Over the past few years, I have posted to my personal Facebook page a number of photos and thoughts about wines I have had that evening.  To get started, I’ll put a few of those on my first few posts.  This is truly a work in progress, so please bear with me!

I’ll start with a local Texas wine – from Texas Hill Country, about 1 hour west of Austin (from about Hye to Fredericksburg).  For those who have never tried Texas wines, I was absolutely amazed at the wines they have here.  Texas Hill Country has become the #2 region for winery visits in the U.S.  The Texas Hill Country has become an award winning wine region, and makes some of the best Tempranillo’s anywhere!

Texas Hill Country Wineries link

Kuhlman Cellars is one of the newer wineries, in the “town” of Stonewall, just west of Hye, just east of the LBJ Ranch, and features an excellent wine and appetizer pairing (by appointment).  Jeremy Wilson is one of their excellent sommeliers, and is an excellent host!

http://www.kuhlmancellars.com        https://www.facebook.com/kuhlmancellars

Kuhlman Cellars has a lovely selection of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc (90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Semillion); Calcaria (75% Trebbiano, 17% Roussanne & 8% Viognier); Roussanne; Viognier, Alluve (59% Carignan, 22% Grenache & 19%Petite Sirah); Baranca (82% Carignan, 9% Petite Sirah & 9% Grenache); and Kankar (43% Malbec, 38% Petite Sirah & 19% Sangiovese).

Last night’s wine – a 2012 Kuhlman Cellars “Alluve’ – Sonoma County” ($28).  A Texas Hill Country winery, using Sonoma County grapes for this blend of 59% Carignan, 22% Petite Syrah, and 19% Grenache.   The blend of primarily Petite Sirah and Carignan together creates a beautiful red-purple color.  The nose displays an amazing blend of aromas such as blackberry and plums, with a touch of black licorice.  The flavors that come out of the taste in the mouth are well balanced, and the use of Grenache lightens up the wine to keep it from being potentially heavy.   There are subtle hints of coffee and sweet plums, with a touch of leather.  As with many Texas wines, this is a wine that is very enjoyable now, and for the next 5-7 years.  It paired very well with lamb chops, but would also go well with steak, bison, or venison.  And Kuhlman Cellars recommends to pair Alluve’ with their own herbed almonds.

Kuhlman does some fantastic pairings with their wines. Another of the newer “must visits” on the 290 wine trail west of Austin!

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Lastly… grab a glass of wine, and ENJOY!!!