Texas Wine Gal

The winemakers at Ron Yates Winery -- Todd Crowell and Reagan Sivadon -- take great pride in their barrel program at Ron Yates. Lucky for us, we got to participate in a barrel tasting to see how the same wine has developed when aged in different barrels. 

(Reagan Sivadon and Todd Crowell)

We tasted 2018 Friesen Vineyard Merlot aged for nine months in a neutral French oak barrel, Heinrich Cooperage barrel (American oak barrel from Barossa), and these four different French oak barrels: Nadalie Expression Rouge Satin Toast, Quintessence Fleur de Quintessence, Boutes Grand Reserve Chateau Toast, and Radoux thin stave, tight grain barrel.

For me, I struggle with identifying grape tannins vs. oak tannins. Crowell says  grape tannins often lend bitter notes from the skins and seeds, while oak tannins create a dry sensation around your cheeks.

Here are my favorite barrel expressions from the tasting:

The Nadalie French oak offered notes of cocoa and mocha, with soft tannins. This wine could be bottled tomorrow! Well integrated notes of fruit and tannins.

The Boutes oak offered sweet maple and caramel notes that offset the grippy tannins.

The Quintessence barrel offered some pecan nuttiness and Asian spice notes, with super grippy tannins. 

The Radoux barrel (from Cognac) provided tons of baking spices and vanilla notes.

While many in our group preferred the Heinrich American oak barrel, it was my least favorite.

This was a fabulous learning experience -- from understanding the proprietary nature of the cooperages in terms of where they source their wood, how they make the barrels and their toast regime to the very distinct flavors and tannins from each barrel.

One thing for sure -- Ron, Todd and Reagan have some great Merlot aging in those barrels. Will be great to see the final product -- whether it’s a single varietal Merlot or a blend -- later this year.

(Todd Crowell, owner Ron Yates, Reagan Sivadon)

This was the first time Ron Yates Winery has offered this barrel experience for guests. They will likely do it again later in the year so stay tuned! 

It never fails. I go to Costco to get toilet paper (Kirkland is my favorite brand) or peanut-butter filled pretzels, and I walk out with a case of wine. Never fails.

I recently purchased several bottles of inexpensive rose’ wines to check out. I buy wines in all price ranges; sometimes it’s worth spending a bit more on something you love or that is harder to find. But I don’t really want to pay a lot for rose’ wines. If a rose’ wine is over $20, it better be pretty special. 

Here’s my take on some of the rose’ wines from Costco. 

Favorites were Sokol Blosser’s rose’ for $17. Nice citrus, under-ripe strawberry and herbal notes from this rose’ of Pinot Noir. Bright and refreshing. I love wines from Oregon!

Also enjoyed Costco’s Kirkland Cotes de Provence for $9. $9!! Strawberry and lime and herbal notes...kind of like a strawberry sweet-tart.I totally agree with Reverse Wine Snob on this one!

And the Louis Jadot rose’ for $10. Nice floral, apple and strawberry notes. Think cranapple and raspberry with Jolly Rancher tartness.Bright, crisp, refreshing. More please.

The Rosaline ($12) with the glass bottle closure (I am a sucker for these!) was just ok. Had nice berry and lime notes but it was a little astringent on the finish. Same with the Domaine de Tamary ($11) -- just too bitter on the finish for my taste.

Seriously, I could spend all night just smelling the nose on this wine. Petrol, honeysuckle, citrus fruit, wet stones. It does not disappoint on the palate -- lots of lemon-lime, green apple, under ripe apricot/nectarine and, again, those stony notes. A beautiful dry Riesling from Empire Estates in the Finger Lakes AVA (NY), it’s available nationally at Whole Foods Market. 

Happy to share some Texas wine suggestions to carry you through summer and into the fall. A great way to celebrate Texas wine harvest too! Cheers!

See page 8 of the GO TEXAN e-zine.

For sure, I love Oregon wines. What’s not to love -- some of my favorite wines from many family-owned, small, boutique producers. Reminds me a lot like Texas (except for the grape varieties!).

This week’s Pinot in the City event provided a great opportunity to taste some terrific Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir -- and some Chardonnay and bubbles -- from Willamette Valley. Here are some of my favorites from the night!

Bubbles from Argyle Winery and Roco Bubbles!

