O'reilly's Pinot Gris

O'Reilly's Pinot Gris

O'reilly's Pinot Gris

The O'reilly's Pinot Gris is produced by the Owen Roe Winery in Oregon.  Jerry Owen, on the the vineyard side, and David O’Reilly, who makes the wine, have formed Owen Roe with a simple purpose: to produce excellent wines from grapes grown and cultivated in the best vineyards in the Pacific Northwest.  These vineyards are in the Willamette, Mid-Columbia, Yakima, and Walla Walla valleys. Each vineyard is contracted by the acre, with strict controls on yields and vine development. The same high principles are found in the winery.  This particular wine is produced from the Columbia Valley vineyards. Pinot Gris is better known as the Pinot Grigio grape.  The O'reilly's Pinot Gris is sealed with a natural cork and has an alcohol level of 13.5%.

This wine has a golden color with green hues.  On the nose are hints of apple blossom, white flowers, honeydew melon, ripe apricot, fresh cut red apple, sweet orange, and fresh earth.  On the palate are flavors of canned apricot, red apple juice, mango, agave, overripe pear, wet stone minerality, lime zest, and green apple blossom.  The O'reilly's Pinot Gris finished crisp with well rounded fruit flavors.  The perfect Thanksgiving wine so enjoy!

Ellipsis Rose

What can I say? I absolutely LOVE a tasty rose as the weather gets hotter. To me, they are refreshing and delightful therefore I could not resist a bottle of Ellipsis Rose. The 2010 Ellipsis rose is made in northern Russian River Valley in Sonoma California from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. This wine was fermented in 100% neutral oak barrels and stirred weekly. This rose had a 13.4% alcohol level and was sealed with a screwtop.

The Ellipsis Rose was a salmon pink color. On the nose were hints of vanilla cream soda, ripe watermelon rind, wild strawberries, jasmine, honeysuckle, wet stone minerality, and overly ripe raspberry. On the palate were notes of vanilla, fresh cream, cucumber, strawberry, peach skins, wet river stone, orange blossoms, and citrus. Overall, this was a delightful rose that I promise to buy again.

Block 947 Cabernet Sauvignon

As a continuation of my North Coast themed weekend...what says California wine better than the ultimate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2008 Vineyard Block 947 Cabernet Sauvignon is grown on select mountain and valley floor vineyards in Calistoga, California (Calistoga is a sub-region of Napa Valley). Block 947 Cabernet is aged in French oak barrels for 21 months. This wine was sealed with a natural cork and had an alcohol level of 14.1 percent.

This wine was a dark purple color with red hues. On the nose were hints of baked cranberry, raspberry, violet, lavender, caramel, chocolate, butterscotch, espresso, clean soap, smoke, leather, rosemary, clove, and bacon. On the palate were notes of jammed blackberry, stewed dark plum, black pepper, green bell pepper, clove, nutmeg, chocolate, rosemary, vanilla, cassis, dark cherry, and charred wood. This Cabernet Sauvignon had medium high acidity and tannins for an overall full-bodied traditional Napa Valley Cab.

Arroba Winery Chardonnay

Well, what can I say....it was a North Coast, California (In wine terms, North Coast includes Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, and Mendocino County) themed weekend! The 2009 Arroba Winery Chardonnay is produced in Mendocino County, California located just north of Napa Valley. This wine was 100% barrel fermented and aged for 11 months in French oak. This Chardonnay has a 13.8% alcohol level and is sealed with a screwtop.

The Arroba Chardonnay was a golden color with green hues. On the nose were red apple, baked pear, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange blossoms, peanut brittle, peanut butter, vanilla, fruited apricot, and overly ripe peach. On the palate were notes of lillac, honeysuckle, powdered sugar, nectarine, baked red apple, pear skins, peach blossom, vanilla, roasted peanuts, and peanut shells. This Chardonnay had lush fruit flavors while retaining bright acidity for perfect balance. Overall, a delightful Chardonnay.

Bearboat Pinot Noir

Working in the food and beverage industry there are certain wines that one hears about....so when I saw the Bearboat Pinot Noir I had to give it a try. Bearboat Pinot Noir is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes from Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Carneros. All of these AVAs (American Viticulture Area) are in California. This Pinot Noir had an alcohol level of 13.8% and was sealed with a natural cork.

Bearboat Pinot Noir was a rich purple color with brown hues. On the nose were hints of cinnamon, dark cherries, blackberries, nutmeg, toast, earth, stewed dark fruits, semi-sweet chocolate, and rich plums. The palate was similar to the nose was notes of blackberry, oak, toast, tart purple plums, earth, charred wood, and spice. This Pinot Noir had medium acidity with a long, full finish. Overall, Bearboat Pinot Noir was a wonderful surprise that did not disappoint.

Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Gris

As several people know Pinot Gris (which is the same grape as Pinot Grigio) has been showing great growing potential in Oregon. Ponzi Vineyards is located in Willamette Valley, Oregon in the northwest portion of the state. The 2009 Pinot Gris has a 13.6% alcohol level, sealed with a screwtop, and was fermented in stainless steel tanks.

The Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Gris had a light golden color with slight green hues. On the nose were hints of apricot, peach, minerality, orange blossoms, perfume, and slight citrus of orange. On the palate were characteristics of fresh cut grass, herb, rosemary, orange, peach, apricot, and nectarine. This wine had high acidity and a light, refreshing taste. Overall, a very well rounded, delightful Pinot Gris.

Charles Smith: Boom Boom! Syrah

When walking through the grocery store, how can one pass up this ultra modern wine label from the Charles Smith Wines. Charles Smith was named Winemaker of the Year in 2009 by Food and Wine Magazine American Awards, and he is a rock star within the wine world..so how could I say no! The 2009 Boom Boom! Syrah is from Columbia Valley, Washington, has a 14.1% alcohol level, and is sealed with a screwtop.

This Syrah had a deep purple color with a lighter red rim. The nose on this wine was intense with notes of blackberries, dark cherries, plum, charred wood, oak, lavender, and sweet spices. On the palate were hints of earth, oak, plum, blackberries, rosemary, sweet spices, smoke, charred wood, and rich berries. The Boom Boom! Syrah had a surprisingly smooth palate however had ample acidity and tanins. Overall, a delicious red wine that I will be buying again!

Mandola Rose

While at the Duchman Family Winery, I decided to purchase a bottle of Rose. Personally, there is nothing like a great Rose enjoyed out in the warm....sometimes hot Texas summer! The Duchman Family Winery is located in Driftwood, Texas about 20 minutes southwest of downtown Austin, Texas and is known as the Mandola Estate Winery as well. According the their website, this Rose is one of their most popular wines and is made from a blend of noble red grapes. This 2008 Rose is corked and contains 13.3% alcohol. This wine can be purchased at select, local grocery and liquor stores throughout Central Texas and retails for around 10 dollars.

The Duchman Family Winery Rose was a pale ruby red with pronounced legs. On the nose were hints of grape skins, vine roots, tree, earth, spice, herbs, mint, and perfume. On the palate, were notes of surprising sweetness such as strawberry, as well as, earth, spice, cinnamon, and tree bark. This Rose had a rich, creamy texture that made for a delightful and enjoyable Texas Rose.

Duchman Family Vermentino

While driving back from a friend's wedding in Wimberley, Texas, we decided to stop at the Duchman Family Winery. The Duchman Family Winery is located in Driftwood, Texas which is about 20 minutes southwest of downtown Austin, Texas and showcases a beautiful tasting room and grounds. The Duchman Family Winery is known as the Mandola Estate Winery as well. This unique 2008 Vermentino contains 13.1% alcohol and was corked. This wine is available for purchase at select, local grocery and liquor stores throughout Central Texas and retails between 16 and 19 dollars.

This Vermentino is a very pale golden color with heavy legs and a mild effervescence. This wine has a strong nose of bright fruit such as grapefruit, peach, and nectarine with a slight hint of a sweet bouquet of flowers. On the palate is grapefruit, grass, pine, lemon, and citrus with an overall crisp, fresh, and young taste. This refreshing Vermentino is slightly carbonated with a light texture and short finish. Needless to say, I will be looking forward to tasting other wine from the Duchman Family Winery.

Becker Vineyards Riesling

Normally, I do not purchase Rieslings however in my quest to taste as much Texas wine as possible I could not pass up the opportunity to sample a Becker Vineyards Riesling. Becker Vineyards is located just outside of Fredericksburg, Texas in Stonewall, Texas. This Riesling is only available for purchase in Texas retailing between 9 and 15 dollars. This corked Riesling contains 13.2% alcohol and is a 2009 vintage year.

The first characteristic I noticed was the light yellow color. On the nose were notes of honeysuckle, floral, caramel, acidity, and candy. On the palate were hints of honeysuckle, spring water, river stones, caramel, floral, mandarin oranges, and slight pineapple. This wonderful Riesling had a creamy texture with slight acidity.

McPherson Rose

I am not sure if its the warm...or should I say HOT weather that has me craving a great Rose lately, but needless to say I caved to my craving and purchased McPherson Rose. McPherson Winery based out of Lubbock, Texas created this wonderful Rose containing 84% Syrah and 16% Grenache blend with a 13.0% alcohol level. This 2008 Rose has a screw top and can be found at several liquor stores throughout Texas retailing between 10 and 15 dollars.

