Current Vintage Tasting Notes

Grape Creek has a long history of complex Pinot Grigio’s, and our 2022 Pinot is certainly no exception. A near-translucent pale straw in color, this lovely wine displays lively tropical fruit aromas of lemon-lime, pineapple, cantaloupe, and an intriguing hint of coconut. The ABV is a back porch, food-friendly 11.7%.

The palate is clean, crisp, and refreshing with great harmony between fruit and acid that leads to a well-balanced finish that is not overly acidic. With an immense appeal to nearly all white wine lovers, this playful Pinot Grigio should be a fan-favorite all spring and summer long.

This classic, northern Italian-style 2023 Pinot Grigio shows delicate tropical fruit aromas of pineapple, white peach, lemon/lime, and cantaloupe. A brilliant, pale straw color and a backyard-friendly ABV of 12.7 make this a perfect wine for an afternoon gathering of good friends.

A soft, subtle palate that avoids the harsh edginess of an extremely high-acid Pinot Grigio (also called Pinot Gris) this lovely wine is extremely well-balanced and would pair beautifully with a garlicky shrimp scampi sautéed with sugar snap peas.

First produced in the early 1990’s, our refreshing 2022 Texas Cuvée Blanc is an appealing pale straw in color with a bright, translucent rim.

The nose shows aggressive aromas of Meyer lemon, grapefruit, apricot, and pear complimented by white carnation and lemon grass. Full-bodied and well-balanced, the wine is brisk and clean with an invigorating finish. About a 45* serving temperature would be best to allow the fruit to showcase the bright acidity. A different proprietary blend for every vintage.

Viognier | Albariño | Sémillon |Sauvignon Blanc | Riesling | Pinot Grigio

Jason and his team craft this proprietary white blend (cuvée means blend) from a unique selection of grapes every vintage. The 2023 is predominately Texas High Plains Viognier with a touch of Sauvignon Blanc.

A brilliant pale straw with a hint of gold and a respectable 13.5% ABV, this lovely wine exhibits delicate, yet pronounced aromas of lemon, tangerine, white peach, grapefruit and vanilla. Medium-plus in body with a clean, delicate palate and a crisp, lingering finish make this an extremely versatile food wine.

Viognier | Sauvignon Blanc

This elegant, beautifully balanced Viognier is a flawless example of why Viognier from the Texas High Plains is often considered the benchmark for this grape throughout the entire wine world. It’s a real beauty.

A lovely pale straw in color with a hint of chartreuse, delicate, sensual aromas of tangerine, apricot, and pineapple are accented with lemon grass and wild flowers. Mostly Viognier with a touch of Pinot Grigio for crispness, the palate is silky smooth with a long, graceful finish. The ABV is a food-perfect 12.8%.

Viognier | Pinot Grigio | Riesling

An ancient grape discovered by the Romans in the Rhone Valley of southeastern France, Viognier has found its second home in Texas. Perhaps our most popular dry white, our 2023 Viognier is crafted from 100% Texas High Plains fruit and shows refreshing aromas of tangerine, apricot, cantaloupe, honeysuckle, and wild honey.

This perfectly-balanced, full-bodied beauty boasts a rich, creamy mouthfeel that finishes with lots of fruit and delicate, soft acidity. A civilized ABV of 12.2% make this a great food wine that would pair wonderfully with shell fish when served around 50*.

First produced in 2016, this is the fifth anniversary of our charming Rosé of Malbec. The ’20 is a stunning pale salmon with a brilliant rim. All Texas High Plains fruit, the ABV is an afternoon-friendly 12.8%. Vibrant, fresh fruit aromas of strawberry, red plum, raspberry, and cantaloupe dance with floral notes of pink carnation and honeysuckle. The palate is delightful, with well-balanced fruit and acid in perfect harmony leading to a crisp, clean finish.

The much anticipated 2022 Rosé of Malbec is an enchanting pale salmon in color and boasts 100% Texas High Plains fruit. With an accessible, backyard-friendly ABV of 11.4%, this beauty is made for laughter and friendship.

Crisp and elegant on the palate, bright red fruit aromas of strawberry shortcake, cranberry, raspberry, and watermelon are accented by floral notes of iris and pink carnation. Showing great balance and a clean mouthfeel, let’s serve this charming wine well-chilled, around 45*.

The color is an enchanting pale salmon with a bright, translucent rim. The ABV is 13.0%. Sometimes aromas in rosé wines can be difficult to identify, but to me there are subtle hints of cranberry, raspberry, and bright red cherry with some elegant floral notes of pink and white carnations. The palate is very well-balanced, and the wine is clean as a whistle from front to finish with plenty of crisp acidity to make this wine very refreshing and very food-friendly.

Our lightest red wine in texture, yet loaded with delicate complexity, our 2021 Rendezvous is 100% Texas High Plains fruit featuring a classic Rhone-style blend. The color is a vibrant pale garnet with a food-friendly ABV of 13.8%.

Charming aromas of candied raspberry, red plum, and cocktail cherries flirt with floral notes of lavender and rose petal.  The palate is lively and well-balanced with a deceptively long finish, and a cool serving temperature of 55* will further enhance the luscious fruit flavors of this lovely wine.

Mourvèdre | Cinsault | Syrah

Grape Creek’s lightest red wine in style and texture, our 2022 Rhone-style Texas Rendezvous is a masterful blend. A perfect wine for warm weather and folks new to red wine, the ’22 has an ABV of 13.5% and shows best slightly chilled, around 55*.

