Texacaia
Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo
Hill Country
Bend, Texas, USA
2004
13.1%
$18.99 -- Twin Liquors, Austin, TX
Color: Medium peachy garnet
Hill Country
Bend, Texas, USA
2004
13.1%
$18.99 -- Twin Liquors, Austin, TX
Color: Medium peachy garnet
Nose: Ripe plum, fruitcake, overripe strawberries
Body: Medium
Front: Super-tart cherry--like Pixie StixTM
Middle: Blueberry yogurt
Back: Topsoil
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
Texas wine is big. That's appropriate. But in many cases, it is not necessarily good. One of the complaints I've had before--one that will be tested in the next few months, because at some point Asmodeus embarks upon a Texas wine tour--is the mismatch between the varietals I see bottled in stores and the ones you'd think would thrive in Texas. It's hot here, people. So: more Syrah, Zinfandel, perhaps Tempranillo, and never Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.
Alamosa Wine Cellars focuses on warm-weather varietals, which is a good thing. Its bottles are also quite reasonably priced for quality Texas reds. Now, I'm a proven non-fan of Sangiovese, and I think it shows here. But I also wonder about the release policy on these wines; 5 years I think may be pushing it. It's peachy at the edges, and has a bit of cloy on the palate.
I'll say this, though: it's not overoaked. It's just that a certain complexity is missing. There's a strong cherry tartness that is engaging, but is a bit too much for me. But if you like a little tang on your wine, or are simply curious about Texas wines, load this up and see what you think!
