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Cristaldi Scores

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Vintage

Wine

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Rating

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

2022

Uplift Vineyards

Sangiovese

Uplift Vineyard’s Texas Hill Country 2022 Sangiovese,sourced from vines planted on ancient granitic soils amidst surrounding mountain ranges, is a red-toned wine marked by vibrant currant fruit and brown baking spice notes. It features intense, fine-grained tannins that are beautifully balanced by a foundation of blood orange acidity. The finish is complex, with nuances of dried wild herbs, pomegranate seeds, and cherry pit, adding depth to its long, satisfying conclusion.

2022

Wedding Oak

Petite Sirah

Sourced from the Diamonte Dos Vineyard in the Texas High Plains, this Petite Sirah opens with aromas of rose petal, violets, and crunchy red fruit. It is framed by burly tannins that provide a unique granularity, giving the wine an interesting texture that builds with intensity. With good concentration, it finishes with cool graphite and dried herb character. Pair this structured and flavorful wine with herb-encrusted pork loin.

2022

Wedding Oak

Tioja

Aged for 18 months in American oak, the Tioja is smoky and meaty red with generous red fruit flavors and warming spices. Medium-bodied, it is framed by soaring rustic tannins that provide structure, while sweet spices linger on the finish.

2022

William Chris Vineyards

Enchanté

A blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Malbec, and 8% Merlot, the 2022 William Chris Vineyards Enchanté is sourced from Upflit Vineyard on granitic bedrock, as well as Blackmon Ranch and Fovel Family Vineyard, where vines are rooted in Hickory sands. All three sites are located in the Llano Uplift formation within the Texas Hill Country AVA. Fermented in large upright oak fermenters and aged for 17 months in 25% new French oak, the use of French oak layers in tighter, more firm, and structured tannins that are fine-grained and well-integrated. The wine showcases a host of crunchy red and black-toned fruit character, graphite notes, and dried herbs, creating a dynamic and captivating profile. This is a dynamite wine from the Texas Hill Country, offering immediate appeal with the structure and aging potential to evolve beautifully over time.

2022

Wine for the People

Alta Loma Vineyard, Syrah

This Syrah from the Alta Loma Vineyard in Terry County offers enticing candied red berry fruits, currant jelly, and pastille notes on the nose. Medium-bodied, it features crunchy acidity and ripe, soaring tannins that provide structure. The wine resolves with sweet baking spices and savory clove.

2022

Wine for the People

Dell Valley Vineyard, Sauvignon Blanc

This old vine Sauvignon Blanc from Dell Valley Vineyard in Hudspeth County offers a light- to medium-body, with citrus and subtle orchard fruit undertones, all complemented by intriguing high-toned spices. The palate is balanced and vibrant, finishing with a distinctive chalky minerality.

2022

Wine for the People

Fire Oak Red Blend

From the Fire Oak Vineyard in Mills County, this red blend of 75% Mourvèdre and 25% Carignan is juicy, full-bodied, and layered with crunchy red fruit flavors and sweet spices, complemented by the distinctive character of dried wild herbs. The wine’s juicy acidity brings tension and freshness to the finish.

2022

Wine for the People

Fire Oak Vineyard, Carignan

The Fire Oak Vineyard Carignan from Mills County is a medium-bodied red, offering tart red fruit flavors with a touch of pomegranate seed crunch. The wine is framed by crunchy tannins and accented by flamed orange peel notes on the dry finish.

2023

Adega Vinho

Dell Valley Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc

The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc from Dell Valley Vineyard in Hudspeth County is a testament to its unique terroir, with grapes grown in ancient riverbed soils under the shadow of Guadalupe Peak. Hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed, the wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel. Light- to medium-bodied, it offers ripe lemon and apricot notes, complemented by a hint of Texas prairie grass. The palate is bright and focused, leading to a refreshing, long finish with a pronounced limestone mineral backbone.

2023

Arrowhead Creek Vineyard

Estate Mourvèdre

(Barrel Sample) This polished, expressive, and medium-bodied Mourvèdre offers crunchy red berry fruit, sweet spices, and cedarwood, all framed by firm, inviting tannins that lay a solid foundation. Already in great condition, the wine shows great promise. I’m excited to taste and rate the finished wine in the coming year, as it holds a lot of potential.

