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Cristaldi Scores

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Rating

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

2020

Flat Creek Estate

Estate Montepulciano

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.

2020

Flat Creek Estate

Estate Syrah

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.

2020

FOXEN

Bien Nacido Vineyard, Block 8, Pinot Noir

Bill Wathen and Dick Doré have been making wine together since 1985, when they founded Foxen at Rancho Tinaquaic. Their grapes are SIP Certified and sustainably farmed. The 2020 Pinot Noir is a powerhouse—still tightly wound in 2025, with tremendous tension and broad-shouldered, sinewy tannins. Dark cherry fruit interlaces with incense and espresso bean aromas, while tangy tangerine peel and blood orange acidity bring freshness and lift. The finish is long and textured, with notes of dusty cocoa powder and cherry pit.

2020

French Connection Wines

La Connection Red Wine Blend

The La Connection is their take on a GSM blend, with a touch of Petite Sirah added for depth. Grapes are gently pressed and fermented over 10–12 days, then aged for 22 months in neutral French oak. The wine is highly fragrant, with dark berry fruit, high-toned dried herbs, and dried violets, alongside white pepper and black truffle character. The medium-bodied palate is framed by fine, medium tannins and bursts with juicy blood orange, black cherry, and spiced plum fruit that lingers through the long finish.

2020

Grapes of Roth by Wölffer Estate

Grapes of Roth by Wölffer Estate Merlot

The Grapes of Roth is Roman Roth’s personal label and now ranks among the premium offerings within the Wölffer Estate portfolio. This bottling is 92.5% Merlot from McCullough Vineyard in Cutchogue and 7.5% Cabernet Franc. A power-packed, dynamic, and complex expression of Merlot, it bursts with red berry fruit, spiced plum, and cedar-rich tannins that form a firm backbone to support the juicy mid-palate and exceptional length. It’s energetic and taut, with a vibrant spine of acidity—more linear and earth-driven than plush or silky, steering clear of the West Coast profile. Exceptionally food-friendly and built for the table. Aged in French oak barriques: one-third new, one-third one year old, and one-third two years old. Only 3,786 bottles produced.

2020

Heath Family Estate

The Individualist

“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.

2020

Inwood Estates Vineyards

Colos

100% Tempranillo from a 4.5-acre site in the Texas High Plains, farmed at just 2 clusters per vine, yielding 0.2 tons per acre. Fermented in open bins with cooling plates and hand punchdowns for 7–10 days, then pressed to barrel and aged for 24 months in 50% new French oak. This is a wine you’ll want to open a day in advance, corked again, to let it settle. Aromatics are loaded with super dark berry and currant fruit, rich baking spices, and dried wild herbs. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, with suave, velvet-textured tannins and deep dark berry concentration layered with dark chocolate. The tannins are pronounced and assertive at the pull of the cork but soften with aeration—another reason to decant or pre-open. Excellent length, tension, and energy, with a vibrant core of acid driving freshness.

2020

Inwood Estates Vineyards

Magnus

The Magnus, a blend of 52% Tempranillo and 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, opens with high-toned red berry fruit and spice character, complemented by delicate notes of dried lilacs. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, it layers dried fig and apricot fruit flavors with smoky minerals, molasses, and the herbal essence of tarweed. The wine finishes long, with an excellent concentration of flavors and a firm spine of racy acidity that keeps everything balanced and in check, making it a structured and captivating red.

2020

Jenblossom Cellars

Petit Verdot

The Jenblossom Cellars 2020 Petit Verdot, sourced from a site in the Texas High Plains at 3,300 feet elevation, is one of the most satisfying and polished varietal Petit Verdot wines that I’ve tasted. Medium- to full-bodied, it presents a rich black fruit character, accented by pressed violets and espresso bean notes, with additional layers of dark cacao and dried rose petal on the lengthy finish. Extremely appealing, this wine has the structure and depth to carry an entire meal.