A bright medium garnet in color, playful aromas of cherry cola, raspberry, cranberry, and cinnamon lead to a soft, pleasing finish. This beauty would pair well with grilled chicken, ribs, sausage or a firm-textured such as tuna or Mahi Mahi.

Mourvèdre | Cinsault | Syrah | Rubired

Our first ever Right Bank is a classic medium+ garnet with a touch of ruby in the rim. Hints of soft, sweet oak form a backdrop for complex, layered aromas of rich, ripe black cherry, blueberry, red currant, and blackberry that mingle with floral notes of lilac, violet, and red rose petal. The ABV is 13.7%.

The wine opens up quickly in the glass, and the palate shows a soft, silky mouthfeel that totally belies its youthfulness. Our Right Bank features a lot of fruitiness up front, and progresses to a delicate finish with well-balanced acid and delicate tannins.

Merlot | Petit Verdot | Cabernet Sauvignon

True to its name, the 2021 Right Bank is a predominately Merlot blend. This Texas High Plains beauty is a classic medium garnet in color with a food-friendly ABV of 13.5%. Delicate aromas of oak are tempered with fresh blueberry, red plum, cinnamon, cedar, and vanilla.

The palate is wonderfully balanced and incredibly easy to drink, making this one of our most accessible wines and perfect for our newer red wine drinkers. Soft tannins provide just enough structure to showcase fresh fruit flavors accented by youthful, brisk acidity.

Merlot | Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet Franc | Petit Verdot | Rubired

One of the most iconic red wines ever produced in Texas, the 2021 is the thirty-first vintage of Cabernet Trois. First Bottled in 1991, the Texas High Plains ’21 is a rich medium garnet in hue, with an ABV of 13.8%.

Dense, layered aromas of black cherry, black currant, cedar, cocoa, and Mexican vanilla are supported by a generous helping of toasted oak. A long, well-balanced finish integrates fruit, oak, acid, and tannin into a cohesive unit for immediate drinkability, but will develop complexity with several years of bottle aging.

Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet Franc | Petit Verdot | Rubired

A legend in the history of Texas wine, this is the thirty-second vintage of Cabernet Trois, having first been produced in 1991. Another masterful blend, the ’22 is a textbook garnet in hue and the ABV is a friendly 13.0%.

Aggressive aromas of black cherry, cinnamon, all spice, clove, and spicy evergreen dominate the nose and contribute to a well-structured, fruit-forward mouthfeel that leads to a rich, lingering finish. Always a great food wine that pairs with a wide array of offerings, let’s try this beauty with Mom’s favorite pot roast recipe.

Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet Franc | Petit Verdot | Rubired.

A rich medium-plus ruby in color, our 2021 Prosperity is a predominately Cabernet Sauvignon blend. The ABV is a fashionable 13.1%.

Layered aromas of black cherry, plum, fresh-cracked black pepper, cedar, vanilla, and violet are all supported by a generous helping of toasted oak. The palate is soft and elegant with supple tannins and moderate acidity working toward a lean, lingering finish.

Cabernet Sauvignon | Petite Sirah | Petit Verdot | Rubired

With roots going back to the Grape Creek 2004 Renaissance, Prosperity evolved from Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah to Prosperity in 2011. The blend of Cab and Syrah has remained true, however, with room for a little more flexibility. The 2022 is true to style, with a lean, racehorse palate and a made-for-food ABV of 13.2%.

The color is a classic garnet, showing alluring aromas of cracked black pepper, black currant, raspberry jam, and roasted ripe red pepper. The palate is silky and elegant, leading to a surprisingly aggressive finish with chalky tannins and a lingering dark fruit finish.

Cabernet Sauvignon | Syrah

A lovely medium-plus purple in color with an intriguing hint of ruby in the rim, the blend is primarily Petite Sirah and with some Cabernet Sauvignon and an approachable 13.9% ABV. A strong backdrop of toasted oak supports rustic aromas of ripe blackberry, crushed black pepper, anise, and black licorice accented by floral notes of lilac and lavender.

The palate of this full-bodied wine is richly-textured and complex, showing great integration and balance for a young wine.  The finish is long and sensual, with plenty of acid and tannin to allow the wine to develop in the bottle for years to come.  About an hour of decanting will make this beauty much more accessible in its youth.

Petite Sirah | Cabernet Sauvignon

Perhaps the most moody and melancholy of red wines, Petite Sirah (the son of Syrah) was spawned in the Rhone Valley from obscure parentage in the mid 19th century. Small berries and dark, thick skins create wines with intense color and rich, angular tannins. Our 2022 Texas Petite Sirah is a dense purple with a touch of garnet and a modest ABV of 12.1%.

Classic aromas of ripe blackberry, cocoa, espresso, and black plum are supported by subtle layers of sweet, toasted oak. The palate is soft and accessible for a young Petite Sirah, and the well-balanced finish rounds out a silky mouthfeel.  This beauty would pair nicely with a hearty beef or venison stew.

Delightfully clean and light in texture, the mouthfeel is elegant, sensual and exquisitely balanced. It glides across our palate with grace and finesse and finishes with fruit and acid perfectly aligned. The color is textbook Bellissimo, a fetching pale garnet with a dazzling, translucent rim. Attractive, bright aromas of red plum, cherry, raspberry, and red licorice fuse with cinnamon, vanilla, and a subtle tease of clove. The ABV is a reasonable 13.7%.

