Texas Hill Country – Page 2

2020

Limestone Terrace

Estate Mourvedre

This is a medium-bodied yet muscular red-fruited wine kissed with wild herbs and brimming with character. Bright cherry and red currant notes mingle with hints of sun-dried thyme and sage, while firm, sappy tannins provide structure and grip. A subtle apple-skin texture and juicy, mouth-watering acidity carry the wine through to a clean, dry, and refreshingly precise finish. It’s a vibrant, energetic expression of Mourvèdre.

Red

2020

Limestone Terrace Vineyard

Estate Mourvèdre

Limestone Terrace’s Esate Mourvèdre is crafted from fruit grown on their Limestine Terrace Vineyard in the Teas HIll County AVA. Aged 20 months in neutral American oak, it leads with red-toned fruit notes and baking spice character, tinged with a hint of molasses. Medium-bodied, its mineral-scented tannins are taught and firm.

Red

2020

Lost Draw Wines

Tempranillo

The 2022 Texas Hill Country Tempranillo from Lost Draw is a fine, easy-drinking red, featuring tart red-toned fruit and cedarwood spice, with a subtle hint of wild herb notes.Medium-bodied, it has a touch of meaty richness on the palate, balanced by a firm spine of acidity that adds freshness. The finish is long, marked by dried floral nuances and pomegranate fruit character, making for a red that is both vibrant and complex.

Red

2020

Lost Draw Wines

Veraison Hills Vineyard, Mourvèdre

The Lost Draw Mourvèdre comes from the 20-acre Veraison Hills Vineyard in the Texas HIll Country, planted on the Hickory aquifer in 2016 by Mike and Deanna Dickey. It’s a super mineral-driven red with intense, granular, and grippy tannins that resolve through a welath of red-toned fruit and spice notes.Nuances of underbush and an obvious limestone mineral character linger through the lenghty, white pepper infused finish.

Red

2020

Rivenburgh Wine

Rustic Spur Vineyards Souzao

This is another variety that performs exceptionally well in Texas, and in the hands of John Rivenburgh it shows remarkable focus and precision. Expressive and juicy acidity drives the wine, balanced by fine, firm tannins with a distinct mineral edge. Blue fruit aromatics and cassis mingle with loamy earth, brown spice, and wet slate notes. A rock-solid wine with freshness, tension, and energy that perfectly support its rich profile.

Red

2020

Tatum Cellars

Grenache

This 100% Grenache from Tatum Cellars hails from Hoover Valley Vineyard, located in the Texas Hill Country AVA. It’s a fantastic, red-toned fruited and medium-bodied red, with compelling espresso bean nuances, and lovely floral notes of dried violets and rose petals. Hints of underbrush and coca powder are carried along on a long finish that shows a wet slate minerality.

Red

2020

Tatum Cellars

Mourvèdre

A 100% Mourvèdre from the Salt Lick Vineyard in Texas Hill Country, this is a muscular and full-bodied red with both red- and blue-toned fruit flavors, and plenty of brown baking spice notes. Robust tannins frame a focused palate with high-toned herbal and rich cedarwood spices that carry through the finish. Polished, expressive and delicious.

Red

2020

Tatum Cellars

Syrah

Here’s a full-bodied, succulent, and generous Syrah from Tatum Cellars and the Salt Lick Vineyard in the Texas Hill Country. This red presents lovely violets and red berry fruits, with subtle blue fruit undertones, slate, and a touch of salty minerality. Balanced by a long, juicy finish, that resolves its richness of palate fruit.

Red

2020

Texas Heritage Vineyard

Estate Alicante Bouschet

This 100% Alicante Bouschet, sourced from the Texas Heritage Vineyard, was aged for up to 38 months in mostly neutral barrels. The wine opens with perfumed aromas of currants and pressed violets, complemented by mocha-dusted fig notes. Medium- to full-bodied, it showcases a dynamic and expressive profile of red- and black-toned fruits, supported by grippy, intense, and firm tannins that are impressively well-integrated at this stage. The finish is marked by a distinctive salty, wet slate character, adding a touch of minerality to its structure.

