The Houston Rodeo is in full swing! One of our favorite events is the International Wine Competition. The 2014 competition boasted 2,505 entries from 40 Texas wineries and 16 different countries. Here’s a short list of this year’s winning wines that you can roundup at Spec’s!
Top Country Wine (Chile): La Playa Vineyards Axel Cabernet, Colchagua Valley, 2011
A Deep, vivid red wine with aromas of plum, cedar, tobacco and fruit. A full palate opens and is balanced with sweet fruit flavors and a long, toasty finish.
Top All-Around Winery: Michael-David Winery
The winery’s sauvignon blanc is a popular pick, featuring aromas of grapefruit and lemon zest, complemented by hints of melon and tropical fruits. This is a crisp and refreshing wine with a sweet finish.
Top Wine Company: Trinchero Family Estates
Try their cabernet blend, a solid, everyday wine that is rich and juicy with prominent flavors of black fruits and hints of black pepper and cedar.
Top Sparkling Wine: Sophora Sparkling Rosé, New Zealand, NV
Made from chardonnay and pinot noir, it is an attractive pink blush color with floral aromas and flavors of red berries and pink grapefruit.
Top White Wine: Sheldrake Point Riesling, Finger Lakes, 2011
Pale yellow in color with sweet aromas of peach and honey, this riesling has notes of lilac and pear that complement the round mouthfeel and subtle acidity.
Top Red Wine: Fess Parker Winery The Big Easy, Santa Barbara County, California, 2011
This award-winning red has abundant aromas of dark fruits, leather and ground pepper. Full-bodied with a textured palate, its clean aromas and flavors make it a perfectly balanced wine.
Top Value Wine: Vigilance Red Blend “Cimarron,” Red Hills, Lake County, California, 2011
Bright purple in color, this multi-layered wine has aromas of black cherry and creamy vanilla oak, balanced with dark berry and spicy flavors.