My favorite Pinot Gris of the night - the 2015 Estate Van Duzer. Steely, mineraly, austere. My kind of white wine.

Also enjoyed the Elizabeth Chambers 2015 Pinot Gris -- pear notes with lots of minerality; austere.The 2014 Lazy River Pinot from Yamhill-Carlton was lush, smooth, with earthy, leather notes (with a cherry lollipop finish). Yum. 

Favorite Pinot Blanc of the night -- Brooks! Super expressive wine with peach, floral and tropical notes, and a nice round texture. This wine is from vines planted in 1984.

Their 2013 Janus estate Pinot Noir had beautiful mushroom, savory notes. 

Hello Shea Wine Cellars! Definitely want to visit them next time I go to Oregon. Beautiful 2014 Chardonnay, 2013 estate Pinot Noir (fruit forward with cherry, raspberry notes) and 2012 Homer Pinot Noir (cherry, savory, mushrooms, and smooth tannins).

The Domaine Drouhin 2014 Arthur Chardonnay is “Chasault” style -- a cross between a Chablis and Mersault. You are calling my name! Also enjoyed the Rose Rock from Eola-Amity Hills (floral, cherry, strawberry, feminine number) and the Domaine Drouhin 2014 Pinot Noir (floral, super lush, silky).

The beauty of these tastings is the people you meet. The Native Flora folks are one of the smallest wineries in Willamette yet 95 percent of their wines leave the state! Loved the 2015 Strawberry Blonde Estate Rose’. #roseallday

Loved meeting Donna Morris and Bill Sweat of Winderlea. This couple moved from Boston to start a winery 11 years ago and are killing it with their Chardonnay (Burgundy in style) and classic Pinot Noir.

Met David Adesheim and his daughter whose portrait is on his Elizabeth’s Reserve Pinot Noir, a rustic, earthy Pinot. Loved meeting his daughter in person!

And last but not least, Kim Coleman -- a former electrical contractor-turned-winery owner. His 2014 Old Block Pommard Pinot Noir was a rough-around-the-edges, burlier and heavier Pinot coming from 7 acres of 20-year old vines. Only 50 cases of this baby, so get it while you can. 

I sure hope the Williamette Vallery wineries make this an annual event. Lots of Oregon wine lovers in Austin. Cheers!

More than 60 wineries from Oregon’s Willamette Valley (pronounced Willamette dammit!) will offer a taste of the Northwest on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. at the JW Marriott. Get your tickets now to Pinot in the City because this will be a great event to taste some of the finest wines from Oregon.

I visited Willamette Valley a couple of years ago and Oregon wine country is simply stunning, as you will see from the photos below. The wineries also reminded me of Texas because many are smaller producers, offering estate only wines. 

Willamette wineries are known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris -- and they make some delicious rose’ wines too. Wine Enthusiast named Willamette its 2016 Wine Region of the Year. 

Here are the wineries are I looking forward to revisiting when they are here in Austin:

Argyle -- bubbles,baby!

Brooks -- love the Pinot Gris and Rieslings!

Domaine Serene -- Great wines, in fact Wine Spectator announced its 2014 Evenstad Reserve Chardonnay was ranked #2 wine on its Top 100 wines list

Lange - super small and intimate

Stoller - modern tasting room with some of my favorite wines from the trip (loved the Pinot Noir Rose’)

Sokol Blosser - also a modern tasting room and winery, and underground barrel cellar, look for its popular Evolution label

Sotor - beautiful wines and snack pairings - I brought back the North Valley 2013 Rose’ and 2012 Chradonnay

Winderlea  -- modern winery built into the hillside; we enjoyed a very special pairing that day, with my favorite the Rose’ of Pinot Noir

Cheers!

If you don’t know, you need to find out -- because it is home to probably the best food and wine event in Texas, if not the country.  Hosted by Tom and Lisa Perini of the Perini Ranch Steakhouse, it is truly a special, magical, intimate, and quintessential Texas wine and food weekend.

This year’s theme was “The Young, Hip and Up & Coming,” featuring the next-generation of winemakers across the country.  We chatted and lunched with Peter Mondavi, who shared his family’s storied wine history with us.

Peter Mondavi and Master Sommelier Guy Stout

The event kicked off with an opening dinner, which was nothing short of stellar, led by Chef Stephen Pyles who recruited fellow chefs Tim Byres, Matt McCallister, and Mark Kiffin to present a four-course meal paired with 22 wines.  Yes, 22 wines. 