Cabernet Sauvignon | Sangiovese | Tempranillo | Merlot | Petit Verdot

For many years our most popular and best-selling Super Tuscan-style wine, the 2021 Texas Bellissimo is a textbook example of why this wine has an almost cult-like following. A blend of mostly Sangiovese, this charming wine is a pale garnet in color with a quaffable 13.7% ABV.

The nose shows bright aromas of candied raspberry, cherry, red currant, cinnamon, and clove. Medium-bodied in weight and featuring outstanding balance, this beauty is accessible to newer red wine drinkers while sophisticated enough for even the most experienced palates.

Sangiovese | Cabernet Sauvignon | Merlot | Cabernet Franc | Rubired

Bellissimo, our flagship and best-selling Grape Creek wine, was first produced in 2004 and, along with Mosaic, was an integral part of our red wine “renaissance “ from winemaker Jason Englert and owner Brian Heath. Predominately Texas High Plains Sangiovese and blended with five other varietals, the color is medium garnet with a classic hint of burnt orange in the rim. The ABV is a made-for-food 12.7%.

Bright aromas of sour cherry, raspberry, cranberry, cinnamon, and vanilla dominate the nose, while the soft, nicely balanced palate with a delicate finish make this wine a Bellissimo lover’s dream.  Extremely versatile with food, let’s pair this beauty with a creamy chicken Marsala or hearty lasagna. A serving temp between 55-60* might be ideal.

Consistent with the last few vintages of Mosaic, the 2020 features all five of the dominant red grapes from Bordeaux. The ABV is an approachable, food-friendly 13.7%, and the color is a medium garnet with a touch of ruby in the rim.

Very Old-World in style, lean and austere aromas of sweet, toasted oak are layered with ripe raspberry, black plum, blackberry, vanilla, nutmeg, and a hint of eucalyptus. These become more pronounced over time as the wine begins to open up in the glass.

Cabernet Sauvignon | Merlot | Petit Verdot | Malbec | Cabernet Franc

First produced in 2004, Mosaic was an integral part of the Grape Creek Vineyards “Renaissance” after Jason became our winemaker and Brian purchased the vineyard. A textbook “Bordeaux-Style” wine, the 2021 is predominately Cabernet Sauvignon The ABV is an approachable 13.2%.

Medium garnet in color, the ’21 Texas Mosaic shows complex aromas of blackberry, black plum, violet, pencil lead, and fresh-cut tobacco. Silky and sensual, the mouthfeel exhibits great finesse for a young wine with a flawless progression from the front palate that leads to a graceful, refined finish.

Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet Franc | Malbec

Our 2021 Invention is a medium-plus garnet in color with an attractive hint of ruby in the rim. Primarily Petit Verdot, a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon is blended in to add some texture and complexity. The ABV is an accessible, porch-amicable 13.5%.

Richly-layered aromas of black licorice, espresso, dark chocolate, and black plum are accented with floral notes of violet and sage. The palate is young and assertive with aggressive, chalky tannins that lead to a long, lingering finish. This beauty shows great age-worthiness and would benefit greatly from about 1.5 hours of decanting.

Petit Verdot | Cabernet Sauvignon

In the last decade, Petit Verdot (little green one) has emerged as a major player in the Texas wine industry. We introduced a small bottling from the 2015 vintage, released it as a varietal in 2016, and christened it “Invention” in 2017.  It has since become a standout in our red wine portfolio.

Dynamic aromas of black cherry, cassis, and fresh-cracked black pepper combine with floral notes of violet and lilac for a complex nose leading to a sophisticated palate. Well-integrated tannins and acids promise a long life in the bottle. Braised short ribs would be a great match with this 2022 Invention.

Our charming 2023 Riesling is a brilliant pale straw in hue with a tiny hint of chartreuse. By far our driest Riesling yet with only about 1% residual sugar, the ABV is a late-afternoon friendly 11.4%.

Engaging floral aromas of honeysuckle, white rose petal, gardenia, and citrus blossom are in lovely harmony with nectarine, honey dew melon, and kiwi. The palate is well-balanced, crisp and clean, and finishes with a refreshing, brisk acidity. There is a subtle touch of minerality that should develop nicely with a year or so of bottle age.

One of the most versatile grapes in the wine world, Riesling can range in style from bone dry to extremely sweet. Our 2024 Grape Creek Riesling is off-dry, with 2.7% residual sugar, or 27 grams per liter of wine. This breaks down to about 5 grams in a 6 ounce class of wine, and to help put this in perspective, Coca Cola has 15 grams of sugar in 6 ounces.

A bright, pale yellow in hue, the ABV is a quaffable 11.5%. Alluring aromas of green apple, apricot, wild honey, and gardenia accent the nose, and a rich, creamy mouthfeel with brisk acidity transitions the sugar from the front of the palate to the back leading to a soft, clean finish. Let’s try this lovely wine between 40-45* before dinner with some prosciutto, melon, and manchego cheese.

This lovely Texas High Plains Muscat Canelli is a bright, pale-yellow gold with a good-natured ABV of 12.4%. One of the oldest and most aromatic varietals known to civilization, our 2022 Muscat features intense, fragrances of fresh-cut honeysuckle, gardenia, ginger, mandarin orange, and peach blossom.

With a soft and delicate mouthfeel, this off-dry beauty is a relatively low 1.85% residual sugar. Crisp acidity provides a smooth transition from the sugar on the front palate to a clean finish on the back.

