EVS (Earth Vine Sky) Windblown 2016 Wine Review

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

The AVA (American Viticulture Area) in which grapes are grown makes such an impact on wine that there is no doubt terroir directly affects wine. Every aspect of each growing region creates something truly unique in our glass. This is part of what makes wine romantic to me, and starting with the wine label, you can usually get an idea of what the general style of the wine is going to be in the bottle before even popping the cork.

The wine up for review is a unique bottling called Windblown. It is a collaboration wine that incorporates the expertise of several Texas High Plains AVA winegrowers and winemakers. This is a wine that was designed to truly represent the region as it utilizes the same grape varieties each vintage, and concentrates on only using what are considered to be the best grapes to represent the Texas High Plains. This is extremely important for every wine growing region on Earth. Forcing something to grow where it doesn’t naturally thrive is like paddling upstream on purpose. Napa Valley is a great example because it undeniably grows some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon on the planet, but only because the terroir allows for it.

Part of what has really set Texas up for success over the last many years is our decisions in the vineyard—planting the appropriate grape varieties and learning how to better manage the crops every year. When you look at the sheer growth of Texas wine as a whole, and the amount of attention the region has been receiving outside the state, we can thank the right grape varieties for helping us achieve that success. Of course, this has all been under the guidance of some amazing winegrowers and winemakers.

Okay, let’s jump into the wine! Once the cork is removed, the wine pours into the glass a medium garnet. The nose is quite complex offering nuances of red and black fruit, with hints of leather and earth. The palate confirms the nose with the classic fruity, yet rustic earth driven profile we have come to expect from the region. As the wine opens up, it becomes more layered and interesting. The acidity is just high enough to be bright, while the tannins are soft and gentle. The finish is long and smooth.

Specifications:

• EVS (Earth Vine Sky) Windblown, 2016 vintage
• Winemaker: Collaboration, McPherson Cellars
• Appellation: Texas High Plains AVA
• Grape Varieties: 25% Mourvèdre, 25% Petite Sirah, 23% Carignan, 18% Syrah, 9% Grenache
• Clarity/Brightness: Clear/bright with no detectable flaws, and no evidence of gas or sediment
• Tannins: Medium
• Acidity: Medium
• Alcohol: Moderate
• Finish: Long
• Alcohol by volume: 13.8%
• Retail price: $20.00 (priced at the Houston Wine Merchant)

This is a fantastic bottle of wine that shows what the Texas High Plains can do with the correct grape varieties. It is youthful, but drinking well now. It should continue to open up and become more integrated and interesting over the next few years, so if you purchase a bottle, don’t be afraid to let it sit for a while. We attempted to pair this with NY Strip steaks and baked potatoes, and the structure just wasn’t there. But, we finished the bottle alongside some soft goat cheese and crackers, and the pairing was beautifully on point. The tannins aren’t powerful enough for super fatty meats, but a nice charcuterie board with a mix of cheeses and leaner meats would be the perfect pairing partner for this wine.

Sip, savor, and enjoy my fellow aficionados.