Country AVA, the wine comes across as
full-bodied with high acidity and moderate tannins, showing black cherry notes
up front followed by a touch of spice. Altogether, this wine delivers a bold
and pleasing tasting experience that leaves a lasting impression on the palate.
Cheers!
Clocking in at 14.4 abv, this full-bodied red opens with
notes of blackberry and cherry, followed by cocoa and a touch of vanilla. The
palate delivers an excellent mouthfeel and rich sensation that are still
holding up quite well after all these years, all leading into an elegant, long,
savory finish. Definitely add this 2017
red wine to your top-tier Texas wine list. It’s stand out for sure. Cheers!
Made from estate Tannat, this 2023 Sparkling Rosé delivers a
lively bubbly using the Méthode Ancestrale style process. Its naturally cloudy
appearance is part of this method while also trapping extra CO2 that adds an
extra punch after opening. Bright raspberry and grapefruit notes lead the
palate, supported by crisp acidity that keeps the wine fresh and zippy.
Overall, this is a vibrant and refreshing sparkling rosé that leaves a strong
impression from first pour to final sip and the last drop. Cheers!
The name may not be your tradition Rosé style wine, but this
white blend really rocks. Crafted with 50% Muscat, 35% Viognier, and 15%
Riesling, it delivers quite a floral and fruity experience on the nose followed
by bright citrus notes. On the palate, you’ll appreciate the classic crisp
profile as you sip and repeat. Good acidity keeps the wine lively, making it a
refreshing and good sipping summer wine. Cheers!
This historic first release blends 64.5% Texas Merlot with
35.5% New Mexico Tempranillo and shows impressive aging after 17 years. The
wine opens with notes of blueberry and blackberry, followed by some plum and a
touch of spice. The depth and character of this wine on the palate after all
these years is quite impressive. Overall, it stands as a well-aged, memorable
bottling that continues to show its quality over time. Cheers!
Harvested from Uruguay’s Canelones wine region, this
dry-farmed Tannat is a very well-crafted wine. Displaying a deep garnet in
color, it opens with aromas of enticing black fruit. The palate is rich and
generous, with a creamy texture, ripe raspberry notes, medium tannins, and a
touch of heat. The detailed technical notes on the back label are a welcome
bonus. This bold red still has several years of life ahead, so cellar it now
and revisit it down the road. ¡Salud!
This classic Kuhlman wine is aging beautifully. It is a
blend of 54% Malbec and 46% Petite Sirah from Dry Creek Valley AVA, and still
shows a dark, rich red color that remains remarkably intact after nearly a
decade. Notes of chocolate, dark fruit, and black pepper are still noticeable
at first followed by some smoke. Meanwhile, the tannins balance out quite
nicely and carry through to a nice long, smooth finish. Cheers!
This estate fruit of the Texas Hill Country AVA produces an
Aglianico that is semi-translucent in appearance and offers a savory, intense
profile. You'll notice flavors of black cherry and a hint of pepper on that
first sip, complemented by great acidity and a satisfying finish. These
characteristics come together to deliver a vibrant wine sipping session that
stands out for its balance and complexity. Cin Cin!
Clocking in at 15.6 abv, this mighty big and bold red wine is sure to delight your senses. This vintage comes from Tristant Vineyards in Napa Valley
AVA and is a limited release. The wine opens with notes of currant, followed by
raspberry and a touch of vanilla. You’ll enjoy all the rich fruit flavors
without the heat, thanks to good winemaking techniques. This savory wine can be
enjoyed throughout the day, but pairs especially well with a hearty protein
dish. Enjoy!
This light red wine is
well-suited for summer enjoyment. Sourced from Farmhouse Vineyard in the Texas
High Plains AVA, it features low tannin and offers ripe red berry notes,
creating a pleasant wine sensory experience. For optimal appreciation, serve
chilled to accentuate its cranberry profile as well. This wine selection
provides some fine satisfaction throughout the day. Santé!
Blackmon Ranch, located in Mason County within the Texas
Hill Country AVA, has been growing some incredible wines for a very long while.
This estate crafted blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon stands out as a bold
red wine to enjoy. This robust wine is best enjoyed after decanting for a good
hour, allowing its excellent balance between tannins and acidity to shine. On
the nose, you'll find enticing berry aromas, while on the palate, blackberry
and blueberry flavors dance together, creating a memorable tasting experience.
Cheers!
