Cohete Rojo translates to something like 'red firecracker.' Produce of ¾ Syrah from Mason County ¼ Lenoir, also known as Black Spanish, from La Cruz de Comal's home vineyard near Startzville in our very own beautiful Texas Hill Country. Unfined and unfiltered and, while we're at it, unsulfited, too. Yes, that's right, no added sulfur dioxide. That's de rigueur chez La Cruz de Comal, with proprietor Lewis Dickson and his cohort and cult co-winemaker, Tony Coturri. This is what some refer to as 'natural' winemaking, and all that comes with it. No sulfites can mean a wider, wilder, more exotic palate of aromas and flavors in the finished wine. It can also be a frightening prospect for many more middle of the roaders — this is no territory for those of the squeaky clean persuasion, wines-wise. Crimson red to just tawny at edges; winey, lipsticky, pomacey, almost cru Beaujolais-like aromas of wild berries with nuances of sweet flower, pulverized Texas Hill Country limestone and new saddle leather; smooth and rounded on the tongue, then crisp and tantalizing taut berryish flavors emerge gripping, persistent and full of nerve to the finish.

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 suggestive 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!