Pat Brennan and Trelise Brennan of Brennan Vineyards, Ron Yates and father Ronnie Yates with Spicewood Vineyards and Rebecca Conley with Brennan Vineyards

Julie Kuhlken and Fredrik Osterberg, Pedernales Cellars

Pat Brennan, winemaker Todd Webster, Rebecca Conley of Brennan Vineyards

Tom Perini and the Good Guy wine from Spicewood Vineyards

Brennan Vineyards Dry Rose’

Pedernales Cellars Tempranillo Reserve

Bending Branch Winery Comfortage (Roussanne)

Saturday featured another tasting of 22 wines, this time 22 Rhone Valley and Rhone-style wines -- all before noon! Master Sommelier Guy Stout along with Texas Monthly wine writer Jessica Dupuy moderated the panel of winemakers whose wines were featured.

Jessica Dupuy and Guy Stout

Winemaker panel

Food trucks served up lunch -- Easy Slider, Chez Flo, Yim Yam, The Guava Tree, and others.  An absolutely gorgeous day!

The afternoon included a session of family-owned wineries and up-and-coming winemakers, talking about how they work hard to continue winery traditions while also introducing some new ideas and approaches.

Ron Yates of Spicewood Vineyards and Fredrik Osterberg of Pedernales Cellars

Lisa Perini kicks off the session with up and coming winemakers

Saturday night was “Cowboys Cuisine & Cabernet,” featuring chefs from the Dallas-Fort Worth area who served small bites paired with wines from across the country. The night was magical -- dining and dancing under the big trees.

Lisa Perini, Jessica Dupuy, Don Brady (Texan-turned California winemaker, Brady Vineyard in Paso Robles -- making kick ass Petite Sirah!)

Dancing the night away!

It was great to see so many friends from the Texas wine industry!

Bunny and Dr. Richard Becker,Becker Vineyards, who host the summit with the Perini’s.

Spencer Igo and Kim McPherson, McPherson Cellars

Greg Bruni, Llano Estacado

Many thanks to my Texas Fine Wine client who invited me to attend.  I’m hooked and hope to be able to attend again.  It’s a tough ticket to get so be quick next year when tickets go on sale!

What a great combination! My friends who love a trip to Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg can now also enjoy a glass of wine from Wedding Oak Winery, which has opened a second tasting room at this picturesque setting.

I met Wedding Oak owner Mike McHenry “back in the day” when he was growing grapes for Alamosa Wine Cellars.  He caught the wine bug and opened his own winery in San Saba in 2012 -- singlehandedly transforming this sleepy Texas town into a tourist destination.

With this second tasting room at Wildseed Farms, guests can enjoy wine (by the glass or flight) under a covered patio or at the bar.  Winemaker and viticulturist Penny Adams shared a few wines with a group of us last night -- my faves were the single-varietal wines of Albarino, Rose’ and Sangiovese.

This off-dry sparkling Moscato is perfect for patio sipping.

The Albarino has notes of white peach, pineapple, dry and racy.

The dry Rose’ is made from 100 percent Dolcetto grapes, with notes of cherries, raspberries and white pepper.

This Texedo Red, also 100 percent Dolcetto, is easy drinking with a hint of sweetness.

We got a preview of the 2014 Sangiovese, which will be released later this year or in 2017 -- love the cherry and earth flavors.

Wildseed Farms owner John Thomas is also planting on his property some 35 acres of Albarino, Tempranillo, Mourvedre and other grapes for Wedding Oak, as well as a demonstration vineyard for guest education.

Houston continues to rock the wine and culinary scene - most recently making the Washington Post list of top food cities. I recently spent two days in Houston with my friend Kristi who wanted to check out several of the Treadsack restaurants.

First up: Bernadine’s, “a love letter to the Gulf Coast.” The oyster shell martini was the perfect start to a meal of oysters on the half shell and grilled snapper with grits.  Not too noisy, the restaurant offers a rustic, contemporary feel.

For a completely different experience, we had brunch at Foreign Correspondents, a Thai restaurant in the Heights. A whimsical, colorful mural covers the main wall, a nice touch to the spicy, flavorful food. We enjoyed a Thai omelette, and curry soup and fried shrimp dishes -- with a satsuma mimosa to offset the heat.

