Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/426275
56 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } DECEMBER/JANUARY 2014/2015 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TEXAS WINE JOURNAL, this month we publish the results of a blind tast- ing of Blanc du Bois—a hybrid white wine grape with incr easing plantings in Texas—and Cabernet Sauvignon. Along with judges' notes, the final scores (below) represent the average rating pro - duced by a panel of regular and guest judges. — Anthony Head BLANC DU BOIS William Chris Vineyards 2013 Blanc du Bois, Brut, Texas ($35) 88 points "Clear bright pale straw with light green tint in color; ideal pearl con - sistency. Dry in the palate, moderate acid, and a rich flavor profile that matches the nose." —Oscar Montes Iga, International Wine & Spirits Guild Lost Oak Winery 2012 Blanc du Bois, Texas ($17) 87 points "Full, fleshy with a nicely polished mouthfeel. Satisfying ripeness and refreshing acid - ity dance together in this Pinot Gris-style white." —Mattie Jackson, Voluptuous Vines The Vineyard at Florence 2012 Aurelia, Texas ($35) 85 points "The flavors are both clean and crisp but offer a surprising richness in the mid-palate. The finish is clean with hints of slate and wet stream rock beds." —Jennifer Beckman, Kuhlman Cellars CABERNET SAUVIGNON Pilot Knob Vineyard 2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Texas Hill Country ($45) 91 points "Great balance and mouthfeel. A good tannic structure. The spiciness of the thyme, rosemary and the berries provide a lingering yet pleasant finish." —Melba Allen-Buillard, Flat Creek Estate Becker Vineyards 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, Canada Family Vineyard, Texas High Plains ($45) 91 points "An overall modern expres - sion with a dense backbone balanced with acids. A poten tial for improvement with aging up to 10 years." —Rae Wilson, Wine for the People Fall Creek Vineyards 2010 Meritus, Texas Hill Country ($40) 89 points "A really enjoyable, rustic style blend. The oak is balanced and allows the loamy earth to shine through. Drinkable and enjoyable now; some short- term cellaring will increase the aromatic and sophisticated profile." —Jim Cubberley, Spec's Wines & Liquors { texas } 95-100 Extraordinary. Superior character and style. 90-94 Excellent. Noteworthy character and highly recommended. 85-89 Very good. Wine with special qualities and potentially great value depending on price. 80-84 Good. Solid wine with above average character. 75-79 Average. Straightforward with little distinction beyond being soundly made. Texas Wine Journal is a publica- tion created by the Texas Wine Consortium, a 501c(3) nonprofit organization. For more information about the Journal, the judges, the methodology behind the ratings and expanded tasting notes, visit www.texaswinejournal.org. Ratings from the Range A REGULAR ROUNDUP OF TEXAS WINES Rob Moshein, Austin Wine Guy, and (in background) Jennifer Beckman, Kuhlman Cellars Daniel Kelada (left), Texas Wine Journal, and Anthony Head, Texas Editor, The SOMM Journal. PHOTOS: KIRK WEDDLE