2023

Arrowhead Creek Vineyard

Estate Mourvèdre Reserve, "Broke"

(Barrel Sample) This multi-vintage blend of Mourvèdre is already in fantastic condition, offering ripe red cherry and brambly red berry fruits that mingle beautifully with sweet baking spices, elegant cedarwood, and bright rose florals. The medium-bodied palate is supported by polished tannins, making for a very fresh, racy, and captivating wine. I can’t wait to taste the final product, and I believe consumers will be equally thrilled with the direction these wines are heading. Since Napa-based consultant Jean Hoefliger began making the wines in 2021, big changes have been happening at Arrowhead Creek each vintage. This is definitely a wine to watch.

2023

Becker Vineyards

Jolie Rose

The “Jolie” Rosé from Becker Vineyards is a vibrant wine that feels like a fruit salad in the glass with notes of strawberry, watermelon, white peach, and a touch of spring flowers. Medium-bodied with lasting richness and tension, this rosé is both approachable and layered. The surprise comes on the finish, where subtle hints of white pepper and coriander cream await.

2023

Bingham Family Vineyards

Windmill Oaked White Wine

The 2023 Windmill from Bingham Family Vineyards is crafted entirely from Texas High Plains grapes and aged for six months in French oak. This intriguing wine begins with subtle stone and orchard fruit notes, accompanied by a delicate hint of nuttiness.On the palate, it evolves with a medium- to full-bodied presence, offering lush fruit character and a touch of sweetness. Its unique profile makes it a versatile choice, pairing beautifully with peach cobbler or enjoyed on its own with a good chill.

2023

Brennan Vineyards

Estate Cuvee

Brennan Vineyards’ Newburg Vineyard Estate Cuvée is a blend of Viognier and Sémillon, sourced from a west-facing slope on sandy loam soils with excellent drainage, which contributes to the wine’s nice concentration. This white blend showcases a rich mid-palate, beautifully balanced by zesty citrus fruit, salty minerality, and a refreshing, crunchy acid tension. The wine combines depth and vibrancy, making it both complex and easy to enjoy.

2023

Brennan Vineyards

Muscat of Alexandria

Sourced from Newburg Vineyard in Comanche County, this Muscat of Alexandria is a crisp, refreshing light-bodied white wine that opens with fragrant white flower notes, lime citrus, kumquat, and crushed almonds. These flavors linger beautifully, with a hint of honeyed sweetness and a touch of orange zest on the finish. A vibrant and aromatic white.

2023

Brennan Vineyards

Roussanne

The Brennan Vineyards 2023 Roussanne from the Texas High Plains is a fairly light-bodied white with subtle citrus and orchard fruit notes, intertwined with a nutty richness. On the palate, it offers a touch of saline minerality, which provides a refreshing balance. As the wine opens up with air, it builds in richness and depth, revealing more complexity. This Roussanne makes for a perfect early evening sipper, offering a blend of freshness and evolving flavors that make it a delightful, easy-drinking choice.

2023

Eden Hill

Albariño

This Albariño from the Texas High Plains is a spicy, zippy, and zingy white that bursts with crunchy orchard and citrus fruit flavors, along with delicate white flower notes and just a drizzle of honey. Creamier on the mid-palate, it shows a bit of richness from the fruit weight, which adds depth and roundness. The wine finishes with a nice, long jasmine floral note, leaving a refreshing and elegant impression.

2023

Elisa Christopher Wines

Amélie Red Wine Blend

This blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Malbec, and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from three different vineyards in the Texas High Plains and aged for 18 months in 62% new French oak. It’s a soft, plush, medium- to full-bodied red that builds on classic Texas wild herb character—a heady mix of black tea, bay laurel, sagebrush, and scrubrush—all intertwined and framing juicy dark cherry and spiced plum fruit, with hints of pomegranate and blood orange zest. The wild herb and fruit notes linger beautifully on the finish. Pair it with barbecue slathered in rich, honey-mustard sauce, or serve slightly chilled alongside hard cheeses. Elisa Christopher Wines is owned by husband-and-wife duo Elisa and Chris, with Elisa also serving as the winemaker. Passionate about sparkling wine and their red wine program, they plan to begin planting their 43-acre estate in 2026.