Muscat Canelli | Riesling

With footprints stretching back millennia, the Muscat family is most likely the progenitor of all wine producing grapes. Muscat Canelli (or Muscat Blanc) produces the best wine and is one of the original varietals in our Grape Creek portfolio.

A brilliant, pale straw in hue, this off-dry beauty is 3.7% (37 g/l) residual sugar and features intense floral aromas of orange blossom and honeysuckle along with tangerine, white peach, and wild honey. The sugar and acid are beautifully balanced, yielding a crisp, refreshing palate. This wine is wonderful over vanilla ice cream with fresh peaches.

Sweet, fruity, and fun, our 2021 Cab Blanc is a seductive, translucent pale salmon in color with a porch-perfect ABV 0f 11.5%. The residual sugar is 43 grams/liter, or 4.3%. In a 6 ounce glass of wine, this breaks down to about 8 grams of sugar.

Playful aromas of strawberry shortcake, red cherry, and cranberry are balanced with pink carnation and wild flowers. The mouthfeel is sweet, well-balanced, and made for quaffing. Serve well-chilled, around 45*.

Our long-tenured Cab Blanc has been a huge fan favorite since it was first produced in 1990. The 2023 Cab Blanc is an alluring medium salmon showing whimsical aromas of strawberry shortcake, cranberry, cherry popsicle and potpourri.

Somewhat sweet with a residual sugar of 60 grams per liter, the palate remains crisp and clean with a soft, appealing finish. More of a quaffer than a food wine, with an ABV of 12.0%, it would, however, be wonderful on a picnic with some ice-cold watermelon. Cheers!

The 2021 Grand Rouge is a lucid, very pale garnet with a hint of ruby with an ABV of 13.8%. The residual sugar is 4.0%, or 40 grams/liter, which gives us 7.5 grams of sugar in a 6 oz glass of wine.

The color is an attractive, very pale garnet with a touch of ruby in the rim. Bright red fruit aromas of cranberry, candied raspberry, cherry, and pomegranate are backed by floral notes of red roses. The palate is straightforward with crisp acidity that balances the sweetness. 50-55* is optimum for serving.

Merlot | Tempranillo

One of our most popular off-dry wines, our Grand Rouge is unique for a red in that we like to serve it chilled (around 45-50*) and it is aged in stainless steel rather than oak.  The stainless aging yields a crisp, clean finish that is extremely refreshing. A blend of equal parts Merlot and Tempranillo, the 2022 Grand Rouge is a charming pale ruby in color with a hint of garnet.

Bright red aromas of candied raspberry, cranberry, ripe strawberry and pomegranate flirt with a backdrop of potpourri. The mouthfeel is beautifully balanced with bright acidity transitioning the sugar from the front to the back of our palate. The ABV is 13.9%.

Merlot | Tempranillo

This dessert wine is mostly Touriga Nacional with some Petite Sirah. The color is a rich reddish brown edged in garnet, and the initial aroma is one of sweet, bright cherries After about 45 minutes, complex aromas of almonds, hazelnuts, and cashews mingled with the fruit. The alcohol (17.8% ABV) showed on the nose, but not the palate. The flavor is all about holiday spice, with layers of vanilla, cinnamon, clove and allspice. The finish is elegant and creamy in texture, with perfectly balanced flavors that linger for a long time.

Touriga Nacional| Petite Sirah

The color is a deeply extracted purple/violet, with deep, dark clarity at the rim. Aromas are ripe and intense, with nuances of oak accented by black cherry, cassis, cigar box, and leather. Delicate layers of lilacs, roses, toffee, and chocolate contribute to a very complex nose. Loaded with youthful exuberance, fruit, tannin, acid, and oak are very well-integrated for a full-bodied wine barely in adolescence. The finish is rich and enticing, with lots of fruit to balance a soft, elegant texture. The ABV is a sensible 13.8%.

Cabernet Sauvignon | Merlot | Syrah

The color is a well extracted violet/purple with a dark rim and no transparency in the bowl. Intriguingly rich primary aromas of black cherry, blackberry, black plum and cassis are complimented by secondary aromas of leather, cedar, and dark cocoa. The palate is lean, elegant, and austere. Young and introverted, dense fruit flavors wait to emerge supported by well-integrated acid and tannin. The ABV is 14.0%.

Cabernet Sauvignon | Merlot | Petite Sirah | Syrah

This blend is extremely consistent with the previous four vintages and lends itself to the consistency in style we have seen from Serendipity since 2014. The color is a densely extracted purple/garnet, with complex, tightly packed aromas that are richly supported with generous layers of sweet toasted oak. Ripe raspberry, black cherry, blackberry and plum dance in harmony with crushed black pepper, leather, tobacco, cedar and eucalyptus. On our palate, the fruit is youthful, lean and austere with a firm backbone of acid and tannin that promise years of graceful bottle aging. The finish is structurally aggressive, and I would suggest a serving temp around 60* with a decant time of about 60-90 minutes. The ABV is a sensible 13.9%

Cabernet Sauvignon | Merlot | Syrah

The 2019 is a somewhat serendipitous Bordeaux-style blend. The ABV is 13.7%. Medium ruby in hue with a hint of garnet, this lean and elegant wine shows delicate aromas of red plum, raspberry, red currant, and Bing cherry along with cinnamon, cedar, clove, and white pepper. Young and edgy, sweet, toasted oak with well-integrated acids and tannins provide a solid structure for the fruit to evolve in the next 2-5 years. If you can, decant for an hour. A good serving temp would be between 55 and 60*.

