Texas Hill Country Wines have recently exploded onto the scene with unbelievable numbers of medals at international tastings including an amazing 142 medals at the San Francisco Chronicle International! Favorites still include Fall Creek, Becker, Pedernales Cellars, William Chris Winery and Bending Branch.. but this trip gave me a new selection of wineries and the best wines tasted to recommend.
Portree Cellars Johnson City, TX
The name, Portree, comes from a quaint village in Scotland where the Mirtschin family vacationed and hatched their winery plan to open their own in Johnson City.
Fiano 2021 (Italian varietal)—Exciting new find for me.
Double Gold at San Francisco International $32
Sangiovese Rosé 2022 $28
Mourvèdre 2021, aged in French and American oak $38
Tempranillo 2020 from the Salt Lick Vineyards in Driftwood and garnering a Double Gold at San Francisco $48
Malbec 2021 from the Newsome Vineyard in the Texas High Plains (Over 60% of the best grapes for Texas wines come from the Texas High Plains, between Lubbock and New Mexico) $52.
Ab Astris Winery Stonewall, TX
Located next to the LBJ State Park, this is a boutique winery with 12-acre vineyard featuring a diverse selection of grape varieties. Ab Astris, meaning is “of the stars” in Latin.
Picpoul Blanc 2022—from the Texas High Plains, this grape thrives in the Languedoc region of France, and is showing very well in Texas. Aged in stainless (no oak) to preserve freshness $26.40
Cabernet Franc 2019 from the Narra Vineyard in the Texas High Plains. Close to 15% alcohol, but not affecting the balance. Aged in French, American and neutral oak. $36
Sinistra 2020—43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot and 16% Petite Verdot. Also from the Narra Vineyard. Aged in new American oak for 34 months! $48.
Grape Creek Vineyards Fredricksburg, TX
This fabulous winery has been around for about five years. It has an excellent tour, tasting room and even a restaurant.
White wines: Cuvèe Blanc 2022—Pinot Grigio and Albariño $37.65
Viognier 2022 (Exceptional) $37.65
Red wines: Rondezvous 2021—Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvèdre $44.77
Bellissimo 2021—Gold medal winner—Sangiovese—reminiscent of a Super Tuscan $56.47
Invention IV Tempranillo 2021—French and neutral oak $51.76.
Hye Meadow Winery Hye, TX
Located on a gorgeous property under towering oak trees. Enjoy a glass of 100% Texas grapes and enjoy a cheeseboard while enjoying games on the property.
Colla Bianco 2023—Chenin Blanc and Trebbiano—Texas High Plains $27
Rosé (Dry Rose) 100% Dolcetto. Partial Saignee method. Texas High Plains $34
Estate Tempranillo 2019—Aged two years in 20% French oak and 80% neutral oak $54
Estate Montepulciano 2019—Aged in 25% new French oak and 75% neutral oak $47.
Airis’Ele Winery Fredricksburg, TX
Owned by former General Manager at Becker Vineyards, this family has deep roots in the heritage of Texas viticulture. They have payed tribute to the premium grape that makes their malbec a worldy traveler.
Roussanne 2022--$35
Redlin Rosé 2021 (Montepulcino, Sangiovese and Grenache) $35
Tempranillo 2022—High Plains—25% new American oak $40
Chital (You’ll have to ask Bret, the owner, what this means) 2022—90% Montepulciano, 10% Tannat. $50
Fall Creek Winery Driftwood, TX
The perfect stop on the way from the Houston area to the Hill Country wineries is an 11:00 tasting at Fall Creek in Driftwood, about 20 minutes south of Austin, and then a bar bq lunch at Salt Lick Restaurant right across the street, and then on westward to Johnson City, Hye, Stonewall and Fredericksburg.
Sauvignon Blanc Vintner’s Selection 2022 (always a treat) 2022 $19.99
Chardonnay Vintner’s Selection 2021 (excellent example of an unoaked Chardonnay) $29.99
GSM Terroir Reflections, Salt Lick Vineyards 2020 $59.99
Mission Cabernet Sauvignon 2022—a portion of each bottle sale goes to the restoration of the Alamo--$34.99
Meritus (55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Syrah) $79.99
Ex Terra Syrah 2018—Salt Lick Vineyards $100.
Cheers!