2020

Kerrville Hills Winery

Arie Y Sol (Air and Sun) Sangiovese

Sourced from 29-year-old vines at Newsom Vineyards, this 100% Brunello clone Sangioveseis aged for 26 months in a combination of 30% new American oak and neutral French and American barrels, and displays impressive complexity and balance. The wine opens with high-toned, bright cherry aromas, complemented by dried floral notes and hints of brown spices. Medium- to full-bodied, it features firm, taut, and grippy tannins, enriched by savory notes of charcuterie, tobacco, and leather. The finish is long and layered, with cherry pit and spiced plum adding depth.

2020

Lakewood Vineyards

Reserve Cabernet Franc

Fruit was sourced from Miles Vineyards, located 15 miles north of Lakewood on the west side of Seneca Lake. Fermented on the skins for 14 days with partial malolactic conversion, the wine was aged on moderate lees in 60-gallon French oak barrels for 24 months. Fragrant cherry fruit mingles with sandalwood nuances, a kiss of cinnamon, and smoky clove. Medium-bodied, with a spicy smoked paprika intensity and fine, firm tannins that carry notes of green tobacco and black tea. Saline-driven acidity fuels the juicy finish.

2020

Limestone Terrace

Dolcetto

A bright, red-fruited Dolcetto showing candied red berry flavors with crisp apple-skin tannins and a medium-bodied richness on the palate. This red is certainly a crowd-pleaser. Aged for 20 months in 20% new French oak.

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.

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.

2020

Limestone Terrace Vineyard

Teroldego

This Teroldego from the Texas High Plains, sourced from the Pepper Jack Vineyard, was aged for 20 months in oak. Most often associated with Italy’s Alto Adige, Teroldego does well in this area of Texas, and this red demonstrates that variety is one that Texas grape growers should continue to explore. The wine is polished and expressive, with elegant granitic mineral intensity framing ripe, savory currant fruit, herbs, and brown spice notes. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, it offers a wealth of firm, nicely integrated tannins that have rounded edges, providing a smooth structure. The wine finishes with a flashy burst of sweet currant fruit and chocolate-covered figs.

2020

Lost Draw Wines

Lost Draw Vineyard, Malbec

The Lost Draw Vineyard Malbec from the Texas High Plains is sourced from a 60-acre site on sandy soils with a limestone base. It opens with alluring notes of crunchy red cherry and strawberry fruit, mingling with cherry pit and espresso bean nuances. Medium-bodied, the wine delivers more intense red fruit flavors on the palate, supported by silky, polished tannins that glide smoothly. The finish reveals hints of underbrush and limestone minerality, adding depth and complexity to this balanced Malbec.

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.

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.

2020

Naumes Family Vineyard

GSM

From owner Laura Naumes and winemaker Chris Graves comes this expressive GSM blend, which opens with the bright, candied red berry fruit of Grenache, nuanced by the white pepper and violet aromatics of Syrah. Mourvèdre brings muscle and supple dark berry fruit to the palate. This is a generous, full-bodied red with a touch of sweetness in the dark-toned fruit and plenty of joie de vivre in its juicy, expressive, and easygoing character.

2020

Omega Road Winery

Rumored Red Blend

With 10% of proceeds from each bottle benefiting the Celebration Nation Organization in support of farmworkers and their families, this red blend carries purpose along with personality. Composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Carignan, 3% Tempranillo, 3% Zinfandel, and 3% Semillon, it offers intriguing spice notes alongside jaunty plum fruit aromas. The palate evolves from tangy to chewy to silky, delivering friendly red fruit flavors with excellent lift and impressive length. -JR

2020

Padigan

Estate Reserve Ruby

Picked at optimal ripeness—not raisined—this wine is bright and beautifully balanced, with cherry-walnut liqueur and milk chocolate notes. The mouthfeel is luscious and expressive, with vibrant acid tension and excellent length. Exceptionally balanced and delicious. Residual sugar: 9 g/L.

