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Cristaldi Scores

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Wine

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Rating

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

2019

Bending Branch Winery

Double Barrel Tannat

This Tannat from Bending Branch was finished in bourbon barrels, with flash detente and cryo-maceration, and fermented in half-ton open-top fermenters. Sourced from two vineyards, it offers intriguing aromas of brandied morello cherry fruit and leather spices, mingling with sappy tannins on the medium-bodied palate. Softer and fleshy in the mouth, the wine reveals nice baking spice character, with layers of toffee, espresso bean, and a hint of molasses on the finish.

2019

Brennan Vineyards

Buffalo Roam Reserve

The Buffalo Roam Reserve is a savory red wine that combines 65% Syrah, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petite Sirah, and 6% Cabernet Franc. It offers very attractive green olive tapenade notes that mingle with red currants, dried herbs, and spices. Medium-bodied, it is framed by black tea tannins and complemented by tobacco, sage, and a hint of dried spearmint on its complex finish.

2019

Brennan Vineyards

JPB Tribute Red Wine

The Brennan Vineyards Tribute Red, created in honor of late winery founder Dr. J. Patrick Brennan, is an elegant and savory wine that offers a rich profile of currant fruits, tobacco spices, cedarwood, and tanned leather. The wine is further enhanced by delicate notes of dried rose petals and violets. Medium-bodied with expressive tannins, it shows layers of fig jam and currant jelly, intertwined with sagebrush, thyme, and black truffle nuances. A beautifully complex wine, it has both depth and refinement, making it a memorable tribute to its namesake.

2019

Flat Creek Estate

Super Texan

Flat Creek Estate’s “Super Texan” is a fragrant, meaty red wine with a red-toned character. It offers a medium- to full-bodied palate, enriched with savory notes of truffle, underbrush, and green tobacco, finishing with a long, persistent limestone mineral thread.

2020

Becker Vineyards

Chardonnay Reserve

Becker’s Reserve Chardonnay is crafted from grapes sourced from Canada Family Vineyards in Plains, Texas, near the New Mexico border, and Drew Tallent of Tallent Vineyards in Mason, within the Texas Hill Country AVA. Aged for 20 months in 30% new French oak, it displays both richness and freshness. The oak imparts a subtle sweetness, with hints of caramel and toffee spices seamlessly woven into the aromas of rich citrus and orchard fruits. Full-bodied on the palate, it offers flavors reminiscent of apple pie and warm baking spices. Its lush texture is counterbalanced by a vibrant spine of juicy acidity, creating a wine that is both indulgent and refreshing.

2020

Becker Vineyards

Ranger Hays

This blend of 78% Malbec, 10% Petit Verdot, 8% Tannat, and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 36 months in 22% new American oak, resulting in a wine with impressive power and intensity. It features a savory mineral character and subtle nuances of pressed dried florals, which complement the rich barrel spices. The nose is further enriched with red berry fruits, mulberry, and a touch of molasses, likely influenced by the American oak. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, it concludes with a long ironstone mineral finish, with hints of charcuterie adding complexity.

2020

Eden Hill

Tempranillo Reserve

The Eden Hill Vineyards Winemaker’s Reserve Tempranillo from the Eden Hill Estate Vineyard, produced by Chris Hornbaker, is a richly layered, medium-bodied red. It opens with red-toned fruit aromas of strawberry, rhubarb, and cranberry, with an interesting note reminiscent of cotton candy—nostalgic and inviting, like childhood evenings at the county fair. Fine, firm tannins provide structure, and the finish is both sweetly spiced and bone dry. A truly fascinating Tempranillo from Texas!

2020

Triple R Ranch

Longhorn

The Longhorn Reserve Shiraz (supplemented with 10% Alicante Bouschet), offers pretty red floral notes that intermingle with crunchy red berry fruit and spices. On the medium-bodied palate, the wine builds with richness and intensity, layered with apple skin tannins and laced with subtle hints of white pepper, sage, and tobacco.

2021

Arrowhead Creek Vineyard

Montepulciano

This Montepulciano (augmented with 5% Aglianico) from Arrowhead Creek Vineyards offers a heady mix of sweet red berry fruits, with fine-grained tannins that provide good presence and build intensity on the mid-palate. The wine is balanced by vibrant blood orange acidity, complemented by smoky mineral notes, toasty cedarwood, and crushed prairie herbs.