2023

Elisa Christopher Wines

Méthode Traditionnelle Ultra Brut Pinot Noir Sparkling Wine

This 100% Pinot Noir sparkling wine is sourced from Reddy Vineyards in the Texas High Plains. Made in the traditional method, it was aged on the lees for 18 months prior to disgorging. Its luminous pink hue reveals lovely, pure aromas of red cherry, white peach, and nectarine. The mousse is frothy and vibrant, carrying great energy across the palate. Flavors of ripe cherry, apricot, raspberry, and even a hint of strawberry unfold with a striking saline-driven acidity that propels the mouthwatering finish. Elisa Christopher Wines is owned by husband-and-wife duo Elisa and Chris, with Elisa also serving as the winemaker. Passionate about sparkling wine and their red wine program, they plan to begin planting their 43-acre estate in 2026.

2023

Elisa Christopher Wines

Ultra Brut Grenache Méthode Champenoise

The 2023 Ultra Brut Grenache sparkles with notes of candied melon, fennel, and wild sage, creating an aromatic profile that is both unique and enticing. Its decadent, creamy mousse adds richness, while the palate reveals impressive focus, energy, and tension.Compared to the producer’s Trebbiano sparkling, this wine offers a more precise and dynamic expression, showcasing the finesse and vibrancy of Grenache in an ultra-brut style.

2023

Flat Creek Estate

"Palomino"

This blend of 40% Pinot Blanc, 40% Pinot Grigio, and 20% Muscat Blanc, sourced entirely from the Texas Hill Country AVA, is hand-harvested and aged for 10 months in neutral French oak on the lees. The result is a wine with enticing aromatics of lemon-lime and apricot, accented by a hint of kumquat and a subtle parmesan rind character. Light-bodied on the palate, it is clean, fresh, and focused, with a fine thread of chalky minerality that adds depth and balance. A perfect “porch-pounder,” this wine is both vibrant and immensely drinkable.

2023

Grape Creek Vineyards

Viognier

The Grape Creek Vineyards Viognier opens with high-toned spice notes, hints of prairie grass, and sage, creating a distinctive and aromatic profile. Light- to medium-bodied, it reveals bright citrus fruit on the palate, adding a refreshing dimension. The finish is pleasantly lively, accented by a subtle jalapeño spice that adds an intriguing touch.

2023

Kalasi Cellars

Malvasia Bianca, Narra Vineyards

This Malvasia Bianca is a testament to freshness and vibrancy. Grapes were pressed directly in the vineyard using a bladder press, with the juice cold-settled before fermentation and then aged for six months in stainless steel prior to bottling. Sourced entirely from Kalasi’s Narra Vineyards estate in the Texas High Plains—located five hours from the winery—refrigerated transport is essential to preserving the quality of the fruit. This light, low-alcohol white is ideal for summer sipping or pairing with spicy, rich dishes. Highly floral and delicate, it features enchanting aromas of jasmine and honeysuckle. On the palate, it delivers impressive phenolic grip and a vinous character, underpinned by a chalky mineral baseline and bright acid tension. Lean, focused, and utterly refreshing, this white shows both charm and precision.

2023

Kalasi Cellars

Narra Vineyards, Sangiovese Rosé

Made from early-picked grapes, with larger berries and lighter skins, this rosé undergoes pressing directly at the vineyard before being transported to the winery. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, followed by six months of aging in tank before bottling. With a modest 12% alcohol and a light orange hue from brief skin contact, this wine is vibrant and refreshing. It offers bright red berry and high-toned melon fruit notes, layered with savory herbal undertones. The palate is defined by a tart, racy acid backbone that leads to a dry, crisp finish. Sourced entirely from Kalasi’s Narra Vineyards estate in the Texas High Plains, this wine is a delightful, a versatile and engaging expression of its unique terroir.

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.

2023

Llano Estacado

Fume Blanc

The Llano Estacado Fumé Blanc, a blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc from the Texas High Plains, strikes a balance between richness and precision. Barrel aging imparts a touch of depth, while the wine remains focused and linear. Pressed white floral notes, subtle baking spice character, and hints of Texas prairie grass define the profile. The bone-dry finish underscores its elegance.

