Wine Club Release – Sep-2023
Summertime is nearly over (maybe?), even though temperatures are still flirting with that 100+ degree mark each afternoon. Labor Day holiday is just around the corner and football season has begun. That means it is time for the TWC September Wine Club Release events – scheduled for Sundays, September 10 and September 17 with sessions scheduled for11:00-1:30 and 2:30-5:00. Reservations are required and wine club members are encouraged to sign into the website at www.texaswinecollective.com to select your session. Four adults are allowed per wine club membership to attend one of the sessions.
Now open to ALL wine club members and their guests is a Bonus Hour, 1:30-2:30, that will feature a sensory experience highlighting wine aromas. This experience costs $25/person. However, 12 Bottle or Case Club Members may reserve up to 2 complimentary tickets! Reservations are required and you can learn more from the website.
The format will be the same as for past wine club pick-up parties. All release selections will be available for tasting, and there will be small food bite options available to taste with 3 selected wines. Musical entertainment will be provided. All Wine Club Members, including their guests, will enjoy 30% off all wine purchases, so come ready to restock your cellar. Folks are welcome to bring snacks or picnic fare, but NO outside alcohol will be allowed.
Wines from each of the Texas Wine Collective winery partners will be included in the September allocation. There will be three reds, three whites, and three sweet wines – see listing below. Please make your reservations to enjoy the wines, foods, fun, and fellowship.
Allocation Selection: R=Red, M=Mixed, W=White, S=Sweet
The red wines in this release will include the following.
Brennan Vineyards Reserve Protectors N.V. Texas R/M
This proprietary blend contains Tempranillo (62%, 2020) along with significant portions of Ruby Cabernet (2021), and Tannat (2022) sourced from Comanche Vineyard (Comanche, Cty) and Lahey Vineyards (Terry Cty). Fruit was mechanically harvested; cuvées fermented separately in SS tanks; aged between 10-34 months in used American and French oak barrels; blended and bottled @ 13.5% ABV, 0% RS (dry). Brennan’s new winemaker Kevin Spivey developed this blend using wines from former winemaker Todd Webster’s barrel program. Tempranillo brought deep cherry and blackberry fruit while Ruby Cab contributed red plum and boysenberry jam flavors. Tannat added darker color and more substantial tannins to balance the finish. In addition to the fruit aromas and flavors, there are hints of cedar cigar box, cinnamon and vanilla spice, and black tea leaves. This pairs well with roasted pork and rosemary potatoes, beef stir fry, bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers, and Texas BBQ.
Lost Oak Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 TX High Plains R/M
This rich wine contains Cabernet Sauvignon 90%, Triple D Vineyards, Tokio, and Petite Sirah 10%, Paka Family Vineyards, Brownfield, both in Terry County. Fruit was machine harvested; fermented in SS tank; underwent malolactic transformation and aged 19 months in used oak barrels; blended and bottled @ 16% ABV, 0% RS (dry). Featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, the world’s most widely planted grape variety, winemakers Jim Evans and Angela Chapman have created a rich, bold red by adding Petite Sirah for darker color, richer flavor, and better tannin structure. This deep brick-colored wine shows aromas of ripe cherry and blackberry fruit with a hint of wet slate. Flavors of blackberry and huckleberry jam fill the palate accompanied by notes of espresso and dark cocoa leading to a mild tannic finish. This pairs with blackberry jam and goat cheese bruschetta, hamburger with Muenster cheese and caramelized onions, Memphis-style BBQ ribs, and dark chocolate mousse sprinkled with dark cocoa powder.
McPherson Cellars Il Fratello Montepulciano 2021 TX High Plains R
This Montepulciano 100% is sourced from Texas High Plains vineyards. The fruit was machine harvested; cold-soaked 3 days at 45oF; fermented in SS tank over 7 days with overall 24-day skin contact; aged 14 months in French oak barrels (15% new); bottled @ 13.2% ABV, 0.3% RS (dry). Montepulciano is a workhorse variety in Italy, often used as a blender. It fits nicely into McPherson Cellars’ portfolio of Mediterranean grapes. Kim McPherson and Spenser Igo take advantage of the rich flavors, deep color, moderate tannins, and natural acidity to produce this easy-drinking red with bright berry and plum aromas and flavors with a hint of white pepper. Oak aging brings soft, vanilla cream notes and the finish shows gentle dusty tannins. This pairs with stuffed mushrooms, sausage white pie pizza, spaghetti Bolognese, and grilled pork or chicken.
BTW: Il Fratello roughly translates as the brother.
The white wines in this release will include the following.
