Texas – Page 4 – Cristaldi & Co

2021

Brennan Vineyards

Cabernet Franc

This Cabernet Franc from the Blackwater Draw Vineyard in the Texas High Plains is a heady, floral-scented red with vibrant red fruit flavors. The wine is framed by blood orange acidity and crunchy apple skin tannins, which build on the finish and culminate in a burst of sweet Indian spices.

Red

2021

Brennan Vineyards

Cabernet Sauvignon

Brennan Vineyards’ 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from Newburg Vineyard in Comanche County is a well-balanced, unfussy, and easy-drinking red. Packed with vibrant strawberry and raspberry fruit, it’s complemented by notes of fruit leather, panna cotta, and coriander cream. The wine’s full-bodied expression of Cabernet is supported by robust tannins, adding structure while maintaining a smooth and approachable character.

Red

2021

Brennan Vineyards

Mourvèdre

This Mourvèdre from the Blackwater Draw Vineyard in the Texas High Plains is like strawberry fruit leather in a glass. Medium-bodied, it shows velvety tannins complemented by nuances of white pepper, charcuterie, and agave nectar. The tannins assert themselves, framing a dry finish while the mid-palate maintains a juicy character. Lingering notes of currants and cassis add complexity.

Red

2021

Calais Winery

La Cuvée de L'Exposition Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 8 Dell Valley Vineyards

Aged for 32–34 months in 70–80% new French oak. This is a bold, powerful, and intense Cabernet, with lovely high-toned notes of wild sage and scrub brush, layered over black cherry, spiced plum, kirsch, and dark chocolate. Hints of graham cracker crust emerge on the long, polished, and expressive finish.

Red

2021

Calais Winery

La Cuvée de la Fourche Carménère

The Carménère is picked slightly earlier than Counoise but after Cabernet Sauvignon, and is very low-yielding yet remarkably hardy, according to Ben Calais. Medium- to full-bodied, it offers a solid base of acidity, with high-toned, spicy, herbaceous notes of sagebrush. Inky dark berry fruit layers in alongside meaty nuances and black pepper, all carried through to a mineral-driven finish that brings freshness and balance to the supple tannins. Aged for up to 34 months in 60% new French oak.

Red

2021

Calais Winery

La Cuvée du Ruisseau

Sourced from two sites—Family Vineyards and Bolen Vineyards in the Texas High Plains—the 2021 vintage saw reduced Merlot yields due to a spring cold spell. Aged for 32 months in 80% once-used and 20% new French oak, this wine offers striking aromatic richness and impressive mid-palate breadth. Supple-textured tannins frame spiced plum and black raspberry flavors, layered with notes of bright sagebrush, green tobacco, and cola nut that carry through a long, expressive finish.

Red

2021

Chateau Marie LaRose

Red Wine

This wine is part of a separate label from the Gatlin family, made entirely from A-grade ENTAV clones—meticulously sourced and planted in Texas by Dan Gatlin himself. Grown in Gillespie County within the Texas Hill Country AVA, each clone yields an average of 1 ton per acre. Fermented in open bins with cooling plates and hand punchdowns over 7–10 days, the wine is aged for 12 months in 20% new French oak followed by another 12 months in neutral barrels. The texture here is fabulous—silky yet structured—with tannins that carry a saline, Earl Grey tea-like character. Juicy, mouthwatering acidity lifts flavors of currant, spearmint, and crushed cacao nibs, layered with subtle tobacco leaf and cigar box nuances.

Red

2021

Elisa Christopher Wines

Paka Family Vineyards, Merlot

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.

Red

2021

French Connection Wines

Newsom Vineyards Syrah

Newsom Vineyards is widely regarded as one of the top sites in Texas, though, as Ben Calais notes, Syrah can be finicky here and doesn’t always perform consistently. In 2021, at the winery’s request, the vineyard owners replanted the Syrah block with cleaned-up vine material. This bottling represents the final harvest from the original vines. Until the replanted block reaches full production, they are working with Syrah from a neighbouring section. This is a decidedly Texan Syrah, with ripe fruit and deep mineral tension. It shows meaty aromatics, but as Calais explains, it will never taste the same year to year due to the region’s extreme vintage variation. In 2021, conditions were relatively mild with no severe heat spikes. Syrah buds early, and in this vintage was harvested by mid-September—early for a red variety in the region. The wine is bold and rich, showing layered notes of toffee and wild herbs, balanced by vibrant blood orange acidity and a finish marked by baking spice.