Red

2020

Texas Heritage Vineyard

Estate Tannat

This 100% Tannat, sourced from Texas Heritage Vineyard in the Texas Hill Country, comes from vines planted in 2017. Aged for up to 36 months in mostly neutral American oak, the wine reflects the subtle mineral character of the vineyard’s limestone soils—a feature owner Susan Johnson highlights as key to their terroir. Bright, crunchy red fruit flavors mingle with white pepper spice, currants, tanned leather, and tobacco notes, creating a complex and layered profile. Medium- to full-bodied, it delivers good density and structure, balanced by a smooth, approachable finish. Remarkably impressive for third-leaf fruit, this wine is both a testament to its potential and a total crowd-pleaser.

Red

2021

Arrowhead Creek Vineyard

Proprietary Red Wine

From Arrowhead Creek Vineyards comes this 95% Malbec (supported by and 5% Aglianico). This is a focused, meaty red wine, with nuances of black olives, licorice, and a charcuterie, all delivered with intensity through the medium-bodied finish.

Red

2021

Bending Branch Winery

Camp Lucy Vineyard Lucy's Reserve Red Wine

Quite a bold, savory red wine building out of the glass with brandied black cherry and blackberry fruit, leather, tobaccoa and black pepepper, rose stem and dried rose petal notes framed by a salty mienral complexity and cocoa powder tannins that linger through a coffee bean and wet slate finish. Plenty of dark fruit and spice complexiy and great mouthfeel here. A very satisfying wine, ideal for brisket.

Red

2021

Bending Branch Winery

Tallent Vineyards, Mourvèdre

Bending Branch Winery’s Tallent Vineyards Mourvèdre from the Texas Hill Country is sourced from vines planted at 1,620 feet in Hickory sandstone soils. The wine undergoes whole berry maceration and is aged for 24 months in oak. Bright red-toned fruits, reminiscent of strawberry and black currants, are tinged with vanilla and persist on the medium-bodied palate. The wine finishes with a long, expressive note of espresso bean, adding complexity.

Red

2021

Blackmon

Cabernet Sauvignon

Fermented in barrel and aged for up to 16 months in 20% new French oak. Grapes are sourced entirely from the 7-acre Blackmon Ranch Vineyard in the Texas Hill Country AVA. This is a bold expression of Cabernet from this site, with inky dark berry fruit, toasty oak spices, black cherry, graphite, and pressed wildflowers. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, with mineral-laced, fine-grained tannins supported by a solid beam of mouthwatering acidity and freshness. The lengthy finish carries a touch of mesquite smoke. Impressively structured and complex, this is a wine to enjoy now and over the next decade. Made by Winemaker Tony Offill, who also makes wine for William Chris Vineyards.

Red

2021

Blackmon Wines

County Line Red Blend

The County Line Red Blend from Blackmon, sourced from the Texas Hill Country AVA, is a rich and expressive wine, offering abundant black currant fruit, fig, dark cocoa, and toasty oak notes, all creating a beautifully layered profile. Full-bodied, it features plush, velvet-textured tannins and plenty of grippy acidity, which helps maintain freshness and vibrancy throughout. Well-balanced and tension-filled, with a mid-palate richness that builds complexity, this red is both inviting and sophisticated. The winemaker is Anthony Offhill.

Red

2021

Blackmon Wines

Merlot

This is a brooding, intense, and nicely structured Texas Hill Country Merlot from Blackmon. It presents spiced black cherry and plum fruits, complemented by fine cedarwood spices. Medium-bodied on the palate, it is framed by velvety tannins that provide smooth texture and depth. The wine is layered with ironstone minerality, carrying through to a lengthy finish.

