Jeff’s Corner 9-9-22

Hola, and Hello,

Today, we are going to take a peek at our new 2020 Rendezvous, which has just been (or is about to be) released in our tasting rooms. Some of you in our Wine Club, however, got a sneak preview in your April allocation. Being the first to receive newly released vintages is just one of the many perks of being a member, and if you want to find out just how easy it is to join, click here.

It’s hard to believe the 2020 is the eleventh rendition of this awesome wine, with the first being the 2010 vintage. The ’10 was actually featured on our tours in our barrel tastings before it was even bottled, and the lucky folks on those tours got to experience a new wine in its creation.

Rendezvous is considered a “Rhône-style blend,” meaning the wine is typically a blend of at least three grapes indigenous to the Rhône Valley in southeastern France. Our newest release actually features six, including 31.4% Cinsault, 30.2% Syrah, 21.2% Grenache, 9% Petite Sirah, and 8.2% Mourvèdre. The ABV is 13.6%.  

Rendezvous, our lightest-textured red, occupies an important place in our portfolio. First, it is a perfect red for folks transitioning from white and rosé wines to red. Second, it does very well slightly chilled (50-55*) and, finally, it’s a great wine for people that love to say Pinot Noir.

Before we get to our tasting notes, however, let’s check out a little info about the Rhône Valley. Rhône is a very old growing region, with evidence of Syrah being cultivated there as early as 600 B.C. It’s divided by the Rhône river which stretches 125 miles from the village of Vienne in the north to south of Avignon and into Provence.

Rhône is divided into north and south regions, with few vineyards in the central part of the valley. It boasts close to 200,000 acres of vines, producing mostly reds (about 90%), but also some world class rosés. Syrah is the dominate grape in the north, and Grenache in the south.

Our new 2020 Texas Rendezvous is full of charm, and is sure to appeal to a broad spectrum of wine drinkers. The color is a classic medium garnet, with fresh, vibrant aromas of cherry, red raspberry, cranberry, and pomegranate accented by floral notes of red carnation, violet, and crushed rose petals.

The velvety fruit-forward palate is soft and silky with elegant balance, and muted hints of oak and tannin pave the way for a very long, sensual fruit finish. Again, a serving temp of 50-55* would definitely enhance this extremely graceful wine.

Our ’20 Rendezvous is an extremely food-friendly wine, but today, with fall around the corner, let’s pair it with a spicy, high-quality pepperoni and wild mushroom pizza. Pretty simple and super delish.

Cheers, all!