Brushy Creek Vineyards
If you've ever been out to Wichita Falls from Dallas, you've driven right past a hidden gem of a winery and didn't even know it. Brushy Creek Vineyards in Alvord, TX is a quiet, humble winery with a warm Texas feel. When you cross over the railroad tracks and make your way down County Road 2798, you’ll first notice the vines and as you pull into the drive and up to the tasting room, it’s as though you’re stopping in at an old friend’s place. The little barn offers a sweet patio with a few tables and chairs, some rustic nick-nacks, and lots of charm. Once inside, you’ll see the highly-awarded wines along the left wall and be greeted by some smiling, friendly faces that are ready to share the goods with you.
On the day of our tasting, we stood at the little bar and tried a number of the wines, really pretty impressed with the dry whites and loving the deep, rich flavors captured in the reds.
We began with the whites, and two favorites quickly emerged: the Rkatsiteli and the Trebbiano. While we struggled with the Rkatsiteli’s pronunciation, we certainly didn’t struggle with its flavors. Light, dry, and ready with sweet pear, this white was long on the nose and even longer on the tongue, leaving you with a sweet floral finish that required a second sip to ensure you got all there was to get from this wine. The Trebbiano was a little more crisp, smelled pleasantly of grapefruit and maybe a little lemon, and finished with a mildly sweet aftertaste. This white finished full and clean and is definitely a crowd favorite.
As we moved on to the reds, we were quickly impressed with the Tempranillo and made sure to savor its rich deliciousness. Deep cherry and hints of something dry and musty kept our taste buds heightened and intrigued. The owner, Ann, talked to us a bit about the Tempranillo, expressing with Texas sarcasm how easily and wonderfully these grapes grow in the warm Texas climate. It is any wonder Texas can turn out a wonderful Tempranillo given the heat and humidity? Nope. Not shocking at all. She was quite proud of her award-winning Tempranillo, as well she should be.
We also readily enjoyed a delicious blend called the Super Texan - a rich, full production comprised of 80% Cab. Sav. and 20% Sangiovese. All I can say about this is wow. Wow. Deep ruby red in color, rich cherry and hints of cinnamon in the mouth and nose, and a slight smoky flavor at the end make this wine one for the books. Sometimes a wine will stop us in our tracks, and I do believe this was the show-stopper of the day. Really delicious, slightly cinnamon and clove at the end - a true hidden gem.
The first time we went to Brushy Creek, we enjoyed our tastings and the company, learned about the wines and the story, and left with some wine to enjoy later. The second time we came in, we visited with Ann, the widowed wine-owner, who laughed and talked with us as though she'd known us for years, joked around as though we were her people, and opened her doors and heart to some wine-loving strangers. She's the kind of gal to serve her wine to anyone that wants to drink it - but she's not giving you a plastic cup, and that's final. Go and see her. Sit a while and visit. You'll be so glad you did.
Cheers, y'all!
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