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Cristaldi Scores

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Vintage

Wine

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Rating

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

2023

Michael Ros Winery

Michael Ros Vineyards, Grenache

Sourced entirely from their Michael Ros Vineyards in the Texas High Plains, this wine was aged for 19 months in 12% new Russian oak. Winemaker Tim Drake says he loves Russian oak, which he began using in 2005 while in Washington State. The trees used are over 300 years old, and the grain is so tight you need a magnifying glass to see it—meaning minimal oxygen penetration during aging, yet the wood imparts a touch of baking spice complexity. The wine itself shows a rich, soft fruit profile with ripe red fruit, cherry, and cranberry alongside espresso bean, sage, and green tobacco notes that layer beautifully across the mid-palate. The finish is lengthy, carried by sweet spice and plush tannins in this elegant medium-bodied expression.

2023

Reddy Wines

Aglianico

Small-batch fermented and aged for 18 months in 40% neutral oak, 40% new French oak, and 20% new American oak. This is an easy-drinking red with rose petal aromatics and dried cherry on the nose. The medium-bodied palate reveals notes of vanilla, cocoa powder, and a touch of blood orange acidity, finishing with medium length and gentle warmth.

2023

Rhinory

Sangiovese

A blend of Sangiovese from two vineyards in the Texas High Plains, this wine was aged entirely in neutral American oak for 12 months. It opens with a super-savory nose that, as some friends noted, evokes Swisher Sweets—meaty, tobacco-laced, with both green and black olive nuances. Red-toned fruit follows on the palate alongside subtle maple-kissed tannins and oolong tea notes. Superfine tannins build gracefully on the lengthy finish. It’s a homerun wine—versatile, approachable, and perfect with pastas, pizzas, or barbecue fare.

2023

Rivenburgh Wine

Ab Astris Vineyard, Clairette Blanche

This Clairette Blanche shows wonderful aromatic intensity, both nutty and citrusy, with pressed wildflower notes. The palate is soft yet textured, showing gentle grip and a touch of marzipan alongside its floral character. Typically a thin and flabby variety, here it gains impressive mid-palate weight thanks to a bit of skin contact. A fun, expressive white that’s drinking beautifully now and will continue to evolve through 2027.

2023

Rivenburgh Wine

Lahey Vineyard Sangiovese Rosé

This Sangiovese Rosé is quite complex, with lovely cherry fruit aromatics mingling with notes of licorice and aniseed. Dried fruit tones emerge with air, adding depth to the richer, creamier core. A fine-boned acidity and a taut, mineral finish provide structure and lift, while gentle tannic tension frames the wine beautifully. Aged for 12 months in neutral oak.

2023

Robert Clay Vineyards

B 23 01 RCV CHA, Robert Clay Vineyards, Chardonnay

This 2023 vintage was aged for 11 months in neutral oak, unfiltered, and estate bottled, with just 22 cases made. The wine is incredibly coiled and tense, showing subtle citrus notes of lemon and lime alongside white flowers and crushed Marcona almonds. The finish is long and saline, marked by a sharp mineral streak. Super crisp and tightly wound, it’s the kind of wine that demands food—think Alfredo, cacio e pepe, carbonara, or aged hard cheeses.

2023

Ron Yates

Cabernet Franc

Grown by Friesen Vineyards and aged for 15 months in 35% new French oak, this Cabernet Franc comes from Ron Yates Winery, which opened in 2016 following the Yates family’s purchase of Spicewood Vineyards in 2007. With nearly two decades of experience in grape growing and winemaking in the Texas Hill Country, the team delivers a polished expression of the variety. The wine is driven by dark cherry and currant fruit layered with notes of sagebrush and prairie grass. On the palate, it shows a lean, iron-like crushed stone minerality, cedarwood spice, and supple, building tannins that carry through a long, smoky paprika finish.

2023

Siboney Cellars

Bingham Vineyards, Albariño

Super delicate on the nose, with wildflowers and white-peach notes and just a kiss of vanilla. Light- to medium-bodied, with those same lifted aromatics carrying onto the palate, finishing crisp with a faint, chalky minerality. 100% Albariño. Five barrels made, with some new-oak ageing. Sourced from Bingham Vineyards — who also grow organic peanuts and cotton.