2020

Pedernales Cellars

Canted County Vineyards, Tempranillo Reserva

The Canted County Vineyards Tempranillo Reserva 2020 from Pedernales is a fantastic red wine with excellent concentration and depth of fruit and spice flavors, showcasing impressive overall structure. Full-bodied, it offers a harmonious balance of red and black-toned fruits, currant jam, and subtle hints of loamy earth and black tea. The wine finishes with a long, satisfying note of chocolate-covered figs, leaving you wanting more.

2020

Pedernales Cellars

Gran Reserva Tempranillo

Sourced from Canted County Vineyard and aged to Rioja Gran Reserva standards in 100% new French oak, this limited production of just 75 cases will be released in December 2025. Wow—this is fantastic! One of the best wines I tasted during my trip to Texas in October 2025 for the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival. It’s bold, robust, rich, and supple, with high-toned black cherry, blackberry, and fig fruit layered over dark loamy earth, dried violets, and cherry liqueur notes. Currant fruit and fine-grained tannins build across the palate, leading to a supple, dark-fruited finish with nuances of unsweetened cocoa powder and impressive intensity through the full-bodied close. Larry and Jeanine Kuhlken planted their first vineyard near Fredericksburg in the early 1990s, founding what would eventually become Pedernales Cellars, named after the nearby Pedernales River. In 2005, their children, David and Julie, joined the business, which remains family-run.

2020

Pedernales Cellars

Lahey Vineyards, Tempranillo

Pedernales’ Lahey Vineyards Tempranillo is a polished medium- to full-bodied red wine with plump, velvety tannins and satiny-soft red fruit that offers both depth and integrity. Fragrant rose petal notes mingle beautifully with ripe raspberry and the crunchy character of pomegranate seeds. The wine finishes with a satisfying richness, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and complexity.

2020

Peter William

Malbec Reserve

Malbec is something Rogue Valley producers do exceptionally well, and in the right hands, it shows bright red and black-toned berry fruit with elegant baking spices and a stony mineral character—and this wine has that in spades. It’s not inky dark, but a beautiful deep ruby, framed by balanced tannins and acidity. The tannins are plump yet firm, and the acidity carries a saline edge with excellent grip—like a bite of crunchy sea salt on a juicy cut of beef. This is a dynamic and thoroughly satisfying Malbec from Peter William.

2020

Peter William

Syrah Lot B-42

From hillside vineyards, the Lot B-42 Syrah lifts out of the glass with blackberry fruit, dried rose petals, and white pepper, all enhanced by tobacco and beautifully long, rounded tannins that support the supple fruit. Fine oak adds a baking spice frame around this wonderfully juicy, dark-fruited Syrah—an elegant wine with just the right touch of hedonism.

2020

Reddy Wines

Ready Vineyards, TNT Tempranillo

The Tempranillo was aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak, while the Touriga Nacional spent 24 months in 100% neutral oak. This is the standout wine in the Reddy Wines lineup, showing lovely sweet red berry fruit, dried violets, and unsweetened cocoa powder. The palate is fresh and energetic through the mid-section, supported by powerful, robust tannins that carry a bright blood orange and dusty mineral finish. A very nice wine.

2020

Remotion

Celestina Vineyard Barbera

This Barbera comes from the Celestina Vineyard and was aged for 18 months in French oak. The nose is highly floral, with red berry fruit, tobacco, leather, and fresh cedar. On the palate, it shows richly sweet fruit, concentrated like brandied cherries, with a hint of walnut husk and blood orange acidity framing the finish. Serve slightly chilled and enjoy alongside sticky-sweet BBQ ribs.

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.

