December 2020 Musings from the Wine Press
2018 RLV Syrah
Based on the success of the 2017 RLV Syrah produced for the wine club, RLV decided to continue Syrah as a regular offering in RLV’s red wine production. This current wine club release features the 2018 Syrah produced from the Texas High Plains, aged 18 months in barrel, blended with Tempranillo and a wee bit of Cinsault.
I very much enjoy this wine. It has satisfying depth and richness of aroma evoking black fruits like cassis, currants and blueberry with earthiness and a touch of spice. I find it to be a pleasing alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon for those drawn to fuller bodied wines. In my opinion, Syrah appears to grow and develop consistently well in the Texas High Plains terroir and climate unlike Bordeaux varietals.
Allow me to provide you with a deeper appreciation of this grape varietal. Syrah appears to have a linage dating back to Roman times. Not surprisingly, as with other grape varietals RLV utilizes, Syrah is home to the Rhone Valley in France and has been equally vigorously developed in Australia as Shiraz. Syrah is grown world -wide including South America, New Zealand, South Africa as well as Oregon, Washington, and California here in the U.S. The tannins of Syrah tend to be gentler and its flavors, in addition to those noted above, include anise, leather, and black pepper. Syrah takes oak well which adds complexity and body to its flavor profile and therefore pairs well with heavier food fare such as grilled steaks, chops and roasts.
In the Northern Rhone (Cote Rotie) the wine is produced as a mono-varietal wine and in the Southern Rhone Valley it is blended with among others Mouvedre and Grenache, the infamous GSM wine blend. As many of you recall, RLV has produced a GSM styled wine, Valera. Our recent experience with Syrah has prompted us to elevate it to a varietal wine. I think you will enjoy the fruits of that decision. Cheers!!!!
Tasting Notes by Sean Gravalos, WSET III, RLV Head Sommelier
Red Wine Offerings for December 2020
2017 RLV Toro – This wine is a dry full-bodied Tempranillo. Look for black berry, black cherry, black current, tobacco, leather and earthy notes on the nose and palate.
Awards: Silver medal at the 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine competition and silver medal at the 2018/2019 Texas international wine competition.
Pairings: Hearty Stews, Lasagna, Pizza, dishes with tomato-based sauces. Grilled meats and Mexican food.
2017 RLV Valera – A dry Spanish-style blend of Syrah, Tempranillo, Mourvedre and Grenache. Look for dark red cherry, blackberry, blueberry, cloves, with a hint of vanilla on the nose and palate.
Awards: Silver medal at the 2020 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Bronze medal at the 2019 San Francisco International Wine Competition.
Pairings: Pâté, BBQ Meats, Beef Short Ribs, Pork Shoulder, Lamb and Veal.
2017 RLV Corso – This Italian blend of Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Barbera is dry and full-bodied. Offers red cherry, raspberry, black cherry, black currants, roasted tomato and a hint of vanilla on the nose and palate.
Awards: Silver Medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition.
Pairings: BBQ Grilled Meats, Smokey Dishes, Rib-eye Steak.
“Pair with Tomato Basil Bruschetta” – CJ Hatchett, RLV Operations Manager
2018 RLV Syrah
White Wine Offerings for December 2020
2018 RLV Marsanne – This is 100% Marsanne and is un-oaked. Look for lemon, pear, apple, almond, wet stone, minerality and flinty finish.
Awards: Bronze Medal at the 2019 San Francisco International wine competition.
“Pair with our Goat Cheese and Fig Bruschetta” – CJ Hatchett, RLV Operations Manager
2018 RLV Impish – This wine is an off-dry blend of Orange Muscat with a bit of Marsanne. Look for orange blossom, meyer lemon, Mandarin orange and pineapple with crisp acidity. This wine is great as an aperitif and as a summer sipper.
Awards: Bronze Medal at the 2019 San Francisco International Wine Competition.
“Pair with our Goat Cheese and Fig Bruschetta” – Lauren Murray, FTW Tasting Room Manager
2017 RLV III – This Rhone blend of Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne is fermented in 16% new oak. The remaining balance is fermented in stainless steel tanks to maintain a fresh and fruit forward style. Pleasant palate of apricot, yellow apple, pear, pineapple, jasmine, honey, and a hint of vanilla on the finish.
Awards: Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Gold Medal at the 2018/2019 Texas International Wine Competition. Silver Medal at the 2018 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Pairings: Butter Meats like Lobster, Crab, Foie Gras, and Pâté.
Wine Club Recipe by Caitlyn “CJ” Hatchett, RLV Operations Manager
Flammkuchen – Flammkuchen comes from south Germany and the Alsace region of France. Translated it means “flame cake”. While you can choose any toppings for flammkuchen, the most traditional recipe includes bacon and caramelized onions. These are seasoned with a bit of nutmeg and black pepper.
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Our Holiday Wine Gift Offerings
Remember those very special people in your life and give a gift of RLV wine. Check out our Holiday Special Offerings with free shipping by clicking here.
I Am Dreaming of a White Christmas – 3 Pack of white wine
Have a Holly Jolly Red Christmas – 3 Pack of red wine
Twelve Wines of Christmas: – Mixed case of wine
Looking forward to seeing you soon to share a glass or two of wine either in Coleman or Fort Worth.
As always, Cheers!