Mourvedre – 2017; Crowson Wines; Johnson City, Texas

It is always a delight to try a Texas 2017! This Texas High Plains sourced fruit from Buena Suerte Vineyards is a testament to that.  When pouring this ruby color wine, those aromas of rose petals really come out along with a touch of citrus.  The cherry and tomato flavors are great plus some noteworthy earthy undertones. It has great acidity, some lingering cigar notes, and a bold impression after every sip. You would think at 15.9% alcohol it would pack a punch, but a good winemaker knows how to craft such high alcohol wine well. Cheers!

www.crowsonwines.com

Teroldego – 2017; Kalasi Cellars; Fredericksburg, Texas

Already a fan Teroldego wine?  Then your tastebuds have traveled well! This Italian grape is part of their Reincarnated Collection – rarer and lesser-known grapes that show much promise in Texas. It is certainly the first we have heard that is Texas sourced and bottled for consumers. We find it an absolute delight to try new grape varietals, especially within Texas to sample. So, what is it like?  Let us start off with the beautiful deep ruby red color immediately followed by those fantastic plum aromas on the nose. A good start is always a plus when you open a bottle. This is followed by flavors of blackberry and caramel on the palate, with just a touch of vanilla and some tobacco for extra character.  The bold tannins and high acids demand some serious fatty dishes to be served with this wine. Sounds yummy, right? This Italian varietal has certainly found a new home at Kalasi Cellars and they are making their mark in the ever-growing Texas wine industry. Cin Cin!

www.kalasicellars.com

Balfour Leslie's Reserve – NV; Hush Heath Estate; Kent, United Kingdom

British sparkling wines have certainly been getting the “cheers” attention. This bubbly from the UK is a lovely blend of 55% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, and 5% Pinot Meunier. The fine bubbles intertwined with the pale-yellow color is certainly an eye pleaser, but the impact of rich raspberries and strawberries with a touch of zesty lemon on the nose is quite a delight.  The fresh apple and red fruit notes will provide pleasure to your palate, as well.  With a touch of earthiness and well-balanced acids, this sparkling wine is very pleasant and refreshing. A true delight to sip and enjoy.  Cheers!

www.hushheath.com

Albarino – 2019; Pebble Rock Cellars; Johnson City, Texas

Albarino, what can we say? If you have never had one, then you should branch out as now is your time to try it. If you have never been to Pebble Rock Cellars, then you need to plan an outing and visit this boutique winery in Johnson City. This light and refreshing wine is a delightful treat to enjoy with a meal or on its own. With just a touch of lemon zest and grapefruit flavors, it is worth your wine sipping time.  There is just an ever so slight effervescence to this one to tease your taste buds and some subtle honeydew scents on the nose. This refreshing white has a nice clean finish enticing you back for more.  Enjoy!

www.pebblerockcellars.wine

For Play by Candlelight – 2016; Mitchell Katz Winery; Livermore, California

This Livermore Valley Zinfandel really rocks!  The initial fruitful aromas envelope your nose and let you know this is going to be an interesting wine, perfectly preparing you for that first sip.  The color is light red, and the wine has a lovely profile and is quite smooth.  Cola and black pepper dominate the tastebuds of this delightful wine. The mild finish just lures you back for more sipping!  A great wine to pair with spicy dishes, so feast well and “Cheers!”

www.mitchellkatzwinery.com

Syrah – 2017; French Connection Wines; Hye, Texas

When you have the trio combo of Newsom Vineyards fruit, 2017, plus Ben Calais as the winemaker, there is nothing short of high expectations and the anticipation of great things to come.  You certainly will not be disappointed with this vintage nor this lovely French Connection red wine. The deep garnet color and rich cherry aromas make an indelible positive initial impression. There is just a touch of truffle on the nose to tease your senses. You will also discern some raspberry and pepper notes, but those jammy flavors are just the bold bomb that shines thru on this lovely wine! It has a rich, smooth mouthfeel coupled with well-balanced acids and almost unnoticeable 14.9% alcohol.  There is also great smokiness on the finish just in case you need some extra satisfaction.  Keep an extra bottle on hand because this is one is worth enjoying more than once and making lasting memories with great bottles.  Food and friends are what wine enjoyment is all about anyway. Santé!

www.frenchconnectionhye.com

1851 Trebbiano – 2017; Slate Mill Wine Collective; Fredericksburg, Texas

A nicely chilled Trebbiano is one way to welcome lovely Springtime weather.  This Texas High Plains fruit from Lahey Vineyards is the wonderful product of the 2017 harvest which was a unique and fantastic year for Texas grapes.  Upon that initial pour, you will experience the wonderful intensity of tropical aromas and light floral notes. There may be a bit of a punch on the acids after the first sip, but those rich fruity flavors do come through.  This white wine has a clean crisp after taste as well as a zesty lemon finish. It is a delightful white sipper on a warm day, and we encourage you to chill this one for optimal drinking pleasure. Enjoy!

www.slatemillwinecollective.com