2023

Signor

Cabernet Franc

From Friesen Vineyard in Brownfield, Texas, in the Texas High Plains—owned by Ron Yates—this wine was fermented in one-ton fermenters and aged in French oak, roughly 40% new, with tight-grain barrels to help manage tannins. The wine is bright and expressive, showing ripe dark berry and blue fruit with violet nuances and warm baking spice tones that build across the medium-bodied palate. Supple, ripe tannins and subtle cocoa powder notes carry through to the lengthy finish. Nicely balanced and well-structured, and if this is the direction Signor is headed under winemaker Michael Barton, it’s definitely one to watch.

2023

Signor

Picpoul Blanc

Fermented in stainless steel and aged sur lie for about 6 months in concrete, this wine is sourced from Alta Loma Vineyards in the Texas High Plains near Brownfield, Texas. It’s fragrant and aromatic, showing rich baking spice character and dried floral notes with super-grippy acid tension and a candied mineral component. Subtle citrus fruit carries through on the medium-length finish.

2023

William Chris Vineyards

Dell Valley Vineyard Cabernet Franc

From Dell Valley Vineyard, at 3,500 feet above sea level, this site sits on an ancient coral reef that imparts a distinct salty minerality to the wine. Dark berry fruit, tobacco spice, and bright wild herbs lead the aromatics, while the medium-bodied palate shows cassis and blackberry fruit with balanced fragrance and lift. The finish is lengthy and expressive, framed by crisp, firm tannins that carry a velvety texture. A model wine for the region from Tony Offill. For the last couple of years, Jean Hoefliger of JH Consulting has worked with the team as well.

2024

Augusta Vin

Giovana Bianca

Fermented entirely in stainless steel, with a small portion of Viognier fermented in barrel. The nose is beautifully alluring, revealing citrus, white peach, orange blossom, honeysuckle, and a hint of shiso. The palate is lush, creamy, and seductive, yet balanced by bright acidity and a crisp, chalky minerality that extends through the long, floral finish. Bright, rich, and poised.

2024

Calais Winery

La Cuvée du Gason Rose

The fruit for this rosé comes from Yoder Vineyard, located north of Dalhart. It’s a vibrant and expressive wine—crisp and crunchy with tart red berry fruit, wild herbs, white peach, and apricot. A creamy mid-palate provides texture and balance before leading into a long, mineral-driven finish marked by refreshing acidity.

2024

Invention Vineyards

Mourvèdre Rosé

The Mourvèdre is sourced from Lahey Vineyards in the Texas High Plains and was fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel, giving it a bright, crisp character. It’s full-flavored, showing ripe, sweet red berry fruit and hints of prairie grass over a lush core, supported by a juicy spine of blood orange acidity. The finish is long and subtly tropical, adding an intriguing layer to this vibrant red. 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).

2024

K Estate

Estate White

This wine comes from the 8-acre K Estate site in the Texas Hill Country and shows lemon-bright aromas with notes of lemon verbena, a saline-scented acidity, and wet stone minerality that carry through to the medium-bodied 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).

2024

K Estate

Rose of Syrah

This is one fantastic rosé—extremely balanced with great nervy tension, tart red berry fruit, and a kiss of wild herb and prairie grass. Luscious notes of apricot and white peach mingle with subtle rose petal florals. Totally delicious and utterly 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).

2024

K Estate

Semillon

From Lahey Vineyards in the Texas High Plains, this wine was fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel, and it’s a tasty one. It’s crisp, crunchy, bright, and energetic, with plenty of lemon-lime citrus fruit and white floral notes accented by a touch of flinty minerality on the lengthy finish. A fleshy character rounds out the mid-palate, making it an ideal aperitivo wine. Beautifully balanced. Kuhlman Estate, now known as K Estate, was acquired by Brian Heath in the summer of 2024. 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).

2024

Meredith Margaret Wines

JoBreguen Vineyard Muscat Canelli

This is about as sweet as they come, bursting with bright floral and citrus peel aromatics. Super fragrant and delicious, it shows a viscous texture on the palate with candied peach rings and apricot notes. The finish is lifted by balanced acidity and a touch of chalky minerality, keeping everything in check. It’s not over the top—just irresistibly moreish, making you want another sip right after the last.

2024

Meredith Margaret Wines

Lahey Vineyard Cinsault Rosé

Alluring notes of cranberry, strawberry, and dried cherry rise from the glass, joined by hints of prairie grass and straw. The medium-bodied palate is bright and focused, driven by crisp, clean acidity that gives the wine freshness and lift.

2024

Reddy Wines

Sauvignon Blanc

Fermented and aged in 100% stainless steel, this white wine is crisp and tension-filled, offering notes of prairie grass, citrus, and lemon verbena, with a hint of sweet lemon curd on the palate. It finishes with delicate chamomile and honeycomb accents. In 1997, Dr. Vijay Reddy planted his first vines in Texas, drawing on his family’s multi-generational farming heritage. Today, Reddy Wines focuses exclusively on estate-grown production from vineyards situated at 1,007 meters (3,305 feet) in elevation.