This classic French white wine shows off quite well the
power of the Texas Hill Country AVA, and hopefully one day Hickory Sands AVA.
This Mason Country grown fruit holds up nicely with inviting notes of apples
and peaches, complemented by subtle hints of flower aromatic sensations. The
wine has a light-tinted golden hue to entice your visual wine sipping
experience, as well. It is a bit lighter body than previous vintages from the
winery but still holds up well to its well known elegant character. Cheers!
Located just off the Old San
Antonio Road near Fredericksburg, one of the newest wineries has joined the
Texas Hill Country family. This venture has been a longtime dream realized for
owners Mike and Rosann Mitrione, who went from tinkering with the idea, to
planning, to developing, and now truly living their dream. Their first vineyard
was established in the Texas High Plains in 2018, where they planted around 15
varietals across 27 acres. In 2021, they began designing and planning their new
38-acre Texas Hill Country vineyard. They started planting their estate
vineyard in 2022 and have now expanded to 9 acres of vines including Albariño,
Petite Sirah, Montepulciano, Syrah, and Aglianico. Since opening to the public
in summer of 2023, they’ve maintained a steadfast commitment to producing
quality 100% Texas wines and delivering an exceptional customer experience. When
you enter the tasting room, you will immediately notice the impressive Texas
granite structure adorned with a symbol that reflects the Ross family’s core
values: Faith, Family, Friends, and Fellowship. The two-story, eco-friendly
tasting facility is semi-circular and built into the hillside – reminiscent of
a piazza in Italy. It has an upscale vibe, high-end design, and comfort in mind
lending to its artistic flair. Facing east, the tasting room stays cooler both
inside and out, enhancing the guest experience. Another notable feature are the
large tables made from old pecan wood, repurposed from trees found right on the
property.
Well known Texas winemaker Tim Drake has been assisting in
the crafting of some very fine wine from Texas grapes here. Most of the focus
has been primarily on Italian style wines which reflects the owner’s wine
travels. Most grapes are sourced from the High Plains vineyard estate with some
future Hill Country estate wines to come. First to sample was the 2023
Sauvignon Blanc which is sourced from the estate vineyard in the Texas High
Plains AVA. Citrus and melons will be the first notes to light up your wine
palate followed by zesty acidity and a refreshing feel. The second white wine sampled
was the 2023 Bisaccia. This Italian style blend, named after Michael’s
grandfather’s Italian town that he came from, was crafted with 57% Trebbiano,
39% Albariño,
and 4% Pinot Grigio. It is dry and you will pick up on the dried apricot and
minerality in addition to the clean crispness of this wine. An extra white wine
treat was the Windswept. This Rhone style blend (yes, departure from the
Italian theme, but that’s ok) is a blend of 52% Viognier and 48% Roussanne. It
is a lovely lighter Rhone style wine with buttery notes, a tango between
apricot and pear, and a hint of minerality. Moving to the Rosé wines, the first
to sample was the 2024 Sangiovese Rosé. This was also sourced from the estate
High Plains vineyard. It had a pink colored hue with notes of watermelon and
strawberry coupled with good acids and balanced minerality. It also had more of
a Provence style feel to it for an added pleasant surprise. The next Rosé wine
sipped was the 2024 Vega. It is Malbec based with some raspberry notes and a
nice soft and refreshing feel. Moving into the reds, the first to sample was
the 2023 Grenache. This pizza lovers red wine was aged in Russian oak (yes, for
real), exhibited a deep brick rusty color, lots of good fruit forwardness and a
touch of smoke. Serve that one a bit chilled. Next, was the 2022 Piazza Rossa.
This super Tuscan style wine has 67% Sangiovese, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, and
11% Merlot. To say it has a big nose is an understatement, but you will also be
impressed by its deep dark color, notes of fig, pecan, and jam. Plus, that
14.8% abv shows off those legs quite well. Plus, the finish is to die for! Saving
the best for last red to sip, was the 2022 Envisage. This right bank Bordeaux
style wine (yes, not exactly Italian, but still great) was carefully crafted
with 46% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 16% Malbec. It has nice rich dark
fruit, some baking spices, good tannins and acidity, and a smooth finish.
Overall, it was a very fine and enjoyable tasting session with everything being
spot on.
When dreams are realized, magic happens. You can see this not only in the quality wines produced, but the tasting room design, décor, and cool vibes. Speaking of pizza wine mentioned previously, there is a food truck on site that will whip up some good eats for you to pair with your favorite wine. You will experience great hospitality here as well. The team is very professional, knowledgeable, and attentive to help ensure you have the tasting experience you desire. You will feel well cared for and comfortable here and will want to return. Simply fabulous! Cheers!