2020

Rodrigue Molyneaux

Nebbiolo

A blend of 94% Nebbiolo, 3% Barbera, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, all sourced from the Tabby Cat Vineyard. The nose is a striking homage to Piedmont, with classic notes of sour cherry, dried herbs, tobacco leaf, and dried blood orange. That vibrant sour cherry character carries through to the full-bodied palate, where it meets lively acidity, a meaty texture, wood spice, and a delicate flourish of dried rose petals. -JR

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Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

Rating

$

2019

Producer

Name

Aged for up to two years in a combination of American and French oak, this Bordeaux-inspired blend is limited to just 350 cases. Dense, dark, and savory, the nose is rich with black olive and concentrated black fruit. The palate follows through with deep, almost syrupy layers of silky black fruit, delivering impressive concentration and power despite being under 14% abv. For fans of bold reds, this is a powerhouse pick. -JR

2019

Producer

Name

This may be Rodrigue Molyneaux’s final vintage of this particular red as a standalone varietal bottling from Thatcher Bay Vineyard—a real pity, because there’s so much to like. Juicy, spicy, and savory, this Merlot offers hints of violets, wood spice, and licorice on the nose. The full-bodied palate is plush with plummy fruit, yet maintains terrific tension thanks to its vibrant spice, bright lift, and a surprising amount of structure. A compelling farewell, if indeed it is the last. -JR

2019

Producer

Name

Ron Yates’ 2019 Amalgamation bursts out of the glass with aromas of dried strawberry fruit and balsamic reduction, with cherry pit and fruit leather emerging on the medium-bodied palate. Velvety, fine-grained tannins are beautifully integrated, providing a smooth texture. The finish is long, with dark cherry-infused cacao notes and a subtle hint of orange zest.

2019

Producer

Name

This Pinot Noir spent 17 months on the lees in 50% new French oak, and as of May 2025, it’s showing beautifully—squarely in its prime. Fragrant notes of black tea and Earl Grey mingle seamlessly with ripe cherry, dusty minerality, and undertones of tobacco and bay laurel. The tannins are sweet-sappy and glide effortlessly across the palate, resolving into a savory, mineral-laced finish accented by pink Himalayan sea salt and a lift of blood orange zest.

2019

Producer

Name

The Storm Breaker from Siboney Cellars is sourced from Newsom Vineyards and is 100% Merlot, aged in 20% new French oak. Just 125 cases were made. This was the last wine I tasted, and I was blown away by it. It’s spectacular—full of plummy and cherry fruit with bright, warming spices. Medium-bodied, it shows loamy earth, cassis, and currant, with fine, velvety tannins. Really quite delicious, and showing beautifully at this stage. Siboney Cellars was founded by Miguel and Barbara Lecuona, with Barbara enrolled in the viticulture programme at Texas Tech University and Miguel raised in Texas with deep roots in both wine and family heritage. The two met in 2007, spent time in France honing their craft, and launched Siboney in earnest with their first wine vintage in 2017. Located on a limestone-terraced site in the Texas Hill Country, they have 52 acres with just 4 acres planted (so far). From the outset their goal has been to test and champion this under-explored terroir, combining serious vineyard work with a spirited, personal vision for Texas wine.

2019

Producer

Name

From the 2022 vintage, this Cabernet Franc is a bright, spicy, medium-bodied red that offers notes of dried rose petals, crisp, crunchy acidity, and firm tannins. It’s quite expressive in its herbaceousness, which is well integrated and layered throughout. Balancing vibrancy with structure, this well-rounded red will appeal to fans of the variety.

2019

Producer

Name

The Terra Trails Winery Buena Suerte Vineyards Sangiovese from the Texas High Plains AVA presents a vibrant profile with crunchy, tart red cranberry and strawberry fruit, all laced with subtle vanilla and toffee notes. Medium-bodied, it features firm, taut tannins that are mineral-laced, adding structure and depth.