Cabernet Sauvignon | Merlot | Petit Verdot

Our most sought-after and collectible wine, the 2020 Serendipity is a medium plus garnet in color, and is a Cab-dominant blend. The ABV is an approachable 13.9%. A 60* serving temp is ideal, with a decant of 1-1.5 hours recommended.

Rich, complex aromas of cassis, black cherry, blackberry, and cracked green peppercorn are layered with secondary aromas of cedar, mocha, and fresh-cut tobacco. The palate is dense and powerful, yet still sophisticated with an aggressive finish led by chalky, muscular tannins.

Cabernet Sauvignon | Syrah | Merlot

Perhaps our most exclusive and sought after wine (available to Wine Club Members only) the 2021 Serendipity is medium garnet with complex aromas of ripe raspberry, black plum, graphite, cedar, and generous amounts of sweet oak.

Cabernet Sauvignon | Petite Sirah | Malbec | Rubired

With Merlot taking the lead, and blended with 6 other varietals, the 2022 Serendipity features our most ambitious blend yet. The fifteenth vintage of our most collectible Grape Creek wine (2007 was the first), the ’22 is a medium-plus garnet with a hint of ruby in the rim. It features a food-perfect ABV of 13.5%.

Layered aromas of blueberry, blackberry, and raspberry are complimented by floral notes of rose petal and violet. The palate is harmoniously balanced with an extremely soft and elegant texture for such a youthful wine. A serving temp of 60* with a decant time of 45 minutes to an hour would be ideal.

Brand new and making its first appearance in our growing Invention Vineyards portfolio, our 2023 Texas High Plains Captivating is predominately Sauvignon Blanc blended with Viognier for added complexity. A lovely pale straw with a touch of yellow, Captivating features a very food-friendly, accessible ABV of 12.6%.

Delicate aromas of lemon zest, pineapple, and grapefruit are highlighted by hints of kiwi and Honeydew melon. The palate is very well-balanced with a rich texture and mouthfeel that finishes soft and clean. A serving temp of about 45* would be perfect.  

Sauvignon Blanc | Viognier

Invention Vineyards’ unique proprietary blend of Viognier and Pinot Grigio is a medium straw in color with crisp, clean aromas of grapefruit, lemon zest, pineapple, and white peach.

The complex, layered textures of the Viognier provide a great contrast with the crisp, clean tropical fruit of the Pinot Grigio and lead to a lingering, medium-bodied finish. With an ABV of 12.7%, this would pair terrifically with a rich, lemony shrimp scampi with a recommended serving temp of 45*.

Viognier | Pinot Grigio

One of the superstars of Invention Vineyards, our 2023 Texas High Plains Imaginada is an appealing pale straw in color with a summer-friendly ABV of 12.4%. An interesting blend of predominately Albariño with a kiss of Viognier, tantalizing aromas of Mandarin orange, grapefruit, cantaloupe, and nectarine dominate the nose.

Incredibly easy to drink, the straight-forward palate is well-balanced with a brisk, clean finish that beckons for another sip. Let’s serve this delightfully approachable wine well-chilled, about 45*.

Albariño | Viognier

This richly layered, full-bodied Viognier is a lovely, very pale straw hue with a hint of chartreuse.  Enticing aromas of grapefruit, peach, apricot, and mandarin orange are highlighted by an intriguing backdrop of lemon grass.

The palate shows a complex, luxuriously textured mouthfeel with a well-balanced finish that continues to linger and linger. A great wine with rich seafood dishes such as crab au gratin, and a serving temperature around 50* would be ideal. The ABV is a reasonable 13.5%.

A finicky grape to grow in much of the world, Viognier (originally from the Rhone Valley in southeastern France) has found a second home in Texas. Our 2023 Texas High Plains Viognier is a classic example of a delicate, yet complex grape at its best.

Charming aromas of tangerine, apricot, pear, honeysuckle, and white rose petals give way to a medium, beautifully balanced palate with a creamy mouth-feel and a subdued, yet crisp finish. A sensible ABV of 11.9% makes this lovely wine a perfect accompaniment for a wide variety of food, especially shellfish.

This charming Riesling is an off-dry wine lover’s dream. The residual sugar is 3.3%, the equivalent of 33 grams of sugar per liter of wine. This comes to about 6 grams in a traditional 6oz glass of wine. The ABV is 12.4%.

The color is a translucent straw/yellow, with dynamic fruit aromas of green apple, Meyer lemon, and pineapple flirting with floral notes of jasmine and honeysuckle. The mouthfeel is rich and creamy, with crisp acidity in a delicate balance with the sweetness. Perfect with a pre-dinner snack of prosciutto, havarti, and honey dew melon, let’s serve this beauty between 40 and 45*.

This Mourvèdre Rosé is an alluring and translucent pale pink. Delicate floral aromas of pink and white carnations flirt with fresh strawberry, bright raspberry, cranberry, and pomegranate.

A wonderful picnic wine and perfect for late-afternoon or early evenings on the porch, the palate is surprisingly complex with a long, crisp finish. Let’s try this lovely wine with a chicken salad croissant sandwich and fresh fruit or perhaps a Waldorf salad with a serving temperature of 45*.

Our 2023 Texas High Plains Invention Vineyards Mourvèdre Rosé is a stunning pale salmon in color with a picnic-perfect 13.2% ABV. Playful fruit aromas of strawberry, cherry, cranberry, and raspberry dance with floral notes of pink carnation and hibiscus.