2023

Llano Estacado

Rosé

Produced by Jason Centanni, this rosé is a delicate blend of 91% Cinsault and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. Extremely light and almost ethereal, it offers a refreshing and easy-to-drink profile. A saline thread of minerality runs through the wine, bolstered by bracing acidity and subtle red-toned fruit notes. Vibrant, understated, and captivating.

2023

Lost Draw Wines

Picpoul Blanc

This Picpoul Blanc from Lost Draw, crafted by Brad Buckelew with consulting winemaker Jean Hoefliger, is a clean, bright, and fresh expression of the variety. It opens with lively citrus and delicate white tea notes, complemented by a subtle touch of honeyed almonds. The medium-bodied palate offers a refined texture that builds into a salty mineral richness on the finish, making it an exceptionally food-friendly white.

2023

Meierstone Vineyards

Trebbiano

The 2023 Trebbiano from Meierstone Vineyards in the Texas High Plains showcases captivating spice aromatics, with hints of coriander and brown sugar adding intrigue. Lean and sharply focused on the palate, it reveals subtle notes of prairie grass that enhance its complexity. This wine is intensely savory, bursting with energy, and an absolute joy to drink. Its bright, acid-driven profile delivers a “ripping” freshness that’s as engaging as it is satisfying. For those seeking a lively and distinctive white.

2023

Meredith Margaret Wines

Sangiovese Rosé

Sourced from the Legacy Vineyard in the Texas High Plains, this 100% Sangiovese is hand-picked and crafted with a direct press of the skins before fermentation and aging in neutral vessels for a few months prior to bottling. The nose is captivating, offering aromas of strawberry panna cotta, pressed lavender, and dried Texas purple sage. On the palate, it delivers vibrant tension, featuring crunchy blood orange notes, grapefruit zest, and cherry pit, underscored by a subtle hint of crushed granite stone.

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Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

Rating

$

2021

Producer

Name

Elisa Christopher Wines’ 100% Merlot from the Texas High Plains is aromatic and spicy on the nose, with intriguing hints of jalapeño, black currants, and spiced plums. Medium-bodied, it offers juicy upfront fruit character, framed by vibrant blue fruit compote and black cherry accents. The wine is further layered with notes of pie spices, leather, and a touch of white pepper.

2021

Producer

Name

Originally planted in 2014 at Kalasi’s 140-acre Narra Vineyards estate in the Texas High Plains, this 100% Malbec showcases the region’s potential. Typically ripening around Labor Day, the fruit delivers a wine aged for 24 months in neutral French oak. Bright red berry fruit forms the core of its profile, accented by striking red and purple floral notes. These flavors mingle harmoniously with toasty cedarwood, a hint of molasses, fruit leather, and sweet spices. The palate is structured by firm, fine-grained tannins, leading to a long, sweetly spiced finish.

2021

Producer

Name

The “Raj Collection,” named after the family’s son, is a special label produced only in the best vintages. This vintage is a blend where Petite Verdot adds richness and depth to Merlot, which can be lighter in this region. Aged for 24 months in neutral French oak, the wine is both structured and elegant. It features ample red and black currant character, with fig, blood orange, and high-toned notes of dried wild herbs, tobacco, leather, and a hint of white pepper. The palate is balanced by firm, taut, fine-grained tannins, leading to a long, mineral-driven finish. This is an excellent effort!

2021

Producer

Name

In 2015, Nikhila Narra planted UC Davis-certified Entav Tannat clones on her Narra Vineyards estate in the Texas High Plains, complementing the Tablas Creek clones already grown there. Aged for 24 months in neutral French oak, this wine stands out as one of the finest I tasted in Texas. Full-bodied and richly layered, it showcases a complex profile of red and black fruits, including currants and fig, intertwined with mocha spices and toasty cedarwood. These flavors build gracefully to a satisfying, harmonious, and balanced finish, with its exceptional depth and elegance.

2021

Producer

Name

The Artist Series “The Tree” from Llano Estacado leads with savory black olive, licorice, and tar notes. Medium-bodied, it is framed by intense tannins that will benefit from some additional aging to soften. The wine finishes long, with a distinct ironstone mineral quality.