Red

2021

Chateau Marie LaRose

Red Wine

This wine is part of a separate label from the Gatlin family, made entirely from A-grade ENTAV clones—meticulously sourced and planted in Texas by Dan Gatlin himself. Grown in Gillespie County within the Texas Hill Country AVA, each clone yields an average of 1 ton per acre. Fermented in open bins with cooling plates and hand punchdowns over 7–10 days, the wine is aged for 12 months in 20% new French oak followed by another 12 months in neutral barrels. The texture here is fabulous—silky yet structured—with tannins that carry a saline, Earl Grey tea-like character. Juicy, mouthwatering acidity lifts flavors of currant, spearmint, and crushed cacao nibs, layered with subtle tobacco leaf and cigar box nuances.

Red

2021

Lost Draw Wines

GSM

Lost Draw’s GSM—a blend of 38% Grenache, 38% Syrah, and 24% Mourvèdre—is a testament to thoughtful winemaking. Fermented in wooden vats and stainless steel, the wine is aged for 19 months in 20% new French Radoux barrels with American oak heads.This well-built red delivers a medium-bodied expression with balanced tension and good energy. Red-toned fruits and brown baking spice notes dominate, complemented by a subtle meatiness, likely contributed by the Grenache. The muscular tannins provide structure, while the finish is long and red-berried, accented by hints of vanilla and sage. A polished and dynamic GSM blend.

Red

2021

Lost Draw Wines

Sangiovese

Lost Draw’s Texas Hill Country Sangiovese is sourced from the Uplift Vineyard in the northern part of the Texas Hill Country AVA, which sits atop the Granite Dome—one of the oldest soil series in the U.S. This red is impressively layered, with crunchy red-toned fruit and currant, complemented by vibrant limestone minerality. That minerality is so intense that it practically coats the tannins, giving the wine a dusty texture with subtle crushed rock and white pepper notes. Focused and linear, it has a strong foundation of spicy acidity that gives it both freshness and depth. This is a truly age-worthy Sangiovese, one that I highly recommend considering for collection and cellaring as it will evolve beautifully over time.

Red

2021

Meierstone Vineyards

Reserve Tempranillo

The Tallent Vineyards Reserve Tempranillo is a medium-bodied red framed by tart red fruit and spice, with rather intense, grippy tannins. This wine benefits from a bit of air to soften its structure, allowing the fruit and spice elements to come forward. Serve it with some hearty Texas brisket.

Red

2021

Portree Cellars

Parr Vineyards, Mourvèdre

The Parr Vineyard Mourvèdre from the Texas Hill Country, produced and bottled by Kerrville Hills Winery, is a meaty, intense, and deeply flavorful wine. Its medium-bodied palate is framed by muscular, firm tannins, complemented by savory charcuterie and white pepper notes. A hint of vanilla bean and chocolate adds richness, leading to a lengthy and powerful finish.

Red

2021

Robert Clay

Chardonnay, Barrel 2 of 3 (B 21 02 RCV CHA)

This release of Robert Clay’s Chardonnay, sourced from Mason County in the Texas Hill Country AVA, is sourced from vines rooted in the deep, fine Hickory sands that sit atop the expansive Hickory Aquifer. Barrel-aged for 12 months in neutral oak, this wine showcases a ripe, full-throttle character. It opens with vibrant citrus fruit, white pepper, and a subtle hint of savory prairie grass, intertwined with sweet cedarwood spices. Medium-bodied, the palate is surprisingly leaner than the nose suggests, offering bright acidity and balanced tension. A crowd-pleaser with excellent structure, it’s one of the most food-friendly Chardonnays from Texas. Notably, this “B 21 02 RCV CHA” is an unfiltered expression of Chardonnay (their “B 21 03 RCV CHA” offers a filtered version).