Red

2021

French Connection Wines

Petite Sirah

Aged for 21 months in two-thirds new French oak puncheons. This is a delicious wine, offering full-bodied richness and spicy, sinewy tannins that meld seamlessly with flavours of blood orange, cacao nibs, and violets, leading into a long, crème de cassis–laden finish.

Red

2021

Grape Creek Vineyards

Mosaic Red Blend

The Mosaic is the winery’s classic Bordeaux blend and typically includes all five Bordeaux varieties, though this year’s weather was less accommodating. The wine is medium to full-bodied, showing ripe cherry, blackberry, and black raspberry fruit layered with notes of leather, tobacco, sagebrush, and black tea, finishing with a delicate floral lift. 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).

Red

2021

Invention Vineyards

Soleluce Super Tuscan

The Soleluce is a crunchy, red-fruited, zesty wine with rich forest berry and underbrush notes in a medium-bodied expression. Currant fruit and subtle tobacco spice nuances carry through to the fine 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).

Red

2021

Inwood Estates Vineyards

Magellam Red Wine

A staple of the Inwood Estates lineup since 2006, this wine represents an Americanized reinterpretation of a Bordeaux blend—crafted with domestic clones rather than ENTAV selections, which were not yet available at the time. Grown at low yields of 1.5 tons per acre, the wine is built on super dark fruit tones layered with tobacco spice and dark chocolate. Blackberry fruit leads the aromatic profile alongside wild herbs, rich toasty cedarwood, dried fennel, and tobacco leaf. Medium-bodied on the palate with sinewy tannins, it finishes with notes of graham cracker crust and warm baking spices.

Red

2021

Kalasi Cellars

Narra Vineyards, Malbec

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.

Red

2021

Kalasi Cellars

Narra Vineyards, Red Wine

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!

Red

2021

Kalasi Cellars

Narra Vineyards, Tannat Entav Clone

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.

Red

2021

Kerrville Hills

Pepper Jack Vineyard Teroldego

From the Pepper Jack Vineyard, this Teroldego is full-bodied, deeply flavored, and unapologetically muscular. Inky dark fruit, black currant, saddle leather, and black olive pit dominate the nose and palate, underscored by savory notes of tobacco, leather, and olive tapenade. The tannins are powerful and structured, carrying the wine through a finish that lingers well over a minute. Talk about your ultimate barbecue wine.

Red

2021

Llano Estacado

"The Tree" Tempranillo

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.

Red

2021

Llano Estacado

Kubacak Vineyards, Sangiovese Classico

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.

Red

2021

Llano Estacado

Le Claret Classique Red Blend

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.

Red

2021

Lone Star Wines

Drinkin' Buddy Red Wine

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.

Red

2021

Lost Draw Wines

Alta Loma Vineyard, Sangiovese

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.

Red

2021

Lost Draw Wines

GSM

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.

Red

2021

Lost Draw Wines

Sangiovese

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.

Red

2021

Meierstone Vineyards

Cabernet Sauvignon

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.

Red

2021

Meierstone Vineyards

Reserve Tempranillo

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.

Red

2021

Meierstone Vineyards

Sangiovese

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.

Red

2021

Meierstone Vineyards

Wrecking Ball

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.

Red

2021

Michael Ros

Sangiovese

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.

Red

2021

Michael Ros

Tannat

This Tannat from Narra Vineyards in the Texas High Plains is incredibly savory, with bright herbaceous notes leaping out of the glass, reminiscent of jalapeño, dried sage, smoky thyme, and rosemary. On the medium-bodied palate, red currants abound, while the tannins are firm and tense, providing structure and depth. Give it some air to allow those tannins to soften a bit.

Red

Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

Rating

$

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.

Red

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.

Red

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.

Red

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.

Red

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.

Red

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.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

Becker’s Reserve Chardonnay is crafted from grapes sourced from Canada Family Vineyards in Plains, Texas, near the New Mexico border, and Drew Tallent of Tallent Vineyards in Mason, within the Texas Hill Country AVA. Aged for 20 months in 30% new French oak, it displays both richness and freshness. The oak imparts a subtle sweetness, with hints of caramel and toffee spices seamlessly woven into the aromas of rich citrus and orchard fruits. Full-bodied on the palate, it offers flavors reminiscent of apple pie and warm baking spices. Its lush texture is counterbalanced by a vibrant spine of juicy acidity, creating a wine that is both indulgent and refreshing.