A very flirtatious palate is lively and fresh with fruit and acid showing delightful harmony. Walking a perfect tightrope between new and old-world style rosé, this incredibly quaffable wine will pair wonderfully with most lighter summer foods and have us reaching for a second bottle in record time.  Serve well-chilled, around 45*.

Our 2021 Sangiovese is a pale garnet, with a textbook (for Sangiovese) brick rim. Beckoning aromas of sour cherry, red licorice, cinnamon, leather, and red plum dominate the nose.   

100% Sangiovese, this coyingly light-bodied wine is extremely fruit forward with subtle hints of oak and soft tannins. Classic for this grape, the high acid finish is brisk and clean, making it a great match with a rich, cheesy lasagna. The ABV is 13.9% and cool serving temp between 55 and 60* would work well.

Named after the famed Right Bank of the Gironde Estuary in Bordeaux, which is planted primarily with Merlot, this Merlot dominate Bordeaux-style blend is a sensible 13.6% ABV.

This appealing, very approachable wine is medium garnet in hue, with pleasing aromas of blueberry, black cherry, vanilla, and cedar with subtle hints of toasted oak. Extremely well-balanced with a soft, sensual texture, this would pair wonderfully with a blackberry-glazed grilled pork tenderloin. 60* would be a great serving temp.

Merlot | Cabernet Franc

RB is short for Right Bank, which refers to the right bank of the Gironde Estuary in southwestern Bordeaux which is planted primarily with Merlot. Our 2022 Invention Vineyards Texas High Plains RB is medium garnet with a food-friendly ABV of 13.4%

Textbook Merlot aromas of blueberry, blackberry, black cherry, and violet come together in this medium-bodied beauty with a soft mouthfeel and a sensual finish. Let’s serve this around 60* and pair it with a grilled pork tenderloin in a blackberry chipotle glaze.

Merlot | Cabernet Franc | Rubired

This rustic and flavorful Tempranillo is an inviting medium garnet with a made-for-food ABV of 13.0%. Spain’s most widely planted varietal, Tempranillo has found a second home in Texas and this is the first from Invention Vineyards and Heath Family Brands.

This superbly balanced wine shows engaging aromas of sour cherry and red currant, along with earthy aromas of dried leaves, cigar box, tanned leather, and fresh-cut tobacco. Let’s serve this around 60* and pair it with an hickory or oak-grilled burger with roasted Hatch chiles, aged Provolone, and caramelized onions.

“Soleluce” translates as sunlight, and this beautiful wine is a brilliant pale garnet in hue. A blend of predominately Sangiovese and Malbec, Soleluce yields subtle aromas of bright cherry, clove, red currant, and raspberry.  

The palate is soft, elegant, and well-balanced. Fruit and acid are well integrated in a soft, sensual finish that begs for another sip. Chicken Marsala would be a great match, with the sweetness of the Marsala a nice match with the red fruit flavors from the Sangiovese.

Sangiovese | Malbec

Named after the Left Bank of the Gironde Estuary in Bordeaux, which is planted primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon, this lovely wine is an accessible 13.5% ABV.

An opulent medium-plus garnet in color, layered aromas of blackberry, black currant, mocha, coffee, and leather dominate the nose. The palate transitions gracefully from front to back, with well-integrated fruit, acid, oak, and tannin. Let’s go simple and pair this with a well-marbled grilled rib-eye and serve the wine between 60-65*.

Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet Franc | Malbec

LB is short for Left Bank, which refers to the left bank of the Gironde Estuary in southwestern Bordeaux. It is one of the most famous grape growing regions in the world and is planted primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon. Therefore our 2022 LB is predominately Cabernet Sauvignon with an approachable ABV of 13.2%.

The color is medium garnet and the nose shows rich aromas of blackberry, black cherry, leather, violet, and sweet toasted oak. The palate is well-balanced and smooth with a soft, lengthy finish. Let’s serve this charming wine between 55 and 60* with pot roast, potatoes, carrots and onions.

Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet Franc | Petit Verdot | Rubired

Our exciting new Invention Vineyards P2 (“P-Squared”) is a rich, deep garnet with a hint of ruby on the rim. This full-bodied beauty shows voluptuous, layered aromas of black licorice, Mexican vanilla, and cedar alongside floral notes of lilac, violet, and black tea. The palate features a robust mouthfeel, leading to a luxurious finish that seems to linger and linger.

The wine is beautifully balanced even in its youth, with dark fruit and spice seamlessly entwined with acid, oak, and tannin. This is an extremely elegant wine, ready to enjoy now.

Petit Verdot | Petite Sirah

With close to equal parts Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah (petite is feminine, petit is masculine) this unique and intriguing Texas High Plains blend can only be found from Invention Vineyards. Rich, chalky tannins and dark fruit dominate an aggressive palate that is accessible now but will mellow with a few years in the bottle.

Assertive aromas of dark chocolate, black currant, and sage dominate the nose, along with floral notes of lilac and violet. A monster mouthfeel begs for a hearty beef stew or a slow-cooked venison roast. A cool serving temp around 55* and maybe an hour or so decant time might be a good idea.

Petit Verdot | Petite Sirah

New to our Invention Vineyards portfolio, our 2022 Texas High Plains Mourvèdre is a classic medium garnet with a porch-friendly ABV of 13.5%. Clean, fresh aromas of cherry, candied raspberry, and red plum are accented with ground black pepper, cinnamon, and black olive.

