Pedernales Cellars wins a 2014 Jefferson Cup

(STONEWALL) – Pedernales Cellars is one of just 31 wineries from across the nation to be honored with a Jefferson Cup for 2014. The winery’s 2012 Texas Tempranillo Reserve is just one of 20 red wine selections – part of a 38-wine list – honored by the Kansas City-based invitational competition which some wine aficionados refer to as “the Olympics of wine.”

The wine competition is different from most – rather than paying an entrance fee to be tasted and considered, the Jefferson Cup wines are nominated, and from an initial list of nearly 750 wines, a panel tastes close to 100 wines over the two-day competition to arrive at the best of the best.

Wineries from 14 different states were honored in this year’s American-only competition, divided into white, red, and dessert wine categories. Despite Texas’ growing reputation as a wine-producing state, Pedernales Cellars was the only Texas wine among the competition winners, and was also the only Tempranillo honored.

“We’re very proud to be part of this elite group of wines honored by the Jefferson Cup Invitational,” said Dr. Julie Kuhlken, co-owner of Pedernales Cellars. “Only a fraction of American wines are even considered for this award, let alone receive it. Though we were the only Texas wine to win this year, we see the award as recognition for the growing reputation of winemakers throughout the Texas Hill Country, as well as an endorsement for the work we’re doing to create the best wines possible.”

According to winemaker David Kuhlken, the 2012 Texas Tempranillo Reserve includes notes of cherry and plum along with hints of roasted hazelnut, with a smooth and finished balance. The wine is in the winery’s tasting room for a limited time, and then will then permanently move to the Reserve Room. The 2013 edition of the winery’s Texas Tempranillo Reserve will be bottled and available in the tasting room by Spring 2015.

For more information about Pedernales Cellars and its wines, visit the winery’s official website at www.pedernalescellars.com.