White

2021

Robert Clay

Chardonnay, Barrel 3 of 3 (B 21 03 RCV CHA)

Barrel-aged for 12 months in neutral oak, this Robert Clay Chardonnay is sourced from Mason County in the Texas Hill Country, an hour west of Stonewall. Here, vines thrive in hickory sands—deep, fine soils that rest above the large Hickory Aquifer. This “B 21 03 RCV CHA” label represents the filtered expression of their Chardonnay, offering a leaner, more focused profile compared to their unfiltered “B 21 02 RCV CHA.” It showcases white pepper-infused citrus and orchard fruit, accented by savory cedarwood spices. Medium-bodied with precise acidity and heightened tension, this wine finishes with a distinctive cool, wet granite minerality.

White

2021

Robert Clay Vineyards

B 21 00 RCV RUB

The 2021 Ruby Cab, denoted as ‘B 21 00 RCV RUB’ on the label, was fermented with native yeast, no sulfites added. The pH clocks in at 4.1—intentionally high to shy away from the pyrazines typical of Cabernet. What you get on the nose is unmistakably Ruby Cabernet (look it up): a crossing of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan grown in Texas. Aged for just 12 months in neutral barrel, this wine is meant to show customers what the grape expresses without oak influence. It smells of capsicum and bell pepper, with intense, grippy tannins and solid concentration. The grip here comes from tannin, not acidity, and it’s best paired with a well-salted steak. “This is an example young wine—only 13 months in neutral oak—used to show customers why we do extended barrel aging. Compare it to the 2017 Ruby Cab, which spent 52 months in barrel,” says Dan McLaughlin.

Red

2021

Signor

Sangiovese

Fermented in open-top vessels and aged for 18–24 months in mostly neutral French oak, this wine is light and red-fruited, showing high-toned, dusty minerality with firm, taut tannins that build grip and dryness on the finish. It’s a lean, structured expression that will likely gain volume and depth in future vintages with winemaker Michael Barton now at the helm—definitely one to watch for subsequent vintages.

Red

2021

Slate Theory Winery

Estate Mourvèdre

Aged for 26 months in 55% new French oak. Bold and brooding, with muscular tannins and fantastic dark berry fruit layered with leather, wild herb nuances, and rose petal notes. Plush, velvet-textured tannins are laced with crunchy acidity, leading to a lengthy finish accented by hints of incense and clove.

Red

2021

Slate Theory Winery

Estate Tempranillo

Aged in 40% new French oak and 60% neutral oak, this is a bold, muscular, and expressive Tempranillo from the estate. It offers dark berry fruit layered with red-fruit nuances, leather, tobacco, cocoa powder, and dried sage. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, it features fine-grained, maple-laced tannins and a bold, chocolaty finish accented by wet slate minerality. Nice freshness and verve.

Red

2021

Texas Heritage Vineyard

Estate Souzao

This 100% Souzao, a Portuguese variety known for its tiny berries and small clusters (especially in challenging vintages), was aged for 24 months in neutral American oak. Traditionally used in Port production on the Iberian Peninsula, Souzao shines here as a full-bodied, expressive dry wine. The profile is alluring, with black-fruited depth, rich woodsy and underbrush notes, savory hints of charcuterie, and pressed flowers. The palate is bold, featuring muscular, meaty tannins with firm grip and impressive mid-palate density, framed by a salty and chalky minerality that adds precision and length. Perfectly suited for hearty BBQ, smoked meats, or bacon-centric dishes, this wine is a powerhouse.

Red

2021

Triple R Ranch

Axis

The 2021 Axis Reserve Tempranillo presents bold flavors of black olive, cherry pit, and tanned leather. Medium-bodied, it is framed by robust, assertive, and firm tannins along with crunchy acidity.

Red

2021

Uplift Vineyards

Badu

The Badu from Uplift Vineyard in the Texas Hill Country is a very savory and smoky wine, combining 57% Montepulciano, 33% Aglianico, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Sangiovese. It shows a hearty, meaty richness, with hints of espresso bean. Full-bodied, it features robust tannins and layers of red and black-toned fruit, including currant and spiced plums. Cool, wet slate minerality adds a refreshing edge, carrying through to the long finish.