2021

Brennan Vineyards

Cabernet Sauvignon

Brennan Vineyards’ 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from Newburg Vineyard in Comanche County is a well-balanced, unfussy, and easy-drinking red. Packed with vibrant strawberry and raspberry fruit, it’s complemented by notes of fruit leather, panna cotta, and coriander cream. The wine’s full-bodied expression of Cabernet is supported by robust tannins, adding structure while maintaining a smooth and approachable character.

2021

Grape Creek Vineyards

Mosaic Red Blend

The Mosaic is the winery’s classic Bordeaux blend and typically includes all five Bordeaux varieties, though this year’s weather was less accommodating. The wine is medium to full-bodied, showing ripe cherry, blackberry, and black raspberry fruit layered with notes of leather, tobacco, sagebrush, and black tea, finishing with a delicate floral lift. Winemaker Jason Englert oversees an 80,000 case production across all Heath Family Brands (Grape Creek Vineyards, Heath Sparkling Wines, Jenblossom Cellars and Invention Vineyards).

2021

Invention Vineyards

Soleluce Super Tuscan

The Soleluce is a crunchy, red-fruited, zesty wine with rich forest berry and underbrush notes in a medium-bodied expression. Currant fruit and subtle tobacco spice nuances carry through to the fine finish. Winemaker Jason Englert oversees an 80,000 case production across all Heath Family Brands (Grape Creek Vineyards, Heath Sparkling Wines, Jenblossom Cellars and Invention Vineyards).

2021

Llano Estacado

Kubacak Vineyards, Sangiovese Classico

The Kubacak Vineyards Sangiovese Classico from the Texas High Plains is a meaty, savory red, infused with white pepper aromas. Medium-bodied with intense character, it shows hints of pressed wildflowers, green olives, and ends with a very dry finish.

2021

Llano Estacado

Le Claret Classique Red Blend

The 2021 Le Claret Classique Red Blend combines 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 24% Merlot into a super savory wine. It opens with notes of peppered charcuterie, black olive, black licorice, and tanned leather, all framed by burly tannins. The wine builds beautifully from medium- to full-bodied, with a long finish that lingers for over a half-minute.

2021

Lone Star Wines

Drinkin' Buddy Red Wine

The fancifully named Drinkin’ Buddy Red Wine is a straightforward, unfussy offering with ripe red cherry fruit and toasty cedarwood notes. It is framed by muscular tannins, creating a medium-bodied wine that builds with richness on the mid-palate. As the assertive tannins resolve, the wine becomes more plump and generous. Lingering notes of red licorice and emerging graphite add complexity.

2021

Meierstone Vineyards

Sangiovese

Irresistibly drinkable, Meierstone Vineyard’s Sangiovese from the Texas High Plains shows vibrant cranberry and cherry fruit character. Espresso bean, mocha, and vanilla bean notes add some complexity, all carried through delicously to a medium-bodied finish.

2021

Pedernales Cellars

Texas GSM Melange

The GSM Mélange 2021 from Pedernales Cellars blends 40% Mourvèdre, 33% Grenache, and 27% Syrah. It offers crunchy red-toned fruit notes, interalced with black currants, while hints of black truffle add aromatic complexity. Medium-bodied with silky, black tea-infsued tannins, black truffle and underbrush hints on the palate fuel a lengthy and mienral-rich finish.

2021

Texas Wine Collective

GSM

This blend of 41% Syrah, 36% Mourvèdre, 23% Grenache from Texas Wine Collective is a ripe, energetic and layered GSM style red, with nice red-toned fruit character and a medium-bodied palate expression. Complementing the fruit profile are white pepper and pressed violet nuances. Muscular, firm, and broad-shouldred tannins frame the palate, while a firm spine of acidity keeps this wine bright and fresh. Its long finsh is marked by the subtlest hints of charcuterie.

2021

Texas Wine Collective

Mourvèdre

Texas Wine Collective’s Mourvèdre is a medium-bodied, solid red that offers elegant red berry fruit character, including red currants and dried strawberries, with subtle hints of clove and allspice. Incredibly accessible and straightforward, it boasts a fine-grained tannic intensity that is well-integrated. The wine finishes with a lengthy, mineral-rich finish, showcasing its depth and balance.

2021

Triple R Ranch

Mountain Lion

The Mountain Lion Reserve Meritage Red from Ranch Wines is as tame as a lion waiting in the shadows. It offers a nice, elegant red-fruited profile with ripe currant and cherry fruits, complemented by notes of tanned leather and white pepper. Burly tannins throughout its medium-bodied expression provide the framework forits mineral-scented finish.

