Wine Club Selections for Sept-2021
It has been an unusual summer, with milder temperatures, and a LOT more rain. Can you remember seeing the Texas Hill Country this green?! Grape growers all over the state have been working hard to control fungal diseases and mildew problems that wet weather and warm temperatures have promoted. Now it’s harvest time and most growers and winemakers are really busy getting the 2021 vintage underway and under control
Texas Wine Collective is preparing for the September 2021 Wine Club Release. The Pickup Events, scheduled for Sundays, 12-Sep and 19-Sep, 11:00-1:30 or 2:30-5:00 sessions, will be similar to the June events with an opportunity to bring 2 guest attendees per club membership (total of 4 adult attendees per wine club membership) – with advance reservations. The format will remain consistent with the opportunity to taste all 6 dry wines, red and white, along with 3 small-bite food pairings. Or, club members and their guests may choose a complimentary single glass of wine from the release list. Look for Wine Club emails and announcements, make your reservations, and join us at Texas Wine Collective for the September Wine Club release. More information is available on the website – www.texaswinecollective.com.
Our winery partners, Brennan Vineyards, Lost Oak Winery, and McPherson Cellars, are pleased to offer the following wines for the September-2021 Wine Club Release.
Texas Wine Collective Wine Club Release – Sept-2021
Allocation Selection: R=Red, M=Mixed, W=White, S=Sweet
This allocation includes three very tasty reds, one from each winery partner. Brennan Vineyards Winemakers Choice Vol VI (or as we call it “W 6”) will be wonderful for heartier meals and grilled fare this fall. Lost Oak Winery brings a new vintage of their very popular High Plains Merlot, and McPherson Cellars offers a new vintage of the delicious Rhône-style blend, EVS Windblown.
Brennan Vineyards Winemakers Choice Vol. VI Texas R/M
Grape(s): Cabernet Franc 42%, Blackwater Draw Vyd, THP; Carmenere 22% and Graciano 18%, Lahey Vyd, Brownfield, Terry Cty, THP; and Cabernet Sauvignon 18%, Newburg Vyd, Comanche Cty, TX
Mechanically harvested; cuvées fermented separately in SS tanks; aged 12-18 months in mostly used American & French oak barrels; blended & bottled @ 14.2% ABV, 0% RS (DRY)
Dark ruby color; fruit-forward aromas of raspberry, red currant, and sour cherries with hints of eucalyptus, rosemary, wet soil, and tobacco; lush fruit flavors of dark cherries, plums, and blackberry pie enriched by notes of suede leather and pipe tobacco; ripe tannins bring a bold richness to the finish. Pair with heavier meat dishes such as ribeye, smoked turkey, beef short ribs, and smoky Texas BBQ!
Lost Oak Winery Merlot 2019 TX High Plains R/M
Grape(s): Merlot 100% - 60% from Diamante Doble Vyd, Tokio, TX, and 40% from Bingham Family Vyds, Meadow, TX (all Terry County)
Fermented in SS tanks, aged 18 months in mix of American & French oak barrels; 15.2% ABV, 0.0% RS (DRY)
Dark ruby color; aromas of ripe cherry, black raspberry, ripe orange bell pepper, with vanilla and spice notes from oak aging; flavors of red cherry and red currant with hints of earth and cinnamon; subtle tannins frame a lingering finish with a dark cocoa note. Pair with roast beef, French dip sandwich with aioli, grilled flank steak with red wine garlic sauce, and dark chocolate.
McPherson Cellars EVS Windblown Red 2019 TX High Plains R
Grape(s): Syrah 24%, Grenache 22%, Carignan 20%, Petite Sirah 20% (Durif in France), and Mourvèdre 12%, Texas High Plains vineyards
Three-day cold soak and seven-day fermentation in SS tanks at 78oF with 24 day total skin contact; aged 10 months in French oak barrels (15% new); bottled @ 13.8% ABV, 0.4% RS (essentially DRY)
These varieties all grow well in similar Texas climates, and this is a classic Rhône-style blend that offers an enticing aroma of cherry, vanilla bean, and woodsmoke; flavors of dark berry fruit with peppery notes, hints of fresh porcini mushrooms, and delicate oak nuances all leading to a rich, long finish with silky tannins. Pair with summer grilled favorites and richly flavored casseroles (bacon mac and cheese!).
The white wines for this allocation also include an offering from each of the TWC partner wineries. These delicious dry wines will provide pleasant drinking for late summer picnics and upcoming football grilling and watching parties.
