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Cristaldi Scores

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Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

2020

Bending Branch Winery

Lost Pirogue Vineyard, Estate Souzao

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.

2020

BoaVentura Winery de Caires Winery

Venture Red Wine - Iberian Blend

Made primarily from estate-grown Iberian varieties, this blend includes Tinto Cão, Tinta Amarela, Sousão, Touriga Nacional, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It opens with a bright mix of red and black fruit on the nose, accented by orange zest and walnut husk, lending a high-toned, refreshing aromatic lift. On the palate, it’s soft and supple, framed by gentle tannins with an Earl Grey tea quality. Blackberry and black cherry fruit layer in beautifully, finishing with loamy earth and wet river stone minerality. A very intriguing and distinctive 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.

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.

Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

Rating

$

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.

2020

Producer

Name

Made primarily from estate-grown Iberian varieties, this blend includes Tinto Cão, Tinta Amarela, Sousão, Touriga Nacional, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It opens with a bright mix of red and black fruit on the nose, accented by orange zest and walnut husk, lending a high-toned, refreshing aromatic lift. On the palate, it’s soft and supple, framed by gentle tannins with an Earl Grey tea quality. Blackberry and black cherry fruit layer in beautifully, finishing with loamy earth and wet river stone minerality. A very intriguing and distinctive red.

2020

Producer

Name

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.

2021

Producer

Name

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.

Vintage

Wine

Type

Rating

$

2020

2020 Bending Branch Winery Lost Pirogue Vineyard, Estate Souzao

Still

$$

2020

2020 BoaVentura Winery de Caires Winery Venture Red Wine – Iberian Blend

Still Wine

$$$

2020

2020 Rivenburgh Wine Rustic Spur Vineyards Souzao

-

$

2021

2021 Texas Heritage Vineyard Estate Souzao

Still Wine

$$

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