2024

Rhinory

Tokio Vineyard, Tempranillo

From Tokio Vineyard in Tokio, Texas, this Tempranillo was fermented in stainless steel and aged in 25% new American oak. It shows ripe red currant and cherry fruit with a touch of dusty minerality in a medium-bodied expression. Sappy, maple-laced tannins frame the palate, joined by cured bacon and sweet spice notes on the lengthy, mineral-rich, bone-dry finish.

2024

Rhinory

Veesart Vineyard, Albarino

Veesart Vineyards is a 45-acre site in Shallowater, Texas, northwest of Lubbock. This wine underwent a slow, cold fermentation to preserve its bright, ripe aromatics of banana pudding, white peach, and delicate white florals. A touch of skin contact adds texture, leading to a precise, crisp, and crunchy palate expression with citrus fruit and subtle apple-skin tannins.

2024

Robert Clay Vineyards

B 24 00 RCV CHA, Robert Clay Vineyards, Chardonnay

A small-batch production of just 69 cases—three barrels total—this wine was aged for 14 months in neutral oak, unfiltered, and estate bottled. It’s a dynamic white with a slightly richer expression than the laser-focused 2023 vintage, showing broader mid-palate appeal with riper orchard fruit taking the place of citrus. Bright wildflower notes and subtle baking spice add complexity. Exceptionally detailed for a Texas-grown Chardonnay, crafted by some of the most meticulous winemakers in the state—these guys literally analyze cluster by cluster and pick off berries they don’t want, and you can taste the precision.

2024

Slate Theory

Viognier

Fermented and aged for 10 months in 100% neutral oak, this wine is super bright and energetic, showing excellent layers of citrus, orchard, and subtle tropical fruit. A gentle honeyed richness lingers on the finish, giving it both freshness and depth. Easy to drink and beautifully balanced, with a fantastic finish.

2024

William Chris Vineyards

La Pradera/Carignan

From La Pradera Vineyard, this wine was picked on the early side and aged for 14 months in large-format neutral oak to preserve freshness. Some stem inclusion adds a subtle spiciness to the nose. Medium to full-bodied, it shows nice mid-palate depth and richness, with dark berry fruit, violets, and saddle leather notes. Muscular tannins build toward a crisp, structured finish.

NV

Brennan Vineyards

Winemaker's Choice / Red Blend

This non-vintage blend has no set formula or constraints from year to year, allowing the winemaker complete creative freedom—a refreshing approach that yields something unique with each release. Issued roughly every 18 months, the current bottling combines Tempranillo, Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Ruby Cabernet. The nose is bold and expressive, showing black tea, maple, toffee, espresso, a touch of meatiness, and dried violets. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, it delivers flavors of chocolate-covered almonds and fig paste, supported by gritty tannins and a long, spicy finish marked by smoked paprika.

NV

Kerrville Hills

White Wine

This non-vintage white shows impressive character and texture, with a grippy mid-palate and a long, nutty richness that carries through the medium-bodied finish. The palate offers generous fruit weight, featuring layers of apricot and white peach alongside toasted almonds and buttered croissant. There’s real depth and intensity here, complemented by notes of wild herbs and dried honeycomb on the nose.

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Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

Rating

$

2022

Producer

Name

Fermented in stainless steel and aged for 32 months in 40% new American oak. Yields were incredibly low in 2022. Winemaker Mike Nelson notes that the variety retains heat well—some years require no acid adjustment for his Tannat, while in others he adds a touch to balance. He envisions pairing this wine with venison, Tex-Mex, or barbecue, and it’s certainly built for that. The wine shows meaty richness and an iron-laced quality that underscores its medium- to full-bodied character, nuanced by dried prairie grass notes. Solid, firm tannins build with intensity on the finish, giving the wine structure, length, tension, and power. Ab Astris is a boutique, family-owned winery founded by Erin and Tony Smith. Winemaker Mike Nelson is dedicated to producing handcrafted vintages from their 12-acre estate, the Hill Country, and the Texas High Plains.

