Hye Meadow review – Dueling Glasses

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

Fall is finally upon us in Texas and the wines seem to be changing colors alongside the foliage. Mostly we are reaching for our favorite bold reds, but the more powerful white wines shouldn’t be neglected. Speaking of both red and white, we recently obtained a couple bottles from Hye Meadow Winery to review, and for the first time we will be doing a dual review. Yippee!

Hye Meadow Winery dabbles in many different grape varieties, along with several wine styles. From the fun-loving Junkyard series, to their fuller bodied dry reds, there is something for everyone at Hye Meadow. Over the last few years, their Texas wine program has grown, and they planted an estate vineyard as well. If you have not been in a while, you might want to stop by to see what is happening around the winery.

Let’s start the reviews with the Junkyard White. This is a three grape blend that really lends itself to someone who desires high acidity. You don’t see a huge quantity of Riesling in Texas, but the folks at Hye Meadow are producing it. Once the screw cap is removed, the wine pours into the glass a light straw color. The nose is fairly complex, tossing around nuances of lemon-lime, tropical fruit, and a nuance of petrol. The palate is citrus dominant, with hints of lemon candies, green apple, and pear. The wine offers very bright acidity, a full bodied mid-palate, and a moderate, soft finish.

Specifications:

• Hye Meadow Winery Junkyard White, 2016 vintage
• Winemaker: Mike Batek
• Appellation: Texas High Plains AVA
• Grape varieties: 75% Riesling, 19% Malvasia Bianca, 6% Trebbiano
• Clarity/brightness: Clear/bright with no detectable flaws, and no evidence of gas or sediment
• Tannins: N/A
• Acidity: High
• Alcohol: Medium
• Finish: Moderate
• Alcohol by volume: 13.6%

Next up is the Petit Verdot. The label says 100% darkness and that is no joke. This wine is inky! Once the cork is pulled, the wine pours into the glass a deep purple which is completely opaque. The nose is hauntingly dark as well, offering aromas of black licorice, cordial cherries, and brambly fruit. The palate is all about boysenberry, black cherry, black licorice, and is quite jammy. Tough tannins show some cellar potential, while the finish is long and round.

Specifications:

• Hye Meadow Winery Petit Verdot, 2015 vintage
• Winemaker: Mike Batek
• Appellation: Texas High Plains AVA
• Grape varieties: 100% Petit Verdot
• Clarity/brightness: Clear/bright with no detectable flaws, and no evidence of gas or sediment
• Barrels: Neutral French oak
• Tannins: Medium Plus
• Acidity: Medium
• Alcohol: Medium
• Finish: Long
• Alcohol by volume: 13.5%

It is always an enjoyable opportunity to review Texas wines, but to have two in one session, now that is even better! The Junkyard White is a full bodied white wine that would pair beautifully with savory foods, and it should age for some time with its high acidity. The Petit Verdot is soft, elegant, sexy, and powerful all the same. The 100% Darkness soaks into the palate like a sponge. This wine doesn’t have the big structure of a full-bodied Cab, but the grippy tannins make it a lovely pairing partner for fatty beef dishes. Butter soaked Filet Mignon, served alongside a loaded baked potato is double the darkness! I recommend each of these wines to anyone seeking out some solid wines from Hye Meadow Winery. Stop by for a visit next time you are in or around Hye, Texas.

Sip, savor, and enjoy my fellow aficionados.