Castanet – 2024; Wedding Oak Winery; San Saba, Texas

There is nothing like a clean refreshing Rosé for those infamous summer days during Fall in Texas. Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA (Lilli of the Vine Vineyard), this Cinsault Rosé features a delicate copper hue and presents aromatic notes of lemon, strawberry, and subtle herbs. Sip, swirl, taste and repeat….those same savory flavors are really enticing and will be sure to put that big satisfying smile on your wine face. The acidity is spot on, and the versatile dry finish is amazing. Given how crazy the weather can be, you might be drinking this distinguished Rosé on the next unseasonably warm New Year’s Day. Cheers!

www.weddingoakwinery.com

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