September Wine Club Wines
There is a lot of fun in store for 4.0 Wine Club Members in this upcoming September, 2016, allocation. All nine of the release wines were tasted at a recent staff meeting, and there was plenty of “buzz” around the room.
First, let’s discuss the red wines in this release, one from each of the Parent wineries. Two of the reds are under the 4.0 Cellars label. These wines are good, and will make our red wine Club Members very happy. Here is the list.
4.0 Cellars Montepulciano 2015 Diamante Doble Vyd, TX High Plains
(produced by Brennan Vineyards, Todd Webster, Wine Maker)
Grape(s): Montepulciano 100% sourced from Jet Wilmeth’s Diamante Doble Vyd in Tokio, TX (west of Brownfield in Terry County)
13.3% ABV, pH 3.65, (DRY), total 415 cs
Elegant & well-structured; aromas of black cherry, red flowers, smoked meat, leather & earth; flavors of red cherry, tobacco, & cocoa powder; good acid/fruit balance; grippy-yet-easy tannins on a lingering finish
4.0 Cellars Merlot 2015 TX High Plains
(produced by Lost Oak Winery, Jim Evans & Gene Estes, Wine Makers)
Grape(s): Merlot 100% sourced from Bingham Family Vyds near Meadow, TX, north of Brownfield in Terry County
Fermented in SS tank; aged 10 months in French oak barrels; 15.6% ABV, 0.07% RS (DRY)
Dark & bold – not a shy wine! Aromas of black cherry, clove & toasted vanilla bean; flavors include mocha cherry cordials, red licorice & tobacco with notes of smoke & vanilla from oak barrels; bold finish with solid tannins & a hint of black pepper
McPherson Cellars Mourvèdre 2015 Texas High Plains
Grape(s): Mourvèdre 100% sourced from Lost Draw Vyds near Brownfield in Terry County
Harvested at 23.9oBrix; fermented cold & aged in SS tank (1 mo skin contact); 13.9% ABV, 0.22% RS (DRY), pH 3.67
A lighter style of Mourvèdre; aromas of cherry, blackberry & red floral notes; flavors mirror the aromas; fruit forward with a smooth, easy finish
The white wines in this release also represent quality fruit and good winemaking efforts. Brennan Vineyards is releasing their 2015 Estate Viognier, the winery’s flagship wine. Also, Kim McPherson has produced another outstanding Chenin Blanc, this time from exceptional old vine fruit sourced from the Vasquez Vineyard at Pheasant Ridge in New Deal, TX, just north of Lubbock These old vines were planted when Bobby Cox first established Pheasant Ridge 30+ years ago. Here is the list.
Brennan Vineyards Viognier 2015 Comanche County TX
Grape(s): All estate fruit. 40% Viognier from Comanche Vyd harvested at 25.2 oBrix, 37% Viognier from Newburg Vyd harvested at 24.2 oBrix, and 23% Semillon from Newburg Vyd harvested at 24.6 oBrix
Fermented cold & aged in SS tank; 14.5% ABV, 0.1% RS (DRY), pH 3.38
This is Brennan’s flagship wine. Pale straw color; aromas of apricot, white peach & orange blossom; flavors of grilled peach & meyer lemon; crisp & refreshing finish with hints of honeysuckle (classic Viognier)
McPherson Cellars Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2015 TX High Plains
Grape(s): Chenin Blanc 100% sourced from Bobby Cox’s Vasquez Vyds at Pheasant Ridge Vyds, in New Deal,TX, just north of Lubbock
Fermented cold & aged in SS tank; 13.0% ABV, 0.2% RS, pH 3.38
Terrific wine from some of the oldest vines in Texas; bright apple & citrusy aromas; baked apple, soft green herbs & minerally notes on the palate; bright & luscious finish with mouth-watering acidity.
Lost Oak Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Texas
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc sourced from David & Missy Gudal’s Burning Daylight Vyds near Rendon, TX (just east of Lost Oak Winery & Burleson in Johnson County)
Fermented cold & aged 9 mo in SS tank; 13.8% ABV, 0.7% RS (hint of sweet)
Crisp wine perfect for warm afternoons on the porch; flavors & aromas of pear & pumelo fruit with delicate minerality on a light, but lively finish.
The sweet wine selections will surely satisfy those that enjoy the sweeter side of life. This group is highlighted by the Mistelle of Semillon by Brennan Vineyards, a fortified white dessert wine designed to finish off that perfect meal. Here is the list.
Brennan Vineyards Mistelle of Semillon 2015 Dessert Wine TX
Grape(s): Semillon 100% sourced from Newburg Vyd in Comanche County
Harvested at 23oBrix; fermented cold in SS tank; fortified to 16% ABV, 7% RS (sweet), pH 3.27
This classic style of sweet, fortified dessert wine is a masterpiece from Todd Webster; aromas of honey & apricot with floral notes of jasmine & gardenia; flavors of canned peach & lemon zest; well-balanced with a lush & silky finish
Lost Oak Winery Sweet Moscato 2015 TX High Plains
Grape(s): Muscat 100% sourced from Jet Wilmeth’s Diamante Doble Vyds near Tokio, TX (west of Brownfield in Terry County)
Fermented cold & aged in SS tanks; 14.1% ABV, 3.5% RS
Classic Muscat aromas of wild flowers & ripe pears; white peach, pineapple, mango & green grape flavors on the palate; medium-bodied white with crispness at the finish to balance the sweetness
La Diosa Sangria (by McPherson Cellars) N.V. Texas
Grape(s): Blend of Texas High Plains grapes, including red and white varieties
13.0% ABV, medium sweet
Dark color; sweet cherry & plum aromas; flavors of cherry & cranberry compote with citrusy notes; round & fruity finish with good acidity to balance the sweetness. This is a warm fall-day “porch sipper”!
These wines are available to Wine Club Members for pickup at the 4.0 Cellars Tasting Room on Hwy 290 (after 7-Sep). The annual Wine Club Winemaker Dinner is scheduled for Saturday evening, 24-Sep, 7:00 pm. Check the website for ticket availability, price & menu (www.fourpointwine.com). The Wine Club Pickup Parties are scheduled from 11:00 am-5:00 pm on Sundays, 25-Sep and 2-Oct. Reservations are required, but there is no cost to attend for Wine Club Members and up to three guests. Again, check the website for more information and to make reservations. As a long-time 4.0 Level Wine Club Member, I look forward to sharing these delicious wines and Wine Club experiences with you.