Barn Red – NV; Saddlehorn Winery; Burton, Texas

Non-vintage…yes.  But thanks to classic tech (post-it notes), we know this bottle was purchased back in 2010.  This was one of the first releases for Saddlehorn Winery.  We were impressed back then when we tasted the wine in the winery and still impressed that this red wine blend cellared so nicely! It has held up quite well over the years, and we are happy to report it still has nice fruit flavor!  There was no information on what comprised the blend, but it did present notes of Syrah and Cabernet. This medium bodied wine is well balanced and will please most palates.  The one surprise is that there is a delayed finish…or maybe that’s just the senses playing catchup!  Tasting is one part of the enjoyment of this wine.  Do take a trip to Saddlehorn Winery when you are out there way.  You’ll be very welcomed there and may find a bottle or two for your own cellars!

www.saddlehornwinery.com

Bridal Bliss – 2012; Wedding Oak Winery; San Saba, Texas

What a great way to end off a long week! This Muscat Canelli sparkling blend has held up well in our wine cellar and still delivers a lovely pop of the top and lots of lovely bubbles of joy dancing in the glass.    With grapefruit notes, this smooth and slightly sweet sparkler delights and thrills as you enjoy every sip. The aged golden tone just adds to the visual sensation as you watch the ascension of bubbles rising. We were very pleased with this bottle when we initially tasted it and are delighted with its ability to cellar age. We think you will find similar enjoyment in sampling a chilled bottle to help put you in the right wine zen! Fantastic option for celebrations, special occasions, brunch and just because you’re worth it and shouldn’t every day be worth celebrating anyway? To many more years of happiness and Bridal Bliss! Cheers! 

www.weddingoakwinery.com

Lucy – 2011; Perissos Vineyard & Winery; Burnet, Texas

This 2013 Texas Lone Star International Wine Competition Bronze Medal winning wine still holds its own after all these years!  The white wine is a blend of Roussanne (44%), Viognier (44%) and Muscat (12%).  It offers just a touch of sweetness on the palate and is an extremely gratifying chilled white wine treat. Aromas of apricot are still strong. Some of the fruit notes have mellowed with time, yet the wine is still quite pleasant and has held up nicely.  Pair with a stir fry spicy dish and you’ll be in heaven. Enjoy!

www.perissosvineyards.com

Red Montage – 2007; Unionville Vineyards; Rinjos, New Jersey

This softly tannic Bordeaux style wine offers a pleasant smooth approach to this classic blend. The absence of tobacco notes did not detract from the tasting experience.  After breathing for an hour, the subdued oak, cherry flavors, and smooth finish for this well aged red have balanced out nicely.  A touch of acidity provides solid structure for this medium bodied wine.  We’re impressed how well this New Jersey wine has aged.  

www.unionvillevineyards.com

Petite Syrah – 2010; Perissos Vineyard & Winery; Burnet, Texas

What words can describe the love that this wine evokes? Countless!  From the deep purple hue to its rich earthy texture, you can’t help but imaging soaking in this wine just for the joy. Time has smoothed the edges of this wine, but the fruit and aromas are still there to enjoy. From figs, to blackberry, and a touch of vanilla, you’ll get the A to Z tasting sensations that you have been anticipating after you pop the cork on this bottle. Touch it off with a light chocolate finish and voila! Yes, it is that good. Fortunately, this bottle is made for sharing and the extended enjoyment of additional glasses was a real treat. Double Cheers!

www.perissosvineyards.com

Menage a’ Trois – 2005; Folie a’ Deux; Napa, California

Sit back and enjoy the pleasant aromas.  Menage a’ Trois has arrived!  This three-blend red wine of Merlot, Zinfandel, and Cabernet offers some of California’s best blending grapes in a trifecta of beauty in the bottle. There is some thinning of flavor from aging this long, but it is still holding up and good. The wine still holds its depth, complexity, and the richness you would anticipate. The initial great fruit flavors are present and meld into a pleasant smoothness as it envelops your palate. This is a great value for the wine that you get. Paired with a lovely meal, you’ll get a something to complement your food and elevate what’s on the plate. So, give this blend a swirl. Enjoy!

www.menageatroiswines.com

Deck Wine – NV; Tara Vineyard & Winery; Athens, Texas

This rosé blend from Tara Winery exhibits some great flavors that East Texas winemakers are creating. This Blanc du Bois/Black Spanish blend has a nice fruit forward bouquet along with a delightful dark raspberry hue. After a half hour of sipping, the flavors really develop nicely. It’s smooth, refreshing and delightful for those warm summer evenings. This unique blend also exhibits the best that both grapes have to offer, with the Blanc do Bois adding more warmth and sweetness to the Black Spanish on the palate. A lovely wine to sit and sip by itself or enjoy with food. A great treat for watching the sunset on the deck, so we agree the name says it all.  Enjoy!

www.tarawinery.com