On the main drag in Historic Downtown Grapevine, you will find your share of wine shops and tasting rooms, and without a doubt, you’ll want to stop in at Sloan & Williams Winery. They've got a great space and a vast array of remarkable wines - but they offer other drink choices, too, including locally-produced ciders and frozen drinks made from their own wines. On the menu you'll find flat-breads, tapas, and a crazy-good offering of meats and cheeses - but we aren't here to talk about food.
We tried the Texas Flight: four, two-ounce pours - two whites and two reds - and rated them on our 5-point system. That’s just our little way of paying attention to all of our senses as we taste. We start with sight, then smell, and then that first taste, considering how the wine feels in the mouth and initial tastes. Finally, we take another sip to see what new flavors emerge before honing in on the finish.
One thing we loved about the presentation here is that they aren't afraid to do some dishes. I love having all the tastes poured side by side rather than one at a time. It makes me feel a little more welcomed and a little less rushed, and I like to compare and sometimes save my favorite to finish last. :-) I wish everyone poured tastings like this!
Taste #1: 2018 Roussanne
1: golden, long legs 2: sweet citrus 3: thick in the mouth 4: strong citrus, lemon zest 5: lingered at the end |
Not sure either of us ever had a Roussanne before, and if I'm being totally honest, I was a little glad the wine didn't live up to its posted ¨candy lemon drop¨ description. I was almost prepared to count it out before we even began, but it ended up being my favorite! It wasn't overly sweet - in fact, it was similar to a Sauvignon Blanc - and it was substantive. Nice start to the day for sure.
Taste #2: 2019 Texas Rose
1. Light, clear, champagne colored 2. Green apple for days! 3. Easy to drink, really fruit-forward 4. Hints of honeysuckle after the tart apple start 5. Quick finish, felt thinner on the tongue than the Roussanne |
This easy-drinker was pretty crisp and appley. Stands nicely on its own or would easily brighten up a white sangria or make for a wonderful spritzer.
Taste #3: 2018 Tempranillo
1. Deep purple 2. Bold berries - strawberry & blackberry forward 3. Dry; smooth finish, tons of flavor 4. Sweet berries at the back of the throat, little hint of vanilla, earthy at the end 5. First sip finished fast, didn't linger too long |
Taste #4: 2018 Sangiovese
1. Plum-colored, held color to the edge; long legs 2. Red licorice, black cherry on the nose 3. Medium-body 4. First sip a little quiet, second taste opens up nicely, and on the third pull...flavor everywhere! 5. Dry at the finish, rich with hints of white pepper
I think this might have been the star of the tasting for us. Such a strong way to finish the Texas Flight, and a big wine overall. This bold lovely took a second to come out of its shell, but once we got it opened up a bit, man what a joy. I just had to bring a bottle home to have again another time!
All in all, this was a great tasting experience. We had more than just these four, and enjoyed a taste of the port before we left. Y'all. This port is no joke. Had to bring a little of that home, too.
Also worth noting that the girls behind the bar were so friendly and knowledgeable, and they visited with us about the history of the vineyard and the owners, even going so far as to tell us the story behind the planes on display (you'll have to stop in and hear it for yourself)! The bar is really tall and the decor is super cute - a wonderful spot to spend an hour or two with a friend, family, or even on your own. They have live music on the weekends and have a great space to have a big group. Stop in and stay a while!
Cheers, y'all!
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