The Texas Hill Country and High Plains AVA’s are very well known in our local wine industry. Most everyone is familiar with the 290 wine trail and the superb High Plains growers and wineries, but some are unaware that there is major action in the DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) metroplex and in East Texas, specifically Tyler, Texas.
Kiepersol Estates relies on their 61 acres of estate vines to provide the loving grapes needed to make their superb wines. The vines were planted in 1998-1999. What makes the estate vineyard so special? Well, the property sits atop the Bullard Salt Dome which over time has brought Jurassic, fertile soils to the surface which is more than ideal for the grapevines. The land has a natural electric charge which reduces the severity of any storms in the area as well as helps to push them north and south of the property, which is quite magnificent if you ask me. For more about the winery and vineyard, read Jeff’s story.
Mourvèdre has projected itself into the Texas spotlight as one of THE go to grape varieties that, along with talented winemaking, tap dances around as a world class wine. This grape ripens late in the season, is drought tolerant and prefers a warm climate. Tejas maybe? I think so! The best Mourvèdre varietal wines tend to offer balance, round tannins, a solid midpalate and brilliant highlights of classic gamey, meaty, and floral notes. This particular wine seems to fit the mold like Marilyn Monroe in a pair of cateyes. Here’s the rundown folks.
As soon as I gently removed the cork from its call of duty, notes of sweet candied cherries and cinnamon exploded from the neck of the bottle. I knew immediately we were in for a treat with this one! In my tilted Luigi Bormioli glass, the gentle ruby color is bordered by a garnet rim. The nose explodes with fruit forward goodness such as candied red cherries, raspberries, cinnamon, black pepper, violets, and that telltale smoked meat aspect coated with warm butter. The palate completely confirms the nose with the tart yet sweet red fruits driving it home. I hesitate to call this wine chewy, but there is a hearty and masculine yet subtle, silky mouthfeel that both awakens the senses and caresses the tongue and cheeks.
Specifications:
- Kiepersol Estates Texas Mourvèdre, 2011 vintage
- Winemaker: Marnelle Durrett
- Appellation: Texas/Kiepersol Vineyards, Tyler, TX
- Varieties: Mourvèdre
- Barrels: 11 months new American oak, 11 months neutral French oak
- Cases Produced: 85
- Clarity/Brightness: Clear/bright with no detectable flaws and no gas or sediment
- Tannins: Medium
- Acidity: Medium
- Alcohol: Medium
- Finish: Long
- pH: 3.75
- 13.5% alcohol by volume
This Mourvèdre is a classic style wine made right here in Texas that I believe would compete head to head with several traditional wines from the old world. The handcrafted winemaking and attention to detail really makes this one stand out from the pack. Please note, as of the publishing date of this review, there are approximately two cases (24 bottles) of this particular wine left. Act quickly if you want to snag a bottle before they all sell out. If you pay Kiepersol Estates a visit, be sure and tell them the folks at Texas Wine Lover sent you.
Sip, savor, and enjoy my fellow aficionados.
Great review, Jeremy.
Thanks, Rebecca!