Red

Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

Rating

$

2020

Producer

Name

This Mourvèdre from Bilger Family Vineyards in the Texas Hill Country, is sourced from vines grown on sandy, limestone soils. Red-toned fruits transition seamlessly into cool, limestone-driven minerality, with layers of espresso bean, charcuterie, and bright citrus notes of blood orange and grapefruit zest. A totally pleasing red, it strikes a perfect balance of richness and freshness, making it an excellent choice for pairing with smoked brisket or chicken dishes.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

The 2020 Adega Vinho Estate Bilger Family Vineyards Tempranillo from Texas Hill Country is a medium-bodied red that opens with vibrant blue fruit and violet aromas, complemented by wonderful sweet spices and espresso bean notes. The fine-grained tannins provide good structure, leading to a long finish marked by savory herbs and mineral richness.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

The 2020 Becker Vineyards Barbera is a beautifully crafted, rich, and unctuous wine. It opens with aromas of crunchy red-toned fruit, spice, and rose petals, complemented by dusty minerals and toasty cedarwood notes interwoven with subtle hints of charcuterie. Full-bodied on the palate, it reveals mocha accents and silky, plump, well-integrated tannins, leading to a long and satisfying finish. The 2019 vintage earned the prestigious Texas Wine of the Year award from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Rodeo Uncorked International competition, and this 2020 vintage continues that tradition of excellence.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

The Becker Vineyards 2020 Texas Hill Country Malbec Reserve, sourced from Tallent Vineyard, opens with a hint of funkiness, adding a touch of earthy underbrush and charcuterie, complemented by stewed plum character. Medium-bodied, the wine features grippy tannins that build throughout the palate, culminating in a drying finish. Pair this bold and flavorful Malbec with a nicely salted Ribeye, and you’ll be off to the races.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

The Becker Vineyards Petite Sirah from the Texas Hill Country is an expressive, currant-rich red, with dark black fruits emerging on the medium- to full-bodied palate. Sappy tannins frame this power-packed wine, providing structure and depth. The finish is remarkably floral, with fine notes of rose petal, espresso bean, and crushed thyme.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

While the 2021 is a bold, savory red, the 2020 shows a softer, gentler, more elegant profile. It’s more fruit-driven, with fresher flavors and brighter baking-spice notes—white pepper, candied violets, and cherry fruit. Medium- to full-bodied, it carries gentle tannins that support a juicy, vibrant core framed by earthy redwood spice and limestone-driven mineral intensity. A lovely counterpoint to the more overtly savory vintages of this wine.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

Whatever you think you know about Malbec, check it at the door with this Texas rendition from Camp Lucy Vineyard and the 2020 vintage. It’s a delicate, pretty wine—much like the world’s greatest Malbecs—driven by red cherry fruit and spice but softer in tannin, less muscular, and more elegant. White pepper and rose-stem nuances weave through the palate, carried by limestone mineral tension and a lift of tangerine oil on the finish.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

This Camp Lucy Vineyard Petit Verdot from the Texas Hill Country comes from a north-facing 5-acre site west of Dripping Springs. The wine offers an attractive nose, with red-toned fruits mingling with lilac and prairie herbs. These aromas build with nice intensity through the medium-bodied palate, supported by well-integrated, soft, and velvety tannins.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

The Lost Pirogue Vineyard, located in the Texas Hill Country at 1,605 feet of elevation on limestone rubble soils, is the source of this exceptional Souzão. Hand-harvested and whole berry macerated, the wine was fermented in half-ton open-top containers and aged for just over 24 months in oak. Souzão truly shines in the Texas Hill Country, and this expression is a full-bodied, satiny-soft version of the variety. With perfectly integrated tannins, the wine reveals layers of dark currant and black cherry fruits, complemented by a nice inlay of ironstone minerality. The finish is long and expressive, marked by vibrant dried florals and lilacs. Totally inviting and delightfully expressive.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