This lovely crafted Sparkling Rosé of Sangiovese, sourced
from Narra Vineyards in the Texas High Plains AVA, features some lively characteristics.
Having been fermentation in the bottle adds some extra bubbly “umph” to this
treat along with intense notes of strawberries and cherries. It shows off a
beautiful darker color than what you might get with most sparkling Rosé wines
with acidity clocking in at about medium, along with a fair amount of
minerality. It’s a great one to highlight at a party. Cheers!
Harvested from Moonlight Vineyards of the Texas High Plains
AVA, the wine presents a light ruby red color on the first pour that
immediately catches the eye. Notes of raisins and tobacco mingle with hints of
strawberry, creating an enticing layered experience. This medium-bodied wine
offers a good balance of tannins and acidity, contributing to its pleasing
palate sensation. As it continues to age, the wine maintains its integrity and
shows impressive development, promising even greater enjoyment with time.
Cheers!
This Blanc de Blancs is crafted primarily from Chardonnay
with just an every so slight dash of Pinot Blanc. It shows off a medium straw
hue in the glass right along with medium bubbles everywhere. It is dry and
crisp with an elegant structure, delivering bright notes of melon followed by
apples and pears. There might be a touch of caramel in there as well upon the
second sipping and will then unfold more tantalizing flavors to keep your wine
senses happy. It’s one sophisticated and
lively to have. Cheers!
Coming in at a whopping 16.5 abv (yes, 16.5!), this Texas
Petite Sirah is quite bold and still packs in some good flavor for being just
over a decade old. Crafted from grapes grown at
Newsom Vineyard in the Texas High Plains AVA, the wine continues to reflect the
vineyard’s quality fruit. Not
much color has changed in this full bodied red wine as it still pours a good
solid purple hue and will wake up your wine senses with some fruity aromas.
What stands out now are notes of cherry and caramel with a little bit of
current. It still holds up as a lovely smooth wine and reveals subtle espressos
upon subsequent sipping. The high alcohol content is integrated quite well and
is a nod to the quality craftsmanship. The
smooth finish lingers beautifully, making each sip worth savoring.
Cheers!
Behold! The mighty Italian Teroldego. Cultivated in the Vigneti
delle Dolomiti wine region, this bold red wine is not for faint of heart. Do
let this beast aerate for a good long
while before your first sample sip. It pours a magenta like color followed by
notes of cherries and raspberries. You’ll pick up on two things right away:
high acidity and firm tannins. If you pass that taste “test”, then you’re on to
something very enjoyable. It comes across as full bodied upon further tasting
with some secondary notes of blueberries emerging. Nothing less than a full on
fatty protein dish is demanded for this heavy weight wine. Once you’ve sipped
and feasted, give yourself a pat on the back…you’re now a serious red wine
lover. Cin Cin!
For a six year old Grenache, this wine varietal has been holding up quite well. Clocking in at 14.8 abv, this mighty wine expresses pronounced red fruit notes for an impressive first try. Harvested from Desert Willow Vineyard of the Texas High Plains AVA, it pours a rustic pale color with prominent cranberry aromas. Take a sip or two and you’ll also pick up on some nuances of pepper and balanced acidity for this medium bodied treat. The finish is excellent with a touch of cloves for tease. You’ll savor this one for sure all day. Cheers!
Nestled along a scenic back road between Stonewall and
Blanco in the Texas Hill Country, a boutique winery sits perched on the
hillside, offering breathtaking views of the Blanco valley. Originally part of
the Circle H ranch, it is a great local spot with a laid-back vibe, perfect for
those seeking authentic Hill Country charm. Owned by Kara Cleaver, who
developed an interest in wines during her 30s and eventually decided to embark
on this new adventure, the winery has been open since 2021. Kara has collaborated
with experienced winemakers to craft her exceptional wines, each themed around
the unique stories of the land from which they originated. The winery places a
strong emphasis on sustainable practices, from grape growing to winemaking, and
remains actively involved in local Blanco community events.
