The Latest Cristaldi Scores
Vintage
Wine
Color
Rating
Vintage
Wine
Color
Rating
Elisa Christopher Wines’ Letkeman Family Vineyard Sangiovese from the Texas High Plains opens with distinctive aromas of green tobacco, cedarwood, and spices. Medium-bodied, it features mineral-laced tannins that are intensely grippy, providing a solid structure. The wine finishes with a bright, herbaceous character.
The 2022 Eden Hill Vineyard Tannat from the Texas High Plains is a fashionable and elegant red that offers vibrant black cherry fruit, tarweed, graphite, and a hint of molasses. Full-bodied, it is framed by crisp, assertive tannins that provide structure and balance. The finish reveals a potpourri of dried rose petal and violet notes, accented by white pepper, thyme, and sage. A very complete and complex Tannat.
Eden Hill’s Texas High Plains Tempranillo offers crunchy red currant fruit, dusty minerals, and sweet clove, with a touch of coconut shavings. Medium-bodied, it is framed by sappy, firm tannins, with the same aromatic profile making appearances on the palate. This Tempranillo is a fine expression of the variety, offering consumers an easy-drinking, low-alcohol red that should pair wonderfully with brisket, pork, or roast chicken dishes.
The Eden Hill Vineyards Winemaker’s Reserve Tempranillo from the Eden Hill Estate Vineyard, produced by Chris Hornbaker, is a richly layered, medium-bodied red. It opens with red-toned fruit aromas of strawberry, rhubarb, and cranberry, with an interesting note reminiscent of cotton candy—nostalgic and inviting, like childhood evenings at the county fair. Fine, firm tannins provide structure, and the finish is both sweetly spiced and bone dry. A truly fascinating Tempranillo from Texas!
Eden Hill’s 2022 “Good Texan” is a blend of 75% Tempranillo, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. This straightforward red wine showcases vibrant strawberry fruit, complemented by dusty mineral notes and the scent of pressed violets. Medium-bodied with robust tannins, it finishes with a loamy earth character and emerging hints of strawberry fruit leather.
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.
The Brennan Vineyards Tribute Red, created in honor of late winery founder Dr. J. Patrick Brennan, is an elegant and savory wine that offers a rich profile of currant fruits, tobacco spices, cedarwood, and tanned leather. The wine is further enhanced by delicate notes of dried rose petals and violets. Medium-bodied with expressive tannins, it shows layers of fig jam and currant jelly, intertwined with sagebrush, thyme, and black truffle nuances. A beautifully complex wine, it has both depth and refinement, making it a memorable tribute to its namesake.
From Brennan Vineyards comes this dynamic non-vintage blend of 27% 2023 Syrah, 4% 2023 Ruby Cabernet, 27% 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% 2020 Tempranillo, and 21% 2020 Syrah. The wine teems with vibrant red cherry, espresso bean, leather, and tobacco notes. Full-bodied, it reveals emerging blue fruit flavors, cherry compote, and pressed violets, creating a rich and layered profile. Lively and energetic, it is framed by firm, well-integrated tannins that provide structure and balance. These non-vintage blends from Brennan Vineyards offer a unique approach to crafting wines, and it’s a style that I believe Texas producers should dig their spurs into more often.
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.
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.
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.
The Buffalo Roam Reserve is a savory red wine that combines 65% Syrah, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petite Sirah, and 6% Cabernet Franc. It offers very attractive green olive tapenade notes that mingle with red currants, dried herbs, and spices. Medium-bodied, it is framed by black tea tannins and complemented by tobacco, sage, and a hint of dried spearmint on its complex finish.
This Reserve Petite Sirah from the Texas High Plains is a full-throttle, meaty red with ripe currant fruit, charcuterie, and dried strawberry, complemented by dried herb nuances of prairie grass and sage. Medium-bodied, it boasts black tea-scented tannins, along with layers of black truffle, loamy earth, and delicate pressed violets and hydrangea notes.
The Winemaker’s Choice is a non-vintage blend consisting of 22% Malbec, 10% Carmenère, 3% Cabernet Franc, 15% Syrah, 32% Graciano, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% 2019 Tempranillo (all from the 2019 vintage); along with 4% 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% 2018 Tempranillo. This well-built red offers savory red currant fruit, charcuterie, white pepper, and dried rose petal notes. Medium-bodied with firm, grippy tannins, it lingers with plenty of savory spices.
This 2022 Viognier from Newburg Vineyard in Comanche County is sourced from a west-facing slope on sandy loam soils with excellent drainage, contributing to the wine’s great concentration. Aromas of candied lemon peel and lemon oil burst from the glass, tinged with a drizzle of honey, creating an inviting and aromatic profile. Medium-bodied, it displays nice mid-palate tension, with a long finish marked by the subtle richness of crushed, salted Marcona almonds.
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.
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.
The 2019 Blackmon Cabernet Sauvignon from the Texas Hill Country is a fantastic wine that beautifully showcases classic Cabernet character. It offers satiny, slightly sappy tannins that are beautifully integrated, complemented by a melange of dried herb notes and delectable black currant and spiced plum fruits. Rich and enticing, it delivers fantastic structure and length, highlighting the potential of the Texas Hill Country. Aged 15 months in roughly 30% new French oak, this dynamic Cabernet is a standout expression of the region. The winemaker is Anthony Offhill.