The Lost Pirogue Vineyard, located in the Texas Hill Country at 1,605 feet of elevation on limestone rubble soils, is the source of this Tannat wine from Bending Branch. Hand-harvested and whole berry macerated, the wine was fermented in half-ton open-top containers and aged for just over 24 months in oak. A more MB, softer expression of Tannat, with crunchy red berry fruit character, elegant minerality, and a litany of herbs and Indian spices.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

The 2020 Blackmon Cabernet Sauvignon from the Texas Hill Country offers classic Cabernet character with notes of black pepper and sage, complemented by a subtle hint of Texas prairie grass. Black currant and fig fruits mingle with spiced plums, creating a rich and layered profile. Framed by robust tannins, the wine builds with dark cocoa and wet slate, leading to a full-bodied finish that’s both deep and complex. A well-structured and expressive Texas Cabernet. The winemaker is Anthony Offhill.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

The Flat Creek Montepulciano is a well-built, medium-bodied red, showcasing crunchy dark cherry fruit and brooding mulberry spices. It’s layered with notes of leather, tobacco, and robust tannins that build to a fuller and richer finish.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

This fragrant estate Syrah is a bold, muscular wine with broad-shouldered tannins and a nice balance of sweet spices, violets, and loamy earth. Medium-bodied, it unfolds with leather and tobacco nuances, complemented by tart, dusty, mineral-rich red fruit flavors. The finish is long and entertainingly spicy.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

“The Individualist” Red Wine from Grape Creek Vineyards in the Texas Hill Country is a dynamic blend of 84% Tannat, 9% Montepulciano, 7% Petite Sirah, and 4% Aglianico. Tannat is showing incredible potential in Texas, and may very well prove to be one of the state’s best red varieties over time. This wine offers alluring dark berry fruit notes that mingle beautifully with tobacco and sage. Fragrant rose petal aromas are interwoven throughout the full-bodied palate, which is framed by very fine, firm tannins that are powerful and assertive. The ripe tannins resolve through layers of black fruit, graphite, and espresso bean nuances.

Cristaldi Scores

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

Limestone Terrace

Estate Mourvedre

Limestone Terrace Vineyard

Estate Mourvèdre

Lost Draw Wines

Tempranillo

Lost Draw Wines

Veraison Hills Vineyard, Mourvèdre

Rivenburgh Wine

Rustic Spur Vineyards Souzao

Tatum Cellars

Grenache

Tatum Cellars

Mourvèdre

Tatum Cellars

Syrah

Texas Heritage Vineyard

Estate Alicante Bouschet

Texas Heritage Vineyard

Estate Tannat

Arrowhead Creek Vineyard

Proprietary Red Wine

Bending Branch Winery

Camp Lucy Vineyard Lucy's Reserve Red Wine

Bending Branch Winery

Tallent Vineyards, Mourvèdre

Blackmon

Cabernet Sauvignon

Blackmon Wines

County Line Red Blend

Blackmon Wines

Merlot

Chateau Marie LaRose

Red Wine

Lost Draw Wines

GSM

Lost Draw Wines

Sangiovese

Meierstone Vineyards

Reserve Tempranillo

Portree Cellars

Parr Vineyards, Mourvèdre

Robert Clay

Chardonnay, Barrel 2 of 3 (B 21 02 RCV CHA)

Robert Clay

Chardonnay, Barrel 3 of 3 (B 21 03 RCV CHA)

Robert Clay Vineyards

B 21 00 RCV RUB

Signor

Sangiovese

Slate Theory Winery

Estate Mourvèdre

Slate Theory Winery

Estate Tempranillo

Texas Heritage Vineyard

Estate Souzao