Texas may not be a land you associate with wine country, but Llano Estacado Winery, in in the western part of the state, has been around since 1976. From it’s first 1,300 cases released in 1977, to its place today as the largest, best selling Premium Winery in Texas, they have endeavored to embody the fabulous potential of Texas wine.
Llano Estacado 2013 “Cellar Reserve” Chardonnay
Grape(s): 97% Chardonnay & 3% Chenin Blanc
Region: Texas, USA
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of golden apples, pears, mangoes, and sweet cream greets the senses. Flavors of mango, peach, and pear emerge on the palate, alongside hints of vanilla and baking spice. Lush and friendly, it’s an ideal aperitif, especially for the price.
Rating: 89
Llano Estacado 2014 “1836” Blend
Grape(s): 49% Roussanne% 30% Chardonnay, & 21% Viognier
Region: Texas, USA
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of peach, apricot, and pineapple meld with suggestions of Asian spice, spring flowers, and honey on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of stone fruits and tropical fruits as well as traces of orange peal, white blossoms, and honey. A mouth-filling wine with a welcoming acidity, open a bottle with your favorite Chinese chicken dish.
Rating: 88
Llano Estacado 2013 Mont Sec Vineyards Dry Gewurztraminer
Grape(s): 100% Gewurztraminer
Region: Texas, USA
Price: 5-10
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of pears, lychee fruits, white blossoms, and sweet spice rise up from a glass. The palate showcases flavors of tropical fruit, green apple, and pear along with accents of spring flowers and all-spice. Laid back with an inviting acidity, match it up with a variety of lighter Thai dishes.
Rating: 87
Llano Estacado 2013 Mont Sec Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Texas, USA
Price: 5-10
Tasting Notes:
Notes of lime and lemon interweave with traces of citrus peal on the nose. Lime, under ripe honeydew, and lemon flavors come together with allusions of grapefruit zest on the palate. Bright fruit and a light mouth-feel make this wine a good match for grilled halibut.
Rating: 85
Llano Estacado 2014 “Unoaked” Chardonnay
Grape(s): 93% Chardonnay & 7% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Texas, USA
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of tart apples, crisp pears, and grapefruits mingle with a hint of minerals on the nose. With a sip, flavors of green apple, lime, and grapefruit combine with a whisper of fresh herbs and minerals. The wine is fairly crisp but still has a bit of roundness on the palate; pair it with grilled chicken breasts marinated with herbs and citrus fruit juice.
Rating: 89