The tasting room has a cozy feel inside and is built from
repurposed and recycled materials, not to mention (again) the great views one
can enjoy from the hilltop vantage point. There is a patio on the back and side
of the space and ample outdoor seating with tables for folks to enjoy. There are
several wines to select from on the menu. So, no matter what your fancy is,
there is probably something on the menu you can find that suits you. For this
visit, six of the wines were sampled. The first was the 2023 Trebbiano. This
lovely white wine is light bodied with notes of stone fruit and lemon zest
making this white wine very appealing on a hot summer day. Next was the 2021
Albariño.
This full-bodied white wine sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA has citrus
on the nose followed by a fair amount of minerality and good acidity. For the Rosé
wine, the 2023 Ranch Road stood out as a light bodied and fruit forward wine
with a light ruby red color. It is a blend of Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Malbec, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris, sourced from Reddy Vineyards. Moving on to
the reds, the 2023 Circle H was sampled. This red field blend from Reddy
Vineyards circle field plot has a mix of just about everything. It is medium
bodied with notes of blackberries, tobacco, leather and a touch of smoke. The
next red wine sampled was the 2023 Petit Verdot. It has a lot of dark fruit
going for this full-bodied beast and some firm tannins that grab your
attention. Lastly, the 2023 Barrel Racer was sipped. This port style wine was aged
in Garrison Brother’s used whiskey barrels. Made with Syrah, it expresses some
good notes of tobacco, cherries and chocolate all in one sip! It is a
definitive sipper that is worth enjoying after your meal, or with dessert or
cheese.
The tasting room also has a kitchen in case you get the munchies. Live music from local musicians helps complement the cool laid-back vibe of this place along with your favorite glass of wine. The staff are very personable, welcoming and attentive. They want to ensure you feel right at home. Kara’s new adventure is proof that life changes can be successful. Cheers!
Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA and specifically
Lahey Vineyard, this wine exhibits vibrant acidity and a bright fruit
character. Aged in French oak, it delivers a crisp, dry profile with lots of
citrus notes, hints of pear, and subtle guava. Its bright acidity is complimented
by a light, creamy mouthfeel, and ending off with a refreshing finish. This
wine is an excellent choice to savor all day. Cheers!
This Petite Sirah from Perissos is crafted using estate
fruit of the Texas Hill Country AVA. The wine is made from the free run portion
of the bins, where the fermented juice is literally squeezed out by the weight
of the overlying grapes themselves. The result is a wine that offers vibrant
notes of cherries and blueberries, showcasing both the richness of the fruit
and along with a softer profile. It is quite an easy and anytime drinker, so
enjoy this one well. Cheers!
Clocking in at 14.9 ABV, this left bank Bordeaux style wine
is drinking very well right now. Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA, this
blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Merlot was aged for almost three
years. The initial pour reveals a moderate
ruby hue and instantly fills the air with deep, dark fruit aromas. Swirl
if you wish, but that first taste will ignite your
palate with raspberry notes, hints of coffee bean, and traces of blueberry.
You may also notice a touch of spice,
subtle leathery undertones, and a faint of toastiness. Let’s place this
mighty red beast at medium plus with good acidity. That velvety finish feel is
a showstopper for sure! The 2019 vintage is showing to be an outstanding one, a
very rich and smooth wine to savor all day - Viva la left bank!
Harvested from La Pradera Vineyards, located in the Texas
High Plains AVA, this Mourvèdre has many of those intense Pinot Noir
characteristics that you’ll crave for. It pours a garnet color and reveals enticing
notes of vibrant plum, raspberry, blackberry, and currant. There is a touch of
vanilla in there as well complimented with some subtle earthiness. The finish
is smooth, making each sip both enjoyable and memorable. Cheers!
Adega Vinho continues to demonstrate the impressive
craftsmanship behind Texas Chardonnays. Sourced from the Texas Hills Vineyard
in the Texas Hill Country AVA, this wine opens with enticing notes of citrus
and apples. A touch of vanilla and subtle cream adds just the right amount of
character to this wine while a light buttery texture helps round out the
sipping experience. The wine’s light gold color is also quite elegant for the
visual effects. It is a standout choice that you can’t go wrong with. Cheers!
Behold…the mighty XXV has made its debut with a blend of
Barbera (40%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%), and Syrah (30%). This dry red blend
vintage from the Texas Hill Country AVA opens with a burst of spice and
delivers pronounced acidity. Flavors of blackberry and plum come forward,
complemented by subtle notes of pepper. Sitting around the medium bodied level,
it has quite a complex finish and a lingering tantalizing sensation on the
finish. It’s a good Mason County wine to savor for sure. Cheers!
