Review of Blue Ostrich Winery Blanc du Bois

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

The explosive growth of the Texas wine industry is an awe-inspiring feat to witness. The 290 corridor in the Texas Hill Country is being well documented, but let us not forget the trend of high quality wineries in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Blue Ostrich Winery, in Saint Jo, Texas, is one such winery who is producing high quality wines, and is providing north Texas with a healthy supply of smartly fermented grape nectar. They produce a diverse selection of wines, which includes some love for our beloved Blanc du Bois.

I chose to review the current release of their off-dry Blanc du Bois, and at first sip I realized this review came at a perfect time because this bottle is craving a poolside uncorking! The bottle is cloaked in a single piece, wrap around label. The cork is quality, and slid right out on command.

In the glass this Blanc du Bois is a pale straw color, with little to no rim variation. The nose is fairly layered, offering nuances of crisp green apples, freshly mowed Bermuda grass, and a faint hint of honeydew. The palate is driven by juicy gala apple, and melon with a bit of sweetness from the residual sugar. The balance of the mouthfeel is right where it should be, as crisp acidity and a lingering finish tantalize the senses. I will fully admit, I personally would have preferred this wine to be fermented dry, but the market for off-dry wine is large and this wine is a classy porch companion nonetheless.

Specifications:

• Blue Ostrich Winery and Vineyard Blanc du Bois, non-vintage
• Winemaker: Patrick Whitehead
• Appellation: Texas, Skinner Bridge Vineyard
• Grape varieties: Blanc du Bois
• Barrels: N/A
• Clarity/Brightness: Clear/bright, with no detectable flaws and no evidence of gas or sediment
• Tannins: N/A
• Acidity: Medium plus
• Alcohol: Low
• Finish: Long
• Alcohol by volume: 12.6%

If you’re looking for a crisp poolside easy drinker, or something off-dry to compliment your Thai cuisine, I confidently recommend this bottle of wine. Solid viticulture and clean winemaking yet again yield another high quality wine from the Blanc du Bois grape.

Sip, savor, and enjoy my fellow aficionados.