2022

Becker Vineyards

Ranger Hays

The 2022 Ranger Hays is a blend of 74% Malbec, 14% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from vineyards across the Texas High Plains and Texas Hill Country. Aged for 24 months in 25% new French and American oak, it’s a savory, medium-bodied red showing notes of dark olive, loamy earth, iron, and crushed rock. Velvety tannins carry through to a starker, mineral-driven finish.

2022

Eden Hill

Good Texan Red Wine

Eden Hill’s 2022 “Good Texan” is a blend of 75% Tempranillo, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. This straightforward red wine showcases vibrant strawberry fruit, complemented by dusty mineral notes and the scent of pressed violets. Medium-bodied with robust tannins, it finishes with a loamy earth character and emerging hints of strawberry fruit leather.

2022

Grape Creek Vineyards

Bellissimo Super Tuscan

This is a crowd-pleaser in the Super Tuscan style, offering ripe currant and cassis fruit with hints of blackberry and subtle blue fruit aromatics. Firm, taut, mineral-laced tannins frame the palate, accented by earthy and tobacco spice notes and wet stone minerality on the lengthy finish. A fine medium-bodied wine that builds to full-bodied intensity as it finishes. Winemaker Jason Englert oversees an 80,000 case production across all Heath Family Brands (Grape Creek Vineyards, Heath Sparkling Wines, Jenblossom Cellars and Invention Vineyards).

2022

Grape Creek Vineyards

Cabernet Trois Red Blend

The Cab Trois comes from a hot, dry year, and it shows in the vivid dry herb aromatics that mingle with dried rose petal notes, creating a spicy, herbal character that’s quite intriguing. Purple violet florals carry through on the palate alongside spiced plum fruit and chalky minerality, leading to a lengthy, mineral-driven finish. Winemaker Jason Englert oversees an 80,000 case production across all Heath Family Brands (Grape Creek Vineyards, Heath Sparkling Wines, Jenblossom Cellars and Invention Vineyards).

2022

Grape Creek Vineyards

Petite Sirah

The 2022 Petite Sirah is a full-bodied, bold, and richly textured wine with inky black fruit and blue fruit nuances layered with notes of underbrush, dark forest floor, red tobacco, and espresso bean. It shows impressive density and weight throughout the palate. Winemaker Jason Englert oversees an 80,000 case production across all Heath Family Brands (Grape Creek Vineyards, Heath Sparkling Wines, Jenblossom Cellars and Invention Vineyards).

2022

Invention Vineyards

Cabernet Sauvignon

This Cabernet Sauvignon is medium-bodied, showing red currant fruit and black tea notes layered with sagebrush. Superfine tannins provide a solid foundation for this tangy, zesty, blood-orange-fueled red, which finishes with savory black olive and black truffle charcuterie nuances. Winemaker Jason Englert oversees an 80,000 case production across all Heath Family Brands (Grape Creek Vineyards, Heath Sparkling Wines, Jenblossom Cellars and Invention Vineyards).

2022

Invention Vineyards

Conflation Red Wine

The Conflation Red is a bold, dark-fruited wine with muscular tannins and appealing iron-stone mineral tension at mid-palate. Ripe currant and cassis emerge on the medium- to full-bodied finish, joined by lingering notes of dark fig and subtle underbrush. Nicely put together and easily crushable. Winemaker Jason Englert oversees an 80,000 case production across all Heath Family Brands (Grape Creek Vineyards, Heath Sparkling Wines, Jenblossom Cellars and Invention Vineyards).

2022

Slate Theory

The Schizophrenic

This wine received longer aging than is typical for the winery—31 months in 57% new French oak and 43% neutral oak. It opens with alluring notes of sagebrush, thyme, and rosemary layered over dark loamy earth, violets, and charcuterie. Currant fruit and dark chocolate–covered cherries add richness to the medium-bodied palate, which finishes with a lingering, earthy depth. The Jones family purchased Torre di Pietra Winery in 2018 and invested in 1851 Vineyards the following year, rebranding the operation as Slate Mill Wine Collective and expanding into a custom crush facility. The first official release under the Slate Theory label was a 2017 Malbec, and the Slate Theory winery and cave opened in 2021.