Brennan Vineyards Viognier 2020 Texas W/M
Grape(s): Viognier 78%, Comanche and Newburg Vineyards, and Semillon 22%, Newburg Vyd, Comanche Cty, TX
Mechanically harvested, pressed with minimum skin contact, fermented cold at 52oF; aged on the lees in SS tanks; blended and bottled @ 14.8% ABV, 0.0% RS (DRY)
Semillon achieves full ripeness at lower sugar content than Viognier, Brennan’s signature grape, so such a blend moderates the final alcohol level and adds additional flavor components. Medium gold color; a bouquet of apricot nectar and honeysuckle blossom; flavors of citrus, pineapple, and blood orange; great balance of acidity with fruit to bring a smooth finish to this medium-bodied wine. Pair with pork tenderloin, shrimp scampi, Caprese salad, and cream cheese bruschetta.
McPherson Cellars Roussanne-Marsanne 2019 TX High Plains W
Grape(s): Roussanne 50% and Marsanne 50%, sourced from Timmons Estate and Lahey Vyds, Brownfield, TX, Terry Cty
Fermented 27 days at 57oF in SS tank; aged in SS tanks; blended and bottled @ 13.4% ABV, 0.3% RS (essentially DRY)
Because of similar landscape, soil types, and hot, dry, windy climate conditions, Rhône Valley varieties, like Marsanne and Roussanne, also thrive in many regions of Texas. Typically, both varieties are used in blends, and this is no different. Marsanne brings delicate aromas of toasted almonds, a honeyed richness, and subtle citrus flavors. Roussanne adds peachy and tea-like aromas, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a subtle lemon drop candy flavor. Pair with grilled seafood, crab cakes, simple pork or poultry dishes, and refreshing summer salads.
Lost Oak Winery Blanc du Sharkey 2020 Texas W
Grape(s): Blanc du Bois 51%, Village Creek Vyd, Burleson, TX, and Chardonel 49%, from Village Creek and JLor Vyds, Burleson, TX, Johnson Cty
Blanc du Bois and Chardonel fermented cold together and aged in SS tank; bottled @ 14.1% ABV, <0.1% RS (DRY)
Two-hybrid grape varieties fermented together to develop balance and flavor integration. Pale straw color; vibrant aroma of tropical fruit, white peach, and rose petal; flavors of peach carry over to the palate accompanied by star fruit and a hint of ginger; soft acidity with tropical tangerine for a zesty finish. Pair with Camembert cheese, Caesar salad, crab cakes, chicken Florentine, and grilled pineapple.
The three sweet wines in this release should certainly satisfy our wine club members with a sweet tooth. Included is a long-awaited Portejas offering from Brennan Vineyards.
Lost Oak Winery Gewurztraminer 2020 TX High Plains S
Grape(s): Gewurztraminer 100%, Diamante Doble Vyd, Tokio, TX, Terry Cty
Fermented cold & aged in SS tank; sweetened, stabilized, & bottled @ 13.9% ABV, 1% RS (semi-sweet)
Light honey color; aromas of pear, mango, papaya, and pineapple; flavors of stone fruits, pineapple, and lychee; zestiness on the finish with a hint of lime. Pair with peach shortcake, grilled stuffed jalapenos, cobb salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing, pineapple upside-down cake, and soft cheeses with buttery crackers.
Lost Oak Winery Sweet Riesling 2019 TX High Plains S
Grape(s): Riesling 100%, sourced from Texas High Plains vineyards
Mechanically harvested; fermented cold and aged in stainless steel tank (no M/L); sweetened, stabilized, & bottled @ 12.6% ABV, 3.5% RS (sweet)
Pale yellow color; delightfully sweet with aromas of granny smith apple, pear, and wildflower honey; flavors of a prickly pear fruit, golden delicious apple, and honey; gentle, slightly spicy finish. Pair with pork chops with apple sauce, honey glazed carrots, grilled peaches, and ice cream with a honey and balsamic drizzle.
Brennan Vineyards Portejas N.V. Texas S
Grape(s): Ruby Cabernet 2012 25% and 2014 25%, Alicante Bouschet 2016 25% and 2017 25%
Fermented cold & aged in oak barrels; blended, fortified, and sweetened before bottling @ 18% ABV, 6% RS (sweet fortified dessert wine)
Dark ruby color with black cherry compote aromas and flavors; black plum fruit with notes of pipe tobacco, chocolate, and cinnamon. Enjoy with dried fruits, toasted nuts, dark chocolate, raspberry cheesecake, and strong cheeses.