While on this trip, I had to stop by Helen Greek Food and Wine, which is owned by sommelier friend Evan Turner. His restaurant that just opened this year has made most every top Houston restaurant list -- for good reason. You can see the attention that has been given to the food, wine list, service and overall atmosphere of this charming restaurant in Rice Village.

Besides the amazing Greek wines we tasted, I can’t wait to go back for the wood grilled octopus.  WOW!

The wine list at Helen is fabulous -- here are a few we enjoyed.

And yes, here’s Evan showing off the sword he will use to saber the Nebuchadnezzar bottle of champagne on New Year’s Eve.  (This large format bottle holds 20 standard bottles!)

Finally, for our nightcap, we stopped by Camerata to see wine friend David Keck. What a terrific neighborhood wine bar -- super comfortable with a wine list that is both approachable and fun (some interesting juice for wine geeks like me). 

I can dream, right? 

During a recent trip to Las Vegas, I got a behind-the-scenes tour of some of Vegas’ swankiest luxury suites, most of which go for $5,000 or more a night. Once only for the gambling elite or celebrities, these suites are now available for anyone looking for a bit of the high life while enjoying Vegas.  Take a look.

Aria Sky Villas

We toured a two-story, 6500-square-foot suite on the 58th floor of this luxury hotel. It regularly goes for $7,500 a night.

Bellagio Suites

We visited the Chairmans Suite -- 4500-square feet, on the 33rd floor, and goes for $5,000 a night.  (By the way, did you know there are 33 Scuba-certified engineers who keep the Bellagio fountains running flawlessly?)

MGM Grand Skylofts

These skylofts are all two-story suites (with 24/7 butler service) that are available for as little as $800 a night for a 1-bedroom suite to $5,000+ a night for larger suites. We toured a gorgeous unit designed for entertaining with an outdoor patio and jacuzzi.

The Mansion

Last, but definitely not least, was a tour of The Mansion -- a property once so exclusive that it was invitation only and many questioned if it even existed. This European style mansion (just a walk down from L’Atelier by Joel Robuchon) has been serving guests for some 20+ years.  It has over 1,000 pieces of art, including several Picasso’s and a painting by Robert DeNiro Sr. It has its own private casino, dining room, movie theater, atrium and outdoor pool.

We toured lucky #8 - which seemed perfectly suited for Brad and Angelina and all their children.

Yes, it’s flooding down in Texas but that didn’t stop one Texas winery from opening its doors this weekend.  Thanks to some yeoman assistance from fellow winery friends (William Chris, Kuhlman Cellars, Lewis Wines), Ben Calais was able to control the rushing waters and clean up his winery for his soft opening this weekend.

Calais Winery (formerly located in Dallas) offers a beautiful rose’ wine (my favorite thanks to its fruit and minerality notes), as well as Roussanne, Sangiovese, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon wines.  

It’s been a highly anticipated opening, with many of my wine friends stopping by to check it out.

Lee and Laura (Way Out West Austin)

Russ (Vintage Texas) and Delia

The beauty of this opening clearly illustrates the tremendous community in Hye, Texas -- the credit for which goes to Hye Market and William Chris Winery.  They have created a community that works together, shares their wine expertise and equipment, and comes together during times of crisis as well as celebration.

Speaking of celebrating, it was great to see all the additions at Compass Rose Cellars, including an expanded patio (with a terrific Hill Country view) and kitchen. This beef and argula flatbread hit the spot after a day of sipping and spitting.

I always have a great time visiting Texas wine country -- if you haven’t take a trip, it’s time to get on the road. I promise you’ll feel welcomed everywhere you go!

Lucky me, I have Whole Foods Market, Spec’s, Twin Liquors and now Total Wine within 5 miles of my house.  (However, Total Wine may end up getting a fair share of my wine purchases given it’s right next door to Nordstrom Rack.  Sigh.)

This Brodie Lane store is the 9th in Texas and first store to open in Austin and it doesn’t disappoint.  In my quick glance of selection and prices, it seems to have a great selection of wines at very competitive prices.

Great to see a good Texas wine selection, too. 

This weekend marks its opening, during which it will donate 10 percent of sales to Austin’s Long Center for the Performing Arts.   From May 28-30, it will donate 10 percent to the Hill Country Conservancy.  And from June 4 through June 6, it will donate to the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas. 

