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Cristaldi Scores

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Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

2017

Kerrville Hills Winery

Rustic Spur Vineyard, Tannat

Sourced from 2013 plantings in the Rustic Spur Vineyard (the oldest Tannat vineyard on the northwest side of the Pedernales River Valley in the Texas Hill Country), this 100% Tannat is an outstanding effort of the region. Aged for 24 months in neutral oak, it offers a captivating nose, with rich aromas of loamy earth, black and red currants, plums, fruit spices, tobacco, and molasses. These elements transition seamlessly to the palate, which is full-bodied and defined by firm, soaring tannins that resolve beautifully. Layers of brown Indian spices, charcuterie, black tea, pressed wildflowers, dried fennel, and sage add complexity to the long, lingering, and expressive finish. Balanced and deeply nuanced.

2019

Kerrville Hills Winery

Newsom Vineyards, Petite Sirah

This Petite Sirah comes from 2012 plantings at Newsom Vineyards on Indian Hill in the Texas High Plains. The vineyard, located about 40 miles west of most sites in the High Plains, sits near the New Mexico border and features unique soils—shallow sandy clay loam transitioning to chalky limestone, with the Petite Sirah blocks on a knoll of iridescent red sand over fractured limestone. Bin-fermented with whole berries and ample oxygen exposure, this wine moves away from the typical inky and heavy style of Petite Sirah. Instead, it offers a balanced and elegant profile of dark currants, black cherry, and high-toned blue fruits, accented by cedarwood notes. The palate is medium-bodied, with spiced plums, brandied Morello cherries, and currants, layered with savory tobacco and leather. The fine, black tea-like tannins are beautifully integrated, enhancing the wine’s structure and depth, and adding a sense of sophistication.

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.

2023

Kerrville Hills Winery

Alta Loma Vineyard, Picpoul Blanc

Under the guidance of John Rivenburgh at Bending Branch, Picpoul Blanc was first planted in Texas in the High Plains around 2009 at the then-named Bending Branch Estate Vineyard. Selected for its excellent acid retention, the planting drew inspiration from Tablas Creek in Paso Robles. This particular wine comes from the roughly 15-acre Alta Loma Vineyard in the Texas High Plains (previously known as Timmons Estate Vineyard until its recent renaming). After harvest, the grapes are pressed in the vineyard, then transported to the winery and fermented on the skins without cold settling. Known for its natural acidity, the variety requires no acid adjustments and is bottled approximately six months after fermentation. This Picpoul Blanc is super aromatic, offering honeyed and nutty notes, melon-rich fruit, and pretty white floral aromas interwoven throughout. The palate is richly textured with good depth, balanced by a pleasant grip and a long, salty mineral finish.

Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

Rating

$

2017

Producer

Name

Sourced from 2013 plantings in the Rustic Spur Vineyard (the oldest Tannat vineyard on the northwest side of the Pedernales River Valley in the Texas Hill Country), this 100% Tannat is an outstanding effort of the region. Aged for 24 months in neutral oak, it offers a captivating nose, with rich aromas of loamy earth, black and red currants, plums, fruit spices, tobacco, and molasses. These elements transition seamlessly to the palate, which is full-bodied and defined by firm, soaring tannins that resolve beautifully. Layers of brown Indian spices, charcuterie, black tea, pressed wildflowers, dried fennel, and sage add complexity to the long, lingering, and expressive finish. Balanced and deeply nuanced.

2019

Producer

Name

This Petite Sirah comes from 2012 plantings at Newsom Vineyards on Indian Hill in the Texas High Plains. The vineyard, located about 40 miles west of most sites in the High Plains, sits near the New Mexico border and features unique soils—shallow sandy clay loam transitioning to chalky limestone, with the Petite Sirah blocks on a knoll of iridescent red sand over fractured limestone. Bin-fermented with whole berries and ample oxygen exposure, this wine moves away from the typical inky and heavy style of Petite Sirah. Instead, it offers a balanced and elegant profile of dark currants, black cherry, and high-toned blue fruits, accented by cedarwood notes. The palate is medium-bodied, with spiced plums, brandied Morello cherries, and currants, layered with savory tobacco and leather. The fine, black tea-like tannins are beautifully integrated, enhancing the wine’s structure and depth, and adding a sense of sophistication.

2020

Producer

Name

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.

2023

Producer

Name

Under the guidance of John Rivenburgh at Bending Branch, Picpoul Blanc was first planted in Texas in the High Plains around 2009 at the then-named Bending Branch Estate Vineyard. Selected for its excellent acid retention, the planting drew inspiration from Tablas Creek in Paso Robles. This particular wine comes from the roughly 15-acre Alta Loma Vineyard in the Texas High Plains (previously known as Timmons Estate Vineyard until its recent renaming). After harvest, the grapes are pressed in the vineyard, then transported to the winery and fermented on the skins without cold settling. Known for its natural acidity, the variety requires no acid adjustments and is bottled approximately six months after fermentation. This Picpoul Blanc is super aromatic, offering honeyed and nutty notes, melon-rich fruit, and pretty white floral aromas interwoven throughout. The palate is richly textured with good depth, balanced by a pleasant grip and a long, salty mineral finish.

Vintage

Wine

Type

Rating

$

2017

2017 Kerrville Hills Winery Rustic Spur Vineyard, Tannat

Still Wine

$

2019

2019 Kerrville Hills Winery Newsom Vineyards, Petite Sirah

Still Wine

$

2020

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

Still Wine

$

2023

2023 Kerrville Hills Winery Alta Loma Vineyard, Picpoul Blanc

Still Wine

$

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