2022

Spicewood Vineyards

Dell Valley Vineyards, Cabernet Franc

Spicewood Vineyards’ 2019 “The Independence” is a fragrant Cabernet Franc that opens with rose petal and lavender notes, interlaced with black cherry and red currant fruits. Medium-bodied on the palate, the bright florality counterbalances the wine’s dense red fruit and spice characters, while sappy, fine-grained tannins provide a smooth, structured mouthfeel. The wine glides to a satisfying finish.

2022

Spicewood Vineyards

Louisa

The 2022 Louisa from Spicewood Vineyards is a 100% Sémillon that shines with simplicity and charm. This easy-drinking, straightforward wine offers lively citrus character, accented by a subtle hint of crushed Marcona almonds. The bright, clean saline finish adds a refreshing touch, making it an enjoyable and approachable expression of Sémillon. Perfect for casual sipping or pairing with light dishes.

1 2

Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

Rating

$

2019

Producer

Name

This Tannat from Bending Branch was finished in bourbon barrels, with flash detente and cryo-maceration, and fermented in half-ton open-top fermenters. Sourced from two vineyards, it offers intriguing aromas of brandied morello cherry fruit and leather spices, mingling with sappy tannins on the medium-bodied palate. Softer and fleshy in the mouth, the wine reveals nice baking spice character, with layers of toffee, espresso bean, and a hint of molasses on the finish.

2019

Producer

Name

The Buffalo Roam Reserve is a savory red wine that combines 65% Syrah, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petite Sirah, and 6% Cabernet Franc. It offers very attractive green olive tapenade notes that mingle with red currants, dried herbs, and spices. Medium-bodied, it is framed by black tea tannins and complemented by tobacco, sage, and a hint of dried spearmint on its complex finish.

2019

Producer

Name

The Brennan Vineyards Tribute Red, created in honor of late winery founder Dr. J. Patrick Brennan, is an elegant and savory wine that offers a rich profile of currant fruits, tobacco spices, cedarwood, and tanned leather. The wine is further enhanced by delicate notes of dried rose petals and violets. Medium-bodied with expressive tannins, it shows layers of fig jam and currant jelly, intertwined with sagebrush, thyme, and black truffle nuances. A beautifully complex wine, it has both depth and refinement, making it a memorable tribute to its namesake.

2019

Producer

Name

Flat Creek Estate’s “Super Texan” is a fragrant, meaty red wine with a red-toned character. It offers a medium- to full-bodied palate, enriched with savory notes of truffle, underbrush, and green tobacco, finishing with a long, persistent limestone mineral thread.

2020

Producer

Name

Becker’s Reserve Chardonnay is crafted from grapes sourced from Canada Family Vineyards in Plains, Texas, near the New Mexico border, and Drew Tallent of Tallent Vineyards in Mason, within the Texas Hill Country AVA. Aged for 20 months in 30% new French oak, it displays both richness and freshness. The oak imparts a subtle sweetness, with hints of caramel and toffee spices seamlessly woven into the aromas of rich citrus and orchard fruits. Full-bodied on the palate, it offers flavors reminiscent of apple pie and warm baking spices. Its lush texture is counterbalanced by a vibrant spine of juicy acidity, creating a wine that is both indulgent and refreshing.

2020

Producer

Name

This blend of 78% Malbec, 10% Petit Verdot, 8% Tannat, and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 36 months in 22% new American oak, resulting in a wine with impressive power and intensity. It features a savory mineral character and subtle nuances of pressed dried florals, which complement the rich barrel spices. The nose is further enriched with red berry fruits, mulberry, and a touch of molasses, likely influenced by the American oak. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, it concludes with a long ironstone mineral finish, with hints of charcuterie adding complexity.

2020

Producer

Name

The Eden Hill Vineyards Winemaker’s Reserve Tempranillo from the Eden Hill Estate Vineyard, produced by Chris Hornbaker, is a richly layered, medium-bodied red. It opens with red-toned fruit aromas of strawberry, rhubarb, and cranberry, with an interesting note reminiscent of cotton candy—nostalgic and inviting, like childhood evenings at the county fair. Fine, firm tannins provide structure, and the finish is both sweetly spiced and bone dry. A truly fascinating Tempranillo from Texas!

2020

Producer

Name

The Longhorn Reserve Shiraz (supplemented with 10% Alicante Bouschet), offers pretty red floral notes that intermingle with crunchy red berry fruit and spices. On the medium-bodied palate, the wine builds with richness and intensity, layered with apple skin tannins and laced with subtle hints of white pepper, sage, and tobacco.