Medium-bodied in texture, the palate of this very quaffable red wine is bright, fresh, and excellent for warm summer evenings. A cool temperature between 55-60* would highlight the bright red fruit flavors of this charming wine.

Conflation: “a blend or fusion”. This inaugural vintage of an exciting new Invention Vineyards wine is a Rhone-style blend featuring fresh aromas of strawberry shortcake and tart cherry with a spice-driven undercurrent of vanilla, cinnamon, and clove. The crisp palate is bright, lively, and refreshing with brisk acidity that makes this a great wine for lighter, warm-weather meals.   

Mourvèdre | Syrah | Rubired

A new wine in our expanding Invention Vineyards portfolio, our 2022 Texas High Plains Cabernet Sauvignon is medium-plus garnet in hue with a reasonable ABV of 13.2%. Pronounced aromas of blackberry, cedar, black currant, violet, and espresso come together in a promising, aggressive nose.

Boasting a soft and sensual mouthfeel that is becoming a hallmark of Invention wines, intriguing flavors of eucalyptus and spice and a generous helping of toasted oak lead to an elegant, well-balanced finish.  A serving temp of about 60* would be optimum.

A young, racy wine full of tension between fruit and tannin, exhibiting a rustic grittiness highlighted by a bit of limestone minerality. The color is a deeply extracted dark purple with a dark ruby rim. Aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, leather, cocoa, and coffee add to the full-flavored complexity of this wine. Abundant tannins that are well-integrated with a firm backbone of acidity promise lots of room to age.

An impenetrable dark purple, this is a substantial wine built to age. Brooding and mysterious with tightly packed jammy aromas of ripe blueberry, black raspberry, black plum, and cassis; and flirting with hints of eucalyptus. Aged in 100% French oak (57% new), the palate is assertive from start to a lingering finish.

The Epiphany continues…with our newly named Originalist. Deep and well-extracted purple/ruby in color with complex aromas of cranberry, dark plum, black cherry, and cassis layered with violet, cinnamon, vanilla, and cardamom. The well-integrated palate and finish highlight the beauty and versatility of our unique Grape Creek Vineyards terroir.

Our 2018 Originalist is a deep ruby in color and shows aromas of raspberry, red plum, huckleberry, black cherry, allspice, and violet layered with generous amounts of toasted oak. The palate is rich and lively, with a rustic earthiness and subtle minerality reflecting the unique Grape Creek Vineyards terroir from these 12 year old vines.

Our 2019 Originalist is ruby/garnet in hue with sensual aromas of black cherry, cranberry, and blueberry with floral notes of violet and lilac. An earthy undercurrent of cedar, saddle strap, and graphite add further complexity. Edgy, youthful tannins yield a rich, chalky finish that promises years of potential aging.

Montepulciano | Aglianico | Petite Sirah
13.5% ABV
Serving Temp: 55-60*

The tenth anniversary of our first Estate red wine and the flagship of our Estate Club, the 2020 Originalist is an alluring medium plus garnet in color with a touch of ruby. Aged close to 18 months in American and French oak, lush aromas of dark raspberry, black plum, caramel, vanilla, and violet are supported by a layer of steely flint. A young, aggressive wine that finishes with rich, chalky tannins.

Montepulciano | Aglianico | Tannat
13% ABV
Serving Temp: 55-60*

The 2021 Originalist is the eleventh vintage of our flagship Estate Wine. A vibrant medium garnet in hue and aged in both French and American oak, this intensely fruit-forward wine boasts a much bigger mouthfeel than its color suggests. The nose shows bright aromas of raspberry, cherry, cranberry, and red licorice with an earthy background of cedar.

Aglianico | Montepulciano | Petite Sirah | Tannat
12.5% ABV
Serving Temp: 55-60*

Our first Estate-bottled wine and largely produced from our oldest vines (many planted in May 2007), our 2022 Originalist is close to equal parts Aglianico and Montepulciano. An amazing example of an Estate grown Hill Country wine showing maturity beyond its years, the color is a vibrant medium garnet with an approachable 14.1% ABV.

Smoky aromas of cassis, ripe raspberry, red plum jam, black licorice, and sweet, toasted oak pave the way for an elegant, silky palate with a lingering, graceful finish.  Cheers to Clint (our vineyard manager) for growing this incredible fruit and Jason (our winemaker) for creating this beautiful wine!

Our much anticipated, inaugural vintage of the Elitist does not disappoint! A brooding, impermeable dark purple hue yields rich, aromatic aromas of blackberry, cassis, baked cherry, and dried fig complimented by rose petal, cedar, and fresh-cut tobacco. Aged in 25% new French oak, the palate exhibits graceful fruit flavors supported by firm tannins and brisk acidity.

Our second vintage of the Elitist, the 2019 is an impenetrable dark purple with intriguing aromas of blackberry, dried cherry, and prune accented with spicy notes of cinnamon, allspice, espresso beans, and eucalyptus. With a richly textured mouthfeel, fruit, acid, oak, and tannin are well-integrated and lead to an intricate, lingering finish.

Petite Sirah | Aglianico | Tannat
13.2% ABV
Serving Temp: 55-60*

Dark, brooding, and mysterious, our new Elitist is a densely extracted dark purple with a touch of ruby in the rim. Ripe aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry merge with lilac, espresso, and generous amounts of sweet oak. A full, well-balanced mouthfeel leads to aloof, muscular tannins and a powerful finish. This is Hamlet’s favorite wine.