2019

Producer

Name

From Mark Snyder’s Red Hook Winery comes this Reserve red—a full-bodied, bold expression of Cabernet Franc crafted by Christopher Nicolson with consulting by Napa Valley luminary Robert Foley. Dark black and blue fruits lead the charge, framed by rich loamy earth, savory black olive, and dried violet notes. The tannins are textured and powerful, reminiscent of cinnamon-dusted cocoa powder, resolving in an earthy, lingering finish.

2019

Producer

Name

From Mark Snyder’s Red Hook Winery comes this single-vineyard Cabernet Franc, bursting with red cherry and raspberry fruit, rose petal florals, and savory tobacco nuances. The medium- to full-bodied palate layers in smoked paprika, blood orange acidity, and a touch of tangy grapefruit zest. Firm, mineral-laced tannins provide structure and length, ushering in a finish that’s both darkly earthy and brightly mineral. Produced and bottled at Red Hook Winery by Christopher Nicolson with consulting by Robert Foley.

2019

Producer

Name

This Reserve Mourvèdre presents a red-fruited, high-toned profile, with bright red berry fruits complemented by leather, spices, and assertive tannins that lead to a quite drying finish.

2019

Producer

Name

This is a full-bodied, fleshy Merlot framed by structured acidity that grips the palate with intent. Juicy plum and black cherry lead the charge, followed by notes of leather, tobacco, and walnut husk. The mid-palate is plush with ripe berry fruit, cocoa powder, and accents of blood orange and a flicker of grapefruit zest. Bold, expressive, and focused, this wine shows impressive width, depth, and energy. Sourced from the Lesley Alexander Vineyard, Christian’s Cuvée is named in honor of founder Christian Wölffer and produced only in exceptional vintages. The fruit comes from the estate’s oldest Merlot block. Aged for 20 months in barrel, racked off the lees three times, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Only 379 cases produced.

2020

Producer

Name

With only about 12 acres of this rare grape variety planted in California, Cabernet Pfeffer is a true curiosity. It may be named after 19th-century orchardist and winemaker William Pfeffer—or perhaps more fittingly, for its signature peppery aroma (“pfeffer” being the German word for “pepper”). True to its name, the nose is lifted and aromatic, offering a substantial black pepper note alongside floral hints and savory red fruit. The full-bodied palate delivers cranberry, even more peppery spice, and a firm, pronounced structure. A distinctive and memorable red—unlike anything else in the glass. -JR

2020

Producer

Name

A bold and decadent nose of baked cherry pie, mulled plums, and toffee spices, with earthy underbrush undertones. Medium-bodied on the palate, with well-knit tannins supporting ripe currant fruit and fig paste, leading to a lengthy, slightly chocolatey finish.

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.

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.

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.

Vintage

Wine

Type

Rating

$

2020

2020 Inwood Estates Vineyards Colos

Still Wine

$

2020

2020 Inwood Estates Vineyards Magnus

Still Wine

$

2020

2020 Jenblossom Cellars Petit Verdot

Still

$$$

2020

2020 Kerrville Hills Winery Arie Y Sol (Air and Sun) Sangiovese

Still Wine

$

2020

2020 Lakewood Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Franc

Still Wine

$$

2020

2020 Limestone Terrace Dolcetto

-

$$

2020

2020 Limestone Terrace Estate Mourvedre

-

$$

2020

2020 Limestone Terrace Vineyard Estate Mourvèdre

Still

$$

2020

2020 Limestone Terrace Vineyard Teroldego

Still

$$

2020

2020 Lost Draw Wines Lost Draw Vineyard, Malbec

Still

$$

2020

2020 Lost Draw Wines Tempranillo

Still

$$

2020

2020 Lost Draw Wines Veraison Hills Vineyard, Mourvèdre

Still

$

2020

2020 Naumes Family Vineyard GSM

Still Wine

N/A

2020

2020 Omega Road Winery Rumored Red Blend

Still Wine

$

2020

2020 Padigan Estate Reserve Ruby

Still Wine

$

2020

2020 Pedernales Cellars Canted County Vineyards, Tempranillo Reserva

Still

N/A

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