Stay at home mom, lover of wine
For five generations they have farmed the land. Generation after generation persevering. The land is part of them. It drives their pursuit of balance and sustainability. It fuels their love of country. It does not take more than a brief viewing of their site to see that the Mercer family is creating more than wine; they […]
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Napa has Stag’s Leap which brings to mind images of strength and grace. Rutherford is the home of Frog’s Leap, a moniker chosen as John Williams leapt out on his own from the aforementioned winery. We’ve all seen a frog leap. Here in the Texas Hill Country, we have Armadillo’s Leap. You’ve never seen an […]
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A passage way symbolizes an opportunity, a decision, the unknown. The phrase conjures several images, several responses. The primary image for me is that of a spring forest, a damp and trodden path, fresh vibrant leaves blocking out the sun, low in the sky. Dew covered ferns line the path. At my furthest point of vision, there […]
Read MoreSummer to fall, winter to spring. While the calendar gives us a definitive line, the weather doesn’t always obey the equinox. One bleeds into the next, hints of change and temperatures tease. Depending on who you ask, this winter has been divine. I wish we’d seen more of a chill. I found myself reaching for […]
Read MoreDrawing on family tradition, Andy Timmons began farming in the High Plains of Texas. Drawing on experience, he branched into grape-growing after years of cotton and peanuts. Drawing on the wisdom and inspiration of neighbors, he expanded into winemaking. We are drawing the rewards. When Timmons’ nephew, Andrew Sides, married, it was not just a union of hearts; […]
Read MoreThe truth is there is room for both of you. Two wineries, nine bottles, one blend, four finished products. Argentinean wines were the stars around here last week. I participated in a virtual tasting with Santiago Achaval of Achaval-Ferrer and several others. I also opened a few single varietal wines from Rutini Wines. In this two-part […]
Read MoreI have a tendency to hold on to things. A letter (ok, 20) from high school, jeans that MIGHT fit again (cough, cough), and wine. In some circumstances it can be a good thing. After all, the fashion from middle school is coming back around. In others, well, what can I say…I’m sentimental. When it comes to […]
Read More“Winemakers who wax poetic about wines from a new vineyard hope the qualities they see early on will continue throughout that vineyard’s life. Others believe that the truest expression of a vineyard comes when it has endured the test of time. I believe both viewpoints may be correct.” -Kirk Grace, Vineyard Manager at Stag’s Leap […]
Read MoreWhile my opportunities to sneak away may diminish with summer, the world of Texas wine isn’t slowing. In fact, it continues to expand in size and reputation. My news feed has been full of announcements of accolades, invitations, and openings. While I can’t attend or respond to all of them in the 18 minutes of […]
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SAHMmelier 