This Rose has a pale ruby red color similar to cranberry juice. On the nose were hints of cranberry, watermelon, strawberry, floral, perfume, and a slight spice. On the palate were notes of cranberry, caramel, and watermelon with light acidity and an off dry taste. Overall, a delightful Rose.

Messina Hof Pinot Grigio

While walking through the grocery store, I came across a bottle of Pinot Grigio from Messina Hof Winery located in Bryan, Texas. I felt inspired to pick up this wonderful bottle of wine because I fondly remember visiting the winery about 5 years ago for a special occasion. This 2009 Pinot Grigio contains 12.5% alcohol and is was corked with a black waxy top. It is only for sale in Texas at local grocery and liquor stores and retails between 7 to 15 dollars. This Pinot Grigio is fermented for approximately two months in stainless stain barrels.

The Pinot Grigio was a very pale straw color. On the nose were banana, pear, pineapple, honeysuckle, flower, and tropical fruits. On the palate were hints of bananas, pears, pine, grass, mint, pepper, and spice. This Pinot Grigio was light, clean, and fresh with light acidity and a short finish. Overall, this Pinot Grigio was a very pleasant walk down memory lane.

Dry Comal Creek Merlot

While at the Dry Comal Creek Vineyards, I also purchased a bottle of 2007 Merlot. This wine has 12.5% alcohol level and a particle board cork. Only 471 cases were produced of this Merlot that is available for purchase only in select Texas grocery and liquor stores. It retails between 10 and 20 dollars.

The first characteristic I noticed was the hazy, pale rudy red color. On the nose were notes of berry and tree fruits such as strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, cherry, and plum. The nose and palate were very similar. On the palate were hints of strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, black currant, cherry, plum, and slight earth. The acidity was low resulting in this Merlot being very easy to drink. During the hot summer months this is a perfect light bodied Merlot to enjoy on the back porch!

Dry Comal Creek Sauvignon Blanc

Being that it is the middle of the hot Texas summer, I decided to partake in an old Texas Hill Country past time and go toobing down the Guadalupe River in Gruene, Texas! Needless to say, it was every bit as fun as I remember. While in Gruene, Texas I decided to stop at the Dry Comal Creek Vineyards located just outside of New Braunfels, Texas where I bought a 2008 Sauvignon Blanc. The Dry Comal Creek Sauvignon Blanc contains 12.5% alcohol and is corked. This wine is available for purchase at select Texas grocery and liquor stores and retails between 17 to 24 dollars.

The first charactertistic I noticed about this Sauvignon Blanc was the pale champagne color. On the nose were soft, sweet fruits of peaches, and apricots, as well as slight stone, river stone, and fresh spring water. The Sauvignon Blanc was sweet on the front and bitter on the back finishes. On the palate were hints of lime, lemon, green apple, and river stone. This dry wine was slightly creamy in texture yet still light and fresh. Overall, enjoying a glass of this Sauvignon Blanc was a great ending to my trip!

Becker Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

For some reason, even in these hot summer months, I was craving a nice full bodied red wine. Maybe it was all the chocolate I had been craving. So I chose a Becker Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, from the Iconoclast series. Becker Vineyards is located just outside of Fredericksburg, Texas in Stonewall, Texas. This wine contains 13.84% alcohol level and is corked. This particular Cabernet Sauvignon is only for sell in Texas and retails from 7 to 15 dollars at both local grocery stories and the vineyard itself. According to the Becker Vineyard's website, this is their best seller.

This wine was medium to dark ruby red in color with faint legs and a hazy clarity. On the nose were aromas of slight grass, smoked meat, bacon, leather, and spices such as black pepper. On the palate were hints of heavy fruits, such as cherries and plums along with flavors of smoke, charred wood, bacon, and smoked meat. Needless to say, in my opinion the Becker Vineyard's Cabernet Sauvignon paired surprisingly well with my craving for chocolate!

Becker Vineyards Fume Blanc

Hands down during the summer months my absolute favorite grape to drink is Sauvignon Blanc. I love the crisp, fresh, flinty, and light flavors that are traditionally expressed in a classic Sauvignon Blanc. So obviously I jumped at the chance to begin my tasting of the Texas wine trail with Becker Vineyard's Fume Blanc. (For those of you who might not be familiar, Fume Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc are the same grape). Becker Vineyards is located in the heart of the Texas wine country just outside of Fredericksburg, Texas in Stonewall, Texas. This Fume Blanc has 13.2% alcohol and an artifical cork. The wine had malolactic fermentation in both French white oak barrels (one-third) and stainless steel tanks (two-thirds). It retails between 8 to 14 dollars.

The first thing I noticed about this wine was its medium straw yellow color. The nose had a soft sweetness of bananas, pears, and pear skins. On the palate were soft fruits such as pears, green apples, and bananas with hints of herds and spice. The Fume Blanc had a strong finish and a slight creamy, richness to it that made this wine easy to drink.