OG Cellars

Our visit to OG Cellars was not on our original agenda for the day, but we were so glad it made the list.  Finding the winery was not a challenge, but it did seem a little like we would never get there!  But after several county road miles (and cows), the view from their hilltop was well worth the effort. This owner-described "boutique" winery sits on a beautiful piece of land with rolling hills and lots of trees, in a town named Sunset.  I can imagine watching the Texas sunset from that vantage point would be wonderful.  

We were welcomed in the tasting room, and decided on a flight of two whites and two reds.  There are a few tables inside, and many more on the surrounding patio.  They also have a larger outdoor seating area a little down the hill, and some indoor seating in the barrel room, both of which could be used for private parties.  They have been there four years, and have been growing grapes for two.  As their grapes are not ready for harvesting yet, they source the 100% Texas grapes they use mainly from the High Plains area.  

Our tasting notes:

2016 Albarino - a very light-bodied, easy drinker, with some peach notes and a quick finish.

2016 Viognier - semi-dry with an aroma of apple, and heavy citrus taste with a tart finish.

2017 Tempranillo Winemaker Select - this is a Free Run wine, meaning it has not been pressed, and therefore has much fewer tannins.  It was very smooth, with no acidity, hints of blackberry and a fast finish.  A good summer red.  

2017 Tempranillo - a rich wine, but not heavy,  with loads of berries in aroma and taste - some smokiness to it with a quick finish.

We then added the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon to the tastings.  We found it to be very earthy and lush on the nose and the tongue.  Flavors of dark cherry, raspberry, and maybe some chocolate thrown in, with a long finish.  

As we finished up, we were lucky enough to be invited by James to see some behind the scenes production.  He was working on a new blend and was in the final stages of filtering.  He gave us the background of OG Cellars (named for his daughters, Olivia and Grace), as we were watching the filtration process with interest.  When he and some buddies were in Cali for a football game, they also took the time to tour some wineries.  And although Napa has quite the following, James was much more intrigued by the quaintness of the Sonoma wineries.  Fast forward a few years, to when he and his wife decided it was a now or never moment to try their boutique winery vision.  Four years in to that dream has proven to be an enjoyable and successful venture.  

Oh, and that blend he was working on?  The name is Gypsy (yes, Fleetwood Mac), and it is 70% Cab, 15% Temp, and 15% Zin, and it is delicious.  You're gonna want some of that.  

Cheers, y'all!