Sourced from their estate vineyard in the Texas Hill Country
AVA, this wine has a vibrant character, marked by ripe fruit and a distinctly
floral bouquet. Adding to its freshness appeal, are notes of apricots and pears
to help tantalize your wine senses. It also boasts a great mouthfeel, providing
a rounded and satisfying experience with every sip. Cheers!
Sourced from Columbia Valley, this
Cabernet is bold and rich, offering a well-structured, smooth profile and an
impressively long finish to satisfy your eager wine senses. You'll notice abundant blackberry notes, complemented by
hints of cherry and a touch of mocha. The
wine has moderate acidity and a subtle note of vanilla, with just the right amount
of tannins to create a pleasant tasting experience. It is a savory one to
enjoy well. Cheers!
Opening up this wine, aged
nearly ten years, is sure to excite your tastebuds. Sourced from the Oswald Family Vineyard in the Texas
High Plains AVA, the aroma is bright with cherries and strawberries.
Take a light sip and you’ll pick up on a bit of leather, as well. The wine has
a good balance between acidity and minerality plus a moderate finish to round
things out. Sip and repeat and you’ll be even more satisfied. Cheers!
This Napa Valley estate-grown wine shines with an aromatic
profile and a stunning golden yellow hue. Oak aging adds a touch of vanilla to
complement the vibrant acidity and good minerality. The wine opens with a bit
of phenolic sensation, followed by tropical fruits, lemongrass, and a subtle
hint of herbs. This really energizes that tantalizing and zesty palate feel. A
long finish rounds out the experience, leaving lingering impressions of
freshness to complement the wine’s lively character. Cheers!
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Yes! This is some mighty fine Sauvignon Blanc is one to try
for sure. Sourced from the increasingly noteworthy Dell Valley Vineyards Hudspeth
County, the wine presents a big aromatic
profile featuring prominent notes of peach and lemon, complemented by subtle
hints of pear and some jasmine. It
offers medium acidity and notable minerality, too - quite refreshing to relish
all day. Savor this one well. Cheers!
The Hickory Sands has done wonders for this wine as well as
honor the story behind the label name. If happiness is your game, then you’ll
be extra pleased with this Touriga/Mourvèdre red blend. Aged and fermented in
large French oak vats for about two and a half years has been a blessing to
this jewel. Expect initial notes of dark
fruit and elegant floral aromas, followed by a hint of spice as you take your
first sip. There is some spice up
front on that first sip followed by good acids and a touch of vanilla. Let’s mark this beauty at medium bodied for
this six year old bottle and a big “cheer” all around!
Sourced from Pepper Jack Vineyards of the Texas High Plains
AVA and aged for 19 months in oak, this wine delivers on vibrant cherry and
plum notes. The profile is also highlighted by hints of spice and pepper,
creating a delightful tasting experience. With a dry style and medium acidity,
this wine offers just the right balance of tannins to complement its
fruit-forward character, making it both expressive and well- presented. Cheers!
Sitting in at 14.6 abv, this fine Grenache really hits the
spot with a satisfying experience. Harvested from Vintage Press Vineyard of the
Texas Hill Country AVA, it has some good fruit forwardness and zesty sensation
for this medium bodied beast. Blackberry and raspberry notes are the main
sensations to excite you with this wine followed by some subtle tobacco
afterwards. The wine’s light red,
translucent hue is visually appealing when poured in sunlight, too. With
low tannins, this wine is definitely a one session enjoyer for sure. Cheers!
A single vineyard-sourced
varietal provides an excellent opportunity to appreciate both the winemaker's
skill and the distinctive terroir of the vineyard. Harvested from La
Pradera Vineyards of the Texas High Plains AVA, this beauty reveals some
intense and enticing blackberry notes complimented with plums along with pepper
and spicy sensations. And yes, that little darker than normal color is just an
added bonus to your sipping experience. The wine also reveals some good acids
and bold tannins to add to its fine structure. It can definitely age a bit
longer, so no shame in keeping a few bottles tucked away for another day. Santé!
This Texas Hill Country AVA Mourvèdre Rosé is quite a
beauty. You'll notice rose aromas at first,
accompanied by subtle sweetness in the bouquet. It has some savory
strawberry notes on that first sip and repeat tasting followed some peaches.
The wine will also tease some melon across the palate, as well. With lively acidity and a wonderfully refreshing feeling,
there is much to enjoy in this Rosé. Cheers!