2021

Producer

Name

This Montepulciano (augmented with 5% Aglianico) from Arrowhead Creek Vineyards offers a heady mix of sweet red berry fruits, with fine-grained tannins that provide good presence and build intensity on the mid-palate. The wine is balanced by vibrant blood orange acidity, complemented by smoky mineral notes, toasty cedarwood, and crushed prairie herbs.

2021

Producer

Name

Brennan Vineyards’ 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from Newburg Vineyard in Comanche County is a well-balanced, unfussy, and easy-drinking red. Packed with vibrant strawberry and raspberry fruit, it’s complemented by notes of fruit leather, panna cotta, and coriander cream. The wine’s full-bodied expression of Cabernet is supported by robust tannins, adding structure while maintaining a smooth and approachable character.

2021

Producer

Name

The Mosaic is the winery’s classic Bordeaux blend and typically includes all five Bordeaux varieties, though this year’s weather was less accommodating. The wine is medium to full-bodied, showing ripe cherry, blackberry, and black raspberry fruit layered with notes of leather, tobacco, sagebrush, and black tea, finishing with a delicate floral lift. Winemaker Jason Englert oversees an 80,000 case production across all Heath Family Brands (Grape Creek Vineyards, Heath Sparkling Wines, Jenblossom Cellars and Invention Vineyards).

2021

Producer

Name

The Soleluce is a crunchy, red-fruited, zesty wine with rich forest berry and underbrush notes in a medium-bodied expression. Currant fruit and subtle tobacco spice nuances carry through to the fine finish. Winemaker Jason Englert oversees an 80,000 case production across all Heath Family Brands (Grape Creek Vineyards, Heath Sparkling Wines, Jenblossom Cellars and Invention Vineyards).

2021

Producer

Name

The Kubacak Vineyards Sangiovese Classico from the Texas High Plains is a meaty, savory red, infused with white pepper aromas. Medium-bodied with intense character, it shows hints of pressed wildflowers, green olives, and ends with a very dry finish.

2021

Producer

Name

The 2021 Le Claret Classique Red Blend combines 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 24% Merlot into a super savory wine. It opens with notes of peppered charcuterie, black olive, black licorice, and tanned leather, all framed by burly tannins. The wine builds beautifully from medium- to full-bodied, with a long finish that lingers for over a half-minute.

2021

Producer

Name

The fancifully named Drinkin’ Buddy Red Wine is a straightforward, unfussy offering with ripe red cherry fruit and toasty cedarwood notes. It is framed by muscular tannins, creating a medium-bodied wine that builds with richness on the mid-palate. As the assertive tannins resolve, the wine becomes more plump and generous. Lingering notes of red licorice and emerging graphite add complexity.

2021

Producer

Name

Irresistibly drinkable, Meierstone Vineyard’s Sangiovese from the Texas High Plains shows vibrant cranberry and cherry fruit character. Espresso bean, mocha, and vanilla bean notes add some complexity, all carried through delicously to a medium-bodied finish.

Vintage

Wine

Type

Rating

$

2019

2019 Bending Branch Winery Double Barrel Tannat

Still

$

2019

2019 Brennan Vineyards Buffalo Roam Reserve

Still

N/A

2019

2019 Brennan Vineyards JPB Tribute Red Wine

Still

N/A

2019

2019 Flat Creek Estate Super Texan

Still

$

2020

2020 Becker Vineyards Chardonnay Reserve

Still

$

2020

2020 Becker Vineyards Ranger Hays

Still

N/A

2020

2020 Eden Hill Tempranillo Reserve

Still

N/A

2020

2020 Triple R Ranch Longhorn

Still

N/A

2021

2021 Arrowhead Creek Vineyard Montepulciano

Still

$$

2021

2021 Brennan Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

Still

N/A

2021

2021 Grape Creek Vineyards Mosaic Red Blend

-

$

2021

2021 Invention Vineyards Soleluce Super Tuscan

-

$$

2021

2021 Llano Estacado Kubacak Vineyards, Sangiovese Classico

Still

$$

2021

2021 Llano Estacado Le Claret Classique Red Blend

Still

$$

2021

2021 Lone Star Wines Drinkin’ Buddy Red Wine

Still

N/A

2021

2021 Meierstone Vineyards Sangiovese

Still

$

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