Lisse – 2010; Solaro Estate Winery; Dripping Springs, Texas

Going “way back” to some of the early days of this winery, we pulled out a 2010 classic. Lisse, a red blend of 60% Mourvèdre and Merlot 40%, is showing signs of aging yet still holding its own. This one does deserve at least 90 minutes to “breathe” after popping the cork, but in the meantime, you can enjoy the evolving notes of dark fruit that fill the neck of the bottle. Color fading…yes, but this classic red wine still packs some good aromas and flavors of dark cherries.  There is a strong smoky note, and the acids are holding in at just a notch above moderate.  Let it swirl and swish a bit in your mouth and let the unfiltered texture of this beast unfold.  Go ahead and drink this one now, but it will not hurt to still let it sit in a quality cellar a bit longer if you can wait, but why should you?  Drink and enjoy!

www.solaroestate.com

Gioia Vineyard Pinot Noir – 2017; Furthermore Wines; Sebastopol, California

Hello Pinot Noir lovers!  Sourced from the Sonoma Coast AVA, this medium bodied beast is to die for.  The color on the first pour is a moderate garnet shade. You will pick up the aroma of dense ripe fruit during that first pour, as well.  Breathe in those black cherry notes as you let it sit a bit. There is a hint of leather in there, too, but those raspberry and strawberry flavors really shine with a touch of vanilla for tease. This Pinot Noir has solid acidity, a silky texture, and soft tannins that can seduce you into eternal sipping bliss. Not surprised that this Double Gold won at San Francisco Wine Competition…is there a triple? Savor every scent and every drop of this tantalizing taste….this one is a big winner. Cheers!

www.furthermorewines.com

Cabernet Franc – 2016; Scimitar Hills Vineyards; Center Point, Texas

Growing and making Cabernet Franc wine in the Texas Hill Country AVA is certainly an accomplishment in of itself.  This vintage of Cabernet Franc is quite delightful. Yes, it will need a good 90 minutes or so to breathe, but what lovely aromas and flavors it has to offer the wine sipper!  Call this one “extra dry” in the style. Those plum and strawberry notes balance out quite well. There are cherry notes as well that are holding up nicely and the wine has a bit of earthiness to it for added depth. Acids are medium and those tannins are still extra firm.  Find your favorite cheese or roasted meal for this rare find.  If you still have any bottle lingering in your cellar, they are still fine to continue to hold. Cheers!

www.scimitarhill.com

Malbec – 2017; Slate Theory Winery; Fredericksburg, Texas

What a lovely Malbec that has been blessed by the great Texas vintage of 2017 and sourced from Newsom Vineyards.  This Texas High Plains sourced fruit is big on everything.  Clocking in at 15.5% abv, everything is big and excellent from start to finish.  You will relish those juicy blueberry notes followed by luscious ripe blackberries.  Yes, it does come across as “hot’ at first, but do not confuse that with the touch of spice flavors this wine packs.  There are some lingering vanilla notes for an extra added dimension to your sipping experience.  This wine has a definite “ahh” finish with some pepper for the lingering final effect.  A nice big wine to enjoy with food. Cheers!  

www.slatetheory.com

Fine ‘N Dandy – 2019; Bingham Family Vineyards; Fredericksburg, Texas

As a nod to Eddie Bingham (family grandfather), this light sweet red wine is certainly a smooth one to have.  The translucent red color and fruity aromas are a delight to enjoy. Both the notes and flavors are mostly raspberries with some pomegranate in there, too. Swirl it around a bit and you just might pick up on hints of pecan, as well. This red wine blend has a slight smoky finish to it followed by that happy smile.  A very pleasing dessert wine, indeed. Cheers!

www.binghamfamilyvineyards.com

Montepulciano – 2017; Ab Astris Winery; Stonewall, Texas

When cherry and raspberry aromas greet your nose, what’s not to like? This Montepulciano wine was crafted with Reddy Vineyards fruit sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA and has a light ruby red hue to it to gaze at. As you begin pouring this delightful bottle, you will also note the scent of cranberry accompanying the cherry and raspberry notes. This beauty has a very dry texture and delights with additional notes of blueberry. The acidity is quite good with some smoke and cocoa for an added surprise. This wine is drinking nicely and is quite smooth with a light herbal finish. Pretty good for this Texas 2017 vintage. Salute!

www.abastriswinery.com

7 Deadly Red – 2018; 7 Deadly Wines; Livermore, California

Sourced from Lodi AVA, the deep ruby color of this wine is the first stage of your sensory enjoyment. The 2018 vintage is a blend of 33% Zinfandel, 31% Petite Sirah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Merlot with a 1% mix of “others”.  There are a lot of layers of fruit profile in this one.  Notably, cherry and plums will come out to great your nose along with some leather.  There is a bit of cocoa in there just to add a little bit of surprise, too.  The wine has equally pleasing fruit flavor as well with mostly blackberry hitting all your senses.  After that first sip, there is a slight peppery finish to this light tannin jewel.  Enjoy well!

www.7deadlywines.com