Stone House Vineyard produces Claros from a small, well-tended vineyard near Spicewood, Texas planted to the Norton grape variety, believed to be the oldest American grape cultivar in commercial production. Deep dark ruby red in color with aromas suggestive of bright crunchy berry fruits, cinnamon bark and a friable earth together with and an almost indescribable vinosity; medium to just full in body; cool and caressing with fine, supple, silken texture and crisp bright berryish flavors that well oblige another pull. Stone House Vineyards Claros is long a favorite of ours here in beautiful, downtown Austin, Texas, and seems now to be hitting its stride.

Alphonse Dotson and Martha Cervantes produce this fine white wine from their Certenberg Vineyards at Voca in the far northwest of the Texas Hill Country. Muscat Canelli, also known as Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is widely considered the most noble of the various varieties of Muscat and is known for its affinity to warmer climes. The 2010 Gotas de Oro is a happy mingling of 61% Muscat Canelli and 39% Chardonnay: vivid, yellow gold in color with telltale Muscat aromas of vanilla and orange zest, apricot and peach; smooth, delicately rich in texture with gentle intensity of discreet Muscat flavors; just sweet but then balanced with fresh crisp acidity; will work with dessert for sure, but light enough on its feet to enjoy as an apéritif as well. Gotas de Oro is, by any standard, a brilliant effort!