White

2020

Producer

Name

The Becker Vineyards 2020 Texas Hill Country Malbec Reserve, sourced from Tallent Vineyard, opens with a hint of funkiness, adding a touch of earthy underbrush and charcuterie, complemented by stewed plum character. Medium-bodied, the wine features grippy tannins that build throughout the palate, culminating in a drying finish. Pair this bold and flavorful Malbec with a nicely salted Ribeye, and you’ll be off to the races.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

The Becker Vineyards Petite Sirah from the Texas Hill Country is an expressive, currant-rich red, with dark black fruits emerging on the medium- to full-bodied palate. Sappy tannins frame this power-packed wine, providing structure and depth. The finish is remarkably floral, with fine notes of rose petal, espresso bean, and crushed thyme.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

This blend of 78% Malbec, 10% Petit Verdot, 8% Tannat, and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 36 months in 22% new American oak, resulting in a wine with impressive power and intensity. It features a savory mineral character and subtle nuances of pressed dried florals, which complement the rich barrel spices. The nose is further enriched with red berry fruits, mulberry, and a touch of molasses, likely influenced by the American oak. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, it concludes with a long ironstone mineral finish, with hints of charcuterie adding complexity.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

While the 2021 is a bold, savory red, the 2020 shows a softer, gentler, more elegant profile. It’s more fruit-driven, with fresher flavors and brighter baking-spice notes—white pepper, candied violets, and cherry fruit. Medium- to full-bodied, it carries gentle tannins that support a juicy, vibrant core framed by earthy redwood spice and limestone-driven mineral intensity. A lovely counterpoint to the more overtly savory vintages of this wine.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

Whatever you think you know about Malbec, check it at the door with this Texas rendition from Camp Lucy Vineyard and the 2020 vintage. It’s a delicate, pretty wine—much like the world’s greatest Malbecs—driven by red cherry fruit and spice but softer in tannin, less muscular, and more elegant. White pepper and rose-stem nuances weave through the palate, carried by limestone mineral tension and a lift of tangerine oil on the finish.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

This Camp Lucy Vineyard Petit Verdot from the Texas Hill Country comes from a north-facing 5-acre site west of Dripping Springs. The wine offers an attractive nose, with red-toned fruits mingling with lilac and prairie herbs. These aromas build with nice intensity through the medium-bodied palate, supported by well-integrated, soft, and velvety tannins.

Red

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.

Red

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 Tannat wine from Bending Branch. 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. A more medium-bodied, softer expression of Tannat, with crunchy red berry fruit character, elegant minerality, and a litany of herbs and Indian spices.

Red

2020

Producer

Name

The Bingham Family Vineyards Mourvèdre Estate Reserve is a bold and intense red, packed with green tobacco, red currant, and fig fruits. The tannins are strong, offering a substantial structure, while the limestone minerality is particularly pronounced, with a distinctive, earthy character. This wine has a definite place at the table, but demands rich, creamy cheeses or smoky/hearty meats to balance its herbal and tannic intensity.

Cristaldi Scores

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

Brennan Vineyards

Cabernet Franc

Brennan Vineyards

Cabernet Sauvignon

Brennan Vineyards

Mourvèdre

Calais Winery

La Cuvée de L'Exposition Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 8 Dell Valley Vineyards

Calais Winery

La Cuvée de la Fourche Carménère

Calais Winery

La Cuvée du Ruisseau

Chateau Marie LaRose

Red Wine

Elisa Christopher Wines

Paka Family Vineyards, Merlot

French Connection Wines

Newsom Vineyards Syrah

French Connection Wines

Petite Sirah

Grape Creek Vineyards

Mosaic Red Blend

Invention Vineyards

Soleluce Super Tuscan

Inwood Estates Vineyards

Magellam Red Wine

Kalasi Cellars

Narra Vineyards, Malbec

Kalasi Cellars

Narra Vineyards, Red Wine

Kalasi Cellars

Narra Vineyards, Tannat Entav Clone

Kerrville Hills

Pepper Jack Vineyard Teroldego

Llano Estacado

"The Tree" Tempranillo

Llano Estacado

Kubacak Vineyards, Sangiovese Classico

Llano Estacado

Le Claret Classique Red Blend

Lone Star Wines

Drinkin' Buddy Red Wine

Lost Draw Wines

Alta Loma Vineyard, Sangiovese

Lost Draw Wines

GSM

Lost Draw Wines

Sangiovese

Meierstone Vineyards

Cabernet Sauvignon

Meierstone Vineyards

Reserve Tempranillo

Meierstone Vineyards

Sangiovese

Meierstone Vineyards

Wrecking Ball