2022

Producer

Name

The 2022 vintage was a drought year in Texas, and typically Ab Astris would produce a single-vineyard designate, but not this time. In this vintage, winemaker Mike Nelson fermented the wine in bins and aged it for 30 months in a combination of neutral and up to 40% new American oak. The wine shows red berry fruit and baking spice character building in intensity across the medium-bodied palate, framed by fine, firm tannins and finishing with cocoa powder and vanilla notes. Ab Astris is a boutique, family-owned winery founded by Erin and Tony Smith. Winemaker Mike Nelson handcrafts vintages from their 12-acre estate, the Hill Country, and the Texas High Plains.

2022

Producer

Name

The Cabernet is sourced from the winery’s 24-hectare estate and includes a portion of Petite Sirah, aged for 24 months in 30% new French oak. It shows classic Cabernet character with notes of blackberry, smoky graphite, and smoked paprika, all coming together on a plush, full-bodied palate. There’s an umami richness that drives the finish, with layers of dark fruit, cherry cola, and savory depth building through to the end. Quite the wine.

2022

Producer

Name

This non-vintage dessert wine is blended in a solera style, with fortification occurring in tank midway through fermentation. Fortified with brandy distilled from wine, it’s a truly delicious and well-balanced example of the style. Aromas of candied cinnamon and red berry fruit lead to a palate brimming with luscious dark fig jam, licorice, and a touch of green olive, all accented by savoury Christmas spice. Despite its richness, the wine maintains a lifted freshness and finishes with crisp tension. A dessert wine you can confidently cellar, as it will develop added volume, intensity, and nutty complexity over time.

2022

Producer

Name

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

Producer

Name

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

Producer

Name

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

Producer

Name

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

Producer

Name

A heady mix of red and black fruit unfolds with rich cedarwood spice, building through cocoa powder tannins and crunchy red fruit accented by warm Indian spices on the mid-palate, carrying through to the full-bodied 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

Producer

Name

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

Producer

Name

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

Producer

Name

The most captivating wine I tasted at the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival in October 2025 came from Kalasi Cellars. This is a medium-bodied red with redcurrant fruit and darker blueberry notes, supported by super-fine tannins that offer a pleasing grip—almost like apple-skin tannin. Brown spices weave through the palate, leading to a medium-bodied, spice-bright finish. A great food-pairing wine thanks to its grip and vibrant spice profile.

2022

Producer

Name

I tasted this wine at the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival in October 2025. It shows red-berry fruit and generous mild Indian spices, with a medium-bodied palate feel and soft tannins leading to a juicy red-fruit finish. Cedarwood spice lingers pleasant finish.

2022

Producer

Name

I tasted this wine at the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival in October 2025, and it was quite enticing. It offered sweet red-berry fruit and warm brown spices, with soft tannins and a medium-bodied palate feel. Notes of brown sugar, cedarwood, and charcuterie carried through on the extended finish.

2022

Producer

Name

This Alta Loma Vineyard Picpoul Blanc shows excellent weight and balance, with pretty notes of citrus peel, wildflowers, and honeycomb. The palate is rich and creamy, filled with ripe orchard fruit that builds in density toward a medium-bodied finish. Hints of honey and crushed almonds linger gracefully, adding depth and texture

2022

Producer

Name

Uniquely Mourvèdre, this wine offers heady, meaty aromatics with high-toned violets, black currant fruit, saddle leather, and tobacco. Loamy earth notes underpin the palate, while broad-shouldered, muscular tannins drive the full-bodied finish.

Vintage

Wine

Type

Rating

$

2022

2022 Ab Astris Winery Tannat

-

$

2022

2022 Ab Astris Winery Tempranillo

-

$

2022

2022 Augusta Vin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

-

$

2022

2022 Augusta Vin Vino Forte

-

$

2022

2022 Becker Vineyards Ranger Hays

-

$$

2022

2022 Grape Creek Vineyards Bellissimo Super Tuscan

-

$

2022

2022 Grape Creek Vineyards Cabernet Trois Red Blend

-

$

2022

2022 Grape Creek Vineyards Petite Sirah

-

$

2022

2022 Heath Vineyards Absolution Red Blend

-

$$$

2022

2022 Invention Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

-

$$

2022

2022 Invention Vineyards Conflation Red Wine

-

$$

2022

2022 Kalasi Cellars Narra Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 8 (Heritage Collection – Red Label)

-

$$

2022

2022 Kalasi Cellars Narra Vineyards, Malbec (Heritage Collection – Red Label)

-

$$

2022

2022 Kalasi Cellars Narra Vineyards, Petit Verdot (Heritage Collection – Red Label)

-

$$

2022

2022 Kerrville Hills Alta Loma Vineyard, Picpoul Blanc

-

$

2022

2022 Kerrville Hills Arrowhead Creek Vineyard Mourvèdre

-

$

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