Petite Sirah | Tannat | Montepulciano | Aglianico
13.1% ABV
Serving Temp: 55-60*

Becoming more complex with every vintage, the 2021 Elitist is dark ruby in color with a hint of purple in the rim. The aromas are predominately spice-driven with notes of cinnamon, clove, cocoa, fresh-ground coffee, and black molasses. Hints of blackberry and black plum add some lean, subtle fruit on the palate. Ample tannins and sweet oak lead to a long, chalky finish.

Petite Sirah | Tannat
13.6% ABV
Serving Temp: 55-60*

With 22 months cradled in oak and weighing in at 98% estate grown Petite Sirah, our 2022 Heath Family Estate Elitist is a densely extracted, deep, dark purple with a hint of ruby in the rim. The ABV is a food-friendly, yet respectable, 14.1%.

Intense aromas of blackberry, Mexican vanilla, cinnamon, cracked black pepper, and toasted oak dominate the nose, while the palate is incredibly well-integrated for a young wine. Fruit, acid, and moderate tannins all work together leading towards a beautifully balanced finish. Let’s serve this beauty around 60*.

The inaugural vintage of our brand new Individualist, the 2019 is a well-extracted garnet with a translucent, purple rim. Dark, earthy aromas of black currant, ripe blueberry, black plum, pencil shavings, and black licorice dominate the nose. The palate is rich and layered, with aggressive tannins and acids yielding a very age-worthy wine.

Tannat | Petite Sirah | Cabernet Sauvignon
13% ABV
Serving Temp: 55-60*

The second vintage of our unique Individualist, the 2020 is a textbook medium plus garnet and shows complex, layered aromas of plum, black raspberry, and black currant harmonizing with cinnamon, Mexican vanilla, and cedar. Youthful, yet well-balanced, its great structure promises a very age-worthy wine with a long, lingering finish.

Tannat | Petite Sirah | Montepulciano | Aglianico
13.6% ABV
Serving Temp: 55-60*

Mostly Tannat (a grape that has proven itself very well-suited to Texas), the 2021 Individualist is a dense, dark ruby/purple with layered aromas of blackberry jam, cassis, fig, and cracked black peppercorn, accented by floral notes of violet and rose petal. Well-integrated acid and tannin lead to a lengthy finish that promises a long life in the bottle.

Tannat | Montepulciano
14.7% ABV
Serving Temp: 55-60*

Tannat, one of the highest red grapes in antioxidants, has earned its place in Texas as a shining star. Our 2022 Individualist is 100% Estate-grown Tannat with a dark, ruby/garnet hue and a healthy 14.4% ABV. Sweet, toasted oak dominates the nose, with a great supporting cast of dark cocoa, espresso, fresh-baked blackberry cobbler, and black licorice.

The palate is young and aggressive, yet still shows well-integrated acid, tannin, and oak on the finish. This may be the most age-worthy of our Estate reds, and would definitely benefit from an hour and a half decanting and a cool serving temp between 55-60*.

Our first ever Joyist is a 100% Estate-grown Albariño and is a richly textured, complex example of this intriguing varietal. A lovely pale yellow/gold with delicate aromas of pear, white peach, Meyer lemon, and honeysuckle are supported by a hint of chalky minerality. The finish is fresh and lively, with a subtle kiss of oak.

Our unique Estate blend of Albarińo and Chenin Blanc is an appealing pale yellow/straw, featuring charming aromas of Granny Smith apple, tangerine, banana, Bosc pear, passion fruit, and honeyed crème brûlèe.  Delicate and elegant, a crisp, clean finish gains complexity and texture from 30% spending 3 months in new French oak.

Growing more complex with each vintage (first produced in 2018), the 2020 Joyist is a brilliant, pale yellow/hay straw in color and shows citrusy aromas of grapefruit, lemon, and tangerine zest layered with pineapple, Granny Smith apple, white peach, and spun sugar. The palate is fresh and clean, while a subtle kiss of oak adds texture leading to a long, pleasing finish.

Albariño | Chenin Blanc
13.1% ABV
Serving Temp: 45*

The only white wine in our Owner’s Club portfolio, the 2021 Joyist, is a brilliant, medium straw hue with a hint of pale yellow in the rim. Clean, straightforward aromas of Meyer lemon, tangerine, and yellow apple compliment white honey blossom and crème brûlée. 10% barrel fermentation adds texture on the palate with well-integrated fruit and acid leading to a long, brisk finish.

Albariño | Chenin Blanc
13.1% ABV
Serving Temp: 45-50*

The only white wine in our Owner’s Club portfolio, this charming unoaked Albariño is an appealing pale straw in color with a hint of yellow in the rim. Made for back yard quaffing, tropical aromas of lemon, pineapple, peach, and apricot are showcased by an undercurrent of baked apple pie and crème brûlée. The palate is rich texturally with a crisp, clean finish.

Albariño
11.9% ABV
Serving Temp: 45-50*

The only white wine in our Owner’s Club portfolio, this 100% Estate grown Albariño more than holds its own.  A lovely, bright pale yellow with a hint of gold with an easy to drink ABV of 11.3%, this charming wine is made for late afternoons and early evenings on the back porch or by the pool.

Delicate, yet spicy aromas of tangerine, white peach, lemon zest, kiwi, and pineapple pave the way for a  clean, brisk palate that avoids being overly acidic. A delightfully crisp finish promises the next sip of this unoaked beauty will be as refreshing as the last.