Current Vintage Tasting Notes

Enjoy our wine tasting descriptions, compliments of Jeff’s Corner.

K Estate

White & Rosé

2024 Calcaria

This 100% Texas High Plains beauty features about two-thirds Chenin Blanc and one-third Viognier with an accessible, late afternoon ABV of 12.5%. A bright, very pale straw in color, delicate aromas of lemon, white peach, pineapple, and honeysuckle dominate the nose.

Brisk, aggressive acidity rules the palate making serving temperature critical. Too cold a temp masks the subtle fruit flavors of the wine, so let’s enjoy this between 45-50* served with a pan-fried red snapper filet finished with a beurre blanc sauce accented with fresh dill and sliced avocado.

2024 Sémillon

100% Sémillon from the Texas High Plains, our 2024 vintage is a bright pale yellow color with an afternoon-friendly ABV of 11.6%. Alluring aromas of Kumquats, green apple, mango, and wild honey are backed up on the palate by moderate acidity and a clean, brisk finish.

This beauty shows lots of character for 100% Sémillon, which is often blended with Sauvignon Blanc for added complexity. It’s a great example of what Texas wines are capable of that we don’t see in other parts of the wine world. This would be a great match before dinner with camembert cheese, fresh green grapes, sliced apples, and fresh-baked sourdough bread.

2024 Estate White

Crafted from 100% estate-grown grapes, our 2024 Estate White is a masterful blend of Marsanne, Roussanne, and Albariño. A brilliant pale straw in hue, this made for porch and pool quaffing wine features a soft, creamy mouthfeel with perfectly balanced fruit and acidity. The ABV is 13.3%.

Playfully delicate aromas of pear, apricot, tangerine, and banana come together for an intriguing nose and the palate leads to a soft, sensual finish. Let’s serve this beauty before dinner with some Brioche, Brie, and ice-cold stone crab claws with clarified butter.

2024 Rosé of Syrah

Dry rosés are still the rage, especially with summer not too far around the corner, and this charming 2024 Texas Rosé of Syrah from Kuhlman Estates will only fuel the fire. An enticing pale salmon in color with a quaffable 12.0% ABV, this beauty is begging to go on an afternoon picnic.

Bright red fruit aromas of ripe strawberry, candied raspberry, pomegranate, and floral notes of red carnation and gardenia lead us to a clean, well-balanced palate and a nicely integrated finish of fruit and acid. Let’s pair this flirtatious darling with a chicken salad croissant and sliced Honeycrisp apples.

Red

2022 Saint E.

This wine continues in the tradition of Merlot greatness. Blended with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is a beauty with the look of crushed velvet. The aromas are blackberry liquor, sweet red cherry, and subtle hints of molasses. The background is haunted by smokey and earthy notes. The flavors of blackberry and red cherry come through. The body and tannins of the wine are balanced and they carry through the lingering finish.

For a spectacular dinner pair this with a oven roasted pork loin coated with a fresh herbs. Smother the pork loin with a delicious cremini mushroom sauce. Serve with garlic mashed potatoes and you will be living like royalty.

2022 The Italian

Our 2022 Italian is a Super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine has burnt umber hues with thick and slow legs. The aromas offer a tease of caramel and a kiss of smoke. The heart of the experience is ripe black cherry, with floral and vanilla impressions in the background. A surprising gripping tannic quality to complement the delicious fruit that hangs around through the tantalizing finish.

This wine really needs to be enjoyed with a fresh brick over pizza topped with diced Roma tomatoes, garlic, shredded mozzarella, chopped fresh jalapeños, pepperoni, bacon and Italian sausage. For an added bonus, before serving add a light drizzle of ranch dressing.

2022 Cabernet Sauvignon – Alexander Valley

Perfectly situated to have wet, cool winters, contrasted by summers that are hot and arid, Alexander Valley presents great conditions for growing grapes for wine making. And 2022 was an outstanding year for fruit quality. Our 2022 Cabernet Savignon is a succulent purple color with aromas of ripe blackberries and peppery smoke. Big and bold flavors come on strong initially with fruit flavors that spiral through the lengthy finish. It’s a serious Cabernet Sauvignon that also delivers some whimsy.

Pair this with slow cooked beef short ribs, preferably smoked on the barbecue. Glaze the short ribs with a sauce made with blackberries and the flavors will sing with this wine. Serve with a fennel coleslaw for a fresh crunch to the meal.

2022 Cabernet Sauvignon – Red Hills Lake County

Our 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon from the esteemed Red Hills Lake County is concentrated and opaque with aromas that are rich with black and red cherry. The aromas have a sweet expression but the wine is completely dry with a smoky note in the background. The body is big and full with a savory quality. The black cherry fruit is concentrated with a touch of vanilla and pleasant creaminess. The finish settles on the palate and stays.

Enjoy this bold wine with a classic steak au poivre. This old school French dish, featuring a creamy pepper sauce, will complement the boldness of this wine. Accompany this with creamed spinach so the creamy, savory flavors will contrast the robust, peppery steak. It will be a tender and comfortable element with the wall of flavors from the steak and wine.

2023 Pinot Noir – Sonoma County

A lovely, pale garnet/ruby in color with a healthy ABV of 15.4%, this Sonoma County Pinot Noir shows dynamic aromas of fresh cranberry, cherry cola, and black raspberry along with floral notes of red carnation and roses.  

