September 2019 Musings from the Wine Press
September 2019
Musings from the Wine Press
The third wine club offering for 2019 offers something for everyone! At this moment we are in the midst of our 4th vintage. Several exciting developments have occurred since the last Musings.
RLV had a successful relocation of our wine production facility immediately adjacent to the vineyards in the Texas High Plains. This enables us to immediately begin the controlled fermentation process when the grapes are ready without any delay, or need for transportation, especially important during harvest in the hot summers of Texas.
RLV is opening a second tasting room in Fort Worth, Texas this fall! A similar urban chic tasting room atmosphere will be our second home at 411 S Main in Ft Worth. Stop by when you are in the area for a glass of wine with friends.
Finally, Republic National Distribution Company, has decided to carry RLV wines in their premium wine category! RLV wines will be available from Lubbock to Dallas, and Austin, San Antonio and Houston.
As RLV grows, we value our relationship with each and everyone of you. I am particularly passionate about this 3rd quarter offering of 2019 as they each have very special qualities in their own right—just like our Wine Club Members
2018 Impish
The 2018 Impish harkens back to the 2016 Small Lot Muscat with its off dry sweetness. The Impish is very refreshing and clean on the palate with a sense of elegance and grace. Its subtle sweetness balances well against crisp acidity and modest alcohol, creating a perfect summer wine/ aperitif- wine reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc. This wine has an unmistakable orange blossom fragrance upon first approach, followed.
Harvest Notes
Harvest Period – Early to mid-August 2018
Vinification – Immediate press, 24-48 Hour settling, 60˚F stainless fermentation, aged in stainless, dominant blend of Orange Muscat with Marsanne
Finished Wine – ABV 12.7%, pH 3.71, RS 0.5%
Case Production – 200 cases
Tasting Notes
Orange blossom nose, off-dry, with zesty tropical and citrus notes, refreshing acidity, and lithe body and mouthfeel.
2018 Trés Rosé
Christened by Texas Monthly as “checking all the boxes for a Provencal Rosé, in its summer edition of Texas wines to enjoy, the 2018 Trés Rosé is another stellar Rosé produced by RLV. It presents a pretty salmon color appearance, with delicate red raspberry, currant and strawberry fruit, and roses. It is framed by cleansing freshness and lively flavors on the palate. This Rosé is a blend of nearly equal parts Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. Trés Rosé, Trés chic.
Harvest Notes
Harvest Period – Mid to late August 2018
Vinification – Hours of skin contact, immediate press, 48 hour settling, stainless fermentation and aging.
Case Production – 225 cases
Finished Wine – ABV 13.7%, pH 3.66
Tasting Notes
This Rhone style rosé blend is Provencal style in color and character. A dry rosé offering strawberry, raspberry, guava and red roses with a lively acidity and vibrant fresh finish.
2017 The Tempter
The Tempter is a reserve red wine from the impressive 2017 vintage producing fruit with long hang time during a temperately warm summer. The 2017 Tempter follows the double gold award winning 2016 Tempest, having the same blend of Tempranillo, Merlot and Tannat although in slightly differing proportions (Tempranillo 50%, Merlot 35%, and Tannat 15%). The Tempter has opulent fruit ranging from dark red and black fruit to coffee and tobacco, offering pleasing complexity and depth. Aged for 18 months with 30% new French oak.
Harvest Notes
Harvest Period – Early August to early September 2017
Vinification – Small lot fermentation in 2-ton fermenters, twice a day punch downs, 30% barreled in 2-year-old French oak and the remainder in neutral barrel, aged 15 months.
Case Production – 650 cases
Finished Wine – ABV 15.8%, pH 3.80, RS 0.16g/L
Tasting Notes
This bold wine is an interpretation of a Texas Bordeaux style blend with light purple color and moderate tannin structure.
The nose evokes forest floor and earth while the aromatics bring forward black currant and cassis with accents of smoky tobacco and spicy earth competed with a long juicy finish, complementing its name.
As always, Cheers! We will be thinking of you during Harvest 2019.