Lost Oak Winery Gewurztraminer 2022 TX High Plains W/M
This aromatic white grape was sourced from one of our favorite growers, Jet and Gay Wilmeth with Diamante Doble Vineyard near Tokio, in Terry County. The fruit was machine harvested; fermented cold and aged in SS tanks; bottled @ 12.1% ABV in a slightly sweet style with robust flavors and ample acidity. Winemakers Jim Evans and Angela Chapman enjoy working with this aromatic white grape. Pronounced “Guh-voorts-trah-mee-ner”, this variety originated in Germany and is widely grown in the Alsace region of France where LOW owner Gene Estes enjoyed some time and learned to like the wines. This is made in a fruit-forward style showing aromas of clover honey, wildflowers, and lychee fruit. Flavors include cantaloupe, ripe pear, and grilled pineapple. The wine finishes with notes of key lime, the right amount of crispness, and a hint of sweetness. Enjoy with charcuterie, sweet and sour soup, club sandwich on sourdough bread, teriyaki salmon with fried rice, and pineapple upside down cake.
Texas Wine Collective White Wine Blend 2022 TX High Plains W
This refreshing blend contains Muscat 80%, Viognier 10%, Riesling 5%, and Trebbiano 5%, sourced from Texas High Plains vineyards. Machine harvested fruit was fermented cool for 25 days in SS tank; aged in SS tank with no malolactic transformation; blended and bottled @ 12.9% ABV. Muscat and Viognier bring bright fruit and floral aromas and flavors to this blend while Riesling and Trebbiano contribute supporting fruit flavors and good acidity for balance and food pairing. Peach, pear, and melon with notes of honeysuckle blossom and pineapple lead to a crisp and refreshing finish. Pair with most seafood, Oriental cuisine, grilled sausages, stuffed mushroom caps, white cheese fondue, and classic chef or cobb salads.
Brennan Vineyards Dry Riesling 2022 TX High Plains W
This is Riesling 100% sourced from Reddy Vyds, Brownfield, TX, Terry Cty. Mechanically harvested fruit was pressed and fermented cold at 52oF; aged in SS tank (no malolactic transformation); bottled @ 13.3% ABV, 0% RS (dry). Riesling, the famous white grape of Germany, Alsace, and Austria, is not often grown in Texas because it needs cooler weather to produce quality fruit. However, there are a few vineyard owners on the Texas High Plains and northern Panhandle that have taken the challenge. This lighter-bodied, dry version has aromas and flavors of Granny Smith apple, citrus fruit, lemon curd, with notes of key lime, green melon, and jasmine. The mouth feel is bright and refreshing with a clean, well-balanced finish. Pair with simply prepared seafood dishes like scallop risotto, baked brie with peach preserves and pecans, charcuterie boards with mild cheeses, and apple tart or cobbler.
For our TWC Wine Club members who prefer sweeter wines, the following selections are offered.
Lost Oak Winery Dolce Rouge N.V. TX High Plains S
This is a blend of Merlot 75% and Petite Sirah 25% sourced from various Texas vineyards. Mechanically harvested fruit was fermented cold and aged in SS tank or used American and French oak barrels. The cuvées were blended, sweetened, stabilized, and bottled @ 14% ABV, 5% RS (sweet). This wine is fruity and smooth with a dark hue. Aromas include chocolate and raspberry with notes of baking spices. Drink this chilled or made into sangria. Pairs with loaded baked potato skins, bacon wrapped-cream cheese stuffed jalapeno poppers, spicy hot Thai or Mexican fare, and chocolate pie or S’mores.
Lost Oak Winery Sweet Duet 2022 TX High Plains S
This is a blend of Trebbiano 36%, Six Hearts Vyd, Tokio, TX, Yoakum Cty; Muscat Blanc 34%, Reddy Vineyard, Brownfield, TX, Terry Cty; and Riesling 30%, Diamante Doble Vyd, Tokio, TX, Terry Cty. Machine harvested fruit was fermented separately at cold temperature; aged in SS tank (no malolactic transformation); blended, sweetened, stabilized, and bottled @ 13.8% ABV, 5% RS (sweet). This unusual yet refreshing blend is designed to please those who like chilled, sweeter wines. Aromas of chamomile and golden apple. Flavors of apple and candied lemon peel. The sweet, lingering finish offers notes of ruby red grapefruit and honey. Pair with feta and fig crostini, kung pao chicken, lobster bisque with saffron, chicken and waffles with honey butter, or salted caramel crème brûlée.
McPherson Cellars Fleur D’Oranger 2017 TX High Plains S
Orange Muscat 100%, sourced from Blackwater Draw Vyds, Terry County, TX, was late harvested at 29oBrix (% sugar); fermented cold 6 days before neutral grape spirits were added to arrest fermentation and raise the alcohol level. This was bottled @ 17.4% ABV, 15% RS (very sweet dessert wine). Tasting notes include: Honeyed sweetness with spicy apricot jam and orange marmalade flavors. This can accompany most any dessert you choose, OR be dessert by itself.