A perfect warm weather red that might be best served slightly chilled (between 50-55*), the palate is silky and elegant with a soft finish. This is an outstanding wine for folks just beginning to experience red wine.  A versatile food wine, this beauty would pair well with barbecued chicken, bleu cheese-stuffed burgers, or a grilled pork tenderloin.

2021 Barranca

A blend of Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, Aglianico and Malbec. Silky tannins and complex flavor with notes of thyme, dried cherries, tobacco and baking spice.

2023 The Bridge

Brand new to our Kuhlman Estate portfolio, the name symbolizes the transition from the former Kuhlman Cellars to our newly renamed and revamped Kuhlman Estate.  Crafted from 100% Texas High Plains fruit, The Bridge is a classic Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot with a sensible ABV of 13.0%.

The color is medium-garnet with graceful aromas of black cherry, ripe raspberry, red plum, crushed black pepper, and sweet, toasted oak. The palate is beautifully balanced with well-integrated acid and soft tannins leading to a delicate finish. Let’s serve this beauty around 60* with grilled fajitas and all the fixings.

2023 Estate Tempranillo

The unofficial “King” of Spanish grapes, Tempranillo has found quite a niche in Texas, and our 2023 Kuhlman Estate Tempranillo is produced from 100% Estate grown Tempranillo that showcases the unique terroir of the Pedernales River Valley. The color is a pale/medium garnet and the ABV is a summer-friendly 12.5%.

Delicate aromas of strawberry, cherry, cedar, fresh-cut tobacco, and leather dominate the nose, while the palate is soft and silky with mild notes of oak and tannin on the finish. This is an incredibly accessible wine and will drink best when served between 55 and 60*. Let’s try this with cheese-stuffed Chile Rellenos smothered with a spicy ranchero sauce.

Grape Creek Vineyards

White & Rosé

2022 Pinot Grigio

Grape Cteek Vineyards 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.

Red

2021 Rendezvous

Our lightest red wine in texture, yet loaded with delicate complexity, our ’21 Rendezvous is 100% Texas High Plains fruit featuring a classic Rhone-style blend of 44.9% Mourvèdre, 42.6% Cinsault, and 12.5% Syrah.  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.

Sweet & Semi-Sweet Wines

2023 Riesling

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.

Club Member

2023 Riesling

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.

Jenblossom Cellars

2022 Pinot Grigio

Grape Cteek Vineyards 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.

2021 Rendezvous

Our lightest red wine in texture, yet loaded with delicate complexity, our ’21 Rendezvous is 100% Texas High Plains fruit featuring a classic Rhone-style blend of 44.9% Mourvèdre, 42.6% Cinsault, and 12.5% Syrah.  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.

2023 Riesling

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.

Invention Vineyards

White

2022 Pinot Grigio

Grape Cteek Vineyards 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.

Rosé

2023 Riesling

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.

Red

2021 Rendezvous

Our lightest red wine in texture, yet loaded with delicate complexity, our ’21 Rendezvous is 100% Texas High Plains fruit featuring a classic Rhone-style blend of 44.9% Mourvèdre, 42.6% Cinsault, and 12.5% Syrah.  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.

Heath Sparkling Wines

2022 Pinot Grigio

Grape Cteek Vineyards 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.

2021 Rendezvous

Our lightest red wine in texture, yet loaded with delicate complexity, our ’21 Rendezvous is 100% Texas High Plains fruit featuring a classic Rhone-style blend of 44.9% Mourvèdre, 42.6% Cinsault, and 12.5% Syrah.  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.

2023 Riesling

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.

Heath Vineyards

2022 Pinot Grigio

Grape Cteek Vineyards 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.

2021 Rendezvous

Our lightest red wine in texture, yet loaded with delicate complexity, our ’21 Rendezvous is 100% Texas High Plains fruit featuring a classic Rhone-style blend of 44.9% Mourvèdre, 42.6% Cinsault, and 12.5% Syrah.  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.

2023 Riesling

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.

Heath Family Estate

2022 Pinot Grigio

Grape Cteek Vineyards 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.

2021 Rendezvous

Our lightest red wine in texture, yet loaded with delicate complexity, our ’21 Rendezvous is 100% Texas High Plains fruit featuring a classic Rhone-style blend of 44.9% Mourvèdre, 42.6% Cinsault, and 12.5% Syrah.  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.

2023 Riesling

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.

House Rules

Guests
21+ ONLY (INCLUDING NO ACCOMPANYING CHILDREN OR INFANTS).
ADA service animals only.

Members
Supervised children of Members are welcome on the patios. Inside areas (the tasting rooms & bistro seating) are 21+.
Well-behaved dogs welcome on the patios & the lawn near the vineyard.*

Everyone
Groups more than 6 must have a prior approval (special request form)

Restaurant, lounge and patios are reserved for Members
(including new Members who join day of)

No outside food, drinks, or containers

No smoking/vaping anywhere on property

For more information, please see our complete list of House Rules.

Up to two complimentary glasses!

Members of any Heath Family Brand Club enjoy up to two complimentary glasses of wine on Member visits to Heath Sparkling Wines, Invention Vineyards, Kuhlman Estate or any Grape Creek location, including Main Street and Georgetown. (Wine by the glass selection is determined by each location. Glass not included, max one per person per day, max two per week per membership.)

By law, we can serve no more than one complimentary alcoholic beverage per day per person, whether this is in the form of a wine tasting or a glass of wine.