2021

Producer

Name

The Kubacak Vineyards Sangiovese Classico from the Texas High Plains is a meaty, savory red, infused with white pepper aromas. Medium-bodied with intense character, it shows hints of pressed wildflowers, green olives, and ends with a very dry finish.

2021

Producer

Name

The 2021 Le Claret Classique Red Blend combines 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 24% Merlot into a super savory wine. It opens with notes of peppered charcuterie, black olive, black licorice, and tanned leather, all framed by burly tannins. The wine builds beautifully from medium- to full-bodied, with a long finish that lingers for over a half-minute.

2021

Producer

Name

The fancifully named Drinkin’ Buddy Red Wine is a straightforward, unfussy offering with ripe red cherry fruit and toasty cedarwood notes. It is framed by muscular tannins, creating a medium-bodied wine that builds with richness on the mid-palate. As the assertive tannins resolve, the wine becomes more plump and generous. Lingering notes of red licorice and emerging graphite add complexity.

2021

Producer

Name

The 2021 Lost Draw Alta Loma Vineyard Sangiovese, sourced from the Texas High Plains, is a well-crafted wine from a site planted by Ronny and Gale Burran, along with Ronnie and Bobbie Jo Floyd. The wine is well crafted, with crunchy red-toned fruit and rich baking spice notes, complemented by mineral-laced tannins that provide presence and depth. Those tannins build through the full-bodied finish, where hints of white pepper, charcuterie, and blood orange zest mingle.

2021

Producer

Name

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.

2021

Producer

Name

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.

2021

Producer

Name

The 2021 Meierstone Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon from the Texas High Plains offers alluring cherry and strawberry fruit notes, complemented by tobacco, leather, and vanilla aromas. Medium-bodied on the palate, it reveals more of the same vibrant fruit, supported by a firm foundation of taut tannins that create tension and structure. The wine maintains freshness through its blood orange notes, leading to a finish tinged with a hint of orange zest, adding a refreshing and zesty element.

2021

Producer

Name

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.

2021

Producer

Name

Irresistibly drinkable, Meierstone Vineyard’s Sangiovese from the Texas High Plains shows vibrant cranberry and cherry fruit character. Espresso bean, mocha, and vanilla bean notes add some complexity, all carried through delicously to a medium-bodied finish.

2021

Producer

Name

The 2021 “Wrecking Ball” is a full-bodied red blend of Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon, offering crunchy red-toned fruit and brown spice notes, with hints of molasses and dried herbs. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, it maintains good tension, finishing dry, with a robust backbone of crisp tannins that provide structure and depth.

2021

Producer

Name

The 2021 Sangiovese from Michael Ros Vineyard in the Texas High Plains bursts from the glass with red currant fruits, complemented by green tobacco, spices, sage, and underbrush aromas. The palate is framed by firm, taut, muscular tannins, leading to a mineral-rich finish.

Vintage

Wine

Type

Rating

$

2021

2021 Elisa Christopher Wines Paka Family Vineyards, Merlot

Still

$

2021

2021 Kalasi Cellars Narra Vineyards, Malbec

Still

$$

2021

2021 Kalasi Cellars Narra Vineyards, Red Wine

Still

$$$

2021

2021 Kalasi Cellars Narra Vineyards, Tannat Entav Clone

Still

$$

2021

2021 Llano Estacado “The Tree” Tempranillo

Still

$$

2021

2021 Llano Estacado Kubacak Vineyards, Sangiovese Classico

Still

$$

2021

2021 Llano Estacado Le Claret Classique Red Blend

Still

$$

2021

2021 Lone Star Wines Drinkin’ Buddy Red Wine

Still

N/A

2021

2021 Lost Draw Wines Alta Loma Vineyard, Sangiovese

Still

$

2021

2021 Lost Draw Wines GSM

Still

$

2021

2021 Lost Draw Wines Sangiovese

Still

$$

2021

2021 Meierstone Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

Still

$$

2021

2021 Meierstone Vineyards Reserve Tempranillo

Still

$$

2021

2021 Meierstone Vineyards Sangiovese

Still

$

2021

2021 Meierstone Vineyards Wrecking Ball

Still

$$

2021

2021 Michael Ros Sangiovese

Still Wine

$

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