Texas Wine: Texas Sommelier Tasting
Last week marked a big event in Texas wine. In the first-ever “Texas Sommelier Tasting,” nearly a dozen sommeliers and wine experts blind tasted more than 100 Texas wines to select their favorites that best represent Texas. From Blanc du Bois grown in Coastal sandy soils to Mediterranean varieties like Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Vermentino that are flourishing in the High Plains, Texas sommeliers were challenged with the task of giving a read on the state of Texas wines.
“This tasting showed the strength of the Texas wine industry and how well Mediterranean varieties are doing,” said Drew Hendricks, MS, director of beverage education and wine for the Houston-based Pappas Restaurant Group and one of the sommelier tasters. “There are many new and exciting wineries as well.”
Below is a list of favorites among the wine professionals:
Chardonnay
Llano Estacado, 2009 Unoaked Chardonnay
Fall Creek Vineyards, 2009 Chardonnay
Viognier
Lone Oak Winery, 2010 Viognier
Brennan Vineyards, 2009 Viognier
Blanc du Bois
Haak Vineyards and Winery, 2010 Dry Blanc du Bois
Lone Oak Winery, 2010 Blanc du Bois
Enoch’s Stomp, 2009 Off-Dry Blanc du Bois
Haak Vineyards and Winery, 2010 Semi-Sweet Blanc du Bois
Pinot Grigio
Texas Hills Vineyard, 2008 Pinot Grigio
Riesling
Bell Mountain Vineyards, 2007 Late Harvest Riesling
Other Whites
Duchman Family Winery, 2009 Vermentino
Llano Estacado, 2009 Viviana
Landon Winery, 2010 Gewurztraminer
Rosé
Driftwood Estate Winery, 2010 Dry Rosé
McPherson Cellars, 2009 Rosé of Syrah
Messina Hof Wine Cellars, 2010 Sophia Marie Rosé
Rhone and Bordeaux Blends
Becker Vineyards, 2009 Prairie Rotie
Inwood Estates Vineyards, 2006 Magellan
Messina Hof Wine Cellars, 2006 Paulo Bordeaux Blend
Merlot
Grape Creek Vineyards, 2008 Merlot
Pedernales Cellars, 2008 Merlot
Syrah
Brennan Vineyards, 2007 Syrah
Petite Syrah
Torre di Pietra Vineyards, 2008 Petite Syrah
Tempranillo/Tempranillo Blends
Inwood Estates Vineyards, 2008 Cornelius
Inwood Estates Vineyards, 2007 Tempranillo-Cabernet
Pedernales Cellars, 2008 Tempranillo
Red Caboose Winery and Vineyard, 2007 Tempranillo
La Buena Vida Vineyards-Springtown, 2005 Smith Estate Tempranillo
Cabernet Sauvignon
Crump Valley Vineyards, 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
Brennan Vineyards, 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Kiepersol Estates Winery, 2007 Texas Cabernet Sauvignon
Red Blends
Brushy Creek Vineyards, NV Trois Amis
Pedernales Cellars, 2008 Kuhlken Vineyards Reserve
Red Caboose Winery and Vineyard, 2008 Lenoir/Tempranillo
Sandstone Cellars, 2009 X
Llano Estacado, 2007 Viviano
Fall Creek Vineyards, 2006 Meritus
Other Reds
Duchman Family Winery, 2009 Dolcetto
Duchman Family Winery, 2009 Montepulciano
Messina Hof Wine Cellars, 2009 Private Reserve Cabernet Franc
Sandstone Cellars, 2009 VII
Dessert/Port
Enoch’s Stomp, 2009 Sweet Lenoir
Grape Creek Vineyards, NV Port
Pleasant Hill Winery, NV Tawny Rosso Forte
Texas Hills Vineyard, 2008 Moscato
Stone House Vineyard, NV Scheming Beagle Port
McPherson Cellars, NV Chansa Solera Reserva Sherry
Enoch’s Stomp, 2009 Ellen’s Sweet Song
Roy Schneider says:
Texas wines are really coming into their own. As the 3rd largest wine producer in the US, It is great to see Texas wines finally get some props. It is tough in the wine business to gain acceptability.
At the Barbed Rose Steakhouse in Alvin, Texas, we have made a commitment to Texas wines. We have over a dozen wines and growing in our Texas Selections. Don’t be afraid to experiment with wines from the Lone Star State!!! You will find some real winners!
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