Review of Grape Creek Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah, 2012

We received the product for review and all opinions are our own.

Grape Creek Vineyards needs no real introduction, as they have been producing quality wine in Texas for 30 years now, and were one of the first wineries established on the 290 Wine Trail in the Texas Hill Country. Some of you may remember when they were just a fledgling little winery in a small building. Present day, a sprawling estate and eight acres of vines offer stellar views while visiting. Stout’s Pizza has even opened a brick and mortar on site, which provides ample sensory overload when paired with the selection of wines offered. Grape Creek also has a tasting room in Georgetown, Texas on the old town square and a tasting room in the center of Fredericksburg.

The wine I’ll be discussing in this review is not a Tempranillo; it is not a Viognier either. We’re talking about two powerhouse grapes that provide tannin, color, and depth on their own, and more than enough complexity when blended, especially when blended together—Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah! Being a Texas appellation wine, this baby is not overdone or high in alcohol. It is gentle, yet complex. Gripping, yet delicate. I have always liked the sleek appearance of the black label Grape Creek wines. If the bottles had a really deep punt (the indentation) in the base of the bottle, I might even fall in love. In case you didn’t know, I have an affinity for wine bottles with heavy weight and most importantly, a crazy deep punt.

Once the cork is slid from its tomb, the wine pours into the glass a deep garnet, with only a slight rim variation. The nose is quite complex throwing into the air notes of blackberries, prunes, black peppercorns, licorice, cedar box, and cocoa. The palate offers hints of blackberry, cocoa, grilled meat, and most interestingly, coffee bean. This bottle of wine is not one I would consider particularly powerful; it is more refined and firm.

Specifications:

• Grape Creek Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah, 2012 vintage
• Winemaker: Jason Englert
• Appellation: Texas High Plains AVA, and Texas Hill Country AVA
• Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon (63%), Syrah (37%)
• Barrels: Minimum of 14 months in oak
• Clarity/Brightness: Clear/bright, with no detectable flaws and no evidence of gas or sediment
• Tannins: Medium
• Acidity: Medium
• Alcohol: Medium
• Finish: Medium plus
• Alcohol by volume: 13.2
• pH: 3.66
• Retail price: $36.95

If you’re seeking a medium bodied wine with finesse and good structure, I recommend this wine to you. It drinks very well alone, but pizza, a good lean protein, or charcuterie board would all be apt partners for this bottle.

Sip, savor, and enjoy my fellow aficionados.