So do good while you buy your favorite wine, spirits and beers over the coming weeks. 

Fall Creek Vineyards winemaker Sergio Cuadra shares some great Texas wine with guests.

Always happy to run into friends -- Cindy, Mark, Jeff and Karen.

Yes, there is such a thing as a fairy godmother. Her name is Susan and she’s a wine collector here in Austin who wants to share her wines and knowledge with Austin’s “women in wine” community.

Lucky me, I get to taste along with Susan and other wine experts from LaV, Arro, Qui, Red Room Lounge,Fleming’s, Jeffrey’s and wine media & educators.

Today, we tasted through white and red flights from the Rhone Valley, at Austin’s French country restaurant Arro -- the perfect pairing. (Many thanks to Mollie and Mark for hosting us.)

The white flight featured Viogniers from different vintages and my first-ever white Chateauneuf du Pape -- a taste of honeycomb and tart green apple.

The reds presented a spectacular opportunity, particularly with one flight of Syrah where we had to determine which was from Cornas, Cote Rotie or Hermitage (the three on the right in the photo below).

We ended the blind tasting with a vertical flight of 2003, 2004 and 2005 Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape.

This group started in February at Fabi + Rosi with an equally amazing line up of wines, kicked off with a magnum of 1996 Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque..

The whites included my favorite 2007 Comte Lafon Meursault “Clos de la Barre” white Burgundy.

The reds included a 1988 Chateau Margaux Bordeaux blend, 2003 Almaviva from Chile, 2001 d’Arendberg “Dead Arm” from Australia, and a 2001 Finca Allende “Calvario” from Spain.

Yes, I am terribly lucky to be able to taste wines and learn from wine fairy godmother.

Llano Estacado has launched its THP line of quality wines from Texas High Plains vineyards, but they also have a little fun and say the wines are made with a bit of Texas Hocus Pocus -- referring to the winemaking magic in the bottle. 

These special wines from one of Texas' largest wineries are available only in restaurants, including Stephen Pyles Restaurant and Stampede 66. The THP label joins Llano's fine wine portfolio that also includes Viviano, 1836 and Mont Sec brands -- again, all destined for restaurant wine lists.

The THP Stampede is a lush red made from Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon from Newsom and Reddy Vineyards.

Lots of black cherry, black plum and licorice on the nose, with some ripe/macerated black fruits and leather on the palate. Nice tannins and weight to this wine.  Perfect for a cold winter night.

So happy to show off the Texas Wine Country to my brother and sister-in-law, and my best friend, this weekend.  Wine brings people together and offers so much joy -- and what better way to enjoy it than with your family. 

And this includes my Texas wine family too -- I love the amazing friendships, hospitality and comraderie of Texas wine people. 

Cathey, Cindy, Neel and me

Here's a pictorial look at our weekend -- cheers!  We started Saturday on Highway 290, staying close to Hye.

Pedernales Cellars

A Texas Fine Wine winery

Neel and Cathey

Me and Cindy

Bill Burns took us through a terrific tasting, including the new Texas Dulce, a Viognier, aged in French oak and fortified with brandy.

Love the Tempranillo Reserve that is a Jefferson Cup winner - cherry, plum, lush number.

William Chris

(Thank you to Miguel Lecuona for the photo!)

Chris sharing a barrel sample of some amazing Petit Verdot! Inky! And got a taste of the new rose' coming out this year - lucky me.  Brought home 2011 and 2012 Merlots to put down for a few years.

Bill Blackmon and Chris Brundrett

Lewis Wines

It's always a treat when a winemaker is at the winery to share a barrel sample!

Looking forward to tasting two new rose' wines from Lewis (one of Mourvedre and one of Cinsault) and the Round Mountain Tempranillo.

Sunday -- headed to Driftwood!

But first -- the 3M Half Marathon!

Duchman Family Winery

A Texas Fine Wine winery!

Had to pick up the Trebbiano and Aglianico - two of my favorites.

Fall Creek Vineyards at Driftwood

Susan Auler gave us a tour of the beautiful, new Fall Creek tasting room in Driftwood, across from the Salt Lick. The stonework is amazing.

PIcked up the GSM that was one of Texas Monthly';s Top Red Wines for 2014. Going to cellar this for five or so years.

A great wine weekend - can't wait for the next one!